Danganronpa: Poisoned Hope (Fanganronpa)

Chapter 4 - Thorns Of Past Loving Memory - Preparations

"Glad to see you two made it." Kei greeted us. He stood, leaning against the doorway to the boiler room, hands in his pockets like he was anticipating our arrival.

"Oh, Kei? Are we late?" I asked, arriving at the entrance to the room.

"Nope. In fact, you're early," he replied while stepping aside, letting Shiro and me in.

The room still felt warm, however, the cold air seemed to be battling the hot steam coming from the boiler. I didn't mind as this was a nice refresher from the lowing temperatures around other parts of the academy.

Setting his box of supplies down, he turned back to the other boy. "Were you waiting for us or something?"

"I wasn't just waiting for you, I was waiting for everyone else." Once he said that three other people walked in.

"Kuro, nice to see you." Arashi smiled.

"I agree. Same with you, Shiro." Haru also greeted the taller boy.

"Likewise. Good to see you're not dead, Pinkie."

"Hah, thank you."

I glanced at the other girl who had yet to say anything, which was odd. It was like she was deep in thought. She noticed my stare and started speaking like she was completely fine.

"Hey, why are we just standing like idiots? If you haven't noticed, we're literally going to die in a few hours." Reina spoke.

"I understand that you want us to start preparing for tonight but...shouldn't we wait for everyone else?" As Haru suggested that, the last few remaining people piled into the room.

First Ryuto, holding a stack of books for some reason, then Mei, then Mizuki who immediately came over and hugged me, using the excuse of 'keeping each other warm.'

"So," Arashi began, taking up the role as leader. It did make sense, seeing as she had experience. "What did everyone bring?"

We started listing what everyone had brought. Arashi also told us about some blankets, sleeping bags, and other camping supplies she brought while Kei just showed some heat packs he got when he searched the nurse's office earlier.

"I see, that's good." she nodded, looking at the items. Arashi then turned to the last person. "So Ryuto, what did you bring?"

"Uh...I...I brought manga."

"...Manga?" she repeated, slightly confused.

"Yeah..." he nodded. "Manga..."

"T-That's very nice, Ryuto!" she smiled, trying to act like what he had brought was interesting.

"You don't have to act like you're interested! I know it's not useful but I figured that if I'm gonna die here, I'd might as well die doing what I love, ok?"

"The thing you love...is manga?" Mei asked.

"I...love a lot of things," he responded, looking away from slight embarrassment.

He must think everyone is judging him...

"Wow. What a hardcore loser." Reina rolled her eyes, scoffing under her breath.

"That's pretty pessimistic. What if no one dies?" I said, still having hope.

"Well then...I'd still get to read manga, so it's still a win." he shrugged.

I sighed "Of course you wouldn't mind that..."

"Are you really just gonna stay up all night just reading?" Mizuki tilted her head. "Wow! You must have no life!"