Chapther 2.5

The summer sun rising in the sky was incredibly warm. With every step along the wooded path to school, my body screamed in agony. Sweat dripped down my face. A cheerful student ran past me and ahead. She seemed very lively. On the other hand, perhaps she was crazy? I don't think I would run even if the Apocalypse was chasing me. Just behind the trees, with the light filtering through the leaves, a lonely student sat against the railing. She looked at me.

Horikita: Good morning, Katagiri-kun.

Yuuichi: Are you waiting for someone, Horikita?

Horikita: Yes. I was waiting for you. I have a plan to end this, but I need your help.

As I entered the classroom, I noticed a change. Sakura, who usually arrived at school just in time, was already sitting at her desk. Did she come early for some specific reason? Horikita also seemed surprised to see Sakura. Moreover, Sakura's body language... Well, she looked the same as usual, but it seemed like she was sitting up straight, as if she was ready for something. It was such a subtle difference that you couldn't call it a change. It was so tiny that if you told me I imagined it, I'd say you were right and forget about it. Just as we were about to pass Sakura's seat, she looked up. Instead of a proper greeting, she timidly raised her hand. For someone like Sakura, that seemed like an appropriate response. That's what I thought until--

Sakura: Um... Good morning, Katagiri-kun. Horikita-san.

—Good morning...

It was the first time Sakura greeted in the morning. I was so surprised that my response got stuck in my throat. Our eyes didn't meet, but she desperately tried to speak.

Horikita: What's wrong with her? —Horikita murmured.

Yuuichi: Maybe she's forcing herself to change...

Horikita: As long as she doesn't overdo it, I think she'll be fine —Horikita said.

Yuuichi: Overdo it?

Horikita: If she tries to do something that's still not possible for someone like her, she'll only fail.

Yuuichi: Well, I'll leave you with Ayanokouji-kun; I need to talk to Hirata.

The discussion took about 30 minutes to start. I stood up and left the classroom, heading to meet someone at a designated spot. Before leaving, I decided to talk to Sakura.

Yuuichi: Sakura. Are you leaving? —I asked as she prepared to leave.

Sakura: Katagiri-kun... We have the trial today.

Yuuichi: I'm not participating —I told her I had to do a trivial job behind the scenes.

Sakura: I see... —she murmured.

Sakura lowered her gaze, as if she had something on her mind. She looked a bit strange, nervous. It was like she couldn't calm down.

Yuuichi: What's wrong?

Sakura: Huh?

Yuuichi: Sakura, there's no need to be so nervous, right?

Sakura was sweating.

Sakura: It's because everyone is doing their best. I thought I'd do my best too.

I felt like she was telling it to herself, not to me.

Yuuichi: Sakura, what you did helped us a lot. We wouldn't have had a chance without you —I told her.

Sakura: See you later, Katagiri-kun.

Sakura's words and her bright smile didn't seem like her at all. They left me with an uneasy feeling.

Yuuichi: Hey, Sakura. Do you have time later? I want to talk to you about something.

I felt like those words were being ripped out of me. Sakura gently shook her head.

Sakura: I have plans for today. Maybe tomorrow?

If she assured me it was okay, I couldn't keep contradicting her.

I really had to go. I turned my back to Sakura and left.

It was past 3:40. With the day's classes over, I went to the special building. This place had become increasingly hot and humid as the summer went on. If things went according to plan, the person I was waiting for should arrive soon. Shortly after, two guys appeared, grumbling about the unbearable heat. They looked happy, with optimistic expressions. That's because all three of them received emails from the beloved girl in the class, Kushida.

Ishizaki: What's going on? Why are you here?

They reminded me of the student council room. Ishizaki, the leader of the group, stepped forward to intimidate me. He was quite energetic when there was no one to see him.

Yuuichi: Kushida won't come. I asked her to send an email to force you all to come.

Ishizaki looked incredibly annoyed as he approached me.

Ishizaki: This isn't funny. Why did you do this, huh?

Yuuichi: Would there be any other way for you two to come?? I just want to talk to you.

Ishizaki: Talk to us? Why would we want to do that? Has the heat affected your brain or something?

Ishizaki, clearly affected by the heat, grabbed his shirt and moved it around.

Ishizaki: No matter what you do, you can't hide the truth. Sudou called us here and hit us. That's our answer. Now, you need to silently accept your punishment.

Yuuichi: I have no intention of arguing. That would be a waste of time. I understand perfectly well that neither Class C nor Class D will retract what they said yesterday.

Ishizaki: Then, what's the point of doing this? Are you going to kidnap us so we won't go to trial? Or are you going to have a bunch of people surround us and threaten us violently? It'll be like that time with Sudou.

Oh, that's quite an interesting idea, but it would only work as a temporary measure. Those threats wouldn't work on these people. On the contrary; it seemed like they would enjoy it. If they were victims of another attack, they'd find a way to make their situation even more favorable.

Ishizaki: Give it up. See you later.

