Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yukiteru's morning did not start with the sun, unfortunately. Today the window was very tightly closed with heavy curtains, out of harm's way.

The schoolboy lightly smoothes his tousled black hair as sleep frees his mind and allows him to experience reality. Yes, he's here again. In my room. He even seems alive, without any extra holes in his body. Fortunately for him, no one broke into the house while he was sleeping... Probably... Although the house is completely silent and the eyes reveal no signs of intrusion (into the room. He has not yet gone downstairs to check), who said that the killer was just hidden somewhere outside so that he could suddenly jump out of his hiding place and frighten his victim before ending his miserable, boring life with one blow? Or what if this crazy girl managed to sneak into his room and is hiding somewhere so that at the right moment she can knock him out and take him hostage? What if someone breaks into his house right now while he's sleeping here? This thought immediately pierces half-asleep head, causing hand to almost instantly reach for the diary.

The screen glows brightly, slightly blinding the eyes, because even the sun does not penetrate through the curtains, creating twilight in the room. Blue eyes look through diary entries... Nothing about hacking. Nothing about Yuno. Maybe he should calm down? Moreover, if someone really intended to break into his house, Kurusu-san would have known about it in advance and would have warned his ally. Of course he should stop worrying about such nonsense, he is completely safe. For now.

When his head is a little freed from thoughts of a paranoid nature, Yukiteru decides to go to the main menu and check his mail (what if his mother wrote something important about her return or sent some more money). He received several letters, not including two yesterday, and one today from Keigo. It seems Yukiteru forgot to report yesterday.

The first sighs and opens the message to read the contents.

“Good morning. Did you go to bed late? I asked you to call me in the evening when you’re home. Be kind, don’t forget that your safety also depends on yourself. Be more vigilant. And also. I’ll pick you up at 11 a.m. There’s a matter about the ninth. Be ready. Thank you."

Report... And not only to the policeman, but also to the stalker's diary... I wonder if this crazy woman will be able to beat the police too? She somehow kept three corpses in the house and no one has found out about it until now, even though the chief of police has a diary of the future... And without any hesitation, she attacked an international terrorist just for the sake of her boyfriend (if Yuki is allowed generally considered as such), with whom am familiar... Day?

While he was thinking about this, his fingers began to type a reply message.

"Hello, Kurusu-san. Sorry, my fault. This will not happen again. I will be ready for your arrival."

And how can he even beat the stalker, who also received a bonus for himself in the form of knowledge about every step of the object of his affection? No, Yukiteru is not so smart and not so risky to get into trouble himself. It’s easier to immediately break your diary so as not to suffer... Why did Deus decide to make just such a diary for Yuno? There are more interesting personalities who were involved in stalkerism! Let him mock them. Or reads manga. In any case, the point is the same - leave him alone!

Several brainstorming sessions later, the decision is made to go downstairs and eat in order to take a little break from gloomy thoughts. His mother left him some groceries and credit card, so the student could go to the store and replenish his supplies if necessary. And yet, even the path from the room to the kitchen in his own house becomes a test, given that Yukiteru constantly and everywhere imagined the gaze of pink eyes, which drilled right through the fragile teenage body... As soon as he turned away, his brain accidentally caught a slight unnatural shine (or the outline of a silhouette) and at the same moment the neck turns with incredible speed towards the source to make sure of one thing - he is definitely developing paranoia, and rapidly.

Sheer horror, he couldn't stay alone in this house. There is an oppressive silence, and also twilight everywhere, and his mother will kill him if Yukiteru adds a few zeros to the electricity bill. The atmosphere is like in a horror movie, only instead of a brutal maniac with a huge dull knife, which is already rusty from a lot of blood, there is a girl for whom all the boys in his school would fight, but nevertheless Yukiteru would prefer the first option...

In such conditions it is impossible to eat normally.

***

If he cannot get rid of the stalker now, then it is better to go in crowded places so that she has less chance of catching him. Although this decision is quite dubious and risky, considering that other diary holders are hunting for him (even his imaginary friend betrayed him... What a loser he is). But when yesterday he walked romantically through the forest with Yuno, no one tried to stab or kill him. It is quite possible that so far only the fourth and ninth know that he is the owner of the diary... It’s lucky that at least one of them agreed to cover Yukiteru’s ass, and the chances of survival double. And who would even think of attacking a teenager in a city where the police work twice as hard... Well, only a crazy person, probably, and given the personality of the ninth, there is an 80% probability that most of the participants in this circus are clearly insane.

Fortunately, Amano still had a few hours, so he quickly dressed in the first clothes that came to hand and hit the road. Judging by the good weather that was at that hour, we can assume that there will be more people, which means there will be a higher chance of blending in with the crowd, and thus the student will be able to take a walk, unwind, find a good cafe to sit there... Perhaps he It's worth taking something sweet to relax. He lives in an area where he can always buy something delicious from a bakery nearby. Moreover, he saw that a cafe had opened nearby in a residential building. Perhaps it would be nice to go there and check out the range of baked goods?

It wasn’t far to go, and at least the presence of patrolmen on every corner quite calmed his soul. And now back to the establishment where Yukiteru came to buy breakfast. Well, as the schoolboy could judge, the room he needed was not that big (surprisingly, yeah), if you look through the only two windows, and also not particularly crowded. Simple, modern, but definitely not one of those cheap knock-offs (what caught attention the most were the beautiful paintings adorning the concrete walls. Perhaps it was a themed cafe where they held events for artists? Yukiteru wasn't sure).

Looking around to make sure that there are no strangers around who would like to test the boy’s body for strength, he exhales and slips inside through the door as quickly as possible. Luckily for him, the cafe was empty now, not even the salesman was there. Last time, a criminal showed up to him in the same conditions, who would have killed him if Yuno had not been around.... Ugh. The schoolboy brushed these thoughts aside and carefully walked to the display window where there were samples of the products being sold. There are, of course, people from the authorities walking around outside, because the city’s security has recently been strengthened in connection with the arrival of an international terrorist, but what is the likelihood that they will run in here before the killer has time to mock the victim? No, he needs to calm down, after all, he has not yet noticed that he is being followed and the diary has not emitted corresponding signals. So for now he can enjoy the silence and beautiful interior. In addition, there is a fairly wide selection of sweets: buns, mousse cakes, tartlets, macaroons, and even your favorite donuts... Damn, he doesn’t have such a big budget to take all the treats, but eat dry sweets... So yes. You have to choose one thing. Well, he hasn't tried mousse cakes, but macarons are much cheaper, and tartlets and buns have unusual fillings, but he wants to try donuts again, like the good old ones, while his parents were still living together. Maybe take a little of everything? No, it’s hardly possible... What if you take a small coffee and choose more food to save something for later? Oh, how damn difficult it is!

