Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.

All the pain that has been stored up in Matsuri is finally released but what will happen to him now and what will Mari's judgment be for him? And why has the former president of the underground student council made her appearance at the school? We continue the heart-wrenching tale as we reach the conclusion of the "USC Beginning arc"!


-Hachimitsu Academy- [Out in the Courtyard]


May 24th Tuesday

12:30pm

Meiko took a stroll through the courtyard, in her hands she held numerous paperwork that she carried under her armpit.

From her expression, the gray-haired vice president's thoughts were somewhere else. More particularly her thoughts were on the president and Matsuri trip to some unknown location, as he will reveal everything that happened that day. The day when Yoshimiya was killed.

Of course this thought occurred whenever she overheard some conversation that suddenly spreaded around the school. A couple of students walked by her, not without waving their hands at the gray-haired vice president.

"Good afternoon, Vice President!" One of the girls excitedly said.

"Good evening."

"U-Um, Vice President, are the rumors true?"

"Hm?"

"About that Matsuri boy, is he really going to prison?"

This rumor was a mystery to her. How this rumor spiraled around the campus is beyond her, but their conversation must have been overhead. But by whom did she wonder? But that was thought for another time. She shook her head as she looked at the two students.

"It's still not set in stone. But we'll have our answer when Hitoyoshi shares some…..interesting information to us." She said without revealing the real reason behind Matsuri's situation.

"Really? Huh….that's kind of upsetting though, don't you think?"

Meiko raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"It's just that…..well…" The two shared a glance towards each other before giggling. Meiko became even more intrigued by their sudden behavior, but felt a slight pinch of dread. "Are you two dating?"

"WHA!?" Meiko suddenly shrieked. Her cheeks flushed red before regaining her stance. "I-I um, we are not dating."

"Really? Then what was that whole thing with you guys by the front gate from the other day?"

"Yeah, it seemed like you got along super well with his sisters and you two were together."

Meiko started to sweat a little, her cheeks feeling hot. Shaking her head in denial. "N-No. What you saw was just me getting to know about Mat-Hitoyoshi. So as you can see, it's just us getting to know each other better."

"I guess I can see that. But since the underground student council softened the line between the opposite sex, it really did seem like you guys really could hit it off. Although, if you ask me, I think the pairing between you guys would be rather…..odd." The female student said with a nervous chuckle.

"Yeah, I could totally see the vice president going for a more alpha guy, you know? Someone with muscles, a tough attitude."

"Right? I mean, sure, that Matsuri boy seems sweet and all but…no offense but he seems kind of weak."

Unaware to the two students, a twitch developed in Meiko's eyes.

"I know right," The girl giggled a little. "He is sweet and all. But come on, the boy totally looks like a girl. Have you seen the way he reacts? It's so cute."

The more that the two females spout insults towards the boy, the more she grew even more annoyed. She started to grip the sides of her arms with a tight squeeze. She bit down her lips trying her best not to lose it. She shook her head as she looked at the girls.

"Listen, I don't have time for romance. Especially for a boy. What's more important for me now is to uphold my duty and loyalty to the council president."

"Yeah, guess that's true. Sorry for the bother, Vice President."

"Yeah, later!"

The both of them left the vice president to her own. The gray-hair teen looks behind her as she watches them walking away still gossiping towards each other. Meiko gives out a sigh, a faint blush on her cheeks. Her thoughts suddenly thinking back to the boy whom she was just referring to a moment ago.

"You'll hear the whole truth behind Yoshimiya's death. Once I'm done from there…..I'll leave the judgment to you."

"Matsuri…you seemed so…..broken when you said that. Could it be true?"

"Meiko…"

The vice president stopped in her thoughts as she turned around. Seeing Hana with a surprise look. "Hana…."


The two sat at a nearby table, exchanging conversation with each other.

"So, have you heard from Mari yet?"

"No, I have not yet."

Hana looked at her with a look. A thought occurred to her. "So hey, you think Matsuri really did take those photos."

"...from Hitoyoshi's words, it seems like it."

"He seemed so broken, he didn't even break down like how Mari said he did the last time when she tried to interrogate him about Yoshimiya. I was expecting him to run away or even break down at least, but still."

Meiko took a moment for herself. It was a strange conflict for her, she wanted, at least for the president's sake, to believe that he did take those photos. It was their job to throw Matsuri in prison, right!? But then…there was the other half who had grown accustomed to Matsuri's company. He's sweet, kind and shows to be more noble than the boys. She didn't want to wish that Matsuri was the one who took those photos, he has to be innocent….right?

"Meiko?"

"S-Sorry…..I don't know to be honest…"

"...h-hey. Mind if I ask you a question and feel free to say no….." Hana cheeks flushed a deep red as her eyes began to bat the other way. "Have you…..kissed someone?"

Meiko's face flushed red, her whole skin drenched in sweat. Her mouth was covered by own hands as she looked at the maddening blushing Hana. "W-W-WH-WHAT!?"

"Ah! F-Forget it!"

"Wh-Where in the world does that question come from!?"

"W-Well…" Hana became a stuttering mess. Lost for words. "Dumbass! Why did you ask her that question! More importantly why DO I have THAT in my mind! S-Should I take it back! N-No! I already asked her out of the blues! So I have to just play along with it! If I just retract it back, I-I just know I won't hear the end of it!"

"H-Hana?"

"Um…..I'm just asking because….because….."

"Hana, is something wrong? Did that damn Kiyoshi do something to you while you were in the bathroom!"

"THAT'S IT!" Hana suddenly said with a smile.

"Huh?"

"I-I overheard Kiyoshi and the others talking about getting a kiss from girls when they find someone to g-go on a date with! Y-Yeah, that's where I heard it from!"

"A-Ah, I see," Meiko said as she adjusted her glasses. "B-But that still doesn't answer me why you're so curious? You never strike me as the type to be curious as kissing?"

"Well, I-I was just curious that's all. I mean, I never really liked boys to begin with but I overheard their conversation and was wondering….w-what's a kiss and how do you do it?"

Meiko blinked, her sweat still dripping against her bare skin. Hana continued to stare at her as if she was hoping for an answer. "U-Um…well, I'm not sure to be honest. I believe you already know how I think of males. So my experience is severely lacking and would not give you the answer you are looking for."

