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.
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With Mari back in full swing, Chiyo aims to help her sister by gathering an alliance for her to counter Kate at the Sports Festival. But will they be enough for them to counter and are they willing to join the fight? We find out in the next chapter of the Road to the Sports Festival arc…..
-Infirmary-
June 13th Monday (19 Days Until Sports Festival)
Takamoto sighed to herself as she rested her cheeks on the palms of her hands. Her eyes rested on the boy who was currently being treated by his small first year friend who was dampening a small cotton ball on his cheeks. As Tsubaki rested against the back of the wall watching the scene with an annoyed look.
"Ow! That hurts!" Matsuri exclaimed, rubbing his cheeks.
Etsuko rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a baby! It's your fault for not putting up your guard!"
Matsuri's eyes looked the other way with a dampened mood. "I just….I just let her have it."
Tsubaki raised an eyebrow at the boy. "Was it really necessary though? I mean you let her really vent out there."
"I agree with Tsubaki," Takamoto agreed. "I mean, are you sure you like getting hurt or something? You're not becoming another Andre?"
"O-Of course not! Like I said before, I just let her vent it out. I had it coming anyways-OW!"
He looked towards Etsuko who was giving him a glare. "You could've done something though!"
"Etsuko-OW!"
Etsuko shoved the cotton to his bruised area. "No! Don't 'Etsuko' me! I can't believe you! I get it, you punish yourself for what happened to Yoshimiya! But I won't stand for what just happened!"
The room stayed quiet.
"Matsuri! Yoshimiya loved you! And you loved her! Both of you guys really did care for each other! But then you gave Megumi the charm thinking that you're not worth it….is….IS SOMETHING I CAN'T COMPREHEND AT ALL!"
Both Matsuri and Tsubaki were taken back by her sudden outburst. They were surprised to see this side of her. Usually she's the happy, eccentric girl with a weird imagination. But seeing her with common sense and honest genuine emotions…was something new for them. Granted, Matsuri has seen it before.
"I…..I hate it when you punish yourself like this…I hate seeing you struggling to move past this whole Yoshimiya thing….I hate it when I see you getting beat up by Megumi. Yes, Megumi's anger is justified, but YOU could've still said something! Even if it doesn't work, you still would have defended yourself! If you do something stupid like that again! I SWEAR I WILL COME UP WITH A UGLY NICKNAME FOR YOU!"
The room stayed quiet. Not a single word was spoken between the three students. Etsuko was panting and breathing heavily with small tears rolling against her cheeks. Matsuri looks back at Tsubaki and Takamoto who both looked the other way. Leading the boy to sigh and look at the girl in front of him.
"Etsuko….."
"I…I'm just scared…..I'm scared of that…." She looks up, her cheeks wet with tears. "I'm afraid that one day your gonna kill yourself…I don't want to lose you Matsuri….."
"Etsuko…"
"She's right, you know."
All eyes turned towards the door. Standing by the entrances was Mari, who was giving the boy a stern glare. Coming behind her was a worried Meiko, Hana and Chiyo.
Meiko didn't waste time and sat on the other side of Matsuri giving the boy one good look around. She winced a bit, looking at the bruises that covered the boy's face.
"Megumi did this to you?"
"It's fine, I just let her vent it out….that's all."
Meiko growled under her breath before taking the cotton ball from Etsuko and shoving it in the alcohol bottle before shoving it on Matsuri cheeks. The boy reacted and felt the sting on his cheeks.
"Ow! Oh come on! Really!?"
"That was completely foolish of you," Meiko said with a hint of anger. "However, Etsuko has already shared her anger, so I'm not gonna add to it."
"Damn straight he got an earful." Etsuko said still bitter towards the boy.
Mari sighed to herself as she rested against the wall. "You should listen to Etsuko's words, Matsuri. While I can't exactly put myself in your shoes, I can get the jist of what you tried to do. You were practically giving Megumi what she wanted. Am I correct?"
"N-Not far off the mark, but I did feel that she was really frustrated…..not to mention already knowing that Hayakki was one of the few who caused her death…doesn't help that…." Matsuri stopped right there. Not wanting to say anything further.
Hana suspected something amiss. "Hold up, you were gonna say something else were you?"
"N-No I wasn't."
Everyone in the room knew too well about Matsuri keeping secrets. And he was not too good at hiding it.
Having enough of his play. Chiyo walked up to the counter and grabbed some tissue. She walked over close to the bed and aimed for the alcohol bottle, really soaking the tissue and shoved the tissue on the boy's cheeks before he could protest.
"Start talking." Chiyo said in a threatening tone.
"Alright! Alright! Alright, already! I get it!" Matsuri relaxed for a moment as soon as Chiyo removed the tissue. "I just got some new info on what's going on at Atsuhiko."
The room grew quiet.
"Hayakki…..she's the new council president of the school."
And just like that. As if a freight train crashed into all of them. Both the members of the USC, Chiyo, Etsuko, Tsubaki, and Takamoto had similar expressions. All their eyes widened like dinner plates. Their faces were frozen. Lips unable to speak a single word.
"W-W-What….." Meiko uttered.
"You're kidding! This has to be a joke! You're telling me that two faced bitch is now the council president of the school!? Hell, did they even bother looking into her history records or something! Any background checks!?" Hana threw a tantrum.
Mari looks at the boy. Her eyes narrowed at him. "Is this true?"
Matsuri looks back at her. Not saying a word but, his expression remained the same. That gave Mari enough answers of her own to figure out the rest. She bit her lips and looked the other way.
"Isn't that the same bitch who tortured you throughout your 1st year in high school?" Matsuri nodded. "That fuckin bitch."
"Matsuri, that's awful! How could they do this!?" Chiyo exclaimed.
Takamoto took some time to process this. "Something doesn't add up. If from what I know, Hayakki is the one of the few who caused Yoshimiya death, so why is SHE the council president….."
"I'm not sure…..but I know one other thing…the same year she became the council president, is the same exact day that her father owns the school."
Another wave of unsuspecting news came at them. Although this was something new…and rather perplexing to them.
"Hayakki father…" Mari muttered.
"Oh that's fuckin great! Now her father owns the school! How is that even possible! Actually, no! Here's a better question, why does he even own the school in the place!?"
Mari crossed her arms under her bosom, her eyes looking to the side in deep thoughts. Hayakki as the council president and her dad financially buying the school…..something isn't adding up here and it's making her very curious of the situation.
"Trust me, I didn't like the news as much as the next person, but…I don't know….something about it seems off." Matsuri muttered the last bit.
"Indeed it does." Mari said out loud. She looks towards Takamoto. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about who this person is, right?"
Takamoto shrugged. "Sorry, but I don't…..then again…..Matsuri, what's her last name?"
"Um….Nekumi…."
"Nekumi….yes….I believe I heard that name somewhere…."
"So you do know something?"
"I wouldn't say I personally know him, but I have seen his name before."
"Really, is he famous or something?"
"Hmm….you could say that. He's the owner of the business, Sakura Production."
All of the students in the room blinked at that. He's the owner of what now?
"I'm sorry, what?"
Takamoto giggled. "Sakura Production…..I'm not surprised you guys know of it. But he creates B-rated movies. For example, have either of you guys heard of Two Lonely Swordsman."
