Danganronpa Midnight: Lantern Lament (Fanganronpa)

Purgatory 5

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Last Night

"Handcuffing me this late at night...Ha! Even if it's your thing, at least take me out to dinner first, Shimura!" Ryoko teased and then cackled, kicking her legs as she sat on the ledge of the clock tower, the cuffs on her hands clanging together. "Though, I won't deny the fact that I'm immensely excited. What do you plan to do, Mr Kurayami? If you ask politely, maybe I'll-"

"Will you just shut up?" Shimura interrupted her with an irritated sigh, readjusting his gloves and preparing his tools.

"That's no way to talk to your date, let alone treat a lady!" She pouted. "Even after I was the one who invited you out tonight! Ugh, sometimes people have no respect. You're lucky you're so amazing!"

"Don't call this a date." He bluntly said, avoiding eye contact with her at all costs. "You shot me, so I'm paying back the favour."

"That's what this is? You're going to kill me? Oh my...That's the greatest gift anyone could've given me! Finally a worthy opponent." She chuckled. "And don't say I shot you! The bullet barely grazed you. That's luck right there!"

"Whatever." He brushed her off.

"I find you extremely admirable if you were wondering." Ryoko hummed playfully, craning her head back to see him. "Forget Chiyo, you were the real interesting subject all along! It's a shame you were hidden most of the time. I missed you! You're determined to end this game...To go this far and kill me! It's so...Ah!"

"You're gross." He replied coldly "And not my type."

"You mean you're still into Akihiro! Seriously?!?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "How tragic do I have to be to always fall for taken people? Am I cursed to be the other woman every time?!?"

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Oh well. I got both hidemi and Akihiro out of the way in one swoop, so I assume that infuriated you. Is that why I'm here? Oh, is this your revenge? I can't wait!" She grinned in excitement.

"..." Shimura gave up on answering her for now and picked up a scalpel he had found in Ryoko's pocket.

"Silent treatment now? Ugh, how boring." She groaned before getting impatient. "Ah...! Can this damn torture just start already? I'm getting antsy over here!"

"Why do you assume I'm going to torture you?" Shimura wondered.

"Are you not? If you aren't, you're wasting my time here." She responded, gesturing to her restrained hands. "Besides, it's obvious. Torture is the most extreme way to force an answer out of someone. And you must want a lot of answers, so I'm in store for a treat right?" Ryoko smiled.

"So you catch on quick." Shimura stood up, stretching momentarily. "Take it what you will then. But I'll wipe that smile off your face. I'll do whatever it takes to make you miserable and hear exactly what I'm looking for. No matter how long it takes - we've got all night, after all. Do you understand?"

"Shimura! You're so-"

Ryoko was harshly cut off by the air escaping her lungs. Shimura had pushed her so she laid on her back, his foot now on her chest as his hands rested in his pockets, leaving her grasping for air momentarily.

"I said...do you understand?" Shimura repeated with more emphasis.

"I don't think-"

He immediately responded by pushing his heel down harder, leaving her straining.

"I-I...I understand."

He lifted his foot off of her, leaving her to regain her steady breaths.

"Good." The toxicologist nodded, turning around to pick up the scalpel. "If we keep up this pace, maybe you'll live."