A Liquid Inspiration
Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)
One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.
That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.
For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.
It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:
"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."
This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.
Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!
Vol 2. Chapter 6 - The Play
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
July 8, 2015— Wednesday.
After almost two weeks of not having lunch together, I decided to join Yuki, Chiaki, Yōsuke, Ken, Karuizawa, Mori, Sato, and Wang for lunch. It was quite a large group, but we were still able to make it work somehow.
Since we would also be talking about sensitive topics, we decided to sit at a more inconspicuous table free from prying ears. I would rather not have anyone overhead what we would be talking about and intentionally take it out of context.
We settled in the corner of the cafeteria, surrounded by a few empty tables and shielded by the subtle din of conversations around us. It was the perfect spot to have our lunchtime gathering without drawing unnecessary attention.
As we sat down, I made a mental note to keep a watchful eye on our surroundings, scanning the area for any potential eavesdroppers or familiar faces that might raise suspicion. Seeing none, I turned my head to my friends and gave them a nod, a silent confirmation that we were in a safe area.
"To think we have to be this cautious just so we could safely make fun of Ken for being ordered to file a bullying charge," Yōsuke pointed out, chuckling at the redhead, who glared at him.
"Oi?! What's that supposed to mean, Yōsuke?" Ken retorted, opening the bottle of Gatorade in his hand. "Ya trying to mess with me?"
Yōsuke grinned mischievously, enjoying Ken's reaction. "Ken, look at you. 6 foot tall, muscular, rough, and pretty much roughhouses poor Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun, but somehow, you're about to go to a trial where you're the victim of bullying."
... Because they did bully him, Yōsuke, as weird as the picture may be.
"It's... weird to see Hirata-kun try to tease someone," Sato pointed out, giggling. "Should we reprimand Sudo-kun for opening up his teasing side?"
Ken cackled. "It's that prince's fault he acts like a wuss most of the time," he fired back. "Besides, he's a boy, too, Sato. He's bound to have guy behavior, too, ya know?"
"You're really not in any position to call anyone a wuss, Ken," I interjected, a teasing smile playing on my lips. "He's not the one who complained to the school about being bullied."
Ken glared at me and pointed a finger accusingly. "And whose fault was that, ya bastard? You ordered me to do it," he countered.
"And you could have easily said no, but you didn't. In the end, it was a decision that you made on your own, Ken," I quipped, taking a bite out of my sandwich.
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Well, yeah... I guess you're right, Kiyotaka," he admitted begrudgingly. "I mean... I really wanna get back at those Class D bastards for trying to frame me."
"You're so lucky you have a smart friend like me, Ken. Who knows where you would find yourself if I weren't here? Maybe Class E? Expelled?" I joked, although I might have made a mistake as my voice sounded robotic as I spoke.
Oops?
As my voice unintentionally took on a robotic tone, the table erupted in laughter. Even Ken, who was usually quick to react with annoyance, couldn't help but join in. My attempt at humor had turned into a moment of amusement for everyone.
I inwardly let out a sigh of relief upon this realization.
"Oi, fuck you, Kiyotaka!" Ken grumbled, although it was clear to everyone he had appreciated the joke.
"Ayanokōji-kun's not wrong, you know?" Karuizawa chimed in, a look of amusement present on her face as she faced Ken. "You didn't exactly have the best first impression in class, Sudo-kun."
Ken let out a mock sigh, his expression feigning defeat. "Alright, alright, I get it," he conceded, before a grin made its way on his face. "I may have started off on the wrong foot with everyone, but hey, at least I've improved, right?"
"Definitely, Ken. You've come a long way since then. We've all seen the changes in you, and it's been great to witness your growth," Yōsuke replied, smiling at the brash redhead. "I'm happy to call you my friend."
"Same here, Sudo-kun," Sato added, her voice filled with sincerity. "You've shown us a different side of yourself, and it's been wonderful to see. You've become pretty cool now!"
"That's right," Mori chimed in. "Onodera-san is already interested in you, you know? That should be telling enough, Sudo-kun!"
"Ka-Kayano is?" Ken replied, surprised. "You girls are talking crazy. What the hell?"
"He's even calling her by her first name!" Karuizawa pointed out, giggling. "There's no escape for you here, Sudo-kun!"
Ken's face turned crimson red as Karuizawa's words hit him, making him stutter and fumble for words. "I-It's not like that, you know?" he protested, trying to shrug off the growing laughter from the group.
Yuki, who had been silent for the most part, finally spoke up, a small smile on her face. "Well, Sudo-kun, I wouldn't be too sure about that. We girls have this radar, you see? We can definitely see whenever love is brewing in the air!"
"Alright, that's enough teasing. Ken's already as red as his hair," I interjected, snickering at the redhead's expense. "But I agree with them. You've really grown. You went from a big dumbass to a lesser dumbass."
"Thanks, guys," he said, his voice laced with appreciation. "I know I can count on all of you. And I'm grateful for that. Although, I'll get you back for those words, Kiyotaka, ya bastard. I'll get all 80s during the exams at the end of the month. Watch me!"
"I'd like to see you try, Ken," I replied, taking another bite of my sandwich.
"Man, you're such a dick."
"Just calming your nerves. You better get ready for the trial later, alright?"
"Heh, who do you think you're talking to, Kiyotaka?"
"Sudo Ken, of course."
I glanced at Ken briefly, seeing the determined look in his eyes. There was confidence there, born from our mutual understanding and his trust in the plan that I had built.
Good. That was exactly what I needed from you, Ken.
6.1
Matsushita Chiaki
At around 3:45 PM, Horikita-san and I made our way out of the classroom with Sudo-kun and Sakura-san in tow. Our destination was the Faculty Office, where we were due to meet with Chabashira-sensei.
Yuki-chan already exited earlier and headed to the Student Council office to convene with Horikita-senpai and the Student Council Secretary, Tachibana-senpai. Kiyotaka-kun, on the other hand, went to the library to meet with a certain Shiina Hiyori, who he somehow befriended last week.
A sigh tugged at the corners of my lips.
Of all the people in Class D that he could have befriended... why did it have to be the prettiest girl in that class?
Regardless, brooding over such thoughts was futile. All I could do was entrust Kiyotaka-kun with my faith that he wouldn't succumb to the charms of a pretty face.
"Have you prepared for this, Sudo-kun? I hope you won't let your emotions get the better of you if they do try to attack your person. After all, you're... you."
"Bah! C'mon, Horikita. It's not like I'm the one accused. This is gonna be easy!"
While I was lost in my thoughts, Sudo-kun and Horikita-san were talking. Horikita-san, ever the unyielding disciplinarian, was quick to criticize Sudo-kun's slightly cavalier attitude.
While she had a point... there really were limits as to how much you could reprimand a person.
"Horikita-san, let Sudo-kun off this time. I'm pretty sure he's just pumped up to get back at the guys who tried to frame him," I began before turning my head to the redhead. "Am I right, Sudo-kun?"
