Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.

With the boys breakout operation coming to a sudden halt, Matsuri starts to have an internal conflict of whether to help the boys or report them to the USC. The boy must come to terms with where his heart lies…


-Courtyard-


May 4th (3:30pm) 3 Days until the breakout

Matsuri was standing with his back against the building. His eyes looked outward into the sky. The many ill thoughts that plagued his thoughts were no more, for the moment at least. His recent meeting with Meiko certainly gave him the pep talk he needed for a while now. With everything that's been happening as of late, he needed some sort of encouragement or guidance of some sort to get him back to real-life.

His eyes had a thousand yard stare as he looked up at the sky with an intense stare. Watching the sky roll past overhead. His thoughts went back to Meiko who dragged him over for a talk about what to do about his self-esteem issue. But that talk did more than just give him some boost, but it also gave him some courage he needed.

He ran his hand through his messy hair. "Only 3 days until the breakout….I really want to help…..but I feel like there should be another way of doing this without risking the boys getting expelled."

"Matsuri! Matsuri!" Etsuko whispered to her friend standing next to the building. The boy turned to her and flinched from the very mischievous look on her face. "So~."

"...so….what?" He said with a worried look.

Etsuko pointed both her fingers at the boy still wearing her look on her face. "Don't be like that. What were you guys talking about? You know, since you two were alone together~."

Matsuri's face flared red, his heart pounding against his chest. He puffed his cheeks and looked at Etsuko with a raged look.

"I-I-It's not like that! We were just t-talking, that's all!"

"I'm sure you were~. I bet you had some naughty thoughts in your mind. I mean you were like a wreck this morning, but you came out from the warden office you looked all clean and powered with energy," She said as she was animatedly posing along with her sentence. "Did Meiko give you a kiss?"

By this point, an image appeared in his head. What in the world was this girl saying!?

He shook his head as he looked at Etsuko with a once again raged look. "Geez Etsuko! I keep telling you it's not like that!"

Etsuko just rested her hand on the boy's shoulder. Her mischief still wore on her face. "You're still in denial."

Matsuri just made a frustrated grunt as he faced the other with his arms crossed across his chest. Just what was this girl going on about! But if he were being honest, his talk with Meiko was rather…..a strange one. Not that he didn't enjoy it, but the fact that Meiko was being a little kinder towards him kind of struck him…..odd.

He remembered during his first meeting, Meiko absolutely did not trust him and treated him just the same as the boys. Granted she still does to this day, but she's been a lot less…..hostile towards him. He didn't understand why Meiko was being this way. From his experience within the USC, he would imagine this would be a trap.


"Matsuri!" The boy's attention was taken away when he heard his name being called by Kiyoshi.

He shared a glance with Etsuko, knowing that she had a plain look on her face while looking at the blue-haired boy. Both Matsuri and Etsuko then walk over to the boys with a worried expression.

"Now that I think about it, the hole that both Kiyoshi and Gakuto worked on was completely filled yesterday." He thought to himself.

With the hole filled, how will the guys make their escape? For the most part, he was glad that the boys will not get into trouble with USC. But he didn't want to admit it. He grabbed his arm to calm himself.

"I….um…..E-Etsuko told me what happened." He whispered to Kiyoshi.

"Ah…..y-yeah. We were in shock as well." Kiyoshi said as he scratched his head with a hint of disappointment.

"Indeed." Gakuto joined in as he pushed his glasses up. "With the hole filled, our breakout operation came to a sudden halt…at least for the moment."

Matsuri raised his eyebrow at the boy. At least for the moment? Did they come up with another plan to break out? That was quick!

"Um…..did you guys come up with another plan already?" Matsuri dreaded.

"Kiyoshi-dono came up with a last ditch effort." He said as he turned his head to the blue-haired boy followed by Kiyoshi nodding.

"I will cross dress as a girl and leave through the main gate!" He said with a determined look.

"..."

There was nothing but silence between the four of them. Estuko wore a rather disgusted look on her face. Which was something very uncharastics for someone for her, but no one could blame her. Gakuto for once, had a baffled look, even though he wants to get something of his own when Kiyoshi breaks out of prison. But the idea was way too crazy.

Matsuri had a similar expression on his face. His mouth was gaped open, his eyes were wide as dinner plates. He wasn't blushing or even embarrassed by Kiyoshi's plan, but he was more baffled. He was just looking at Kiyoshi with a very questionable look. Was he being serious right now? Dressing up as a girl!?

"What?"

"N-Nothing….." Matsuri spoke out as he just rubbed his forehead with an exhausted tone. "I'm just…trying to comprehend what you just said."

"I agree with Matsuri-dono on this. Kiyoshi-dono, that plan is just crazy."

"I know it is, but it's our only chance!" He said with a raised fist.

"Still though, a plan like that is suicidal. And besides, how do you plan on getting the uniforms anyways." Gakuto asked, curious on how Kiyoshi was going to get the uniforms anyways.

"All the students live in dorms here and every weekend the laundry gets picked up, right?" Kiyoshi asked the group.

Gakuto pondered for a moment. "Now that you mentioned it, I do always see the cleaning car on friday evening."

Etsuko looked over at the fence, blocking the gate were two huge tanks. "Doesn't the cleaning guy park his car by the back of the school?"

"Yeah. The day after tomorrow on Friday evening, I'll sneak into the cleaning car during our work time. And I'll borrow a female uniform." He said with a confident tone. "The girl won't wear her uniform on the weekend, so if I return it by Sunday night it won't get found out."

Matsuri took a moment of himself to ponder over Kiyoshi's plan. While he did plan this idea out, he'll give him credit for it. But the whole plan just felt like a complete sucidal mission. He wants Kiyoshi to go on his date with Chiyo, and he wants Gakuto to get his toy. But he wanted them to stay out of trouble as much as they could. And not cross fire with the USC.

He gripped the edge of his shirt. He felt something stirred within him. A fire of determination. He needed to let it out.

"K-Kiyoshi…." Matsuri spoke. His lips quivered in fear. He knew Kiyoshi was going to disagree with him on this, but he had to tell him. "I…..I don't…I don't think we should go through with this."

Kiyoshi and Gakuto said nothing as they looked at the boy with mixed expressions. Kiyoshi just looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Gakuto had a similar expression, but he knew where he was coming from with this.

Etsuko was the only one who had a surprised expression on her face. She was literally going to say the same thing to the boys, but Matsuri beat her to the punch.


"Matsuri…what are you saying?" Kiyoshi asked with a bit of stutter.

"I'm…..I'm saying we…..we shouldn't go through with this. Just this whole breakout operation."

Gakuto merely just pushed his glasses up from his nose, his expression became rather nonchalant. "I see, so you choose to back out. Well I guess-"

"I didn't say that." Matsuri interrupted the boy before he could finish. His eyes remained determined at the two inmates. "I'm not abandoning you two, nor am I going to report you guys either."

Kiyoshi and Gakuto remained confused by the brown-haired boy's words. Then what does he plan to do then? If he's not planning on reporting them or abandoning them…..then does he intend to still help them? But how?

Matsuri continued his explanation. "I'm….s-still gonna help you guys….but I'm not talking about the breakout…..I'm…..I'm gonna try and g-get the president approval to lift the ban on your guys freetime for the weekend."

"I see, so that's your plan." Gakuto said with a pondering tone. "Etsuko-dono told us this yesterday. That you were intending to help us by trying to change the President's mind on us and allow us to have freetime on the weekend, yes?"

Matsuri nodded. His hand is still gripping the jacket of his uniform.

"Matsuri-dono, if you don't mind me asking…why haven't you told us this beforehand?"

The boy's eyes remained still, looking at the two boys who looked back at him. His head lowered a bit as he looked towards his feet, a frown furrowed upon his lips.