Yukiteru desperately grinds his teeth (finally not because of his paranoia), when suddenly a grinding sound reaches his ears. Did someone come in? He was so scared that his body jumped along with his heart, and he reached for his pocket with darts while his eyes met with...

Luckily for him, this is not diary owner. At least no one's silhouette matches the appearance of the person entering. It was the same age as the first, a pale guy with hair, the ends of which lay peacefully on his shoulders. They are dark blue in color and his eyes are black. And now this poor worker stood and looked back at the frightened Yuki.

-...Hah, no one has ever scared me like that before. Did something happen to you? Maybe I can help you? - the interlocutor’s face breaks into a sweet smile. It seems that such a violent reaction had a short-term scare. He walks to the cash register and gives the customer a kind look.

- Uh... I... No, I mean... Well, that is! In short, excuse me, I didn’t get enough sleep...? - nothing better came to Amano’s head, he became nervous when he saw a smile and a soft tone touched his ears.

- Not enough sleep? Haha, I understand you, buddy. - the guy leans on the cash register and laughs slightly.

- God forbid...

- Help hide the body?

- WH-WHAT?! - Yukiteru nearly jumped out of shock again. - ...Hmm... Sorry, this has nothing to do with... I mean, I just didn’t get enough sleep and that’s why my nerves are acting up. Sorry!

-...Then maybe some tea? I know a great recipe that will help you relax. - the interlocutor offers innocently, leaning his head on his shoulder.

-...It would be nice, I think. You are too kind. - the first one tries to calm down and pull himself together. He really still hasn't let go of that situation at Yuno's house, and it's not this guy's fault. He was just joking! - Then let's have your wonderful tea and... Hmm...? Raspberry donut?

- Accepted. - the guy behind the counter starts working with the cash register first. - Card, cash?

- Card.

Yukiteru quickly takes out the card, he wants to get this over with. He places it on the outstretched device, and after a second returns it to him. Two lights come on, indicating that the payment has gone through, but instead of the final green light, a squeak is suddenly emitted and a tell-tale red light appears.

“Insufficient funds...” the guy sums up the verdict.

-- Damn it...

- Hey, do you really want raspberry donut?

- Eh... Eh? Well, not really. I'm not picky.

- Then let's do it differently. I recently baked a new flavor and brought a batch to sell today. If you want, I can give you one to try, and you only pay for the tea.

- Is that allowed? You...

- I will not tell anyone! I still need to know how it tastes before asking people for money for my cooking. One will not lose, and there will be fewer problems. So how?

- Well...

- If it makes you feel better, I can give you a donut for your pretty eyes. - the guy behind the cash register calmly said, smiling slightly. He suddenly started flirting! Amano shuddered again.

- If you insist... - Yuki looks away in embarrassment.

- Okay! Sit down, I'll bring everything.

Having finished paying, the guy moves away from the cash register and begins preparing tea for the guest. Yukiteru stood awkwardly for a while longer, and then retreated to the nearest table. There are soft sofas and smooth wooden tables. Cozy and warm, it seems even the brain is not trying to complete unnecessary images here and there, allowing you to breathe calmly. And the soul begins to unfold, because now in this room there is only him and this guy-baker...

And yet he’s a little strange that he joked about his eyes like that... But... It’s even nice, because it’s casual.

The diary still hasn't emitted any warning signs, so Amano lays his head down on the table. He wants to sleep, but sleep does not come, because his order is about to be brought to him (it would be impolite to fall asleep). But he distances himself a little from reality in the process, listening to the sound of a boiling kettle.

- Here! Your tea and donut! - the guy who approached joyfully announces, placing a white mug on a saucer and a plate of pastries next to his nervous visitor. Yukiteru carefully raises his head and looks at his order: he is not so much concerned about the drink as about the sweetness that was served to him.

- This one with pistachio, a new taste. The owner recently suggested trying to put it on sale. Maybe someone will come in and I’ll have to spend money on new ingredients. - the worker explained.

Amano nods carefully and takes the beautiful looking sweet. Soft bready texture and a large amount of glaze of a pleasant green color (it is not rich, pale and soft). In addition, the decoration of the treat is also very attractive.... The student brings the donut to his mouth and takes the first bite, allowing the wonderful taste to fill his mouth completely. The balance between sugar and bread texture is perfectly maintained, so that you don’t want to vomit from the sugar in the composition, and the base is still fresh and even slightly moist. Yukiteru's cheeks blush with pleasure

- Yeah, quite good! Haha, I think I'll come here more often! - Yuki begins to greedily gobble up the purchased treat. He was so carried away that he almost forgot about the drink, and in the end he remembered only when he finished eating. No problem. Without any ceremony, he took the cup in his dirty hands and took a few sips. The tea was not cold, and it tasted spicy, a mixture of berries, lemon and something else... Like a mother's hug on an autumn evening. Having recovered a little from the gustatory orgasm, her eyes finally look back at the guy in front of her. It turns out that he remained in front of his client, silently watching as his work was devoured.

Yukiteru felt embarrassed. He was clearly slurping... Damn idiot!

- Ah... Oh... Sorry, it must have been unpleasant for you to look at it? - Amano was the first to start, clearly nervous. “I just don’t eat donuts that often!” But these are delicious! They are in no way inferior to the ones my father took for me! - He raises his hands and begins to talk in one breath. His interlocutor didn’t even have time to insert anything, when suddenly Yuki jumped up from his seat. - Sorry, thank you for helping and giving me a free treat! It was delicious!

In response to this, the young baker’s lips break into a gentle smile. This gesture was quite enough to make Yukiteru tremble... He also saw how he ate so unceremoniously... And why doesn’t he say anything? Does Yukiteru really look that funny? How awkward!

Chapter Text

The survival game was developing rapidly, which did not particularly contribute to the motivation to get out of bed in the morning.

