Akira felt as if a truck hit him. His head throbbed, his face swollen, and his body ached. With a groan, he opened his eyes but quickly shut them due to the bright lights. Where am I? He ran his fingers along the medical exam table beneath him, realizing he was in a hospital. Akira turned his head at the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor.

A familiar voice said, "Ah, I see you're awake. We have to stop meeting like this when you're in trouble. You scared a lot of people today." Akira blinked until his eyes adjusted to the light and saw Dr. Takemi leaning against her desk. "A broken nose, a cracked rib, and a concussion. Is that how teenagers welcome transfer students these days? Things have changed since I was in school. You should learn to defend yourself."

Akira grumbled, "And end up arrested again? No, thanks," as he swung his legs off the bed and sat up with a grunt. He looked around the examination room, noticing curtains and a cabinet full of unfamiliar medications. "Where am I?" he asked.

"You're at my clinic in Yongen-Jaya," Takemi replied. "You're lucky I wasn't on break when Sojiro and your girlfriend brought you in, or you might have been in worse shape."

Akira's eyes widened at the word "girlfriend," and he blushed. "Girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Takemi apologized. "I assumed since she came in so worried about you. It looked like she was about to cry." She placed her clipboard on her desk and stood. "Well, now that you're awake and it's getting late, let me prescribe my special remedies. Sojiro, Wakaba, and your not-girlfriend are waiting for you in the lobby."

Dr. Takemi provided Akira with homemade medications, one for pain and another for swelling, reminding him, "Remember to eat before taking these, okay? I don't want Sojiro to call me, saying you're sick because you couldn't follow a simple instruction. After scanning the barcodes, she placed the medications in a plastic bag and handed it to Akira.

"Got it. Eat first and take the medication later," Akira acknowledged, grabbing his school jacket and following Takemi out of the room. In the lobby, he saw Sojiro and Wakaba speaking quietly while Makoto browsed magazines. Wakaba noticed Akira and Takemi leaving the examination room and asked, "Oh, Akira, are you okay?" She hugged him and checked his injuries.

Sojiro, sensing Akira's discomfort, intervened, saying, "Wakaba, calm down. Akira's a bit roughed up, but he'll be fine. Did you fight back?" When Akira shook his head, Sojiro added, "Good, we don't need more trouble. Now, explain why they attacked you in the first place?"

Akira struggled to find the words, unable to reveal that someone had exposed his criminal record, leading to widespread hostility at school. Makoto, standing aside, noticed Akira's discomfort and interrupted the discussion, saying, "Excuse me, but if I may? I don't know how to say this, but due to Kurusu-kun's criminal record, it has become the talk of the school."

Wakaba, frowning, asked, "Talk of the school? Who are you?" Makoto introduced herself as the Student Council President at the academy and explained that the criminal record had been leaked anonymously on the school's forum, making it challenging for the principal to take action.

Wakaba was frustrated and turned to Sojiro, saying, "See, I knew something like this would happen, but you didn't believe me. You said I was exaggerating about a bratty delinquent." Her gaze shifted to Makoto. "Is his record still on the forum? How will the school handle this? There should be no bullying allowed at that prep school."

Makoto reassured Wakaba, "His record is still on the forum, but I'm confident the principal will address it. Tomorrow, before school, I'll personally discuss the punishment for the volleyball players with Principal Kobayakawa and Kamoshida-sensei."

Wakaba rolled her eyes, dismissing Makoto's authority, "Yeah, that's never going to happen. I remember students like you when I was in school, Niijima-san. You think you have some authority because of your position, but in reality, you don't. Faculty will listen to you for your sake, but they won't do anything until they see fit." She noticed Makoto's puzzled expression.

Makoto looked down at her shoes, feeling disheartened. "So, you're saying that I'm useless?"

Wakaba, trying to reassure her, said, "Don't take it too personally, dear. You're a wonderful president, and the students look up to you for guidance." She then turned her attention toward Akira, "I will take off work tomorrow and come to your school to meet with the principal myself."

Sojiro intervened, "You will do no such thing."

