April 19th
Zenkichi stepped out of his vehicle and glanced at Shujin Academy. It reeked of ego, exuding an air of privilege with wealthy parents fostering a sense of superiority among the students. The faculty seemed more concerned with the school's image than the well-being of its attendees. The mere sight of it reminded Zenkichi why he always despised prep schools.
Zenkichi's cousins flaunted their intelligence in his younger days, attributing it to their wealth and superior education. He dismissed it as nonsense, considering himself intelligent, particularly in his work. This conviction fueled his determination to keep his daughter from a place like Shujin Academy. However, his voice of dissent was silent after a divorce and custody loss. Now, his daughter and ex-wife lived happily in Kyoto, a thought he chose to push aside for now. He had a job to do.
Entering the school's foyer, Zenkichi noticed a few lingering students. Checking his watch, he deduced it was lunchtime. A fatigued young woman approached him with a mix of confusion and irritation. "Excuse me, but you can't be here. I need you to leave, please," she instructed.
"This is my fault for not calling, but I'm here on business," Zenkichi explained, presenting his badge. I'm Detective Hasegawa, and I need to speak to Principal Kobayakawa – or anyone – about Shiho Suzui. Do you happen to know the details leading up to her fall?"
"Unfortunately, I don't," the woman replied, returning his badge. "I'm Sadayo Kawakami, the Japanese teacher. If you're looking for Principal Kobayakawa, he's in his office on the second floor. I can take you there if you like."
"Please," Zenkichi agreed, following Kawakami fast a few curious students and up the stairs. Along the way, he overheard whispers and speculation among the students about the ongoing investigation.
In front of Kobayakawa's office, Kawakami knocked and inquired, "Sir, sorry for bothering you, but a detective wants to speak with you. Is that okay?"
"Send him in."
As Zenkichi entered, Kawakami closed the door behind him. The overweight principal seemed caught off guard mid-meal with tarter sauce covering his mouth. "Sorry for coming in so unexpectedly, Principal Kobayakawa," Zenkichi apologized, bowing before taking a seat. "My name is Detective Hasegawa, and I'd like to ask you some questions about Shiho Suzui."
"I figured others would start snooping around," Kobayakawa sighed. "So, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told them: I don't know what happened with Suzui-san. With being an essential player on the team and striving to maintain good grades… there's a possibility she developed a mental illness."
Zenkichi noted it down and countered, "Her mother stated she doesn't have a mental illness."
"And you believe her, Detective Hasegawa?" Kobayakawa interjected with a chuckle. "Surely you've seen the news about Suzui-san interrupting our morning assembly while intoxicated. She threw false claims around, stating that someone sexually assaulted the poor girl."
"She was upset about her daughter," Zenkichi pressed, leaning forward. "Kobayakawa-san, everyday young women are often sexually assaulted by someone close to them. It's possible that Suzui-san was raped by a friend, teammate, or even… a teacher."
Kobayakawa's face hardened. "How dare you call yourself a detective and make serious accusations like that? Nobody in their right mind would do such a heinous thing to a student at Shujin Academy. I'm sorry, but I must ask you to leave."
Disappointed, Zenkichi thanked him, apologized, and left the office, leaning against the door. "Well, that was a waste of time," he mused, feeling stuck. Walking down the hallways, he noticed a girl peeking around the corner. "Can I help you?"
She slowly revealed herself and stood in front of Zenkichi. "Are you a detective looking into Shiho's accident and the rumors?" The girl inquired quietly.
"Do you know who it is? And what rumors?" Zenkichi asked, sensing a breakthrough.
"What's going on here?" Zenkichi turned his attention toward the voice, and the girl's face turned pale as if she had seen a ghost. Standing behind her was Suguru Kamoshida, wearing a frown. He looked down at the girl. "Takahashi-san, what are you doing in the hallway? You know the bell rang for class." Then he turned his attention towards Zenkichi. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
"My name is Detective Hasegawa, and you must be Suguru Kamoshida." Zenkichi extended his hand out for a shake, but Kamoshida sneered. "Uh…" Zenkichi lowered his hand, let out an awkward cough, and turned back to the nervous girl. "Takahashi-san?" He asked in a gentle tone. "You were going to tell me something, correct?"
Takahashi quickly glanced at Kamoshida before lowering her head. "I-I'm sorry, but I have to get to class. Please, excuse me." She sightly bowed and stepped toward her classroom, but Zenkichi stopped her.
"Here," he stepped in front of Takahashi and handed her his business card. "If you know something, I'm only a phone call away." She gave him a small smile and then headed down the hallway. When Takahashi entered her classroom, Zenkichi turned his attention back to Kamoshida.
