Chapter 6: Clearing the False Accusations

──September 10th, Miyuki’s Perspective──

I was trapped in a dream.

On the school rooftop, Eiji stood alone, his silhouette stark against the sky. I called out to him, my voice desperate, but he didn’t turn. It was as if I didn’t exist. Slowly, he leaned over the rooftop fence, his movements deliberate, heavy with intent.

“Stop, Eiji! I’m sorry—I’ll apologize, just please don’t do this! You don’t have to die. It’s my fault, not yours. I’m the one who should pay. No, no, I can’t lose you! Why are you blaming yourself? Don’t leave me alone! If you’re gone, I’ll have nothing left!”

My screams dissolved into the air, unheard.

His face, pale and hollow, turned to me at last. For a fleeting moment, his eyes locked onto mine, burning with silent accusation. Then, without a word, he let go. His body plummeted, and his despairing expression seared itself into my mind: Because of you, I had to die.

A dull thud reverberated below. The ground bloomed crimson.

Something inside me shattered.

“It’s just a dream, isn’t it?”

I woke drenched in cold sweat, my body heavy as lead. Dragging myself to school, I had no appetite, no strength. The thought gnawed at me: Eiji might be dead. The guilt was a weight that threatened to crush me, driving me to the edge of sanity. I was terrified.

At school, I spoke to no one. My gaze fixed blankly ahead, I waited for the first period to begin. If I collapsed from anemia right now, wouldn’t that be easier? I just wanted to disappear.

“Everyone, listen up,” Takayanagi-sensei’s voice cut through the haze. “An emergency school assembly has been called. Gather in the gymnasium.”

Like a zombie, I shuffled toward the gym. Classmates urged me not to push myself, their kindness misplaced. I didn’t deserve it. I wished someone would scream at me, curse me, punish me. If Eiji had yelled, cursed, or even struck me, maybe the weight in my chest would ease. But he lived by his own creed: the opposite of love is indifference. He’d shown it in his actions, cutting me off with cold finality. Even at my worst, he’d offered only the barest consideration before turning away.

I understood why, but the shock was a wound that wouldn’t close.

Swallowing tears, I reached the gymnasium.

The assembly began without delay. The principal took the stage, his expression grave, and wasted no time.

“We’ve gathered you here today to address two matters.”

His usual long-winded speeches were absent, replaced by a sharp clarity that underscored the seriousness of the moment.

“Let’s start with the bad news. The police have informed us that a student from our school is highly likely to be involved in an assault that took place in the neighboring city during summer break. They haven’t confirmed whether it’s indeed one of our students or identified who it might be. However, if a student has erred, it’s our duty as a school to guide them. I’m not asking for a confession here and now, but if you know something or are involved, report to your homeroom teacher by noon. Lies won’t help—the truth will surface eventually. This is your final warning.”

My heart clenched. It had to be about Kondou-senpai and Eiji. The school was moving quickly, and the police were involved. Arrests again? The air grew thick with murmurs, the tension palpable.

“Hey, isn’t this about that Aono Eiji thing trending on SNS?”

“The rumor about him being violent with Amada-san?”

“Yeah, it’s a police matter now, right?”

The words pierced me. They were wrong—completely wrong. We were the ones at fault, not Eiji. The lies we’d spun were unraveling, but I was too pathetic to speak up. I knew I had to deny the rumors, but my legs trembled beneath me, betraying my resolve.

As guilt threatened to swallow me whole, the principal’s tone shifted, brighter now.

“Now for the good news. On Monday, second-year student Aono Eiji-kun and first-year student Ichijou Ai-san performed life-saving actions for a man who collapsed on the street. Thanks to their swift response, he was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The fire department will soon commend them for their actions. As your principal, I’m proud of our students for their exemplary conduct. I hope you’ll all take inspiration from their example and strive to be role models for our school. Let’s give them a round of applause!”

A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd.

“What? Aono Eiji saved someone? Didn’t he assault someone?”

“Why praise Aono right after that announcement? Is the rumor wrong…?”

“It doesn’t add up. The fire department wouldn’t commend someone tied to a police case.”