Wakaba responded defiantly, "Watch me."

Dr. Takemi cleared her throat to regain everyone's attention. "As much as I would love to hear the rest of the conversation, it's getting late, and I need to close."

Sojiro remembered the bill and inquired, "How much is the bill?"

Takemi replied, "500,000 yen."

Akira was taken aback, "500,000 yen?" He stammered, feeling nervous. "Um… I don't have that much money."

Wakaba reassured him, "You don't have to worry about that, Akira." She smirked at Sojiro. "Sojiro will take care of the bill. Isn't that right, Sojiro?"

Sojiro reluctantly agreed and handed his credit card to Takemi. He grumbled under his breath, "You're gonna put a dent in my bank account one of these days, woman. This is the last time I'm doing this. After this, you're getting a job," he told Akira. Dr. Takemi deducted the money from Sojiro's account, and he put the card back into his wallet, "Alright, let's go."

"Hold on a minute," Wakaba stopped them, turning to Makoto. "Niijima-san, it's getting late, so it's best to head home. Akira will escort you to the train station."

Both Makoto and Akira were surprised, but Wakaba insisted, "Don't look so surprised, Akira. Niijima-san probably had important things to do but decided to assure you were okay. The least you can do is walk her to the train station." She smiled, "And don't worry, I'll make sure Sojiro doesn't lock you out."

Akira reluctantly followed Wakaba's orders and gestured for Makoto to accompany him to the hallway. After Makoto bowed her head to Sojiro, Wakaba, and Dr. Takemi, the awkward pair stepped out of the elevator into the chilly atmosphere.

Akira said, "The train station isn't far from here." He started walking, but Makoto remained in the alley, staring at her shoes. "Niijima-senpai, what's wrong?"

Makoto mumbled an apology without looking up, "I'm sorry."

Akira asked, "What?"

Makoto lifted her head, surprising Akira as she started crying, "I'm sorry! I should have kept my opinions to myself. If I did, you wouldn't have left, and the athletes wouldn't have done what they did." She paced back and forth, saying, "You're right, Kurusu-kun. You're 100% right. I'm just like everyone else at the school. When I read your file, I pictured this honored student turned delinquent who doesn't care about anything." She stopped pacing and locked eyes with Akira, "Well, say something!"

Annoyed and uncomfortable due to his physical pain, hunger, and the cold, Akira responded, "What do you want me to say? True, you should have kept your mouth shut, but you didn't, and I'm fine with that. I don't need an apology from you. In return, I want to thank you."

Makoto was taken aback, "What?"

Akira, raising an eyebrow at her ignorance, said, "Nijima-senpai, you practically saved my life back there. If it weren't for you, those three would have continued hitting me, and nobody was going to help me. And I couldn't fight back because I'm on probation. I don't want to end up in juvie again. So, thank you."

Makoto wanted to say more, but she smiled and replied, "You're welcome."

April 12th

Beep. Beep. Beep. Akira's hand crept from underneath the blanket, hitting the snooze button. It was only day two of school, and he had already longed for the weekend – a respite from classes, teachers, and classmates. Akira crawled out of bed, gathered his uniform and toiletries, and went to the bathroom. Placing his toiletries on the sink, he lifted his head to examine himself in the medium-sized mirror. Akira was astonished that his face was no longer as swollen, and the bruises had lightened. As he gazed at the get Dr. Takemi had prescribed, Akira mumbled, "That doctor sure works miracles."

Once he finished his morning routine, Akira slung his schoolbag over his shoulder and headed downstairs, where Sojiro was waiting with another plate of curry. Curry for breakfast and dinner will be the new routine. Sojiro examined Akira's face as the teenager sat down to eat. He could tell Akira was still embarrassed for getting beaten up and accompanied by his schoolmate.

"I see that the cream worked. Dr. Takemi is a miracle worker," Sojiro remarked, with a brief pause before continuing, "Well, not in my words, of course. The locals prefer her over some fake who's just after their money. Oh, don't forget to stop by her clinic after school so she can ensure everything is healing well."