"A-Ah, well….never mind then." Hana said with a stutter as she looked the other way.

"..."

The two sat in silence. After that question, Hana doesn't know what to think anymore. "Damn it, this is too awkward! Why did I have to start a conversation like that!? Damn it I'm such an idiot! I need to find something else to lift this pressure away!"

"Hana…"

"Y-Yes!"

"...nothing. I was just thinking about Hitoyoshi again."

"Matsuri….what about him?"

"I guess I was just thinking about his story. When he reveals what happened to Yoshimiya…..I'm not sure what to do." She said as she looked at the table. Her eyes searched, giving some thoughts. "When I was watching him over, he showed no sign of ill intention nor did he participate in the boy's antics. He shows respect for the girls around him. He could have possibly taken those photos."

"I mean…there is still a possibility."

"Even if there is…..I feel like there is more to the story." Meiko said with a hopeful thought before she looked at Hana. "Hana, what do you think of Hitoyoshi?"

"I guess he's a good boy. Like you said, definitely doesn't show any ill intentions, but I still find his timid personality irritating. Like, just grow a spine will ya."

"It's not his fault." Hana blinked at the girl. "Hitoyoshi must have been through alot during his childhood. Constantly being picked on, being belittled. It must have caused him much trouble with his self-esteem."

"..."

"I'm sure Hitoyoshi is aware of this as well…and I'm aware that he doesn't want to live in fear anymore. No more being weak. Being ashamed of himself. He needs someone by his side to let him know that he's not weak. Someone to help him build confidence."

"Meiko…..it seems like you've seen this before?"

Meiko looked at Hana with a sympathetic look. Before sighing to herself. "I was…..I was like him before."

"Huh?"

"...as you can see, I wasn't like this before. In fact, I was rather weak. Everyone used to make fun of how big my boobs were. For an elementary school student to have big breasts around her age, abnormal yes. I was ashamed of myself, and didn't know how to stand up for myself. But then, the president appeared."

"Mari….."

"She was the first friend I ever made. She never saw my bosom to be an embarrassment, she found them beautiful. She complimented how beautiful I was, that when I found out I wasn't embarrassed by my breasts or looks…it was my heart. And I believe that Hitoyoshi is suffering something similar, which is why I want to help him to be more confident in himself. So he doesn't have to be afraid anymore."

Hana did not say anything throughout that entire story. It shocked her to hear that Meiko was never like this before. Only meeting her during her first year in Hachimitsu, she always saw her as a rather strong and tough girl. But now she sees her as a completely different character, someone who had a weak heart, no courage to show her true self. It possibly explained why she was so loyal to Mari. And why she is rather soft on Matsuri.

"Meiko….I never knew."

"To be honest, I'm embarrassed. I don't exactly like sharing my story with people aside from the president and Chiyo…sorry."

"N-No. It's alright. It's your life. Besides, I've only known you for about two years, so I don't know much." She said as she waved off her concern. "S-So, have you told Matsuri this?"

"Like I said, I haven't told anyone this. I'm…..I don't know how Hitoyoshi would react anyways."

"I don't think he'll think ill of you."


The two looked to the side and spotted Chiyo with a soft smile.

"O-Oh, Chiyo, I didn't know you were there." Hana said with a baffled expression.

"I stuck around when Meiko-chan was talking about how she was back then. But Meiko-chan, I don't think Matsuri will think ill of you. In fact, I think it's the type of boost he needs to be more confident in himself."

"Y-You believe so."

"I think so."

"So um…..what brought you here Chiyo?" Hana asked.

"O-Oh! Right! The Chairman, he wishes to see you two, immediately. And…..I really think you two need to come right away."

Meiko and Hana exchanged looks before looking at Chiyo. "Did something about? Is the president alright?"

"Are the boys doing something stupid again?"

"N-No…I think it's best if you guys come see this."

Both of them shared the same expression, and did not like what was going on.


-Yoshimiya Resident-


Mari let out a long sigh as she looked over the city from above the balcony of Yoshimiya apartment. Letting the wind blow through her hair. Her thoughts began to process over what she had just listened to from Matsuri's story. Everything about how Yoshimiya was killed and how it occured.

The tale was heartbreaking, but some parts of it she couldn't help but to feel rather conflicted. True, Hayakki was the true instigator of the entire situation, but Matsuri…he clearly had a choice of his own. To avoid the whole situation from happening from the beginning. But he didn't.

She shook her head trying to rid of any ill thoughts. But she didn't know what to think.

"Confused."

Her eyes looked over her shoulders and spotted Miyuki with a sympathetic smile.

"You could say that."

Miyuki simply nodded as she joined her. Setting her hands on the rail looking at the view.

"Where's Matsuri?"

"Poor dear cried himself to sleep." Miyuki said as she looked at her. "He must have held that pain in for a long time. And he still blames himself for what happened."

"..." Mari remained quiet. Not sure what to say.

"I know what you're thinking…you're probably wondering what to do with Matsuri, aren't you?"

"So you're aware?"

"Matsuri told me over the phone yesterday of the situation. He mentioned that you go to a school that holds a prison for students who caused a crime. And with what you now know about the whole truth behind Yoshimiya's death…do you plan on throwing him in prison?"

Mari grimaced at the thought. True, her whole goal was to find some dirt on Matsuri and throw him in prison where all men should be in. Of course that would be what her *old* self would say, seeing Matsuri in that much pain. It truly stabbed her heart. He cried for a good hour until he quieted down somewhere in between. She has never seen a man cry that much…..

"Well…..he's the *second* man I've seen in tears….."

"Hm?"

"Nothing."

"Is Ayame back yet?"

"Possibly still in her car….must be taking this hard."

"I mean, she is the older sister and as far as I know, Ayame loves Matsuri dearly. Not just her, but Matsuri's family as well. They love the boy so much, but it still begs the question why hasn't he gone to them for help?"

Mari did wonder about that as well. There were so many options for Matsuri to take, but it was too late before he could even try. To be honest, there were still options for him to try out but still have not taken them. She would have to ask him when he wakes up.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask, he mentioned something about Megumi, who is she?"

"Ah, Megumi was Yoshimiya's best friend and was the vice president of the council." Mari looked at Miyuki with a curious expression. "Megumi…doesn't like Matsuri too much. She found him to be a coward. Whenever Matsuri couldn't stand for himself, Megumi would often have a word about him and usually it's not good ones."