“So someone’s lying, then!?”

A cold dread gripped me. Our lies were crumbling, piece by piece. The truth was closing in, and with it, our inevitable downfall.

Already frail from hunger, my vision blurred. The gymnasium floor rushed up to meet me as I collapsed.

※

──Kondou’s Perspective──

What a pain. An emergency assembly first thing in the morning? What’s this about? Some kind of trouble?

No way it’s about that hotel incident. It can’t be. My old man swore it’d never come to light.

I’m overthinking it. It’s fine.

Reassuring myself, I stood among the crowd as the principal’s voice cut through the gymnasium.

“There’s good news and bad news. Let’s start with the bad news. The police have informed us that a student from our school is highly likely to be involved in an assault that took place in the neighboring city during summer break. They haven’t confirmed whether it’s indeed one of our students or identified who it might be. However, if a student has erred, it’s our duty as a school to guide them. I’m not asking for a confession here and now, but if you know something or are involved, report to your homeroom teacher by noon. Lies won’t help—the truth will surface eventually. This is your final warning.”

My stomach twisted. Why did it feel like the principal’s eyes were boring into me? The weight of his words pressed down, unsettling.

No, this isn’t about me. It’s not my problem. Probably just a scare tactic to keep us in line.

Someone nearby muttered, “Isn’t this about Aono?” Yeah, it’s gotta be Aono. Everyone thinks he assaulted Miyuki.

I refused to believe it could be me. I’m untouchable. The king. I do what I want.

Besides, there were no security cameras at that spot. No police, no witnesses. Even if someone reported us, we were gone in a flash. There’s no evidence. I’m clean.

Then the principal’s tone shifted.

He spoke of Aono and Ichijou Ai saving a man’s life, earning a commendation from the fire department.

The realization hit like a sucker punch—I’d been played.

Takayanagi’s half-hearted attitude, his sloppy investigation—it was all a front to lower my guard. They’d gathered their evidence, and now they’d cornered me with this ultimatum, leaving no room to destroy evidence or slip away.

How did I know? The principal’s speech was a calculated move. Mentioning the assault first stirred up the rumors about Aono Eiji, the supposed violent delinquent. But following it with praise for his life-saving heroism? That was a deliberate strike to unravel the lies I’d spread. The contrast flipped the students’ perceptions, sowing doubt about the rumors. They had something up their sleeve—a trump card. I was trapped, unable to act.

Desperate, I glanced at the girl nearby, hoping for an ally. She only smirked, her whisper cutting like a blade: “It’s over.” Her eyes never met mine again. I was abandoned, left to sink alone.

“Damn it. Don’t screw with me.”

If she’s out, what’s my move? I’d have to call my old man, get him to lean on the school. He’s got connections—big shots who can pull strings.

Then it hit me.

My phone—I broke it yesterday. I can’t call anyone.

“Crap.”

The curse slipped out under my breath, lost in the noise of the crowd. A girl’s scream pierced the air, followed by shouts for a teacher. Someone had fainted. The students erupted into chaos, their orderly formation dissolving.

This was my shot. Seizing the moment, I bolted for the gym exit. I’d slip out of school, find a way to reach my old man, and get his help.

If I get arrested, it’s over. My soccer dreams, the girls, my entire life—it’ll all crumble. I won’t be me anymore.

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

I fled the school, alone.

※

──Infirmary, Takayanagi’s Perspective──

I caught a glimpse of Kondou bolting from the gymnasium, his panic palpable.

“Fool,” I muttered under my breath. “Running now is as good as confessing. They’ll spin this to their advantage. With Aono’s assault rumors crumbling, Kondou’s sudden closeness to Amada, and now this desperate escape—it’s a perfect storm for fresh gossip. You, of all people, should know how fast rumors spread, Kondou.”

Disgusted by his cowardice, I turned my attention to Amada Miyuki, who had collapsed during the assembly. I made my way to the infirmary, where she lay asleep, her face pale and drawn. Her condition was poor—likely from guilt, hunger, and sleeplessness.

