April 14th

"Niijima-san, you wanted to speak with me?" Makoto shifted her gaze from some documents to find Akemi Takahashi, the student council secretary, closing the office door behind her.

Makoto gestured to the vacant seat across from her. "Please, take a seat. I won't keep you for long." Once Akemi was seated, Makoto began her inquiry. "I don't mean to pry, Takahashi-san, but could you tell me what led you to quit volleyball? You were exceptionally skilled at the sport, and people even spoke of you potentially going to the Olympics."

Akemi's face paled, her eyes widened in fear, and her body tensed. After shaking her head, she wore a puzzled expression. "Why are you asking me this, Niijima-san? Those were in the past, and now I'm more focused on maintaining good grades."

"You've always maintained excellent grades, Takahashi-san. That's one of the reasons the students recommended you for the student council board," Makoto complimented. "I'm merely curious about your connection with Kamoshida-sensei while you were on the volleyball team. It's unusual for you to quit so suddenly."

"Are you questioning me because of those baseless rumors that emerged after I left the team?" Akemi retorted. "I've already told you they weren't true. Kamoshida-sensei and I had a professional relationship. I was a young student seeking mentorship from one of the best. Nothing more, nothing less."

Makoto crossed her arms and legs, maintaining unwavering eye contact with Akemi, sensing she wasn't telling the truth. "If your relationship with Kamoshida-sensei was purely professional, can you explain the bruises you had?"

"What are you –" Akemi began.

"Don't feign ignorance," Makoto interrupted. "Every morning when you entered the class, I observed bruises of various sizes on your body. On one occasion, you had a cast. You can't convince me that these injuries solely resulted from volleyball practice. I'm only asking for your cooperation because the lives of other students may be at risk."

Akemi's head shook vigorously, and tears welled up in her eyes. Makoto couldn't discern if it were out of anger or fear. "It's the price you pay for being an athlete! You get bruises, and you move on with your life. It's nothing unusual. Kamoshida-sensei didn't do anything wrong," she said, lifting her head to glare at Makoto. "Why do you even care about what happens at Shujin?"

Akemi's abrupt change in mood took Makoto aback. "B-because as student council president, it's my duty to –"

"Forgive me if I'm out of line, but your duty seems more like being a lapdog for the faculty," Akemi interjected. "You don't genuinely care about the students' well-being at this school. Your primary concern appears to be ingratiating yourself with the teachers and the principal to secure a recommendation letter. Just admit that you pursued the role of Student Council President because you knew it would enhance your chances of getting into any university you desire. But the rest of us have to work for it."

Makoto clenched her skirt but maintained a stoic expression. "You know that's not true."

"Well, you could have fooled me," Akemi remarked, pushing her chair back and standing. She ignored Makoto's call as she approached the door. Her fingers lingered on the doorknob as she turned to face Makoto. "Something has come up at home, so I won't be able to attend the meeting after school."

Makoto flinched as Takahashi slammed the door shut.

The lunchtime bell rang, signaling the end of class. Akira packed his bag, left the classroom, and went to the courtyard, which had become a regular hangout spot for him and Ryuji. As he walked down the hallway, Akira accidentally bumped into someone, causing them to tumble. Papers, pencils, and notebooks were scattered all around. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

The person on the floor replied, "Don't worry. I should have watched where I was going." Akira quickly gathered the fallen school supplies and returned them to the owner. It was then that he noticed it was Shiho Suzui who had collided with him. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hastily snatched her belongings from Akira's hand. Just as she was about to run off, Akira stopped her. "Ryuji and I won't ask you any more questions, Suzui-san. You have my word," he assured her.

Shiho glanced around the hallway cautiously before giving Akira a curious stare. "You're not like what everyone is saying, Kurusu-san. But I don't pay attention to those ridiculous rumors anyway. No one knows the true story, so they don't have the right to judge you. I know this sounds strange to a stranger, but ignore them, okay?"

Akira shrugged, tucking his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for the advice. Surprisingly, I'm not as bothered by the rumors as on the first day of school. I guess you could say I've become immune. Not showing emotions will let everyone know that nothing they say will upset me."

Shiho tilted her head to the right. "You're just like Ann in that department. We met in kindergarten, which was the same year her family moved to Tokyo. Students always make fun of her foreign appearance, and the teachers frequently send her to the principal's office because of her platinum blonde hair. But last year, Ann decided she didn't care what the students say about her."

"You and Takamaki-san must be close."

"Yep," Shiho said with a smile. "We met in art class. It's a good thing that Ann has the talent to be a model because her art skills are a bit… unusual. She is so strong. I wish I were just like her," Shiho mumbled.

