Chapter 40: Expelled

"I… killed someone." Karuizawa admitted much to the surprise of everyone within the room. Even the people that were aware of her betrayal couldn't have been more shocked by this sudden confession. I didn't have anything to say to that, much less anyone else, as time slowed down to a crawl while only the ticking of the clock could be heard in the background until-

"Why the hell would you admit to something like that?! You fucking dumbass?!" Kushida yelled out just before standing up and slamming her desk in a fit of rage while she couldn't have seen this coming from a mile away. She expected Karuizawa to say something that would try to pin the blame on her. But that couldn't be further from what just happened! The only person that Karuizawa had exposed was herself! And the shock of that made Kushida's true voice return with a vengeance. But in the heat of the moment, she said something that she wouldn't be able to take back. Kushida knew this and reflexively covered her mouth, but it was far too late.

"…" Her classmates were now staring at Kushida out of shock over her saying something like that which was out of character for her to do so. But that's because our classmates were not aware of Kushida's true colors. Only I and Horikita to a lesser extent were aware of the monster that was hiding under the skin of someone who pretended to be a cute and bubbly girl. But that wasn't the case anymore, cause Kushida's true voice and crass way of speaking had been revealed. But Kushida soon realized that there was a way to play this in her favor and turn the tables once more. And that was to make Karuizawa look far worse than her in comparison.

"How could you do such a thing?! Someone like you should be locked up forever and ever for doing something so horrible!" Kushida spoke while her voice reverted back to the fake one, she used to garner sympathy from others. But this worked in her favor. After all, Karuizawa had just admitted to the most heinous crime of all, taking another person's life. One that I know all too well. That's why I couldn't help but say-

"Karuizawa… how could you?" I spoke with a voice that made it crystal clear how distraught I was to learn about this unsettling revelation. But in response, Karuizawa took a deep breath before continuing.

"Allow me to elaborate. What I did resulted in another person losing their life. However, it was in self-defense. The person had tried slicing my belly open with a knife. The proof is this scar I have along with a news article that I just sent you via the group chat. The names of the victim and the deceased were never made public due to the latter's family being in a position of power. That's why they had bribed someone to cover up all of this. But law enforcement knows what really happened due to the clues left behind at the scene of the crime." Karuizawa explained while lifting up her shirt ever so slightly for all to see her scar. And in the midst of that-

'DING! DING! DING!' Several texts were sent to each person in the classroom that illustrated the point she was making. It was then that they saw the news article for themselves that included the picture of a certain girl's stomach that had a scar on it. And the scar just so happened to be in the exact same place that Karuizawa's scar was. Meaning her words were the truth! This made our classmates gasp before looking back at her with looks of pity on their faces. But Karuizawa wasn't done yet. But before she could continue, she was beaten to the punch by-

"Why… why didn't you say that was your reason for hiding everything back then?!" Hirata yelled out as he recalled Karuizawa's confession and couldn't accept that she had framed Midoriya just to protect her reputation. But now he knows (Along with everyone else for that matter) that there was more to it than that. That's why he couldn't understand why Karuizawa kept it a secret for so long. Even when they played the role of 'boyfriend and girlfriend' she had never once gone beyond into the specifics.

However, even not knowing the details of how far her bullies went, he still felt the need to protect her. Because by protecting someone was the way that the man named Yosuke Hirata wanted to atone for failing to save the life of another.

'No, that's not true. Because I already hate you now.' And now, all he could feel was an intense regret over what he said previously. But that wouldn't have happened if she simply told him the truth! He would have understood her! He would have forgiven her right then and there! So why?! Why keep it a secret for so long and only reveal it now?!

