Filthy. That's what Ann feels – filthy. It's all because of the way Kamoshida touched her inappropriately as she entered school this morning, the way he ran his hands through her hair as if she were property, and the sinister thoughts hidden behind his smile. Ann knows what goes on in that man's mind. Kamoshida's aggressiveness has escalated, and Ann's excuses are running thin.
As Ann reached the first floor, nausea washed over her, and she rushed to the nearest restroom. She nearly collided with the student council president, her shoulders tensing in the presence of someone else. Thankfully, the bathroom was empty. Inside the stall, Ann leaned over and emptied her stomach, tears blurring her vision as she crumpled to the tile floor. She despised herself for feeling so vulnerable, but she felt trapped. Ann endured Kamoshida's harassment to ensure her best friend's place on the volleyball team.
Checking her phone, Ann noted the time. Volleyball practice was about to start. She longed to watch Shiho in practice, but Kamoshida forbade anyone from entering the gym, citing the need to protect the 'secret behind the success.' The former coach had welcomed spectators, but Ann's concerns deepened when she noticed the athletes' bruises, especially on her best friend, Shiho Suzui.
A creaking door signified the arrival of a couple of girls. Ann concealed her phone and pressed herself against the stall door, waiting for them to leave.
"Did you see Takamaki and Kamoshida-sensei after school? She was all over him."
"Ugh, that slut."
"I heard from a volleyball team member that they're fucking in the PE faculty room. That's why she always stays after school. The dumb bitch doesn't know when to stop chasing after Kamoshida-sensei.
"Isn't she friends with that girl, Suzui, who's on the starting lineup?"
"She's probably using her to get to Kamoshida-sensei."
Laughter followed as the girls exited the restroom. Ann burst out of the stall, leaned against the sink, and cried. Those words stung the most among all the hateful comments she endured, like being labeled as Kamoshida's whore. Ann stared at her reflection, feeling utterly pathetic.
Ann balled her right hand into a fist and punched the mirror, shattering it. She ignored the blood and pain in her knuckles. Hearing the doorknob turn, Ann snapped her head toward the student council president, who observed the vandalized mirror with displeasure. "You know it's against the rules to damage school property."
"I'll pay for the damages," Ann calmly replied as she wrapped her hand in paper towels. Stepping out of the restroom, she decided to wait in the courtyard until volleyball practice ended since she didn't have anywhere to be and had no desire to go to the library. She settled under the alcove, completed her homework, and started working.
Ann completed her math homework just as volleyball practice concluded. The gym doors swung open, revealing the exhausted and bruised athletes. Shiho was the last to emerge, moving slowly with her head down, her schoolbag dragging along the concrete walkway. Ann frowned at the freshly bandaged wrist on Shiho's right hand.
Ann stood and called out, "Shiho!" Shiho raised her head, scanning the courtyard until she spotted Ann. Ann waved vigorously from under the alcove and approached, allowing Shiho to sit on the bench.
Shiho tried to hide her discomfort as she settled down beside Ann. Concerned, Ann inquired about her friend's well-being, noting her apparent exhaustion and physical strain. Shiho's eyes were sunken, her face paler than usual, and Ann noticed a purple bruise above her right eye. Shiho attempted to brush it off. "You can stop looking at me like I'm about to collapse, Ann. I'm perfectly fine… just tired."
Her eyes shifted towards Ann's injured hand. "Oh my God, Ann! What happened to your hand?! It's bleeding!"
"It's just a scratch," Ann dismissed it, then rested her hand on Shiho's uninjured knee. "Enough about me. Seriously, Shiho, are you okay? And please, don't lie to me. You've been practicing excessively, and I can tell you barely eat."
"I told you I'm fine!" Shiho's voice grew louder, causing Ann to withdraw her hand. She sighed, not wanting Ann to perceive her as a burden but also wanting her to back off regarding her health and volleyball practice. "I'm sorry for snapping. It's just like I said, I'm tired. I haven't been getting much sleep lately. Every time I close my eyes, I think about nationals. It's coming up soon, and I'm questioning whether Kamoshida-sensei made a mistake by putting me on the starting lineup."
