The White Room Dropout - A CotE Fanfic

Part 39: Maekawa's Choice

Trigger Warning: Suicide

Disclaimer:

This chapter deals with a very sensitive topic. I'd like to say that excluding some extreme cases, I am opposed to taking one's life. Please be aware that this story is purely fictional and is made for entertainment purposes only.

If you're having suicidal thoughts, please immediately contact a suicide hotline in your region. If you don't know how, simply search "Suicide hotline" on your browser.

The classroom, once bustling with students, now stood nearly deserted. Only a few stragglers remained, their presence casting long shadows on the empty desks. Maekawa, determined to reach the faculty room after the final bell, had initially planned a swift departure. However, her bullies had schemed to thwart her plans by hiding her belongings, forcing her to retrieve them before her escape could commence.

As Maekawa gathered her scattered items, a mocking voice pierced the silence, dripping with venomous amusement. A girl, her lips twisted into a wicked smile, taunted Maekawa, insinuating her previous attempts to avoid them.

"Don't tell me you're trying to run away from us again," the girl sneered, her tone laced with derision.

Maekawa's voice quivered with apprehension as she mustered the courage to respond. "I have to go to the faculty room. Please, let me through," she pleaded, hoping her plea would soften the bullies' resolve.

Unconvinced by Maekawa's plea, one of the bullies stepped forward, blocking her path and pushing her slightly. The bully sneered, suspecting that Maekawa intended to report their actions to the teachers. "You think we're dumb enough to believe you won't snitch on us? Think again."

Maekawa, her voice laden with a mix of fear and desperation, denied any intention of seeking help from the teachers. "No, I promise I won't say anything. Just let me pass, please."

The bullies exchanged knowing glances, their eyes filled with sadistic delight at the sight of Maekawa's vulnerability. They reveled in the power they held over her, finding amusement in her torment.

Their doubts about Maekawa's loyalty resurfaced, and they resumed their mocking behavior. "Oh, listen to her! She's begging for mercy and promising not to tell. What a joke!"

As the cruel words filled the air, the other students in the classroom had diverse reactions. Some, consumed by a sense of superiority, found satisfaction in Maekawa's suffering. They couldn't help but join in the mockery, suppressing the little remorse they had left as they laughed along. "She totally deserves it for being such a loser!"

On the other hand, a few students recognized the wrongfulness of the situation, but fear and uncertainty held them back from intervening. They glanced at each other, torn between wanting to help and not wanting to become the next target. Meanwhile, a handful of individuals showed indifference, completely unbothered by the spectacle unfolding before them. They nonchalantly left the classroom, unaffected by the distress and chaos.

Maekawa's voice cracked as she implored them once more, her vulnerability laid bare. "Please, I'll do anything. Just don't hurt me anymore."

Laughter echoed around her as the bullies tightened their grip, dragging her out of the classroom. "Oh, we're not done with you yet," another bully sneered, her voice dripping with malevolence. "You thought begging would save you? Think again."