Five minutes before Izuku Midoriya arrived at Kei Karuizawa's apartment…

How long has it been now? That I've stayed in this room? And have done nothing at all with my time? I was only able to keep myself occupied with videos on the internet and other miscellaneous things for so long. After that, minutes felt like hours and vice versa. They began to blend in with each other to the point that I completely lost track of time. But it seems like everyone else hasn't. Because if they were like me, then it would make sense for them to forget about me as if I never existed in the first place.

But that can't be right? Then why hasn't no one noticed or gotten worried, or even attempted visiting me up to this point? Was I… really that unlikable? Did they all think I was some bitch because I never got along with them? Were they all envious that I chose to cling to Hirata's arm? Jealous that I had the class rep who was easily the most popular guy in our class as my boyfriend? Even though the whole thing was just a charade to stop anyone from bullying me again.

'You pushed Rika earlier. I know this because she told me everything. She is my friend. So, I don't take kindly to someone pushing her around.' People continued to accuse me of stuff that they shouldn't have. How could they accuse me of something like that when my reputation was flawless?! But in the end, they were right. I pushed whatever her name was. Not because I was angry or anything. I just felt like it. The end result felt… pretty good actually. Seeing some fall to their knees as I towered over them…

… Perhaps that's what 'they' felt back then-

One year ago…

It all started in my third year of middle school. Back then I was a nobody. I was a certified background character who hadn't done a single thing noteworthy up to that point. I was always in the background, never in the forefront. I didn't need to be, nor did I seek such praise from any one of my classmates. I didn't even care all that much what my parents thought of me. Because they were always working up until I was asleep in bed. I only saw them on Sundays and even then, they told me to leave the house for a while during the afternoon. I could tell what they wanted to do from behind my back. So, I accepted what little money they gave me and went to a local convenience store to buy some food. That's how things have always been…

… Until he suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Yo, Karuizawa. That popsicle looks good. You bought it from there, right?" The voice of the person that I least expected to hear made me almost drop my popsicle. It was Kenji-Kun. He was the most popular boy in our class, perhaps even the school. This was made possible because of how rich his family was. Unlike mine, and the majority of others, he was of a higher class. Well, that and admittedly he was quite handsome. He caught the eye of every single girl in my class. And as much as I hate to admit it now the same thing could be said about me. There was something about him that made me feel 'drawn' to him. Was it the combo of his lavish lifestyle and physical attributes? Probably. But even still I-

"Yeah. But they only have strawberry in there. You're better off avoiding it." I replied as I looked back at the popsicle in his hands. I had no right to be talking to him like this. I'm just a nobody. An extra who would be in the background of a picture of someone much more famous than I ever will be. But I'm okay with that. I never desired fame or riches or anything of the sort. But…

… I always wondered what 'love' felt like. I had never loved anybody as far back as I could remember aside from my parents. But as time passed by, we grew further and further apart to the point that we were basically strangers and nothing more. Is this how my life was going to play out? There was nothing 'special' about me. If you opened a textbook and looked for the definition of 'normal' or 'boring' you'd find my name under both of those words. I hated that. Even worse I hated how I accepted things for how they were. It was then that I made a wish that things would change…

… However, I couldn't even begin to fathom how much it would change my life for the absolute worst. That's right. For better or for worse, mostly for worse. This is my-

Chapter 55: Kei Karuizawa: Origin

"Strawberry? Sounds good. I might be a guy, but I like sweet things." Kenji-Kun replied with a million dollar smile that simply took my breath away the moment I noticed it. My heart then began beating like crazy. But that only made me feel worse. Why did I even bother saying anything when I obviously had no chance with someone as amazing as him? But for some reason my vocal cords betrayed me. No. I couldn't resist speaking to him in such a relaxed manner. This wasn't school. We might as well have been just two random kids who passed by each other in the street. I wished for that to be true. But what I didn't know was that I was all out of wishes…

… Because my first wish was about to come true.

