4/15
Shujin Academy was a scary place. The principal seemed to be above the daily operations of the school and would focus mostly on his own business, mostly a non-presence. Next were the teachers who, without supervision, could get away with whatever they wanted. Kamoshida could do whatever with his volleyball team, Kawakami could prepare the bare minimum for her lessons, and Ushimaru could hurl chalk pieces at students. Then finally were the students. Though violence wasn't common at Shujin, the students would gossip and spread rumors around non-stop. If you did something embarrassing, everyone heard about it before the day ended. Just surviving the day to day was difficult.
Shiho Suzui put up with this all last school year. It was hell but she was able to do what she loved and still spend time with her friend Ann. But slowly she realized that things were just getting progressively worse. Volleyball practice became much more physical after her initial start, students would be called to Kamoshida's office and come out with bruises, and the incident with the track team resulting in a broken leg of someone she used to be friends with. The worst was when Suguru Kamoshida began to fancy Ann Takamaki. Unnecessary pressure built up on Shiho. Small errors at practice resulted in severe punishments for her. She may be talented at the sport but everyone makes mistakes.
It didn't help that her friend began wearing a plastic smile around her. Suzui was always able to see the heart of people and read their emotional states well. She knew Ann for years and this was the first time she wasn't being genuine about her feelings. Then again, her state wasn't much different. She was being beaten down by practice and the rumors circulating about her friend as well as the pressure of nationals weighing down on the team. It was almost enough to break a person, put them over the edge.
"Are you doing okay?" A voice cut in as she walked down the hall.
Looking up from her daze, Suzui noticed a dark haired student with messy hair. He was wearing glasses that reflected the light to obscure his eyes. She didn't seem to recognize him. 'Is this the new transfer student? He looks...tired?' Taking a moment, she looked up at him before casting her gaze aside. "Oh...I'm fine. Thank you." She nodded.
A soft smile lit up the boy's face. "That's good." He looked the dark haired girl in the eye. His steely gaze reflected through his glasses, drawing her attention. "Things will get better soon. I promise." He waved and started to walk away.
A moment of hesitation but Suzui turned in the hallway and called out. "Are...are you okay?" She asked.
The boy stopped, frozen in his tracks. Turning toward her, a look of surprise coated his face. He quickly turned back to his warm smile. "I'm better now. Thank you Suzui-san." He turned and disappeared down the hallway.
The quick encounter raced through her head. 'The transfer student...I heard about what happened at the rally from Ann. He stood up to Kamoshida.' The thought brought a smile to her face. Normally the mention of his name sent her into a nervous tizzy. But this time, it brought a sense of relief, of hope.
Practice had ended for the day. The students went to the locker room and got changed, preparing to head home. As Suzui exited the locker room, she noticed a familiar head of blonde hair. A boy with blonde hair.
Ryuji Sakamoto, a friend she had in middle school along with Ann. They enjoyed their time together as a motley crew, each bringing something different to the table. Ryuji with his high energy and willingness to do things. Ann with her passion that drove the group to follow through with their activities. And Shiho, the calm, level headed one that made sure the other two didn't do anything too ridiculous.
Over the past few days, Suzui had noticed Sakamoto waiting around outside the gym for her. It was a welcome surprise, being able to spend a bit of time with an old friend. High school provided too many distractions and problems that had just caused them to drift apart so this was a nice change of pace.
As she approached, the boy stood up from his leaning position against the wall. "Yo! What's bonkin' Suzui?!" The boy enthusiastically greeted.
The girl couldn't help but giggle. "You know Sakamoto-kun, that'll never catch on." She teased, falling in line next to them as they headed for the exit.
"Says you!" He retorted, trying to sound tough before quickly breaking his demeanor into a laugh.
"I know so." She smiled at him. The two continued small chitchat as they made their way to the station.
"No I won't dye my hair back. Girls love the blonde hair!" Ryuji insisted.
"And what girls have told you that?" She gave a doubtful look at the boy.
Raising his hands in front of him and looking away, Ryuji struggled to continue his story. "Umm you know...a few...from around..." His cheeks began turning red.
Suzui couldn't help but laugh at him. 'Watching him get all flustered is adorable. Its like he hasn't changed at all.' She smirked at him. "Well you may be on to something. It makes you stand out more and even match with Ann."
