Ayanokoji POV
It's a new day and the day the trial for Sudo begins, I call Sakura just before class as she picks up the phone
"A-Ayanokoji, h-hey" I hear sakura's soft voice over the phone as I get down to business
"Hello Sakura, I wanted to ask about the camera? Did you receive it yet?" I asked her as she replied with a sullen tone
"No..... I haven't yet, they're telling me to come pick it up at the store....." she said as I sighed
"Just wait, I'll be there in a second, we can go together and get the camera" I said as she replied a little hurriedly
"N-no! I-I can't m-make you waste more t-time on me! I'm a-already there, I just need to pick the order up....." she said as my eyes widened
Is the dumb. Did she not remember that creep is right there at the store and could follow her and even force her into an alley?
"I am coming there, no need to hurry." I said as she bummed a little over the phone, cutting the call
What the hell Sakura, why do you want me to be there when you are in so much danger?
I saw a pink haired girl that I had seen before on the way, Ichinose Honami from class B. A smart and capable leader from what I've observed from the outside, also extremely popular among the students as a whole
"A-ah hello! Are you Ayanokoji?" She called out to me as I stopped, looked at her and nodded
"Yes, did you need me for something?" I asked her as Ichinose shook her head
"Nope, I've just heard a lot about you! Like how you broke the world record, Miss Hoshinomiya told me!" Ichinose said as I nodded
It seemed the incident at the swimming pool had spread
"It was just a fluke honestly, regardless I need to go, let's meet again sometime later" I said as she made a sound
"Ah w-well, may I ask why you are in a hurry? I mean you aren't even going in the direction of the school, maybe I could help?" Ichinose said, extremely suspicious
Why is she so interested in my business? It's very off putting but I suppose I will play along
"I just need to go find a friend, it isn't anything big" I said as she nodded and replied
"Well maybe I can join you! It'll be easier to look with two people!" Ichinose said
What exactly is her deal, I wonder what her true intentions are, could it be Miss Hoshinomiya is interested in the affairs of class D and has realised I am a central figure?
I made my way towards the store with Ichinose in a hurried pace as I went inside to see no Sakura...... nor the creepy clerk....
Damnit. Did that dumbass really just let that guy follow her!?
I ran outside, hurriedly trying to hear or find her, she couldn't have gone that far. Ichinose followed me barely keeping up even in my slow speed
"A-Ayanokoji! What's happening! Why're you running!?" Ichinose yelled as I replied, a little more frustrated than just my monotone
"Someone made an extremely dumb decision and we need to find them. Look into any alley nearby and yell if you find anything." I said as I sped away, moving through alleys as fast as I could
If someone saw the speed I was moving at, they would think I wasn't human. I was moving faster than any human could've ever perceived.
I twisted and turned in radius of the area as I heard a familiar whimper
"P-please.... N-no..... I-I b-beg yo-ou" Sakura whimpered out as the store clerk had saliva dripping onto her
"W-why can't you understand shizuka chan! We are meant to be! I've seen you since you debuted and! And! I even recognised you when you tried to hide! I loveeeeee you so much!" He yelled as he was about to approach her face with that disgusting mouth of his as I immediately rushed, closing a distance of almost 50 meters in less 4 seconds.
I kick him in the stomach, launching him off her as he vomits blood
"W-what the f-fuck!" He yelled as more blood came out of his mouth
"There is a camera here watching this alley." I said simply, his eyes widening at what I revealed
"This school has eyes everywhere. Except of very few places, this school isn't somewhere you can be discreet you know?" I talked down to him as the horror of his actions finally settled in
I look at Sakura whimpering, this was an extremely traumatic incident..... and also an extremely dumb mistake on her part but I suppose I should Ignore the latter for now, she is going through enough pain as is.
I make my way towards the man and pin him down, preventing him from being able to run as I call campus police
They should be here in a minute or two, Sakura looking at me with guilt as she looked down at her own stupidity and mistake
"It's ok Sakura, it's alright now. He can't hurt you" I tried to console as she looked at me in surprise
It seems that she expected me to be angry, I am not exactly angry, a little disappointed but I don't know all the reasons so I can't say
"I-I...... I-I am sorry...... I- I am s-so sorry....." Sakura says as tears begin to fall down her face even more than when she was assaulted by the clerk
"S-shizuka chan...." The clerk started as he was about to speak before I used my foot to push his head down, preventing him from speaking
"You keep your mouth shut. A predator like you doesn't have the right to speak here" I said coldly as his eyes are filled with tears as his fear grew
I am someone who wishes to believe that everyone can change and be better, but there is a limit in life.
