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 10 - Violence is the Answer
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
July 15, 2015— Wednesday.
The library had been our haven for the past hour or so— an ambient lull of hushed whispers and rustling pages blanketing us as the group buried themselves in their books.
For today's study session, I decided not to give everyone practice tests but instead gave them notes on the topics they struggled with, just to make them understand the concepts more. I instructed them to cross-reference the notes with the textbooks so they could evaluate if they finally understood it.
Airi sat across from me today, an English textbook splayed open before her. Her behavior was different— an exaggerated focus on her reading, and a heightened frequency of her engagement in the discussion. A smile lingered on her face, but it seemed to be plastered there, a rigid and unchanging expression. Her voice, usually soft-spoken, was forced and strained as she attempted to sound more confident. Subtle signs of her internal struggle, like the slight tremor in her hands as she turned the pages, didn't escape my attention.
The study session carried on until the hour hand struck four. We gathered our things, returned the books to their rightful places, and began to part ways. The sun was still high in the sky, a soft afternoon light filtering through the windows, painting long shadows on the library floor.
As the group split up, Haruka drew closer to me, her usually carefree demeanor replaced with one of worry. Blue hair bobbing slightly, she asked in a voice softer than a whisper, "Kiyopon, what did Ai-chan tell you a couple of days ago? I mean... you don't have to tell me what it is exactly, but can I at least have an idea? I'm worried about her."
I glanced over at Haruka, her normally vibrant eyes clouded with concern. The abrupt change in topic didn't surprise me, but it was evident that the matter affected her more than she let on. I paused for a moment, wondering how much information I should divulge. Airi had confided in me, after all. But seeing Haruka's worry made me decide that a little transparency could go a long way.
"Haruka," I began, keeping my voice steady. "Airi is currently facing something she believes she needs to handle on her own. I can't say more without betraying her trust. But I assure you, she's not in immediate danger."
It could potentially be, but I would make sure it wouldn't lead to that.
I observed the blue-haired girl for any changes in her expression. She frowned, looking down at her shoes as she processed what I just told her. "But what could that be?" she finally voiced out. "Don't get me wrong... it's nice to see Ai-chan coming out of her shell. I initially thought that maybe she just felt relieved after sharing with us that she was an idol... but it feels... it feels forced, you know? It's not really like her."
I couldn't argue with that. If I put myself in Haruka's shoes, the peculiar changes in Airi's behavior would be incredibly worrying, considering how Airi normally was. And the fact that it came out of nowhere... just added to the effect.
The reason behind these changes wasn't lost on me, though. Airi was in the process of conditioning herself. More specifically, she was preparing herself for the day that she would confront her stalker, just as she had vowed to me that night.
I met Haruka's gaze and sighed, "Haruka, I think the best thing we can do now is to support Airi. She's attempting to fight a battle on her own terms. Let's respect that."
"Alright... I trust you, Kiyopon. But if there's anything that I could do... please tell me, okay?" Haruka replied, nodding slowly as she absorbed my words.
"Of course, Haruka," I affirmed, giving her a reassuring nod.
With that, we parted ways— and I was left with an uncomfortable anticipation. The day Airi would confront her stalker was fast approaching. The question was, would her brave front hold when faced with her fear?
10.1
After parting ways with Haruka, I returned to my dorm room for a change of clothes and headed to the gym.
Normally, I would greet the day with an intensive workout while the rest of the school still languished in sleep. Today, however, I decided to indulge in a rare morning reprieve. After all, scientific research vouched for the increased benefits of afternoon workouts, so it wasn't as though I was neglecting my regimen.
Entering the gym, the change in ambiance was immediate. Instead of the serene solitude of early morning, the gym was alive with students. The clanging of weights and the rhythmic thud of running feet on treadmills filled the air. Amidst the cacophony, I could hear the hushed tones of conversations, the sharp inhales and exhales of exertion, and the low hum of machines.
It wasn't overly crowded, per se, but the presence of others was definitely more noticeable compared to the serene solitude of the morning.
And now, as I stood in the midst of the bustle, it was hard to ignore the stark difference in energy.
Shaking off the distraction, I navigated through the crowd and headed towards the weights section. I picked up a pair of dumbbells, their cool, hard metal a familiar sensation against my palms. As I moved through the motions of my workout, I found my thoughts drifting back to Airi and her looming confrontation. Was she truly prepared for what was to come? Could she maintain this uncharacteristic surge of courage?
Just as I moved onto the bench press, a familiar voice broke my train of thought. "Fancy meeting you here, Kiyotaka."
Looking up, I saw Kiryūin Fūka approaching. Despite her casual demeanor, there was a glint in her eyes that suggested she was up for a challenge. I greeted her with a nod, releasing the barbell to sit upright on the bench. My muscles felt pleasantly warm and fatigued from the workout.
"Fūka," I responded, matching her cool confidence.
She moved towards me, her confident strides echoing her domineering personality. "Working out in the afternoon? Isn't that against your routine?"
I shrugged, my hands instinctively reaching for the dumbbells by my side. "How do you even know my routine? Are you a stalker, Fūka?"
