Chapter 87 Kondo's Escape Drama

Kondo's Escape Drama

Kondo’s PoV

“Damn, how did this happen? I’m the ace of the soccer club, a gem destined to play for the national team…”

No matter how much I try to boost my self-esteem, the sharp, angry voices of the police keep cutting through.

“Don’t run! Hey, someone cut him off from the side!”

Hearing that, I dashed into a narrow alley. These streets were familiar—I’d run these routes during training. I could predict where the police would try to intercept me.

Thankfully, I was wearing comfortable clothes and running shoes. My body was in perfect condition for a sprint.

Damn it, I’ll get away with this.

After all, they’re just cops. There’s no way they can outrun the ace of the soccer club.

I never thought I’d run more laps here than in an actual match, but adrenaline does strange things.

Stick to familiar routes. If they catch me, I’ll call my dad. He’ll figure something out.

“Let’s see if you can keep up with me!”

With a burst of speed, I pushed forward. The school gate was coming into view.

Eiji’s PoV

“Well then, Aono-kun, Ichijo-san. I’m going to use this for today’s evening paper, so smile for me… Yes, perfect. Two young heroes. Here we go.”

After a brief interview, we stood in front of the school gate for a photo. With the certificate of appreciation from the fire chief in hand, Ichijo-san and I posed side by side. The photographer’s camera clicked.

Apparently, my interview would also be featured on the TV news. The thought made me embarrassed yet proud.

I decided then—I’d visit my father’s grave with the evening paper. It might surprise him since I visited just last month, but I wanted to share this moment properly.

“Yes, perfect. Hold that pose. I’ll take a few more shots.”

The photographer’s relaxed smile helped me ease my nerves.

Ichijo-san, standing next to me, whispered with a soft smile,

“This is our first two-shot photo. I’m kinda happy.”

Her cheeks turned slightly pink, and I felt my face heating up as well. From a distance, other students watched us.

The atmosphere had shifted. Before, there were cold, judgmental stares, but after the award ceremony, the gazes were softer—warm yet hesitant.

Maybe they were torn between trusting us or siding with Miyuki and Kondo-senpai.

“Senpai. There are people who understand you, like today. At least, I’ll always be on your side, even if I have to turn the whole world against me. Let’s leave behind those who waver so easily and focus on the good times ahead.”

Her words felt like a quiet confession. They filled my chest with warmth and courage.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, Ichijo-san, I feel like I can truly enjoy my high school life from now on.”

Gratitude welled up in me. A part of me wanted to take our connection a step further. But not here—not with so many people watching. I wanted it to be a special moment, just for the two of us.

“The week I’ve known you, Senpai, has been more intense and meaningful than the years before we met.”

She spoke so softly that only I could hear. Somehow, words felt unnecessary between us now—we understood each other perfectly.

Kondo’s PoV

Almost there. If I could just get into the school, the police wouldn’t be able to follow so easily. I planned to slip through the back entrance and hide until nightfall.

But something unexpected happened.

Even though classes weren’t over yet, a large crowd had gathered near the school gate.

My pace slowed as I tried to navigate through the crowd.

No, no, no—they’ll catch up!

“Hey, move! Don’t you know who I am? I’m Kondo, the ace of the soccer club!”

I shouted angrily, shoving people aside.

“Hey! Somebody stop him!”

A policeman’s voice boomed from behind, and chaos erupted.

This is my chance!

I thought, trying to slip through the confusion.

But then—

“What?!”

My right foot hit something hard, and I lost my balance. Time seemed to freeze as I fell forward, hitting the concrete with full force.

Pain exploded in my knee, sharp and searing. My entire body ached from the impact.

Reality didn’t wait for me to recover. Voices rose above the ringing in my ears.

A firm, authoritative voice called out,

“I got you!”

And another voice, colder but familiar, followed,

“I’m not letting you ruin my best friend’s big day. You belong on the ground.”

My vision blurred as I tried to lift my head, desperate to see who had tripped me.

But before I could focus, strong hands pressed me down.

“Stop, stop, STOP!”

My struggles were useless. Several officers pinned me firmly.

A hush fell over the crowd of students watching the scene unfold. And then—

“Hey, isn’t that Kondo-senpai? The ace of the soccer team?”

Cameras clicked, shutters firing like relentless gunfire.