The ordinary routine seemed to have returned to Kashikoi High School.
Classes were running smoothly, students were chatting and laughing in the corridors, as usual. Even if there was still some doubt and concern in people's hearts of a possible recurrence of the recent incident, this High School had managed to brush it off and to focus solely on academics.
Azumi was walking in the school corridors with Hinami and Saiko during their afternoon break from math class.
"Ugh…that math class could not have been more tedious." complained Hinami.
"You really did spend the entire time yawning, I counted like 21 yawns. It's a new record!" mocked Azumi.
"You two really want to get scolded again by Mr. Ogawa, don't you?" remarked Saiko.
"Don't know what you mean, Hina is the one who distracted me."
"What?! Not fair, Azumi, you were yawning too."
"That's only because I was empathizing with you."
"No you weren't, you were sleepy too!"
"You both are unbelievable."
"Anyway, I'm going to the bathroom, you're coming?" asked Azumi.
A long and high grumbling sound emerged out of nowhere.
"Uh, sorry Azumi, I'm too hungry. If I don't rush to the cafeteria, I will pass out cold." urged Hinami.
"You really are a glutton, did you know that?" countered Saiko.
"Don't be mean to me, Saiko! You eat way more than me!"
"That's because I'm in the track and field's club, my metabolism is much higher."
"So is mine! You know very well how much I exercise."
"Exercise? Hinami, the most effort you put in daily is when you stretch yourself to charge your phone while lying in bed."
"What did you say, Saiko?!"
"Well, I don't know what is going on here, so I'm just gonna go." said Azumi, as she slowly backed away and made her way to the girl's bathroom.
(...)
As Azumi was washing her hands and fixing her hair while looking in the mirror, another student entered the bathroom and walked over to the sink next to her.
Azumi immediately noticed who this student was, she was none other than the Student Council Representative, Kaida Hachiya, one of the most notorious students in the school. She was a role model for many and she had a great sense of leadership and resolve when faced with any sort of complication.
While she certainly was respected and admired by her fellow colleagues, students couldn't help but also feel uneasy around her, like she was a form of authority in the premises. She was very strict to the point where on a few occasions she had gotten students expelled for minor misconducts and rule violations.
So, everyone felt tense around her, like her presence meant they were doing something wrong and Azumi felt no different.
"Hello Azumi, I'm glad I ran into you. How are you feeling?" inquired Kaida while she faced the mirror and slowly spread the soap on her hands.
"Uh h-hi…I—"
"Sorry, what was I thinking? We haven't been properly introduced. Allow me to just dry my hands…here we go. I'm Kaida, the Student Council Representative." said Kaida with a smile as she extended her hand to greet Azumi.
"H-hello Kaida, I mean I know you, everyone at school knows you, but nice to meet you in person." replied Azumi while shaking Kaida's hand.
"Pleasure is all mine, I've heard you're quite the cheerful person, it's a shame we haven't had the chance to meet sooner."
Kaida paused for a couple of seconds before speaking again.
"For unfortunate reasons, you seem to have attracted quite the attention these last few days. Even for a cheerful person, it must have been rough to deal with it all, to normalize everything again. How are you holding up?" asked Kaida with a troubled face.
"Oh…yeah I've just been trying to put everything behind me, and thanks to the support and care of everyone, it is becoming easier." responded Azumi in a low cheerless voice while looking down.
"I'm glad to hear that everyone has been supportive, we are, more than anything, companions and we should look out for one another. I know this is not my business, but when are the authorities calling you to testify against Mr. Nogi's offense act?"
Azumi's eyes widened in response to Kaida's question.
"About that…I refused to appear in court…because I'm afraid to face him again. I start to shiver just thinking about it." said Azumi while averting her gaze and gripping her skirt tightly with both hands.
"Is that so? I guess I can relate to that. I'd be nervous as well if I had lied."
"W-what? What do y—"
"Did you lie about the incident?"
Despite her nervousness, Azumi tried her best to hide her surprise and found the courage to counter Kaida's bold question.
"That's really offensive. Why would I do such a thing?"
"I mean no disrespect, Azumi, but my role in this High School dictates that I analyze thoroughly each incident involving students. And I must say that this one is quite interesting. So, can you answer my question?" asked Kaida while locking her gaze on Azumi.
"I didn't lie…now if you don't mind, my friends are wai—"
"Would you like to risk expulsion?"
