(See the end of the chapter for more notes .)

There's also a special Free Time announcement at the end.

Speaking of Free Time, starting this chapter, I'm writing them closer to the original games' FTEs - you know, fading to black, not necessarily talent-related questions, that kind of thing.

OK, so since this is an exploration chapter, it's a fair bit longer than usual, as in, 7000 or so words. I did manage to squeeze in Takanashi's FTE, though.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 2: RUSSIAN HISTORY IN FIVE WORDS

ABNORMAL DAYS

Monokuma: DING DONG DING DONG!

[We see Monokuma on a TV screen, lounging in a chair comfortably, as he sips a glass of brandy through a silly straw.]

Monokuma: Good morning, class!

This is your amazing principal Monokuma letting you know it's 7 o'clock! Nighttime's over!

Which means it's time to get out of bed and stop being a lazy bastard!

[The screen blinks off. Fade in to see Minami lying over the covers on her bed. Her hair is dishevelled, her uniform just barely done up correctly, and she is staring up at the ceiling despondently with tearstained eyes.]

...

...

...It's morning.

I guess I should be getting up...

...

Then again, I didn't get a wink of sleep last night.

And on top of that, it'd be dangerous to leave my room again.

After all... any one of the others could just turn around and...

...

...

I need a shower...

[OST: Welcome to Despair Academy]

[Fade to Minami's Room.]

[Move to Minami's Bathroom]

[Examine Shower]

[Fade to black. The sound of running water is heard.]

...

...

I forgot the Morning Meeting, didn't I?

...

It doesn't matter. They don't expect me to turn up anymore.

[OST: None]

[A knocking is heard at the door.]

...Huh? Who could that be?

[The sound of water stops. Fade into Minami's Bathroom.]

[Move to Minami's Room]

[Examine Door]

Minami: ...Oh, it's you.

Hagino: [Concerned] ...Good morning, Minami. You weren't at the meeting today.

Minami: ...So?

Hagino: So... we were worried about you. We wanted to make sure you were OK.

...Yeah, right...

Minami: Why are you here, then? Shouldn't you be running the meeting right now?

Hagino: [Neutral] Ah... about that.

Matsuoka went on a bit of a tirade. I couldn't bear to hear it, so I left.

[Serious] In all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if the meeting's already finished.

Minami: ...Good.

Hagino: [Concerned] Minami?

Minami: Really, I'm glad I missed it.

I mean... we all saw what happened yesterday!

Hagino: [Looking down, melancholy] Ah, yes... the execution...

[Eyes shut] I hope to the heavens I never see another...

Minami: No, not that! Something worse!

...I don't think there's anyone who didn't have nightmares from that execution last night!

But the way we treated Fujihara... it wasn't right!

Hagino: [Confused] ...I'm afraid I don't follow.

[OST: Despair Syndrome]

Minami: As soon as we knew it was him, we attacked him!

It was like the last couple of days just disappeared, and we always hated him!

Urayama even cracked a goddamn joke!

And the same thing happened when you thought I was the killer!

The way you all looked at me... the way we all turned on Fujihara...

It was sick! It was goddamn sick!

Hagino: [Looking down, melancholy] ...I see...

Minami: That's why... I'm happy I missed the meeting.

Because I don't think I want to see any of you again.

[OST: None]

Hagino: ...

[Serious] ...Let me show you something. Please, Minami.

Minami: ...Fine. Sure. Whatever.

Let me get my knife...

Hagino: ...I'm sorry, Minami. But I don't want to see that knife again.

[Smiling gently] You'll just have to trust me, alright?

Minami: ...Let's just go.

[Move to Green Hallway]

...It's all cleaned up now...

Like nothing ever happened.

Degawa and Fujihara are just... gone, aren't they?

[Move to Foyer]

...Where is everyone?

Hagino: [Thinking] I suppose you're wondering where everyone is.

They've gone downstairs.

Minami: ...Downstairs?

Hagino: [Hands clasped] It seems that after the murder...

...Monokuma opened up the stairwell so that we could progress.

[Irritated] "A reward for not dying," he called it.

...Of course he did.

[Move to Cafeteria]

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Here. At the back of the room.

I want to show you this.

[OST: Welcome to Despair Academy]

[We see two tables, one flat and the other upended, forming a right angle for a makeshift shrine. The words, "For The Fallen", are written beautifully on a piece of paper attached to the 'back wall' of the shrine, and a stick of incense smokes gently underneath it. Sitting on full display are Degawa's straw hat, still stained slightly with blood, and Fujihara's camera, the lens of which cracks open to remind anyone who sees it of how it was used.]

Hagino: ...I made this as quickly as I could after the trial.

Takanashi helped with the sign, as you can see.

Minami: ...You made this... for Degawa and Fujihara?

Hagino: And for anyone else who loses their life here.

Minami: B-but... yesterday...

Hagino: Yesterday, we were caught in the moment.

After all, our lives were quite literally at stake.

But now that we can calm down...

...we can mourn both the innocent victim and the misguided killer.

I... I really don't know what to say...

[Back to Cafeteria.]

Hagino: [Smiling gently] If you ever wish to pray for them, simply let me know and I'll set things up for you.

Minami: ...

Hagino: [Neutral] ...So, would you like to look at the new floor?

Minami: Huh? Oh, yeah...

I guess I'm getting a little sick of here...

Hagino: [Serious] I'll come with you.

Minami: ...You really don't need to...

Hagino: [Smiling gently] I insist. I want to make sure you're alright.

Minami: ...Thanks, I guess...

