Classroom of the Elite: Free Will

SS17: Karuizawa Kei - Parasite

I was so happy.

For a moment I really thought everything was over. I felt that, despite my efforts, it was the end of the road for me. But Yousuke came to my rescue; he came to defend me, to protect me as he said he would.

Sure, Kiyotaka made him do it in the same way he made Chabashira-sensei intervene at that moment. That didn't stop me from feeling thrilled at the thought of Yousuke being the one confronting Manabe and Yamashita. Maybe this was the feeling Kiyotaka was guiding me towards but I didn't care at all.

Kiyotaka, Yousuke, and Nao, three of the people I trusted the most had stepped up for me today, they stepped forward to help me in this matter.

They helped me so, I could be free from my past.

I took a hand towards my side where my scar was... and I felt nothing.

Sure, the scar was there, and I could feel it, but it evoked nothing within me. I felt no repulsion, nor disgust. I felt nothing, just indifference towards it. It existed and I had no problem with it.

I gave jumps of happiness around the locker where I was changing after the events in the pool. I thought of this eventuality, and I had placed clothes in one of the lockers, so I was changing into another uniform.

With a deep sigh, I let myself fall in one of the banks.

Warmth flooded my chest.

I was free.

Free from that horrible past. Free from that trauma. From those insecurities.

These were my thoughts, and they were something I could believe in, no matter what.

My life had never been very interesting, except when I worked with Kiyotaka. Helping him out with all his different schemes wasn't so bad. In fact, it was exciting. I had fun. I felt like I was playing the role of supporting actress, aiding the hero from the wings. I didn't understand a lot of what we were doing, but somehow, it was extraordinarily fun.

The cruise exam and fooling our group. Summer vacation and ruining the idiots plan of peeking on the girls. The sports festival and collaborating with Misaka-san. The paper shuffle and working alongside Koenji-kun and Hashimoto-kun. Influencing the girls, helping with Chiaki's reintegration to the class, going after Kushida-san the day she was exposed.... It all felt so exciting.

And we would be Class C next month, showing that all that work was paying off. Even in my studies I was getting better grades.

I really made the right decision when I decided to come to this school.

"Kei!"

I sat up and looked in the direction of the door. A thud indicating something had fallen to the ground followed that cry and a pair of arms wrapped me in a deep hug

"I'm sorry I put you through that hell, Kei," Nao hurriedly spoke. "How are you? Are you hurt?"

I smiled at her as she retreated, putting an end to the hug.

"I'm fine," I declared with a reassuring smile. "Despite everything; I feel great."

It was the truth. Sure, I had been terrified, but it was over now. I could rest and be myself, I didn't have to worry about my past anymore. Besides, I could always ponder what happened today later in my room.

"I'm glad to hear it," Nao gave a sigh of relief. "Kiyotaka and Yousuke are guarding the door. Do you need anything? Don't hesitate to ask. We're here for you. Reliving all those experiences... I cannot even phantom what you must've felt."

I thanked Nao and told her I didn't need anything, just to change clothes and dry. After that, going to my room and have a long night's rest. I was exhausted, that roller-coaster of emotions totally drained me. My spirit shattered and was rebuilt. I overcame my pain and was born anew.

Kiyotaka, Yousuke, and Nao. It was all thanks to them. I was a parasite that lived by clinging to a host; that wouldn't change immediately.

Still, I could get there, I would get there.

The scars would always be there. But I could live with them. People supported me; I wasn't alone.

From now on, no matter what happened; as long as that was the case, I would endure.

I would live and starting tomorrow I would pick up everything right where I left it.

Live on my own... Stand on my own two feet. That would be my next goal.

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This must be my shortest chapter so far, so, sorry for that. I decided to not write the whole confrontation from Kei's POV because I believe the first chapter of this volume has enough self-deprecating thoughts.

Thank you for reading. And sorry again for the short chapter.

Next one will be Ryuuen's SS, then I'll continue with 7.5 with another Tsukasa chapter.