At that moment, Etsuko screamed in glee. Surprising everyone in the room as she rushes up to the nurse with stars in her eyes. "HE'S THE ONE WHO MADE THAT MOVIE!?"
"U-Um….y-yes?"
"OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD! I LOVE THAT MOVIE SOOOO MUCH!"
"Wait a minute…..'Two Lonely….' oh I remember that dumb movie!" Tsubaki exclaimed loudly.
Everyone looked at her.
"You've seen it?" Hana asked.
"Yeah….Etsuko had me watch the other day and I swear that was the cheesiest movie I've seen to date."
"It wasn't cheesy! It was beautiful!"
"I don't know, it sounds kind of cheesy to me." Hana said.
"I second that." Meiko agreed to that as well.
"Same." Matsuri also chimed in. "S-So, Hayakki's father is in the entertainment business?"
"That's about right." Takamoto nodded. "Apparently he's made it big with his movies that he became pretty rich in the business."
"You're kidding…" Matsuri said, sounding a bit disappointed.
"You seem pretty disappointed." Mari noted his behavior.
"I mean…..I was expecting something a little more…..intimidating, but…the idea of Hayakki dad being a movie maker…..it feels….."
Tsubaki caught on what he was implying. A shit eating grin graced her lips, she couldn't help it. "Oh I see. With Hayakki being such a big bad bitch, you thought her father was going to be some big bad corporation asshole, weren't you."
Matsuri groaned with a blush. Meiko easily saw his reaction and couldn't help but stifle a giggle.
"Seriously? You were seriously thinking that?" Hana asked.
"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. It just feels…..embarrassing honestly. I was expecting something….more."
While they were holding back their laughter at Matsuri's reaction. Takamoto sat back with a rather more…serious look. She did not join in the teasing, but her mind was on something else.
"Should I tell them that there's more to his character….no. That's all I should leave it at. They don't need to know more than just him being a movie maker. I'll need to relay this Usano first….then I see where to play there."
Takamoto sighed to herself as she cleared her throat. "Anyways, it's getting rather late. Should you head in soon?"
"Ah! Right." Mari flustered a moment before looking at Matsuri. "In either way, I'm glad nothing too serious happened. Starting tomorrow, we will start our plan on how to prepare for the upcoming sports festival and counter Kate's plan. I want you to be there for the meeting, am I clear, Matsuri?"
"Y-Yes."
Mari looked towards Chiyo. "I will trust you to persuade the boys to join us."
"Yes sis!"
Mari nodded and gestured to the other members to follow. Before she leaves through the door, she looks over at Matsuri, with a stern glare. "While I'm glad your okay, I'm still upset with *how* you approach the situation. If something is too big or if anything gets out of control for you. You immediately come to either of us, understand?"
"Y-Yes ma'am."
Mari nodded and left with the others.
"I-I think we should go too. Thank you again, Takamoto-sensei. You too, Etsuko and Tsubaki."
"Just please don't scare us like that, again."
"Yeah, just come to us if you're feeling overwhelmed, okay?" Tsubaki chimed in with her knuckles cracking.
Matsuri nodded as they all left the room. However, before he could go…
"Oh, right! Matsuri," Takamoto stopped him before he could leave. "I need to talk to you about something."
Matsuri blinked for a few moments. He looks back to his friends who held a worried look. He just waved them a 'good-bye' with a smile. While it didn't reassure them, they had no choice but to leave him alone for a moment.
"We'll be waiting outside for you."
"Okay, thanks."
On that note, the two left Takamoto and Matsuri to themselves. Once they were gone, the boy looked towards the teacher…
"S-So…..what is it you wanted to talk to me about."
Takamoto pondered for a moment before she could find the right word to say to the boy. "Well, I wished I had brought this up sooner, but so many things had happened I completely forgot. You see, when you had your panic attack after Mari interrogated you, I saw something interesting…on your back."
A soft gasp escaped his lips before his face was replaced with a somber expression. He gripped his arm as he looked the other way. "So you know about it then…."
"I assume that the scar on your back relates back to Hayakki."
"Y-Yeah…..but I…I kind of don't want to explain this to the others….at least not yet."
Takamoto just looks at the boy with a glare. "Matsuri…..do you not trust them?"
"N-No! I didn't mean that, I just meant…" He stopped for a moment trying to think of something else to say. But he couldn't. He gave a sigh. "I trust them but it's just that…..I just know they're gonna try and involve themselves with Hayakki in some shape or form. Granted, I didn't know that Hayakki was the council president back then. But now that I know what is going on…..I don't want them to be involved."
"You're scared of them getting hurt?" Matsuri nodded. Takamoto sighed before sitting straight and looking at the boy with a frown. "I understand your fear of losing them or getting them involved, but Matsuri. These are your friends. Especially the USC. Last time I remembered, they wanted to throw you in prison. But now here they are, treating you as one of their members. They'll do anything to help you."
"...I know. But I just…I was scared of what Hayakki might do to them. And to know she got new friends to help her…..I don't want them getting involved."
Takamoto smiled at the boy. "You're a very kind boy, I'm not gonna tell you to tell them about it. But please consider it. Trust them Matsuri."
Matsuri didn't want to…..but she was right. He did have to tell them. At least not now, but hopefully later. He sighed to himself before he nodded to her. Giving her his answer.
"Good, now go on. Those two are possibly worried."
On that note, Matsuri took his leave, leaving Takamoto to herself. She sighed to herself as she leaned back on her chair looking upward at the ceiling.
"Nekumi…never thought I would hear that name again…how many years it's been since we met. Far too long I would say. But what is it that you're really doing….Tatsuya."
-Girls Dormitory-
Later that Night…
Megumi changed out of her uniform and got into her sleepwear. Which consisted of a white t-shirt that was tied into a knot around her waist. Alongside with some green shorts that showed off her rather toned legs.
She looks back at the charm that was given to her by Matsuri. She remembered how the boy was rather stubborn enough to give her his charm that was bought for him by Yoshimiya. She shook her head with a frustrated growl and just laid on her bed with her hands behind her head looking at the ceiling with a narrowed look.
She thought back to what Miyuki said about who was the true killer behind Yoshimiya's death. And deep inside, she was boiling with rage for many different reasons. The one reason was that Hayakki is the true culprit, she was right in front of him the whole time. Although, it's not like she could do anything to begin with, she was still slightly pissed off…..
"That bitch….she knew…..she knew about Yoshimiya death the whole time…"
-Flashback-
Weeks Before she moved school…
Megumi was just leaving the office, in her Atsuhiko uniform with her shirt left unbuttoned and she was carrying her bag over her shoulders. Just as she was about to leave, she heard a stuttered voice from behind….
"U-Um….Kawakami-san…."
She looked over her shoulders and spotted another student who timidly looked down at her own feet. The female student had short dark purple hair with a yellow hairband on top between her hair. Her wide innocent looking eyes accommodate her innocent looking face and pale skin and red faint blush on her cheeks. Like many of the other female students in the school, she wore the standard uniform of Atsuhiko academy.
"Hey Sakura, do you need anything?"
"Um….well…..I-I heard you were transferring school."
"Ah….you heard about that….well actually, I shouldn't be too surprised why you would hear about that. But yeah, I'm moving school."
"B-But, you're the track team star….."
"Was." Megumi stated rather bluntly. Even though she didn't mean it. "In case you forgot, I'm no longer the track team star…..not after what I did….."