"I'll be right back. After that, let's talk for a bit. Kay?" Kenji-Kun continued before entering the convenience store. Just before that my heart skipped a beat. It was right when he said 'kay.' It was so close to him saying my first name that I felt like he was addressing me by it. Obviously, that was just a mistake considering they were so similar. But even still, I found myself waiting for him to come back. Just what did he want to say to me? What was it that he even felt like was worth discussing with someone as boring as me? I racked my mind for any answers to this question but before I could he returned.

"I'm back. I didn't make you wait long, did I?" Kenji-Kun spoke as he walked over to me with a bag completely filled to the brim with things. Just what were they… wait! No! They couldn't be! Did he actually- But before I could say anything he grinned showing me the contents of the bag. It was full of strawberry popsicles. There must have been at least twenty of them in there! Just what the heck was he thinking?! But he figured out what I was thinking as if it was written on my face. That seemed to make him happy because his smile only shone brighter.

"Like I said, I like sweet things. Surely you do too since you wouldn't have enjoyed that if you didn't. So, let's try to enjoy as many of these until they melt. Kay?" Kenji-Kun said as it felt like he was addressing me by my first name again. But it couldn't have been right? Then why? Why do all this? But as I was too busy thinking of his reasons for even exchanging words with someone as unnoteworthy as me, he sat down right next to me. I was sitting down this whole time on the sidewalk. And now, here he was sitting beside me as if it was the most natural thing to do. I don't understand. I don't understand what he's thinking in the slightest. I was clueless back then. After all, I was the definition of normal…

… So, I couldn't even begin to consider the possibility that this was all going according to his plan.

"So, what brings you here? Aside from these tasty delights." Kenji-Kun asked as he devoured one of the popsicles in one fell swoop. It surprised me for a moment as our eyes were locked with each other. Only for me to glance away back to the half-eaten popsicle in my hands that was starting to drip. I thought back to his question for a few moments until I found an answer that would make the most sense.

"I didn't want to be in the house right now. My parents were bickering with each other. I didn't like hearing them go at it. So, I just left. This is close by. So, it was easy to just buy something and relax." I replied as all I told him were half-truths. It was a convenient spot. But of course, that wasn't the reason why I was here. I was a liar. A natural born one. And he saw through that part of me immediately.

"No. They just didn't want you around. That's it right?" Kenji-Kun asked as my eyes went wide out of utmost astonishment. I couldn't believe it. No one really batted an eye when I lied to them before. But he saw through it. On the very first time I lied to him no less. It was worthy of praise. But since my hands were holding onto the popsicle, I couldn't exactly clap about it. But even still, I thought that I should at least explain myself.

"Sorry, I lied. I've been doing it ever since I was young when my teachers asked if my parents were ever going to attend the culture festival. I told them they had work. But they could have easily taken the day off to come see me. They just didn't want to. They didn't want anything to do with me. So, it's like you said, Kenji-Kun." I replied before finishing my popsicle as the brain freeze repressed the memories I didn't want to remember. Why was I telling him any of this? It wasn't like we were close. We just happened to be in the same class. But even though that was the case for three years, we hadn't even said 'hey' to each other most days. I don't deserve this. So, there's no reason for him to-

"I see. You know, Kei. We're pretty similar. My family might be better off than yours are. But our parents are practically the same. My folks don't give a damn what I do unless it comes back to give them trouble. So, I can do whatever I want really. But it doesn't make me all that happy to be honest." Kenji-Kun replied as he was being rather honest with me. But what was even more surprising was that apparently, we really were 'similar.' It made me feel good to hear him say that. I thought that I was painfully ordinary. But maybe that's not such a bad thing when there's someone out there who feels the same things I do. I thought I was the only person who didn't have their parents to show up to cheer them on. But if it's same with Kenji-Kun, then…

… Wait. Did he actually call me 'Kei' that time? Not 'kay.' But my first name. I didn't realize it at first because the words sounded virtually the same. But he really just said it this time, didn't he. And once again, he knew exactly what I was thinking without me having to say it. But even still he nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah. I just called you Kei. Hope you don't mind. If you want you can call me, Ken." Kenji-no. Ken replied as if it was completely normal for him to do so. But this wasn't normal. Far from it. What was he trying to do by walking over to me, talking, and getting me to divulge my secrets all while calling me by the name that only my parents addressed me as? I just couldn't understand him for the life of me. That's why he decided to reveal his intentions.