"Yeah! Exactly! See, Horikita? Nothing to stress about," Sudo-kun responded, casting a triumphant grin at Horikita-san.
The dark-haired girl merely sighed in exasperation at Sudo-kun's assured words.
"Just ensure you remember what I've advised, Sudo-kun," she cautioned. To my relief, she held back from adding further reprimands.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever!"
I shifted my focus from the pair, turning my attention towards Sakura-san, who had remained silent throughout our walk.
"She's such a worrywart, isn't she?" I asked, causing the pink-haired girl to jump slightly in surprise.
"A-ah! So...sorry, Matsushita-san! I didn't expect you to... suddenly talk to me," the pink-haired girl replied, bowing.
"But... yes, I can see that. Horikita-san... simply wanted Ken-kun to remain focused. Although... she's... too blunt about it," she continued.
"You think she should have done it differently?" I asked, unable to resist the urge to tease the girl.
Sakura-san shook her hands frantically in front of her. "Oh, n-no! I didn't mean that..."
Kiyotaka-kun was right: Sakura-san was like an adorable little kid.
Unless, of course, you let your eyes wander downwards.
Ah, the unfairness of it all! Even Yuki-chan was outdone!
Calm yourself, Chiaki...
"You really are adorable, Sakura-san," I commented, a chuckle escaping my lips. "Don't worry about it!"
"Adorable? I... I wouldn't say I'm adorable," she mumbled.
"Hmm... is that so? We'll work on that."
With nothing more left to say, the four of us continued walking in the direction of the faculty office.
Soon, the four of us stopped in front of the Faculty Office's imposing door, and all traces of banter and casual conversation momentarily halted. Steadying herself, Horikita-san inhaled deeply, her knuckles rapping on the door with a firm and decisive rhythm. At the sound of a welcoming "come in," she grasped the cool door handle and led the way into the office.
"Oooh, look who's here! It's Sae-chan's kids. Hello, Class B students!" a voice chimed.
The source of this exclamation was none other than the energetic Hoshinomiya-sensei. Her mischievous grin was infectious, and her eyes sparkled with an impish delight. She waved at us enthusiastically, her brown curls bobbing with the movement.
"Good afternoon, Hoshinomiya-sensei," Horikita said, nodding her head at the bubbly teacher.
"Hello, Horikita-chan! What an interesting group you got here," Hoshinomiya-sensei mused, her eyes drifting to all four of us. "You got Matsushita-san, Sakura-san, and Sudo-kun with you. Hmm... is something big happening? Tell me, tell me!"
Wait... she calls her Horikita-chan? Were they somehow close or something?
"Hoshinomiya."
The cold, stern voice resonated throughout the room, drawing our attention. Chabashira-sensei's icy glare was focused intently on the Class C adviser, her stern visage a stark contrast to Hoshinomiya-sensei's buoyant demeanor.
"What are you doing this time?" Chabashira-sensei pressed.
"Oh no! I've been found out already, huh?" Hoshinomiya-sensei countered playfully, shooting us a conspiratorial wink. "You're quick, Sae-chan!"
Chabashira-sensei's glare intensified as she closed in on Hoshinomiya-sensei. "Whenever you leave my sight, that's around the time I start to feel suspicious, Hoshinomiya."
Hoshinomiya-sensei giggled. "So I guess I can't join in, huh?"
"Obviously. What kind of question is that?" Chabashira-sensei retorted, massaging her temples as if to ward off an impending headache. "You know this is strictly between the two classes involved."
Hoshinomiya-sensei chuckled. "Aw, that's too bad. Well, that's all right. The results should be out within the hour, I guess."
With an air of dismissive indifference, Chabashira-sensei pivoted towards us. "The four of you seem ready... that's good."
"You shouldn't be surprised, sensei," I replied, smiling at her.
"Indeed, I suppose it is," she conceded, a curt nod punctuating her sentence. "Let's proceed before Hoshinomiya bothers us again."
After being led away from the chatty Hoshinomiya-sensei, we approached Chabashira-sensei's desk, forming a neat line in front of her.
"Last check, do you all understand your roles?" Chabashira-sensei asked us, her stern gaze drilling into each of us. "Remember, this is not just a matter of individual responsibility. The outcome of the trial could significantly affect the standing of our class."
All of us, even Sudo-kun, nodded solemnly in response. "Yes, sensei," we said in unison.
"Good," Chabashira-sensei nodded, apparently satisfied with our seriousness. "I suppose there's nothing more to talk about. Let's go."
As she took the lead and navigated us out of the office, I caught sight of Hoshinomiya-sensei winking and flashing us a thumbs-up. I stifled a giggle at her audacious attempt to provoke Chabashira-sensei and fell in step with the others, striving to maintain the brisk pace set by sensei.
Our trek to the Student Council office was relatively silent. Sudo-kun had his fists clenched, and he was walking with a determined stride. Sakura-san, on the other hand, was nervously wringing her hands. She tried to conceal her anxiousness by hiding behind her pink tresses, but it was quite apparent.
Horikita-san maintained a facade of tranquility, her gaze fixed unwaveringly ahead. Despite her steely exterior, I couldn't help but wonder whether or not she could uphold this demeanor once the trial commenced.
While it wouldn't be a problem given I can pretty much fulfill the role of the defense, Kiyotaka-kun had instructed me to allow Horikita to take the lead for this one, and to only step in when it was needed.
"Horikita-san," I called out to the dark-haired girl.
Horikita-san turned her head in my direction, a curious look in her eyes. "What is it, Matsushita-san?"
"You can do it," I said in encouragement. "Make yourself proud."
In echoing her words last Saturday, I hoped it would be enough to help her keep it together. I was aware that acknowledging an issue was different from overcoming it— especially when the issue was rooted in trauma. Solutions and coping mechanisms were not always immediately apparent or attainable.
However, consistently reaffirming her purpose for participating in this trial could potentially aid Horikita in mentally preparing herself, solidifying her resolve, and reinforcing her motivation. She wasn't here to pacify her elder brother or to fulfill Kiyotaka-kun's expectations.
Rather, Horikita Suzune was facing this challenge head-on to prove to herself that she was taking the step to finally grow.
"There is no need for you to worry about me, but... thank you, Matsushita-san," Horikita-san responded, a small, appreciative smile gracing her usually stoic features.
Somehow, I felt like I should thank Kiyotaka-kun for helping me come out of this conversation unscathed, considering how this same appreciative girl kept lambasting Sudo-kun for "overstepping his boundaries."
And so, we continued our journey towards the Student Council Office in an odd mix of silence and unspoken understanding. We left the first-floor faculty room and walked up three floors to the fourth. A placard that read "Student Council Office" was affixed to the wall near the doorway. With a firm rap of her knuckles, Chabashira-sensei signalled our arrival, and we were ushered inside.
