Whenever I read manga, books, or watch anime and TV dramas, high school students are often portrayed as these mature individuals holding superficial power over every other student. For example, there was this one series I used to follow where brute strength and violence determined who sat on top of the hierarchy. Another series had students with the highest academic grade be on top of the food chain.
Any normal high school student would, initially, be enamored with this kind of fantasy. But ultimately, they would grow detached from it and think to themselves "This is kind of stupid."
Yep, in a real life setting, neither strength nor intelligence actually determines power in high school.
It's actually all about information.
If you hold and control information, you have power. Case and point, my middle school life was hell all because of a rumor that someone spread about me talking about how I beat up a girl. Of course, that wasn't true at all. But teenagers don't care about facts. They only care about whether or not it's interesting and if believing these rumors could include them in the majority.
The same concept can be applied to Kurebayashi's problem. As of now, only 5 people know about the bullying that's been happening, which is why Miyoko is so nonchalant about doing it.
"But if information about this were to spread to other students, it would eventually turn into an unstoppable rumor about the volleyball captain picking on a helpless junior. She would be forced to deny the rumors and also stop harassing you to prevent the rumors from gaining any credibility."
"I see… But would there also not be a possibility that Miyoko-senpai might react… rather strongly if she notices other students beginning to believe such a rumor?"
Of course, she has a point. Miyoko is a two-faced type of person. According to Kurebayashi, she is a hard-working, dependable, and likable person. But in truth, she also has a more sinister, violent version of herself. So there's no telling which side would emerge once a nasty rumor about her started to spread.
"Yeah, I thought about that as well. In that case, there's also another thing we could try."
Kurebayashi leans in closer, curiosity oozing out of her wide-open eyes.
"It only becomes bad for us if the rumor that spreads involves her, you, and me. But if the rumor doesn't involve us at all and instead involves her and another person, then…"
Her expression has turned from curious to confused. It's clear she's not following what I'm trying to say. And to be honest, I'm not so sure I do, either. What I want is for a rumor to spread that's so big, all attention diverts to it, including Miyoko's. This will essentially bury the accident involving Kurebayashi as old news. But it has to not only be big, but also involve Miyoko directly so her attention is shifted away from Kurebayashi completely.
"Sorry, I'm not really good at explaining things. But if this works, then this entire problem goes away."
Upon hearing this, she lets out her gentle, warm smile that I'm so used to seeing. After witnessing her being absolutely consumed by fear, this smile of hers almost feels like a ray of sunlight peeking through petals of cherry blossom.
"I believe you. If there is anything I can help with, I would be more than happy to do so."
Of course the ever helpful Kurebayashi would say that. Well, not that I'm complaining. I actually do need her help with this since dealing with people isn't exactly my forte.
"Thanks. Actually, there is something you can help with. I need you to find someone who can spread the rumor. They need to be popular and liked enough to add credibility to the rumor."
She softly clasps her hands together, her smile beaming even more radiantly than before.
"Then, may I take that as a formal request for the volunteers club?"
"Umm… Y-yes, please."
"Very well. I will do my utmost best to fulfill your request and help you achieve your goal."
She gives a slight polite bow. Is this her usual spiel for when someone makes a request? It feels so damn embarrassing! I can't imagine myself saying that. But for her, it must seem like the natural thing to do.
"Y-yeah, thanks."
"No, I should be the one thanking you. I must admit, I am still apprehensive about getting you involved in this predicament…"
She takes my hand and clasps it in-between both of hers.
"And this may be incredibly selfish of me… But seeing you so willing to go out of your way to help me makes me feel so relieved and happy."
Seriously, how can she say and do such embarrassing things without even batting an eye?! Without any context, this for sure looks like a confession scene! Okay, calm down, me! Sure, her hands feel incredibly soft and from this distance, I could tell that she smells really nice, but you gotta calm down!
I swiftly pull my hand back and avert my gaze from her, not wanting to show the redness I feel welling up on my cheeks.
"D-d-d-don't even worry about it! I'm only doing it for my own sake. You know, since I really can't stand bullies. And I'm an anti-bullying advocate like Jon Bon Jovi so like… Yeah, you know, right?"
Smooth, bro. Really smooth.
She lets out a slight chuckle. It's okay, you can laugh a bit more loudly. I understand. It's the only appropriate reaction to a dumbass like me.
"Still, going back to what you said. In terms of popular students…"
She puts a finger to her cheek, her eyes unfocused yet deep in thought. Is this her "deep-in-thought" pose? Not gonna lie, it's kinda cute.
"There is one such person that comes to mind. She is actually well-liked by most students. She is also quite charming to talk with."
"Is that so? Who is she?"
"Her name is Asamura Asuka. We were actually classmates as first years and got along splendidly."
What are the odds that the one student she mentions just so happens to be the one classmate I have that somewhat interacts with me? Well, that actually makes it easier for me. For a week now, Asamura Asuka has been talking to me as a way to keep tabs on me and make sure I don't mouth off about her going to the counseling office every so often. All I need to do is find a way to sneak in my request in between our conversation. Seems easy enough, right?