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[ Ouma doesn't quite understand why Saihara would choose to hang out with him of all people, but it's not like he's going to complain about it -- it's not boring, and he likes hanging out with Saihara, anyway. Not that he'd ever straight up admit as much.

Right now, Ouma's preoccupying himself with one of the casino games, seemingly pretty into it if his reaction speed is anything to go by. It doesn't take him long to wrap up whatever round he's on, and he dusts his hands off as soon as he's finished, looking fairly pleased. ]

Wow! Another win? Yep, this proves it -- my luck must be super good today!

[ He's going to turn to look over at Saihara and whatever game he'd chosen, absently thinking that part of that good fortune includes getting so much frivolous time uninterrupted here, especially given the present circumstances. ]

What about you, Saihara-chan? How many coins do you have--?

[ He's going to try peeking over closer to see how Saihara's faring. Is he sucking or nah?? ]

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[Spending time with Ouma is...interesting. Maybe not always pleasant in the way that hanging out with friends is supposed to be -- hell, more often than not he spends the whole time feeling a little uneasy -- but he can't deny that there's something that does draw him to the experience. Some sort of masochism, maybe.

At the other boy's bit of bragging, Shuichi glances over with a slight frown before looking to his own meager pile of winnings. He wouldn't consider himself a very lucky person. Lucky people don't end up locked in a school as participants in murder games.]

It's...more than I started with.

[By a small amount, but that's basically still a win, right? He stares at his coins as the last round on his game is finishing up. It's not like he can control anything in a game of luck, so there's no reason to be embarassed or--

The slots click into place with a row of sevens and wild spaces, and that train of thought abruptly crashes as the screen lights up and makes congratulatory noises at him, a cascade of coins beginning to dispense.]

Ah...

[He stares at the mahine, dumbfounded. Cool. Good to know all his luck went to something like this rather than anything actually significant. Thanks, universe.]

[ What a lukewarm turnout. That's pretty lame, Saihara!! Ouma's about to point out as much, too...that is, until the machine begins going off with the sound of a jackpot.

Ouma blinks for a second, not having expected this -- but it doesn't take very long at all for his eyes to light up excitedly. ]

Huh? Seriously?! Amazing, Saihara-chan!

[ He sidles up closer at this point to witness all the coins that are spilling out. Even if it's not his own, it's too cool to be able to see a jackpot as it occurs. He glances at Saihara. ]

Hey, hey-- What are you going to do with your new fortune?

[ Hopefully not something boring like save it... He grins, preemptively opening his mouth again (not that he ever shuts it) before Saihara can answer: ]

If you want to show your deference to me as a supreme leader, I'm now accepting donations! All proceeds will go to only the most important causes.

[ Seems legit. Especially when it's prize coins being discussed. ]

[This would probably be more exciting if it were actual money. And, y'know, they were out in the real world where something like that actually matters. Shuichi's having a hard time getting too excited about it, but at least Ouma's got enough enthusiam for both of them.]

All they're good for is getting prizes here, right? What kind of "important causes" could you even need them for...?

[Dutifully, he works on scooping the coins into a plastic bucket. What kind of prizes do they even have here? He hasn't really looked yet.]

Edited (whoops) 2018-03-07 08:39 (UTC)

[ Ouma's just going to watch him collect his earnings, although he will bend down briefly to pick up one of the coins himself to examine. It's ultimately not that interesting though, so he'll toss it in Shuichi's bucket after a second. So helpful. ]

Those are actually reaaally confidential...so if I told you, I'd have to kill you!

[ He's probably eyeing the water gun, tbh.

He does wonder if Shuichi is aware of that item yet, though. ]

But you know, the coolest prizes are always the most expensive ones, right? Maybe you can find something that gives you an edge.

[Thank you Ouma, helpful as always.]

That's definitely a lie.

[He probably doesn't even need to say it. Calling out every one of Ouma's lies could keep him busy all day on its own, and he doubts Ouma expects him to fall for that one. But the response is almost automatic as he gathers up the last of the coins. God, they kind of have a whole routine with this.

And of course, Ouma has to take things to an unnerving place even during a friendly outing. Shuichi sighs, picking up his coin bucket.]

I don't think I need an "edge" in a game like this. Hopefully no one does.

[But he's still comforted to see no weapons or anything like that on display as he heads towards the prize counter. It's still all pretty weird stuff, though. He looks over it all uncertainly before glancing sideways at his companion.]

Did you want anything...?

[ It can't be helped, Shuichi is just too great to lie to! Ouma even looks a little more amused just by virtue of Shuichi bothering to call it out.

But at the prize counter, Ouma tilts his head in consideration at Shuichi's offer. ]

Huuuuh? Are you trying to find out about my tastes? Pretty sneaky, but I think it'd be more fun if you tried guessing what I like.