As Azumi was making her way to the exit, she suddenly stopped on her tracks.
"If not, then we are done, when I say we're done."
"What else do you want to know?!" snapped Azumi, while turning back to face Kaida.
"What do you recall from the incident?"
"There is not much to say, I just remember waking up with a disgusting butt naked man on top of me and touching me. I cannot describe to you the feeling of disgust and horror I felt at that moment!" shouted Azumi, with watery eyes.
"That is understandable, it must have been terrifying. However, everyone has heard that part of the story. What I'm more interested to know is what were you doing in the locker room in the first place? If I'm correct, your class had ended 30 minutes before you're found in that despicable scene. No other student was there at the time, so why did you go back?"
Azumi tried to remain calm and respond rationally.
"I went back to retrieve my phone. After I took a shower and got dressed, I got distracted in the conversation with my friends and only noticed I didn't have it on me, past a while."
"Is that so? I find it hard to believe that you and your friends who are so phone centered, would go even a minute without knowing the whereabouts of your device, but, apparently, it can happen." mocked Kaida.
Azumi couldn't hide her face of contempt towards Kaida's commentary.
"Then where do you usually leave your phone before physical education class?"
"I leave it in my schoolbag" Azumi answered with disdain.
"And after the end of the class, it wasn't there?"
"I mean…I must have taken it out to check some messages and, when I got distracted, I ended up placing it on the bench or something."
"Where did you find it?"
"I don't remember, that is where my memory gets foggy…"
"I see…since you don't seem to recall its precise whereabouts, do you think Mr. Nogi might have been responsible for its disappearance?"
At that moment, Azumi saw a chance to escape suspicion by supporting the theory that Mr. Nogi had indeed planned the whole thing.
"That would make so much sense, because I had never forgotten my phone in the locker room before." Azumi reasoned impatiently.
"I believe that must be the case, he really must have planned it thoroughly.
Do you remember him leaving in the middle of class, even if just to go to the bathroom?" inquired Kaida.
"Now that you mentioned it, there was a moment where he left for a couple of minutes while we were doing those fitness level exercises."
Azumi was confident about her strategy, she only needed to fill out the blanks that would further incriminate Mr. Nogi.
That was until…Kaida smiled.
"That is interesting, because, prior to our conversation, around seven colleagues of yours said with absolute certainty that Mr. Nogi hadn't left the class at any moment. Particularly because, even if for atrocious reasons, he is known to like the fitness level evaluation day, to the point where he wouldn't miss it for one bit." remarked Kaida.
Hearing Kaida's reasoning made Azumi's heart skip a beat, she just couldn't get rid of her rough inquiry.
"Uh..t-that's…maybe I'm confusing with another class where he did that, I was s-sure he had done it that day."
"Allow me to express my thoughts on this, I don't believe Mr. Nogi, with that limited brain of his, planned this out for two main reasons. Firstly, there seems to not have been a target established beforehand. Nothing was done to retain one of the students long after class and he clearly didn't steal your phone when he had the opportunity. How did he simply know that you or any other student would be returning to the locker room and alone, on top of that?
He certainly had a chloroform flask with him but why bring it with no one in mind to use it on. Secondly, his choice of scenery is just irrational. Even if he had done this all hot headed, why would he choose to go about it so close to the exit door, where anyone could come in and interrupt at any moment? Of course, this is simply hypothetical. With the amount of evidence found, the authorities would waste no time convicting him. In the end evidence overwrites hypothetical-deductive reasoning. However, when looking at the facts, I can only come to the following conclusion…you are the one who entrapped Mr. Nogi."
"W-what?! T-that's—"
"As I told you I'm aware of the incidents involving students, so I know that a colleague of yours was once inappropriately touched by him. When that came to my ears, I immediately reached out to her and she told me the whole story. But, unfortunately, that act had occurred in a place with no cameras, a blind spot.
Of course, she could report the abuse but, without substantial evidence, it would amount to nothing in this school, her version versus Mr. Nogi's version, it would take a toll on her. And, since he had threatened her if she ever went public about it, I encouraged her to go on with her life and to never be in a room alone with him again.
It might not seem like it, since I'm showering you with these harsh questions, but I deeply despise that man. I don't encourage what you did, but I can understand it.
