A beautiful morning spread across the sky as Kai stepped out of his house, adjusting his school bag over his shoulder. The air was crisp, the gentle breeze brushing against his face, and the sky stretched in soft blue shades dotted with fluffy white clouds. Birds tweeted from the trees, and delicate flowers were blooming in the gardens he passed. For a moment, he took a deep breath, letting the calmness settle inside him. He wanted to believe that today might be different, that maybe this morning's beauty would carry into his day.
But as he walked, memories of yesterday began creeping in—his father's harsh words, the cold dinner table silence, Zamachi and Kujun's taunting voices. Each step closer to school felt like adding a stone to the weight in his chest, and by the time he reached the crosswalk, the brief peace of the morning had all but faded. Other students were crossing with him, laughing and chatting in groups, their laughter echoing against the pavement. Kai walked a few steps behind, his head down, clutching the straps of his bag tightly as though it could keep him grounded.
As he crossed the street and approached the school, the dread settled in. He pushed through the entrance and made his way toward the locker rooms to change for gym class, hoping he might slip by unnoticed. He'd done his best to prepare himself for another day, but no amount of steeling could erase the anxiety simmering under his skin.
Kai walked down the hallway in his gym clothes, holding his towel and water bottle tightly. His mind was clouded with thoughts about how to get through gym class without drawing attention, but his concentration shattered as he collided with someone. The impact made him stumble, and when he looked up, his heart sank.
It was the same girl he had bumped into last time—dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes flashing with irritation. She sneered down at him, her phone still clutched in her hand.
"Ugh, you again? Why do you keep walking in my way?"
she spat, crossing her arms.
Kai fumbled, his voice coming out nervously.
"But… you were on your phone…"
Before he could say more, another girl stepped out from a nearby classroom, her blonde hair shining under the hallway lights, her expression a mix of amusement and cruelty.
"What did you say, loser?"
she jeered, crossing her arms and looking him up and down as though he were something foul.
Before Kai could even respond, a voice boomed from behind the girls. It was Kujun, his face twisted in a smug grin as he swaggered up to them. He glanced at Kai, then addressed the girls.
"What's all the commotion, ladies?"
he asked, feigning concern as he looked at them.
The girl with dark hair rolled her eyes and pointed a finger at Kai.
"This is the loser who keeps bumping into me and not paying attention. He doesn't know how to walk in a hallway."
"Oh, really?"
Kujun's grin grew wider. He stepped in front of the two girls, his gaze narrowing as he looked down at Kai. Without warning, he grabbed Kai by the collar, jacking him up slightly as Kai struggled to keep his footing.
"Hey, twerp, don't you know it's gym day?"
Kujun sneered.
"I'm gonna make sure I have my fun with you, loser."
With a swift shove, Kujun pushed Kai backward, causing him to stumble and fall onto the floor. His gym clothes slipped from his grasp, scattering across the hallway. The two girls laughed, disdainful smirks on their faces as they watched him scramble to gather his things.
Kujun chuckled, glancing back at the girls.
"Come on, ladies. Let's leave this nobody alone."
He walked off with a mocking laugh, the girls following him as they cast one last condescending look back at Kai.
Kai sat on the cold floor, his hands trembling as he gathered his gym clothes, feeling the burn of embarrassment and anger in his chest. But he knew there was no point in fighting back. He picked up his things, holding them close to him as he stood up, swallowing down the sting of humiliation.
When Kai finally reached the gym, he tried to slip into the line unnoticed, joining the other students as they assembled. His heart pounded as he spotted the balls lined up on the opposite side of the gym, knowing today's class would be dodgeball. The coach stood at the front of the group, a whistle hanging around his neck, his eyes sharp and assessing.
"All right, listen up!"
the coach shouted, his voice echoing off the gym walls.
"We're starting with a sprint to the other side. Last one there gets hit with the balls. Got it?"
A murmur of acknowledgment passed through the group, and Kai felt a chill run down his spine. He took a quick, anxious glance at Zamachi and Kujun, who stood farther down the line. They both wore smirks, their eyes gleaming with the promise of what was to come.