Fūka laughed, an amused smirk tugging at her lips. She picked up a pair of dumbbells herself, beginning her workout alongside mine. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Kiyotaka? A beautiful girl like me following you around..." She retorted, her biceps flexing as she performed her reps. "But no. It just so happens that your little dog, Kiriyama, would complain to me about you forcing him into the gym last month. And I quote, "That crazy guy goes to the gym at 5:30 AM." He's hopeless, isn't he?"
Actually, I would normally go to the gym at 6:30 AM or a few minutes later than that, but for two weeks, I decided to go an hour early just to mess with Kiriyama-senpai.
"Hopeless, maybe," I replied, wiping off some sweat from my brow with a small towel, maintaining the rhythm of my reps. "But he is far more useful than you."
After all, Kiryūin Fūka, despite her abilities, was not shrewd enough to play the game we were playing in ANHS. Sure, she could say she just didn't care about the game, but it wasn't like she would thrive even if she were interested in it.
I would go as far as to say that Kiriyama Ikuto was capable enough of humbling her should he want to.
Fūka's laughter echoed through the gym, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, please. You're only saying that because you've managed to tame him."
"And you know damn well the same wouldn't happen with me," she continued, her eyes carrying a challenging glint to them.
"That's true," I conceded, shrugging, my hands busy with the dumbbells. "And I couldn't really care less about that, Fūka."
"You really shouldn't be this cold to me, you know? I might end up being your future wife," Fūka countered, her movements fluid as she switched to a different exercise.
"What an inane point to make. You already rejected my father's proposal," I replied, lowering the dumbbells before taking a sip of water from my bottle. "But I guess I should thank you for that."
I didn't want to be tied up in an arranged marriage, after all.
A smirk played on Fūka's lips as she crossed her arms, her gaze meeting mine. "I suppose you should. If I'd accepted, you'd be stuck with me for life. I'm sure that thought gives you nightmares," she shot back, the teasing tone of her voice reverberating in the gym.
"I don't think so. I never had nightmares in my life, and marrying a beautiful girl isn't all that bad," I quipped, returning to my exercise.
"So you'd consider it?"
"Nope."
Laughing, Fūka took a step back and cast a quick glance over the gym. "Well, I have a date with the squat rack. See you around, Kiyotaka."
"See you, Fūka."
With that, she sauntered off, her departure as bold as her arrival. I shook my head slightly, adjusting the weight plates before resuming my routine.
As I continued my workout, I found my mind drifting back to Airi. Would she be able to confront her fear and stand against her stalker? More importantly, was she making the right decision?
No matter how much I analyzed the situation, it was impossible to predict the outcome with certainty. Even though Airi was bracing for it, the reality would, more often than not, betray her expectations.
The whirr of the treadmill next to me pulled me out of my introspection. As I lifted the weights, I realized that the only thing I could do now was to wait for the confrontation to occur.
After all, I did promise her to let her deal with it first. And quite frankly, it wouldn't be good for anyone if I decided to coddle her in a problem she needed to face herself.
After approximately 45 minutes, I completed my final set, aligning perfectly with the setting sun as it cast an orange, hazy glow through the gym windows. With everything settled, I headed to the showers. The sound of the running water drowned out the remaining murmur of the gym, offering a momentary respite from the whirl of thoughts in my mind. Airi's situation wasn't mine to solve, but I knew I was prepared to step in if necessary.
Now it was a matter of waiting, of seeing how her resolve played out when faced with the reality of her stalker. But for the time being, under the warm cascade of the shower, I allowed myself a moment of calm.
10.2
As the bell echoed through the hallways, signaling the end of class, a sense of tranquility descended upon the classroom. The monotone buzz of chatter was replaced by a soft hum as students started packing up their books, their thoughts already drifting to their after-school plans.
Gathering my belongings, I joined Ken, Akito, Haruka, and Airi at the back of the room. We stood by the windows, the afternoon sun casting long shadows and bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.
Since today was Thursday, it was a day off for our study group session, but it had become a force of habit of our group to gather after classes to talk for a while before heading out on our separate ways.
Ken and Akito were talking about a workout routine Ken had gotten from a senior, while Airi and Haruka were huddled together and giggling over whatever it was they were watching.
Pulling me out from my observations, Ken suddenly slung an arm over my shoulder. "What do you think of my senpai's recommendations, Kiyotaka?" He asked, a grin forming on his face.
"Depends," I responded, giving Ken's workout routine a once-over. It was a comprehensive list of exercises, perfect for building strength and endurance. "Are you looking to improve your performance on the basketball court, or is this for overall fitness?"
Ken laughed, showing off his toned biceps with a playful flex. "I'd say I'm pretty fit already, don't you think?"
I met his joking tone with a dry one of my own. "And yet you still can't beat me in a one-on-one."
Ken's grin slipped slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Well, that's because you're some kind of superhuman. Normal standards don't apply to you. Who the hell doesn't get winded playing basketball for like two hours?!"
A shadow of a smile formed on my face as I remembered what happened around three weeks ago. With me beating Ken one-on-one over a month ago, the brash redhead would sometimes invite me to join him for weekend training, which included some endurance and agility drills, and some fundamental shooting drills, and it would be closed off by a one-on-one.
But on that specific day, Ken decided he was up for a challenge and asked me if we could play until either of us got tired.