Yukiteru couldn’t understand whether he had taken a wrong turn when he agreed to a relationship with the second one, because Yuno, of course, is an enviable bride who would fight for her beloved through fire or water, but by God: her psychological problems scare off any feelings for her. Seriously, of course he knew that he would not be able to find for himself the ideal that he had always dreamed of, but at the same time he was not so desperate as to agree to a relationship with a killer! She doesn’t even mind him using her... Yes, his ass would be completely safe, but damn it... Because of her own insanity, it’s difficult to perceive her as a person... She looks more like a log or a computer with only one program installed...

But Amano, nevertheless, is a kind and sweet guy, and the circumstances in the battle with the sixth lined up in such a way that he first saved her virginity (which she diligently saved for him), and then them themselves from the sixth. And now Yuno is crazy about him again! Hooray!

Lord, someone shoot him.

And again Yukiteru got nervous because of Gasai... Hmm. The boy raises his hand and rubs his eyes, and then looks back at the TV in front of the kitchen table. Oh yes, he came to the kitchen to eat...

But despite my nervous state, mood was slightly lifted by the fairly good summer weather, as well as the realization that the number of diary owners had decreased, which is why the chances of being stabbed to death during a walk also decreased. Perhaps this should be celebrated with a victory cake? In the end, he never tried that very tempting mousse cake. And maybe see that guy again.

Hah.

That guy. Exactly.

We need to clarify about that joke with beautiful eyes. No, Amano certainly doesn’t mind being complimented, but he wasn’t yet sure that he wanted to deal with his sexuality when his life was at stake. Seriously, the latter will be more important.

***

This time the establishment seems a little more lively (although what’s surprising here is that many people will want to have something sweet with tea or coffee at one o’clock in the afternoon). Here at the tables closer to the front door sits a small group of three young people, a little further from them is a girl carefree chatting on the phone, and a little further, in the corner on the right, two cute girls with cans of paint and couple of cakes. Oh, they looks more like artists, right in line with the theme of establishment. It seems like the first one was right in his assumptions!

Once again making sure that none of those who came resemble the silhouette of the diary holder (of course, through a nervous, drilling gaze that scares away those around him. He definitely follows the example of Yuno), Yukiteru turns around and approaches the cash register, hoping to see a familiar pale face, but he is immediately greeted by someone else. She was a cute brunette with long straight hair and decent breasts. She was busy with her phone for a few moments, but quickly put it down when the client came closer.

They looked at each other for several seconds, but it was the woman who broke the silence first.

- Can i help you?

- Ah... Ay! Sorry, I was just thinking...” Yuki mumbled, nervously adjusting the collar of his jacket. - Mousse cake... Can I have a mousse cake with tea?

- Oh, sweetie, can you wait a few minutes? The boy who makes these cakes will come and bring a new batch.

- Oh... Of course... Sorry.

Since the wait is not so long, the first can easily just stand there. Paranoia didn’t hit the mind so hard, and now he could breathe calmly, but suddenly when that boy entered the cafe, with his eyes he caught a familiar silhouette in the corner of the window, when Yukitery decided to turn to friend....

- Oh, I remember you. Hello again. - this boy walked up to the cash register and put a small container near it. Need a distraction. - Have you come for some sweets? Again?

- A-ha! Hello to you too. Did you bring anything new?

- Oh, nope. As usual. - he smiled softly. This guy has become paler since the last time Yukki saw him.

- Hmm... And I just wanted to thank you for the tea and donut that time. It was delicious! I didn’t know that guys could cook so deliciously. - Yukiteru tried to maintain a friendly conversation... Although in a normal situation he would have simply run away.

- Always glad, because you look so scared. - he grinned.

- Oh, well, I'm coward yeah... By the way, what's your name?

- I? I'm Yoi. And you?

His name is simple and easy to pronounce. It will be easy to call.

- Yukiteru.

- Nice to meet you, Yukiteru! Wanna have like yesterday, or maybe... Something new? - the new non-murderous acquaintance said slightly teasingly.

- The tea is the same as yesterday, but I’d like to take a new one cake. What assortment do you have?

- You can take the raspberry mousse. Our hit.

- Then i want raspberry. Thank you.

They sat down in the same place as last time. It's amazing how a survival game helps develop social skills... Or is the first just completely gone crazy? In any case, he can enjoy his tea for now in the company of someone who doesn't want to kill him.

- It must be nice to have a hobby. You can express yourself and gather around you people who admire you for it...

- Hmm, maybe... You know, I'm glad that people like my cooking, but my heart is more drawn to science.

- Oh? Sciences? So you're very smart, don't you?

- Ha-ha... Well, I guess. I won't say that I'm a genius. I just understand subjects like mathematics and physics, but I prefer biology, astronomy and chemistry... At least under the pretext of research I could escape from the house and breathe fresh air. But enough about me. I know almost nothing about you. Do you live nearby?

- Ah. Yes...

- Didn’t you go to that destroyed school? Where else was terrorist infiltrate.

- Ah... Ahaha... Yes, you right! How did you know?

- I watch the news while cooking.

- Oh. I didn’t think that I would be shown on the news.

- They didn’t really show you off... It was just that everyone was attracted by how the police chief avoided questions about you. Very masterly. But some fanatics have already come up with a couple of theories!

Poor Kurusu-san... He probably had a hard time trying to clean up the crap that the ninth caused... And what did the sixth leave behind? Uuuu...

-...Here and there, they whisper about you. I heard that lately you have found yourself in the midst of high-profile crimes. I see, despite your quiet nature, you like to look for adventures on your ass?

It wasn't his fault, Yukiteru wanted to stay home in bed, curled up under the covers. Yes, he's a coward! But he doesn't hide it.

- A... This? I got there by accident, I swear!

He couldn't tell him the truth. Yukiteru is not ready to go to drug addiction treatment. Unless, of course, Keigo finds out about this first and tries to kill him.

- Okay, okay, don't worry. I don't suspect you. Just wondering. Are you working on some secret case or did you take a wrong turn? Or has the police chief decided to use you as bait?

-...Yes, I took a wrong turn.

- Oh, I see. - Yoi smiled at him and looked at the empty plate. - Finished it? It is tasty?