Ryuji rubbed the back of his head at the comment. "Yea...exactly."
The air turned a bit awkward after that.
Deciding now was the best time, Shiho turned toward Ryuji as they made it to the station. "I have to ask. Why are you visiting me all of a sudden?" Her tone was soft but she was serious. "You've stayed after school to walk me to the station almost every day this week. Why?"
Ryuji averted his eyes from her gaze. His face began to redden a bit. It was almost like he wasn't sure how to answer or what to say.
'Are the rumors true?' She thought. 'I hate believing them and try not to but did they get it right for once? Does Ryuji like me? Was he going to confess?' She began to feel slightly nervous but her resolve was steeled to hear his answer.
Looking back to her, Sakamoto took a deep breath in and sighed. "Look. We were friends and stuff before so its nice to reconnect but that's not why." Finally looking at her in the eye, Ryuji began to explain. "I was asked to watch over you after school the past few days. Or at least until the end of the week."
The shock hit Suzui hard. This wasn't what she was expecting. A feeling of confusion and hurt swept over her. "Watch over me? Why? Who?" She began to question as her mind raced a mile a minute.
A bit of hesitation could be felt from Ryuji. "I can't really say..." He trailed off. It seemed that he knew he did a bad job at explaining this.
This was so weird. Who would ask for Sakamoto to look over her? The only person it could be was Ann. Did she know something? Was she worried about Kamoshida? "It...it was Ann wasn't it?"
Ryuji quickly answered shaking off her doubt. "No no no! Wasn't her. We haven't had talked at all in like forever!" Ryuji denied fervently.
This left her more confused. 'Who then? Why me? There were other members of the team? So why me specifically?'
A moment of silence passed between them before Ryuji spoke up. "For what its worth, I really do like spending time with you." He began looking red again. "I was worried too from all your injuries from practice and shit. But it looks like you're gettin' better cuz all those bruises seem to be goin' away." He smiled hoping to lift her spirit.
She tried to smile back but felt conflicted. "It's been an easier week. We've been having lighter practices to heal up for nationals." She echoed the words Kamoshida had told the team. "Thanks but I can handle myself." The joy drained from her as she began to walk down to the station. Ryuji just stood their and watched, upset at how badly he messed up that conversation.
Suzui prepared herself for bed for the night. She was still processing her conversation with Sakamoto.
'Its so weird. It's nice that he cares to look out for me but why would someone want him to do that? It makes no sense.' As much as she racked her brain, the only person who came to mind was Ann.
Laying on her bed, Suzui took out her phone and began messaging.
Shiho: Hey
Shiho: I've have to ask you something. Its kind of important.
Ann: Yea what's up?
Suzui bit her lip before deciding to type. If she didn't ask it would eat away at her and cause her to doubt her best friend.
Shiho: Did you ask Sakamoto to follow me after school?
Ann: What!?
Ann: He's following you!?
Ann: I swear I'm going to tear him a new one if he's tried anything!
Relief coated the dark haired girl. 'Ann is definitely innocent. She can't lie or act at all. Not even over text.' Suzui giggled as she resumed typing.
Shiho: No. He's fine. In fact its rather nice.
Shiho: It started earlier this week and its been like every day.
Shiho: I just thought it was unusual and thought you might've asked him to.
A few moments passed before Ann finished typing.
Ann: When did this start?
Shiho: I think on Wednesday
Shiho: Yea Wednesday. Today was the 3rd day.
Ann: I think I know who asked him.
Ann: The transfer student, Ren Amamiya.
Suzui put down her phone. 'The transfer student? Why? Our only interaction was today. What could've caused him to do that?'
Ann: I had a weird talk with him on Wednesday...
Ann: It was about your coach and some weird rumors.
Shiho froze reading those. "How? How would he know anything? He hasn't even met the volleyball team?" Deciding to just bite the bullet, she pushed forward with the conversation.
Shiho: What rumors?
Ann: He said Kamoshida was physically abusing his players...
Ann: ...And sexually
Shiho didn't respond. She left her phone there on the bed. It wasn't hard to figure out some of what Kamoshida was doing. Just looking at the players was enough. But the girls? If anything ever happened, no one spoke of it. They stayed quiet and buried the shame so they could stay on the team and get a scholarship.