"I…..I was scared." He said with a disappointed tone. "When Kiyoshi told me about his plan, I was scared of what might happen if Kiyoshi ends up getting caught and what would happen to the others. So I thought that if I could get the President's approval to give you guys freetime on the weekends, then you wouldn't have to risk getting expelled."

"Matsuri…" Kiyoshi breathed out.

"...I wanted to tell you guys to stop with your operation and I'll work on getting her approval but…." Matsuri gripped the edge of his jacket. "I was scared of what will happen if she doesn't change her mind. What if she doesn't give you guys a day off by May 7th….I didn't want you guys…..I didn't want you guys to hate me if I failed…"

"Matsuri…i-if you really felt that way, then why did you agree to help us?"

"B-Because I thought I could do something instead of staying on the sideline…I made the same mistake before by not stopping you guys from peeping…and…..I wasn't there for her either," He quietly said to himself. "…I don't…..I don't want to live through that again." He said as his eyes almost filled with tears. He fought back, trying his best not to cry in front of the boys.

The boys just looked at him. Not sure what to say to him or how even to respond to his feelings. Kiyoshi's face wore a guilty expression. If he knew what Matsuri was doing beforehand, then he would have just shut up and listened. But he was too focused on breaking out, he didn't even consider what Matsuri had been feeling for a while now.

Gakuto's face was unreadable as a glare from the sun completely shaded his eyes. He was still, as if he was in a thinking state. Letting every word from Matsuri sink into him.

Etsuko didn't say anything, but her eyes glittered as she stared at the boy. The happy energetic girl who always wore a smile on her face, now wore a frown. Bits of water filled her eyes, threatening to leave the barrier.

"I see," Gakuto broke the silence. "Matsuri-dono, I must say that it is rather cruel of you to think like that."

"Huh?" Matsuri looked at the glasses wearing boy.

Gakuto looked straight at the boy with a sad smile. "You should've said something beforehand. I did say that if you were uncomfortable with this, then you could've just backed out. And even if you wanted to back out…..we would never hate you."

"Gakuto right," Kiyoshi looked at him with a sad smile. "And besides, it's our fault that we got into this mess anyways. It's unfair that we dragged you into this."

"N-No….I wouldn't say that you dragged me into this…..I believe what Gakuto said is right…..the USC would try to use your guys breakout as a scapegoat and throw me in prison because I didn't do my job." Matsuri said even though he still wanted to be optimistic about the girls.

"True…." Gakuto stopped for a thought before he turned to Matsuri. "So….are you still intending on helping us then?"

"Y-Yes. I'm gonna try to get the President's approval however I can." He said with an attempted determined expression before falling a bit. "I just hope I can get her to at least listen to me."

"However, I fear that May 7th is approaching fast, leaving us only 3 days," Gakuto said, bringing everyone's attention to the date. "So then, Matsuri-dono. I can only give you till tomorrow."

"Huh!? What do you mean tomorrow!?" Etsuko exclaimed as the rage in her eyes pointed at Gakuto. "Matsuri doesn't have enough time till tomorrow! Give him more time!"

"Etsuko's right Gakuto. Give Matsuri some time." Kiyoshi pleaded as well.

"I wish I could but…..with May 7th just in plain sight. It is impossible to give him more time. With your date and my figurine on the line. We cannot afford to waste time."

Kiyoshi hated to admit it, but he was right. May 7th was just 3 days away and with only so little time left, they couldn't afford to let anything go to waste. Just one day though? Can Matsuri even manage?

Etsuko was just about to say something again, but stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked at Matsuri with a sad smile.

"It's fine Estuko," He said with a low voice. He looked at Gakuto, his eyes still burning within him. "I will try to get the President's approval by tomorrow…if I can't…then we can continue with the breakout operation."

"Very well…then Matsuri-dono. We place our faith in you." He said as he looked at the boy.

Matsuri just kept to himself. Was he doing the right thing? He could've just helped them out with the operation breakout, but he didn't want to risk them getting into trouble. This was the only option for the moment. Now he must do his part and help the boys. But that would mean he would have to face the council president once more.


-Prison Block-


7:45 pm

The boys were transferred into the prison block for the evening. Jo and Andre were playing a small game with each other on the other side of the table. Shingo on the other hand was watching the TV once more. His back laid against the metal chair and his legs propped up on the table.

On the other end of the table, Kiyoshi and Gakuto were both whispering to each other without the others noticing.

"So…what do you think?" Kiyoshi asked.

"You mean Matsuri-dono plan and if he will succeed?" He answered Kiyoshi's question to which he nodded. "To be honest, I don't think it will work."

Kiyoshi raised a questioning brow at the glasses-wearing boy. "Seriously? But you sounded like he could do it without a second thought." He questioned the boy.

Gakuto looked at him with a serious expression. "I didn't want to say this in front of Matsuri-dono but….. I believe that his whole plan to convince President-dono is a waste of time."

"Dude…..that's really harsh."

"That's why I didn't say anything." Gakuto said as he pushed his glasses up. "If he cannot convince President-dono to give us a day off for the weekend by tomorrow, then we have no choice but to continue with the operation."

Kiyoshi's eyes looked at Gakuto before they fell to the table. He wanted to believe in Matsuri's plan to convince the President to give them the day off, but Gakuto did speak the truth. Given the girls' attitude towards the boys these past days, it really did seem like they did not like males one bit. Heck, neither of the girls really treated them with respect during their time before they got into prison.

"Hey Gakuto…..I know what you say is true and all, but come on. Have a little faith in Matsuri." Kiyoshi still believes that Matsuri can convince the President to change her mind.

Gakuto looked unconvinced. "Then tell me, how will Matsuri-dono change the President's mind within 3 days if I give him more time."

Kiyoshi furrowed his brow at the boy. "Matsuri is a temporary member of the USC right? He's been with them for a while now."

"True, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"It deals with alot man. Think about it, I'm pretty sure that they've been testing Matsuri themselves to see if he's hiding anything or if he's a pervert like us. If that's the case, maybe Matsuri can get to talk to her one-on-one and plead for us."

Gakuto thought for a moment. What Kiyoshi said was true, if they have been testing him and Matsuri have so far proven them that he's not a pervert like them, then there could be a chance for them after all. But his worries still surface.

"Even so…..I will still have your plan as a backup in case it doesn't go well."

"I know it won't."

"Based on what? If I may ask?"

"Faith." Kiyoshi said without a moment of hesitation. A burning fire lit within his eyes. "All we can do is have faith in Matsuri."

"Faith…"

Kiyoshi's eyes looked towards his hands as they balled into a fist. "It's…..It's bad enough that we didn't listen to Matsuri during the first time because of our desires…I think it's time we shut up and listen to him."

Gakuto didn't say anything, he just stared at Kiyoshi with an unreadable expression. It was true, they didn't listen to a word that Matsuri said and they had to pay the price. Now he's letting his own desires get in the way once more with his 3 kingdom figurine in plain sight. He truly did want the toy since it only comes once every 4 years. And he'll be damned if he has to wait for it in another 4 year.

Gakuto drew a long breath, a small chuckle escaped his lips. "Faith huh…rather baseless honestly…but," His eyes looked up at Kiyoshi with a small smile. "Your words are true…..very well then. If it's faith that we must rely on. Then I shall put my faith in Matsuri-dono as well."

"Yeah."

"What about Matsuri?"

The two froze at the familiar voice. They slowly turned their heads to see Shingo as he leaned his body forward over the table with his hand supporting his balance. He wore a curious look on his face as he looked at them, eager to wonder what they were talking about Matsuri.

Gakuto and Kiyoshi sweated as they tried to come up with another topic regarding Matsuri. They couldn't say anything about their plan.

"W-Well Shingo-dono. W-We were….."

It wasn't long before Jo and Andre came into their conversation. Jo set his hand on Shingo's shoulders.

"Come on Shingo, leave them alone."

"Yeah, I mean just let them flirt in peace."

