Chapter 22 Interrogation

Interrogation

Takayanagi’s PoV

Since I had solid information from Aono, I told him to go to the infirmary and rest there. I told him that he shouldn’t force himself to go to class. After what happened, it would be difficult for him to go to class right away.

I also asked Mitsui-sensei to let him stay in the infirmary for a while. But of course that would interfere with Aono’s studies. So I asked other teachers who were not teaching to help by giving Aono supplementary lessons in another room. It would be difficult to do it today, so the principal and vice principal made some adjustments and it will start tomorrow.

The principal was an English teacher, so he will be in charge of that as well.

Iwai-sensei, the dean of students, also graciously agreed to cooperate with us.

When I said, “Sensei, I apologize for letting the victim, Aono, skip class.” He replied, “No, it was a very kind consideration, and I really appreciate it. In fact, I’m very grateful,” which made me feel relieved.

One problem I have with Aono now is that when I told him that I wanted to tell his parents about his situation, he shook his head and said, “I don’t want to do that.” After all, he does not want to worry his mother, who is raising him with her own hands, and his older brother, who is working hard to protect the family business for him despite his young age.

Of all the things we talked about today, this was the one that showed the most rejection.

I took a step back and tabled it for now, but I cannot afford not to tell them. As a teacher entrusted by parents with their precious children, I really want to share the information as soon as possible.

But there is also the risk of further hurting his spirit. Considering Aono’s feelings of trust in us, I painfully understood that he didn’t want his parents to know.

“In the end, it’s the right choice either way, not the wrong choice.”

Unintentionally, this is the first time I’ve felt weak since I started working on this issue.

I talked to the principal earlier, and he said, “This is a little tricky. From our point of view, we would like to contact his parents immediately. But I also understand Aono-kun’s feelings. We are outsiders when it comes to matters of the heart. I’m from a generation that learned bad psychology, so I might hurt him unintentionally. If that happens, I will ask Mitsui-sensei, the expert, to help him. We are also in the process of bringing a counselor here soon.”

That’s right. We have to be careful. It’s very difficult to invade a teenager’s personal space. I’ll take his word for it. I hope that by sharing Aono’s concerns with Mitsui-sensei, he will feel a little more positive….

In the meantime, I’ll do what I can.

First, I have to question Aida and Ueda from our class soccer team. Then Amada is next.

Considering her personality, it is unlikely that Amada would b🬀lly Aono directly. In that case, the most suspicious person is someone close to Kondo. For now, I will listen to the story, and if there is no problem, I will check with a student from the same junior high school as Kondo.

However, when I checked with the class president yesterday, he said that when he came to class at 8 a.m., there were already scribbles on his desk. So, based on his testimony, there was probably a morning practice yesterday. This would strengthen the evidence that they were involved.

After the meeting with Aida, the next one is Ueda.

I had the two of them leave the class and come over to me.

“Sorry, Ueda. I asked you to come all of a sudden.”

I started the conversation with Ueda, who had brown hair, in the guidance office.

“Why did you call me, Sensei?”

“Oh, because today, among the students I wanted to talk to, your name was at the top of the list. I also talked to the boys in the homecoming club yesterday. Just in case. Anyway, forgive me. I’ve got work to do, too.”

In a way, I put on my usual act to loosen him up a bit. He looked a little less tense.

“This is about Aono, isn’t it? I’m not a suspect, am I?”

You talk a lot. You talk so fast.

“Of course not. I asked the students who came yesterday morning, and they said that there were already scribbles on Aono’s desk when they arrived. So I have to talk to the people who came early, and you were one of them because you had morning practice.”

Pretend to be an unmotivated teacher as much as possible.

“Oh, it’s hard to be a teacher, isn’t it? But I’m not. Because we, the soccer team, go to the club room first without stopping by the classroom.”

“Really?”

“That’s right. That’s why we were so surprised when we came to class in the morning.”

“Then, did you see anyone in your class before the morning practice?”

“Uh, no. No. The only one I saw was Aida. He’s also in the soccer club.”

“I see.”

“Takayanagi-sensei, if you’re going to suspect us, at least give us some proof!”

“Oh, that’s right. Aida said the same thing. I understand perfectly. For now, go back to class, Ueda.”

“Yes, Sensei.”

He left the counseling room with an unmotivated smile on his face.

Seeing him, I sighed.

“Really, why do you both have the exact same statement? Why don’t you try to hide it a little?”

I knew that these two were suspicious. First, they confirm that they are under suspicion, then they testify that they didn’t go to the classroom because they went to the club room for morning practice, then they testify that they didn’t see any classmates other than each other, and then they dare me to provide proof if I doubt them.

They answer the same as if they had a script as if they were a machine. It’s too suspicious.

What should I do now? For now, I’ll keep an eye on them for a while. To find out who the mastermind behind these people is. But of course, I already know. I just need more evidence.