"Sounds like she had a high opinion of him."

"She did. And had a sharp tongue too." She looked at Mari with a small smile. "But don't take it too much, she's just looking out for Yoshimiya that's all…..although, I don't think she'll like it when she finds out about what happened to Yoshimiya….."

"You mean Matsuri didn't tell her…." Miyuki shook her head with a sad smile. The crow mistress sighs. "I see. That boy, he has a lot of cleaning up to do."

"Please don't go too rough on him," Miyuki said. "I know Matsuri was in the wrong too, but he was scared."

"Even so, he could've asked for help….I'll have to ask him personally when he gets up."

Miyuki sighed to herself as she pushed her hair aside away from her face. "I won't stop you from doing your job then, however I will say this…..I do not blame Matsuri for what happened to my daughter. Yes, he did take part in the kidnapping, but he did have his own thoughts on this. The moment when he stood up for my daughter…it shows that Matsuri did care for her."

"..."

"Again, I won't stop you from doing what you have to do. But I just wanted to express how I feel about Matsuri. I think he's been doing some reflection on his own during that time after her death. I believe he deserves a chance to change." She said before walking back into the apartment to check up on Matsuri.

Mari was left alone to herself. Pondering on Miyuki's answer. Does Matsuri deserve a chance at redemption…


-Outside of the Apartment-


Ayame was in her car, her driver seat leaned all the way back, her body facing the sky. She held an angered expression. Thinking back on the story she just heard from Matsuri…and she was not happy.

She tried to calm herself down from not losing it. Her mind was too focused on the instigator who caused it….

"Hayakki…." She said quietly.

The one who tormented Matsuri and is the one who told Matsuri to keep quiet about the whole situation! She was the one behind Yoshimiya's death. And she roped Matsuri in it!? She was completely furious; she shot her body and slammed her fists onto the wheels!

"If I ever see that bitch, she's dead!" She growled.

"Ayame….."

She looked to the side, Mari was standing by the car with a sympathetic look. "What do you want?"

"Have you calmed down?"

"What does it look like to you….."

"...I see. Sorry, I was just worried you did something foolish."

"If you mean going on a witch hunt and tracking the bitch down and beating her up to the point where she can't move….."

"Ayame, you know you can't do that."

"Why the fuck not! She's the one behind Yoshimiya's death! Besides, I know a few friends of mine who would do it!"

"I know you're mad, but please control yourself. If you end up doing something foolish, you may end up in prison for that. And besides, Matsuri also took part in-"

She didn't have time to finish when Ayame slammed the door open. Mari, luckily moved out of the way before she got hit. But the elder sister got out of the car and pushed her face up in front of Mari's.

"Don't. Even. Finish. That. Sentence."

"I know that you know too well that Matsuri had other options available for him." Mari said, holding a stern expression looking at Ayame. "He could've simply asked for help, taken Yoshimiya place, told the teachers about Hayakki, but he didn't. He too is in the wrong."

"..." Ayame didn't say anything but her breathing got faster and heavier. Her lips being bitten down.

"I know you don't wish to admit it, but it's true. Matsuri just stood there and let Yoshimiya suffer the pain by herself, all while he stood there like a coward and not helping. If he truly does love Yoshimiya, then why haven't he-"

"JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!" She burst as she turned around and slammed her fist on the car door. "I ALREADY KNOW THAT!"

"Then why are you refusing to admit it-"

"BECAUSE HE'S ALREADY BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH ALREADY, OKAY!? SO JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE!"

….

Just silence between the two. The only noise that could be heard was Ayame…..sniffling? She was crying?

Mari blinked with a baffled expression. She looked at the girl whose body leaned against the car. Watching her legs give way as she fell to the ground. "He….he already been *hic* through enough…..so just please…leave him alone."

"Ayame….is there something you're not telling me?"

The elder sister wiped her tears away, she looked towards Mari with a stern expression. "There's something that he left out in his story….during the day when Yoshimiya died in the hospital…..he came back home…..in a complete wreck."

"..." Mari listened to her tale.


-Hitoyoshi's Resident-


The Day When Yoshimiya died…..

Akari was in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes. She looked outside and noticed how cloudy it was. "Looks like rain is going to be coming soon. Ayame dear, could you please go and grab the clothes."

"Sure." Ayame said as she dried her hands and was about to make her way to the yard, only to stop when she heard the front door open.

She peered at her from the kitchen, down the hall. In front of the door, Matsuri was just standing there with his hair covering his face. His body trembled with his panted and ragged breath. "Matsuri….."

"Is that Matsuri? What's he doing here so early?" Akari asked from the kitchen.

Matsuri didn't say anything as he just stood there, his back against the door. Ayame walked up towards him with a concerned look. She didn't hold her usual smirk or grin, concerned about Matsuri's strange behavior. Once she was close enough, she noticed a trail of tears on his cheeks.

"H-Hey little buddy, are you okay?"

Matsuri gritted his teeth, too much in pain to look up at his sister or even talk. He instead ran around her, kicking his shoes off and rushed for the stairs! "H-Hey! Hold it! Matsuri!?"

Matsuri didn't say anything as he just rushed up the stairs! Ignoring his mom and dad as they watched their son rushing up the stairs in a hurry! The two tried calling out for his name as well but nothing. Akari stopped everything she was doing and rushed up the stairs to see what was wrong. Kenchiro followed behind her.

[He just rushed up the stairs…..locked himself in the bathroom…..he was crying in there for a good minute or so. That was until we got the news that Yoshimiya died today, so we left him alone until he would get out…but then…..he tried to kill himself].


Ayame walked up the stairs to check up on Matsuri. Her thoughts were too focused on her younger brother. Wondering if everything was okay with him. She knew how close the two were, so hearing the news must have traumatized him. As she made the corner, she took notice of water leaking through the door.

Her eyes scanned the water, but then as she got closer to the door, she hears water running from the other side of the door. Her heart started to beat faster as she tried to open the door. "Matsuri! Matsuri! Open this door now!"

"..." No answer from the other end.

Ayame started to grow in a panic. "MOM, DAD! GET UP HERE!" She yelled as she frantically tried to open the door.

She rammed her body at the door. Trying to force her way inside. She didn't care if she had to break it down, she just focused on saving her brother. Not able to break it down, she got away from the door and got into a position. Getting a running start, she rushed towards the door and ran right through it! Breaking it down!