Some crimes need to be punished first. And this man's punishment isn't mine to decide but the laws. I hope that he gets the judgement that waits for him and if he changes, then that is good for him.
At this moment and time, he is just a predator with no redeeming qualities. As security come and drags him away, I am left to sigh at the sight
The police take us for questioning as me and Sakura are excused out of class until the break, me and her make our way outside as we sit at a bench in the park, Sakura still being shaken by the incident
"Sakura...... what happened" I said as she slowly began
"I-I..... I t-took my camera and t-then I started to w-walk towards class...... but he followed me and dragged me into this alley and pinned me down....." Sakura says as she kept crying, her whole mentality being shook
"I see, well first I would like to assure you that, he can no longer try to hurt you, as he isn't even allowed onto the campus anymore..... I wanted to ask, why did you not wait for me when you knew how he would be" I asked her she looked down in frustration....
"A-Ayanokoji I...... was..... a gravure idol before I c-came here....." she confessed as I asked
"And what exactly is a gravure idol?" I asked flatly as she looked at me in surprise
"E-eh!? I-it's uh..... h-how do you not k-know!" She asked me in surprise as her face turned red
Is it something embarrassing? Why is she so embarrassed at the question?
"W-well uh..... it's basically me p-performing..... s-songs in s-suggestive o-outfits....." she confessed as I nodded
I see, I've heard that some people take pleasure in seeing sexual and more private parts in a provocative manner, it doesn't make sense for her to do it though as she is a minor
"I understand, is that how he knew you?" I asked as Sakura meekly nodded
"I-I was k-known by the n-name Shizuku..... I was quite popular so I d-dress and act d-differently to that persona of mine......" she explained as I nodded
"I see..... but that doesn't explain why you didn't wait for me" I asked as she sighed, and opened her camera
"I didn't want you to know...... my camera I-it..... j-just see for yourself....." she said as she handed me the camera as I went through the photos
I saw Sakura in various stylish outfits, a few with her being in very little clothing and some in skimpy swim suits, I can understand why she wasn't comfortable with me seeing. I then saw the image of sudo getting punched in the face by Ishizaki from class C, exactly what I needed.
"I see, I understand that. Please, worry more for your safety next time onwards and feel free to call me if you need any help." I said in the same monotone voice as Sakura asks me in surprise
"D-do you n-not care about w-who I wa- am?" She asks as I shrug
"I don't, I do wonder why you chose to take those photos when you aren't comfortable with them" I asked as she sighed
"I-I am still in a c-contract, I-it ends this august so only one more month..... they just need me give photos so the magazine continues to include me" she explained as she looks at me and spoke up once more
"I thought that boys would go wild at my identity, and here you are who doesn't even know...." Sakura said as she pouted a bit
I shrugged, not knowing that there was even such a job
"I suppose I just didn't know they exist so I never got to get to know, regardless, we have the camera and you're fine now right?" I asked her as nodded
"Yes..... you are extremely comfortable to be around Ayanokoji" she said as I noticed how she slowly grew more confident in speaking and comfortable with me
I am glad that she is slowly feeling a bit more comfortable with me
"Also Sakura.... Try to feel more comfortable with who you are and try to talk to a few people atleast. You're very lonely aren't you?" I asked as she looked down a little and laughed self deprecatingly, her soft laugh escaping her lips
"Yea.... You're right..... I don't know how to talk to people sadly..... not without being scared that my identity will be revealed and..... my life ruined" she said as I shook my head
"You're talking to me right now and I know your identity, trust me when I say this Sakura, trust in others is the hardest thing to give but when it is given to the right person, it can be the greatest treasure that one can ask for" I said as looked at me, smiled and nodded
"I guess you are right...... will you be my friend Ayanokoji?" She asked as I shrugged
"Sure, I don't mind getting a new friend" I said as she giggled
"Even in a tender moment you can't get some emotion out of your vocal cords? It adds to your charm if anything" she said as she continued to laugh
"Y-you were here!?" I look at Ichinose running towards me as I nod
"Yes, there was a problem so I had to take her here, it's alright now. Thank you for the help Ichinose" I say as she sighed, annoyed at the amount of running she did
"Geez.... Well I am glad she is alright Ayanokoji! I hope the class D trial goes well" she said as she bid her farewell and left
Sudo's trial is soon enough, we should do fine honestly. We have evidence and an argument, hopefully the others will be able to follow my lead.