"On my whistle!"
the coach called out, raising it to his lips.
The shrill sound pierced the air, and the students launched into a run, sprinting toward the opposite end of the gym. Kai's legs felt heavy as he pushed himself to move, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. He wasn't fast—he never had been—and every few steps, he could feel himself slowing, his lungs burning as he struggled to keep up.
As he ran, he felt the weight of exhaustion setting in. Just a few more steps, he told himself, just a few more, but his body refused to obey. He stopped for a moment, doubling over to catch his breath, the sweat trickling down his face.
When he looked up, his heart plummeted. All the other students were already in line, their faces turned toward him with a mixture of pity, amusement, and anticipation. Kai's stomach twisted as the coach strode over, a mocking smile on his lips.
"Well, well, Mr. Satoshi,"
the coach said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You stopped running just to catch your breath? Did you think you'd get a pass just for being tired?"
Kai looked down, the blood pounding in his ears. He didn't dare respond, knowing that any words would only make things worse.
The coach's smirk widened as he lifted his whistle again.
"All right, everyone! You know the rules—last one to the line gets hit. Grab a ball!"
Kai's pulse quickened as he heard the eager rustling of his classmates behind him. Before he could brace himself, the first ball hit him square in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. He stumbled back, clutching his chest, but more balls came flying at him, relentless and merciless.
The blows landed one after another, each impact sending pain jolting through his body. He tried to shield his face, his arms coming up in a feeble attempt to block, but it was no use. The students laughed as they hurled the balls with as much force as they could muster, each throw fueled by the thrill of targeting someone weak.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the coach blew his whistle again.
"That's enough! Now get in line, Kai,"
he said, his tone dismissive, as though Kai were nothing more than an inconvenience.
Kai staggered to his feet, his whole body throbbing with pain, his breaths ragged. He forced himself to stand upright, ignoring the stares, the whispers, and the lingering smiles on the faces of his classmates.
As he walked to join the line, he kept his gaze down, focusing on his feet, his heart heavy. The coach's words echoed in his mind, blending with his father's:
"Don't stop. Don't let them see you're weak."
But the truth was, Kai felt as though he had already been broken, piece by piece, by the world around him. He could feel the cracks widening, the fragile parts of him splintering under the weight of their cruelty.
And as he stood there, alone and bruised, he couldn't shake the growing realization that this was only the beginning.
The rest of gym class passed in a haze of exhaustion and pain. Kai moved through each drill with heavy limbs and a pounding heart, trying to ignore the sharp glances and whispered jeers. Every movement sent jolts through the bruises forming beneath his skin. Despite his best efforts to stay inconspicuous, every stumble and misstep seemed to draw snickers and mocking looks from Zamachi, Kujun, and their friends.
When the final whistle blew, signaling the end of class, Kai let out a small sigh of relief. But the moment he stepped into the locker room, that relief vanished. The air was thick with laughter and the loud voices of his classmates talking over one another as they changed back into their school uniforms. Kai did his best to keep his head down and slip quietly to his locker, avoiding any eye contact.
But as he unlocked his locker, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Hey, twerp,"
Kujun sneered, leaning against the locker next to Kai's with a smirk.
"You sure took a beating out there. You're slower than I thought. Must be all that scrawny muscle, huh?"
Kai swallowed, focusing on the contents of his locker. He didn't respond, knowing any reaction would only egg Kujun on.
"Not going to say anything?"
Kujun asked, feigning disappointment. He looked over his shoulder, grinning at Zamachi, who approached with the same smirk plastered on his face.
Kai's grip tightened on his gym clothes, his knuckles going white. He could feel the tension building, like a storm about to break, but he kept his gaze down.
Just as Kujun raised his hand as if to shove Kai into the locker, a loud voice interrupted them.
"All right, enough, guys. The coach said hit the showers!"
called one of the senior students, rolling his eyes at the scene.
Kujun clicked his tongue and shot Kai one last glare before reluctantly walking away, leaving him alone. Kai released a shaky breath, the tightness in his chest slowly easing. He quickly changed back into his school uniform, his hands trembling as he buttoned his shirt. Every time he thought he'd gotten used to their taunts and shoves, something new always managed to shake him.