Since I had no class second period, I stayed with Mitsui-sensei, waiting for Amada to wake.

Her complexion was ghastly, a testament to the weight crushing her.

Amada and Aono had been inseparable until last semester. Watching their bond fracture was painful for someone who’d known them both.

“Where am I…?”

About ten minutes later, Amada stirred, her voice faint. Her eyes fluttered open, but she still looked unwell, her face drained of color.

“You’re in the infirmary,” I said gently. “You fainted during the assembly. Are you okay? How do you feel?”

Her gaze was unfocused, as if my words struggled to reach her. Her pallor deepened, and a frantic edge crept into her expression.

“Eiji? I have to stop Eiji. He’ll die. It’s my fault.”

Her voice trembled with distress as she tried to lurch from the bed, but her body faltered. Mitsui-sensei and I quickly steadied her, guiding her back down.

“Calm down,” I said firmly. “Aono’s with the principal right now.”

Confusion clouded her face, as if reality eluded her. Tears spilled over, and her breathing grew erratic. She was too unstable to press for answers—her emotions teetered on the edge of collapse.

“Right. Right. Right. It was a dream.”

Her broken, mechanical muttering cut through the silence, each word laced with pain.

“Are you okay?” I asked again, concern tightening my chest.

“Yes…” she whispered, her eyes meeting mine, wide and shaken.

She hesitated, then steeled herself, her gaze dropping as she spoke in halting fragments. “Amada, this might not be the best place to ask, but is there something you need to tell me?”

Given the principal’s warning and the timing of her collapse, it had to be connected.

“There… is.”

Her voice quivered, on the verge of breaking, but she forced the words out. “I… cheated with Kondou-senpai… I betrayed Eiji. When Eiji found out, I was terrified of losing everything, so I went along with senpai’s plan… to frame Eiji for assaulting me… I helped with it. All he did was touch my shoulder. And then we isolated Eiji and drove him to the brink of suicide. It’s all, all my fault.”

The confession hit like a blow. Aono had considered suicide. The weight of that revelation left me speechless.

Disappointment surged within me. Amada, an honor student, had lied to her teachers to shield herself. No—perhaps that was my own selfish frustration speaking. I’d suspected her deceit, but hearing it from her lips was a jarring confirmation.

“So… you were lying back then, too?” I asked, my voice steady but heavy.

“Y……es.” She nodded, her movements slow, deliberate.

“Amada, why would you do this? If Aono had died because of this bullying, it would’ve been irreparable. That was a real possibility. Even now, the damage is done. Even if you confess and apologize, some won’t believe you. Aono’s reputation won’t easily recover. In the worst case, you’ve left him with a scar he’ll carry forever. You might’ve thought it was trivial, but this is one of the worst things a person can do.”

I couldn’t shield her any longer.

“We’ve investigated this,” I continued. “Fabricating a false accusation is a crime. If the school had believed your story, Aono could’ve been expelled. You understand that, don’t you?”

I wasn’t a legal expert, but I’d researched similar cases. People who spread false defamation online had faced arrests for libel. Amada was likely staring down the same fate.

“I understand,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Doing something like this could land you in jail. Why would you make a choice that could ruin your life…?”

My regret for failing her as a teacher mingled with anger at her betrayal. There was little I could do now.

“What’s going to happen to me…?” she asked, her voice frail, trembling.

“It’ll probably be a severe punishment,” I said, the words heavy but necessary. Suspension or expulsion was likely—a harsh consequence for a clear crime, especially for framing an innocent student and inciting bullying. Even if she remained at school, her classmates would turn on her, demanding why she’d deceived them. Those who spread malicious gossip or fueled the bullying would face consequences too, though less severe than the ringleaders’. We’d had Aono preserve online logs as evidence. Those punished would lose opportunities like college recommendations, and some who directly harmed Aono might even face expulsion.

Aono, the greatest victim, bore an emotional wound that might never heal.

There could be no forgiveness for that. Kondou and Amada had twisted the lives of so many.

“NOOOoooooOOOO!”

A piercing scream, raw and anguished, tore through the infirmary like a death knell.

