Life Reversal ~ I Was Cheated On and Falsely Accused, but Now the Most Beautiful Girl in the School Is Getting Close to Me ~ Volume 2 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Saving a Life and the Collapse of the Cheating Group

—September 8th—

“Good morning, Senpai. Thank you for yesterday!”

Ichijou-san was waiting for me in front of my house, just like always. Her smile seemed even gentler than it had been yesterday. As a few salarymen and middle schoolers passed by, their gazes lingered, captivated by her beauty.

“Morning,” I replied, a bit awkwardly. “I should be the one thanking you. We should go see another movie sometime.”

Ichijou-san nodded eagerly. “That sounds wonderful. We saw a Western film this time, so maybe a Japanese one or an anime next? Have you seen anything good recently, Senpai?”

I was relieved I’d brought up movies. Otherwise, yesterday’s kiss would have surely made for an awkward morning. It was clear that our shared hobby was bringing us closer. I had my movie-and-drama-loving mom to thank for helping me connect with Ichijou-san.

As we started walking, our conversation quickly turned to film.

“I’ve been really into Indian movies lately,” I mentioned.

“Oh, you mean the ones that are super long and have all the dancing?”

“Not exactly. A surprising number of recent ones don’t have that much dancing. They’re still long, sure, but instead of dance numbers, you get these incredible songs playing over sweeping shots of nature. It’s all very grand and impressive.”

“That does sound interesting.”

Yeah, I guess it’s pretty rare for a high school guy to be into Indian cinema, I thought, chuckling to myself.

“Any recommendations?” she asked.

“They actually have some amazing human dramas. A lot of them are really sentimental, kind of like Japanese films from the Showa era. The action scenes are great, too. I’d recommend one called Bajrangi-ojisan and the Little Lost Child.”

“What’s it about?”

“It’s about this kind-hearted man who finds a lost little girl from a neighboring country who can’t speak. He goes on this epic adventure to get her back to her parents.”

“That sounds incredible!”

“It’s a total tearjerker. Perfect for when you need a good cry.”

I’d actually watched it on Sunday night and sobbed my eyes out. When I went to school on Monday, Satoshi even pointed out how swollen my eyes were. Figuring Ichijou-san had probably seen her fair share of films, I thought I’d mention a lesser-known one. She immediately took out her smartphone, pulled up a movie website, and added it to her bookmarks.

“Thank you very much. I’ll try to watch it this weekend.”

With that, my junior gifted me an incredibly wonderful smile.

“Senpai, to change the subject a little, what are you going to do with the novel you wrote?”

The manuscript Ichijou-san had so desperately rescued was now in my hands. My original plan to publish it in the club magazine was no longer an option, and it felt like a waste to just let it sit. Still, it was a short story—not long enough to submit to a publisher’s newcomer award. I was at a loss.

“I’m still trying to decide.”

“In that case, what about a web novel submission site?”

“But my novel isn’t some trendy fantasy or rom-com. I doubt many people would read it.”

“You think so? I thought it was interesting, and I’d love for more people to read it.”

“Thanks. It just takes some courage to post on a site like that, you know? There could be harsh critics, and I might get discouraged by the scores and all that.”

When it came to my own work, I couldn’t help but be negative. She just smiled at me.

“Well, the idea of you being my exclusive novelist doesn’t sound so bad either.”

We both laughed at her joke. She’s so kind, I thought. She must have sensed I was dealing with some trauma. Feeling like it would be wrong to refuse her suggestion outright, I was about to say, “I’ll think about it,” when another problem arose.

Right as we were enjoying our happy morning, an incident unfolded right before our eyes.

“Ugh,” an old man walking ahead of us suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed.

“Eh!?” Ichijou-san was speechless, turning to me with a worried expression.

I didn’t know what was happening either and could only watch, frozen.

The old man was gasping for air, and then… he stopped moving.

This is bad.Over the summer, I’d worked a short-term gig helping set up for an event, and as part of the training, I’d taken a first-aidcourse. The face of the firefighter who’d been our instructor flashed in my mind. What do I do in a situation like this? He had taught us response methods that could be used anywhere.

I have to do this. It’s okay. Just do what I learned in the course.“This is serious. Ichijou-san, please go find an AED.”

My first priority was to do everything I could to save the man’s life.

“But, where would I find one…?” she stammered, her face pale and drained of color.

“There’s a police stationnearby, right? I’m pretty sure they have one. Even if they don’t, an officer would know where to find one. I hear convenience stores often have them too. I’ll call an ambulance and take care of the old man.”

“O-Okay!”

She took off running toward the police station.Just as I was taught, I checked the man’s consciousness, called out to the people around us for help, and began performing first aid.

A kind-looking man nearby immediately called for an ambulance on his cell phone.

I acted desperately, my mind focused on one thing: saving this man’s life.

Before long, Ichijou-san returned with a police officer, an AED in her hands.

Just as we were preparing the device, a woman in her thirties approached us.

“What’s wrong?”

“An old man we don’t know suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed,” I explained quickly. “We’ve called an ambulance and just got an AED. He’s not responding at all.”