Hagino: Very well, then. Let's go.

[Serious] The stairwell is in the Blue Hallway. Lead the way, Minami.

...I'm not getting rid of her, am I?

[OST: Beautiful Ruin]

[Move to Foyer]

[Move to Blue Hallway]

[Examine Stairwell]

[The Stairwell is very simple, featuring only a grated metal staircase, and a floor indicator, which has been hastily painted over in black to obscure the details. According to the sign above the entrance, the students occupy the Living Quarters floor. The walls are a deep purple; however, as the students descend to the lower floor, the walls become a rich navy blue. It seems that this changing colour continues further down - however, past the penultimate floor, a large cloud of opaque gas hangs, preventing the students from travelling further. A faint humming is audible.]

...It's kind of like the stairs you see in an art gallery, maybe?

But not nearly as fancy.

Hagino: [Surprised] ...I'll admit, this wasn't particularly what I had expected...

Minami: Really?

Hagino: [Serious] Well, given that this is supposedly the tallest building in the world...

...I expected something... grander of the stairwell.

Minami: Before we move on to the new floor, we should take a look around here first.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Indeed. Lead the way, Minami.

[Examine Floor Indicator]

Hagino: [Thinking] "You Are Now On Level..." Hmm...

[Confused] Why would Monokuma black out the floor like that, I wonder?

Minami: ...Maybe he doesn't want us to know how many storeys two kilometres is?

Hagino: [Irritated] ...That's just petty enough for me to believe he would do that...

[Examine Entrance Sign]

Hagino: [Thinking] According to this sign...

...we've been spending the first few days of our stay on the "Living Quarters" level.

Minami: Well, that makes sense, I guess...

It explains the bedrooms, anyway.

[Examine Security Camera]

Hagino: [Thinking] ...

Minami: ...Uh, Hagino?

Hagino: [Surprised] Ah! My apologies. My mind was wandering a little.

Minami: What about?

Hagino: [Smiling gently] It's fine, really. You don't need to know.

Minami: ...Now I'm interested, though...

Hagino: [Sighing] ...Alright, if you insist...

[Thinking] I was just thinking, since there are security cameras everywhere...

[Serious] ...Monokuma must watch us while we're in the shower, too.

Minami: ...You're right. I didn't need to know.

[Examine Sign]

Minami: Apparently, this floor is the "Relaxation Area".

Hagino: [Smiling gently] I hope there are some fun activities.

[Clasping hands] To tell the truth, I was beginning to get cabin fever in that one floor.

I'm just wondering how we're expected to relax when we could die at any moment.

[Examine Cloud]

Hagino: [Coughing] ...Gak! This cloud... it's making my eyes water just being near it!

Minami: The hell is this stuff!?

[OST: Mr. Monokuma's Lesson]

Monokuma: [Neutral] Enjoying our complementary cloud?

Minami: Monokuma... what do you want?

Monokuma: [White side] To give my favourite protagonistic person - and her plus one - a lecture!

Hagino: [Irritated] ...I loathe you.

Monokuma: [Bashful] Aww... I loathe you too! But we thould weally get that lithp of yourth theen to!

Hagino: ...

Minami: ...

Monokuma: [Neutral] ...Anyway...

[Hand raised dismissively] That cloud there is a special cocktail of the most toxic nerve gases I could find!

[Annoyed] So no trying to sneak down into the next floors, got it!?

Hagino: [Concerned] Excuse me, Monokuma, but...

How does it stay at such a precise level?

Monokuma: [Neutral] Easy! Hear that humming noise?

...It's very faint, but...

I can vaguely hear something...

Monokuma: [Chuckling] That's a finely-controlled fan! I push down the gas levels when I think you bastards are ready to move on!

Minami: Let me guess... after we kill someone, right!

Monokuma: [Neutral] Hey, you're catching on!

Minami: ...Leave us alone, please...

Monokuma: ...Oh, OK, I get it!

[Sweating] The priestess and the mystery girl, huh? Kinky!

Hagino: [Taken aback] I... I beg your pardon!?

Monokuma: [Bashful] I'll leave you two lovebirds to it! Upupupu!

[OST: None]

...

I hate that bear...

Hagino: [Irritated] ...I can tell we're thinking the same thing, Minami...

[OST: Beautiful Ruin]

[Examine Entrance]

[Rich green walls line the checkered entrance hallway of the Relaxation Area, which boasts a old-fashioned shoji sliding screen door on the right hand side. A support column, in the same position as in the floor above, denotes a grand and luxurious foyer, with velvet couches built for reclining, and low coffee tables. From this central area, three hallways, including the one Minami entered via, split off, leaving a large set of cushioned double doors beckoning for the students to enter from the back wall. Further off to the side, a smaller, grimier door lies in wait. Down the left hallway, a frosted glass door and a traditional bathhouse door, complete with curtain, are situated - to the right, a simple wooden door, as well as a door painted bright blue.]

Hagino: [Beaming] Well! This is certainly more impressive than I imagined!

Minami: Yeah... this looks incredible!

It almost makes you forget what had to happen before we came down here...

Matsuoka: [Serious] Good morning at last, Minami.

Minami: Oh! Matsuoka! Good morning to you, too.

[OST: None]

Matsuoka: [Glaring] ...

Wait... what's with that stare?

Minami: ...Is something wrong?

Matsuoka: One thing in particular, yes.

Hagino: [Serious] Don't start this now, Matsuoka.

Matsuoka: [Eyes narrowed, arms folded] No, Hagino. I am starting this. It's important.