"I didn't want anyone to know the truth… because I was horrified to even consider the possibility that you would all think of me as a monster. I couldn't even stand the thought of it, so I complied with Kushida's wishes after she blackmailed me into cooperating with her. All this time, Midoriya had been telling you all the truth. Kushida was the person who texted me those awful things. That's all I have to say regarding that topic. I'm sorry that I betrayed you all, especially you, Midoriya. I'm really sorry." Karuizawa admitted while tears went down her cheeks as I realized that her apology was genuine, or rather it seemed that way. But before I could say so much as a word of thanks-

"You idiot. There's nothing for you to be sorry for. You've… suffered enough. I'm sorry for not believing in you back then. I'm so sorry, Kei." Before I could blink, Hirata ran over to Karuizawa and whispered into her ear while hugging her in front of everyone while tears of regret went down his cheeks. In response Karuizawa replied with 'Thank you, Yosuke.' And a smile on her face, that unbeknownst to Hirata…

… Couldn't have been more fake.

"It's over Kushida. Just admit what you did. If you do… I might even forgive you." I said with a serious expression on my face as this turned everyone's attention from Karuizawa and Hirata back to Kushida. She had been completely cornered. That's what I wholeheartedly believed. That's why there was no point in continuing this charade. Her lies along with her true personality had been exposed to everyone. There was no coming back from this. Kushida must know this. But even still, Kushida stood there in place motionlessly as the eyes of everyone around her glared at her. However, what she did next was truly surprising.

"Hahaha… it's over? Hahaha… don't make me laugh. This has only… just begun!" Kushida declared with a horrific smile on her face as I was completely taken aback by her resistance! It didn't make any sense! How could she still resist when she had been completely exposed for the monster she really was?! It's not like I was going to forgive her. But I don't want to hate her! I never did! She pushed to me that point! But why go on with this when it's all over?! Shiina noticed the look of anguish on my face as I gritted my teeth knowing full well what I had to do next.

"It's because she believes the game isn't over yet. Isn't that right, Kushida?" Shiina asked with a serious look on her face while Kushida laughed in delight in response to the former's question.

"That's right! This game isn't over yet, Hiyori Shiina! And I'll prove it! Allow me to propose a question! One that only involves a tiny bit of thinking! Just think for a bit, everyone! Isn't someone not here right now?" Kushida asked with a sinister smile on her face while glaring daggers at me. Upon hearing her last words my whole body froze completely. No, no, no! She wouldn't! Is she actually going that far to make everyone hate me instead of her?! I wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. Kushida noticed as her grin grew wider before continuing as she had one final ace up her sleeve.

"There's someone missing in this room, isn't there! We've all been ignoring the fact because she had been in a hospital recovering from her injuries that she sustained when Midoriya fought that monster! That's what Professor Chabashira said at least! But that was an entire month ago! Surely, she would have healed enough to come back to this school! Midoriya, did! But she's still 'recovering.' What bullshit! We haven't heard so much as a peep! Why is that? Tell us… where is Sakura… Midoriya?" Kushida asked with a look of ecstasy on her face while pointing at me with her index finger. It was then that I realized that the tables had been flipped once more.

Somehow, against all odds, Kushida managed to turn everything in her favor once again. But I couldn't have seen this coming. I assumed that the truth was common knowledge for everyone and that no one wanted to talk about it, especially me for that matter. That's why I couldn't even fathom that Sakura's death had been covered up. But now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense. Chairman Ayanokoji wouldn't want Sakura's demise being made public because it would cause the students to grow weary about staying here until they dropped out!

Not only would the school lose money if several of the students began withdrawing like flies, but it would also harm his future plans, wouldn't they?! I don't know the full extent of them, but I do know this! He's working with Garaki! How else would he have been able to give Horikita and everyone else Quirks?! Not to mention that both she and the rest of them were allied with each other when they fought against me!

'It is with that, that I have one final announcement to make. Regarding the 'hero' who fought against that sludge creature the other day, I have made the decision to issue a warrant for his arrest. Which is why I'm personally assembling a task force to apprehend him. Don't be mistaken that 'hero' is nothing more than a vigilante who deserves to be put behind bars. Anyone who gives details regarding his true identity will be rewarded handsomely, I can assure each of you of that…' And his own words prove this. I was so caught up in the fight with them that it took me a little while to connect the pieces.

