Fanganronpa: Destination Despair

Part 2/Chapter 5

Once Mars, Marje, and I got to the next area, I was a little surprised. There wasn't too much room in this area (comparatively, at least), considering the area was surrounded by trees. There was one spot in particular that seemed to be like a wood, and the treeline just seemed to stretch around the new area, kind of like the walls around the other area we were in before. I also noticed that there was two other buildings, as well as something that seemed to resemble a shed by the wood. There was a stone road that connected each area, too.

"If I had claustrophobia, I'd feel very anxious right now." Mars said.

"I know what you mean." I agreed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marje point to the building closest to us, which happened to be the bigger out of the two main ones.

"Got it," Mars said, as if reading his mind. "Wanna come with us, Sachi?" They asked.

"Um... Sure. Why not?" I said, taking a step forwards. We were soon on our way.

When we got to the first building, I read the sign out on the front of the building. It read "Mountain Hot Springs", in big, capital letters. "A hot springs?" I asked, confused. "Why would there be a hot springs in the mountains?"

"None of this stuff should be in the mountains," Mars added. "Yet here we are."

"Wanna go in?" I asked.

The two of them nodded, and we went. Inside was rather spacious, which was a nice break from the scenery outside. There was pretty tile flooring and white walls that seemed to be lines with random paintings, most of which were of Monokuma. I let out a sigh. There were multiple doors as well. The one ahead of us said "Gender-Neutral", the one on the

right said "Boys", and the one on the left said "Girls".

"Why not just have one big one?" Mars asked.

"Maybe in case some of the boys are perverts and the girls don't wanna be seen by them." I said flatly.

"Huh?"

"Just trust me on it. I know all too well," I told them. "Anything in particular you wanna look at while we're here?"

"...Sure. I guess we could go check out the gender-neutral one, since we all can go in that one." Mars replied.

I agreed, and the three of us moved on through the door. On the other side was a locker room of sorts, with lots of small benches, lockers, and even mini showers and mirrors. Why would you need showers if you're going to a hot springs..? I thought.

There was another door to our right, which had an enter sign above it. I pointed to it. "Think the baths are over there?" I asked.

"Only one way to find out, I guess!" Mars and their brother then made their way over, and waved to me. I followed, speed-walking a little to catch up.

We all went through the door to find Aiko holding Haru over the pool, and Haru crying.

"W-What's going on here-?!" I yelled.

"Ah!" Aiko shouted, and they put Haru down. "It's not what it looks like, I swear!"

"But you were holding Haru over the water..." Mars said suspiciously.

"Wahhh! Aiko, why'd you do that! I just wanted to swiiiiim!" Haru whined.

"Wait... What?" I asked.

"I told you I wasn't trying to do anything... Haru tried jumping into the water, and I was trying to stop her. Luckily, I was able to stop her mid-jump, some way or another." Aiko explained.