Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.
Edit: Looking back at this chapter, I went and changed the scene up a bit. Instead of Matsuri using cookies to drug her, I used a different and more simpler approach this time. I do feel that this approach is more plausible and it doesn't compromise Matsuri's character too much. Shout out to axel100 for the idea and feedback.
The day has finally come. Matsuri will finally reveal the truth behind Yoshimiya's death. But as he does, what will happen to him in the long run and who is the person he requested to share it with. All will be revealed in this heart-wrenching chapter of the USC Beginning Arc!
-Hachimitsu Academy- [Matsuri's Room]
9:00pm
Matsuri was currently on a call with Etsuko through his phone. As usual, he was laying on his bed, with his head nestled into his arms. His phone was sitting straight up against his pillow that he was using to support its weight.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Etsuko asked with a frown.
"I told you Etsuko, I made up my mind. I can't keep running away from this. And if anything it's best if I tell them this now…can't have the whole school keep guessing anyways." He muttered to himself the last bit.
Etsuko took notice of the boy's expression, she desperately wanted to say something to cheer him up, but already knew none of that was going to work. "Damn it, I wished I never told you to actually go out and say it. Now look what happened!"
"It's not your fault, Etsuko," Matsuri reassured her. "In fact, I should thank you."
"How the hell is thanking me gonna make anything better!?" Etsuko whined with tears in her eyes. "Matsuri, it feels like you're actually accepting your fate of being thrown in jail! You're making it sound like you really did take those photos! I don't believe it! I don't believe it for a second!"
"Etsuko…" Matsuri took note of the small sniffles from the girl.
"I *sniff* I don't want you….I don't want you to be thrown in prison." She said on the verge of tears.
"H-Hey, come on Etsuko. Don't cry."
"I can't help it *hic* I…Matsuri…you've been like a big brother to me. I don't want you *hic* I don't want you to go to prison. Just please tell me….."
"Huh? T-Tell you what…."
"TELL ME YOU DIDN'T TOOK THOSE PHOTOS!" She yelled.
Matsuri was taken back from her outburst. He never saw her with this much emotion. Usually when she's acting out just to dramatically show them how her story goes. But seeing her genuine tears and emotion was a rare sight to see…..he didn't like it. He looked at her as she was desperately trying to wipe the tears away. He needed to think of something to make her feel better…..
"Etsuko….." He said as he grabbed her attention. "I'm….I'm looking forward to your story."
"Huh?" She asked with a sniffle.
"I don't know what will happen to me to be honest, once I tell Mari the truth behind Yoshimiya's death. I want to see your story."
"M-My story *hic* you mean the one with you and the boys….and all that you find embarrassing." She muttered.
"Y-Yeah. If I do go to prison…..I want to read it. I want to see your story when you make it. Y-Yes, I did say it is embarrassing and all, but that doesn't matter. I want to read the story that you made." He offered her a bright smile.
Etsuko's eyes widened with a shine. Small tears still leaked from her window into her soul, but the message was clear. He asked for a request that he wants to see come to life. Her heart started pumping.
"B-But…..I don't know…..I mean, I don't mind. But…..will you mind."
"Of course. I don't mind one bit. Of course, you don't have to rush it out. I can wait."
"No! I can make it work!" She said with a determined expression. "If anything happens, I promise to make it the best story you've seen! It will move your heart! But you better promise me that you'll share with us your side of the story too, got that!"
"Y-Yeah. Of course I will." Matsuri said a little taken by her sudden change of mood. Despite still seeing some tears. But he smiled overall. "Better?"
"N-Not really…but I'm pumped!"
"That's good to hear. Look, Etsuko, I gotta go now. There are some calls I gotta make before it's too late. I'll get in touch with you soon…..at least I hope so."
"Matsuri….." She called him once more. Gaining his attention. "Don't mistake this or anything. Your heart still belongs to Meiko….but…I love you."
Matsuri blushed at her confession. Sure, he knew it was family related, but it still made him embarrassed either way. "I…..I love you too."
"Oh come on, I meant it in a family related way! Not as an actual girlfriend!"
"I know, I know." He scratched the back of his head with a nervous groan. He shook it off getting back to topic. "Anyways, I'll see later okay."
"Okay then…good-night, Matsuri."
"Good night, Etsuko."
He ended the call.
The boy felt heavy pressure on his shoulders. Feeling as if something was weighing him down. He released a sigh as he looked at his phone that was on the home screen. He blinked a few times, his eyes remained fixed on his screen, not liking what he was about to do next. He bit his lip as he shook his head.
"N-No…I have to do this. No more running. No more hiding…no more lying to myself."
He took a deep breath as he reached for his phone once more. Raising his upper body off from the bed, using his elbows to support his standing as his fingers were scrolling through the phone. He looked at his contact list. He scrolled through the list before stopping at a name that made his heart ached:
Miyuki Kakeguri.
He took another shaky breath. He needed to do this. With a determined expression, he tapped on the name.
It rang.
It rang twice.
Third time.
Fourth time.
It stopped. He hears a voice behind the phone.
"Hello?"
Matsuri's heart shuddered. He bit his lip. He desperately tried to say something, but his heart kept him from talking.
"Hello?"
Everytime he hears her voice. It reminded him of painful memories. Memories he didn't want to re-visit. His heart began to pound against his chest. He thought he was ready for this, but he was wrong. He was dead wrong.
"Matsuri….." A sharp gasp escaped his mouth before he shut it. "I know it's you, sweetie. Please say something….."
Matsuri took a breather before speaking into the phone. "G-Good evening…..Ms. Kakeguri…."
"It's good to hear from you again, Matsuri," She said with a soft tone. "It's been a while."
"Y-Yeah, it's great to hear from you too…so h-how things are going with you…." He said with a somber tone.
"It's going fine. How about you? I haven't heard from you ever since the funeral. Nor graduation."
Matsuri bit his lip. "I-I'm sorry."
Miyuki giggled at the end. "It's fine, sweetie. I'm not mad at you. But I am curious…..why are you calling me this late at night."
"...I…Are you free tomorrow?"
"Of course. Why?"
"...I…tomorrow…..I-I'll…I'm sorry for keeping shut for a while….about Yoshimiya death," He choked for a moment but took a breather. "Tomorrow in the morning…..I want to share with you…about the truth behind her death."
-Girl's Dormitory- [Etsuko's Room]
Etsuko remained on her bed, hugging her pillow tight against her body. Her mind began to rack with many different thoughts. The idea of Matsuri revealing the truth and the possibility of being thrown into prison. The more she thought about it, the more it made her heart ache.
"Stupid Matsuri….." She muttered. "Making a request like that, how the hell you expect me to work if you'll be in prison. Stupid."
"You're still muttering up there."
Etsuko flinched at the voice. She rolled over to the edge and looked below her. On the bottom of the bed, the entire bottom section was closed off from the blankets hanging from the edge of the top bed. Covering it up, making the unknown student invisible for anyone to see.
"Whoops, did I wake you up?" Etsuko asked with a nervous tone.
"Well, who the hell could sleep through all that yelling and muttering. Plus, rolling around the bed doesn't help either." Said the female student with a rough tone.
"S-Sorry."
"It's fine. So, you really think that Matsuri kid really did it."
Etsuko blinked. "I…..I don't want to believe it but…..the way he's making it sound like it almost makes it sound like he really did do it."
"I'm sure it will be fine. We don't know the full story yet, there's no point in dwelling on that," Said the female student. "The best thing to do now is just focusing on what you need to do. Right?"
Etsuko remained silent. She could hear her own heart pounded against her chest. "But I…but I don't know what to do."
"Don't think about it," She said, her tone sounding more firm and soft. But it still sounded rough. "Focus on what you were requested to do. And not letting your friend down."
"...your right. I should be doing what I should be doing!" Etsuko felt motivated from her roomate's words.
She jumps off from her bed. After landing on the floor, she makes a small twirl and leaps right through the small entrance into her roommate's bed. Landing onto her partner.
"H-Hey! Who the hell said you can hug me!?"
"Thank you, Tsubaki!" She said with her usual peppy tone. "I feel a lot better!"
"O-Okay that's good and all! But don't just randomly hug me out of nowhere!"
-Hachimitsu Academy-
May 24th Tuesday
8:00am
The whole school was muttering and whispering. Gossiping released from left to right about the latest news. Each of the students were talking amongst each other. All of them talking about the same thing they witnessed.
"Hey, so did you see the President with that Matsuri boy?"
"Yeah I did. I wonder what's going on?"
"I heard that he may end up in prison."
"Huh!? For real!? What did he do?"