- Yeah, thank you very much for the treat. - Yukiteru nodded politely and reached for a napkin when suddenly his gaze caught sight of an eerie pink color somewhere in the window.

- Very well. I'm glad you came to chat, it was fun. Come again, but I need to go mar... Uh! - The poor fellow didn’t have time to finish when suddenly his legs gave way treacherously and he almost kissed the floor with his nose.

-- Hey?! What happened to you?!

-...S-orry buddy... I'm fine... Just a little heart hurt...

- Yoi! - the hostess suddenly ran up to their table, grabbing her worker by the shoulders. - Poor thing, what happened to you? Tablets don't help? Are you experiencing an exacerbation?!

- I'm fine, miss... Just sudden hurt... I'll just go-

- Home, I hope?

- No, I need to go to the market!

- Dear, I know that you really want to work and for you this is the only opportunity to be on the street, but for God’s sake, your father will drive me to suicide if he finds out that I abandoned his precious little boy to the mercy of fate with a bad heart in the market! Have you forgotten that he has not yet come to terms with the fact that you are not five years old anymore?! - this should sound funny, but Yukiteru instead decided to pray that Yoi’s father would not come for him out of jealousy.

- ...Yes, yes, I remember that my father is crazy. But you won't tell him, will you?

- ... - the woman sighed. “I won’t say that, unless of course something happens to you.”

- I can go with him! - Crazy dad is scary, of course, but no worse than the girl who was waiting for him outside. It's better to stay away from her. Well, more precisely from a distance, because she will obviously follow them.

The woman gave the first one an incredulous look, but Yoi perked up noticeably.

- I think I'll agree.

- Dear...

- Don’t worry, if anything happens, I’ll come to an agreement with my father so that he doesn’t take his anger out on him. He won't be able to say no to his little boy? - Yoi remarked ironically, patting Yukiteru on the back. - Don't worry, no one will touch you. We're just joking.

The woman crossed her arms and sighed sadly. She would have added something, but she decided not to scare Amano anymore.

- Ah... Yes, okay. Let's go then?

- Yeah, come on.

Having said goodbye to the hostess, both guys went outside and went along the road to the bus stop. And although Yoi clearly had no problems being around his new acquaintance, Yukiteru was noticeably nervous. He had never walked with anyone (if this shopping trip can even be called a walk) and, accordingly, he also did not know how to behave... He volunteered only to get away from his stalker, but now he found himself in... An even bigger problem? Although it seemed like he could take a break here from his paranoid thoughts. And his new friend (probably) doesn't seem to be as annoying as Kosaka for example, and even acts nice. The main thing now is not to find his severed head in your nightstand tomorrow morning... And everything will be fine.

Chapter Text

*Despite the fact that the house was quiet and still lonely, Yukiteru’s mood did not deteriorate much from this. On the contrary, finally, in a pleasant environment, there was an opportunity to cool down a little.

*It was like a breath of fresh air, because another face appeared in his life, which helped drive away all the worries and troubles. Walking with friends, not just Yuno, is really relaxing and helps him feel less boring and unwanted.

*And this feeling when your soul trembles and you happily remember a past meeting with a new person in your life.

“Which country’s cuisine do you prefer?”

“I am most attracted to French and Russian. A wide variety of dishes, with the same variety of tastes! But it’s not often that you get the chance to try or cook some of these: they are expensive, and my parents don’t touch such food. They like my sweets better than all this crap for snobs."

“Oh... Yeah, that sounds cool. By the way, is it okay that in society this is considered a woman’s business? Well, didn't your classmates laugh at you for being interested in this?

“In our world, a man who can cook is very attractive to women, so don’t say that, you sound sexist. And in general, most professional chefs are men. Don't you know about Gordon Ramsay? Or about Viktor Barinov from the TV series “Kitchen”?!”

"Uh... I'm not really interested in that, haha."

“Hm... I see. What interests you?”

“Well, you see... I don’t have such a hobby. I’m losing to you on this.”

“It’s okay, you still have everything ahead of you. Don't despair."

*Dinner with a friend! The man who invited him not out of pity! Although, even if it was done out of pity, Amano would still be happy. The survival game may threaten his life, but it has begun to bring other people and new friends into the teenager’s life!

"Here, try it!"

*Yoi then managed to pull out a piece of something soft pink and hard from somewhere, and then held it out to Yukiteru’s mouth.

"W-what is this?"

*The first one recoiled at first.

“Why are you so scared? It's chocolate! Come on!”

"Okay, okay, just don't shove it in my face!"

*Yoi hardly stood on ceremony, he simply shoved food into his mouth so that his friend could appreciate the offered sweetness. It took Amano a few seconds to calm down a little and begin to dissolve and taste the foreign object in his mouth with his tongue.

"How's it going?"

“M! How delicious! What kind of chocolate is this?”

"Ha-ha, this one? White chocolate with raspberries."

"This is delicious!"

"Just like you~"

"Ah? Ahah! Hey, stupid joke! Hmm? And what is it you want to grab? Hands back!"

"Nowhere!"

"Hey, don't touch my hat!"

*It was as wonderful as his date with Yuno in the park. He could rest next to a man who did not despise him! With a boy his age!

“I had a fun day, it’s nice to walk through the market chatting with a friend for once! That’s why you deserve a gift. Here. My number. Write, call. Call me home, I’ll make you dinner.”

"Are you serious?!"

“No, damn it, I gave you my dad’s number so he could kill you! Let’s take the chance before I change my mind!”

"Certainly!"

*Now Yukiteru was pleased to check his mail once again, because a friend could write to him! Of course, now he didn’t really want to bother Yoi, who was probably resting at home after such a long walk, but maybe tomorrow he could call him. He has no plans, and he didn’t write to Kurusu-san, and Yuno is acting suspiciously calm. It’s worth seizing the moment, especially since it’s a sin to refuse an extra lunch! Unless of course they bring him this guy's organs for lunch....

*Amano stretched on the bed, sighing and stretching his body. It was quiet around, the light, pleasant light of the setting sun penetrated through the window, gently illuminating the features of the face. The phone was lying by the pillow, and the room seemed to become cozy, as before the stalker had appeared. The silence tickled the ears, but the brain and heart trembled and demanded to hear Yoi’s ringing voice! To be in a calm atmosphere next to a guy again...