However, it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ayanokoji is working with Garaki! Whether their partnership is equal or Garaki forcing him into cooperation is unknown to me. But I also can't say that he doesn't have nefarious intentions of his own! If he didn't then-

'Glad to know that you can keep quiet. But to answer your question, I won't be the man who leads this country into the future. That honor goes to my son.' Why would he say something like this?! That means there is something that Ayanokoji wants! And it involves his son! I don't even know who his son may be. But if he's somehow involved in this, and he has Toga's Transformation Quirk, then he may be the traitor lurking somewhere among us. But if that's the case then that only collaborates my traitor theory. But that doesn't matter right now. What matters is what's happening right here and now! But before I could say a word-

"Kushida! That's enough! You and I both know what the answer is! There's no point in saying anything!" Suzune shouted but this only made Kushida roll her eyes before putting a finger on her chin.

"Oh really? Cause even if you're right, wouldn't that mean one thing? That wherever Sakura is right now… it's because something happened to her. Something that's preventing her from being here right now. And I'm just itching to know it! So, tell us already, Midoriya! Where is Sakura right now?" Kushida asked while maintaining her sadistic grin as she giggled in delight. She made sure that I couldn't dodge the question any further. I had to reveal the truth, even if it hurts me. And even if she didn't, everyone here deserves to know the truth. Sakura was our classmate after all. And her absence has created a void that can't be filled by anyone else. Which is why I-

"I'm not going to beat around the bush. So, I'm going to just give it to you straight, the truth is… Sakura is… dead. When I fought that monster, there was a moment where I struggled to get up. That was when Sakura came in. She… sacrificed her life to save mine. Ever since that day, I've held intense regret in the pit of my stomach that I couldn't do anything to save her in her last moments. Sakura's death was all my fault. I wasn't strong enough. That's why I'll never call myself a hero for as long as I live." I admitted with a regretful look on my face much to the shock of everyone around me. The only exception being Kushida as she knew the truth.

"Midoriya." Suzune muttered with a regretful look of her own as she deduced as much. She didn't need Foresight to see that this was the answer that was hidden underneath a web of lies. But she wasn't alone in this sentiment. The same look could be seen on both Sudo and Hirata who were also involved in the fight on that day. And even Shiina, someone who was not involved in any capacity, was deeply saddened by my confession as she understood why I had been so depressed back then. To everyone, this was a moment of tragedy. But to Kushida…

… It was a comedy.

"That's right! You couldn't save her! You have no right to EVER think of yourself as a hero again! You are so pathetic and worthless, and Sakura died because of that! No one will EVER forgive you for that! Because you and you alone shoulder the blame for her demise, Izuku Mi~dori~ya!" Kushida declared as she landed the final blow. And while her words were harsh and cruel. I believed that she was right. Because that's exactly what I thought all this time about myself. That's why I agreed with her.

"You're ri- I spoke but before I could finish speaking, I was cut off by-

"You're wrong. Sakura may be gone. But that doesn't mean Midoriya shoulders the blame all by himself. Cause I do too. I was there. I could have done something for her. But I didn't. I didn't believe I was strong enough to do a single thing. That's why I did nothing. So, don't ever say he's alone. I shoulder the blame just as much as he does." Sudo admitted as he stood up from where he was sitting with a serious expression on my face while my eyes went wide out of surprise. But I wasn't alone in that sentiment. The same thing happened to Kushida as she froze in place and was only able to mutter 'Huh?' Out of sheer disbelief. But before she could say anything else-

"Sudo's right. I was there too. I have the ability to see another person's future by touching them. If I simply touched Midoriya then I could have seen what happened to Sakura. I may have been able to prevent it. But I didn't. I was scared. So very scared to see what may happen to him that I didn't think of anyone else. It's my fault too. If I wasn't such a coward, Sakura may be here right now smiling." Suzune admitted as she stood up with a serious look of her own. Kushida heard this and scoffed saying 'Of course you are.' Under her breath. But someone disagreed with her. And he was the next to voice his opinions.