She caught her breath in her throat as she looked at her brother whose body was completely submerged in the tub, the water still running, overflowing the tub and leaking out of it. Causing a small flood within the room.

Ayame, reacting quickly, rushes to turn off the water and grabs Matsuri from under his armpit! Dragging him out of the water and setting him on the floor. Akari and Kenchiro came in just in time, holding terrified expressions as they witnessed what the boy tried to do!

"W-WHAT GOING ON HERE!?" Akari screamed!

"MATSURI! MATSURI COME WAKE UP!" Ayame screamed as she tried to push down on his chest so he could spit the water out.

Ayame performed CPR on the boy as she breathed into his mouth and went back to placing her arms over his chest. She did this several times before he finally spat water out. Hacking for air. He coughed out some water before gaining some conscious back. Groggily opening up his eyes, he spotted his family. They both held worried expressions on their faces, Akari had tears building in her eyes with her hand over her mouth.

"..." Matsuri didn't say anything but he just held a weak expression. Before he fell back into Ayame's hands, tears were leaking from his eyes. "Yosh…."

"Huh?" Ayame asked.

"Yoshimiya…I'm….sorry."

Is all he said as tears continued to roll against his cheeks. Repeating the same word over and over before he fell asleep.


-Yoshimiya's Resident- [Outside]


Back in Present Time….

Mari held a shocked expression. "So…..he tried to kill himself….."

Ayame nodded. "I didn't know why…until now. After what he did, he felt much guilt of what happened to her, he thought killing himself would make him atone for her death. But…killing yourself won't bring someone back to life. It won't fix anything at all. I…I was so scared." Ayame said with a sob.

The elder sister hugged herself as tears leaked from her eyes. "When I saw him…..almost drowning himself, I…I literally thought I was gonna lose him. It made me terrified for his life. I didn't know what he was going to do if he killed himself."

"Ayame…I didn't know. I'm sorry."

She shook her head wiping the tears from her eyes before looking at Mari. "It's okay…..I imagine Matsuri didn't want to tell you either way because he didn't want to worry Miyuki…."

"...so, after that stunt…..I'm guessing that's why you're so protective around him?"

Ayame nodded. "I vowed to protect my little brother. No matter what happens…..I-no. All of us will love him no matter what. He's very precious to us. To me." She said with a bit of a somber tone.

Mari didn't know what to say, completely lost for words. To what Miyuki and Ayame answered, they were similar. She would say that Ayame was simple since he's family, but there was more to the story. He literally tried to kill himself due to his actions. She knew that he was feeling guilty, but she didn't know it was to that extent. And it just made her feel guilty for her outburst earlier.

"So what are you going to do now?" Mari looked at Ayame who held a bitter expression. "Are you gonna throw him in prison like how you wanted? Or do you need more information about Yoshimiya's death…"

Mari just looked at the girl with a guilty expression. She didn't know what to say to her. An answer did not come to her as she looked to her feet. Unsure of what to think anymore. "To be honest…..I'm not sure."

"..."

"My whole goal was to throw Matsuri in prison because I believed that he was scumbag…but….after from what he revealed. It's clear that Matsuri suffered so much pain. And I'm sure he did some thinking to himself during that day…..and the day after that…and so on. While true, Matsuri did take part in it, but it's clear that he never had any ill intention towards Yoshimiya."

"Of course he didn't….he always loved her."

Mari did not respond as she pondered for a moment. Her thoughts traced back to the time when Matsuri was first called into the office so that they could have a "friendly" chat. She recalled how he felt completely at fault for what happened to the boys as they went about their operation. He even suggested that he should be removed from the school due to his inability to stop them. Plenty of what happened through the past months before he finally revealed what happened, how Matsuri reacted to them. It all made sense to her.

All of these behaviors were really Matsuri insecurity. He feels that he could do something to always fix something that he felt responsible for, but in the end, he still feels weak. Pathetic. Useless.

"All of Matsuri behavior…I have seen before."

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a car driving up towards the parking lot. The blue car parked right next to Ayame's car, quickly coming out of the passenger seat was Akari who wore a panicked expression.

"Ayame!"

"Hey mom…hey dad." Ayame said with a tired tone. Walking up to the two adults, giving them a hug.

The hug only lasted for a few seconds before they parted, looking at their daughter. "Is Matsuri in the apartment?"

"Yeah, Miyuki with him. He cried himself to sleep, but I'm sure he'll wake up soon." She said, giving them a reassuring smile.

"Oh my poor baby." Akari said as she covered her mouth with her hand. "Did he tell her everything?"

"Well, he left out the part when he tried to kill himself, but I think it's best we keep that to ourselves. Mari included." She said, gesturing her head to the council president.

Kenchiro nodded. "Let's head up to her apartment." He said to his wife.

Both Kenchiro and Akari headed onward towards Miyuki's apartment, leaving Mari and Ayame to themselves. "You called them?"

"Yup. I figured since Matsuri is now coming out clean, mom and dad would want to hear this. Luckily Ritsu isn't here, but I think they'll update her when she gets off of school."

"How would you think they would react to his story…"

"Possibly disappointed, but more so disappointed in him not telling them sooner. I bet that's it."

"You seem to have an optimistic view on the possibility." Mari raised a brow at the girl.

Ayame gave her a slight glare. "Can I? I am his older sister, so I'm allowed to think that. And besides, like I said before, we all love Matsuri. No matter what he's done, he's still family. Plus, Matsuri himself felt guilty all these years, so I'm sure they still love him. No matter what Matsuri tells himself."

Mari didn't respond once more, looking at the girl with a stare.

"You got a problem with that."

Mari didn't say anything but made a rare small smile. "No. In fact, I say it's sweet that his family still loves him. Even after taking part in kidnapping Yoshimiya…by force at least."

"Oh, do you now?"

"I'm being serious."

Mari gave her a glare with a serious tone. Shocking Ayame for a moment.

"I will admit, I'm still a little cross with Matsuri for what he did, but it clearly shows that he feels sorry for his actions. I still remember how back when we met, I just found him to be another pervert. Someone who uses girls just as his playthings…but looking at Matsuri and his recent actions, it shows that he's more than just a simple scumbag….he's a gentleman."