Megumi felt a bitter taste in her mouth as a memory raced in her thoughts. She remembered a certain day where she put someone in their place, and that's when everything went to hell for her….
She shook her head. "Listen, you shouldn't be here talking with me. You'll just get picked on."
"B-But it wasn't your fault though. You were just trying to protect me. Of course no one else is gonna side with you because of whom you raised against….."
Megumi growled under her breath. "It's not that I couldn't sit there and watch you get pushed around. And she needed to be put in her place. Damn it, somebody had to put her in her place!"
The red head was beyond infuriated. She clearly remembered how Sakura was being treated and how no one was there by her side to help her out. She was the only one who was willing to stand her ground and show the bully her spot, but that turn made her life a living nightmare.
She calmed down when she felt a soft, gentle touch on her hand. She looks towards Sakura who holds a firm gaze at her. "I still appreciate the deed you did for me back then. And I will never think ill of you."
"..." Megumi sighed once more before looking at Sakura with a smile. "Thanks Sakura….."
Sakura then pulled herself towards Megumi, wrapping around her waist. Embracing the stunned girl. "I'll miss you."
Megumi cracked a grin. "Come on, Sakura. I'm only moving school. I'm still in the area. I'm just moving to Hachimitsu academy. That's the closest. I'll still be around."
Sakura partly released, looking at her. "T-Then I'll come visit you then!"
"...yeah…..you can do that…" Megumi then ruffled her hair playfully. "Stay strong and keep running for me, okay?"
Sakura nodded with a brave, determined look. "I-I'll do it. I'll keep running for you!"
Megumi was walking down the hall, looking straight forward. Not paying any mind to the students that surrounds her, all of them whispering the same thing. Over and over.
"There she is. The one who threw a punch at our council president."
"I heard she's finally moving school. Good riddance."
"Now we don't have to pretend she's not there anymore."
"Shh! Be quiet! She'll hear you."
She heard all of this before, times and times again. Part of her does have to admit, she was boiling rage at the students who ignored her and just talked behind her back. Then there was the other part of her that could understand why they act like this towards her. There was nothing much she could do.
She just kept to herself and walked forward. Not trying to pay any mind to the students that surround her. That is until…
"Yo~! Ladybug! How's it going!"
She stopped in her tracks, in front of her were two female students. Both standing at different heights, staring at her. One had pale skin with long wavy blonde hair that reached towards her back. Around her bare hands she had loose sports tapes that gave her more of an athletic appearance. Alongside with her unbutton top that revealed the top of her cleavage.
The other girl to her right was at least shoulder lengths to the other one. She had long black hair with highlights of red on the underside. Her hair was tied into a ponytail that reached towards the back at least stopping at the neck. Part of her bangs were covering her left eye that was being shaded with reading glasses. She gave off a cold and uncaring icy glare towards Megumi. Unlike her companion, she was the opposite who held a more cold and calculating attitude.
Megumi gave a growl underneath. "Hello, Vice President Homura Shinku. And hello to you too, Secretary Izumi Akatsuki."
"Hey now, come on. Don't be like that~! We're all friends here, right!" Homura said with a cheerful boast.
Izumi said nothing as she just pushed her glasses up. Just kept her icy stare on the girl.
"You know damn well, we're not friends." She emphasized dangerously on the word friend. Her eyes glowered at the tall one.
"Hahaha~! That's rich! Coming from you! I treat everyone the same! Right, Izumi~?"
"As much as I would like to let you two continue your banter. I'm afraid we're on important business here."
"And that business would be…" Megumi is not wasting time. Wanting to get to the matter at hand.
"Madam Council President, Hayakki Nekumi. She wishes to see you."
Just with the mentioning of the name. She felt a hint of anger within her heart. She shook her head. "Sorry. I'm kind of in the rush of getting out of here. Now if you-"
Her way was suddenly blocked by a single hand as it punched towards its right. Creating a small crater on the hallway wall. Megumi looks up and towards the cheerful blonde who now holds an intimidating face at her. Her smile never seems to be fading.
"Oooh~! Is that so? Well it will only be for a short minute or so." She said as she leaned towards Megumi's face who became more and more discomforted. "And besides, is that anyway to treat someone with an invitation~? Especially that from the Madam President herself~? Hmm~?"
"With all due respect, Kawakami-san. I wish not to hold you too long for you to be set and ready for your leave of the school. However," Izumi's eyes pierced right through her. Giving a death glare at the girl. "I advise you to make your choice wisely. Because I don't like to waste time on such needless trivia."
Megumi shivered. There was something about Izumi that scared her the most. While Homura was terrifying on her own. Izumi is shown to be even more dangerous than the secretary. Having no other option, she sighed….
"Fine….what does your ever so precious student council want?"
And just like that, both of their intimidating aura faded away.
"Please follow us." Izumi said as she led the way with Homura by her side.
Megumi held a distasteful look on her face as she followed.
-Student Council Office-
Inside the large room, sitting behind the desk looking at her phone with a smile. The girl had reasonably sized pink hair that was tied in a ponytail on the side of her head. With some hair pins sticking out, at the end of each pin were shaped like lollipops. She wore pink lip gloss that accommodated her face that gave off somewhat of a mix between an innocent nature and somewhat of a mischievous nature to it.
The girl continued to look at her phone when she heard a knock at the door. She looks up with a smile. Coming through the door was Izumi and Homura.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Madam President. But we have with us, Kawakami-san."
Hayakki held a smile. "That's perfect. Go ahead and let her in."
The two nodded as they proceeded inside, allowing a moody Megumi inside the room. She looks back at the pink haired girl who held her smile at the red head.
"Hello, Madam President." She said with a distasteful grunt.
"Oooh you~! Don't call me Madam President, we're all friends here, right?"
"Really, cause last time I remembered, you and I weren't exactly on equal terms. Especially not after what you did to one of my teammates."
"Hmm? Oh, you mean Sakura-chan," She said with such causality that made Megumi bite her lip. "Oh well, I'm willing to look over that…for now at least."
Megumi narrowed her eyes. She looks at the two members who took their seats, all while watching her. It was like being watched over by two guard dogs. She looks back at Hayakki, not wanting to waste her time here.
"What is it that you want, Hayakki?"
"Oh nothing much. I just wanted to say my good-bye to you that's all~. ️"
"...that's it."
"Of course. I mean, moving to a new school and all. That's gotta be rather tough and stressful no less." She said as she got up from her seat and walked around her desk. She's moving towards the girl with her stare looking at the girl. "But I merely want to wish you good luck to all your future endeavors. You'll be making new friends, marking a new life, just about everything~. ️"
Hayakki reached towards Megumi. Just inches away from her. Hayakki's smile never fading, as it only made the red head more and more angry.
"But hey, is moving to a new school really a bright idea…."
"What do you mean?" Megumi asked.
"I mean, think about it. You'll be leaving your poor kohai here, all by herself." She said with a small gesture. Her hands pressed against her cheeks with her face looking upward.
She noticed Megumi's lips twitching. A small mischievous smile lit up her lips. She continued as she leaned towards Megumi's ears.
