Blind Jealousy

The Notary & Key Trial (1/2)

*DISCLAIMER*
This story isn't meant to be %100 accurate with the game itself and it's rules. If there's anything you don't understand about this chapter, please read the separate description once you reach the end. There may be a few aspects that would change in the real game, but that's because I'm adding a bit of my own twist! You'll see what I mean! Some parts may be confusing because this is only half of the trial, but you will understand everything once the next chapter comes out!

*This Chapter Includes Mention of Dead, Gore, Etc.*
Shuichi POV~

This... This really is happening. A night that seemed so harmless and pleasant took such a horrific turn in a matter of hours. I could only gather a certain amount of info from the crime scene, and with only that I must find the culprit. I have no idea what to do... who will I follow? My friends strongly believe Kokichi is the killer, but he claims he had nothing to do with it. I just need to follow the truth and refuse to let my emotions get the best of me. Because, if I mess this up... I could lose everyone.

"Shuichi, are you ok?" I was startled by the use of my name, not realizing that Maki had approached me in the hall. She looked concerned, which was something she didn't let show often. "I... I have no idea what to do."  She watched as I timidly lowered my head a bit, too nervous to meet her eyes. "I don't think any of us do," She tried her best to comfort me. "But we all trust you Shuichi, we will follow your lead." That definitely doesn't make me feel even more anxious... we continued to walk down the hall together, I made sure to keep my head tilted to the floor. I feel sick to my stomach right now, desperate to wake up from this horrid nightmare. "Do you have any idea who could have done this?" Maki questioned. There was a second of silence that followed as I tried my best to gather my thoughts. "Not really... there's just so much to take in, and this all happened so fast. Doesn't this feel more rushed than usual?" Or do I just feel that way because I'm the one with all the pressure on me? "It honestly does feel a bit rushed. It's most likely because of how antsy Monokuma has been for fresh blood, he's been throwing out Motives left and Right." I'm glad she had seen it too. He was definitely more on edge than usual, and it was pretty obvious. "Maki," My tone was a bit more serious as I spoke up again, trying my best to suppress my anxious feelings. "Do you... think Kokichi did this?" She sighed a bit and paused before answering. "I feel like I'm the worst person to ask about that. You know how much hatred I hold towards him, and how suspicious he has been acting. He's seemed to have changed lately, but it's only when he's around you. We shouldn't jump to conclusions, so I'm not sure of anything yet."

Acting differently? Only around... me? I hadn't truly acknowledged the idea before, but the more I thought about it the more I noticed it. He has been much more honest lately, and quite genuine with the way he talks to me. I mean, he even went out of his way to help me when I was in pain. I feel like that's something he wouldn't have done a week ago, he would have laughed or made some insensitive joke. But he's definitely coming off as more gentle... and not to say Kokichi is a bad person but he's always acted in his own self interest. Yet in the past week he's been so considerate towards me. I can never read him like everyone else...

"Yeah, I guess that's true. I can't bring myself to believe he did this, but I know deep down he's the most viable option." I feel like my head is screaming at me to get a grip on my logic, and all my heart can do is pull me deeper into this dreadful feeling. After spending this whole day with Kokichi I felt so close to him, but right now I feel like everything has come burning to the ground... "Follow your heart Shuichi." ...What? "But Kaito said-" "Forget what he said." Maki stopped and turned to me, meeting my eyes with a stern look. "Logic won't get us where we need to be in this situation. I can tell you're uneasy and have doubts in yourself, that's why you need to listen to what your heart is telling you. This case doesn't make much sense, and there wasn't a lot of evidence. You need to let yourself be driven by that feeling of hopelessness, so it can help persevere. Let your emotions take control." I was a little shocked Maki had given me a prep speech, and even more one about going against the person she cares for the most. "Are... you sure?" " Absolutely." It was strange to see how blunt Maki was being on something like this, but it was clear she was concerned for me. Seeing Maki so distraught was unusual, but these brutal murders could do that to any of us.  Maybe she's right... if I let my emotions guide me I can let them push me to greater lengths. ..That's how I solve this.