"You're overthinking," Ann reassured. "You need to believe in your skills more. You're the best player on the team because you work harder than anyone else. Kamoshida is a great coach, and he recognized your talent. He wouldn't have placed you on the starting lineup if you weren't capable."
Shiho managed a small smile. "You're right. I'm being silly." She shifted her injured wrist, wincing at the pain.
"That looks swollen, Shiho. You should see a doctor soon." Last week, Ann had seen a bruise on her knee, now hidden beneath a brace, and today, a swollen wrist. What would be next? Her face?
"It's nothing. I was careless today. My head was in the clouds, and now I face the consequences. I promised Kamoshida-sensei that it wouldn't happen again." Ann frowned but didn't press for the truth, knowing that volleyball players didn't discuss practice details.
Footsteps approached the alcove, and Ann and Shiho turned to see a short, blue-haired student in the volleyball team uniform, one of Ann's classmates, Yuuki Mishima. He was timid and kept to himself, much like Shiho, and he was also covered in bruises. Mishima stood before the girls, looking uneasy at Ann as if she shouldn't be there. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Suzui-san, but uh… Kamoshida-sensei wants to speak with you."
Ann saw Shiho's body tense and fear in her eyes, but she tried to mask it with a smile. "Did Kamoshida-sensei say why?"
Mishima shook his head somberly. Sensing Shiho's apprehension, Ann grabbed her hand and held it tightly. "Don't worry too much. Kamoshida probably wants to discuss the starting lineup."
"Yeah, it shouldn't be anything serious." Shiho stood up, and Ann followed suit. "Well, I shouldn't keep Coach waiting. I'll see you tomorrow, right? Before the volleyball rally?"
"You know it!" Ann replied with a big smile, attempting to lighten the mood. She watched Shiho and Mishima head to the practice building. Once they were inside, her smile faded.
Kamoshida is causing those bruises on Shiho. I know it. How long before that monster inflicts more than just bruises? He could harm her like he did Ryuji. Maybe I should give in to Kamoshida and go on a date. It's just one date. Ann wrapped her arms around her waist. But from his advances, a date isn't all he wants.
###
Ann was bored, a rare occurrence that didn't stem from struggling to stay awake during tedious classroom lectures. No, this time, it was due to her presence in a posh restaurant in Shibuya, seated next to the one man she loathed most – Kamoshida. Ann had no say in the choice of the venue or her attire, as Kamoshida's words were law, and questioning him was out of the question. She had been at home, working on her homework in bed, when she received a text from Kamoshida. All it said was, "Put on the red dress I like." That directive led her to her uncomfortable seat beside Kamoshida.
"Make sure to put on a pleasant face before my friends arrive," Kamoshida commanded her in a hushed tone.
Ann straightened her posture upon hearing his words and replied, "Friends? You didn't mention you were bringing friends." She was disconcerted at the thought of listening to Kamoshida and his friends discussing whatever grown men talked about, mainly if they were anything like him.
"I don't owe you an explanation. You follow orders, or Suzui's place on the team will be in jeopardy. Do you understand me?"
Ann wanted to cry, but she suppressed her emotions for her best friend's sake. Moreover, she didn't want to appear weak in front of Kamoshida. Raising her non-alcoholic drink, she smiled at Kamoshida, her expression befitting a magazine cover. "When do your friends arrive? I can't wait to meet them," she said sweetly, even though she felt like retching.
"They're here now."
Ann turned slightly in her chair to see two men around Kamoshida's age approaching. Much like Kamoshida, the men were tall and muscular, and Ann instantly deduced that they were also retired Olympians. Kamoshida rose from her seat with a broad grin, embracing his friends and patting their backs as if he hadn't seen them in years. Ann sat awkwardly, eyeing the men.
One of Kamoshida's friends nodded towards Ann. "Who's the lovely lady?"
"This is Ann Takamaki," Kamoshida said, gently taking Ann's hand and helping her out of her seat. "My girl," he added while gazing into Ann's blue eyes.
