V6Ch6: Saved part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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[Kazuhiro PoV]

“You’ve got some nerve showing your face here, you piece of sh*t.”

The sudden, unexpected words caught me off guard. Right, this guy has always been like this.

It’s not that I let my guard down, but somewhere deep inside, I thought maybe he’d mellowed out.

With that many followers, you’d think he couldn't stay as sharp-edged as before.

But maybe personality isn't something that changes so easily. If anything, this works in my favor.

I was surprised to see Akari the traitor here, but I guess he did his homework beforehand.

At the very least, he seems to be suspicious of us to some degree. And that's understandable.

Now that our misdeeds are exposed, Akari and I are in a position where we have to beg for forgiveness.
If there's anything to worry about, it's the possibility that he’s told Sanjoji about the photo we sent—but there's not much reason for him to do that.

Even if he did, it wouldn't help him. Given how he probably resents Sanjoji like I do, emotionally he might even be on our side.

Either way, it doesn’t matter.

It had been a week since I contacted Kokonoe, saying I wanted to apologize.

Apparently, he’d been busy with the school festival prep and couldn't find the time. The fact that he's seriously participating in a school event is weird in itself, considering how he was in elementary school.

But that just means Yukito Kokonoe has become normal. Just an ordinary, everyday “normal” person.

If that's the case, then there's nothing to fear. I used to be terrified. Back in elementary school, older students scared the hell out of me. I couldn't imagine standing up to adult teachers. They were just people you looked up to.

But how about now?

Once I confronted them, I saw just how fragile and pathetic adults can be. The pitiful sight of Suzuka Sanjoji crawling on the ground.

That's the true nature of people. Crawling on the floor, begging for mercy—utterly disgraceful.

This guy too—sooner or later, I'll drag him down to the bottom, make him crawl and get pelted with stones.

Burning with that dark flame in my chest, I put on a friendly front.

“…I just thought somewhere quiet where we can talk would be good.”

“How the hell would I know, dumbass?”

“…!”

You’re the one who chose this place in the first place! I held back the urge to yell.

Originally, I was going to choose the location, but he said he didn't know when he'd be free, so I left it to him.

The room we’re in is a private space called a “doma.” It's like a tatami room where you can stretch your legs. More comfortable than sitting in a chair.

It's separated from the next room by a sliding door, but for me, this is perfect. The ideal setting to drag someone to hell.

“…About everything until now, I’m really sorry!”

I bowed my head low. It was humiliating to bow to this guy, but accomplishing my goal came first.

“I want to say sorry again too!”

Akari bowed her head with me. Her eyes were already red. Something must have happened before I arrived.

“Excuse me, one thick omelet and one grilled mackerel please!”

He ignored our apology and started ordering food. What kind of mental state is this guy in!?

Grinding my back teeth in frustration, I kept my cool.

“Hey. What do I get out of your apology?”

“…Well…”

The expressionless face and cold stare hadn't changed one bit. Why is this guy even popular? I don't get it.

Still, thanks to that, I can get my revenge—so maybe it's not such a bad thing.

“Hey, you trash, are you ordering anything?”

“Kokonoe-kun…”

A ruthless, cold-blooded b*****d who can't feel other people's pain. An anomaly hiding within the ordinary.

Akari was in tears. She betrayed me, so she's my enemy too—but just for this moment, I could sympathize.

“Then, um… fried chicken… and two orange juices.”

I ordered for Akari too, who seemed too drained to speak. My pace was being thrown off. Irritating.

“Just so we’re clear—it’s a fact that you caused me serious trouble. You’re gonna need to make it right.”

“…I understand. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't apologize, does it?”

Even I had to laugh at how fake that line sounded. If nothing else, I've learned I have no acting talent.

I made a pained face, shook my voice, and spilled out words I didn't mean at all.

“So let me say it again—I’m sorry! Really, truly sorry!”

Goosebumps. I could barely stop myself from laughing at the disgusting act. Akari was the same. No matter how much she's yelled at, she had no choice but to apologize.

He held all the power over life and death here. If he exposed us, Akari's finished too.

“When Akari told me about you, I think I got jealous. Things haven’t been going well for me in high school, and I was just frustrated. At that time, the past came back to me, and I slipped up. I know it's all my own fault. But ever since then, I've had it rough too—”

I pressed my fingers to my eyes, pretending to hold back tears. The acting was so cringy, I almost burst out laughing at myself.

“The way Akari described you, you seemed to be having fun, enjoying life. That made me jealous, and I did something stupid. I know it's too late to undo anything. I know I can't be forgiven. And that's fine. But please—just let Akari off the hook!”