*If he was able to make friends with such a person, then there is a chance that the first one could find more friends in a new school or even on the street!

*More people... If he survives, he can live happily with them...

*He will be left alone after the game... After killing Kurusu-san and Yuno.

*...

*But they didn’t deserve it, did they?

*Suddenly the environment became very uncomfortable. Uncomfortable with the idea of killing his assistant, or endangering the life of someone... Who protected him. Dishonest... Why is life so dishonest? Why does fate force him to do this to those who do not deserve it? The fourth and second deserve a better fate. They must live... But Deus decided otherwise. What a cruel god...

*A quiet sigh in the silence was not the only sound. Suddenly, the first one's phone made the sound of an incoming notification.

Chapter Text

*No one was waiting for Yoi at home. His parents would come late, if not at all, and the boy would simply cook his own food and go about his business. The silence in the house was a little killing, but he was already used to it. He understood why his parents left, but it was difficult for him to communicate with them in such a daily routine.

*But that doesn't mean he hated them.

*He changes into home clothes, consisting of a T-shirt and shorts, completely revealing his thin, long limbs. Yoi sighs and braids her hair into a small ponytail before leaving to do some housework...

*Their house is not rich, but not so small and empty either. Very pleasant for a calm and measured life, just right for a married couple with a child. It sounds wonderful, like a middle school girl's dream. It was as if a married couple had built their own nest so that their chick could grow freely, and in the meantime they could fly away.

*After his walk with that guy, he definitely needed some rest, because he didn’t talk to someone like that often. This is something new. It's like a new activity that you're just discovering with all the new details. Something... Pleasant...

*That guy... Yukiteru, I guess?

"Hey Yoi."

"What do you want?"

“Listen, what else do you enjoy besides cooking?”

"Hmm... Besides cooking? Probably literature and opera."

"What? Opera? Literature? Do you like all this? Isn't all this interesting only to rich old people?"

"Because of my father. He gave me books of classical Japanese literature as soon as I started reading, and he also played me music that I had to listen to. But I got tired of it very quickly, to be honest, especially listening to it every day and because... That's what the man said... So I decided to look for something new... And that's how I discovered Russian literature and opera!Partly due to the fact that half of Russian writers loved to write about all sorts of cruelty, harsh reality, suicide, dirt, poverty and all that... But there was also a lot of positive things there."

"Oh, interesting... And the opera?"

“I started looking for an alternative to the classics, because I wanted something new... So I wandered around all sorts of establishments, watching rock operas, comic operas and all sorts of classics. It was very relaxing, I could feel something new and interesting, sounding different, with a variety of subjects and genres. I felt happier than ever."

"...Oh, how good it sounds. You know, I'm even ashamed that I... I'm not at all interested in such cultural things. It's probably stupid... To say that..."

“What a hobby is is that you do what you love for the sake of interest. There is no point in having a hobby if you force yourself to do it not for the sake of the result. Isn’t that right?”

"...I...I just don't know what to do or how to figure out what I might like."

"And have you tried?"

"No... I don't know... Forgive me..."

"Ha... Relax... And tell me. Maybe you want to pick something up for yourself? The time of youth is the time for experiments."

"...I... Maybe this makes sense, but I...."

“Don’t worry, just try. I also don’t know how to do everything in the world, but together we will have fun and not be scared.”

*His look and voice. He's really a bit passive and restless, and the guy seemed to be very...Associative.

"...W...Wait!"

"What already?"

"...!"

"Hey, what are you doing? You look ridiculous! Come on out!"

"..."

"What the hell, dude?"

"S... sorry. There was... My classmate..."

“It looked like you saw a wild animal or a maniac...”

"It's just... He was laughing at me."

"...So what? Did you decide to scare off the offender with the smell of your urine?"

"N-no! I just... Well... He... I don't want to answer him, I don't want to meet him... It's just... He's a typical idiot from class with stupid jokes and jokes, and also he's a rat, I don't want to see him!"

"...It doesn't sound as dangerous as 'he sticks my head in the toilet and kicks me in the stomach every break.'"

"...It's easier for me to hide..."

“Okay, it’s not for me to judge you. Come on, get up and move on.”

*Poor and downtrodden kitten. Yoi stared at the open notebook, dimly lit by the table lamp. It seemed that he was very deep in his thoughts, that he had completely forgotten about the calculations... Homework today was especially difficult, he was constantly distracted by memories.

*His happy face when he saw this piece of paper with the number... Was he really lonely?

*Yoi sat back and looked at his phone.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Wh...What?"

"Well... You see... A lot of guys your age get into romantic relationships."

"... Maybe."

"So you're free?"

"I..."

“Then that pinky one over there who’s been following us around would like to talk to you.”

"W...WHAT?!"

"Quiet! Shhh! Don't yell! That cutie over there is really following us around."

"Huh...? Really..."

"Do you know her?"

"Yes..."

"Wow! And who is she?"

"My classmate."

“And why aren’t you together? She wants to be with you! She hasn't blinked once since she started following us.”

"Well... She's a little... Out of mind."

"In terms of?"

“She’s gone a little crazy, and no one knows why! And now she’s following me around... It’s so scary!”

"...Why don't you do anything?"

"Uh... Well, this could shake her condition. So let's just ignore it? Please, don't traumatize such a person! Otherwise, what else will he learn besides stalking! I am begging you!"

"Okay, okay, I understand you."

*An interesting environment, of course, for such a downtrodden guy. A stalker, a joker, his mom and dad are divorced, his own father, who uses Yukiteru for his business... And perhaps an international terrorist is somehow connected with him... What the hell?

*Thoughts were spinning very actively in your head, especially when you are alone at home and no one is stopping you from thinking. Silence... For some reason it becomes uncomfortable. Like...

*The familiar feeling of eyes boring into back....

"Hey?"

"Who's there?"

"A...?"

"Hey, it's you... How did you come in..."

"What's wrong with your face?"

"I warn you, I will scream..."

"Uh..."

"Don't you dare! DO NOT COME! HELP!"

Chapter Text

The Sakurami police station is calm and measured as usual today. Everything goes at its own pace, the workers are working for the good of the city... And only Keigo could not calm down...

After all, being a police chief is very draining. And especially when you were invited to take part in the hunger games...