"I'll tell you the truth… for a while I've had my eye on you. You might think there's nothing 'special' about you. But that couldn't be further from the truth. You are actually quite beautiful. And I'm sure with the right makeup your looks would be amplified tenfold. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I was wondering if you'll be my girlfriend?" Ken asked as my jaw practically dropped to the ground. D-Did he actually confess his feelings to me? But even though that's exactly what he just did, I simply couldn't believe it. I had never heard a confession from any guy before. It was always my classmates who get confessed to.

However, they would end up rejecting the boys who were noteworthy in their own right. It made me jealous that they could even do such a thing all while I had no one in my life that loved me. But I could at least understand a little bit that they were all pining for Kenji-Kun. And now that same person is the one confessing his feelings to me. It just couldn't be more ridiculous. It was practically the plot of a Shojo Manga! And yet, that was exactly what happened. He laid down his feelings for me when I couldn't even accept what I was feeling for him before that. Though it made me realize how stupid I was being. And then…

"… Okay." I replied with a smile as I was done just accepting things for how they were. If I could make my own happiness, then that's exactly what I'll do. Because if Ken thinks I'm worthy of being his girlfriend, then I deserve my own slice of happiness too. But right after accepting his feelings for me and vice versa, he closed the distance between us and kissed me on the lips. I was so surprised for a moment that I didn't even know how to react. It was my first kiss. And it with Ken of all people?! Just when did I get so lucky?! But even still, I couldn't help but melt into the kiss as we stayed like that for a moment before separating.

"Tastes like… strawberries." Ken replied with a goofy smile on his face. But even though what he said was obvious considering what we just ate, it made me laugh for a bit before responding to him.

"Of course it does, stupid! Hahaha." I replied while struggling to contain my laughter. But I just couldn't so I laughed and laughed until tears of joy dripped down my cheeks. He was so sweet. If I were strawberries, then he was something even sweeter like chocolate or caramel. But even then, I couldn't believe that this just happened. It was an average Sunday. No. My life had been so unrelentingly average that something like this seemed like pure fantasy. But even if it was fake. I didn't want this to come to an end. But eventually, the good times ended…

… And the bad were right around the corner.

The very next day was a Monday. So, I went to school as usual just as I have always done. But things were noticeably different now. Upon entering the classroom, the girls that never batted an eye to me before were all glaring daggers at me. They were as sharp as knives, and it almost felt like I was being pierced by them as if they were them. But I ignored them to the best of my ability. I didn't ask to be liked. So, if Ken is the only one that likes me then that's enough for me. And just as I thought about him, he appeared.

"Good morning, Kei. You're as beautiful as ever." Ken spoke before kissing me on the cheek in front of all of the girls. They couldn't be more envious of my good fortune. But I used to feel just like them so can't they just cut me a break? I thought they would. I really did. But unlike me, who got over it and resumed my daily life, they chose to hold onto their grudge as if it was the only thing keeping them alive. That's what I found out after school had ended. I was just about to leave the school, when I suddenly heard hurried footsteps. And just as I turned around-

'Splash!' A bucket full of water was tossed onto my face. But it wasn't just any water. It smelled horrible. It even got in my mouth. The taste was nasty, and it made me want to throw up. Just what the hell was this?! But as I was soaked to the brim with something that I couldn't yet decipher, they grinned like the demons they were before revealing the truth to me, giggling at the same time.

"Oh that? That came from the toilet in the guys' bathroom. Most of them never flush so it was easy to get our hands on it." One of the girls said while struggling to contain their revolting laughter. The same could be said about the girls around her. But I just couldn't believe it. I knew they were petty. But this was taking things to a whole other level. Even still, it felt so gross being drenched in piss. It even felt like there were some pieces of-oh god I'm going to puke! And that's exactly what I did. All over the floor. And all to the demons' utter delight.

