"Gonta! Rinny has agreed to help us!" Kokichi chirped happily as we entered Gonta's research lab.
"Oh, Rin! Gonta glad you help with Insect Meet and Greet! Gonta already know Rin like bug friends, so Gonta happy you agree to help." Gonta said happily.
"Y-Yeah. Happy to help. That's me. Friend of all bugs..." I replied hesitantly. I might not have a problem with lying with good intentions, but it just feels wrong to lie to Gonta. That's when I turned to the other person in the lab, the one I didn't think would be there. "So, why are you here, Ryoma?"
"Hmm, same as you, I assume," Ryoma said as he pulled his hat down his head. "I've made an arrangement with Kokichi, so I'll help out with this little 'meet and greet'."
My eyes widened when I heard that and I turned to Kokichi with surprise. There's only one reason Ryoma would make a deal with Kokichi.
"Kokichi...do you have..." I began as my eyes moved to Ryoma before going back to Kokichi.
"Nee-heehee... Maybe, or maybe not." Kokichi responded. "Now, Gonta, I'm sure you want to get started right away. Make sure to catch as many people as you can!"
"Yes!" Gonta nodded before his entire presence changed. A new fierce aura surrounded him as his eyes flared an angry, stern red. "Gonta do his best to get friends to love Gonta's bug friends!" With that, Gonta took off like a man on a mission.
"He looks terrifying..." I muttered.
"Well, now that Gonta's out doing his thing, let's discuss what you two will be doing!" Kokichi said cheerfully. "You both will be doing the same thing as Gonta and bringing people here, though you won't be doing it as forcefully as Gonta. I'm confident that Gonta can get tons of people on his own, but since it's Gonta, I have to expect he'll screw up in some way and won't be able to get everyone, so I want you two to pick up the slack. I'm not expecting too much. Just help Gonta or bring someone here yourself at least."
"And what about you?" Ryoma asked.
"I'll be preparing things here. We'll need some things before the Insect Meet and Greet officially starts, so I'll be getting those before setting them up." Kokichi told us with a smirk. "Besides, I doubt anyone would follow me here."
"True... You're not exactly popular here." Ryoma sighed. "Right. We'll get it done."
"I knew I could count on you guys!" Kokichi smiled widely. "Welp, I gotta get to work. I wish you both the best of luck." Kokichi said as he left the room, leaving me and the former tennis pro alone in the lab.
"...So Kokichi has your video, and you agreed to work with him just to get your hands on it?" I asked him.
"That's pretty much it, though I'm not the biggest fan of working with Kokichi." Ryoma sighed. "I didn't intend for this."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I tried to swap with Kokichi. He had my video, and ironically, I had his." Ryoma told me, making me gasp in shock.
"What are the chances of that...?" I muttered.
"Who knows? Perhaps it's just dumb luck." Ryoma replied while pulling down his hat. "Either way, I tried using that to my advantage to get Kokichi to give me my video in exchange for his, but he rejected the offer, saying that he would instead let me watch the video if I helped him. I didn't really have any other choice but to agree, since Kokichi kept refusing any other offer." Ryoma then turned to me with a curious look of his own. "What about you? I would have thought you were the last person to help someone openly says he wants a murder to happen."
"It's not like that. That's not what Kokichi is trying to do, at least that's what I believe."
"And what makes you so sure about that?"
"Call it intuition or instinct or whatever. I just have this feeling, and so far, it hasn't let me down in this place." I told him. "I know Kokichi is a liar, and I know he's been a bit antagonistic towards us, but from the little I know of him, I think I can at least believe he's not a completely horrible person. I think he's trying to help, just in his very roundabout way."
"You really think that?"
"Well, if I'm honest, I have no real proof I'm right to believe that. With how he is, I have to take everything Kokichi says with a grain of salt, and it is extremely hard to tell whether he's being sincere or not sometimes. Yet I just have this gut feeling I should trust him. Well, trust him enough to agree to help him at least. Maybe it's naive or stupid, but I want to believe he has good intentions."
"Even if he does, this is a very roundabout way to go about it."
"Well, it is Kokichi. Would you really expect him to openly say he wants to help us, especially when he's already given us this kind of impression of him since we met him?"
"Hmm... Makes sense, I guess. But still, he's got a ways to go." Ryoma sighed again. "We should head out and get started before that kid comes back and starts complaining."
