April 15th

"What would you like for breakfast, Takamaki-san?" Hina Sohma, the head maid of the Takamaki family, stood with poised grace beside Ann's bed, the morning sunlight casting a soft, golden hue over her features. Ann, still wrapped in her cozy comforter, was engrossed in her phone, her fingers dancing over the screen as she nibbled on her bottom lip.

Glancing at the elegant clock adorning the bedroom wall, Hina grew impatient as she realized Ann might be late for school. With a barely perceptible roll of her eyes, she gently prodded, "Takamaki-san?"

Startled from her digital reverie, Ann looked up with a mixture of surprise and mild annoyance. "Huh?"

With a tinge of exasperation, Hina chided, "Honestly, Takamaki-san, how many times must I remind you to refrain from losing yourself in your phone? You'll be late for school if you keep this up." Beneath her composed exterior, Hina felt a swell of affection for the spirited young girl under her care. "Now, what would you like for breakfast?"

Pushing aside her covers in a flurry of motion, Ann sprang from her bed, her movements filled with restless energy. "Actually," she replied hurriedly, "I'm meeting Shiho in the Underground Walkway, so I'll grab a bite there." Without waiting for a response, she darted toward the bathroom to begin her morning routine.

A fond smile played on Hina's lips at the mention of Shiho's name. "You know," she mused aloud, "I haven't seen Suzui-san in quite some time. I've always admired her since you were children. Perhaps you would consider inviting her over for dinner one evening."

"I'll be sure to let her know," Ann called back as she heard the door close behind Hina. She sank to the cool marble floor with a soft thud, retrieving her phone from her pocket. Three missed calls from Shiho yesterday glared accusingly at her. Shiho must have tried to reach her while she slept, her phone muted and oblivious to the outside world.

After hastily preparing for school, Ann dialed Shiho's number, her fingers trembling slightly with worry. "Hey, Shiho," she began, leaving a heartfelt voicemail.
I'm truly sorry for missing your calls last night. I dozed off while attempting Inui-sensei's homework. Is everything alright? Did something happen during volleyball practice? You know you can confide in me, right?" Her voice wavered with concern.

"Shiho, I'm getting ready for school now, but I'll see you soon." With a press of a button, she ended the message, hoping fervently for a swift reply.

###

"You should have seen her, Akira. I've never seen Ann so upset. I knew Kamoshida was terrible, but based on what Ann told me, he's much worse. We have to do somethin'," Ryuji said to Akira as they walked towards Shujin Academy.

"Like what?" Akira questioned.

Before Ryuji could respond, an upset Ann appeared in front of them. Her pale face was red, and her eyes were puffy from crying. "Have you two seen Shiho? I can't find her anywhere, and she's not answering her phone," she said, her voice trembling with worry. "I think something – no, I know something must have happened to her after I told Kamoshida no." Ann started crying again.

"Ann, take a breath," Ryuji gently urged, placing a hand on her shoulder. "There's no way Kamoshida has done somethin' to Suzui-san. Maybe she's not feelin' well and stayed at home, or she's already in class."

"I don't know what I will do if something happens to her."

"Don't think much of it," Ryuji reassured Ann. "Let's get to class before we're late… shit."

Confused, Ann and Akira followed Ryuji's gaze to see Kamoshida at the entrance gate, smiling as students passed by. He glanced toward them, his smile widening. "Ah, good morning, Kurusu, Sakamoto… and Takamaki. What an odd pair you got there, Takamaki. I expected better from you."

"Cut the bullshit, Kamoshida." Ann snapped, her fists clenched. "Where's Shiho?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You did something to Shiho. I know it!" Ann's voice lowered, aware of the surrounding students. "I swear to God if you hurt her, I'll –"

"You'll do what? Go to the principal? To the police?" Kamoshida taunted.

"Takamaki-san, to my office now!" A voice cut through the tension as the guidance counselor approached. He stopped in front of Ann. "I never expected someone like you to yell at a teacher."