The walls of the office managed to become like family to him, but did not replace a cozy family nest, where he would gladly go to sleep with his loved ones, but unfortunately work did not allow him to do this and the man remained sleeping on the sofa, leaving his phone in his inner pocket jacket He did not relax even when he plunged into the land of dreams, because now his life depended on one fragile phone... And this, oh, how it strained his buns.

A day has already passed since they visited the six's temple, where they could have died if help in the form of reinforcements from the station and Gasai had not arrived in time, who successfully got rid of the twelfth at the last moment. Fortunately, Yukiteru restrained his girlfriend from wanting to make a couple of unnatural holes in the bodies of her enemies, and Keigo was able to get them out of the case unscathed, but... There is still a feeling that Gasai... Shouldn't just walk around free. She just seems very worried, but her behavior in the temple and Yukiteru’s constant frightened look when Kurusu came to pick them up yesterday... It would be better to turn her in immediately if she does suddenly kill someone in order to send this crazy girl to jail.. Or just break her diary. There is no point in making fun of Yukiteru’s nerves.

Amano didn't deserve a personal stalker. Let him live and enjoy his youth. Well, until another hostile owner of the diary appears again. Deus, you motherfuc-

- Chief! Chief, it's time to get up!

Kurusu's sleep was interrupted by the loud call of his subordinate. This is a very effective way to not only wake up your boss, but another way to get hit in the face if he sleep lasted only 2 hours.

- A? What! I'm not sleeping... Hmm? Nishijima?

- Sorry, the alarm clock didn’t wake you up and I decided to help.

- That's how it is... Got it. — The boss got up from his place, where he had been sleeping comfortably in a sitting position for about 4 hours, and then straightened his tousled hair. - Did Gasai or Amano call?

- They didn't call. Only townspeople called us about minor problems. Thefts and break-ins. No one was killed during the night.

- Great.

- Thank you, chief. We have prepared reports.

- Fine. And what about our main headache for the next two months?

- Oh, Minene Uryu? She is in custody. I tried to communicate with her, but nothing worked, she reacted very negatively towards me.

- Anything else I should know?

- In general, we had to stun her a couple of times due to aggressive behavior. She refused to undress during at a medical examination, and then attacked one of the escorts during the search.

- The morning starts off very well...... Okay, then let’s start the day with a little violence.

- Sorry?

- Bring her to the interrogation room. Because her disgusting behavior should not go unpunished.

-...You...Aren't you going to kill her?

- The court will decide that, but death would be a more favorable fate for someone like her. Now hurry up.

***

Keigo calmly waited for his subordinates to bring the criminal. This shouldn't take too long, and he needs to be prepared for a very interesting conversation.

Although the situation around this is not particularly conducive to this.

A slightly gloomy, small, empty room, the four concrete walls of which are painted in one dull light gray color, where there is no furniture except a table and two chairs. The only light sources here are a lamp on the ceiling and a window with bars. There was dead silence, which during the interrogation would be diluted by a wide variety of curses, screams, sobs and outbursts of aggression. To sit here in the company of a criminal one on one, you need to have steely self-control and experience. The keeper of order looked around the table, completely new due to the too violent troublemaker. The metal structure did not smell of tears or blood, and its surface had no scratches from nails or cracks from impacts.

It's part of his job, but it's so murky and unpleasant.

He just wanted to get this over with and run into the arms of the woman he loved.

But now another representative of the fair sex is waiting for him: tied up, led by the arm by three policemen. They exchanged a few phrases with their boss, and then dragged the criminal to the table, to which they received silent curses and an angry look.

She was seated on a chair and handcuffed to the armrest, after which they were thanked and allowed to leave, or rather, stand outside the door and wait for the end of the conversation.

Now the ninth and fourth are alone.

Minene was wearing the prison clothes that were given to her upon arrival, they perfectly lightened her slightly thin figure with beautiful breasts. Her purple hair spilled over her shoulders and face, and her eye patch sat unevenly. On the way, she had to be led here with a little brute force.

She even looks a little better after the shower. The not particularly pleasant smell has at least partially disappeared.

-...You know, handcuffs and clothes for prisoners suit you. I'm even sorry that they have to be cut off.. They so beautiful... But it’s okay, maybe I’ll be kind and ask the hairdresser to make you something fashionable, mmm? - He smiles slyly, and then crosses his arms over his chest, deciding to take the initiative on my own. Like a real man.

- ...Yeah, how generous of you, bastard. - Uryu hissed through her teeth, her face scrunched up with incoming anger and indignation.

- You shouldn’t make grimaces, they’re not funny.

-...

- Since you have nothing to say, then let's get down to business. - Keigo now folded his hands on the table, bending slightly so that he was at eye level with the terrorist sitting on the other side of the table. He behaved calmly and at ease, despite the great chance of getting hit on the nose - Well, your diary and you yourself are in my hands, so it’s not for you to dictate how I should deal with you.

-...Isn't it dangerous for you to talk about this out loud next to your subordinates?

- This room is not bugged. Getting back to business... Despite the fact that you and I share a fun game, I'm not going to make it public. In the end, no one will believe us, are more likely to think we're crazy, so your status does not change in any way. You are a terrorist who will be tried under the relevant articles. - his tone contrasted brightly with the one with which Uryu spoke. She was more emotional at the moment.

- Well, if you don’t tell me, I’ll tell you myself! It's not difficult for me.

- It won’t work, because your diary has already been examined.

-...Wha...How?! And no one was confused by the recordings?!

- This is a standard check procedure upon arrest. I carried it out, entered it into the protocol and took your item for myself.

- You're kidding... Give him back, you bastard!

- No.

- And why is that?!

— In prisons, criminals are prohibited from having a cell phone.

- Son of a bitch, this is not just a phone!

- Even so, I won’t give it back to you. You will stay here and wait for a fair verdict for all those murders and terrorist attacks. No one has forgotten your attempt to lift the school into the air, the assassination attempt on the cardinal, and that's not even the end of the list, is it? We will ask for all the information on your affairs, and you won’t get off that easy.

- Oh, you bastard! - it’s not funny anymore, ninth completely screwed. She has no way to escape from here with so many cops around, and without a future diary it makes no sense. Kurusu will simply break it, and her body won't even be found....