Ann cleared her throat and pulled her hand from Kamoshida's grip, noticing the sinister look in his eyes. His other friends stepped forward with a warm smile. "You're quite stunning, my dear. I can tell you're not entirely Japanese. May I ask what your background is?"
"I'm part Finnish," Ann replied shyly. "My mom is from Finland."
"See, I told you she was a beauty," Kamoshida boasted, draping an arm around Ann's slender waist.
Throughout dinner, Ann sat at the table, feeling uninterested as she picked at her food while the men conversed. They discussed politics, upcoming Olympians, and, of course, Shujin Academy. Ann gripped her dress tightly as Kamoshida commented on the volleyball team, making statements like "I've been a bit anxious about coaching the volleyball team since what happened to the track team" and "Those kids have been more spirited than ever since I took over as their coach." Ann knew Kamoshida was lying. From what she observed with Shiho, the volleyball team seemed far from happy. They would hide their bruises in odd places but put on smiles.
Once Kamoshida and Ann bid farewell, Kamoshida drove her home. Ann reclined in the passenger's seat, gazing out the window. "So," Ann finally said as they left the buffet, "you took me out to dinner to flaunt me to your friends. I'm right, aren't I? You treat me like an object. But I'm not."
Kamoshida grunted. "They wouldn't have believed me until they saw you in person. And don't act all feminist on me. You love the attention. Those piercing gazes upon your body are like an addiction to you. You can't resist. Why else would you light up at seeing yourself on magazine covers? Because you crave attention."
Kamoshida pulled into the Takamaki estate's driveway and turned off the car. "You're so beautiful, you know that?" He caressed Ann's check. "But, of course, you do. That's how you captivate every man you meet."
"I didn't captivate you," Ann's voice quivered.
"But you did." Ann tensed as Kamoshida leaned closer. "How about giving me a tour of your mansion?" His large hand began inching up Ann's dress, halting at her inner thigh.
Ann swiftly shut her legs. "I have homework to do." She didn't bother saying goodbye, jumping out of the vehicle and heading up the stairs to the front door. After Kamoshida drove away, Ann quietly closed the door, dropped to the floor, and wept.
###
Ann awoke with a piercing scream, her heart racing. Instinctively, she clutched her comforter, scanning her surroundings in frantic search of the menacing figure that haunted her dreams. Her anxiety gave way to relief as she realized she was safe in her bedroom. Glancing at her nightstand, she squinted at the digital clock, which displayed the unforgiving time of 3:15 AM. Ann released a weary groan and sank back into the embrace of her satin sheets.
Turning her gaze upward, she stared at her ceiling, trying to count sheep in the hope of drifting back to sleep. But her futile efforts persisted because the haunting figure still lurked in her mind.
Overwhelmed by nausea, Ann abruptly sprang from her bed, hurrying to the adjacent bathroom. As she raised the toilet seat, she retched, emptying the contents of her dinner, a meal prepared by her maids. After flushing the toilet, she curled beside the bathtub, tears streaming down her cheeks, and eventually cried herself to sleep.
April 13th
"The volleyball rally is about to begin. All students change into your gym uniforms and report to the gymnasium."
Upon hearing the announcement, class 2-D erupted into chatter. Students couldn't wait to see Kamoshida in his natural element, except for Akira, Ann, and Mishima. Akira curiously glanced at the quiet boy sporting the volleyball jersey. After his chat with Ryuji the previous night, something didn't sit right in Akira's stomach. His new friend had informed him that Kamoshida physically abused the track team, resulting in Ryuji's leg injury. Akira suspected Kamoshida was doing the same to the volleyball team. Yuuki Mishima had been covered in bruises since Akira's first day at Shujin and likely even before that.
Once Mr. Ushimaru released the students, they gathered their school bags and hurried to the gymnasium. Akira quickly dug into his bag for Takamaki's textbook he had meant to give to her. "Uh, Takamaki-san?" he called out as she placed her pen and notebook into her bag. Ann turned around with a solemn expression. Akira held out her Biology book and said, "You forgot your textbook yesterday. I wanted to give it to you then, but you were talking to Kamoshida."