[OST: Despair-Syndrome]

Matsuoka: Minami. You stole a knife, with intent to kill, from the kitchen.

...! He's bringing that up...

Minami: ...But I didn't, in the end...

Matsuoka: That doesn't change anything.

[Serious] Until further notice, I don't want to see you at the Morning Meetings.

Minami: Huh? B-but...

Hagino: [Angry, arms crossed] Matsuoka! This is in no way fair.

Minami is clearly remorseful. You can't simply turn her away like that.

Matsuoka: [Scowling] She's dangerous. I'm trying to keep the peace as best I can.

[Getting enraged] But you know what, Hagino? It isn't working. Yesterday was proof of that.

[Pointing dismissively] As long as she has that knife, I don't trust her.

...I'm "she" now?

Hagino: [Serious] Matsuoka. This is where I put my foot down.

You are NOT excluding Minami. Understood?

Matsuoka: [Glaring] ...Fine. She can come to the meetings.

But you're keeping an eye on her. Oh, and in addition...

...I don't want to hear her speak. Have you both got that?

Minami: ...

Matsuoka: [Serious] ...I've looked around enough. I'm heading back upstairs.

Hagino... we still need to talk about your shrine.

I think it sends the wrong message, letting people pray for a killer like that.

Hagino: [Frowning] ...

[OST: None]

Matsuoka: [Leaving] Well, then. See you later.

...Well, that heartbreak was exactly what I needed...

Hagino: [Neutral] ...Come on, Minami. Let's take a look around.

[Smiling gently] Perhaps that will cheer you up a bit.

Minami: ...Sure. Yeah, OK. Let's go, then.

[OST: Beautiful Dead]

[Examine Shoji Door]

Hagino: [Nostalgic] Ah... reminds me of home...

Minami: Oh, right... I guess you live in an old-school temple or something, huh?

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Something like that, yes. Shall we?

Minami: Sure.

[We see, under a harsh artificial sun lamp, a beautiful rocky garden. A small waterfall surges down a rock meant to imitate a mountain, and plants poke from the boulders in a representation of islands. The gravel which covers the floor has been raked to resemble a river, and there is a small cushion on a raised wooden platform where a viewer may contemplate the garden. The walls have been painted to resemble a forest surrounding the garden.]

Hagino: [Beaming] Oh, it's beautiful! An indoor karesansui!

Minami: ...A what?

Hagino: [Smiling] I suppose most people call them rock gardens.

[Beaming] This one... it's simply divine!

It looks like a bunch of rocks to me...

[Examine Viewing Platform]

So... I suppose you look at the garden from here.

Hagino: [Neutral] This is where you view the garden.

Platforms like this aren't usually raised so high, though.

...That stupid face-reading trick of hers...

Hagino: [Concerned] You seem a little irritated, Minami...

[Examine Waterfall]

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Look at that miniature waterfall...

[Beaming] The way it gushes over the rocks, yet is, in essence, so small...

[Eyes shut, smiling cheerfully] It's simply splendid, isn't it?

Minami: In all honesty, I was more concerned with whether this stays on at night, or if it turns off with the other water features.

Hagino: [Surprised] ...Oh. Why?

Minami: ...Just curious, I guess.

[Talk to Muramoto]

Muramoto: [Neutral] Good morrow, Miss Minami. And Miss Hagino, as well.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Morning, Muramoto.

Minami: So... how's your arm?

Muramoto: [Rubbing forearm] T'is painful, but I am sure t'will heal - as will the mental scars of yesterday's awful trial.

Minami: ...

Muramoto: [Neutral] Especially given such magnificent places as this to contemplate, your mind shall be at ease in no time.

Minami: ...How does this work, anyway? There aren't many plants here...

Hagino: [Smiling gently] That's the appeal, Minami. It's a facsimile of nature, not nature itself.

We never had a karesansui at our shrine. I never imagined I'd see such a beautiful one up close.

Muramoto: [Eyes shut] To view the karesansui is simple.

You merely rest atop the platform, and meditate on the beauty of the illusion.

...Still don't get it.

Muramoto: [Arms folded] In frankness, I am somewhat surprised in your lack of experience, Hagino.

Hagino: [Neutral] These are more of a Buddhist affair. I work in a Shinto shrine.

Muramoto: [Nodding slightly] Ah. Indeed.

[Neutral] If you ladies are concluded, t'is my intent to regard this karesansui for a while.

Perhaps I shall strike upon the reason we are trapped here.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Alright. See you later, Muramoto.

Minami: ...We'll leave you to it, I guess.

Muramoto: [Eyes shut] ...

He's already started meditating...

Probably shouldn't disturb him.

Hagino: [Neutral] So... where next?

[Move to Entrance Hallway]

[Move to Central Lounge]

[Talk to Urayama]

Urayama: [Smiling] Nothing quite like a comfy chair, is there?

Minami. Hagino. Good to see you both.

[Frowning, concerned] Especially the former, since I didn't see you at the meeting.

Minami: Oh, um, yeah...

Hagino: [Neutral] Minami slept in a while, that's all.

Urayama: [Arms crossed, looking away] It's a good thing you missed it, to be honest. Everyone was a little out of it...

[Dry smile] Matter of fact, you still LOOK a little out of it...

Minami: ...

Hagino: [Head tilted, curious] What are you doing out here, anyway?

Urayama: [Explaining] I already looked through this floor. You want some directions?

Minami: Yeah, that'd be great, actually.

Urayama: So, the theme of this place is 'relaxation'.

