April 10th

Sojiro ascended the staircase to Akira's room – a new routine for him – and discovered the teenagers sprawled on his bed, still clad in yesterday's attire. "Unbelievable," Sojiro muttered, tapping Akira's shin. "Akira, wake up."

The boy jolted into a sitting position, eyes wide with surprise. He scanned the room before realizing he was in Yongen-Jaya, not juvie. "What time is it?" he mumbled.

"It's almost seven," Sojiro replied, his annoyance evident. "You're supposed to be up and ready by the time I get here. Now, hurry up and get dressed. It's going to take me an hour to get to Aoyama-Itchome."

Akira unlocked his phone, discovering he had slept eight hours, though he felt as if it had been merely four. To make matters worse, he was dealing with a pounding headache. "Aoyama-Itchome? What's that?"

Sojiro sighed. "Didn't you bother researching the location of your new school?" Akira averted his eyes in shame. "Shujin is in Aoyama-Itchome. You'll have to take the train, but I'll give you a ride today. But," Sojiro raised his index finger, "let me make it clear: today is the only day I'll drive you. Now, get dressed; we're already running late."

Once Sojiro descended the stairs, Akira found himself lying back down and groaning.

###

Akira emerged from Sojiro's car and gazed up at Shujin Academy. The school appeared more imposing than he had anticipated. He had done his research, learning that Shujin was a preparatory school designed to propel students into the nation's most prestigious universities. Considering his criminal record and his middle-class background, it was a mystery why they had accepted him. Paying out of pocket was out of the question, and he hadn't applied for any scholarships either.

Although Shujin was prestigious, navigating the building seemed straightforward, especially on a Sunday when there were no students wandering the halls. This solitude allowed Akira to memorize the classroom locations without prying eyes. He occasionally encountered teachers who gave him knowing looks before hurrying off, probably to gossip in the faculty office. It was evident that the teachers were well aware of the presence of a delinquent.

Once Sojiro and Akira arrived at the principal's office, they found the door closed and voices emanating from within. It was an ideal moment for Sojiro to place a stern hand on Akira's shoulder. "When we enter, behave yourself. You'll not only tarnish your image but mine as well."

"Got it," Akira replied, aware that Sojiro's concern primarily revolved around his reputation. It was clear that Sojiro cared little for his well-being.

The door swung open, revealing a pair of identical twins and their parents. One of the girls, her long red hair tied in a ponytail with a red ribbon bow, and the other one with her head tilted downward, obscuring her face with her hair, though Akira could see that she wore glasses. The ponytailed twin's eyes widened upon seeing Akira and Sojiro. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know there were others waiting here."

"Kasumi, watch where you're going before running someone over," scolded the father. He then turned to Sojiro. "Sorry about that. When my daughter gets so excited, she forgets to watch her surroundings."

"You're a transfer student too?" Kasumi asked, grinning before playfully bumping her sister. "See, Sumire, we're not the only new kids." She faced Akira again and introduced herself. "My name is Kasumi Yoshizawa, and this is my twin sister, Sumire. We're both first-years." Kasumi encouraged her shy sister to greet Akira as well.

Sumire raised her head and noticed her dull, soulless eyes. "Hello," she said softly before lowering her head once more.

"She's shy," Kasumi explained.

"No worries. My name is Akira Kurusu, a second-year."

"So, that makes you my senpai!"

"Kasumi, dear," Mrs. Yoshizawa placed her palms on her daughter's shoulders. "Enough chattering around. The boy and his father are waiting to meet the principal. You will most likely see him at school tomorrow, and you can chat then."

Sojiro frowned upon being mistaken for Akira's father. "Oh, I'm not the boy's father, just his caretaker."

"Oh…" Her voice trailed off, and awkwardness filled the atmosphere.

"It's time for us to leave," Mr. Yoshizawa announced before walking farther down the hallway with his wife and Sumire. Kasumi held the door open for Sojiro and Akira before following her family.

Both Akira and Sojiro entered the principal office. Akira noticed the room's tense atmosphere. Seated at the principal's desk was an overweight man in a tight-fitting yellow suit, his nameplate reading 'Kobayakawa'. Principal Kobayakawa's round figure was a stark contrast to his stern demeanor. "Sakura-san, Kurusu-kun, you both made it here on time. Please, have a seat."

They complied, and Sojiro handed over Akira's documents, which the principal scrutinized. Kobayakawa then returned the papers to Sojiro and faced Akira. "I read through your records, Kurusu-kun. As of now, you're on probation. We at Shujin Academy believe that you deserve a second chance to make something out of your life. I hope you appreciate the opportunity."

