April 21st
After yesterday's argument with Sae, Makoto entered Shujin Academy and headed straight to the small store for breakfast. Despite her growling stomach, she had avoided the kitchen both in the evening and the morning. Although she acknowledged her immature behavior, Makoto didn't want to hear another word from Sae.
"Excuse me?" Makoto got the cashier's attention. "Can I have one blueberry breakfast bar, please?" The woman nodded, handed Makoto the breakfast bar, and received her money. "Thank you," Makoto said, stashing her wallet into her bag.
As she approached her class, Makoto thought Haru was right. The food here does taste good. I should stop by the store more often. She ripped open the breakfast bar and began eating. While hurrying down the hallway, she spotted Kawakami exiting the girls' restroom.
"Kawakami-sensei!" Makoto shouted. The woman froze but turned her head toward the young student. "Good morning, Niijima-chan," Kawakami greeted Makoto with a smile. "Good morning, Kawakami sensei." Makoto glanced around the hallway, then leaned forward. "Did you confront Kamoshida about what Takahashi-san said? Did he say anything to you about –"
"Niijima-san," Kawakami interrupted, and Makoto stepped back, shocked at the stern tone. "I spoke to Kamoshida-san, and you know what he told me? That he never had any contact with Takahashi-san. And the rumors about him hurting students are false." Kawakami felt disgusted at the words coming out of her mouth. "If you continue these false allegations, I will tell the principal."
It took Makoto a few seconds to process Kawakami's words. "Did he… did he tell you to say that to me?" she asked. Kawakami glanced away as if she was ashamed to answer the teenage girl. "Kawakami-sensei, did Kamoshida threaten your job or something? You can tell me, you know."
"Kawakami-san, Niijima-san isn't bothering you, am I right?" The voice made the two women freeze. Kawakami turned around and saw Kamoshida strutting towards them with a fake smile. "Kamoshida-san?" Kawakami heard Makoto mumble. The man stopped in front of Kawakami.
"Uh…" Kawakami blinked, then shook her head. "No. Niijima-san is never a bother." She glanced at Makoto. "She asked about Kurusu-san's new assignments so she could get ready for this afternoon."
Kamoshida raised an eyebrow. "Ah, diligent as always, I suppose. I don't know how the principal still lets you babysit Kurusu when it's your fault that he will be expelled. But I guess you'll do anything to get a recommendation letter. It's quite sad if you ask me."
"I didn't ask you," Makoto spoke. "Kurusu and neither Sakamoto nor Mishima are expelled yet. Now, if you'll excuse me," she stepped around Kamaoshida and walked past Kawakami, who looked extremely pale. "I have a class to get to. Kawakami-sensei, thank you for your help."
Makoto kept her head down as she hurried to her class, only realizing she had been holding her breath when she finally sat at her desk.
When the lunch bell rang, class 2-D sighed in relief. Ushimaru stood from his chair, instructing, "Pass your papers forward, and Mishima-san will collect them. Surely, there will be better grades than last time. Principal Kobayakawa banned phones in class, yet you still choose not to listen. Young people these days."
As Ann handed her and Akira's papers to the front, she thought, we'll start listening if you get rid of your nasty attitude. She placed her book inside her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Akira, have you seen or heard from Ryuji this morning?" The boy shook his head, making Ann groan in annoyance. "Great, just great. I didn't even come up with a plan B."
Just as she said that they heard quick footsteps, and Ryuji appeared at the doorway. "Look who finally graced us with his presence," she mumbled, marching towards the bleached blonde.
Ann went to scold Ryuji, but he beat her to it. "Before you say anythin', let's get outta here first." He glanced at the lingering students and then looked over at Mishima. "Mishima, are you comin'?"
Mishima appeared nervous but nodded. The small group followed Ryuji out of the classroom and into the hallway. Instead of heading towards the courtyard, Ryuji led them to the rooftop. "Wait," Akira called out. "Isn't the rooftop off-limits since Suzui-san's…" He trailed off as he glanced at Ann's and Mishima's grimaced faces.
"I spotted Kamoshida in the courtyard," Ryuji responded, opening the door to the rooftop. "This is the only place where we can talk privately. Plus, ever since the accident, I highly doubt anyone will be up here."