"It would be truly terrible if something were to happen to her. Why, I can't imagine what would happen to your dear little kohai. Perhaps something horrifying." Megumi felt chills going through her body as she felt Hayakki lips barely touching her skin. "I do wonder…what if she were to have something similar happen to her like your old friend…Yoshimiya~. ️"
Megumi sucked in a sharp breath. Her pupils shrunk to pea size as she roughly grabbed Hayakki collar and pulled her away from her. Her other hand is ready to launch a brutal punch at her.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM SAKURA YOU BIT-!"
Before she could throw a punch or even finish her line. She felt her body being lifted into the air, her grip on Hayakki was released as she was forcibly lifted away from her. The next thing Megumi noticed was that her whole body was slammed onto the table rather roughly, before she shouted, Megumi cheeks were pursed together and her tongue felt something sharp. Cold and sharp.
Her eyes looked downward and noticed a knife was being pointed directly into her mouth. The knife was being held by Izumi who held a deathly cold, unemotional stare. Homura held her smile at the girl while her fist was clenching around her neck, firmly grasping it while giving Megumi some air.
It all stopped when Hayakki claps her hand.
"Now, now girls. Settle down." She said as she approached the two. Leaning in the middle between them. "My goodness, it was just a joke~! Like I would do something like that to sweet Sakura~. I'm not a monster."
Megumi didn't say anything but was still being threatened by the knife and Homura choke hold by a single grasp.
"Now come now, girls. It was just a mistake…..right, Megumi~?" She said, eyeing the girl with a smile.
Megumi felt her neck being loosened by the grip and the knife being taken away from her mouth. She breathed for a moment before looking at Hayakki with a frown. She wanted to really punch her in the face, but she knew if she did, then….
She shook her head. "I-It's my bad. I'm sorry Hayakki."
Hayakki's smile grew wider. "See~! Just a mistake. Now let go of her."
"Hmph! Let it stay that way then." Izumi said as she sheathed her knife away in her pocket and Homura let go of the girl and backed off.
Megumi raised up from the table before looking the other way with a disgruntled look. Her eyes looked back in front of her when she noticed Hayakki's hands stretched towards her. Giving her an innocent smile.
"I'm very sorry for the mistake. I didn't mean to trouble you. It was all just fun and games."
Megumi growled under her breath before she took her hand. Helping her up. "Yeah, whatever…..anyways. Is that all you need….."
"Yes. That's all…..I do hope you enjoy your new school. Make this a new beginning for you. It could really benefit you. I heard Hachimitsu was an all-girls school. But I did hear that they're accepting some boys into that school as well."
"That is correct." Izumi said as she pushed up her glasses. "I heard some rumors about that. I think they got about six boys over there. Possibly some horny teenagers looking for some action."
"Well, either way." Hayakki grasped both of Megumi's hands and looked at her with a smile. "I do hope you enjoy it the most over there. And don't worry, Sakura will be well taken care of when you're gone….that I promise~."
Megumi didn't know why. But she did not like those words behind Hayakki. And furthermore didn't like how she mentioned Yoshimiya death…..was there something she didn't know.
-End Flashback-
Current Present…
"So back then….when she mentioned Yoshimiya death…..so it is true after all…"
Megumi grinds her teeth at the thought of Hayakki laughing at her. She laid out the clues right there and what's even worse, she left Sakura there to defend herself against Hayakki! She couldn't imagine the terrible things she's going through under Hayakki's watch! And to make matter worse…..
"Matsuri…and you…you fuckin…."
He betrayed Yoshimiya.
Megumi snaps her body up and grabs her pillow. Smacking it against her face as she yells in frustration! She let out a long frustrated yell before she breathed in and out heavily.
"Damn it….fuckin damn it all! That bastard! He was the one who took those photos! And that's why she's dead! That no good lying, some of bit-"
She then remembered his words from this morning when she confronted him.
"Listen Megumi…I'm not looking for forgiveness, hell, you don't even have to like me either. You can be angry at me all you want…..but I came to this school for a reason…..I want to better myself. I don't ever want to see myself being useless or seeing someone suffering. I want to be there for my friends…just how I should've been there for Yoshimiya."
She calmed down a bit. She remembered how he felt when he said those words. He even gave up his charm that was given to him as a present from Yoshimiya….thinking he wasn't worth it. She looks back at the charm that sat on her desk.
"When you asked if I ever didn't treasure those memories she gave me. Those moments we spent with each other. Those times we hung out…I adored them…I loved every single of those moments we spent together. It was one of the few times where I was truly happy. I was at ease, I felt like I made my one true friend….I never took them for granted…I really…..I really did love them."
Megumi felt a bitter scent in her heart as she looked the other way with a single tear in her eye.
"If you really did enjoy them…then where were you when she was in pain…just where were you…." She said as she silently drifted into a rough sleep.
-Library-
June 14th (18 Days Until Sports Festival)
Gakuto's face was looking intensely at the piece of paper that was in his hand. He gripped the paper with intense force as it slowly trembled within his hand. He felt a trickle of sweat rolling against his cheeks, a glare flared against his glasses.
"Indeed….no matter how much I look at this, it always confirms my fear. That the ASC is indeed planning the most notorious plan yet that would hinder our dream."
Gakuto set the paper down in front of him before he moved his forehead to the back of his hands as they clasped together. His mind in deep thought.
"Curses…what do I do….do I relay this to the boys about the ASC activity schedule…..or do I keep this to myself and go on a date with Mitsuko-dono."
He was stuck between two factions. Both sides were yelling loudly. One trying to yell louder than the other one. But he couldn't decide on which one to go to.
"I can't just go and betray my comrades. If the ASC were in complete and total control, then our dream would be nothing but a false dream in shambles. But if I were not to tell them, then I can continue my relationship with Mitsuko-dono…but in the end I will be nothing but a traitor to my comrades. Such a dilemma, what would I do…what would Shokatsu Koume do in a situation like this."
"Gakuto-kun?"
"INDEED! I AM NOT BETRAYING YOU ALL!"
Gakuto raised his hand in the air in an instant. He stopped for a moment pondering on what he was doing. He then turned around and noticed a confused Chiyo who looked at him with a confused look.
"A-Ah! Chiyo-dono! I wasn't expecting you."
"Um….d-did I surprise you?"
"N-Nay!" He said as his right hand quickly swiped the paper and moved it to his pocket and hid it. "It's nothing important! S-So what is that you need? Is everything well!?"
"U-Um….well…..yeah…a little. You see, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"O-Oh! What is it that you need? Whatever it is, yours truly shall assist you in any way possible."
Chiyo was a little bit weirded out by his behavior. She was sure that she just distracted him by looking at something important. But she really needed to talk to him about something important. And she needed to tell him now.
"A-Anyways, I wanted to know if you would do me a favor." She said as she sat down next to him. "Did you hear about the upcoming sports festival by any chance?"
"Ah! I believe that I've seen the poster claiming that ASC and USC will face off at the sports festival to determine who will hold the power of authority. I would imagine it would be difficult for the USC to gain the upper hand due to recent events that transpired from the other day."
"Hmm…it's gonna be hard for my sister. But Gakuto-kun, I think there's more to the story than meets the eye."
Gakuto picked up his glasses from his nose. "What do you mean?"
"I think that Kate set up what happened with Meiko-chan and Andre-kun. And in the process, Matsuri-kun got hurt for interfering."
"I see what you're implying. However, we do not have any hard evidence at the moment. I would imagine Andre-dono would be the one with the answers. However…..he's inaccessible at the moment."