"But you are strong, Suzui-san," Akira subtly gestured towards Shiho's bruises. "Especially for dealing with Kamoshida. You would be even stronger if you reported him to the authorities."

Shiho wrapped her arms around her thin waist, her head hanging low. "Unfortunately, I can't do that. Volleyball is the only thing that's keeping me going in life. If I can't play volleyball, then..." Akira could tell that Shiho wanted to finish her sentence, but instead, she gave him a small smile before walking away.

Akira headed downstairs to the courtyard's alcove and found Ryuji getting a soda from the vending machine. He looked up at the sound of Akira's footsteps. "There you are. I thought you were plannin' on ditchin' me. What took you so long?"

Akira sat down at a round table, his arms crossed and expression solemn. "I ran into Suzui-san. You want to know what she told me?" Ryuji sat across from him, looking intrigued. "She told me about Takamaki-san being so strong for ignoring students about her looks and wanting to be just like her. I suggested that she could be even stronger if she spoke up about Kamoshida's abuse. Suzui-san said she couldn't do that because volleyball keeps her going."

Ryuji sighed in frustration and slammed his fist onto the table, ignoring the pain as he spoke, "This is so damn frustratin'. I've asked every volleyball player and my old teammates, and nothin' is workin'. Nobody will come forward and say anythin'. Have you contacted Niijima-senpai yet?"

"I didn't see her this morning. If this continues, we may have to go to the police," Akira mumbled. Speaking to a police officer or going to the police station made his bones shudder.

Ryuji snorted. "If nobody believed me when I said Kamoshida broke my leg, why would the police? As Takamaki-san said, they'd ask for that bastard's autograph and ignore his crimes because he's a celebrity."

A soft clicking sound of footsteps turned the boys' attention to Makoto, who had appeared. The student council president seemed stressed. "Oh…" Ryuji gapped, then grinned. "Hey, Miss Prez! Speak of the devil. We were talkin' about you. So, did anyone say anything' about Kamoshida?"

Makoto gestured for Akira to move over so she could have a seat. "A student council officer who used to be part of the volleyball team, Akemi Takahashi. Sakamoto, I assume you know who I'm talking about."

"Yeah, I remember. Takahashi-senpai has a bangin' body," Ryuji commented with a dreamy, only to flinch when Makoto's red eyes shot daggers at him.

"Can you focus on the matter at hand, please?" Makoto didn't wait for Ryuji to respond. "Anyway, I requested a meeting with her before school, and it didn't go well." Her eyes lowered to the table. "I'm assuming she said what every other athlete is saying, that Kamoshida-sensi isn't abusing them during practice. I wanted to believe Takahashi-san, but I remembered seeing bruises on her body."

Akira rested his index finger and thumb on his chin as he thought. Something didn't add up to him. It made sense why the volleyball players didn't want to speak out against Kamoshida to secure a recommendation letter, but what about the track team and Akemi? They weren't under Kamoshida anymore, so why were they keeping silent? "What if the students are being blackmailed?" Akira asked.

"What do you mean?" Ryuji leaned in closer.

"Think about it, Ryuji. What happened after Kamoshida broke your leg and disbanded the track team?"

Ryuji shrugged. "Everyone hated me, and I became an outcast."

"Sakamoto was the only one who fought back." A light bulb went off in Makoto's head as she realized what Akira was concluding. "And that led him to have a bad reputation around school. Because of that, no other student wants to have the same fate as Sakamoto. So, being quiet is the only way to survive Shujin until graduation."

"That's bullshit!" Ryuji hollered, attracting disapproving glances from nearby students. "Kamoshida doesn't run their lives, yet he has a chokehold on the athletes. It's like he's the king of a castle."

The trio fell silent, pondering how to get rid of Kamoshida until the bell rang. Makoto sighed and then stood up, turning her attention to Akira. "Change of scenery today. I have some student council matters to go over, but I do have time for you, so come to the student council room." She went to turn around but paused. "Kurusu-kun, if you need help with anything, all you have to do is tell me. I want to assist you in any way that I can."

Akira and Ryuji watched Makoto disappear into the main building. "Well, I think I'm goin' to hang out at the arcade after school. Try to mull things over until we can devise a plan," Ryuji said. The two left the courtyard and walked to their respective classrooms.

Once school ended, Ann found herself pacing under the alcove, staring at her phone screen. Kamoshida had sent her a series of messages during her last period. At first, he asked if they could have dinner after volleyball practice and then return to his place to have 'fun.' When he realized Ann wouldn't respond, he threatened to remove Shiho from the starter position. Tears welled up in Ann's eyes as she thought about her best friend. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching the alcove. Ann quickly wiped her eyes and turned around to see Shiho.