Ann stayed by the doorway as the boys made themselves comfortable on the abandoned desks as if a barrier prevented her from entering. The day of Shiho's accident flashed inside Ann's mind like a movie. The boys were chatting when Ryuji noticed Ann wasn't with them. He glanced towards the doorway to see the girl staring off into space. "Ann?" He called out, but she didn't respond.
"Is she alright?" Mishima asked.
"I don't know," Ryuji said, standing on his feet and approaching Ann. "Yo, Ann," he called out again, but Ryuji placed his hands on her shoulders this time. Ann appeared to have broken away from the trance when he did that. She flinched and quickly stepped away from Ryuji as if his touch burned her. "Ann, are you okay?"
Ann wrapped her arms around her, saying, "I'm sorry. Just standing here reminds me of Shiho. I see images of her falling to her broken body on the ground, and I just…" She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," she repeated.
"It's alright," Ryuji reassured her. "I should have known bein' on the rooftop would bring back memories, but it's the only private area on campus. I promise I'll be quick, and then we can leave." He held out his hand for Ann to hold on to.
"Okay," she took his hand and followed him to Mishima and Akira. Once Ryuji knew Ann calmed down, he began to talk. "So, I spoke to my mom about helpin' us at the blood drive. At first, she did blow a fuse, sayin' why I waited on tellin' her this now and why we never went to the police." He ran his finger through his hair. "The more I talked about the plan, the more I thought she was gonna ground me until the day I die. But this mornin' before she left for work, she did say she'll help us."
"Just like that?" Akira questioned.
Ryuji nodded, saying, "Yep, just like that." He then turned his attention towards Ann. "I told my mom about how Kamoshida made you and Suzui-san suffer. I think that's the main reason she's agreein' to help us. Mom said she remembered you when we were kids. And how everyone treated you because of your mixed race."
"Tell your mom I said thank you," Ann said, smiling.
Ryuji smiled back. "Tell that yourself when you see her tomorrow."
Akira glanced at his watch, noticing how lunch was almost over. "Hey, class is about to start soon. We should go to the student council room after school when fewer students hang around."
"Yeah. Sure," Ann agreed, standing up and grabbing her school bag. "Fewer students means that Kamoshida won't know what hit him." The boys gathered their belongings and followed Ann to the exit. Just as Ann opened the door, a startled girl stared at them. She had curly light auburn hair and wore an oversized pink turtleneck cardigan instead of the standard Shujin Academy jacket.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized. Her voice was so soft that the second-years almost couldn't hear her. "I didn't know anyone else would be up here since the rooftop is off-limits to students."
"We were just leaving," Ann frowned as she walked past her. "Then what are you doing up here? Since students aren't allowed."
The girl smiled. "I have special permission." And with that, they watched the girl disappear behind the rooftop door.
"Do you think she's one of Kamoshida's spies?" Ryuji asked, and Ann shook her head.
"No, I don't think so, but we should be careful around her."
When school ended for the day, Makoto made her way toward the student council room. Although she didn't have any duties with the organization, she had recently preferred doing homework in the office rather than the library, where students tended to gossip more than study. Further down the hall, Makoto halted and spotted Akira, Ryuji, Ann, and even Mishima standing by the student council door.
"Aki – Kurusu-san?" She glanced at the others in confusion. "What's going on? Did something happen?"
"Nope, but you're just the person we wanted to see," Ryuji responded, gesturing at all four of them. "We would like to volunteer for the blood drive."
Makoto stared at them for a few seconds, wondering if they were playing a prank on her. Ryuji Sakamoto gets into more trouble than any other student on campus, Ann Takamaki appears as if she cares more about her looks than grades, Yuuki Mishima is a shy and reserved student who jumps when someone sneezes too loudly, and Akira Kurusu is the trouble transfer student that everyone seems to fear.
She ushered them inside and shut the door behind her. "I must admit, I'm surprised that students like yourselves want to volunteer. Especially you, Kurusu-san." Makoto stepped around Akira and sat at the table, staring at each of them as if she were attempting to catch them in a lie.
"It's just like you said, Niijima-senpai. Volunteering would look good on our college applications," Ann said.