The interior was efficiently organized. Long tables were arranged in a rectangular layout. Three students from Class D, who had arrived ahead of us, were seated on one side. Accompanying them were two bespectacled individuals: a male teacher appearing to be in his 30s, and a student sporting a neat, beige bob-cut hair. These were Sakagami Kazuma and Kaneda Satoru.
The wall clock inside the office ticked rhythmically, reading 3:55 PM. Chabashira-sensei, having checked the time, redirected her gaze towards Tachibana-senpai, who greeted her with a welcoming smile.
"It seems like everyone has arrived before us. I apologize for that," Chabashira-sensei said.
"It's before the scheduled start time. There's no need for apologies," the bespectacled teacher, Sakagami-sensei, replied, nodding his head at our teacher.
Following the brief exchange, Chabashira-sensei turned to us, introducing the unfamiliar faces. "This is Sakagami-sensei, the Class D homeroom teacher. You may not recognize him as he isn't currently teaching any of your subjects," she explained. Sakagami-sensei returned our collective gaze with a nod, a silent acknowledgment of his introduction.
Next, she gestured towards the rear of the room. "And for the sake of formality, your Student Council President, Horikita Manabu."
As if on cue, Horikita-senpai nodded in our direction, but returned his attention to the documents spread out on his desk almost immediately. Horikita-san stole a glance at her elder brother before sighing subtly.
"We should take our seats," I suggested, indicating towards the empty chairs positioned across from the Class D students.
With a nod of agreement, we proceeded towards the unoccupied chairs. Chabashira-sensei chatted with Sakagami-sensei briefly before joining us in our designated seats across from the Class D students. The silence in the room was palpable, the quiet anticipation hanging in the air like an oppressive fog.
The three Class D students, whom we were about to challenge in the trial, eyed us cautiously. Whereas both Sakagami-sensei and Kaneda had impassive looks on their faces.
In contrast to the tense atmosphere, Horikita-senpai sat nonchalantly at the head of the room. His attention was fixed on the documents spread out before him. Beside him sat Tachibana-senpai, who was efficiently preparing a stack of documents. Their professionalism and calm demeanor were somewhat comforting amidst the rising tension.
A swift glance at Horikita-san told me she was feeling the pressure. Her hands were tightly clasped together, and she kept stealing brief, subtle glances at her brother. I could only imagine the tumult of emotions she was experiencing.
6.2
Just as the wall clock struck 4 PM, signifying the start of the trial, Horikita-senpai finally lifted his head from the documents. He straightened up in his chair, cleared his throat, and turned his piercing gaze onto us.
"Let us begin," he announced in a tone as cold and commanding as the icy stare he directed our way. "But before that, let's have a roll call to recognize those in this room."
With that, all the occupants in the room recited their names one by one, starting with Sakagami-sensei.
"Sakagami Kazuma, Class D homeroom teacher," Sakagami-sensei said, adjusting his glasses slightly as he spoke.
"Kaneda Satoru," the bespectacled boy introduced himself, nodding at us.
Next, the three Class D students stated their names in succession.
"Ishizaki Daichi," the dark-green-haired boy introduced himself with a nod.
"Kondo Reo," the boy next to him followed, his tone steady.
"And I'm Komiya Kyogo," the last student added, his voice somewhat strained compared to the others.
Horikita-senpai then turned his gaze to our side, signaling it was our turn. Chabashira-sensei led with, "Chabashira Sae, Class B homeroom teacher."
"Horikita Suzune," Horikita-san introduced herself, her tone surprisingly firm.
"Sudo Ken," Sudo-kun stated next, his tone mirroring Horikita-san's determination.
"Sakura Airi," Sakura-san quietly followed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Finally, I stated my name, "Matsushita Chiaki."
Horikita-senpai nodded his head before he stood up from his seat.
"Now that both sides of the bench have introduced themselves, allow us of the Student Council to formally introduce ourselves. Horikita Manabu, Student Council President," he said, his voice resonating in the quiet room.
"Tachibana Akane, Student Council Secretary," Tachibana-senpai followed, her tone as firm and steady as the president's own.
Once the roll call was done, Horikita-senpai took a moment to scrutinize everyone present before he said, "Now that introductions are done, we can proceed with the trial."
Everyone present in the room nodded, silently acknowledging the president's words. The room once again fell into an oppressive silence before it was broken seconds later by Horikita-senpai's stern voice. He picked up the first sheet, cleared his throat, and began to read out the rules for the trial.
Interestingly enough, he had indicated that aside from the Student Council members present, only the defense, the witness, and both the accused and complainant were allowed to speak over the course of the trial. This certain detail led to the narrowing of Sakagami-sensei's eyes.
After briefing everyone about the procedural processes, Horikita-senpai began to read out the case that had brought us all here.
"On June 29, 2015," Horikita-senpai started, "Komiya Kyogo, Kondo Reo, and Ishizaki Daichi of Class D were reported to have harassed and attempted to assault Sudo Ken of Class B. One charge of bullying was filed against all three defendants, while another charge for attempted assault was filed against Komiya Kyogo."
As he said this, he pointedly glanced at the Class D students. Komiya looked nervous and shifted uncomfortably in his seat after seeing the stoic gaze of Horikita-senpai. The other two, Kondo and Komiya, were more relaxed, but there was still a hint of nervousness on their faces.
"The witness to this alleged incident," he continued, "is Sakura Airi, a Class B student."
Upon hearing her name, Sakura-san visibly shrank in her seat, stealing a nervous glance towards the Class D students. She was clearly uncomfortable being at the center of this attention, but her resolve was evident.
After laying out the basic premise of the case, Horikita-senpai continued with the procedural norms. "We'll proceed with the defense's opening statements, followed by the prosecution's opening statements. After which, both parties will present their respective evidences and arguments."
He then turned his gaze towards Kaneda, Class D's representative. "Kaneda, you may start with your opening statement."
Kaneda stood up from his seat, adjusting his glasses before he started to speak.
"Thank you, Horikita-senpai," Kaneda began. His voice was steady, betraying none of the nerves he must have been feeling. "I would like to make it clear that my classmates, Komiya Kyogo, Kondo Reo, and Ishizaki Daichi, understand the gravity of the allegations levied against them and are prepared to fully cooperate with this trial."
He paused for a moment, giving everyone a chance to absorb his words. "However, we must remember that they are innocent until proven guilty. We firmly believe that, as this trial proceeds, the evidence will reveal a different narrative than the one initially presented. It's a narrative that speaks not of bullying, but of a misunderstanding that unfortunately escalated."
Kaneda's voice had a calming quality to it. He spoke with an eloquence that was befitting of his role as Class D's defense. But his words were more than just eloquent. They were shrewd, skillfully seeding doubt in the minds of everyone present.
