Melody of Despair

Magic

Days had passed since Kaede's execution. Nobody dared speak about it again, lips trembling at the sound of piano and Monokuma's voice from the speakers. Frankly, it was depressing. And Shuichi wanted despair. Wanted more.

And thus, came the beginnings of a plan.

~

Shuichi arrived into the kitchen, his hat draped over his eyes as he slumped in his seat. Things were slowly getting better, but still, it was slow. He had found his seat next to Himiko, sighing as he ate the food Kirumi had prepared for them. Slowly, crocodile tears fell from his eyes and his head fell to the table.

Himiko, hesitant but naively, reached a hand to his shoulder, a silent yet comforting action. What could she do, anyways..?

"..Hey, want to see a magic trick..?" She asked, and Shuichi's head turned to look at her, hidden by the shadow of his cap. He'd made the slightest effort to nod, and Himiko gave a grin as she made a pack of cards appear from somewhere, though Shuichi could tell she'd had it hidden in her sleeves.

A quick movement of her hands, a question, and some misdirection and she'd made it look as though she'd magically made his card appear behind his ear, and he smiled wide as a laugh broke from his throat.
"W-Woah! That's.. That's so cool, Himiko." He says softly as he slowly wiped his tears. Himiko's eyes widened as she looked at his smile, visually pure-- Had she really made someone happy? Had she done something good with her magic? She couldn't believe it..

"D-Did you really like it, Shuichi??" She asked, almost afraid he'd say no, but his smile remained as he placed a hand on her head, patting her gently.
"Yeah, you did really good. It was so cool."

She felt her heart race at the compliment. She'd done well? Really? "You really think so..? Do you think the others would be happy too, if I showed them magic like that?"
Hopeful as ever, the childish girl asked as she stared up at him.

"I think it would make things so much better, Himiko. Its magic afterall, right?"

And he grinned. To her, it was comforting, but only he knew the meaning behind his own words. That hopeful look in her eyes was all he needed to assure his plan had already fallen perfectly into place.