Chapter 11: The Conversation
The chapter begins with Shuichi trying to feed Suzume, but she smacks the food away. In the background, he can hear Kirumi, Maki, and Kaito laughing. It's been only two days, and everyone has been taking turns caring for Suzume. On the first day, Angie, Tenko, and Miu all wanted to take care of her by themselves, but Maki, Ryoma, Kirumi, and Kaito insisted Shuichi be there as well. Shuichi remembers the chaos of that day: everyone fighting over who got to hold Suzume. He recalls being surprised when Tenko, usually so fond of women, pushed Miu aside. Angie even tried to tell Suzume, a five-month-old baby, about Atua, which led to Miu telling her to shut up.
Despite the chaos in Shuichi's eyes, everyone seemed fine with Suzume. He watches Kirumi as she prepares a bottle of formula, no longer trying to feed Suzume since she was being stubborn. Meanwhile, Kaito entertains the baby, making her laugh with small gestures. When he pulls Maki closer, she shyly pushes him away, causing Suzume to giggle even more. While all this unfolds, Shuichi drifts into his thoughts, growing suspicious about Monokuma's absence, hoping they wouldn't have to deal with another child appearing.
Kaito snaps Shuichi out of his thoughts, reminding him that just because he has Suzume, he can't skip their late-night training sessions. Shuichi struggles to respond, but Kirumi, overhearing, offers to watch Suzume while he trains. Maki disagrees, recalling Miu's words. Kaito and Shuichi trust Kirumi, but Maki remains hesitant. It's at this point that Ryoma enters the dining hall, offering to help watch over Suzume with Kirumi.
Maki, still bitter from a past incident, is about to refuse, but Ryoma convinces her. He argues that it's better for them to work together, and Kaito supports him. Reluctantly, Shuichi agrees, and the group eventually reaches a consensus.
That night, Shuichi allows Kirumi and Ryoma into his messy dorm, littered with Suzume's toys and crib. Suzume is fast asleep, and after some awkward silence between Kirumi and Ryoma, Kirumi apologizes to him for her past actions.
Ryoma listens quietly as Kirumi explains that she doesn't regret her actions, as she did them for her people, but feels awful for taking advantage of him in his vulnerable state. As she pours out her feelings, Ryoma interrupts, telling her that he was equally responsible. She shouldn't carry all the guilt, as he allowed it to happen. Their meaningful conversation is cut short when Suzume starts crying. They both tend to her and discover she's uncomfortable. Ryoma gently calms her down by giving her his hat, which she clings to as she slowly quiets.
As they watch Suzume settle down, Kirumi asks Ryoma if he still wants his life to end. Ryoma remains silent for a moment, staring at the baby before quietly saying that he'll wait—at least until all of this is over. They sit together in silence, watching over Suzume.
Meanwhile, Shuichi finishes his push-ups, exhausted. He watches Kaito and Maki, both having worked hard, and smiles as Kaito commends him for stepping up, even though none of this was expected. It was chaotic, but Kaito expresses pride in Shuichi's efforts. Maki, however, voices her concern about something happening soon, especially since Monokuma hasn't appeared in a while. While Shuichi ponders this, Kaito reassures them that they'll be there for Suzume no matter what. Shuichi thinks of Kokichi, wondering if he's sneaking into the dining hall for food, avoiding the others.
As the chapter closes, Shuichi gazes at the stars with Kaito and Maki, unaware that a certain green bear is watching them from the shadows, only to vanish into thin air.
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