"We are not here to deny that there was an altercation between my classmates and Sudo Ken," he continued. "But we are here to challenge the notion that this altercation was an act of bullying and to prove that there were aggravating circumstances present which led to what had happened."
He glanced briefly at his classmates, then turned his gaze back to the room. "We will present a case that paints a fuller picture of the events that transpired. A picture that, we believe, will exonerate my fellow Class D students of these serious charges."
Kaneda concluded his opening statement and took his seat, leaving the room in a pregnant silence. His words had been carefully chosen, setting the stage for the trial ahead.
While my face did not show it, I was stunned after hearing Kaneda's words, not because he had presented a case that we couldn't dispute but because it was exactly what Kiyotaka-kun had predicted they would do.
His words from a couple of nights ago repeated themselves in my mind:
"You're curious how they will try to paint us as the villains? It's really simple: they will plan to shape the narrative to make it seem that Ken's volatile nature would make it impossible for the Class D students to even bully him."
"After all, would a student who had gained a reputation for roughhousing other students even succumb to bullying? Of course, this logic is fallacious, but this was a possible asterisk to Ken's claim that he had been bullied, which led to what had happened."
Just how far have you seen through their schemes, Kiyotaka-kun?
While I was deep in thought, Chabashira-sensei nudged me, bringing me back to reality. "It's our turn, Matsushita," she whispered.
"Thank you, sensei," I replied before I turned my attention back to Horikita-senpai.
The dark-haired boy nodded at Kaneda, acknowledging the end of his statement. "Very well, Kaneda. Now we move on to the prosecution's opening statement. Horikita Suzune, you may begin."
It was time, but Horikita-san, despite being called over, remained seated in her chair. For a moment, she seemed to freeze, her eyes flitting to her brother before landing on the Class D students across the table.
Did the voice of her older brother perhaps petrify her?
It didn't take a genius to see that she was visibly nervous. I could see her hands shaking slightly as she reached up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. Noticing my eye on her, she glanced in my direction, and I gave her a reassuring nod.
"Horikita-san," I said, my tone firm. "You've prepared for this. You know what to do. We all trust in you."
She turned to me, surprise flashing across her face momentarily before a quiet determination replaced it. Horikita-san took a deep breath before she finally stood up and straightened her posture, her eyes showing her desire to make herself proud.
I'm rooting for you, Horikita-san.
"I thank everyone for being present today," she started. Her voice was initially shaky but started to gain steadiness as she continued. "As Kaneda-kun pointed out, it is important to remember the presumption of innocence. However, we must not forget the seriousness of the allegations we are discussing today."
I could see her confidence growing. She was finding her stride, just as we knew she would. She glanced at the documents in her hand before looking straight at the three boys from Class D.
"Bullying is a serious issue, one that we must not take lightly," Horikita-san continued. Her tone was firm now, carrying a sense of authority that wasn't there before. "On June 29, we allege that my classmate, Sudo Ken, was bullied and subsequently faced an attempted assault at the hands of Komiya Kyogo, with Kondo Reo and Ishizaki Daichi acting as accomplices."
She paused, giving a moment for her words to sink in. When she continued, there was a fire in her eyes that I hadn't seen before.
"We acknowledge that misunderstandings can escalate, and tempers can flare," she said. "However, we must differentiate between an isolated incident and a deliberate, targeted act. We are not here to discuss an altercation. We are here to discuss a case of bullying."
Her voice echoed in the room. It was clear she was making an impact, not just on us, but also on the Class D students and their defense. I could see the surprised look on Kaneda's face and the way Komiya, Kondo, and Ishizaki shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Sakagami-sensei, on the other hand, maintained his calm, but there was no doubt in my mind that he recognized the danger that was to come with Horikita-san's counter.
"We are here to present the facts as they are," Horikita-san continued. "To reveal the true nature of the events that took place. We stand by Sudo Ken's account of the incident and have a witness to support his claims."
At this point, she turned to Sakura-san, who was sitting beside me. Sakura-san gave her a determined nod, and I could see the glimmer of resolve in her eyes. Even though it was shaky, it was also a solid proof of her determination.
"We believe that as this trial proceeds, the truth will become clear. Sudo Ken was the victim of bullying by Komiya Kyogo, Kondo Reo, and Ishizaki Daichi, and attempted assault by Komiya Kyogo. We are here today to ensure justice is served."
With her statement finished, Horikita-san returned to her seat, her eyes never leaving the three boys from Class D. As she sat down, I saw her relax slightly, her posture no longer as rigid as it was before. It seemed that she was gaining confidence in her role, which was a good sign for our case.
"Well done, Horikita-san," I whispered to her, giving her a reassuring smile. She glanced at me, her eyes reflecting gratitude, before turning her gaze back to the front. Despite her clear nerves, she was doing an excellent job so far.
It would seem I wouldn't even need to interfere with how things were going.
Horikita-senpai's voice broke the temporary silence in the Student Council Office. "Thank you, Horikita Suzune. The opening statements from both sides have been heard. The trial will proceed as planned. Let's continue with presenting the evidence and arguments. Kaneda, you may begin."
Kaneda cleared his throat before he began, "Thank you, Horikita-senpai," his voice was as steady as it was during his opening statement. "I would first like to draw attention to the alleged time and location of the incident. The incident occurred at around 5:00 PM on June 29, at the Special Annex of the Science Building, a location that, weirdly enough, is devoid of security cameras."
Kaneda paused, allowing the significance of his statement to sink in. He then continued, "There were no other witnesses apart from Sakura Airi, who happened to be in the area at the same time. Isn't it odd that such a serious incident occurred in a secluded place and at a time when very few students would be around?"
The room fell silent, Kaneda's words lingering in the air. I could see the council members' expressions grow thoughtful. Even Chabashira-sensei seemed to contemplate Kaneda's statement, not because she believed him but because of the quality of his arguments.
Kaneda went on, "Moreover, Sudo Ken is known for his physical prowess. He's an outstanding basketball player. He is, quite simply, someone who would not be easily bullied or attacked."
"In fact, it is hard to imagine him being a victim of bullying, at least, one that both Komiya-kun and Kondo-kun, members of the basketball club, would target. Did you know that Sudo-kun is the only regular among the first years? That is an impressive feat, isn't it?" Kaneda asked, smiling before he continued on with his points.
"Rather than be a target of bullying, Sudo-kun is a figure that my classmates would rather not cross when you consider how the club values him, as well as his fiery temper and physical strength."
Kaneda then shifted his argument, focusing on the invitation that set the events in motion. "Now, it is true that Kondo-kun and Komiya-kun invited Sudo-kun to the Special Building, but it was never with the intention of causing harm. It was a meeting between fellow basketball players, and the Special Annex Building is a good place for them to have said conversation without interruptions."
"Let us think for a second," Kaneda continued, his eyes focused on us. "Would my classmates be so audacious as to intentionally challenge someone of Sudo-kun's standing and physical prowess? I propose a different perspective: what if the reported assault was, in fact, a misunderstanding borne out of an escalated argument?"
