Shin2 Dan: Chapter 53: Price of Truth: Death (9)
Title: Shin2 Dan
Chapter: Fifty-three - Price of Truth: Death (9)
Author: yukitan
Genre: Mystery, School life, Slice of Life
Rating: G
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and a fan's unrealistic dream. I don't own them. The characters and settings for this story will not reflect the real person in real life.
Previous Chapters:
- Character File
- Chapter 0
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (1)
- Chapter 11 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (2)
- Chapter 12 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (3)
- Chapter 13 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (4)
- Chapter 14 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (5)
- Chapter 15 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (Conclusion)
- Chapter 16 - Unknown Grudge (1)
- Chapter 17 - Unknown Grudge (2)
- Chapter 18 - Unknown Grudge (3)
- Chapter 19 - Unknown Grudge (4)
- Chapter 20 - Unknown Grudge (5)
- Chapter 21 - Unknown Grudge (6)
- Chapter 22 - Unknown Grudge (7)
- Chapter 23 - Unknown Grudge (Conclusion)
- Chapter 24 - Sunday: Kamiki Ryunosuke
- Chapter 25 - Sunday: Fukuda Mayuko (1)
- Chapter 26 - Sunday: Fukuda Mayuko (2)
- Chapter 27 - Sunday: Yamada Ryosuke
- Chapter 28 - Secrets Behind the Exam (1)
- Chapter 29 - Secrets Behind the Exam (2)
- Chapter 30 - Secrets Behind the Exam (3)
- Chapter 31 - Secrets Behind the Exam (4)
- Chapter 32 - Secrets Behind the Exam (5)
- Chapter 33 - Secrets Behind the Exam (6)
- Chapter 34 - Secrets Behind the Exam (7)
- Chapter 35 - Secrets Behind the Exam (8)
- Chapter 36 - Secrets Behind the Exam (Conclusion)
- Chapter 37 - Unmask (1)
- Chapter 38 - Unmask (2)
- Chapter 39 - Unmask (3)
- Chapter 40 - Unmask (4)
- Chapter 41 - Unmask (5)
- Chapter 42 - Unmask (6)
- Chapter 43 - Unmask (7)
- Chapter 44 - Unmask (Conclusion)
- Chapter 45 - Price of Truth: Death (1)
- Chapter 46 - Price of Truth: Death (2)
- Chapter 47 - Price of Truth: Death (3)
- Chapter 48 - Price of Truth: Death (4)
- Chapter 49 - Price of Truth: Death (5)
- Chapter 50 - Price of Truth: Death (6)
- Chapter 51 - Price of Truth: Death (7)
- Chapter 52 - Price of Truth: Death (8)
Chapter 53 - Price of Truth: Death (9)
“Yamachan, what do you think you’re doing? Why are you pulling me out of class at this time?” Shida struggles as she tries to shake off Yamada’s strong grasp, “I need to get back to class. Don’t you know I’m the class rep?”
Yamada didn’t reply, which makes her struggles harder.
“You’re hurting me!”
“Shut up!” Yamada snapped. His headache is becoming worse as he pulls her toward the headquarter of Shin 2 dan. He still can’t believe what Yuto said is the truth. He didn’t want it to be true. On one side, he knows that if he lets this go, it will be unfair to Fukuda. He still feels guilty for not being able to protect her. However, on the other side, it also seems preposterous that someone like Shida, his childhood friend, would cause such a huge problem. Each side formed their own logics as they battle it out in his head, causing chaos in his brain tissue. Neither is winning nor losing, and neither willing to back down. The only thing he could do is putting faith in her.
Just like that, one drags while the other protests the whole way. Outsiders may thought it was a lovebird quarrel, but for those two, it’s as if a predator is dragging his prey back to the nest for a feast.
As they finally reach the headquarter, Yamada releases Shida. She looks up to her surrounds, wearing a shock expression. In front of her stand a smug Yuto and a meek Kamiki.
“Why did you bring me here?” Shida asked as her feet slowly retreat. What she would do if she could run back to the safety of her classroom. “Yamachan, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Mirai-chan.” Kamiki whispered.