[Drawing on palm with finger] In the hallway behind you is the rock garden.

Down to the left, there's a rec room and a bathhouse.

To the right, we have a music room and a gym.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] And these double doors?

Urayama: [Eyes shut, thinking] A big concert hall. I think it's mainly for stage shows, not recitals, but you get the idea.

[Neutral] That smaller door goes up to the catwalk so that you can do lighting and set things.

H-how does all this stuff fit in here!?

Hagino: Thank you, Urayama.

Urayama: No problem. I'm a little glad we can relax, to be honest, but really...

[Grinding teeth] I'm going nuts. I need to work.

Minami: On what?

Urayama: [Running hand through hair] Anything! If I don't get some sculpting material soon, I'm gonna kill someone.

Hagino: [Concerned] ...Please don't.

Urayama: [Smiling dryly] I'm just kidding...

Anyway... see you girls later.

[Move to Left Hallway]

[Talk to Mai]

Mai: [Excited] Hiiiiiiii, Hanni! Hiiiiiiiiii, Shogo!

Hagino: Good morning, Mai. How are you enjoying the new floor?

Mai: [Cheerful] It's super cool! There's so much more stuff to do!

Minami: ...

Mai: [Frowning slightly] ...Hey, Hanni? You don't look too good...

Minami: Did you forget that two people are dead?

Mai: [Mock anger] No! I did NOT forget!

[Pointing with a grin] But Yuiwa and Hira would have wanted us to have fun!

[Cheerful] So I'm having fun! Plus, this place is a really good place to relax!

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Not to mention the shrine I established.

There's plenty of ways for us to cope with what happened yesterday.

Mai: [Eyes narrowed suspiciously, frowning] ...

[Cheerful] ...Yeah! Shogo's shrine is super sweet!

...That was an odd look...

I wonder what Mai's thinking...

Mai: [Excited] Anyway... byeeeeee, Shogo! Byeeeeee, Hanni! Don't be strangers!

[Examine Frosted Door]

[We see a vibrantly-lit games room. The digital-green walls are decked out with several posters for famous video games, and no less than three massive TVs line the wall, all displaying a different console's main screen. A small computer sits in the corner of the room, and up against the back wall is a pool table, alongside a smaller table with a chessboard.]

Hagino: [Smiling gently] ...I don't play games, but this room seems very impressive.

Minami: Yeah... Maybe someone a bit more versed in these things can help us.

[Examine Pool Table]

Minami: Heh... I used to play a bit of pool.

Hagino: [Curious] Really?

Minami: Yeah. I was awful, though...

I mostly played with my dad. He was a real pool shark, you know?

Hagino: [Smiling gently] You'll have to teach me how someday.

[Examine Computer]

I wonder...

Hagino: [Confused] What are you doing?

Minami: If we can get internet here, maybe we can send for help.

...Damn. No luck.

Hagino: [Sighing] I suppose it was inevitable. Monokuma really does think of everything...

[Talk to Junpei]

Junpei: [Grinning eagerly] Wow! They even have the special American import version!

Minami: Hey, Junpei. Any good games?

Junpei: [Eyes lit up, grinning] Are you kidding me? They've got everything here!

[Pointing excitedly] FPSes, RPGs, platformers, rhythm games... there's even a couple of murder mystery games here!

Hagino: [Frowning] ...I can't imagine anything I'd want to do less than play a murder mystery now.

Junpei: [Looking away, smiling] He might be a complete psycho, but...

[Pointing excitedly] ...you have to hand it to Monokuma, he's got good taste in games!

Minami: ...You seem a lot more cheerful than usual.

Junpei: [Biting thumbnail] W-well, I mean... the trial was still awful...

[Grinning eagerly] But this games room is just awesome! If the rest of the floor is like this, it'll almost have been worth it!

Hagino: [Concerned] ...Hmm.

[Talk to Noguchi]

Noguchi: [Smirk] Well, if it isn't my favourite two women in the whole wide world.

Hagino: [Irritated] ...

Noguchi: [Looking away dismissively] Hmph! Don't talk to me, then. I was more interested in Minami, anyway.

Minami: Huh?

Noguchi: [Sincere] Given the way you acted in the trial yesterday, you're clearly one of the more intelligent of us.

[Eyes narrowed] Don't take that lightly. I rarely give compliments.

Minami: ...You'd be surprised how much your IQ increases when your life depends on it.

Noguchi: [Smirk] Witty as ever. Same can't be said for Degawa and Fujihara, though.

[Grinning coldly] If they'd kept their wits about them, maybe we wouldn't be looking around this room right now.

Prick.

Hagino: [Frowning] ...What are you doing here, anyway?

Noguchi: [Looking away] This room has a chess board. Smart people play chess. Make the connection.

[Smirk] If either of you feel like testing your mettle, please, don't hesitate to drop by.

[Glaring] But never forget... I play to win.

Minami: ...I'll keep that in mind.

[Move to Left Hallway]

[Examine Bathhouse Door]

[We see a clean, cream-coloured room with checkerboard tiles on the floor. On either side, eight small lockers line the walls, each with a small key attached to either a pink or blue strap - pink on the left, blue on the right. Two of the lockers' doors have been smashed inwards, and are impossible to open. On the far wall are situated two doors - the one on the left, emblazoned with a female symbol; the one on the right, a male symbol - with a powerful-looking grimy gatling gun hanging in between the two.]

Hagino: [Frowning] ...

Minami: ...The machine gun doesn't really add to the atmosphere, does it?

Hagino: Not as such, no.