“Thank you. I’m a nurse, leave the rest to me. You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Aono.”

“Aono-kun, huh? It’s amazing you were able to act so quickly. Alright, please continue to assist me. And your girlfriend’s name?” the nurse asked, giving instructions briskly. I recalled the AED training from my part-time job and followed both the nurse’s directions and the machine’s automated voice prompts.

“Ichijou. What should I do?”

“Ichijou-san, right? Could you look around and see if any of this man’s family is nearby?”

“Understood.”

Ichijou-san ran off. The police officer who had come with her began directing traffic in the narrow alley.

And so, the lifesaving efforts continued.

As we desperately worked, an ambulance, guided by the officer, arrived on the scene. I don’t think even ten minutes had passed, but I had been moving in such a daze that it felt like an instant.

“Aono-kun, Ichijou-san, thank you,” the nurse said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll accompany him to the hospital, so you can rest now. Thanks to you two acting so quickly, it shouldn’t be anything too serious.”

The old man regained consciousness after the first electric shock. He was still groggy, but he managed to say, “Thank you, thank you.”

A police officer confirmed the man’s identity and said they would contact his family.

The old man seemed to be getting more lucid by the second.

“Well, we should probably get going now,” I said.

Ichijou-san nodded. We left the scene, both feeling a wave of relief.

“That was intense,” she said, letting out a big sigh before her usual smile returned. “I’m so glad he seems to be okay.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Ichijou-san. You acted so fast, it was a huge help.”

She shook her head, still smiling. “That’s not true at all. It was because you acted so quickly, Senpai. I was so scared my legs were frozen.”

“No, we were just lucky a nurse happened to be nearby. I definitely couldn’t have done it alone.”

“Even so, not many people can act immediately for someone else’s sake. I think that’s a truly amazing thing about you.”

Hearing her say that, I felt like the self-esteem that had been shattered by last week’s bullying had started to mend, just a little.

“Thank you,” I said, offering her the most sincere smile I had managed in a long time.

※

──Nurse’s Perspective──

“Thank you so much.”

The old man’s family, who had rushed to the hospital, thanked me with tears in their eyes.

His son, dressed in an expensive-looking suit and carrying himself with a refined air, greeted me politely on their behalf.

Thanks to the quick and appropriate treatment, the man’s life was saved, though it seemed he would be hospitalized for a while.

“No, please, you should be thanking the students who brought the AED,” I told them. “If it weren’t for them, things could have turned out much worse.”

In truth, they were the real heroes; I had merely assisted. In situations like that, when one person makes the first move, it becomes easier for others to follow. The ones who need the most courage are always the first to act.

“We can’t thank them enough. We’d like to thank those students in person, but it seems they left without giving their contact information, even when the police asked. We haven’t even been able to properly thank them. Do you happen to know how we can reach them?”

It’s incredible that they’re so mature at that age, I thought. It wouldn’t be surprising if they were driven by some desire for recognition.

Kids these days are amazing.“I just happened to be passing by, so… Ah, but, I did ask their names while we were helping!”

“Really!? Do you remember them?”

“They introduced themselves as Aono-kun and Ichijou-san.”

At this, the son’s face lit up with a genuinely happy smile. I could tell he desperately wanted to thank his father’s benefactors.

What a scrupulous person.“Aono-kun and Ichijou-san, you say? Thank you. Just knowing their names is enough… I’ll try to find them.”

“Of course. Well then, if you’ll excuse me.”

I wondered if they could be found with just by their names, but I kept the thought to myself. I, too, hoped for a small miracle—that their identities would be revealed and they would receive the praise they deserved.

I’d gotten caught up in some serious trouble on my day off, but I left the hospital enveloped in a sense of relief and satisfaction. My job is tough, but I had to work hard so I wouldn’t be outdone by that young couple. For some reason, it felt as if my own work had been praised. I realized that what I’ve been doing all this time hasn’t been in vain, and my heart was full.

※

──Video Site──

“Hey everyone, starting today’s stream. You know, today, while I was out filming for my next project, an old man just collapsed right in front of me. I was so shocked. I was totally panicking, like, what do I do, what do I do? when this student couple started performing first aid. It was amazing. All this old guy could do was call an ambulance. Seriously, it was incredible. Lately, whenever I’m out and about, something crazy always seems to happen. Last week, too. During a collab video, I ran into a fight. Seemed like some kind of relationship drama, but one guy was just getting wailed on. We rushed over to him after he collapsed, but he ran off before we could do anything. Someone had called the cops, but by then, everyone involved was gone.”

After finishing the afternoon stream, I took a break. I’d planned to check out that rumored breakfast spot this morning, but then I got caught up in the whole incident. And maybe because I was the one who called the ambulance, I just got a call from a woman claiming to be the man’s family. 

I had given my contact info to the police, just in case, and it seems they acted as an intermediary. When you’re in the streaming business like me, you don’t get many chances to interact with people directly. That’s why I was so happy that they were so grateful.

