Danganronpa: Island Life

Chapter 12: HASTILY MADE PLANS

Hajime: 'What would you think about this?' Hajime wished he could ask for their opinion, but it was an impossible wish. Conflict was churning within, whether or not to show mercy towards Nagito. He didn't want to bring harsh judgement on him, but if Nagito was intent on harming someone, he would have to be prepared to put him down. It felt wrong to even consider that, killing someone, justifiable or not. 'I can't help but think that you would give him a chance.'

If he could be reformed, it would probably take some doing, but nothing was impossible. Luckily for Hajime, this decision wasn't his alone to make. He had the others' opinions to consider as well. After probing their feelings, it was made clear that Nagito wasn't liked. Popular opinion was that he should be incarcerated in some way. Locked away or tied up, it didn't really matter as long as he was restrained. Personal feelings aside, Hajime couldn't help but think that to be unfair. Being here on this island was a chance for a better life, a chance to change for the better. They all had equal right to this opportunity.

Hajime: "After we find him, we can find out what his intentions are. We'll make a decision then."

Sonia: "So, you are willing to let him walk around unattended?" Sonia was the first to respond, her question spoke for them collectively. The others said nothing, waiting for an answer.

Hajime: "We don't have to be accustomed to death anymore." The rebuttal struck a vein of guilt in everyone, even himself. "I want to believe he knows that as well."

Fuyuhiko: "And if he doesn't care about that, what then?"

Hajime: "Then we deal with him, without anyone getting hurt."

Kazuichi: "And you can assume that? Nobody would get hurt at all?" Kazuichi couldn't help but voice his doubts. "Him included?"

Hajime: "I think I know how I can reason with him, convince him to behave." Hajime received a few looks of concern. "I'll talk to him alone- "

Akane: "No! I mean... I... that's dangerous, isn't it?" Akane sprung at the chance to oppose his idea. She was worried for his safety, that worry only strengthened by his lack of reassurance.

Hajime: "It'll be okay." That was all he could think to say.

Fuyuhiko: "And when do you plan on doing this?"

Hajime: "I don't know..."

That was a lie. He played his cards close to his chest, to keep the others from getting involved in his plan. He said he wanted to talk to Nagito, but he didn't mention it would be on his own terms. He wasn't planning on finding him, he was planning on being found. He figured that if he wandered the island alone and in the dead of night, it might give Nagito the urge to attack.

Hajime: "Let's just leave this discussion for another time." Hajime wanted to kill the conversation, nightfall was upon them, and he had his mind set on acting on his plan tonight. "Who's on watch tonight?"

Kazuichi: "That would be us." Kazuichi said, while his arm was resting on Akane's shoulder. Inside, Hajime smiled, an opportunity presenting itself.

Hajime: "Kazuichi, why don't I sit in for you instead? I'm feeling wide awake." Another lie, he hasn't been sleeping well as of late and was feeling especially worn out today.

Kazuichi: "You don't have to ask me twice!" Kazuichi wasted no time in taking the offer. Flashing his sharky grin, he clapped his hands together before walking over to his bed. Throwing himself onto his blankets, he gave a thumbs up before shouting. "Thanks, Hajime!"

Hajime: "It's no problem at all."

===========Timeskip===========

Akane: "Hm?" Something didn't feel right. She tried to keep her eyes shut, to rest like he offered. While she would like to continue her relaxing, a nagging feeling in her gut just wouldn't go away. Her nose even started twitching, and that was when she finally noticed. A familiar scent had suddenly disappeared. "Hajime?" Her eyes opened to see that he was gone. She sprung up in an instant, slowly moving around the room, quietly calling his name, but to no avail. She continued poking around, nervousness started to kick in. "Hajime!"

Fuyuhiko: "Huh?" Fuyuhiko's body shot up, startled by Akane's sudden shout. His head swivelled back and forth, slowly and still half asleep. He started falling asleep again, still sitting up before he was startled once again by her shouting. "What's... going... on?" He stood up, trying to jumpstart himself awake. Dragging himself along, he bumped into a few of the pods as he walked to the source of the noise. "Akane?... What the hell are you shouting for?"

Akane: "He told me I could take a break, so I did! My eyes were only closed for a few minutes and he disappeared!"

Fuyuhiko: "He's probably just outside..." He groaned, struggling to keep his eye open. Sluggishly, he shuffled over to the room's double door and lightly gripped one of the handles. There was immediate resistance when he tugged at the handle as the sound of rattling metal came from the other side. "Goddammit, piece of... there's something blocking the door." He started pulling at the door with more force, Akane joining him by grabbing the other handle. Neither door still wouldn't budge, only thrashing in place as they struggled.

Kazuichi: "What's with all the noise!?" An annoyed shout came from Kazuichi, who was now approaching the gymnast and yakuza duo across the room. He and Sonia were awakened by the racket being made by the shaking door, to which they both approached slowly. "What are you doing?"

Fuyuhiko: "Hajime is gone and we're locked in..." Fuyuhiko mumbled, wiping a line of drool off his face.

Akane: "I need you guys to wake up!" Akane began clapping her hands over and over in everyone's faces.

===========Meanwhile===========

Nagito: "What were you doing, wandering around by yourself? Don't you know how dangerous that could be?"

Hajime: "...I was looking for you."

Nagito: "Really? Then my luck must be as reliable as ever! I have been waiting for a chance like this, but you are all being keen in making sure something like this didn't happen. I'm sorry about your head, I hope I didn't leave a mark or bruise. Then again, I'm not really that sorry."

Hajime: "We need to talk."

Nagito: "Don't think you can demand anything from me, you're the one tied up after all. Ahahahaha... maybe this will be easier than I thought. And I figured that you would give me the most trouble."

Hajime: "I don't want any trouble."

Nagito: "Oh? Then tell me what it is that you want."

Hajime: "I just want to prove to you that we can live here together... free from despair."