[Examine Locker]

Minami: So, if these are for girls, and the others for boys...

Does that mean we all get changed in the same room?

[OST: Mr. Monokuma's Lesson]

Monokuma: [Angry] Of course not! What do you think I am, some kind of pervert!?

Hagino: [Irritated] ...Yes.

Monokuma: [Bashful] ...Well, you're right. But not in these circumstances!

I don't wanna see any naughty stuff going on in MY tower of doom!

[Neutral] No, these lockers are for your ElectroIDs.

Minami: Our ElectroIDs?

Monokuma: [Chuckling] Polly want a cracker? But yes, you heard correctly!

[Hand raised] See, I got sick and tired of people who were in previous Killing Games abusing my poor precious ElectroIDs!

[Black side] Trying to steal them into places they don't belong... it's just criminal!

[Hand behind head] So you put them in here first! That way, you don't take them into the bath!

Hagino: They're waterproof, aren't they? Why would that matter?

Monokuma: [Sweating] ...Not telling! The point is...

[Neutral] ...you lock your ElectroID in there, then go into one of the changerooms.

You use the same key to open a big locker, and you put your clothes in there.

[Chuckling] THEN you get to go to the bath!

Minami: Hang on. So you're telling me that at any point...

...a guy could just sneak into the girls' changeroom!?

Monokuma: [Angry] Nuh uh! I thought of that!

[Neutral] See the big gatling gun there? It has a sensor on it that determines your sex!

[Giggling] If it sees the wrong... equipment... trying to go into one of the doors...

[Belly laugh] DAKKADAKKADAKKA! The offending party gets turned into Swiss cheese!

Minami: ...And what's stopping a boy from going through the boys' changerooms to get to the bath while girls are in it?

Monokuma: [Claw out, eye glinting] Why is it always the boy's fault? What's stopping one of YOU from sneaking in to a sausage fest, huh?

Hagino: ...So, nothing.

Monokuma: [Belly laugh] Right! But there's no cameras in there, so I'll turn a blind eye!

[Neutral] If I were you girls, I'd invest in some swimwear ASAP!

[Black side] ...Maybe not you, Minami. You don't have the right, ahem... "assets" to be appealing to boys.

Minami: ...You scumbag...

Monokuma: [Chuckling] Oops! Looks like the mystery girl's about to explode!

I'll leave you to control the blast, Hagino! Upupupu!

[OST: None]

Hagino: [Irritated] ...I think we'll have to set designated times for girls and boys bathing.

[OST: Beautiful Ruin (Summer Salt)]

[Examine Broken Locker]

...I have a distinct feeling I know whose locker this is...

Hagino: [Looking down, melancholy] Let's just hope we don't see any more broken from now on...

[Talk to Washio]

Washio: [Eyes averted] ...

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Good day, Washio. How are you?

Washio: [Wringing hands] ...I didn't think anyone would, um, come in here...

I, uh... I wanted to be alone...

Minami: Are you OK?

Washio: [Eyes averted] I'm... fine...

[Looking up reluctantly] I should, um... be asking you that, right...?

So, ah... how are you?

Minami: ...I'll be alright.

Hagino: [Curious] Do you like bathhouses, Washio?

Washio: [Taken aback] H-huh? Um... I don't, NOT like them...

[Wringing hands] But, um, I... I can't use them...

Minami: Huh? Why not? You'll be fine!

Washio: [Eyes averted] N-no... My... ah, my figure is...

[Looking up reluctantly] ...I'm, um... I'm too...

[Tearing up] ...big... I'm too big...!

[Crying, pressing hands against face] No one wants to... to see a big b-blubbery whale like me...

...And now I feel terrible.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] I can assure you personally, Washio, that none of us mind.

We'd be more than happy to visit the bathhouse with you anytime.

Washio: [In tears] I... I know you're... just, um, saying that...

We should stop talking before we completely crush her feelings...

[Move to Central Lounge]

[Move to Right Hallway]

[Talk to Tamura]

Tamura: [Grinning] Yo, Minami! Where were ya this mornin'? We all kinda missed ya, ya know?

Minami: ...It's no big deal, really...

Hagino: [Serious] Minami got caught in the shower, I'm afraid.

[Smiling gently] How have you been, Tamura?

Tamura: [Looking down slightly, scratching back of neck] I mean, I'm still feelin' a little cut up 'bout yesterday...

[Eyes aflame, excited] ...but this new place is fuckin' sweet!

Hagino: [Irritated] ...A little less profanity in front of the priestess, perhaps?

Tamura: [Surprised] Oh... right. Anyway...

[Eyes aflame, excited] Ya gotta check out the gym! It's got everythin' ya ever need for exercisin'!

Minami: ...I'll keep that in mind.

[Examine Wooden Door]

[Behind the wooden door lay a beautifully-decorated, ornate music room. Instruments of all kinds, from shamisens to cellos to timpanis, lined either side of the baby blue room. Against the back wall stood a large bookshelf filled with sheet music. Finally, in the rear centre of the room stood a rich black grand piano, perfectly polished, and with its keys beckoning for anyone to play.]

...Oh my god, it's incredible...!

Hagino: [Smiling gently] You look excited.

Minami: Well, um... music's kind of my thing, you know?

I love listening to a good song...

Hagino: [Eyes shut, smiling cheerfully] ...I'm glad that's cheered you up somewhat.

[Examine Grand Piano]

Minami: I used to play piano, actually.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Really? Care to give us a taste?

Minami: Well, I mean, it'll probably be awful, but...

Let's see... um... oh, I know!