Akira dropped his fork on the counter, and without looking up at Sojiro, he asked, "Can I stay here today? I don't think Shujin is a good fit for me. I try to ignore the stares and whispers, but who am I kidding? They don't want me there, and I don't want to be there."

"So, that's it? You'll spend the entire year in the attic because no one likes you? Well, here's a reality check, kid; not everyone will like you," Sojiro told him. "I don't know what to tell you, Akira. Maybe you could get a part-time job or join a school club. At least then you'd have some distractions."

Akira absentmindedly twirled the remaining curry on his plate with a fork as he contemplated Sojiro's words. Perhaps he should look for a part-time job, but the issue of his criminal record loomed large. That wasn't his only problem; he had no references to vouch for him. Sojiro wouldn't speak highly of him, nor would the teachers at Shujin or his previous school. Akira had to devise a plan, as the money his mom gave him wouldn't last long. He stepped away from the counter and went to the small kitchen to wash the plate and cup.

Wakaba's words replayed in Makoto's head as she stood before the door to Principal Kobayakawa's office. Doubt crept in. This isn't going to work. I'm useless. Her fist hesitated above the door, reluctant to knock, sensing potential failure.

Makoto banished the negative thoughts and finally knocked on the door. "Come in," she heard Principal Kobayakawa's faint voice. Upon entering, she halted when she saw Kamoshida sitting across from Kobayakawa, sipping coffee. Kobayakawa set down his cup. "Ah, Niijima-san, to what do I owe the pleasure."

"Sir," Makoto responded, giving Kamoshida a sidelong glance before addressing the principal. "There are some issues that need to be discussed regarding Akira Kurusu."

"What about him?" Kobayakawa inquired. "Has he been inappropriate towards you in any way?"

Kamoshida set down his coffee cup and sighed. "It still baffles me that you let a criminal roam the halls with our students and then have Niijima-san babysit him. I heard from one of my students yesterday that the transfer student was getting violent towards her."

"Is this true, Niijima-san?"

"No." Makoto shook her head. "Sir, the issue isn't Kurusu-kun himself. It's the students. Yesterday, I witnessed three volleyball players violently attacking Kurusu after school near the train station." Her neck bristled as Kamoshida and the principal exchanged vold glances.

"Niijima-san," Principal Kobayakawa said slowly, "this is a serious accusation. There should be no violence occurring at Shujin. No one should be skipping practices, especially with nationals coming up. And besides, the volleyball team had practice after school. Isn't that right, Kamoshida?"

Kamoshida ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, I had an emergency phone call I needed to take care of. Practice didn't start on time. It saddens me that some of my students would resort to violence." He looked at Makoto. "Do you remember who the three were, Niijima-san?"

"Tanaka-san, Yamamoto-san, and Kojima-san."

"Thank you, Niijima-san, for notifying me," Kamoshida said. He turned his attention back to Kobayakawa. "I'll give them a stern talking to, Sir."

Kobayakawa nodded. "Good, then everything is settled. Niijima-san, the bell will ring in a few minutes, so hurry and get to class."

Makoto was taken aback. The principal's dismissive attitude regarding the athletes' behavior left her stunned. "Wha –" She stepped back, bewildered by the principal's nonchalance. "They targeted Kurusu-kun because of his criminal record, which is still on the school forum. Shouldn't there be some punishment? Have them banned from playing at nationals, or –"

"Enough, Niijima!" Kobayakawa's voice startled her. He sighed, noticing Makoto's fear-stricken posture. "Niijima-san, as student council president, I expected you to watch over Kurusu and ensure he doesn't cause any trouble inside Shujin. Banning the boys from nationals because you saw them misbehaving off Shujin's property is out of the question."

"Niijima-san," Kamoshida interjected, "if it makes you feel better, I'll make them apologize to Kurusu."

Kobayakawa clapped his hands and leaned back in his seat with a triumphant grin. "Problem solved. Is there anything else that you need, Niijima-san?"