[ It's true that there are a few things that catch his eye -- but knowing Shuichi would have to put thought into it would make him happier, he thinks.

And aside from that, there's something else that could prove even more fun right now...as soon as he steers Shuichi's attention to it. ]

Anyway, don't you think that key is suspicious? And stupidly overpriced!

[Understanding Ouma is a challenge on its own. But it hasn't escaped Shuichi's notice in the trials so far that there does seem to be a method to the madness. That is to say, the random distractions and tangents and subject changes are often not random at all. If Ouma is drawing his attention to something, there's a reason for it.

Shuichi frowns, but dutifully turns his attention to the key in question to examine it.]

It's a key, so it probably unlocks something in the school. It wouldn't be so expensive if we couldn't use it for something. [A beat, and he shoots Ouma a brief look.] Do you have any idea what?

[He asks, but he knows he isn't likely to get a real answer. As strangely helpful as Ouma turns out to be on occasion, he absolutely never makes anything that easy. The other boys just seems to enjoy making him figure everything out for some reason, as far as he can tell.]

[ It's interesting that Shuichi would ask him that! Not that Ouma's ever taken issue with being suspicious as hell (and even encourages the image), so he naturally doesn't think twice about lying: ]

Nee-heehee... Nope, I have nooo idea!

[ Ouma throws his hands behind his head with a grin, looking more amused in spite of acting like this is unknown territory. ]

But it's a pretty tacky looking key, huh? I can't think of many places it might match with...

[That...feels like a lie, but he doesn't bother saying so. He has nothing to base it on besides instinct, and he really doubts Ouma would admit to this one.

He hesitates a moment -- god, he could be walking right into some kind of trap with this, there's always something with Ouma -- but then simply shrugs and makes the exchange for the key. It's not like he really needs or wants any of the other prizes anyway.]

Let's go look, then.

[They're spending some free time together anyway, right? It's as good a way to kill the time as any. And despite everything -- a whole lot of everything, in this case -- he doesn't think Ouma would pull any stunts to actually hurt him. Shuichi palms the strange key, trying for a smile that still probably come out a bit uneasy despite that quiet attempt to reassure himself.]

[ He wasn't going to let this go, so he perks up when Shuichi takes the bait easily enough -- making it partially Shuichi's idea is the best scenario. Ouma figures he's probably also suspicious, but as long as Shuichi's curiosity is surpassing that, it's fine. ]

O-kay! If it's investigating, I'd prefer to do it with you, anyway.

[ Obviously there's Shuichi's inherent detective skills and thirst for solving things to value, but Ouma naturally can't just leave it at that. ]

... 'Cause if anything bad happens, you're my number one meat shield for sure!

[ Being sensitive to the mood?

Ouma doesn't know her. ]

[Frankly, it'd be more worrying at this point if Ouma suddenly started acting like a decently sensitive person.]

Yeah, yeah...

[He won't even bother with that one. Fiddling with the key, Shuichi heads for the casino doors, trusting Ouma will remain stuck to him like a leech without any prompting. Now, what areas of the school haven't been accesible so far...? That seems like a good place to start thinking.

Slowly, he seems to ease up a little, and eventually a slight smile does cross his face.]

It'd be nice if all the investigations around here were just for things like this.

[Y'know. Not murder related things.]

[ Shuichi can be assured that Ouma won't be letting him walk more than a few feet out of his own vicinity -- aside from having no qualms about being in his space in general, he also wants to catch anything nonverbal from Shuichi while they're doing this. ]

You say that, even though you don't know what we're investigating...

[ When they get outside, Ouma blinks a few times at the receding daylight. Normally, this might make things more annoying to look for, but Ouma can't help thinking it's ideal -- that place will stand out even more, won't it?

He grins, stretching his arms out in front of him while he walks next to Shuichi. ]

Well, I like it better without anything violent, anyway. Just don't make it boring for me, 'kay?

We're just looking for a door that matches this key. That sounds pretty harmless to me.

[Famous last words.

He's initially trying to think of undiscovered labs and unexplored areas within the school. Were there any doors no one had been able to open yet...? Most of the new areas that had been unlocked so far didn't involve anything as pedestrian as a lock and key...

It probably would have been hard to miss the hotel no matter what, what with it being right there outside the casino and all, but the setting sun sure does highlight it in a particular eye-catching way.

Uh.

His original train of thought coming to a rough halt, Shuichi pauses on the path outside for a moment. He glances down at the key again, its tacky heart shape and the red stone in the middle, and his lips press together into a thin line.

(Akamatsu probably would have said not to look away from the truth. But Akamatsu didn't have to deal with this particular potential truth.)]