"That's not true. If anyone was a coward that's me. I was fast enough to run faster than anyone else could and be able to see everything move slowly when using my power. But I didn't believe that was enough to be able to do a single thing in that fight with the monster. I thought if I wasn't strong enough to hurt it then there's point in trying. I selfishly only thought about myself. I even noticed that Sakura was there when the rest of us were in the auditorium. But I didn't move or do a single thing. I was so scared to die that I let her die instead of me. That's why I'm the biggest coward of all." Hirata admitted as he was still standing next to Karuizawa with a serious look of his own too.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing to the point that I was utterly speechless and could only overlook what was going on. I… I didn't know that they felt that way too. Then again… how could I? I never even asked them about it. Because I didn't want them to hate me for not being able to save Sakura. But I was wrong. All this time, they knew what had happened. And all this time…

… They've been shouldering that burden alongside me. I just couldn't see it. Nor could I accept that it was anyone else's fault but my own. But there was a person who couldn't accept this outcome. And it was all too obvious who that person was.

"A-Are you kidding me?! Is this some sort of joke?! Why would any of you even fess up to that?! Did you feel bad for him or something?! Oh, please! You saw him for yourself! Punching some guy into sky! And you're telling me that same excuse of a man couldn't have done a single thing to save her?! What a sick joke! You're just as pathetic as him! Especially you Horikita!" Kushida yelled out with a look of anger on her face as now the blame over Sakura's death wasn't directed against Midoriya anymore. So, she couldn't help but try and group them with him as a way of quelling this any further.

However, much to her surprise, her classmates sprang up one after another saying things such as 'It's my fault too.' And 'We shoulder the blame for what happened to Sakura.' But this only further displeased Kushida as she couldn't stand this sudden agreement amongst the people that she believed to be under her. Shiina noticed this and proceeded to call her out on it.

"It seems like you're the only person who doesn't feel any blame for what happened to Sakura. Isn't that right, Kushida?" Shiina asked but that only pushed Kushida closer to her breaking point.

"Of course, I don't! What the fuck could I have done to save her?! I'm not some goddamn superhero! The fact you are thinking that it's right to feel at fault for what happened to her is asinine! What could any of you have done against that fucking monster?! Answer me, goddamnit!" Kushida demanded as she was so caught up in what she believed in that she didn't even notice that her true colors were being exposed to everyone yet again. And this time her classmates weren't so forgiving of her as they glared daggers at her. But this only drove her to the deep end.

"You! You are so fucking pathetic! You can't even stand right now! That's the only reason why anyone's giving you some sympathy right now! They might feel sympathy for Hirata or Sudo or even Horikita but not YOU! They are only pitying you because you're a goddamn cripple! I hope you know that Izuku Midoriya!" Kushida yelled out with a face full of resentment as I stared back at her. But this time I wasn't scared of her. I no longer held any fear over Kushida. Because the pedestal that she had used others to construct for herself, one that reigned far higher than anyone else in this classroom…

… Had completely collapsed from under her.

"Then… does anyone feel that way over Midoriya? Pity just because he can't stand on his own feet like the rest of us?" Suzune asked as everyone in the classroom was dead silent which made their unanimous agreement all too clear to Kushida, but this made the latter click her tongue out of dissatisfaction.

"Oh, come on! You're actually agreeing with her?! Someone who made it crystal clear that Sakura would still be alive if she wasn't such a fucking coward?! Are you all that blind to not see the truth when it's staring at you right in the face?" Kushida yelled out as she couldn't help but direct her resentment not just at Horikita but her classmates around her too who have all turned against her. She couldn't stand the thought of all these people she viewed as beneath her turning against her. But that's exactly what happened. And this time she wouldn't be able to turn the tables. Because I was about to land the final blow.