"I do," Akira replied.

"Good," Kobayakawa said, attempting a smile that came off as disingenuous. "It's imperative that you make the most of your time here. We have a strict code of conduct, and we do not tolerate any form of delinquency. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir."

Sojiro grunted. "Oh, trust me, he'll behave unless he wants to go back to juvie until he becomes of age."

"I'll be the judge of that," Kobayakawa retorted. "You should be grateful that Shujin Academy accepted you, Kurusu-kun. It's difficult for a student with your background to secure a spot here. You can make a fresh start and prove to everyone that you can change. However, let me be clear: if you cause trouble at this school or tarnish our reputation, you'll be expelled immediately."

Akira's expression hardened. He knew he had no room for error, but the principal's words were far from comforting. "I understand."

A brisk knock sounded, and the door swung open, revealing a slender woman with disheveled, curly black hair. She wore a yellow sweater and a knee-length denim skirt, and the dark circles under her eyes accentuated her pale complexion. Beside her stood a female student who presented a sharp contrast. The girl maintained a perfect posture, her uniform devoid of wrinkles, and her short brown hair impeccably styled.

Principal Kobayakawa introduced them, "Ah, Kurusu-kun, this is your homeroom teacher, Sadayo Kawakami. And this is Makoto Niijima, the Student Council President and one of our prestigious students at Shujin Academy. Every student here must maintain at least a 'C' to continue studying, with no exceptions. Given your circumstances, I've asked Niijima-san to tutor you until the end of the school year."

Akira wanted to react, but he held his tongue. An awkward silence hung in the air until Makoto said, "I'm usually in the library after school, though there are days when I have student council meetings. We can meet somewhere comfortable for you if your guardian approves." She glanced at Sojiro, who shrugged. "It's fine by me."

Makoto turned to the principal, asking. "Is that be all, Sir?"

Kobayakawa nodded, "Yes, you're free to go, Niijima-san." Makoto promptly left the office.

Kawakami, her hands trembling with fear, approached Akira. She stopped a few feet away, extending a handbook and student ID. She seemed to avoid making eye contact as if looking at Akira would be frowned upon. Ignoring her rudeness, Akira accepted the items. "Make sure you read the rules by tomorrow. Any violations will be directed to the guidance counselor, beyond my control."

Akira examined the handbook and noticed a folded pink and white leaflet. Perplexed, he asked, "Um… is this yours?"

He attempted to retrieve the flyer, but Kawakami swiftly snatched it, concealing it in her pocket. "Oh, how foolish of me. I mistakenly placed my lesson plan in your booklet. It's a good thing you noticed before going home; I wouldn't know what to do without my lesson plan." Kawakami shifted nervously, and everyone observed her.

Sojiro, tapping his foot impatiently, turned his attention to the principal. "Are we done here? I have a store to get back to."

"Yes, we're finished," Kobayakawa confirmed. "Sakura-san, keep a close eye on him. Ensure he stays in line outside of school." He addressed Akira, "And remember what I told you. Stay in your lane, and there won't be any issues here."

"I'm sure the kid understands," Sojiro muttered. "Akira, we're going."

Remembering one last detail, Kawakami halted Akira. "When you arrive tomorrow, come to the faculty office. I'll show you to your classroom."

After a few exchanges, Sojiro and Akira left the principal's office. Kawakami leaned forward, resting her palms on the principal's desk, and asked, "Do you think I'm capable of teaching him? Why couldn't someone else step in?"

Kobayakawa leaned back into his chair, and Kawakami rolled her eyes at the creaky sound it made. "Every other classroom is full, and you know this," he replied. "But don't worry, you're not responsible for whatever happens to that boy. We can always say we tried to turn him into a good citizen, but deep down, he's a criminal and will remain so."

At the school's entrance, Sojiro slumped his shoulders. Being in the same room with the principal and the teacher made him uneasy, not that he cared about his new ward, but he thought they could at least welcome him. "I never thought the staff would treat a student like a pest," he remarked to Akira. "Guess that's what happens with a criminal record. Now you have a babysitter. You better not cause trouble because I won't hesitate to kick you out. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, sir," Akira replied, not trying to sound upset. He knew he was just a burden to the school.

Sojiro sighed, "Listen, I can tell you are a quiet kid. I don't see you getting expelled. So, keep to yourself, speak when spoken to, and you'll have a good year." Without waiting for a response, Sojiro turned around and exited the school with Akira.

###

Kawakami released a frustrated sigh as she reached the courtyard, finally allowing the pent-up anger to surface. She leaned against the aluminum fence, her gaze fixed on the fallen Japanese Cherry Blossoms, her favorite part of spring. The season was just perfect – not too cold, not too warm. "Why me?" she mumbled to herself.