When Kai entered his next classroom, he found a seat in the back, hoping to go unnoticed. The teacher hadn't arrived yet, and the other students were chatting animatedly in clusters. He kept his head down, wishing he could disappear into the background.
But as he settled into his seat, he heard the unmistakable snickers of Zamachi and Kujun nearby. They'd taken seats close to his, and he could feel their eyes on him, watching him like predators waiting for the right moment to strike.
Kai kept his gaze fixed on his desk, gripping his pencil tightly. He could hear their whispers, the low insults muttered just loud enough for him to catch.
"Bet he's gonna cry again by the end of the day,"
Kujun muttered with a smirk.
Zamachi chuckled, glancing over at Kai.
"Look at him, just sitting there all quiet. Probably scared out of his mind."
Kai's face burned, but he kept his gaze down, willing himself to stay calm. He could feel his frustration bubbling up, the anger simmering beneath the surface. But he knew any outburst would only make things worse.
Just then, the teacher entered, and the room fell silent. Kai focused on the lesson, trying to ignore the continued whispers and snickers from behind him. Each second felt like an eternity as he forced himself to focus on the teacher's words, letting them drown out the sounds of his tormentors.
But halfway through the lesson, a crumpled piece of paper landed on his desk. He looked down, hesitating before carefully unfolding it.
The words inside were scrawled in messy handwriting: Crybaby. Pathetic. Just leave already.
Kai's throat tightened, his chest aching with a mixture of anger and sadness. He crumpled the paper in his hand, fighting the urge to turn around and confront them. He didn't want to give them the satisfaction of knowing they'd gotten to him.
Instead, he took a deep breath, focusing on the words on the board. He would make it through the day. He had to.
When the final bell rang, Kai was one of the first to leave the classroom, hurrying down the hallway with his head down. He wanted nothing more than to escape the school and retreat to the safety of his room. But as he walked, he spotted the girl he'd bumped into earlier, standing by her locker with her friend—the blonde girl who had taunted him before.
He considered turning around, avoiding them altogether, but before he could, the blonde girl caught sight of him.
"Hey, look who it is!"
she sneered, nudging her friend.
Kai stopped, his heart racing as the two girls approached him, their expressions a mixture of irritation and amusement.
The dark-haired girl crossed her arms, looking him up and down.
"Seriously, are you just following me around at this point? Or are you really that clumsy?"
Kai swallowed, his voice barely a whisper.
"No, I just… I was just trying to get to my locker."
The blonde girl snickered.
"Oh, sure. It's not like you're desperate for attention or anything. Must be pretty lonely, huh?"
Kai looked away, his face burning. He didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing how much their words hurt.
"Whatever, let's go,"
the dark-haired girl muttered, rolling her eyes as she turned away, the blonde girl following suit.
As they walked away, Kai let out a shaky breath, his hands clenched into fists. He'd made it through another day, but the weight of their words lingered, settling heavily in his chest.
That night, Kai lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling as the darkness settled around him. The events of the day played over and over in his mind, each encounter replaying like a broken record. He could still hear Kujun's mocking voice, feel the sting of the dodgeballs hitting his skin, and see the disdain in the eyes of his classmates.
He felt trapped, like he was caught in a cycle he couldn't escape. No matter how hard he tried to keep his head down, to avoid drawing attention, the torment never stopped.
As he lay there, a thought began to take shape in the back of his mind—a flicker of defiance that slowly grew stronger.
He couldn't keep going like this. Something had to change.
Kai's hands clenched into fists as he stared into the darkness, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. He didn't know how, and he didn't know when, but he was going to find a way out. He was going to find a way to stand up, to fight back, to break free from the chains of fear that had kept him silent for so long.
Because he couldn't bear the thought of living in this shadow any longer.
The next morning arrived slowly, Kai feeling as if he had barely slept at all. He lay in bed for a long time, staring at the faint lines of sunlight streaming through his curtains, trying to summon the energy to face another day. The memories of yesterday weighed heavily on him, like invisible chains wrapping around his chest.