Kiyoshi flinched in response. His hand curled into a fist as he gritted his teeth. He just remembered how the boys mistook him and Gakuto for being together, even though it wasn't true. But it still pissed him off.

Gakuto however, was more curious on what they were implying. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Come on, you know. You guys are a couple."

Gakuto's mouth gaped all the way. His face was frozen in place as he stared at the boys with complete shock! Kiyoshi, on the other hand, was completely covered by his hands. Trembling in his position.

"These assholes!" He thought to himself.

"I BEG YOUR PARDON! BUT I AND KIYOSHI-DONO ARE NOT IN THAT SORT OF RELATIONSHIP! WE'RE NOT EVEN A COUPLE!" He bellowed!

"Now I know that's bullshit. I saw you two in the showers the other day," Shingo said with an unconvincing look. "You know. I saw you and Kiyoshi doing it there."

By this point, Kiyoshi and Gakuto were boiling. It was all made by that simple misunderstanding! It wasn't that all!

"H-Hold on! That day in the showers! It was nothing like that at all! Really it wasn't! And besides, I'm not even into guys!"

The three shared a glance with each other before they looked back at the two boys. "So you guys are not a couple?" Andre asked with a confused look.

"Of course not!" Kiyoshi spoke, being the spokesman for both of them. "It was just a misunderstanding that's all. And besides, there's another reason for that….."

Jo coughed into his fist. "If you guys are not a couple. Then what's the other reason then…..I mean you two are getting along pretty well as of late."

"Yeah. Not to mention Matsuri and Etsuko were with you two for a while as well." Shingo said with a curious brow.

Kiyoshi was about to say something, but retreated back to what he was about to say. His eyes lowered as they fell to his feet.

"Damn it. I can't say anything about what we were doing. If I do….then they might….."


"We were simply aiding Matsuri-dono in his quest to steal the heart of Vice President-dono!" Gakuto spoke up.

"..."

The room grew silent. Nothing was said. The only thing that is present is the boy's expression. All three of the boy's had the same types of reactions spreaded across their faces. Their mouth gaped wide open, long enough for a bug to fly right in. Their eyes wide as dinner plates with fierce blushes grew on their cheeks.

Kiyoshi just stopped whatever he was doing as he just looked at Gakuto with a baffled look on his face. Where did that come from!? Did he seriously come up with that right on the spot!?

"S-Seriously?" Shingo spoke with a stutter.

"Indeed." Gakuto said with confidence with a glint in his eyes. "Matsuri-dono came to us with worries. He was trying to find ways to attract Vice President-dono."

The three shared a glance once more. As they were speaking with each other, Kiyoshi took the moment and looked at Gakuto.

"Seriously! That's your cover!?" He whispered at Gakuto.

"Apologies! But it just came up as a thought!"

It didn't take long before Shingo spoke once more. Getting Kiyoshi and Gakuto attention. "So it was true."

"Huh?" Both Kiyoshi and Gakuto were baffled. Did he actually take that?

"I mean, it was a thought, but to think that Matsuri would actually be into girls like the Vice President…" Jo said with a ponder of thought.

"Yeah. Not to mention, the two have been alone together often. I wonder what type of punishment she gives him….." Andre said with a hint of jealousy in it.

"I told you Andre, I'm sure Matsuri isn't that type of man. Hell, I still think that the Vice President is way out of his league."

Kiyoshi and Gakuto looked at each other before looking at the others. Now they have to be in the conversation.

"Shingo-dono, please elaborate on what you mean…."

"I mean come on think about it, a smoking hot, dominatrix babe like the Vice President into someone wimpy like Matsuri. No way. It's not possible."

"Hey come on Shingo. Matsuri isn't that much of a wimp." Kiyoshi said, not liking how Shingo was being rather harsh towards Matsuri.

"Well it's true. The guy looks like a girl from afar. Heck he even screams like a girl. Bet he doesn't have any muscles either." He joked with a snicker.

Kiyoshi did not like how Shingo was mentally attacking Matsuri. He had to stop for this and stand up for the boy. But before he uttered even a word, the noise from the cell door slammed open, making the boys jump a bit in the air. They turned around and saw the thong wearing dominatrix herself in her sleepwear.

Meiko's back was against the rim of the door with her head resting alongside, looking straight at Shingo. Her arms were crossed underneath her bosom, pushing them upward, squeezing them together. Her leg was raised up and resting against the cold metal doors. With the way it was raised, her shorts were raised a bit, riding up her skin.

"That's big talk coming from you, Shingo." She said with a firm voice. "Pretty ironic that you can talk all big and tough, granted you slack off just as worse as the others." She said as she furrowed her brow at the blonde boy that made him jump a little.

"V-Vice President-dono! H-How long have you been there!?" Gakuto said with a panic. Worrying if she heard everything that they have said from the beginning.

"I just got here," Meiko lowered her legs as she took a step inside and looked at the boys. "I couldn't help but to hear your guys' conversation about Hitoyoshi…then you thought it was funny to poke fun at him."

Shingo knew exactly what she was implying. He trembled on the spot. "W-Well, I mean he does lack some areas of what I would describe as a man."

Meiko rolled her eyes at Shingo's statement. "If you ask me, a man doesn't need to fit in any of those criteria. At least for the most part."

This caught the boys' attention. Was she really doing what they thought she was doing?

"Being a man shouldn't have to rely on your outside appearance, nor should it be reliant on what a man should do. Girls don't just fall for the macho type guys who go around showing their muscles for show. They can fall for any type of guy, it can range from any type of boy. It can be the ones that I just described, it can be delinquents, honest ones, smart people, sometimes the odd one maybe…then there's the sensitive ones….I'm sure there are girls out there who can go for Hitoyoshi ..."

The boys felt their heart skip a beat when she said the last part. It was like most of her violent tough voice was gone and replaced with a more sweeter and softer voice. They took notice of the Vice President's expression, a small blush painted on her cheeks. Her eyes batted downward towards her feet as she was shifting in place.

"Holy crap…" They all said in synch. Seeing the Vice President like this.

"V-Vice President-dono, so are you implying that Matsuri-dono is fine the way he is?"

Meiko flinched a bit. Her face heats up when she just finds out what she just said. She hugged herself, her head sinking between her shoulders as her eyes batted the other way. She cursed under her breath.

"W-Well of course these are just my opinions. However, I do believe that Hitoyoshi does have room for improvement of course!"

The boys became rather curious over the fierce vice president's sudden change of nature. The ever so violent, crop wielding, dominatrix of a woman is suddenly finding herself blushing and shifting in their sight. If they were really to say something about this…..

"Is this the same Vice President!?"

"Um….I have a question?" Kiyoshi asked with his hand raised.

"Permitted."

"Um…..do you…you know…like Matsuri?"

Meiko's face turned a deep crimson red. Sweat started to roll against her bare skin and towards the ground. She trembled in place, her eyes became wide as plates. It didn't take long before she started gritting her teeth and her face morphed into rage.

"WHERE THE HELL DID THAT QUESTION CAME FROM! UGH!" She bellowed as she turned her body around and headed towards the door. She looks back at the boys with a fierce blush. "TIME FOR BED YOU BASTARDS! GET MOVING!"

"YES MA'AM!"

The boys scrambled in a line before they headed out the door. Meiko waited a bit as they all emptied out of the room. Meiko breathed in some air before exhaling. Running her hand through her hair, a deep crimson blush lay planted on her cheeks. Trying her best to keep her cool. Despite that, she still felt her heart beating against her chest.

She shook her head, shoving unnecessary thoughts aside as she closed the cell door and walked down the hall behind the other prisoners.

"I need to get a grip." She whispered to herself.


-USC Office-


8:00 pm

Mari sat in her chair with her back straight and legs crossed. Her eyes glued to the computer screen. The light illuminated from the screen reflected against the pupil of her eyes. The only sound source that could be heard within the room was her fingers as they gracefully typed across the keyboard.

