April 16th

Akira descended the stairs, swallowing two painkillers to dull the throbbing headache from a sleepless night haunted by nightmares. His alarm clock had jolted him awake, exacerbating his exhaustion. Entering the café, he scanned for Sojiro but found only Wakaba emerging from the kitchen with a plate of Japanese pancakes and coffee.

"Leaving without breakfast, Akira?" Wakaba asked. "No wonder you're as skinny as a twig. Doesn't Sojiro feed you?"

"He does," Akira replied, "but I try not to rely on him too much." His gaze searched for Sojiro again, but he didn't spot him. "Sorry, I used to see Sakura-san every morning and not –"

"I told Sojiro I'd open the café this morning," Wakaba explained, setting the plate and cup on the counter. "I thought you might need a change. Come, sit, and eat before it gets cold."

Reluctantly, Akira dropped his bag and took a seat. As he drizzled syrup over the pancakes, he found the sweetness unusual compared to his typical morning routine of curry. "So, how does it taste?" Wakaba asked, sneaking glances at him. "I know Sojiro cooks curry for you, but I thought you might want something different this time."

"It tastes delicious," Akira replied, sipping his coffee. "Thank you for breakfast."

Wakaba's fingers traced the countertop, her concern evident. "I'm sorry for my husband's rude behavior last night. But you must know that he – and I – were worried when you didn't come here immediately after Shujin let out early. It was bad enough that your homeroom teacher came to tell us about your impending expulsion."

After he finished his meal, Akira wiped his mouth and looked down. "I'm the one who should apologize. I understand your concerns, but please don't worry. Once I'm expelled, I won't be a burden on Sakura-san anymore. I won't be a burden to anyone." The air in Leblanc was heavy with silence, broken only by the rhythmic clinking of metal against porcelain as Akira concluded his breakfast.

Wakaba intercepted him as he rose from his seat, plate in hand, intending to make his way to the kitchen. "Don't worry about the plate. Get to school before you're late." Akira seemed to want to say something, but he only nodded, grabbed his school bag, and left the café. Wakaba watched him go solemnly, wishing he could confide in her so she could help him.

###

"You wanted to see me, Principal Kobayakawa?"

Makoto stood before the principal's desk as Kobayakawa turned his back to her. The portly man glanced through the window at the reporters attempting to interview students. Some students engaged with the reporters, sharing their fear after witnessing a fellow student's suicide attempt, while others tried to avoid answering questions.

"Principal Kobayakawa?" Makoto called out again.

As if Kobayakawa hadn't noticed the student council president's presence, he slightly jumped at her voice and then turned around. "Ah, Niijima-san, you're here. That's good," he said, sitting down in his chair. "Did you receive my email?"

"Ah, yes, Principal Kobayakawa." Makoto placed a flyer on the desk. "To be honest, your email took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting you to make decisions regarding yesterday's unfortunate event."

The principal gestured toward the window. "Do you see what is happening outside?" He didn't wait for Makoto to respond. "It's because the students are more interested in sharing videos of a girl falling than learning. I need Shujin Academy to return to what it once was – an elite school designed to get students into the best universities. Surely you understand that Niijima-san, especially considering your involvement."

Makoto's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"You know what I'm talking about," Kobyakawa snapped. "I wanted you, Niijima-san, out of all the other students, to keep an eye on Kurusu to ensure he doesn't get into trouble. Do you want to know why?" He stood up and began pacing. "Well, I thought if the student council president could manage the entire school, she could handle one little delinquent."

"Sir, I was trying my –"

"Best?" Kobayakawa interrupted Makoto. "Was that what you were going to say? Because that's not good enough, Niijima-san! If you kept an eye on Kurusu like you were supposed to, then none of this would have happened. Kurusu wouldn't have been involved with Sakamoto, assaulting Kamoshida and jeopardizing this school's reputation."

Makoto clenched her fists, trying to remain calm. "Principal Kobayakawa, is Shujin Academy's public image the only thing you're concerned about? A student almost took her own life yesterday, and you think confiscating students' phones is the only solution? How about we talk to the volleyball team, specifically the girls? Maybe they know the reason why Suzui-san attempted suicide."

"Kamoshida claimed that Suzui-san had a mental illness," Kobayakawa said, sitting back down and shuffling some documents. "He wanted to help Suzui-san, but she insisted on continuing to play for the team. Now, will you excuse me, Niijima-san? I have work to do before the assembly."

"I understand," Makoto said. She bowed slightly and approached the door when the principal stopped her.