His mind replayed the encounters—the taunts, the sneers, the dodgeball assault, and that note crumpled on his desk. It all felt so senseless and unfair, and yet, somehow, he was the one forced to endure it all, day after day.
When he finally managed to get out of bed, he felt different. His usual apprehension had been replaced by a quiet resolve, something that had been simmering deep inside him, bubbling up since last night. He wouldn't let today be just another repeat of yesterday.
Kai stepped out of his house, pulling his school bag over his shoulder, and took a deep breath. The crisp morning air felt like a fresh start, even if the day ahead loomed with a sense of dread. He glanced around the quiet neighborhood, feeling a faint sense of calm that was absent at school.
He walked slowly down the street, watching his breath fog in the chilly air. As he passed a few other students on their way to school, he kept his head down, but he felt their eyes on him—just like always. He wondered how long he'd have to endure those sidelong glances and whispers, or if anyone would ever see him for who he was beyond the rumors.
But his thoughts were interrupted as he neared the school gates, where he spotted Kujun and Zamachi leaning casually against the wall. The two bullies were chatting animatedly, their loud laughter echoing down the street as if they owned the world.
Kai's stomach twisted, but he forced himself to keep walking. They hadn't noticed him yet, and he hoped to slip past them unnoticed. But as he drew closer, Kujun's gaze flickered his way, and his face broke into a mocking grin.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up,"
Kujun called out, his voice carrying across the morning air.
"Isn't it the little crybaby Kai?"
Kai felt his shoulders tense, but he kept his eyes forward, willing himself not to react.
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
Kujun said, taking a step toward him. Zamachi chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched, clearly amused.
Kai stopped, bracing himself. He knew if he walked away, it would only make things worse. Slowly, he turned to face Kujun, who had closed the distance between them.
Kujun looked him up and down, his smirk widening.
"What's wrong, huh? Got nothing to say?"
Kai took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet Kujun's gaze.
"I just don't see the point in wasting my time with you."
The words surprised even him, the calmness in his own voice something he hadn't expected. For a moment, Kujun looked taken aback, as if he couldn't believe Kai had actually answered back. But his surprise quickly morphed into anger.
"Oh, you've got some nerve, don't you?"
Kujun sneered, grabbing Kai's shirt and pulling him close.
"You think you can talk back to me?"
Kai didn't flinch, though his heart was pounding. He held Kujun's gaze, refusing to look away.
"I don't want any trouble. Just leave me alone."
Zamachi laughed from behind Kujun.
"Oh, this is rich. The little mouse is finally growing a backbone, huh?"
Kujun shoved Kai back, making him stumble slightly.
"You'll regret that, loser. Just wait."
Kai didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away, his heart racing but his resolve stronger than before. He knew there would be consequences, but he didn't care. He was done letting them control him through fear.
The first few periods of the day passed in a blur, with Kai focusing intently on his classes, doing his best to ignore the pointed stares and muffled laughter from his classmates. He could feel the tension building, the weight of what had happened that morning hanging over him like a storm cloud.
During lunch, Kai found a quiet corner in the school library, away from the crowded cafeteria. He sat by a window, staring out at the school courtyard, watching the other students laughing and chatting. A part of him ached for that kind of freedom, to be able to enjoy school without the constant fear of being targeted.
As he ate his lunch, he overheard snippets of conversation from nearby tables, whispers that seemed to grow louder as more students filed into the library.
"Did you hear? Kai actually stood up to Kujun this morning."
"No way! He's usually so quiet. What got into him?"
"Maybe he's finally had enough of their bullying."
The final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day. Kai took a deep breath as he walked out of school gates, his thoughts a mix of exhaustion and a strange sense of relief. Standing up to Kujun and Zamachi—even if just a little—felt like a small victory. But his relief was short lived.
Just as he made it down the empty streets outside the school, a heavy hand grabbed by the collar, yanking him back. Kai stumbled, barely catching his balance before looking up to see Zamachi's sneering face inches from his own.
"You really thought you could stand up to me and get away with it"
Zamachi sneered, tightening his grip on Kai's shirt.