The teen has spent the majority of the day typing away at the screen, her face remained focused as her eyes scanned the screen from left to right.

But her focus comes to a halt when she hears a knock on her door. Her brow raised as she looked towards the door. Who could be here at this hour? She assumed it would be Meiko.

"Come in." She said with her focus now remaining on the door.

She thought that the person who was knocking was Meiko, but to her surprise, it wasn't. It instead turned out to be a familiar messy brown hair boy, dawned in his male Hachimitsu uniform.

Mari narrowed her eyes for a moment before her hand hovered over her mouse and did something within the computer that remained unseen by Matsuri.

"Well now…this is indeed a surprise to see you here in my office during this hour, Hitoyoshi." She said with a firm glare.

Matsuri swallowed a bit. She was still not trusting him enough. "Um….s-sorry to bother you at this hour, M-Madam President." He said as he played with his hair strands.

"It is alright Hitoyoshi, just keep your hands to yourself." She said with a hint of warning in her voice. "Now then, what brings you at this hour?"

Matsuri breathed in and exhaled afterward. His eyes look straight at Mari's. "I was…..I wanted to talk about the boys….."

Mari raised an eyebrow. "The boys?"

"Yes…..th-they performed work pretty well as of late. Aside from a few hiccups here and there, they have done enough work as of late. S-So…..would you p-please give them-"

"Denied." Mari interrupted his sentence before he could even finish.

Matsuri's eyes just looked at her with shock, before they slowly dimmish to that of one who carried fear.

"B-But I didn't….."

"I know what you are going to propose. And furthermore, my answer is no."

"But they-"

"Hitoyoshi," She said with her voice in that of an authority voice. Getting the boy's attention. "Why are you so focused on giving the boys their freetime on the weekends?" She said as she looked at Matsuri with her icy blue eyes.

The boy tried his best to not be afraid of Mari, but she literally has proven to him that he should not get on her bad side, he might regret it. But he had to stand his ground, he can't let his fear get the best of him and let her attack him. He wasn't going to allow Mari to scare him anymore.

He looked at Mari with a small fire in his eyes. "T-The boys already learned their lesson. Don't you t-think they should get s-some sort of reward at least?"

Mari just chuckled under her breath. She gave Matsuri a mocking smirk. "A reward?"

"Y-Yes…."

"If I lighten up on their punishment, then they will cause trouble. If they cause more trouble, then that fault would lie with not receiving enough punishment to get the message across. And you want me to give them a reward for their so-called 'hard work'?"

"B-But they won't cause anymore trouble."

"And just how do you know that, hmm? Can you promise me that they won't cause any trouble? For all we know they could be just thinking about causing another scandalous act at this very moment."

"Y-You don't-"

"Hitoyoshi!" Mari's voice burst, forcing the boy to stop in his sentence. "Am I sensing mutiny in your argument."

"Wha? N-No, it's nothing like that! I just-"

"It's not? It almost sounds like it."

Matsuri started to shake in fear from her tone, he tried his hardest to remain strong, but the crow master was proving to be an unreasonable force at the moment. And the stare she was giving him was not helping. Her eyes said many things from just a glance, and it was making Matsuri frightened even further.

"P-Please…..I'm not trying to-"

"Then leave."

"Huh?"

"If you are not trying to rebel against me then leave." Mari said as her eyes went back to her computer. Boring the screen once more.

Matsuri couldn't believe it. She literally just took parts of his words and just rearranged them into entirely different statements. He just wanted to give the boys their freetime on the weekends, so that they wouldn't get into trouble if they broke out of prison. And yet she just shoved him aside like he was non-important.

Deep down, Matsuri felt hurt and….frustrated. He felt hurt by how Mari treated him, of course she still distrust him for a variety of reasons. The main reason is most likely his past and his 'supposed' crime against Yoshimiya. But he was also frustrated because of how she was treating him. Like he was not important to talk to. He was nothing. Inferior to her level.

"Are you still here?" He snapped the boy out of his trance as he flinched under her voice. Her glare glanced at him. "If you are done here, then leave."

Matsuri bit his lip. He knew he was digging his own grave for this. But he needed to. His eyes stared back at the president who glanced once more on the computer screen.

"Please." He said once more, gaining her attention. "I really request for you to look into this more."

Mari just stared at him with a raised brow. She would've thought that she would send him off with broken hopes. But yet, here he is, still with some fighting spirit in him left. Just what has made him so focus on giving the boys their freetime on the weekends she wonders. But that was a thought for another time.

She sighed to herself. "Friday."

"Huh?"

"You have until Friday to give me a convincing argument regarding the boys…if you can convince me that the boys do deserve a weekend off, then I will allow it. However," She said with a smirk, that literally made Matsuri shiver. "If you can't change my mind otherwise…..then you know what will happen."

"F-Friday!? But-"

"Do you not have confidence in yourself?" Mari interrupted him with a harsh tone. "You were so sure of yourself just a moment ago. What happened?"

Matsuri was about to say something, but nothing came out. His eyes fell down to his feet, he wanted to have more time so that the boys could get their day off without the need of breaking out. Not to mention he promised Gakuto and Kiyoshi that he would have until tomorrow to get them their day off…but of course things will not always be simple.

His hand curled into a fist…..the fighting spirit within him said that he must do this for the sake of the boys. He steeled himself as he looked back at Mari.

"Y-Yes…..I'm confident in myself."

A small smile dawned on her lips. Her eyes are still looking at him. "Well then…I hope to see what argument you have for me then…Hitoyoshi."


-Courtyard-


May 5th (2 Days Left Until Operation Breakout)

12:30pm

The boys were out in the courtyard, once more enjoying their break from work and their classes (from within the prison at least). Jo, Andre, and Shingo were once more playing around together. Meanwhile, Kiyoshi and Gakuto were just sitting by the prison building, their mind currently on Matsuri and his attempt to get them their freetime.

Kiyoshi was more or so a little anxious, he wanted to believe in Matsuri. For a while now, he has not given a thought about Matsuri feeling or idea before they went peeping on the girls. Letting his own desires and testosterone get in the way of own judgment and morals. He allowed the boys to manipulate him and just followed along with their dreams.

"I wonder…what life would've been if we just listened to Matsuri…if we just stopped and listened to his warnings…then we wouldn't be in the mess."

Gakuto on the other hand, was in deep thoughts. He had just been sitting there, his leg pulled against his chest, his arms wrapping his arm around his legs and resting his head. The glare from the sun blocked the glasses, his eyes remained hidden.

Kiyoshi could note that he too was also anxious. He knew that he too was also awaiting to hear back from Matsuri. But the fact that he was being too quiet to himself made him a bit…..uncomfortable to say the least.

"H-Hey Gakuto," He spoke to the silent teen next to him. "Calm down, I'm sure Matsuri will have changed the president's mind by now."

"..." Nothing.

Kiyoshi really wanted to lighten the mood. He knows it's really pointless, but he at least has to try. "Come on Gakuto, relax. Remember…..we're supposed to have faith in Matsuri."

"...indeed we did." He finally spoke, but his tone remained uncertain. "But my worries still remain."

The blue-haired boy sighs as he runs his hand through his hair. "Come on Gakuto, at least have some faith, right."

"In case you have forgotten, Kiyoshi-dono. Our dreams are on the line here…or more so your dream." He said as his eyes remained forward where the other teens were playing. "If Matsuri fails at this, then we have no other choice but to continue our breakout operation."

"I know…..but still…..I want to give Matsuri a chance at this. He's been there for us, man. And I don't want to drag him into any trouble because of our mistake."

Gakuto didn't say anything as he just remained still for a moment. What Kiyoshi said was true…..it was their fault that they got into this mess. And with only one week away from being released, they are bound to get into more trouble with possible expulsion if they break out of prison. However, Matsuri's plan to get their freetime is nothing but false hope.

