#akichi

Sensing an underlying problem, the Supreme Leader moved beside the laptop. His hand moved quickly when he hit the power button.

“OUMA!” Aki snapped, standing up, “THIS ISN’T A GAME! THAT’S DUE AT 11 TONIGHT!”

Kokichi grabbed her arm and sat her back down in her chair, “It’s 6. You’ll be fine. You need to chill out. Go take a shower and calm down.”

“But-”

“No buts,” Kokichi kissed her cheek. He thought for a moment, then, “If you don’t want to relax in the shower, come sit on the couch. Let’s talk.”

Aki reluctantly let her boyfriend drag her to the couch, “What do you want?”

He pulled her into a hug and laid down, “I would like a box of Panta-”

“Are you fucking serious.”

“But that’s not the point….I want you to talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“Well, I’m kinda pissed that you shut down my computer since I didn’t save-”

“Oh, shut it.” Kokichi stroked her back, “I didn’t turn it off, I put it in sleep mode. I just wanted to make you think it was off so you would get away from it,” He sat up, which made Aki have to sit up. Kokichi was reminded how she was just a little taller than him.

“That’s great. Let me get back to work,” Aki tried to go, but he pinned her down with a hug.

“Not until you tell me what’s really wrong,” he nuzzled into her neck, “You’re not just upset with the essay. I can tell because I’m a liar after all~.”

Aki couldn’t hold it in anymore. She returned his hug and began crying. Kokichi held her tight.

“I….just don’t want to fail…” Aki sobbed, “I….don’t wanna….let Mom and Dad down…” 

He stroked her hair, letting Aki dump out her thoughts and tears. After it was all said and done, he grabbed a box of tissues, “You won’t let anyone down. I can’t say I know all about what you’re studying, but I know that I’m really proud of you for having the drive to do it,” He peppered her face with kisses, making Aki laugh for the first time all day.

“Thank you, Kichi…” 

There was a small group of trees just outside the “Shrine of Judgement” where Angie did her “Divine Atua” rituals. Aki wandered through them, picking at the hem of her pale blue bishop-sleeved shirt. Her maroon asymmetrical skirt and black leggings blended with the green of the grove. Feeling antsy, Aki began one of her ballet routines. 

“That was a beautiful routine!” A voice came from behind her. Aki turned and saw Kokichi, the SHSL Supreme Ruler, “Kidding! That was a lie!” 

“I think that was a lie, too,” Aki smiled, “What brings you over here?” 

Kokichi leaned against a tree, “I saw you wander over. I originally wanted to prank you, but nothing came to mind before you saw me.”

“What were you doing earlier?” Aki asked as she streched her arms out.

“Hacking into the mainframe to find a way out,” He crossed his arms, “Kidding! That was a lie!”

“Hah-!” Aki covered her mouth to prevent more laughter from escaping.

“Anyway,” Kokichi continued, “Before this, I was hanging out with Kiibo and he got upset that I asked if robots have dicks-”

Aki couldn’t help but laugh, “Pfffffftahahhahahahaha! That’s great!”

Kokichi smiled, “Nice to know someone around here has the same sense of humor as me.”

“Can Kiibo fly?” Aki asked, “Like, robots should have thrusters in their feet or something. He could fly out of the cage to get help.”

Kokichi lit up, “THAT’S WHAT I SAID but Kiibo said he doesn’t.”

“Wow, worst robot ever,” Aki sighed at that thought of Kiibo, then switched topics, “You’re fun to talk to, Kokichi. I don’t understand why the others find you annoying.”

The Ruler grinned, “I’m just that sweet of a guy- KIDDING! THAT WAS A LIE!” 

“So, how did you manage to become a Supreme Ruler?” Aki sat down in the grass, motioning for Kokichi to do the same.

Kokichi complied and began his story, “I was back in my home country a few years ago from a world travelling thingy. I noticed all the wrongdoings the government had been getting away with. I riled up the people to fight back and overthrow the previous government. They put me as leader for my actions in the revolution. Afterwards, they had to listen to everything I said. That in itself, is powerful, and I’ve learned to use my words to fuel power. Power both in myself and in others.”

Aki was taken aback, “Really? That’s so-”

“KIDDING! THAT WAS A LIE!” Kokichi fell back onto the grass laughing, “You’re such a sucker, Aki, just like Kaede. Nishishi~.”

Aki laughed, “You got me, Kokichi. But you’re so great with words. I did believe you,” She stood up and extended a hand, “I wish I was as good with speaking and words as you.”

Kokichi stopped laughing and blushed as he accepted Aki’s hand, “You…are good with words though.”

“I couldn’t keep a straight face with an elaborate lie like that,” Aki brushed herself off, “I can get away with small things, nothing major. Just ask Takehiko.”

“Nishishi~ with practice you could almost be as good as me,” Kokichi put his hands behind his head and grinned.

Aki laughed softly, “See you around, Kokichi. I have to go meet up with Rose.”