After the mountain falls

I was tired from the late night yesterday. If I didn't rush, I'd be late to school. I quickly threw out the morning paper and booked it to school, knowing Shunichi would be there. Hopefully after Yamauchi's murder, today will be quiet. I entered the class to see it busy and loud. Some kids from class D were even in our class. There was also a girl I didn't recognise in the crowd, but she hid her face behind the taller kids. Usually, Yamauchi scared all the kids in the eastern hallway so they tried to avoid going into the hallway at all. With him gone, everyone is free to walk around. I doubt they know where Yamauchi really is, since the newspaper kept his identity secret, but I'm sure the word will get around quickly. With the classroom louder and busier than ever, I thought my head was going to explode. Shunichi is late as always, so I'll have to bear the pain for now. Luckily the bell cut into the classes conversation and the class D students scurried away before the substitute teacher caught them. As they were leaving, Shunichi slid through the door and took his seat. Class began.

All the students waited for instructions from our substitute. The teacher told us all to read chapter 8 of the math textbook. Suddenly, a swift knock at the door broke the concentration of the students. It was the principal. He was a short man in his late 50's, wearing his classic square framed glasses. He was dressed in his usual grey suit and bore shoes that were dull even after shining them. he had a serious and mournful face.

"Dear students, unfortunately Daiki Yamauchi of class 2-C passed away yesterday night" he said regretfully "We will be holding a memorial service later in the week. Good day."

Everyone looked devastated, but oddly many seemed at peace. Who wouldn't? So many people despised him, but they still looked either sad or guilty. Am I supposed to feel this way? Why am I not feeling anything? I asked Shunichi if he felt okay but he answered with a quick "yes". I put my icy cold hand on his warm, soft shoulder and asked if he was really okay. He looked at me then looked down and shook his head, in denial. Shunichi doesn't have to worry about giving anyone money, but he was still sad. Maybe he's just worried that the murder happened so close to his home. Break started after the lesson. Shunichi and I ate are lunches on the school roof like we used to. I'm happy that he has the money for food now. I look at my lunch and smiled like I never did before. Seeing Shunichi eat was all the happiness I needed. Little did I know we weren't alone on the rooftop...