"Not sure. But I overheard it from the underground council this morning. They said he may have done something and is about to be judged for it."
"I wonder."
Walking down the hall, the chairman couldn't help but to overhear the girl's conversation. He couldn't help but to glance at the many students who all spoke about the same topic. It piqued his interest.
"Matsuri…so are you about to tell the truth about Yoshimiya's death," He thought to himself. "It seems you are finally coming out and expressing yourself. But I can't help but to feel dread of what to come next in the long run. Have you finally been released from the unknown shackles that weighed you down and forced you to keep quiet. Perhaps not. Perhaps you are still feeling imprisoned in your….heart!"
He stopped in the hallway. His eyes looked towards the prison that stood in the courtyard. The prison that contained the boys once, but now may contain…
"Matsuri….I'm not sure what will happen to you. But I cannot bear to see you in those prison garb. Walking the courtyard with your head low. It's too…much."
He could see it in his head. The thought of Matsuri walking the yard with his hand cuffed. Garbing into his black and white jumpsuit prison clothes. Walking the long yard with his head low to the ground, daring not to spot anyone he recognizes. Around the boys, thousands of girls surround the yard, all giving Matsuri the eyes of disappointment, disgrace, shame, and rejection.
The chairman shook his head.
"My daughter…I wonder what you will do. Once the truth comes out. Once the truth behind Yoshimiya finally came forth. What will be your judgment, my daughter….Mari!"
-Downtown Area of Nemira Ward-
It was a quiet drive through the downtown area of Nerima. Driving in the familiar cabriolet car, Matsuri's sister; Ayame was driving her brother and Mari once more. This time, minus Ritsu who remained back at home.
Ayame, unlike most of the time, didn't carry a peppy nor a smirking expression. Her expression this time carried a more toned down and mellowed one. Her eyes fixated on the road ahead, sharing a few glances at the rear view mirror, reflecting the back seat of the car.
Sitting in the back, Matsuri, garbed in his casual wear with his black and red jacket. Opened to reveal his blue t-shirt. And dark blue jeans for his trousers. Sitting across from him was Mari, who was dressed in her standard hachimitsu female uniform.
Mari did not bother sharing glances at the boy next to her, as her eyes watched the buildings and shops that they drove past by. Her expression remained unreadable, posing the same usual expression that she always carried when she was at work or at the school. Her legs crossed over each other.
Matsuri didn't say anything throughout the entire trip. Letting the wind splashing his face, winsing his worries away. Or so he thought. Deep down, he felt sick to his stomach. He tried everything to make him feel less stressed out, but no matter what he does. He kept feeling more and more weak in his heart.
"Stay strong Matsuri…just stay strong…" He thought to himself.
While on the road for a good minute or so, they came to a stop as they approached a tall building on their right. Ayame drove up the driveway that led to the apartment complex.
Matsuri gripped the edge of the car door, his heart pounding against his chest as he looked at the familiar apartment complex that was at least 5 stories high.
Both Ayame and Mari got out of the car. The crow mistress looked at the house with an intrigued expression. She has seen Matsuri house, but this is her first time seeing Yoshimiya's house. It was a little bit…..unexpecting to be entirely honest. She wasn't expecting this at all.
"I'm surprised," Mari said, getting Ayame's attention. "I imagined that Yoshimiya's place would look a little more fancier given what I heard of her. I wasn't expecting an apartment."
"Same here," Ayame agreed with her. "First time I dropped Yoshimiya off here, I bombed her with questions regarding about her social status and all." She said with a grin.
But her grin faded when she took notice of Matsuri staying in the car. His eyes transfixed on the apartment. He looked all the way up, somewhere among the balcony was a small garden with flowers and plants that were set out to bathe in the sun.
He started to tremble in his seat, he could feel dread of cold sweat, dripping against his skin. Only to stop when he felt a soft and gentle hand touch his. He snapped his eyes open when he found the person who was caressing his hand. Surprisingly he found Mari with a soft sympathetic expression, looking at the boy.
"You're going to be fine, Hitoyoshi." She said to the boy.
Ayame wore a surprised expression. She never thought to see the day when the fearsome, male-haiting president offered sympathy to her little brother. The same boy whom she is trying to throw in prison.
Matsuri carried a similar expression, but nodded his head at the girl. "R-Right….sorry. Just feeling a bit….well….."
"..." Mari simply gripped his hand. "Would it make you feel better if one of us were to hold your hand while we continue onward?"
"N-No…I want to do this."
"...very well." She said as she released her grasp.
Stepping aside, allowing Matsuri to get out the car. Giving the complex one more look, he took a deep breath and walked towards the building past his benwindled sister. As soon as Mari approached Ayame.
"Well that's the first."
"What do you mean?"
"You, suddenly being nice to my brother. Where did that come from?"
"...I just felt he needed some encouragement."
"Sure. Or do you want to get this over with so you can have your reason to throw my brother in prison." She asked with an accusing look at the president.
Mari simply just looked at her before following Matsuri. Leaving a confused Ayame behind, soon following behind.
The three of them stood in front of the door. Just standing there with a petrified expression, his body remained motionless. His hand stuck to his sides, trembling with fear. A small breathing could be heard escaping his lips as he looked onward. His mind rattled with thoughts.
"Just do it!"
"Just ring the fucking door bell you wimp!"
"God, you're pathetic! Are you seriously gonna let this slip away from you!"
"You can't do it! Just admit it! You're a pathetic loser!"
"Hayakki was right about you. You're a disappointment to your family and friends."
That last thought stabbed him through the heart.
He started to give way, he started to breathe heavily, to the point of almost hyperventilating. He bit his lip. "Damn it! Get it together! Why…..why am I always like this! Why can't I be more like her!? Why can't I be more like Yoshimiya!? Or even Meiko!? Or maybe Shirayuki! Why can't I be like them!?"
His thoughts came to a halt when he heard the doorbell ring. He snapped his head up to see Ayame pushing the button with a blank expression.
"A-Ayame….."
"Get a grip." She simply said not to bother looking at him. But from her tone, she was rather annoyed. "You're here for a reason Matsuri. You're not running away from this. Not this time nor the next time, not ever."
"..."
"You're gonna face this. One way or another….got it?" She said looking over her shoulders.
Matsuri looked into his sister's eyes as she stared at him back with anger in her eyes. She was being completely serious this time around. Ayame was not letting Matsuri run away, with the tail between his legs.
"She's right," Mari looked at the boy with a firm expression. "If you run away from this, then that means you have quietly submitted to defeat."
Matsuri allowed their words to sink in. And he agreed to them, if he were to run away, that would mean he would forever be defeated by his own past. He vowed to himself that he would do this. He felt that he needed to. No more running. No more hiding.
He didn't have enough time to think when the door opened up.
The person revealed to be a woman that looked to be in her early 30s but still looked pretty young for her age. She had long black hair with purple lining along the strands of her hair, most of her hair draped over her shoulders. She wore a red shirt with frills that stuck out from the collar that fitted against her well-endowed bosom. She wore a floral design skirt that covered her legs from top to bottom.
The woman carried a surprise expression as she spotted Ayame with her usual grin. "Oh my, Ayame is that you?"
"Hey Miyuki! Been a while." She said as she suddenly wrapped in a hug by the woman. Her face shoved into her bosom.
"Oh it's been too long! I haven't seen you for a long time!" Miyuki happily said as she released her a little, giving her some air to breathe. "How's college going?"
"I-It's going fine. Glad to see you're good." She said with a bit of blush on her cheeks.
Miyuki smiled at the older sister. Her eyes spotted Mari who blinked at her. "And you are?"
"O-Oh. I'm sorry for intruding," Mari was caught off guard for a moment. "My name is Mari Kurihara. I'm the council president of Hachimitsu Academy."
"Really now, I never guessed a student from Hachimitsu Academy would visit my home," Miyuki offered her hand with a smile. "But it's nice to meet you."
"U-Um….it's nice to meet you too." Mari shook her hand. Feeling a little weirded out by the woman's approach and friendly behavior.
As Miyuki was done greeting the two females, she spotted the boy who remained a good distance from them. His back against the barrier that keeps people from falling on accident. A soft, genuine smile graced her lips as she approached the boy. Matsuri's eyes cast towards his feet. Not looking up at the woman who leaned near his face. Her smile is not fading.
"Hello Matsuri."
"..." Matsuri didn't say anything, he simply nodded.
"Have you been well?"
"...y-you could say that." Finally speaking, but refusing to look up.
Miyuki got back up and brought Matsuri close to her. The boy flinched under her touch, but she gently closed the gap between them. Hugging him with his head resting on her bosom. Rubbing her cheeks on top of his head. Her smile never left as she embraced the boy.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Matsuri."
