Nostophobia

Harukawa Maki

TW: Child abuse themes.

Harukawa = in-game.
Maki = child.

-•°•❀•°•-

The Ultimate Child Caregiver watched as Saihara and Ouma ate breakfast together, talking to each other like best friends. Even though Saihara had finally begun to open up and smile more, Harukawa didn't approve of it being due to Ouma. He seemed to be enjoying this killing game, walking around with a cheerful smile and constantly annoying everyone. Despite this, she wanted to support her detective friend, but she would never let Ouma out of her sight.

Momota wrapped an arm around her shoulders, only to receive a threatening glare in return. They would make any sane person run with their tails between their legs, but Momota grew to expect them now. "Do you want to die?" Harukawa snapped.

Instead of responding to her signature threat, Momota focused on the question in his mind. "You haven't touched your food, Maki-Roll."

"I'm thinking."

"What about?"

"None of your business." Momota sighed when he didn't get anywhere, but it wasn't like he could expect any other outcome. He retracted his arm and continued his conversation with Gokuhara.

Harukawa watched everyone talking and eating like it was another ordinary day in a college cafeteria. Despite her emotionless exterior, Harukawa felt a little scared for her turn in the motive; it became just one of the many things that haunted her. Everyone believed her to be the Ultimate Child Caregiver, but she knew the motive would reveal the truth soon enough. She wasn't ready for it. After all, her entire childhood is her biggest regret.

A soft knocking interrupted her cynical memories as everyone fell silent in a mix of intrigue and fear. Everyone turned to look at the door, all assuming the worst. Finally, Tojo stood up and opened the door. When a child with two short, deep-brown pigtails walked in, Harukawa felt like screaming.

Maki shyly stood there, staring at the ground. Harukawa could smell the young girl's fear, but when Monokuma appeared behind the child, she paled. "She wasn't going to leave the dorms if I didn't force her. Enjoy!~"

Everyone began trying to ask Maki questions, but a sudden loud bang and shout stopped them in their tracks. "Quiet!" They stared at Harukawa in fear, all prepared to be ripped to shreds before they could count to one.

She turned to look at the small girl who seemed unaffected by her outburst. Harukawa wanted to take her away to maintain her secret, but she knew it'd be too suspicious. When Shinguji hid Korekiyo, everyone began accusing him of being the mastermind behind his back. Whilst simple accusations wouldn't harm her, Harukawa knew that everyone already considered her one of the most suspicious participants. If she continued to alienate herself any more than she already had, everyone would, without a doubt, believe she was the killing game's mastermind.

"You can eat." Harukawa motioned for the young girl to approach. Maki nodded and rushed toward her, taking Harukawa's seat as the ultimate stood behind her. She watched with a faint sense of joy as Maki ate the food. Everyone watched silently and Harukawa glared, daring them to say a word before turning to the child. "Did Monokuma explain what's happening?" Looking up, Maki didn't speak. "You're allowed to talk. Don't ask for permission in this place, you're free."

"The bear said I'm in the future and that you're me," Maki answered before finishing the food at record speed. Harukawa noticed how Maki rubbed her abdomen a little.

"Are you still hungry?" Maki nodded, just as Harukawa expected.

"I shall make another meal," Tojo spoke as she stood up from the table.