"Everyone, there's something I've been not telling you all this time. I kept it to myself because I believed that you would all agree with Kushida and think of me as nothing more than a monster. But I was wrong. I realize that now. So, that's why I'm going to reveal the truth. Last month, while most of you were probably asleep, Kushida, sexually assaulted me." I spoke with a serious expression on my face as most of my classmates gasped out of disbelief over what they just heard. But no one was more surprised than the culprit herself.

"Huh?! What the fuck are you talking about?!" Kushida snapped back while gritting her teeth to the point that they could break. But she wasn't lying. Kushida literally had no clue what I was going on about. It's because from her point of view, she had never done such a thing that could be even considered sexual assault. But ever since that night, I was scared of her. Because she forced my hand upon her. I didn't know how to tell anyone because I believed what Kushida told me that night. However, Shiina enlightened me the night before this and was about to explain what she told me once more.

"Midoriya told me everything on what occurred on that night. You grabbed his hand and placed it on your breast. Many people believe that sexual assault only occurs when the victim is touched without their consent. But that's a blatant misconception. The opposite can occur when the victim is forced to touch another person on a private part of their body. And that's exactly what you did, Kushida. You made him touch you without his consent to do so." Shiina explained with a look on her face that did very little to hide the disgust she felt at Kushida. That was the 'Plan B' I was holding back all this time. But this only further enraged the culprit.

"So, fucking what?! It's not like I raped him or anything! I mean what man wouldn't enjoy touching a woman's boobs?! Especially mine! In fact, I'm sure he enjoyed it! I did him a fucking favor! I did nothing wrong! You all agree with me, right?! And who knows what he could have done to me if I let him have his way?! He really could have raped me! I'm the victim here!" Kushida asked with a confident smile as she looked all around the room to find someone who agreed with her. But to her utmost surprise everyone was looking at her like she was the monster. And that was only further proved by-

"No, you're not." Suzune declared with a serious look on her face and a tone of voice that matched it. One that always irked Kushida every time she heard it. Not just in AN but back when they were in middle school together. Something that Horikita had long since forgotten but also something that Kushida will remember for as long as she lives. Ever since she knew the girl named Suzune Horikita, Kikyo Kushida has…

… Always hated her guts.

"RRRRAAAAAHHHH!" Kushida roared like a wild animal as she pushed her classmate aside in an effort to reach Horikita but before she could, she was pinned to the ground by Hirata before she could even blink.

"That's enough, Kushida. It's over." Hirata declared but Kushida could only scream 'LET GO OF ME!' Like bloody murder until Chabashira approached her. And then…

"Kikyo Kushida, for blackmailing one of your classmates and having another one of them take the blame for something as utterly heinous as threatening to rape them. Along with the fact that you went as far to sexually assault one of them, from this moment onward… you are expelled." Chabashira declared with her usual monotone voice. But even though she was talking how she always did, her face did little to hide the disgust she felt for someone that used to be her student. And that former student's response was-

"Expelled?! Are you fucking kidding me?! Over something as trivial as allowing that piece of shit to touch my boob?! What a sick fucking joke!" Kushida lashed out as Hirata kept her restrained on the floor. There she saw everyone that used to be her classmates tower over her. The same people that she believed were once beneath her. And now she was utterly below them forevermore.

"THIS CAN'T FUCKING BE HAPPENING!" Kushida shouted at the top of her lungs with a horrifying look on her face. But this only made a certain someone amongst her former classmates laugh. Which caught her attention.

"Hurry and take your leave now. You've already been deleted." Koenji declared with a smirk on his face while sitting in his seat. But this only fueled Kushida's rage.

