Mukuro stared out the window as she began to eat her lunch. It was a beautiful day outside, it really was.

That was all going to change soon. It was already in motion. She couldn't stop it, even if she wanted to.

"Ikusaba-san?"

Mukuro turned to look at who had called her name. Her face reddened as she realized it was none other than Makoto Naegi, flashing his carefree smile brilliantly at her.

"Y-yes, Naegi-kun?"

"Do you mind if I sit here to eat?"

What? Why would Makoto want to eat here? There were plenty of desks around. She didn't get it. Maybe... did he want to sit with her? No, no way. Junko had told her plenty of times when she refused to sit with her. "Who'd want to break bread with a murderer? Get real, sis. Besides, you'd only end up ruining my image." Wait, what was she thinking about?

Suddenly she became aware that she had spaced out, and Makoto was staring at her intently. "Um- ah- yes! I mean, not yes that I mind! I mean no! Wait, not no like you can't sit, I mean no as in I don't-"

Makoto laughed heartily. Mukuro promptly shut her mouth. She could feel her cheeks heating up. Why was it always like this with him? Even when she was facing her sister, it was simple. Taking orders and pleasing Junko was easy. But with Makoto... nothing made sense. And it was so hard to think when her stomach was doing flips.

Makoto sat down. "Its okay, Ikusaba-san. I think I get what you're saying."

Mukuro sighed. At least it was over.

Wait a minute.

She was sitting with Makoto.

She swallowed thickly. Uh. What should she say? Should she be quiet? Maybe she should wait for him to say something. After all, the man usually took the initiative right? Wait a minute, Junko always said Makoto was a herbivore man. So then, should Mukuro make the first move? Why was it so complicated? Why couldn't she just be given orders to carry out?

"Ikusaba-san? It seems like you have a lot on your mind. Care to share?" Makoto looked genuinely interested, and he offered Mukuro a tentative smile.

Mukuro swallowed. Every time he smiled at her, she lost her train of thought. Think fast. Think fast. She needed to say something. Something. Quick. Think. She spied his bento. Of course!

"D-did you make your bento yourself?"

Makoto laughed. "So much deep thought for my bento? I'm flattered." he said with a chuckle. "No, actually. My sister made it for me."

Mukuro was surprised. "You have a sister?"

Makoto nodded. "Just like you."

"I doubt it." she replied.

"Heh, you're probably right. Enoshima-san sure is a handful.

Mukuro said nothing and looked outside again. Suddenly, she didn't want to think about the events to come. And she definitely didn't want to consider what would happen to Naegi-kun. It was for the best if she just. stopped. thinking.

"Hey, Ikusaba-san."

Mukuro turned to look at him, and immediately regretted it. Makoto's big, innocent eyes stared at her. "I think you're pretty normal. Everyone always seems afraid to get to know you, but I had a good time talking with you. Let's do this again, okay?"

Mukuro blinked. "Okay." she said. Makoto grinned, wrapping up his bento and leaving her alone with her thoughts.

"Let's do this again" she thought to herself. She would like that. Again?

Yes. She would definitely like that.

>>fast forward>>

Makoto took a deep breath as he lifted the tarp and stared. Kyouko looked over at him. "Something wrong?" she inquired.

He sighed. "I know... I know she was the traitor. I know she's responsible for putting us here. I know that. But still..."

He closed his eyes.

"Why do I feel so sad?"