Matsuri didn't say anything. Speechless from the love she still shows him. Even after not coming into contact with her for a good month or so after everything that happened after the event. He nestled himself into her, enjoying the perfume scent she gave off and the calm aura she carried.
Both Ayame and Mari looked onward with sympathetic looks. Not interrupting the moment between the two.
-Yoshimiya Resident-
9:30am
The inside of the apartment was small, but reasonable for them to move around freely and not feel constrained. Matsuri, Etsuko, and Mari were sitting around at the table, patiently waiting for Miyuki to get back from the kitchen.
Matsuri took a moment to himself to be familiar with the layout. "It's been a while since I've been here. I remember how Yoshimiya would invite me to her place every now and then. Miyuki would make us some drinks and she would show me some of her things….I really do miss this."
"So, Hachimitsu academy huh," Miyuki called out from the kitchen. "I heard that the school is starting to accept male students now."
Mari grimaced at the thought. "I-I'm afraid so."
Miyuki came in with four drinks. She sets the cups in front of them before taking a seat on her side with her own cup. "Is it any fun? You know, with the boys around."
"...well…..I have my own opinion on the boys, but they have been behaving themselves."
"Mari hates boys."
Miyuki blinked at that, while Matsuri flinched. She really needed to say that.
Mari glared at the elder sister. "That wasn't necessary."
"You were gonna leave her guessing anyways." She said with a smirk.
"No, no. I understand," Miyuki said, waving off the concern. "Everyone has their own opinions on some things…..just wasn't expecting you to be here…..especially with a male." She said as her eyes glanced at Matsuri before looking back at Mari.
"Ah, yes," Mari said, feeling nervous. "W-Well…..I'm just gonna cut to the chase. I am aware of Yoshimiya's death."
"..." Miyuki didn't respond as she just looked at her cup with somber in her eyes. Matsuri took notice of this and felt his heart ache at her expression.
Mari felt guilty bringing the whole topic up. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up so rudely…."
"It's okay," The mother said, her tone coming out soft. "Besides…..I was already aware that this is the reason why you three came, right?"
The two females blinked before exchanging looks and looking back at Miyuki. "You knew."
"Well, Matsuri did call me last night."
The two females looked at Matsuri.
The boy trembled on the spot. He didn't dare look up at the eyes that stared back at him. Taking a breather, he looked up at the mother who looked at him with a sympathetic look. Matsuri looked into her eyes as she just looked back at him, anticipating for him to say something. He bit his lip, his heart pounded hard against his chest.
Shaking his head, he looked towards Mari who held a conflicted expression. "Mari…..I promised you that I will tell you the truth behind Yoshimiya's death. And now…..all of you three…will finally know w-what happened that day….."
"Matsuri…"
"It…..it all happened like this…..during that day, month before she committed sucide. The day when those pictures were taken…"
And so he began the heartbreaking tale…
-Nerima Ward- [Downtown Area]
Several months ago before the incident…
Matsuri and Yoshimiya walked down the street, the boy walked up front with a not so good looking face. His eyes kept on shifting back to Yoshimiya and back up front before she could even get a good look of the expression he was wearing. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest hard, cold sweat dripped against his bare skin.
"What am I doing…i-if I go through with this…all I'm doing is betraying Yoshimiya's trust." He thought to himself as he gripped the strap of his bag. "M-Maybe I should turn back…n-no. They might be watching…damn it. Why am I like this!?"
"Matsuri?" Yoshimiya asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. He turned around with a quicken breath. Catching Yoshimiya off guard. "Um…..are you….okay?"
"Umm….y-yeah…..yeah I'm fine." He said with a bit of tremble.
Yoshimiya blinked as she took notice of how the boy's body was trembling. She walked closer towards him as she rested her hand on his cheeks. "Matsuri, come on. Just tell me what's troubling you?"
Matsuri bit his lip at the young teen kind words. He felt the urge to tell her, his hand curled into a fist as a small drip of blood dripped from his grasp. He shook his head as he faced forward. "We're…..we're almost there…."
He continued forward, all while being followed by a slightly worried Yoshimiya. She just looked at him with worried eyes, she figured that he was being troubled by his tormentors again, so he possibly led her towards where they usually hang out when not at school. She just decided to play along a little longer so she can save him from those monsters, once and for all.
The two turned a corner that led down towards an alleyway. Matsuri kept his eyes forward, he could hear Yoshimiya was still following him. The poor boy gripped the strap of his school bag even tighter as he continued onward.
After walking through the alleyway, both of them ended up in front of a warehouse. The old building looked abandoned and age did not treat it so well. The window shields had holes broken through them. Grass grew on all sides of the gray building, from the sides and the top.
Yoshimiya blinked as she looked at her surroundings. Is this where they hang out? If so, then where are they?
"W-We're here…" Matsuri said as he stopped in his tracks.
Yoshimiya stopped as well. Her eyes focused on the boy, taking note of how he was trembling. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the boy with a sympathetic look. "Matsuri…..if Hayakki and her little entourage are causing you problems, please let me help you."
Matsuri didn't say anything but gave a flinch at her words.
"I know you don't like to be saved sometimes, especially if you're trying to do it by yourself…." She said as she walked closer towards the boy. "But it doesn't hurt to ask for help every once and a while."
Matsuri started to hyperventilate a little. He tried to not make it noticeable, but her words. Her showing kindness towards him was too much as he grasped his chest. Trying to desperately ease his aching heart. He flinched as he felt Yoshimiya's hand touch his shoulders.
"Come on, just tell me okay. I'm your friend, Matsuri." She said in a soft voice.
Matsuri forcibly shut his eyes as he felt tears about to break down the gate. But he remained strong, but it was harder than it looked as she was just looking out for him.
"Yoshimiya…I wish it didn't have to come to this…..I want to turn back now…"
"Y-Yoshimiya…." His voice cracked, getting her attention as he turned around. Facing her with small tears in his eyes.
"Matsuri?"
"...I'm….I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
Before she could react, she felt herself get lifted in the air by a pair of strong arms. Yoshimiya released a small yelp as she looked over her shoulders and spotted her assaulter.
"Hey President!" The large male said with a malicious grin.
"Tachi!?" She tried to wiggle out of his grasp.
"Now, now," He said as he moved his head backward and with full force, he slammed his head back against the council president's head. "GO TO SLEEP!"
Yoshimiya's eyes widened in shock as she felt the impact, knocking her unconscious from the impact.
"H-Hey, come on, not so rough." Matsuri said with a worried expression. "Y-You could've killed her?"
"Oh what's eating up your ass. She's fine, right?" He said with an annoyed expression. His eyes look back at the council president in his arms. A grin graced his lips as he had an idea. He moved his hand over her breast and started to fondle them with pleasure. "Not everyday you get to do this!"
"S-Stop it! That wasn't part of the plan!" Matsuri said with panic in his voice.
Tachi grew a grin as he looked at Matsuri. "What, you want in on the action~? Too bad, big boys only."
"Alright, alright, knock it off Tachi."
Matsuri flinched at the sound of her voice. He didn't dare turn around as he remained frozen still. The female walked next to Matsuri as she looked right at Tachi.
"That's enough Tachi. Hurry up and get her inside. Will you? We're burning daylight."
"Fine, fine." He said as he walked towards the warehouse.
Matsuri started to tremble in fear. His heart ached as he grasped his chest. What has he done.
He felt his cheeks pushed together by a pair of hands. His head was forced to look at the smug looking Hayakki. "You did well bringing her here, Matsuri~."
He didn't respond but his eyes looked the other way, feeling tears dripping from his eyes. He really felt sick to his stomach.
-Abandon Warehouse-
Yoshimiya groaned as she tried to open her eyes, still feeling a little weak from the headbutt she received from Tachi. Her eyes opened half way, her surroundings looked…odd. It was dark, the air felt rather muddy and the ground felt cold and hard…just where she was.
Just as she tried to stretch, her hand refused to move. Her eyes, not fully wide open, she looks behind her and notices her hands were tied to a pole. "What?"
"Oh good. You're awake."
Yoshimiya turns around to face in front of her, standing tall with her hands crossed under her chest. Her most distinguishable and recognizable feature was her pink hair that was tied into a pony-tail with a blue ribbon. Standing on her sides were a couple of students, two males and one female.
Yoshimiya grimace. "Oh great, it's you."
"That's right, it's me again. Don't think I haven't forgotten what you did to me."
Yoshimiya rolled her eyes. "Please, I was only protecting my friend whom you were bullying. How am I in the wrongs?"