I left the rest to Mitsui-sensei and stepped into the hallway, the weight of the moment lingering as I closed the door behind me.

※

──A Certain Female Student’s Perspective──

As the principal delivered his speech and Kondou-kun fled the gymnasium in a panic, a sly smirk curled within me. “Well, this just got interesting.”

Kondou-kun’s caught. Poor thing.

Helping him now would only drag me down with him. No thanks.

“Looks like this is the end for you. Bye-bye, Kondou-kun,” I murmured under my breath.

I opened my phone and deleted the SNS account I’d used to contact him, erasing every trace of our messages. Our connection was severed, clean and final.

If anyone questions me about Eiji-kun’s case, I’ll play the innocent card. I was misled by the rumors, I’ll say, and I feel terrible for him. A heartfelt apology should smooth things over with the school. Plenty of students spread those rumors— they can’t punish us all.

Sure, trashing Eiji-kun’s belongings might’ve been a step too far, but we can align our stories in the club. We’ll claim we set his things aside after he quit, only for them to be stolen or mistaken for garbage. No one wants punishment, so we’re all incentivized to stick together. Betrayal would only sink us all.

Kondou-kun, my little pawn, is broken now, but watching him crumble is its own kind of fun. That desperate, pleading look he shot me earlier? Absolutely priceless.

He strutted around, boasting about being a “psychopath,” but he’s nothing but a fraud. The school’s gearing up for a fight with his parents, and if the faculty’s ready to take on the city’s elite, they must have a trump card—something even Kondou’s connections can’t dodge.

“Let’s see how this story unfolds,” I thought, my smirk widening inwardly. I’m the one writing the narrative now.

A junior from the literature club in the next row sidled up, her face pale with worry. “Buchou, we’re safe, right?”

She’s panicking already.

“Don’t worry,” I said smoothly. “Leave it to me.”

The only loose end is Hayashi-san. Good thing I put her in her place. Timid girls like her crumble under pressure— a little intimidation, and she won’t dare cross me.

※

──Shimokawa’s Perspective──

During the morning assembly, I spotted Kondou-senpai hightailing it out of the gymnasium.

Watanabe-senpai, standing nearby, let out a mocking scoff. “Oi, Shimokawa, you see that? Kondou’s tucking his tail and running! He’s toast!”

After the assembly, I jumped into the soccer team’s SNS group and spilled the details. ‘Yo, Kondou-senpai just bolted!!’

The post was marked as read instantly, and the team lit up with responses.

‘Huh!?’

‘After that assault case talk at the assembly, Amada collapsed, right? Someone in my class saw senpai sprinting out of the gym during the chaos.’

‘Yeah, he’s done.’

‘Exactly. He’s been lying to us this whole time. We were all played!’

‘Man, I was sick of him acting all high and mighty. Good riddance!’

The group’s reaction was unanimous. For a moment, panic crept in, and I posted again. ‘What if the rumors about Aono were actually lies? What if we get dragged into this… I’m already getting grilled by Takayanagi-sensei…’

‘Huuh!?’

‘What’s that supposed to mean? Kondou got us caught up in this, and now he’s the first to bail?’

‘So the police are involved with Kondou-senpai’s case, right? We’re in deep trouble too!’

‘We were just following Kondou’s orders, so we should be fine, right?’

‘Yeah, we’re basically victims who got tricked!!’

‘Listen, Kondou’s the only one to blame. We didn’t do anything wrong.’

The flood of replies steadied my nerves.

Yeah, it’s all Kondou-senpai’s fault!!

※

──Aono’s Perspective──

After the assembly, I found myself in an empty classroom for the principal’s English makeup class. English has always been my weak spot. Pronunciation trips me up, and long texts that I’d fly through in Japanese become a slog in English, fraying my nerves.

But the principal’s classes are different—captivating, even. He’s a traveler at heart, spending long holidays in English-speaking countries like the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, America, and Canada. His lessons brim with practical English, woven with stories from his journeys.