Time skip to the trial
"Ayanokoji! Where were you and Sakura!?" Horikita exclaimed as she saw us outside of the meeting room
"There was a problem but we resolved it, don't worry about points as we got excused until break today" I explained as she nodded
"So where is sudo and Kushida, they both were coming to right?" I said as she nodded
"Yes, they are coming with miss Chabashira at this moment, I came early to discuss things with you guys" she said as I nodded, Sakura standing beside me quietly
"So what's our plan?" Horikita asked as I shrugged
"There isn't exactly a proper plan for this, we need to see what they accuse and how they frame their story and call them out on their bluff" I said as Horikita nodded, agreeing to my logic
After a bit Kushida, sudo and Miss Chabashira arrived as we started to make our way in
Kushida for a moment looked at Sakura with dark eyes and an eerie intent, I am glad that Sakura didn't notice, I wonder why Kushida is angry at her
"It seems both of the classes are here. Let's begin the trial." Manabu said as I noticed all the people in the room
Mr sakagami of class C, komiya and another basketball team member from class C, ishizaki who was the one who punched sudo and finally manabu and tachibana, who was the secretary of the student council
I looked at the three who were accused of being hurt and I just had to blink twice and do a double take because they were beaten up as if they were caught by a gang
Are they seriously accusing that Sudo alone did that much damage? They can't be serious
The three students began as Komiya gave his testimony
"Sudo called us to the special annex and then that crazy bastard just started beating the shit out of us because he was annoyed that we all weren't playing as he wanted" komiya began as I tilted my head and motioned to Sudo
"O-oi! You all called me there! And that to over phone!" Sudo said as the three became a little nervous
"Sudo, can you show your call log?" I said as Sudo nodded, the three became nervous as we clearly saw a call from Komiya just 10 minutes before the incident
"Lying like this isn't a good things, especially in a trial" I said as Mister Sakagami grit his teeth
"I want that kid expelled! He hurt three of my students and has hampered my class's ability so much!" Mister Sakagami began aggressively as I began my case
"Are you sure it's Sudo who hurt them?" I asked him simply, my voice as empty and cold as ever
He narrowed his eyes down at me and said
"Yes. Who else but this problem child from your class could do this?" He said as I asked once again
"I once again ask you. Are you completely certain that it was Sudo. Because you are threatening expulsion. And if you are threatening us with expulsion then you should be prepared as well right?" I simply said as the class C students became visibly nervous, Mr Sakagami had a drop of cold sweat on his forehead following my declaration
"Ofcourse. It's only fair isn't it?" He said as I nodded, It was Horikita's cue to begin
"Well Mr Sakagami, we have some proof that it wasn't Sudo who began the confrontation but your students." Horikita said as the class C students visibly stiffened
"And what exactly is this evidence you speak of?" He says as Horikita asks for Sakura to give her camera as she successfully showed only the photo of Sudo being punched
"I-I was a-around the area after taking some p-pictures with m-my camera, I noticed that t-that the c-class C b-boys were insulting and t-threatening Sudo..... so I took a picture when I got the c-chance" Sakura gave her testimony as Sakagami got visibly nervous, the class C students were barley holding themselves together
"Well even if it was them provoking him, he beat them up so badly it isn't sensible to keep such a violent student here! It's a threat for all the students in the school!" Sakagami tried to shift the fire into Sudo as it was my turn once again
"Mister Sakagami. I asked you before, are you sure it was Sudo who attacked your students? Not only have they lied to us, they could've lied to you to" I said as he was taken aback and said
"I am sure. They were harmed this badly by that student and I want him expelled!" Sakagami yelled as I said
"While the special annex doesn't have any cameras. The outside of it does, doesn't it president?" I asked him as Sakagami's heart dropped
"It does, would you like me to pull yesterdays recording?" He said as I nodded
"Yes I would like that, please start from when Sudo walked in and then when they walked out" I said as Manabu shows the video on screen
Sudo walked in at 6:32 and walked out at 6:34, but that wasn't all, at 6:35 the class C students walked out, completely unscathed
"That's enough I believe, Sudo wasn't there long enough to inflict such harm nor were the students harmed by him there. That should be enough evidence right?" I said as all the class C students looked down and Sakagami was left speechless
Who even thought of this plan? Did they really think we would panic enough to not notice any details? The fact that Sudo didn't fight back helped immensely, and most of all. This is a golden opportunity.
"Since class D would want to be fairy compensated, I believe that for the acts of lying, accusing and also assaulting a classmate of mine, these three should get the same punishment as they were asking right?" I said as Manabu nodded
"Yes, this is a serious offense and it can't be let go, if class D wishes to press then Class C will lose 3 students and 900 class points, dropping them down to class D" Manabu said as the three students started to cry and break down at their fate
"Well, we could find an alternative now couldnt we?" I said as those three got a look of hope, even Sakagami thought something might go well
"We would like to trade the future of these three for all of class C's class points."