It's, uh... [Shuichi stares hard at the key for moment while he makes his mouth do the thing with words.] It was called the Key of Love. So...

[Would Monokuma actually pull something like that...? Yeah. He absolutely would.]

[ Ah, there it is. Ouma immediately looks more amused just by virtue of Shuichi figuring it out -- Shuichi's hesitant reaction only makes Ouma more interested in seeing how much he can mess with him over this. ]

... Sooo are you going to check it out or not, Mr. Detective?

[ What if Ouma just nonchalantly grabbed for Shuichi's arm, tugging on it slightly as he attempts to lead him toward the entrance.

Because that's happening. ]

You can't tell me you're not curious, right?

[ Ouma's curious too, albeit in an entirely different way -- curious about what kind of face Shuichi might make seeing that kind of ridiculous setup, for example. ]

[Ouma's reaction is interesting all on its own. He certainly didn't seem surprised by the suggestion, just entertained by the whole situation, and Shuichi has to wonder whether Ouma knew right from the start.

Not that Ouma really gives him much time to ponder that. Shuichi makes a soft noise of surprise as the other boy starts tugging him along, going a little red at the implications of the whole situation. He can't help but glance quickly around the courtyard -- god knows what any of the others would assume if they saw Ouma leading him to the love hotel of all places.]

I'm not...curious. ["Curious" makes it sound like he's wondering what might be inside, and he's very determinedly trying not to think about that.] Just...I could be wrong. And I can't be sure without looking.

[Yeah, that's definitely it. He's a detective, after all. He doesn't make decisions without proper evidence, and so he can't just toss the key out or something without confirming that it's definitely Monokuma nonsense first. What if he's wrong and it's important? They just...have to check. To make sure. That's all.

So that's why he follows along hesitantly, letting Ouma drag him to the tacky-looking building. It certainly matches the key in aesthetics, at least. Shuichi can feel his face getting redder against his will just pushing through the front doors.]

Edited 2018-03-11 11:24 (UTC)

[ Cat in the box, love hotel edition: Is it serious or nah? ]

Well, whatever. We can leave if it turns out to be lame.

[ As long as he's got Shuichi's attention here, he's not picky about whatever he says his reason is. Although he absently thinks it's pretty useful that Shuichi's such a thorough guy -- even if he doesn't possess those cliché detective nerves of steel to match. Not that Ouma's complaining, because he's kind of enjoying how flustered Shuichi is already getting over this.

Ouma stops leading Shuichi once they're inside whatever sketchy lobby area the place harbors -- but he casually isn't letting go of Shuichi's arm yet, even if his grip is significantly more relaxed. Enjoy your new charm, Shuichi. ]

Oh, yeah-- That key should only work for one room, right? I'm only guessing, but I bet it would stand out from the rest.

[ """Guessing""" ]

[Well. Guess this is his life now. Good thing detective work doesn't really require two hands.

Ouma's "guess" doesn't account for the possibility of a master key, which Shuichi duly notes, but that's easy enough to test so he doesn't argue the point straight out.]

But why one room would be particularly special in a place like this...?

[Since Ouma seems to have all the answers. He's not sure he really wants the answer to that one, though.

A quick look down the first floor hall reveals only a set of unremarkable matching doors. He takes a moment to try the key on one of the doors, but it's beyond pointless -- these doors all have key card readers like a modern hotel rather than an old-fashioned keyhole. He can't decides whether that's a good sign or a bad one.

There's a second floor, though, so he steels himself and leads the way up. With any luck, this hallway will look just the same and they can quickly write this place off and move on to investigate somewhere else, somewhere less generally stressful, like maybe that creepy hallway on the fourth floor or--

Fuck. There's totally a big fancy door at the end of the hall, no card reader to be seen even from a distance.]

Geez, Saihara-chan... Don't you know about exclusive suites, and things like that?

[ Ouma will just...continue running his mouth, even as they continue looking, waving his other hand a bit to emphasize his point. ]

Well, I guess you wouldn't have ever seen one with your own eyes. I've stayed in tons, though! Y'know, since I'm pretty influential.

[ Detectives just can't have the same perks!!

Ouma's a bit too comfortable with this entire place, clearly relishing this in contrast to Shuichi's apprehensiveness. When the door becomes visible, Ouma ends up letting go of Shuichi's arm just so he can make binoculars of his hands. ]

Ah, I think that's it! ... Probably.

[He...can't tell if Ouma is talking about fancier hotel rooms in general or specifically ones in places like this. It's almost definitely a lie either way, but he doesn't even want to comment on it for fear of drawing that topic out. Just thinking about it feels inappropriate. He is absolutely not gonna entertain the thought of Ouma visiting tons of love hotels, nope.