Last time, he shared a gem of a tale. “I love American whiskey, you know? Did you know the home of whiskey is Scotland, where it’s called Scotch whisky? But there’s a difference: Scotch is spelled W-H-I-S-K-Y, while American whiskey uses W-H-I-S-K-E-Y. That’s because many American whiskey makers were Irish immigrants, and the Irish, proud of their claim as the first whiskey makers, chose a distinct spelling to set it apart from Scotch. In Japan, we followed Scotland’s lead, so we use their spelling. Isn’t that fascinating? Even within the same language, words carry different meanings depending on where they’re used. There’s history behind it. Grasping these nuances helps you master English faster.”

His understanding of English went far beyond textbook lessons. I used to gripe that English was pointless in Japan, but his classes flipped my perspective entirely. Since then, I’ve found myself enjoying it. I even started watching English dramas on my mom’s streaming subscription to hone my listening skills.

The principal stepped into the classroom, his familiar smile in place. “Aono-kun, mind if we chat a bit before starting the lesson?”

“Sure,” I replied, settling in.

“First, about Monday’s incident,” he began, his tone warm but serious. “As I said earlier, I’m truly proud. We failed you, letting you suffer due to our shortcomings, yet you didn’t give up. You faced a harsh reality head-on. That alone is remarkable. But you’re even more extraordinary than we adults could have imagined. Despite your own pain, you didn’t hesitate to help someone in need. Few students could do that. As an educator, I couldn’t be happier. I’m retiring next year, but meeting a student like you at the end of my career feels like a blessing. Thank you.”

He bowed deeply, his sincerity catching me off guard.

“No, it wasn’t just me,” I said quickly. “I could keep going because my friends and teachers supported me. And the life-saving effort only worked because of the guy who called the ambulance, the nurses who stepped in, and Ichijou-san who brought the AED.”

The principal’s smile widened. “You two really are something… Ichijou-san said the same thing earlier. You both lift each other up, staying humble about your own roles. You complement each other so well.”

My face warmed at his words. It was a bit embarrassing, but hearing that I meshed so well with someone I cared about? That sparked a quiet joy.

Noticing my flush, the principal chuckled softly. “The fire department is visiting the school today. Let’s study hard until they arrive.”

With that, the engaging English lesson began, pulling me into its rhythm.

※

──Ichijou Ai’s Perspective──

As the time for the commendation drew near, students began filing toward the second assembly of the day.

“Hey, those rumors about Aono were probably lies, right?”

“No way someone wanted by the police would get commended.”

“So what’s going on? Someone was lying to make Aono look bad?”

“That’s what it sounds like.”

“Then who was it?”

Amid the murmurs, I slipped out my phone and opened the school’s unofficial forum. As expected, debates over the rumors’ validity were raging.

“I always thought it was weird that Ichijou-san stuck by Aono.”

“No way she’d get close to a violent guy.”

“So she must’ve known Aono was falsely accused and supported him all along.”

“That’s amazing.”

“She stood by a victim even if it made her enemies.”

“But didn’t she say she owed Aono-senpai?”

“Plus, they were together during that life-saving thing. They’re definitely dating.”

“They were on a date after school the other day, so they’ve gotta be together.”

Reading gossip about myself sent a flush to my cheeks. We’re not dating—yet. But these rumors? I didn’t mind them as much as I thought I would.

Yet. The word slipped into my thoughts, and I couldn’t deny it anymore. My feelings for him were real.

But first, I had to clear Senpai’s name.

With a twinge of disgust, I posted on a platform I usually loathed, my anger at the situation overriding my reluctance. Who was lying? I bet everyone already knows, right?

That single comment shifted the forum’s tone like a spark igniting dry grass. No more posts were needed. The hesitation vanished, and the truth poured out like a dam bursting.

“Exactly.”

“When that topic came up, Amada Miyuki clearly panicked and collapsed.”

“I’m in the same class, but Kondou’s been missing since the assembly.”

“That settles it. Those two were always together even before this mess.”

“Kondou-senpai bailed, abandoning his girl too.”

“So they were cheating, got scared of being found out, and pinned it all on Aono-kun?”

“If that’s true, that’s beyond messed up.”