"Oh yes, your friend….well I hate to say this to you, but your friend led you into a trap." She said with a victorious smirk.
Yoshimiya blinked at this. "W-What?"
"Oh~. You mean you don't know," Hayakki turned her body around and looked behind her. Standing in the back, Matsuri shamefully looked at his feet, trembling in fear. "That's right. Little Matsuri was working for me to get to you."
"..." Yoshimiya didn't say anything but just looked at Matsuri with a conflicted expression. The boy refused to look up at the girl who was tied up and just stared at him.
Hayakki and her cronies laughed at the sight.
"Look at her reaction! You didn't suspect a thing!"
"Seriously, for a council president, you sure are dumb! Hahaha!"
Hayakki walks up to the tied up victim with a smug look. "You see Yoshimiya, Matsuri's job was to take embarrassing photos of you. But of course, he couldn't go through with it, he didn't want to get you in trouble. Of course, you did come and rescue him before we could've done something. But as you can see, I don't like being made a fool out of….." Her expression darkened. "Especially from you."
Yoshimiya grimaced. "You had it coming."
"Hmph. So I decided to rearrange this whole revenge scheme against you. I'm going to take embarrassing photos of you naked and spread it all over the school. But of course, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to get to you, so I did the next best thing. I went for the weakest link," A smile crept upon her lips as she noticed Yoshimiya's expression. "You see, Yoshimiya, you have such high trust in Matsuri, you won't suspect that he would be part of this plan. So, I decided to drag him into this."
Yoshimiya didn't say anything, but just blinked at the girl. But her focus was more on Matsuri than on Hayakki. Still not saying anything or even staring at her.
Hayakki was having too much fun from just watching her reaction. "Oh come now, Yoshimiya, what were you expecting? Matsuri is my pet and my pet alone. No one else is allowed to have him but me. But enough idle chat, let's get down to business."
The two males walked up towards her with evil smirks on their faces. Without a care in the world, the first boy tore her shirt completely off. Fabrics flew off around her in different directions. Before she knew, her clothes were being torn off.
Off to the side, Matsuri bit his lip hard, his face looking in the other direction, forcing himself not to look upon the horror that was happening to his "friend". Tears were starting to build up in his eyes, he didn't want to look at this. He didn't want to be here anymore! He gripped his chest, his feet starting to tap a little.
"I-I need to-"
He was pulled roughly by his tie. Hayakki gave him a smug look. "Ah-ah-ah~. You stay right there." Her face leaned in close to his petrified face. "After all the hard work you have done, don't you think you should stay here and witness the downfall of the student council president~."
Matsuri didn't say anything, all he could hear was the beating of his heart as it overtook his hearing. He didn't want to be here. He needed to leave! He needed to leave now! But what about Yoshimiya, he can't leave her behind, but-
"She's all ready."
Matsuri looked at what they did. And he wished he never did. Sitting there, bare naked with nothing on. No clothing. No uniforms. No undergarments, no shoes. Nothing. Yoshimiya sat on the ground with her knees hugging her chest, a heavy blush flushed on her cheeks as her lips quivered.
The girls and boys (minus Matsuri) laughed at the scene.
"Look at her! She's totally shy!"
"She looks like a slut without any clothes on!"
"But damn, she has a nice body! Wish we could have some fun with her, shame that will have to go to waste!"
"Nah, I can always jerk off to her in my mind. You hear that president, I'm having sex with you in my mind tonight! Hahaha!"
Matsuri started to breathe heavily as he watched Yoshimiya hugging her body with just her knees looking completely defenseless. He wanted to do something, but he couldn't, his body refused to move to help his "friend".
"Damn it, move! Why can't I move! Please! Move already you fuckin loser!"
"Hey."
Matsuri flinched as he snapped his eyes open.
Hayakki held a camera in front of him. "Well. Take it."
"Huh?"
Hayakki rolled her eyes. Feeling annoyed. "Oh come now, please don't tell me you forgot. Remember, it was your job to take the pictures to begin with. So it's much more suitable for you to take these photos."
….
Matsuri's blood ran cold. His heart pounded hard against his chest. Cold sweat dripped against his skin and it only intensified as he looked at the camera and back at his friend. "Y-You….your not s-serious, are you?"
"Of course I'm serious. Now chop, chop. Hurry up now." She said as she forced the camera into his hand.
Matsuri's eyes trembled. His hearing was becoming a little unclear as all he could hear was a slight ringing noise. He looked at Hayakki who looked at him with a smug. "Y-You-"
"Awww~. Feeling a little scared. I know, let's cheer for you," Hayakki happily said as she turned around to face her cronies. "Come now everyone! Let's cheer for Matsuri, reay!?"
And at once, they all chanted the same saying.
"Matsuri. Matsuri. Matsuri. Matsuri."
Their chanting got louder. The clapping got faster.
Matsuri looked around him, his eyes becoming frantic as he looked from left to right. His eyes are back on Yoshimiya. The council president didn't say anything, looking defenseless as all she could do was sit there feeling embarrassed. Looking closely at her, he took notice of her…trembling? Was she scared? Is Yoshimiya afraid?
Matsuri teeth started to grind. His blood started to boil. He gripped the camera in his hand. He needed to stand up for himself!
"No."
The chanting stopped.
Hayakki looked at him with a baffled look. "I'm sorry."
"...no."
The first male came up to the boy. "Hey, speak up, we can barely hear you in the-"
"I SAID NO!" He yelled loud and clear. Surprising the group around him (minus Hayakki). "I'm not doing it! I'm not doing this anymore! Y-You already told me to lead her here without telling her what's going on! I-I went and betrayed my best friend's trust!"
Yoshimiya stopped trembling, her eyes slowly looked at the boy who made himself center stage.
"I'm not…..I'm not…I WON'T ALLOW YOU HURT THE ONE I LOVE ANYMORE!"
…
The room was quiet. The group looked at him with conflicted expression. Completely caught off guard by Matsuri's sudden outburst.
Unknowest to them, Yoshimiya's eyes glistened as she looked at the boy. Her fear completely disappeared as she stared at the boy. A small breath escaped her lips, her heart pounded. Matsuri was her center of attention.
"I'm sorry. Did you just raise your voice at me?"
Matsuri flinched. All eyes were on Hayakki as she glared back at the boy with an unamused expression. The boy tried to look at something else that wasn't her. Starting to feel his grip on courage loosening in his grasp.
"You. You? What nonsense is this? Have you completely forgotten about your position? You're my pet. Got that? Or should I remind you just who is in charge?"
"I-I-"
"Look at you, well you managed to make a scene. Go right ahead."
"W-What?"
"Come on, go on and save her. But the way I see it, you're kind of outmatched here. There's five of us. And only, one of you. Since Yoshimiya is a little tied up at the moment. Not to mentioned she got that terrible headache from that headbutt, I say you're Yoshimiya's last hope." She joked.
Her cronies started to gain the upper hand as they all crowded Matsuri, backing him up against the wall. Matsuri started to tremble once more as they started to crowd him. His breathing started to quicken. Just when he thought he could do it, he still couldn't.
"Well," Hayakki said as she closed the gap between them. Her face pushed up against his. An ugly smirk smeared her face. "What are you waiting for? Do it."
Matsuri trembled. He hugged himself for comfort.
"How pathetic. Just look at you. In the end, you're still frightened. What happened to all that courage from before?"
"I-I-"
Hayakki's eyes snapped open. A terrible idea snapped in her head. "Alright, change of plan."
"Huh?"
"Let's play another game guys," She happily said. "Let's play with Matsuri instead."
Matsuri shivered. He needed to run.
Now!
He tried to make a run for it, but the door was blocked by two female students. He was forcely grabbed by the back, his body lifted in the air by one of the boys. He could hear him laugh with great pleasure in his fear.
"Let's show Yoshimiya-no. The whole school, your shameful side, shall we?" Said the boy.
"N-NO! PLEASE STOP!"
The group around him laughed more.
Matsuri limbs were trapped under the grip of the large boy, his body facing Hayakki and the others. All of them had their phones out while Hayakki had the camera in her hands as she was ready to take photos.
"STOP!"
They stopped at the voice.
They turned to see Yoshimiya who angrily looked at the group with anger in her eyes. Tears leaked from her eyes. "Take pictures of me."
Matsuri's heart nearly stopped.
"I'm sorry."
"Take pictures of me. It's me you're after, right?"
"Y-Yoshimiya….."
"Goodness me," Hayakki said with a fake tone. "You're willing to sacrifice yourself for this disappointment?"
"He's not a disappointment….and yes. I will sacrifice myself for him. However…..I want Matsuri…..and only Matsuri to take the pictures."