"Furthermore, wouldn't it be possible for this case to be intentionally blown out of proportion to attack Class D? Everything, after all, seemingly aligned in Class B's favor. It is plausible that they took advantage of the setting and framed the situation in a way that showed us in a negative light," Kaneda concluded before he returned to his seat.
Sakura-san's face paled at Kaneda's words, her hands clenching tightly in her lap. Sudo-kun, who had been silently watching Kaneda, had an indignant look on his face. Kaneda's well-woven attack on his character made him the primary subject of attention in the room. His eyes narrowed in an unreadable glare as he silently took in Kaneda's words.
A short, tense silence filled the room, the tension palpable as everyone weighed Kaneda's words. Even I couldn't deny the fact that he was a competent speaker, laying out his arguments in a manner that was hard to refute, at least without concrete evidence.
Kaneda's words were calculated, painting a picture of an unlikely victim. Even though we had expected this, hearing it out loud made it clear what we were up against.
But as dubious as most of his claims were, it was carefully crafted to the point that you might be fooled and swayed by the seeds of doubt that he had planted.
Unluckily for him, Kiyotaka-kun had also seen through this argument as well.
And they were up for a rude awakening once Horikita-san was given the opportunity to unleash fire on them.
Horikita-senpai then turned to Horikita-san. "Horikita Suzune, you may begin with your arguments."
Horikita-san calmly took her place at the forefront of the room, her expression cool and focused. "Thank you, Horikita-senpai," she said, echoing Kaneda's earlier sentiment. She let a moment pass before she began her retort.
"You bring up a valid point, Kaneda-kun," she started, her voice steady and firm. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are indeed peculiar, and I am glad you've recognized that. But I believe your interpretation of these events to be misguided. First of all, noting the oddity pertaining to the location and timeline of events actually supports the case that we are presenting. After all, as you have admitted, it was your classmates Kondo-kun and Komiya-kun who invited Sudo-kun to the Special Annex Building."
"This alone negates your claims of an orchestrated set-up, which is even nullified further by our second point. Given the small time frame for him to go to the Special Building, do you think that Sudo Ken, who in our class, is bottom-half in terms of academic prowess... be able to manipulate the situation in his favor?"
"Third counterpoint," Horikita-san paused, her gradient-red eyes boring into Kaneda's own. "Ishizaki Daichi wasn't a member of the basketball club. Why was he there when supposedly it was just Komiya-kun and Kondo-kun who invited Sudo-kun to come to the special building?"
"His presence there, with no clear reason to be so, is indicative of a planned, aggressive confrontation, and further supports our case. It suggests that the meeting wasn't a simple discussion between members of the basketball club as they had led Sudo-kun to believe, but a setup for a confrontation."
Her gaze then shifted to Sakura-san, "And regarding the witness. It's true that only Sakura Airi was present in the area. However, Kaneda-kun, you might be forgetting that the presence of just a single witness doesn't negate the truth of the incident. If it were as you claim - that it was merely a misunderstanding borne out of an escalated argument - why would Sakura-san say otherwise?"
Horikita-san moved her gaze back to Kaneda, a challenging look in her eyes, "Sakura-san has no motive to falsely accuse your classmates. And despite the insinuations, I find it highly unlikely that Sudo-kun, who is reputed to be brash and straightforward, would conspire with Sakura-san for an elaborate counterplot that had a small timeframe to concoct."
"Moreover," she added, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips, "you seem to be under the impression that the strength of Sudo-kun's physical prowess somehow implies he cannot be the victim of a surprise attack. But I believe you forget one crucial thing: strength does not equate to invulnerability."
"Yes, Sudo-kun is strong, and he's an integral part of the basketball team. But isn't that what makes him a potential target? Isn't it plausible that some might see him as a threat and wish to diminish his standing?"
"The incident happened in a secluded location, with few students around. And considering the nature of why Sudo-kun would even go there, wouldn't it make sense to consider it a well-chosen spot for an assault? A place with no witnesses, no surveillance, where someone might be cornered and attacked?"
She stopped, letting the implications of her words settle in. "And while Sudo-kun's strengths and character traits might make him seem an unlikely victim, I would like to reiterate the possibility that it is those very traits that might have spurred this incident. Jealousy, rivalry, and resentment— these are common sentiments among competing athletes. No matter how well-respected or physically strong a person might be, these feelings can motivate individuals to act in malicious ways."
Horikita-san crossed her arms, giving Kaneda a pointed look, "So Kaneda-kun, your argument, while well-crafted, falls short in its assumptions and attempts to cast doubt on Sudo-kun's credibility. Your dismissal of the time and location of the event, the presence of Ishizaki Daichi, and the testimony of Sakura Airi as just oddities, or even worse, part of an elaborate setup, simply does not hold up under scrutiny."
The room was quiet when she finished, all eyes on Horikita-san. Her words seemed to have struck a chord with everyone, leaving them deep in thought. Kaneda seemed slightly taken aback by her words, but he quickly recovered, maintaining a calm expression.
Chabashira-sensei remained impassive, her eyes, however, reflecting a hint of approval. Kaneda's assertions had been thoroughly and eloquently countered.
"Thank you for that," Horikita-senpai began, breaking the silence. "Kaneda, would you like to respond?"
Kaneda took a deep breath before standing up. He looked shaken but was attempting to regain his confidence. "Thank you, Horikita-san, for your perspective," he began, trying to keep his voice steady. "However, I must say that your argument relies heavily on speculation. You talk about 'potential motives', 'jealousy', 'rivalry', and 'resentment', but where's the concrete proof? Just because Sudo-kun is a rising star on the basketball team doesn't necessarily mean that there's ill-will against him from his peers."
Kaneda glanced at the rest of the council, his gaze steady, "And as for Ishizaki Daichi's presence, you are right, he wasn't a member of the basketball club. But he is a close friend of Komiya-kun and Kondo-kun. Isn't it plausible that he was merely accompanying his friends, without any intention of causing a confrontation?"
"As for your claim about Sudo-kun being lured into a 'well-chosen spot for an assault', why then would my classmates leave a witness to the incident? If it was truly a setup, wouldn't they have made sure that there were no witnesses at all?"
"Regarding Sakura-san," Kaneda said, looking at her, "I have no intention of implying that she is part of a setup. I apologize if it seemed that way."
"Actually, I have great respect for her courage to even be a witness in this case. However, it's also known that she is quite timid, and she could have misunderstood the situation in her panic. A heated argument could have been perceived as an 'attempted assault' in her state of panic."
"Horikita-san, you mention Sudo-kun's strengths and character traits, which might have spurred this incident. You talk about his 'fiery temper'. Could it not be possible that this temper led to a heated argument? We have no evidence indicating the nature of this argument. For all we know, Sudo-kun could've provoked Komiya-kun and Kondo-kun, leading to an escalated situation."
