Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818023212795389552/episodes/16818093076087807902
“……Hmm?”
I woke up that day not to an alarm, but to a phone call. I looked at the time and saw it was 7:30. ……It seems like the alarm was turned off before I knew it. I’m scared of lack of sleep. Let’s be careful starting tomorrow.
The person who called me was Kaname.
“Hello. What’s up?”
[Did you just wake up? Haven’t you seen the news yet?]
“The news?”
[The news is on the Internet. Wait, I’ll send it to you.]
His voice sounded very urgent. My head starts spinning with a sense of urgency, and I open the screen of my phone, putting it on speaker.
Immediately, a piece of news was sent to me.
“……Huh?”
The leader of [Silent Spell], Mikami Ako, leaked information about [Sunlight Hope] leader Kusunoki Nanami ! Furthermore, there was false spreading and slander on the anonymous post ! It seems that there was also abuse within the members–]
I opened the link and took a closer look at the online article.
The content of the article is that Ako chan leaked Kusunoki’s e-mail address on an anonymous post. It also said that she had been spreading slander and malicious rumors.
“…..You’re lying. Did Ako chan leak it?”
[Hmm? Did you know something about it?]
“…..Only to the extent of rumors. Isn’t this a hoax?”
[I don’t think there’s any possibility of that. It’s just that it seems to have been leaked by someone involved.]
As Kaname said, there are no details in the news about who tipped of…, only that they were related to [Sies].
……Wait, wait, wait. Was there bullying within the group? And the one who was bullied was Ako chan? I’m getting confused. Is this a hoax after all?
But—
“Even if it’s a hoax, it’s gonna be tough if it spreads like this.”
[That’s right. The internet is a bad place to be. Don’t look at it too much, Yukito. The trends are terrible right now.]
“……Got it.”
Even if it was a hoax, it’s gonna be pretty hard to put out the flames. …..Ummm.
I’m also concerned about [Sies], but it’s Kusunoki that I’m most concerned about.
“Sorry, I have to go.”
[Yeah. Can you come to school? You better not push yourself too hard.]
“….I’ll call you later.”
[Got it.]
I hung up the phone and exhaled.
“…….I’m pretty shocked.”
I had an image in my mind of the two groups collaborating on music shows and radio shows. I’m sure the members were close to each other.
……No, it could still be a hoax. Let’s wait until we get more information from the officials. More importantly, Kusunoki.
[Kusunoki. If it’s painful, please let me know.]
I sent those words…after thinking about it for a little while. [If you’re having a hard time alone, talk to me.] If you just look at the text, it might seem a little scary, but I think it’s okay.
I brush my teeth and wash my face while holding the phone, but there is no reply. Is she already on her way to school, or…….
Should I try calling her? No, she’s probably having a mental breakdown right now. She also said the sound of the bell scares her, and that’s not good.
Is there anything, anything at all?
—That’s it.
I move my contacts around and send a chat to someone.
[I apologize for texting so early in the morning, Manager. Is it possible to contact Kifune san?]
The person on the other end of the chat is the manager.
The manager is Kifune san’s cousin, and I wonder if I can contact her. …..It is not work time yet.
The message was immediately read and a reply was sent.
[I just saw the news. What’s up with that girl?]
[I can’t get in touch with her. I don’t think it’s a good idea to call her.]
[Okay. I’ll try to contact her.]
I was relieved to hear that. At any rate, I had to get ready to go outside.
I made a quick piece of toast, bit into it, and was getting ready to go to school when I got a phone call. I didn’t know the number.
But I had a pretty good idea who it was.
[Hello, is this the right number, Yukito kun? This is Kifune.]
“Kifune san. Yes, this is Yukito.”
[Rika told me you were trying to contact me, are you okay now?]
“I’m fine.”
All I have to do now is change my clothes and go out. There’s no physical education today, and I put in my textbooks from last night.
[If it’s about Nanami chan…I’m staying with her right now.]
“I see.”
I let out a breath of relief at those words. If she was with Kifune san—I thought, but my consciousness tightened at the words that followed.