[OST: Radio Exercise Ansatsuken]

Hey... I'm better than I remember!

Hagino: [Beaming] I'm impressed, Minami! And more than a little surprised!

[OST: None]

Minami: I'm just as surprised as you are. I had no idea I could play that well.

Hmm... I should come down here and practise some time...

[OST: Beautiful Ruin]

[Talk to Takanashi]

Takanashi: [Relieved, eyes wide] Minami! Oh, thank God, you're OK!

Minami: Whoa... I was only gone this morning! It's not like I died!

Takanashi: [Smiling awkwardly] I... I know, but still...

[Frowning] ...

[Biting brush] ...I, um... I was worried.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Do you play an instrument, Takanashi?

Takanashi: [Smiling shyly] Not really... but I like to listen to music while I write, a little...

Minami: Really? I would have thought calligraphy would be more of a, "keep quiet and concentrate", sort of thing.

Takanashi: [Biting brush] It's supposed to be... So, um... don't tell my mother I do it, OK?

Hagino: [Eyes shut, smiling cheerfully] I don't think there's any risk of that happening, Takanashi.

And I thought I was sarcastic.

Takanashi: [Smiling awkwardly] Hah! Good one...

...

[Surprised] ...Oh! Um... sorry...

[Biting brush] I'm... out of things to talk about...

Minami: It's OK. I'll get out of your hair.

Takanashi: [Twiddling brush in hand] ...OK... I don't mind, though...

[Move to Right Hallway]

[Examine Red Door]

Hagino: [Sighing] ...I can hear shouting.

Minami: We both know who it is, let's just go inside.

[The sleek black gym is filled with exercise equipment. Near the steel panel that would have been a window, a treadmill sits, and next to that, a weights rack, above which an image of a young man with a ridiculous pompadour has been posted. On the other side of the room, a punching bag and pull-up bar are located, and several mats which can be laid out for situps and bridges on the hard concrete floor.]

Hagino: [Neutral] I doubt I'll come here much, but this is nevertheless quite the room.

Minami: I'll say. But it's pretty different from most gyms I've seen. It looks so... clean.

[Examine Weights Rack]

Hagino: [Surprised] ...My! These dumbbells are quite heavy!

Minami: I was more interested in this poster. Let's see...

"Follow Mr. Oowada's example! Use a dumbbell to de-brain your friends!"

...Five hundred yen says Monokuma put this here.

Hagino: [Neutral] That's a fool's bet and you know it.

[Talk to Akutagawa]

Akutagawa: [Eyes wide, fearful] Classmates Hagino and Minami! Please tell me you are not dead!

Minami: ...What?

Akutagawa: [Teeth gritted] I am worried you have both died! After all...

[Grinning] ...this room is so incredible, I must have died and gone to heaven!

[Laughing] HAHAHAHA! Get it? It's funny because I'm insinuating I am in heaven, when this tower is quite the opposite!

Hagino: [Irritated] ...Akutagawa, explaining a joke does not improve its quality.

It has to have had quality to improve, for one...

Akutagawa: [Neutral] Regardless! I am in the best room in the entire building right now!

[Pointing passionately] But that is besides the point! Classmate Minami! You will tell me how you feel, NOW!

Minami: I feel depressed!

...I can't help blurting everything out to him, can I?

Akutagawa: [Arms folded] ...I understand completely!

[Teeth gritted] The hideous deaths of classmates Degawa and Fujihara have rocked even my own manly body to its core!

[Pointing passionately] I am always here to provide you with motivation, classmate Minami! I hope you are aware of that!

Minami: ...Thanks, Akutagawa.

Akutagawa: [Posing, grinning] And as a special gift, I will give you the workout session OF A LIFETIME if you so choose!

[Grimacing, flexing bicep] By the time I am finished, your every muscle will scream in agony!

...That's not very motivational!

Hagino: [Serious] Not right now, perhaps, Akutagawa.

Akutagawa: [Grinning confidentally] Not an issue! I will be right here! Ever ready!

[Move to Right Hallway]

[Move to Central Lounge]

[Examine Double Doors]

[We see a grand and well-maintained stage to the right hand side of a dimly-lit room. Lights hang overhead, casting a spotlight onto centre stage. A wooden set painted to resemble Hope's Peak Academy hangs from rope upstage. In front of the performance space lies a small orchestra pit, and behind that, several wooden chairs arranged in rows, each with a velvet cushion sitting atop it.]

Minami: ...Not bad at all. This looks like a place to put on a serious show.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Indeed. We simply must throw a talent show here one day.

...How many of us can actually present a talent?

I mean, what's Junpei going to do? Be lucky onstage?

[Examine Chair]

Hagino: [Neutral] This is a fairly nice chair, wouldn't you say, Minami?

Minami: ...I suppose?

Hagino: [Thinking] I can't imagine it'd be too comfortable in a long performance, though. Even with the cushion.

...It's a chair. There's not much to say about it...

[Talk to Okazaki]

Okazaki: [Excited] Like, this is it, baby! This is where I was meant to be!

Minami: You're pretty excited.

Okazaki: [Nodding eagerly] Of course! I'm on stage! This is, like, my reason for being! My raisin detri!

Hagino: [Neutral] I think you mean 'raison d'etre'.

Okazaki: [Surprised] ...Like, you speak French?

Minami: How are you, anyway? After the trial, I mean.

Okazaki: [Nervous] Well, like, um...

[Timidly looking down] ...to be honest, I'm, like, kinda scared, a little...

I hope, like, it doesn't happen again...

