『 ♧ Escape Artist ♧ 』『 RANMARU KAGEYAMA × DANGANRONPA V3 』

CHAPTER 2-1: A New Day, A New Ranmaru

3RD PERSON POV

"OWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!"

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It was the next morning, and a certain someone was now walking down the hallways of the school hall, cradling their forehead. For some reason, his head was thrombin, and a massive bump nearly the size of a grapefruit sat on his head, its dark purple pigment being big enough to part his thick bangs of his fluffy white hair. Ranmaru was slow in pace, as he felt as if all his energy had been wasted. His body felt as if it had been stretched and overused, and he felt a tingle in his head, and it wouldn't go away.

Eventually, he reached the dining hall, where almost everyone else was. He noticed that a lot of them jumped slightly when he entered, and if they didn't jump, they very obviously cringed at his massive bruise on his forehead. As soon as he entered, he plopped down into the seat at the end furthest from the kitchen. Once he sat down and covered his face, Kokichi sauntered over to him and looked to him.

"Hey Ranmaru!" He said cheerfully. "You still in your creepy weirdo mood??"

Ranmaru slowly looked up to him with a dumbfounded face as he fixed his bangs. "Uhm... what are you talking about??"

"He's talking about your personality switch after you hit your head. Don't think I forgot about all the horrible degenerate male insults you called me.." Tenko said while gritting her teeth ferociously. Ranmaru quivered underneath her fierce glare but looked to the group, who were now all looking at him.

"I- I only r- remember hitting my head during the trial, after that I went totally blank!" Ranmaru defended himself and put his hands in front of him. After he spoke, he hummed as he thought about something. "Well... I didn't actually go totally blank... I remember slightly hearing everything that was said... b- but that's all, honest!"

"Well, it sure did a number on ya', I mean, you've got that massive bump on your forehead, man..." Kaito pointed out. Ranmaru groaned and placed his hands over his forehead in embarrassment.

"Ughhh... believe me, I know already! It hurts like a bitch... I doubt it'll go away until tomorrow though..." He said as he groaned in frustration. The group fell silent once more, save for a few quiet conversations within the group. Kaito had also left at some point, saying he wanted to collect Shuichi, who was by now the only one not present.

"I wonder if Shuichi is going to be alright.." Tsumugi sighed and broke the silence. "I mean, that trial clearly did a number on him..."

"Probably. Although I hope the best for him, " Kirumi replied. Ranmaru sunk his head further into his arms as he reminisced about the previous events.

He remembered most of the things he said, but he also remembered Kaede being the only one to back up his testimony. Even before she did, Kaede clearly showed her desire for him not to be the one voted. He felt something wet fill his eyes, but he didn't bother to wipe it and let the tears stain the table. His thoughts were interrupted as everyone continued their conversation, and his quickly wiped his tears as he slightly looked up, still hiding his bump.

When he looked up, he saw kaito walking in, with Shuichi following suit.
"What's up with you guys? Are you still talking about that graffiti?" Kaito asked, annoyed. "Whatever...I brought Shiichi, so let's start breakfast already.

When Ranmaru looked past Kaito at Shuichi, his eyes widened as they caught something he should've seen when they entered. Shuichi had entered the room, but his hat no longer sat on his head, revealing his dark blue hair. He had a nervous smile on his face as he looked around.