"Hahaha! You look so pathetic now, Karuizawa-San! How about I take a picture of you so that I can always remember it! Think of this as a memento of sorts, because I won't be forgetting the look on your face right now anytime soon! Hahaha!" Another one of the girls said while grabbing out her phone taking a picture of me. They were laughing at me and enjoying my suffering. Just who the hell did they think were?! Were they this jealous and petty that me being covered in urine and feces was comedy gold to them?! What's wrong with them?! Just-

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" I shouted at the top of my lungs before smacking the phone out of the hands of the same girl who took my picture. I wanted nothing more than to tear her limb from limb for thinking this was so funny! Especially if she was going to use social media to spread that picture around like the fucking bitch she was! But it was then after I saw the look on her face, full of fear, that I froze in my tracks. It was then that I realized what I just did. Since when was I capable of getting so worked up? Not that she didn't deserve it. But how was I even capable of this? Am I… actually the demon? But not even a second later-

'BAM!' The same girl punched me in the gut. I collapsed to the ground in my own vomit. But she didn't stop there. She began kicking me again and again. And soon after her friends joined in. They violently kicked me all over my body till I was black and blue and spitting out blood. Only then did they stop. I don't understand. Just what the hell did I do to deserve this? I knew they were pissed off over me and Ken being in a relationship. But to go this far?! I genuinely couldn't understand that. And the look on my face that practically screamed why only made them all angrier at me. It didn't take long for one of them to speak up.

"Just what right do you have to steal Kenji-Kun from us?!" One of the girls snapped at me while gripping the collar of my uniform before slapping me in the face and throwing me onto the ground as if I was a piece of trash. But only after doing so did she realize her hands had some piss on them too and she yelled out 'Gross!' As if she forgot what she and cronies did just a few minutes ago. But I was right. This was all about Kenji-Kun. There was no other reason for them to associate with me.

"So… you are all mad that me and Ken are dating. Is that it?" I asked as they glared daggers at me for addressing him in such a casual way. Even if they were obsessive fans, the fact is only Ken gave me permission to use his name. And that must have really made them jealous of me. But I was beginning to enjoy myself, just a bit. They were being so cruel and for them to be so envious of someone as average and boring as me, well, that made me grin out of delight. They noticed that soon enough and gnashed their teeth at the sight of me. One of them shouted 'How dare you!' As I began to laugh. And in the process making their hate fester for me.

"You must have done something to make him even consider dating you! You probably sent him nude pics! That has to be it! Otherwise, what would anyone want with you unless you offered your body to them on a silver platter?!" Another one of the girls accused me with such conviction in her voice as she must have really believed that she was right. Not. She was just making up excuses. It was pathetic. But at the same time it made me laugh all the more. But this made them call me 'A whore.' And other horrible things while they tried their hardest to believe that they were better than me. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Because the truth was-

"… I'm better… I'm better! I'm better than all of you rejects who couldn't do a damn thing to earn Ken's affections no matter how hard you tried! It must feel horrible to see all your efforts go down the toilet! You might have tried to make me feel like I belong with you there! But you couldn't be further from the truth! You all belong in the crapper and I'm here to take a dump on all of you! You rotten pieces of shit!" I shouted with a satisfied grin on my face. They couldn't take it. The realization that I was better than them. At least that's what I assumed because right after I finished one of the girls kicked me in the head so hard that I blacked out.

When I came to, I stood up and returned home long after the sun had already set. Of course, my parents weren't home. It would still be a few hours before they came back. But even still, I didn't mind. I was used to being alone. It's been this way as far back as I can remember. But that's not all. Those bitches! I must have really knocked some sense into them! The looks on their faces when they realized how much better I am than they are was utterly priceless! I wish I got teach of their faces on my phone's camera! That way I'd be able to remember all the little details forever and ever! Hahaha! Haha! Ha…

… But if I'm so happy then why am I not smiling? That was what I realized when I looked at myself in my bathroom mirror. My face still bruised along with the rest of my body was still hurting. I reeked of piss and shit. But neither of them really mattered all that much to me in this moment. I just couldn't understand it, or to put it more accurately something about me seemed… weird. Why did I talk back to those girls and say that I was better than them? It was all the spur of the moment. The words came out of my mouth before I could even think of them. And yet it was 'me' who said them. Did I honestly believe in them at the time? I just…

… I couldn't understand myself anymore. But as I stood there staring at someone who looked like Kei Karuizawa but who wasn't 'Kei Karuizawa' the smell coming off of 'me' was nauseating.