Ryuji stepped forward. "Ann didn't do anythin'. It's Kamoshida's fault!"

"Enough, Sakamoto, unless you want to join her," the counselor warned, silencing Ryuji. "Follow me, Takamaki-san." Ann gave Ryuji and Akira a helpless look before obeying.

Kamoshida turned his gaze toward Akira and Ryuji with a disappointed expression. "It's a shame you two had to tarnish Takamaki with your rebellious ways," he remarked before smiling falsely. "Well, have a good day, and stay out of trouble."

Ryuji scowled at Kamoshida until Akira dragged him away. As they walked up the stairs, Akira turned around to see Kamoshida's menacing stare. "I can't stand that bastard!" Ryuji muttered, kicking a glass case.

"I can't believe he's still coming to school."

"Since when did Sakamoto start hanging out with him? But then again, delinquents stick together, am I right?"

Akira sighed, placing a hand on Ryuji's shoulder. "Calm down. You're making a scene."

"I know, but I can't take it anymore. Kamoshida is abusin' a student every day, yet everyone is ignorin' it." Ryuji glanced at Akira with frustration. "Well, class is about to start. I'll meet you under the alcove for lunch?"

"Yeah." The two parted ways and headed to their classrooms. As Akira entered class 2-D, he noticed Ann hadn't returned from the guidance counselor's office.

###

Ann slid open the guidance counselor's door, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she turned to bow to the weary faculty member. "I apologize for my outburst, Sensei. It won't happen again," she murmured, her voice tinged with remorse. She felt a pang of guilt when the counselor brought Kawakami into the room and scolded the older woman for having troublesome students.

Dragging her feet, Ann made her way to class 2-D, heedless of her tardiness. She was utterly preoccupied with concern for Shiho, and everyone else was irrelevant. As the guidance counselor escorted her to the classroom, Ann stole a glance inside Shiho's classroom, but her friend was nowhere to be seen. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. She took out her phone and glanced at the screen, seeing a text from Shiho. "What the hell?" Ann muttered under her breath.

Shiho: Ann, you've been a great friend these past few years. I'm sorry that I won't be by your side much longer. Remember, I love you so much.

Ann's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to comprehend the meaning behind Shiho's words. Without hesitation, she dialed Shiho's number, her fingers trembling with anxiety. "Come on, pick up, pick up," she pleaded silently, but Shiho's phone went straight to voicemail again.

"Goddammit!" Ann cursed in frustration, her eyes darting to the window, where she spotted Shiho standing on the rooftop. "What…?"

###

Pencils scratched against papers as Ushimaru stood behind the podium, his voice droning on about the intricacies of government branches. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the classroom filled with restless students.

"Elections are coming up in the next few months, and unfortunately, you kids are too young to vote. But surely everyone knows the three branches of our government. Kurusu, name them," Ushimaru prompted.

Akira rose from his seat, the wooden floor creaking beneath him as he stood. "Legislative, executive, and judiciary," he responded briefly before sinking back into his chair.

"Correct. The National Diet is legislative, the Cabinet is executive, and the Supreme Court is the judiciary. To ensure the government is effective and citizens' rights are protected, each branch has powers and responsibilities, including working with the other branches," Ushimaru elaborated, his gaze sweeping over the sea of students.

Suddenly, Iida shot out from his seat, pointing frantically toward the hallway. "H-hey! What's she doing?" he exclaimed, his voice cutting through the monotony of the lecture.

"Iida-san, this is a classroom! If you're not standing to discuss the separation of powers, I advise you to –" Ushimaru began, his patience thin.

But his words were drowned out by the commotion erupting in the classroom. A girl also stood, her voice trembling with alarm. "Oh my god! She's going to jump! And… is that Takamaki?"

The classroom descended into chaos as students clamored to the windows, their voices mingling with the sounds of panic and disbelief. Akira watched in stunned silence as his classmates bolted from their seats, some rushing out of the room while others from neighboring classes joined the fray.