"Wait Ryoma." I said before he left. "I just want to know, but do you truly think your motive will give you a reason to escape with us? Will it really give you a purpose to live for?"
Ryoma averted his gaze after I asked my question.
"It isn't a matter of 'if'. It has to give me one."
"Don't be stupid." I shot back. "I completely understand your reasoning for wanting your video, and I can relate, but please just think about it. The purposes of these videos are to get us to kill. Do you really think a video with such a purpose would allow you to obtain a new purpose? Would it actually give you hope for a future?"
Ryoma stiffened from my words, but I continued anyway.
"I don't think your reason is wrong, and I don't disagree with watching your video, but you must realize the consequences of obtaining your video if that's your reason for wanting it. What if your video shows something that only brings you to an even worse level than what you're already feeling? I understand you're desperate to obtain a new reason for living, but don't rely on something Monokuma made to give you that. Why can't your new friends be that reason? All of us care for you, so why not–"
"That's enough." Ryoma cut me off. "I understand what you're saying, but I'm not having it. If I don't get a new purpose for living... If I can't find any new hope for the future... Then I think I'd rather just die. Right now, I've got nothing. All that's left for me out there is a prison cell, so I need to find it. Some kind of purpose. Any kind of purpose. So I have to know what's on my video. Now if you don't mind, I'll be getting started."
Without waiting any longer, Ryoma left the entomologist's lab. I felt a deep, dark pit in my stomach.
'I'd rather just die'. That's what he said.
C-Could...Could Ryoma have been the original victim because he saw his video? But, if that's the case, then that would mean...Ryoma has nothing on his video. There's nothing on his video that could give him the purpose for living he's looking for. But no, that can't be right. That's not possible. There's no way that there is no one who is important to Ryoma left in the world. But if I'm right about that, then that's horrible. How could Monokuma play with someone's emotions like that, especially someone who's gone through what Ryoma has?
I felt my fist tightening as I started leaving the lab as well. I need to do everything I can to prevent a murder, and that includes keeping Ryoma alive. I'll get this done, and once we watch everyone's videos, I'll do what I can to help him. That's all I can do. That's all I've ever been able to do.
I left the Entomologist's Lab and took out my Monopad. It's around 7:30 p.m. I guess we spent more time gambling than I thought. I put away the device and headed down the second floor to the ground level. As soon as I exited the main building, I saw just what exactly I was helping with my own eyes.
"G-Gonta! What do you think you're doing!?" Kaito yelled as the giant mountain man loomed over him.
"Let go of me you despicable brute! Unhand me!" Tenko shrieked from within Gonta's grasp. He was holding her by the collar of her shirt with just two fingers, and it seemed Tenko's angry shouts were falling on deaf ears.
"Sorry. But Gonta have to do this. Is for your own good." Gonta said with a serious expression as he rushed at Kaito, who only screamed in terror and ran for his life as Gonta followed in pursuit.
I felt a nervous drop of sweat fall from my forehead as I watched the scene from afar. Suddenly, I'm glad I'm on this side of the plan and not the other.
That's when I heard something nearby. I turned my head and saw someone duct behind a tree before I could get a good look at them. Considering I saw messy strawberry-blonde hair, I can only imagine who can be hiding there. I took a few steps towards them and looked behind the tree to see–
"Eeek!"
Just as I expected, standing there was Miu, but there was one thing about her that almost fried my brain from the sheer absurdity of it.
"...For God's sake, Miu, why are you only wearing your underwear?" I asked in an annoyed tone while averting my gaze at the half-naked girl.
I felt heat gather on my cheeks as I did my best to not lose my cool and become a flustered mess. The last thing I want is a cliche scene like what happens in typical visual novels and manga.
"H-Hey! Don't take that tone with me! I'm Miu fuckin' Iruma, and I–"
"Answer the question woman! I don't have all day, and I don't want to be seen with you when you're like this!" I yelled pointedly.
After shrieking in fear once again, Miu shivered in nervousness, continuously fidgeting and moving her hands to cover herself as best she could as she explained.
"W-Well, I was just walking around when I saw Gonta attack Tencrotch and Space Idiot over there. It was fuckin' horrifying! I didn't know Gonta could be like that! He mentioned something about needing to gather everyone for something before he attack those two virgins, so I, being the genius that I am, came up with an idea to prevent Gonta from even touching me!"
"And this was your brilliant idea?" I asked with a skeptical tone and the urge to knock myself out just to end the conversation before it got worse.