They would still have to fall back to their breakout operation if nothing comes from Matsuri end. "Even so…we will still have to…"

Their conversation comes to a halt when they notice the sound of footsteps coming from outside of the gate that surrounds the prison block. All five of the boys stopped when they saw some visitors coming to the prison.

To them it was a rare sight, they are used to seeing Meiko, Matsuri, and Etsuko. Since they are in charge of watching the prisoners. But to their surprise, they spotted the fearsome crowmaster herself with her usual icy stare that could stun any man in fear.

All of the boys gulped in fear. Just why was the President of the underground council here for. Have they caused some trouble? At least the thought of Shingo, Andre, and Jo. But to Gakuto and Kiyoshi, their thoughts are that Matsuri has perhaps indeed changed her mind.

Meiko opened the gate of the entrance of the prison. "EVERYONE! FORM A LINE!" She demanded as they all scrambled about.

Once all of the boys were in a line. Mari took center spotlight as she approached them. Her eyes staring at all five of the boys present. Looking as if they are about to faint. Matsuri took his spot to the side with his eyes glancing to the other direction. He didn't feel like looking at them, (particularly Kiyoshi and Gakuto). Etsuko remained next to Matsuri with her eyes briefly looking at Matsuri with a hint of sympathy.

"I see that you boys have been doing well for the past days within prison," She spoke, her eyes remained on the boys. "I have received words from the Vice President, I hear that your work has also made some decent amount of progress. With a few hiccups here and there, and some slacking on some ends." Her eyes shot at Kiyoshi and Gakuto.

Goosebumps were sent underneath their uniforms. The stare that Mari always gives is not always the most pleasant sight to see or even witness. But they suppose the fault lies with them, given what they actually have been doing behind her back.

Mari's eyes closed before she spoke once more. "But given the progress and the behavior lately…..I will consider giving you guys 3 hours free time on the weekends."

All of the boy's reactions were all over the place. Their faces remained shocked, surprised, and just baffled. Did they hear that right, was she actually considering giving them their freetime on Saturday. Was this a dream!? It had to be right. Was this even real?

Kiyoshi and Gakuto were the most shocked. Did Matsuri's plan actually work? Was all that false hope just a phase that they were going through.

"P-Permission to ask Madam President-dono!" Gakuto raised his hand urgently.

"Yes."

"I-Is this true!? Are you truly going to give us freetime on the weekends!? No jest, correct?"

Mari closed her eyes, musing for a moment. "Yes. This is true. I will consider your guys freetime on the weekend."

There it was again. At that moment the boys were about to cheer. There was light at the end of the tunnel for them. There was hope.

"However," Mari caught their attention again. Her eyes opened once more. "I said this is in consideration. That doesn't mean I'm giving it to you now."

The boys just groaned in frustration.

"I knew this was too good to be true." Shingo said under his breath.

"Calm down." Mari spoke once more. "I did say it was in consideration. Did I not? For the moment, your free time will be in discussion."

"A discussion?" Gakuto asked with a raised brow.

"Yes." Mari said with a smirk gracing her lips as her eyes glanced to her left. "Hitoyoshi, is the one who requested it."

It was then, all eyes lay on Matsuri. The boy was literally trying his best to look in the other direction, trying his best to avoid the attention.

The boys were in shock. Matsuri was the one who requested for their freetime!? Kiyoshi and Gakuto were in most shock at their end. The same boy who refused to take part in their peeping operation. He has requested a negotiation with the fearsome president.

Matsuri groaned to himself. "I really wish she didn't have to throw me into the spotlight like that."

"Um…..M-Madam President-dono. If I may ask, when you said that our freetime will be discussed, did you mean that Matsuri-dono will speak to you in a one-on-one discussion about it."

"Yes."

A bead of sweat rolled off against his forehead. "W-When will this be?"

"Tomorrow."

All of the boy's mouth gaped wide open in complete shock and disbelief. Tomorrow!? That's the day before Saturday! The day before Kiyoshi could go on his date with Chiyo and the date that Gakuto could get his figurine. And the boys freetime in general.

"B-But that's the day before Saturday! Surely you can't expect Matsuri-dono to accomplish that!"

"I don't see why you're looking at me…..after all. Hitoyoshi was the one who agreed to it." She said as she glanced at Matsuri once more.

"You didn't give me any other choices." He thought to himself.

"In any case, your free time will be discussed tomorrow." She said as she turned around and walked over to Matsuri. The crowmaster set her hands on the boy's shoulders, making him flinch. "Don't disappoint the boys." She said with a grin.

Matsuri bit his lips. He really did not appreciate how she was literally putting him on the spot like this. But he did dug his own grave, he's the one who agreed to this. And he will have to do this for the boys. And for himself.


"What is the meaning of this Matsuri-dono!?" Gakuto exclaimed as he looked right at Matsuri with furrowed eyes.

"It's as she said Gakuto," Matsuri said as he looked the other way. "I'm gonna try to convince her about your guys freetime for the weekend."

"But still! You said that you would change President-dono's mind by this day. This was not part of the deal." Gakuto said with a rather frustrated tone.

Matsuri knows that he is frustrated because his figurine is on the line here. But he had no other option left but to focus on getting their freetime.

"I know Gakuto, but I…..I still want to continue with my plan."

"Right, your plan. But it's really a waste of time. There's nothing we can-"

"Gakuto," He was interrupted by Kiyoshi who remained silent for the longest. His eyes looked at Gakuto with fire in his eyes. "I think we should let Matsuri handle this."

"But Kiyoshi-dono-"

"It's fine Gakuto. Even with a small shred of hope, we still need to have faith in Matsuri."

"Kiyoshi's right Spect-san! We need to have more faith in him! If Kiyoshi can believe he can do this, then so do I!" Etsuko said with her hands clenched into fists.

Gakuto didn't say anything as he just sat there with a look. He wanted to continue with the breakout operation, but it looked like everything was already set in stone. In order for them to truly get their short freedom, is through a negotiation with the president herself. The teen pushed his glasses up from his nose.

"You're right…I need more faith in you then…Matsuri-dono."

Matsuri blushed a little from their encouragement. But if he were to be honest, he felt a little overwhelmed by their words of encouragement. He feels grateful that they are relying on him to do this for them, but what if he failed. What if they don't get their freetime? There were many possibilities that he thought in his mind.

He shook his head, not wanting to think about the negative outcomes. He needed to do this for his so-called 'friends'. Or at least do this for Kiyoshi and Gakuto.

He took a deep breath before looking at them. "I'll do this. I'll try to do this for you guys."

Kiyoshi and Gakuto nodded at him with a smile. Etsuko had a wide grin on her face as a blush luminated upon her cheeks.

"NO SLACKING OFF OVER THERE!" Their conversation was interrupted when Meiko came walking towards the four. They all sprang their body straight up with their hands to the sides.

As soon as she made it over towards them, she planted her hands on her hips looking straight at Kiyoshi and Gakuto.

"YOU TWO! GET BACK TO WORK!"

"YES MA'AM!" Kiyoshi and Gakuto scrambled over to their position to work on cleaning the waste disposal area.

Meiko then looks over at Matsuri and Etsuko. "You two! No more conversing with the prisoners! You may converse with them only on their break. Understand!"

"Y-Yes ma'am!" The both of them said in synch.

"Hitoyoshi." She looked at Matsuri who looked at her with a raised brow. "Mind telling me what was that between you and Madam President?" She said as she crossed her arms under her bosom.

"Oh….w-well…..I thought about how the Madam President abolished their freetime and well…..I just thought I could talk to her about maybe…..reinstating it back."

Meiko raised a brow at the boy. Musing herself at the boy with a thought. "He's willing to go far to go against Madam President's order. Impressive."

"As bold as you make it sound, I must say it's rather pointless though." She said as she closed her eyes. "Madam President is not someone whom you can easily change their mind."

