Chapter 1: The Trial

Christmas was approaching, and Tokyo was abuzz with holiday fervor. The airports were overflowing with eager travelers craving a festive getaway abroad, and stores were brimming with last-minute shoppers searching for gifts for their loved ones. Trains were packed to the brim as people rushed home, eager to catch the trial of Masayoshi Shido, a man once favored to become the Prime Minister. Shido's arrest for treason had sent shockwaves throughout the nation. While a substantial percentage of Japan was deeply dismayed, only a handful felt relieved.

Exiting the courtroom, Akira Kurusu found himself in a state of trembling unease, his breath erratic, as if a panic attack was imminent. The situation worsened as news reporters and camera operators swarmed him the moment he stepped into the hallway. He wondered why Sae Niijima had allowed them inside and regretted Ichiko Ohya's article.

"Kurusu-kan, are you going to testify against Shido-san next?"

"Do you believe you'll finally get justice for what Shido has done to you?"

"You didn't have a trial last time. Aren't you happy that everyone will hear your voice?"

"Kurusu-kun, how do you feel testifying against the very man who ruined your future?"

The flashing lights of cameras and the relentless barrage of questions from reporters made Akira feel nauseated. "Guards, I thought I told you to keep them outside!" A hand gently gripped Akira's shoulder. He saw Detective Zenkichi Hasegawa, who scolded the flustered guards. Once the news crews were reluctantly ushered outside into the cold winter air, Zenkichi smiled at Akira. "I'm sorry that they bothered you, Akira. Are you okay?"

Akira touched his forehead, feeling a sudden headache creeping in. "I think I need to sit down." Zenkichi gripped Akira's forearm and guided him to the nearest bench. "Can I get a cup of water, please?"

"Sure, I'll be right back," Zenkichi said and walked down the hallway to the nearest water cooler. Akira kept his head down until he heard multiple footsteps approaching. He initially thought more reporters were descending upon him, but to his relief, it was his friends: Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitawaga, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, and Kasumi and Sumire Yoshigawa. "Is it almost time?" Akira asked.

"We have plenty of time left," Makoto replied. "We wanted to see how you are holding up." She winced when Sumire sat beside Akira, placing her hand over his. The heart ring Akira gifted Sumire glistened in the dim light. Makoto recalled the day Akira approached her during lunch to help him pick a gift. She didn't understand why he hadn't asked Kasumi or Ann for assistance, but he told her that she had a knack for understanding people. It was a feeble excuse, but Makoto agreed, understanding that each step would hurt her inside.

"You hurried out there pretty quickly," Sumire remarked, moving her hand to Akira's forehead. "Akira, you're burning up!"

"I'll be fine," Akira said, moving his head away from Sumire's touch. "Zenkichi is bringing me water. The reporters and the thought of messing up my testimony got to me. I almost had a panic attack."

"Stop thinkin' that way," Ryuji interjected. "You've got this in the bag. After Akechi and that woman testified, there's no way the judge will set that bastard free."

Ann looked around before locking eyes with Makoto. "Makoto, where is Akechi? Ever since he testified against Shido, he disappeared."

"Usually, when he gets like this, he wishes to be left alone," Makoto responded. "But I should go look for Akechi and make sure he's okay. Akira isn't the only one connected to this case."

Yusuke gazed down at the marble tile. "I can't imagine sitting in front of the court, stating how horrible my father is in front of his face. Akechi must be going through some intense emotions right now."

Ryuji snorted. "You would think Mr. Wannabe Detective would figure out what his old man was doin' in the shadows."

Makoto glared at him. "Akechi doesn't want anything to do with politics or Shido. Who knows what else Shido would do to this country. Thank God he overheard his conversation before he became Prime Minister."

"Sorry, I'm late, Akira." The teenagers turned to see Zenkichi holding a plastic cup filled with water. "One of the dispensers was out of order, and the other was practically on the other side of the building. For a place so grand as this, they need more water dispensers." He handed Akira the cup. "Drink that up before we head back inside. Break time is almost over." With that, Zenkichi entered the courtroom.