"W-Well, y'know...I'm pretty stacked, so..." Miu began as she pushed her chest up to emphasize it more. "I figured I'd take my clothes off so Gonta would be too flustered to touch me!"
"..."
I wanted to smack her. Hard. But I got to give her at least a minuscule amount of credit, as her plan would probably work against Gonta since Gonta is way too pure, innocent, and gentlemanly to touch a woman when she's in such a...compromising state. Still, words couldn't describe how I felt about Miu's plan. I think my brain might have just melted a bit from that. It's so...It's so...stupid! I just sighed in exasperation as I did the only thing I felt was right.
"Here." I simply said as I took off my jacket and tossed it over to her.
"Huh?"
"It's not exactly a good thing to be walking around in just that, so cover yourself up with this so you can go to your room and put on some real clothes. If you're still insistent on this 'plan' of yours, then just...flash Gonta quickly instead of wandering around half-naked. Please, for decency's sake."
Miu just stared at my jacket with a confused look before she slowly put it on and covered herself with it. It's not perfect, but at least it covers the essentials when zipped up.
"Geez, I'm burning up in this thing! How thick is this thing? How do you go around wearing this, and you're wearing a long-sleeved shirt under this!? Are you always hot and bothered?" Miu asked in a mutter.
"You're one to talk. You're lucky that I'm even bothering to help you out." I shot back in annoyance.
"...Why are you even helping me like this? We're not buddies." Miu asked, her expression surprisingly serious.
I gave her a confused look with a raised eyebrow before placing my hand on my head.
"Why wouldn't I help you? You're helping me out with stuff, so why not? And sure, maybe you're right. I don't think we're close. Unlike the others, I can barely stand you and your vulgar remarks sometimes. But still, I'd like to be friends with you like the others. I do consider you as a friend. I still want to escape with everyone, and that includes you." I then shook my head as I shrugged. "I still think you could stand to be less rude and more bearable though. Seriously, you're such a headache sometimes."
"Shut up! I can do and say what I want! I'm the gorgeous genius girl whose inventions will change the world! I'm allowed to act how I want to!" Miu shouted back. However, I'm once again surprised when she puts her serious gaze back on. "...You all are weird. First Kae-idiot, then Poo-ichi, and now Dick-kuri."
"There's no need for name-calling." I groaned. Miu just scoffed before her irritated gaze turned into a cocky one.
"Well, I guess it's just because I'm so fuckin' amazing! Gwahaha!"
"What on earth are you talking about?" I asked while crossing my arms.
"Whatever. Nothing an idiot like you needs to know." Miu cackled.
"Again, name-calling isn't necessary." I sighed. Miu then put her gaze back on me and looked me up and down.
"Wow, Rin, you have a decent body. I'm surprised! I thought you were just some fat nerd, but you were hiding a slim build like that? This jacket is pretty thick, so it probably hides that bod of yours. Now I can kinda see how you got some. I can see some sluts wanting to tap that shit."
I felt my face blush immediately from her comment.
"Th-That has nothing to do with what we were just talking about!" I shouted, feeling just as exposed as Miu was just from the lack of my jacket. "A-And I'm hardly what you would call 'fit'. It's not like I have a six-pack or anything. I'm just slimmer than what my jacket suggests. I'm not sure why you're saying that."
"Gwahaha! You're as red as a tomato!" Miu cackled once again. "I can't believe that you get so flustered when you were doing well in staying composed while looking at my smokin' hot bod! You're acting like a total virgin! I thought you had more experience than that!"
Getting fed up with her at this point, I started to yell back at her.
"Shut up! At least I'm not walking around in just my underwear in broad daylight! What are you, an exhibitionist?"
"Eeeeek!" That shut her up quickly, putting her back to her stuttering self. "I-I-I'm sorry. It was a joke..."
I sighed as I ran my hand down my face.
"It's fine. Sorry I yelled and said that. I was just flustered and got angry. Just...promise me you'll put on some clothes after you get away from Gonta."
"Y-Yeah, o-of course." Miu nodded spastically.
"Okay. Then I'll be going now. I've got to get a new jacket before I get started with what I need to do." I then turned to walk away, but Miu stopped me.
"W-Wait! A-About the item you requested two days ago, I should be done with it sometime today, so you should be able to come by tomorrow to pick it up."