“What are you saying!? Wait, I'm the one who did it! I was the one who acted, and I'm the one to blame—”

Akari panicked, looking like she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Of course. She betrayed me, so she's at fault.

I made full use of my “good guy” image and wrapped this whole situation in lies.

I glanced toward my bag. Don't rush. The time to use that will come.

“…I feel bad eating fries in front of Natsume.”

He bit into a fry, ignoring my performance entirely. He's the real piece of s**t here.

More and more dishes were brought to the table, piling up along with the staff's suspicious glances.

“If you’re really sorry, you can at least pay for the food, right?”

The sudden question made me suspicious. Is this a scam?

There's no way a student without a credit card can handle a massive bill.

But looking around, it's just a regular restaurant. Prices are listed clearly on the menu, and they're all normal. Nothing strange about it.

…Maybe I'm just overthinking things.

“Ah, ahh! If it's just that much, leave it to me!”

“Haa… Fine. I'll go along with it.”

Kokonoe turned back toward me with a fed-up look, though he didn't stop eating.

And like that, our deceit-filled dinner gathering began.

About an hour had passed since we started eating. The conversation wasn't exactly lively, as we were all cautiously feeling each other out, but the atmosphere had softened a bit. Akari had calmed down and was speaking more.

While exchanging updates we didn't even want to hear, she occasionally smiled, and I also acted more talkative.

Almost like we were just a group of friends.

Disgusting.

It was the perfect moment.

“Hey, how about we take a picture? The three of us.”

At my suggestion, Akari looked uneasy. I get it—she's wary. But I don't mean anything shady by it.

It's not like I'm planning to use AI or do anything with the photo.

“A picture…? Out of nowhere, why?”

“I'm not trying to say it's a ‘let's make up' commemoration or anything. I don't have the right to say that anyway.
But since we managed to gather the three of us here like this, I just… wanted a memento. I don't have many friends, so…”

“A sparkling SNS-addicted girl, huh?”

Kokonoe mocked me with that savage jab, but didn't outright say no.

More importantly, the fact that he didn't react negatively to the idea of a photo confirmed something—he really doesn't know about the harassment we did to Sanjoji. Akari had no reason to bring it up to him either.

I switched my phone to wide-angle and held it up like for a selfie. I made sure to emphasize the table in the background.

“Okay, I'm taking it.”

I stretched my arm out and hit the shutter from a slightly high angle.

“Ha ha ha! I did it! I finally did it!”

Laughter welled up from deep within me as I accomplished my goal so easily.

“Hey, what's wrong? Why are you suddenly laughing—”

Akari looked confused. But that didn't matter anymore.

“Ugh. Seriously pathetic.”

Kokonoe glanced down at the table with complete disinterest. He probably hadn't realized the gravity of the situation yet.

“Got time to act all cool, huh? I can't believe how careless you are!”

On the table were an ashtray and alcohol.

“I've been waiting for this moment! You act like some big-shot influencer, so you know what this means, don't you? This is solid proof of smoking and drinking. This photo is real—no AI, no edits!”

When I took the picture, I made sure Kokonoe ended up on the far side of the frame. Only Akari and Kokonoe are visible in the shot.

A boy and girl, both underage, with cigarettes and alcohol on the table. It's over. Completely over.

“You know what'll happen if this photo ends up online, don't you? Your huge number of followers— they'll turn into a horde of haters ready to tear you down!”

No matter how much he tried to deny it, it'd be almost impossible to clear his name. Just like with Sanjoji, proving you’re innocent in a situation like this is a nightmare.

How do you prove you didn't smoke or drink? Especially online, where truth doesn’t even matter.

People only believe what they want to believe. Once the narrative spreads that Kokonoe is “that kind of person,” it's all over.

His image will be ruined. Brands and sponsors will bail on him in droves.

Of course, he might report it to the police and claim damages. But right now, in this moment, I hold all the power.

After all, no actual harm has occurred yet. So technically, this isn't defamation. And I'm not trying to extort money, either.

All I'm doing is holding onto one damning piece of evidence—proof that could destroy his reputation, shatter his perfect image.

For someone like him, whose sense of self-worth is tied to follower count, it's a fatal blow.

Be afraid. Tremble.

I wanted to humiliate him.

I wanted to expose him.

“Hey, Kokonoe. Quit social media.”

It was the same demand I made to Sanjoji. If Sanjoji was clinging to her identity as a teacher, then this guy had to be clinging to being an influencer. This was the blade I pressed to his throat.

“Why would you do something like this!?”

Akari burst out in anger, but I just sneered.