- How corny. - the man hid his hand under the table to press the call button. At the signal, strong guys in uniform entered the room again. Their chief nodded towards Minene. - I finished.

- Scumbag!

- And don’t give her dinner! She behaved badly and was rude, and for this she was not entitled to food. - a smile stretched across fourth's lips, he acted like a teacher who was trying to teach a lesson to an overly active child.

- Hey!

***

Well, that’s it, the detective could return to his work, when suddenly Nishijima met him on the way to his office. The sun was already completely flooding the walls of the corridor, and the man in the bright light looked, to put it mildly... Well, not really.

- Chief!

- What else? — Keigo put his hands on his temples.

- Your shift is over for today. You could go and relax...

- Already? Oh, no, no, I can't...

- You’ve been sitting in the police station without sleep for two days now. - Nishijima was not only a friend to this sloppy, but also a man who could send his boss home to bed. - You need to rest. Minene is in our custody, you have finished the matter with the temple. We'll deal with this ourselves. You can trust us.

-...Uh, well...

-...Your wife is waiting there. - it was an ace in the hole to make the workaholic distracted at least for a moment.

- What?! Naoka? — Keigo’s face brightened at this news. He was so happy when he learned about the arrival of his woman. - Why didn’t you tell me earlier? She's been waiting a long time?? I made my wife wait, my God... How bad... - the man nervously began to smooth out his hair in order to protect his beloved from worrying about his sleep schedule.

It is difficult to guess that such a cunning and very unpredictable man is a responsible parent and loving husband. He simply adored his cutie pie. And a little buddy.

- Go to her, I’ll take care of everything here! “Masumi was a responsible young man who could always be trusted with something.

- Alright-alright! Convinced! I'm coming... And don't you dare be lazy! And keep an eye on Amano... Otherwise I'll come back and shove you all-!

- I understand, don’t continue!

Chapter Text

*It was at four o'clock in the evening. Today Amano had to stay late at the station, waiting for his beloved mother, but it was worth it. Taking her home in a taxi provided some comfort. He already tired of spending time in this house, alone and under Yuno’s gaze. Now he at least has a protector who, if anything happens, can drive away the abnormal female in love. Unless, of course, she starts getting angry and tries...

*No, he doesn't even want to think about it.

*He doesn't want to introduce them.

*The arrival of his mother, whom he saw so rarely because of work, should be accompanied by happiness, and not by constant worries about Gasai! He wants to relax just like he did on a walk with a new friend! Eat delicious food prepared by mother's hands,, to again feel the embarrassment of being called “my little son”... He didn’t want to turn into a crazy paranoid who, just from a sudden movement in his field of vision, begins to imagine in his head how his heart will be cut out. Although... Why exactly will he become the victim? His mother, his friend, Kurusu-san. Anyone, if only they spoke to Yukiteru in the wrong tone... Anyone could lose their life just because they talked to Yuki.

*God. Why does he need all this?

*Why does he need this abnormal woman?

*Why him?

*It would have been better if he had not approached her at all then.

*If third had killed him then, perhaps everyone would have felt better and no one would have had to sacrifice for this pathetic thing.

*But if it turned out that he and she survived, then perhaps it would be better to try to break "stalker diary"...?

- Yuki!

*His mother distracted her son from the sharp, strange thoughts in his innocent little head. Usually Yukiteru next to her cannot think of anything other than sharp pinches on the cheeks and soft kisses on the forehead, which are also accompanied by some jokes. But now he became depressed. Rea cheerfully shook her child.

- Your studies are going poorly and you don’t know how to confess to me? - She smiled brightly, not even suspecting the real reason.

-... No, everything is fine at school... It’s just... You understand... I don’t know how to confess to you. - Yukiteru mumbled, stuttering.

- Oh, so you still have a secret from me?! Come on, tell me which one? Did he really get a girlfriend? - an enthusiastic voice... Lord, how long has it been since he heard it. Against the backdrop of human screams, it really is like honey to the soul.

*Yuno? His girlfriend? Somewhere in another universe, but not now and not here. What if mom doesn't like her? Will Yuno strangle her at night? Don't let her even try! No, Yukiteru cannot allow them to meet. Not even a hint of Gasai! Better shoot him right away!

- Better. - Yuki crossed his arms over his chest, smiling self-confidently. He needs to skillfully get out from topic about Yuno.

-...I don’t even know then. - Rea sighed in confusion.

- Friend, mom! - this is the only news that can be told to Rea without fear. And which is one hundred percent positive! - A true friend! My peer!

- Yah? Is it true?! — the woman leaned over, a sparkle reflected in her eyes. Her son is not a sociopath after all! What a joy. - You are such a great guy! Well, tell me quickly! Who is he?!

- His name is Yoi! He works nearby, in a cafe. He makes all sorts of sweets! I met him there. He invited me to go for a walk. It was so great! Can you imagine, he didn’t run away from me during a walk, and he enjoyed communicating with me. AND he EVEN invited me to his house to play games! HE EVEN gave me his REAL number! He didn't scam me!

-...Oh my God, Yuki, who will scam you?

- My classmates have already done this once! - He puffed out his cheeks in a touchy manner.

- They didn’t do it on purpose, calm down... - a woman’s hand soothingly patted the boy’s short, black hair.

- Not on purpose? They invited me to karaoke, but instead of the required address, they slipped me the location of the funeral of some stranger! Are you saying they didn't do it on purpose!? - who said that no one tried to hurt our slaughtered kitten? This happened rarely, and some of these events can be attributed to “we got bored and wanted to laugh,” but this does not mean that the target of ridicule appreciated the joke in the same manner.

-...Okay, maybe this is too much. Anyway. I'm glad you were able to find a friend. You can whenever you want.

- Hmm... Well, you're probably right...

- When will you bring him to meet us?

- Maybe a little later. We need time to get closer!

- Hmm... I understand you, dear. But my offer stands. Bring him, and I will try to make your friend fall in love with my food and then he will no try to run away.

-...Ah...ah. Yes. I understand you. With pleasure.

*Under any other circumstances, Amano Jr. would be very ashamed of such proposals, but now... If this method does not involve tying up and coercion, then he is not against it. If, moreover, all the limbs remain in place.

*Oh. Even my soul became warmer. His mother was a good influence on him.

- By the way, where did you say this guy works?