After a couple of minutes, the phone rang. It was Ann. Suzui picked it up but said nothing.
"Shiho..." Ann started. "He was right wasn't he? That dirt bag Kamoshida was really doing that kind of stuff huh?"
"Yea..." A meek reply was all Shiho could muster.
"Are you...are you okay?" The blonde asked, her voice trembled.
Not sure how to answer, her mind was lost. She seemed to almost go on autopilot. "Yea...he hasn't...done anything to me...sexually." She admitted. This was the first time speaking it out loud.
The anger in Ann's voice rose. "That bastard..." She seemed to calm down just a bit by taking a deep breath. "Has he let up at least this week?"
Another weak reply. "He has." Her brain seemed to kick back in at that moment. "Ho...how did you know that?"
This time the blonde had a long pause. "Amamiya. He did something. Made a deal with him to back off for the rest of the week." Her voice quivered, almost as if about to cry.
The dark haired girl didn't push the issue. "Amamiya...just...who is he?" She started. The thought of this transfer student swirled in her mind. 'It's been a week but he's already able to make such a big impact at school.'
"I don't know." Ann whispered. "But I think I trust him."
"...Yea. Me too."
The girls sat in a comfortable silence for a bit longer. The conversation slowly moved to more comfortable topics before eventually the two hung up and went to bed. The next day would be quite the shock.
The next day was quite the shock!
Shiho Suzui left the train station and began her walk to school. Leaving the station, a dark head of hair in front her grabbed her attention. It was only a glance, but the transfer student was just walking up the steps onto the street, heading to school.
She hastened her pace and walked up along side him. "Good morning." She greeted. 'This is my chance to get answers!'
Walking casually with his hands in his pockets, the glasses wearing student turned to her. "Good morning. Your Shiho Suzui correct? I believe we met yesterday."
"Yes. Briefly in the hallway. And you are Ren Amamiya." She stared at him trying to gain some insight on what type of person he is. His smile was warm and welcoming but it was almost like a mask, hiding something underneath. "I wanted to ask you something."
His smile turned into more of a smirk. "The answer is no." He responded in a sarcastic tone. "I am not ex-yakuza. The clan hasn't kicked me out yet."
She stopped in place. A bit thrown off by the remark before continuing on and catching back up to him. "A real joker aren't you?"
"Exactly." He gave an affirming nod. "So what did you want to ask?"
She took a deep breath before coming out with it. "Why did you ask Sakamoto to follow me? And why make a deal with Kamoshida? Just what are you planning?" The words flowed out of her mouth like a waterfall. The questions of what was affecting her life, albeit in a positive way, she had to know. Especially since this help came from a total stranger who's been in Tokyo for maybe a week.
"Well that was three questions...but I don't mind answering." His voice seemed like he was enjoying this conversation. Almost as if it was a show or a performance. "First, Ryuji. So this is a secret and you can't tell anybody." His voice became serious and turned to a whisper as he leaned in closer to Shiho. "He likes you and wants to get to know you better."
Suzui jumped at the words. Her face red with surprise and embarrassment, turned to the dark haired boy. He began chuckling to himself which caused Suzui to pout in frustration. "Take this seriously!" She demanded.
Ren slowly calmed down. "I am being serious. I think you two would make a cute couple." He nodded to her, voice sounding very sincere. "And how do you feel about him?"
The tables were turned. She wasn't expecting to be asked much of anything, let alone about Sakamoto. "Well...I mean...he's nice. We used to be friends. He's funny and loyal and..." She caught herself beginning to ramble. "Wait! I'm asking the questions."
"I think its only fair that I get to ask one for each of yours." He was enjoying teasing her.
'I can see why Ann was so flustered by him. He might just be her type.' Her smile slowly turned into a mischievous one. "I guess that's fair."
"For your second question..." His attitude shifted, it was almost like standing next to an inferno. The joking messy haired kid was gone and instead someone she could believe as a genuine delinquent transfer student stood next to her. "I've dealt with people like him in the past and I know what they can do. Someone once tried to take their own life because of a man like him. I won't let that happen again."
Only one word was on her mind. 'Dangerous!' She never thought the rumors might be true but in this moment, she started to believe he may be capable of anything.
Just as fast as it came, his personality shifted back to normal. "Now for you. Would you like to be friends?"