I’m a food streamer with a community-based style, so it seems even some of the local officers watch my videos. After everything settled down, I ended up chatting with one of them for a bit. My fans write their thoughts in the comments, which is great, but it’s also nice to connect with people face-to-face.

“Ah, yes, about earlier. No, no, I didn’t do anything. I was just filming a video when the man collapsed, and while I was panicking, that student couple took charge. I just called the ambulance… What? An award from the fire department? No, no, the students and the nurse deserve it far more than me… Oh, the students left without giving their names?”

Honestly, I couldn’t do much, so I can’t be the hero here. It would feel like I was stealing their credit.

“Yes, I do have the video from that time. I was in the middle of filming. It’s really shaky because I was in a hurry, but I have a shot with the students’ faces. But I can’t just post the faces of minors online, can I?”

The woman on the phone asked if I could post it on social media to find them, but my conscience won out. Maybe the two of them don’t want the attention…

“Yeah, I’m sorry. Well, if I post it with their faces blurred… I’d have to talk to the police about that, but…”

Actually, I also think it would be better if that couple got the recognition they deserve. It’s all thanks to the immediate and appropriate treatment they provided.

But still, I feel like I’ve seen that boy’s face somewhere before…

Where was it? I can’t remember.

For now, I decided to give the video to the police. Come to think of it, I also gave them the video I took of the fight that day. I hope my harmless food videos can be useful for something.

“Oh, right. It’s September, so Kitchen Aono should have started serving fried oysters. Their tartar sauce is to die for. Maybe I’ll go there tonight!”

※

──Endou’s Perspective──

I had a dream. An old dream, of me and Eri.

We were kindergarteners, laughing happily together.

“When I grow up, I’m going to be your bride, Endou-kun.”That promise was never fulfilled. Now, when I see my childhood friend—the girl I once cherished so much—all I feel is hatred.

I woke up, the memory of those lost, innocent smiles haunting me.

“The worst dream.”

I was robbed of a past that should have been a precious memory. All that remains is hatred for the man who stole it, for his collaborators, and for Eri.

It was still five in the morning.

Yesterday was a bold move, declaring war on Kondou directly. But it’s a necessary part of my plan.

Watching him, it’s clear he’s strong on the offense but weak on the defense. He’s a walking ball of pride, so he loses control the moment he’s provoked.

That makes his actions easy to predict.

I’ve already managed to shake up the relationship between the soccer club and Kondou. It’s only a matter of time before a traitor emerges from their ranks.

But my revenge won’t be over just because Kondou gets punished. I have to drag him down to the very bottom.

That’s why I also leaked information to Amada Miyuki. At the very least, it will crack their trust in each other. I thought it might also appeal to her sense of guilt, even if only a little. Of course, I can’t trust a cheater.

If things go well, I might be able to turn the soccer club and Amada Miyuki against Kondou. If that happens, it’ll be harder for them to get their stories straight, and contradictions should arise when the school investigates.And then, yesterday’s declaration of war. It was a big risk, but the return will be even bigger. The surprisingly timid Kondou will likely turn to women for support now that there’s friction with the soccer club. He might contact Amada Miyuki after she’s seen the photos, and the two of them might fight.

If that happens, I win. He might contact Eri instead, but that’s fine too. Amada Miyuki will get fewer messages, and her paranoia will only grow.

If Amada Miyuki and Eri become aware of each other, the girls’ side will also fracture, and Kondou will have nowhere left to run.

Once he loses his place with both the soccer club and women, he’ll have to rely on “someone” else—the person who must be pulling the strings behind the scenes.

※

──Literary Club Junior - Hayashi’s Perspective──

“President, thank you for everything until now.”

I was timid, but I felt relieved that I could at least say that much. The president looked surprised for a moment before her usual expression returned. “Won’t you tell me why?” she asked.

The reason… It was because disposing of Aono-senpai’s manuscript without his permission was going too far. I couldn’t follow her anymore. But being the coward that I am, I couldn’t explain that to her face. The me in my head is so eloquent, but I can never seem to convey what I’m actually feeling.

Ichijou-san was trying to protect Senpai to the very end, no matter who she had to stand against. That’s something I could never do. I’m too scared to object to the majority. I might get bullied myself. The thought terrifies me.

That’s why I understood Aono-senpai’s despair so painfully. To have your precious manuscript torn apart and thrown away. To be bad-mouthed, have your belongings hidden, find trash in your shoe locker…

I don’t want to do things like that. I knew that kind boy would never do such things, but I couldn’t stop it. I was able to apologize properly, and he forgave me, but that was all thanks to Ichijou-san. 

It didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t do anything on my own.

“You’re not going to answer me, are you?”

The always-gentle president’s expression shifted to one of slight disappointment.

“I’m sorry, I can’t explain it well.”

Then, she smiled brightly. But her eyes were glaring at me, ice-cold.

“If you tell anyone anything unnecessary, I won’t forgive you.”

She grabbed my shoulder, her grip tight.

“That hurts.”

Trembling, I pleaded with my eyes for her to stop.