Amidst the chaos, Mishima squinted his eyes towards the rooftop, his eyes widening in horror. "Suzui!" he cried out, his voice tinged with desperation.

Akira followed his classmates into the hallway, the urgency propelling him forward. Students ignored Ushimaru's attempts to restore order amidst the unfolding crisis. As Akira reached the crowded hallway, he caught sight of Ryuji gesturing toward the staircase.

"C'mon while everyone is distracted." Ryuji urged, his urgency matching Akira's own. With a shared nod, the two boys pushed through the crowd, their hearts pounding with dread. Finally reaching the rooftop, they burst through the door just in time to witness Shiho stepping off the edge.

"SHIHO!" Ann's anguished cry pierced through the air as she instinctively moved to catch the falling girl. However, acting impulsively, Akira quickly intervened, firmly pulling Ann back from the edge. Together, they looked down to see Shiho's broken body lying in the courtyard below amidst the horrified screams of bystanders.

Ann, overcome with emotion, wrenched her arm from Akira's grip and struck his left cheek. "You bastard! I could have saved her!" Hot tears streamed down Ann's face as she collapsed onto the pavement.

"Takamaki, look at me!" Akira's stern voice demanded Ann's attention, locking eyes with her as he grasped her shoulders firmly. "You would have suffered the same fate as Suzui-san if I hadn't intervened. Do you believe she would have wanted that for you?"

Pushing away from him, Ann stood, her emotions raw. "You know nothing about Shiho," she retorted before storming off, leaving Akira and Ryuji to exchange a glance before following her downstairs.

The two hurried downstairs and made their way toward the courtyard. The area was crowded with students, many chatting and taking pictures with their cell phones. Spotting Ann trying to navigate through the crowd, Akira nudged Ryuji, and they moved towards her. Ann's face appeared red, and her eyes seemed puffy, indicating she had been crying.

"Are they treating this like some kind of show?" Ryuji muttered as he guided Ann through the crowd, forcefully making a path. "Hey, assholes, get the fuck outta our way! Show some respect!" he shouted at the onlookers.

With the students clearing a path, Akira followed Ann and Ryuji to where Shiho lay. To their surprise, Makoto was already there, kneeling beside Shiho's head. Ann let go of Ryuji's hand and rushed to her friend's side, exclaiming, "Shiho, oh my god!"

Makoto placed a comforting hand on Ann's shoulder. "Suzui-san has a weak pulse, but she'll be alright, Takamaki-san. I've called for an ambulance, and they should be here soon." She glanced at the students with phones out. "I apologize for their behavior. Instead of helping, they seem more interested in sharing the incident on social media."

"What are do you doing?" Makoto and the others were startled as a nearby teacher glared down at Makoto. "You're the Student Council President, aren't you?" Without waiting for Makoto to respond, he continued, "Do your damn job and get these students back to their classrooms! This is troublesome. Shujin Academy doesn't need this kind of attention on social media."

"Seriously?!" Ryuji interjected. "A student almost died, and you only care about the school's reputation! Why aren't you sending everyone back to class? And why didn't you call the ambulance yourself?"

"Sakamoto, calm down," Makoto urged quietly.

Moments later, a pair of EMTs arrived with a stretcher, maneuvering through the crowd. While they attended to Shiho, Ryuji looked at his peers with disdain. His gaze shifted to a fidgeting Mishima, noticing how he quickly left for the practice building.

The crowd dispersed after the ambulance departed with Ann insisting she wouldn't leave her best friend. As the students scattered, Ryuji grabbed Akira's elbow. "The screams Kamoshida, and I'm sure Mishima knows something."

"Why do you think that?" Akira inquired.

"The little shit bolted for the practice buildin'," Ryuji explained, determined to find Mishima and get answers.

###

It didn't take long for Ryuji and Akira to find Mishima. The ex-track star kicked open the boys' locker room door and found Mishima whimpering in a corner. At the sound of the door, Mishima's head shot up to see Ryuji angrily marching toward him. Frightened, Mishima tried to run for it, but Ryuji grabbed by the collar of his shirt and shoved him into the lockers. But Ryuji didn't stop there. He gripped Mishima's throat and began choking him.