"But we won't know unless we try right." Etsuko said, both her fists raised together as she looked at Meiko.

"I'm not saying it's not impossible. But don't get your hopes up." Meiko said as she opened her eyes at them both.

Matsuri took a moment to think about this. He has thought of the possible outcomes that could happen in the future. He really thought to himself that he would just let the boys go ahead and use the breakout operation. But he didn't want them to end up in trouble.

He looked up at Meiko, a small fire lit in his eyes. "I have to try it, right? It was my fault for not stopping them from their peeping operation. The least I can do is be there for them."

Meiko smirked a little at the boy. "Look like you're owning up to your mistakes. Even if you fail at this…..you've tried your best." Meiko said.

Matsuri makes a small gasp when he takes notice of something about Meiko before she turns around to walk back to her position.

The boy was too busy looking at the back of the Vice President, he swore he saw her smile. It was small, but he believed he saw one.

"Did she…did she just smile….."

The boy slowly turned to his left and noticed a small smirk on the small female freshman. She was giving him a knowing smirk with a blush sticker planted on her cheeks.

"W-What is it?"

"Nothing~."

"I know what you're thinking, it's nothing like that." He said with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

"Oh poor sweet naive Matsuri~," Etsuko said as she set her hand on Matsuri's shoulders, her smirk continuing to grace her lip. "You're obviously in denial."

Matsuri just pouted at his friend's implication. True, he did find her attractive, but he didn't want to see her just for her body. There was more to her than just her physical appearance. Her strong determined nature definitely goes without notice. Not only that she was incredibly hardworking as well when it comes to her duties.

"If I'm really being honest…..I wish I knew more about her honestly."


-Woman Showers-


7:45pm

The bathroom was empty at this hour, good enough for Mari to sit alone in the shower. The raven hair teenager was washing herself in the shower. Scrubbing the sponge against her arm.

The girl's mind was on the boy who requested to have a negotiation with her regarding the boy's freetime. She wonders to herself, why was the boy to focus on giving them their free time to begin with.

"If I recall, Hitoyoshi did come to me last month about that as well. While I said I was considering giving the boys their freetime. I still doubt they will stay out of trouble." She thought a hint of venom in her tone. "It just goes to show that all men are trash…."

She stopped for a moment. Her hand stopped moving against her skin as she just sat there. The soap slid against her skin as it dropped to the floor near her foot. Her eyes narrowed forward, looking at her own reflection. Water dripped against her skin.

"Men are all trash…" She repeated in her thought, her glare softened once more.

Her thoughts transition to the messy brown hair boy. For a moment, her time with the boy has shown her several things about him. While he does carry some traits, more particularly his gaze at the female bodies. Whenever he is caught off-guard, he would take a glance. At least according to Meiko's report.

And her alone time with him, she can confirm one thing about Matsuri. He is incredibly reserved when it comes to being with girls. That time when she and Matsuri went shopping, she had several times to catch him in the act. Especially when they were in the changing room together. That didn't work, he just gently chastised her for her actions.

Mari bit her lip at that memory. She felt embarrassed for what she did. If anyone caught her in that display, she would most likely not hear the end of it at school.

Then the one memory that occurred to her. That moment when she interrogated him about his past life at his old school. His relationship with Yoshimiya.

The girl remained in her thoughts. The fact that she killed herself over the leak of photos of her naked did not sit well with her. And the only one who knew and lived through that moment of time…..was Matsuri.

"Hitoyoshi…just what in the world are you hiding?" She thought to herself.

"Madam President…." A familiar voice from the side of her spoke up.

Mari eyes glanced to the left and spotted the gray-haired vice president. The young teen had her arms crossed in front of her large buxom, squeezing her arms against her sides.

"Would you like for me to wash your back?" She asked.

Mari nodded as she turned around on her seat. Her hand now planted on her knees as she felt Meiko scrubbing her back.

"Madam President…..are you sure about this?"

"Do you mean about the negotiation?" Mari assumed. "It is fine. Hitoyoshi can try all he wants. My mind will remain the same anyways." She said with a matter of fact tone.

"Hmm…M-Madam President," Meiko said to grab her attention. "Don't you think…..that maybe we should just…g-give the boys their freetime?"

Mari raised a brow at her statement. Was she hearing this right? Meiko actually suggested giving them a freetime.

"Where did this come from?" Mari said as she looked over her shoulders at Meiko. The amazon beauty flinched under her stare. "Are you suggesting I should go along with my father's orders and give them their freetime."

Meiko started to sweat on the spot. Her hand retreated back to her body, squeezing against her large breast.

"N-No ma'am! I-I'm just saying….w…we should possibly avoid any unnecessary possibilities! That's a-all!"

"What do you mean?"

"W-Well. Perhaps what if the boys p-performs a breakout. I-If we did not go along with the c-chairman orders. I-It is a possibility."

Mari took a moment to think about that. The idea doesn't strive too far away. The possibility of the boys making a breakout does pose a problem. Not just for the boys, but for the school.

"I see. So you believe that the boys will do something idiotic. Such as a breakout?"

"Y-Yes ma'am!" Meiko said with urgency in her tone.

The gray-haired vice president trembled on the spot. Her face looked down towards the floor beneath her. Her sweat still soaking against her skin.

"W-What am I saying!? I'm literally speaking against the president's authority! No doubt she will find me under suspicion of siding with those trashs!"

"I see your concern." Mari spoke as she rose from her seat. Standing tall, her eyes looking over her shoulder towards Meiko who was still on the ground. "However, the prison is inescapable. There is no need to worry about those boys attempting an escape. And if they were to escape, I promise you a swift punishment will be necessary."

"Y-Yes ma'am." Meiko said as she sprung up, her eyes meeting the president's.

Mari's eyes looked forward once more. She walks over to the tub filled with water. Taking a few steps at a time. She dips her toe in first, then submerged her whole body in the water. Laying her back against the edge of the tub. Her hair free itself, hanging off to the side away from the water. Meiko joined her.

"By the way, Madam President…..what are we going to do about Hitoyoshi?" She asked. "With the boys being released next week, his time here at the council will soon be relieved."

Mari grew a small smirk. "Not to worry…..I have been carefully considering what to do with Hitoyoshi."

"Ma'am…..pardon for my rudeness but," Meiko bit her lip before she continued. "We must be careful around Hitoyoshi. It is shown that he is rather sensitive about anything that would relate to his past life at his old school. I-I'm sure you wouldn't want to see him break down again…."

Mari looked at Meiko. "I'm aware…..that was a mistake. Which is why I've been making a consideration on this plan…I'll give the details another time."

"Yes ma'am."

Mari resumed to enjoy herself, sinking further into the water with her nose and eyes the only parts out of the water.

"I will find out just what happened to Yoshimiya…and Hitoyoshi is the only one with the true answer." She thought to herself with a glare. "If he is lying about everything…..then I will gladly punish him…personally."


-Prison Block-


May 6th (1 Day until Operation Breakout)

12:45pm

None of the boys had the energy or focus to play or do anything. All they just did was just sat in a circle. Each of them wore a nervous expression, almost as if they were about to break. Shingo, Andre, and Jo were thinking to themselves with serious pondering looks.

"I really hope we get our free time." Andre said with a hopeful thought.

"But do you really think that he will change the President's mind about our freetime." Jo asked with a weak cough.

"I doubt it," Shingo spoke out. "Come on, you've seen how he is. The dude's a wimp. I bet ya that he'll just be chewed out by the minute he gets in the office." Shingo said as he scratched the back of his head.

"Yeah but, he did offer to do this for us." Andre said with a counter argument. "Don't you think we should at least have some faith in him."

"I don't know…..if it was one of us I wouldn't mind, but I don't, Matsuri is just a wimp."

As the three boys were talking, Kiyoshi and Gakuto were sitting near the building, their backs against the wall, sitting with their knees against their chest. Their expressions were similar to the boys as they were just sitting with a serious pondering look on their faces.

