At a Police Station
Takayanagi’s PoV
We arrived at the police station located in the neighboring town. After explaining the situation, we asked to review the data again. The officers played the same video I had seen before. It was the first time Aono-san had watched it, and her shock was evident.
“Oh no… to be beaten in such a one-sided way…”
“Why should my son have to endure this… just because he grabbed the wrist of a girl he was supposed to be dating?”
“I see. He did such a terrible thing to Eiji… Miyuki also betrayed him… and even when he was lying on the ground, no one cared. He was left cold and alone… Why didn’t I notice that?”
The light in Aono-san’s eyes dimmed as she muttered those words, clearly trying to suppress her emotions. I could do nothing but silently watch her.
No matter how many times I see this video, it’s unbearable.
The violence was entirely one-sided. There was no evidence of Aono attacking anyone, as Kondo had claimed.
So it had all been a lie.
“I will not forgive the boy who hit my son. He’s a student from the same school, right, Sensei?”
“Yes, that’s right. His name is Kondo, a third-year student.”
Before coming here, I had already contacted the school principals. We were assured that it was up to Aono-san to decide whether to file an official complaint with the police. They also instructed full cooperation with us.
“Kondo… Yes, Kondo.”
She repeated the name, her voice carrying a steely resolve.
“I will file a complaint. What do I need to do?”
Aono-san’s voice was firm as she began the necessary procedures. The officer explained that, as Aono was a minor, his parents could file on his behalf.
As the process continued, two more police officers entered the room.
“Ah, thank you for your hard work!”
The officer on duty greeted them before asking, “Are they related to the boy in the video?”
The officer nodded immediately.
“Yes. She is the victim’s mother, and this is his teacher. The mother has decided to file a formal complaint.”
“I see.”
One of the senior officers stepped forward and began speaking briskly.
“My name is Domoto. I apologize for interrupting, but we have another video we’d like you to see. If you wouldn’t mind, could you take a look? Please rest assured—it’s unrelated to the assault. It’s about saving a life. My men believe your son may resemble a boy who helped an elderly man who collapsed in the street yesterday before quietly leaving without giving his name. We’d like you to verify his identity.”
“Yes… Okay.”
Aono-san let out a sigh of relief. After being subjected to such horrific imagery earlier, I felt relieved for her too.
The video played, showing Aono Eiji alongside Ichijo Ai, a first-year student in casual clothes, helping an elderly man who had collapsed on the street.
“Yes, that’s my son. And the girl beside him is… a friend of his…”
Aono-san’s voice trembled, and she stopped speaking abruptly.
“I see. The elderly man received treatment quickly and is recovering well. He wants to personally thank your son. Additionally, the fire department would like to issue him a commendation.”
The contrast between this video and the earlier one was striking. From hell to heaven—it was almost surreal.
Even in such dire circumstances, Aono had chosen to act with kindness. In a situation where even adults might hesitate, he stepped forward without a second thought. It was truly admirable.
“Eiji… I didn’t know… because he never says anything.”
The senior officer, Domoto, chuckled softly.
“You have an exceptional son. I have a daughter about the same age, and I know it’s not easy. He’s a remarkable young man. I can’t forgive those who hurt him. Rest assured, we’ll handle this case firmly.”
His words, both kind and resolute, gave us a sense of reassurance.
“Thank you.”
Aono-san’s voice cracked as she bowed deeply, tears streaming down her face.
This world is full of contradictions. How could someone like Aono—someone so kind, so good—be forced to endure such cruelty? Why was he chosen as the target for this torment?
But no… looking backward won’t change anything. The ones who suffer the most are often those who carry on despite it all.
As adults, we must move forward. We must do everything in our power to ease his suffering.
And it starts with holding the true perpetrators accountable.
That’s where the real fight begins.
I’m ready for it.