Takamaki blinked in surprise. "Oh, I didn't realize I left it. Thank you," she said as she took the book from him. They walked together to the Practice Building silently as they went to the locker rooms. After changing his gym clothes, Akira stowed his school uniform in his bag, exited the boys' locker room, and followed a small group into the gymnasium.
Loud music blared through the speakers as the Shujin Dance Team performed their routine on the sideline while the volleyball teams practiced on the court. The bleachers were nearly full when Akira spotted a seat next to some of his classmates. Some students noticed him approaching and made space for him to sit. Feeling awkward, Akira ran his hand through his hair, scanning for another vacant spot when his phone buzzed.
Ryuji: Look straight.
Akira glanced up and spotted the bleached blonde sitting alone on the floor. Akira tucked his phone back into his pocket and made his way over to Ryuji. He noticed Ann sitting by herself as well, looking disinterested. However, her expression changed when Kamoshida approached her. Ann nodded and even smiled as she talked with him, but her smile suddenly dropped, and her eyes seemed to plead for help.
Kamoshida wrapped his arms around her in a hug, but Ann's body language suggested something was amiss. Kamoshida eventually let go, said a few more words to her, and then took a megaphone. The music stopped, and Kamoshida stood at the center of the court to address the crowd.
"Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, boys, and girls. I want to thank everyone for coming here today to cheer on the volleyball team," he began. He gestured for the athletes to step forward. "These students, your pupils, will attend nationals next month. It's because of their hard work, discipline, and coaching skills that have made them recognized all over the country!"
Kamoshida held up a volleyball. "Now, Who's ready for some volleyball?"
###
The first two hours went by quickly. The girl's volleyball team played a few matches, and the side where Akira was sitting won thanks to the starting player's incredible skills. The crowd cheered when she spiked the ball and earned her team points. However, Akira couldn't help but notice a bruise on her eye, raising concerns about Kamoshida potentially abusing the girls as well.
The boy's team then played against Kamoshida's team, which consisted of teachers and retired Olympians. Kamoshida intentionally spiked the volleyball in one of the players' faces, knocking him to the floor. The gym fell silent, and Kamoshida rushed to the injured student, who turned out to be Mishima.
"Hey, Mishima, are you okay?" Kamoshida asked, kneeling beside him. "Hey, you two, take him to the nurse's office."
Two volleyball players helped Mishima to his feet and guided him out of the gym. Something about Kamoshida's concerned look didn't sit right with Akira, and he turned to Ryuji, who nudged his shoulder and signaled for them to leave.
Akira followed Ryuji out of the gymnasium, and Ryuji paused in the hallway. "You remember last night when I told you about my time on the track team when Kamoshida was the head coach, with the whole physical abuse thing?"
"You feel that Kamoshida is abusing the volleyball team, right?" Akira asked, and Ryuji nodded. "I had the same feeling when I saw Mishima with bruises, and the starter also had them. At first, I thought it was due to practice, but I had a friend who played volleyball at my old school. They didn't have nearly as many injuries as this team."
"It ain't from practice," Ryuji grumbled. "Kamoshida beats them to a pulp, yet no one wants to say a damn thing. It's the track team all over again! I was the only one who stood up to that bastard, and look where it got me. I need is someone to come forward, exposin' Kamoshida and his doings."
Akira watched in silence as Ryuji punched the wall in frustration. He could feel how frustrating it was, considering he was still in the same situation. Akira spotted two volleyball players approaching them, both bearing visible injuries. The latter one had a bandage over his eyes, and the short one wore a knee brace.
"Sakamoto," the taller boy said, then glanced at Akira. "…And the transfer student. "What are you two doing here?"
"Is Mishima going to be alright?" Akira asked. "Kamoshida's spike looked like it hurt."
"He has a headache, but he'll manage. Mishima might not look it, but he's a tough cookie. It's the downside of being a volleyball player."
Ryuji snorted. "Is that what Kamoshida forcin' you to say? That gettin' hit by a volleyball is part of the sport? Because that looked intentional."
The short athlete narrowed his eyes. "What are you getting at, Sakamoto?"
Akira leaned closer to Ryuji. "I'm going to talk to Mishima." Ryuji nodded, watching the athletes, as Akira entered the nurse's office.