You did it to protect your friend, I can relate to that, there are people I want to protect too. All I want now is for you to come clean about it. Defamation and entrapment is a serious issue, I need to know what I'm dealing with if this ever comes to light again.
And I need to know you'll never attempt anything like this in the future.
So, will you be honest with me, no…will you be honest with yourself?"
Kaida, who up until now had pressured her vigorously to extract the truth on the matter, had now befallen a sympathetic path, she was offering comfort and advice to her fellow colleague.
Azumi couldn't help but to be completely speechless after seeing this side of Kaida. She shed a genuine tear…this wasn't acting anymore, no victimization, she really questioned if Kaida could be an ally against the High School, if she should tell the truth.
But before she could make up her mind.
"Ha! There you are, Hinami and I were worried because you were taking so—oh."
Saiko had entered the bathroom, worried about Azumi taking so long to join them, but she was surprised to see that the Student Council Representative herself was conversing with her.
"Uh…y-yeah I will be right up." Azumi answered, then she turned again to Kaida. "Do you need anything else from me?"
"No, that'll be all. Thank you for your time, Azumi, it was nice chatting with you. And remember if you ever need to talk, let me know" Kaida replied with a kind and soft voice.
Azumi then turned to Saiko and left the bathroom with her.
As Kaida watched them leave, her face changed to a more serious one, as if she was assimilating everything that had just happened.
(...)
Further away into the corridor, Saiko questioned Azumi about what Kaida was talking with her and, instead of an answer, Azumi promptly turned to Saiko and hugged her tightly. Saiko was surprised by this sudden move but she embraced her without questioning and ran her hands on Azumi's hair to comfort her.
Following that lovely embrace, they both walked to the cafeteria and joined Hinami who had already stuffed herself with three slices of chocolate cake.
(...)
The bell rang signaling the end of classes for today. An ocean of students flooded the High School exit doors as they were eager to get some well deserved leisure time.
Among those students, Azumi, Hinami and Saiko made their way through the exit doors while chatting cheerily. When they finally split, each one of them going their separate ways home, Azumi grabbed her phone and texted someone.
"Hey! Can I call you? I have something important to tell you…" texted Azumi.
Not even one minute after the text was sent, Azumi received a call. She took a moment to look around and after she confirmed no one at sight, she answered.
"Hey Hinato! I didn't see you in School today, where were you?" asked Azumi.
"Hey, how are you doing? Yeah, today I had to help out store some new Karate equipment that had just arrived." responded Hinato.
"Really?! You're not hiding any love affairs from me are you?!"
"Don't be an idiot, I don't have time for that. Not with the competition coming up next month."
"Oh that's right! You have a competition coming up, that makes sense…"
"So, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Uh…w-well…Kaida came to talk to me today…" Azumi's voice was shaking as she recalled their encounter.
"About Mr. Nogi?"
"Y-yeah…she thinks I'm lying. She went on about why she didn't believe Mr. Nogi had planned that and that I was the one who entrapped him."
"So, Kaida is investigating the incident…don't worry about it, she can make all the assumptions she wants, she doesn't have any proof on you. As long as you keep your cool, you should be fine."
"Well, that's the thing…she pressured me a lot, she must have noticed through some of my reactions to her questions, that I was lying…I'm usually such a noteworthy actress, but she caught me off guard… I'm sorry…"
Azumi was genuinely disappointed in herself. While she tried to remain the same cheerful and playful person, she still struggled to get these words out.
"Don't worry about it. You did well." said Hinato in a calm tone.
Those words seemed to have had a positive effect on her, her eyes widened in surprise to hear him say that. She wasn't used to hearing someone respond so calmly after she had felt she screwed up.
"Kaida is very sharp, she can easily see through anyone, no matter how good of a liar you are. You did your best, now leave the rest to me, okay?"
"O-okay."
"Good, now go get something to eat, that'll cheer you up."
"Yeah, that sounds good! Hum, speaking of which, I don't feel like going home right away, would you like to go watch a movie with me or just get something to eat?"
"Sorry I can't today. But we can reschedule for another day if you want, I know you're dying to see that new horror film."
"Of course I am and I know you are too! But, no problem, we can go this Saturday, what do you think?"
"Yeah sure, Saturday it is."
Not long after that, the phone call came to an end and so did the cheerful expression Azumi had struggled to maintain during their call.
Even though Hinato had praised her and remained calm throughout the entire conversation, Azumi couldn't help but feel disheartened. She, then, dragged herself on her way home, feeling emotionally exhausted.