Makoto felt humiliated, recognizing that Wakaba had been right. She might hold the title of student council president, but her power was limited. The principal would take her seriously only when he saw fit. "Kurusu-san's criminal record is still on the school forum. The longer it stays up, the more the students will gossip. I just wanted to advise you that it would be wise to take the file down." With that, Makoto bowed and quickly exited the office.

Kobayakawa shot Kamoshida a disapproved look. "I don't understand why you're so composed. Do you realize the situation could have been far worse if someone other than Niijima-san had been involved?"

Kamoshida took a sip of his now-cold coffee, stood up, and said, "My management company knows how to handle it."

"Yo!" Akira closed his gym locker and found Ryuji leaning against another. Ryuji's face twisted in disbelief as he looked at Akira's bruised face. "What the hell happened to your face? I heard people were talking, but I honestly couldn't believe it."

Akira stared down at his trembling hands, recollecting the events from yesterday before regaining his composure. "Well, some volleyball team members decided to give me the warm Shujin welcome treatment."

"What a bunch of asshats!" Ryuji slammed his fist on a locker. "Ugh, I can't stand them sometimes. Ever since Kamoshida became their coach, they automatically assume they can get away with bullshit. It drives me crazy!"

Akira shrugged, and they exited the locker rooms, making their way into the gymnasium. Kamoshida stood in the middle of the court, holding a whistle and a volleyball. "Gather around, everyone," he ordered. Kamoshida's eyes locked onto Akira, and he smirked as the students gathered around him. "Tomorrow is the volleyball rally," he announced, "and it's required that every student participates for a grade. So, you'll come up, and I'll spike the individually. I want to see if you can handle my team." He glanced at Akira. "Kurusu, you'll be first. Let's see if you're good at hitting something that isn't human."

There were chuckles in the gym as Akira stepped onto the other side of the volleyball net. Kamoshida climbed onto the podium as Akira got into standard volleyball stance. He nodded at Kamoshida to let him know he was ready. Kamoshida tossed the ball into the air and served.

BAAM

The ball struck Akira's right shoulder, making him step back. The gymnasium was filled with whispers. In the corner of his eyes, he noticed Ryuji throwing a sharp glare at Kamoshida. The gym coach smirked and grabbed another volleyball. "Come one, Kurusu, show us what you've got!" Kamoshida served again.

BAAM

The force of the ball sent Akira to his knees. "Keep calm," he told himself, maintaining his composure. In the background, he could hear Kamoshida taunting him. "What's wrong, Kurusu? Didn't they teach you volleyball at your old school? Or did your expulsion prevent that from ever happening?" Kamoshida grunted. "Pathetic. Mishima, you're next!"

Akira slowly rose to his feet and made his way back to Ryuji. In the corner of his eyes, he noticed Ann giving him a sympathetic look before masking it with boredom.

The final bell rang, and the students gathered their bags before exiting the classroom. As Akira packed his belongings, he noticed Takami's history textbook left behind on her desk. He picked up the book and left the room, searching for his classmate and spotting Takamaki by her locker in the hallway.

Quickly approaching her, Akira paused when he saw Kamoshida walking up to her with a grin. Akira couldn't hear their conversation, but it was clear that it wasn't a pleasant one. Ann appeared uncomfortable, and every time she took a step back, Kamoshida moved closer. Their exchange continued until Ann shook her head and walked down the hallway with her head hanging low.

"Kurusu!" Akira cringed at the sight of the three volleyball players who had fought him the previous day. Tanaka shook his head. "Don't worry; we're not here to hit you."

"We came to apologize to you," said Yamamoto

Kojima lowered his head. "It was foolish of us to attack you for a stupid reason."

"We're sorry." All three said in unison.

Akira couldn't believe what he was hearing but could see through the insincere apology written on the athletes' faces. He wasn't fooled. Akira knew that Makoto had spoken to the principal, which had compelled them to apologize. "Come to apologize, I see." Walking up behind Akira was Ryuji, his eyes filled with anger. "Did Kamoshida have something to do with this?"

"This has nothing to do with you, Sakamoto," said one of the boys.

"Don't even bother with him. We've already made our apology. C'mon, let's get out of here."