"How fucking pathetic"
Kai heart raced, the familiar dread sinking back in. He knew better than to respond. Zamachi's grip didn't loosen as Kujun sauntered up beside him, a smug look on his face.
Kujun reached forward and slaps Kai's face, the sting spreading across his cheek.
"Your nothing but a weak nobody who cries and runs to his mommy everytime someone so much as looks at him wrong"
Kujun spat, his tone mocking.
"How meaningless"
Kai clenched his fist, his nails digging into his palm, but he stayed silent, fighting the urge to flinch. Another slap followed, harder this time, sending a wave of humiliation crashing over him.
Zamachi released him with a rough shove, sending Kai stumbling back. As he hit the ground, he watched helplessly as Kujun grabbed his backpack, unzipping it and shaking it out over the sidewalk. His books, papers, and pens scattered everywhere, spilling into the the dirt and grass along the curb.
Kujun and Zamachi walked away, laughing and dapping each other up.
"We showed him"
As they threw one last glance back at Kai.
"Piece of shit"
Kujun muttered before turning the corner.
Kai sat there for a moment, trying to steady his breath. The world felt blurry and distant as he looked at his belongings scattered around him. Slowly, he began to gather his things, shoving them into his backpack with trembling hands. It felt pointless like trying to patch up something shattered beyond repair.
Once he had everything together, he walked home in silence, his footsteps heavy.
Kai entered his house, hoping to make it to his room without drawing any attention. But as he walked through the door, he noticed his father sitting at the kitchen table, his usual stern expression even sharper today
"Kai"
His father said, his voice cold and curt.
"Come here"
Kai approached, feeling a familiar tightness in his chest. His father reached into his wallet and handed him 3,000 yen.
"Go to the store and buy more cabbage and onions,"
His father ordered.
Kai hesitated.
"But… it's Already late, and I have home work to—"
Before he could finish, a sharp slap landed across his cheek, stinging even more than the one from Kujun. His father glared at him, his eyes hard and unyielding.
"Don't talk back to me. Just shut up and do what your told,"
His father barked, the tension in his voice leaving no room for argument.
Kai glanced at his mother, who was washing dishes nearby. She kept her head down, not sparing him a glance, as if his pain was invisible to her.
"Take the trash out while your at it"
His father added, waving dismissively.
Without another word, Kai grabbed the trash bag from the kitchen and headed outside. He tossed the bag into the dumpster, his mind a swirling mix of anger and helplessness. It felt like he was caught in a trap, with no way out, no one to turn to.
As Kai walked down the streets to the store, he kept his gaze low, not wanting to see anyone or anything that would remind of his loneliness. The late afternoon sun was already beginning to set, casting long shadows across the sidewalks and buildings.
He crossed the streets, dodging a few passing cars, until he reached the local supermarket. The fluorescent lights inside were a harsh contrast to the dimming light outside, casting a clinical glow over the aisles.
He picked up a cabbage and a bag of onions, trying not to let his thoughts drift too much. As he made his way to the register, he noticed a few students who looks like high schoolers hanging around near the entrance laughing and talking as if they didn't have care in the world. Couples held hands, friends shared snacks, and for a moment Kai felt like he was watching a world he would never belong to.
The cashier rang up his items, looking at him with mild disinterest.
"Two thousand yen"
He said, his tone as flat as his expression.
Kai handed over the money and took his bag, feeling the weight of it pulling down his arm as he exited the store. The walk home felt even longer with the groceries in his hand, the crosswalk lights flashing in the dimming twilight.
By the time he got home, he was exhausted, both physically and mentally. He placed the bag on the kitchen table without a world, his father barely acknowledging him as he continued reading the newspaper.
Kai slipped away to his room closing the door behind him. He lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as the events of the day replayed in his mind, each scene like a heavy weight pressing down on his chest.
He wondered if his life would ever change, if he'd ever find a way out of this endless cycle of suffering. The thought lingered as he lay there, feeling the hollow ache of loneliness settled in his heart.
But despite everything, a small flick of determination remained. He didn't know how or when, but he was going to change things. He wouldn't let himself be crushed by this world forever. One day he would find the strength to break free.