Mishima was shirtless, and his body bore numerous bruises on his chest, back, and ribcage. He appeared startled upon seeing Akira and quickly pulled his shirt over his injured upper body."
"Why are you here, Kurusu? Shouldn't you be at the rally with everyone else?" Beads of sweat form on Mishima's forehead.
Akira blinked, trying to erase the disturbing image from his mind. "I wanted to see how you're doing. Kamoshida packed a punch when he spiked you." He paused, tucking his hands into his pockets before continuing. "Mishima, that wasn't an accident, right? Kamoshida meant to hit you."
Mishima seemed as if he'd seen a ghost. "Wha – of course, it was an accident. You must be seeing things."
"If you think I'm wrong, why aren't you looking at me?" Akira tilted his head, maintaining eye contact. "Mishima, look me in the eyes and tell me that Kamoshida isn't physically abusing you and the other volleyball players."
"Where did you hear that absurd rumor? From Sakamoto? I know you two are best friends now, and he's bound to start feeding you lies since he ruined the track team." Mishima retorted, gripping the bed sheets tightly.
"Leave before I call the nurse," he added.
Akira stood his ground. "Mishima, we're trying to help you. Why isn't anyone speaking up about Kamoshida? Is it because he's taking the team to nationals? That's not a good reason to hide behind the scars." Mishima didn't say a word. "Answer me, dammit!"
"Nurse!" Mishima shouted, summoning the older, chubby woman from her office. "I'm trying to rest, but he," Mishima pointed at Akira, "is bothering me even though I repeatedly asked him to leave.
The nurse placed her hands on her hips and gave Akira a stern glare. "I know exactly who you are. If you know what's best for you, leave before I call the principal. You have no business in here. Get out."
With a last look at Mishima, Akira left the room. He found Ryuji waiting in the hallway, looking annoyed. "Those damn bastards," Ryuji muttered, clearly affected by what he had seen. His gaze shifted to Akira. "How's Mishima doin'? Did he say anythin'?"
"He wouldn't say a word when I questioned him, and he called the nurse on me," Akira explained. "You should've seen him, Ryuji. Mishima had bruises all over his body. It was horrifying. But enough about Mishima. Did those volleyball players say something?"
"They didn't say shit," Ryuji scoffed, clenching his fist in anger. "All I wanted was for them to confess, even a hint, but they accused me of trying to ruin Kamoshida and the volleyball team's future because I'm jealous. It's so frustratin' that nobody wants to confess. Everyone is denyin' the abuse as if they don't care that Kamoshida is hurtin' them."
"Someone here bounds to say something eventually," Akira reassured Ryuji.
"Yeah, well, who?" Ryuji questioned, appearing unsure.
"Attention, attention. The volleyball rally has concluded. Please get ready and go home for the day."
"Damn, we ran outta time," Ryuji mumbled. They then heard footsteps approaching the deserted hallway and noticed Kamoshida coming to them. "What the hell?" Ryuji breathed out.
Kamoshida sneered at them before entering the nurse's office. Ryuji signaled for Akira to follow, and they entered the room. Kamoshida glared at Mishima, who appeared downtrodden.
"I… I think I will head home and rest for the day, Kamoshida-sensei. My head isn't focused right now," Mishima stated.
"So, that's it, huh? You're not coming to practice because of a little injury. You're such a wimp, Mishima. Might as well quit while you still can," Kamoshida taunted. "The team will be better off without you anyway. You're nothing but dead weight."
"I'm… I'm sorry." Mishima muttered, bowing his head in shame.
Ryuji had enough of Kamoshida for one day. He confronted the coach and glared at him. "Leave Mishima alone. Can't you see that he isn't up for practice today after you damn near broke his nose?"
Kamoshida let out an annoyed sigh and looked at Ryuji with disinterest. "Sakamoto, when are you going to learn to mind your business? A couple of my boys informed me that you and your little friend played detective rather than participating in the rally." He shifted his gaze to Akira. "Didn't the principal tell you to stay in your lane? Be smart and follow that advice." Kamoshida then turned to Mishima. "Go home if you want, but don't bother showing your face at practice again."