Ayame didn't say anything as she just looked at Mari as if she finally cracked or something.

"Of course, after what happened, I still don't trust him…but, I feel I understand Matsuri now." She said as she walked towards the stair.

Ayame was left with a baffled expression. This was the first, seeing the ever-male-hating president actually showing genuine care for the boy. If she had a time machine and went back in time to tell her past self that Mari actually showed some care for Matsuri, she would have scoffed at it.

Ayame released a small sigh as she followed after her.


-Yoshimiya Resident- [Miyuki's Room]


Matsuri slowly, groggily opened his eyes up to an unfamiliar ceiling. His cheeks felt wet, as if he cried in his sleep. He lifted his body off from the bed before holding his face in place. Trying to recollect his memories of what happened. If he recalls, he, Mari, and Ayame went to Yoshimiya's apartment where they spoke with Miyuki. He told them the truth of what happened, then Miyuki…forgives him?

Everything came back to him. He told them the truth, and Miyuki, completely shocked, forgives him for what happened.

"No…." He weakly said to himself as he held his stomach as if he was in pain. "Why…..why did she forgive me for what happened?"

Why did she forgive him? After what he did, what happened to Yoshimiya. And just for her to forgive him just like that. The least she could do was to scold him, slap him, kick him out and tell him to never come back here again!

"Why Ms. Miyuki…..why do you forgive me?" He teared.

"Because you don't deserve it."

Matsuri released a sharp gasp, jolting on the bed. Looking up, he spots Miyuki who poked through the room. Wearing a sympathetic smile upon her lips. Matsuri remained somewhat frightened, as he felt like he shouldn't be here.

"How are you feeling?"

"...to be honest. I don't know." He said as he gripped his arm.

Miyuki walked up towards the boy, her smiling still showing as she approached him. Once she was by his bedside, she got down to his level and looked him in the eye. However, Matsuri shifted his gaze to the side, his body trembling from just her presence.

"Matsuri, you don't have to be afraid."

"But…..after what I did, why…..why are you being nice to me?" He said as he was about to cry once more.

"Now don't say that."

"But it's true!" He yelled as he brought both his hands to his face. "After…..after everything I've done, how could you still forgive me for what happened! I took part in their operation! I put Yoshimiya to sleep with those cookies that were mixed with sleeping medicines! I took those pictures! And here you are forgiving me! I don't….I DON'T DESERVE YOUR KINDNESS!"

He quieted down as he went into a silent sob. His face was completely hidden from her. Miyuki just looked at the boy, wearing a frown as she just stared at him as he continued to cry in his hands.

Getting up from her sitting position, she walked over to the drawing, opening it up, she searched through the drawer for something. Finding what she was looking for, she approached the bedside once more, taking a seat this time on the side of the mattress. Holding a small box.

"Matsuri…." She said to get his attention. The boy poked from his hands as he looked up at her. "Here."

He looks at the small box with a raised brow. "W-What's this…."

"It's a present. A present from Yoshimiya."

Matsuri blinked at her before looking back at the box he held in his hands. A present from Yoshimiya, this was something he was not expecting, but when did she pick this out? Was it before her death?

Curious, he removed the top of the box and looked right inside. His mouth opened slightly as he peered inside. Reaching inside the box, he grabbed what looked to be a necklace or some sort. The ornament at the end of the necklace was the shape of a shooting star that left a star dust trail. The star was colored a dark shade blue, within the trail were small bright spots contained within.

"A shooting star…"

"That girl, she was always interested in stars and such. While she was in the hospital, she told me she picked out a present for you before she committed suicided. She wanted you to have it."

"So she did pick this out before her death…." His eyes continued to look at the star ornament that glowed as it reflected against the light in the room.

His eyes then caught a paper that was inside the box. Curiosity struck him as he took the paper and looked at it. The paper was folded up so that it would fit inside, unfolding it he looked at the paper with Miyuki reading over his shoulder.

Dear Matsuri,

If this paper has gotten to you, good. Then that means mom hasn't read it yet. I wanted you to read it. Anyways, I bet you must be feeling guilty of what's going on with me being bullied by the whole school. Those pictures you took really did come out good, I'll admit. But this was the promise I took upon myself, you won't have to be afraid anymore. I decided on this path so that you can live a peaceful life without Hayakki breathing down your neck. So if you're beating yourself up, please don't. None of this is your fault. Whenever I think of death, I'm always afraid of how it will be, but it's alright, I hope Hayakki will keep her word and not bother you anymore. So in all, my story has come to an end, but that doesn't mean your story has to end either. Make some new friends, forge a new life and maybe find a girl who you can share your life with. Bet she'll be pretty. Also, before I go, I know Megumi doesn't get along with you and all, but could you please keep her company. Knowing her, she'll possibly miss me.

Pass this on to mom will you, if you see a star twinkling in the night sky, that let you know that I'm watching over you from afar. You're my shooting star, Matsuri Hitoyoshi.

-Love, Kakeguri Yoshimiya

Matsuri finished reading the entire note. Before he knew it, tears rolled from his eyes as he rubbed them with a few sniffling. So she wrote this letter and picked out the present before her death. She was rather well-prepared for this.

He looked back at Miyuki who was crying as well, but she held a tearful smile as she looked at the boy.

"Miyuki…."

"Yes dear?"

"I…..I miss her. I miss her so much." He sobbed

Before he knew it, Miyuki embraced him with a heartfelt hug. Squeezing him tight against her, never letting go of the broken boy. "I know Matsuri. I miss her as well. I miss her too." She said as she silently broke down into tears while holding the boy.


It only took a few minutes for the two to share a moment with each other before they were done. Exiting the room, Matsuri was immediately greeted by a hug from none other than his mom!

"OH MY SWEET BABY!"

"Gak! M-Mom!?"

"OH MY POOR SWEET BABY!" She said as she repeatedly kissed him all over his face and shoving him between her bosom.

"M-MOM! P-PLEASE NOT IN FRONT EVERYONE!"

"OH, IT'S MY JOB TO EMBARRASS YOU ANYWAYS!" She said as she squeezed him tighter.

Matsuri let out a groan with a heavy blush, but instead of pushing her away, he enjoyed his moment with his mother by hugging her back. "I love you, mom."

"I love you too, sweetie." She said with a single tear rolling down her cheeks.