"Guess, I'll take a shower." I muttered to no one in particular before discarding my clothes and getting in the shower. It didn't take long for me to scrub my body of all that filth and dry myself off. But upon exiting the bathroom, the smell came back with a vengeance. It was like cancer to my nostrils and made want to throw up all over. But since I had nothing left in my stomach after barfing everything that was inside of me just a few hours ago, nothing came out of my throat. I clicked my tongue in annoyance before stripping once more and taking another shower.

However, the same thing happened again. Rinse and repeat both metaphorically and quite literally I performed the same repetitive tasks over and over again like a machine on autopilot. Eventually after taking so many showers that I lost count, the smell faded and so did my energy as I felt an urge to sleep. But before I did, I opened my diary. I always recorded my day-to-day life in this small notebook. I thoroughly enjoyed writing because I was able to get all my thoughts out without having to vent out loud. It brought forth a sense of catharsis that gave me hope that the next day was going to be better.

'Today wasn't a good day. My classmates learned that me and Kenji-Kun are dating. I should be excited that we are now in a relationship… right? But for some reason I'm not all too happy about it. But… the girls in our class have gone off the deep end! Why else would they dump toilet water onto me?! They were so jealous! But screw them! I'm going to get through this! Because if I tell my parents they might have me transferred to another school! I can't just leave the moment I got my first boyfriend!' And before I knew it, I found myself finished writing another entry for today, November 3rd.

"Haaah…" I yawned and rubbed my eyes as I fell back onto my bed. But as I drifted off to sleep, I wondered if that's how I felt deep down. More specifically if I even had 'true' feelings for Kenji-Kun or if they were symptoms of a 'crush?' I don't know. And before I could figure out my feelings, I was already unconscious. My last thoughts were for a better tomorrow. But tomorrow wouldn't be better. The same thing could be said for the day after that too. Along with the next day, and the next, and the one after that, on and on and on and on for what seemed like an eternity. I don't want to remember all of the details. Nor will I choose to make you suffer along with me for much longer. So, here are some highlights-

November 4th. It was the very next day. I returned to school with a cheerful look on my face. Or at least that's what I was pretending to have on my face. Or maybe I was simply deluding myself? I couldn't see my face unless I used my phone's camera to see it. But I didn't want to know the truth because I was desperate. Desperate to believe in the delusions of a 'better tomorrow.' But those feelings were dashed upon taking my seat.

"OW!" I shrieked in pain as something was digging into my butt! But what could it be!? I stood up to see that there was a thumbtack that was under my chair. I then heard the snickering of the girls beside me. I gritted my teeth out of anger. I couldn't believe that they had the gall to continue this harassment! Weren't they satisfied from kicking the shit out of me the other day?! But no! They weren't! The thumbtacks in my ass only proves that they are far from done with making my life a living hell! Well, two can play that game! But just as I was about give those bitches a piece of my mind-

"Ms. Karuizawa. You are not to remain standing up unless you wish to be escorted out of the classroom." The professor spoke in a monotone voice. He was just a middle-aged man. And he couldn't be any less interested in what caused my loud shriek of pain. That only made me more angry. But I then realized something. My 'classmates' with the exception of Kenji-Kun want to see me get riled up. Especially those bitches from before. They are seeking my rage. They want me to blow a fuse right in front of Kenji-Kun so that he could see this hidden side of 'me.' Well, I won't let them win. And with that, I took my seat once more as the lecture began.

