Unlimited Chances

|18| Dreadful Doors

{} Aria's POV {}

        Who knew I could dread a set of doors so much?

        Muffled voices talk behind the closed double doors to the dinning hall. I know I'm the last one again because its nearly the time Makoto races to Sayaka's room. I frown at the doors. I hope I don't dread these doors forever. I would like to enjoy seeing them, instead of constantly feeling like I'm in a war zone every time I leave the safety of the dorms.

        With a tired sigh, I push the door open, and to no one's surprise, everyone stops talking. I give all their stares a blank look in return. I let the door close and make my way to the table where Taka is already standing at the end of. My boots clack against the tile loudly. I glance at Taka as I pass, and sit myself down in my designated spot. An empty seat sits between me and Chihiro.

        "You're late," Junko broke the silence.

        "Where's Sayaka and Leon?" Makoto voiced the obvious question.

        "They are in Sayaka's room. They decided to not participate in this morning's meeting," I explained evenly.

        Byakuya smirked, "Smart choice for Sayaka to not show her face. She already proved she could not be trusted."

        I gripped the table harshly, glaring at the blonde. "She's there... because you all let Monokuma twist your views."

        "To be fair," Celeste spoke up, tapping the table with her claw ring. "She has broken our trust. She still has yet to prove herself worthy to earn it back."

        Junko nodded, leaning back in her seat, "Yeah, like who says she won't try again when you aren't watching her?"

        "She would've tried already if she planned to. There were plenty of times when I was left alone with her," I say shortly. Not even a minute in and I'm already tired of everyone. I'm tempted to just up and leave right now.

        "W-What if she's waiting f-for the perfect moment?!" Toko yelled fearfully, suspicion evident in her eyes.

        Kyoko crossed her arms, "Even so, when would such an opportunity arise? It would be more difficult for her to get away with it afterwards considering the circumstances." I relaxed my tense shoulders, showing a grateful smile to her. It's nice to have someone on my side here.

        Chihiro fidgets with the ribbon bow on her blouse. "She has a point. Sayaka would be the first to be suspected."

        "She is also injured," Hina pointed out, tapping her chin with a finger. My smile widens, maybe there is hope for them to accept Sayaka again.

        Byakuya frowned, "May I remind you, so is Aria because of Sayaka. I don't understand why you are protecting her. Do you really believe she isn't capable of trying again in her unstable emotional state?"

        There goes my good mood. "Do you believe she is capable of taking someone down with only her non-dominant hand?" I shot back.

        Byakuya crosses his legs, "People find ways. It wouldn't be too hard."

        "Everyone calm down!" Taka intervened before it got any worse. Leaning over the table and running his red gaze over each face. "We can discuss this in an hospital manner. It is important we make sure our school environment is safe!"

        "H-how can we be s-safe with a killer r-running around?!" Toko yelled out, hands clenched at her sides.

        I clench and unclench my fists in my lap. "Sayaka didn't kill anyone, nor does she plan to." Can't these people get it through their thick skulls?!