“You get it, don’t you? You have a responsibility for not stopping it, too. You wouldn’t want to be judged along with us, would you?”

She smiled coldly.

※

──Lunch Break - Ichijou Ai’s Perspective──

The morning classes were finally over. I had plans with Senpai, so I headed to an empty classroom near the nurse’s office where we were going to eat lunch together. Since it’s hard to relax in a conspicuous place, Senpai had gotten permission from the teachers for us to use a vacant room in a separate building.

As I was walking, I heard other students whispering.

“Hey, did you hear the rumor about Ichijou-san?”“I know, right? They say she’s dating that Aono-senpai everyone’s talking about.”“Why would a beauty like her end up with a violent guy?”“It’s so weird.”“Either he’s got some charm we don’t know about, or she’s just an idiot who’s into bad boys.”Everyone was saying whatever they wanted. Since they weren’t speaking to me directly, I kept quiet, but inside I was trembling with anger. How could they say such insensitive things when they didn’t know the first thing about him? It was the same with my mother. Everyone spread rumors as they pleased, but no one ever took responsibility.

In this case, too, a nameless majority would irresponsibly slander Senpai, and even if the truth came out, that would be the end of it. They wouldn’t even see themselves as the perpetrators. Some might even convince themselves they were the victims who were “deceived.” The thought made my heart grow heavy.

I should hurry to Senpai’s side.Before, I would never have been able to endure such a malicious atmosphere. But now, it’s different. He’s here for me. Even if countless people try to bring him down, I have seen his true nature. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t even be in this world anymore.

That alone is enough. That day, he risked his life to save me. That fact is all that matters. Even if a kind person like him is unfairly slandered, even if he was betrayed by someone he trusted and became a target of bullying, his justice will absolutely be proven. And I will do everything in my power to make that happen.

I feel that’s the only way I can repay him for saving me.

And besides…

I’ve fallen in love with him. He values the people around him more than himself and brings them happiness. He treats everyone with respect, no matter who they are. This morning was a perfect example. In a crisis like that, most people don’t just spring into action. And he did that right after being bullied to the point of distrusting people, yet he was able to act without a moment’s hesitation.

I honestly respect him as a person. That’s why I came to like him. That’s why I fell in love. I never thought I would fall for someone. But he was the one who reached out his hand to me from the depths of hell.

There’s no way I wouldn’t fall in love.

I opened the door to the empty classroom. My beloved was waiting inside with a smile.

※

──Takayanagi’s Perspective──

During lunch break, I found myself in the staff room, nursing a bread roll and scribbling notes in my notebook, my head buried in my hands.

Even with yesterday being a day off, Aono’s situation had completely consumed my thoughts.

He’d shown up to school today just barely on time. I’d been anxiously pacing by the shoe lockers, terrified that the weekend might have broken his will to come back. Then, I spotted him rushing into the building with Ichijou from the first year. When I casually asked about it later, it turned out they’d just gotten caught up in a conversation. Thank goodness. I’d been on pins and needles, my mind racing with fears that the bullying had escalated.

To restore Aono’s reputation, I needed to uncover the truth, and fast. The evidence was piling up, but I still needed something conclusive.

But there’s one strange thing about this case, isn’t there?Kondo’s behavior. The guy was a known womanizer with a nasty habit of pursuing girls in relationships. In this day and age, with romantic freedom being the norm, we couldn’t exactly punish him for it unless it crossed into adultery.

That’s why the school had been in such a bind. But…

Why, only in Aono’s case, did he resort to direct bullying? The cowardly Kondo, who had always been so careful not to cross that final line?I’d had a nagging feeling that something was off for a while now.

And, though it felt like a wild fantasy, I’d formulated a hypothesis.

Could there be a mastermind who instigated Kondo? Ugh, my head’s not working.Maybe it was because I hadn’t been eating properly, but I was getting irritable.

Should I go out for dinner? That Gourmet Geezer on the video site was recommending a ramen shop near the station. A change of pace might do me some good.To find the name of the place, I pulled up the Gourmet Geezer’s channel.

Thanks to the site’s autoplay, his latest video immediately started playing. I had it muted so it wouldn’t disturb the staff room, but I could follow along with the subtitles.

“Hey, everyone, let’s get today’s stream started! So, you won’t believe what happened today. While I was out scouting locations for my next shoot, an old man collapsed right in front of me! I was totally shocked, just panicking and thinking, what do I do, what do I do? But then this student couple started performing first aid, and they were incredible. This old geezer here could only manage to call an ambulance. I mean, seriously, how amazing is that? A lot of weird stuff has been happening when I’m out and about lately. Last week, too. We were filming a collab, just walking around town, and we stumbled upon a fight. Looked like some kind of relationship drama, but one of the boys was just getting beaten up one-sidedly. We rushed over to help the kid after he fell, but he just got up and ran off. Someone had called the cops, but by the time they showed up, everyone involved was long gone.”

For some reason, my interest was piqued, though I couldn’t say why.