Sometime after that, I went to the bathroom to pull the thumbtacks out of my butt. The pain made me groan as I couldn't help but cry while blood dripped down my legs. Why the hell were they going so far against someone who hadn't even been in the spotlight for her entire life? I know that they really care about Kenji-Kun. But to go that far for some guy… it's just crazy. Like who the hell in their right mind would think that 'this' level of abuse is okay?! Even still… I can't show weakness. They will only latch onto it and never let go until they had their way with me and all that's left is an empty husk who happens to share my name. That's why I have to keep going no matter what. But when I returned to the classroom-

"Eh?" I muttered out of sheer disbelief as my textbook that had been sitting on my desk this whole time right in plain view of the teacher's eye had been scribbled. Some of the pages were even ripped out. And words like 'slut' and 'whore' were written onto important pieces of information that I needed to study for the next exam. I wanted to say something. I really wanted to… but what is there to say when no one will come to my aid? Except that's wrong. There is one person who would come to rescue me if I asked them too. Kenji-Kun. But if I asked him to do that for me then those bitches would win. I wasn't going to let that happen, so I kept silent.

"Hey Karuizawa! Let me teach you a lesson!" One of the girls yelled out as I walked home from school one day. They were clearly following me and may figure out where I live! I have to get out of here! But before I could do that, that same girl pulled me by my ponytail and slammed her fist into my stomach causing me to fall to my knees. Once again, she and her cronies towered above me cracking their knuckles with devilish grins on their faces. It didn't take them long to continue from where they left off.

"It's called getting your ass kicked one o one!" The same girl finished before, sending her foot crashing onto my back causing me to fully collapse onto the ground. The other girls then made sure they got their piece of the all you can eat buffet as they kicked the shit out of me. I would later learn that they filmed the entire thing and showed all of our classmates the video. It didn't take long for others to join in on the abuse, further infuriating me. I grew enraged that no one was trying to help me. I was practically crying out for help! And yet…

… No one ever chose to extend a hand to me. They either partook in the abuse or watched, snickering as I was on the verge of crying my eyes out on multiple occasions. Of course, I consolidated in Kenji-Kun, but he would always tell me that 'It's going to be okay. I'll be here whenever you need me.' Not that it did me any good. I tried taking my mind off of things by going on dates with him. But this only had consequences as the closer I got to Kenji-Kun, the more ruthless everyone else became.

Sometimes, they would just steal my notes. God, I wish it was just that. But they did things that were so much worse. Dumping dirty water on me when I was trying to use the toilet. Putting thumbtacks in my shoes. Pulling my skirt down in front of all of our classmates. Stealing my underwear during swimming class. Hell, one time they even stole my entire school uniform. Just what the hell were wrong with these fucking assholes?! But before I knew it, I realized that I couldn't take much more of this. It was when I was taking a shower, and when I was washing my hair, I noticed that some of it was coming out in clumps.

"… Hahaha…" I quietly laughed to myself as tears slid down my cheeks. Or was it the water coming down from the faucet and landing onto my face? I don't know. I don't know what the hell is happening any longer. Every day is hell. I wished things would go back to how they used to be when no one gave a rat's ass about me. But how was I supposed to escape? I… I can't take this anymore. I just can't! Nothing tastes good anymore! Nothing is fun anymore! What point is there going on living when every single day of my life is hell on earth? But that's when it hit me. Or more specifically that there was one way to escape from all of this. Maybe…

… Maybe I should just die? However, when the thought crossed my mind, I heard my phone make an audible 'beep.' I finished showering and wrapped a towel around my body before checking my phone to see that I was sent a text message. It was from-

'Hang in there, Kei. I love you.' Kenji-no. Ken texted me. He was so sweet. The only bright light in the eternal darkness that has become my life. And upon reading his message I realized that I can't die. I was reaching my limit and if I kept going along with the abuse it would never end. I thought that if I just stayed quiet and accepted things for how they were eventually they would grow bored with me and stop. But I can't wait for 'eventually' anymore. I have to end this. I don't want to talk to my parents about it, but there might be someone who will listen to me. And that person was-

"You wish to speak with me, Ms. Karuizawa? Well, make it fast. I have a busy schedule." The School Principal said while looking at me with an unamused look on his face. He was an older fellow. If I had to say he was probably in his early sixties and on the verge of retiring. I didn't appreciate his tone of voice. But I didn't have much of a choice left. So, I took out my phone and showed him the video of me getting beat up from quite some time ago. Everyone in my class received the video through text message except me. However, when I asked Ken to send it to me, he hesitatingly agreed. I was sure that this would work. But after the video ended, my hopes were dashed yet again.