She betrayed me, so she's the enemy too.

“You're no different! What, gonna betray your parents now too after what you did to me?”

I barked at Akari. That alone was enough to shut her up.

“You got all cocky just because everyone was fawning over you!”

“I got cocky…?”

[調子] (“chōshi” = tone, attitude, being full of yourself)

“Why is it so different for us!? I fell apart, and you rose to the top!”

“You're saying I got cocky?” [chōshi]

“Nobody helped me in that classroom. Everyone abandoned me. I was all alone!”

“Saying I got cocky is just your excuse!” [chōshi]

“We were the same. You and me—we were the same! So why are you the only one who gets rewarded?! That's not fair!”

“What the hell makes you think I got cocky?!” [chōshi]

“You did get cocky!”

“How did you find out…?”

Even now, he kept mocking me. Cold and ruthless. A person I should never have gotten involved with.

“…I was just frustrated. Watching the people who ruined my life acting like nothing happened…”

“And just when you finally showed your true colors, it turns out to be this lame? Sorry, but I don't give a crap about your angsty little high school drama. If you've got something to say, try saying it to everyone here.”

Kokonoe said something strange—and then opened the sliding door.

“…Huh?”

Lined up outside was a whole crowd of people. My eyes locked on them in disbelief.

Among them were—

Our homeroom teacher Suzuka Sanjoji, student-teacher Misaki Himiyama, and a bunch of our old classmates.

Voices filled the room in a buzz of confusion. All eyes turned to me in awkward shock, stunned by my sudden outburst.

It looked like Kokonoe had anticipated the possibility I'd try something reckless.

He had talked to the restaurant in advance and arranged to rent the place out privately, to avoid causing trouble.
Since he's a minor, he must've had some adults help him.

He even paid a decent amount to secure the space, so it wouldn't become a full-blown scene.

It was obvious I was driven by inferiority. So he thought—if that's the case, why not just go back to those days?

That's why he consulted with Sanjoji-sensei. Using the old graduation album as a reference, they reached out to our former classmates and gathered them here.

Some people couldn't be reached. Others had plans and couldn't make it. Even so, the turnout ended up being way bigger than I expected. With Sanjoji-sensei and Himiyama-san added to the mix, this had become nothing less than a full-blown class reunion.

[Yukito PoV]

Officially, we labeled it as a class reunion, which made it easier to present as just a fun little gathering. Sadly—or maybe fortunately—I'm a well-known person now.

A lot of our former classmates had apparently been curious about what I was up to. And we made sure to properly explain the purpose behind this reunion, too.

Just like Akari Toki, the rest of them also carried guilt over what happened to Kazuhiro Okamoto.

And so, this event came together. It was tough to organize, but seeing old faces again after so long, people seemed genuinely happy. The mood was light, even cheerful.

“Okamoto, yeah, what we did was messed up, but taking it out on everyone like this? That's not right.”

Kousuke Takayama was the first to speak up. Back when I contacted him, he apologized over and over.

Unlike Okamoto's lousy acting, Takayama was dead serious. He even insisted this was his responsibility and actively helped gather the other classmates. Honestly, he was a huge help. Gotta respect extroverts sometimes.

The reason we pulled this off in just a week was thanks to Takayama and the others who chipped in.

“Wh-Who the hell are you…?”

Okamoto recoiled in shock, and Takayama scratched his head.

“Ah, well. A lot of people have changed. It's hard to recognize anyone without introductions.”

People change a lot between elementary and high school. You can't rely on old appearances. Guys who “debuted” in high school, girls who dyed their hair— Honestly, it's rare when someone even still resembles their childhood self.

“Alright, let me do the intros. This one's Takayama, and over here—also Yama. Then there's Saito, Saito, Saito, and Saito—”

“There aren't that many Saitos, Kokonoe-kun!”

Sanjoji-sensei cut me off. Sorry, I wasn't really listening during introductions…

“Not sure if you remember me, but I'm Takayama.…Listen, I'm really sorry. What we did hurt you, I know. But you weren't innocent either, and the one who suffered most was Kokonoe, right?”

At Takayama's words, Okamoto started backing away. But there was nowhere to run—just a wall behind him.

“That's right!”

“Yeah, that's right!”

“Totally right!”

Yeah, that was all me. And the stares I was getting hurt like hell!

Himiyama-san stood up and walked over to Okamoto.

“Do you remember me?”

Her voice was soft, gentle—almost like she was caring for him. Okamoto gave a small nod.

“Back then… I was really happy. I thought, ‘Wow, the students actually like me.' I never planned to get mad. I was just filled with gratitude…But in the end, it only ended up hurting so many kids.”