A week ago, Principal Kobayakawa announced during a meeting that Shujin Academy would receive three transfer students. Everyone found it odd since they were due to arrive a week after the semester started. It was then revealed that one of the transfers, Akira Kurusu, had a criminal record. The teachers, herself included, were taken aback by the news. What added to her dismay was that Kurusu would be in her class.

Later, she sought an explanation from the principal. However, Kobayakawa went on about how Shujin Academy's reputation would benefit from "taking in a criminal" and "reforming him into an honorable citizen." The thought made her feel uneasy. When she observed Kurusu's calm demeanor during their meeting, it left her wondering if he genuinely had committed a crime or if he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now, she regretted her initial cold reception.

"I've finally found you," a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. Suguru Kamoshida, an Olympic gold medalist and Shujin's PE teacher and volleyball coach, stood before her. Kamoshida is considered handsome by the female students, but to Kawakami, his enormous ego makes him obnoxious.

"What is it?" she asked. "Do you need something from me?"

Kamoshida leaned on the fence, resting his forearms on the rail. "I noticed that frown on your face, so I figured you'd met your new transfer student. You've certainly found yourself in a troublesome situation."

Kawakami rolled her eyes. "If you're here to make me even more miserable, please leave. I've had enough of this. Why me, of all the teachers? There are more suitable candidates to keep that boy in line," she complained.

Ignoring her complaints, Kamoshida gently took her hands into his larger hands. "Hey, I understand your frustration. How could Principal Kobayakawa accept someone with a criminal record?"

Kawakami withdrew her hands and wrapped her arms around her thin waist. "You know how the principal is. He's all about boosting the school's reputation."

Kamoshida sneered. "You would think my volleyball team's success would be enough."

"You're right," she admitted. Ever since Kamoshida became the head coach, the school's popularity has soared. Both male and female teams won every match, and university coaches were scouting the players. Yet, at the back of Kawakami's mind, something felt off. The students seemed to have more bruises than usual. Still, she was a teacher and couldn't interfere with students' lives. She has her problems to deal with.

"Just be careful, okay? If the delinquent causes any problems for you, let me know, and I'll have him kicked out immediately."

"He should do us all a favor and not show up," she muttered, a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew she shouldn't say such things as a teacher, especially in front of another educator. "I think I should go. I need to review my notes for tomorrow."

Kamoshida flashed that irritating smile. "Well, I need to get back to practice. I want the teams in top shape for the volleyball rally. People have high expectations, and I don't want to disappoint them."

"I have so much on my mind that I nearly forgot."

His annoyance was evident in his raised eyebrow, but his smile remained. "Well, I'm glad I could remind you." With that, Kamoshida headed towards the gym, vanishing behind the metal doors.

Sighing in relief, Kawakami made her way to the main building. She could go through her lesson plans for tomorrow. She couldn't help but hope that the students wouldn't discover Kurusu's criminal record. That would be a disaster. Yet, maybe he wouldn't even show up tomorrow, the next day, or perhaps the entire school year.

###

The traffic in Tokyo was unbearable, with no progress for the past twenty minutes. Akira winced as Sojiro slammed his fist onto the dashboard, muttering, "Son of a bitch," and shooting a disgruntled look at Akira. "This is exactly why I didn't want to drive you myself. Since you arrived, you've done nothing but bring trouble."

"Why did you come then?" Akira retorted, frustration evident in his tone. He didn't care if he seemed ungrateful to the older man. "I could have made my way there. You're just like everyone else. You find out about my past and then treat me like dirt." Akira turned his head towards the window, concealing the pain in his eyes. "I don't understand why you took me in if you knew I would cause you trouble."

Sojiro's eyes remained fixed on the traffic. "Your folks probably told you about me. They asked me to take you in when no one else would. Plus, your father is paying me well." He glanced at the school handbook on Akira's lap. "Do you think you'll like Shujin? I know the principal and teacher were harsh on you."

Akira ran his fingers over the academy's crest. "It seems okay. I can't say if I'll like it until tomorrow."

Their conversation ended there. Akira gazed at the people on the sidewalk while Sojiro grumbled about needing a bathroom break. After nearly an hour, the traffic finally started moving. Vehicles squeezed into a single lane to bypass a two-car accident. Akira glanced at Sojiro's window and noticed a little girl covered in a white sheet. Sojiro saw her too and sighed. "Poor girl. Seems like younger ones are dying more than the elders these days."