Akira couldn't stand seeing his friend hurting someone, so he intervened. "Ryuji, stop it. You're hurting him." He stepped forward and yanked Ryuji off of Mishima.

Ryuji jerked away from Akira but never stopped glaring at the cowering boy. "This bastard better start talkin', or else I'm going to beat him until he does. Suzui-san almost died because of Kamoshida!" Ryuji sighed, attempting to calm himself down. "Mishima, you ran because you have valuable information. Please, I'm begging you to say anythin' if you know somethin'. We're not gonna rat you out."

Mishima shook his head. "I… I just can't." He hid his face behind his hands and cried.

Akira honestly felt sorry for the boy. Like Shiho, Mishima and the other athletes are Kamoshida's victims. Akira placed his hand on Mishima's shoulder. "Mishima, Suzui-san tried to kill herself. Like Ryuji stated, we won't mention that we spoke to you. Please tell us anything you know so Suzui's incident won't happen to anyone else."

Mishima hesitated before his shoulders slumped in defeat. He doesn't want his teammates to have the same fate as Shiho. Mishima stared down at his feet and opened his mouth – Ryuji and Akira could barely hear him. "Yesterday, Kamoshida called out Suzui during the middle of practice, and everyone thought it was a bit odd."

"Shit," Ryuji breathed out, rubbing his mouth. When Ryuji was on the track team, he remembered Kamoshida calling out students who made the slightest mistake or were in a bad mood. There were times when Ryuji would go to Kamoshida's office, getting beaten to a pulp. The unfortunate student entered the PE Faculty office and came out minutes later with bruises.

Akira stared suspiciously between Ryuji and Mishima. "Calling out? What does that mean? Is that bad?"

"When it comes to Kamoshida… yes, it's bad. I, too, would get called out a handful of times to his office," Mishima explained. "Kamoshida has always been rough during practice, but something must have pushed him over the edge yesterday before practice because he became even more violent than usual. We were waiting for Kamoshida to call out his next target – and to our surprise – he called out Suzui. In my head, I thought about what Suzui did wrong but couldn't come up with anything because she didn't make any mistakes. But as soon as practice ended, Kamoshida marched up to me and told me – no – ordered me to tell Suzui to come to his office."

"Mishima," Ryuji's voice was alarmingly calm. "What did Kamoshida do to Suzui-san that made her want to jump?" He stepped closer to Mishima. "So, I'm going to ask you again. What. Do. You. Know?"

Mishima collapsed onto the floor and cried. "I-If I k-knew his plans… I would never have s-sent Suzui over to h-h-him!" The boys shared a look before turning back to Mishima for him to continue. "I peeked through the window and watched as he... The screams coming from Suzui's mouth still haunt me. And I stood there like a coward."

Akira took a step back in shock. He never would have thought Kamoshida would stoop so low and rape a student. Akira flinched at the sound of Ryuji slamming his fist into a locker. "Ryuji…"

But it was too late. Ryuji sprinted out of the locker room and down the hallway, hollering, "I'm gonna kill that bastard!"

Akira and Mishima glanced at each other and then followed. Akira had a feeling that his friend would do something reckless. They saw Ryuji climbing the stairs, pushing students out of the way. Akira apologized to them as he followed, getting winded. He knew Ryuji used to be on the track team but didn't think he was that fast. Akira and Mishima caught up with Ryuji as he entered Kamoshida's office.

Kamoshida sat at his desk, scribbling on a notepad and appearing entirely untroubled. "You're a fuckin' asshole!" Ryuji huffed as he stood behind the older man. Kamoshida didn't react. "Takamaki-san didn't want your filthy hands all over her, so you forced yourself onto Suzui. And while you're sittin' there on your high horse… she's fightin' for her life. This is enough information to go to the cops and have you arrested."

