Chapter CIII: Sic Semper Tyrannis
The next day begins peacefully for Kota and Akiko. Walking hand in hand to school, they share quiet smiles, enjoying the momentary calm. As they stroll through the corridors, they spot Megumi, their junior, standing by her locker.
"Megumi!" Kota calls out warmly.
However, the moment she sees them, Megumi's eyes widen, and she turns abruptly, running away down the hallway.
"What was that about?" Akiko asks, puzzled.
"I have no idea," Kota replies, frowning. "Let's just leave her be for now."
After class, the couple heads to the cafeteria with Asahi, Natsuki, Enmei, and Gin. The group chats casually as they queue for snacks, but Akiko and Kota spot Megumi sitting alone at a distant table.
"Let's try talking to her," Akiko suggests.
Kota hesitates but nods. They approach Megumi cautiously, their steps soft to avoid startling her.
"Megumi," Akiko begins gently, "if we did something wrong, we're really sorry."
But before they can say more, Megumi suddenly screams,
"GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU PERVERTS!"
Her voice echoes through the cafeteria, silencing the chatter. Every pair of eyes turns toward them, and the weight of the stares is suffocating.
Kota holds up his hands defensively.
"Wait, Megumi, we didn't—"
Akiko takes a step closer, arms outstretched.
"Megumi, please—"
But Megumi shrieks louder, causing a wave of murmurs to ripple through the crowd.
At that moment, Asahi, Natsuki, Enmei, and Gin return from the counter, alarmed by the scene. They rush to Kota and Akiko, shielding them from the growing scrutiny.
"Back off, everyone," Asahi says firmly, his voice cutting through the tension.
"This is clearly a misunderstanding."
Before the situation can calm down, Hanako and Tengen appear, striding confidently into the cafeteria.
"Well, well, isn't this interesting," Hanako says, holding up a phone.
"Why don't we show everyone who Kota and Akiko really are?"
She taps the screen, playing a video of two figures in hoodies robbing a convenience store. The figures are blurred, but their builds vaguely resemble Kota and Akiko.
"That's not us!" Kota protests.
"We've never even—"
"Save it," Tengen sneers.
"Everyone can see what kind of people you are."
Akiko shakes her head, tears welling up.
"You're lying! We didn't do this!"
Asahi steps forward, his eyes blazing with anger.
"That's enough, Tengen. If you're going to throw accusations around, you'd better have real proof."
Tengen smirks.
"Oh, I've got all the proof I need."
But before he can say more, Asahi shoves him back.
"Then let's settle this."
Chaos erupts. Tengen throws a punch, but Asahi blocks it. Gin retaliates with a swift strike, and Natsuki and Enmei confront Hanako, forcing her to retreat momentarily.
"Akiko, Kota, run!" Asahi shouts over the commotion.
Without hesitation, the couple sprints toward the exit. Behind them, Gin takes a hit from Tengen but pushes him off, buying them time.
As they near the doors, Tengen catches up, grabbing Kota's leg and causing him to stumble. Akiko reacts instantly, kicking Tengen hard enough to make him release his grip.
The two continue running, only to find the main doors locked. Panic rises until Toshiro, the class rep, appears, kicking one of the doors open.
"Go!" he yells, ushering them through.
"GET THEM!" Tengen's furious shout echoes behind them.
Just as they near the final exit, a hooded figure steps into their path, blocking their escape. The figure's presence is menacing, forcing Kota and Akiko to backpedal.
Tengen catches up, and a brutal fight ensues between him and Kota. Though Kota puts up a good defense, Tengen lands a solid jab to Kota's right side, sending him staggering.
Kota collapses to one knee, panting heavily. Akiko kneels beside him, tears streaming down her face.
"Kota!" she cries, clutching his arm.
Before Tengen can strike again, Ms. Soumei bursts into the scene. Her expression is a mix of shock and anger as she hurries to the couple's side.
"What is going on here?" she demands, her gaze darting between Tengen, the hooded figure, and the trembling Akiko and Kota.
