Exposing Names

Panta Delivery

A boy lies, upside down, his feet resting on his bed, the rest of his body on the floor. His eyes are closed, and he is softly snoring. His shirt and jacket lay discarded on the floor.

A knock at the door jolts him awake. He rolls fully off the bed, jumping to his feet. His eyes are wide, and he is panting, looking scared. Monokuma would be around to collect them from their rooms for the next torture. Still, he has to keep his careless demeanor.

The boy grabs his jacket, pulling it around him to hide his shivering. He leans carelessly against a wall.

"Come in, whoever you are." He calls out, just looking down at his nails. The door opens, to show a boy with blue hair. The boy puts on his fake grin.

"Shumai!" He runs over to the boy, giving him a hug. The ultimate detective stands there, looking confused. "How's Kaede? She seemed terrified." He gives his small laugh.

"She's... Well, she's... I guess... The thing is... I'm sure she'll..." The other boy sighs, looking out nervously into the corridor. He closes the door behind him.

"I was hoping you could give me some help on how to be more confident..." Shuichi says, nervously. The purple haired boy sighs.

"Shumai, I'm very busy at the moment, and I just can't-" He starts, before the other boy pulls out some Panta. The ultimate supreme leader grins.

"Well, when you put it like that, I'm in! First steps, ditch the hat." The boy takes it from the other one's head, and puts it on his own. "Cute on me, tragic on you." He laughs again.

"Are you just going to insult me, or actually help me, Kokichi?" Shuichi snatches his hat back, placing down the Panta and storming to the door. Kokichi laughs.

"You think you're not confident? Act like you just did now!" He gives a grin, while Shuichi sighs. He walks out of the room silently, and the purple haired boy shakes his head, grabbing a can of Panta.

"Stupid detective. Trying to be confident for his girlfriend, is he?" He pops open the lid, and starts to chug down the soda. Though he hated to admit it, the idea of Shuichi and Kaede dating repulsed him. He sighs.

"Maybe I just need to kiss someone... That'll help me come to my senses." He swallows the last of his soda, before shrugging off his jacket. The boy sits on the end of his bed, the empty can just lying on his floor. He flops back onto the bed.

The boy stands up again, feeling wide awake. He goes to his bathroom mirror, and practices his smiles. A rugged, true laugh, in contrast to his usual one, rumbles out of his chest. He shakes his head, thinking how stupid this is.

Kokichi storms out of his bathroom. He throws back his covers, before cuddling up underneath them.

He lies like that for hours before sleep comes and claims him.