Chapter 72 Endo's Plan

Endo's Plan

Endo’s PoV

Evening had fallen, and I found myself sitting on a bench in the park, observing the world as my plan steadily unfolded.

Cracks had begun to form within the soccer team. Now, all I needed to do was wait for those fractures to grow naturally. Mitsuda, Kondo's closest ally in the club, would soon find himself isolated as well. Eventually, the news about that photo would reach Kondo. The moment he realized he’d been betrayed by the person he trusted most, he’d spiral into despair.

And if his relationship with Amada Miyuki crumbled too, Kondo would be utterly alone.

This was my plan—to exact vengeance for the despair both Aono-kun and I had suffered.

Compared to Aono-kun, my pain might seem trivial. Betrayed by his childhood friend, falsely accused of sins he never committed, and completely ostracized at school. What Kondo and the mastermind did wasn’t just cruel—it was inhuman.

And so, I would utterly destroy them. First Kondo, isolating him until he had nowhere left to turn. Then, he would inevitably seek out the mastermind pulling the strings. When that happened, I’d capture them both—and drag them down to hell with me.

After that, I’d accept whatever punishment came my way. I’d gladly sacrifice everything to see justice served.

“Hey, Endo! We’ve been running into each other a lot lately!”

The sudden voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see my friend, Imai, jogging toward me.

“I was just out for a walk. Are you building stamina with all this running, Imai?”

He was breathing heavily, dressed in a lightweight jersey. Even though it was September, the evening air still carried lingering heat.

“Oh, don’t push yourself too hard, Endo. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

He smiled, but there was something off about it.

His voice—it carried an undercurrent of concern.

Imai was sharp. Had it been a mistake for us to cross paths on the day I set my plan in motion at the soccer club? No, Imai wasn’t the type to betray me. If anything, he’d chosen to turn a blind eye, respecting my decisions.

“What’s with that look? I’m just out for a walk. You worry too much, even if I’m a little messed up.”

I forced a laugh to cover up the cracks forming in my facade. My chest tightened with guilt.

“Right. Well, what I’m about to say is probably just me overthinking, so don’t pay it any mind.”

His gentle tone cut through me like a knife. For a moment, the mask I wore as a cold-hearted avenger almost slipped. But I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to nod.

“I don’t know the details of what you’re planning, Endo. But I can tell something’s going on. And I have a feeling it involves self-sacrifice. Don’t tell me that’s how you plan to repay Eiji.”

My chest tightened as if an invisible hand was squeezing my heart. My pulse quickened, and it became hard to breathe.

“What the hell are you talking about? You’re way off base.”

“Maybe. I’m just talking to myself, after all. But, Endo… I want to keep being your friend. I want to see you smile again. I’m sure Eiji feels the same. If you end up hurt, he’ll be devastated.”

I couldn’t respond. The way Imai spoke, as if he understood everything, left me completely speechless.

The warmth and care in his words—it reminded me of the place I’d longed to return to. A place where I was accepted. Where I belonged.

But it was too late to turn back now. I had come too far. I couldn’t stop until Kondo and the mastermind were brought down.

“…Thank you, Imai.”

It was all I could manage to say.

Imai grinned and gave me a thumbs-up.

“Yeah. See you later.”

With that, he jogged off into the distance, disappearing into the evening haze.

I had an early morning ahead, and it was time to head home.

But just as I turned to leave the park, I noticed a female student in a uniform from another school standing under a dim streetlamp. I averted my eyes and tried to walk past her.

“Wait, you’re Endo Kazuki, right?”

My breath hitched at the familiar voice.

It wasn’t Eri. It was another childhood friend—the one who had tried to pull me back onto my feet even after Eri had betrayed me.

“It’s me, Domoto Yumi. Remember?”