Kamoshida let out a chuckle as he stood and faced the boys. "Please, tell me the information because I would love to hear them. As far as everyone knows, Shiho Suzui was a depressed girl with mental health issues, and it's no wonder that she tried to commit suicide."

"Bullshit." Akira and Ryuji stared surprisingly at Mishima, and Kamoshida glowered. He glared at Kamoshida. "You're lying, and everyone knows it. Yesterday, you made me tell Suzui to come to your office, and I saw what you did to her."

Kamoshida swung at Mishima, knocking the boy to the floor. The man towered over him. "If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut. You don't know what you're talking about, you little shit. So, what if you're telling the truth? It's not like you have any proof. The hospital notified the faculty that Suzui is in a coma, and there's a chance that she won't wake up. She can't make a statement in her condition."

Mishima's eyes widened at the sudden news. "No… that can't be true."

"This is all your fault, you piece of shit!" Ryuji raised his arm and swung at Kamoshida, his fist colliding with Kamoshida's left cheek.

"Ryuji!"

Kamoshida staggered back and rubbed his cheek while his mouth twisted into a smile. "Your punches have gotten stronger, Sakamoto. I am honestly surprised you dared to attack a teacher. I think another case of 'self-defense' is in order. Instead of breaking one leg, I should have done two."

Ryuji turned pale.

"But I'm not going to do that," Kamoshida continued, pulling out his desk chair and sitting down. "Let's see… as I mourn about the tragedy with my star volleyball player, Ryuji Sakamoto, Akira Kurusu, and Yuuki Mishima barged into my office unannounced, threatening me over ridiculous rumors I have no clue about. And Sakamoto even went through the trouble and punched me in my face," he said as he wrote on a piece of paper.

Akira felt his blood run cold. He knew in the back of his mind that he shouldn't have followed Ryuji into the PE Faculty room and was about to figure out why. His voice felt soft as fear shot through his spine. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing, just making a note for when the next board meeting, I'll have you three expelled," Kamoshida nonchalantly explained.

Akira felt slightly embarrassed when tears formed in his eyes. He didn't even last a week at Shujin Academy. If he gets expelled one more time, it's off to juvenile hall, and Akira will be labeled a criminal for the rest of his life.

"What?" Ryuji breathed out.

"What gives you the right to do that?!" Mishima cried.

"I have every bit of right, Mishima," Kamoshida stated coldly. "Who do you think the board is going to believe? Me or you? Sakamoto and Kurusu, you two have violent histories, yet one of you has a criminal record. Kicking you out of school would be a piece of cake, Kurusu. And then there's Mishima." He grinned at Mishima, who started fidgeting on the spot. "Don't you have a dirty little secret too?" The boy glanced down to his feet. "Mind sharing it with the class?"

But again, Mishima didn't say a word. "Well, if you don't do it, I will." Kamoshida faced Akira. "Mishima was the culprit who released your criminal record online."

Appalled, Akira glanced over at Mishima. "You're the reason why this place became a living hell?" He stepped closer. "It's because of you; I can't walk to the bathroom or eat a decent lunch without someone making a smart comment about how I'm carrying a deadly weapon. Because of you, I got fucking beat up by your teammates on the first day of school."

"Kurusu, please, you have to believe me! It wasn't my fault!" Mishima pointed towards Kamoshida. "He made me do it, and I had no choice."

"I didn't make you do anything," Kamoshida said. "I gave you two options. Either post the criminal record online anonymously or quit the volleyball team. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover. Mishima, you would rather ruin a student's life than stay on the team. And for what? Do you foolishly think I'm going to write you a recommendation letter? I only write those to winners, and you, Mishima, are a fucking loser."

Akira felt like he was going to vomit. His skin felt moist from the room temperature skyrocketing to 10 degrees, and his heart beat faster. Akira instantly knew he had a panic attack. Akira's breathing became unsteady, vision blurry, and the room spun. He needed to get out of there, which is what he did. Akira stumbled out of the room, ignoring the laughter of Kamoshida, Mishima's crying, and Ryuji's voice asking if he was okay.

