December 23rd
Christmas is approaching, and Tokyo is abuzz with holiday fervor. The city pulsated with festive energy as twinkling lights adorned every street, casting a warm glow. The airports echoed with the exciting chatter of travelers, their anticipation tangible in the air as they yearned for a festive getaway abroad. Stores bustled with last-minute shoppers on the quest for the perfect gifts.
Like arteries carrying the city's lifeblood, people packed Tokyo's trains to the brim with people rushing home, eager to witness the trial of Masayoshi Shido, a man once poised to become the Prime Minister. Shiho's arrest for treason sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness. While a substantial percentage of Japan was deeply dismayed by Shido's arrest, only a handful felt the weight of relief.
Exiting the courtroom, Akira Kurusu found himself immersed in a state of trembling unease. His breath hung in the air, erratic and strained, each exhale visible as wisps of mist in the cold corridor. His chest rose and fell with rapid intensity, the shallow breaths betraying the turmoil raging within him.
The harsh, fluorescent lights above cast an unforgiving glare, casting sharp shadows that danced around him, adding to the disorienting chaos of the moment. Akira blinked against the glare, squinting as he tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before him.
Like a swarm of relentless bees, news reporters and camera operators descended upon him the moment he stepped into the corridor. They buzzed around him, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of questions and demands. Akira felt increasingly overwhelmed, his heart pounding as he struggled to keep up with the onslaught.
With each step, he felt more and more suffocated by the press of bodies and the barrage of questions. Akira questioned why Sae Niijima had permitted their intrusion, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Regret gnawed at him, a bitter taste in his mouth, as he reflected on his involvement with Ichiko Ohya's incendiary article.
Desperate for escape, Akira pushed through the crowd, his movements frantic and unsteady. His hands trembled at his sides, fingers curling into fists as he fought to maintain his composure amidst the chaos. But try as he might, he couldn't shake the unease that clung to him like a suffocating shroud.
"Kurusu-kun, are you going to testify against Shido-san next?" a reporter queried.
"Do you believe you'll finally get justice for what Shido-san has done to you?" another asked.
"You didn't have a trial last time. Are you happy that everyone will hear your voice?" a third reporter chimed in.
"Kurusu-kun, how do you feel testifying against the man who ruined your future?" a fourth questioned.
The flashing lights of cameras illuminated the scene, their harsh brilliance adding to Akira's mounting discomfort. "Guards, I thought I told you to keep the reporters outside!" A hand gently gripped Akira's shoulder. Detective Zenkichi Hasegawa, a reassuring presence in the turmoil, scolded the flustered guards. A sense of relief settled once the news crews were reluctantly ushered outside into the cold winter air.
Akira touched his forehead in the dimly lit hallway, feeling a sudden headache creeping in. Zenkichi, like a steadfast guide, gripped Akira's forearm and guided him to the nearest bench. The sterile scent of the courthouse surrounded them as Akira requested a cup of water. "Sure, I'll be right back," Zenkichi said, walking down the hallway to the nearest water cooler. The distant echoes of footsteps resonated, signifying the approach of a familiar group.
His friends – Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitawaga, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, and Kasumi and Sumire Yoshigawa – appeared like a welcome oasis amid the chaos. "Is it almost time?" Akira asked, seeking a semblance of normalcy.
"We have plenty of time left," Makoto replied. "We wanted to see how you are holding up." Sumire sat beside Akira, her hand over his, the heart ring he gifted her glistening in the dim light. Makoto recalled the day Akira approached her during lunch, seeking assistance picking a gift for Sumire. Each step had its resonance, a feeble excuse, but one Makoto understood, recognizing the silent struggle within.
"You hurried out of the courtroom pretty quickly," Sumire remarked, moving her hand to Akira's forehead. "Akira, you're burning up!"
"I'll be fine," Akira said, moving his head away from Sumire's touch. "Zenkichi is bringing me water, but the reporters and the thought of messing up my testimony got to me. I almost had a panic attack."
"Stop thinkin' that way," Ryuji interjected. "You've got this in the bag. After Akechi and that woman testified, there's no way the judge will free that bastard."
Ann looked around before locking eyes with Makoto. "Makoto, where is Akechi-san? Ever since he testified against Shido, he disappeared."
"Usually, when he gets like this, he wishes to be left alone," Makoto responded. "But I should look for Goro and ensure he's okay. Akira isn't the only one connected to this case."
Yusuke gazed down at the marble tile. "I can't imagine sitting in front of the court, stating how horrible my father is in front of his face. Akechi-san must be going through some intense emotions right now."