"I'm not letting this happen!" Kushida snapped back but Koenji already realized she would say that. After all, to him she was-

"So, you're determined to be miserable, unseemly, and hopeless right until the bitter end, are you?" Koenji replied as the veins in Kushida's eyes bulged as she wanted nothing more than to beat the shit out of him with her bare hands. But she wouldn't be able to free herself from Hirata's gasp. She knew that which is why she could only scream as she was restrained by him before letting the security guards take care of her. And just before they left-

"Kushida, goodbye. I hope one day… you are able to realize your mistakes and work to better yourself." I replied with a serious look on my face as I knew that this had to be the outcome of everything. Not that I wanted it to be. But even though I wanted to forgive her, I knew she wouldn't allow me. That's why this was all I could do for her, so that maybe one day, even if it takes years or even decades, she'll regret her actions. But for now-

"Fuck you! I hope you never walk again you fucking piece of shit!" Kushida snapped back as she was immediately escorted out of the classroom after what she said. And with that the dust of my battle of words with her had reached its conclusion. I then faced my classmates, some of whom couldn't help but feel betrayed as a person they once viewed as a friend as betrayed them and probably hated them since the day, she met each of them. But even knowing what they lost, the rest of them smiled brightly over what they earned back. Shiina noticed this too and was about to take her leave, but before she could-

"Midoriya. I want to express my deepest apologies over the false accusations that were placed against you. Chairman Ayanokoji has informed me that he has given you twenty million points. With that number of points, you have the option to transfer from this class and into another. It's up to you to do what you want with them. And after the harassment you received, I couldn't blame you if you wished to withdraw." Chabashira explained as I was taken aback by this sudden reveal. And so were my classmates. I'm sure more than a few of them didn't want me to go. Especially the ones most precious to me. That's why I knew what I had to do next.

"Is it possible if I use those points to allow another person to transfer into this class?" I asked as Shiina froze in place like a statue as she knew where this was going. But even though she knew, she couldn't help but be taken aback by it all.

"Of course. If that's what you desire, then I don't have any reason to deny you of your request." Chabashira replied as I nodded before turning to Shiina with a bright smile on my face. She knew exactly what I was going to say with the look on my face alone. But even still she couldn't say a word as her heart beat over and over again until I-

"Shiina, will you join Class A?" I asked while maintaining my bright smile as I extended my hand toward her. And without a second thought, she grasped it firmly.

"Sure, Deku!" Shiina replied with a bright smile of her own. It would soon be made official that Shiina was going to be part of Class A from now on. However, it wasn't as if she was going to replace either Sakura or Kushida. For better or for worse the both of them were irreplaceable. But I wholeheartedly believed that by having Shiina here that her presence alone would make our class even stronger than it ever was before.

Or at least that's what I wanted to believe. But I had no clue that among us there was someone far, far worse than Kushida ever was. Someone so close to me, looking at me right now even while me and Shiina are smiling at each other. And that person was-

"Kei, are you okay?" Hirata asked his 'girlfriend.' This prompted 'Karuizawa' to turn her head to face him. And then…

"Of course, I am, Yosuke!" 'Karuizawa' replied with a cheerful look on her face. Something about that seemed out of character to Hirata because she seemed a bit more 'happy' than usual. But he quickly brushed it off while holding her tightly in his arms while the girls in the background went 'Awww!' In the background. But the person he was hugging wasn't Karuizawa. Because the real Karuizawa…

… Didn't go to school today. In fact, she was resting in her bedroom as this was going on. But while she was sleeping-

'Just let this happen, alright.' The words of someone she never wanted to remember ever again woke up from a deep sleep while sweat dripped from her face. Karuizawa then calmed herself and knew that her dream was simply a nightmare that had long since ended. But even knowing that she-

"Ow… why… does my neck feel so itchy?" Karuizawa muttered to herself while scratching her neck as the seeds of something much more tragic had already been planted. I just didn't know about it yet. But when I did…

… It would be when all hell was breaking loose.

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: Roaring Sports Festival: Part 2

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