By the time Akira and Sojiro reached the café, it was evening. Sojiro frowned when he saw the lights on and customers inside. "What the hell?" Sojiro pushed open the door and stood there, surprised. Behind the counter, wearing a Café Leblanc apron, was Wakaba Sakura, while his stepdaughter, Futaba, cleared tables.

"What are you two doing here?" Sojiro walked around the counter and faced his wife. "We agreed to keep the shop closed today."

Wakaba shrugged. "I knew you'd be in a foul mood all day for not opening your favorite child, so I decided to do it. Plus, I thought it would be better for Futaba to take a break from her electronics." She then turned to Akira. "Hello, Akira. It's wonderful to meet you finally. My name is Wakaba Sakura, but please call me Wakaba. And that little sunshine there is my daughter, Futaba."

"Nice to meet you both." Akira glanced at Futaba, and their eyes briefly met before she returned to her duties. "I didn't know Sakura-san had any family."

"Sojiro isn't great at introducing his family, especially to those under his guardianship for a year," Wakaba told Akira, casting a disapproving look at Sojiro. She then turned back to Akira. "So, how's Shujin Academy? Do you think you'll like it there?"

Akira settled on a stool and sat down. "Well, I think I'll manage. My homeroom teacher and the principal don't seem too thrilled to have me, and I can't say I'm thrilled about it either."

Wakaba raised an eyebrow. "They're not excited to have you? What makes you think that? Did they say or do something unusual?"

"Sojiro spoke up as he took the dishes from Futaba. "The principal said Akira's only there to boost the school's image. And don't get me started on that homeroom teacher. What's her name again?"

"Kawakami," Akira replied.

"Kawakami?" Wakaba chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?"

Akira was curious now. "You know my homeroom teacher?"

"Not really," Wakaba shrugged. "Futaba goes to Shujin as a first-year, and Kawakami seems nice, but there's something off about her. The first time I saw her was during Futaba's orientation. She arrived late, all sweaty and out of breath. I also have a friend who's a teacher, and she mentioned that Kawakami is always late to meetings and looks like she's about to pass out from exhaustion." Wakaba then turned to Sojiro. "Was Shujin Academy Akira's only option? He shouldn't have to put up with teachers' nonsense because of his criminal record."

"Yeah, well, no other school wanted him because of his record," Sojiro remarked, drying all the clean plates and setting them on the counter in the kitchen to put back into their place tomorrow. He then made sure everything was locked up and checked for his keys. "Are you two ready to head home? It's getting late, and Akira needs to get some sleep before his first day at Shujin."

Wakaba watched Sojiro as he approached the door with a frown. "Sojiro, aren't you forgetting something?"

Sojiro patted his pockets for keys and wallet, then turned to her and said, "No."

"Aren't you going to feed Akira before you leave?"

"The kid's parents packed him enough food."

Sojiro's words didn't sway Wakaba. She turned to Akira with concern. "Akira, when was the last time you ate? And don't like to me."

"I'm not hungry, so can all go," Akira replied. He felt uncomfortable being the center of attention and watched as Sojiro and Futaba appeared awkward.

"When was the last time you ate?" Wakaba insisted.

Akira felt like he was backed into a corner. "On the train."

"On the train," Wakaba repeated, then turned to Sojiro. Her formerly war expression twisted into anger. "I can't believe you let him go without eating since yesterday. What's wrong with you?"

"Why are you making such a big fuss?" Sojiro retorted. "If he wants to starve himself, let him. The kid can get his own food without me holding his hand. He's not even under your care, and you're already pampering him, Wakaba."

"Maybe he should be pampered. Honestly, Sojiro, I don't even recognize you anymore." Wakaba shot back and then looked at Futaba. "Go home with Sojiro. I will take Akira to that food truck around the corner if it's still there."

Akira shook his head. "Wakaba, you don't have to do this. I'll be fine, honestly."

"Listen to the boy, Wakaba. If he's fine, then he's fine."

"Okay." Wakaba removed her apron and let it fall to the floor, then turned to Akira. "Let's go then. Futaba, make sure you have all your things." Futaba scrambled to collect her belongings and stuff them into her backpack. Before the Sakura family left the café, Wakaba turned to Akira and said, "Make sure you eat something before bed." And with that, the Sakuras departed.

Not long after they left, Akira's stomach rumbled. He knew he was starving, but he didn't want to accept Wakaba's offer. I don't want to be a burden to anyone else. Akira retrieved some ramen from his luggage, poured water into a bowl, and placed it in the microwave to cook. While the ramen warmed up, he took out his phone and tried to memorize the route to Shujin Academy. The thought of riding a crowded train made him anxious.

