Blind Jealousy

Under The Willow Tree

*This Chapter Includes Somewhat Mention of Death, Trauma, Etc.*
Shuichi POV~

Is this... really over?

I turned to the remaining students, their faces softy lit up by the radiant glow of the screen, each of them presenting a different emotion. Some looked frustrated, some still in disbelief, and some in complete denial. The screen that was presenting the execution flicked off, causing the room to fall dim to the loss of light. I looked down to Kokichi only for him to quickly push himself away and out of my arms. He just stood there, alone, his eyes glued to the floor. He had completely isolated himself from the group as he normally would, but this time was so different. I felt that I could almost read him perfectly for once as he showed his true emotions. He's trying to push others away because he blames himself, and he finds it hard to put his trust in anyone. Most of the time he may be a really shitty, arrogant person, but truly seeing his emotion... he's the same as all of us. Just a high school kid too scared to believe the lies everyone throws at him, so he uses those very lies to his advantage. He's... scared.

"Hey, it's alright." I slowly walked to the boy, extending my hand to him. He stared blankly at my palm, making no attempt to take it. "I'm sorry about everything, and I never truly thought you did this, but you have to understand where I'm coming from. You trust me, don't you?" Those last words made Kokichi raise his eyes to mine, his cheeks still glistening a bit with the remains of his tears. I had seen him cry before, but nothing like this. That day when he was attacked he had a similar look, but this one seemed much more restrained. It was as if he was scared to let the other see his genuine emotions. I shifted my hand a little bit in an attempt to get him to take it, but the boy hesitated. He waited a couple of seconds before slowly raising his own hand to mine, lightly interlocking our fingers. I tighten my grip just a bit, wanting to make sure he was truly with me. "Yeah... I guess I do trust Shumai."

Soon, we had all made it back to the upper floor, each student keeping to themselves. In Regards to everything that had happened, no one was ready to speak up yet. But even now, Kokichi was still holding my hand. I felt relieved to know he trusted me even though I knew it would take a long time to fully ensure that trust. But I'm willing to wait as long as it takes. Unexpectedly, he squeezed my hand a bit as he stared ahead of him. Kaito was approaching us with Maki at his side, making direct eye contact with Kokichi. Without being too noticeable, I pulled the boy a little closer to me as Kaito got near. He sighed and looked a bit embarrassed, hesitating before he spoke. "Ouma... I want to say I'm sorry."

What? Kaito's apologizing? Where did this come from? "I feel bad for blaming Miu's death on you, and don't get me wrong, I still hate you a lot!" Maki roughly nudged Kaito in the arm with her elbow. "Ow! What I mean is... even though I still can't necessarily find a way to enjoy being around you, I can handle it. Without the evidence to even prove you did it, It was unfair, I'm sorry." Kokichi paused for a second, before smiling like he normally would when he was up to something mischievous. "Apology not expected!" The boy grinned cheerfully as Kaito stared down at him in complete shock. "W-What?? I went out of my way to say sorry you little-" "Or maybe that was just a lie~" Kaito continued to bicker with Kokichi as I stood near them, still holding the boy's hand. Kokichi giggled a bit as he teased Kaito, his eyes glistening brightly with amusement. He quickly unlocked our fingers to get up in Kaito's face, which made my expression sullen a bit. Yet it didn't take me long to quietly smile to myself as I gazed at him. He seems to be acting like himself... he looks more composed. Not like his usual act, but he seems much calmer when I'm with him... maybe Maki was right.