"Oh, and Niijima-san?"

"Yes, Principal Kobayakawa?" She turned to give him her full attention.

"I'm glad you're concerned about the student's well-being, but it's best to drop the subject of Suzui-san and those three troublesome boys. It's old news, and I don't need you distracted." A mischievous glint formed in Kobayakawa's eyes. "What would your sister think when she sees your grades are dropping?"

Makoto lowered her head. "She would be disappointed, sir."

Kobayakawa smiled. "And I would, too."

With that, Makoto hurried out of the principal's office. She closed the door deeply breathed when she reached the student council office. "Niijima-senpai?" Makoto noticed that she wasn't alone in the room. The council officers sat around the table, looking at their president with concern. "Are you alright?" asked the vice president.

"Yes. Sorry if I troubled you." Makoto replied, running her hands through her hair. "Shall we begin before class starts?"

###

"I heard that the transfer student made Suzui attempt suicide."

"Is that why he and Sakamoto are getting expelled?"

"He hasn't even been here for a week, and he's already causing trouble."

"Not only that, but he, Sakamoto, and Mishima cornered Kamoshida and threatened him.

"Mishima? But isn't he on the volleyball team?"

"Yeah, but not like he was never any good."

Akira kept his head down and his earbuds plugged in as he walked to school. Since he had boarded the train in Shibuya, students have already started gossiping about the expulsion. Akira assumed Kamoshida opened his big mouth to the volleyball team, who eventually told the entire student body. As Akira approached the school gate, he accidentally bumped into Ryuji, who was opening a soda can from the vending machine. The two boys awkwardly stared at each other.

"Akira… Hi," Ryuji said, adjusting his school bag on his shoulder. "Did you get my texts?" Akira scoffed and was about to walk off when Ryuji grabbed his arm.

Akira jerked his arm out of Ryuji's grasp. "What do you want, Sakamoto?" He had to silence his phone after being bombarded with text messages from Ryuji all night.

Ryuji winced at how formal Akira sounded. "I get that you're upset, okay? I am, too. But everythin' is gonna be fine. You have to trust me."

"Trust you?" Akira let out a dry chuckle. "I did, and look how that ended! Our expulsion is in two weeks, Ryuji. Ever since that night, I've been living a nightmare. Coming here was my only shot at being normal. And you took that away from me!" Akira appeared downtrodden, but he was fighting to keep his composer. "Sakura-san found out about the expulsion. He almost kicked me out onto the streets if his wife didn't interfere."

"Akira, I'm sorry that almost happened to you, but I need your help right now," Ryuji pleaded. "Me, you, and Mishima can devise a plan to clear our names."

"There you go with that 'coming up with a plan' bullshit." Akira took a step away from Ryuji. "When will you realize that no one will believe a bunch of delinquents? I have a criminal record, and you have a history with Kamoshida. Do you think the school board will believe us over Kamoshida?" Akira took one last look at Ryuji and then continued walking toward the school.

Ryuji watched Akira disappear into the crowd of students. "Goddamnit," he grumbled. After finishing his soda, Ryuji tossed it into the trash can and passed through the school gate, where he saw Ann standing on the top of the stairs. She seemed to be scanning the area as if searching for someone.

"Ann?" Ryuji called out as he stood before her. "I wasn't sure you would be here, given what's been going on…"

"Well, I'd rather not have my maids constantly asking if I was okay. They've been calling my parents, and my mother won't stop calling." Ann said, her gaze moving around to the onlookers before leaning closer to Ryuji. "Please tell me that you, Mishima, and Kurusu aren't getting expelled. I've heard the rumor since I got on the train."

"Yep, but it wasn't our fault," Ryuji replied. "Kamoshida has this damn school wrapped around his finger. The board meetin' is in two weeks, and with Kamoshida's influence, they'll expel us without any evidence."

"Speaking of Kamoshida…" Ann pulled Ryuji to her locker, away from prying ears. "I believe he's the reason why Shiho is in a coma. Before she tried to take her own life, Shiho mentioned Kamoshida. I can't confirm whether he did it, but whatever the truth is, I will make him pay. So, do you have a plan?"

"What?" Ryuji asked.

Ann rolled her eyes. "The plan to take down Kamoshida. Don't play dumb, Ryuji. I know you and Kurusu were trying to uncover Kamoshida's secrets related to the volleyball team. Whatever you're plotting, I want to be part of it."

