Time Zone

Kazutora's POV

I stood in front of the judge as he looked through my list of felonies. He was shaking his head as he pinched the bridge of his nose. I can tell he hated giving minors a long sentence and I felt so guilty. I honestly deserved everything I have coming. I have made so many mistakes in my life, and I was only 15. The world would be better if I wasn't here, the last mistake I made was killing my closest friend who stuck by my side for years. That was starting to eat me up, and I felt sick.

"I will sentence you to 10 years at Tokyo Detention Center for Juveniles. If you break even one rule your sentence will be extended. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir,"

"You will also be required to join a support group program, starting today. I expect you to do every activity they tell you. Dismissed." I was led out of the courtroom and placed on a bus that was full of troublemakers like me. Though I doubt their sentence was as long as mine. Hell, it's not long enough.

I leaned my head against the window as I waited for us to arrive. It wasn't long before we arrived, leaving the bus in an orderly fashion. When it was my turn to get off I was led inside and provided a schedule.

"These are your schedules every day. Nothing changes on the weekends, accept your classes." One of the officers yelled at us and I looked over mine. Pretty mundane.

5:30 AM Wake up

6:00 AM Breakfast

7:00 AM Scrub their apartan dormitories

8:30 AM Classes (Math, Art, History, Geography)

11:00 AM Recreational time

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Excercise led by a drill master

1:00 Support group

2:30 Recreational time

4:00 Showers

5:00 Dinner

6:00 Private time

7:00 Bedtime

We were handed our grey uniforms and instructed to change immediately. I did as I was told, thoughts on nothing but my past mistakes. Once we changed, I was instructed to go straight to my support group. I folded the paper in my pocket and was led to the room by another officer. It was a silent walk, which only left me to my devilish thoughts. I walked in and all eyes fell on me. I looked around before the officer spoke.

"Ms. Fujioka, you have a new one. He will be under you for the next 10 years."

I heard someone whistle, knowing it was one of the other inmates and she nodded her head.

"Alright, please take your seat in one of the free chairs. Why not introduce yourself?" She asked after the guard left. I sat down away from everyone and looked around before looking at her.

"My name is Kazutora Hanemiya... I am 15 years old, and I am here for~a lot of things." I mumbled looking down.

"Well, I won't force you to talk about it right now... but I do want you to acknowledge what you have done. Maybe written on paper, and explain what you think were the leading factors." I nodded my head and she smiled before turning back to everyone.

"You came in at the perfect timing..."

"What do you mean?" I asked confused and the guy nodded his head towards Ms. Fujioka.

"As I was saying, we are trying something new out. We know, that people your age don't want to talk with people older than you. So we thought, as a way to open up about your life and to still keep you connected to the outside world, we are going to be doing a pen pal kind of deal. Now it's not always going to be someone in Japan. We work with so many schools across the world. So they may be somewhere overseas. They will have your profiles, no pictures just a name, age, and birthday. If they choose you, we will let you know. And will probably receive your first letter within a few weeks. Sometimes, longer maybe sooner. Any questions?"

"So, we have no idea who we are writing?" One person asked, and I leaned against my hand. I was slightly interested but I doubt I would have been chosen. I sigh softly as she spoke again.

"Nope, unless they send a picture you will have no idea. You are the first group we have decided to try this with. So it's a test run, if it works then we will be keeping it in place. If not we will go back to our boring lectures as we did before."

"So, that means we won't have to deal with lectures during this period?" The guy next to me asked and she shook her head.

"Nope, but you will be telling me what you learned about your person. I hope you guys get letters soon. For anyone who doesn't get a letter, we will keep your file open for other schools to eventually choose from. Kazutora, if you have any questions do let me know. You can spend the rest of this session, writing your small essay."

"Yes, Ma'am." She got up and walked to the other inmates, and the one beside me ended up talking.

"My name is Sato Toshiaki, but people call me Toshi. Been here for a couple of years now."

"Oh, nice to meet you...I guess."

"No need to be cold might as well make friends while you are here. Since you will be here for 10 years."

"Yeah, I guess. Honestly, should be here longer."

"Well, the way I see it. You know what you did was fucked up, so that's the first step. According to Ms. Fujioka, so might as well accept it."

"Mm, I guess..." I mumbled as I worked on my essay. It was quiet for the rest of the session.

The day had gone by so fast, that I didn't even realize it was time for bed. Turned out I was stuck with Toshi, who talks a lot. When it was time for the lights to go out, I lay in bed staring at the top bunk. I didn't realize how exhausted I was but after the day I had, it was a given I would be tired. Yet I could barely sleep because of the events, between Baji's death, and the fight with Toman, Mikey, Mikey's brother. Everything. It was becoming too much for me to handle.