The threat of Monokuna's new motive hung heavy over the crowd of students.

The "despair disease," as he had called it without further elaboration.

The ominous words alongside that grating laugh had everyone on edge.

Everyone except Kokichi Ouma.

"I have a steel immune system! I won't get anything. Sorry about the rest of you though..." He had declared with a fake pout full of false sympathy before skipping away like a delighted child.

So perhaps it was simply karma that he was the first one to catch it.

He had gone down kicking and screaming as Kirumi placed a gloved hand to his head. "Kokichi, you're burning up... please, allow me to bring you to room."

"Ha!" He had laughed. "Fat chance, Kirumom! I feel like shit!"

He blinked in surprise, as if he hadn't meant to say those words aloud.

"I said, I feel absolutely terrible!"

His brows pinched into a tense upset expression, clear irritation etched onto his features. He stared at the table for a moment, linked his lips before turning ti Shuichi. "Shuichi. Ask me if taped that kick me sign to Kii-boy."

Shuichi blinked. "What?"

"Just ask!"

"Ah.... did you tape that sign to Kiibo's back?" The detective asked quietly.

"What do ya mean? I tooootally did!" Kokichi exclaimed before dramatically clapping his hands over his mouth.

Kiibo's frustrated cry of "Kokichi!" Went ignored as Kokichi dramatically burst into crocodile tears.

"I... I can't lie?! I CAN'T LIE. WAHHHHHHAHHHH! MONOKUMA IS A CRUEL MEANIE! SCREW HIM AND HIS STUPID DISEASE!!!!" He loudly wailed before running to his dorm.

And that was how the first case of the despair disease had started.

Kirumi had taken it upon herself to monitor the symptoms, but honestly you weren't worried. Not at first, at least.

Kokichi had a minor fever and was achey, but maybe that was a fair price to pay if he couldn't lie his ass off anymore.

But as the days went on and no murder occurred, the illness had gotten worse.

Achey joints turned intense fatigue and a minor fever grew to an intense heat that refused to leave.

With Kokichi suffering and left with no choice admit how much was actually struggling thanks to his inability to lie, you were starting to feel kinda bad.

You aren't exactly sure when he had started demanding you instead of Kirumi, but you decided to go along with it when she informed you of his request.

It was the second day of caring for him and walking into his room only made you swallow with anxiety.

He was trembly, looking absolutely miserable as his face was flush with sweat.

Even so, he turns around, smirking as he sees you. "Oh yoohoo!~ over here bellboy!"

He waves you over, watching greedily as you gently set a tray of food over his lap.

"Aww, for me? Thanksies!~ I was starting to think I might collapse." He chuckles, but there's no real humor in it.

At least you knew the thanks was genuine.