Chapter 262: Miyuki’s Conclusion

Miyuki’s Conclusion

Miyuki’s Perspective

I was summoned by the lawyer. This time, since I had been called as a witness in Senpai’s trial, I was there to receive an explanation.

“Why did you volunteer to testify? This could end up being unfavorable for you as well. You’re already involved in another trial, aren’t you? Your testimony here might hurt your position in that case too.”

When the prosecutors questioned me about Senpai’s case, they asked, “We want you to testify in court about whether the domestic violence that triggered this incident really happened, and what happened afterward.” I couldn’t respond. The thought of confessing my sins in a public setting more official than school terrified me.

I remember that day clearly. I was called into a conference room at the prosecutor’s office, where a female prosecutor raised the subject.

“To be honest, I know this sounds harsh. Witnesses, as a rule, cannot refuse. We could force you to testify if we had to… but among us there is debate about whether it is right to push someone your age, still a minor, that far. So first, I want to hear how you truly feel.”

Her words were firm and dignified, yet I could feel her concern for me.

“I just need to say the things that only I would know, right?”

My voice came out low and cold.

“That’s right. Most likely, only three people truly know what happened: Aono-kun, the victim; Kondo-kun, the perpetrator; and Amada-san, who was caught between them. And we believe you are the one who can testify the most objectively.”

In that moment I agonized over it. It would be a lie to say I never considered refusing. I was afraid my reputation would sink to the bottom. I was afraid of being the one to decide Kondo-senpai’s fate. And I was afraid of finally having to face the sins I had been running from.

But in that instant, I overcame it all. What came to mind were the faces of the Aono family and Eiji’s mother, who had always given me warmth.

“I understand.”

My voice trembled. Even so, those words finally came out. Words I should have spoken much earlier.

And then, standing in the courtroom, I fixed my eyes on Kondo-san, who was trembling.

“Wh-Why are you lying?”

He shouted. Lying. So that was the truth after all.

As he struggled, Senpai was restrained by several guards.

“It’s not a lie… I was told to make the lie real, suddenly given bruises, then had photos taken of them… before I knew it they were spread everywhere…”

I think he truly believed he could turn a lie into the truth. And in fact, his scheme had made the lie spread as if it were real. I had run away from it. I betrayed the person I loved, and on top of that, I committed the lowest act imaginable.

There is no way I could ever be forgiven for this. No way I should be forgiven.

But I could not let Eiji carry a false stain on his name any longer. That alone… I could not allow.

“Very well. Witness, one last confirmation. The perpetrator’s statement was false, correct?”

The judge’s words were gentle, yet piercing.

“It was false. He was lying the whole time. He is someone who kept trying to convince himself that his lies were the truth.”

It was a complete declaration of severance.

Kondo-san’s despairing face looked as if something inside him had shattered.