Ryuji snorted. "You would think Mr. Wannabe Detective would figure out what his old man was doin' in the shadows."
Makoto glared at him. "Goro doesn't want anything to do with politics or Shido-san. Who knows what else Shido-san would do to this country? Thank God he overheard his conversation before he became Prime Minister."
"Sorry, I'm late, Akira." The teenagers turned to see Zenkichi holding a plastic cup filled with water. "One of the dispensers was out of order, and the other was practically on the other side of the building. They need more water dispensers for a place so grand as this." He handed Akira the cup to drink up before heading back inside.
"I'm going to go see if I can find Akechi. I'll meet up with you all soon." Makoto buttoned up her jacket and wandered down the hallway, scanning for any sign of Akechi.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, Akechi-san." Makoto paused in her steps and leaned against the wall, peeking around the corner to see Akechi lowering his head as an older man continued scolding him. "How could you sit there talking about your father like that? After everything Shido-san has ever done for you."
Makoto watched as Akechi clenched his hands into fists and raised his head, glaring at the man. "After everything he has done for me?" He repeated the question sarcastically. "That man in there has done absolutely nothing for me! Shido abandoned my mother and me since the day I was born. While Mom was working two jobs and getting sick doing it, what was Shido doing? Planning to overthrow the government. He deserves to go to jail!"
The man suddenly grabbed Akechi's dress shirt collar. "If you don't shut your damn mouth! I knew the moment I set my eyes on you, I could see why Shido-san abandoned you and that damn woman. He doesn't want someone useless in his version of the new world."
Fed up with the man's cruelty towards Akechi, Makoto stepped out of her hiding spot and approached them. "Threatening a witness at a courthouse, huh? Do you honestly think that's a good idea, Sir? I can get a police officer here as quickly as snapping my finger."
"I was just leaving," the man grunted, letting go of Akechi, and stormed off towards the courtroom, not before giving Makoto a menacing glare.
"Makoto, what are you doing here?" Akechi exhaled, smoothing out his collar. "Isn't Kurusu-san going to testify soon? You wouldn't want to miss seeing your friend finally getting the justice he deserves, would you?"
"He knows I came to find you." Makoto reached out to fix Akechi's shirt. "Who was that guy?" She turned her head towards the direction the man had gone. "A member of Shido's Antisocial Force?"
Akechi nodded. "There are people that aren't too happy with me telling the world the truth about my father. I want this day to be over with." Makoto finished adjusting his shirt and took a step back. Her eyes widened in surprise when Akechi grabbed her hands. "Shido will most likely go to prison for life, and when that happens… how about you and I hang out at the jazz club in Kichijoji?"
Makoto pulled her hands out of Akechi's grip. "As much as I like that idea, we agreed to celebrate at Leblanc afterward. You can join if you want. None of this would have happened if you weren't here."
"Would Kurusu-san be okay with me coming over?"
"Why wouldn't he?" Makoto questioned. "Look," she grabbed Akechi's forearm, "Akira and I are friends, okay? What happened between us is history now, and we want to keep it that way. He's with Sumire, and I'm…"
Akechi scoffed. "What am I to you, Makoto? We've been talking a lot more than we used to, but it seems like this is one-sided. I see how you look at Sumire with jealousy when she's around Akira. Let me remind you that you were the one who broke up with Kurusu-san. Not him."
Makoto's face stiffened at Akechi's words. "Akira's probably on the stand. We should go before we're too late." She didn't waste her time and headed towards the courtroom. Makoto felt tears starting to well up, and she didn't want Akechi or anyone else to see. Entering the courtroom, Makoto and Akechi saw Akira raising his right hand before sitting down. Makoto quietly joined her group of friends, with Akechi in tow. Haru glanced questionably at the pair before turning her attention towards the front.
"Kurusu-kun," the attorney began, "it's been stated in the police report that the night of your arrest, you physically assaulted Shido-san, and when the police were on their way, you ran away. Is that true?"
"Yes, I ran away, but no, I didn't assault Shiho," Akira replied.
"And why did you run away, knowing you were innocent?"
"Because it was me versus two adults," Akira explained. "When Shido threatened the woman to lie about me assaulting him, and he claimed that the cops were on his side… I knew then that the cops wouldn't believe me."
"Can you explain in detail what occurred the night of your arrest?" The attorney inquired. "Start from the very beginning."
"It was my mom's birthday, and I wanted to do something nice for her," Akira began. He stared down at his lap, his hands starting to sweat. He looked up to see Sumire giving him one of her comforting smiles that always brought him solace.