"I did say that, but something tells me that you all aren't here because you're suddenly interested in colleges." Makoto crossed her arms. "Tell me why you're here. And be honest. I'm having a rough week and would love a quiet moment to myself."
The four glanced at each other, waiting for someone to speak first. Akira said first, feeling like he should be the one to tell Makoto. "Senpai, we are here to volunteer, but you're right… it's not for academic purposes." Makoto sat up straight. "We want to…" Akira glanced over at Ann.
"We need to get Kamoshida's blood to forensic analysis," Ann finished.
Never in Makoto's life did she ever think she would hear those words from a student's mouth. For once, the student council president was flabbergasted. "Wha-what did you say?"
"We know how extreme it sounds, but hear us out," Ann stated. "Kamoshida raped Shiho, spread lies about Ryuji, and even blackmailed Mishima into ruining Akita's life at school. Yet the man still walks Shujin halls as if he owns the place. Come on, Niijima-senpai, we're running out of options."
Makoto frowned. "Do you understand how ridiculous that sounds? And the fact that you're asking me to contribute." She let out a nonhumorous chuckle. "I don't think you know how much trouble you'll put me in if you're caught?"
"That's it then? You won't do anything because helping will damage your teacher pet's reputation?" Ann asked.
"I-" Makoto cleared her throat. "I didn't mean it like that."
"So, what do you mean?" Ann couldn't help herself. "Because it sounds like you only help certain people when you see fit. When Kamoshida first started as the coach for the track team, that's when the rumors started. That bastard broke Ryuji's leg and framed the injury as self-defense, yet I don't remember you helping clear his name. You treated him just like everyone else. A thug."
Makoto remained silent.
"You wanted to help Takahashi-senpai because she's your classmate and former student council officer." Ann continued. "And you're 'helpful' to Akira because you see him as a recommendation letter. But here I am, standing before you, asking to help stop Kamoshida from ruining our lives, yet you suddenly have cold feet." She scoffed. "You're useless."
Akira watched as Makoto's body became tense from Ann's harsh words. "Ann, stop it," Akira called out. He then turned his attention towards Makoto. "Senpai, if you're worried about getting in trouble, we won't ask you again. Pretend that this encounter never happened."
"Akira!" Ann shouted.
The boy faced his angry friend. "We're so focused on taking Kamoshida down that we don't care that we're making walking targets to Kamoshida. Look what he did to Takahashi-senpai. All because she was ready to speak to the detective. I don't want the same thing to happen to Makoto."
Makoto lowered her head to hide her blush and smile. Akira called her by first name in front of his friends and showed that he deeply cared about her. That touched her heart. Makoto cleared her throat to gain the attention back to her. "Thanks for those comforting words… Akira." She noticed the boy blushed. "But there is something that I have to tell all of you.
The second years listened as Makoto told them she went to Kawakami out of trust and told her everything Kamoshida had been doing since his employment at Shujin Academy. "When I went to talk to her this morning, she warned me that she'll go to Principal Kobayakawa if I continue to spread lies. And guess what? Kamoshida was right there, listening to see if Sensei would talk."
"God dammit!" Ryuji kicked a chair. "Is there anyone in this fuckin' school that we can trust?"
Makoto ignored Ryuji's violent outburst and turned her attention to Ann, saying, "I will allow you to volunteer, but you all are going to do it my way so that it won't be suspicious. Got it?" The group nodded.
April 22nd
To the students' happiness, the school decided the blood drive would take place during free period. Once students donated their blood and sat for a while, they were allowed to leave for the day. Akira and Ryuji stood in line waiting to sign in when Ryuji mumbled in annoyance, "Dude, this sucks. How come Ann and Mishima can volunteer, but we can't?"
Akira rolled his eyes. "You know exactly why. With our reputation and expulsion, people will become suspicious. We don't want Kamoshida to catch us in the act."
Ryuji looked around for the man. "Where is that bastard? You would think about an event like this. He would show up with that stupid grin and say how generous he is to donate. God, thinkin' about that makes me gag."
"I don't know. Maybe Kamoshida will show his face later."
The line began to move forward, and Akira found himself face-to-face with one of the Yoshizawa twins. "Hello," the girl greeted shyly, handing Akira a pen. "Please sign your name here, and once you've donated, you must sit for eight to ten minutes. When you leave, make sure you sign out over there," she pointed to the sign-out table across the gym.