Ann's mouth opened and closed as she observed Shiho's fatigued appearance. The girl seemed to haven't slept in days and wasn't eating properly. Ann's eyes shifted to the bruises that were slowly healing. When will Kamoshida lay his hands on Shiho again? Ann shook her head, trying to shake off the disturbing thoughts, and greeted her friends with a smile.

"Are you okay, Ann?" Shiho placed her right hand on Ann's shoulder. "It looks like you've been crying. Is everything alright? Do you want to talk?"

Ann shook her head, pointing at her phone with a fake, annoyed expression. "It's nothing, just me PMSing. I received a phone call from my modeling agency about a model not showing up for a shoot and wanting me to replace her at the last minute. Someone has been messing around with the locations lately, so the models aren't showing up," she lied.

"You must like modeling because I wouldn't be able to handle the stress."

"Eh." Ann shrugged. "It's a cool side job while my parents are away. Who knows, maybe one day I'll want to pursue a career. It would be nice to walk the runway at one of my parents' shows again."

"I'm shocked they didn't let you accompany them. You could have been homeschooled, and when you come back to Tokyo, you can tell me about all the celebrities you've met. I'd brag to everyone about how my best friend met Namoi Campbell."

"And be far away from my best friend? No way!" Ann joked, playfully nudging Shiho's shoulder.

Shiho's phone alarm went off, signaling it was almost time for volleyball practice. Ann's smile faded as Shiho stood up from the bench, noticing the sadness and fear in her friend's eyes. "Shiho…" Ann wanted to ask her about Kamoshida but decided against it. She didn't want to upset her only friend. Ann sighed and said, "When nationals are over, do you want to go on a day trip together? We can skip school and go wherever you like."

Shiho moved closer to Ann and hugged her. "I'd like that. Let's discuss it in more detail after nationals. For now, I have to get to practice. I'll call you once it's over."

"Alright, talk to you later."

After Shiho and Ann said their goodbyes, Shiho headed to the gymnasium, and Ann decided it was time to go home. She spotted Akira and Ryuji conversing before they went their separate ways. They're working hard to get Kamoshida arrested. They have more courage than I do. Maybe I should lend my assistance. It's the only way I can save Shiho.

Ann followed Ryuji, trying to gain the confidence to talk to him. When the train arrived at the station, Ann joined the crowd and stood not too far from Ryuji. She tried to approach him and tap him on the shoulder, but she hesitated. I can't do this.

Ann made sure she kept her distance from Ryuji when on the train. She didn't waste a second and rushed off the Shibuya platform once the train stopped. Once outside the Teikyi building, she squatted on the pavement with her head between her legs, feeling like she was about to throw up.

"Ah!" Ann gasped as her phone vibrated in her pocket. With a trembling hand, she took out her phone. Kamoshida's name appeared on the screen, and Ann knew she had no choice but to answer. Tapping the answer button, she raised her phone to her ear and whispered, "H-Hello?"

"I was starting to get worried that you wouldn't answer my calls." Kamoshida's voice sent shivers down Ann's spine. "When practice is over, I want you to come to my place for dinner. I'd love to come home and see you cooking in the kitchen with just an apron. You, bending over at the oven, pussy on display while your juices flow down your smooth legs."

Ann felt her body shaking with fear, and she looked around at the people passing by, oblivious to the young girl being harassed. She blinked away the tears, bit her lip, and took a deep breath before saying, "I'm sorry, but I can't make it today. My modeling agency has booked me for a photoshoot."

"Excuses… Excuses." Kamoshida taunted. "When will you stop making up these lame-ass excuses, Ann? It's funny what idiots will do when you throw your name around. I contacted the agency asking for your schedule. You have nothing coming up until this weekend."

"So, you're stalking me now?!" Ann glanced around her surroundings, feeling eyes watching her. "I told you that I'm not comfortable with this sick arrangement of yours."

Ann flinched at the sound of Kamoshida slamming his fist down onto his desk. "Fine! If you want to play games, then let's play a game. How about I take Suzui off the starter's position? Or better yet, off the team, period. She can kiss her scholarship goodbye. Do you want that?"

"What!?" Ann shouted. "You promised that we would go on a couple of dates. I never agreed to fucking you!"

"I'm the adult, and you're the child, so you better start listening to me and get your ass over to my place. Now!"