That was a fun memory to look back on. At the time, Ken was left huffing and puffing on the court after our fifth game, while I was still relatively composed.
"Maybe you're just not used to the pace yet," I replied, handing back his workout routine.
"Fuck off, Kiyotaka," Ken grumbled, scanning the list of exercises one more time before tucking it away in his bag. "But what do you think? Should I add these to those that you've recommended to me?"
I gave him a nod, "Absolutely, but be mindful not to overdo it. As much as physical training is crucial, giving your body time to rest and recover is just as important."
Ken grunted in response; though he took my advice seriously, I could tell from his sudden shift to a thoughtful expression. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Kiyotaka."
Turning my attention to Airi and Haruka, I asked, "What are you guys up to?"
"Watching cute dog videos!" Haruka replied enthusiastically, not taking her eyes off the screen as she hit play on the next video.
I glanced at Airi. She was smiling at the screen, a small laugh escaping her lips at the sight of a puppy stumbling over its own feet.
"That puppy is just like you, Ai-chan!" Haruka teased, pointing at the puppy who fell over.
"Wha...what? That's just mean, Haruka-chan!" Airi replied.
Haruka brushed off Airi's complaints and turned her attention to me. "Don't you agree, Kiyopon?" She asked.
"Kind of."
"See, Ai-chan? Even Kiyopon agrees! Besides, the puppy is cute too, so it's fine," Haruka victoriously declared, patting Airi on the back.
Airi gave Haruka a playful shove, the tips of her ears burning pink. "You're such a bully, Haruka-chan."
To think I'd live to see the day that Sakura Airi would willingly shove someone... what a day this was turning out to be. That said, Haruka definitely deserved that.
"Well, that's one way to describe her," Akito chimed in, chuckling as he stood up and stretched his arms.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Haruka protested, folding her arms across her chest.
"Nothing, nothing." Akito quickly dismissed, raising his hands in a surrendering gesture.
Haruka pouted in response, but didn't say anything in response. Instead, the blue-haired girl closed her phone, put it back in her pocket, and stretched her arms over her head.
She then turned her glance in Airi's direction. "I want to check out that new bakery in Keyaki Mall. Want to join me, Ai-chan?"
Airi, taken by surprise, blinked at Haruka. "Umm...I'd love to, but..." she trailed off, uncertain of how to express herself. I could see a battle within her eyes as she deliberated about how to phrase her reply.
Haruka, not sensing Airi's conflict, continued in a carefree tone, "I've heard they have amazing cream puffs. We could grab a few and chill at my place."
"I... actually have some plans today," Airi replied, her tone slightly strained but firm nonetheless.
Haruka looked at her, surprised. "Oh, that's new. Going on a date or something?" She teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Airi blushed, quickly shaking her head. "N-No! It's not that."
Her quick response sparked a round of chuckles from everyone, and Haruka waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, alright. No need to get so flustered, Ai-chan. Just kidding."
Airi sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing. Then she smiled at Haruka, her eyes filled with gratitude. "But thank you for inviting me, Haruka-chan. I promise we'll go there next time."
Haruka smiled in return, giving Airi a light nod. "Sounds like a plan."
As Haruka turned to ask Akito and Ken about their plans, a realization dawned upon me. Airi was going to confront her stalker today. The 'plans' she mentioned must be referring to that.
I found myself studying Airi closely, gauging her demeanor. She seemed a bit tense, yes, but there was a determined look in her eyes that I hadn't seen before, and it seemed stronger than it was yesterday. Interesting.
"Hey, Kiyotaka," Ken called out, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You're spacing out, man. You good?"
I nodded, replying, "Just thinking about a few things."
Ken seemed satisfied with that answer and went back to talking about his workout routine with Akito. I found myself casting one last glance at Airi before gathering my things.
"I'll be heading to the Student Council Office now. See you all tomorrow," I said, earning a chorus of 'see you' and 'bye' from everyone. I made my way out of the classroom, my mind already playing out various scenarios and possible outcomes of what was about to happen.
Once I was a safe distance away from the classroom, I took out my phone and opened my message thread with Airi. My thumbs hovered over the screen as I deliberated about what to write. "Good luck." The sentiment materialized on the display, an ominous cursor pulsating at the end of the sentence, waiting for my next move.
I studied the message and began to rationalize whether or not I should send the message. A few seconds later, I deleted the message and tucked my phone back into my pocket.
10.3
The corridors of Advanced Nurturing High School were usually quiet at this time of day. With most students already out of their classrooms, the normally bustling hallways had transformed into silent passageways, providing a solitude that I found calming.
Stepping into the hallway, I could hear my footsteps echoing off the polished floors and painted walls. The classrooms I passed by were empty, save for a few students who stayed behind for various reasons—either for additional study time or perhaps just to enjoy the company of their friends.
My stride was steady as I went to the Student Council Office. The familiar sights of bulletin boards adorned with numerous flyers and posters, lockers standing in neat rows, and the occasional maintenance personnel moving in and out of classrooms painted a picture of a typical day in ANHS.
Turning a corner, a set of tall, grand-looking double doors appeared before me—the entrance to the Student Council Office. I paused momentarily to appreciate the quiet atmosphere before reaching out to open the door.
