Uncertain [YTTD]

[11 - Changing Courses]

Looking around the room, [Name] saw that everyone had assembled. Surprisingly, even Nao was there unlike the normal playthrough.

"Seems like my actions are making somewhat of a difference...I guess."

Keiji perked up spotting the baseball player. "Oh, hey Q-Taro. We were looking for you since you weren't near the stairs earlier."

"Oh, r-really? Sorry 'bout that...I was just wandering around." He apologized. "No one else went up, I hope?"

He shook his head. "Nope, don't think so. Me, Sara, Gin, and [Name] went up to explore, that's all."

"Awright."

"...Erm, excuse me but..." Kai coughed. "Who is the person tied up there...?"

He gestured to the person sitting on the floor, now looking among the people staring at them.

"...! The man of the hour..."

"Hmph, such an annoying bunch..." He clicked his tongue. "This makes everyone, right?"

"Ah...!" Sara's eyes lit up with recognition.

Keiji raised an eyebrow at his attitude. "Hey, ya woke up."

"...Remove these ropes. So long as you don't want me to crush you..."

"This guy's...a little riotous." Joe frowned. "That's troublesome..."

The man in stripes smirked. "Heh...all chicken, are you...?"

"Um...do you have a second?" Sara asked, stepping forward.

"Hm...? You..." His eyes widened considerably at the sight of her. "EYAAAAAAAAGH!! Why is SHE walking around freely?! Hurry, hurry! Somebody capture her!!"

Everyone burst into confusion and tried to calm the man down, who was still squirming around on the ground, trying to scoot away from the high-schooler. Sou and Reko spoke up last, finally making the man come to his senses.

"...Hmph, look at me, getting so disconcerted."

Q-Taro sweatdropped. "Is this guy playin' a joke on us...?"

"He does seem to be kinda easily provoked..." [Name] pursed their lips.

"Listen, we don't have time to spend on you. But...I'll allow a little time for inquiries. We'll decide whether to untie you after that." Keiji stated.

"Say again...?!" He scowled. "Hmph...! Do not try to act superior, blond rascal!"

"Oooh, scary." The blond looked over his shoulder at Sara. "You handle the questioning, Sara."

"Whaaa?! I'm doing that, too?!"

"Mr. Policeman's shakin' over here." He gave her a lopsided grin, making the girl sigh in annoyance.

"Men, I swear..." [Name] swore they heard her mutter as Sara went to interrogate the colorfully-haired man.

"...Did I hear that right...?" They were about to burst out laughing when someone called them over.

"Hey, [Name]."

"H-Hm? What is it, Reko?"

"I...well, did you see Nao around after you explored the second floor?"

"Nao? No, I didn't. She's here now, though?" [Name] looked over their shoulder to check where the magenta-haired artist was. She was still there, standing next to Mishima.

"Yeah, I know, but she wandered off after we went to the Pink Room. I didn't see her till after the blackout." She sighed, running a gloved hand through her hair. "I tried to ask her about it, but she just brushed off the question. I'm sure she's fine, but..."

"...You think she's hiding something?"

"As much as I hate to say it, yeah, I think so." Reko frowned. "Just wanted to let'cha know."

"I see. I mean, judging by her expression and everything..." [Name] gazed at Nao. "...she seems a bit, uh, uptight? No, that's not the right word..." They snapped their fingers. "Ah, anxious. But, she seems fine overall. You should probably try to speak to her though, if you're that worried about it, Reko."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks for your input."

"No prob."

Just as they finished talking, [Name] saw Joe untie the man's ropes out of the corner of their eye.

"Ah, looks like they're done interrogating him."

"...Seems so. I'll see you around, [Name]." Reko pat them on the shoulder, heading to another side of the room near Nao.

"....."

"Whoops...I'll try to not bring up Alice around her as often."

As the mood lightened from Joe's awkwardness, everyone continued to search around once more for any clues on how to leave.

"Uh, hey..." Sou spoke up, earning curious glances. "S-Sorry...I'm still not feeling great. Is it okay if I rest...?"

"That should be fine." [Name] responded, nodding. "We have enough hands on deck to search around anyway. Hope your head gets better soon."

"...Yeah, thanks." He gave a tight-lipped smile, wincing.

"Aw hell...Gin, Kanna, you guys rest here too." Reko decided.

"O-Okay..."

"Guess we'll hold down the fort here, Gin...?"

"I..." The mentioned boy shifted away from Sou. "I don't wanna, meow...!"

Gin pushed him away and approached Sara. "Big sis Sara...I want you to take me, woof..."

"Oof, rejected." [Name] glanced up at Sou's reaction, but he only shrugged and slid down the wall of the bar, sitting on the floor. Kanna quietly sat next to him. "Will Sou do the card thing still...? Yeah, probably. I can't really stop that, can I.."

"You coming along again, [Name]?"

"Hm?" They turned to the policeman. "Sure, got nothing else to do."

Sighing, they walked side-by-side with him, following behind Sara and Gin.