- In a cafe at the crossroads... Near the bus stop. And what? — Rea’s gaze was too cunning. The woman seemed to have turned into a fox.

- What did you like best from his baked goods? Tell me, we'll buy it for dinner as dessert.

- W... What?! - such a picky woman... And she buys them sweets for dinner?

- Just want to spoil my boy and make sure his friend doesn't put anything in his baked goods. Let's. You love sweets very much, I know. If I don't like it, you can eat my part.

-...Well, then take some donuts?

- OK, darling. Then come on, you go home and sort out your things, and I’ll go buy something. Agreed?

- Yes?

*Donuts are not Yukiteru’s only favorite sweet, they are simply the cheapest and the family's favorit, but for his mother to immediately agree to go buy them as a dessert for tea... This is more typical of the father, Kuro. Considering that she has high demands for any food. Maybe she just wants to support his friendship with this boy? So she already trusts him! And Yoi is not such a bad cook, so it’s unlikely that the situation will get worse even after trying. And in the end, will she drive away his first friend? Rea is too gentle, especially if new friend turns out to be good.

*The taxi stopped. Here they are at home! In a cozy family nest. Just like the good old days. They won't have to say goodbye for long now. While the woman went on a tip to buy sweets, the boy went home to lay out his things. And everything was going so well... Until the broken glass at the front door caught his eye. And then young's boy's heart sank to feet: what the hell?! Are these thieves?! Or is it... She could have seen about the arrival of her beloved’s mother through the diary! Oh shit!

*Yukiteru had to pull out the diary, covering it with hand, and then look at the screen... And at the same moment blue eyes narrowed in horror.

*Scum...

*Yukiteru opened the front door with such force that the impulse from the blow to his hand caused severe pain, but adrenaline drowned it out. His legs carried his body along the corridor straight to the basement. He didn't care how loud his footsteps were or how crazy he might look, the former acted almost on instinct. Spit. He will not allow the dirty deeds of this abnormal person to come true!

*The creepy atmosphere of the house was no longer frightening.

*Fortunately, the door in the basement was also open. Hitting the switch, the cool light in the underground room flashed. It was slightly chilly. It was empty: the room wasn't particularly used. There was no long staircase leading down, so the sound insulation was very poor, and everything could hear not only footsteps, but also screams.

- Yoi! Yoi, oh my god!

*Yukiteru almost flew down all the steps to the body lying in the dust. Luckily for him, his friend was alive. There were no extra holes, even the limbs were in place. Only the bruise and bleeding nose caused particular concern, as well as the arms and legs securely tied with rope. The mouth is prudently covered with a rag. Yoi's hair was scattered on the floor, it was covered in dust. The head seems to be intact too... Lucky!

- Hey! Hey, can you hear me! What did she do?! Answer me!

*Their eyes met. Fortunately, the poor fellow moved and responded to touches and words. This means that no one managed to harm him with a blow to the head. He survived! His friend was fine... He was lucky.

- Wait a minute... - Amano began fiddling with the ropes. - Now it will become easier. I won't let this da-...

- Yuki?

*A tiny voice innocently pronouncing a shortened version of the name of the diary's first owner came from behind. Yoi at the same moment shuddered in horror, he began to moo and fidget. God, how many times had he heard such squeals only for the first days of the game? Can't count on fingers. Well, to hell with it.

- Yuno! - Amano stood between Yoi and Yuno. She defended him, she tried to act nice, but now she completely went too far. No one has the right to decide the fate of his friends. She is not a god to do this. She wouldn't dare. It is not right. No matter how beautiful and an excellent student she is. - How do you explain this? Hmmm?

- Yuki... - her innocent pink eyes and smile on her face were shining as usual. Yuno gently walked down to both boys. - Yuki, I just thought that I don’t want to see you cry. You know how cruel guys can be to you...

- Yuno, listen, this is not the reason why you can kidnap my friends and torture them! Yoi good! He is quite a calm and sweet guy! It’s only you who are behaving abnormally and making me cry!

- Yuki... My poor Yuki. Listen. You do not understand? He's using you! They're all trying to take advantage of you! Trust me and come here! - and again this joyful face, and thin female hands folded over the heart. - I wanted to ease your pain.

*Yoi began to crawl towards the wall out of fear. He could barely move from the pain, but he still tried to save his skin. He just fell under the hot hand. Because of my new friend. He could have died just like that...

*But the problem is that Yukiteru was already losing his nerve. Today a friend is lying in the basement like this, and tomorrow his mother? And then the father? Or maybe she will also lock her other friends in the basement like this? Never.

- ENOUGH!

*Thank God the mother was not at home and she did not hear these hysterical screams of her son. Even Yuno was scared and retreated, but the guy’s flimsy hands suddenly grabbed the girl’s shoulders tightly. The frail face, which was constantly in fear, now seethed with anger.

- You got me! Over these few days, you and your attempts to “help from the bottom of your heart” have turned me into a paranoid person! You are a crazy maniac! Don’t you DARE come near this house again, don’t you DARE even mention that you are killing innocent people left and right for my sake! DON'T EVEN DARE breathe in my direction or in the direction of my family anymore, do you understand me?! Get the hell out!

*Silence fell... But the sensations were incredibly intense: the angry face of his beloved over Yuno, the face of the man who promised to pull her out of Hell, now he looked at her the same way as they did... He now also sees a monster in her. For all that kindness and warmth, because of one boy whom dear Yuki knew for only a day or two... He rejected her. So rude and harsh.

*This is unbearable. Gasai seemed to be twisted from the inside. Her heart is about to burst out of her chest and fly into the wall, and then fall to the floor and the second one will die...

*She couldn’t think that today their relationship would end...

*With tears streaming down her face, she left in a hurry. Her hair was flying, she was sobbing almost out loud, slowly falling into despair and silent pain. Everything around disappeared. Yuno is about to lose his only remaining sanity. How can she continue to live? Exist? She's here now only because of him. All these killings are just for him. The kidnapping is also just for his sake. And she was there only for protection. But her beloved Yuki simply rejected her. With all the anger and hatred...

*But he didn't regret it. Yukiteru exhaled: the single biggest stone had fallen from his soul. Is that all? No, you can’t get rid of abnormal people so easily. The boy decided that now he would have to take care of the beaten poor fellow.