Shocked expressions spreaded across their faces. Even Matsuri's.
They all looked at each other before looking at Yoshimiya. "You sure."
"Yes. But in return, Matsuri does his job. This is the last job he will ever do for you guys. He will not be your pet. He gets to live free. Away from you guys! He gets to live his own life without fear!"
"My, so daring, and yet so heartwarming. Too bad you're sacrificing your life to this dog. Very well then," She snapped her fingers, issuing the large boy to let go of the smaller frame boy. Hayakki approached Matsuri with a smile. "Today's your lucky day, Matsuri~! Consider this your last job, once you're done, you won't have to hear from us ever again."
Matsuri's eyes were focused on Yoshimiya who looked back at him. Without hesitation he rushed over to Yoshimiya. Reaching towards her, he dropped to the ground, his face up to hers. "What are you doing!?"
"What it looks like, I'm preparing for my shots."
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEAN!? WHY ME!? WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE YOUR PICTURES!? I DON'T WANT TO! YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS!?"
"Matsuri…."
"I CAN'T! I CAN'T SEE YOU END UP THIS WAY! PLEASE YOSHIMIYA NO!"
He stopped when he felt her forehead touch his. His ranting stopped as she rubbed herself against him with a smile on her face. "Matsuri…you're too precious to live this life. You deserve to be happier. Without fear. Without having to look over your shoulders expecting to be hit or tortured. You deserve more than this."
"Yoshimiya…"
"And besides….I would rather have my pictures taken…by the same boy who captured my heart."
A sharp gasp escaped his lips. His heart nearly skipped a beat.
Yoshimiya looked at Hayakki who was wearing a smirk. "And one more thing. Once Matsuri takes the pictures, he is not to be involved with anything of what's to come. Got that?"
"Of course. I am a woman of my words." She said with a giggle.
"Y-Yoshimiya….."
"It's fine Matsuri…..let me endure it…I will carry all the pain that you carried for a long time. I will endure it all."
[That's what she said to me. And for a while, I still feel guilty about what I did. There could've been a better way. I could've just taken her place. But in the end, she said would endure it all. She didn't want me to live in pain anymore…so she trusted me in taking the pictures…..so I did….and it hurts.]
-Atsuhiko Academy-
[After I took those pictures…Hayakki promised that she would leave me alone. I wasn't greeted with any punishment or pain. They really kept their end of the deal…but it wasn't all good. Even though I didn't suffer anything…..Yoshimiya…she was going through hell.]
Matsuri was walking through the hallway of the school with his head cast down at his feet. His shoulders trying his best to hide himself from anyone who would look at him. He took notice of everyone in a gossip storm. He could barely make words of what was going on. But taking a closer listen.
"Hey, did you see the leaked photos too?"
"You mean the one with the council president naked."
Matsuri stopped. His eyes snapped wide open. He remained motionless as he kept on hearing the gossip continue around him.
"I saw them too. There were multiple shots of her in the nude."
"Why was she tied though?"
"Must be a fetish thing she was doing."
"Damn, look at her. I knew she had a hot bod, but holy shit I got some good pictures of her boobs and nipples."
"I know right!"
Their voices were drowned out as he looked forward. Looking at nothing in particular as he just looked forward. His eyes trembled in fear. His heart pounded against his chest. His breathing heavily carried the air around him.
He rushes over to the crowd that was gathered at the post board in the hallway. His heart quickened as he noticed the large crowd were all gossiping the same thing that would forever haunt him. Once he made it to the board, he tried to push through the crowd, he didn't want to believe it. It couldn't be true. It just couldn't.
Once he made it up front, his eyes widened in shock. His breath caught in his throat.
On the wall was a good number of pictures, in clear colors, of Yoshimiya naked. Her in many different poses. Looking weak and defenseless in each of them.
"No…"
He snapped out of his trance as hear someone whistling.
"Hey~! There's the slut!"
He turned to the side and spotted her. Yoshimiya was walking down the hall. Her head was down in shame. All of the students were either giggling, pointing or calling her names. There was even whistling and howling noises coming from the boys among the crowds. But this wasn't in cheer, this was mockery.
Matsuri just watched in horror as he looked at Yoshimiya who walked past him without acknowledging his existence. She just continued down the hall with the students taking their phones out and taking photos of her as she just strolled down the hall without acknowledging those around her.
"Y-Yoshimiya…."
-Atsuhiko Academy- [Storage Closet]
[For the past days…..weeks….months. It became a living hell for her. She's been living in torment from her peers. Everyone kept on calling her all sorts of names. Rumors started to spread of those photos, saying all sorts of false rumors, saying how she was truly a slut who just wanted attention from the students. She a prostitute….and it just kept getting worse. Due to the photos, she was removed from the council and her future at any other school was not looking good either. I wanted to help her…..I desperately wanted to come to her aid….]
Matsuri and Yoshimiya were alone in a storage closet. The former council president was looking at him with an unchanging expression. The usual ever changing expression that she once carried was gone.
"Please Yoshimiya! No more of this! L-Let me help! Let me carry this pain with you!"
Yoshimiya made a small smile as she shook her head. Which only irritated Matsuri further.
"Why not!?"
"Matsuri…I told you. This is something I want to endure and endure alone. I'm telling you I'm fine."
"Are you though!? Yoshimiya I was there before, I said those things as well! Too many times to my parents and I can tell you're not taking this well either!"
"I'm telling you I'm fine….if that is all, then I must be-" She stopped as she felt her hand being grabbed. She turns around, her eyes wide open.
Matsuri took notice of the bags under her eyes. Dry tears against her skin, her eyes still red from her tears. "It hurts doesn't it….I-I know…I know how much it hurts."
"..."
"Please Yoshimiya…I want to help you. Let me carry this pain with you. I don't…..I don't want you to suffer this anymore…" He said tears were building in his eyes.
There was a silence between the two. Yoshimiya looked at Matsuri, regaining her composure again from the sudden grab from Matsuri. She took notice of Matsuri breaking into small tears as they leaked from his eyes. He trembled under the pressure of his heart. He recalled the many times Yoshimiya was being pushed down by her peers.
"I…I'm such a coward…..*hic* I…I wanted to help you…I wanted to be there for you *hic* but I…..I didn't do anything…..H-Hayakki is right. I'm…..I'm nothing but a-"
He was forced to stop when he felt a pair of soft lips pecked at his cheeks. His eyes snapped wide open at the sudden action. He looked the other way at Yoshimiya who held a tearful smile on her face.
"You're not a disappointment. I never found you like that, even when we first met."
"..."
Yoshimiya moved her hands to clasps onto his. "Matsuri, you remembered the first day we met, right?"
Matsuri nodded.
"I still remember that day. When you were doing errands for Hayakki before class started. I saw you as just a dimmed star who was being picked on by bigger stars. You were so fragile, weak and didn't know how to defend yourself. But the moment when I helped you, each day, those times I spent with you…they were incredible. You grew bright during those times. You laughed, you cried, you were happy. Back at the warehouse, when you stood up for yourself, even for a short time…you shined so bright to me. You were incredible."
Matsuri just blinked at her before looking the other way. "I'm…..I'm not a star…at least I don't see myself as one."
"You are to me." She said as her hand gently cupped his cheeks to look at her. "Matsuri, you're too precious for me to see hurt. I can handle this myself. And besides, I'm sure you don't want to live through hell again, don't you."
Matsuri bit his lip as he shamefully looked the other way. "T-That's not true….."
Yoshimiya lets out a small chuckle. "You're such a liar. I can see it on your face." She pokes his cheeks before caressing it. "But I took this pain to guarantee that you don't suffer anymore of their ridiculous tasks and no more punishment games. I want to carry all of those pains that you had to endure."
Tears build up in his eyes. "T-This…..this is my fault."
"Shh….." She shushed him as she continued to gently rub his cheeks. "None of this is your fault, I took this and now I have to pay the price. Listen, I want you to continue to not interact with me. If you do, then your peaceful life will be short-lived. Just pretend you don't know me."
"Y-Yoshimiya….." He choked on his tears.
The girl did not say anything as she leaned in close towards the boy. Her lips locked with his. Matsuri's eyes opened wide, a heavy blush flushed his cheeks. Her body leaned close to him, pushing up against the boy as she leaned on him. His back pushed against the wall.
A good few seconds have passed as she parted ways. Looking at him with a smile.
"I love you, Matsuri." She said as she walked away, a single tear in her eyes was spotted before she left through the door.
