The next morning was Wednesday, November 9th. I got up, stretched, and took a shower. I took a bit longer than I usually did, trying to calm my nerves.
Why did I feel like everyone was going to start fighting again? Was it my frazzled nerves after watching so many of my classmates die? Was it because Kenchikka, Kaito, and Theo were coming up with separate ideas to escape? Or was it my social anxiety going berserk again?
After what felt like an eternity in the shower, I stepped out at last, drying off and getting dressed. I wasn't sure if I was ready to face the day, but I knew I couldn't stay cooped up in my dorm forever.
I headed to the Dining Hall, following Chiaki as we walked together. She was playing something on her Nantendo GameGirl DR, but I wasn't sure what game. I decided not to bother her, though.
Inside the Dining Hall, Theo had made a traditional Japanese dinner, consisting of steamed rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki (kind of like a rolled omelet), and some miso soup.
"I reasoned that today shall be a good day to have a little taste of home," Theo remarked. "Rather than the pancakes, French toast, bacon, and other stuff we normally eat, I wanted to do something special today."
Everyone voiced their appreciation for Theo's thoughtfulness, and we had our breakfast together. I sat beside Kenchikka and across from Chihiro, near the end of the table.
While nobody really said much during breakfast, Kaito reminded us that Monorakun had agreed to open the Staff Meeting Room for us.
"A truly fortunate turn of events," Theo had responded.
"Not sure. Locked doors, usually locked for reason. Smell trap," Kenchikka remarked, responding to Theo.
After we finished discussing the door and eating our breakfast, I headed into the Art Room, wanting to turn my sketches into actual clothing. I didn't want to go up to the Fifth Floor just yet.
As I began working on my first sketch, a woman in a blouse and a knee-length skirt with pockets, Theo came in, looking concerned.
"Ah, Bera," he greeted me. "I was hoping you would be in here."
I scratched my jaw, confused. "Huh? Why?"
Theo sat down across from me, at one of the Art Room tables.
"Good sir, I realize you've been secluding yourself for a while now, worried about something, or perhaps someone?" Theo inquired.
I stiffened up a bit. Theo was right; ever since Monorakun outed me, I've been worried about doing things with the others. Worried that I would become an easy target for another.
I nod, but say nothing; my voice was just... gone.
Theo's eyes softened. "Bera, I know what it's like to live in fear. Wondering who you really are, and if anyone would accept you once they knew the truth. The difference is, you know exactly who you are. We all do."
I nod again, my mouth opening to say something, but... nothing. I just... couldn't.
Theo nodded, lowering his eyes. "See, that's what sets you and I apart. Even now, I still don't know who I am. I am certain that Theo Poster is not my real name, but what is it? Is the birth certificate in my room a fraud, as my life has been?"
I turn my eyes to Theo, seeing his downcast but otherwise steady demeanor.
"We know who you are. You're a uniting presence, a guy who tries to bring everyone together for a common goal, a singular purpose. It doesn't matter what name you use; we still know who you are, on the inside," I responded.
At this, a moment of self-reflection hit me like an ocean wave, salty with truth. Did it matter what name I used, whether I was Bera or Akage? Was I still... the same person, regardless?
I took a deep breath, processing Theo's words, as he continued to speak. "Anyway, you need not live in fear. I'm working on a plan to get each and every one of you out of here. I just need time to prepare everything. I won't let you, or any of the others die. You have my word."
With that, Theo patted the table, then stood up and walked out, his white suit catching the light well as he departed. Taking a deep breath, I decided to put the sketch away, returning to my dorm room for a moment to put my sketchbook away. I then head into the bathroom, giving myself a good look in the mirror.
My hair, still shaved short on one side, was still swept towards my left side. The shaved part was a little longer than it was when I left, but that was to be expected. My baby blue eyes shone back at me. My blue T-shirt and dark blue jacket looked good on me.
As I continued to look at myself in the mirror, I noticed how my chin and jawline still resembled... my old face. I figured I would always have a feminine lower half of my face, but I hoped someday I could at least grow a mustache, if not a goatee. I didn't want a beard, though; I didn't want to look like a red-headed hobo.
I take a deep breath, then turn off the light in the bathroom and walk out of it, walking back towards my desk. I turn on my E-Handbook, seeing my name and Ultimate talent. I then notice the Group Chat has been active, so I open it up.
And immediately regret.
*Kaito Momota: Everyone! Up to the Fifth Floor! NOW!!
*Kenchikka Kowareta: Why? Archery contest?
*Theo Poster: Unlikely, Kenchikka. Kaito's never shown much interest in archery.
*Kaito Momota: No! The Staff Meeting Room door is open, and Chihiro is bawling uncontrollably! This room is seriously messed up!
Chihiro?
I flew out of my room, running up the stairs faster than I would run from the mean girls who ridiculed me when I was... not me yet. I took the stairs two at a time, my lungs burning as I ran up flight after flight of stairs.
Arriving at the Fifth Floor, I made a beeline for the Staff Meeting Room, arriving there with Kaito, who was kneeling beside Chihiro, a very concerned look upon his face.
Chihiro was sitting on the ground, curled up into a ball, bawling uncontrollably. His small frame shook with his sobs, and he was hugging his own knees.
My eyes went to the open door, leading to the Staff Meeting Room, and what I saw...
Was...
My body went cold, and my stomach lurched. I couldn't help myself, and before I knew it, I vomited in the hallway.
What kind of... sick joke... was this?