Danganronpa: Sunken Despair - Free Time Events

Mitsumi Honda Free Time Event (1/5)

I managed to catch Mitsumi in the gymnasium, running laps to keep herself fit. It didn't take long for her to notice me as the gym's metallic door closed behind me, the sound echoing across the entire room. She picked up a water bottle she placed nearby and walked towards me, breathing heavily. Once she was close enough, it was easily noticeable how much of a sweat she was working up, making me believe she was here for maybe half an hour or more.

"What's up, Haru?" she asked, gulping down her water as her breathing gradually steadies.

Honestly, just looking at her made me think how cool she is. I had the Aluminum Badge in my pocket, hoping that she'd like this gift. I took a deep breath and managed to say, "I have something for you."

"Oh? what is it?" she asked.

I took out the badge and handed it to her. She couldn't help but lightly laugh at the police badge being given to her. Once she held it in her hand, I slowly backed away, holding my left arm awkwardly. "You're doing everything you can to keep us safe, and...I have to admit, you're pretty awesome, Mitsumi! I get it's not the real thing, but..." I started to stumble on some words, unsure of what to say next.

However, her light laughter became more audible. "You know Haru, lately I've been feeling that I've been dragging my feet, or the very least not fulfilling my role as an officer to help you guys escape after this whole time...but even if you're giving me a fake badge, I can't help but feel both confident and appreciated. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift," she smiled warmly, making me want to smile as well.

"It must be hard, having all that responsibility on your back...I can't imagine what that'd be like as a police officer," I said, still glad she liked the gift...however, her smile slowly faded away as she stared at the badge...did...did I say something wrong?

"Yeah...it's a tough job, especially if you're still young..." she said softly.

"...I mean, earning the title Ultimate Cop must've been awesome for you!" I said, hoping to brighten the mood. Sadly, it leads to Mitsumi to remain quiet for a few minutes. Before I could speak up, she suddenly shook her head and said "Oh! Sorry, spaced out a little," she smiled awkwardly.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Well...excuse me for changing the topic, but...how did you become an Ultimate, Haru? did you have some sort of jinx power or something?"

I nearly winced as she asked that, not gonna lie. "Uh...my actual talent...well, the title I was given was the Ultimate Lucky Student, and I'm only here because of some stupid lottery..."

"So in a way, you're normal compared to us Ultimates?"

'I know you didn't mean to, but you didn't have to rub it in like that,' I thought to myself, using every inch of willpower to refrain myself from saying that to her face. "Kinda..."

"It must be nice...living a normal life...no expectations of you..." she muttered to herself.

"Huh?" I asked, able to hear that.

Her eyes widen with a blush as she asked, "I said that out loud, didn't I?" I slowly nodded as she facepalmed herself. "Please don't take any offense to that, it's just...well..."

I could tell by the look on her face that this was something she felt uncomfortable talking about, so I smiled and said, "If you don't wanna talk then we don't have to."

"You...you sure?" she asked. I nodded again and she began to smile once more. "Very well...but hey, next time, we can chat about anything you'd like to, deal?"

"Why not now?" I asked.

"Well...not trying to be rude, but..." her face suddenly turns a slight shade of pink. "I've...arranged a private meeting with someone, and plan to take a shower first and then head towards them later. I-I hope you don't mind."

"No worries, you go do what you have to do," I smiled, both of us turning to the exit. Before we left, she caught my attention as she wears the badge on her shirt, showing it off to me. "At the very least, I hope to pay you back for the gift! I'll try to wear it more often," she grinned before leaving.

I couldn't help but smile to myself, knowing she loves the gift...though why do I feel worried about her? Is it because of what she whispered to herself? Whatever the reason, I won't bother her about it if she doesn't want to. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to talk to her again soon.

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Haru notes: Mitsumi is totally awesome, and deserves some appreciation shown for her efforts to help us...though why do I feel she's concerned about something? It shouldn't be my business to pry, but I can't help but worry for her...hopefully we can chat soon.