Let The World Burn For You [Amamatsu]

4. Investigations End, Trials Begin

In a way she felt guilty, she blamed herself for the boy neglecting his needs and promised to make it up to him in her own way. In the meantime, she decided she'd focus on recovery just as he'd asked.

Kaede spent the following weeks regaining her independence, slowly ensuring her partner's comfort in allowing her to reunite with their classmates. Unfortunately, the blur in her vision continued to get worse ever so slightly and she feared that Rantaro may have been right about it being something to worry about.

"I think I'm ready to see everyone again now." She stretched as she stood, gaining her companion's attention.

"Are you sure? I could stall them for a while longer. I could stop them from coming by too!" He rushed.

"If you keep it up they'll think I'm dead. I'm ready to be with the others."

"But-"

"Rantaro."

The boy sighed in defeat before offering his hand to her.

With a smile she took it, looking down as she steadied herself.

In the dining hall, the remaining 14 Ultimates chatted away with the occasional teasing and playful insults.

"Wait...anybody seen Amami for breakfast today?" Kokichi asked.

"It hasn't even been an hour after his usual time." Kaito mentioned.

"Besides, sometimes he's skipped meals to keep watch of Akamatsu." The detective added, aimlessly picking at what was left on his plate.

Just as soon as the words left his mouth, the entrance to the dining hall opened to reveal their missing classmates.

The room fell silent as all eyes were on the pianist, everyone in disbelief at what they were seeing.

"Is that...really...?"

"Long time no see everyone! I'm glad to be back and I'm really sorry I worried you so much." The blonde bowed lightly, a wide grin on her partner's face.

"Amami filled me in on what's supposed to happen so whenever you're ready I'll tell you all what happened."

"You just woke up, we don't wanna burden you." The astronaut spoke. "You being alright is more important to us."

"Actually..." She trailed off.

"She's been awake for a few weeks now." The adventurer chuckled.

"And you didn't tell us?!" Tenko yelled. "Typical degenerate male, locking a girl up to keep her for himself!"

"It's not like that at all! He just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be overwhelmed the moment I came back." Kaede rushed.

The aikido master huffed, slumping further into her chair.

"Oh, I just remembered something." Kaede started. "Saihara, when Shirogane and I were on our way to the library we passed you pacing in a circle. What was that about?"

"Oh...I actually don't remember. It most likely had something to do with Oma or Momota though...or both of them."

Rantaro hummed, acknowledging the detective's words. He knew exactly what his girlfriend was trying to do.

Kaede was an incredibly smart girl and was often underestimated due to her talent. She knew that investigating within 30 minutes would be difficult, doing so with no crime scene even harder, so she was subtly interrogating her classmates for testimonies in the trial.

"What was Amami doing at that point? You two lovebirds are basically attached at the hip and he discovered you like the rest of us." Miu posed a question of her own.