After finishing his dinner, Akira changed into his pajamas and got under the blanket. Despite his fatigue, he lay on his back, staring at the ceiling.

###

Makoto meticulously reviewed her essay on The Scarlet Letter, a project due in Ms. Chouno's English class the following day. Each student was tasked with crafting a five-page report on a subject related to the literature. Makoto had chosen to focus on the public humiliation experienced by Hester Prynne. While she had already completed the essay two days earlier, she wanted to ensure its flawless quality.

As she continued to read and make minor adjustments, her phone screen flashed, prompting her to set down her pen and investigate. Glancing at her phone, she noticed messages from members of the Student Council. She rolled her eyes at the students' off-topic discussions, hoping it was necessary. Opening the messaging app, she began scrolling through the texts, her eyes widening at what she discovered.

"President, have you heard about this?"

"Why would Principal Kobayakawa allow a criminal on our campus?"

"Told my parents, and they don't want me to attend Shujin anymore."

"His criminal record is all over the school forum. There's no way this is a lie."

Makoto was taken aback. Why would the principal jeopardize the students' safety like this? She dropped her phone and promptly opened her laptop, connecting to the school's forum. There, she spotted a threat titled 'SHUJIN'S NEW CRIMINAL' in capital letters. Akira Kurusu? The same Akira Kurusu she had seen this morning?

Makoto clicked on the PDF version of Kurusu's criminal record, and on the first page, she was confronted with a mugshot of Kurusu taken shortly after his arrest. His grey eyes appeared to reflect anger, dear, and despair. "This isn't the same guy I saw this morning," she mumbled as she read through the record, reaching the police report.

The report detailed an incident where a woman had called the police due to a disturbance in a residential area of a rural town. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers found a distressed woman and a man bleeding from a forehead wound. The woman initially explained that the man, later identified as her boyfriend, was accompanying her to her front door when Kurusu suddenly attacked him, pushing him to the ground. When she attempted to call the police, Kurusu fled down the street.

Makoto let out a deep sigh, leaning back in her chair, not bothering to read the rest of the report. Her mind began to race. Did Kurusu run away from the consequences of his actions? Was that why Ms. Kawakami and Principal Kobayakawa wanted her to keep a watchful eye on him? But why hadn't they asked her opinion?

"What's that?"

Makoto jumped in her seat, her eyes darting to Sae as she removed her blazer and hung it on the coat rack. "Sis! Don't sneak up on me like that!" She scolded her sister, taking a moment to regain her composure before speaking in a calmer tone. "Why are you home so early? You should have called so I could have dinner ready."

"I ordered takeout on my way here," Sae replied, presenting a plastic bag as she walked over to the table. She set the bag down, unpacked the containers, and arranged them around the table. Sae's gaze then shifted to the laptop screen, and she frowned. "Makoto, why are you looking at a police report?"

Makoto muttered a curse, but she knew she couldn't lie to her sister. Sae would easily see through it and persist until she got the truth. Makoto reluctantly slides the laptop toward Sae. "The Student Council members were discussing a transfer student who will be starting school at Shujin Academy tomorrow," she began, noticing the complex expression forming on Sae's face. "Sis?"

Sae's voice grew angrier as she spoke. "How could the principal recklessly admit a delinquent like this boy into a prestigious school like Shujin? I mean, how will parents react when they realize they're sending their children to a place that's supposed to educate them but is now accepting anyone off the streets?" Makoto flinched at the intensity of her sister's words. Sae gripped the back of a chair. "I don't want you anywhere near that boy, Makoto. And I mean it. I don't need you distracted from your future."

Makoto forced a nervous chuckle. "That might be a bit difficult, you see."

"What do you mean?" Sae inquired.

"Remember when I mentioned Principal Kobayakawa Kawakami-sensei wanted to talk to me this morning?" Sae nodded. "Well, they wanted me to tutor the transfer student for the entire year."

"And you agreed!?"

Makoto winced. "That was before I knew about his criminal record, Sis. The principal promised to write me a recommendation letter for any university I choose if I keep Kurusu's grades up. Although, in hindsight, it did seem a bit strange that they wanted me to act as a babysitter."

"A recommendation from the principal would certainly enhance your college application," Sae mused, running a hand through her hair. She let out a sigh before continuing. "As much as I dislike this, I'll allow you to undertake this task, bit," she added, raising a finger, "if I notice your grades are slipping, you must speak to the principal and inform him that you're not fit to handle a delinquent. Handing a student, especially a young girl like you, is not your responsibility. It's a teacher's job."

Makoto smiled in gratitude. "Thank you, Sis. I promise."