Upon my hand touching the cold, metallic doorknob, I heard the muffled banter from inside the office. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I inwardly chuckled. Taking one last glance back at the serene hallway, I pushed the door open and stepped into the lively office.
"Good afternoon, everyone. May I ask what is going on here?" I asked before I closed the door behind me.
Tachibana-senpai was the first to notice my arrival and sent me a dry look before she responded. "Ayanokōji-kun... why would you say something so perverted to Ichinose-san?"
"Ta...Tachibana-senpai!" Ichinose cried out, her eyes widening upon the purple-haired girl's blunt question.
Just as I was about to reply, I felt a sudden weight on my back and saw Yuki enveloping me from behind, her arms draping over my neck.
"I taught you well, Kiyotaka!" Yuki praised, her voice filled with mirth. "It's fun teasing Honami-chan, isn't it?"
...
What on earth did Ichinose share with them?
And then a flash of realization hit me. She couldn't have said that... right?
I turned my gaze to Ichinose, a silent question reflecting in my eyes. Ichinose, who seemed to understand my silent inquiry, flushed even further before letting out a sigh. "Yuki-chan... kept asking me what happened when I treated you for lunch and well..." The pink-haired girl trailed off as she looked away.
"I... I might have mentioned the part where you joked about me not being edible," she mumbled, her face a deep shade of crimson.
Exhaling a deep sigh, I gently pulled away from Yuki's embrace, turning to face her. "Why would you even ask her something you already knew about, Yuki?"
When I got back to my dorm room on Sunday, Yuki was still there and asked why I was out for long— which she felt happy saying because, according to her, it made her feel like my wife somehow— and I shared with her what had transpired on my lunch with Ichinose.
As I did, I half-expected Yuki to be jealous, but she seemed more amused than anything.
Yuki giggled and glanced at Ichinose from the corner of her eye. "Because I thought it would be funny! Honami-chan looked like a tomato earlier. You should have been there!"
"Wait, I actually caught it on camera. Wanna see?" Yuki continued and took her phone out of her pocket.
"Yuki-chan!"
"Ayanokōji-kun... look at the chaos you caused!" Tachibana-senpai chided as she pointed her index finger at me. "What would Horikita-kun think?"
"Speaking of Horikita-senpai, where is he?" I asked, realizing the absence of the bespectacled boy.
"He's in the faculty office, processing some documents. He'll probably be out for an hour or so," Tachibana-senpai replied, scanning through a clipboard that presumably held Horikita-senpai's daily schedule.
While this was going on, Yuki jumped on the couch and took out some snacks from her bag, and began eating without a care for the world.
Tachibana-senpai merely sighed, rolling her eyes at Yuki's theatrics, her fingers drumming on the clipboard. "Tsubaki-san... how many times do I have to tell you to at least maintain some semblance of formality when you're inside the office? And since you don't really clean up at all, I'd be the one who would end up taking care of it," she scolded, but her tone was light, more amused than genuinely chastising.
Ichinose, her face still tinged pink, turned to me with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Ayanokōji-kun. I should have been more careful about what I shared."
Her apology was sincere but unnecessary. It was amusing how Ichinose would genuinely be apologetic for a problem that she didn't cause.
I shook my head in response. "Don't worry about it, Ichinose. It's just Yuki being Yuki. Besides, it should be me who should apologize for even saying something like that to you."
Her surprised expression quickly gave way to a shy smile, and for a moment, the lively office seemed just a bit calmer.
Despite the unexpected chaos, the day went on as normal—or at least, as normal as things could be in the Student Council Office. Papers needed signing, schedules required aligning, and at times, friendly banter filled the air, giving room for an easy-going office atmosphere.
Tachibana-senpai gave us some directives straight from Horikita-senpai, telling us when it was due and what he wanted our outputs to look like. After this, she settled into her own seat, handling her paperwork efficiently. Occasionally, she would send a disapproving glance towards Yuki, whose only response would be a cheeky grin.
She really took this job lightly, a stark contrast to her fellow Year Representative, Ichinose, who was already hard at work.
When Horikita-senpai returned from his errand at the faculty office, he raised an eyebrow at the sight of Yuki sprawled on the couch, snacks strewn about. His gaze shifted to Tachibana-senpai, who just shook her head, chuckling softly. Understanding the situation, he merely sighed and walked to his seat.
"Even Horikita-senpai gave up, didn't he?" I said to Ichinose, who glanced at Yuki for a while before an amused smile made its way onto her face.
"Well... it's not like we have a lot of things to work on for today," she replied as she moved a bundle of her finished paperwork onto another pile.
"Fair enough," I responded with a nod, turning back to the paperwork on my desk. It was, indeed, a slow day. Even the stacks of documents that usually piled up high were currently at a manageable level, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere than usual.
As time passed, I found myself flipping through the paperwork faster than usual. There was an underlying sense of urgency in my mind that pushed me to finish the tasks at hand quickly. As I worked, I kept a constant eye on my phone, more specifically, on a particular application.
This app was a location-sharing and safety alert tool that was built-in on our school-issued smartphones. In this application, the user, upon creating their accounts, had the option to either create a 'circle' or join one by inputting a code that had been sent to them. When this was done, the user would be part of this 'circle' that essentially allowed other members of the 'circle' access to their real-time location.
