#kirwrites

“Um, guys?” says Kaede. “Can you continue your conversation after we’ve looked at the Flashback Light?”

“Oh, right.” Himiko flings the Flashback Light in their direction. “Kokichi’s collecting the people outside, and we’re all gonna meet in the dining hall to watch the memory together, so get down there as fast as you can.” She stamps her foot. “This is an order from your Student Council President! I’ll be waiting outside.”

Rantaro smiles. “I guess we have no choice. Kaede?”

Kaede nods. “Sure.” As they turn to head out of the room, Kaede’s stopped in her tracks when she spies the hat stand out of her peripheral vision. Lifting her hand, her fingers ghost the bill of the cap on her head. Four grey bowler hats hang from the wooden pegs, leaving two pegs untouched.

Kaede grips Shuichi’s cap tighter.

Should I… leave it here? This is Shuichi’s lab after all.

A gentle hand landing on Kaede’s shoulder pulls her out of her thoughts.

“Leave it on,” says Rantaro. “You made a promise to him, right? To give it back to him after we escape from this place.”

Kaede bites her lip. “That’s true, but—"

Rantaro lifts his hand. “If you’re worried about me, don’t sweat it. I know Shuichi had good intentions when he killed me, so I have no ill feelings towards him, y’know? ‘Sides—” He grins. “You look good with it on.”

Kaede flushes pink. “H-huh?!”

“Hey!” Comes Himiko’s voice from the hallway. “Come oooon! Or I’ll cast a ‘You Will Always Be An Hour Early To Everything You Ever Do’ hex on you!”

"Oh," says Kirumi. "Am I disturbing something?"

"No, no, not at all!" Kaede replies. "Ryoma was teaching me how to play tennis!"

Ryoma tugs at his hat. "I wasn't…"

Kirumi blinks. "Is Korekiyo not with you, Ryoma?"

"Huh? No, he's with Momota."

"Oh, that's right!" says Kaede. "I met them both on the way here. I think they were looking for you, Kirumi?"

Kirumi nods. "Yes, a glass display case fell in Korekiyo's lab. Kaito requested that I help them safely clean up. I have just returned from cleaning that. I came here because I believe it is my turn to supervise Korekiyo."

Ryoma shakes his head. "Not yet. He's not due to come back here for another hour or so."

Kirumi's silent for a few moments. "Yes… of course…" Her hand flies to her temple. "I misremembered the times. My sincerest apologies."

"No need to apologise," says Ryoma. "Sounds like you could do with a break, though. It's not like you to mix up times, Tojo."

"You've worked so hard for all of us ever since we got here," Kaede adds. "You deserve some time off too, Kirumi!"

Kirumi pauses. "I appreciate the concern, but I am fine. Serving others is what every maid desires." She closes her eyes. "Taking time off would be… unfruitful."

"Whaaat?" Kaede makes a face. "That doesn't sound very healthy… Oh! I know!" She holds out the racket in her hand. "Kirumi, you should have a go!"

Kirumi blinks. "A… go?"

"Yeah! At tennis!" Kaede's face lights up. "I bet you'd be awesome at it!"

Kirumi rubs her chin. "I do not think I have ever properly played tennis…"

"Me neither until today!" Shuffling over to her, Kaede forces the racket into Kirumi's gloved hand. "C'mon, it'll be fun! You agree, right, Ryoma?"

Ryoma sighs. "I never said that…"

"Yes, you did!"

"I said she needed a break; I didn't say anything about tennis."

"You seem to have your heart set on this, Kaede," says Kirumi.

Kaede turns to her. "Of course I am! I want to watch Ryoma play tennis with someone just as skilled as him."

"Skilled…?" Kirumi's eyes widen. "I do not think my skills as a maid are nearly enough to match that of the Ultimate Tennis Pro, Kaede."

Ryoma scoffs. "Well, if Akamatsu's anything to go by, I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Hey!" Kaede flares. "What's that supposed to mean!?"

"Anyway, you don't need me to play a match here." Ryoma gestures to the racket-wielding machine spinning over them. "That guy will be a better opponent than I'll ever be." He hangs his head. "My enthusiasm for tennis… is long gone."

“Wait.” Kaede takes a step forward. “You said you have to receive a command?”

“Correct!”

Kaede’s eyes narrow. “What kind of command is it?”

“Puhuhu… that would be telling, wouldn’t it?”

“Hmmm…” Kaede taps her chin. “I… I don’t know… would it really be that easy to make a Monokuma? Just by telling you to?”

“What do you mean?” asks Motherkuma. “Are you doubting my amazingness?”

Maki folds her arms over her chest. “Anyone can see that this… this thing is giving information out far too conveniently.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking,” Kaede adds.

“Whaaaaat? says Motherkuma. “Bears never lie! I can make spares at the drop of a hat, thank you very much!”

Kaede glares at the tank. “Then do it.”

“N-no way!” says Motherkuma. “I can’t just birth a Monokuma out for someone who doesn’t love me!”

“Fine then!” Kaede stamps her foot. “I love you, Motherkuma! Now give birth to a Monokuma!”

“Kaede…” Maki starts. “What are you trying to—"

“Absolutely not! I’m not gonna give birth just because you told me to!” Motherkuma snaps. “Our love has to be mutual, and I certainly don’t like you! Think about the consequences of after the birth! The responsibility of being a parent! You kids are far too young to understand!”

“Okay then,” Kaede whips round to Maki. “You try, Maki! Tell her to give birth to a Monokuma for us!”

Maki’s mouth falls open. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, now hurry up and ask!”