Hagino: [Serious] ...We can only hope, right now...

Okazaki: [Neutral] Like, yeah... So, for now...

[Posing, showing off curves] I'm gonna, like, own this stage, and dance like there's no tomorrow, baby! Wooo!

...There's definitely something admirable in her enthusiasm...

[Move to Central Lounge]

[Examine Grimy Door]

[We see a cramped and dark room, with loose sheets of paper and cans of paint lying all over the place. A single ladder ascends in front of the door, along with a control panel and a small screen. Attached to a rope, a sandbag marked "1" lies to the left, and next to it, a stepladder.]

Man... talk about claustrophobia...

[Examine Sandbag]

Hagino: [Neutral] Hold on one moment, Minami.

Minami: Huh?

Hagino: I want to try this.

[Sweating, gritted teeth] ...Hng!

...

[Sighing] No... I can't lift it... This sandbag is unbelievably heavy...!

Minami: ...Maybe you should catch your breath before we keep looking around.

Hmm... the number "1" is painted on this sandbag...

[Examine Control Panel]

Hmm... there's seven buttons on here.

"1" through to "7" are at the top. Then below that... "Up" and "Down".

Hagino: [Thinking] ...Ah, of course.

Minami: You know what it's for?

Hagino: [Neutral] Press Button "1", please, Minami.

Minami: OK...

[A beeping noise is heard.]

Hagino: Now... press "Up".

Minami: Got it...

[A second beeping noise is heard. The sandbag attached to the rope in the room suddenly begins to ascend until it is out of view.]

Minami: Oh, I get it. So you can control the sandbags.

Hagino: [Smiling gently] Indeed. I imagine this would be much easier than doing it manually.

[Examine Stepladder]

Hagino: [Neutral] Look, a ladder.

Minami: That's actually a "step"-ladder.

Hagino: [Irritated] So? What's the difference?

Minami: One has a hinge, I guess.

Hagino: [Surprised] Really?

[Thinking] Hmm... I always thought they were the same thing...

...Don't we just make the best comedy team?

[Examine Ladder]

Hagino: [Curious] I wonder where this leads...

Minami: Only one way to find out.

[OST: None]

[We see a grimy catwalk, suspended from the roof by wires. Sandbags lie both on the catwalk and hanging next to it on ropes. From up here, the stage below is visible, as well as the audience's seating before it.]

Hagino: [Queasy] ...I'm feeling dizzy...

If you don't mind, Minami... I'm getting vertigo. I have to go back down...

Minami: Alright. I'll only be a little while.

...We're two kilometres in the air, and only NOW does she get afraid of heights?

[OST: Despair Syndrome]

[Examine Sandbag]

Hmm... looks like this is sandbag number "3".

No controls from up here. I guess that all happens downstairs.

[Talk to Chiba]

Chiba: [Bored] ...Minami. Good to see you up and about.

Minami: Likewise. You don't look too good. Scared of heights?

Chiba: [Shrugging] I'm a clown, I do acrobatic stuff all the time.

[Looking to the side] No, I'm just trying to forget yesterday.

Minami: ...Don't remind me. Hagino's been following me all day in case I get scared or something.

Chiba: [Neutral] She offered the same to me too.

[Thinking] But my problem isn't something that's fixed so easily. In fact...

[Smiling half-heartedly] ...I might end up having to talk to Monokuma about it.

W-what!?

Minami: Are you insane, Chiba? You think that monster will make things better?

Chiba: At this point... yeah. Maybe I am insane.

...Huh? Chiba...

Minami: ...Are you OK?

Chiba: [Bored] ...Not your problem. Now...

[Shrugging] Do you mind going for the moment?

Minami: Huh?

Chiba: [Looking to the side] Don't get me wrong - I really do like your company. You add a bit of brightness to the room.

[Melancholic] But... I need to be alone right now.

Minami: ...Alright. If you need to talk about it --

Chiba: [Serious] I don't.

...

I'm not going to change his mind...

Minami: ...OK. See you later, then.

[OST: None]

[Move to Backstage]

Hagino: [Queasy] ...I'm feeling a bit better now...

You sure? You still look pretty green around the gills...

Hagino: [Concerned] Has spending the day with me helped you at all, Minami?

Do you feel better?

Minami: ...Honestly? No. I'm not a hundred per cent fine.

But thank you anyway, Hagino. It means a lot to me.

Hagino: [Neutral] ...I understand.

[Gentle smile] With any luck... we can prevent another murder.

Minami: ...I'm a little tired. I hope you don't mind if I go to my room now.

Hagino: Not at all. Please, I'm here anytime.

[Fade to black.]

[OST: Welcome to Despair Academy]

[Fade in to Minami's Bedroom.]

Hmm... I think there's still a bit of time left in the day.

Maybe I should go hang out with someone.

Might cheer me up a bit, too...

[Move to Green Hallway]

[OST: Beautiful Dead]

[Move to Foyer]

[Move to Blue Hallway]

[Move to Stairwell]

[Move to Entrance Hallway]

[Move to Central Lounge]

[Talk to Takanashi]

Takanashi: [Smiling shyly] Oh... hi, Minami...

Minami: How's it going, Takanashi?

Takanashi: [Biting brush] Um, well... I'm alright, I guess...

I was planning to do some calligraphy stuff right now, actually...

[Smiling shyly] ...I'd really like it if you... joined me, I guess?

Should I hang out with Takanashi?

-> YES

NO

Minami: I'd be more than happy, Takanashi.

Takanashi: [Grateful] R-really?