"I'm sorry. But there's nothing that I can do to help. You see, this happened outside of the school grounds. I have no jurisdiction over some random street on the side of the road. I recommend taking up this matter with the police." The principal said without batting an eye to me as he was already in the middle of filing some papers. I couldn't believe it. He saw evidence of the harassment and yet he did nothing about it?! Just how the hell could this bastard sit back and accept this outcome?! I sure as hell couldn't accept it so I told him plenty of things those bitches did! But even still none of it worked.

"Even if what you say is true, I can't just expel ten or more students by just taking your word for it. So, if all you have is accusations then get out of here and stop wasting my time." The principal finished as I bit my lip so hard that it bled. I didn't say another word after leaving his office and slamming the door behind me. I might have heard him shout 'What's wrong with you?!' But the hallway suddenly appeared longer than it actually was and before I knew it, I passed out.

When I woke up, I was already in my bed back at my house. My room was completely dark and the lack of light coming from my window made it clear that it must have been really late. I figured that my parents had to pick me up considering that I ended up back here. And I was proven right upon noticing a note they left me. I grabbed it and read the contents of it. And what I read infuriated me to my very core.

'Kei, we had to take time out of our jobs to come and pick you up from school. You should have been able to walk home by yourself. So, next time, don't trouble us when you can easily do something as simple as that by yourself.' Signed Mom and Dad. After reading the note I tore it to pieces before tossing them into the air. I then put my face into my pillow and screamed. I couldn't understand how cruel they could be to their only daughter. It made me sick just thinking about them, so I tried thinking about something else. Soon after my thoughts focused on Ken. And before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep once more.

However, word got out that I told the principal what happened when the only other person who knew was Ken. I knew that he would never betray me. So, my naivety got the better of me. Anyway, this all made the harassment escalate even further when I returned to school the next day. And what I found waiting for me on my desk was something that I never expected to see there in my entire life. There was a rat right on top of the piece of wood. But it wasn't moving. It remained there motionless with its eyes completely black. Even I could tell from a glance that it was dead. What. The. Hell. I-I-

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I stumbled backwards only to land onto my butt. But even as I tried to reject the reality in front of me, I could do no such thing as its eyes stared me in the face. Or to put it another way it was almost as if I saw my reflection in the rat's black dead eyes. Was that what they thought of me!? A dead rat?! Was I that fucking worthless that my existence was as trivial as some rat you would find dead on the ground? I couldn't stand it. I couldn't accept this! This has gone too far! And their excessive laughing did little to make things better.

In fact, I wasn't close to the edge so to speak, I had already fallen off the deep end and into the depths of hell for such a long time now. The days that passed by, I lost track of them. How long had they been bullying me for? Weeks? Longer. Months? Sounds about right. But even if that was the extent of the abuse, it felt more accurate to say that it was much much longer. Every waking moment outside of my dates with Ken had been hell. I knew this. They all knew this. And yet, their laughing didn't stop for even a moment. The cackling of a witch. That's what they all sounded like as their voices mixed together. They thought that THIS was funny?!

"… What's so funny?" I asked but none of my classmates responded and certainly not the bitches that started all of the shit THEY put me through. But I wasn't going to take their laughing as an answer, so I was going to make sure that they gave me a crystal-clear response. And I knew just the way to do it. That's why I stood up and walked over to my desk while the rat's corpse was in plain view all while their incessant laughing went on and on and on until I-

'BAM!' Knocked over my desk to the floor. The loud noise drowned out the laughter. And the moment after, their incessant cackling came to an end. Except, that was wrong. There was still one person laughing. Just a single person. And that person was me. I was the only one still laughing albeit, it was more of a giggle than the cackling from before. I was giggling just like the average schoolgirl. But no one joined in and laughed with me. They all blankly stared back at me. Aw why? Why after laughing so much before did they stop? I needed to know the answer, so I repeated myself once more.