On my end, I had one 'circle' in this app, that circle being for the "Ayanokōji Group." The group initially found the app pointless, but they eventually agreed with my proposal to create a circle.
And so, as my pen danced over what little was left of my paperwork, I was also monitoring Airi's location every once in a while.
At the moment, she was still in the dorms and had remained there over the past 20 or so minutes, the slightest movements simply indicating that she was moving around the dorm.
This continued for a few more minutes before the GPS marker on Airi's location suddenly vanished.
She must have figured out there was a chance that I might use the application to time the exact moment she was going to leave. Airi, as airheaded as she usually was, could be sharp when needed, wasn't she?
My focus on the application was interrupted by a low chuckle. Looking up, I saw Yuki watching me from the couch, a grin plastered on her face. "Seems like you're doing something interesting," she pointed out, her eyes now focusing on my phone.
... I got a little careless, didn't I? At least it was just Yuki.
I managed a nonchalant shrug in response. "Just keeping track of some things."
"Can I go with you?"
"What makes you think I was planning to leave?"
"Kiyotaka, you can't play dumb with me. I'm your future wife, you know?"
I stared at Yuki for a few seconds before closing my eyes and letting out a deep sigh. I guess bringing Yuki would give me a good alibi later to make my appearance seem coincidental.
"Alright, you can go with me. But promise me one thing... be quiet."
With a triumphant cheer, Yuki hopped off the couch, scattering a few stray snacks in the process. "Sure, Kiyotaka! I'll be as quiet as a mouse. I promise!" She grinned widely at me before cleaning up the remnants of her snack feast.
Her words were contradicted by the mirth dancing in her eyes, but I chose to go along with it. Besides, Yuki was Yuki. While she had her moments of frivolity, she knew when to tone down.
At her sudden outburst, Ichinose looked up from her work, a surprised expression on her face. "You're going somewhere, Ayanokōji-kun?"
I glanced at the pink-haired girl and nodded. "I have some errands to run. And Yuki just wants to tag along."
Ichinose tilted her head slightly at my vague response but chose not to question further. She returned my nod and turned back to her pile of paperwork, a small smile on her lips.
"Take care, then." Her voice was soft, almost lost amidst the rustling papers and the soft hum of the air conditioner.
I nodded my head at her before approaching Horikita-senpai's desk.
"Horikita-senpai, Yuki and I have to step out for a bit," I informed him.
His gaze shifted from me to Yuki, who was already standing by the door. He adjusted his glasses, letting out a sigh. "And what might be the reason for this sudden leave of absence?"
"Just an errand to attend to," I replied with a shrug. Horikita-senpai raised an eyebrow at my vague response but didn't press further.
"Alright, but make sure to return quickly," he instructed, a hint of sternness lacing his words. "Today's workload may be light, but that doesn't mean we can abandon our responsibilities."
"Nagumo-senpai isn't here, so I don't see where you're getting at," I quipped. "Now that I think about it, you should try lecturing him once in a while. You might find it therapeutic."
Horikita-senpai sighed, a mix of exasperation and amusement escaping his lips. He couldn't help but chuckle at my remark. "Good point. I might do just that. That said, I did give you some deliverables. Were you able to finish them?"
"Yeah. I'm already done with my share, senpai," I replied.
The bespectacled boy gave me a quick once-over before nodding in approval. "... Is that so? Good work, Ayanokōji."
Tachibana-senpai, on the other hand, merely waved us off without sparing a glance from her work. "Don't take too long, Ayanokōji-kun, Tsubaki-san. And remember to bring back something good. Some soda would be nice!"
"You like soda?"
"You didn't know? What a rude kouhai!"
"It's not really my responsibility to know that, but sure, senpai. Yuki and I will pick some up when we come back."
"Thanks, Ayanokōji-kun!"
After exchanging a nod with the purple-haired girl, Yuki and I exited the Student Council Office.
10.4
"Where exactly are we going, Kiyotaka?" Yuki asked, glancing over at me. We passed by a group of students casually kicking around a football, their taunting piercing the afternoon air. Keyaki trees lined the path, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the ground.
"Keyaki Mall. More specifically, SIVCamera," I replied, continuing to walk at a brisk pace. The setting sun reflected off the buildings around us, bathing the campus in a soft, orange glow.
Now that I have thought about it, Keyaki Mall must be named as such due to the abundance of Keyaki trees lining the path towards the mall.
"SIVCamera?" Yuki quirked an eyebrow as we bypassed a bustling café, its aroma of freshly brewed coffee making me momentarily pause. "Quite the interesting setting considering how focused you look, Kiyotaka."
"It is. But it can't be helped," I replied as we finally entered Keyaki Mall. Inside, it was a whirl of activity; students were browsing through shops, studying in the café, or just catching up with friends. "It's not like we could control where things happen."
"Mhm-mm!" Yuki chimed in agreement as we maneuvered past a group of students huddling around a salesman who was waving around a toy lightsaber. "That said, can you tell me what we are going to deal with?"
"A stalker," I confessed, stepping to the side to avoid a student who almost bumped into me.
"Chiaki-chan?" Yuki made a quick detour to admire a dress in a shop window before catching up. "What did she do now?"