Ryuji watched as the door closed behind Akira, then glared at Kamoshida. The older man didn't care about the boys' misfortune as he taunted, "This wouldn't have happened if you mind your business. Now, be like your friend there, and get out of my sight. You just entered a battle with no chance of winning."

Ryuji and Mishima exited the Kamoshida's office without saying a word and walked down the empty corridors. Ryuji's eyes scanned every nook and cranny to find Akira but failed until he heard convulsing near the stairwell. Peeking around the corner, Ryuji sighed in pity at Akira, who bent over, puking on the floor.

"Shit," Ryuji mumbled as he rushed down the stairs to comfort his friend, glancing around to make sure no one was around. Students gossiped about Akira left and right, so seeing him while vulnerable would turn into a laughing stock. "Just let it out, man. Everything will be alright. I will devise a plan, which will be old news."

"Everything is not alright!" Akira whipped his mouth with his sleeves, not caring if the vomit was on his uniform. "Don't you understand what's happening?! We're getting expelled, and it's all your fault!" He shoved Ryuji. "You wanted to play hero, but you're not Ryuji. We live in a cruel world where people like Kamoshida can get away with anything." Akira felt tears rolling down his face.

"Akira, look, man, I'm sor –" Ryuji didn't get the chance to finish his sentence as Akira ran down the stairwell. Ryuji's mood turned grave, remembering Akira's words. And he was right. Ryuji wanted to play the hero because Kamoshida ruined his life, and he went to war with a man who could easily win. Not only is he getting expelled, but Akira and Mishima are, too. Akira is already on thin ice with his criminal record. Ryuji needs to figure out a plan, or he will lose his only friend.

###

Akira sat alone under the alcove, staring at the brick wall. He was visibly tired and had a headache. He longed to awaken from the nightmare that engulfed him – the thought of entering Café Leblanc to see Sojiro's inevitable disappointment felt unbearable. Akira could almost picture the reproachful looks mirrored in his parents' face when the authorities had come knocking – a blend of hatred, disillusionment, and shame.

Tears escaped him unnoticed until they fell onto his trembling hand. The weight of his predicament settled heavily upon him as he grappled with the consequences of his actions.

Suddenly, the rhythm of approaching heels broke the stillness. Hastily wiping away the tears, Akira turned to find Makoto standing there, her expression etched with concern. "I didn't –" Makoto paused, clearing her throat. "Ms. Kawakami grew concerned when you didn't return to class. She asked me to find you. I had a feeling you might be here." Akira met Makoto's gaze with a vacant stare, prompting her to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. Sitting across from him, she asked, "Are you alright, Akira?"

"Yeah," Akira replied unconvincingly, hesitant to burden Makoto with the weight of his impending expulsion, knowing she was tasked with his supervision of the year.

Observing Akira's uneasy demeanor, Makoto noted the telltale signs of his distress – the restless bouncing of his knee and the trembling of his hands. With a sigh, she recognized that Akira had lied to her. Moving to sit beside him, she caught him off guard. "There seems to be something on your mind, Akira. Would you care to share?"

"What?" Akira exclaimed, hastily masking his surprise with a cough. "Nothing is going on. I'm just still shaken up about Suzui's fall, alright? Takamaki, Ryuji, and I were right there when it happened." He lowered his gaze, adding softly, "It's a relief that Suzui survived, even though she's in a coma."

"Only the faculty and the Student Council know about that information," Makoto remarked, arching an eyebrow. "How did you find out?"

Shouldering his bag and avoiding Makoto's probing gaze, Akira chuckled nervously. "You know how rumors spread like wildfire in this school," he replied evasively. "Anyway, I have to go. "We'll talk later, Makoto." With that, he swiftly entered the main building, leaving Makoto with a lingering sense of unease.

Akira, you're hiding something, and I will find out what.