I said as the three students looked at me in shock
"W-we can't do that!" Ishizaki yelled as I shrugged at his horror
"I mean, what other choice do you have? It's a win for me whether you accept or not, points if you do and class C being immensely weakened if you don't. Either way you are going to have 0 class points." I said as they looked at me in terror, Sakagami unsure of what to say
"I'll simply make a contract. The current class C will give the current class D all of their class points and class d will refrain from expelling the three of these students." I said as I took of piece of paper and pen that was lying around, courtesy of Manabu
"Here, I suggest you accept it for your own benefit honestly, if you can get class C to accept then it'll be good for you right?" I said as they looked at me in tears and anger, even Sakagami was glaring at me
"You have until the end of today's school day, we will make an official complaint if we don't receive the points and acceptance of the memorandum by then. Have a great day" I coldly said as we all made our way outside
It was silent for a bit before Sudo yelled
"LESSS GOOOOOO, DID YOU LOOK AT THEIR FACES, I ALMOST FELT BAD BUT THEY HAD IT COMING HAHA!" Sudo yelled in excitement as Kushida laughed and Horikita smiled, Sakura flinched a little but also laughed a bit
"I do feel bad for them, they were just pawns in this situation" I said as Horikita asked
"Pawns? You mean someone was playing the mastermind?" She said as I nodded
"Let's get back to class the-" I started as suddenly a purple haired boy ran towards me and tried to deck me in the face
I grabbed his arm and held it, Ryuen Kakeru, a class C student. I remember his face and name from the student list
"Kuku, you bastard! I won't let you get away with this bullshit!" He yelled as he tried to deck me in the face again
"I don't want to bother with expelling you for assault, so I reckon you stop before I am forced to" I said as he backed away, extremely angry at his class's situation
"The fuck even, who the hell are you!?" He said as I shrugged
"I am just some guy who had common sense, unlike you who didn't check twice before executing his plan. I will admit, it would have worked well if Sudo played along" I said as he narrowed his eyes
"Tch, you bastard. You win this time. But I swear you won't the next one." He said as I replied
"Sure, keep on with the effort, I'm sure you'll get your participation trophy eventually" I said as he looked at me in pure rage as he walked away
All the class D students look at me in surprise as I shrug
"Come, let's get to class." I say simply as they quietly follow, unsure of how to react and what to say
The day continued on as we gave the good news to the class and at the end of the day, I received a message from Miss Chabashira
'Class C has accepted the contract. Class D is now class C with a total of 587 points.' I look at the screen and I am happy at the progress it seems that the plan was successful indeed
I prepared to walk back home as it started to rain, the rain stormed loudly as I found Horikita running toward me outside the school.
"Kiyotaka! C-can I come with you?" She asks as I shrug and let her walk with me, the rain intensifying with time
"That's alright, what do you want to talk about?" I asked as she sighed
"Kiyotaka I.... I wanted to ask you about something....." she said, nervous for some reason as I gestured for her to continue
"A-are you okay?" She asked me as I tilted my head in confusion, why is she suddenly worried? Did I show signs of being unwell?
"I can assure you, I'm physically fine " I said as she shook her head
"I am talking emotionally Kiyotaka, you have a lot of things in the way you act that make me confused and concerned" Horikita said as I sighed inwardly
I can't tell you even if I wanted to Horikita, it's for your own safety, the rain drops dropped onto my umbrella making a sound as the scene unfolded
"Horikita, I assure you. I am completely fine" I said to her as shook her head
"No! Don't lie please! You almost never smile, hell I've seen you smile only once. You don't know the basic pleasures of life like ice cream and you are so out of touch with everything like you care from a dystopian world! Tell me Kiyotaka! Who are you?" She asked me, exclaiming emotionally as I thought about it for a bit
I am a monster, but am I still the monster? I.....
Is it wrong for me to want to change despite all I've done? Is atonement an option for someone as horrible and rotten as me?
"Horikita I told you..... I had a strict life growing up and I didn't get to experience a lot of stuff, it's changing now right?" I said as her eyes started to shed tears, mirroring the drops from the rain seamlessly
"Look Kiyotaka. I've been thinking about this for a while now, hell since I met you. You seem to be almost emotionless, you don't show expression like you've never been able to, please tell me the truth, why was your life so bad that you don't even know how to smile on your own?" Horikita went off, tears fully rolling down her face, I can't understand why is she so concerned? I am nobody important, I've known for a few months at best
This is so sudden, why is this happening. I am not ready nor prepared for this, I didn't see this coming at all
Horikita please, I want to trust you but I can't give you information that will potentially lead you to a fate worse than death, please back away for your own safety..... don't let my first friend be like this.....