Kota struggles to speak, but the pain and chaos leave him breathless. Akiko clings to him, her voice breaking.
"We… we don't know who's behind this… but please, help us."
Ms. Soumei's eyes narrow as she surveys the scene, the pieces of the puzzle still eluding her.
"Let's go to the Principal's Office" she says firmly.
"I'll get to the bottom of this."
Akiko and Kota walk behind Ms. Soumei, their heads low and steps heavy. Akiko clings to Kota's arm, and he wraps a protective arm around her shoulders. The squad—Asahi, Enmei, Natsuki, and Gin—follows closely behind, their expressions a mix of concern and frustration.
Ms. Soumei leads them into the Office of the Principal. The room feels oppressive, the air thick with anticipation. She gestures for them to sit at the large gathering table before stepping out, heading to her office down the hall.
Assistant Principal Tomaru arrives, his stern expression casting a heavy silence over the room. He takes his seat at the head of the table and leans forward, his eyes scanning the group.
"Now," he begins, his voice low but firm,
"someone explain what happened today."
Asahi and the others immediately speak up, their voices overlapping in a chaotic mess of words:
"They didn't—"
"It's a setup!"
"Tengen and Hanako—"
"Please listen—"
The Assistant Principal raises a hand, silencing them.
"Enough!" he snaps, his sharp tone cutting through their protests.
"One at a time. And keep it clear."
The group quiets down, their anxious fidgeting betraying their restraint.
Before anyone can respond properly, the door opens, and Tengen and Hanako stride in confidently. Hanako holds her phone high, as though it's a trophy.
"Assist. Principal Tomaru," Tengen says with a smirk,
"you might want to see this."
He gestures for Hanako, who steps forward and places her phone on the table. She plays the video of the supposed convenience store robbery again, the blurred figures eerily resembling Akiko and Kota.
"They tried to deny it earlier," Tengen says, his voice dripping with mockery,
"but the evidence speaks for itself."
Akiko's face flushes with indignation.
"This isn't us!" she protests. "We didn't do anything!"
Kota nods vehemently.
"Sir, this is a lie! They're trying to frame us!"
But the Assistant Principal raises a hand again, silencing them. His sharp gaze locks onto Akiko and Kota.
"This is a serious matter," he says coldly.
"Even if this evidence is circumstantial, it's enough to warrant action."
Asahi stands abruptly, slamming his hands on the table.
"Sir, this isn't fair! They're innocent!"
Enmei and Gin follow suit, their voices rising in defense of their friends.
But the Assistant Principal shakes his head, his patience wearing thin.
"Enough! This school has a reputation to maintain. Regardless of who's telling the truth, we cannot allow this kind of incident to disrupt our environment."
He leans back in his chair, his decision final.
"Akiko and Kota, you are excommunicated from the school for two days. Take this time to reflect on your actions."
The squad erupts in protest, but the Assistant Principal cuts them off.
"My decision is final," he says, his tone brooking no argument.
By the time classes end and dismissal comes, the weight of the day feels unbearable. Akiko and Kota walk side by side in silence, their heads bowed. The squad trails behind them, frustration evident in their movements.
As they leave the school gates, Akiko quietly takes Kota's hand, squeezing it for comfort. He looks at her, his tired eyes softening at her gesture.
"Where should we go?" Akiko whispers.
Kota glances at her, then at the sky, the fading light casting a golden hue over the world.
"The dike," he suggests softly.
They sit together at the edge of the dike, the gentle flow of the river below bringing a sense of temporary peace. Akiko leans her head on Kota's shoulder, her tears silently soaking into his shirt.
"I can't believe this is happening," she murmurs.
Kota wraps an arm around her, pulling her closer.
"We'll get through this," he says firmly, though his voice wavers slightly.
The sound of footsteps behind them makes them both turn. Asahi, Natsuki, Enmei, and Gin approach, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination.
"We're not letting this end here," Asahi declares, his jaw clenched.
Natsuki nods.
"We'll find a way to prove your innocence. No matter what."
Akiko and Kota exchange glances, their hearts swelling with gratitude despite the turmoil.