"Umm what? No I mean...no not no but I mean what?" She stumbled over her words. "You want us to be friends?"
Another soft smile. This time though, his eyes seemed to match. "Yes. I'd like to get to know you better."
Whether intentional or not, Suzui took that in a flirtatious way. She started to turn red again. Trying to avoid his gaze, she sheepishly made out a reply. "...Yes. We can be friends."
"Great!" He continued walking. The pair was almost at the school gate. "As for your final question, I know a detective who could look into this. And they probably will." That last bit was cased in venom. They ascended the staircase to a group of students freaking out. "As for my final questio-"
"Yo have you seen this?!"
"They are everywhere!"
"Who put all of these up?"
"Did Mr. Kamoshida do something wrong?"
Ann walked out of the crowd holding a small red card in her hand. It had a design that looked like a mask and a hat. "Shiho!" The blonde called out as she walked up. "And Amamiya." She glared.
"Good morning Ann. What's going on?" The dark haired girl asked.
"Did someone confess to you Takamaki-san? Placed a letter in your locker?" Ren asked. Curious at the red paper.
"What! No!" She retorted. "Its some calling card for Mr. Kamoshida."
"So you're saying I still have a chance then?" Amamiya smiled at her, getting closer to look down at the card.
Ann's face turned red, causing Shiho to silently giggle to herself. "No! I mean maybe...I mean no!" She took a breath, trying to look pissed off through the embarrassment. "Can you get serious! Just read it."
Ren took the card and read it out loud for the group. "Sir Suguru Kamoshida, the Vile Bastard of Lust. I have seen how you have physically and sexually abused your student's and can stay silent no longer. I will hereby make you confess your sins to all and repent for what you have done. -The Phantom Thief"
"Phantom Thief?" Suzui had no clue what was going on. Her first thought though was to the boy next to her. "Is this your doing?"
In what looked like genuine surprise, Amamiya answered bitterly. "Do you think that I would risk getting expelled for something like this? With a record no less?"
He had a point. It would be weird for him to act out in any way.
"Yes! I do!" Takamaki added, raising her voice to defend Suzui. "You promised this would do something by the weekend. So this is it huh? Post a calling card and make a fool of him?" She seemed angrier than usual. Shiho couldn't tell why but Ann was annoyed.
"I am!" He tried to defend. "I asked a famous detective to step in and help. He should have plenty of evidence to take him down."
"So this really isn't you?" Ann pressed on.
"No its not." His face was dejected. "Though I think I'd look pretty good as a phantom thief." His spirits raised immediately.
Shiho turned to Ann. "He's telling the truth. He was just telling me about it before we came to school today."
"So you two did arrive together." She glared at Amamiya. "They said these were posted first thing in the morning so I guess you're in the clear."
Ren just sighed. "Didn't know school pranks went this far at Shujin." He turned his attention to Shiho. "Oh and I never got to ask my final question. Could we trade contact info?"
Getting a bit of whiplash from his sudden change of topic, Suzui paused for a moment. "Umm sure." She took out her phone and traded info with the boy.
"Wait! What did I miss? Why are you asking for Shiho's number!?" Takamaki interjected.
"Oh we're friends now." Ren smiled at her as he took off his glasses. "If you want to Takamaki-san, we could also exchange info? We can talk about where to go on our next date." His teasing was back and in full force.
"So it was a date." Shiho joined in on the teasing. "I thought that last night you said it was just getting crepes?"
Ann went to defend herself but was cut off by the transfer student. "So you were talking about me last night? I didn't know you liked me that much?"
"Ugh! Shiho! Stop ganging up on me!" She responded completely flustered. "Its not like that!"
Ren was about to make another comment when around the corner he heard a man yelling at students. "It seems we should get out of here. I think Kamoshida is on a war path."
"Agreed." Suzui looked scared, hugging herself trying not to shake. The group headed up to the classrooms and went to their respective classes.
The rest of the school day was spent with rumors of the calling card and who could possibly be behind it. Ren's name came up a few times. So did Ryuji's. Some pointed out another teacher or the former track coach. Others thought it might be a rival school trying to get the coach in trouble. Either way, no one took it seriously. Just a practical joke that someone pulled on the King of Shujin Academy. Practice was cancelled for the day and Kamoshida spent most of his time in the principal's office.