Kiyoshi couldn't help but overhear Shingo, Andre, and Jo conversation. For some part, he felt sympathy for Matsuri, the boy was not here to hear the nonsense that was coming out of their mouth.

"Just leave them be, Kiyoshi-dono." Gakuto spoke as he grabbed the boy's attention. "There's nothing we can do…..but to have faith in Matsuri-dono." He said as his eyes looked ahead.

Kiyoshi noticed the tone in his voice, he looked at his hands that were curled in a fist. Trembling on the spot. The boy could take a wild guess of what was worrying the boy. He sighed to himself.

"Come on man, have some faith in Matsuri…..I'm sure he'll accomplish the goal. And we'll get our reward."

"..." Gakuto didn't say anything as he just faced forward. His expression was unreadable, all he just did was look forward.

Kiyoshi sighed to himself as his eyes looked at one of the windows that led inside the school. His thoughts went to the boy who promised that he will get their freedom unbanned, talking with the President to hope and change her mind.

"Hope you know what you're doing, Matsuri."


-Entrance of the USC Office-


3:15pm

Matsuri stood at the front of the door that led straight into the office of the Underground Student Council. His body trembled in fear, gripping the sleeves of his jacket. Beads of sweat leaked against his face as he just looked onward at the door. Unaware of the ongoing passing by of students who were whispering to each other while looking at him with worried or skeptical look.

Matsuri could hear what they were saying as he was too busy being terrified of what awaits him near the door. But he can still hear what they were saying.

"What is he doing in front of the door of USC?"

"Hope he got in trouble? Maybe he'll be thrown in Prison?"

"Why does it look like he's scared?"

He paid no mind to them as he tried to focus on what he had to do. Matsuri had one goal and one goal only. That was to accomplish his negation with the underground president and get their freetime without the need of breaking out.

"I have to do this…..I can't let them down…..I need to do this for them, Yoshimiya…..and for myself."

He reached for the doorknob and pulled it open.


-USC Office-


3:20pm

Matsuri entered the room, his eyes kept forward as he closed the door behind him and stood in front of the door. His eyes looked forward at the president who stood there with her usual glare. Her hand folded on top of her legs that crossed on top of each other. She sat there with an elegant posture and added a look that would intimate anyone.

Matsuri gulped in fear, but gripped his sleeves harder. He needed to do this.

"I-I'm here." Matsuri said with a bit of a tremble in his voice.

Mari simply smirked. "I'm aware. Please sit." She gestured over to the unoccupied seat across from her.

Matsuri walked over to the seat and rested upon the cushion. The boy tried his damn hardest to calm his nerves. He gripped the sleeves of his jacket with a tight grip, but he could still hear the beating of his heart pounding against his chest. His lips were quivering, cold sweat leaked against his cheeks.

"I want to run…..I really do just want to…" His thoughts got to him as he violently shook his head. "No! Not this time! I have to do this!"

His thoughts were interrupted when Mari offered a cup to the boy. The tea stood on the table that sat right in the middle between them. He blinked a couple of times before he looked at Mari who wore her usual glare, but it was softened.

"I figured you were going to have another panic attack, so please….help yourself." Mari said, her early taunting tone completely absent.

Matsuri wanted to question her strange behavior, but chose against it and grabbed the cup. He wasted no time as he brought the cup to his lip. Letting the liquid fill his throat and go down his pipe. Feeling slightly better, recovering from his previous panic.

"Um….t-thank you Madam President."

"You're welcome." Mari nodded. She allowed her back to rest against the back of the couch as she gave him a look. Her glare returned once more. "Now then, Hitoyoshi. I believe you wanted to negotiate about the boys free time. Correct?"

Matsuri took a breath before he set the bottle back on the table. His eyes looked at Mari's, a rare sight of a glare from the boy. "Y-Yes."

"Well then…" Mari looked straight at the boy with a glare. Her cold blue eyes looked right into Matsuri's. "Let us not dwell any longer. And get straight to the point."

"R-Right." Matsuri said as his stare intensified or at least attempted. But he was still looking straight at her.


"Now then…..why do you believe that the boys deserve free time on the weekends."

Matsuri pondered for a moment, he couldn't really tell her the real reason. Nor what the boys were going to do if they did not get their freetime.

"B-Because…..like I said before. The boys a-are performing well with their activity during their time in prison. They've been working hard on improving the school and have so far not done anything inappropriate- t-that would result in extension of their sentences."

Mari closed her eyes for a moment. Letting Matsuri's words sink in. "True….they have not. And they have been working for quite a while on improving the school grounds." She said as she looked up aimlessly. Not looking at anything in particular. It didn't take long before she returned back to her previous position.

"However, I wouldn't say they have behaved themselves too well. There are several incidents that have happened," She said as she opened her eyes, looking at the boy. "For example, they have destroyed the shed that was once the refuse waste area. Then there was the incident in the computer room. I believe Kiyoshi pushed the computer off of the desk. Would you deem that appropriate?"

"O-Oh….those incidents…w-well no. But it's nothing too serious, maybe except for the computer. But as for the shed, they're working hard to rebuild it."

Mari looked at the boy with a raised brow. "Is that so? If they are working hard, then why does it not look anywhere near completed." She said with a rather frustrated tone.

Matsuri flinched a little, but he remained strong. "I-It takes time. And besides, it is o-only two of them working on it. Something like that would require more people to work on it." He said. Trying to cover up why they are taking so long with the wooden shed.

The president pondered once more. Her hand brought to her chin as she looked the other way before looking at Matsuri. "So you believe that their work could improve if they had more people helping them?"

"Ah….w-well…don't take my words for it. But that's my belief…..at least." He said as he shifted his gaze the other way. His fingers began to mess with the strands of his hair.

"Well, I can't say I believe in your belief in work. It makes it sound like you want to go easier on the boys then punish them for their crime."

"I-I'm sorry…..true…..the boys have caused some trouble and during their first day no less," He said, slightly irritated at the boys. "But…..I'm not really the type to go far and punish them for their crime. I usually just leave that to their parents, but if not then I just leave it as it is."

Mari sat in her seat. Her arms crossed across her chest. Looking at Matsuri with a more softened glare, but that doesn't mean she will let her guard down.

"Sorry….but punishing people, in my eyes it makes me uncomfortable." He said his gaze looked the other way.

"...I see. Interesting."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing. Just a thought. I can understand that you're rather uncomfortable with how we are treating the boys. But let me remind you, Hitoyoshi. Those scums have still committed a crime that would of course be looked over by any other authorities." She said as she scrunched her eyes at the boy. "Boys such as those in the prison would just go out of their way and cause more trouble if we fail at correcting their behaviors. The whole point of them being in that prison is to correct them and change their ways. If that does not work, then what is the point of giving them free time to begin with or lighten on their punishments in general."

Mari did not realize that her hand was clenching the armrest of the couch. Her eyes were twitching at the moment when she was ranting about the boys in the prison. It was not hard to miss as she did show signs of frustration or anger when she was just talking for a moment.

Matsuri noticed her behavior as well as she was ranting about the boys. It scared him, but for the most part, he did feel sympathy for the girl. Her complete distrust in males really held strong and he could take a good guess where it came from.

"M-Madam President…..I know how you feel and all but-"

"Do you?" She said, her cold tone reverted back. Interrupting him in his sentence. "Then why are you here now, wanting to give the boys their free time?"

"I….I mean….i-it's against the rules, right?"

Mari exhaled some air from her nose. Calming down just a bit. "Yes. It is the rules, however those scums do not deserve such free time."

"W-What do you mean?"

"I only give free time to model prisoners." She said as she crossed her arms under her chest once more. "Those scums that are serving time in the prison are not qualified enough to be model prisoners."

"M-Model prisoners…what the hell even is that?" Matsuri thought to himself.