I paused in my step, palming my forehead at Yuki's cheeky joke. Overhead, the mall lights flickered on, casting a warm glow over the concourse. "Good one, but no, not her. You'll understand when we get there."
"Boo! I hate it when you're trying to be mysterious," Yuki pouted, her gaze drawn to the vibrant display of an electronics store.
"I didn't force you to tag along, didn't I?" I retorted, guiding her away from the store and back to our path.
Yuki giggled, her laughter echoing in the high-ceilinged mall. "Fine, I get it!"
We continued making our way through the crowd, dodging people and stepping around display stands. Various shop signs were brightly lit, standing out against the glass facade of the mall. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted over from the food court, mingling with the smell of coffee and pastries from the other stalls.
"SIVCamera is just up ahead," I pointed out, guiding Yuki past a music store blasting the latest pop hit.
The store in question was a single-storeyed structure with floor-to-ceiling windows, displaying an array of cameras and related accessories. A steady stream of people were going in and out, browsing the latest models or seeking assistance from the staff.
We stepped inside, the automatic doors sliding open with a soft whirr. I scanned the various sections, my eyes searching for a familiar figure. But upon thoroughly scanning the place, it was clear that Airi wasn't there.
Deciding that Airi wasn't inside, I guided Yuki towards the back entrance of SIVCamera. I didn't explain why, but she followed me without question.
"Are we on a scavenger hunt now?" Yuki asked, her voice slightly muffled as she pulled her blazer tighter around her to ward off the sudden chill. The sun was setting, leaving a crispness in the air as the temperature started to drop.
"Something like that," I murmured, keeping my voice low as we approached the back entrance of the store. This side was less populated, the quieter atmosphere contrasting starkly with the lively ambiance inside the mall. The only sounds were our footsteps against the concrete, the low hum of an air conditioning unit, and the distant chatter from the other side of the building.
There was a small alleyway next to SIVCamera that led to the back entrance, its mouth shadowy and slightly foreboding. The back entrance itself was unassuming, a plain door marked with a "Staff Only" sign, next to a few crates of what looked like newly delivered stocks.
My eyes flicked to the side, catching a familiar silhouette standing nervously by the wall. Even from this distance, I recognized her. Airi. But she was not alone. There was a man standing in front of her, his back to us, gesturing animatedly.
I quickly pulled Yuki behind a nearby tree, pressing a finger to my lips as a signal for her to stay quiet. We watched the unfolding scene from our hiding spot, careful not to draw attention to ourselves.
"So it's Sakura-san, huh? You're really like a doting father to that girl," Yuki said in a hushed, amused tone.
"A father? You say the weirdest things, Yuki," I replied before turning my attention back to Airi and the guy in front of her.
That said, a guy who seemingly looked like he was in his thirties should really find a better hobby than fostering a parasocial relationship with an underaged idol. He should just get married and be a productive member of society.
From what internet-sensei told me, being ugly wasn't a hurdle to getting married, so I was certain this guy could do it if he improved himself.
"Please, don't contact me anymore!" Airi's voice echoed in the near-empty alley, her words tremulous yet clear.
"Why would you say something like that? You're my treasure..." The man's voice was sickeningly sweet, a stark contrast to the fear etched on Airi's face. "Ever since I first saw you in a magazine, I've loved you. Meeting you again here, I felt like it was destiny. I love you… I can't stop feeling this way about you!"
Airi recoiled, her hands trembling as she raised them in a feeble attempt to fend him off. "What?! You're... you're crazy! Just stop it! Please, stop it!" she cried out, her voice growing louder in her desperation.
With a swift motion, she reached into her bag, pulling out an armful of letters - those that she had shown me on Monday. The stack was thick, each envelope a testament to the man's relentless pursuit. It was around 101 letters when I counted them, which meant that since July 13, the stalker had persistently sent her one letter every day since April 3— the day after Airi bought her camera.
"How do you know my room number? Why do you keep sending these?" Her voice was laced with confusion and fear.
"Why? Of course, I would know your room number and send you letters. That should be obvious because our hearts are connected." The man's voice was filled with a horrifying conviction, a chilling echo in the otherwise quiet alley.
"Please stop it. It's bothering me!" With a forceful sweep of her arm, she cast the bundle of letters onto the grimy pavement. The paper fluttered about, each piece an unwelcome testament to the man's unrequited obsession.
"Why… Why would you do something like that? Even after I wrote out my feelings to you!" The man's voice held a note of wounded disbelief, a twisted mockery of what real love should sound like.
"I don't care! D-don't come any closer!" Airi's voice quivered, her words becoming a desperate plea as the man advanced towards her.
The man closed the distance between them with a menacing pace. He moved with a predatory grace, a chilling intensity radiating off him as though he were about to pounce. Swiftly, he latched onto Airi's arm, and with a cruel shove, pinned her against a shuttered door.
"How cruel! Very well... I'll just show you how much I love you now..." The words dripped from his mouth like poison, a twisted promise etched in the cold night air. "If I do that, then you'll understand, Sakura... no, Shizuku!"
"Huh?! No! Let me go! Let me go!"
I turned to Yuki, who had an unreadable expression on her face, a phone firmly in her hand as she observed what was happening to Airi, and with the occasional flashes from her screen, she was taking photos.