It didn't take long for Kenchiro to join the hug, embracing them both. "Matsuri, can I ask a question?"

"Huh?"

"Why didn't you ask for help when you needed it?" Kenchiro asked the hardest question that everyone had in their head.

Matsuri slowly parted from his mom and looked around a bit, as if he was looking for the right words to say to the people that are now occupant in the room. "Well…..I was…..I was trying to be strong and solve this myself."

"Huh?"

Matsuri rubbed his arm with a slight hinge of disappointment. "Whenever I see Ayame and Ritsu coming back with something successful or an achievement. I always felt…insecure. I felt like I was surrounded by great people who are strong and made a name for themselves….then there's me. I'm not that smart, nor am I strong or even creative. I always felt a big disappointment to you guys."

"Oh Matsuri…" Akari said with a light gasp.

"So I figured, if I can be strong on my own, I can be like you guys and feel proud of myself, guess that didn't work…guess you guys see me even more of an embarrassment, do you?"

He immediately swarmed into a hug by his; mom, dad, and older sister. All of them embracing him into a hug that he deserves.

"You're not a disappointment. You're our Matsuri!"

"We never saw you as such. And we never treat you like you were a disappointment. You're a well-behaved and brave young man."

"Just because what that bitch said about you, doesn't mean it's true! You're the best little brother I could ever ask for! And after today, you come out and tell the truth behind Yoshimiya's death, that right there shows how brave you really are!"

Matsuri took in all of their words, looking between them as they surrounded his space by hugging the boy. His heart skipped a beat, his eyes trembled, after all that had happened, what he did to Yoshimiya, his family will always love him. He felt like an idiot. He should've asked them from the beginning for help! For guidance! But he didn't! And Yoshimiya paid the price for it.

He broke down in tears once more. He gripped the necklace around his neck that was given to him by Yoshimiya.

Mari watched the scene with a sympathetic frown. This scene was truly heartbreaking. Even after all that had happened, Matsuri's family still stood by him and will always love him no matter what.

"Matsuri…..perhaps I too, have been rather harsh on you. From the moment we met, I just saw you as another scumbag who abused his friend with no remorse. I thought I was chasing a wolf in sheep's clothing. But it turns out, you're an injured human being who was mistreated long before you entered this school."

Mari's eyes looked to the shelf with a picture frame of Yoshimiya and Matsuri by the beach. The boy's friend held a cheerful smile as she held her finger up behind Matsuri's head, making it look like he had bunny ears. And Matsuri within the frame, looked so calm and happy.

"Yoshimiya….I can't help but envy you. To have met a male such as Matsuri. I wonder what life would be like if I were to meet you. Our different beliefs in men would most definitely clash with one another. But I do feel that we could've been great friends…sometimes I wish that I did meet you."


The group were outside of the apartment complex, all of them about to leave. Akari was giving Miyuki a hug. "Remember, if you're feeling lonely, you're always welcome to come over."

"Thank Akari. I'll take your offer."

Akari gave him her one last hug before breaking apart. She then went over to Matsuri and gave him a hug. "Please keep in touch often, Matsuri."

"I will mom." He said with a smile.

Kenchiro ruffled the boy's hair. "Keep going strong, son."

"I will dad, thanks."

"You sure you don't need a ride back?"

Ayame carelessly waved her hand. "Nah, you guys go on back home. I can bring them back and besides," She walked over and set her arm around Mari's neck. "I like to have a few conversations with these two."

Mari took note of the wink towards her direction. God only knows that her sentences was more directed towards herself. This only caused Mari to roll her eyes in annoyance.

"Well, okay then. But please be safe."

"I will."

Ayame shared a hug with the two parents before they got into the car. Akari leaned out the window and waved them a good-bye, exiting the apartment parking lot and into the streets.

"Welp," Ayame said with a smile. "Guess we should be going to, huh?"

"She's right," Mari said as she looked towards Matsuri. "We can't be gone for too long."

"Yeah….."

"Matsuri."

The boy turned towards the voice and was greeted by another hug. Miyuki rubbed on top of Matsuri's head. "The next time you come over, please don't be a stranger, okay."

Matsuri bit his lip, but shook his head as he looked up at the woman. "I will, thank you for listening, Ms. Miyuki."

"Oh and another thing, please don't call me Ms. Miyuki, just Miyuki is good enough. Also, have you got into contact with Megumi?"

Matsuri twitched at that. He looked away from Miyuki's face. "I uh…..not really. Honestly, I can already guess how she's gonna react when I tell her."

"Come now, Matsuri. You know she loves Yoshimiya just as much as you do. I know she can be scary at times, but please get in contact with her when you can. Okay?"

"...I'll see what I can do." Matsuri wasn't entirely excited about the idea of calling upon her, but was given no choice. He shook his head and looked at Miyuki with a smile. "Miyuki…um…..I wanted to thank you…..for listening….and I'm sorry for what happened to Yoshimiya."

Miyuki did not respond. Just remaining still, looking at the boy with a frown.

"I wish….if I had to make a wish. Then my first wish would be to save Yoshimiya from killing herself. I know I shouldn't blame myself for her death but….." Painful memories flooded his mind once more. "I still can't forgive myself….."

He stopped trembling as Miyuki gave him another hug. Melting in her warm embrace. "I know Matsuri…but there's nothing we can do to change the past. She's gone. But I believe that she really did enjoy her time with you."

Matsuri bit his lip, tears threatening to break down the gate.

"Yoshimiya did this for you sweetie. She took all that pain and wanted you to forge your own path. It's not gonna be easy forgiving yourself. And it may be a hard road for you up ahead…but believe me when I say this," She said as she partly broke away from the hug, still looking at Matsuri with a smile. "Sometimes those bumps you encounter on the road, it will be all worth the effort to get you where you want to be."

Matsuri wiped the tears from his eyes and gave a smile to the woman before hugging her. "I love you, Miyuki."

"I love you too, Matsuri. And thank you for being my little girl's friend."


-Downtown Area of Nemira Ward-


Matsuri rested his head against the side of the door, letting the wind breeze through his hair as he looked at the star necklace that was given to him. He felt the dust trail that it left, feeling the rough surface of the necklace. Trailing it back to the star at the end, shooting off into its own direction.

"Are you okay?"

Matsuri looked up to see Mari. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine."

