𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞'𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 | Inquisitormaster & Zsquad| Danganronpa

☆𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒☆ || 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

FRESHMEN YEAR- JANUARY

~Alex's POV~

The snow-covered ground transformed my walk to school into a scene straight out of a fairy tale, making it feel magical, even though I was alone. Each step I took left a delicate imprint on the powdery white blanket, and I could see the white flakes glistening in the sunlight, sparkling like tiny diamonds scattered across the landscape. The beauty of it all filled me with wonder and excitement, despite the cold that nipped at my nose and fingers. I bundled up tightly, making sure my coat was snug and my gloves were on properly, adjusting my scarf to shield my face from the brisk air before stepping outside, ready to explore this winter wonderland.

However, the trip of the wonderous winter ends the instant I step into the school building. The heat envelops me, and just like that, the goosebumps on my arms fade away completely. Light and I meander through the waves of students filtering in and out of the building; I'm careful when sling my coat over my arm to avoid letting it fall. There is an enlightening buzz in the air through the crowd of eager and enthusiastic whispering students. My heart fluttered with each piece of conversation I picked up, especially a rather enticing one: A Winter Dance. I struggle to repress the smile tugging at my lips at the thought of attending a school dance, they've always been an event favorite of mine!

As we step into the classroom, a profound stillness envelops us, and the atmosphere feels heavy with an uncharacteristic dullness. It takes me only a fleeting moment to grasp the source of this discontent. The "loud", energetic few of our class—Candi, Sora, Zach, and Skye—are nowhere to be seen. However, Light occupies a corner, his attention completely absorbed by Drake's screen, which flickers with a game that  I haven't seen before.

At first, I don't notice Jaxx. He walks up to my desk, and I jump a little when I finally realize he's there. I take a shaky breath, pressing my hand against my chest as I try to calm down. Jaxx chuckles and brushes a strand of hair away from his face. I'm quick to notice it, but keep to myself rather than asking questions. His eyes are as sparkly as usual, they are more difficult to spot due to the emptiness around his eyes; no eyeliner this morning. All of the signs are there, yet I stop my mind from wandering to Levi and the case he is working on.

After our greetings, he folds his hands together at his chin and pleads, "Can you let Light come with us after school, please?"

"What? I don't care where he goes, do whatever you want. As long as he doesn't turn up dead," I answer.

"See," he shouts back, glancing over his shoulder at Light, who looks really serious, and Drake, who seems totally uninterested. "You don't need permission."

"Why'd you have to prove it?! Sit down!" Light rolls his eyes and goes back to peering over Drake's shoulder.

Laughing, Jaxx thanks me for my time and returns to his desk. A bag clanks in the seat to my right, and I veer my gaze over to the seat. Jade had made a sudden appearance, focusing down on her phone. I don't want to worry about any of... Whatever is going on with her, I zone her out of my peripheral as I collect my sketchbook and materials from my bag before walking off to the door.

Just before I enter the hall, I hear my name again.

I meet Levi's gaze as he walks over with files in hand. "Want to head to the music room with me?"

"Uh, sure. Why?"

The detective shrugs. He wears a kind smile on his face as he says, "Nothin' much. Zach said he needs 'outside opinions' on his writing song. And..." He raises his arm to scratch an invisible itch on the back of his neck.