Understanding that Kushida wouldn't come, the three turned around and tried to leave, but another person stood in their way.

Horikita: Actually, I think you should consider that idea. Don't you think the school's response to this incident was quite strange?

Yuuichi: In a normal school, they would have directly penalized Sudou, but no, it doesn't seem like the school is acting... - a pause - strangely...

The hallway windows were all closed. The sun, still high in the sky, shone upon us, increasing the heat and humidity.

Kondou: I have no idea what you're talking about. Ah, damn it. It's so hot!

Ishizaki: Whatever, I'm leaving. If I stay, I'll be cooked alive.

Horikita: Are you sure about this? If you leave this place, you might regret it for the rest of your life.

Ishizaki: What do you mean?

Horikita: Don't you get it? The school knows that you, Class C, are lying. They've known it from the beginning.

This statement surprised them. None of them had imagined such an outcome. Ishizaki and the others looked at each other for a few seconds and then laughed.

Ishizaki: Don't make me laugh. We're lying? And the school knows?

Yuuichi: Haha, you guys are so funny. You've been dancing in the palm of my hand all this time.

Ishizaki: Nice try, Katagiri. But we know it's a bluff!

Yuuichi: I have real evidence —Ichinose continued, ignoring Ishizaki's threats.

Ishizaki: Oh? Well, show it to me. Show me your evidence...

They thought there was no way we had evidence.

Although I said that, they didn't flinch. However, as I started speaking, their defeat was decided.

Yuuichi: Did you know that there are security cameras installed all over the school?

Ishizaki: Yes. So what?

Apparently, they already knew about the security cameras. Ishizaki and the others seemed indifferent.

Yuuichi: Well then. Did you see that?

Ishizaki and his accomplice followed his gaze.

—Huh?

They hesitated completely incredulous. There was a security camera hanging in the hallway, occasionally swiveling from left to right, capturing everything.

Yuuichi: It's a shame, isn't it? If you want to set a trap for someone, you'll have to do it in a place without cameras.

Yuuichi: What camera?! You're lying! But, there were no cameras in the other hallways, right? It's strange that there's only one installed here! Right?!

Ishizaki looked at his cohort, seeking his opinion. He nodded, confirming it; Ishizaki was right. They wiped the sweat off their faces as they answered.

Ishizaki: You can't fool us like that. You guys must have installed that camera yourselves!

Horikita: You're right that, generally, cameras aren't installed in most of the hallways in this building. However, there are exceptions, and several places where security cameras have been installed, like in front of the teachers' lounge and the science lab. Obviously, there are many valuable items stored in the teachers' lounge, you know? Additionally, the science lab has many chemicals. Since the science lab is on this level, it's natural to have a camera here. Have you looked back, behind you? There's one there too, right?

Ishizaki and the others looked down the hallway as instructed, and they saw a camera. Of course, that camera was monitoring the opposite end of the hallway.

Horikita: So if we had installed a camera, as you said, wouldn't we have set it up on that side too? Also, how exactly would we have set up surveillance cameras when we can't even leave the campus?

We were cutting off their escape routes one by one.

Ishizaki: That's impossible... That... I mean, we... checked at that time... We should have...

Yuuichi: This is the third floor, but did you really check it? Perhaps you only looked on the second or fourth floor? Maybe the cameras were actually placed here as a trap?

The three of them were holding their heads and sweating much more than usual.

Yuuichi: Besides, do you realize that you've just destroyed yourselves? Normal people wouldn't think to check for security cameras, right? That's basically admitting your guilt —I delivered the final blow.

Ishizaki: Then, then... That time... Impossible...

The security cameras couldn't record their voices, but they definitely captured the decisive moment when they launched the first attack. The hems of their uniforms were completely soaked with sweat.

Horikita: The school is waiting, right? Go ahead, tell us the truth. After giving them a grace period, the student council president himself asked them if they had lied. If you recall, don't you realize that the student council has seen everything? The two of them racked their brains to remember what happened at the meeting. Of course, the student council hadn't noticed their lies. However, the student council had doubts about who was telling the truth. If Class C students interpreted that question as directly targeting them, it lent a certain credibility.

—That's... I haven't heard anything about that! It's all over!

Kondou had his head in his hands. They all seemed to recognize what was happening. Or so I thought, but Ishizaki didn't buy it.

Ishizaki: Wait a minute. I'm still not convinced. Okay, let's say the security cameras captured some footage. They should've proven Sudou's innocence without having to do anything, right? There was no need for you to call us here to tell us this. You could have presented it at the trial. But you called us here, right?

Yuuichi: Innocence? That depends on what you're innocent of. We know that both sides suffered injuries during the incident. No matter the circumstances, Sudou did hit all three of you. That's undeniable. Of course, if the security footage can prove that Sudou wasn't the one who called you three here, he'll probably receive the mildest punishment possible. However, his position as a regular would still be threatened. He might not be allowed to participate in tournaments.

Sweat was dripping down Ishizaki's forehead like a waterfall. We were hot too, but comparatively, we were much better off than these three. Their temperatures kept rising as we cornered them.