"Really? Then I'll come by tomorrow afternoon after the magic show then. If things go well, I might have you make some more inventions. Seriously, I really appreciate this. I know sometimes we aren't very cordial with each other all too well, but I can't thank you enough for helping me."
"R-Really?" Miu asked before puffing out her chest proudly. "W-Well duh! There isn't anyone in the world who wouldn't want me on their side! Hahaha!"
I gave a dry laugh at her enthusiasm. She must really like being praised.
"Well, I'll be heading off. Don't do anything too stupid."
I heard Miu yell some choice words at me for saying that, but I just ignored them and kept walking.
After getting a new jacket from my dorm room, I began to wander around the academy in search of someone who hasn't been caught by Gonta yet. It was starting to get dark, so I knew I had to hurry. As I began scouting each floor, I witnessed something that was equally terrifying to watching Gonta rushing at Kaito while holding Tenko.
Funnily enough, it had to do with Gonta again.
The big guy had new people with him this time. Specifically Kaede and Shuichi. What was horrifying was how Shuichi was completely knocked out. Kaede, who was being held by Gonta in the same way Tenko was, was crying out to the blacked-out Shuichi as Gonta picked up the limp boy in panic and took off.
I...hope Shuichi isn't dead...
I was just about to move to another area when–
"Sidekick! In here!"
"Aah!"
Some grabbed the back of my jacket and pulled me into the girl's restroom, which I happened to be standing next to. Once I was dragged in, I turned and saw it was Kaito, who looked like he just saw a ghost.
"Oh thank god you haven't been caught, Rin!" Kaito gave a huge sigh of relief.
"Kaito? Why...are you in the girl's bathroom? And why did you pull me in here? If Tenko finds out about this she'll kill us both." I told him.
"Forget about her! Don't you know what's going on!?" He asked me.
Well, yes, but I can't tell him that.
"Not really? What's got you so panicked? You're the person I thought would be the brave one here."
"It's Gonta! He's gone mad or something!" Kaito cried out. "I was just walking down the courtyard and I saw him run towards Tenko and he picked her up by the collar! Then he turned to me and tried to do the same! I ran as fast as I could, sneaking into Shuichi's room for a bit before I had to bail. Now I've been hiding in classrooms, but I've found the girl's bathroom is the perfect place to hide out!"
"Well yeah, Gonta is a gentleman, so he wouldn't enter the girl's restroom for any reason. Unlike you, it seems." I said with a disappointed look.
"What're you giving me that look for?! You did the same thing multiple times a few days ago!"
"...Touche." I sighed. "I did see Gonta just now. He got Kaede and Shuichi. I'm guessing you saw me and pulled me in here so I wouldn't get captured?"
"Of course! Gonta got 2 of my sidekicks, so I'm not going to let him get a 3rd!"
"A 3rd?" I repeated before I understood what he meant. "Wait, Kaede and Shuichi are your 'sidekicks' now? When did that happen?"
"O-Oh. Right, I haven't told you yet." Kaito said while scratching his head. "It happened last night. I took those two and Maki out to go train and that's how they officially became my newest sidekicks. I wanted to bring you too, but you got knocked out by Tenko and I didn't know if you had woken up, so I decided to just let you rest."
"Oh, so that's what I saw when I woke up. You guys were training." I then turned to Kaito with a curious look. "Mind if I ask why you wanted those three to be your sidekicks as well?"
"Sure I don't mind." Kaito nodded as he rubbed his chin as he thought. "Well, first there's Shuichi. At first, Shuichi was shy and couldn't speak up to anyone. He was pretty quiet, but now that he's taken off his hat, his 'shield', he's been trying to get better. But I can tell he's still having trouble handling things, especially after the motive was given out. He still seems afraid of the truth. I knew I had to help him. After all, I'm Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars! I want to help anyone I can."
"Yeah. Shuichi did seem worried when I talked to him yesterday." I nodded. "Though if I'm honest, I really admire him. When I was afraid of how you all would react to the truth of the trap in the library, Shuichi was the one who revealed everything, and then he went on to corner Tsumugi when I couldn't. He's already so amazing."
"Then I think you should talk to him again after this stuff is over. He told me something very similar about you during training."
"Wait, really? What did he say?"