The call went dead, signaling that Kamoshida had hung up. Ann dropped to her knees, biting her nails nervously. She didn't care if people stared at her as they passed. They could go to hell for all Ann cared. Tears welled up in her eyes once she realized she had no choice. Either she obeyed Kamoshida's plans, or Shiho would have to leave the team. Ann couldn't do that to her best friend.

"Takamaki?" She lifted her head and jumped to her feet at the sight of Ryuji. The boy looked confused and concerned. "Are you okay?"

Ann took a step back, balled her fist, and looked away. Of everyone in the world, Ryuji is the last person she wants to see her cry. "I have nothing to say to you," Ann mumbled. Once she calmed down, she glanced up at Ryuji and glared. "First, you harassed the volleyball team, including Shiho, and now you're harassing me. When will you get it through your thick skull that no one will help you!" And with that, Ann ran.

"Takamaki – Ann, wait!" Ryuji reached out to grab her, but it was too late. He watched Ann disappear into the Underground Walkway. Ryuji chased after her, pushing past anyone who got in his way. He eventually found Ann leaning against a pillar, breathing heavily. When Ann spotted Ryuji, she almost made ran for it until he grabbed her. "Ann, stop runnin' away from me! It's obvious that you're upset." He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Is it somethin' to do with Kamoshida?"

And that's when Ann broke down again. Half of her wanted to tell him everything because she also wanted Kamoshida's reign over Shujin Academy to be over. The other half wanted to tell Ryuji to mind his own business. Be smart, and walk away. That's what every student at school does. Despite his punk clothes and attitude, Ryuji is a good guy. Ann tilted her head upwards, staring at Ryuji's brown eyes. "I can't take it anymore, Ryuji." Her cheeks felt warm from the hot tears running down her face. "I don't know who to talk to for help. He has eyes everywhere."

Ryuji shifted his bag before wrapping an arm around Ann's shoulder. "Hey, you know you can talk to me. Remember like old times?" Ann nodded. Ryuji grabbed Ann's hand and led her out of the station and to Central Street. "C'mon, I know a perfect spot."

Akira slid open the student council office door and stepped inside. "Senpai, I'm here." He glanced around the room but didn't spot the president anywhere. However, a rustling sound came from the storage closet. Akira quietly approached and peeked inside, where he saw Makoto standing on a stepping stool, attempting to retrieve a box of documents from the top shelf. "Uh, senpai?"

"Ah!" Makoto shrieked and withdrew her hand, causing the box to tumble to the floor, scattering papers everywhere. She turned her head to see Akira hiding his laughter behind his hand. "Kurusu-kun, you startled me." Makoto checked her watch and found that it was already after school. "Time flies when you're busy." She stepped off the stool, knelt on the floor, and gathered the scattered documents.

Akira dropped his bag onto the floor and went to help Makoto. While she wasn't looking, he looked at her face, noticing the black reading glasses. She seems different, yet… cute. "Is there something on my face?" Akira snapped back to reality when he noticed Makoto's red eyes looking at him.

"Uh…" Akira nervously chuckled, running his fingers through his hair before gesturing towards Makoto's glasses. "You're wearing glasses. I never noticed you wearing them before." He smiled. "You look different – in a good way, though."

"Thank you. I didn't realize I was wearing them." Makoto said, taking her glasses off and hanging them on her shirt. "I usually wear them when staring at a computer screen for a while." She picked up the last document and stood up.

Akira followed Makoto to a table in the middle of the room, where they placed the stacked documents. "What were you doing before I came in? Is this the student council stuff you were telling me earlier?"

Makoto shook her head. "Not quite. I was reviewing new organization requests and community service events when I started getting a headache." She gestured to the documents. "To take my mind off things, I went through things to see what should be kept or shredded." She pulled out a chair and sat down. "I find cleaning to be therapeutic when I'm under stress."

"Why is it that you're the only one that does something?" Akira questioned. "Where are the other officers?"

"They're usually around when it's something major. It's the miscellaneous tasks I prefer to handle myself, which I don't mind. It's better to do it now than later," Makoto rambled on. "Besides, they also have lives outside of school, like jobs, hobbies, friends, and even family." She returned to the documents, hoping to distract Akira from the real reason she was alone.

In truth, the rest of the student council members had become wary of Makoto because of her sessions with Akira. They didn't want to step into the room when he was there. And Makoto had overheard her classmates whispering about her and Akira getting close.

"Senpai, do you want me to help you?" Akira asked.

Makoto glanced at Akira across the table, smiling. She wished people could see the real Akira Kurusu instead of the one from the criminal record. Most students under probation would ignore Kamoshida's abuse of the students, but not Akira. He wanted to continue helping others despite what everyone thought of him. "Yes, I'd appreciate that, Kurusu-kun."