Shida turns to Kamiki, and in an instant, runs toward him for support. She knows he is the only person that wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, and that she has him on her side no matter what. To her disappointment, he gently brushes her away. She looks at him, confused, but he didn’t dare to return her gaze.
“Are you really my boyfriend?” Shida whispered under her breath.
“I’m sorry.” His reply.
“So...” It was Yuto that break the silence, “Mirai-chan, it was you wasn’t it?”
“It was me?” She asked.
“You know...” He held himself back, letting the girl to finish his accusation.
However, Shida just cocks her head to one side, while innocently reply, “Huh?”
Yuto stares back at her with a mischievous smile, then he pointed at the news article on the table.
Instantly, Shida protests, “What are you trying to say? Why would I do that? Didn't you see, I was also mentioned in the article? So why would I want to cause problems to myself? Where are your proofs?”
“Why are you so defensive?” Yuto smiles. Realizing something, Shida quickly takes a half step back and looks away.
“You’re right.” Yamada said, “We really don’t have any proofs at the moment, because the one who you supplied the information to was too tight lip.”
Hearing this, Shida’s face quickly relaxes. Her lips slightly curve to a smile, “You see? How can that person be me?”
The boys look at each others, but didn’t say anything else. Seeing that, Shida continues, “I mean, I already have everything I wanted. What would I gain from exposing your club to the school?”
“I don’t know either.” Yamada flops down to the couch while taking a comfortable position. “That’s why I asked you to come, didn’t I?”
“Asked me?” Shida snorted, “Don’t you mean drag me?”
Yamada didn’t answer. His stare is transfixed to the ground, feeling too tired to answer her.
“You too Miki!” This time, she directs her attention to the boy next to her. Hearing his name suddenly called, Kamiki shrinks backward. “I can’t believe you didn’t trust me. I thought I am your girlfriend. I thought that we are dating. I thought you told me that you like me. Instead of sticking up for me, you betrayed me. Of all the people, I can’t believe you’re such a person.”
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki replies. His heart sways as he looks into her glass eyes. He knows she is right, but something in his mind tugs at him uncontrollably.
“Mirai!” Yamada called her attention back to him, almost pleading, “Can you really look at us in the eye and tell us you didn’t do it? Tell us you’re not the culprit.”
“Of course I can!” Shida said, “It’s because I’m not the one who did it in the first place. Not only you two, but because of that article, I was also blamed too you know. And besides, you and Miki are part of this too, so why would I do something like that? That would mean that I really betrayed you guys, right?” Shida turns to the boys. Seeing that they all look convinced by what she’d said, she smiles in satisfaction. “So stop this whole silly talk, okay? Since everything is already out to light, how about just forget this club?”
Shida walks toward the table and stares at it for a moment. Casually takes a seat, she flashes them a big smile.
“Mirai-chan, I didn’t want to believe it at first, but...” Kamiki’s voice trailed off.
“Huh?”
“So you’re really the one who spread the information to the newspaper’s club.” Yamada stands with a grim face.
“Wait a second!” Shida’s alert eyes turned to Yamada, “Why are you blaming me again? I thought you don’t have any proofs.”
“I did said that.” Yamada nods, “We didn’t have any solid proofs before you were brought here.”
“So why?”
“You just convinced us, that’s why.” Yuto picks up the article and shows it to Shida. She stared at it for a while, but her face still have a look of confusion.
“In short, the moment you identify Ryu and I as the members.” Yamada explained.
“Wait, but I only said what’s written in the article.” Shida pointed to the paper, while her eyes quickly skims over the contents. Then, in the same instant, her face fell.
“Do you get it now?” Yamada asked.
“But... I... But, it was just an educated guess.” Shida stammered.
“Don’t you remember what you told us?” Yamada shakes his head, “You asked us why would you do it when you know that both of us are members. First of all, nowhere in the article does it talks about the location of this place either. But the moment you walked in, your expression said it all.”
“It was just a guess.” Shida protested, “Since the school is so hyped up about this new club, that’s the first thing that popped into my mind when you brought me--”
“And secondly,” Yamada cuts in, “Even though there are three of us here, you instantly know that only two of us are members.”
“That’s right!” Yuto smiles, “If it’s really an educated guess like you have said, then you would have guess that I am the third member. Instead, you said two. No matter how I think about it, the math just doesn’t add up.”
Shida becomes silent. Her head racing, trying to come up with an explanation that she can satisfy the boys.
“Mirai-chan.” Near her was Kamiki’s soft voice.
“Why do you think I would do that?” Shida’s eyes moistened, “Why are you so adamant that I am the one? Do you hate me that much?” Tears begins to stream from her eyes. Yuto keeps silent, but his eyes are filled with disgust.
“Mirai-chan.” Kamiki said again.
“You too Miki!” Shida uses her hands to wipe her tears away, “You, of all people, should have been on my side from the start! Why are you guys doing this to me? What would I gain? What are my motives? Why should I stoop that low?”
“It’s the same reason why you’re sitting there, isn’t it?” Yuto exclaimed, almost in anger.
“What does sitting in a seat have anything to do with being the culprit?”
“The question is not the seat itself, but whose seat it is.” Yuto answered, “Normally, a person would choose the seat closest to her, which means, you would have to sit here.” He points to Yamada’s usual seat. “Instead, you deliberately walk toward that seat.”
“What does it matters which seat I take? All the seats are the same isn’t it?”
“That seat belongs to Fukuda-san.” Kamiki said.
His answer caused Shida to instantly sat straight up as her face pales. “It’s a coincidence!” She quickly said, “And what does it really matter? A seat is just a seat. And that girl isn’t here anyways, so who cares?”
“You’re right, a seat is just a seat.” Yuto nodded, “So why did you look so frightened just now when I mentioned her?”
“It was just normal reflex.” Shida protested, “I have to be careful of what I say now because anything I do, you’ll just ended up distorting it as you liked. Anyone would be afraid.”
“If you’re not guilty, then what does it really matters?” Yuto retorted, “You’re the one that fell into the traps you set yourself.”
“Yuto, it’s fine.” Yamada said, making Yuto turned away in a huff.
“Fukuda-san...” Kamiki whispered, “Fukuda-san was pushed off the stairs earlier.”
“What?” Shida’s eyes widen.
“It’s as he’d said.” Yamada replied, “She was pushed off the stairs sometimes during lunch. That’s why she left early.”
“But I thought...” Shida’s eyes darted, confused, “I thought she decided to skip class because she didn’t want to take all the bullying. All the girls in the class were saying that she ran away.”
“Fukuda-san isn’t that type of person.” Kamiki’s booming voice startled Shida.
“Miki?”
“What I mean is, she’s not the type to just run away.” Kamiki lowered his voice as he turns to Shida was worried eyes.
“Then why did she left?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Yuto sighs, “She wanted to protect someone.”
“You’re not about to say that the person she wanted to protect was me are you?”
“In short, yes.”
“How funny.” Shida lets out a confident laugh, “That would mean you suspected the person who pushed her down the stairs was me. You did said that it happened during lunch time right? Miki was there with me at the time, so how can I met up with her? Right Miki?”
“You misunderstood me.” Yuto smiles, “Just because you weren’t there doesn’t mean that it doesn’t concern you.”
Yamada calmly explains, “Mamayu is not stupid enough to meet up with the person that she knew will do her harm without any reasons. So the person she’s meeting this time must know something about the current scandal. This person may even have a hand with this.”
“After the incident,” Kamiki added, “She refused to say anything to us, even going so far as telling us to forget finding who the culprit is.”
“So what?”
“Don’t you get it?” Yuto swiftly reply, “The person she met probably told her who started this in the first place. And that person was probably you.”
“And where are your proofs? Did you met up with this person and got this information from them?” Shida looks from one to the other. Knowing full well that Nakamura won’t open his mouth, she smiles, “No? That’s what I thought. Another one of your silly conjecture to put the blame on me.”
“We’re not trying to put the blame on you.” Kamiki said, “We just want to know the truth.”
“And the truth is, you guys don’t have anything concrete on me.” Shida said, “Everything you said are guesses, and everything I’ve said are coincidences. That’s it!”
“Don’t you see?” Kamiki shakes his head, “It’s just too easy to be just coincidences. If we put everything together, they all fits.”
“Miki!” Shida exclaimed, “Of everyone here, I can’t believe you would be the one to tell me this. You’re the last person I expected to put the blame on me.”
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki meekly said, “It’s just that Fukuda-san is all alone.”
“Open your eyes!” Shida cried as she holds on to his arm, “She’s not the one that’s all alone. I am alone!”
The room becomes silent as Shida finished. Yamada knows that they won’t get anywhere from here. He knew she is stubborn and hates to lose. If the conversation continues, they will not go anywhere because she will continue to deny her part in this. The only way for her to admit would be to get the confession from the person that met with her directly, Nakamura Aoi.
The heavy tension was felt by everyone in the room. Shida is boiling with anger and disappointment. Yamada just feel exhausted thinking about meeting the chief of the newspaper club again. Kamiki is torn between his loyalty and bond to Shin 2 dan with his feelings for Shida. And Yuto is trying to control his grudges on the girl in front of him. None of them say anything for a long time.
Kamiki’s keitai suddenly vibrates, disrupting the mood that surround them.
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki smiles weakly as he looks at the name on his caller ID, “It’s my sister.” He steps aside with his back facing them, while the other three return to their glaring contest.
“What? Fukuda-san?!” Kamiki yelled into the receiver, startled everyone in the room.
“What’s wrong with Mamayu?” Yamada asked, concerned.
Kamiki turns to them, his eyes widen and his face paled, as if he just seen a ghost.
“Fu... Fukuda-san... Fukuda-san...” Kamiki’s eyes become unfocused as he looks at the dancing shapes in front of him. He feels dizzy and weak as his gaze falls to the ground.
“What’s wrong with her?” with urgency in his voice, Yamada shakes Kamiki, trying to get the boy’s mind back from where it has floated to.
Kamiki’s eyes focused again as he stares back at Yamada with bloodshot eyes, “Fukuda-san fell from a building.”
----------------
Author’s Notes: I just realized that Fukuda tends to fall a lot in this arc, first, the ground, then the stairs, and now the building. ^^;;
Chapter: Fifty-three - Price of Truth: Death (9)
Author: yukitan
Genre: Mystery, School life, Slice of Life
Rating: G
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and a fan's unrealistic dream. I don't own them. The characters and settings for this story will not reflect the real person in real life.
Previous Chapters:
- Character File
- Chapter 0
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (1)
- Chapter 11 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (2)
- Chapter 12 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (3)
- Chapter 13 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (4)
- Chapter 14 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (5)
- Chapter 15 - Stolen a Mother's Keepsake (Conclusion)
- Chapter 16 - Unknown Grudge (1)
- Chapter 17 - Unknown Grudge (2)
- Chapter 18 - Unknown Grudge (3)
- Chapter 19 - Unknown Grudge (4)
- Chapter 20 - Unknown Grudge (5)
- Chapter 21 - Unknown Grudge (6)
- Chapter 22 - Unknown Grudge (7)
- Chapter 23 - Unknown Grudge (Conclusion)
- Chapter 24 - Sunday: Kamiki Ryunosuke
- Chapter 25 - Sunday: Fukuda Mayuko (1)
- Chapter 26 - Sunday: Fukuda Mayuko (2)
- Chapter 27 - Sunday: Yamada Ryosuke
- Chapter 28 - Secrets Behind the Exam (1)
- Chapter 29 - Secrets Behind the Exam (2)
- Chapter 30 - Secrets Behind the Exam (3)
- Chapter 31 - Secrets Behind the Exam (4)
- Chapter 32 - Secrets Behind the Exam (5)
- Chapter 33 - Secrets Behind the Exam (6)
- Chapter 34 - Secrets Behind the Exam (7)
- Chapter 35 - Secrets Behind the Exam (8)
- Chapter 36 - Secrets Behind the Exam (Conclusion)
- Chapter 37 - Unmask (1)
- Chapter 38 - Unmask (2)
- Chapter 39 - Unmask (3)
- Chapter 40 - Unmask (4)
- Chapter 41 - Unmask (5)
- Chapter 42 - Unmask (6)
- Chapter 43 - Unmask (7)
- Chapter 44 - Unmask (Conclusion)
- Chapter 45 - Price of Truth: Death (1)
- Chapter 46 - Price of Truth: Death (2)
- Chapter 47 - Price of Truth: Death (3)
- Chapter 48 - Price of Truth: Death (4)
- Chapter 49 - Price of Truth: Death (5)
- Chapter 50 - Price of Truth: Death (6)
- Chapter 51 - Price of Truth: Death (7)
- Chapter 52 - Price of Truth: Death (8)
Chapter 53 - Price of Truth: Death (9)
“Yamachan, what do you think you’re doing? Why are you pulling me out of class at this time?” Shida struggles as she tries to shake off Yamada’s strong grasp, “I need to get back to class. Don’t you know I’m the class rep?”
Yamada didn’t reply, which makes her struggles harder.
“You’re hurting me!”
“Shut up!” Yamada snapped. His headache is becoming worse as he pulls her toward the headquarter of Shin 2 dan. He still can’t believe what Yuto said is the truth. He didn’t want it to be true. On one side, he knows that if he lets this go, it will be unfair to Fukuda. He still feels guilty for not being able to protect her. However, on the other side, it also seems preposterous that someone like Shida, his childhood friend, would cause such a huge problem. Each side formed their own logics as they battle it out in his head, causing chaos in his brain tissue. Neither is winning nor losing, and neither willing to back down. The only thing he could do is putting faith in her.
Just like that, one drags while the other protests the whole way. Outsiders may thought it was a lovebird quarrel, but for those two, it’s as if a predator is dragging his prey back to the nest for a feast.
As they finally reach the headquarter, Yamada releases Shida. She looks up to her surrounds, wearing a shock expression. In front of her stand a smug Yuto and a meek Kamiki.
“Why did you bring me here?” Shida asked as her feet slowly retreat. What she would do if she could run back to the safety of her classroom. “Yamachan, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Mirai-chan.” Kamiki whispered.
Shida turns to Kamiki, and in an instant, runs toward him for support. She knows he is the only person that wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, and that she has him on her side no matter what. To her disappointment, he gently brushes her away. She looks at him, confused, but he didn’t dare to return her gaze.
“Are you really my boyfriend?” Shida whispered under her breath.
“I’m sorry.” His reply.
“So...” It was Yuto that break the silence, “Mirai-chan, it was you wasn’t it?”
“It was me?” She asked.
“You know...” He held himself back, letting the girl to finish his accusation.
However, Shida just cocks her head to one side, while innocently reply, “Huh?”
Yuto stares back at her with a mischievous smile, then he pointed at the news article on the table.
Instantly, Shida protests, “What are you trying to say? Why would I do that? Didn't you see, I was also mentioned in the article? So why would I want to cause problems to myself? Where are your proofs?”
“Why are you so defensive?” Yuto smiles. Realizing something, Shida quickly takes a half step back and looks away.
“You’re right.” Yamada said, “We really don’t have any proofs at the moment, because the one who you supplied the information to was too tight lip.”
Hearing this, Shida’s face quickly relaxes. Her lips slightly curve to a smile, “You see? How can that person be me?”
The boys look at each others, but didn’t say anything else. Seeing that, Shida continues, “I mean, I already have everything I wanted. What would I gain from exposing your club to the school?”
“I don’t know either.” Yamada flops down to the couch while taking a comfortable position. “That’s why I asked you to come, didn’t I?”
“Asked me?” Shida snorted, “Don’t you mean drag me?”
Yamada didn’t answer. His stare is transfixed to the ground, feeling too tired to answer her.
“You too Miki!” This time, she directs her attention to the boy next to her. Hearing his name suddenly called, Kamiki shrinks backward. “I can’t believe you didn’t trust me. I thought I am your girlfriend. I thought that we are dating. I thought you told me that you like me. Instead of sticking up for me, you betrayed me. Of all the people, I can’t believe you’re such a person.”
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki replies. His heart sways as he looks into her glass eyes. He knows she is right, but something in his mind tugs at him uncontrollably.
“Mirai!” Yamada called her attention back to him, almost pleading, “Can you really look at us in the eye and tell us you didn’t do it? Tell us you’re not the culprit.”
“Of course I can!” Shida said, “It’s because I’m not the one who did it in the first place. Not only you two, but because of that article, I was also blamed too you know. And besides, you and Miki are part of this too, so why would I do something like that? That would mean that I really betrayed you guys, right?” Shida turns to the boys. Seeing that they all look convinced by what she’d said, she smiles in satisfaction. “So stop this whole silly talk, okay? Since everything is already out to light, how about just forget this club?”
Shida walks toward the table and stares at it for a moment. Casually takes a seat, she flashes them a big smile.
“Mirai-chan, I didn’t want to believe it at first, but...” Kamiki’s voice trailed off.
“Huh?”
“So you’re really the one who spread the information to the newspaper’s club.” Yamada stands with a grim face.
“Wait a second!” Shida’s alert eyes turned to Yamada, “Why are you blaming me again? I thought you don’t have any proofs.”
“I did said that.” Yamada nods, “We didn’t have any solid proofs before you were brought here.”
“So why?”
“You just convinced us, that’s why.” Yuto picks up the article and shows it to Shida. She stared at it for a while, but her face still have a look of confusion.
“In short, the moment you identify Ryu and I as the members.” Yamada explained.
“Wait, but I only said what’s written in the article.” Shida pointed to the paper, while her eyes quickly skims over the contents. Then, in the same instant, her face fell.
“Do you get it now?” Yamada asked.
“But... I... But, it was just an educated guess.” Shida stammered.
“Don’t you remember what you told us?” Yamada shakes his head, “You asked us why would you do it when you know that both of us are members. First of all, nowhere in the article does it talks about the location of this place either. But the moment you walked in, your expression said it all.”
“It was just a guess.” Shida protested, “Since the school is so hyped up about this new club, that’s the first thing that popped into my mind when you brought me--”
“And secondly,” Yamada cuts in, “Even though there are three of us here, you instantly know that only two of us are members.”
“That’s right!” Yuto smiles, “If it’s really an educated guess like you have said, then you would have guess that I am the third member. Instead, you said two. No matter how I think about it, the math just doesn’t add up.”
Shida becomes silent. Her head racing, trying to come up with an explanation that she can satisfy the boys.
“Mirai-chan.” Near her was Kamiki’s soft voice.
“Why do you think I would do that?” Shida’s eyes moistened, “Why are you so adamant that I am the one? Do you hate me that much?” Tears begins to stream from her eyes. Yuto keeps silent, but his eyes are filled with disgust.
“Mirai-chan.” Kamiki said again.
“You too Miki!” Shida uses her hands to wipe her tears away, “You, of all people, should have been on my side from the start! Why are you guys doing this to me? What would I gain? What are my motives? Why should I stoop that low?”
“It’s the same reason why you’re sitting there, isn’t it?” Yuto exclaimed, almost in anger.
“What does sitting in a seat have anything to do with being the culprit?”
“The question is not the seat itself, but whose seat it is.” Yuto answered, “Normally, a person would choose the seat closest to her, which means, you would have to sit here.” He points to Yamada’s usual seat. “Instead, you deliberately walk toward that seat.”
“What does it matters which seat I take? All the seats are the same isn’t it?”
“That seat belongs to Fukuda-san.” Kamiki said.
His answer caused Shida to instantly sat straight up as her face pales. “It’s a coincidence!” She quickly said, “And what does it really matter? A seat is just a seat. And that girl isn’t here anyways, so who cares?”
“You’re right, a seat is just a seat.” Yuto nodded, “So why did you look so frightened just now when I mentioned her?”
“It was just normal reflex.” Shida protested, “I have to be careful of what I say now because anything I do, you’ll just ended up distorting it as you liked. Anyone would be afraid.”
“If you’re not guilty, then what does it really matters?” Yuto retorted, “You’re the one that fell into the traps you set yourself.”
“Yuto, it’s fine.” Yamada said, making Yuto turned away in a huff.
“Fukuda-san...” Kamiki whispered, “Fukuda-san was pushed off the stairs earlier.”
“What?” Shida’s eyes widen.
“It’s as he’d said.” Yamada replied, “She was pushed off the stairs sometimes during lunch. That’s why she left early.”
“But I thought...” Shida’s eyes darted, confused, “I thought she decided to skip class because she didn’t want to take all the bullying. All the girls in the class were saying that she ran away.”
“Fukuda-san isn’t that type of person.” Kamiki’s booming voice startled Shida.
“Miki?”
“What I mean is, she’s not the type to just run away.” Kamiki lowered his voice as he turns to Shida was worried eyes.
“Then why did she left?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Yuto sighs, “She wanted to protect someone.”
“You’re not about to say that the person she wanted to protect was me are you?”
“In short, yes.”
“How funny.” Shida lets out a confident laugh, “That would mean you suspected the person who pushed her down the stairs was me. You did said that it happened during lunch time right? Miki was there with me at the time, so how can I met up with her? Right Miki?”
“You misunderstood me.” Yuto smiles, “Just because you weren’t there doesn’t mean that it doesn’t concern you.”
Yamada calmly explains, “Mamayu is not stupid enough to meet up with the person that she knew will do her harm without any reasons. So the person she’s meeting this time must know something about the current scandal. This person may even have a hand with this.”
“After the incident,” Kamiki added, “She refused to say anything to us, even going so far as telling us to forget finding who the culprit is.”
“So what?”
“Don’t you get it?” Yuto swiftly reply, “The person she met probably told her who started this in the first place. And that person was probably you.”
“And where are your proofs? Did you met up with this person and got this information from them?” Shida looks from one to the other. Knowing full well that Nakamura won’t open his mouth, she smiles, “No? That’s what I thought. Another one of your silly conjecture to put the blame on me.”
“We’re not trying to put the blame on you.” Kamiki said, “We just want to know the truth.”
“And the truth is, you guys don’t have anything concrete on me.” Shida said, “Everything you said are guesses, and everything I’ve said are coincidences. That’s it!”
“Don’t you see?” Kamiki shakes his head, “It’s just too easy to be just coincidences. If we put everything together, they all fits.”
“Miki!” Shida exclaimed, “Of everyone here, I can’t believe you would be the one to tell me this. You’re the last person I expected to put the blame on me.”
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki meekly said, “It’s just that Fukuda-san is all alone.”
“Open your eyes!” Shida cried as she holds on to his arm, “She’s not the one that’s all alone. I am alone!”
The room becomes silent as Shida finished. Yamada knows that they won’t get anywhere from here. He knew she is stubborn and hates to lose. If the conversation continues, they will not go anywhere because she will continue to deny her part in this. The only way for her to admit would be to get the confession from the person that met with her directly, Nakamura Aoi.
The heavy tension was felt by everyone in the room. Shida is boiling with anger and disappointment. Yamada just feel exhausted thinking about meeting the chief of the newspaper club again. Kamiki is torn between his loyalty and bond to Shin 2 dan with his feelings for Shida. And Yuto is trying to control his grudges on the girl in front of him. None of them say anything for a long time.
Kamiki’s keitai suddenly vibrates, disrupting the mood that surround them.
“I’m sorry.” Kamiki smiles weakly as he looks at the name on his caller ID, “It’s my sister.” He steps aside with his back facing them, while the other three return to their glaring contest.
“What? Fukuda-san?!” Kamiki yelled into the receiver, startled everyone in the room.
“What’s wrong with Mamayu?” Yamada asked, concerned.
Kamiki turns to them, his eyes widen and his face paled, as if he just seen a ghost.
“Fu... Fukuda-san... Fukuda-san...” Kamiki’s eyes become unfocused as he looks at the dancing shapes in front of him. He feels dizzy and weak as his gaze falls to the ground.
“What’s wrong with her?” with urgency in his voice, Yamada shakes Kamiki, trying to get the boy’s mind back from where it has floated to.
Kamiki’s eyes focused again as he stares back at Yamada with bloodshot eyes, “Fukuda-san fell from a building.”
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Author’s Notes: I just realized that Fukuda tends to fall a lot in this arc, first, the ground, then the stairs, and now the building. ^^;;