The boy didn't feel like he was going anywhere with the president, but he needed to change her mind on the boys and hopefully lift the ban on their free time. He steeled himself, ready for any worst possible outcomes.

"Um…..i-if I may ask Madam President," He asked, grabbing her attention. "Why…..why did you abolish their free time…."

Mari raised a brow at the boy. "What do you mean? I believe I have already answered your question on that. I only give free time to model prisoners. Those who lack in work progression are qualified as model prisoners. Those scums in the prison are a perfect example." She said with a confident tone as she went back to drinking her tea.

"...that…..sounds more like an excuse."

Mari stopped drinking her tea and gave Matsuri a glare. The boy bit his lip a little, but remained strong, he was not about to let her get to him.

"I beg your pardon?" Mari asked as if she was offended.

"...um…..it's just that…"

"Are you accusing me ,Hitoyoshi," She said as she narrowed her eyes on the boy. "Let me remind you the position you're in isn't any better." She warned.

Matsuri shook his head. "Please let me explain. I'm not trying to say I disagree with your term on model prisoners and all. But it's just that…I find your method and reasoning on abolishing their free time…unfair."

Mari growled under her breath. She set the tea down and looked straight at Matsuri with an intense fire in her eyes. "The boy's have caused a crime that was overlooked. I throw them in prison to punish them. And then there's you. You believe that my method is unfair."

"I…" Matsuri's hand clenched into a fist. He needed to keep fighting. "Y-Yes…..it is unfair."

"Then please elaborate. Just how is my method of punishment considered…..unfair?" Mari said as she folded her hands together and rested her chin on top of them.

"It's just that…I find it hard to believe that you abolish their free time at such quick notice and completely unannounced. All because they are lagging behind on improving the school? I'm sorry President…..but I find it hard to believe that." The fire in Matsuri's eyes burned brighter.

Mari scrunched her eyes at the boy. "What are you trying to say, Hitoyoshi?" Her tone got dangerously low.

"I'm saying it feels like you're just venting your anger out on the boys."

He hits a nerve.


"And just what do you mean I'm venting my anger out on the boys!?" Mari burst out loud as her hand was on the table. Standing from her seat, her eyes shooting dagger at the boy. "I say that's an accusation!"

"I'm just saying th-that it all just feels off putting. I remembered t-that you would allow up to three hours if they were on their best b-behavior. But then I heard that you suddenly abolished it without a second thought." Matsuri said, looking at the raven-hair president.

Deep down he was trembling, but he remained strong. He can't run away from this. He refused to back down now.

Mari however, was boiling at this point. She was literally being questioned by a boy of all things! It made her frustrated.

"Don't you go accusing me of such things! Those scums do not deserve such light rewards."

"But-"

"Let me ask you a question Hitoyoshi," Mari stopped his sentence right there. "If I were to give them free time, would they cause trouble again?"

"...w-well…..of course they would still try to make glance and peeks every now and then, but they won't-"

"So you agree."

"Hold on!" Matsuri stopped her there. Surprising her a bit. Matsuri exhaled through his breath, calming down a bit. "I say they will try to get a couple of peeks and glances. But I doubt they would do something such as peeping again. Their dumb, but not that dumb."

Mari pondered for a moment. That is true. Even they can't be that dumb, but her worries still linger.

"And besides, not all of them are bad. If they were, why would Kiyoshi save a baby crow that fell from its nest."

That caught her attention. There it was again. She remembered Chiyo saying the same thing, that Kiyoshi had rescued a baby crow that fell from its nest.

"So…..they both saw it…." She thought to herself.

Matsuri sighed to himself. "I…..I didn't mean to accuse you of anything, but I want you to just look into this more. The boys…they're not bad people. They're idiots, but they're not bad."

Mari looked at the boy, her glare softened somewhat. Her body fell back on her seat, exhaling steam from her mouth. She looks back at the boy who has calmed down a bit. Matsuri certainly is different from the other boys.

"Why are you doing this?" Mari spoke, catching his attention. "Why are you truly doing this for the boys? If I recall it doesn't seem like you hold the boys highly in your favor either."

"...I don't really." He said with a blunt tone. It is true. He doesn't hold them with such high praise. "They're just delusional idiots honestly…but….I do feel responsible for not stopping them from their operation. And it's the right thing to do…at least that's what I believe." He said with a hint of sympathy.

Mari stared at him with a soft gaze. The fire within her has died down a bit, her worries of the boys causing trouble still lingered. But she felt somewhat…..relieved for the most part.

Mari took a deep sigh. Regretting what she is about to say. "I don't know if I can fully trust your words, Hitoyoshi…but….I feel that you are being genuine about it."

Matsuri looked at her. His eyes wide as dinner plates. Has he truly done it? Did he really get through her?

Mari took notice of his expression and made a small chuckle. "Yes Hitoyoshi…I will grant the boys their free time."

"R-Really!?"

"3 hours though. If none of them are back within those 3 hours, it will count as a breakout." She said with a warning tone.

Matsuri lips started to tremble, but instead of sadness, it was cracking into a wide smile. Tears filled in his eyes. Threatening to break through the barrier, but he remained strong. He set both of his hands on top of the table and bowed his head, smacking his forehead against the table on accident.

"Thank you! Thank you soo much Madam President!" He said, almost on the verge of tears.

Mari was rather shocked by this display of expression, from a boy no less. Shaking her head with a small smile. "Please don't cry, Hitoyoshi."

"I'm sorry." He said as he picked himself up and wiped the tears from his eyes.

Mari got up from her seat, straightening out her skirt and pushing her hair aside. "Well then….that concludes our negation then. I shall inform the Vice President of this…you may go back to your dorm for the moment."

"Y-You sure you don't want me to come?"

Mari shook her head. "It's fine. You are excused for the day. However, with the track meet tomorrow, I would like for you to help out the Vice President, since the prisoners will be having their 3 hour day off. I would like for you to help."

Matsuri nodded in confirmation. Getting up from his seat he bowed to the President. "Thank you again, Madam President."

He said once more as he headed for the door. But before he could leave.

"Hitoyoshi…." She spoke out, getting his attention. "Do not make me regret this." She said with a warning glare.

Matsuri pondered for a moment before giving her an answer. "Again…..their idiots….but they're not bad." He says before he leaves through the door. Leaving Mari to her own.


She exhaled from her nose, letting out some steam once more from her body. This negation has certainly been an experience. Her worries however still lingers, with the boys having their free time and are going to be released next week. She worries what trouble they will bring.

She walks over to the window, looking at the dozen crows that flew above the courtyard. "Those scums are bound to cause more trouble….." She said, her eyes caught one of the crows flying amongst them.

Her thoughts go back to what Chiyo claimed. Kiyoshi saved a baby crow, even Matsuri has seen him do it as well.

"Anyone who loves crows can't be all bad, huh?"



And so ends another chapter.

I'll be honest, I was not expecting to do too much with this chapter in particular. But again I had an idea and I wanted to explore it. Just the idea of Mari abolishing their free time left some room to play with. If you really think about it, the only reason why Mari abolished their free time was because she caught her father looking at a porn site. She was pretty much venting her anger out on the boys. And thus, made Kiyoshi to come to a decision on breaking out. However, Matsuri was aware of the danger of them breaking out, so I wanted him to play his own role in this, and that's getting their freetime back.

Some really major changes with this, I was on the edge of either following the canon plot or just completely diverting the plot and going with a different plot thread. I don't know about you guys, but I personally like this route better. It gives Matsuri and Mari some development. And it also gives me some ideas to play with Kiyoshi if he was actually a little smarter. And here we are.

We are getting closer and closer to the climax of the "Breakout Operation Arc" and heading into the next story arc.

Also I made a cover art for this story. Hope you guys like it, I personally do. Also gives you guys a good ref of what Matsuri looks like. XD

See full picture on my DeviantArt profile known as Shadowdream20

Stay safe and I'll see you in the next chapter!