At least he's already kind of a flustered mess just being in here. It's probably harder to notice any additional flustering getting piled on top.

The door at the end of the hall is absurding intimidating for being what it is, bright red and outlined with a gaudy doorframe of heart shapes and gold paint. His arm feels cold suddenly, finally released from Ouma's grip, but that's fine because he really didn't need the added embarassment of someone hanging off his arm in a love hotel on top of everything else. Gripping the key tight, Shuichi just nods and marches forward down the hall to face it. Ouma will doubtlessly follow anyway.

There's indeed no card reader, but there sure is a keyhole, big and old-fashioned looking and set rather prominently in the door. The key slides into it all too easily, not even a hint of struggle in turning it to give him any hope that maybe it really doesn't match this door. Shuichi draws a breath, sets his jaw, and pushes the door open.

The room beyond is...something, to say the least. Far too red and ostentatiously decorated, heavily draped in sheer curtains. One side of the room seems like a bathing area, though the tub set against the wall is much bigger than necessary. Shuichi manages only a glance at the other side of the room before he's immediately averting his gaze, face furiously red.

Unfortunately, the only other thing to look at is the large bed functioning as the room's centerpiece, headboard framed by a giant heart and the whole thing set on a pedestal with a goddamn carousel horse circling it. Jesus.]

Uh...

Uwah--

[ Ouma moves up beside Shuichi and peeks around him to glance at the room, feigning some subdued surprise...although he mostly ends up looking at Shuichi's reaction moreso than the room itself. ]

You seem so cool right now, Saihara-chan.

[ He comments, sounding serious enough for all of .5 seconds.

And then he's snickering about it. ]

... But that's a lie! Your face is actually suuuper red. Did you think of something dirty already?

[He can feel Ouma's stare and it's worse than the room itself. Almost instinctively he reaches for the brim of a hat he hasn't been wearing for a while now, and when he only grabs air he settles for covering his face with his hand instead. He really misses that hat right about now.]

Who could walk into a room like this and not think of anything like that...?

[He'd ask Ouma to give him a break, but that would probably just encourage him. Shuichi sighs, hand sliding up to tug self-consciously at his hair which conveniently lets him hide his face behind his whole arm.]

Let's just look around quick and get out of here.

[As much as he wants to ollie outie right now, he can't ignore the possibility that there could be something important hidden in here. Like a flashback light. Steadying himself with a controlled breath, he forces himself to cross the room to check if there's space for anything under the bed.]

Seems like a you problem to me...

[ Ouma comments, acting fairly aloof as he waltzes into the room after Shuichi. He wonders what he should "investigate" for himself, if anything. For now, he'll throw his hands behind his head again in a relaxed way while he hovers a few feet from Shuichi, watching for what he's going to do.

-- He cracks a quick grin when he sees that Shuichi's aiming to examine at the foot of the bed. ]

Saihara-chan, you should be more careful! There could be a monster that eats virgins under there!

[It's so obviously a lie, but Shuichi doesn't have the mental fortitude right now to pick that apart on top of dealing with this room. He frowns, sighs, and gestures at the bed.]

Then you can look there.

[Hey, if Ouma's so "experienced"...]

Fine, I'll do it for you. But you're gonna owe me, okay?

[ Cue Ouma moving over toward the bed and placing his hands on the frame as he crouches down. He places one hand down against the floor after this to steady himself with as he ducks his head under and parallel with the floor to have a look.

...

After a few seconds, he'll push back up to his feet, turning to face Shuichi again before hopping up to sit on the edge of the (surprisingly comfortable) bed. Because he can. ]

Aw maaan, not a single monster in sight...

[ He lifts his arms out in dramatic exasperation over the fact before settling his hands down against the mattress and leaning back slightly on his arms, tilting his head as he regards Shuichi with more attention. ]

...So you're really a virgin, then?

[ Ouma's pretty choice at spotting a lie, but Shuichi didn't exactly confirm or deny!! ]

[He'd almost kinda be recovering from the embarassment of just being here, distracted by the focus of an investigation and Ouma's messing around. Shuichi just sighs while Ouma checks out the underside of the bed, debating whether he should check himself anyway just in case Ouma is lying, but the Ouma just sits on the bed and asks that and, well. Yep, the blushing is back in full-force. Boy, he sure didn't miss that for the maybe twenty seconds he'd been able to go without it.

Shuichi frowns, glancing away and tuggin again at his hair in place of his absent hat.]

We're high schoolers. It's not weird.

[He knows better than to try lying to Ouma. He always seems to know. Hell, even when Shuichi tried during the trials and Ouma didn't say anything about it, he still couldn't shake the feeling that the other boy knew.]

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