Minami: Sure. You'll have to show me the ropes, though.

Takanashi: [Smiling shyly] Oh... um, I can do that...

...

[Biting brush] Here, sit down and we can get started...

[Fade to black.]

Takanashi and I did some calligraphy for a while.

It was kinda strange, though. Even though it was her forte...

...she still seemed as shy as ever when she was teaching me about calligraphy.

And she especially didn't want to look me in the eye too much...

[Fade into Central Lounge.]

Takanashi: [Pointing with brush] ...And then, from there, you curl the brush around to here...

Minami: ...You must really like doing calligraphy, huh?

Takanashi: [Surprised] Huh? Um... y-yeah...

[Fixing glasses] I've been doing it since I was... seven, maybe? So about ten years...

She's seventeen? She always seemed a bit younger to me...

Maybe it's just because she's so timid...

Takanashi: [Biting brush] But when I first started... I really didn't like it at all...

Minami: Really? Why'd you keep it up?

Takanashi: [Smiling shyly] Well, first of all... I was good at it...

...I'd never really been good at anything before...

[Frowning] Second of all... um...

...

[Biting brush] ...Do you want to do some more?

Hmm... I have a feeling I can guess what that second reason is...

It must be...

A: Her careers advisor

B: Her parents

C: Her friends

Answer: B

Minami: So, just out of curiosity... did your parents want you to do calligraphy?

Takanashi: [Surprised] Huh? H-how did you guess?

[Biting brush] ...Yeah, my mother especially really wanted me to keep it up...

She... she always chooses things for me...

Minami: Really?

Takanashi: ...Yeah...

[Frowning] She chose my clothes, because they make me "look more like a calligrapher"...

[Fixing glasses] She chose my glasses, because they look "artistic"...

[Biting brush] ...She even tried to choose a boyfriend for me, so that I would "look more social"...!

...Jeez. Talk about helicopter parenting...

Takanashi: [Eyes shut, gripping brush tight] It was always her dream to have an "artistic" daughter...

I... I'm almost glad I'm stuck here, away from her...

It means I can... be myself a bit more...

Minami: ...Well, I look forward to meeting the real Takanashi, then.

Takanashi: [Smiling shyly] ...Thank you, Minami. You're... a very good friend...

[Fixing glasses] But... that doesn't mean I'm not giving up on calligraphy...

[Twiddling brush in hand] It's my talent, and I'm proud of it...

[Biting brush] It's my talent... not Mother's.

Minami: ...I'm a little tired, Takanashi. You mind if we wrap up here for now?

Takanashi: [Surprised] Huh? Um... no, I don't mind...

[Smiling shyly] ...But I want to see you again soon, OK?

[Looking in admiration] I... I really had a lot of fun today...

...

[Biting brush] ...So, um... bye...

[OST: None]

...She's gone.

Hmm... she seems really sweet...

Even if she doesn't like to talk too much...

Monokuma: DING DONG DING DONG!

[We see Monokuma on a TV screen, lounging in a chair comfortably, as he sips a B-52 through a silly straw.]

Monokuma: Attention all students! It's 10 o'clock, which means Nighttime has officially started!

All water systems will be turned off, and the cafeteria will be locked.

Good night, sleep tight! Don't let the murderer bite!

[The screen blinks off. We see the Central Lounge.]

Man... Nighttime already? It's later than I thought...

I should probably go to bed sooner rather than later...

[OST: Welcome to Despair Academy]

[Move to Entrance Hallway]

[Move to Stairwell]

[Move to Blue Hallway]

[Move to Foyer]

[Move to Green Hallway]

[Examine Minami's Door]

Huh? What's this in front of my room?

A note? Hmm...

"Minami. Meet me in Music Room tomorrow. V. important."

...Last time someone got a note around here...

...

I'll sleep on it, I suppose.

[Move to Minami's Bedroom]

[OST: Mr. Monokuma's Lesson]

Monokuma: [Annoyed] Well, SOMEONE sure took their sweet time!

Minami: Gah! M-Monokuma! The hell are you doing here!?

Monokuma: [Neutral] Upupupu... just making a proposition, is all!

[White side] See, I've been watching you beary closely, my protagonistic friend.

And I've come to a startling realisation!

Minami: ...Which is?

Monokuma: [Angry] You spend all your free time talking to really boring people!

[Hand behind head] So here's my thinking: I'll be wandering around my glorious Mono-Tower from time to time.

[Black side] If you ever want to hit up your wicked (and quite franky adorable) headmaster for a chat...

[Belly laugh] I'm more than happy to make an event of your free time!

Minami: ...Are you kidding me?

Monokuma: [Neutral] I know! It's such an amazing idea!

Well, I'll leave you to it! Upupupu!

[OST: None]

...Well, that just happened...

...

...I wonder if I should take him up on it?

I might be able to learn something about where we are...

...

Bleh, I'm tired...

I can think about it in the morning...

[Fade to black.]

MONOKUMA THEATRE

[OST: Mr. Monokuma's Lesson]

Monokuma: It may surprise you to hear this, but I was famous for being a Romeo once!

No joke! I travelled across the country, meeting bear maidens and luring them in with my beauty!

Then, once I had them lulled into a false sense of security, I pretended to kill myself.

The poor things had such broken hearts, they all stabbed themselves to be with their beloved!

Of course, at that point, I was always busy with that month's issue of Playbear magazine!

Ah... so romantic...

Huh? What do you mean that's not how love works?

Every time one of YOU bastards falls in love, it always ends in tragedy!

So what if I set up the tragedy myself?