"Ask him yourself once you get the chance. It'll help you become closer friends, I'm sure." Kaito told me. "Now, about Kaede... She needed more help than Shuichi did, actually. When we first got here, she was cheerful, confident, and charismatic, but now she's more quiet and less confident in herself. It's like she's scared of herself. Of course, I understand why she feels like that, and it looks like she has been trying to move on from her mistake, but she's still struggling. That's why I decided to help her out. That way, she doesn't have to worry about the burden of any mistakes she makes, just like you, Shuichi, and Maki! That's what it means to be my sidekick!"
I found myself smiling at Kaito's declaration. Even if we screw up, Kaito seems determined to make sure that doesn't stop us or break our motivation. He's ready to keep pushing us as high as we can go since he sincerely believes we can make it.
"Okay, then what about Maki? She's the strangest one of the bunch here." I asked.
"She was the first person I had in mind for this!" Kaito responded. "That stupid video...Ultimate Assassin my ass. As if a girl like her could be like that. The video itself even proves it. She only does what she does to protect that orphanage, so she can't be a bad person. Yet it seems she has an enemy that even she can't kill, just like you guys."
"And that would be?"
"She hates herself," Kaito said with a serious expression. "She doesn't have to say anything, it's obvious. I can tell by how she acts. She's always reserved, not getting close to anyone here and keeping her distance like she's an outcast. I didn't really understand before, but now that I know her talent it makes sense. She hates herself because of that talent of hers. She thinks because that's her talent that's all she can be. That she doesn't deserve friends. That kind of stupid thought is exactly what I want to help her destroy. So what if she's an assassin? She's still Maki, our friend! She wouldn't kill anyone here! Even if no one trusts her or believes in her, I will!" Kaito then said with a huge smile of confidence, one that I couldn't help but return.
"Wow, Kaito. I always forget you're really good at understanding people."
"Of course! I'm an astronaut in training, so I have to be good at understanding people. If I'm up there in space and I can't understand when my team is having problems or if something is bothering them, things will go south quickly! Space is a beautiful place that shows just how vast the universe is, but it's also dangerous. That's why I need to make an honest effort in learning how to help people in every way I can, so I can help the people I'll get sent up to space with."
"You told me about that before. Your astronaut training is actually really difficult. Not only do you need to be physically fit, you need to have tons of knowledge just to even have a chance. You're really something else. You might have one of the most impressive talents out there!"
"Of course! I'm not just the Ultimate Astronaut! I'm Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars!"
"Haha, yeah. There's nothing you can't do." Then I got to thinking about what Kaito said and I couldn't help but ask. "So, from how you spoke, it sounds like the four of us here aren't your only sidekicks. Is that right?"
"Haha, I should have known it would come to this." Kaito chuckled. "To tell the truth...I've had a number of sidekicks in the past. I'm only an astronaut trainee, but in other fields, my name is legend!"
"Really?"
"Yep. I've got quite the record. I could even be called the Ultimate Hero!"
"Ultimate Hero? You're really reaching for the stars with that one." I laughed. "So what became of these other 'sidekicks' that came before us?"
"Well, one of them became a star baseball player in the Major Leagues."
"Wait, really!?"
"There was also an engineer who won a Nobel Prize. He also used to be my sidekick. I even showed our current prime minister the ropes of politics. Oh yeah! And there's this new pop sensation, right? I taught her to sing and dance!"
"I-I...I'm sorry, but I just can't believe that. Some of these people sound like they're much older than you, so it makes it hard to believe they would accept being your sidekick."
"Well you're right about one thing, it took time before they listened to a kid like me, but when they did I only nudged them in the right direction. The rest was all them." Kaito then gave me a determined look as he clutched his hand into a fist. "Don't doubt yourself! You just gotta follow the path you believe in! If you're lost, I'll believe in you! If you get scared, I'll help you! That's what it means to be one of my sidekicks!" Kaito then gave a small smile. "Yeah... With just a nudge, a person can change. They can break outta their shell. And it's a real man that gives them the encouragement they need!"
"...You say that as if just anyone could give such encouragement. In my opinion, I can only ever believe such heartfelt and earnest encouragement from you. You're just so honest and sincere about it."
"Either way, just remember this: if you wanna talk about something, don't hesitate! We'll talk it out! Your worry is my worry! My worry is your worry! And there's nothing wrong with that!"
"Yeah. Of course, Kaito. I wouldn't have it any other way."
That's when I realized that we had just been talking in the girl's bathroom this entire time. Wow, Kaito easily made me forget what I was doing before this. He's such a good guy. He's so reliable, and he'll help you with anything if you ask him. He's the definition of pure optimism, one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Which is why this might be one of the most painful things I've done since I've woken up here (from what little I can recall).