"Thanks," Akira said.
"Hey, aren't there another one of you?" Ryuji ignorantly asked.
Akira noticed a sad glint in the girl's eyes. "Yes, you're referring to Kasumi. She's over there." The boys followed the girl's pointed finger to Kasumi, happily talking to a group of students. "And my name is Sumire."
When Akira dropped the pen and stepped aside, Ryuji signed his name. "So, why aren't you donating, Sumire-san? Scared of a little blood?"
Sumire blushed. "You can say that."
"Yo, Sakamoto!" Called out a student. "Stop flirting and move it already! You're holding up the line!"
"Asshole," Ryuji grunted, yet stepped out of the way for the next person to sign in. The boys walked over to vacant seats that Mishima and Ann stood by with two nurses. "I'm not gonna pass out or anything, right?" Ryuji jokingly asked the nurse but was also profound.
The nurse chuckled. "This must be your first time, huh?" Ryuji nodded his head. "Well, as long as you drink plenty of fluids and eat normally, you will be fine." The woman proceeded with her job, asked Ryuji which arm he preferred, checked for veins, cleaned the puncture area, and then stuck the needle through his skin.
Once she was done, the nurse smiled at Ryuji, saying, "See, that wasn't bad at all." She took the tube of Ryuji flood and placed it in a bin with the rest of the tubes as Ann came around with a cotton ball to minimize the blood.
"Do you see Kamoshida?" She asked in a low tone.
Ryuji glanced around the gym again before saying, "No." He then looked over at the clock, noticing the time. "Ann, I don't think that bastard will show his ugly face. The blood drive is endin' soon."
Ann let out a disappointed sigh. "I should have known the plan wasn't going to work. Everything ran too smoothly. It was bound to be a failure." She could feel tears daring to run down her face. "I don't know what else to do."
"Hey, don't give up now," Ryuji reassured her. He glanced over to see Akira standing to his feet and followed suit. "Let's meet up somewhere once you're done and devise a plan b." Ann whipped her face and nodded.
Ryuji followed Akira to the seating area and found two vacant chairs beside each other. Akira leaned into Ryuji's ear, whispering, "I think Kamoshida found out about our plan."
"What? You think someone ratted us out?" Ryuji whispered back, and Akira nodded. "But only me, you, Ann, Mishima, and Niijima-senpai know about it. I know it wasn't me, you, or Ann. So, it had to be either Mishima or Senpai."
"When I asked Mishima if he knew where Kamoshida was since he's still on the volleyball team… something felt off about him," Akira explained. "I barely know the guy, but Mishima felt he knew something."
"Do you think he's the mole?" Ryuji asked, and Akira nodded.
Akira opened the doors to Café Leblanc, ushering Makoto, Ann, and Ryuji inside before closing the door behind him. The three curious friends glanced around the cozy place in interest while Akira stood nervously in the back. On the train ride, he had mentioned knowing a small café that didn't get many customers. Akira felt horrible for not telling them the truth but was embarrassed that he lived in a café attic.
"Welco – oh, it's just you." Sojiro emerged from the small kitchen upon hearing the bell ring, finding three teenagers and his ward standing around. He looked at Makoto, saying, "I remember you." He then turned his attention to Ann and Ryuji. "But I don't know you two."
Ann stepped forward with a kind smile and waved. "Hello," she greeted. "My name is Ann Takamaki, and this is Ryuji Sakamoto. We're friends of Akira." Ann then noticed the fascinating way Sojiro stared at her. "Is something wrong?"
Sojiro let out a dry chuckle. "Sorry if this is rude, but I have never seen anyone with your features before."
"I'm part Finnish from my mom's side," Ann responded.
"Ah, sounds about right." Sojiro turned his attention to Akira and raised an eyebrow. "If you're goin' to bring your friends here, you'll have to take them up to your room. I don't want you to disturb my customers."
Ryuji glanced around the deserted café. "What customers?"
Sojiro's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. He opened his mouth to speak, but Makoto beat him to it. "I'm sorry, but did I hear you correctly? Did you tell Akira to take us up to his room? As in… he lives here?" She glanced over at Akira, who looked like he wanted to die.