"In conclusion, I believe we need to consider every angle before arriving at a judgment. And we need to base this judgment on solid evidence rather than speculation. While the points you've raised are compelling, they, unfortunately, do not provide conclusive evidence of any ill-intention against Sudo-kun."
Kaneda took a seat, looking somewhat pleased with his counter-argument.
"Thank you for your counter-argument, Kaneda," said Horikita-senpai, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The trial will continue after a ten-minute recess. Once we reconvene, let's proceed with presenting any more physical evidence or additional witnesses that either side may have."
After Horikita-senpai's announcement, a small wave of relief swept across the room. The tension momentarily eased as everyone started to rise from their seats. I couldn't help but glance at Kaneda, who was in quiet conversation with his classmates, his posture slightly more relaxed.
Sudo-kun, Sakura-san, and Horikita-san stayed seated, the three of them engaging in a serious discussion. Sudo-kun had an intense expression, and Sakura-san looked visibly worried. Horikita-san, however, seemed calm and collected, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to the others.
Despite the tense atmosphere, I had to admire the effectiveness of the student council's procedural handling of this case. Both sides were given ample opportunity to present their arguments, making it a fair hearing.
Now, it was time to see how this case would unfold.
6.3
After what felt like the longest ten minutes, Horikita-senpai returned and called the room to order. "The trial will now resume. Let us begin with the complainant's presentation of evidence. Horikita Suzune, if you may."
Horikita-san rose to her feet once again, her gaze focused and resolute. She cleared her throat, capturing the attention of the room. "Thank you, Horikita-senpai. We will now present indisputable evidence that will unequivocally determine the outcome of this case."
Horikita-san then took out several rectangular pieces of paper and gave them to me, sending me a silent nod.
With that, I distributed the photograph to everyone, showing the scene as clear as day.
It was taken at the exact moment when Komiya was about to land a punch on Sudo-kun. The photograph clearly showed Sudo-kun on the defensive, his hands raised in a parrying motion, while Komiya was leaning in aggressively, fist raised.
Kaneda's eyes darted to the photograph, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. There was no denying what the photo showed - it was a clear image of Komiya in the middle of throwing a punch at Sudo-kun.
The room fell silent, the image speaking volumes about the incident. Horikita-senpai let the silence linger for a few more moments before clearing his throat and motioning for Horikita-san to continue.
"Given this undeniable evidence," Horikita-san said, her voice calm and steady, "it's clear that Sudo Ken wasn't the instigator of the fight, but the victim. The claim that this is an orchestrated attempt to defame Class D doesn't hold water, especially when there's photographic proof of the assault."
Kaneda remained silent, his eyes flicking between the photo and Horikita-san. His prepared points of discrediting Sakura-san and twisting the incident seemed to have fallen flat in the face of the photograph.
Horikita-san took her seat again, her gaze never leaving Kaneda. The weight of her counter-argument seemed to hang heavily in the room, setting the scales of the trial firmly in our favor.
Now the burden of proof shifted onto Class D. They would have to come up with a very convincing argument to discredit the photo and Sakura-san's testimony. From where I sat, though, it seemed like an uphill task.
While this was all happening, Horikita-senpai seemed thoughtful, his gaze going back and forth between Kaneda and Horikita-san.
"Alright. Thank you for that presentation," Horikita-senpai finally spoke, his gaze landing on Kaneda. "Class D, it is your turn to present any evidence you might have."
Kaneda's momentary surprise in response to the photograph was quickly replaced by a composed facade. As he delved into his briefcase, my anticipation grew, my mind racing with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
What could he possibly present in response to our evidence?
Then, he pulled out a set of documents, handing them to me and the others in the room. As I took hold of the papers, my eyes widened involuntarily, unable to contain my astonishment any longer. The truth hit me like a sudden gust of wind, leaving me momentarily breathless.
Kiyotaka-kun... his prediction had come true.
As I glanced over the documents, I saw that they were medical reports from the school infirmary, detailing the check-up results of Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondo after the incident. Neither had any injuries indicative of a physical confrontation. However, the report did note that Komiya had signs of stress, consistent with an intense verbal argument.
This was a strategy of Class D that Kiyotaka-kun had foretold days ago.
To prove that bullying did not occur, but rather, a misunderstood argument among boys, Class D would try to bring forth influenced evidence that would attempt to indicate that the three of them didn't immediately go to attack Sudo-kun, but rather, Sudo-kun had aggravated the situation himself— that was a scenario that Kiyotaka-kun had foreseen.
I admit... I had underestimated Ryūen Kakeru.
If not for Kiyotaka-kun somehow being able to psychologically analyze him to the point of predicting his moves, we might have been pushed to a stalemate over a case that we should have easily won.
Kaneda cleared his throat, bringing the room's attention back to him. "The medical reports," he started, his voice steady, "indicate that there were no injuries on either Ishizaki, Komiya, or Kondo consistent with a physical altercation. If Sudo-kun was indeed the victim of an attack, as depicted in the photograph, it's only logical that he would've fought back, leaving some injuries on the supposed perpetrators. This, however, is not the case."
Horikita-san stood up, taking in the room's attention once again. "That's true, Kaneda-kun," she began. "The medical reports do indicate that Ishizaki-kun, Komiya-kun, and Kondo-kun sustained no injuries from a physical altercation. And we also acknowledge that Sudo-kun did not inflict any physical harm on them. But let me remind you why that is."
She paused for a moment, her gaze scanning the room. "Let's not forget that Sakura-san was present at the scene and acted as a witness. The moment Sakura-san made her presence known, the Class D students ceased their actions. Isn't it plausible to suggest that Sudo-kun didn't have the chance to fight back precisely because they stopped when Sakura-san intervened?"
The room was quiet as everyone digested her words. Kaneda looked taken aback, as if he hadn't expected this line of reasoning. But before he could formulate a response, Horikita-san continued.
"To further extend our case, I would like to call Sakura Airi to provide us with her eyewitness account of what had happened."
"Sakura-san, if you may, can you tell everyone about what you have noticed once you intervened in the scene?" Horikita-san turned her attention to the pink-haired girl, who was anxious upon the sudden attention on her, but she eventually stood up, her eyes showing her determination to defend her friend's innocence.
With a deep breath, Sakura-san began to speak. Her voice was quiet, so quiet that everyone had to lean in to hear. "When I walked in, it was clear that Ken-kun was on the defensive. He... he looked mad, yes, but I think... it's a normal reaction considering the words hurled at him by the Class D students. Despite this, Ken-kun... he didn't try to attack anyone. In fact, he simply dodged Komiya-kun's punch."
She glanced over at Kaneda, who was watching her with an intense gaze. "And the moment I made myself known, the other boys, Komiya-kun, Ishizaki-kun, and Kondo-kun, they looked... shocked. Ken-kun was also shocked because... who would have thought that I was there... right?"