"A-Actually, Kaito, I do have something I would like you to help me with."
"Really? Then go ahead and ask! Like I just said, your worry is my worry, so lay it on me." Kaito told me.
No... don't make me feel more guilty for what I'm going to do.
"W-Well..." I began nervously. "Th-There's actually something I need to do, and that's...umm..." I was having trouble coming up with a good reason to get Kaito to follow me to Gonta's lab. Come on, brain! Think! "Umm...I...need to stop Kokichi." I eventually said.
"Stop Kokichi?" Kaito repeated. "What's he up to this time? I know he can be a pest, but it can't be that bad, can it? He's a mischievous kid, but he's not a bad guy. I don't buy that 'killing game' nonsense he spouts."
"Well, he's...sorta...going to steal everyone's motive videos," I told him.
"What!?" Kaito exclaimed. "We gotta stop him! That's way too dangerous!"
"Y-Yeah...totally agree with you." I lied through my teeth.
Guilt...
"Hmm...this will be difficult with Gonta prowling around for whatever reason. We can't get caught by him. Do you know where Kokichi is?"
"Y-Yeah. He's in Gonta's lab."
"Really? Then Gonta must have gotten him too." Kaito said before he put his hands on his chin. "Wait...what if he's the reason Gonta's gathering people..."
"I-I don't know about that. I saw Gonta carrying Kokichi into his lab like he did with Shuichi and the others, so I don't think it's that. I do think Kokichi already took some Kubs Pads, though." I lied a few more times. Please work, please work...!
"Then we gotta infiltrate Gonta's lab and get those Kubs Pads back!" Kaito shouted. "C'mon, sidekick! We've got this! We need to get there before Gonta returns so we don't get caught."
"R-Right..."
With that, Kaito and I left our 'hideout' and started heading up to the second floor. Well, I've got Kaito heading to Gonta's lab, now I just need to keep him there until Gonta finishes up getting more people. Once we were outside Gonta's lab, Kaito pressed his fists together fiercely.
"Let's do this, Rin! Just get in and get out. Shouldn't be a problem!" With that, Kaito burst into the lab. "Kokichi! Where are you!?"
"Oh?" Kokichi made a noise of surprise at Kaito's sudden entrance before he gave a wide smile. "OOOOH! Kaito! What a lovely surprise!"
"Kaito?" Shuichi asked.
He seems fine, which is a relief. I took a look as to who's already been captured and see 5 people other than Kokichi and Kaito. It seems our 'captives' right now are Tenko, Shuichi, Kaede, Kiyo, and Keebo.
"K-Kaito, what are you doing here?" Kaede asked nervously.
"Rin told me about what you were planning Kokichi! I know you have some stolen Kubs Pads on you, so hand them over!" Kaito demanded.
Kokichi put a finger on his cheek while making an 'O' with his mouth in awe.
"Ah, so that's why you're here is it?" Kokichi's innocent expression then changed to one of malicious victory as he grinned widely. "Looks like Rin did his job exceptionally."
"Huh?"
Clink.
Kaito turned to me and saw me closing the door behind turning to him and leaning on the door, blocking it from use.
"R-Rin...?"
"...Apologies." That was all I was able to say in response.
Kaito's expression paled immensely at that, but Kokichi just started laughing.
"Hahaha! Wow! Kaito's beloved sidekick tricked him into the Insect Meet and Greet! I wasn't expecting this! Good job Rin!"
"You really shouldn't be thanking me for doing what I said I would," I replied. "I see Ryoma is here too, so who did he bring?"
"He brought Kiyo! You both did really well!" Kokichi said happily.
"It was simple enough. I did something similar to what you did, Rin." Ryoma then said, keeping his gaze off of the others.
"Rin! Ryoma! What's the meaning of this!?" Kaito yelled.
"Sorry, but this is the only way," I muttered.
"What?"
"This was all a part of Kokichi's plan." Shuichi then said.
"Yes. We've all fallen for his trap, it would seem." Kiyo cackled to himself.
"That's right! He tricked Gonta into bringing people here for some kind of Insect Meet and Greet so he could steal our motive videos!" Tenko added.
"He said it's for some kind of motive video screening party." Kaede grimaced.
"It would seem both Ryoma and Rin are working with Kokichi on this plan." Keebo sighed in disappointment.
"Then...I really was tricked." Kaito said dejectedly. "Damn it..."