"..." Mari just stared at him as her eyes looked back at the necklace. "Is that from Yoshimiya, I assume?"

"Yeah. She wanted to give me this gift before she took her life…I guess she had it all planned…and I was still too late to help her."

"...Matsuri," Mari called his name. "While I don't know who Yoshimiya is, nor have I ever met her. But if anything today has taught me, is this…."

"...um…..what is it?"

"That you don't have to shoulder the pain anymore." Matsuri's eyes widened. "Despite you doing that to your friend, I still believe you should be held accountable for, but the fact that you faced Miyuki and told her the truth. You didn't run away from your problem, but instead wanted to settle things with your past."

"I….I don't feel any different."

"On the contrary….I believe I see the differences. Everyone has their own ways of changing," Mari said as she looked at Matsuri who stared at her back with a curious gaze. A rare smile graced her lips. "I believe that when the first time we met, I saw you as nothing more than a scumbag like the others…but it turns out I was too blinded by my own prejudice against males. Guess you could say that I was obsessed with trying to find dirt on you back then…..and what I'm doing now…."

Matsuri continued to look at Mari with a gaze.

Mari blushed, feeling ashamed of herself. "I guess what I'm trying to say is…I'm sorry."

"It's fine."

"Huh?" Mari wore a baffled look on her face as she looked at the boy.

Matsuri wore a smile on his face. "You were just looking out for the school and the students. Yeah, I can agree that you can be a bit much, but you were doing your job. And besides, I wouldn't say that you failed, you did succeed in finding out what I did to Yoshimiya…..for the most part at least. So I guess I'll be going to jail then, huh?"

Mari just blinked at the boy with a perplexed look. She really did not understand this boy at all. He's really just all smiles and forgiveness. For all the pain she indirectly caused, he was still willing to forgive her for the mess. Perhaps he was still holding some resentment towards her. Or he's just like that. It confuses her.

She shook her head with a smile. Releasing a chuckle. "Honestly, you are the oddest boy I've met. And I for one, am glad to have met you."

Matsuri blushed as he looked the other way with a smile. "T-Thanks….I guess."

The ride home was rather a peaceful moment between the two, Ayame looking into the rear view mirror, her eyes drifting back and forward between the two members. A small smile graced her lips as she looked back towards the road.


-Front Gate of Hachimitsu Academy-


The car came to a complete halt, many of the female students looked at the car that contained the underground student council president and the apprentice of the underground student council.

Matsuri bowed to his sister. "Thank you again, sis."

"Sure bro….hey. You mind going in first before you miss sunshine here. I need to talk with her about something."

Matsuri blinked as he looked back at Mari who wore a serious expression. She looked towards Matsuri before nodding. Giving him the go ahead to go on without her. Matsuri nodded back and got out of the car walking through the gate and giving them a good distance to talk.

"You've caught my attention…can I help you with something?" Mari asked.

"Well you can start by answering my question…are you gonna throw my brother in jail?"

"...is that it?"

Ayame turned her head over her shoulders as she gave her a glare. "Just answer the question."

"...I cannot give my answer yet, until he discusses this with the others."

"Seriously?" Ayame said with an exasperated sigh. "I swear I just want to throttle the both of you."

"You're worried. I know." Mari spoke up, grabbing her attention. "But after what happened, I want to process my thoughts before I make my answer. But Matsuri said that he wishes to tell the others before I will give him the judgment. So till then, I cannot give you my answer. This is something only for Matsuri to hear."

Ayame just groaned. "Fine whatever…..you know. Now that I got a good look at you…..you're not so bad."

"Oh please, I'm not a monster."

"Nah, I always saw you as a bitch."

Mari felt offended by the insult. "How dare you! I take back what I thought of you, you're still a vulgar woman!"

"Ah, relax, you'll warm up to me soon." Ayame said with a smile. Before she leaned to the side, her hand stretched out to Mari, offering a fist.

"What's this?"

"Seriously, you don't know what a fist bump is?" She mocked that only annoyed Mari. "It's a fist bump. Pretend it's like hand shaking but we bump our first together instead. It's just my way of saying…you're alright."

Mari just blinked a few times before she raised her hand and turned it into a fist. She looks back at Ayame's before she stretches towards her. Making contact with it.


Ayame drove away from the school and back home. Leaving Mari to just look off into the distance. Occupying to herself in her own thoughts. Many things have happened today and honestly, she doesn't know where to even begin.

But she does know one thing, she needs Matsuri to share his story with the others so they can get up to date.

"M-Madam President?" Mari turned to Matsuri. "Um…..Ayame didn't give you any trouble, did she?"

"...no. In fact, you could say it was quite the opposite. But enough about that. Let us return back to the chairman's office. I'll let Meiko and Hana know to call the boys over so that they can hear the story from you. Plus, I believe Etsuko and Chiyo would like to hear as well."

"Right." Matsuri bit his lip.

"Are you scared?"

"A little, I'll admit. But this is something I chose to do. So I have to see this through."

Mari offered a smile. "That's good to hear. I can't guarantee it will be easy though. They may not react the same as Miyuki and your family. But just know this Matsuri. That no matter what happens, you must always be prepared for the results. I still can't find myself to forgive you for your cowardly choice, but the fact that you chose to tell Miyuki the truth is enough to change my view on you."

"...to be honest, I still hate myself for what I did. If I just stood by her…..she would never…I don't really feel any different."

Mari moved closer to Matsuri, her hand caressing his cheeks. "Give it time. As Miyuki said, the road ahead will be hard for you. But all of that will be worth the effort. Don't let your mistakes define you. But instead, learn from those mistakes to improve yourself. Don't ever forget that Matsuri."

Matsuri blushed at the touch and her words. These were completely out of nowhere, especially from Mari of all people. He was expecting some harsher words from the girl, since she knows what happened to Yoshimiya and how it occurred. Yet here she is, completely sympathizing with him.

The boy was lost in his thoughts that he forgot they were out in public. Mari also took notice of this as she heard the girls around them gossiping.

"Whoa, check it out, the President is touching his face like that?"

"Are they dating?"

"He's a real smooth one isn't he~?"

Mari removed her hand from his cheeks. "Ahem. W-Well, since you understand. I don't need to explain myself any more. A-Anyways, let us go to the chairman's office."

Mari grabs Matsuri's hand and drags him to the office.