[Yeah. It seems like it got to her mental state. I’m sorry, Yukito kun, but–]
“I’m coming.”
[No, wait a minute.]
I was about to pick up my bag when Kifune san stopped me.
[I would be very grateful if Yukito kun could come now. …But if that happens, you’ll have to miss school.]
“It’s not a problem if it’s a day or so.”
[I knew you would say that. But Nanami chan might blame herself.]
“…..I see.”
[Yeah, I’m sorry. It must be hard for Yukito kun also.]
“No, if it’s for Kusunoki’s sake, I’m fine with it.”
It would be meaningless if I made her feel the other way around. So, it would have to be after school.
[I’d like you to make time for her after school. I’m really sorry.]
“No, I don’t have a part-time job today either, so I’m fine. I’ll be on my way as soon as I’m done.”
[No, I’ll pick you up. What time do you think you will finish?]
“Around a little after 4:00.”
[I’ll call the school and let them know. I want you to meet me in the parking lot when you’re done.]
“Okay.”
I hung up the phone and let out a deep breath.
“Let’s start getting ready for school.”
◆◆◆
“Are you okay…..it doesn’t seem so.”
“Well, yeah.”
The whole school was talking about [Sies]. No, it’s not only about [Sies]. But also about [Kusunoki Nanami].
This is probably because [Sies] has been gaining momentum and many students have been talking about it in the classroom recently.
Those students were divided into those who either talked about them as if they had given up on them……or [Actually, [Suh[ may have planted it out of jealousy] those who thought of [Suh] as the bad guy.
This division is very bad. This is a trend that is often seen on social media. I never thought I would see it in real life…
Besides, I wonder if they know that Kusunoki is a student of this class.
I’m proud to say that I have a high level of through-skills. But this situation was still very difficult for me.
“…..Okay. I’ll do something about it.”
“Overprotective. You don’t need you to do anything, Kaname”
“But you know what……”
“Anyway, it’s fine. I’m more worried about Kusunoki. ……Ah, I really wanna do something about people who are saying bad things about Kusunoki.”
“……I understand. I’ll do something about it by next week. And I don’t feel good about it either.”
“I’m very grateful for your help. Thank you.”
It’s really reassuring to have Kaname around.
While talking like this, I checked my watch.
School will be over soon. Kifune san should be here soon.
“Kanna kun, someone’s here to pick you up, so go ahead.”
“Oh, Sensei. I understand.”
Apparently, she was already here. As soon as the teacher called me, I took my bag and stepped forward.
“Who’s picking up? Sensei.”
“Eh? Well, it’s…….”
“Kaname, it’s okay. They are not from that side. They’re more like the manager’s people.”
…..It’s true that Kaname would be wary if he only heard that I was being picked up. But I can’t talk about it.
Yeah. I’ll have to be very vague.
“It’s someone I know and trust. The manager knows, too, so don’t worry.”
“……If you need anything, just let me know, okay?”
“Oh, thanks a lot, man. …..See you next week.”
This time, I grabbed my bag and left the classroom.
A car is parked in the visitor parking lot. Kifune san noticed me and stuck her head out the window.
“Yukito kun, get in here.”
“I understand.”
I got into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt.
Kifune san had swelling under her eyes…she looked extremely haggard.
“Ah, sorry. I didn’t have time to put on makeup…I’ve been going through a lot lately.”
“Thank you for your hard work. Really.”
Naturally, I think Kifune san is also involved in various activities. I’m relying on Kifune san for this part, but…all I can do is meet Kusunoki.
“…I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of stories. I’ll tell you everything I know at the moment. As we head to Nanami chan’s house.”
“I understand. Is Kusunoki gonna be okay on her own?”
“She’s not alone. …..Kasumi chan and Tsumiki chan came to see her in the afternoon.”
That would be fine…hm?
“Erm If the two of them are there, she doesn’t need me, does she?”
“No, she needs you. You’re the one she needs.”
Of course, that’s an exaggeration…but I can’t reply.
Kifune san’s voice and expression were both serious.
“……Well, then. We don’t have much time. I’ll start.”
Returning to the topic, Kifune san began to talk about the past history.
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