"Yuzuki, you can go now," the principal said.
Yuzuki passed by Airi's side, glaring at her with cold, accusing eyes.
"So, Airi," the principal continued, "what do you want to say?"
"Sir, I didn't do anything!" Airi exclaimed, panic in her voice. "I don't even know that girl!"
"Airi, I believe you," the principal said sternly. "But—there's no evidence."
"What?!" Airi's eyes widened.
"But I know what kind of student you are. Because of you, this school has won countless medals and awards in tournaments. So—I'll give you two days. If you don't prove your innocence by then… you'll be expelled."
---
Scene shift: Takamura speaking to a stranger in shadows.
"Your plan is working," Takamura said. "Rumors are spreading just like you said."
The stranger gave a satisfied smirk but remained silent.
Takamura frowned, unsure. "But… I still don't get it. Why did you tell me to confess to Hikari that I like her? And why did you want Airi to badmouth her?"
The stranger let out a quiet sigh, almost annoyed. "Takamura… you really don't understand anything, do you?"
"I'm just asking—what was the point of that?"
The stranger's eyes glinted under the dim light. "After the rumors spread, they won't affect Airi right away. People trust her. But that's the key. To destroy someone like her, I need to take away what gives her strength—trust. Her best friend? Gone. Renji and Sakura? Ignoring her. Thanks to your little help and some well-placed words."
He stepped closer.
"The rest of the girls? They see her as a role model. So, to truly crush her, I have to turn that image into something they despise. That's why I made her the assaulter. Once she's completely isolated, emotionally shattered… you step in."
Takamura's eyes widened with realization. "So… she'll have no one left but me. I'll be the one who stays. She'll depend on me completely."
He smiled, thrilled. "She'll be mine."
The stranger's tone turned cold. "Exactly. That's what you want."
Takamura blinked. "…What about you? Why are you doing all this? Why do you want her expelled?"
"Because I want her to suffer. You love her. I hate her. This plan—one stone, two birds. You get the broken doll you love. And I get my revenge."
Takamura hesitated. "Revenge? What did Airi do to you?"
The stranger's eyes darkened. "You don't need to know. Just be satisfied with what you get. And don't ask stupid questions."
"…Fine," Takamura said quickly. "So—what's our next move?"
"Now… we need Hikari," the stranger said. "And you, Takamura, have the perfect way to move her."
---
Scene shift: Airi sobbing alone on the rooftop.
She cried, unable to understand what was happening to her. Alone. Betrayed.
Not far away, Yuuta stood by the wall, listening.
Yuuta sighed. "Airi… I'm sorry. I can't be with you anymore… I'm sorry."
He turned and walked away, ignoring her sobs.
---
Scene shift: Airi washes her face and returns to class.
Meanwhile, Takamura stood with Hikari.
"Hikari, did you hear?" Takamura began, "Airi's been accused of assault."
"What?!" Hikari gasped. "No way! That's a lie. Airi would never do that!"
"I know," Takamura nodded. "But… we have no evidence. If we want to help her, we need more time. You're the only one who can get it."
"What do you mean?"
"You have to apologize to that girl—Yuzuki—on Airi's behalf."
"What? Why? Airi didn't do anything!"
"I know, I know. But without evidence, she's going to be expelled in two days. If you ask Yuzuki to take back the complaint—even temporarily—we can buy time. Just say you're sorry on behalf of Airi. Say you're asking as a friend. If anyone threatens you, I'll protect you."
Hikari hesitated.
"You want to save Airi, don't you?"
"Yes, I do…"
"Then do it."
"…Okay."
"I'll give you her address."
---
Scene shift: That night.
Airi, fresh from the bath, checked her phone—and froze in horror.
The next morning, at school, gossip filled the hallways.
"So it's true…"
"I didn't know Airi was that kind of girl."
"Poor Hikari… she did everything for Airi, and Airi just backstabbed her…"
Airi entered the classroom. The noise stopped. Everyone turned to glare at her.
The ones who used to greet her now looked at her like she was filth.
"She's just another assaulter…"
"She was never a role model."
"We were so dumb to believe in her."
"Why is she even here? She should be gone!"
Airi sat at her desk, frozen. Confused. Hurt.
What did I do?
I did nothing…
Please… believe me…
Saya entered the class. "Shut up, all of you!" she shouted.
Everyone looked at her in surprise.
"If you don't have proof, then stop talking like you're so sure!"
Airi looked up, whispering, "Saya…"
But one girl pulled out her phone.
"See this video? It was posted in our class group chat," she said. "Hikari is seen apologizing to Yuzuki. She clearly says, 'I'm sorry on Airi's behalf.' So yeah—Airi did it."
Saya's eyes widened. "It… it has to be fake…"
"It's real," the girl said smugly. "Airi's just too much of a coward to apologize herself. She made her friend do it."
Airi hung her head.
"But I believe her," Saya shouted.
Airi looked up in shock.
"You still believe her? Wow. You're going to regret that."
"Let's see who breaks first," the girl grinned.
Outside the classroom, Yuuta stood, listening silently.
---
Scene shift: Principal's office.
"Airi," the principal said, "I've decided something."
"Yes, sir?"
"You are a valuable student. I don't want to expel you. So… there will be a vote."
"Vote?" Airi asked, confused.
"Yes. Your fellow students will decide whether you stay or not. You've done terrible things—or so it seems. If they vote for you to stay, you will still face severe punishment. But if not… you will be expelled."
He looked at her with a serious face.
"The vote will be held in two days."
---
Scene shift: Takamura and the stranger.
"You made the principal agree to a vote?!" Takamura shouted. "What if they vote for her to stay?!"
"Relax," the stranger said coldly. "No one believes her now. No one's going to vote for her."
He smirked.
"This way, I'll show her the truth—that the friends she trusted, the people she believed in, will all turn their backs on her. She'll be completely alone. And then you—Takamura—will come to her side. The only one left. She'll have no choice but to rely on you."
Takamura laughed. "I can't believe it. With such an innocent face… you can plan all this?"
The stranger's eyes narrowed. "One more thing. Don't ever reveal my identity. Or you know what will happen."
"I know. I know," Takamura nodded. "Now let's see what happens to Airi…"
He smiled darkly.
---
To be continued…
> What will happen to Airi?
Will anyone stand up for her?
Yuuta—where are you?
Please add to library and leave a power stone if you like this chapter