"Last time I checked, detectives aren't allowed on Shujin's ground, let alone disturbing students," Kamoshida snarked. "So, if I was you… I'd leave before I call the police commissioner. It wouldn't look good for you to get arrested for trespassing."
Zenkichi raised his hands in defense. "Look, man, I'm just doing my job. I already spoke to the principal, and I'm leaving." Zenkichi gave Kamoshida a once-over before walking downstairs and exiting the school. As he made his way toward his vehicle, he made a mental note to look into Suguru Kamoshida.
###
Akemi Takahashi found herself pacing underneath the courtyard alcove after school, her fingers tightly clutching Detective Zenkichi's business card. She stared at it, feeling the smooth texture beneath her fingertips as she weighed the decision to make the call. Though her heart urged her to seek help, the fear of defying Kamoshida held her back. She absentmindedly rubbed her flat stomach, feeling the tension knotting her muscles with each passing moment.
"Oh, look, just the girl I wanted to see," came the interruption to her thoughts as Kamoshida's figure advanced toward her with a false smile. The sound of his footsteps echoed off the courtyard walls, each step sending a shiver down Akemi's spine. She felt her muscles tense as he drew nearer, his presence dominating the empty courtyard.
He stopped just inches away, his hand snaking to the back of Akemi's neck with a firm grip. She flinched as he leaned in, his breath hot against her ear, "Did you honestly believe you could hide from me? I have eyes and ears everywhere, you fucking bitch."
"Let me go!" Akemi hollered, her voice ringing out in the silent courtyard. Tears spilled from her eyes, the salty taste of fear lingering on her lips as she fought to maintain her composure.
Ignoring her protests, Kamoshida's hand caressed her face, serving as a cruel reminder of their past interactions. He expressed disappointment over her departure from the volleyball team, blaming her for their loss at nationals. A predatory grin spread as he spotted the business card hidden up her sleeve.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" He snatched the card from her grasp, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the name. Akemi's heart sank as he tore the card into pieces before her eyes.
"I – I wasn't going to call. I s-swear!" Akemi pleaded, her voice trembling with fear. But she knew it was futile. Kamoshida always found a way to exert his control.
Kamoshida closed the distance between them with a predatory smirk, trapping Akemi against a vending machine. She could feel the cold metal pressing against her back, sending a shiver down her spine. The walls seemed to close in around her, the suffocating feeling of helplessness overwhelming her. "Shh. Shh. It's okay," he cooed, his words dripping with false reassurance. "Let's go have a little chat in my office."
As Akemi's tears fell, she knew she had to comply. In Kamoshida's world, resistance was futile, and escape was merely an illusion.
###
Zenkichi reclined in his chair Frustration was evident on his face. "Are you fucking kidding me?" he exclaimed aloud. An indistinct feeling about Kamoshida gnawed at him, demanding attention like an itch he couldn't scratch. He had to unravel what it was.
Returning from Shujin Academy to the Tokyo District Special Investigation Department, Zenkichi was determined to uncover information on Surguru Kamoshida. However, his search yielded nothing on the former Olympian gold medalist. Now, it became clear why people celebrated Kamoshida as the most beloved celebrity of 2016. He appeared flawless, a rare find in the realm of public figures, coaching nationally recognized students.
A knock interrupted Zenkichi's thoughts. "Come in," he invited, his voice a calm contrast to his inner turmoil. The door creaked open, revealing a disheveled middle-aged man. "Ah, Kikuchi-san," Zenkichi greeted, sitting upright and gesturing to the empty seat. "Please, have a seat." Kikuchi entered but avoided eye contact, which struck Zenkichi as odd. "Is something wrong, Kikuchi-san?"
Fidgeting nervously, Kikuchi spoke without meeting Zenkichi's gaze. "I heard from two detectives in the lobby that you're working on another case involving a teenage girl who attempted suicide. Is it true, detective?"
After New Year's Eve, Eda Kikuchi, a young woman working as a hostess at The Velvet Room, disappeared. Her father, now sitting before Zenkichi, reported her missing after two days of silence. For months, Zenkichi had tirelessly searched for clues, fearing the worst but never daring to tell the grieving father.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Zenkichi sighed. "Yes," he admitted, bowing his head. "But Kikuchi-san, you must understand –"
"No, I don't understand!" Kikuchi interrupted. "I don't understand why you'd prioritize some girl with mental issues over my daughter –"
"I didn't prioritize –"
"– who's still missing and terrified," Kikuchi continued, tears streaming down his face. "If I had known you'd be this incompetent… I would've sought help elsewhere."
Zenkichi sighed again. "Kikuchi-san –"
"Have a good day, Detective Hasegawa," Kikuchi spat as he rose and headed for the door. His hand gripped the doorknob as he muttered, "Are you more interested in that teenage girl because she's wealthy and set for success?"