And so, after school…

I ended up at Aono’s house. I had planned on getting ramen, but on the way home, I saw a picture of a delicious-looking fried oyster set meal on that same Gourmet Geezer’s social media and was completely drawn in.

Honestly, visiting a student’s home felt questionable for a teacher, but I opened the door anyway.

“Oh, Takayanagi-sensei. What brings you here today?”

Aono’s mother greeted me with a smile. I’d been in frequent contact with her, and we’d built a trustingrelationship. When I’d emailed her to let her know that Aono’s practical skills make-up session was scheduled for next Saturday, she replied, “Thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule. Please, come over for a meal sometime.” I decided to take her up on her kind offer.

At the Aono household, his father had passed away early, leaving his mother and older brother to run the restaurant. Now that I’m a working adult myself, I can appreciate just how incredible their determination is. Given Aono’s situation, it was crucial for the school and the family to build an even closer bond, so I’ve made a point to be proactive about sharing information.

“I came as a customer today. One seasonal fried oyster set, please.”

“Oh my! Well then, I’ll add some extra cabbage for you, on the house.”

His mother smiled as she spoke. She has been meticulously reading every report we’ve sent. Whenever she had a question, she’d email me, and I would reply with as much detail as I could.

Thanks to our efforts, it seemed the family had come to trust our side of things as well. I could feel that her tone had become considerably softer during our phone calls.

“Sensei. Please, I’m counting on you to take care of Eiji.”

His older brother emerged from the kitchen, bringing me a minestrone soup. He, too, had been working diligently from a young age to support his family, never slacking off. As I gradually started talking with Aono as casually as we used to, I could keenly feel how much he felt indebted to his mother and brother.

His older brother’s gaze told me he was genuinely worried about his younger sibling.

“Of course. We will do everything in our power to protect him.”

In fact, the atmosphere at school was already changing. Fewer students were looking at Aono with suspicion. The high level of trust in Ichijou Ai, who often spent time with him, was certainly a factor, but a large part of it was due to his own character.

I’d come to realize that his classmates from last year and some of his current friends still couldn’t bring themselves to doubt him. Quite a few students were keeping their distance from the bullying and rumors.

When I was discussing his missing lab credits with the chemistry teacher, Endou—who was in Aono’s class last year—even offered, “In that case, I’ll do the experiment with him after school. Aono-kun is an important friend, and I want to help him however I can.”

Having so many friends willing to proactively help in a crisis was a testament to Aono’s usual good conduct.

“Excuse me! Another serving of rice, please!” a large-framed man shouted.

“Coming right up!” his mother responded.

When I casually glanced at his profile, I realized it was the streamer from the food channel I often watch. I see, I saw his picture earlier, but he was still here.I found myself getting involuntarily excited.

And I was grateful for this coincidence.

Earlier, in the video I watched to find the restaurant, he’d said something that caught my attention. Mulling it over, I thought it might just be a possibility.

That last week, in town, there was a boy who was being one-sidedly beaten up in a relationship-related matter.Fights weren’t uncommon, so the chance was slim. But he was a local streamer, which meant there was a chance he was filming in this area. And the details were strikingly similar to the incident that had sparked Aono’s bullying.

Even a slim possibility was enough. If it could bring this problem to an end. If it could stop the harm being done to Aono even a day sooner.

It was a chance worth taking.

I instinctively stood up and approached the streamer.

“Um, excuse me. Could you be…?”

I reached out my hand toward the door of truth.

“I always watch your videos. Keep up the great work!” I said to the Gourmet Geezer. It seemed he had finished filming for the day, and he responded with a friendly smile.

“Oh, really? That makes me so happy. Thank you for always watching!”

“And, excuse me. I know this is a bit forward, but in your previous stream, I believe you mentioned encountering a fight among some young people?”

He looked a bit puzzled but answered, “Yes, I did.”

There was no need to be secretive here. Aono’s mother was also looking our way with a startled expression.

“My name is Takayanagi, and I’m a teacher at a local high school. The truth is, around that same time, one of my students was the victim of an assault. I’d like to consult with the police, but without any evidence, we can’t even open an investigation. So, would you be willing to show me the video you mentioned? Even just to confirm whether the boy being beaten is my student.”

Honestly, I thought it was a long shot. Public perception of streamers is harsh these days, and they prioritize things like compliance. This particular streamer had a policy of getting permission before filming and avoiding busy hours so as not to be a nuisance.

But if there was even a small chance, I was willing to bow my head as many times as it took. Especially for a student.

“Hmm, what should I do?”

I offered him my business card, which I always carry just in case.

“I don’t know if this serves as objective proof, but this is my business card. I can also show you my driver’s license if you’d like. Besides, this restaurant is run by the parent of one of my students…”

The streamer glanced toward the kitchen, and both Aono’s mother and brother nodded their heads vigorously.

“Well, if you’re going to go that far… I happen to have the video with me, so please wait a moment.”

I let out a sigh of relief, though I couldn’t be completely at ease yet. The possibility that it was a different person was still higher.

“Here it is.”

The noisy, bustling sounds of the city filled the air, followed by a sudden scream of “Kyaa—!”