-Near the entrance of Chairman Office-


The walk towards the chairman office was…rather amonous. Where they went, the students around them were releasing gossip. At first, Mari thought it had to do with the fact that someone must have overheard them this morning about Matsuri revealing the truth. At least, that is what she heard while they were on their way towards the chairman office.

That is until something else caught her interest…

"She brought that boy with him? Looks like he's going to prison?"

"Kind of sad though, he is kind of cute I guess."

"But not only that, she's also here as well."

"You mean Mari…."

"No, the other one…."

Mari raised a brow at this. If they were not referring to herself, who were they talking about? Just what has happened during their time away from the school.

She looked behind her and noticed the boy was wearing a worried expression. He was getting scared again. The slight tremble he was giving off was enough for her to realize that. She held onto his hand tighter. To assure his safety.

The two finally made it to the door. She gave out a sigh before looking at Matsuri.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

Mari nodded as she reached for the knob.


"Sorry to intrude father, but I have-"

She stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened in shock. A chill ran down her spine. Small beads of sweat dripped against her skin. A slight tremble burst through her body.

"M-Madam President?" Matsuri asked her as she remained frozen on the spot.

"Ah good. You made it."

The boy turns to the voice.

Sitting on one of the couches, an unrecognizable figure to him. The blonde-hair figure sat posed on the couch. Her hand rested on her knee as her leg crossed the other. Her eyes stared at the frozen president of the underground student council.

"And I see you've brought the boy too. Very good, Mari Kurihara."

Matsuri did not like this. The pressure in the room felt heavy.

The people within the room felt it too. Meiko and Hana sat on the opposite end of the couch across from the woman. Meiko was sweating non-stop, soaking her spot. Hana tried to remain unfazed, but could not fool anyone as she was slightly shaking while biting her lips.

The other occupant in the room, the chairman, remained posed behind his desk. But wore a worried expression on his face. Chiyo stood with the boys to the side and Etsuko tried to make herself hidden away as possible.

"It seems everyone is here accordingly. Then we may as well get down to business then, shall we?"

"Um…..w-who are you?"

"Matsuri….." Mari whispered. A warning stare at the boy.

"Oh yes, you don't know me since you're a transfer student." Matsuri blinked. "Well, no worries. It is natural for him not to know."

The woman stood up from her seat and approached the two. Her eyes remained fixed on the boy. Mari subconsciously moved her hand in front of the boy. Her stare on the woman who still wore a rather disturbing smile.

"Is something the matter, Mari?"

"N-No ma'am. B-But….why are you here, madam? "

"Madam?"

"Well, I heard rumors of Hachimitsu Academy accepting males into our school. I heard the news and so I thought I would make a quick visit to see how things were holding up." Her eyes looked towards the boy off to the side. Making them flinch under her stare. "I also heard that these unfaithfuls mongrels were caught trying to peek inside the girls' bath house."

"I-Indeed, we did. B-But we're noble men now. There's nothing to fear about us." Gakuto said with a shaky voice.

"Oh….is that true."

"I-It is." Chiyo spoke up. "They learned their lesson. They even saved the school from a group of other boys with the USC!"

"Even so, I still don't trust them. But not as much as this boy." Ayaka pointed at Matsuri. "I heard that the USC brought a boy in as a member. That is what piqued my interest the most."

"M-Madam President, please let me explain-"

"No need. I'm already aware of it. You brought Matsuri in so that you can find out if he truly did commit a crime at his old school. Am I correct?"

"...y-yes."

"And? Did you find anything out?"

"...I…..I did."

"Um, I'm sorry. But…..w-who are you, really?" Matsuri was becoming more frightened by the moment. And he swore that Mari called her 'president'? As in president of what?

"Ah yes. I should introduce myself." Ayaka smiled at the boy. "I am Ayaka Hashigi. I was the former president of the underground student council."

"F-Former president!?"

"That is right. And you must be Matsuri Hitoyoshi, correct?"

Matsuri trembled, but remained strong as he nodded his head.

"Good. I believe you were going to tell us about Yoshimiya Kakeguri, correct?" The boy gulped down his fear. "If you don't mind. I too would like to know, tell me…"

She leans closer to the boy's face. Her expression darkened. Any sense of hospitality left and all that was left were bloodlust.

"Just how did my dear old friend die that day? You filthy little mongrel."



And that's a wrap! Finally letting out the truth behind Yoshimiya's death, Miyuki still forgives him and his family still loves him. But deep down, Matsuri still has ways to go before he can finally let go of the past and become more confident in himself. But trouble once again finds him as an old friend from Yoshimiya's past comes to haunt him. In the form of the former president of the underground student council!? Next chapter is the last chapter of the USC Beginning Arc and the end of the Underground Student Council Saga!

Sorry for the long wait. I had to handle school work since it was midterm week and I was enjoying my birthday off. So yeah, many things went on and I couldn't find the time to squeeze in for this chapter. But now I'm back and hopefully will get the next chapter out hopefully by this month. Don't quote me though. XD

Anyways, this chapter was actually pretty short, but I'm okay with it. Not much to tell aside from Matsuri getting some closure with Miyuki and his parents and sister. However, he is not out of the woods yet as he now must face an unexpected encounter with another of Yoshimiya's friends and that friend is the former president of the underground student council. I wanted to weave my characters into the story of Prison School as much as I can, so that they had a purpose for being there, instead of just characters who are just there reacting and doing small things here and there. I want them to serve a purpose. I figured I wanted to go further with Ayaka's character and have her know Yoshimiya.

I'm aware that you guys want to see if Matsuri will get his revenge on Hayakki for what she did and I know you guys want to see some justice served. As much as I would love to tackle that plot thread, I feel just focusing on that plot, along with the Prison School story, would make a very messy plot with too many perspectives going on. I'll possibly think of something but don't hold your hopes up. So for the moment in the next saga, we'll be focusing on the Aboveground Student Council and their battle with the underground student council.

But we are now at the end of the story arc and the saga. Thank you guys for the support of this story. We came pretty far did we, especially for a Prison School fanfic. Prison School has plenty of ideas I want to explore and of course, we cannot do without some sexual scenes as well.

Remember to leave a review for feedback and feel free to PM me for possible ideas if you have any. Your idea may end up in the story and I'll give you a shout out.

As always, thanks for reading, stay safe and see you in the next chapter!