"Mishima…" Mishima flinched at Kamoshida's harsh words as he left the room. Akira observed Mishima, who seemed on the verge of tears.
"Don't. Just don't." Mishima said, gripping the bedsheets and closing his eyes as if in pain. "You think you're helping us by making us confess, but you're only making it worse. Our parents, the principal, and teachers know but don't care. As long as Kamoshida is around, we're enslaved to him."
"No fuckin' way. Everyone knows, but…" Ryuji grunted. "How can parents let that scumbag lay his hands on their children?" He clenched his fists. "All everyone cares about is the damn volleyball team's reputation so that Kamoshida will write a recommendation letter. I knew adults were rotten, but this is making me sick."
"Like is said, there's nothing you can do," Mishima told them. "So, please, don't get us in trouble."
"No can do, Mishima. I won't let Kamoshida leave scars on the volleyball players like he did to the track team," Ryuji declared. "I will make him pay for what he has done. So, Mishima, can I count on you to make a statement to the police?"
Mishima didn't say a word.
###
Well, that was a total waste of time. Akira and Ryuji walked out of the nurse's office, frustrated by the realization that Mishima wouldn't speak the truth about Kamoshida's brutal training methods. The boys wandered around the school, brainstorming ideas for getting the students to confess.
"If Mishima wants to continue bein' a coward, then I have someone else in mind," Ryuji said. "There's this girl on the volleyball team named Shiho Suzui. She looks shy, but she's a beast on the court. You saw her at the rally, right? She's also best friends with Takamaki."
Akira nodded as he remembered seeing Takamaki grinning ear to ear when Shiho would score a point. "Yeah, I remember now. She had a fairly large bruise over her eye."
Ryuji scoffed. "I knew Kamoshida likes to hit on girls, but I didn't know he was physical."
As the pair entered the main building, they spotted Ann and Shiho standing in the middle of the hallway, conversing. Ann gestured at Shiho's eye, and Shiho shrugged. The boys watched them for a few seconds, and then Ryuji stepped into their line of sight. "Hey there, Suzui-san… Takamaki-san," he said.
Ann crossed her arms and stared at Ryuji disapprovingly. "Sakamoto, I haven't seen you in a while. I heard from the grapevine that you're causing trouble among the volleyball team. And let me guess, another person you want to 'question' is Shiho. Am I right?"
"Yeah, about that," Ryuji began, shifting his gaze to Shiho, who started to fidget.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Ann's eyes locked into Ryuji's. "Let's go, Shiho." With that, Ann turned to Shiho, wrapped her arm around her friend's shoulder, and walked farther down the hallway.
As he watched Ann walk away, Ryuji thought about how much Ann had changed since middle school. He's trying to save students from the nightmare he went through with Kamoshida, yet others would rather suffer so they can go to a prestigious college. Ryuji balled his hands into fists and yelled, "Some friend you are! You're just like everyone else in this damn school. You'd rather protect Kamoshida than your best friend."
Akira watched Ann say something to Shiho before she spun around, marched up to Ryuji, and slapped him across his face, leaving a red handprint. "How dare you say that to me?! You think I want Kamoshida to lay his hands on Shiho and anyone else?" Before Ann could land another hit on Ryuji, she felt her wrist getting grabbed by Akira.
Both Ann and Ryuji were surprised by the quiet boy's action. Akira's grey eyes stared into Ann's bright blue eyes as he said, "If you care so much about Suzui-san, then help us. We can go to the police and tell them about Kamoshida."
Ann jerked her wrist away from Akira's grasp. "You two must be out of your minds to think the police would do anything. They would overlook the abuse because of Kamoshida's celebrity status." She turned to Ryuji. "Just let this go, Sakamoto. You're only going to cause more problems for the volleyball team." Ann gave them one last look before following Shiho to the school entrance.
"This is so fucked up!" Ryuji screamed in frustration, lowering his body to the floor. "All I want is for that bastard to get what he deserves and out of our hair. Who cares if he doesn't coach anymore? They don't need a recommendation letter with the talent the volleyball team has. I don't know who to ask anymore."
Heels clicking on the floor caught Akira's attention. He turned and saw Makoto taking down the volleyball rally posters from the bulletin board. A lightbulb turned on inside Akira's head. "I got an idea."
Ryuji stared up at his friend in confusion. "Huh?"
Akira pointed at Makoto. "If anything, the student council president must know about the abuse in the school. Maybe she can help."
"I highly doubt it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask," Ryuji said as he stood up, moving towards Makoto. However, Akira stopped him.
"Dude, what gives?" Ryuji asked.
"Maybe you should sit this one out," Akira suggested. "You had a rough day, so go home and rest. I'll text you if I have any information."
Ryuji hesitated for a few seconds before nodding and heading to the entrance. Looking back at Makoto, Akira took a deep breath and walked toward her. "Hey, Niijima-senpai…"
###
Makoto glanced out of the library windows, noticing the sky turning orange from the sunset. "Alright, we're done for the day." She watched Akira suspiciously as he stacked his textbooks into his bag. The boy had been reticent since they entered the library, and he even struggled with some questions.
"Kurusu-kun, are you okay? Are any of the volleyball players giving you trouble?" Makoto inquired.
"No, no, I came to ignore the rumors," Akira replied, biting his lower lip. He hesitated as his thoughts swirled around the potential consequences of asking Makoto about Kamoshida. "Do you mind if I ask you a serious question, Niijima-senpai?"
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Depends on the question."
"What do you know about Kamoshida?"
"I don't know Kamoshida-sensei personally, but many students look up to him for guidance after making the volleyball team practically unbeatable," she responded, choosing her words carefully. The incident in Principal Kobayakawa's office had made Makoto realize that anything involving Kamoshida would be swept under the rug.
"Since you're the student council president, have any students contacted you about Kamoshida's mysterious training methods? Do you know what Kamoshida does to the volleyball team during practice?" Akira pressed.
Makoto narrowed her eyes at Akira, disliking the way he was interrogating her over something she didn't know. "Why are you asking me these questions about Kamoshida-sensei? If you want to learn more about him, I suggest you ask him yourself since you and Sakamoto are so interested that you had to harass the volleyball team." Makoto almost laughed at Akira's shocked expression. "Oh, don't look so surprised, Kurusu-kun. You should know by now that the school gossips."
"Senpai, we didn't harass anyone," Akira defended himself. "All we wanted to know is where the bruises on the athletes came from."
"Excuse me?"
"As you said, the school talks. Surely, you've heard rumors of Kamoshida physically abusing the volleyball team. Those injuries they have aren't normal, Niijima-senpai." Akira leaned over the table. "Ryuji told me all about what happened to him while Kamoshida coached the track team. Intense workout, refusal to drink water, and beating them until they beg Kamoshida to stop."
Makoto sighed. "Yes, I heard about Sensei's intense training, but there isn't real evidence of physical abuse. From what I know, no student has come forward about Kamoshida-sensei."
Akira let out a frustrated sigh. "It's because the principal, teachers, and the parents know but keep quiet so that the athlete will get a recommendation letter signed by Kamoshida. That's the reason why no one is speaking up. This school only cares about the volleyball team and not the students' well-being. I thought you could use your position to convince students to tell the truth."
Makoto gazed down at her nails, reflecting on her doubts about Kamoshida, especially after he became the coach for the track team. When Sakamoto was injured, the track team disbanded, and Kamoshida took control of the volleyball team; Makoto knew something wasn't right. But what could she have done? Sae wanted her to mind her business and focus on her studies to attend a prestigious college. And the teachers would only see it as an issue if Shujin's reputation tarnishes.
"Niijima-senpai, is there any way you can help?" Makoto snapped back to reality when she heard Akira's voice.
Makoto took a deep breath. I hope this doesn't fire back at me. I have enough to deal with. "I have a classmate who used to be part of the volleyball team. She quit before school started to focus more on her studies. I'll ask her tomorrow morning," she got up from her chair, and Akira followed. "I can't guarantee anything, Kurusu-kun, but I will see if she says anything."
Akira smiled at the president. "Thanks, Niijima-senpai."