"W-What do you mean? Did something happen?"
Gakuto lowered his head, his face wearing a frown. "He's not himself. According to Joe-dono, Andre-dono has been talking to himself lately. And he attacked Joe-dono."
Chiyo covered her mouth with a shocked expression. "W-What!? He attacked Joe-kun! But why!?"
"I am not sure. I can make several guesses, but that can wait for the moment." He turned to look at Chiyo. "Is there something you need help with?"
"A-Ah! Right! Well you see…..I want to help my sister."
Gakuto blinked before picking at his glasses. "You….wish to help your sister…..you mean help them with the sports festival?"
Chiyo nodded with a determined expression.
"I see, a rather bold move from you Chiyo-dono. I wasn't expecting you to involve yourself in such conflict."
"...to be honest. I didn't want to involve myself. But…..I want to help my sister. I can't just sit here and watch her like this from the sideline. I always looked up to my sister, even back when we used to be so close. I was…..always afraid of doing things that seemed dangerous because I might get hurt. And I was always concerned about my sister as well…..she was always braver than me."
Gakuto listened to her tale.
"I always respected her. She could always do anything just fine by herself. But I was always afraid of doing it myself because I didn't know what would happen if I hadn't done it. But thanks to her, I always look to her to see what I would do. But now…..just seeing her rendered in a corner….I can't keep being in her shadow. I want to help my sister."
Gakuto didn't say anything throughout her tale. His mind went into a complete blank. His heart is not being torn between the forces of the two factions. He thought back to the schedule by the ASC and thought back to Chiyo's tale. Both factions are now clear on what they have to do at this very moment. It will hurt, but damn it, how could he back out now after hearing such a heartfelt tale.
"I see…..even if this fight has nothing to do with you, you still wish to help your sister with the fight."
"..." Chiyo grasped her hands tighter. "I do…..I wish to help her anyway I can. So then that leads me to my next question to you."
Gakuto instantly knew what she was going to ask.
"Gakuto-kun, would you-"
"I shall do it."
"...huh?" Chiyo didn't even finish. "I-I'm sorry, but-"
"I shall repeat myself." He said looking at her with a steeled expression. "I shall aid you on your daring quest to counter the ASC at the sports festival."
"R-Really!? I-I mean, you don't have to-"
"Nay. In fact, I should be thanking you." Chiyo blinked confusedly at him. "Your's truly was trapped in the middle between two factions. Wondering what's the next course of action to do before you come in with your graceful appearance."
"H-Huh?"
"Thank you, Chiyo-dono. For saving this poor soul."
"Um…..y-your welcome I guess…..s-so your in then?"
"Indeed. I am in."
"That's good at least….however…..Anzu and Satou-chan tried to talk with Joe and Shingo-kun but…..they said they were indifferent to the whole idea."
"Huh!? How come!?"
"I guess they didn't want to get involved with whatever was going on between ASC and the USC. I was hoping they could help out but…"
"...I see…" Gakuto pondered for a moment before remembering the paper that was in his pocket. It was instantly clear what he had to do. "I believe…..I believe I know what to do."
"You do?"
"Indeed. Chiyo-dono, I shall talk with the lads about your request. Do not worry, I shall reassure you that they will change their mind the moment I speak with them."
"U-Um….how are you so sure?"
Gakuto held a smirk. "Trust me. Yours truly has the perfect plan."
"U-Um….okay I guess. By the way, have you seen Kiyoshi-kun? I tried talking with him but he avoided me."
"Hmm. Kiyoshi-dono, I forgot about him. Apparently ever since his incident, he's been facing some hardship of his own. In fact, he's been avoiding us as well to make sure we aren't dragged into his mess."
"I see…..then if you can-"
"Don't worry about that idiot."
They both got startled by a familiar voice. They turned to see a familiar bob-cut blonde female student looking at them with her usual expression. But this time around it was softened and not aggressive.
"Hana-chan…."
"You, Four-Eyes. You go and talk to the other boys. Leave Kiyoshi to me. I'll talk some sense into him."
-On the Courtyard-
Kiyoshi was sitting alone on the bench with half of his torso hanging low and his head hanging in defeat.
"My life is over. It's done. There's just no point anymore."
Kiyoshi was in deep thought. He thought back to what had happened to him for the past few days and how it affected him later down the road. He didn't pay mind to a couple of students walking past him with disgusted looks.
"Ew, it's him."
"Isn't that the Kiyoshi boy?"
"Yeah, it's Dickyoshi."
"No way, Dickyoshi."
Kiyoshi didn't pay them any mind as he just looked at his feet with emotionless eyes. He didn't even care what they called him. The name 'Dickyoshi' paid him no mind. He ran around the school naked. All while yelling the stuff he and Hana did without any of the students noticing.
He drew a sigh. "This is just the worst…..but it is what I deserve as well. For lying to Chiyo, to humiliating Hana. This is all that I deserved."
He looks up at the sky where the sun rose high above him. Even with the sun bathing him, he looked like someone who had been defeated in battle and did not come back with any awards or anything. He has lost his dignity, his pride, he lost Chiyo….everything.
"I have lost everything….what's…..what's the point of living anymore….."
"You look dead to the world."
His ears picked up on a familiar voice. A female voice. He recognized the voice too well. His eyes looked up, looking at the pair of shoes that stood apart from each other. His face lifted slowly upward and spotted a pair of shorts that were under a skirt. He didn't need to lift up and face him anymore as he already knew who was standing in front of him.
"I heard from Four-Eyes of the shit you've been going through. In fact, I didn't even need to hear it from him. I even asked where you were and apparently I heard that you were given a new nickname."
Kiyoshi didn't say anything. He just sat there, listening to Hana going on. She just kept talking.
"What? Nothing to protect what little pride you have. No dumb excuse. Nothing at all."
"...you…..you find it all fun don't you?"
"Huh?"
Kiyoshi gripped his hands tighter. "It's hilarious is it? I am called 'Dickyoshi'. That's the nickname they are all calling me now. It's funny isn't it? Hahaha! It's funny right!?"
"The hell you're going on about….."
"Just what should I do…."
"Huh?"
By this point, he springed to his feet and grabbed both of her shoulders. Causing her to blush at the sudden contact. His face drenched in tears as he looked right at her.
"JUST WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!? I LOST CHIYO! MY PRIDE! MY DIGNITY! EVERYTHING! WHAT IS A MAN LIKE ME SUPPOSED TO DO WITH HIS LIFE! I WENT AND SHOWED MY DICK TO EVERYONE AT THE SCHOOL! I EVEN TOLD THEM THE EMBARRASSING SECRET BETWEEN US!"
Hana's eyes were fixed on Kiyoshi as she felt her cheeks heat up a bit from the contact. But was a little weirded out by his outburst. He was screaming in her face. Showing desperation in his voice.
"H-Hey….seriously calm-"
"MY WHOLE LIFE DOESN'T HAVE A PURPOSE ANYMORE! WHO WOULD GO OUT WITH THIS POOR SAP!? WHO WOULD EVER LAY THEIR EYES IN FRONT OF ME!? WHAT IS THIS POOR 'DICKYOSHI SUPPOSED TO DO!? TELL ME! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO-"
"WOULD YOU CALM DOWN!"
