Students to Protect and Civil War in Soccer Club
Takayanagi’s PoV
Somehow, a turbulent week has come to an end, and the real battle has just begun. For now, we’ve started special classes for Aono and established smooth communication with his mother.
You did a good job. I feel a little smug when I think about it, even though I’ve caused problems I wish hadn’t happened.
I felt a tinge of self-loathing because of my weak heart.
I guess I’m a little tired. Thank you, everyone—I’ve made it this far because of your support.
After grading the quiz, I went to the hot water room for a short break.
Let’s have a cup of coffee to refresh myself. With that in mind, I walked through the printing area and heard the sound of a fax being received.
“A fax? That’s rare these days.”
Faxes are sometimes used by school boards for communication, but in an age that has surpassed even the heyday of email, they’re rarely used. I wonder who sent it.
When I looked at what was being printed, I saw a photo coming through.
“Huh?!”
The fax spits out the evidence I was looking for.
The photo is black and white and hard to discern, but I think this fax data is also stored on the school’s server. I’ll know more when I see it.
Forgetting about the coffee, I immediately searched for the image data on the school’s server.
I edited the colors using Photoshop software. This made the image much clearer than the original.
“Kondo and Amada…”
I don’t know when the photo was taken, but it clearly shows them about to enter a love hotel, and the second photo shows them being arrested by police officers. In addition, a handwritten note read: [We have a color photo in your shoebox. Please check it].
“It’s true, Eiji and I had issues because of our separation… and when he saw me walking with Kondo-senpai, who I was consulting at the time, he misunderstood.”
“We were walking together, and Aono found us. I guess he thought Miyuki was cheating on him.”
It turns out the testimony of these two was a lie. This will shake things up even more. If these photos and the investigation I’ve planned for Saturday and Sunday go well, the truth might finally come out.
But there’s one thing that worries me.
The anonymous sender. It’s probably not a school employee but a student. It could also be a parent, but I doubt they’d be this indirect.
How did this anonymous student get these photos?
It would certainly be very difficult to obtain them.
Either the person has a serious grudge against Kondo and the others, or they feel indebted to Aono. Maybe it’s one or the other, but there’s a strong determination in these photos, as if they’re willing to sacrifice themselves.
A teenager still in their teens…
I wonder what they’ve been through to muster the courage to do this.
Minors who still need to be protected.
Since I started this job, I’ve seen countless situations where adults failed to protect children. Students unable to attend school because of debts incurred by their irresponsible parents. Students who grew up without love and affection, turning to delinquency. And students like Aono, maliciously bullied and with distorted futures.
I want to find these students and reach out to them. It might seem arrogant, but I feel it’s my responsibility as a teacher.
Before something happens, so that this time, it’s not too late.
I will fix everything.
I contacted the principal and vice principal and shared the information.
The next morning…
Kondo’s PoV
Well, let’s go relieve some stress by beating a lower-ranked team. I’m still sleepy, though.
When I enthusiastically opened the door to the clubroom, most of the members were already waiting. But…
A different, colder look than usual pierced through me.
“What the hell? You guys!”
I’m supposed to be the ace of the club, so there’s no way they’d greet me with such looks. Something’s wrong.
“Kondo, You!!!”
Watanabe, the captain, grabbed my chest and pushed me against the lockers.