I followed Yuki's lead and took out my phone, and walked in another direction, taking photos from a different angle.
After three photos, I decided it was time to approach Airi and her stalker.
Airi had already done what she could... but it seemed like her faux confidence and days of building herself up for this moment weren't enough in the face of fear. Still, her resolve was admirable.
"Yuki, take care of Airi," I said as I made my way towards the commotion.
Now, it was my time to step in.
I approached the pair steadily, my steps echoing ominously in the narrow alleyway. The man was too engrossed in his twisted fantasy to notice me, while Airi, though terrified, saw me coming, and a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes.
Just as the man was about to advance further, I called out, "Isn't it quite pathetic to harass a young girl like this, old man?"
The man paused, turning around to face me, and I got a clear look at him for the first time. He was scruffy, with a week's worth of stubble covering his face, and his clothes were unkempt. But what stood out the most were his eyes, a terrifying mix of obsession and desperation.
"What do you want, kid?" He snarled, clearly taken aback by my sudden appearance. His grip on Airi loosened slightly as he turned his attention towards me.
"I want you to let her go. Now," I commanded, keeping my voice steady and calm despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. My tone was authoritative and unwavering, and the man, though taken aback, didn't seem ready to back down.
"And if I don't?"
I didn't waste any time replying to his provocation. Instead, I lunged towards him, aiming a punch at his stomach. Caught off guard, he doubled over in pain, his grip on Airi releasing entirely. It was a light punch, just enough for him to let Airi go. A warning shot, if you may.
With the man distracted, Yuki swooped in to lead Airi away to a safe distance. I could hear Airi sobbing, her fearful cries piercing through the cold air. But I couldn't afford to be distracted by it right now.
The man recovered from my little gift, and he roared, charging at me like an uncoordinated swine.
I sidestepped his clumsy attack, swiftly landing a kick on his side. He stumbled, crashing into a stack of crates beside the wall. The pain and shock on his face were clear, but so was his determination. He wasn't ready to give up yet.
He rose to his feet, his eyes seething with anger. "You're going to regret this, kid," he spat, his words slurred. But his venomous threats lacked any real power.
What exactly was I going to regret? Even seven-year-old children from the White Room could beat him unconscious, so I didn't get what he was trying to say.
After all, he was a cornered rat, trying to puff himself up in a futile attempt to scare away the predator.
I didn't even bother to reply. Instead, I responded with another punch; this one aimed squarely at his face. There was a satisfying crunch as my fist connected with his cheek, the force of my blow sending him reeling backward.
The stalker stumbled, his balance failing him as he crashed into the nearby wall. A wheezing cough echoed through the alley as he slid down the rough brick, gasping for breath.
I advanced, every step echoing ominously in the confined space. The man's fear was palpable, his wide-eyed gaze tracking my approach. He tried to rise, tried to prepare himself for the next assault, but he was too slow.
My next punch was targeted at his mouth. His head snapped back from the force, and I found it satisfying. With that, I did it again, and I could feel a few teeth dislodge under the impact. They clattered onto the concrete floor, blood-soaked evidence of my promise.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five.
How did he lose that many teeth? Was he neglecting to brush his teeth?
He really needed to get a life.
As I observed him again, I saw a thin trickle of blood oozing from his mouth, staining his chin and spattering onto his shirt. He looked up at me; his eyes clouded with pain and fear, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Enough... please...," he whimpered, his voice barely audible.
I glared down at him, my gaze unwavering. "You should've thought of that before you started stalking and harassing a young girl. You're lucky it's only your teeth you're losing today."
"You... you've made a mistake," he choked out, his words slurred and stained red by the blood pooling in his mouth. "You're just a kid, I'll... I'll-"
"What, exactly?" I interjected, my voice icy and cold as I crouched to his level, leaning in to whisper, "Are you going to stalk me next? Send me love letters? Or perhaps you'll continue bothering Airi?"
"Do the last one, and it'll be your life you'll lose," I continued.
His horrified eyes widened at my words, and he feebly shook his head, pleading silently for mercy.
"I thought so," I said, standing back up. I turned to walk away, but then, as if on an afterthought, I turned back to him. "And if you think you could turn the tables on me... we caught you on record, old man."
"Wha... what do you mean?"
"Photos and a clip of you attempting to assault an underage girl inside the school campus... one run by the government. Your only choice would be to get out of here for good... or your life is over," I replied, glancing at the petrified man.
Silence echoed through the alleyway, the man's ragged breaths the only response. I didn't need an answer. It was more of a reminder to him of the consequences of his stupidity.
"Yuki, call the police," I instructed, stepping away from the man, now barely a whimpering heap on the ground. I was done with him. It was now up to the law to handle the rest.
Yuki nodded, already dialing the number as I made my way to Airi. She was shaking, her face pale and eyes wide with terror. Despite her attempts to hide it, her face clearly conveyed the horror she felt after nearly being assaulted by her staler, but she'd done well to stand her ground. The worst was over now.
"Airi," I called out gently, making sure not to startle her. "Are you okay?"
She looked at me, her eyes teary but determined. "I... I think so."
"Good. You did well," I reassured her, offering a comforting smile and patting her on the head. It was over, and now we could only hope that the ordeal wouldn't repeat itself.