Matsuri just stood there. His eyes wide as dinner plates, his breathing shook with each passing breath. His eyes shook, his body trembled. His leg started to lose strength as he slowly dropped to the ground. His head hung low as he looked towards the floor. Tears continued to build in his eyes until they broke loose. Breaking down the wall, releasing the flood gate.
He broke down in tears.
-Atsuhiko Academy-[Classroom]
[I wanted to do something. I wanted to help her. But….w-whenever I tried to muster the courage…..I kept hesitating. I was a coward. I couldn't be there for her. I hated myself, I couldn't do anything! I-I thought that this would blow over, I thought it would all just disappear one day! That this was all just one bad dream. Until…..that one day…..everything went to hell. The day that Yoshimiya….killed herself.]
It was a rainy day, Matsuri was sitting quietly in the classroom, his eyes filled with nothing. Bags developed under his eyes. Whatever the teacher was saying was completely muffled out as Matsuri was spaced out.
His thoughts filled with emotions. The voices in his head kept on telling him, over and over.
"You could have saved her."
"That should've been you."
"She doesn't deserve this treatment."
"Why did you take those pictures? You could've gone out of your way and disobey Hayakki, but in the end, look what happened."
Matsuri bit his lip. He needed to find Yoshimiya and be there for her.
A student burst through the room! Shocking both the teacher and the students present in the room! "The council president! Yoshimiya, she's…..she's…."
All of the students broke out in a whisper, wondering what the female student was trying to say to them that was so urgent.
"Excuse me, we're in class right now, what's so urgent-"
"Yoshimiya! Yoshimiya is going to jump off the building!"
The news spread like wildfire! All of the students immediately got up from their chairs and dashed towards where the crowd of students were running towards outside of the classroom. Still sitting in his chair, Matsuri just sat there, his breath shook, his eyes trembling, cold sweat dripping against his skin. His heart pounded.
Following the sea of students who were running. He shoved his way through them, not paying attention to whoever he may have offended. His eyes still shot wide open, tears building up behind his eyelids. He heavily breathed as he rushed through. Hoping that it was all a lie. Just one twisted fun that the student was pulling.
Coming to a window where all the students gathered in the courtyard. Managing to find a spot with the rest of the students. He looked out the window, looking around, he took note of the many students gathered in the courtyard, their eyes looking upward ahead of them. Heart pounding, he turns his head.
His blood ran cold.
Standing on the edge of the edge of the building, her toes sticking out off the edge. The rain soaked her uniform and hair. Her eyes were hidden behind her bangs. No one could see what expression she was making. Her lips remained sealed. Not uttering a word. Yoshimiya faced forward, her body stood still in motion.
Matsuri could only watch in horror, his eyes soon being built up with tears, beginning to break from the gate that trapped them. He shook his head, his breathing becoming more and faster. His heart rate increased.
Then the next moment, she took a step forward.
Her body weight followed.
She fell.
Matsuri's eyes grew wide. All he could do was watch the nightmare that was unfolding right in front of him. His eyes wanted to look away, but they kept on following Yoshimiya's lifeless body as she plummets down towards the ground. He watches on, until…..
She impacted the ground.
Everyone screamed. Their reactions were the same. But the one who was hurt the most was Matsuri.
He stood there. The sound around him became muffled as he looked onward. His breathing became uneven. His heart began to beat faster. His body almost began to grow weak, almost falling over as he moved backward. Backing away from the scene.
Those pictures that he took of her naked for Hayakki sick game. The rumors that spreaded and ruined her reputation. Her being removed from the council. And now, Yoshimiya jumped off the building.
"It's…..this….this is all my fault."
-Atsuhiko Academy- [Bathroom]
Matsuri was hiding out in one of the bathroom stalls. He curled himself into a ball, sitting on top of the toilet. He tried to remain quiet, trying his damn near hardest to not cry. But it was too much, all of this was his fault. He couldn't do anything nor did he do anything for her. In her time of need, why couldn't he muster the courage to help her.
"Y-Yoshimiya…..Yoshimiya…I-I*hic*I'm sorry…..I'm sorry….."
He didn't have time to think when he heard the door open from outside of the stall. He stopped for a moment, covering his mouth to not utter a sound. He slowly breathed, his heart pounded hard against his chest. He could hear footsteps. Several footsteps.
They were coming closer to the stall he was hiding in. He scooted back till his back was hugging the wall. His eyes looked out the door, hearing their footsteps as they approached closer. Till he saw a familiar eye peeping through the small crack by the door, nearly scaring him to death.
"I. See. You~." Hayakki said, as she mocked behind the door looking at the terrified Matsuri.
Matsuri shook his head, trying to escape, but found himself trapped.
"Aw~. Don't be scared. I just wanna talk."
He didn't want to. He didn't want to deal with this right now.
"You don't want to come out. Oh that's okay though," She giggled before looking at Matsuri with a mocking grin. "We'll force our way inside."
She moved out of the way. And before Matsuri could think, the door violently swung open. Matsuri lets out a whimper.
Hayakki and her crew looked at the boy with such smug looks on their faces.
"Heheheh, just look at you. Such a pitiful look." She said as she approached the boy. "Oh it's so tragic, your 'girlfriend' jumping off of the building. All from those horrible rumors and treatments she was receiving on her end. Oh poor, poor Matsuri~." She mocked the boy.
Matsuri's blood began to boil from her tone. She was having fun with this, was she? She was mocking Yoshimiya's attempted suicide. He gritted his teeth. "Y-You…..you…..you find this funny?"
"Hm?"
"T-This is your fault….." He said looking at Hayakki, his eyes filled with rage. "If you hadn't made me do all those things! Th-Then Yoshimiya would've…..she would've never jumped off the building!"
"Ooo~. Scary."
"Looks like the little puppy got some teeth."
Hayakki's crew mocked from behind. The girl however, was looking at the boy. Not fazed by the boy outburst.
"I'll…..I'll tell the whole school the truth! I'll tell them that you're the ones who were behind the photos! Yoshimiya doesn't deserve any of this!" He said with rage.
He breathed heavily at the girl who remained unfazed. The students behind her continued to laugh at his attempted outrage. This was not working out for the boy as he hoped. But then-
-Hayakki raised her hand and silenced them. Still looking at the boy. A smile crept upon her lips.
"Go ahead."
Everyone around them carried a baffled look. Did they hear that right?
"W-What?"
"H-Hey! Hayakki! What are you saying!?" The female student said from behind.
Hayakki raised her hand once more. Silencing them. "Sure. I mean, we did take part in this scheme and look at what happened to her."
Matsuri looked at her with a baffled expression, he didn't know what to say to her at this moment except. "Y-You're serious?"
"Of course. I'm not gonna hide what I did…..but Matsuri, I'm more worried about you then little 'o me."
"...w-what do you mean?"
Hayakki lips curled into a grin. She leaned in closer to the boy. Inching back a little. "Sure, we were the ones who came up with this scheme. We leaked the photos around the school. And we were the ones who conjured up those baseless rumors, but wait," Hayakki covered her mouth, her eyes looking up with pondering thoughts. "Just who took those photos."
A small gasp escaped his lips.
"Who was the one who took those rather lewd photos of the former council president. My goodness, who is the mysterious student that took those photos? Was it you, Tachi?"
Tachi shook his head with a smug. "Nope."
"Anna? You?"
"Nope."
Matsuri trembled on his seat. He began to breathe quickly to the point of hyperventilation. Memories of him taking those photos, plaguing his thoughts. Yoshimiya naked, posing in different poses. He took those photos.
Hayakki leaned in close to him. Pushing her face against his. "That's right Matsuri…you."
"N-No…..no….."
She retreated her face away from Matsuri and looked at the boy with smugness. Her hands on her hip. Her cronis having a giggling fit behind her. "But it's true though. You took those awful photos of Yoshimiya. Here you are threatening to snitch on us for causing Yoshimiya death. And yet you were in on this just as much as us. Honestly, did you even think about that?"
"B-But….Y-Yoshimiya, sh-she told me to take those photos…."
"True. She did. But you still had your part in this whole scheme. Oh dear, oh dear, whatever will you do? I mean, I don't mind sharing the blame, but what about you? Are you willing to share that blame? What will your family think of you? Will they still love you? Is your family willing to live under the same roof with a perverted criminal? What about your future? Will any school accept you? Oh poor little Matsuri, such a dilemma you're in."
Poor Matsuri trembled on the spot, completely terrified of his possible future. Everything that Hayakki laid out for him was true. What would his family think of him? What would anyone think of him? He will forever be labeled as a perverted criminal for the rest of his life.
"Oh Matsuri, I can't stand seeing you like this. So I happen to have some options for you."