Someone shouted, “It’s a fight!” and the camera panned in that direction.

It wasn’t a fight at all. It was a scene of pure violence, where an enraged man one-sidedly beat up another who had simply grabbed a woman’s shoulder. It was a clear-cut assault.

The man who was hit went flying and crumpled to the ground. A considerable amount of force was behind the blow. It was too far to hear what was being said, but the man who threw the punch was shouting something in a harsh tirade.

The woman who was with him didn’t even try to run to the one who was hit; she just stood there, said a word or two, and left with the aggressor.

The camera started running, rushing over to the beaten man.

“Hey kid, are you okay? You shouldn’t try to walk. You should lie down for a bit… Hey, you!”

But the man just swayed listlessly and stumbled away from the scene.

Only the streamer was left, muttering worriedly, “I wonder if he’s okay.”

The video ended.I gasped. The people in the video were Aono Eiji, Amada Miyuki, and Kondo from the soccer team.

“So, how was it? Was it the footage you were looking for? For the record, I’ve already submitted this to the police, so if you consult with them, you might find out more…”

“Thank you very much. That’s my student, without a doubt. Did you submit the video to a police station? Please, tell me the location. I’ll contact them right away.”

After getting the location, I whispered the details of the video into his mother’s ear.

“It was Eiji-kun, after all. It was a video of him being beaten one-sidedly.”

Hearing that, she replied in a chilling voice.

“Sensei. This may cause trouble for the school, but I will absolutely not forgive those who made Eiji suffer.”

A typical teacher might bring up the future of the perpetrator. But our school is different.

“No, that is for you to decide, Aono-san. The school cannot interfere. Besides, I believe it’s a teacher’s responsibility to make students realize when they’ve done wrong. A student who has strayed from the right path might one day do something irreversible. In fact, this case is that irreversible thing. If that’s the situation, then I believe that giving them a proper opportunity to atone is also a form of education.”

“Thank you. Onii-chan, I’m sorry, but I’m going with Sensei. Keep this a secret from Eiji for now. Once I’ve confirmed everything, I’ll be the one to tell him.”

We rushed out and headed for the police stationwhere the videohad been submitted.

※

──Fire Department──

“We’ve received the video of the student couple from the police.”

At my subordinate’s report, I nodded.

“Thanks. Still, students these days are amazing, being able to act like that on their own initiative. We adults could learn a thing or two from them, couldn’t we?”

“I know, right, Fire Chief? Apparently, they left without even giving their names. They’re so virtuous it’s almost worrying. I was such a useless student—just did club activities, ate ramen with friends on the way home, and slept without studying.”

I gave a wry smile at my subordinate’s self-deprecation, reflecting on my own past as well.

“Don’t lump yourself in with them. The person who collapsed was the retired prefectural assemblyman, Yamada-san, wasn’t he? He’s a heavyweight who served as chairman of the prefectural assembly, a big shot that even national politicians have to bow to.”

Thanks to that, I was told they absolutely wanted to find the students. From our perspective, they would serve as a great example for the community, so we were more than happy to oblige.

“Whoa, he was that important, huh?”

Well, the young ones probably don’t know that.“Alright, for now, process the video so the students’ faces aren’t visible and use social media to ask for information. We might find something out.”

This subordinate is good with computers, so he should handle it well.

I wonder how much of a response there will be. It’d be nice if we find them soon…Little did I know at the time that this social media post would blow up in a matter of hours, generating hundreds of thousands of reactions.

※

──Local TV Station──

“This is bad! The ramen event we were supposed to cover live has been suddenly canceled! The organizers deemed it too dangerous due to strong winds.”

“What?! What are we going to do? We’ve got a five-minute slot wide open now! Isn’t there any other news we can cover?!”

“Well…”

“Damn it, there’s nothing? At this rate, we’ll have to do a deep dive on another story…”

“Ah, Director! I’ve got the perfect material. The video of the students helping someone that the fire department just posted is going viral. Let’s feature this. Apparently, some students helped someone but left without giving their names. The fire department wants to give them a commendation, so they’re looking for them.”

“We’re short on time, so having a video ready to go is a huge help. I want to use it. Get permission right away. They should agree immediately if it means getting featured on TV.”Everything was happening in real time.

※

──Police Station - Break Room──

“That video we gave to the fire department was uploaded right away. They work fast.”

“Yeah, apparently the former chairman of the prefectural assembly is involved.”

“So that’s why they’re moving so quickly.”

“Hey, what’s wrong, Minowa?”

“No, it’s just… the guy in the video they showed me earlier. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.”

“Oh? Have we identified him already?”

“No, I don’t know his name, but… You know, senpai. About a week ago, there was that case where a young boy got beaten up one-sidedly in a fight in the entertainment district, right?”

“Ah, the one where everyone involved disappeared. I think we only have that video streamer’s footage for that.”

“Yeah. Honestly, since no victim report was filed, it was left as is. But don’t they look similar?”

“You think so? I don’t really remember. Well, when our break’s over, let’s check it again. We might be able to do the fire department a favor.”