4/18
An emergency assembly was called Monday morning. Apparently Mr. Kamoshida had an announcement he wanted to make to the entire school.
'It's probably about that calling card prank.' Suzui imagined as she stood with her class, Sakamoto not too far in front of her. 'Or it could be an announcement about our national's game coming up. But it's too soon for a pep rally.'
Standing on the stage, Suguru Kamoshida stood at the mic with Principal Kobayakawa not too far behind him. The coach looked terrible, as if he hadn't slept a wink all weekend. His eyes were red and puffy, as if he had been crying recently. "I have been reborn." The man seemed depressed, none of his usual confidence. "I have done things unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students, physically abusing my team, and...sexually harassing female students.
The students gasped at his statements, whispers circled around about if this was true or it wasn't possible. Suzui could only think to herself 'What is going on? Its just like...that calling card.'
Falling to his knees, the teacher continued talking as the principal attempted to shut him up. "I thought of the school as my own castle...I am truly sorry for putting youth's through such horrible acts. I am a terrible arrogant human being and I deserve to be punished." The man wept into his hands. "I will now repent by taking my life."
A moment of silence passed before a familiar female voice called out. "Don't run you bastard!" Ann Takamaki called out.
"Ann..." Shiho muttered as she looked over at her friend. She was standing fierce in the center of the crowd. "You are so brave." Emotions flooded over Shiho, she managed to keep herself composed but tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. The harsh practices and physical beatings she had to suffer were now gone. The team may take a hit from losing their star coach but everyone's life would be safe. No more girls having to worry about being called to his office. No more spiked balls to the face. No more Suguru Kamoshida. She could finally find it in herself to love volleyball again.
"You're right! Absolutely right!" The crying coach wailed. "I attempted to leverage Ann Takamaki to have...sexual relations with me in exchange for Shiho Suzui's starting position."
The tears she were holding back began to flood out. She knew Ann was going through a lot but never thought it was because of her. The girl fell to her knees in a mess of tears.
As quickly as she had knelt to the ground, a hand was on her shoulder. "Hey...let's get out of here. You don't need to see anymore." Ryuji Sakamoto helped her up and escorted her out of the gym.
The last words she could hear were "Quick someone please call the police! I wish to turn myself in!"
Shiho and Ryuji made it to the small alcove with the bench and vending machines. Sitting down, Sakamoto was quiet until Suzui calmed down.
"Feelin' a bit better?" He asked.
"Yea...but why? Why would Ann do that?! She should know I would hate that! If she ever did something like that for me...I don't know if I could forgive myself."
Ryuji was quiet. He wasn't the best at emotional conversations like this but he was good at speaking his mind. "If the situation was flipped, would you have done that for Takamaki?"
Shiho looked up at him. His presence felt...nice. "I mean I would do anything for..." She hesitated. "I see your point." Still very upset but able to come to a bit of realization.
"Shiho!" Ann shouted as she rushed into the alcove, immediately embracing her friend in a hug. "I am so so sorry I didn't say anything! I didn't want to worry you and-"
"Its okay Ann. Sakamo...Ryuji explained it to me." She smiled. Though a mess from all the tears, her smile was beautiful.
"Shiho..." Ann looked like she would break into tears too before turning to the other blonde. "Hey Ryuji...thanks." She gave him a soft smile.
The three sat there in a comfortable silence, finally embracing that their nightmare was over. From the corner of Shiho's eye, she saw a dark haired student glance her way with his signature smirk before disappearing into one of the hallways. The reign of King Kamoshida was over.
Okay...so this went a lot different than I had planned. My trouble for this was how to write Shiho. I know how to write characters that we get plenty of details on like the main cast and I can write original characters just fine but Shiho was harder than expected. She has very little in the game to go off of other than a kind girl pushed to the edge. I hope I portrayed my version of her in a believable way. Now that the Kamoshida Arc has ended, we will get into fun little stories as well as the fallout of this set of events. I liked reading the reviews about the Mishima chapter, I think I will take that advice and make him meet all of the confidants in weird and exciting ways. If you have any more suggestions let me know. Next chapter is probably Makoto. I set up this chapter in the prologue and is part of the reason I started this. Thanks for reading. See ya!