"Horikita..... I trust you, I really do. But some information is better left untouched. If I told you this, you would neither be able to believe it and it would also put you in a lot of danger. All you need to know is that I had a strict childhood but now I'm fine, ok?" I explained as she shook her head while gritting her teeth, she slapped me in that moment
Did she just slap me? I can't understand why is Horikita acting so irrationally? Why is she suddenly so worried
The water hit my face as I dropped my umbrella, drenching my clothes as I don't pick it up and just let it be as I ask
"Horikita, why are you suddenly so concerned?" I asked the question that has been on my mind since the start of this conversation as she yelled at me
"Suddenly? SUDDENLY!? You've been dropping subtle nods to how terrible your past was all this time! I've wanted to ask for a while but I finally got the chance now that im alone with you here! So tell me Kiyotaka! Tell me why! I don't care how much danger it puts me in! I just need you to tell me!" Horikita yelled at me as I contemplated the decision that could mess up my whole life here
Is this.... Is this what she wanted to talk about? I wish to trust her but.....
The problem with trust is that, it is a double edged sword. I wish to change and trust people but this is too sudden even for me, I want to trust her but......
But I also don't want her to suffer...... especially not because of me.
I don't know what to do, truly. I am completely and utterly broken at what to do at this moment in time, I kept silence for a few seconds as I felt a droplet fall down to the ground, making a sound akin to the drops that were around us
I touched my right eye to find it wet not because of the rain but as my eyes started to drop tears slowly.
I am crying? I am capable of crying? I felt no sadness, I felt no pain, yet my body still does?
I did not think it was possible, I am utterly speechless at this revelation. I really am changing, a little by little it seems
Horikita noticing my tears, gasped as she went in and hugged me, strangely I didn't move or refuse it
I am so utterly confused. Why is my body reacting differently to how I am thinking?
"Horikita. I am a horrible human being" I said as monotone as I could manage in this tender moment as she looked at me in utter shock and confusion
"In what world are you that? You helped me! YOU SAVED ME! Kiyotaka, you're quite literally the best human being I have ever met..... you go out of your way to help others, you put my feelings ahead of your own and most of all..... you're always there.... Every time when someone can't pick themselves up, you're there for them. Whether it be me, sudo, Hirata or anyone else! You're always there for everyone....... So don't dare spit on the feelings of all those you've helped and say that you are a horrible human, you are the farthest thing from!" Horikita exclaimed as I finally relented into the feeling I had for a while
I hugged Horikita back, as tightly as I could without literally breaking her bones. I..... I genuinely care for Horikita now..... No Suzune..... I genuinely have care for another human being
I have changed, albeit only a bit.
"I have a past that I can't escape Suzune..... I don't want to drag anyone into it and especially not you....., so please, don't get in harms way ok?" I asked of her, my voice showing the slightest bit of emotion
This development was especially sudden but..... I don't think I mind it as much as I initially thought
"But you're suffering! I..... you were there for me when I was at my lowest! On the point of breaking...... I can't..... I can't bear to see you suffer in silence.... Not alone atleast...." She said slowly as her tears fell down as her face was swollen and completely wet from tears
I slowly wiped her tears with my hands as despite the fact of tears still slowly dripping down my face, I calmly explained to her
"I am not suffering anymore Suzune..... not when you are here ok? I will be fine so don't worry. Maybe I can tell you the whole truth someday..... but not yet. It's too unsafe." I explained to her as she nodded slowly, still hugging me as we both had a moment of weakness
Weakness. If that man saw me right now, I bet he would want to kill Suzune, I will not let him get to her.
Even if I have to rip his spine out of his mouth and crush every bone to stop him.
He will never.ever.touch anyone I care for.
As me and Suzune stayed like this for what seemed like only a few minutes but in actuality was around 20 minutes as she and I finally let go, a lot more calm now and completely drenched in the rain. She laughed at our current state as she began
"I do hope.... That you can trust me someday Kiyotaka" she said as I nodded
"I do trust you...... it just isn't the right time. Someday, someday the time will come" I said as she nodded and promptly left to the girls dorms, not knowing of what else to say, a little embarrassed maybe
But today I found out something, a desire of mine has now turned into a conviction.
No matter what happens, I cannot return to the whiteroom under any circumstance. Because I have something worth protecting.
(Note- I put the scene her at the end of volume 2 because it fit better, plus there isn't much to discuss especially because the trial scene can't be elongated. I hope you all liked it! Also 5k words so let's gooooo)