"O-Options…."
Hayakki smiled. "That's right. One; you could always move to a new school. Start a new life with a blank slate. Where no one will know who you are. Or two; you could always…nah."
"W-What? What? What is it?"
"Well, if you really want to you could always…..kill yourself."
A sharp gasp escaped his lips before he could cover his mouth. Kill himself!? That's too extreme!
"You're possibly thinking right now, 'that's too extreme', yes?" She said as she waved her hands carelessly. "I do agree though, that's too extreme. I can't even imagine the thought of you killing yourself. Then again," She brought a finger to her lips, tapping against it. "You did commit a horrible crime. So I doubt anyone will miss you."
"No…no….."
Hayakki sighed to herself looking at the boy with a pitiful expression. "How about this, forget the idea of killing yourself. Why not just move to a different school. Graduation is near, so I think this is the perfect opportunity for you to find a school that doesn't know you. Start a new life, with a blank slate, make new friends, a peaceful life just for you." Hayakki said, her grin still mocking him.
"Ha! Maybe you should go to an all-girls school! I mean, you look and act like a girl!" Tachi said with a mocking tone.
"Maybe he should go to that one school, Hachimitsu academy I think it was. Heheh, just imagine him going to that school! He fit in just fine!" Anna said with a snicker.
Matsuri just remained there, taking in all the insults from left to right. His eyes looked at his feet, pondering on the idea of going to a different school. Could it work? Could he start over again, start a new life? With no one knowing of the Yoshimiya incident that happened here? But there could be a chance that someone will know about it.
"Poor little Matsuri," Hayakki pushed her face against his. "Are you still wondering about your future? Well, don't worry. You can still start over again, it's simple. All you just have is this," She cupped his chin and turned his head the other way. Her lips nearly touched his ears. "Do not tell anyone what happened here."
"Huh?"
She turned his head to face her once more. "It's simple. Just don't tell anyone about what happened here or who took those photos. And I can guarantee you will live the life that Yoshimiya wanted you to live~."
"B-But-" He didn't finish his sentence when he felt Hayakki squeezed his cheeks together with her hand. Forcing him to be silent as he looked up at the girl.
"And if you do, tell them. Well, you can already guess what will happen to you." She said the last part with a dark tone. "Do you understand? Matsuri Hitoyoshi."
Matsuri's eyes trembled as he looked up at the girl. Fear developed within him. He was pinned. Trapped by his tormentors that surrounded the bathroom stall. He wished that Yoshimiya was still here to help him. But she wasn't, she jumped off the building and it was his fault.
"Y-Yes…..I understand."
"Good boy. Just keep quiet about this. And I promise you that you will live a more peaceful life. As for the options I laid out, I'll leave to you to figure it out yourself." She said with a smirk before coming up with an idea. She brought Matsuri close to her face. Her lips pecked at his forehead, leaving Matsuri confused by the strange kiss. "I wish you the best of luck in your future. Bye~." She parted ways. Leaving with her crew following behind. Snicker along the way.
[I was given two options…..go to a new school. Start a new life. Where no one knows about me. I can start a clean slate. Or the other option was to…..kill myself.]
-Nerima Sakura Hospital-
Matsuri made his way down the hall within the hospital. Pacing himself to make it towards his destination, passing by all the other rooms that were open.
He slowed down when he made it towards the room, he could make out some voices that came from inside. He walked to the other side and laid close to the wall. Hearing the voices.
"Yoshimiya, what were you thinking!? Why did you jump off the building!"
The voice belonged to what sounded like a young teenage girl. "M-Megumi…"
"She's right Yoshimiya, after I got a call of what happened!" The other voice belonged to an older woman who sounded like she was on the verge of tears. "Oh Yoshimiya…."
"I-It's fine mom…..I-I'm going to be-" The other one was weak. Trying to speak but winced in pain. He knew exactly who the voice belonged to. "I'm fine…."
"Like hell you are! Just stop talking for a moment!" Megumi yelled, sounding like she was on the verge of tears herself.
"H-Hey guys, could you go and get me something to drink…..p-please."
Matsuri clenched his chest. Trying his best not to cry. But just hearing her voice; so weak, low energy. He wished that this was not happening. That this was all just a dream. A long ongoing nightmare. But the more he thought about it, the more he wished that he would just wake up now!
He snapped out his trance when he heard the pair coming out the door. Quickly, he hid behind the door. Coming out of the door was a female teenager with short strawberry red hair. Wearing the standard Atsuhiko uniform, walking alongside Yoshimiya's mother who was trying her best to not cry.
Once they walked down the opposite side of the hall. Matsuri poked his head from the door, finding the opportunity to rush inside.
Matsuri stood there. Looking on the bed with many things attached to her. He could hear the beeping noise from the monitor. It continuously beeps along with her heart beat. But it was beating slowly.
He looked on the bed, Yoshimiya laid there. Weak. Fragile. He sensed no energy from her that she usually carried.
He walked closer to the bed that she rested on. It pained him to see her like this. How he desperately wished that this was just a practical joke on him. That she would burst up and say something. But the more he looked onward, the more he realized that this was reality. All of this was real.
"Whose sneaking through my room~?" Yoshimiya attempted a cherry voice. Her eyes opened at the boy by the side of her bed. She gave him a weak smile. "Hey, Matsuri."
"Y-Yoshimiya…Y-Yoshimiya I'm-"
"Shh…..it's fine M-Matsuri. You don't have to blame yourself for this. I-I took this…I wanted to endure your pain. S-So I did….guess that didn't work out."
"W-Why are you making jokes at times like this." Matsuri said, his voice cracking.
"...sorry. Listen Matsuri…this isn't your fault. I took this pain so that you can live a good life. You've tortured too many times…I couldn't stand by and see you go through that. So…..I took it among myself and decided to shoulder it. All of it."
"Y-You didn't have to. You didn't have to go and do that. I could've done something. I could've gone and shoulder the pain with you! I-I wanted to help you! I wanted to be there for you! B-But *hic* but I didn't…..I didn't…."
Yoshimiya just looked at him with a frown. A small tear in her eyes.
"IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME! I SHOULD'VE GONE THROUGH THAT HELL! BUT I DIDN'T BECAUSE I WAS COWARD! I'M A DISAPPOINTMENT! I'M JUST COWARDLY, USELESS-!"
He stopped when he felt her hands caress his cheeks. He looked at her with a shaky breath. He could feel his tears dripping down his cheeks. Looking at Yoshimiya who looked at him with a small weak smile.
"I never saw you as such," She said with a weak voice. "Matsuri…..if anything, you're stronger than you think you are. You've endured Hayakki torture longer than me. The thought of you…not attempting to end your life….that right there…..is an incredible feat."
Matsuri sniffled, hearing her speak. Leaning into her touch.
"I couldn't bear with the torture for long, the name calling. My future was already on the edge of its seat. I could already see it, there was no future for me in the long run."
"B-But I….I still could've done something to help…."
"No…I didn't want you to suffer along with me. You're a lot stronger than me, Matsuri. You can live on without me…." Yoshimiya looked up at the ceiling. "Heh, you know. I always feared death. I always thought…..what would death feel like, how would I go on about it. But after my little stunt…..it's okay."
"Yoshimiya…."
She looked at him. "At least…I get to see you…..one last time. I just wished that we could spend some more time together….I love you, Matsuri."
Matsuri bit his lips. His vision became blurry. His breathing became rapid. Tears burst through his eyelids. "I…I love you too…Yoshimiya."
Matsuri then leaned in close to her face. His lips touched her forehead.
Before the heart monitor stopped. A long continuous straight sound occurred.
[Those were the last words she said to me. Before she died on her bed.]
…
Back in Present Time…
Matsuri ended his story.
The room was quiet. Not a single word was uttered from any of the people present. Mari held in her emotions. Her eyes widened, looking at Matsuri as if she was trying to find what to say to the boy. But she couldn't. She just continuously stared at him with a shocked and horrified expression.
Ayame didn't fare better, her head was facing the other way, not bothering to look at anyone present in the room. Her one hand settled on the table, curled into a trembling fist, small blood dripped from her hand. She was trying her hardest not to lose it, after hearing his story. It pained her and she was utterly right furious.
Miyuki just remained sitting on the other side of the table. Her head lowered, her bangs hiding her eyes. Her hands remained still as they both held onto the cup. A frown worn on her face.
Matsuri took notice of the quietness and looked up at Miyuki.
"I understand how you must feel right now…you hate me."
"..."
"You don't have to say anything…..I understand. After what I've done to her. No…what I could've done. But in the end…I didn't. I was too much of a coward. Too weak. Hayakki was right about me…I'm a disappointment."