Ryuji and Akira watched as the three players descended the stairwell to the first floor. "I smelled bullshit a mile away," Ryuji mumbled.

"Totally," Akira agreed.

"So, I came over because I was wonderin' if you want to grab somethin' to eat," Ryuji suggested. "You've had a rough couple of days with people treatin' you like shit. I should give you a proper Shujin Welcome. We can go to Central Street. There's a bookstore, arcade, and a beef restaurant."

Akira sighed in defeat. "I would love that, but the principal has Niijima-senpai watching me every day after school."

"Seriously?" Ryuji's eyebrow rosed in surprise. "Well, if you are available to hang out, I'll be in the courtyard until six." And with that, the boys parted ways. Ryuji went downstairs, and Akira headed towards the library. Upon entering the library, Akira noticed that Makoto was nowhere to be found.

"Excuse me?" Akira slightly jumped at the sight of a girl standing beside him. She must have recently checked out because she had various gardening books in her hands. She wore a pink turtleneck cardigan with short puffed sleeves over a white long-sleeved shirt, the standard Shujin skirt, white tights with black patterns, and black Mary Jane shoes. Her outfit, along with her chin-lengthed light auburn hair, gave her an elegant look. "Are you looking for Makoto?"

Akira cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah. Do you know where she is?"

"She's in the student council room," the girl answered. "But I'm unsure if she's there for a meeting."

"Thanks." Akira quickly left the library and walked to the student council room next door. He peeked inside to see Makoto standing behind a podium, talking to a small crowd of students. A girl he recognized from homeroom got Makoto's attention and pointed in his direction.

Makoto glanced at Akira before turning back to the student council members. "I'll be right back." She walked over to Akira and gently pushed him out into the hallway. After shutting the door, Makoto said, "I am so sorry. I should have mentioned that the organization has Tuesday's meetings after school."

"No need to apologize, Niijima-senpai," Akira reassured her. "I know that you have other responsibilities than watching me, so go back to your meeting."

"Are you sure? I can cut the meeting short." Akira shook his head. "Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow at the volleyball rally." With that, Makoto gave Akira one last smile before returning to the room.

Akira turned to the courtyard, where he spotted Ryuji under the alcove, reading a manga. Hearing footsteps, the blonde teenager looked up to see his new friend standing over him. "Miss Prez didn't have time for you today?"

"Nope."

"Alright," Ryuji closed the manga. "Let's get goin'!"

Ryuji set his chopsticks down and let out a loud belch. "Man, that hit the spot," he mumbled before glancing at Akira. However, Akira seemed engrossed in devouring his beef bowl and ramen, leaving nothing behind. "Dude, you want me to get you another bowl before you eat that too?" Ryuji asked with a teasing grin.

"No, I'm good, but thanks for the offer," Akira politely replied. He appreciated Ryuji's kindness in inviting him out but didn't want to appear like a freeloader.

"Okay," Ryuji said, resting his arms on the counter. "Since we're full of ramen, let's talk."

Akira cocked an eyebrow. "About what?"

"You," Ryuji answered. "I want to talk more about your criminal record, movin' to Tokyo, and the fact that you barely have freedom. I want to hear it from your mouth." Akira glanced away. "Oh, come on. I know the person I'm talking to right now isn't the same person who assaulted someone. You don't look the part." Ryuji continued. "You're cautious around people because of all the shit you went through from the arrest that probably wasn't your fault. Everyone looks at you and decides what you are: a delinquent."

Akira stared at the countertop, hesitant to tell Ryuji the whole story. But there was a desire in him to voice his side of the story, the story that no one wanted to believe. "I'm on probation for a year," he said. "And because of my arrest, my parents shipped me to live with a total stranger. You know the whole 'wrong place at the wrong time' saying?" Ryuji nodded. "That's what happened to me."

As Akira recounted his story to Ryuji, he noticed a range of expressions on the boy's face, from shock to anger to pity. Ryuji slammed his fist on the counter, shouting, "What a total dipshit! Like, what the hell, man? You can't just do shit like that and walk away."

