The Trickster's Gamble

mask of despair

Kokichi’s POV:

As I spot the first Monokuma doll tucked in the upper right corner of my room, I can’t help but smirk. “Oh, hiding little trinkets now, are we, Monokuma? Just wait; I’ll find them all.” With a click of the “X,” the first doll is in my possession, and it’s time to see what else this island has hidden for us.

Stepping out into the hall, I feel Hajime fall into step beside me. We exchange a quick nod as we head toward the hotel restaurant, where everyone else is gathered. But my mood sours instantly when Byakuya—decked out in all his self-important ‘leader’ glory—takes charge of the group. He’s laying down rules, claiming authority as if everyone else is supposed to bow down to him.

“Who does this hefty wannabe think he is?” I mutter under my breath. My fingers twitch with the urge to mess with him, expose him for the control freak he is. Ultimate Affluent Progeny? Please. My own title would put his to shame, but that would ruin all the fun. “Supreme Leader” would bring too much attention. So, for now, I’m the “Ultimate Prankster,” and that’s enough to ruffle feathers.

I can’t stop myself from butting in. “Oh, Byakuya’s the ‘leader’ now? Didn’t realize we’d all agreed to sign over our free will.” My voice drips with mockery. “What’s next? Are we supposed to call you ‘Captain’ and follow you around like brainless minions?”

The room gets tense, and Byakuya's eyes narrow at me. There’s an edge in the air, a rising debate as others start whispering to each other, some even questioning Byakuya’s self-imposed authority. Hajime tugs at my arm, giving me a sharp look.

“Come on, Kokichi,” Hajime says, his voice low. “There’s no point in starting an argument right now.” He leans closer, and his tone is serious, almost pleading. “Why are you so bent on stirring things up?”

I roll my eyes, the sharpness in my grin faltering just a bit. “Isn’t it obvious, Hajime? Who’s he to decide things for everyone? This isn’t his playground.” But Hajime’s gaze softens, and for a moment, I can’t tell if it’s pity or patience I see in his eyes.

“Just... let it go, for now,” he murmurs, still holding my arm. And for some reason, I do. Something in Hajime’s steady expression is enough to pull me back, enough to make me let Byakuya have this small victory—for now.
As the dust of the earlier argument settles, Byakuya clears his throat, as if he’s about to make some grand announcement. I sigh, bracing myself for whatever ‘brilliant’ idea he’s cooked up now.

“I’ve decided that to keep us unified and prevent any… undesirable behavior,” Byakuya begins, throwing a warning glance my way, “we should hold a party here at the hotel. It’ll be a way for everyone to stay in one place and to… bond.”

A party? I hold back a snicker, but I can’t resist rolling my eyes. Bonding. Right. Like we’re supposed to all just sing campfire songs and suddenly become best friends.

“Wow, Byakuya,” I chime in with a syrupy, sarcastic tone. “A party? That’s genius! Nothing says ‘let’s survive this twisted island’ like forced socializing and party hats.”

The others give me a mix of reactions. Akane lets out a low chuckle, amused, while Mikan flinches, looking between me and Byakuya like she’s bracing for a fight. Gundham mutters something about “human folly,” and Kazuichi scratches his head, probably wishing he could laugh without risking Byakuya’s wrath.

Byakuya just narrows his eyes at me. “If you don’t want to cooperate, Ouma, you’re free to stay in your room.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” I reply, waving a dismissive hand. “I wouldn’t miss this ‘bonding experience’ for the world.” I glance around at the cast of characters we’re stuck with: Gundham mumbling to his hamsters, Teruteru giving Mahiru a look that’s half a leer, and Nagito lurking with that unsettling grin plastered across his face. Yeah, a ‘party’ with these weirdos is bound to be… entertaining, at the very least.