"Akira."

"Huh?"

Akira smiled back. "You can call me Akira, you know. No need to be formal."

"Well then, Akira, you can call me Makoto."

"When was the last time we sat down and talked?" Ryuji led him and Ann to a quiet diner on Central Street. They found a vacant booth in the corner, away from the crowd. Ann ordered a glass of water, and Ryuji ordered a soda.

"Before the track team disbanded. It was just last year, but it felt like ages ago." Ann mumbled as the waitress brought their drinks. After thanking her, they fell into silence again. Ann took a sip of her water, placed it down, and rubbed her index finger around the rim of the glass. "Have you ever wished you could return to when you were on the track team and prevent Kamoshida from breaking your leg?"

Ryuji leaned back in his seat, rubbing his chin. "Sometimes I do, yet other times I don't. I won't forgive what Kamoshida did to my leg, and I don't regret hittin' him. I might be the first one to stand up to the bastard, showin' him that I'm not weak. Yes, he took away the track team and my reputation, but he didn't remove my dignity." He paused when he noticed Ann grinning. "What?"

"You've changed," Ann said. "People see you as a bad boy, but you're better than that. I see you hanging out with Kurusu, and I can tell you've grown into another person."

Ryuji blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks for the compliments, but we're not here to discuss me." He hesitated, then slowly put his palm over Ann's. "We're here to talk about you, Ann. Look, I'm not tryin' to force you, but I would appreciate it if someone could tell me more about Kamoshida and his abuse."

"You and I both know that the rumors about Kamoshida abusing the volleyball team are true. It's like first year all over again, and we can't do anything about it. We're like pawns to Kamoshida. We have to follow the rules and act like good boys and girls," Ann said. "That was him who I was talking on the phone with earlier."

"What did he want?"

"For me to go to his place so we can have sex, but I don't want to go." Ryuji got up, sat beside Ann, and put an arm around her. "For the past couple of weeks, Kamoshida has been getting aggressive about me sleeping with him. I've tried to come up with excuses, but I'm running out of ideas. And I keep telling myself that this is all for Shiho." She started sobbing, resting her head on Ryuji's shoulder.

"But Kamoshida threatened to take Shiho off the team if I don't go. She loves volleyball more than anything. That dumb sport is her life. Shiho once said to me that she wanted to go pro after college. When news came around that Kamoshida would coach the volleyball team… Shiho was happy! The only man that she idolizes will be her coach, but instead, he's a monster. Today, I saw a bruise on Shiho's face, and I immediately knew who it came from."

Ryuji's hands balled into a fist. "Akira told me he talked to Suzui during lunch. Listen, Ann… I know I'm not the best at givin' advice, but if you go to Kamoshida's, what are the odds that he will stick to his words? He's trying to manipulate you just like he did the others. Don't go to Kamoshida. That bastard must learn that not everybody will bow down to him." He handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

"I'm scared of what he'll do to Shiho, but you're right," she said. "Me having sex with him wasn't part of the agreement. I'm glad I got this off my chest. Thanks, Ryuji, for listening to me." She finished her drink, and Ryuji moved back to his seat. "I think I'm going to go home. If Kamoshida calls again, I'm going to say flat-out no. If he wants pleasure, then he can use his hands."

Ryuji waved at Ann as she left the diner, then stared at his drink. He slammed his fist onto the table, causing the glass to bounce and tumble to the floor, shattering into pieces. "Dammit," Ryuji grunted.

Shiho stood outside the PE Faculty office, quivering in fear. Millions of scenarios raced through her mind as she stared at the door. Not long ago, Mishima approached her after practice, instructing her to go to Kamoshida. He didn't give any details, merely stating that the man wanted to speak with her. Shiho's memories brought her back to practice, where Kamoshida had appeared angrier and had taken it out on the volleyball team. He was far harsher this time than before.

She held out her shaking hand and knocked on the door. In her mind, she wanted to run away and never return to Shujin Academy.

"Come in." Shiho heard Kamoshida's voice.

Shiho gulped down the spit in her mouth and stepped inside. She saw Kamoshida sitting at his desk, engrossed in writing a new strategic plan for the volleyball team. "Mishima said you wanted to see me, sir?"

Kamoshida twirled around in his chair, facing her with a smile. Shiho's body went stiff. She recognized the type of smile, and it was far from friendly. "Suzui, be a good girl, close the door, and lock it. I don't want anyone to interrupt us."

Shiho took in a deep breath and flipped the lock. Not a moment later, she felt Kamoshida's body pinning her to the door, his breath on her neck.