Hana with all her might, she slaps him across the face, forcing his face to turn the other way. His body balance threw off and stumbled. Falling to the ground where his face planted on the floor, landing near Hana's feet. The blonde looks down at the boy before she forcibly grabs him by the collar and pulls him up. Forcing him to face her.
"Honestly! You literally are pathetic, you know that! You're telling me that you've been here sobbing by yourself and crying about how you lost your only dignity and lost Chiyo! Give me a break!"
"H-Huh!?"
"So you lost your chance with Chiyo-chan! So what!? What's that dumb saying? Something like there's plenty of fish out there for someone like you!"
"W-What!? B-But who would go out with a pathetic loser!" Kiyoshi yelled back. "And besides, I've been doing some thinking and let's all be honest. I….I and Chiyo…..never meant to be in the first place."
Hana softened her grip on the boy.
"I went and lied to her multiple times. She saw me running around with my dick out. And to make matters even worse….I almost peed on her sister. I almost peed on Onee-san!"
"I'm sorry….what now?"
Kiyoshi didn't respond back but kept on talking. Tears leaking out his eyes and rolling off his cheeks. "So now here I am…being called Dickyoshi. I chose to leave the boys and even Chiyo so that they won't have to carry the burden. They have a life ahead of me…so…."
"...you fucking kidding me?"
"Huh?"
Hana's grip on Kiyoshi hardened and brought her forehead to his. Both of them came into contact, knocking Kiyoshi off balance and falling on his butt. He looks up at Hana.
"Honestly, just how pathetic are you? Really?"
"B-But-"
"JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN!" She said as she leaned forward with both her fist on her hips. "Yes, you destroyed any sense of dignity you had in you! But you think you're the only one facing the problems! Do you know how many times I have to listen to everyone gossip about me and you having some sort of relationship!? I have to deal with it almost everyday! It was only thanks to you that I have to suffer like this!"
Kiyoshi's eyes widened in realization. He remembered that she's also part of this situation as well because of him. "Y-You're right…..I'm sorry."
"But you know, I thought to myself, it was fine like this."
"Huh? H-How? I practically ruined your life!"
"Yeah you did on some levels. But then I remembered, you're also in this situation as well. I thought to myself, 'perhaps he's manning this through, so maybe I should man this as well'. Then I'm looking at you here in front of me, sobbing like a man who lost a lottery or something. Like seriously, what the hell? You seriously go around acting like you've got nothing left in your world! Whatever happened to all that fighting spirit!"
"..."
"You can still redeem yourself, you ass! Just because you showed your dick off to all the students on campus, doesn't mean it's the end of the world! Hell, look at Matsuri! He has a story on his own and looks at how he's going about his life! It's hard for him, but he's managing just fine! And so could you!"
"Y-You're telling me….to continue living my life…..even if it all seems pointless."
"Of course dumbass! And even if you're still not sure what to do….ev-even if you're unsure. And alone…..j-just so you know…..y-you could….."
Kiyoshi noticed the faint blush upon her cheeks.
"Could always what?"
"...you could….a-always count on me to be by your side." She said, feeling sweat dripping against her cheeks.
Kiyoshi's eyes widened. He felt his cheeks heat up at the mention of that. Relying on her? Is this the same Hana he remembered that tortured him back in prison? There's no way.
"R-Rely on you….."
"O-Of course I meant it because I'm practically your senpai! You know! You're the underclassmen and I'm your upperclassman!"
"O-Oh! Right! You're right!"
Hana sighs as she looks the other way. Her cheeks still heated up.
"B-But yeah! If you're ever in trouble, you could rely on your dumb friends or m-me. You got that?"
"...r-right….but still…..it just….."
Hana sensed that there was more trouble with him so she tried something else. "And besides, even if Chiyo-chan is not looking your way anymore, don't you have any other aim?"
"Huh?"
"I mean come on, like any goals perhaps. Winning Chiyo-chan's heart could've been your only goal. You got any other goals at this school….."
His eyes pondered for a moment at the ground. Searching for an answer. Then it hit him. He remembered what not only his goal, but the boy's goal was when they caught wind of it back then…
"That's right….our true dream. Our aim….the wet t-shirt contest!"
Kiyoshi struggled a bit to get up. He stumbled a bit before finally standing tall. He took a breath, steeling himself.
"You're right. I lost myself for a moment." He said with a determined expression. "I nearly lost sight of my path. But now I know what to do."
"Geez, honestly. Just you talking like that still pisses me off. But I'm glad you're back to your annoying self."
"Thank you. Um…..s-so…..is that the reason why you came to me?"
"That's not all the reason." Hana said as she looked at him with her arms crossed. "You see, Chiyo-chan is planning on making an alliance against the ASC at the sports festival. But she couldn't get to you because of your reasons."
"O-Oh! So that's why…um….so-sorry. But I couldn't really let her face any of my hardship because she's talking to me."
"Well, I would expect you would do that. But yeah, she wants to build an alliance. Are you in or not?"
Kiyoshi scratched the back of his head. "Y-You sure she would want me?"
"Don't ponder on the question! Are you in or not?"
"...I'm in. I'll do it. I'll do it for Chiyo-chan! No! Not just Chiyo-chan, but to make it up for Onee-san as well!"
Hana eyes twitched in annoyance. She just looked the other other way. "Yeah, you're back to normal. Anyways, Four-Eyes is also trying to get the other boys on board. So you can go to them yourself."
"Right….I shall do that! I'll go to them and join the fight! My life will start anew!"
Kiyoshi, now all fired up! Rushes off to go and join with the boys in their fight against the ASC! Before he could, he stopped and turned around, facing Hana.
"Hana….thank you."
The blonde turned around with a fierce blush.
"W-What!?"
"Thank you so much for getting me back on my feet! I really appreciate it!"
Hana stuttered for a moment, her eyes batting back and forth before looking the other way. "J-Just go already!"
"R-Right! B-But thank you! Still!"
Hana's face was still looking the other way, still not looking at him before he was a good distance away. Even if it is just his back, she looked slightly at the back of the boy as he power walked through the courtyard and towards his destination. She still held a blush on her cheeks, feeling her heart pounding for a slight moment.
"Damn it, why did I have to go and say that…..won't he just get the wrong impression and think I…nah. There's no way! I'm just looking out for him as an upperclassman. It's all fine."
Even though she says that to herself. She still cannot shake the feeling off of her. When she was talking with Kiyoshi, even though it was only for a moment. The brief moment when she said those words to Kiyoshi…..
"...you could….a-always count on me to be by your side."
Hana shook her head.
"It shouldn't matter. I did my part…now I just hope that Four-Eyes manages to convince the boys to join us." She said to herself as she walked away.
As she did though, unaware of her surroundings. She didn't take notice of someone listening to the conversation. Somewhere behind the building. Risa had her back behind the building, making herself unknown to the blonde secretary.
She brought her hand to her chin, pondering.
"So, Mari's little sister is planning to build an army to help Mari….." She began to ponder. "I should possibly relay this to Kate. Looks like things are about to get interesting."
-Boy Dormitory-
Kiyoshi's feet carried him through the campus. But after the talk with Hana, he felt his heart a little lifted up. No more he felt defeated or his path was unclear. But now here he was, ready to take on the world once more.
"Thanks to that pep talk! I can finally see my path again! Even though I ruined my chances with Chiyo-chan! I can still walk down the path of redemption! Not only that, there is still one more dream I need to work towards too! The wet t-shirt contest!"