※

──Takayanagi’s Perspective──

We arrived at the police stationin front of the train station in the next town over. I explained the situation and had them show us the data again. The same video I had seen before played on the screen. It was Aono-san’s first time seeing it, and I could tell she was deeply shocked.

“No… to be beaten so one-sidedly like this.”

“Why did my son have to go through this just for grabbing his girlfriend’s shoulder?”“So this is what happened. Eiji was subjected to such a horrible thing… Betrayed by Miyuki-chan, too. Not even cared for while he was down, just coldly left behind… Why couldn’t I have noticed?”

The light vanished from her eyes as Aono-san muttered, suppressing her emotions. I couldn’t say anything; I could only watch over her.

No matter how many times I watch it, the scene is horrific.

It’s a one-sided assault. There’s no sign of the violence from Aono that Kondo had claimed.

So, it was a lie after all.“I won’t forgive the man who beat my son. He’s a student at the same high school, right, Sensei?”

“Yes, that’s correct. He’s a third-year student named Kondo.”

I had already contacted the principal and other staff on the way here. We reconfirmed our initial policy of leaving the decision to file a police report up to Aono-san, and I received instructions to cooperate as much as possible.

“Kondo. I see… Kondo.”

She muttered the name as if in a delirium, her expression hardening with an unyielding will to never forgive him.

“I’m filing a victim report. What do I need to do?” Aono-san declared forcefully and began the paperwork. She was informed that as a parent with legal custody, she could file a report on behalf of a minor.

While she was filling out the forms, two police officers entered the police station.

“Ah, good work!” the officer on duty greeted them.

The most senior-looking of the two asked, “Are these two related to the boy in that video?”

The officer who was asked immediately nodded.

“It’s the victim’s mother and his teacher. They’re in the middle of filing a victim report right now.”

“I see.”

The veteran officer turned to us and began to speak crisply.

“My name is Doumoto. I’m very sorry to trouble you so suddenly, but there’s another video I’d like you to confirm for a separate matter. Would you mind taking a look? Please rest assured, this is about a life-saving incident and is unrelated to the assault. My subordinate suggested that your son might resemble the boy who helped a man who collapsed on the street yesterday and left without giving his name. I’d like you to confirm his face.”

“Yes, that’s fine,” his mother answered, looking slightly relieved. I had been thinking how cruel it was for her to be shown such shocking footage repeatedly, so I was relieved to hear it was a different matter.

On the screen was Aono in his school uniform and the first-year, Ichijou Ai, working together to help a man who had collapsed.

So this is why they were almost late for school this morning. I couldn’t help but be convinced.

“Yes… that’s my son. And the girl next to him is… a girl my son is good friends with…”

His mother was so surprised that her words came out in fragments.

“Is that so? Actually, thanks to their quick treatment, the man who collapsed is now recovering smoothly. He would very much like to thank your son and the others. The fire department also wants to give them a commendation.”

A video showing a wonderful good deed, the complete opposite of the shocking footage from before. It truly felt as if we’d gone from hell to heaven.

Even though he’s my student, Aono is an amazing kid. In a situation where even adults would hesitate, he took the initiative to help someone. What’s more, to be able to act for the sake of others without becoming jaded in such a desperate situation—where it wouldn’t be strange to lose faith in humanity—is incredible.

“Is that so? Eiji… I had no idea… That child, he never says anything.”

The veteran officer laughed warmly.

“You have a fine son. I have a daughter around the same age, and that’s not something just anyone can do. He’s a wonderful boy. To think someone would hurt a kid like that is truly unforgivable. We will handle the assault case properly as well.”

At his kind yet strong words, we both felt a sense of relief.

“Thank you very much.”

His mother shed tears and bowed her head.

This world is truly full of absurdities. Why did a good person like Aono Eiji have to be treated so terribly? Why was he chosen as the target of this bullying?

No, this is no good. I can’t be pessimistic. He’s the one who must be suffering the most, and yet he’s still moving forward…As an adult, I have to act to alleviate his suffering, even if just a little.

First, I have to start by making the perpetrator atone.

Things are going to get tough from here on out.

I hardened my resolve once more.

※

──Shimokawa’s Perspective──

Damn it. It’s Monday, but the coach was so furious about yesterday’s practice match that he made us practice anyway. Normally, it would’ve just been a light workout for fatigue recovery before sending us home. Of course, the awkwardness from yesterday still lingered, and Kondo-senpai was, unsurprisingly, absent.

To be honest, we couldn’t focus on practice. The team was completely lacking its usual brilliance.

The next tournament is probably a lost cause. Everyone seemed to share that sense of resignation.

“Well, let’s head home,” I said, changing my shoes at the entrance hall. Suddenly, I heard the captain’s angry shout.

“Hey, Mitsuda! What the hell is this?! Explain yourself!”

We underclassmen, surprised by his unusual tone, headed in that direction.

Mitsuda-senpai’s shoe locker was wide open, and the floor was littered with a huge number of those photos.

At the bizarre sight, everyone was speechless, letting out a collective, “Huh?”