Her voice wavered a bit, but she pushed on. "And that's when I saw it... fear. Not from Ken-kun, but from them. They were scared. They didn't expect someone else to be there, to see what they were doing."
A murmur passed through the room at Sakura-san's words. The room was filled with uncertainty, the silence stretching on before Horikita-san broke it.
"Would it be fair to say, Sakura-san, that Komiya-kun, Ishizaki-kun, and Kondo-kun backed down upon realizing they had a witness?" she asked, her voice filled with calm determination.
"Yes," Sakura-san replied, her voice barely audible. "They definitely didn't expect me to be there. And when they saw me, they seemed... worried, panicked even. I could tell they didn't want me to see what was happening."
Her words hung heavily in the air, the implications clear. The fact that the Class D students backed down upon Sakura-san's appearance suggested a guilty conscience, an indicator that they might have had malicious intentions after all.
Kaneda seemed to falter at this, his confident facade wavering.
The combined evidence of the photo, Sakura-san's testimony, and their immediate reaction upon seeing Sakura-san was a powerful argument. The idea that Sudo-kun had provoked the situation seemed increasingly less plausible.
This was Kiyotaka-kun's proposed counter to the lone tangible weapon Class D might use against us— a strong psychological narrative, one that effectively trashed all claims of innocence that Class D might try to weaponize.
Horikita-san took a step back, her gaze never leaving Kaneda. "So, given these facts, it is clear that Sudo-kun was indeed the victim. The photographic evidence, coupled with Sakura-san's testimony and the reaction of Komiya-kun, Ishizaki-kun, and Kondo-kun when they noticed her presence in the scene... it's undeniable."
"But our side's counterpoint does not stop there," Horikita-san paused, a confident look making its way on her features as she faced Kaneda.
She truly was finding her stride and, in every passing moment, was showing just how capable she was in handling high-pressure situations.
"Why would Class D bother gathering medical reports if they were innocent bystanders to a mere verbal argument? The act of procuring medical reports in itself suggests a premeditation of creating a narrative to claim innocence in the case of an accusation," she pressed, her eyes not leaving Kaneda.
There was a significant pause as Horikita-san's words echoed around the room. It was a question that demanded an answer, the silence intensifying the anticipation of the room's occupants.
"Moreover," Horikita-san continued, "If it was only a heated argument as you suggest, why would there be a need to maintain a defensive posture as clearly indicated in the photograph provided? Your argument, Kaneda-kun, unfortunately, falls short in the face of these discrepancies."
"With that, I would like to implore the Student Council to consider levying heavier punishment on Class D for attempting to sully the integrity of their trial with their misconstrued evidence and inherently flawed narratives," Horikita-san concluded, returning to her seat, a triumphant smile forming on her lips.
Kaneda, for the first time, seemed truly unsettled. His eyes flicked to Horikita-senpai, who was listening with rapt attention, and then back to the papers on the table before him.
There was a tension in the room, one that was heightened by the silence that followed Horikita-san's firm conclusion. The counter-argument was masterfully presented, and it seemed as though we had managed to corner Class D.
For a moment, nobody moved. The silence in the room was deafening, and everyone seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation of what would come next.
Turning my head to Horikita-senpai, I saw his gaze lingering on Kaneda, who was left with no choice but to stumble over a half-hearted defense. The scenario that Horikita-san painted was difficult to contest; the medical reports, now appearing as a desperate attempt to prove innocence, had lost their initial impact.
"Thank you, Horikita Suzune," Horikita-senpai finally broke the silence, causing several people in the room to startle. His voice was firm, but there was a touch of pride in his tone that was easy to miss. "You have provided a compelling argument for your case. The evidence and testimony provided have indeed given us plenty to think about."
Kaneda flinched at the acknowledgment but said nothing, his gaze fixed on the table in front of him.
"However," Horikita-senpai continued, his gaze shifting to Kaneda, "the Student Council also acknowledges that each party has the right to a fair and unbiased hearing. It is imperative for us to assess all sides of the case in order to make an informed decision. That being said, defense Kaneda Satoru, the floor is yours for your side's final rebuttal."
"Horikita-senpai," Kaneda finally spoke, struggling to regain his confidence. "The medical reports were to ensure that our argument was backed by facts, not to create a narrative. Why would we deliberately lie to the Student Council and sully the integrity of this trial? I would like to reiterate that we weren't here to disprove that an altercation happened, but rather, to prove that a misunderstanding happened."
"While there are validities to Sakura Airi's testimonies, let us also take into account her timid disposition, which could have influenced how she saw the events unfold. Komiya Kyogo-kun and Kondo Reo-kun have often talked to Sudo-kun about basketball, and again, words can escalate, and tempers may flare when talking about a competitive sport like basketball. But does a couple of spoken words borne out of a torrent of emotions already tantamount to bullying?" He continued, trying to salvage the disadvantageous situation at hand.
"Furthermore," Kaneda continued, his voice wavering slightly, "I want to address the photo evidence. Yes, it shows Komiya-kun in a seemingly aggressive stance, but what it doesn't show is the context. Tempers flared, yes, but let's not forget that Sudo-kun, with his basketball training, is more physically able compared to Komiya-kun. It is plausible that Komiya-kun raised his fist as a defensive mechanism, rather than as an instigator of a physical attack."
The room was silent as Kaneda laid out his argument, trying his best to bring reasonable doubt into the picture. However, it was clear that his argument was hanging by a thread, and the desperation was palpable in his voice.
"And regarding the fact that they appeared shocked upon seeing Sakura Airi-san... Who wouldn't be surprised if they were in the middle of a heated argument and someone unexpectedly walked in? Yes, they were startled, but not because they were guilty of something, but because they were caught in an argument they'd rather not have anyone see."
His words seemed to echo around the room as he finally concluded, "In conclusion, Class D strongly believes that this incident was nothing more than a heated argument that escalated quickly, and certainly does not amount to bullying. We ask the Student Council to consider all the facts carefully before making their decision."
Kaneda... was simply reiterating his previous points, a quiet admittance that he had found himself cornered and unable to mount up a counter-attack.
Horikita-senpai raised an eyebrow, looking at Kaneda. "Your argument is duly noted, Kaneda Satoru," he said, with a neutral tone that gave nothing away. He paused, allowing the room to absorb the conversation. The silence was palpable, only interrupted by the occasional shuffling of papers and quiet whispers.
The weight of the moment seemed to press down on all of us, stretching the seconds into what felt like hours. My heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at Horikita-san. Her eyes were fixed on her elder brother, her confident demeanor unchanged.
After what seemed like an eternity, Horikita-senpai finally spoke. "We will take all presented evidence and arguments into consideration. The Student Council will deliberate and reach a decision. Considering most of the facts have been taken into account and with no more discussion to consider, we shall be informing you of our decision after a fifteen-minute recess."