"You never told them?" Sojiro questioned.
"Didn't think my living arrangements needed to be brought up in a conversation," Akira mumbled.
An awkward silence filled the café for a few seconds until Ryuji opened his mouth. "Dude, you live in a café? That's awesome!" He had a massive grin on his face. "You have to show us your room."
Akira shrugged and said, "It's nothing special." And with that, he headed upstairs with Ann and Ryuji behind him.
Makoto went to follow, too, but she stayed behind to chat with Sojiro. "You let a minor stay at a café all alone? What does his probation officer think about that?" She inquired. "Do you cook the proper nutrition for him? And do you check the doors after locking at closing? What if a burglar comes in the middle of the night while he's sleeping?"
Sojiro crossed his arms. "It's none of your business, so stop asking'. Either you go upstairs with the others, or you leave."
Makoto looked at the older man before marching up to the attic. When she reached the top, she saw dust, old books, tools stacked in the corner, and a pile of Akira's dirty laundry. This is filthy. How can Akira live like this? She thought as she stared in disgust, scared to sit anywhere that would stain her uniform.
"Sorry about the mess," Akira shyly apologized. He could feel his cheeks heating from embarrassment. "I never attended on people coming up here. I just wanted a quiet place to talk where no one from Shujin could hear us."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Ann assured him. "It's not your fault the owner is an asshole." Akira just shrugged.
Noting Akira wanted to drop the subject, Ryuji clapped his hands and said, "So, about Mishima. Akira, are you positive he has been feeding Kamoshida information about our plan?"
"Mishima didn't flat-out say it, but I could tell by his body language that something was wrong," Akira responded. "But it makes sense, though. Despite the expulsion, Mishima is part of the volleyball team and probably still wants to stay in it. Kamoshida most likely made a deal with him."
"Spy on us, and you won't get expelled," Ryuji mumbled as he balled his hands into fists. "The next time I see Mishima, I'm gonna –"
"Not do anything," Makoto interrupted, not wanting to hear the rest of the sentence. Despite helping the band of outcasts, she's still student council president and will punish Ryuji if she sees him showing violence towards another student.
"What? But he's –"
"Niijima-senpai is right," Ann agreed. "We don't want to spook Mishima into telling Kamoshida we know." She crossed her arms and leaned back into a bookshelf, not caring if dirt got on her uniform. "The only thing we can do is think of other ways to get evidence. Without telling Mishima."
And so, the group brainstormed different ideas that ended with an argument. Makoto glanced down at her watch, noticing the time. "Guys," she called out. "It's getting late, and we don't want to miss the train." She saw the grimace expressions on the three second-years. "We will think of something, okay? You two won't get expelled," she looked at Ann. "And Suzui will have justice."
"We only have a week left," Ryuji reminded her.
"Like I said… we will think of something. Now come on, let's get out things and leave."
Makoto, Ann, and Ryuji gathered their belongings and said goodnight to Akira and Sojiro before making their way to the train station. Not soon after they left Leblanc, Ann asked, "Ryuji, did you know that Akira stayed in a café?"
Ryuji shook his head. "No, he never spoke a word, but I never asked. And based on the way he acted… I don't think he wanted anyone to find out."
"Since we're on the subject – if you don't mind answering – what exactly happened to Akira the night of his arrest?" Makoto asked. "I read his file, but something isn't right. Akira doesn't act or appear like a criminal."
Ryuji told the girls everything that Akira told him. The actual man was responsible for the arrest, Akira staying in juvie, and him moving to Tokyo on probation. "I feel responsible for what's happening to Akira," Ryuji stated. "If I didn't get him involved, he wouldn't be in this position."
"I don't think that would have made a difference," Ann said. "Kamoshida had it out for Akira since the first day of school. I don't understand why he did that in the first place."
"Most likely the same reason he ruined the track team," Makoto glanced at Ryuji. "He wanted to be the only successful person at Shujin Academy. Principal Kobayakawa accepted Akira despite his criminal record because he wanted the school to successfully reform a delinquent and make it known to the country. Kamoshida didn't want that."
The three continued the conversation to the train station, vowing they would end Kamoshida's reign over Shujin Academy.