"Thank you," Kota says quietly, his voice filled with emotion.
As the sun sets behind them, the group sits together at the dike, silently vowing to stand by each other through whatever comes next.
The sun dips below the horizon as Asahi, Natsuki, Enmei, and Gin bid Kota and Akiko goodbye, each promising to fight for them. Akiko and Kota remain at the dike, sitting silently, their thoughts swirling with frustration and fear. The calm flow of the river contrasts sharply with the storm inside them.
"Kota," Akiko whispers, her voice barely audible.
"What are we going to do?"
Kota exhales deeply, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
"I don't know," he admits.
"But we'll figure something out."
The sound of approaching footsteps jolts them from their thoughts. They turn around, their eyes widening as they see a hooded figure standing a few feet away.
"What do you want?" Kota demands, his voice steady but laced with tension.
The hooded figure's voice is low and menacing.
"You two need to leave this town. Tonight."
Kota narrows his eyes, clenching his fists.
"Why should we? We've done nothing wrong!"
The figure lets out a cold laugh. "You don't have a choice." He gestures behind them.
"Turn around."
Kota hesitates but slowly turns his head, his heart stopping at the sight before him. Another hooded figure stands behind Akiko, one arm wrapped tightly around her neck, the other hand holding a gleaming knife to her throat.
Akiko gasps, her wide eyes locking onto Kota.
"Don't—don't do anything rash," she pleads, her voice shaking.
The first hooded figure steps closer.
"Do as we say, or she gets hurt."
Kota's chest heaves with rage and helplessness. He stares at Akiko, his mind racing. Finally, he lowers his hands in defeat.
"Alright," he says through gritted teeth.
"We'll leave. Just don't hurt her."
The second hooded figure releases Akiko, shoving her toward Kota. She stumbles but quickly grabs onto him, tears streaming down her face.
"Smart choice," the first hooded figure sneers.
"Go home, pack your things, and disappear. We'll be watching."
As Kota and Akiko walk away, one of the hooded figures removes their hood, revealing blonde hair that gleams faintly in the dim light. Kota catches a glimpse and freezes, narrowing his eyes.
"That hair…" he mutters under his breath, but before he can say anything, the figure disappears into the shadows.
Back at their respective homes, neither Kota nor Akiko can sleep. Their thoughts are consumed by the events of the day and the chilling encounter at the dike. Kota sits on his bed, staring at his packed bag. The weight of the decision crushes him, but the memory of Akiko being threatened strengthens his resolve.
In her room, Akiko fights back tears as she silently stuffs clothes and essentials into her backpack. She glances around her room, her heart aching at the thought of leaving everything behind.
Hours later, under the cover of darkness, the night is eerily quiet as Kota and Akiko meet at their usual spot under the faint glow of a flickering streetlamp. The weight of their predicament hangs heavy in the cool air. Kota adjusts his bag on his shoulder, his face lined with concern.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice soft but steady.
Akiko nods, her lips quivering slightly. "I'm fine," she replies, her hands clutching the straps of her bag.
"What about you? Are you okay?"
Kota forces a small smile, though the turmoil in his eyes betrays him.
"I'll be fine as long as we're together."
She takes a step closer, her gaze locking onto his.
"We'll get through this," she whispers.
"No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."
Kota reaches out, taking her hands in his.
"And I'll always be here for you. I promise, Akiko."
For a moment, the world around them seems to fade away. The fear and uncertainty dissolve, replaced by a quiet determination shared between them.
They begin their journey, walking side by side into the darkness, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement. The shadows of the town stretch long behind them as they pass through familiar streets for what may be the last time.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, the hooded figures watch them leave. As the pair disappears into the distance, the figures burst into maniacal laughter, their voices cutting through the stillness of the night.
Under the height of the moon's pale glow, one of them steps forward, raising a clenched fist into the air.
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!" the figure bellows, their voice ringing with a chilling fervor.
The others cheer in unison, their laughter echoing ominously as the moonlight bathes them in its cold silver light, marking the beginning of a sinister chapter yet to unfold.