Location: school auditorium
Every student and teacher gathers here waiting for the principal to come. The principal called all of them for some reason. Nao, Ayumu, Bert, Kanoko, Mary and Erica were there too. They are standing in line with their classmates. They didn't know why they were here but they didn't care about it. All of their minds are thinking about the humiliation they and the others suffered because of Hiroki. Their classmates asked about the wounds they had but either they lied or gave vague answers. They all became silent as soon as they saw the principal coming towards the stage.
"Good Morning, Teachers and students." The principal said.
"Some of you already knew why I called you all here but those who don't know. A student from our school helped the authorities catch a whole drug organization." The principal said. As soon as Bert heard it he got irritated.
"We all gathered here to reward him for his bravery. Let me call him:- Hiroki Mori." The principal said and all the students started to clap their hands except those five. They got shocked, all of them never thought the one they considered a weakling could do something like this. Bert got more irritated to the point he started gritting his teeth. The one he bullied and took everything from. Beat him and even stops the drug organization he takes drugs. Soon Hiroki came to the stage and the principal gave him a trophy and a certificate for his bravery while everyone clapped in appreciation.
"Now, Hiroki can you tell us how you did that. Didn't you get scared?" The principal said and Hiroki nodded in agreement then moved towards the mic.
"Good Morning.
I want to begin by saying that I did not expect to be here. I did not plan for this moment, nor did I seek it. I am not someone who considers himself a hero. I am a student. I go to school, I do my work, and I try to stay out of trouble. But yesterday, something changed.
I came across information—serious information—about a drug organisation operating in our community. I didn't have this knowledge for weeks or months. It wasn't the result of a long investigation or careful planning. It happened quickly. I saw something. I understood what it meant. And I made a decision.
I reported it.
That's all I did. I didn't chase anyone. I didn't confront anyone. I didn't act out of emotion or impulse. I acted out of a sense of responsibility. Because when you know something that can prevent harm, and you choose to stay silent, you become part of the problem.
I don't say that to sound dramatic. I say it because it's true.
We live in a world where people often wait for someone else to do the right thing. We assume someone older, someone stronger, someone more experienced will step in. But sometimes, there is no one else. Sometimes, it's just you. And in that moment, you have to decide who you are.
I chose to act. Not because I'm fearless. Not because I'm special. But because I believe that doing the right thing should not be optional. It should be expected.
I want to thank the officers who responded with professionalism and urgency. And I want to thank those who created this space to recognise actions that often go unnoticed.
This award is not just for me. It's a reminder—to all of us—that courage doesn't always look like a movie scene. Sometimes, it's a quiet decision made in a single moment. Sometimes, it's just telling the truth.
I don't know what comes next. I'm still figuring that out. But I do know this: if we want safer communities, if we want a better future, we can't wait for someone else to fix things. We have to be willing to act—even when it's uncomfortable, even when it's inconvenient.
That's what I did. And I'd do it again.
Thank you." Hiroki said. Everyone became speechless at the way he speaks and the words he chooses make them all shocked. A 15-year-old boy without even getting nervous gave a speech like a true leader or a politician.
*Clap*
Soon, all of them start clapping and cheering for Hiroki. Everyone there was moved by his words.
"Wow, I never expected a speech like this from a little boy, it's so motivational." A random student said.
"Yeah! It's fabulous and did you look at his face his expressions didn't change in the whole speech and he didn't even get nervous by all this crowd looking at him." Another student replied. Bert who was hearing this got pissed. He wants to beat Hiroki but he knew he can't do something like this. He just down his head while greeting his teeth and clapped for Hiroki. The four have the same situation but can't do anything but clap for Hiroki. Except for Nao, she is so happy that she is clapping so loudly and smiling like she is the one who did the deed.
'Hiroki, you did something amazing again. I am so wrong to leave you. You are the only one worthy to stand by my side. Soon, I will capture you Hiroki and make you my submissive dear husband.' Nao thought and blushed a little. Hiroki moved towards the principal who had Hiroki's trophy and certificate for bravery.
"You gave an amazing speech, Hiroki. Everyone is moved by it." The principal said.
"Thank you, sensei but I want to ask you a favour" Hiroki said.
"Oh, yes you can ask me anything. What did you want?" The principal said while smiling.
'I expect that he will not listen at first but it looks like my achievement brought an even greater popularity than I assumed' Hiroki thought.
"I want you to ------------" Hiroki said.
"Just that you can ask anything why this?" The principal asked.
"You will understand sensei, just do it, it will make our school more popular than now," Hiroki said. The principal was shocked.
'Did he just understand my true motive? All the things I did were to make my school popular. No, he can't do that, he is just a 15-year-old kid.' The principal thought.
"I-I understand, I will do it" The principal said while a drop of sweat made its way down his forehead.
"Thanks, sensei" Hiroki said and took his award and certificate from him and started to walk off.
'As soon as he did what I said, Erica would break but in the meantime let's go for the weakest.' Hiroki thought while looking towards a girl with a tomboy haircut.