"What's so funny? Hahaha. I'm quite curious. Was it the look of suffering that the rat must have had when it died? Or was it my reaction to it? Or perhaps me falling onto my butt was funny? Hahaha! Just which one was it!? Does anyone have an answer?! Anyone at all? How. About. You?" I said while overlooking everyone as now I was towering above them as my classmates were all seated. But it didn't take long for me to find my prey. The same girl who had been the leader of the group of bitches who had been bullying me for oh so long. What was her name? Eh, who cares! I don't!

"So, whatever your name is, what's sooooo funny? Hahaha. You don't have to repeat what I said word for word. Just point out which one you thought was super duper funny! So which one is it? The first thing I said? Or the second? Or perhaps the third? All you have to do is say one, two or three. That's not so hard, right?" I asked as the girl stared back at me as if she was looking at something out of a horror movie. Now what has made her so scared? She was laughing so much before! So, what gives?

"Surely you aren't scared of me. After all of the harassment you put me under that would be ridiculous… right? So which one is it? One? Two? Or three? It's not a hard question. So, I'll give you five seconds to answer. Five, four, three, two…" I spoke with what was surely a smile on my face. I mean it had to be! I was definitely smiling! My eyes might be bloodshot! But I'm one hundred percent smiling and having the time time of my life right now! But the girl in front of me, whatever her name is, didn't seem like she was all too happy. All she could do was mutter 'I-I-I- As if she was a broken record! That's too bad! Because right when I finished counting down to zero-

'Stab!' I grabbed the girl's pencil off her desk before piercing it into her hand. She screamed but I shut her up by swiftly slamming her face onto the desk! My classmates screamed out of freight for some reason. What gives? They were laughing just moments ago and now they are scared. Why? Just 'who' has them so scared all of a sudden? They should they a cue from yours truly. I'm laughing. So, why aren't they? And why hasn't this pathetic little piece of dog shit given me her answer?

"Hey. You heard me. I know you did. So which one is it? One? Two? Or three? Tell. Me. NOW!" I demanded while gripping her hair to the point that I should be able to rip it out if I applied just a bit more force. A fair price to pay for all the hair they made me lose if I do say so myself! But I did that all with one hand! What about my other hand? That's easy! I tore out the pencil from her hand! She screamed. But who wouldn't? It must have hurt quite a lot! But that's NOTHING compared to the amount of eternal suffering that they put me under! Hahahaha! So, tell me! Which one is it? AHAHAHAHA! WHICH ONE IS IT?

ONE?

TWO?

OR THREE?

JUST WHY THE HELL AM I THE ONLY ONE LAUGHING YOU FUCKERS?!

"KEI!" I heard someone shout at the top of their lungs and the moment I heard it; I stopped for just a second. And what happened after that was ended with a-

'Slap!' That same person slapped me right across the face. I froze in place as their hand felt familiar. I've held it before, haven't I? But if that's the case then that person was none other than the only person who had been on my side up to this point. But even still I couldn't believe it. Even when we stared at each other. But that person was utterly unmistakable. Even still I couldn't help but say their name.

"… Ken?" I muttered out of sheer disbelief while he looked back at me with a disgusted look on his face. It was then that I realized that I had a pencil with red paint on it. How did that end up in my hands? But it wasn't paint. It was something that could have only come from a human. And it didn't take me long at all to notice which human it came from. That girl from before, whatever her name is, has a wound on her hand right where the pencil pierced her. Did I do that? When did that happen? I don't even remember doing that. But if that's the case…

… How do I know that she was stabbed? But if I knew that and if that pencil was in my hands, then I must have done it. But why would I do such a thing? Why would 'Kei Karuizawa' stab someone's hand with a pencil? It just didn't make any sense. But after recognizing that question another one came to the forefront of my mind. And question was…

… Was I even 'Kei Karuizawa' any longer?

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: Kei Karuizawa: Origin Part 2

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