Himiyama-san gently placed her cool hand on Okamoto's head.

“I'm sorry. If anyone needs to apologize, it's me. I started it. I forced the burden onto Ryōka-sensei and ran away.
If I hadn't run, if I'd stayed and faced it…you wouldn't have ended up so alone.”

“Th-that's not… I didn't… I wasn't trying to steal anything…”

No matter what I said, it just made me look bad. But look at Himiyama-san's nurturing aura. She was doing way more emotional damage to Okamoto than I ever could. For a guy not used to women, she's just too powerful. Peak femininity.

“Kokonoe-kun… what is this?”

Toki was clearly confused by the situation. And I couldn't blame her. There was a chance she was still in contact with Okamoto, so I had kept her in the dark to avoid tipping him off.

“Okamoto-kun, let's stop now, okay? If you keep going down this path, you won't be able to come back. I want you to realize it before your hands get stained any darker. You can still turn things around. If you're in trouble, you can even come talk to me. This time, I won't run away. I'll face it with you. But if you're really struggling… Your best option is to talk to Yukito-kun. He's a professional when it comes to dealing with trouble.”

“Yeah, just not a professional at solving it.”

I'm what you'd call a professional… victim of drama.

“I mean, Kokonoe-kun… you're the one who dragged us into this mess. Is it really okay for you to say that?”

Sanjoji-sensei's calm commentary was actually kind of a blessing. Even our classmates were visibly bewildered.

Okamoto turned his eyes toward me. He looked like his brain couldn't keep up—just staring blankly.

“I don't work for free.”

“Ooh! Kokonoe's saying some real pro-sounding stuff now!”

The classmates buzzed around. But seriously—don't actually bring me your problems. I'm not asking for work!

Sanjoji-sensei stood up smoothly and walked toward Okamoto. Her steps were firm, purposeful.

“Okamoto-kun.”

“You're…”

Okamoto's face twisted in pain. He was clearly struggling—torn apart by the kindness surrounding him.

This moment right here—This was the crossroads of Okamoto's life.

He had to choose for himself. Which path to take.

If he kept blaming others, he'd never get anywhere. He had to take responsibility and seize it with his own hands.

Taking that first step is terrifying for anyone. It's easier to blame someone else—to avoid facing the truth.

But doing that means giving up on the path to happiness. It means choosing misery instead.

And if you're going to regret it, if you're going to mourn it…

Then the only choice left is to trust in the kindness of those reaching out to you. Choose the path that doesn't lead to isolation.

Hinagi, Shiori, my mom, my sister, Sanjoji-sensei, Himiyama-san, Natsume, Shakado—Everyone around me is a living embodiment of self-responsibility.

That's their identity.

That's what it means to live your own life.

Sanjoji-sensei raised her hand, as if to slap him—Then gently pressed it against Okamoto's cheek.

“I'm not quitting teaching.”

“…!”

Okamoto's eyes flew wide open. Red with frustration, as if they'd spill crimson tears any moment.

“I forgive you. But—”

She suddenly grabbed his collar with force.

“If you ever pull something like that on a student again—If you hurt someone, humiliate someone, the way you did before—I will not forgive you. Even if it costs me my job as a teacher…I will destroy you.”

Her jet-black eyes blazed with righteous fury. That unwavering conviction shattered something inside Okamoto's heart.

The room had fallen completely silent.

Our classmates didn't know the history between Sanjoji-sensei and Okamoto.

They couldn't understand the tangled feelings of love and hate between the two. But no one interrupted. If Sanjoji-sensei says she forgives him, then that's enough. There's no reason for me to butt in.

“…I'm sorry. For leaving you alone. For not being able to help you.”

The apology Sanjoji-sensei had probably said many times before—this would likely be the last.

“Okamoto-kun. Come over here and enjoy yourself with us, okay? We're on your side.”

Sanjoji-sensei, Himiyama-san, and our classmates all extended a hand to Kazuhiro Okamoto.

It was a different sight from before. Before long, tears were spilling from Okamoto's eyes. Despair and rebirth.

—And so, Okamoto Kazuhiro made his choice. He reached out and took hold of his life.

---

“…I'm tired.”

“Yeah. I feel completely drained.”

“To think Sanjoji-sensei was actually a succubus…”

“Do you want to be drained that badly, Yukito-kun?”

“Himiyama-san was a succubus too… oh wait, I already knew that.”

The three of us collapsed onto the sofa.

The reunion had ended on a high note.

I had been popular at first, but after a series of inappropriate comments, people gradually started distancing themselves.

Well, I'll just have to get used to that.