"Well, he did." Akira sighed. "The cops took his and the woman's words over mine. I didn't even have a chance to defend myself. Parents didn't believe me, my school expelled me, and I ended up in juvie."

"I know some shitty adults who walk all over everyone, which pisses me off," Ryuji said. He looked at Akira, the boy he now considered his friend. "I thought I had it bad, but your story takes the cake. Unfortunately, that it happened to you. I hope you find justice one day."

"Now, what about you? You know about my past, so let me hear yours?"

"My life isn't nearly as crazy as yours," Ryuji replied, his voice fading as his face hardened. He fiddled with his shoelaces and asked, "Have you heard anything about me at school?" Akira shook his head. "I'm not surprised. Before you, I was the talk of the school, for both good and bad."

"Good and bad? What did you do?" Akira became intrigued with Ryuji's backstory.

"You probably don't know yet, but the volleyball team is quite big around the school. Last year, the track team was the big dogs, and I was a part of that," Ryuji explained. "I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I was pretty damn good. We all were out runnin' our opponents and winnin' every metal during the track meets. But all that ended when the school hired Kamoshida as the assistant coach."

"Kamoshida, as in the gym teacher?"

Ryuji frowned. "Yes, the same one. They hired Kamoshida because he's a retired Olympic Medalist, and the school's popularity increased." His frown turned into a scowl. "Things startin' to change in track for the worse. Somehow, Kamoshida got our head coach fired so he could become the head coach. Once he got his wish, he started makin' us do some intense trainin' that should be illegal. If one of us spoke against him, he would beat us and talk shit about us, sayin' shit like he yearns to be the volleyball team's coach and how we aren't as good as people say we are."

Akira bit his bottom lip, debating asking Ryuji a specific question. He noticed yesterday that the athlete walked with a limp, possibly from his time under Kamoshida's insane coaching. "Is that why you walk with a limp?" Akira finally asked, feeling anxious under Ryuji's gaze.

Ryuji dipped his head in shame. "So, you noticed, huh?" He patted his left leg. "Yeah, it's because of that bastard. Kamoshida commented on my mom and dad one day at practice, and I don't know… I just snapped. I didn't like the guy anyway, so I did what I thought was best."

"You hit him?"

"Yes, and by the looks of lefty here," Ryuji patted his leg again, "that didn't go as well as I thought. Kamoshida beat the shit out of me, told the principal that it was out of self-defense, and he – once again – pulled some strings and got the track team disbanded. Kamoshida told everyone that I went mental and randomly attacked him. And that's how I got the nickname 'track traitor.' Now you know my story." Ryuji smiled and nudged Akira's shoulder. "Told you we are the same."

Akira picked up his phone to look at the time. "Hey, I have to go soon."

"Right. I should take you to the station." Ryuji stood up, paid for their food, and followed Akira into the chilly air. "I don't know about you, but I had fun today. I can see the start of a new friendship formin'."

"Oh, our friendship started the moment you bought me food." Akira glanced over at Ryuji and smiled. "Next time we go out, dinner is on me."

Ryuji returned the kind gesture. "I'll hold you onto that, Akira. Oh, and since we're friends, what's your number?"

The boys pulled out their phones and exchanged numbers and chat IDs. Soon after, Ryuji signaled an employee for the bill. The boys exited the restaurant and walked to the train station, where they said their goodbyes and parted for the night.

Akira was running late when he finally arrived in Yongen-Jaya. The traffic had been terrible as everyone was getting off work, and students were rushing home before curfew. Akira figured Dr. Takemi had closed her clinic for the night and gone home, but he decided to check if she was still open. Surprisingly, the lights were still on, shining through the dim hallway. As he entered the lobby, it was empty. Maybe she forgot to turn off the lights before leaving.

Just then, the examination room door slammed open, startling Akira. A middle-aged man in a business suit stormed out, and Dr. Takemi followed him. The man had a scrunched-up face, while Takemi remained calm as she leaned against the door frame. The man spun around and pointed a finger at the doctor.

