Mother and Son
When I got home, I immediately opened a web novel site I had registered on. It was a big platform that had caught my attention, but I had only been registered for a few days.
I remembered what Ichijo-san told me recently. I wasn’t sure if I had any talent, but since I no longer had a place in the literature club, this was the only place I could turn to.
For a long time, I had been in shock and unable to write, but thanks to her encouragement, I started to regain my motivation. I copied the manuscript I had written for the literature club and pasted it into the submission form.
I filled in the required information and clicked the submit button—the one I had never had the courage to press before. Normally, fear would paralyze me at this point, but I tried to cheer myself up. I was nervous about showing my novel to an unknown audience.
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious about the idea of online novels. But sharing my work on a site where so many people could see it required courage, and I was afraid of taking that risk.
I feared getting bad reviews, but today, pressing that button felt surprisingly easy.
“At least I didn’t get insulted like I did at school.”
I think I’m stronger now.
I hit the refresh button.
“Oh, ten people have seen it.”
There were no comments yet, but just knowing that someone had looked at my work made me happy. Then, I heard a knock on my door.
“Eiji, can I talk to you?”
It was Mom’s voice.
“Yes, it’s open.”
I answered, and Mom walked into the room, smiling more warmly than usual.
“Actually, I went to the police station with Takayanagi-sensei a while ago.”
“What? The police?”
I was a little surprised, but since she mentioned Sensei, I could already guess the reason.
“Yes, about the incident where you were beaten up. It seems someone had videotaped the scene, and Sensei checked it. That’s why I went to confirm everything. I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner. It must’ve hurt a lot, didn’t it?”
Mom hugged me gently.
“It’s okay now. Everyone’s here for me.”
“Yes, we are truly blessed with good people. Even your late father is watching over us. I just filed a complaint against a third-year student named Kondo.”
When I heard those words, conflicting feelings of relief and anxiety swirled inside me.
“I see.”
If that video was now with the police, Kondo-senpai wouldn’t be able to escape consequences. I was afraid of retaliation, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t alone—everyone was with me.
“Also, Eiji, I heard something amazing. You and Ai-chan saved that grandpa who collapsed yesterday? The police told me. Mom was so surprised. That’s really incredible. I’m so proud of you.”
Her words broke through my emotional walls, and I felt like crying.
“How did Mom know…?”
“The police noticed me. They thought it might be related to the same person who was attacked. The fire department will even give you and Ai-chan a certificate. The person in charge will come to school tomorrow.”
“What happened to the grandpa who collapsed?”
I couldn’t help but ask in a voice that sounded much younger, like a child’s.
“It’s okay. They said his life was saved thanks to your quick response. They just want to thank you properly.”
“I see… That’s good.”
That was the only thing I had been worried about. I had searched online and checked SNS a few times but couldn’t find any updates.
“My son is really amazing. I’m sure your dad is proud of you too.”
“Yeah…”
My chest felt warm, as if I was closer to the greatest father I had always admired.
The next day.
As the news spread, the atmosphere at school shifted dramatically.
For the next week, it was as if the offensive and defensive positions had reversed—it was Kondo who was now being cornered.
He must have realized then that his downfall had begun on that very day.