"Kaito...I'm sorry, really." I told him again.
"But why? Didn't we agree to ignore these videos? So how come you're helping Kokichi steal them all?"
"I–"
Before I could say more, the lab's door opened up, revealing Gonta carrying Angie and Himiko in his arms.
"Thank you for waiting! Gonta bring Himiko and Angie!" Gonta proudly said as he put the three of them down.
"Those two as well?" Kaede muttered nervously.
"Awww, man... And I was about to take a break, too. I just finished all the prep work..." Angie moaned.
"Nyeeeh... What's the meaning of this?" Himiko shuttered in fear.
"Himiko, are you okay? My saliva makes injuries heal faster." Tenko said as she rushed to the shaking magician's side. "Does your face hurt? Do you want me to spit on your face and make it feel better?"
"No..." Himiko swiftly responded as she backed away from Tenko.
"Tenko, that's disgusting," I commented.
"Hey, Gonta... Are these the only ones you brought back from the gym?" Kokichi asked.
"Yes. Only Himiko and Angie left in gym when Gonta arrived." Gonta nodded.
"Hmm, does that mean the others are still hiding somewhere?" Kokichi questioned with a curious look.
"Oh, Gonta see Miu, but...Gonta's face get red-hot. So...Gonta no could bring her..." Gonta said with a sad face. I guess Miu did end up flashing him a bit.
"Your face got hot? You mean you were hot on her trail, right?" Kokichi asked, now confused by what Gonta said.
"No, um, she take off jacket and use her...what she call it? 'Secret woman weapon'? And then–" Gonta then shook his head before changing topics. That sight must have really thrown him for a loop. "Anyway, this enough people, right? 'Insect Meet and Greet' is off to smashing start!"
"Yeah, sure. This is good enough. We should move on to the main event anyway." Kokichi nodded.
"Gonta, don't listen to him!" Kaede tried to plead with the mountain man.
"Yeah! He's using you to steal our motive videos!" Kaito exclaimed.
"Huh?! Really!?" Gonta asked.
"Nooo, this is for the Insect Meet and Greet. I like bugs even more than you do, Gonta." Kokichi told Gonta while stars shined in his eyes.
I can't say it enough, but Kokichi is amazing at lying on the fly.
"...Oh? More than Gonta? Amazing... You like bugs that much...!?" Gonta asked in amazement.
"Of course! So do Rin and Ryoma! That's why they're helping us!" Kokichi said while looking towards us.
"Y-Yeah. I love bugs." Ryoma nodded.
"Yep. Same here. That's why I wanted to help you find bugs a couple of days ago, Gonta." I added very quickly.
"Oh right! Rin right! You three must love bugs!" Gonta cheered.
"It would appear...further argument is a useless endeavor." Kiyo sighed.
"Now, Gonta... Go ahead and teach them just how wonderful bugs are." Kokichi said as he and Ryoma moved towards me to leave the lab. "Ryoma, Rin, and I have to do something important, but we'll be back. Don't let them leave, okay? If they try to leave, it means you gotta really show them why bugs are so great."
"Mh-hm, got it!" Gonta nodded.
"W-Wait, you're leaving!?" Shuichi yelped.
"Of course. Someone's gotta break into your rooms to get the goods." Kokichi smirked. "And I'm going to need my loyal goons to help me carry all those goodies. It'll be like Halloween, each of us with our own bag of candy! Nee-heehee... Lock-picking is a cinch for an evil supreme leader like me, remember?"
"I don't remember becoming a goon..." Ryoma groaned.
"You degenerate male! You're really going to enter a girl's room without their permission?!" Tenko shouted.
"It seems I must be the one to take care of this. With my talent, Kokichi, I will stop–"
"Yeah, yeah. I don't have time to listen to some robot." Kokichi brushed Keebo off. "Let's see... It's exactly 9 p.m. right now. We should be back by nighttime." Kokichi then gave a friendly wave to everyone as he opened the door. "Welp! Have fun with the bugs till then!"
With that, Kokichi left the room, followed shortly by Ryoma.
"W-Wait! Sidekick!" Kaito cried out to me desperately. I gave him a look of guilt and pity before I left.
"Sorry, Kaito. I wish you all the best of luck." I told them before I left the lab and closed the door.
Almost immediately after, screams could be heard from inside the lab. God, I feel terrible. But this has to be done. Let's just make this worthwhile.