That's how we ended up here, totally wiped out on the sofa.

By the way, this is Himiyama-san's house.

“Good work today, Yukito-kun.”

Himiyama-san offered her thanks, but I didn't have the energy to unleash the “Good Work Police.” There are always those annoying people who insist that “good work” should only be used by superiors.

“…Do you think we really saved him?”

Sanjoji-sensei murmured as she stared into space.

“There's no way to know. It's up to him from here on out. We can't take responsibility for everything.”

Only the person themselves can take responsibility for their own life. All others can do is lend a helping hand.
Whether he feels saved or abandoned—it's up to him to decide.

“Thank you too, Himiyama-san. I think things might've gotten a lot messier without you. Your healing aura really worked.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you. Because you brought everyone together like that, I was finally able to let go of the feelings I'd kept bottled up for so long. We were all able to laugh together. —Thank you.”

She patted my head.

Her cool hand felt nice.

Sanjoji-sensei sat to my left, I was in the middle, and Himiyama-san on my right. All three of us were completely exhausted, too drained to move.

“Still… hmm…”

“What is it? Something bothering you?”

Sanjoji-sensei turned toward me. We were so close our shoulders touched. She smelled nice.

“I hope it's just my imagination, but… was Okamoto really the only one abusing AI? It's so easy, technically speaking, that I can't help but worry… Maybe I'm just being paranoid.”

“Okamoto-kun promised he'd never do it again. Let's trust him.”

No point playing whack-a-mole with invisible enemies. Thinking about it won't help.

“Everyone didn't seem to hold a grudge against Senseis, huh.”

Both Sanjoji-sensei and Himiyama-san were surrounded by my old classmates. The atmosphere was warm throughout, and there was no sense of hostility.

“You think so? We can't really know what they're truly feeling…”

Sanjoji-sensei gave a strained smile, and Himiyama-san nodded in agreement.

“They just didn't say anything out loud… is probably what it was.”

The two of them seemed a little down. But I didn't see it that way.

“If they really felt that way, they wouldn't have come. Everyone's grown up.”

“Grown up… huh?”

Sanjoji-sensei looked at me, her gaze warming.

“Holding onto the past forever isn't fun. People move forward.”

“…Yeah. If you say so, Yukito-kun, then I believe you. You gave me an unforgettable time. You let me see the continuation of that dream-like day. Everyone's grown up a little.”

We're not elementary school kids anymore. We're high schoolers now. Time feels different for kids and adults. Things change quickly. We grow. Toward the future we aspire to.

“Maybe I underestimated all of you… saw you through a biased lens because you were just kids.”

Sanjoji-sensei nodded to herself, looking convinced.

Speaking of biased lenses, I stared intently at her.

“By the way, Sensei, didn't you get pretty tan?”

“Huh? You think so? Now that everything's resolved, I don't need to go to the tanning salon anymore—”

“Denied. Let's go all-in on the tanned look!”

“Nooooo!”

“You're a grown woman, aren't you embarrassed to whine like that?”

“You're being unreasonable!”

“Come on, Suzuka-sensei. You look healthy and absolutely wonderful!”

Himiyama-san had joined in with powerful reinforcements.

That's it! Keep it going!

“Tanned bloomers… tanned maid…”

“Hold on! What are you trying to make me do!?”

“I guess I'll have Sayuri-sensei do it instead…”

“Why do you always get to make the decisions!?”

Sanjoji-sensei pouted. She really couldn't give up.

“Oh! Since we're all together like this, why don't we have a party?”

“A wrap party? Sounds great. I feel like a weight's been lifted too.”

Himiyama-san stood up, brimming with excitement at her great idea.

Sanjoji-sensei agreed enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, I was overcome with an unending sense of dread and stomach pain.

“My stomach hurts. I'm going home early. I think I'm low on Vitamin Alpha.”

“Oh, perfect. Then it's decided—we're having a yogurt party♡”

My arm was locked tight. No escape.

They were dead set on fixing my gut.

“Yukito-kun, don't you think yogurt would look great on Suzuka-sensei's skin?”

“I do.”

I answered immediately.

They say my honesty is my strength… and also my biggest flaw.

“Don't say that!? Misaki-san? Um… What are you planning to do to me!?”

“Now, Suzuka-sensei. Come with me. Ufufu. Yukito-kun, look forward to it♪”

Sanjoji-sensei was dragged away by Himiyama-san.

…I silently watched the scene unfold.

“Time to run.”

Seizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I made my escape.

I dashed out of the room.

Eh? What happened after that?

I got caught and ate yogurt.

It was delicious. (basic opinion)