As the room began to empty, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Thanks to Horikita-san's skillful presentation and Kiyotaka-kun's insightful prediction, we presented a strong case that, in theory, should satisfy the win conditions that Kiyotaka-kun had set.
But the outcome was not ours to decide; the verdict laid in the hands of the Student Council. And all we could do now... was wait.
Turning my head to the long table across us, I saw Kaneda rise from his seat, his gaze moving over to us. For a brief moment, our eyes met. His expression was hard to read, but there was a hint of resignation in his eyes.
Just as Kiyotaka-kun had predicted...
It was checkmate for Ryūen.
6.4
Soon, the bell rang to signify the end of the fifteen-minute recess. We all returned to the Student Council room, the air heavy with anticipation. My heart pounded as we awaited the verdict from the council. Regardless of the outcome, it was impossible not to feel a degree of anxiety.
Horikita-senpai took his place at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. The room fell into a hush, all eyes turned towards him, waiting for his pronouncement.
"Thank you for your patience," Horikita-senpai began, his voice carrying clearly throughout the room. "We, the Student Council, have considered the evidence and arguments presented today with utmost care and diligence."
A pause followed, and the suspense seemed to climb. I watched as Kaneda's hands tightened into fists, betraying his outward calm.
"On the charges of bullying brought against Kondo Reo and Ishizaki Daichi, we find insufficient evidence to definitively prove the allegations. However," he continued, "we cannot ignore the issues raised during this hearing."
The room went dead silent, the air charged with an almost tangible tension. Horikita-senpai cleared his throat, taking a moment before proceeding.
"Class D, and more specifically, Ishizaki Daichi and Kondo Reo, are hereby ordered to reflect on their actions and conduct henceforth. However, you will be monitored up until the end of the month for potential behavioral issues or breaches of school conduct. If such incidents are reported or observed, strict disciplinary action will be taken."
"Wait, what about me? Why are you only talking about Ishizaki and Kondo?" Komiya voiced out frantically, noticing his omission from the warning.
"Komiya Kyogo," Horikita-senpai spoke, leveling a steady gaze at him, "Given the testimonies provided and the circumstances presented, you are declared guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While indeed, there can be an argument pertaining to whether or not a bullying case occurred, there is a clear picture that you have attempted to lunge at Sudo Ken and assault him, that, in conjunction with the written account of your taunting of Sudo Ken and your attempt to assault him is an infraction of our school's code of conduct," Horikita-senpai continued, his words ringing through the silent room.
"The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and any form of abuse. Unlike your classmates, I hereby find you guilty of one charge of bullying and another charge of attempted assault. As such, you will be expelled from this institution effective immediately."
There was a collective gasp from everyone present in the room, followed by a tense silence. The gravity of the decision sunk in, leaving an impact that was impossible to ignore.
"But that's…" Komiya tried to interject, but was cut off by Horikita-senpai's stern gaze.
"The decision of the Student Council is final," Horikita-senpai stated, his voice steady and firm. "You have displayed a clear disregard for the school's conduct policy and failed to treat your fellow student with respect and dignity. As a result, you have been expelled."
"But I was just—" Komiya began again, but his protest was met with silence from the council.
"Your actions have consequences, Komiya," Horikita-senpai continued, his gaze never leaving Komiya. "You had the opportunity to correct your actions, but instead, you chose a different path. As the student council, we bear the responsibility of ensuring a healthy and safe environment for all students."
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. "We hope this serves as a stern reminder for everyone. Every student is expected to adhere to the rules of conduct, and any deviation from them will not be tolerated."
With that, he turned his attention back to the room. "This hearing is now adjourned. The decision will be communicated to the school administration and proper actions will be taken immediately. If there are any objections, you may voice them now."
Silence filled the room. Despite the gravity of the situation, no one uttered a word. It was clear that the decision was not up for debate. Komiya's fate was sealed. The room remained hushed, the only sound being the occasional shuffle of papers and the quiet hum of the air conditioner.
Komiya's face paled, his hands clenching and unclenching as he stared at Horikita-senpai. The reality of his situation was finally sinking in— he was about to be expelled.
As the room slowly started to empty, a wave of relief swept over me. We had done it. We had won the case. Yet, amidst this wave of triumph, a moment of sharp, disbelieving clarity punctuated my thoughts.
It was as if I had just woken up, and I was struggling to reconcile everything that had transpired.
How, I wondered, had everything fallen into place so perfectly, just as Kiyotaka-kun predicted?
How was he able to see through the fog of deception that Class D had crafted with such precision? He had foreseen the counter-narrative, the attempts at discrediting Sakura-san, and even the controlled evidence that Kaneda had shown.
Not only that, but he was also able to accurately predict how Horikita-senpai would judge the case, one that absolved Ishizaki and Kondo but one that led to Komiya's definite expulsion.
"The key lay in subtly hinting at Horikita-senpai that we were willing to make a sacrifice," were the words that he said when he instructed what he wanted Horikita to say in closing the case.
That couldn't be it, right?
"With that, I would like to implore the Student Council to consider levying heavier punishment on Class D for attempting to sully the integrity of their trial with their misconstrued evidence and inherently flawed narratives."
Did Horikita-senpai somehow take that as our willingness to let Ishizaki and Kondo off with a slap on the wrist in exchange for Komiya's expulsion?
A sense of awe, laced with disbelief, washed over me. The intricacies of Kiyotaka-kun's strategic thinking were daunting. His ability to predict and influence outcomes, to navigate the maze of human intentions and actions, was staggering.
If this was the level of foresight and strategic thinking that he was capable of, then perhaps I was only beginning to understand the depths of his intellect.
Was he even human?
This... is crazy.
End of Chapter
A/N: The trial scene is intentionally long because I liked writing it. Also, I thought it was a good way to showcase just how great Dragon-boy plans were. It just so happened that Kiyotaka had seen through them and effectively countered.
As to why Suzune wasn't in full-on panic, you have to remember that she has about a week to come to terms with the fact that she was facing Manabu, unlike in canon, where things were suddenly sprung to her on the same day.
Chiaki's role in the trial was to guide Suzune every step of the way. That was why Kiyotaka had said she was the "key" to victory, as she was someone who had to instruct Suzune on what Kiyotaka had wanted to happen and how he wanted it to happen. I hope I did enough to show that everything was Kiyotaka's machinations that were effectively manifested.
As for Chabs and Sakagami's lack of actual involvement, any hint of intervention from them would be seen as overstepping their boundaries as teachers. It's also mentioned in this line:
"Interestingly enough, he had indicated that aside from the Student Council members present, only the defense, the witness, and both the accused and complainant were allowed to speak over the course of the trial. This certain detail led to the narrowing of Sakagami-sensei's eyes."
Kiyotaka Win Condition: Komiya expulsion (succeeded)
Ryuuen Win Condition: Reduced punishment (partial success), No expulsion (failed)