"Mark my words, Dr. Takemi. If you don't dispose of that 'medicine' soon, I'll have the media saying how much of a disgrace you are to the medical community. You'll be ostracized and have no choice but to resign." With one last glare, the man stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

Dr. Takemi sighed, rubbing her temple, and then noticed Akira. "What are you doing here? Don't you know that my clinic is closed for the night? I called the café to ask Sojiro where you were, and he had no clue."

"Sorry. I was out with a friend, and I didn't anticipate the traffic to be horrible." Akira rubbed the back of his neck. "I saw the lights were on, so I thought you were still open."

"I'm not, but I will make this one exception." She gestured for him to enter the exam room. "Come along so that I can get a good look at you. I can tell just by looking at you that my medicine worked."

Akira followed the doctor into the room and sat down on a stool. Dr. Takemi sat in her desk chair, tapping Akira's face. "Do you feel any pain?"

As his eyes locked onto the woman's dress, which was low-cut and showed off her cleavage, Akira struggled to focus on her voice. The scent of the doctor's perfume wasn't helping. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you feel any pain when I do this," she pressed her finger onto his cheek again. "You would know if you weren't staring at my boobs."

Akira blushed. "Sorry. There's no pain anywhere." After a pause, he asked, "Who was that man earlier? And why was he threatening you?"

Takemi shrugged. "No one important, just an old co-worker jealous of my homemade medicins." She faced her computer screen and began typing in some notes.

"You make the medicines?"

"Yeah, why do you think the cream I gave you worked? Any normal ointment would take your face a week to heal." She snuck a glance at Akira. "How was school today? Was it better than yesterday? You mentioned you went out with a friend. Was it that girl I saw yesterday?"

Akira shook his head. "No, it was a guy in my year, but in a different classroom. He took me to a beef bowl restaurant to give me a warm welcome to Tokyo. It's the nicest thing someone has done for me since my arrest." He glanced down at his hands. "But other than that, today was easier than yesterday. People still treat me like an outcast, so I must get used to that. And the athletes who jumped me yesterday gave me an apology after last period. I knew someone told them to do it, so I didn't care much."

"Welcome to high school," Takemi mumbled as she saved her files and shut down the computer. "Well, I see no side effects from the medication, so you're good to go, Kurusu-kun." She saw the boy fumbling in his bag. "What are you doing?"

Akira pulled down 5,000 yen and held it out for Dr. Takemi to take. "Is this enough for today's appointment? I know it's not much, but I hope this will be enough."

Takemi lowered Akira's hand, letting out a giggle. "Today is free of charge, Kurusu-kun." She stood up, and Akira followed. "Come on. It's getting late, and I'm already missing my shows." The pair exited the clinic, entered the elevator, and parted ways once they reached the bottom floor.

When Akira reached the café, he nervously whipped his hands on his uniform pants, bracing himself for Sojiro's reaction. Entering, Sojiro aggressively cleaned the countertop and only looked up to glare at Akira.

"So, you decided to show up, huh?" He spat out, throwing the damp towel on the countertop. "Do you know what time it is? And where have you been? Did you remember to go to Dr. Takemi right after school?" Sojiro didn't wait for Akira to respond. "No, you didn't because she called me, asking where you were, and I didn't know what to say to her. You made me look like a damn fool."

"I just came from Dr. Takemi," Akira informed. "I'm sorry that I didn't come by right after school. A friend invited me to eat, and we started talking until we realized it was late. It won't happen again."

"You… went out with a friend?" Sojiro asked slowly, trying to process what his ward said. He huffed, trying to hide his smile. "Was it one of the other transfer students? They seemed like nice girls."

Akira shook his head. "No, it was a guy."

"Well, guy or girl, it would do you some good to be around responsible teenagers." Sojiro grabbed his hat and keys. "I'm heading out. Next time you want to stay out late, be considerate of my schedule. I almost closed the shop and had you sleep outside."

"Yes, Sir." Akira watched Sojiro exit the café, lock the door behind him, and turn left towards the residential area. Akira turned off the lights and headed upstairs to work on homework before sleeping.