Ryuji rubbed the back of his neck. "Listen, I dunno if that's a good idea. If Kamoshida catches you, you'll be in the same boat as us. Besides, I don't have a plan… not anymore. Akira wants nothin' to do with me, and no one else wants to talk about the abuse."

"So, you're giving up?" Ann challenged

"I didn't say that. I don't have a plan yet."

"Well, whenever you come up with one, could you at least let me know?" Ann asked. "I can't sit back and do nothing while Shiho is hospitalized."

"Yeah, I'll keep you and Mishima in the loop since he's involved too."

"Alright, see you later?"

"See ya."

###

"Good morning, everyone!" Principal Kobayakawa greeted the student body from the podium inside the gymnasium. An announcement was made that an emergency assembly would address the school's current crisis. Akira, Ryuji, Ann, and Mishima knew it was just a ruse. Kobayakawa wanted to make sure no Shujin Academy student leaked the real reason behind Shiho's suicide attempt to the reporters camped outside the school gates.

"I'm sorry to pull you all out of your classes, but we have a serious matter to discuss," Principal Kobayakawa continued. "Yesterday morning, one of your fellow students was going through a tough time and, as a result, attempted to take her own life. I understand we live in an age where young people want to share everything on the internet, even traumatizing videos that nearly cost an innocent girl her life."

Akira tuned out Kobayakawa's speech when he felt his phone vibrating. He quickly pulled out his device and saw a new text message from Ryuji.

Ryuji: Can you meet with us on the roof after school?

Akira closed the messenger app. How stubborn is Ryuji? When will he realize we can't win against a guy like Kamoshida? Accepting that we're getting expelled instead of living in a fantasy is best. Akira put his phone back in his pocket, but it vibrated again.

Ryuji: Dude, you can't stay mad at me forever.

Ann: Ryuji's right, Akira. This is about Shiho and all of Kamoshida's victims. Look, whatever grudge you have against him, I don't care. We have to stop him before someone else harms themselves.

How did Ann get my phone number? Akira then noticed that Ryuji had added him to a group chat with all of them together. Of course.

On the podium, Principal Kobayakawa noticed multiple students on their phones rather than paying attention. "See, this is what I'm talking about! You're all glued to your cellphones instead of focusing on important matters right in front of you. I've decided to confiscate all cell phones until the end of the day." Students groaned. "Oh, don't groan. You did this to yourselves. Shujin Academy is a place for learning, not wasting time on social media."

Just then, the gymnasium door busts open, revealing Mrs. Suzui. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and she was staggering as she walked. "She's been drinking again," Ann whispered to herself.

"Which one *hic* of you raped my Shiho?" Whispers spread throughout the gymnasium. Mrs. Suzui glanced at every student and faculty as she approached the stage. "Don't act *hic* stupid. The doctors told me that there's *hic* evidence of rape. And I know the man responsible is here *hic* at this school."

"Suzui-san has been raped?"

"Is that why she tried to kill herself?"

"Does she think one of us did it?"

Mrs. Suzui stopped in front of a group of volleyball players. "Was it you? *hic* Did you rape my daughter? Or was it you?" She staggered backward and bumped up against Ann. Turning around, she pointed and glared at Ann. "You! You're her best friend, Takamaki-chan. Surely you know the man that raped Shiho."

"I… I didn't… I didn't know." Ann turned her head towards Ryuji in confusion, but the boy lowered her head. His reaction answered Ann's question. Ryuji knew but didn't say anything. Is that why the expulsion is happening? Because they confronted Kamoshida about it? She turned back to Mrs. Suzui and held her hands. "Mrs. Suzui, I don't know what happened to Shiho, but I will get to the bottom of it. I will make the man pay for what he did to her."

Seeing students taking their phones out to record, Principal Kobayakawa nervously chuckled. He then gestured for two teachers to escort the drunken woman out of the gymnasium. "Suzui-san, I know you're upset about your daughter, but please, can you calm down? You're frightening the students."

"Bullshit!" She yelled as she struggled to get out of the teacher's grasp. "You were talking about Shiho's mental illness, but I know you know she was raped. You're trying to protect whoever did that to my daughter."

"Get her out of here!"

"I'm going to sue!" Mrs. Suzui declared as security dragged her out the door. "I'm going to sue every last fucking money this school has. Mark my words!"

###

After the school day ended, the students gathered to retrieve their phones. Ann approached Akira, who was standing in front of her. "Did you know that Kamoshida raped Shiho?" she asked quietly. Akira, like Ryuji, remained silent, prompting Ann to scoff. "So, even though you knew, you still don't want to help us take down Kamoshida and clear your names?" Once again, Akira didn't respond. "You're a coward."

