Episode 50 – What comes next
Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093094088809262/episodes/16818622172164961347
There was a chill in the air in this warehouse deep in the mountains.
Rusty iron shutters creaked shut, and dim fluorescent lights cast a pale glow on the concrete floor.
Kadokawa was tied to a chair, nodding off.
His bloodshot eyes are vacant, and his shabby clothes are drenched with sweat.
I looked down at him and felt the anger smoldering in my chest finally subside.
The boss blew out his cigarette and asked, “So? What do we do with this guy?”
Soichi shrugged his shoulders and said, “We have enough evidence to charge him with threatening and attempted assault. We can either turn him in to the police, or we can do it right here and now…” he replied.
Aira narrowed her eyes at me, “The scum who did that to Rinoha…I think it’s naive to think he’ll just turn himself in.”
I looked at Akino san and said, “You decide, Akino san. Do you accept Kadokawa’s forgiveness, or…”
Akino san cast her eyes down for a moment and took a deep breath.
“…I’m not afraid anymore. Yamasaka kun and the others protected me. I want him to…turn himself in. I want him to pay for his crimes and never come near me or anyone else again…. And, I don’t want anyone to get their hands dirty again.”
At these words, Kadokawa shivered slightly and muttered, “…Okay…I’ll turn myself in…”
I nodded coldly and said, “Then that’s fine. Yamada, call the police.”
“Roger that.” Yamada took out his phone.
◇
When I left the warehouse, dawn was beginning to break.
The trees in the forest were enveloped in a morning mist, and the sky in the distance was turning a pale orange.
Before we got into the car, Yua chan approached me and smiled, “Yuuto kun…that was impressive.”
That little smile made my heart lighten up.
“The same goes for Yua chan. Thank you for supporting Akino san.”
Yua chan widened her eyes, “…Was I helpful?”
“Yeah. The reason Akino san was able to get back on her feet was because Yua chan was by her side.”
She gave a small nod “…I see. I’m glad.” she whispered.
Aira hugged Akino san’s shoulder and said, “Rinoha, it’s all right now. You’re finally free.” in a tearful voice.
Akino san squeezed Aira’s hand back and said, “…Yeah. Thank you, Aira. I…will do my best from now on.” she smiled.
Soichi said, “That settles the matter ! You guys did great !” he laughed and patted me on the back.
The boss leaned against the car and said, “All your hard work has paid off. Kadokawa’s debt has been settled. Well, there’s still some finishing to do.” he said, tossing his cigarette on the ground.
I looked around at my friends.
Over the past few days, we had withstood Kadokawa’s threats, provoked him with fake video, and fought on the back roads.
It was only because we all pulled together that we made it this far.
And so we left the warehouse.
◇
Kadokawa was left alone, tied to a chair in the warehouse.
His breathing sounded ragged under the dim fluorescent lights.
A few minutes later, the warehouse shutters creaked open again.
Several police men entered.
Kadokawa looked up, “…Cops?” he muttered.
“Kadokawa Shota, you are under arrest on multiple charges including extortion, assault, rape, and confinement. The evidence has already been confiscated. Give yourself up.”
The man told him coldly.
Then Kadokawa’s eyes began to swim and he suddenly began to cry and scream.
“They threatened me and made me do it ! It’s not my fault ! They were murderers and criminals…!”
A man stepped closer and said, “…I thought you were going to turn yourself in?” in a low voice.
“Eh?”
Kadokawa was stunned, and the man’s face contorted slightly.
It was Yamada, not the police.
The uniform was a disguise, and the several people standing next to him were also the boss’s subordinates.
“Well, that’s a shame.”
Kadokawa grunted in despair, but the shutters closed.
◇
A short distance away, in a mountainous campground, we were on the move.
We set up our tent and table in an open area surrounded by forest trees and began preparing a campfire.
The morning sun had just risen and the sky was a clear blue.
The wind shook the trees, and birdsong could be heard in the distance.
Yua chan laid out rice balls and sandwiches she had bought at a convenience store on the table and said, “Yuuto kun, it’s a party !” she laughed.
“Yeah, it is.”
Her eyes lit up and she said, “”..Yeah ! Akino san will join us.” she waved her hand.
Akino san sat down next to the tent and murmured, “”..I’ve never been in a place like this before. It feels good.”
Aira sat down next to her “Rinoha, you can finally settle down. There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore.” she smiled.
Akino san held Aira’s hand and said, “…Yeah. It’s thanks to Aira. I’ll do my best.” she said with a small smile.
Soichi lit a bonfire and said, “Hey, Yuuto ! Give me one of your sandwiches !” he reached out his hand and I handed it to him, laughing, “Take it yourself.”
Yua chan began to sing a little song by the fire.
“♪The trees in the forest are whispering～the morning light is smiling～”
Her voice echoed softly, and we naturally listened.
Akino san murmured, “…Yua chan, you’re a good singer. I wish I could sing too.” and Yua chan said, ”Sing with me !”
When the two began to sing side by side, Aira joined in, saying, “Let me join !” Soichi laughed and clapped his hands, “I’m tone-deaf, though !”
I felt a warmth in my chest as I watched the flames of the bonfire.
Akino san finished singing and said, “…I’ve been scared for a long time. But…now that everyone is here, I can laugh like this…”
Her voice trembled a little and I moved closer to her.
“Akino san is my dearest friend.”
Akino san widened her eyes, “…You remembered. Thank you, Yamasaka kun.” she smiled.
The bonfire crackled and dusk was approaching.
Yua chan asked, “Yuuto kun…we can all keep getting together like this, right?”
“Yeah. Of course. With you guys, I’ll go anywhere.”
She gave a small laugh and asked me to make a pinky promise.
I intertwined my fingers with hers, and all my friends formed a circle and started promising.
Akino san said, “Let me….join in.” and she reached out her hand, and we laughed at each other, “Of course !”
The stars were falling in the sky over the campsite.
I looked around at my friends and muttered to myself.
This is a new beginning. Akino san’s future, our future, starts here.
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !