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The teacher strode into the classroom, and as the students regained their composure from the earlier commotion, they settled back into their seats, including Konro, who cast a glance in Yuuto’s direction.

“Good morning, class…!” the homeroom teacher greeted.
“Good morning, teacher!” came the unified response from the class, with Yuuto’s greeting barely audible amidst the chorus of voices.

“Alright, before we dive into today’s lesson: Shun-kun… Sakurai,” the teacher called out, his tone carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible edge as he addressed Yuuto, “Both of you need to head to your club room to prepare for the upcoming trip during lunch break. The bus leaves at 13:25, so ensure you meet up with Shizume-kun and gather with the rest of your club to avoid missing it.”

Shun & Yuuto: “Yes, teacher.”

“Ehhh? The Club Room’s going on a trip…? Lucky,” murmured the students among themselves.
“Yeah, Shizume-kun always likes to be well-prepared. He arranges these preview trips in advance to familiarize everyone with the destination so that nobody feels out of place during the actual school trip,” chimed in another student.

“Hehe, wish I had his foresight and asked for that job. Two trips at the price of one!”

“Dumbass. Even if you did, you wouldn’t be granted permission. You’re not as responsible as Shizume-kun. He actually takes the initiative to plan and coordinate with people and places while he’s there. Even during breaks, he’s on top of things,” remarked another classmate.

“Now, NOW, CLASS! Quiet down… You’re all familiar with Shizume-kun and his club’s diligence. There’s no need for a recurring discussion every time we have a school trip,” the teacher interjected with a sigh.

‘A teacher’s pet and respected by his peers. That’s a rare combination,’ Yuuto pondered silently as the teacher launched into the day’s lesson.

As lunch break arrived, Yuuto opened his neatly-packed lunch, revealing an array of salads and generous portions of meat, which he eagerly dug into. Shun and Riko followed suit, unpacking their own meals.

Glancing at Yuuto’s lunch, Shun remarked, “I never realized, but your mom sure knows how to pack a lunch, Sakurai.”

Riko nodded in agreement, adding, “Yeah, I half-expected it to be… more eclectic.”
“…I make my own bento boxes,” Yuuto replied casually, continuing to indulge in his meal.

Shun & Riko: “What? Really?”

“As much as my mom’s a culinary angel, and an angel in everything and every way, as befitting of the woman who birthed me, if I let her make my bento, it’d be loaded with rice, tofu, drowned in oil for flavor. Not exactly ideal for muscle-building,” Yuuto explained nonchalantly, paying little attention to their reactions.

“Oh? I didn’t know you were into working out, Sakurai,” Shun remarked, tilting his head in curiosity.

‘Damn it, I said something I shouldn’t have,’ Yuuto grimaced internally, feeling a pang of regret.
“I-… I mean, I’m not exactly hitting the gym,” he stammered, “It’s just not the healthiest option. I’m aiming for longevity here. Want to make it past 60. Wouldn’t want to be a fatas…”

——
Sakura: “Be Nicer!”
——

“…I mean, I wouldn’t want all that fat clogging up my arteries,” Yuuto corrected himself, trying to ease the tension.

Riko remained silent, her expression unreadable.
“…Uh, I guess that makes sense… But still, it’s a bit extreme, don’t you think? You should enjoy food while you’re young, Sakurai,” Shun remarked, displaying his own bento filled with greasy rice and meat portions.

“…Yuck,” Yuuto couldn’t help but comment openly.
“What? It’s delicious. Right, Riko—” Shun turned to Riko, only to find her burying her face in her hands.

“I’ve almost forgotten how your mom makes your bentos… But while I’m not as strict as Sakurai, you really should eat healthier, Shun. Especially now that you’ve started working out. It’s important. Tell your mom I’m gonna take over making bentos for you,” Riko declared, her voice firm with determination.

“Ehh? No, I wouldn’t want to trouble you—” Shun began to protest.
“You are already troubling me.” Riko started, completing his sentence, “Imagine how I feel, being seen with you eating that grease trap. You a foreigner or something? It’s embarrassing. Soon, we’ll have to buy you a scooter just so that you could get to the bathroom.” She said, Shun feeling his heart being punctured by her words.

“Hehe,” Yuuto giggled lightly.

“…Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself, Sakurai,” Shun said with a slight pout.
“It was funny, so I laughed. Problem, cuc-…”

—–
Sakura: “BE NICER!!!”
—–

“….Shun?” Yuuto corrected himself as he looked at him blankly.

Shun & Riko: “….What?!”

They looked at Yuuto as if they’ve seen a ghost.

“…”

“I sneezed. By the way, you two haven’t gone out to eat together today. No cuck chair nearby?” Yuuto remarked casually.

Shun and Riko both shook their heads.

‘Must’ve been my imagination,’ They thought in sync.

“Well, the teacher asked me to go with you,” Shun began, shaking his head.
“And it’s not like there’s a problem with us eating here anym…” His trailed off, stopping himself mid-sentence as he swiftly glanced at Riko. His gaze then dropped to the table, memories of Male1 and Male2 flashing through his mind.

Yuuto remained silent as he stared at him blankly.

Riko glanced at Shun with concern, as he appeared visibly unsettled.
Yuuto sighed, taking a moment to inhale deeply upon seeing Shun’s troubled expression.
“There was never a problem with you eating here,” Yuuto began, his tone suddenly serious. Riko and Shun turned to Yuuto, sensing the gravity in his words.

“…You just didn’t want it enough. You’re different now. Let’s not make this complicated, stupid cuck,” Yuuto concluded, returning his focus to his meal.

As the atmosphere shifted, Shun and Riko felt the tension dissipate like a weight lifting off their shoulders. Shun, in particular, recalled the personal growth he had experienced since that incident with Male1 and 2, and he felt a sense of relief wash over him.

“Hah… You can do good when you want to, don’t ya’, Sakurai?” Riko remarked with a half smirk.
“I’m doing good simply by existing, you cucko-…” Yuuto started, but then the memories of Sakura’s advice flooded his mind.

——-
SAKURA: N-I-C-E-R
——-

“What!?” Riko exclaimed.
“….” Yuuto merely nodded in acknowledgment of her statement.

“Are you… Okay today, Sakurai?” Shun asked, exchanging a look of concern with Riko.

“…. I’m fine.” He replied with a small pause.
Before they had time to think, the bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch break.
“Oh, damn! We need to get to the club room, Sakurai!” Shun exclaimed, his words rushed with urgency.

Yuuto nodded in agreement, quickly folding up his lunch and joining Shun as they hurried out of the classroom.

“Goodbye, you two! Send me photos, Shun!” Riko called after them as they departed.
And with that, they were off.

As Yuuto and Shun exited the classroom, they made their way swiftly towards the Club Room to meet Sato and the rest. The hallway was mostly deserted, save for a few stragglers making their way to their next class.

Just before they reached the Club Room, they encountered Sakura descending from the rooftop stairwell with her friends. Her eyes widened briefly as she spotted Yuuto, with Yuuto blankly staring at her back.

Swiftly, Sakura turned to her friends. “Hey, go to class without me. I gotta go to the toilet… You know, that,” she said, her tone urgent.
“Oh, sure. We’ll cover for ya’, Takagi,” one of them replied casually, before continuing down the stairs.

Once her friends had left, Sakura approached Shun and Yuuto with determination in her eyes.
“Oh? What does Takagi-san want with us?” Shun said, scratching his head in confusion.

“Shun-senpai, can you give us a minute?” Sakura asked Shun, her voice firm and unwavering.
Yuuto remained silent, his mind racing with thoughts. ‘I’ve been keeping my promise. What’s got this girl so worked up now?’ he pondered.

“Oh? You two know each other?” Shun asked, looking between Sakura and Yuuto with curiosity.
“Sakurai was giving me some notes. I just want to talk about it,” Sakura replied smoothly, her gaze fixed on Yuuto.

“Oh, it’s just notes? You can talk as we go—”

“Shun-senpai,” Sakura cut him off, her tone more assertive as she almost glared at Shun.
Shun faltered for a moment before nodding. “O-oh… Uh… I’ll meet ya there, Sakurai,” he said, scratching his head awkwardly before quickly walking away.

‘Now that I think about it… She called his name without honorifics… Hmm.’ Shun thought.
Yuuto watched Shun go, a sense of unease creeping over him. ‘Don’t get any funny ideas now, cuck… This ain’t it,’ he warned internally.

Turning his attention back to Sakura, Yuuto found himself face-to-face with her intense gaze.
“Sakurai,” she said, her voice firm.
“What? I’ve been doing what you wanted, if that’s what this is about,” Yuuto replied, his tone guarded.

“Why did you do that?” Sakura asked, her tone betraying a hint of frustration as she recalled the incident where Yuuto greeted her in front of her and her friends.
Yuuto began to walk away toward the Club Room with a sigh. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sakura. I don’t have time to talk. I need to get to the Club Room,” he stated, his voice clipped.

As Yuuto walked away, Sakura swiftly put herself in Yuuto’s way. They looked at each other in the empty hallway, a tense silence hung between them. Sakura’s gaze bore into Yuuto’s.
“You try to give off the aura like you don’t care what people think about you,” Sakura began, her voice soft but firm. “But the truth is, I see right through this stupid facade.”
Yuuto’s expression remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes at Sakura’s blunt honesty. “Do you, now?” he replied, his voice cool and guarded.
Sakura’s words cut through the tension, her gaze fixed on Yuuto with a mixture of confusion and concern.

“Yes. You openly make people hate you. Why do you do that?” she questioned, her voice edged with sincerity.

Yuuto met her gaze evenly, his expression guarded. “…You seem to be mistaken, Sakura,” he replied, his tone controlled. “I DO care what people think. I want them to stay away, because I don’t want them to find out my secret,” he admitted, his voice laced with reluctance.
‘Imagine if some NTR bastard found out I’m Anti-NTR Man!? Use your head, girl!’ Yuuto’s thoughts raced internally, his heart pounding with the weight of his hidden truth.

Sakura’s brow furrowed in frustration as she continued, her words filled with disbelief. “I still…. I don’t understand why you don’t want people to know that!! Everyone’s opinion will change about you, Sakurai! The fact that you—”
‘Saved me and Kiriko—’ Sakura’s thoughts echoed,

“STOP. Stop,” Yuuto interrupted, his voice strained with emotion. He sighed heavily, looking away for a moment before meeting Sakura’s gaze once more.

“You wouldn’t understand. It isn’t that simple,” Yuuto murmured, his words heavy with the weight of his hidden truths and the fear of what revealing them could mean. He rubbed his temples, a gesture of frustration and inner turmoil.

Sakura watched him closely, a mix of concern and determination swirling in her eyes.
‘He… Really is fixed on pushing people away so they wouldn’t think he’s such a good person? All this just so they wouldn’t know he saved me and Kiriko?’ she pondered, her thoughts racing.

‘I wonder… What did he go through to distrust people so much?’ Sakura’s mind searched for answers, but found only more questions.
‘Alright… You know what..?’
‘Screw it.’ She sighed internally, a sudden resolve settling within her.

“….I’m adding a new term,” Sakura blurted out, her voice breaking the silence.
“Hey,” Yuuto snapped, his expression serious yet casual. “You can’t do that. We had a deal.”
“Watch me. From now on, saying and doing weird stuff is considered being rude,” Sakura insisted firmly.

“No, it isn’t. You’re being nonsensical,” Yuuto replied casually, his tone dismissive.
“Yes, it is. You can clearly read social cues, and 100% what you said this morning was just to be rude without being rude. That’s like… Murdering someone by dropping a piano on them instead of stabbing them,” Sakura said enthusiastically, her determination unwavering.

Yuuto raised an eyebrow at her comparison, his expression incredulous.
“Just… You know what I mean, Sakurai. I know you do. Please…” Sakura pleaded, her tone softening, “…I want us to be friendly even with my friends around.”

Yuuto clicked his tongue in distaste, his frown deepening. “So, in the end, you wish for me to change entirely to fit your fantasy? Is that what this is?” he retorted with a sigh.
“What?!” Sakura called out in confusion, taken aback by his accusation.

“I’ll admit I was purposefully acting out, yeah. But what about times when I won’t? Will I still have to bend over simply because you don’t like that part of me?” Yuuto blurted out, his words blunt and unapologetic.

Sakura inhaled deeply, annoyance visible on her face as her eyebrow raised upwards in agitation. She looked intensely into his eyes, her irritation palpable.

“Huuuh!?” she hummed loudly, causing Yuuto to slightly pull his face backward in surprise.
“Sakurai,” she said, her voice suddenly edged with an unmistakable seriousness.
“…What?” Yuuto responded, bracing himself for her next words.
“….You were talking about cuckold horses bestiality in front of a group of high-school girls, most of which are minors.” She began, Yuuto twitching internally in realization,

“Take things into perspective. What I’m asking isn’t a bad thing nor unreasonable. Not on your end, nor on mine – or anyone else’s for that matter,” Sakura said, her voice tinged with frustration and disappointment. Her face twitched in silent anger as she continued, “Whether or not you push people away for whatever good reason you think you have.”

“Have fun on your trip,” she concluded abruptly, her tone final. With that, she turned around and walked away hastily, leaving Yuuto speechless and stunned in her wake.
‘I actually wasted time on this…! I don’t care anymore,’ Sakura thought bitterly as she angrily stomped away, leaving Anti-NTR Man…
Speechless.

“….”

“T-…This…. I-…” Yuuto gasped silently, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“B-… S.. I… I..”

Yuuto struggled to find the words to express his thoughts, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.
‘How dare she…!’

‘How… DARE SHE!!!’

He seethed with anger, his usual quips and retorts rendered useless by Sakura’s logic. With a heavy heart, he turned around and walked away toward the club room, his mind consumed by frustration.

Unbeknownst to them, a third party was watching from the shadows.
“You saw that, Gon?” Konro whispered, his voice tense with anticipation.
“Yeah… I didn’t hear what they said, but that fucking anime pillow dared to talk to our Takagi-chan…” Gon seethed, his anger palpable.

“I don’t know… From what it looked like, she came to talk to him first…” Konro exclaimed, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

“This fucking guy… He pisses me the fuck off. He’s the literal joke of the school, and that bitc-… Takagi-chan talks to HIM but rejected ME?! Something’s fucked up!” Gon’s voice trembled with rage, his fists clenched tightly.

“Could it be she knows about his true stren—”

“DON’T BE FUCKING RIDICULOUS, KON. That’d be stupid. That pillow fucker fought Aniki to make sure no one knows about that….” Gon dismissed Konro’s opinion with a wave of his hand.
“I know…” Gon started, his voice lowering to a menacing whisper.

“I’ll make her my girlfriend. I guess she’s the type that’s playing hard to get, but she must’ve been lonely without Yahiko… She’s probably beggin’ for some dick and wants someone to try really hard. And I ain’t gonna let… Fuckin’ PILLOW get that pussy.” Gon’s leer sent shivers down Konro’s spine.

“S-seriously…? Man, don’t go overboard over something like that. What if rumors spread about you?” Konro’s voice wavered with concern.
“Dumbass! It ain’t going overboard… It’s about time I show her my charming self… And so what if rumors spread? Who’s gonna do something about it? Fuckin’ Yahiko?”
“…I don’t know. If she and Sa-… Pillow are together, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. And maybe it was just to exchange notes or—”

“Dumbass!!! He makes a fool outta himself every chance he gets!”
“Stealing her from him…”
“…Would be easy as taking candy from a toddler…” Gon whispered, a sly grin stretching across his face as he plotted his next move.

—–THE EVENING YUUTO AND SATO LEFT SCHOOL———

“Haaah… I think I’ve improved so much!” Sato murmured to himself, stepping out of the building into the bustling city. He stretched, feeling the energy of the city wrap around him.

“I can finally hit the vibrato, even in the high notes! YES! This is WONDERFUL~” He let the last word soar in a melody, his voice rich with the vibrato he had been honing. His impromptu performance, however, earned him a mix of curious and bewildered looks from passersby.

“Who’s this weirdo?”

“He’s just a kid… singing in the middle of the street. Quite bold.”

“But that voice… could he be a professional?”

The whispers swirled around him, but Sato remained unfazed, his mind already on the next goal.

“Haah… Soon, I’ll master that song in its entirety. These lessons are truly worth it,” he said, a warm smile playing on his lips as he gazed up at the night sky, beginning his walk home.

“I just need to synchronize it perfectly with the piano. That’s all. I can do it… in time for the upcoming festival…”

“…I’m sure of it!”

“Hikki will love it…” Sato whispered to himself, pausing in front of his house, a sense of anticipation filling him.

“Well!” he exclaimed, eyeing the door to his house, “What are you waiting for, Sato? Get inside already!” He chided himself, his eyes lacking their usual sparkle.

With that, he stepped into the house and gently closed the door behind him.

Throughout his time in the house, one thought persistently shimmered in his mind, ‘I can’t wait for the onsen trip…’

——-Meanwhile—-

Yuuto dashed home, his heart racing as he hastily deleted his photo from his shoddy excuse for a website.

Gradually regaining his composure, he began to meander through the house, a subtle sense of unease taking hold. Something felt amiss, the familiar comfort of his home now tinged with an unsettling silence.

“Hm… Quiet,” he murmured to himself, his footsteps echoing slightly against the floor.

“They’re not around as often,” he noted, a frown creasing his brow as he paused, the weight of the silence pressing in.

The quiet was punctuated only by his own breathing.

“Oh well,” he sighed, shrugging off the unease as he made his way to his bedroom. Surrendering to the weight of the day, he collapsed into bed, letting sleep envelop him until the light of the next day crept through the curtains.

Such comfort could only last for so long, though.

Upon waking up, he ventured into the bathroom to meticulously shave away the fine stubble dusting his chin and jaw, a testament to his meticulous self-care. As he surveyed the growth of his hair in the mirror, a mix of over-the-top-pride (typical) and practical consideration washed over him.

“Hm… Another 2cm in just 2 weeks? My genes are indeed superior… Will have to shave it clean soon,” he mused, running his fingers through his hair with a contemplative air and a slight pout marking his features.

“Well, I could just use my bald cap whenever I do ANTI-NTR heroics,” he concluded, a plan forming in his mind. Skillfully, he donned the wig cap, followed by a long-haired wig, and finally adjusted his fake glasses to complete the transformation.

“I don’t feel like cutting it, for some reason,“ he reflected, a hint of reluctance in his decision not to trim his natural hair just yet.

[IMAGE IS IN THE COMMENTS, HERE]

Thus prepared, Yuuto set off for school, his appearance meticulously crafted with a long-sleeved shirt, fake glasses, and wig, maintaining the facade that had become a staple of his daily life.

As he arrived to school, he saw Sakura and her entroge circling about.

“Oh! Sakurai! G’morning!” She called, openly waving to Yuuto.

“….” Reluctant, he remained silent. Not wanting to respond.

———

“Be nicer!”

———

‘….’

He sighed.

‘A deal’s a deal… Especially since she knows my second life.’

Life, he says.

‘SHUT.’

With a shaking hand, he started raising his hand. It was barely visible from afar and he continued walking toward the school.

“GOOD MORNING!!” Sakura yelled louder thinking he did not see or hear her.

Yuuto then glanced at her, stopping in place.

“H-hey, Sakura… It’s that anime pillow weirdo… Why’re you nice to him!?”

“C-come on, Sakura… Let’s just go. He obviously isn’t courteous enough to say anything! And he bad-mouthed Shiyon-sama!” Her friends called.

Sakura’s eyes lit up as she saw Yuuto’s hand rising in the air, waving at her.

“Hi,” he started, “Have you seen the newly released NTR horse-porn yesterday? I released it on my doujin website. Good stuff.” He said loudly, yet casually and naturally – drawing bewildered looks of nearby students.

“Ah… I-I… Haven’t…” Sakura said reluctantly, before being dragged away by her friends.

“See, Sakura!? Why’d you talk to that freak-show?!” They said as they dragged her away.

“Sakura-chan is so nice… Talking even to that nutjob…” Nearby male students called in admiration.

“She’s really awesome. Yahiko’s an idiot for dumping her.” Another one commented.

“Wait, so she’s back on the market?! Fuck yeah…” Someone said with a leer.

“Psche, knock it off, dumbass. As if she’ll even look at you.”

“She looked at Anime Pillow, she even said hi to that crazy fuck. I got a chance, I’m telling you!” They talked amongst themselves as they entered the school grounds.

With a relieved sigh, Yuuto kept walking. He saw a bunch of students heading to class 3-2, where Yuuno was. “…Organ Harvester could be a talent scout at this rate. They’re gonna blind me with all that glitter,” he thought, continuing to his own class, 3-1.

Yuuto slid the door open and walked in. Most of his classmates were already there, and they sneakily looked at him before starting to whisper.

His whole class were mostly in. They all turned to look at him discreetly. Soon, they began whispering among themselves as he walked in.

“Look, it’s pillow…”

“It’s the fucker who bad-mouthed Shiyon-san!”

“…He looks… Unharmed. Maybe a bruise here and there I can barely make out. I thought they jumped him, what the fuck?!”

“He’s about to go through Gon and Konro’s desks…!” The students whispered, noticing Gon and Konro were there, sitting on their tables, blocking the way to his seat.

Yuuto halted just inches from Gon, who rose to his feet, locking eyes with him.

Shun and Riko observed the tense scene, hesitant to intervene.

Shun muttered under his breath, “Damn… Are they planning to ambush him now?”

Riko remained silent, unsure what to say or do.

Shun clenched his fist, “if Shiyon-san catches wind of this…”

“Konro, Gon! The teacher’s about to enter any moment! Stop-” Shun said loudly, before Gon showed him his palm from his desk, “Shut the fuck up, pipsqueak! This doesn’t concern you!!” He yelled, startling the entire class as he looked at Yuuto intensely.

Gon and Konro bore into Yuuto with unwavering gazes, and Yuuto met their stare without flinching.

Yuuto stood just inches away from Gon, a challenging glint in his eyes as he confronted him.

Shun and Riko exchanged anxious glances, uncertain of how the situation would unfold.

In a tense hush, Yuuto’s voice cut through the classroom, “Something you wanna say to me, boot-licking charity cases? Seeing as you’re blocking the way to my seat,” his words laced with hostility, setting the stage for a brewing conflict.

“FUCK…! Gon’s gonna lose it if you challenge him like that! Do you want to get hit!?” Shun whispered anxiously, while Riko tightened her grip on her arm, embracing herself.

“You fu-..!!” Gon’s initial response was halted by Konro’s firm grip on his shoulder, a silent warning to hold his tongue.

“… No. I was about to sneeze, but it didn’t come out,” With a steely resolve, Gon rose from his seat, his steps deliberate as he passed by Yuuto. In a low, pointed whisper, he delivered a cutting remark, “Aniki didn’t lose to you; he simply took pity on your sorry ass and went easy on you! Don’t let it get to your dick, fucking anime pillow. In an all out fight, he’d waste your ass.” The words dripped with disdain.

Konro called out urgently, “Gon! The lesson’s about to start! Where do you think you’re going?!”

Ignoring the warning, Gon retorted defiantly, “Shut up. I ain’t in the mood to study right now,” as he marched towards the exit, leaving the classroom in stunned silence.

Witnessing the unexpected turn of events, Shun and Riko breathed out a sigh of relief.

Shun’s mind raced with thoughts, ‘Why’s nothing happening…? Maybe they remembered Shiyon-san is here and toned it down. Phew…’

But Yuuto had other plans.

Yuuto turned to Gon, “Dude, just confess your love for me already. You can’t stop talking about my ass and penis. Can’t get me out of your head, can you?” His words dripped with sarcasm and a twisted grin.

“Not that I blame you, really…”

Shun & Riko (Quietly): “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, SAKURAI?!?!??!??!”

The classroom fell into a stunned silence as jaws dropped in unison, including Konro’s.

Flushed with embarrassment, Gon snapped back, “S-SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU FUCKING PILLOW! JUST WAIT UNTIL ANIKI LEAVES, I’LL FUCK YOU UP MYSELF!!!”

Yuuto teased, his wicked smirk growing ever-so wide, “Oh my~ You brute… So bold.”

Enraged, Gon exploded, “MOTHERFUCKER!!! I’LL KILL YOU NOW!!!” before Konro intervened, restraining him from launching himself at Yuuto, guiding him out of the classroom in a tense struggle.

“Heh,” Yuuto called, a sly smirk dancing on his lips as he settled into his desk, a content smile painting his features.

‘Today’s looking pretty darn good,’ he mused, disregarding the bewildered, shocked expressions plastered across the faces of his classmates.

“S-S-S-Sakurai… You do realize you’re dead, right?” Shun stammered, his complexion draining of color.

“Well, if we’re gonna dive into philosophy, Cuck, we’re all heading that way eventually. It’s just a matter of when,” Yuuto quipped, his tone casual.

“W-What…?” Shun’s brow furrowed in confusion as he struggled to process the situation unfolding before him.

“You’re crazy, Sakurai. Enraging that guy… Nothing good will come out of it!” Riko exclaimed, her eyes wide with worry and anxiety, “You could end up in a ditch when Shiyon-san leaves!”

“I didn’t ask, cuckold-maker.” Yuuto retorted dismissively.

“What…!? Do you even realize what he and his gang are capable of when they decide to go after someone!?” Shun interjected, his jaw clenched as memories of past torment flooded back.

“I’m aware,” Yuuto replied, a sudden boldness creeping into his voice, capturing the attention of Riko and Shun.

Shun’s breath caught in his throat as he asked, “…What…? Then… Why?”

“Because showing you’re scared is a cuck move. It just gives power to people who should not have it. Gonk, or whatever the hell his name was, is one of those people who shouldn’t get too high from his own farts. For everyone else’s sake.” Yuuto said, while unpacking his things from his bag.

Both Riko and Shun’s eyes widened.

‘Whether I’m anti-NTR man or Yuuto Sakurai… These kind of people, shall not have my fears to feast on and grow.’

Noticing the sudden silence, Yuuto looked up, “What? You two high or something?”

“Well… It’s very… Smart, what you said, but why did you purposefully provoke him?” Riko questioned, skepticism evident in the arch of her eyebrow.

“Felt like it. He pisses me off.” He said casually.

‘I still need to teach that little prick a lesson for that tackle,’ Yuuto thought to himself, his determination simmering beneath the surface.

“…Of course,” Riko said, “What did I expect,” both of them turning around on their chair to face the front of the classroom as the teacher walked in

“What a bother. How did you get caught?” he asked, his voice carrying a mix of weariness and composure, yet betraying a thinning patience.

“I… I don’t know. I drugged this bitch with what you gave me. But before I could proceed, someone blindsided me. I have no clue how he discovered us!” Mahito’s voice, full of eagerness yet tinged with frustration, as he spoke to the person at the other end of the table..

“I see… Whoever that person was, he’s well-connected, given that you’re now behind bars. He must have handed over substantial evidence to the police. And the fact that he did so anonymously… He’s likely aware of our operations and the nature of the drug,” the man on pondered aloud.

“W-What…? How!? But I’m clean! As clean as any student at INK Public School can claim to be. I swear, Aniki!” His voice quivered, the words tumbling out in a rush. His heart pounded against his chest, a tide of anxiety washing over him as he awaited a response.

“Shut the hell up, I’m trying to think…”

Silence fell, with Mahito nodding and lowering his head in a quiet acknowledgment.

“A-Aniki,” he whispered after a moment.

“Didn’t I tell you to be quiet for a minute?”

“Listen… Just… Let me out! I’ll try again! She’s already been exposed to the drug, making her more vulnerable if we attempt it another time. Please, give me another chance! I’ll prove to you that I can succeed!” He blurted out, excitement and urgency in his voice as he clenched his fingers onto his leggings.

“You better start getting used to prison life. My buddy here mentioned he can’t mess with the evidence they’ve got. You screwed up. Consider yourself lucky they can’t track the drugs back to us. You’re useless to me now, and you’re on your own,” the guy stated as he rose from his seat and headed towards the exit door of the room.

“A-Aniki…!!! Please, no! I-I’ll improve!! You CAN’T DO THIS TO ME!” Mahito pleaded as he shouted. The guy halted, snapping his fingers once.

Instantly, the guard behind Mahito trapped him in a tight grip.

“Aughhh!! A–ni…ki…” Mahito choked out, desperately gasping for air. “Let’s get one thing straight. Someone like YOU can NEVER dictate what I can or cannot do.”

He pivoted, advancing towards Mahito, locking eyes with him.

“Thinking you’re some big shot, huh? Acting all important. Like you’re too good for your current position.” The guy remarked, his gaze fierce.

“N-no…! Never…! A-Aniki… Please…” Mahito cried out, struggling to breathe.

“Damn pest. Probably lived a life thinking you’re untouchable, ruling over whatever shitty hierarchy you were in. Used to having things your way. Pathetic,” the guy sneered, gesturing for the guard to tighten his grip on Mahito’s neck.

“A-…..Ni….Ki…” Mahito gasped, struggling for breath as the guy nearly pressed his face against the Mahito’s.

“But let me assure you. No matter how low you think you’ve fallen…”

The guy then flashed a wicked grin.

“There’s always a deeper bottom.”

“…?” He gasped for air, fear evident in his eyes as he gazed at the guy.

“Isn’t there a big sister who visits you and cares for you? Mariko, right? You two have been inseparable your entire life… She currently owns the house you two are living in, right?” The guy mentioned.

“..!!!!! NO….!” Mahito begged, desperation consuming him.

“As your Aniki, I need to show you that there’s always a darker pit. Only then will you truly value what you possess…” The guy stated, pulling out his phone and making a call.

“Yes. I’ve found a new subject for you. Send your men to Table Avenue, 756th. She’s alone. Experiment as much as you want. Record everything. She’s defenseless.” He ordered. His voice devoid of emotion, yet his eyes reveled in Mahito’s torment.

Mahito writhed frantically, limbs flailing as anger and dread enveloped him.

‘Mariko…!’

‘MARIKO….!!!’

“But you see, I’m a considerate Aniki. Instead of leaving you in suspense, I’ll demonstrate it to you. That way, the lesson will truly sink in.” He declared, signaling to the guard. The guard secured Mahito’s arms to one of the table’s legs, immobilizing his legs as he placed a phone in front of his face. The phone displayed a live-feed video…

The video showed Mahito’s own home. He watched as several men approached the entrance of the house. The familiar, comforting light shone through the window, a light that always brought him solace.

“Nooo!!! MARIKO!!! I’ll comply with anything you ask!!! Please!!! I’ve learned my lesson!!! I’ve come to accept this place!! Please!!! Anything but that!!! Please!!! Aniki!!!!” Mahito wailed, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded.

Unaware that the guy had already departed the room… And the video continued to play.

_______MAHITO’S HOUSE, 19:46_______

“I wonder what little bro would like? I always make him tamagoyaki because it’s his favorite… But a good sister should care about her brother’s diet! I think I should cook something healthier this time…” The girl pondered to herself in the small kitchen.

“Ugh… I’m so disappointed in you, little bro. Why can’t you treat others as nicely as you treat me…?” She sighed, frustration visible on her face.

“Trying to hurt a girl… What were you thinking?! Stupid, dumbass, brute of a bro…” Her expression turned even more sour.

“…If you felt so upset and lonely, you could have just talked to me and—”

There was a knock at the door.

“Hmm? Visitors? Now?” She gently placed her utensils on a nearby tray and went to the door, opening it.

Before she could see who was there, a cloud of white particles hit her face. The person blew some powder from his hand towards her.

“Ahhh…!” She gasped, inhaling the powder completely.

Her heart raced. Her eyes widened, her last clear thought was about her brother and his meal.

But after blinking several times, her first thought was…

…How that man’s inner mouth tasted.

She involuntarily parted her lips as the man and his companions entered Mariko and Mahito’s home without permission…

Indulging in Mariko’s body, taking control after securing the door.

Her next thought, focused on the delightful taste of the stranger’s saliva.

Then, she noticed the warmth that spread through her body from the kiss.

She found herself yearning for more…

…And more was bestowed upon her, as the men viciously tore her clothes asunder, subduing her to the ground with no opposition.

‘What is this…? Huaaahhh…’

The memories of her little brother relishing her tamagoyaki and other meals, which once brought her delight, faded into oblivion, replaced by the recollection of strangers violating her defenseless form. And in her delusion, she strived to ensure these men were rewarded for the ecstasy she experienced. She caressed them and surrendered to their every desire as a token of gratitude for the surreal pleasure they had bestowed upon her.

‘This surpasses everything… So far…!’

‘More… <3’

She no longer dwelled on her brother’s loneliness.

Meal preparations were no longer a concern.

‘How wonderful…’ She mused without regret.

‘Is this… Happiness forever…?’ She pondered, the ingredients in the pan sizzling, turning to charcoal as she was manipulated.

‘I can feel this ecstasy always now… Farewell, brother.’

‘Such enchanting men… They’ve ensnared me in a dream… A dream evolving into reality… ❤ My love for them knows no bounds… I apologize, little bro… You’re capable of handling things, aren’t you? You always have been…’

‘I’ve discovered my bliss… Best wishes in prison… In life… Hahah… I’m truly content now… <3…XOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXO———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The guy woke up to a text, his vision blurred and mind foggy from sleep. Slowly, he reached for his phone, the soft glow illuminating his face in the darkness of the room.

“So, she lasted a solid 9 hours before meeting her demise… The potency of the drug is definitely on the rise,” he murmured to himself, the words hanging heavy in the quiet air.

“But it’s still not hitting the mark. I crave something deeper, more meaningful. As I thought, merely using the drug recklessly on some unsuspecting girl with no purpose… We’re above such primal behavior,” he muttered, running a hand over his tired face.

“Oh well,” Rising from his bed, he sat up, a determined look crossing his features. “I have a whole school brimming with potential test subjects,” he mused, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

“Yuu-chun~! Are you prepared for another day at school, my dear <3?” a cheerful voice chirped from outside the door.

“Yes, Shiyon-nii,” he replied, the weight of his thoughts lingering in the air around him.

“I will ensure everything is executed flawlessly… And I will also mend you, Shiyon-nii,” he vowed silently, the weight of his intentions palpable in the room. “I’ll return you to the beautiful lion you once were…”

“But before that, I will begin by dismantling you piece by piece,” his inner voice snarled with determination.

“You dumb fucking mutt,” Yuuno thought, the image of Sendo’s face haunting his thoughts with every heartbeat, as his fists were clenched in silence.

Kiriko told me after school ended. She remembered it was some aloof individual who acted like he did everything by accident and was rude. Before he vanished, he told her he wanted to remain anonymous. I knew it then. I knew it was Sakurai-senpai who saved her. But..

Sakura blurted out, her voice a mix of nerves and eagerness, “Y-Yeah!! I know what you’re di-doing, Sakurai-senpai.” Her gaze was intense, almost piercing through him.

‘What the hell, Sakura!? You sound like a mob boss! So much for gratitude!! And why can’t I speak properly?! “What you did” — it’s not that hard! This is a mess. He’s going to think I’m threatening him!’

Yuuto’s head tilted, a mask of calm curiosity on his face. “Again, I’m lost here, really,” he said, trying to sound detached. “Are you on drugs, Exhibitionist?”

Yuuto: ‘I’m fucked. I’m completely, utterly, butterly, fucked. I’m going to have to move to a different country. Put on a mustache, buy a tanning machine, put up a new website… Thinking about it, why did I put an image of me (although bald and glasses less) on a public website when I wanted to hide my identity? Unnecessary!! This isn’t supremehuman-hero-man, where Carlak Kenneth is unrecognizable with glasses on. What was I thinking?!? Was I really that desperate for some publicity?! Wait, does this mean this girl… Was on the website!? Is she a customer?! Wait, she can’t be… So what is this!?’

Frustration bubbled up in Sakura as she inadvertently clenched her fists. “It’s not ‘exhibitionist,’ it’s SAKURA, SA-KU-RA!” she corrected sharply. “You can’t keep it a secret anymore, Sakurai-senpai! I’m onto you!”

Yuuto kept his expression cool, but inside, alarms were blaring.

‘She knows I’m ANTI-NTR MAN!’ he panicked silently, still managing to look at her with an unaffected gaze.

Simultaneously, Sakura’s mind was a whirlwind of gratitude and determination.

‘He’s the one who saved me and Kiriko. I have to thank him,’ she resolved, meeting his calm look with a fiery intensity.

Yuuto’s face paled, a stark contrast to the cool demeanor he struggled to uphold.

The gears in his mind churned wildly. ‘Eliminate her? No, impossible. She’s too well-connected, too visible. Questions would swarm like bees to honey. And her friends… they’d know she was here late. Damn, Sato would vouch I was here too. Prime suspect, stamped and delivered. There’s only one path left.’

“S-sakurai-senpai…?” Sakura’s voice, softer now, broke through his frantic thoughts as she noticed his slight bow.

“…Could you… Please keep this between us?” he managed to say, the words almost sticking in his throat.

Internally, Yuuto conceded to his last resort. ‘Begging it is, then.’

Sakura’s thoughts spiraled into chaos.

‘NOOOOOOO, don’t do thaaaaat!! Now it really looks like I’m blackmailing him!! AAAAHHH!!! I just wanted to express my gratitude, and it’s turned into a scene from a crime drama, WHHHHY!? But why is he even so keen on keeping this a secret!?! It was something heroic! No, focus, Sakura. You need to clear this up, tell him the real reason you’re here…’

“L-listen, what I really came here to tell you is—” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Sakura. Please, don’t tell anyone, okay?” Yuuto’s soft plea cut through her panic, his earnest gaze locking with hers.

Sakura’s frenzied thoughts halted. ‘He… he used my name…’ A warmth spread through her cheeks, an unexpected blush. Taking a moment, she observed him more closely, reassessing the boy in front of her. ‘So, he does have manners after all…’

‘Hmmm…’

“Is it really so crucial to you that this remains a secret, Sakurai-senpai?” she asked, her eyebrow arching as she looked intently at Yuuto, sensing the depth of his earnestness.

“….”

‘Tsk. I know the sound of this. One of the 11 commandments of what “Yee Shallth Not Do In A Vanilla genre”. This is an NTR’s best friend. Right now, I’m being… [Extorted]. This girl knows this is the biggest secret of the century, so she’s going to apply the ‘Oooooh? So, it’s important to you that your boyfriend doesn’t find out about this, huh? Well, if you’re so hellbent on keeping it a secret, become my personal slut!’ Technique! S-RANK!! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, I WOULD BE AT THE RECEIVING END OF THIS VILE TECHNIQUE!!’

“Then… I won’t tell anyone,” Sakura stated, a resolve in her voice, “but only if…”

‘There it is,’ Yuuto thought, steeling himself for the upcoming words, ‘From here on out, it will be an all out game between me and that bitch. I’ll have to outsmart her daily, while becoming her little puppet. BRING IT ON, NTR SCUM. I’ve written dozens of NTR Scenario pages, I’m ready for ANYTHING!!!’

“…If you promise to call me by my name and… try to be nicer to everyone.”

Yuuto’s eyes widened in shock as he bowed.

“….??”

The thoughts had gone silent.

A silence, then a quiet request for confirmation. “Could you say that again?”

“…just… be more respectful, and… call me by my name,” Sakura’s voice was softer, her cheeks tinted with a shy warmth as she looked away, “Please, don’t make me say it again…”

“…”

Raising his head, Yuuto’s eyes met the sight of Sakura, her demeanor shy, her fingers nervously twirling a strand of her hair.

“That’s it?”

As Yuuto processed Sakura’s simple request, the world’s melody rose around them. The breeze whispered in his ears, birds sang with clarity, and the sunset painted the sky in vivid hues. Nature’s chorus, louder than his inner turmoil.

“Uhhm…”

“I…”

“I suppose…”

“I can agree to that condition… But, I can’t promise I’ll be a saint to everyone. If someone picks a fight, I won’t back down.”

Sakura’s face brightened immediately, her smile like the first rays of dawn. “A little effort is all I ask for! Now that we’ve settled that…”

Yuuto looked at her, puzzled by the sudden shift.

“?”

“Nice to meet you, Sakurai-senpai! My name is Sakura Takagi, a Second Year,” Sakura beamed, her gratitude genuine. “I really wanted to thank you for saving Kiriko and me. Both of us, I believe, feel incredibly fortunate you were there.” With those heartfelt words, she turned and walked away, leaving Yuuto in a rare moment of silent contemplation.

“Sakura,“ he called out, his voice unexpectedly causing her to halt and pivot back toward him.

“Hm?”

“I told you then. Call me Sakurai.“

“…Hehe, Sakurai and Sakura. It sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it?” she chuckled lightly, an ease in her tone.

“…”

“Well, I don’t mind it, though. See you around, Sakurai!” With a cheerful wave, she turned away, her steps light.

Yuuto stood there, watching her leave, a whirlwind of thoughts briefly seizing him. ‘Why… did I insist on that?’

‘…’

‘…’

“…Well.” Yuuto finally shrugged off his confusion, taking a deep breath as he mulled over their interaction. ‘So, she discovers a secret that rivals the mysteries of Area 51, and all she asks for is a bit of decency…? Suspicious… But for now, I’ll play along.’

‘It doesn’t seem like she’s a bad person,’ <—- Also knows this because he built a profile on her by stalking 6 months ago.

Stepping out onto the rooftop, Sato filled his lungs with the crisp air, his shoulders dropping slightly as the tension of indoor confines melted away. “Here we are,” he announced, turning to Yuuto with a trace of pride edging his voice. “The rooftop. It’s more than just part of the school—it’s a window to the world outside our usual four walls.”
Yuuto’s gaze drifted across the horizon, the urban landscape stretching beneath them caught in the soft embrace of dusk.

“Looks like a regular rooftop to me,” he commented, his voice betraying nothing as a breeze tousled his wig, carrying with it the promise of the evening chill.

Beneath his calm exterior, Yuuto’s thoughts churned with wariness. ‘Ah yes, the classic move of “I will be unveiling the mundane as the mystical to the ignorant you, aren’t you thrilled?’ technique. A-Grade. Sato’s aiming for the role of the enlightened guide, but I can see right through you, manipulator.’ The rooftop’s well-kept surface and the sun’s final golden glow failed to stir in him the awe it was clearly meant to inspire.

‘Tidy, though. Must give credit to the cleaning staff for their diligence,’ he mused privately, his acknowledgment tinged with a begrudging respect for the unseen hands that maintained the space.

Sato’s laughter, light and genuine, cut through the cool air, pulling Yuuto from his reverie.

“Haha, yeah, I suppose. But there’s a certain magic to standing here, overlooking the horizon.” Moving closer to the guardrail, Sato leaned against it, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse below.

“This place, it’s been a sanctuary for many of us, filled with memories stretching back to our elementary days,” he shared, his voice tinged with nostalgia as he took in the view of the city sprawling beneath them.

“A sanctuary?” Yuuto’s voice held a hint of doubt, his eyebrow raised slightly in skepticism.
He thought to himself, amused, ‘Heh, I would’ve imagined this place spilled with blood on a daily basis with how the school used to be,’

Sato, leaning against the guardrail, glanced back at Yuuto with a mix of nostalgia and a hint of sadness.

“Yeah, I’ve told you before, Sakurai-senpai. This school wasn’t always so peaceful. There were hardly any places you could hang out without getting into some sort of trouble.”

He took a moment, his eyes scanning the rooftop as if seeing it through the lens of the past. “But this spot, even when Shiyon-san was the big boss before he cleaned up the school, he made it clear: no fighting up here. He said it was because someone could fall over the edge… And that would be an annoyance for him,” Sato said, managing a smile that seemed a bit forced.
Compelled by a sudden urge, Yuuto found himself walking towards the guardrail, coming to stand beside Sato. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the cold metal, and peered down.

“Just a problem, eh? Sounds like something the Organ Harvester would say if he dropped his ridiculous cutesy act already,” Yuuto remarked, his gaze dropping to the ground below.

For a fleeting moment, his imagination painted a grim picture — Kyoya’s twisted body lying motionless at the base. He shook the thought away, a chill running down his spine despite the setting sun’s warmth.
“…Get to the point, Sato,” Yuuto said, turning his head to look at Sato.
“You said I am a poor judge of character,” Sato began, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and challenge as he turned to face Yuuto, the cityscape behind him painting a poignant backdrop.

“I did. And I’m not about to retract that statement,” Yuuto responded, his tone firm.
“I’m not asking you to take it back, Sakurai-senpai,” Sato replied, his expression softening,

“Maybe I am a poor judge of character. But I don’t regret showing kindness to people like Yato and Tatsu. Not for a second.”
“Then you’re an idiot,” Yuuto retorted almost reflexively, his words echoing in the open space between them.
Sato sighed, a gentle yet pained smile touching his lips.

“You don’t have to embrace my perspective on life… But as club members, I wish for you to at least understand it.”
“Well, I can’t. And don’t expect me to open up to you if that’s your aim,” Yuuto shot back.

‘I fell for it once. ONCE too many times.’ Yuuto thought, recalling the play Kyoya and his gang pulled so that Kyoya could reel Himiko in.

A silence enveloped them, thick and unyielding, as they turned their gaze to the horizon, the sprawling view a temporary distraction from the tension.
Sato broke the silence, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted the cool air.

“You know, most students here… they don’t really understand what it means to be treated with genuine respect or kindness. Yato, Tatsuya… I believe they’ve been starved of kindness, planted in inhospitable soil.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts, turning to look at the evening scenery.

“I think… if I can just offer enough kindness, like water to a parched flower, even the most withdrawn people can open up, show compassion. People are like flowers in that sense; given the right care, they can bloom beautifully. That’s what I believe. It’s the same principle Shiyon-san applied as part of the Disciplinary Committee. He never gave up on anyone, showering them with kindness and acceptance… Although he was tough, when needed. And, over time, even the toughest cases softened.”

Yuuto listened, the words stirring something within him as he thought of Kyoya, how Himiko’s mere presence seemed to alter his demeanor. He clicked his tongue, a subtle flinch betraying his inner conflict.

“That’s just how I see things,” Sato concluded, a resolve in his eyes. “Anyway, I should get going. I’ve got plans.”
With that, he turned to leave, leaving Yuuto alone with his thoughts, the silence of the rooftop bearing witness to a conversation that might just plant the seeds of change.

“Like water… To a flower..?“
“…”
__________
Shun: “I know. But it doesn’t matter anymore… No, more like it shouldn’t… I still care about her, and it bothers me a lot that she isn’t with me and that makes me very sad. But what she does and who she’s going to be with from now on is up to her. I need to accept that what I did that night wasn’t to get her back to me. It was to make it right with her… Of course, I’m going to try and be her friend… But if it doesn’t work out, I need to accept it and grow up instead of embarrassing myself again.”

Haruto: “I was about to do it… But then I looked at my arms and thought… ‘Ah… No more swimming. I won’t see these hands swell from training again.’ Next thing I knew, I just pulled the knife away.”
_________
Yuuto’s mind conjured the vivid image of a flower slowly coming to life, its petals unfurling one by one, as he reflected on the profound changes in Shun and Haruto. Their growth, their evolution from pain to something resembling hope, painted a stark contrast in the canvas of his thoughts.
“Dumbass manipulator,” Yuuto mumbled under his breath, his forehead resting heavily against the cool metal of the guardrail, a scoff escaping him at the irony of it all.
“I know that all too well… But that doesn’t just apply to anyone. Especially not to these scum,” he continued, his voice a low growl.
_________
Kyoya: “I don’t feel like fighting again. Call the police, tell them where I am. Shit, even follow me. From the way you talk, I get the feeling that you’re fighting for the good guys. As twisted as you do it.”

Kyoya: “But let me see her and just explain to her. She has the evidence anyway, right? So she’ll be able to confirm everything I say either way.”
__________
Yuuto sensed Kyoya’s looming presence before he even turned around, the distinct absence of a breeze and the heavy, oppressive feeling of someone standing just too close for comfort.
‘…No more, you prick,’ Yuuto resolved internally, a mix of defiance and finality in his silent vow.
“… I fell for that scum’s games once. That cost me dearly. Haruto was almost another price to pay for it. But not anymore. No.”
With a determined shove away from the guardrail, Yuuto straightened up, steeling himself as he faced the unsettling visage of Kyoya.

‘Maybe you’re right, Sato. Maybe anyone in this world can change, given enough time and care. Even you, Kyoya. If I had let you carry on and walk away that day, maybe you would’ve ended up in jail and come out a reformed man.’

Yuuto stepped closer to the conjured image of Kyoya, meeting it with an unflinching gaze.

‘But the cost… It’s not worth it. Yeah, everyone might have a chance to get better, but not at any cost. Kyoya, I’d have a word with you about this… But you’re gone, so here it is. Haruto almost died because of what you did. He almost ended it all with a knife if I hadn’t intervened when I did. You might think changing yourself would have made up for it… Maybe some would agree. Heck, maybe even Himiko would find it worth it, picturing a future with your kid, after dealing with the truth and losing Haruto. Maybe even *I* would think keeping you around, with you popping up now and then, might have been okay…’
Yuuto was face to face with the fading image of Kyoya, his look fierce and bold.

“But none of that matches the 10,000 yen I got from Haruto. Understand? Now, go to hell. I’ve got my own stuff to deal with.” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. As Kyoya’s image disappeared, Yuuto faced the door to the building, his steps taking him back inside, moving towards his future.
‘In the end, I can’t agree with you, Sato. Manipulator or not. Your views are flawed. Not everyone deserve the precious water necessary to bloom. Some, heck, most deserve to wane and die. If you really believe in this true equality bullshit for everyone and this wasn’t just ad-lib to keep me in check, then you will end up paying too heavy a price. Either way, I won’t be there to grab your corpse when it dries up.’

Yuuto made his way down the quiet hallways of the building, the echo of his footsteps a solitary sound amidst the silence. As he passed by the door to the culture club, a brief glance inside confirmed Sato wasn’t there.

A flicker of curiosity crossed his mind, wondering about Sato’s earlier claim of being busy. ‘What was he so busy with?’ he thought, but the question quickly lost its hold on him as he continued on his path.

Stepping out into the fading light of day, Yuuto allowed himself a brief pause, his gaze inadvertently catching the solitary figure of Sakura Takagi. She stood off to the side, her posture suggesting she was waiting for someone. Her unexpected presence stirred a ripple of curiosity in him.

‘That girl again. Waiting for someone, maybe?’ Yuuto speculated silently as he made his way past her, noting without much interest her focus shifting toward him, her dark hair casting a silky shadow in the sun’s last gleams.

“…Uhm… Sakurai-senpai…?” Her voice, soft and uncertain, floated to him from behind, stopping him in his tracks.
“Yeah? What do you want? Waiting for someone?” Yuuto asked, halting but not turning around, his hands casually buried in his pockets as he continued to move forward, albeit slowly.

“I… Actually! I was waiting for you,” she admitted, her words tentative, her fingers nervously entwining with each other.
“…Well, I’m here. What is it?” Yuuto stopped, this time fully turning to face her, his expression unreadable, his mind buzzing with questions.

‘What could she possibly want? It’s not like anyone’s been bothering her recently…’

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Sakura found her voice again, this time with a surprising firmness. “I know who you are, really. And what you’re doing when nobody sees.”

“Huh. Good for you. Whatever it is you think you’re talking about, I guess.” His voice was steady, but his mind was anything but.

Yuuto:‘Fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fu ck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,’

“Just fight me now. I won’t step off the garment until you raise your blade.”

“No. Ya made me angry. I fight bad when angry.” Sendo murmured

“….”

Yuuno then burst into laughter, making people stare at him attentively.

“Alright. Sorry. If I remove my leg, will you please fight me?”

“…Move it.” Sendo persisted.

Yuuno sighed, “Fine…” Yuuno then carefully moved his leg. Sendo went and picked up the garment.

He then turned around and started walking away, the stadium fills with disappointement.

“Sendo.” Yuuno called.

“…What?” Sendo replied, turning around.

“…Give me the outfit. I want to try it.”
Sendo turned around and handed it to Yuuno.

‘This kid made me jump through hoops just because of this retarded thing,’ Yuuno thought, looking at the outfit.

‘This shitty kid… First, you made Shiyon-nii into some sort of pussy. Then, you throw a tantrum over a fight… Haha.. You’ve always been like this, Sendo. Always so annoying. The dumbest mutt there is. I’ll enjoy ruining whatever reputation you think you have here. I’ll enjoy… Destroying you.’

Yuuno thought as he wore the outfit slowly, and tying it around his body.

The atmosphere in the big gym was charged with electricity, anticipation hanging thick in the air as Sendo, after a moment of hesitation, squared off against Yuuno. The crowd, silent with bated breath, watched as the two adversaries took their stances, the weight of the shinai in their hands a silent testament to the battle ahead.

“Fine,” Sendo grumbled, his stance a declaration of readiness. “Show me what yer made of.”

Yuuno’s smirk was predatory, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling determination. “You asked for it,” he taunted.

‘Hmph, finally. Finish it fast so I can go back. I need to finish a scenario page.’ Yuuto shamelessly thought in his head.

As bamboo met bamboo in a resounding clash, murmurs swept through the crowd. Yuuno’s aggressive onslaught was relentless, his strikes sharp and unforgiving. Yet, Sendo’s calm under pressure, countering with precision, showcased a maturity and growth that surprised many.

Shiyon was on the verge of stepping onto the stage when the sudden eruption of cheers and the distinctive sound of bamboo striking bamboo halted him in his tracks. “Oh… So they’ve begun…?” he mused to himself, a light chuckle escaping his lips. “Well, it seems they don’t need me to intervene anymore~ Enjoy the bout, you two <3… Yuu-chun, you’re about to be taken aback.” With a knowing smile and a shake of his head, Shiyon turned away, his interest piqued but his presence unnecessary, confident in the unfolding drama and the surprises it held, especially for Yuuno.

“This Yuuno guy… I thought he didn’t know Kendo!” an onlooker whispered, awe coloring their voice.

“He doesn’t! He’s wielding that shinai like a street fighter… But he’s dominating Sendo! Could he be a natural talent…?!” another spectator mused, eyes wide with disbelief.

Despite Yuuno’s formidable attack, Sendo’s evolution as a kendo practitioner was evident. He danced around Yuuno’s strikes, countering with moves that drew gasps and cheers from the audience. A daring sidestep and a swift counterattack earned Sendo a point, the crowd erupting in applause for his skill and tenacity.

‘Aniki was always tough in fights… But… Dyin’… Dat scared me more, especially when those three old dudes jumped me. Is that why his strikes… seem slower?’ Sendo pondered, dodging another of Yuuno’s attempts, the memory of his confrontation under the harsh glow of streetlights flashing through his mind.

‘Ah, learned some new tricks, huh…? Haha, you’re not entirely hopeless, Sendo. Those eyes, your moves—they speak of someone who’s stared down death… So you’ve finally broken through that barrier. Is this the revelation Shiyon-nii hoped I’d witness?’ Yuuno thought to himself as their shinai met with force, his initial disdain mixing with a grudging respect for Sendo’s evident growth and tenacity.

Yet, the cold edge of Yuuno’s adaptability was ever-present.

‘Well… It’s amusing,’

His tactics shifted, unpredictably weaving through Sendo’s defenses like a serpent, his precision leaving the crowd on edge as Yuuno systematically picked apart Sendo’s offense.

‘But no matter what you’ve learned, it changes nothing… It never did,’

The match escalated towards its zenith, Sendo’s barrage of attacks consistently thwarted by Yuuno’s strategic counters.

“I AIN’T GIVING UP, ANIKI!” Sendo’s voice echoed defiantly.

In a moment charged with intensity, Yuuno seized an opening, his shinai connecting with Sendo’s abdomen in a powerful thrust that sent him hurtling across the mat.

‘You retarded fucking mutt. What you did to Shiyon-nii… The hoops you made me jump through just for some disgusting, sweat-stained outfit. I won’t ever let it go,’

The big stadium’s atmosphere was a volatile mix of admiration for Sendo’s improved skills and the shock of Yuuno’s seemingly innate talent for kendo, his brutish strength paired with an unexpected finesse.

“Sendo’s really stepped up his game… But Yuuno, there’s a raw edge to him. Like a street fighter with the elegance of a kendo master,” an observer commented, their tone a blend of respect and concern. “I guess that’s Shiyon-san’s little brother for ya!”

As Sendo struggled for breath, Yuuno offered a mocking bow, basking in the crowd’s reactions, his triumph marked by Sendo’s undeniable display of spirit, even in defeat.

“Haaa… I’s still not strong enough to beat ya’, Aniki…” Sendo gasped, defeated yet defiant.

“Nonsense.” Yuuno’s voice cut through the noise as he approached the fallen Sendo, offering a hand with a seemingly genuine gesture of sportsmanship.

“You’ve grown.” Yuuno’s voice softened, the crowd’s cheers enveloping them, a moment of unexpected sportsmanship that left the audience in roaring approval.

“WOAH!!! SAKURAI-SENPAI, WASN’T THAT AMAZING!?” Sato cheered, turning to Yuuto with eyes shining with excitement.

“Not bad, I suppose,” Yuuto replied, sighing as his gaze lingered on the match.

“What…? Are you serious right now, that’s it?” Sato asked, his enthusiasm waning in the face of Yuuto’s tepid response.

“What did you expect, Sakkun? That this guy’s going to be serious about anything?” Hiyori remarked, teasingly poking fun at Yuuto’s known demeanor.

“Alright, listen here, you one-eyed, green-skinned, sludge covered, sewage-infested, shit-smelling bridge troll; I haven’t said anything that justifies this kind of backlash,” Yuuto retorted to Hiyori, his response laced with mock offense.

“Fuck off, Sakurai. You’re like the fatso sitting on the couch, saying how bad an athlete is for not running 100 meters in 3 seconds. I bet that Yuuno could flip you over with just his finger,” Hiyori shot back sharply, her frustration evident.

“Your dear husbando, Sakkun here, just asked for my opinion, which I graciously provided. What’s your problem? You on your period today?” Yuuto fired back, the tension between him and Hiyori palpable.

“T-two street cats…” Chiyoko whispered, observing the escalating verbal tiff between Yuuto and Hiyori. In her eyes, they resembled two hissing cats, with Sato; an innocent, pure puppy, awkwardly caught in the middle, trying to mediate peace between them.

Yuuto glanced back at Yuuno and Sendo.

‘Certainly, he’s got an edge over Sendo… But put Harvest-Boy Jr. here against his big brother…’ Yuuto’s mind raced, conjuring vivid memories of Shiyon’s ferocity, a storm unleashed as he dealt with his juniors.

‘…Organ Harvester’s still the bigger threat.’ Yuuto concluded.

Sendo, with a smile breaking through his fatigue, clasped Yuuno’s outstretched hand. Yuuno, in a gesture of sportsmanship, hoisted him to his feet before triumphantly raising Sendo’s hand into the air. The crowd erupted into another round of cheers, appreciating the display of camaraderie after such a fierce competition.

As the excitement of the match faded, the spectators began mingling, taking the opportunity to get acquainted with Yuuno. Despite the intensity of the match, Yuuno was surprisingly polite and composed during his introductions, a stark contrast to the ferocity he had displayed in the dojo.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed, each person returning to their respective classes, the thrill of the match gradually replaced by the day’s usual routine. Yuuno, carrying the quiet confidence of someone who had just left a significant mark on his peers, made his way to class 3-2, ready to continue his day amidst the whispers and speculative glances of those who had witnessed his prowess.

—-CULTURE CLUB ROOM, LATER THAT DAY—

“Sakurai-Senpai, um… did you manage to talk to the hot spring’s manager? You know, to let him know we’re all set to visit?”

Sato asked, dividing his focus between the conversation and the intricate decoration he was assembling.

“Of course, I have. Who do you take me for?” Yuuto replied, a mix of impatience and assurance in his voice, as he casually flipped through the club-room’s diary, detailing his recent phone call to the hot springs.

“Well… I’m only asking because, uh… I sort of called him earlier by mistake, haha… And, well, when I mentioned I was from the Culture Club to the owner, he seemed… less than happy about it. Like, on the verge of going ballistic… Haha…” Sato explained, nervously chuckling as he recalled the manager’s outrage, his ears still ringing from the vivid memory of the owner practically foaming at the mouth over Yuuto’s earlier conversation.

“You went behind my back to check up on me, didn’t you…” Yuuto remarked, a note of suspicion coloring his words as he paused in his task to adjust his glasses, eyeing Sato with a scrutinizing gaze.

“…Not exactly behind your back, more like… beside your shadow? I mean, who knew hot spring owners had such a fiery temper? I was just double-checking for, uh, educational purposes!” Sato quipped, trying to lighten the mood with a sheepish grin.

“As your club president, it’s my duty to ensure everything’s running smoothly! Think of me as the mastermind behind the curtains, just checking to see that his apprentice is on the right track!” Sato concluded, trying to inject a bit of humor and grandiosity into his justification.

“Haaah… Whatever,” Yuuto sighed, his patience thinning.

‘That old geezer snitched on me to my junior club president. He better pray to GOD I don’t uncover any NTR stuff about him,’ Yuuto silently seethed, plotting his mental revenge against the hot spring’s manager.

“Are you looking forward to our weekly outing?” Sato pressed, the room filled with just their presence and the hum of their resumed work.

Yuuto turned to Sato, “The idea of visiting a hot spring early, just to familiarize ourselves with the place and ensure our group blends in seamlessly next month? Not particularly,” Yuuto admitted with a sigh.

“But think about it, we’ll probably get to enjoy it before anyone else does! Plus, it’ll really help when everyone else comes along, we’ll be so knowledgeable of everything – everyone will really appreciate it!” Sato argued, his optimism undimmed.

Yuuto remained silent, unimpressed.

‘This really starts to tick me off, this facade. It’s more irritating than when an ugly bastard pretending that he’s a good man in front of a crowd.’ Yuuto thought.

“All this effort for the group, huh? Be honest, it’s all just for your own ego and comfort, isn’t it? Or do you actually buy into this farce that you care about anyone other than yourself?”

Yuuto finally voiced out, his skepticism heavy in the air.

“…Sakurai-senpai,” Sato began, halting his decorative endeavor to address the question, “Let’s head up to the rooftop. Remember, I mentioned wanting to have a chat with you earlier,” He shifted, fully facing Yuuto now.

“And why would we do that?” Yuuto questioned, propping himself on his elbow, visibly unenthused by the idea.

“It’s about certain things… This spot just doesn’t feel suitable for what I want to talk about. Plus, the sun won’t set for another two hours. It’s nice and warm outside.” Sato explained, glancing around the cluttered club room, implying the need for a more secluded and appropriate setting for what was on his mind.

“This isn’t a scene from an anime, Sato. Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.”

“No. It has to be on the rooftop. The feel is right up there,” Sato insisted, his tone firmer this time.

“I’m not walking all the way up there just for you to lecture me,” Yuuto countered, standing his ground.

“Then I’ll complain to the principal about you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Yuuto’s response was dismissive, confident in his assessment of Sato’s character.

‘You’ve got too much at stake to play that card, you schemer,’ he thought.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t. But could you please just come with me? Pretty please? With a pile of bon-bons? And a cherry on top? And cream? And… bones?”

“…Bones?”

“Yeah, you know, because cream is white, and so are bones!” Sato explained, somehow finding logic in his chaotic plea.

Yuuto let out a heavy sigh, the weight of resignation clear in his demeanor.

“Fine,” he eventually blurted out. With a reluctant push from his seat, he stood up. “Make it quick.”

‘Maybe I’ll be able to build a better profile on him after hearing him out,’ Yuuto thought.

Together, they made their way out of the club room, heading towards the rooftop in silent agreement.

Sato nodded in agreement, “It looks like he trains just as hard as Sendo. Though Shiyon-san mentioned his Kendo knowledge isn’t deep. It’ll be interesting to see how he manages.”

“He does look quite sure of himself. This should be interesting,” Hiyori added, her eyes fixed on the unfolding scene.

Around them, a chorus of excited shrieks filled the air, “KYAAAA ❤ He’s sooo hot!!”

“Man, he must work out… And he’s only in his third year!”

“How is it even possible to look that perfect… Not too bulky, not too lean… He’s just right!”

The students’ voices blended into a tumult of jealousy, envy, desire, and admiration as Yuuno and Sendo faced off.

Sendo, his gaze intense, began, “Aniki, ya know I respect ya an’ everything, but don’t disrespect Kendo in front of me. It gets me really mad. You know dat. Put on the outfit.”

Yuuno’s demeanor hardened. “I’m not fond of your attitude, kid. Change it, now. Otherwise, I, as your senior, might just lose my temper.”

“Do you really want to push it?” he added, his grip on the Kendo sword tightening.

The crowd murmured in confusion, trying to decipher their exchange.

“Have they started fighting already?”

Yuuto watched closely, intrigued by the verbal sparring.

‘A confrontation already?’ he pondered.

Sendo then glanced at the outfit on the ground, slightly under Yuuno’s foot.

“I won’t fight ya. I’m out,” Sendo declared calmly, sheathing his sword and leaving the crowd in a mix of disappointment and shock.

He moved towards the discarded outfit, “Move yer foot, Aniki. I need to pick that up,” he said, reaching down for it.

Yuuno’s response was to press his foot down harder on the garment, refusing to let Sendo retrieve it. Suddenly, he brought his sword to Sendo’s neck.

“Whoa… What’s going on?! Yuuno’s got his sword at Sendo-kun’s throat!”

“It doesn’t seem like he’s actually hurting him. They’re brothers after all, maybe it’s just their weird way of talking…”

“Come on, Sendo! You’ve got this! Don’t let it end before it even starts!”

“Go for it, SENDO!”

The crowd’s energy surged, their shouts filling the air. Yuuno smirked, soaking in the atmosphere.

“Listen, Sendo,” he said, eyeing the crowd. “They’re all baying for action. They’ll turn on you if you back down now. You think they care if it’s Kendo or a brawl? Just look at them.”

Sendo, however, remained firm, the wooden blade at his neck not stirring him.

“I’m here for Kendo. What others want doesn’t bother me. Move yer foot.”

“No,” Yuuno countered, “As your older brother, I’m telling you to fight. Don’t cause a spectacle. Are you really going to defy and disrespect me PUBLICLY on my first day here? Your older brother?”

“Move yer foot,” Sendo persisted, his tone more steady and restless.

Yuuno, noticing Sendo’s patience running thin, smirked a wicked grin.

“Make me,” he challenged, further stomping the garment and smearing it on the ground.

“Quite the charmer, this thug,” Yuuto called, his hands folded as he looked at the two.

Sato snapped to Yuuto, “H-hey! Sakurai-senpai! Keep your voice down! If you say it loudly like that, people might—”

“Ara~ ❤ My cute Yuu-chun is a thug?” Shiyon called, appearing behind Yuuto while standing.

“S-SHIYON-SAN!?” Sato and his club called, as they noticed his figure.

“SHIYON-SAN! S-SAKURAI-SENPAI DIDN’T MEAN THAT! He just blurted it for no—”

“What, are you delirious in addition to being an organ harvester?” Yuuto called casually as he turned around, causing everyone to drop their jaws and lose the color from their faces. “He looks like that buzz-cut douchebag out of a generic high-school fighting manga. What kind of piss-poor job did you do raising that ingrate that he came out so different from Sendo?”

“Aha~…” Shiyon let out a surprised sigh.

“SAKURAI, WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” Hiyori called in distress.

“I’m sorry for my senpai, Shiyon-san..!! He’s wrong in the head!” Chiyoko called as she bowed on her seat.

“S-sakurai-senpai… That’s just uncalled for!! I am truly sorry on my club member’s behalf!!” Sato hurried to apologize.

“What?” He looked at them all casually, “It’s true. He strips like he owns the place, and then spits at Sendo’s face like it’s nobody’s business. What else can he be but a dipshit ingrate?”

“Ehe…~” Shiyon approached Yuuto, firmly placing his hand on his shoulder.

Their faces paled even more. The image of Shiyon fighting again resurfaced in their brains. An intense fight was about to go down after all these years…

‘They’re misunderstanding what’s happening here. Literal sexual harassment is happening right in front of your eyes.’ Yuuto thought in resignation as he felt Shiyon’s squeeze on his trapezius muscles.

“Whoa, so hard~ <3” Shiyon mumbled to himself.

‘With those muscles…! He could take on an army…! Ohhh~~ Imagine if he trained in some martial arts or used weapons… Ahhh~… How strong would he be?! He’d be like a bulldozer… He could take out an entire building of Yakuza all by himself… And they’re so condensed, you wouldn’t be able to tell as long as he wears those long-sleeved outfits. They’re optimized for movement and power… How dare you, Sakurai-chun. How dare you hide this magnificent body from the world. What did you do to achieve this beautiful level..!?’

“Hey. Get your fucking hand off me, pervert,” Yuuto called as he turned around.

“Aha~ Sorry, sorry,” Shiyon replied with an innocently smile as he removed his palm and stepped back.

“W-what the…” Hiyori exclaimed in amazement and bewilderment.

“What just happened…? You’re not angry, Shiyon-san?” Sato called in confusion.

Shiyon shook his head, “I came here to check on Sakurai-chun, actually. I heard some bad rumors about guys targeting him just because he was a little enthusiastic in the way he spoke about me to everyone… Haah… Talk about fervent children running amok just because someone used no-no words..~” He sighed, frustration evident in his voice.

Hiyori and Sato remained silent as they glanced at Yuuto’s slightly bruised face.

“Honestly? You got off easier than you deserve, Sakurai,” Hiyori remarked.

“Got a problem, bridge-troll?” Sakurai countered.

“Now, now~ Hiyorin, let’s not dwell on the past,” Shiyon interjected gently.

“But he insulted your brother! Your family! How can you not be upset? He blatantly disrespected you and those you care most about!” Hiyori exclaimed, her frustration evident.

“Hikki, maybe we should discuss this later—” Sato began, only for Hiyori to cut him off once more.

“He’s the worst,” Hiyori declared, her gaze shifting to Yuuto. “I thought people were exaggerating about you, Sakurai. But first, you insult Sakkun after he welcomed you into our club, then you disrespect all of us, and now THIS?! Are you trying to make everyone dislike you? Well, it’s working!” Her expression hardened as she glared at Yuuto.

Yuuto met her gaze, blankly staring at her.

‘…She’s just some shitty kid in a godforsaken high-school. But I keep seeing nee-chan in that ugly bridge troll. I guess it has been a while since I saw nee-chan.’

“Hiyorin~” Shiyon’s voice was soft yet carried an underlying chill, drawing everyone’s attention back to him.

“…Sorry. To you, for having to listen to this, Shiyocchi. But I’m not apologizing to him,” she stated defiantly, while Chiyoko tugged at her shirt, seemingly trying to pacify her, and Sato simply watched.

Shiyon sighed, “I’m not asking for an apology. What Sakurai-chun did was regrettable, uncalled for, and doesn’t merit kindness from others. I don’t expect you to blindly accept everyone and their views.”

“…”

“….”

“….”

“…And?”

“That’s it~” Shiyon responded, smiling.

“E-eh?”

“Haha, sorry about that. I’m not exactly cut out to be a lecturer. But since you asked if I was frustrated by what Sakurai-chun said, let me give you my take on it,” Shiyon began, pausing to gaze thoughtfully into the distance.

“Words are just words. It’s been a long time, and yet, it’s crucial for me to impress upon these younger ones that resorting to violence over mere words isn’t a sign of strength. This lesson applies to myself as well. Had I continued to react to past grievances, this school wouldn’t be standing today. Sen-chun was the one who taught me the importance of moving beyond that,” he explained. Yuuto raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Shiyon’s perspective.

“Sure…” her voice faded, filled with uncertainty.

At this, Sato let out a sigh of relief, laughing softly, while Chiyoko gazed up at Shiyon, her eyes shining with a mix of respect and admiration.

“Regarding Yuuno-chun and how he turned out so different from Sen-chun… You could say Sen-chun was already a sweetie ❤ before I took on the role of his Aniki. I only take around 15% ~ 30% credit for how he turned out today. Most of who he is, well, thanks to he was and his persistence. Hehe, you could say it’s thanks to his efforts that I am who I am today. He was just stronger than I was,” Shiyon said proudly. “As for Yuu-chun… He came from a more troubled place, a rougher environment, even more so than Sen-chun’s, so he’s just… Rougher. I actually met Sen-chun much after Yuu-chun.”

“Oh? Is that so, Shiyon-san? Then, where was Yuuno-senpai when you were at school here?” Chiyoko asked in wonder.

“Hmm… That’s—”

The atmosphere among the students grew tense with anticipation, their whispers turning into a chorus of impatience. “Are they going to fight or what?” The question rippled through the crowd, capturing the attention of everyone around, including Shiyon.

Heads turned, eyes locked on the two figures at the center of the gathering storm. “Why’s nothing happening?” someone muttered, the frustration mounting. “Come on, Sendo, Yuuno, give us something to watch!”

Amidst the rising clamor, Sendo’s voice cut through, firm and unwavering.

“Move. Aniki, let me grab da garment an’ go. Why yer being hard?”

“The way you’re saying that is wrong on a lot of levels. Besides, it is you who is being hard here, Sendo. Just fight me already. I want to see how strong you turned out.” His stance remained unyielding, the sword still a silent threat against Sendo’s neck.

“…Move. I’ll show ya later.” The words left Sendo’s lips slowly, his patience thinning like ice under the sun.

In the midst of this standoff, Shiyon’s voice emerged, tinged with a hint of regret.

“Sorry, Saku-chun.” His apology floated to Yuuto, who turned, one eyebrow arching in silent query.

Shiyon exhaled a sigh, his expression one of mild disappointment.

“I promised something interesting, but it seems we’re at an impasse…” He glanced at the two once more, a mix of frustration and resignation in his gaze. “Seems old habits really are hard to break… Well, I suppose it’s up to me to intervene.” With those final words, Shiyon excused himself,

“I do want to make sure, though…”

Everyone’s focus shifted back to Shiyon.

“Even though I trust Sen-chun’s judgment, I need to hear it myself, especially with you so worked up, Hyorin…”

A chill ran through everyone, Yuuto observing Shiyon with a strategic eye.

“Has Saku-chun… hurt any of you?” His voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of a lion’s roar.

His gaze fixed on Yuuto, his face giving nothing away.

‘The atmosphere’s shifted… This feels much heavier than our fight…’ Yuuto noted internally.

Hiyori quickly answered, “No… he hasn’t… Sure, he’s a jerk and ungrateful, but he hasn’t laid a hand on anyone. I would have taken him down myself if he had,” she explained hurriedly.

“Ah, I see~ That’s reassuring ❤ Take care then.” His casual demeanor and smile reappeared as he turned to leave, leaving a stunned silence behind. Yuuto watched him go, poised and ready.

‘…I’m up for whatever you’ve got, harvester.’

‘What a shithole this place turned to be. Poor job you did in raising this place, Shiyon-nee.’

He mused as he walked. Surrounded by cheers and praises.

‘But you sure did a good job turning all of these students into your personal bitches. I bet if you just hinted, all of them would bend over for you.’

He thought as he walked onto the kendo stage, facing the enthusiastic Sendo…

“Ahh, Aniki! Ya’ ready for me?”

‘And then, there’s you. Sendo. The guy I hate out of all of them. I shouldn’t hate you, though. If Shiyon-nee and I are people, then you are a mutt. A honest, dumb, good-for-nothing puppy with nothing on his mind but obeying his master. I suppose that’s good in a way. I bet it’s convenient for Shiyon-nee to have a lapdog like you.’

“Heh. Sendo. Are you really going to make me wear this ridiculous outfit?” He spurted.

“Yeah! It’s for our safety an’ all dat.”

“Hooo…?”

“Now, now <3” Shiyon said, placing both of his hands on his two brothers as they faced each other on the stage in the school’s stadium.

“Everyone! I’m sure you all know my cute little Sen-chun!”

“Aniki stop dat…” Sendo said, looking down with a blush – As the entire school cheered and roared at Sendo’s name.

‘But… You’re loved. Maybe I could use that,’ Yuuno mused internally.

“And, we have a new transfer student—another brother of mine. His name is Yuuno-chun! He’s a little quirky, but I’m sure you’ll all get along wonderfully,” the announcement rang out, prompting another round of cheers as Yuuno nodded at Shiyon and then turned to face Sendo.

“Shiyon-nee,” Yuuno called out, halting Shiyon in his tracks just as he was about to leave the stage.

“Your nose. What happened?” Yuuno’s voice was rough and low. No blood was visible, but he could tell Shiyon’s nose was bruised and slightly askew.

“My, Yuu-chun. Couldn’t your Aniki have simply taken a tumble down some stairs, walked into a wall, or botched a flip while cheering for Sen-chun?” Shiyon teased, with a playful heart emoji in his voice.

“…Cut the act. Who was it?” Yuuno demanded, his patience worn thin.

“You’re being so stern~ And after we haven’t seen each other for so long, too…” Shiyon began, trailing off with a singsong cadence, “Alas, I cannot say~ I’m bound by a promise.”

“Ah, so there is someone here of value. I’ll find him soon enough and put him in his place,” Yuuno declared with a cunning smile creeping across his face.

Shiyon offered no response, simply waved, and sauntered off the stage amidst the thunderous applause and cheers for the trio of brothers.

Yuuto sat perched in a seat above the commotion, thinking, ‘Is this a school or a K-POP concert?’

‘And why am I here again…?’ He let out a sigh, then conceded, ‘Well, it’s an excellent chance to size up your adversaries.’

“Huh? Sakurai?” The voice, tinged with confusion, cut through the clamor.

Yuuto turned to find Shun and his girlfriend Riko meandering through the crowd.

“…Got something to say, cuck?” He tossed the word carelessly at Shun.

Shun’s gaze lingered on Yuuto, taking in the faint traces of a scuffle on his face.

“…It’s nothing. Let’s go, Riko,” Shun muttered, steering Riko away to find seats further from Yuuto.

“Wait.” Yuuto called, getting Shun to stop and turn around with Riko.

“What?”

“I have an ear infucktion and I cunt finger it out.” Yuuto called with a sneer as he inserted his finger in his ear, then put it close to his mouth.

Shun raised his eyebrow, “What..!?”

“That’s about it. Shoo.” Yuuto called, waving his palm at him.

“Right…” Shun said as he turned around.

‘Was Sato lying?’ Yuuto thought to himself, recalling the story he told him.

Riko’s voice was low, “His face…”

“Yeah, looks like he got jumped. Anyone who trash-talks Shiyon-san that openly is asking for trouble, especially from those three. But it’s just a few bruises on him… Barely noticeable.”

Riko observed with a hint of curiosity, “You seem almost let down by that.”

Shun just shrugged off the implication. “Not really. But if they did lay into him today, this wouldn’t be the end of it. Maybe they just start slow.”

“And? Are you hoping they pick up the pace, Shun?”

“… I don’t know. I wished I could say that I do, but… Being targeted sucks.”

Shun clicked his tongue as he looked away, “Why’d he have to be so damn weird, damn it!”

Riko smiled faintly, seeing Shun’s reaction.

‘It seems like Shun got over what happened on our first day here… I’m so glad.’ Riko thought, recalling Yuuto’s last remark in distaste.

Meanwhile, other students from the same class who noticed Yuuto sitting down began whispering amongst themselves, “Hey, look at Pillow. He seems roughed up. Serves him right!”

“But… He doesn’t seem all that injured. Were they going easy on him?”

“Dumbass! They did it on purpose! This is a school Shiyon-san has reformed! What would Shiyon-san say if he saw something like that happening again? They’re probably roughing him up here and there, waiting for Shiyon-san to leave, and then they would let all hell loose on that jerk.”

“Oh.. I suppose it makes sense!”

“Of course it is! Shiyon-san was their Aniki! No way they’d just let him get badmouthed by some nobody!”

“Still…”

“It would’ve been great to see him more injured…”

“Yeah… Fucker deserves it.”

“I can’t wait…”

They spoke amongst themselves, glancing at Yuuto with a sneer.

Yuuto whistled quietly, “Sheesh, at least be more discreet about it. This ain’t some bully-manga story. Turn around, ya’ll creep me out with those faces… Buncha losers.” <— A creep.

“Oh! There you are, Sakurai-senpai!” A cheerful voice sliced through the ambient noise.

‘Talk about losers…’ Yuuto mused as he saw Sato making his way over, a grin plastered on his face, the rest of the culture club trailing behind, minus Shun.

Sato didn’t hesitate, promptly taking the seat next to Yuuto.

The surrounding students started whispering. “Why’s Sato-kun cozying up to Pillow?”

“He’s a club member of his if I remember right… And it’s our kind Sato-kun. Our Overly Hopeful Fool…”

“Seriously, he doesn’t have to go that far. Not for that guy.”

“What are you doing, Sato?” Yuuto asked, more of a demand than a question.

“I just wanted to sit here… Is that an issue?” Sato replied, meeting Yuuto’s gaze squarely.

“You’re in my space. That’s harassment,” Yuuto claimed, his tone brazen.

“That’s not harassment, Sakurai-senpai. If you’re in a club, you’ve got to be open to some camaraderie,” Sato retorted gently.

Yuuto considered this, ‘Has he got some spine after all, or is it just an act for the audience?’

As the rest of the club members found seats in the row below them, Sato continued.

“I was hoping we could have a chat. Is that okay?”

“No,” came Yuuto’s immediate response.

Sato tilted his head, “Why not?”

“I’m here for the match,” Yuuto stated, eyes fixed on the stage.

“Fine, we’ll talk later. But since I’ve already sat down, I’m staying.”

Yuuto glanced around, noting the lack of empty seats with a silent curse.

With a resigned shrug, he crossed his arms and settled into his chair, looking down at the stage.

‘Nobody had to come, and yet here they all are. It’s like a rock concert in here. Shiyon Michaels, you really do run this place. To make students swarm like fans… that’s something else,’ he reflected, an edge of respect in his thoughts for Shiyon’s influence.

Hiyori, towering over Yuuto, took the seat right in front of him, effectively obstructing his view.

“Hey, Sasquatch, mind moving down a bit? You’re blocking the whole view,” Yuuto called out.

“Zip it, Sakurai. Try harder to see. You chose to come here, didn’t you?” Hiyori shot back without a care.

‘Typical smartass… She’s so much like Nee-chan with that irritating, superior tone…’

“Senpai, please don’t be harsh on Hiyorinn!” Chiyoko, a first-year, piped up in defense.

“And what’s it to you, runt? My issue’s with the bridge-troll here, not you,” Yuuto retorted with ease.

“Sakurai-senpai, please, that’s enough—” Sato attempted to interject, only for Hiyori to spin around and face Yuuto directly.

“Your snide remarks, whether they’re aimed at me, Sakkun, or Chiyokocchi, they’re hurtful. Can’t you just drop it and act mature for once?” Hiyori confronted him, her blue eyes drilling into his.

Yuuto recoiled as if he’d seen a specter, taken aback.

Silence fell over him, leaving him speechless.

Hiyori, having said her piece, quietly turned back to watch the stage, leaving a tense silence hanging between them.

‘That… Smartass…!! I HATE HER. It’s like nee-chan returned from America just to scold me for no reason..!’ Yuuto thought, his eye twitching as he gritted his teeth as Sato sighed in relief that the confrontation is over.

Onto the stage stepped Sendo and Yuuno, poised for confrontation. Sendo assumed a ready stance, brimming with energy.

“Ya ready, Aniki!?” Sendo shouted, his excitement palpable.

“Not quite, Sendo,” Yuuno replied, his voice calm. With deliberate movements, he discarded the protective gear and stripped off his shirt, unveiling a physique sculpted and defined. The audience, particularly the female spectators, erupted into cheers.

“I don’t need gear like you do,” Yuuno declared, a confident edge in his tone. He adopted an unconventional stance, seemingly leaving himself vulnerable with numerous openings, yet he held his Kendo sword aimed directly at Sendo, a challenge clear in his posture.

Hiyori: “Woah, the dude’s jacked, ain’t he, Sakkun?”

Kiriko was quickly released from the infirmary. Yukito, trusting Sakura, handed over the care of his treasured girlfriend to her, and together, they made their way to class.

“Sakura,” Kiriko began, her face set in a serious, unreadable expression.

“Yeah, Kiriko? Everything okay?” Sakura responded, concern lacing her voice.

Kiriko hesitated, her words careful. “Pillo-… Erh… Sakurai. What’s your take on him?”

My name is Sakura Takagi. I’m a normal, 16-year-old high school student. I don’t drink or smoke, and I’m quite popular. I’m aware of my beauty.

“Eh?” Sakura was taken aback, her pulse quickening with surprise at the question.

“Why do you ask, Kiriko?” She inquired, one eyebrow arching in curiosity.

With a sigh, Kiriko implored, “Can you just… answer the question?”

But I know something that no one else does. I’m certain of it.

As they walked, Sakura’s gaze drifted upward, as though the ceiling might hold her answer. “Well, he’s odd and quite enigmatic… Why do you ask?”

Kiriko’s frustration simmered beneath her silent exterior.

“What’s on your mind?” Sakura asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Do you find him… likable?”

“WHAT?!” Sakura’s voice cracked in astonishment. “I—No, that’s not it… I mean, I barely know him, so… how could I even have an opinion?”

Kiriko exhaled deeply, a hint of knowing in her tone.

“Your reaction speaks volumes,” she stated flatly.

“But what do you mean?” Sakura stammered, her cheeks warming with a blush.

Kiriko’s expression hardened. “Listen, you can have a crush on anyone, that’s your choice. But steer clear of him. He’s an outcast, disliked by all. It won’t be long before he’s targeted. I’m telling you this for your own good. Avoid him. And just so you know, he’s a recluse, an anime fanatic with his own doujin site. A girl like you… you’d be right in his sights, and someone like that… they’re bad news…”

I know what Sakurai-senpai…

…really is!

—-6 MONTHS AGO, A MONTH AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, AND YUUTO’S ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL———-

–SAKURA—

I wuv my boyfriend.

I wuv him, I wuv him, I wuv him, I WUUUUUUUUUUV HIM..!!

‘I love him… I do…’

“Hehehe… This should be the perfect spot…” The repugnant P.E teacher sneered, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he strode forward.

‘Then… What am I doing here…? With this teacher?’

Sakura and the PE Teacher ventured into the shadows behind the school. An isolated spot nestled beside a dreary forest, where no one dares to tread. Sakura walked with her gaze lowered, her body slouched, and her hands clenched tightly.

The teacher came to a halt.

“What a compliant little girl you are, Sakura-chan… You’re making the right choice, you know? It would be such a pity if your boyfriend were to stumble upon your humiliating photos…” The teacher taunted with a predatory gaze, invading Sakura’s personal space.

‘Ah… Right. I love him, so I don’t want him to see those photos of me getting naked in the guy’s bathroom… I thought he was waiting for me there… But it all turned out as a scheme of this teacher. He… He might get the wrong idea if he saw the photos.’ Sakura thought, as the teacher raised Sakura’s chin, his face a mere inch away from hers. His foul breath seeping into her nostrils.

“Haha… Such a cute face… What big boobs… Are you really 16? You’re actually an adult pretending to be a school girl just for a man like me, aren’t you?” He jeered, leering at her.

‘Yahiko… Save me…’ She silently prayed for her boyfriend.

“Please… Teacher… Please stop this…” Sakura whispered as a tear escaped her eye.

“Stop this? STOP THIS..? You’re the one with the slutty body..!!” He added impatiently, as he begun to fondle her “… That’s just begging to be violated!”

“Hnng..!” She winced as he began teasing her with his thumb.

“Ooh, what a nice reaction… You actually want this, huh? Don’t worry, your teacher here will help you get into shape… All in due time…” He uttered, his words dripping with malicious intent as he moved towards her chest, unbuttoning her shirt.

She tightly clenched his hand as he unbuttoned her shirt.

“…Are you… resisting, right now?” He menacingly asked, his voice filled with threat as he peered into her tear-filled, blue eyes.

“Pretending to be a good girl when deep down, you’re just a filthy bitch who enjoys being violated… Maybe you secretly want me to share those photos…?” He wickedly smiled, pulling out his phone to show her the compromising pictures he had taken in secret.

Her eyes widened in shock, grimacing at the photos.

‘The seemingly kind PE Teacher turned out to be a predator… I trusted him, I actually believed in him. Yahiko… Yahiko… Please save me…!!’ Her silent plea echoed in her mind, her gaze filled with dread as she glanced at the damning photos.

“Everyone will see what lies beneath your clothes. Your boyfriend will think you undressed for someone else… Every guy who looks at you will only see your body… Is that your twisted fantasy, huh?!”

“N-no!! NO! It’s not true, it’s not… I’m… I’m sorry…” She hastily apologized, releasing her grip from his hand.

“Good girl…” Sakura’s eyes then caught sight of a figure lurking in the background, seemingly hiding from view as the teacher continued to unbutton her shirt.

Her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.

‘Yahiko…!! YAHIKO…!!’ She instantly recognized the figure. It was her boyfriend, Yahiko – the one she had longed to see for so long.

‘I can’t shout… People will notice..!! But… But… If it’s you… Save me… Save me…!!’ She stood, trying to signal him with her wide eyes. The PE teacher proceeded to remove her shirt, leaving her in just her bra.

But what she saw next filled her with dread and despair.

Instead of rushing to her aid, Yahiko looked down. Defeat, resignation, and sadness etched across his face.

‘Why… Why are you… Yahiko..?’

“Ya-…Hiko…” She called softly, her voice barely a whisper. But Yahiko turned around and walked away, his posture slumped in defeat.

The teacher glanced up, relishing in Sakura’s bewildered and shocked expression.

“Ahh, that little boyfriend of yours…? I sent him an anonymous note, telling him you’re a cheating whore… And I told him where to find us… Isn’t that great? Now you don’t have to feel guilty anymore… Hehehe… Hehehe… Hehehe..!!” The teacher laughed, relishing Sakura’s misery as tears streamed down her face.

“Ya…Hiko… No… Don’t leave me… This isn’t what you think…” She called softly, her voice trembling as the teacher started unbuttoning her pants… “Hehehe, I hope we’ll take good care of each other from now on, Miss Takagi… I’ll make sure to teach and train you properly in everything. You’re lucky your first time will be with your trusty teacher instead of that weak boyfriend of yours…” Despair consumed her.

“OH SHIT, STRAY BALL~ LOOK OUT…!!” A loud, jarring voice interrupted, growing louder by the second. Sakura turned her despair-filled face towards the source of the voice. Then, they both witnessed a giant football soaring through the air, with a guy running and leaping after it.

“OH NO. I’M ABOUT TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT YOU~” The guy yelled as he flew through the air, aiming straight for the PE teacher’s head.

“What the..!?” The teacher quickly moved out of the way, narrowly avoiding the ball and the guy’s collision.

“Tsk,” a swift, quiet sound of disapproval escaped the odd guy’s lips as the teacher dodged out of the way. The guy then swiftly caught the ball in midair and forcefully slammed it against the PE teacher’s temple. “Whublarghphu~!!!” The impact caused the teacher to lose consciousness and spit out blood, his body crashing to the ground.

“…Eh…?” Sakura muttered, even more bewildered and stunned than before.

“Jesus fuck. What a freak accident. I was playing here with my friends and one of them threw the ball so hard, it knocked out our teacher.” He blankly and casually glanced at Sakura through his fake glasses.

“Um… You hit him-“

“It was an accident,” the guy insisted, his words unwavering.

“… B-but I saw you grab the ball and-“

“-an accident,“ he reiterated firmly.

“You hit him…”

“….” Yuuto narrowed his eyes at her as she hurriedly tried to correct him.

“…It was an accident,” she said as she reluctantly accepted his version of events.

“Oh, you think so too? Oh no, I accidentally dropped the Teacher’s phone too.” Yuuto exclaimed as he picked up the phone from the ground and threw it against the nearby wall, shattering it into pieces. “How clumsy of me.”

“R-right…” Sakura muttered, a mix of confusion and relief washing over her, as she felt the force of Yuuto’s throw.

“Hm, there’s an SD card here with alllllll~ the photos one could imagine. How odd. I heard the police likes photos. Maybe they’ll like these too.” He muttered loudly.

“I-I see… Uhm.. I guess I should… Th-thank…”

‘If I combine it with the footage I captured of that despicable PE teacher groping and blackmailing her, I can ensure he goes to jail for a long time. I just need to transport the body safely to the police station without being noticed. Piece of cake. I’ll take the forest route. Can’t allow a scum like him any more chances to harm others.’ He contemplated internally as he pocketed the SD card, gathered the phone’s remains into a bag, and lifted the teacher’s lecherous body onto his shoulder.

With a sigh, he walked away, leaving her wide-eyed and still processing the shocking turn of events.

‘It will be challenging for her and her boyfriend to reconcile… I didn’t expect that old man to lure him here with a letter. These despicable individuals never rest… Well, I am the kind of person(Hero) who looks ahead, and I know what I do best. Instead of just observing them as I did before, I should intensify my surveillance to uncover all of their habits and create a psychological profile on them.’

“Um… Wait…!” She couldn’t help but shout, picking up her soiled shirt from the mud and putting it back on, fastening the buttons.

Yuuto turned around, nonchalantly uttering, “What, you filthy exhibitionist?”

‘E-exhibitionist?!’ She thought in shock, but quickly shook her head.

I don’t know why my first reaction was to ask for his name, rather than express gratitude… Or really, why he’d cuss at me the first chance he’d get.

“W-What’s your name!?” She called out.

“Anti NT-..” Yuuto paused and looked up, realizing he was still wearing his fake glasses and wig.

“…What…!?” She exclaimed.

“Just call me Sakurai. I’d appreciate it if you kept quiet about what happened here, or I might throw you against the wall too. Fucking slut,” he said before turning around and continuing his walk.

He was peculiar and impolite. He embodied all the qualities of a guy I should stay away from…

“O-okay… I-I’m…” Sakura began, but before she could complete her sentence, he had vanished from her sight.

_______________________________BACK TO PRESENT__________________________

“That seems a bit severe, Kiriko,” Sakura countered softly.

“He might just be a big anime fan… Plus, he earns from that website, right? So it’s not all bad…”

Kiriko’s face twisted in distaste. “What’s gotten into you, Sakura? That’s just… gross!”

… But he rescued me. He rescued me and asked for nothing in return, besides me keeping quiet about him. Even today… He acts like nothing happened between us, and he doesn’t care about how everyone think about him…

Maybe I’m just lonely after me and Yahiko broke up…

…But I want to know him better,

That odd Senpai of mine…

Yuuto and Shiyon rushed at each other again, renewed vigor.

The tension in the air was palpable, an electric current running between Yuuto and Shiyon as they faced off in the midst of their clash. Their movements were a blur, each strike and counter showcasing their near-equal prowess.

“A-amazing..!!” one of the hoodlums exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief as he watched the unfolding battle.

“To think he’s actually keeping up with Aniki…!” another chimed in, their voice tinged with a mix of awe and surprise. The crowd was visibly shaken, witnessing a level of competence from Yuuto they hadn’t anticipated.

“Look, I know I’m probably going to regret saying this… But doesn’t that Pillow… seem more methodical than Aniki?” Konro ventured, hesitantly voicing a thought that seemed VERY blasphemous in this crowd.

“The fuck are you talking about!? Aniki’s the best there is!!” Gon retorted immediately, his loyalty to Shiyon making him bristle at the mere suggestion of any comparison.
“I know, I know! It’s just… Look at how Pillow moves, like a boxer, precise and calculated… But Aniki… It’s like he’s improvising, without a distinct style,” the daring Konro elaborated, trying to articulate the difference they observed, their gaze fixed on the fluid, yet contrasting movements of the fighters.

“That the first time you saw him fight? Aniki has his OWN form! That fucking Pillow shuts down his kicks on purpose, because he knows it’s his strongest attack!” Gon, the defender of Shiyon, interjected, scoffing at the notion that Shiyon’s fighting lacked sophistication.

“Ahh… You think so? I don’t know… It just seems odd to me,” the skeptic mused, still unconvinced. Their words hung in the air, sparking a quiet debate among the onlookers. The contrast between Yuuto’s disciplined strikes and Shiyon’s seemingly chaotic, yet effective, method had drawn a line in the sand, leaving the crowd divided in their admiration and skepticism.

‘Those are smooth-brained amebas… But they have a point. That Organ Harvester… Doesn’t do any movements resembling Kendo or any martial arts. One time a knee; since I’m shutting down his kicks. The other, a punch, then – attempting a grapple. I’m obviously much more amazing, but that bastard still hides his best tricks…’ Yuuto thought, taking Shiyon’s restrictive jeans into consideration.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! AMAZING, SAKURAI-CHUN!!! EVEN AT THE WORLD-KENDO CHAMPTIONSHIP, NOBODY LASTED THIS LONG!!” Shiyon yelled, attacking with seemingly no pattern.

Amidst the rapid exchange of blows, Yuuto found his thoughts drifting, an image flashing vividly in his mind: Kyoya Guuji, his lifeless body a haunting memory that threatened to cloud his focus.

“Getting lost in thought midfight!!? Don’t insult me after everything we went through, Sakurai-chun!!!” Shiyon’s voice cut through the haze of Yuuto’s mind, sharp and accusing. Before Yuuto could brace himself, Shiyon’s fist connected with his face, full force. The impact sent him tumbling to the ground, the world spinning as the crowd gasped and cheered.

“T-THAT’S IT!!! ANIKI WON!!! FUCK YEAH!!! HE HIT HIM FULL FORCE, TOO!!!” Gon screamed.
“PILLOW IS NOT GETTING UP FROM THAT ONE!!! GOT JOB ANIKI!!!” Konro cheered.
Yuuto hit the ground hard, the taste of iron filling his mouth. As he lay there, a fleeting question crossed his mind, ‘Why did I remember that… Corpse…’

Sendo’s eyes then widened amidst their cheers, “Nah, it ain’t over yet!”

“W-what!? Sendo-kun, he hit him head-on!! That Senpai of yours is finished, Sendo!” Gon yelled in defiance.

“Wait!! LOOK!” One of the students that Sendo took down pointed at Yuuto.

Slowly, Yuuto began to rise, each movement deliberate, drawing a stunned silence from the onlookers. ‘Ahh… Right… Kyoya is an infighter. He fights up close… This Organ Harvester… Has a loose form, no specific martial-art, and fights like a common street thug. I bet if he had a rock nearby, he’d definitely pick it up and bash me with it… But what really bothered me, was that he has a really far reach, but isn’t looking for a way to use it. Every time I shut him out, he just goes along with it, he goes in.’

Yuuto thought as he wiped his blood with his hand.

[BACKGROUND MUSIC: Maga – Animality]

‘Kyoya Guuji, you motherfucker. The epitome of a fucking NTR villain… Was beating you the lesson I needed?’
‘You’re gonna hold back, Organ Harvester? Letting me take the lead? Perfect.’
Yuuto clapped his hands twice,
‘I’ve got a strategy to take you down without showing my hand, you asshole.’

“What’s with the clapping, Pillow? Throwing in the towel?! Did you finally realize you’re in way over your head!!?” Gon taunted, his voice filled with scorn.
“Time to dance, Organ Harvester,” Yuuto declared, his voice steady, as he re-assumed a basic boxer’s stance.

Shiyon locked eyes with Yuuto, noticing an unmistakable determination.
“Oho~? Ready to bring out the big guns, Sakurai-chun!?” Shiyon teased with enthusiasm, but Yuuto wasted no time, dashing forward.

He dove low again, aiming for a gut punch…
“Predictable, Sakurai-chun!!!” Shiyon shouted, landing a knee to Yuuto’s head.
“ANIKI SCORES AGAIN!!!”

“Nah…! He didn’t pull it off!” Sendo corrected, his surprise evident.
Shiyon, too late, realized his knee hadn’t hit with the intended force.
“Eh~?” he uttered in shock.

“Try grappling with this, you filthy casual,” Yuuto spat back, undeterred by the blow to his head, as he barreled into Shiyon’s lower waist.
‘I get it… The hit was shallow because he pushed in further, not away, reducing the impact of my knee!’ Shiyon realized as he found himself sprawled on the ground, with Yuuto now dominating the position atop him.

Without hesitation, Yuuto unleashed a barrage of punches onto Shiyon’s head, each blow landing with precision and force – as Yuuto pinned Shiyon’s hands using his knees.

“ANIKI!!!!!!!” The onlookers screamed in dismay, witnessing a scene they could hardly believe.
With every strike, Shiyon’s situation grew dire. After the fourth punch, blood started to escape his mouth, a grim result of his teeth cutting into his lips, while a burst vein in his nose added to the crimson flow marking each impact.

Left, right, left, right…
In the midst of this relentless assault, the image of Kyoya flashed through Yuuto’s mind once again. He remembered the intensity of their confrontation, the moment he had Kyoya in a chokehold. This memory caused Yuuto to pause momentarily, his fists still raised, as the ghost of battles past momentarily held him captive.

In a sudden turn of events, Yuuto found himself tackled to the ground by two students from the crowd.

It was Konro and Gon, swiftly joined by others eager to jump into the fray.
‘Damn…!! Distracted by that NTR jerk again..!!!’ Yuuto seethed internally, struggling against the weight pinning him down, his fists flailing in a desperate attempt to break free.
Sendo charged towards the melee, intent on intervening.

“Hey, cut it out!!! Aniki told us to stay outta this—”
But before he could finish, two students pushed Sendo aside, sending him crashing to the ground.

“Sendo-kun… You just stood by while your Aniki was being beaten by that FREAK… How can you stand there and say that?!” They protested with a fiery conviction. “As Aniki’s underlings, it’s our duty to protect him!”

“That’s just yer excuse!!!” Sendo retorted, picking himself up, his Kendo sword now in hand, while Yuuto’s phone tightly gripped in the other, ready for action, while Yuuto grappled with Gon, Konro, and another accomplice.
“So what if it is!? We’re defending Aniki, and that’s what we’ll do!”

[BACKGROUND MUSIC: Bleach OST – On The Precipice of Defeat]

“Funny…”
Suddenly, Shiyon emerged, bloodied yet undeterred, his eyes ablaze with an intense fury.
“Then, does that mean I’m free to do as I please, without any rules?” he remarked coolly, an icy edge to his words.

In the blink of an eye, the two students were inexplicably sent soaring through the air, their bodies flipping over in a bewildering arc.

‘Huh…?’
‘What just happened…? Why am I… upside down…?’ These were their last coherent thoughts before they hit the ground with a thud.

“Gon-chan…” Shiyon’s voice was soft, yet it carried an unsettling edge, a whisper that seemed to slice through the air.

“A-ANIKI!! We’ve got this bastard pinned down for you!!” Gon exclaimed, his grin wide with misplaced pride.

“Who…”

Shiyon’s expression was a void, darker than the abyss itself, as he reached out, his hands finding their necks with an almost spectral ease, flinging them aside as if they were mere dolls.
“…gave you permission to interfere?” His voice was a chilling calm, a stark contrast to the fury smoldering in his gaze. He glanced briefly at Yuuto, who lay in the dust, disregarded, before his attention returned to the trio, now frozen in fear.

“For the first time in a long while, I was actually enjoying myself… And you decide to… spoil my fun?”

“ANIKI…!! Y-You’ve got it all wrong!! We just… We couldn’t stand watching Pillow—”
“Do you really think so little of my wishes, you five…?” Shiyon’s query was like ice, sending tremors down their spines as his face twisted into a grin that bordered on madness.
Sendo knew… That this is Shiyon, his Aniki. Yet that aura he emitted… Reminded Sendo of a darker time.

A time where his beloved Aniki… Was a foreign object of chaos and calamity. A person who didn’t hold back at all, on anyone.

He began to advance on them, his knuckles cracking ominously in the silence.
“I’ve returned after such a long time… And this is how you welcome me…?”

“It seems life at school has been too comfortable in my absence… Have you forgotten even the basic form of respect? Must I remind you of it myself?”
As if under a curse, they dropped to their knees, bowing deeply, their apologies tumbling out in a desperate cascade.

“WE’RE SORRY…!!! ANIKI!!!”

Shiyon’s air of hostility then gradually faded as he saw them all earnestly apologizing.
“Haah… I… am deeply disappointed in all of you. It appears I must reassume my role as King, even just as a guest. What’s the saying? A parent’s job is never done…” Shiyon’s voice trailed off as he massaged his temples, a slow shake of his head betraying his exasperation.
Then, his gaze shifted to Sendo.

“Except for you, Sen-chun~. Thank you for not interfering <3” Suddenly, the ominous cloud lifted, and Shiyon’s voice lightened, a stark contrast to the moment before, as if the storm had never been.

Sendo merely nodded with that honest gaze on his face.
‘Should I use that moment to get the drop on him…?’ Yuuto thought as he already rose to a standing position.

“Sakurai-chun,” Shiyon began, turning to face him with an unexpected admission, “I lost. You’ve won.”
Yuuto brushed off the dirt from himself, a quiet “Hmph” escaping him as a sign of acknowledgment.
“I must apologize for the overenthusiasm of my juniors…” Shiyon said, casting a glance towards his followers. “You five?”

In perfect harmony, they responded, “YES, ANIKI!!”
“Ensure that no word of today’s events leaves this circle. It appears Sakurai-chun is rather discreet about his true capabilities,” Shiyon stated, a note of displeasure in his voice.
“Y-YES, ANIKI!!! THIS SECRET DIES WITH US!!!” They proclaimed, their voices echoing their pledge.

“That’s reassuring,” Shiyon replied, his smile returning.
Sendo observed the exchange, thinking to himself, ‘Normally, he’d say, “Don’t be so dramatic, just keep your word…” Aniki must really be ticked off this time.’

“You got an issue with keeping this under wraps, Harvester?” Yuuto asked, his tone nonchalant.
“Aha~~! Sakurai-chun, you didn’t call me Organ Harvester! Does this mean you’re starting to see me in a better light?”

“Not a chance. It’s just easier this way,” Yuuto replied promptly, dismissing any notion of camaraderie.

“Haaah… I see. Baby steps, then,” Shiyon said, his smile warm yet tinged with a hint of melancholy. “However, I do have an issue with your preference for secrecy. It’s such a waste to hide your remarkable strength. But, as the defeated party, I’ll respect your wishes. My eager juniors here won’t cause you any more problems… Right?” He glanced at the group.

“R-right, aniki…” They murmured, somewhat subdued.
“And there you have it <3,” he said, turning to Yuuto with a smile.

“Also, Sakurai-chun, make sure you visit the gym before the afternoon classes. There’s going to be something quite interesting happening.”
Shiyon walked away, one of the students offering him a napkin to clean the blood from his face. Together, Shiyon and the five juniors moved off as a unit. In contrast, Yuuto, fueled by frustration, marched towards Sendo.

Stopping just short of him, Yuuto demanded, “The phone, kid,” extending his hand expectantly.
Internally, Yuuto cursed, ‘Must’ve deleted all the footage. Gonna need to do some reconnaissance… Damn it.’

Without hesitation, Sendo handed over the phone, which Yuuto immediately scrutinized. To his surprise, everything was untouched.
‘The… footage is still here. It’s even still recording…’

Looking up, Yuuto’s expression remained cool despite his astonishment.
“Sendo. You didn’t think to delete or pause the recording? What if I release this?”
“Then ya release it. It’s yer phone, Senpai,” Sendo replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Silence fell as Yuuto processed this. After rubbing his temples in frustration, then he advised, “You can’t do that, Sendo. You must be ruthless to your enemies.”

“But ya ain’t my enemy, Senpai.”

“I was beating the shit out of your Aniki.”

“He liked it, Senpai. So it’s all good,” Sendo responded without hesitation.

At the mention, an unwelcome image of Shiyon in BDSM attire flashed through Yuuto’s mind.
Yuuto then inhaled… And exhaled. He accepted this thought, and moved beyond its reach – where it can never get to him ever again. Ever.

“Right. Okay then.” With that, Yuuto paused the recording and pocketed the phone.
As they continued, Shiyon glanced back, his pace slowing just enough to catch a glimpse of Yuuto and Sendo’s exchange, a warm smile playing on his lips.