"Don't call me that," Akira whispered harshly. "You have no idea what kind of situation I'm in because of Ryuji."

"I do," Ann said. Akira turned his head slightly with a raised eyebrow, challenging her. "You're here because no other school would take you due to your criminal record. Since no school will accept you, you'll go straight to juvie once you're expelled from Shujin." Ann smirked at Akira's dumbfounded expression. "I was right, wasn't I?"

"Ryuji told you," Ann acknowledged

Ann shook her head. "Ryuji didn't have to tell me. I might appear dumb, but I'm not."

"I didn't say you were."

"Kurusu-san?" Both Ann and Akira turned their attention to Kawakami, who held out Akira's cell phone with a mildly annoyed expression. "We need to talk," she said, leaving no room for refusal. She then returned Ann's phone. "Takamaki-san, here's your phone.

Ann thanked Kawakami, then leaned towards Akira's ear, whispering, "Remember, rooftop." With that, Ann bowed to Kawakami, attempting to avoid the teacher's questionable stare, and slipped out of the classroom.

Kawakami turned her attention back to Akira, who stood awkwardly. "Kurusu-san, I'm not going to yell at you. Though you might deserve it," she mumbled the latter. "I'm trying to understand what happened between you and Kamoshida. Yesterday, Kamoshida claimed that you, Mishima, and Sakamoto attacked him. Kurusu-san, you haven't been here for a week, and expulsion is looming. Do you have something to tell me?"

Akira wanted to confide in Kawakami. He wanted to reveal the truth about Kamoshida's physical and possibly sexual abuse of the volleyball team and about how Principal Kobayakawa, parents, and some teachers knew but looked the other way. The teenagers have no one to turn to because it's their word against Kamoshida's. Kawakami gently placed her hand on Akira's shoulder. "Kurusu-san, you know that you can trust me. Whatever you tell me will stay between us."

"I'm sorry, but I have to go." Akira apologized and then promptly left the classroom. As he ascended to the rooftop to meet with the others, Akira couldn't help but criticize himself for his missed opportunity. You are an idiot! Why didn't you say something to Kawakami-sensei? That was your one chance to get help. Once Akira reached the roof, he opened the door to find Ryuji, Ann, and Mishima sitting at the abandoned desk.

"Akira!" Ann turned back to Ryuji and Mishima before addressing Akira. "I didn't think you were going to show up."

Mishima stood before Akira and bowed. "Kurusu-san, I am so sorry. You have to understand that I had no choice. It was either I follow Kamoshida's orders or…" He trailed off, not wanting to think of the consequences.

"Mishima, it's alright," Akira reassured him. "It's in the past. You're not at fault here." He then turned his attention to Ryuji. "Ryuji."

"Akira." There was an awkward pause between the boys. Ryuji finally broke the silence by saying, "I've already apologized, but I'll say it a hundred times until you forgive me. Akira, I'm sorry I dragged you and Mishima into this. I should have thought twice, considering your situation."

Akira crossed his arms. "You didn't have to punch him, you know. And what did you expect when you confronted Kamoshida about Suzui-san? That he would confess his crimes and turn himself in?"

Ryuji rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, I didn't think that one through. Once again, I let my anger do the talkin'."

"Do you understand how scared I am right now?" Akira asked as he sat down in a chair. "I've been to juvie and don't want to go back."

"We won't let that happen," Ann stated, resting a hand on Akira's shoulder. "We'll think of something before the board meeting. Kamoshida can't walk away this time."

"Well," Ryuji slapped his hands on his legs, "talkin' to the athletes won't cut it anymore. None of them will talk." He looked over at Mishima. "Hey, Mishima, can't you talk to them? They are your teammates, after all."

Mishima shook his head. "That's impossible. Kamoshida has everyone on a tight leash."

"Fuck."

Akira sat up, trying to devise a plan, when his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen to see Sojiro asking where he was. Groaning, Akira said, "Shit, I have to go. Sakura-san is wondering where I am. See you all on Monday?"

The rest nodded. Ann was next to stand when the rooftop door closed behind Akira. "It is getting late. I will visit Shiho tomorrow morning to tell her that we will make Kamoshida pay. Maybe I'll come up with a plan. I'll see both of you on Monday."

Ryuji hopped off the desk. "Welp, everyone's leavin', so I guess I'll head home too." He turned to Mishima. "Are you goin' to practice?" Mishima solemnly nodded. "Please be careful, alright? See ya on Monday."

"See ya."