"That's not true, Kikuchi-san, and you know it," Zenkichi defended, standing and approaching him. "I've been searching for Eda-chan for four months, but every lead has hit a dead end. Maybe it's a sign that –"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence! My daughter is alive, dammit!" Kikuchi's voice cracked, fresh tears falling. Zenkichi attempted to comfort him, but Kikuchi pulled away. "Have a good day, Detective Hasegawa." With that, he swung the door open and departed.
"Kikuchi-san, I'm doing my best," Zenkichi muttered defeatedly, watching the man stagger down the hallway toward the elevator.
May 5, 2015
Akemi Takahashi nervously paced back and forth in her bathroom, awaiting the pregnancy test results. The instructions said it would take a few minutes, but those few minutes felt like hours to Akemi. Her mind raced with the possibility of being pregnant and how it would impact her future. How fucked up can her life get?
She's too young to have a child. To undergo an abortion, Akemi would need an adult present. She wouldn't dare tell her parents because they would most likely be ashamed, but they would want to know the delinquent who touched their innocent daughter. Akemi could always tell them the truth.
"Mom, Dad, you want to know who the so-called delinquent is?" Akemi mumbled to herself, pretending that her parents were standing before her. "Well, it's Coach Kamoshida. He took his anger out on me after practice by raping me."
Akemi scoffed at the ridiculous idea. She knew it wouldn't go well if she told her parents that. When her parents confronted Kamoshida, he would flash his big smile and talk out of the situation like the snake he was. He would probably claim that Akemi came on to him willingly, likely resulting in her expulsion without legitimate proof.
Suddenly, her alarm clock went off, signaling that volleyball practice was about to start. Startled by the sudden noise, Akemi jumped, grabbed her phone, and turned off the alarm. She silently cursed for not remembering that the alarm went off automatically. Akemi didn't want to, nor did she plan on going to practice anyway. And she didn't want to go anywhere near Kamoshida.
"Okay, Akemi, you got this," she began to pep talk herself. "If you're pregnant, then you're pregnant. And if you're not, then you're not." Akemi slowly took the pregnancy test and stared at it in dread.
Pregnant.
Akemi Takahashi is fucking pregnant.
May 7, 2015
Akemi treads carefully towards her locker as if she was in a trance. It's been two days since she found out she was pregnant with Kamoshida's baby, and Akemi felt on the verge of tears because she didn't know what to do. Despite concerns about her health from her parents, best friend, peers, and even teachers, Akemi just shrugged with a smile, insisting that everything was alright.
After grabbing her textbooks, she closed the locker and stuffed the books into her school bag. "Takahashi-san, there you are," came a familiar voice, sending a chill down Akemi's spine. "You haven't been coming to practice lately, and you know nationals are a week away." She tilted her head upward to see Kamoshida staring at her with a concerned expression, but Akemi knew it was fake.
"Oh, yeah, nationals," Akemi adjusted her bag over her left shoulder. "There's been a lot of things going on in my life right now, so it must've slipped my mind. I'm sorry," she apologized, bowing.
Annoyance flashed across Kamoshida's face, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Well, usually I'll have you benched, but you are the starter on the team, so I'll make an exception." Akemi sighed in relief, but Kamoshida leaned towards her ear and whispered, "You better come to practice today, or else we will chat in my office. Do you understand?"
"Y…yes."
Kamoshida stood straight, a sadistic smile forming on his face. "Good then. Glad we came to an understanding. Well, have a good day, Takahashi-san. See you at practice."
Akemi watched Kamoshida strut away as if he considered himself a king. She wanted to vomit.
May 10, 2015
Akemi despised rain; it always made the atmosphere – and her – feel miserable. Despite the urge to crawl into a ball and escape from everything, she had a task. Stepping out of a taxi, she stared at numerous thunderclouds looming ominously over the abortion clinic.
Unable to confide in her mom or a female teacher, Akemi sought online forums for teenage girls facing pregnancy with no one to talk to. Many mentioned a specific abortion clinic in Tokyo where minors didn't need a legal guardian present. Since the clinic accepted walk-ins, Akemi could discreetly handle the situation.
She entered the building, and her phone buzzed. Akemi checked her mobile device and saw a message from her best friend, Momo.
M: Hey, where the hell are you? You've been acting weird, and everyone is worried about you. Your mom just called me asking where you are. Is everything alright, Akemi? Please answer when you see this.
Despite wanting to respond, Akemi closed the messenger app and approached the receptionist's desk. A woman in her forties sat behind a computer, typing a report, when Akemi stood silently. "How can I help you today?" the woman asked, turning her attention towards Akemi with a smile.