Miyuki got up from her seat. Standing tall. Her eyes remain hidden behind her bangs as she walks around the table and ends up in front of Matsuri. The boy cowered in fear as she towered over him. She just stood there, her expression not showing, her frown still appeared on her lips.
Matsuri could take a wild guess of what she was thinking. "I-If you hate me…..then hit me. Hit me if that will satisfy you. I know what I did was wrong, it's my fault that your daughter is dead. I took those photos, if I hadn't taken those photos, then…then she would've still been here…..but I….." Matsuri tried to finish, but he could feel his tears coming up.
Miyuki got down to his level. Sitting in front of Matsuri.
Matsuri prepared for the worst. "I'm….I'm sorry."
He was expecting a hit or a smack, but what he got…..was something else. He felt her arms embraced his body and brought him close to her. His head resting on her shoulders, as her head rested on his. Matsuri's eyes were wide open. He shook under the strange affection…..was this right? Was she supposed to hug him? This wasn't right!
"M-Miyuki…."
"Shh." Miyuki said as she rubbed her head against his. "That's enough."
"H-Huh?"
"You poor, sweet, child. You've been through so much." She said in a soft tone.
"B-But it was my fault. I was the one *hic* I was the one who took those pictures." He began to cry.
"True, but you were forced into it by those awful teens." She said as her hand began to caress his head. Rubbing his head. "I know that you never intended for any of this to happen. That's all I wanted to hear."
"B-But…."
"Shh. No more feeling guilty. My daughter is so lucky to have a dear friend like you."
"..." Matsuri didn't know what to say. He just stood there, his body shook under her hug. Her motherly aura that impaled his heart.
"Thank you, Matsuri. For being my daughter's friend."
He wanted to cry. He wanted to desperately let go of all the pain that he held up within him for god knows how long. His breath shook, tears welling up behind his lids, threatening to release and burst.
"Go ahead."
"Wha?"
"Please Matsuri…..let it all out." Miyuki said her soft tone and smile was not leaving. Hugging him tighter. "It's okay Matsuri….I forgive you."
He broke down. His tears burst through his eyelids. Letting out a loud and violent sob. Letting out all the pain he endured. He misses Yoshimiya. He misses her dearly. Hugging Miyuki, squeezing her body, trying to find the best comfort for him. His tears kept on pouring out. Miyuki embraced him tighter, giving him enough love that he deserved.
Mari looked at the scene with a frown. She gasped a little when she felt something dripping on her cheeks. Her hand caresses her own cheeks, feeling something wet and damped. She looked at her own hand. A small droplet slowly dripped along her finger.
Tears.
She was…..crying…..for a boy?
She looked at Matsuri. Who was currently being hugged by the mother. She recalled all the times she accused him of being a criminal. Trying multiple ways of throwing him in prison. Interrogating him about Yoshimiya. Everything she has done.
"Matsuri….I'm so sorry."
-Hachimitsu Academy- [Courtyard]
10:00am
Shingo and Kiyoshi were sitting around at a table. Their eyes looking up at the sky. Their minds entirely focused on something else. They couldn't concentrate on anything at all.
"Ah…..I can't man." Shingo said with an exhausted tone.
"You mean about Matsuri…."
"Yeah…" Shingo scratched the back of his head. "Just the thought of it man…..I can't think about it."
"Weren't you the one who kept on poking fun at him." Kiyoshi said with a blank expression.
"Shut up. But I can't imagine him being in prison…..especially for a crime such as….well."
Kiyoshi began to ponder it as well. "I wonder if Matsuri really did do it?"
"If he did…..wonder how long he'll be in prison for….ugh, this is so frustrating."
"Are you guys talking about Matsuri?"
The two nearly jumped out of their seats. Turning their heads, they noticed Chiyo who held a surprise expression. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you two."
"O-Oh….it's fine, Chiyo-chan."
"S-So….about Matsuri…."
"Yeah." Shingo said, looking the other way. "I can't concentrate without knowing what will happen to him. I just can't."
"..." Chiyo was on a similar boat. She couldn't bear to think about Matsuri wearing those prison clothing and going to prison for a possible crime. She was hoping he would fight back, but he didn't even fight back. It looked like he accepted what would come to him. "I don't want to think about it."
"Chiyo-chan….."
"It's…..it can't be true. Matsuri-kun is a nice and gentle boy. He could've done it!"
"There's still a possibility-"
"No! I won't believe it! And even if he DID, there had to be a reason! I-I mean, think about it. Matsuri is a gentle boy, there's no way he could've taken those pictures out of ill intentions! Do you guys think so!"
Kiyoshi and Shingo looked at each other with a sympathetic look. Feeling guilty of doubting Matsuri. But the possibility was still there…..
"Chiyo-chan is right…..we can't doubt Matsuri."
"I mean sure, but-"
"Come on Shingo, Matsuri was there for us. He was there for me….if the president is going to throw him in prison….then we'll fight for his innocence."
"Fight for his innocence, how?" Shingo asked with a confused expression.
"We'll think of something! I can't bear to watch Matsuri going to prison!"
"Kiyoshi-kun…."
Shingo lets out a sigh. "Even if you say that, it's not exactly our call. And besides, we won't know anything until Matsuri and the president comes back. And…..well…."
Kiyoshi's spirit started to damper. He hated to admit it, but he was right. They couldn't do anything about it. And had no call in for what to do about it. He looked towards Chiyo who was about to cry. He curled his hand into a fist.
"Then…..then we'll talk to the chairman about this!"
"You think he'll listen?"
"He'll have to! I'll take this all the way up the top!"
"Excuse me."
All three of them flinched at the unfamiliar voice. Turning around, they spotted an older looking woman standing beside them. Standing tall, the woman looked at the three with a soft smile, her sharp brown eyes looked at the three. The woman had long blonde hair that reached towards her back. She wore a long red open collar jacket. Underneath it was a black shirt and white skirt that covered her knees.
"U-Um…..h-hello."
"Hello." She said with a mature voice. "I was wondering if you could direct me towards the chairman's office."
"U-Um…y-yes. But who are you?" Chiyo asked the mysterious woman.
Shingo and Kiyoshi looked at the woman with a cautious expression. They didn't like the way this woman was smiling at them. More particularly, she was smiling at Chiyo.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but are all three of you first-year?"
"U-Um…..yes."
The woman approached Chiyo and stretched her hand out. "That would make sense, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ayaka. I used to go to this school."
"Really, then you know my sister."
"You're sister….."
"Yeah, I'm Chiyo Kurihara. I'm the younger sister of Mari Kurihara and daughter of the chairman, Usano Kurihara."
Ayaka blinked for a moment. Her thoughts processed until a smile graced her lips. "Kurihara…..well now. What a coincidence to run into you here. Well then, I won't delay anymore. I know who both Mari and Usano are."
"You do?"
"Of course, after all," She said, tilting her head. "I was the former president of the underground student council."
…..
And that's a wrap! The truth finally comes out, the truth behind Yoshimiya's death is revealed. And now Mari must give her answer that will ultimately decide Matsuri's fate. What will happen next and what brings the former president of the underground student council back to Hachimitsu academy? We're approaching the climax of the "USC Beginning Arc"!
Welp. Here we are. The truth behind Yoshimiya's death has finally reared itself and full force. Originally I wasn't entirely sure of how I was going to reveal the truth, at first it was probably gonna be somewhere during the "Underground Student Council Imprisonment arc". I decided against it, figuring that I've been prolonging the Yoshimiya case for a while and decided to show it during this arc instead. As for whom he was going to reveal it to, at first it would've been the USC, but an idea came up. It would have to be towards someone who deserves to hear it more. And came the idea of Miyuki Kakeguri. Yoshimiya's mother.
But yes, we made it. And it was rather intense. This chapter was entirely focused on Matsuri revealing the truth behind Yoshimiya's death and next chapter we will be focusing on the aftermath of it. And with the introduction of the former underground student council, the heat is cranking up as we approach the climax of the "USC Beginning Arc"!
(Author Note: Although we never knew her name or never had an impact on the story, the former president of USC did made a brief appearance during *chapter 187* of Prison School. Again, it shows that before Mari, there was another student who was the president of the USC. I just thought of expanding on that character, giving her a name and giving her a proper appearance. As for her role, you'll have to wait and see as we approach the ending of this arc and saga as a whole.)
Either way, thank you for reading. Remember to share feedback for improvement, if you have any ideas, then don't be afraid to share it through my private message.
Edit Time Stamp: 10/25/2022
As always, stay safe and I will see you in the next chapter!