Ishizaki: What the hell? Well, if it's as you guys say, the security footage shouldn't be a problem, right? We'll be fine as long as we can suspend Sudou for a day.

Yuuichi: If that happens, you guys could get expelled. Are you okay with that? Hahaha—If someone checks the security camera footage, it would expose your lies. If that were to happen, it's highly likely you'll be expelled. Anyone could see that.

—¿whaat...?!!

Kondou: Wait, why expelled? You said we lied! —Kondou tried to defend himself, his voice weak and tense.

Yuuichi: The school is testing us. They are trying to see if we can resolve our issues and what kind of conclusions we reach. Don't you think that's consistent with everything else in this case?

Kondou: Why...? I definitely don't want to be expelled! H-Hey, Ishizaki. It's not too late to tell them we lied! If we do that, the school might forgive us!

Ishizaki: Damn it. This is ridiculous. Admitting that we lied? Well, fine. As long as Sudou is punished, I'll prepare for the worst punishment, an honorable sacrifice! Everything will be over for Sudou!

In other words, Ishizaki wouldn't back down. Instead, he would press on.

Yuuichi: It's too early to reach a conclusion. We'll give you one last chance. There's only one way to save Class C and Class D.

Ishizaki: No freaking way!

If the incident were to exist, it would be impossible to save everyone. In that case, it would be better if the incident didn't exist at all.

Yuuichi: There's only one way to resolve this issue. Tell the school that you want to withdraw your complaint. If you do that, the school won't present the footage from the security camera. If there are no complaints, no one can be punished. Also, if the security camera footage is never mentioned, Class D also benefits. As we already know, if the security camera footage is presented, Sudou will still face some degree of punishment. In other words, Classes C and D can reach an agreement. The school can't investigate if they can't see the video and see that you lied, right?

But that's Ayanokouji's plan, not mine.

Ishizaki: Ahh, ahh... Just... let me make a call...

It's ridiculous that you guys can't make a simple decision on your own. Hahaha.

Kondou: Come on. Let's accept Katagiri's idea, Ishizaki!

Ishizaki: W-wait. If I don't confirm with that person, it'll be bad —he murmured.

Kondou: We've already lost! I don't want to be expelled! Please, Ishizaki!

Ishizaki: Dammit! Fine... We'll withdraw. It'll be okay if we withdraw!

Ishizaki fell to his knees.

Ishizaki: Well, let's go to the student council room right now. We'll go together. We went to the student council room, with the three Class C students in the middle. If we took our eyes off them for a second, they could contact someone for advice. When we finally arrived at the student council room, we pushed the three inside.

After a few minutes, I said goodbye to Horikita and went to sit on a bench.

But now, it's time to begin phase 3. The tracking data on my phone showed the entrance to the electronics store.

—----------------------------

Sakura: Please, don't contact me anymore!

—Why would you say that? You're my treasure... From the first time I saw you in a magazine, I've loved you. Meeting you again here, I felt it was destiny. I love you... I can't stop feeling this way for you!

Sakura: Enough... please, enough! —Sakura cried out. She took something out of her bag. Letters. There seemed to be dozens... no, hundreds of letters.

Sakura: How do you know my room number? Why do you keep sending these?

—Why? Of course, I would know your room number and send you letters. It's because our hearts are connected.

Sakura had been suffering since starting school here. Her fan knew her identity, and she had to deal with his attention every day. However, Sakura was already fed up and, thanks to her newfound courage, she was about to break.

Sakura: Please, stop. You're bothering me!

She threw the package of letters on the floor, rejecting the unrequited love from the man.

—Why... why would you do this? Even after I poured my feelings out to you!

Sakura: Don't come any closer!

The man approached Sakura and closed the distance between them. He walked with an intensity that seemed like he was about to attack. Gripping her arm, he pushed her against the closed door of the store.

—I'll show you how much I love you now... If I do that, then you'll understand, Sakura.

Sakura: No, let me go!

Yuuichi: Let her go, you bastard!! —I said as I stood in the middle, pushing him away.

The man pulled out a knife from his pants and rushed towards me.

Sakura: Watch out, Katagiri-kun!!!

I managed to dodge with slight cuts.

—Shizuku is mine; we'll be together forever.

He jumped, stabbing the knife into my shoulder.

Yuuichi: Grrr, you bastard!!!

I took the opportunity to grab the knife handle and made him let go, giving him a strong punch to the face. When he fell to the ground, I kicked him in the stomach.

Yuuichi: Mmhm, hahahaha —laughing loudly and madly— Sakura-chan, I recommend you leave. I

don't think you want to see this...

Sakura: I-I'll stay with you, Y-Yuuichi-kun.

Yuuichi: (sigh) Fine....

LET'S PLAY A GAME

(Game of Pain or Future)

[Note: There is only one chapter left to finish volume two, and I'm already afraid of how exhausting the island exam will be, and even worse, what comes after.]