His mind was immediately filled with plenty of female students in white t-shirts. All of them getting wet in all places, causing their shirts to be seen through. Seeing their nipples poking through and them in their underwear.
"I will do it! I will do it not just to make up for my mishap with Madam President! But also for myself! And the wet t-shirt contest!"
He thought to himself as he walked up the flight of stairs and towards where he hoped the boys were being held at. Perhaps they are already talking about their plan to counter the ASC during the sports festival.
"I would need to hurry! I shouldn't keep them waiting!"
He reaches the door. Not wasting time, he reaches for it and slides it open. Hoping to see his comrades waiting for him inside.
"GUYS! I'M HERE!" He proclaimed as he rushed inside. Rounding the corner. "SORRY I'M LATE! I LOST MYSELF FOR A MOMENT BUT I-"
Kiyoshi stopped when he took notice of the group. The three boys were all in a circle. With two pieces of paper placed in the middle. Both Shingo, Joe, and Gakuto held serious looks on their faces. Shingo looked as if someone pissed him off. Then there is Joe who trembled with his hand clawing the floor.
Gakuto was the only one who acknowledged Kiyoshi's return. "Ah, Kiyoshi-dono. You have come back from the dead."
"U-Um…..yeah. But…..w-what's going on here?"
"Ah yes….well, as you can see from here."
He looks back at the two boys who still held expressions that could easily tell that they are outraged. Simply just angry at what they possibly just heard. Kiyoshi wasn't sure what was going on, but he assumed what they were looking at was the two pieces of paper on the floor that they surrounded.
"Um…..did….s-something happened? Did Chiyo-chan talk to you about the alliance?"
"Indeed. I informed them of the alliance and all. And I informed them of some further explanation…I believe….you should look at these papers yourself and you will understand the atmosphere in the room ..."
Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow as he looked at the paper on the floor. He had a feeling it had something to do with it. But what could two pieces of paper do with what they are about to do?
Curiosity peaked as he walked closer to the circle and sat down next to Gakuto. He leaned forward, getting a closer look at the two pieces of paper. He read the top of each of them. One was the USC activity schedule, while the other one was the ASC had their activity schedule. So far all he could see are just two activity schedules.
"Yeah, they're both the schedule for both the councils. What about them?" Kiyoshi asked, unsure of what Gakuto or the others were reacting to.
"Look closely at the date. At USC, do you see the event for the wet t-shirt contest."
Kiyoshi looked ahead, lying on the week of August, he saw the day of the event. Their one dream that keeps them going. "Yeah, I see it."
"Now look at the ASC schedule."
So he did. He looked at the schedule. Expecting for them to be the same. But taking a closer look on the day where the wet t-shirt contest is supposed to be held. His eyes slowly narrowed as he scanned through it. His eyes did another look around. Slowly widening each time he makes a return to the beginning. Soon, his eyes bulged out of his socket!
"W-What the hell…..what is this….tell me this is a joke…."
Kiyoshi looks towards Shingo and Joe as both of them look the other way. Carrying the same expressions. Both of them did not even have to speak to figure out his answer.
"It's true, Kiyoshi-dono…" Gakuto spoke with such a somber tone. "If the ASC were to continue their reign over the school. If this stays permenit…..the wet t-shirt contest will be replaced…by clamming."
At that point, Shingo grew annoyed and slammed his fist on the ground. "THIS IS COMPLETE BULLSHIT! HOW COULD THEY DO THIS TO US!"
"OF ALL THE AUDACITY! THIS IS LOW *COUGH* EVEN FOR THE ASC!" Joe yelled as he began to cough out blood.
Kiyoshi can understand their anger. He too was outright furious about this whole mess. Just as he was talking about having another shot. His other dream to aim for. And for THAT to be crumbled under the ASC ruling.
"No….I won't allow it. I won't make them take it. I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS CRUEL ACT OF INJUSTICE!" Kiyoshi yelled at the top of his lungs.
"YOU SAID IT, KIYOSHI!" Shingo agreed with him.
"*COUGH* YEAH! *WHEEZE*" Joe hacked and wheezed.
Gakuto pushed up his glasses. "Gentleman…do you see now? It is clear to us what we must do from here on out. If the ASC continues their reign, then our dream will be crushed."
"So then we have no choice but to help out the USC…I'm pissed. But with the way things are at the moment. Don't you think we have a slim chance of winning." Shingo said with a bit of an annoyed, but cautious tone.
"Not only that….." Joe added. "It would mean you'll be betraying Mitsuko-san…."
Gakuto gave a slight tremble. But remained strong. "Though it may bring me to tears…..I shall slay my Ma Su."
Joe or any of the others did not say anything. They all knew it would have to come down to this. Gakuto stood tall, grabbing the boy's attention.
"Gentlemans, I am aware that our odds against the ASC are nothing but futile. And I will not bear any ill will against anyone who chooses to leave. And yet," He continued as he began to undo his tie, opening his shirt. "To they, who would join hands with me and fight by my side!" He grabbed a couple of shirts from underneath and laid them on the floor where the schedules were at.
The boys look at them, the front of the shirt spells out, 'I ️ W T' completely spelled out. They look up to Gakuto who wore the same t-shirt.
"I ASK EACH OF YOU TO INDEED TAKE THESE T-SHIRTS THAT I QUICKLY PRODUCED!" He yells with tears leaking from his eyes.
"Gakuto…when did you produce these?"
"DO NOT ASK SUCH TRIVIA QUESTIONS! I REQUEST YOU ONCE MORE! INDEED, TAKE THESE SHIRTS IF YOU ARE IN OR OUT!"
All three of the boys looked amongst each other. Both of them carry the same expression. But still, something did not sit well with Kiyoshi. He turns to the glasses wearing boy once more.
"Are you sure about this? About Mitsuko, I mean."
"...I am positive. It will hurt. But I am positive."
"Then," Kiyoshi quickly grabs a shirt of his own and slides it on himself over his Hachimitsu uniform shirt. A smile of determination graced his lips. "Let us go to battle. Together with the USC! Against the ASC! FOR OUR DREAM!"
"YEAH!"
-Side of the School-
Near the forest area of the school hanging by the field, Chiyo was chatting with Mayumi, Anzu, Tsubaki, Etsuko and Hana. They all sat together, discussing amongst each other.
"S-So, you managed to talk to Kiyoshi-kun?" Chiyo asked the secretary.
"I did. He should be back on his feet and ready to take on the world again with that stupid smug on his face." Hana said with an annoyed tone.
"Either way, at least he's helping out. I'm really happy how this is turning out so far."
Etsuko pondered for a moment before looking at Chiyo. "You must really respect Crow Mistress by going this far to help her out."
"I-Is it obvious…I mean, I know we don't look like talking to each other so often, but I really do respect her. Even when she tried to expel Kiyoshi-kun, I didn't hold any grudges against her or anything."
"Well I mean," Tsubaki spoke with a bit of uncertainty. "Sometimes I feel you can be a little naive."
"T-Tsubaki!" Mayumi scolded.
"What? You say the same damn thing."
"That's beside the point!"
"I-It's okay, Mayumi-chan. But sometimes, I like to be optimistic with things. I don't want to keep on looking at stuff with a cynical view. I want to be able to look at things differently. And if I can, try to help those who need it. Like with Matsuri."