"I'm going to go see if I can find Akechi. I'll meet up with you all soon." Makoto buttoned up her jacket and wandered down the hallway, scanning for any sign of Akechi.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Akechi." Makoto paused in her steps and leaned against the wall, peeking around the corner to see Akechi lowering his head as an older man continued scolding him. "How could you sit there talking about your father like that? After everything Shido has ever done for you."

Makoto watched as Akechi clenched his hands into fists and raised his head, glaring at the man. "After everything he has done for me?" He repeated the question sarcastically. "That man in there has done absolutely nothing for me! Shido abandoned my mother and me since the day I was born. While Mom was working two jobs and getting sick doing it, what was Shido doing? Planning to overthrow the government. He deserves to go to jail!"

The man suddenly grabbed Akechi's dress shirt collar. "If you don't shut your damn mouth! I knew the moment I set my eyes on you; I could see why Shido abandoned you and that damn woman. He doesn't want someone useless in his version of the new world."

Fed up with the man's cruelty towards Akechi, Makoto stepped out of her hiding spot and approached them. "Talking down to a minor at a courthouse, huh? Do you honestly think that's a good idea, Sir? I can get a police officer here as quickly as snapping my finger."

"I was just leaving," the man grunted, letting go of Akechi, and stormed off towards the courtroom, not before giving Makoto a menacing glare.

"Makoto, what are you doing here?" Akechi exhaled, smoothing out his collar. "Isn't Akira going to testify? You wouldn't want to miss seeing your friend finally getting the justice he deserves, would you?"

"He knows I came to find you." Makoto reached out to fix Akechi's shirt. "Who was that guy?" She turned her head towards the direction the man had gone. "A member of Shido's Antisocial Force?"

Akechi nodded. "There are people that aren't too happy with me telling the world the truth about my father. I want this day to be over with." Makoto finished adjusting his shirt and took a step back. Her eyes widened in surprise when Akechi grabbed her hands. "Shido will most likely go to prison for life, and when that happens… how about you and I hang out at the jazz club in Kichijoji?"

Makoto pulled her hands out of Akechi's grip. "As much as I like that idea, we agreed to celebrate at Leblanc afterward. You can join if you want. None of this would have happened if you weren't here."

"Would Akira be okay with me coming over?"

"Why wouldn't he?" Makoto questioned. "Look," she grabbed Akechi's forearm, "Akira and I are friends, okay? What happened between us is history now, and we want to keep it that way. He's with Sumire, and I'm…"

Akechi scoffed. "What am I to you, Makoto? We've been talking a lot more than we used to, but it seems like this is one-sided. I see the way you look at Sumire when she's around Akira; with jealousy. Let me remind you that you were the one that broke up with Akira. Not him."

Makoto's face stiffened at Akechi's words. "Akira's probably on the stand. We should go before we're too late." She didn't waste her time and headed towards the courtroom. Makoto felt tears starting to well up, and she didn't want Akechi or anyone else to see. Entering the courtroom, Makoto and Akechi saw Akira raising his right hand before sitting down. Makoto quietly joined her group of friends, with Akechi in tow. Haru glanced questionably at the pair before turning her attention towards the front.

"Kurusu-kun," the attorney began, "it's been stated in the police report that the night of your arrest, you physically assaulted Shido-san, and when the police were on their way, you ran away. Is that true?"

"Yes, I ran away, but no, I didn't assault Shiho," Akira replied.

"And why did you run away, knowing you were innocent?"

"Because it was me versus two adults," Akira explained. "When Shido threatened the woman to lie about me assaulting him, and he claimed that the cops were on his side… I knew then that the cops wouldn't believe me."

"Can you explain in detail what occurred the night of your arrest?" The attorney inquired. "Start from the very beginning."

"It was my mom's birthday, and I wanted to do something nice for her," Akira began. He stared down at his lap, his hands starting to sweat. He looked up to see Sumire giving him one of her comforting smiles that always brought him solace.