As she reached the main entrance to her building, she stopped on her tracks and looked at the twilight sky. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before resuming her course.
After getting out of the building's elevator, she gently opened the door to her apartment and got inside.
"Finally, I was starting to get worried. Where were you?!"
"Sorry mom, I was reviewing some school work with Hinami and Saiko and lost track of time." apologized Azumi.
"I hope you're not lying to me, you know I don't want you wandering around, after that maniac attacked you." spat Azumi's mom.
"I know, I'm being careful…"
"Well, it doesn't matter. Now go take a shower. Dinner's ready."
"Okay…"
Azumi made her way to the bathroom, but her mother suddenly stopped her in her tracks.
"Honey, you seem down. Is something wrong?" asked her mother.
"Huh?! No, I'm fine, I'm just really tired."
"Azumi, I am your mother, you know you can talk to me, right?"
"Yes, I know. But, seriously, I'm exhausted. Right now, all I want is to take a shower, eat something and go to bed."
"Okay, if you say so, I won't press you any further." said her mother, while her hand slowly reached Azumi's face, to comb her hair behind her ear.
But, before her mother could display that affectionate move, Azumi instinctively dodged her mother's hand.
"Oh…you're still doing that?" commented her mother, feeling disappointed as she retracted her hand.
Without saying a word, Azumi rushed to her room and shut the door behind her. She, then, dropped her bag and lay down on her bed. Her emotionless face, until now, finally broke down and she began crying while holding her pillow.
How can you call yourself my mother?
(...)
On a brand new school day, club activities were in progress. The High School had such a rich campus that track and field and soccer classes could occur simultaneously, without one bothering the other.
Among those club activities, there was one other that had a special facility for its classes, since it was considered of high importance for developing disciplined and confident students.
That club activity was…Karate.
The sound of impact on kicking pads echoed through the Dojo as the students were training Kumite (combat). They were preparing for next month's competition.
One girl in particular was really engaged, throwing multiple mawashi geris (roundhouse kicks) at the kicking pad her colleague was holding. When she stopped, her colleague couldn't hide his relief.
"Jesus, Kaida, those kicks are way too strong. You'll end up sending someone to the hospital."
"Don't chicken out on me, Sota. We still have 2 more rounds to go."
"Don't remind me, Sensei is really going hard on us, today."
"Come on, you're a big guy, you can take it. Now, let me just go grab some water, real quick." teased Kaida.
Kaida quickly reached for the bottle on her bag, took about three sips and returned to her colleague, delivering more explosive kicks.
At the end of Karate class, Kaida was beaten. She sat on the floor against the wall and took some deep breaths. When she regained control of her breathing, she looked to her side and spoke to the student next to her.
"It's a shame I didn't get to spar with you, today."
"Yeah, Sensei asked me to help train the lower-grade belts."
"You're a really good teacher, I understand why he'd choose you."
"I don't know about being a good teacher, but I do enjoy teaching Karate."
"Maybe, after you finish High School, you can apply as a Karate Sensei in another Dojo or, even, in gyms." remarked Kaida.
"That's not a bad idea."
"Of course it isn't, I'm all good ideas." teased Kaida.
They both chuckled and continued talking about the training and the competition.
After a while, Kaida decided to change the subject.
"Non-related to that, I was hoping I could get your opinion on a certain matter."
"Hinato, you're friend's with Azumi, right?" inquired Kaida.
"We know each other a bit, but I wouldn't go saying we're friends." replied Hinato.
"Based on what you do know about her, would you say she could have staged that Mr. Nogi incident?"
"Why do you say that?"
"My instincts tell me she is lying. Yesterday, I spoke with her and she seemed unsure about the events that took place, her narrative was incoherent. And, I mean, Mr. Nogi was a perverted pig as everyone knew, but I think all of this was a big stretch, even for him. What is your opinion?"
"Kaida, you know I don't really bother about school or student drama, that is why I refused your offer to enter the student council."
"Yes, I know you don't care about any of this. I'm not asking you to. But, I do like your opinion on things, you're very perceptive. Could you please just give me your point of view on this?" begged Kaida.
Hinato let out a sigh and, then, he spoke.
"Like I said, since I don't bother worrying about any of this, I don't have a particular opinion on the subject.
That said, based on what you told me…I think Azumi is lying."