Hana thought back to what she was referring to. "Oh right, you mean when the last student council president came and tried to throw Matsuri into prison….I still feel a little miffed with him for what he did with Yoshimiya, but I guess it all worked out in the end."
"That's right!" Etsuko proclaimed. "Matsuri was just brought into the horrible game by Hayakki. So he shouldn't be taking the brunt of this. I thank Chiyo-sama for doing so."
Anzu looked at the first year with a blank expression. "I'm sorry, now you're calling her Chiyo-sama."
"Of course! It's my new found respect for her!"
Chiyo ended up blushing a little. "I-It's not really necessary."
"Oh but I must!" Etsuko said as she sprang to her feet once more. Once again going into her dramatic form. The group (excluding Chiyo) groaned at what was to come next. "Alas, when the Crow Mistress was cornered. A small, but elegant princess watched the scene from afar. This small, but beautiful princess was the Crow-"
*POOF*
Out of nowhere! A cloud of smoke exploded. The group began to cough out loud from the sudden smoke cloud.
"THE HELL!? GEEZ ETSUKO, I KNOW YOU LIKE TO BE DRAMATIC, BUT THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS!" Tsubaki yelled at the top of her tongue.
After the smoke cloud cleared for a moment or so. They looked around and noticed something…..she was not here anymore.
"Um…..Etsuko-chan…." Chiyo said as she looked around.
"The hell that twerp went now?" Hana asked.
"Hey! Etsuko! Come out already! We get it, nice trick! Now come out already!" Anzu said with an annoyed tone.
They called out for her. But to their surprise…nothing. This just made them a little concerned.
"Etsuko…hey! Where the hell is she?"
"HEEEEELLLLLPPPPPP!"
They hear a familiar scream. They turned around and spotted their eccentric friend…hanging by her feet on top of one of the branches on the tall tree. Etsuko was hanging upside down with her skirt lifting upward, somewhat revealing her panties that were partly being covered by her hand.
The group looked onward at the scene with bewildered expressions.
"The hell?" Hana asked herself.
"Etsuko…..how'd you get up there….." Tsubaki asked.
"I DIDN'T PUT MYSELF UP HERE! SOMEONE GRABBED ME AND I ENDED UP LIKE THIS!"
"You mean that smoke cloud wasn't you?" Anzu asked.
"NO!"
"Ohohoho~! My, oh my Kamishoya-san. Such a predicament you found yourself in. Then again, such a form is so fitting for someone like you~!"
They hear a voice. An unfamiliar one at that. They looked around, no one was near them.
"W-Who's there!?" Mayumi asked with a scared voice.
Etsuko's eyes widened in realization. "Wait…..I know that voice…..I know that haughty tone from anywhere! Ojou-sama! I know you're here somewhere!"
"My. Again with the nickname addressing. Honestly, you do not address me with such a childish name."
"Well I mean, you pretty much got the tone of one." Tsubaki said with an annoyed tone. "Now you're gonna show yourself or not?"
"Look up to the commoners. And feast your eyes on I."
They looked upward. Towards the same spot where Etsuko is dangling from. Standing on the branch, was a female student. Her appearance gives off of that of a rich snob individual. Her long and rather big blonde hair with light purple highlights. Her hair was in the shape of big drills that stretched along her back and two in the front as they rested on her shoulders. Her eyes gave a sharp but elegant flair with her icy blue stare. Like every female student, she wore the standard Hachimitsu uniform. But with her skirt being longer than most.
The group looked amongst the girl who stood on the branch.
"The hell? Who the hell are you?" Tsubaki asked.
The mysterious female gave a small smirk before introducing herself. "Forgive me for suddenly dropping in on you, fine folks. But I simply couldn't just stand by and continue watching this *child* ridiculous performance."
Etsuko reacted to her insult. "THE ONLY CHILD HERE IS YOU!"
"Wait, you did that to Etsuko!?" Mayumi asked with a surprised tone.
"That is correct. Someone had to teach her a lesson."
"PUT ME DOWN SO I CAN THROTTLE YOU! EVERYONE CAN SEE MY PANTIES!"
"Ohohoho~! Please, not a single soul would want to see *your* panties. Oh and another thing. Strawberry panties. Really? Such ungodly choice of fashion."
"STOP LOOKING YOU BITCH!" Etsuko said with a fierce blush. Trying her damn near hardest to cover her panties by pushing her skirt back in place. But it was difficult due to the gravity of hanging upside down.
"U-Um….excuse me?" Chiyo gathered their attention. "I'm sorry, but who are you, really?"
"Ah! Forgive me." The elegant young woman gave a proper introduction. "My name is Yukina Shido. I am a first year student at Hachimitsu academy. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance with you all."
She gave a mysterious yet small graceful smile to the group.
…
And that's a wrap! With Kiyoshi and the boys joining the fight. The USC may have a fighting chance. But will it be enough? And what will Kate do from here on to render Mari force useless? Also we get an appearance of another student, but is she a friend or foe? And seems to have a history with our eccentric girl Etsuko. Things take an interesting turn for next time….
First and foremost, sorry for the long wait. I got sick the other day and couldn't exactly concentrate on my work. Plus I'm on the homestretch of finishing my spring semester too. So after the mid of May is the last day and I will officially be on summer break. So you would expect a much faster upload. Hopefully it all works out and I will be able to bring you guys some more content for both stories.
A lot to take from this chapter. First and foremost is Hayakki. She is still out and about and is now serving as the council president of Atsuhiko academy. From Megumi's memories, Hayakki is ruling the school with an iron fist and has two new cronies with her to add to the trouble. Not only that, we get teases of Hayakki's father who financially owns the school. But for what? That is much information I will leave you guys until they make their grand appearance much later in the story. For now you guys can have fun and speculate on what we're gonna see in the near future.
It wasn't much, but I did give some more Kiyoshi and Hana moments in this chapter. This time around it's more tamed and not over the top. After their little reconciliation from the previous arc, things are more tame between the two. And Hana may be experiencing new found feelings for the boy. But I hope you guys like how I'm handling them. Hana will still be somewhat hostile, but it won't be over the top and I want to try to experiment with this more since it is really something that most people tackle. They just go and straight up have them as a crazy couple, but here I want to try and experiment with them on equal ground and have each other back.
And finally, we approach with another tease to another new character being added. This particular character I had on my mind for a while when I was working on the story. Yukina Shido would be a rather unique character on her own level which you will see more in the next chapter. Plus I wanted a character who will rival against Etsuko and challenge her eccentric mindset. I would like to thank DlyanMason210 for coming up with the name for her. I think it suits her well.
By the way, in case you're wondering about what Takamoto mentioned about the scar on Matsuri's back, this was something that was briefly mentioned way back in chapter 9. I've been meaning to bring this back for a while now since it connects back on Hayakki. With many things happening, I managed to find a way to squeeze it in there. XD
Also, another quick note. I changed Hayakki's last name from Nekui to Nekumi. Just added the 'm' in her name. So chapter 17 should be updated by then.
As always, leave a review for feedback to improve the story. I may not be able to get to all of you guys' needs, but I'm aiming to make this story enjoyable for you guys. Thank you for the support, stay safe and I will see you guys in the next chapter!
Edit Time Stamp: 5/29/2023