“No way…”

“That’s disgusting.”

“Poor Aono-kun.”

Senpai’s tarnished reputation wouldn’t heal overnight, but this was a start. I hadn’t wanted to stoop to their tactics, but they’d forced my hand.

“You’ll pay for driving Aono Eiji, someone precious to me, into a corner,” I thought, my resolve hardening. “I’ll never forgive you.”

They were merely reaping what they’d sown. For their selfish lies, they’d pushed a kind person to the edge of suicide. This was lenient by comparison.

With quiet anger toward those who flipped their stance so easily, I closed the forum.

To protect someone dear, I’d wield every tool at my disposal. I’d learned the hard way that hesitation could cost me everything.

I sent a message to Kuroi. “If it comes to the worst, I’ll ask my father myself. Please arrange for immediate contact.”

Even if it meant swallowing my pride, for him…

Councilor Kondou would likely make his move soon. If he targeted Senpai’s family with some cowardly scheme, I’d make him regret it.

I also approved the TV station’s request to appear on camera. The fire department was coming after school to commend us, and the media would be there. The coverage would further restore Senpai’s reputation.

Once this aired, no one would dare harm him again.

Today, I’d end it all.

Giving the culprits more time could worsen things. I wouldn’t let that kind person be cornered any further.

My resolve solidified. To move forward with him.

Just before lunch, another assembly was called. Classes were shortened to hold our commendation during it—a clear gesture from the school to help clear Eiji-senpai’s name. Everyone knew this was the deadline for the principal’s ultimatum. The culprits had to confess by the end, or face severe consequences. They must be terrified. This college-prep school was their stepping stone to prestige, and straying from that path meant losing everything they’d built. Amada Miyuki likely felt the same when her cheating was exposed. To protect her status, she’d woven a web of lies, driving Eiji-senpai to the brink of suicide. Unforgivable.

If they’d abandoned their petty self-preservation, they might’ve salvaged something. Instead, their lies, piled high to shield themselves, led to their ruin. Inexcusable.

Backstage, we waited. Senpai, standing nearby, was visibly nervous, his hands fidgeting. Of course he was. The scars of bullying ran deep. Even knowing this was necessary to clear his name, facing a crowd that had once turned on him demanded immense courage. I understood, having endured anonymous hate myself.

“It’s okay,” I said softly, gently squeezing his hand, repaying a fraction of the courage he’d given me that day. “I’m right here with you, and I’m on your side.”

I knew, even in our short time together, that he was remarkable. It was absurd—wrong—that someone so kind could be slandered and bullied like this. I wanted him to move forward. If he could, I felt I could too. It felt almost selfish, pinning my hopes on him, but still… I wanted to build a life with him.

I’d never imagined wanting to share my path with someone. I’d always blamed myself, convinced that if I’d acted differently back then, my family might still be whole. Unable to forgive myself, I’d been stuck, frustrated, and afraid, suspecting everyone, despising my own weakness.

I was a bird in a cage, watched endlessly, living a hollow life without purpose. That’s what I’d thought.

But he changed my world, once gray and steeped in despair.

Many had offered help, but he was the only one who proved it with actions.

And he’d accepted me.

So I’d move forward. Always.

“Thanks, Ichijou-san,” he said, his voice steadying. “That gave me courage.”

He gently clasped my hand, just as he had that day when he pulled me from despair, led me beyond the school gates, and reminded me of a family’s warmth.

Then, hand in hand, he guided me forward.

We stepped slowly into the light.

Called by name, we walked to the center of the stage. A high-ranking firefighter in uniform greeted us with a warm smile.

“Thank you both for your swift response,” he whispered kindly before reading the certificate, easing our tension.

He read the commendation with conviction. We bowed, accepted it, and turned to face a surge of applause. Senpai’s gaze swept over the students, a flicker of relief in his eyes.

This would shift the narrative. I watched, a quiet sense of fulfillment settling within me.

“Ichijou-san, thank you for believing in me,” he murmured, so softly only I could hear.

I answered in kind. “No, thank you for finding me that day.”

And we shared a smile, just for us.