"Thank... you, Kiyotaka-kun. But... it seems like I couldn't do anything by myself in the end," Airi replied, looking down at the ground.
"That's not true. It was really cool when you threw those letters to the ground." I pointed to the mess of multicolored paper scattered everywhere. "I didn't know you had that kind of voice. You might actually make it as an actress Airi."
"A... actress?! Don't make fun of me, Kiyotaka-kun..." she mumbled.
"Was I? Wasn't that what you were doing the past three days, Airi?" I asked, finding myself amused as she squeaked in embarrassment.
"That's just unfair... I couldn't hide from you."
"You weren't able to hide from anyone, not even that idiot Ken," I revealed as I glanced back at the defeated stalker, now whimpering and clutching his bloodied face. "But I told them to let you be for now because there was something that you needed to do on your own."
"You didn't tell them what I told you that night?"
"You trusted me with it. Why would I share it with anyone else?"
"I... Thank you, Kiyotaka-kun," she said, her voice barely a whisper. I could see a sense of relief washing over her, easing the tension in her shoulders. I knew then that I had done the right thing.
"You're welcome, Airi. And remember, you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for," I reassured her, patting her shoulder gently.
Just as I finished my sentence, the wail of sirens echoed in the distance. The lights of a police car could be seen rounding the corner, its red and blue flashes illuminating the night.
"Airi, let's move aside. The police will handle it from here," I told her, guiding her away from the scene.
Yuki approached us, phone still in hand. "They're here, Kiyotaka."
"Alright," I replied, my gaze lingering on the battered figure of the stalker.
As the police vehicle pulled up, several officers spilled out. They quickly took in the scene - the bloodied man, the crumpled love letters, and us standing a safe distance away. One of them, a stern-looking woman with her hair tied in a neat bun, approached us, her sharp eyes studying us closely.
"Can one of you explain what happened here?" she asked, her voice authoritative and demanding respect.
"I will," I volunteered, stepping forward.
As I began recounting the events, I noticed Airi peeking at the officers apprehending her stalker. She was still shaking slightly, but she was also watching with a strange sort of determination in her eyes, as if this was her way of facing the trauma she had experienced.
I concluded my report just as the officers were leading the handcuffed man to their vehicle. His arrogant air had vanished, replaced with a feeble, beaten-down expression. He glanced at us as he was guided past, but he immediately shivered when our gaze met.
Pathetic.
Soon, the police left, and we were alone again in the quiet alleyway.
"Well, that's over," I commented, breaking the silence.
Airi nodded, a small, shaky smile on her face. "Yes, it is."
Yuki walked over to us, a small smile plastered on her face as she grasped Airi's hands. "He's not going to torment you anymore, Sakura-san. You're safe now."
"Tha...thank you as well for your help, Tsubaki-san."
"No worries! We're also friends, right? And although we're not as close as you and Kiyotaka are, there was no way I'd let that creep off scot-free."
Suddenly, Yuki pulled Airi into a hug, rubbing the back of her head in comfort. Although initially surprised by Yuki's actions, Airi returned her hug, albeit gently.
"Alright, let's go home," I said after a moment, leading the way out of the alley. Airi and Yuki followed, still locked in their comforting embrace.
"Wait, Kiyotaka-kun... I still need to do something," Airi said, her eyes shifting to me and the discarded love letters on the ground.
"What are you going to do?"
"Well... there's something that... I could still do for myself and... I want to do it," Airi replied before she walked over to the discarded love letters, her gaze hardening as she looked at them. She then picked up all of the love letters and dropped them into a nearby trash can.
"I don't need these anymore," she murmured, a newfound determination in her eyes.
I guess that was one way for her to deal with things.
"Eh? Throwing them immediately? We could burn them, you know?" Yuki childishly complained.
I sighed and pulled Yuki by her cheeks. "Now's not the time for that, idiot."
"Hehe~! Sorry!"
I shook my head at Yuki's cheeky response and took out my phone, sending a message to Haruka, telling her of everything that had just happened.
As we moved further away from the alleyway, I allowed myself a final look back at the scene of our confrontation. It was nothing more than an ordinary alley now, swallowed up by the tranquil embrace of the setting sun. No more menacing shadows, no more ominous echo of footfalls, no more trembling fears.
The only evidence that remained of the earlier turmoil were a few crumpled, vibrant love letters discarded in a grimy trash can.
It was a stark contrast to the harsh violence that had unfolded there just minutes before, to the raw fear and aggression that had tainted the air. Now, it was as if the wind had carried away all traces of it, leaving behind only quietude.
Suddenly, the words of Horikita came unbidden to my mind, her voice as clear as if she was standing next to me. And she was right.
It seemed there were indeed times when violence wasn't just the answer— it was the only answer.
End of Chapter
A/N: I tweaked the whole live location tracking thing in canon because it seemed too messy to exist as a mechanism. This is what I decided to go for instead.
Here's how that system worked (as explained by Kiyotaka):
1. When making an account in this sharing app, you could either enter a code that had been provided to you by a friend or create a 'circle' with codes you'd give to people that you want to be in that circle
2. Once they're in that circle, your location would be seen by those in the circle, and you could also see their location. (But you and, of course, the others, could turn off their live location whenever they want to).