“So it was you! You resented Kondo for bossing you around, so you did this out of spite! You’ve ruined us! You were laughing behind our backs the whole time, weren’t you?” the captain rattled on hysterically.

“No! I don’t know anything about this! Someone must have put them there! I didn’t betray anyone! I’m being framed!”

Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but think of Aono. In the end, weren’t we just skillfully used by Kondo-senpai, made to play a part in framing Aono? Especially Mitsuda-senpai, since he was actively spreading the rumors. This has to be karma.

“I can’t trust you. I can’t trust anyone anymore!”

The captain slammed Mitsuda-senpai against the lockers and then just stormed off, leaving a funereal atmosphere among those of us left behind.

“This isn’t the kind of soccer I wanted to play,” Maehira, a first-year, muttered.

We all looked at him with shocked expressions. The first-years have had almost no involvement in this incident, so they were looking at our upperclassmen infighting with cold disdain, as if staring at something filthy.

Damn it, it’s not my fault. It’s Kondo-senpai’s fault.Maehira and the other first-years left without another word.

What remained was a pile of photos and a group of upperclassmen sinking into despair.

※

──Eri’s Perspective──

I boughtgroceries at the supermarket and returnedto that same old house.

“I’m home.”

Old habits die hard. Even if I greet an empty house, no one will ever reply.

I was made to realize that I am a being on the opposite end of the spectrum from happiness.

“I’ll just make some udon.”

If I boil some random vegetables and meat, I won’t die. I started living alone in high school, and it’s been like this ever since. I haven’t experienced the joy of a meal even once in these three years. As long as I got my nutrients, I didn’t care.

Outside of meeting Kondo-kun, I just do the bare minimum to pass the time. Except for when I’m with him, I’m already like a zombie.

Because I lost everything.

Even so, I was an honor student up until middle school. I had a lot of friends, and I was dating my childhood friend, Endou Kazuki. He was smart, too, and I was always so proud of him.

I thought he and I would always be close and end up together one day.

But I was the one who destroyed that promised happiness.

I was in the same class as Kondo-kun for the first time in my third year of middle school. As the ace of the soccer team who also excelled in his studies, he was always the center of the class.

Since I was in love with my childhood friend, I only ever saw him as someone amazing.

But being in the same class, we gradually became closer. He was good at studying and would kindly teach me the math problems I struggled with.

With such a trivial thing as a catalyst, we grew close. His way of escorting me, so accustomed to girls, was smart and felt more mature than the clumsy Kazuki. I let my guard down, and before I knew it, I had given him everything and was dropped into this hell.

But I know full well it’s all my fault. I’ve been trying not to see it, but the one most at fault is me.

I’ve been practically disowned by my parents. They’re paying for my tuition and living expenses, but I’ve been told to figure things out on my own after that.

My friends since kindergarten cut ties with me, saying, “How could you do something so cruel? When you think about Endou-kun… how could you do something so pitiful?”

I think that’s only natural. But in a situation where I can’t rely on my parents, going to university or a technical school is difficult. My long-held dream of becoming a teacher was as good as lost because of that affair.

I heard that Kazuki was so devastated that he couldn’t even take the high school entrance exams. He spent a year as a ronin, and now he’s enrolled in the grade below us.I was happy when he enrolled in the same high school. I knew it was wrong for me, who had said such terrible things, to feel that way. But I held a small hope that maybe he would save me from this hell.

That was nothing more than a pipe dream, I soon realized.

Even when we passed each other in the hallway, all I got was a cold stare, as if he were looking at filth.

His smile, which had always been directed at me so gently, would never be mine again. In the end, I was forced to realize that I only have Kondo-kun. The symbol of my happy days was already far away, and I couldn’t reach it no matter how far I stretched out my hand.

Furthermore, he discarded me and now treats me as nothing more than a convenient woman.

We dated for a moment in middle school, but I was immediately dumped. After that, I started skipping school. When he found that out, he became a little kinder and started coming to see me sometimes. Even though I knew I was just becoming his convenient woman, I couldn’t escape his swamp.

It was a love I had staked everything on, so I couldn’t give up. I dragged things on, becoming his plaything. My family, my lover, my friends, my dreams, my future… I staked them all on him.

I dedicated my entire youth to Kondo-kun.

And what’s left is this hell.

I know very well that he has other women. In fact, I’ve witnessed it several times.

But I always believed that he would come back to me, the one who dedicated everything to him.

An envelope that had just arrived in the mailbox shattered even that dream.

A photo of him happily coming out of a hotel with another woman.

If it were just that, I might have been able to bear it. But around his neck was the matching necklace we bought in middle school, as if to trample all over my feelings. I understood then that my youth was nothing more than a possession to him.

Unforgivable.I can’t forgive myself. I can’t forgive myself for betraying the people who were so important to me.

I’ll die. The thread that had been stretched to its limit finally snapped. There’s no hope for me in the future.

But I can’t be the only one to fall into hell.

The very person who created this hell will come with me…

At the very least, in the end, I’ll be true to myself…

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