"Uh… hi…" Akemi said awkwardly, twiddling with her fingers. "Um, I read online that this place will do abortions for minors. Is that true?" She dug into her purse for money. "I have money. It might not be much, but –"
The woman placed her hand gently on top of Akemi's, saying. "We don't need your money, sweetheart. Please, put that away and follow me to the back."
"Thank you so much," Akemi quietly said as she felt tears rolling down her cheeks, unaware of her crying. After putting the money back in her purse, Akemi followed the kind woman to an operating room.
"Please, have a seat," the woman pointed at a rustic stool beside her desk. Akemi nervously sat down and placed her purse on her lap for comfort while the woman shuffled in her cabinets. "Ah, there you are," she took out a clipboard. "Alright, sweetheart, I need you to read these instructions carefully. It'll tell you what to expect during the procedure and afterward."
Akemi skimmed through the instructions and returned it to the woman, who set the clipboard on the desk. "I'm going to get the equipment while you get out of your clothes. Be back in a few." And with that, the woman left the room. Akemi began to take off her clothes.
May 18, 2015
"Hey, did you hear about Takahashi-san?"
"Are you talking about how she bailed on the volleyball team at nationals? Her last one, at that."
"Yeah, like, how selfish could she be? Our school was guaranteed to win, but that's all over now. I feel bad for Kamoshida-senpai. He worked hard to put the team on the map after the whole track team issue."
"Have you seen him this morning?"
"No, why?"
"Kamoshida's smiling and telling everyone that the team will win next year. He also said not to blame Takahashi-san."
"Speaking of Takahashi… Where is that dumb bitch anyway?"
###
Akemi wanted to crawl into a ball and die as she stood before the student council officers with her head bowed. She could only imagine the disappointment and confusion on their faces. "Do you have anything to say for yourself, Takahashi-san?" Hidetoshi Odagiri, the student council secretary, questioned.
"I'm…sorry," Akemi apologized. Her voice was barely hearable.
Hidetoshi scoffed. "Sorry? You've ruined the volleyball reputation – possibly for good – and also the student council. And all you can say is you're sorry?" Akemi flinched.
"Odagiri-san, I'm sure Takahashi-san has her reasons, and we should listen to her," Makoto Niijima, the student council vice president, spoke and then glanced over to the president. "Right, Mitsuru-senpai?"
Silence filled the room as Mitsuru Kirijo focused on Shujin Academy's newspaper. The first page was about the volleyball team losing at nationals because Akemi Takahashi – the girls' volleyball team starter – decided to bail. "Uh, Senpai?" Chihiro Fushimi, the student council treasurer, called out.
Mitsuru cleared her throat, sat the newspaper down, and turned her attention to Akemi. "Takahashi-san, you don't have to give us an explanation if you don't want to," she glared at Hidetoshi. "I just want you to know we're here for you if you want to talk."
Hidetoshi gapped. "P-president Kirijo, are you gonna slap her on the wrist? What about some punishment?"
"Enough, Odagiri-Kun!" Hidetoshi sat back with his arms crossed and formed a smile.
May 20, 2015
At the end of the school day, Akemi found herself pacing back and forth inside the student council room. Her mind tried different ways to tell Mitsuru she was giving up her office position as class representative and quitting the organization. While Akemi was thinking, she didn't realize Makoto had entered the room.
"Takahashi-san?" Makoto called out.
"Niijima-san!" Akemi yelped. "What are you doing here? And where is Mitsuru-senpai?"
Makoto walked over to the table and dropped her bag. "When the library is full, I come to do my homework. And Senpai isn't here because of a family business. Is there something that you need?"
Akemi shuffled her feet, lowered her head, and mumbled, "I'm quitting student council."
"I'm sorry; I couldn't hear you. Can you repeat that?"
"I'm quitting student council," Akemi repeated. "I can't just sit back and watch the organization and officers suffer because of my selfishness."
Makoto strode towards Akemi and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Is this about Odagiri? Takahashi-san, you know better than to listen to his snide remarks. You didn't tarnish the student council's reputation."
"But I did the volleyball team." Akemi's voice cracked as she tried not to cry. "I can't take this anymore, Niijima-san. I just can't."
"Please, have a seat," Makoto gestured towards the table. Once the girls were seated, Makoto asked. "Is there something going on with you? You haven't been the same for the entire month." Akemi kept quiet. "What about volleyball practice? Juggling volleyball and student council, you must've experienced stress. Plus, you all those bruises…"
Akemi jumped out of the seat, which startled Makoto. "I don't want to talk about this anymore!" She swung her bag over her shoulder. "Just tell Mitsuru-senpai that I'm done with this stupid organization."
And with that, Makoto watched Akemi stomp out of the room. "Takahashi-san, what happened with you? Are the rumors true?"