Yuuichi Katagiri, a seemingly ordinary and friendly student, enrolls in Koudo Ikusei High School, a prestigious government-managed institute. However, beneath his amiable facade lies a dangerous manipulative side.
The first thing we did was conduct investigations in groups. With Hirata and the girls, we revisited the place where everything happened and asked a lot of people.
A few days later, Kushida approached Sakura to talk, and I left the classroom and waited around the corner. When Sakura came out running, I accidentally bumped into her.
Sakura: Ah!
Sakura looked pained but quickly grabbed her camera, which had flown out of her hands due to the impact.
Sakura: This can't be. There's nothing on the screen...
She was in a state of complete shock as the camera had been damaged by the impact. She tried turning it on repeatedly, taking out the batteries and putting them back in, but the power indicator never lit up.
Yuuichi: (bowing) I-I'm really sorry. Let me make it up to you. I'll accompany you to get it repaired and pay for the repairs.
Sakura: N-no need, it's my fault.
Yuuichi: No, it's my fault. Please, let me compensate you.
Sakura: O-okay.
---
On Sunday morning, I went to the mall to meet Sakura. Someone was sitting on a bench ahead. I wondered if that person was waiting for someone, like me. After all, most students roamed freely on their days off. While contemplating this, I sat on the other available bench.
Yuuichi: Good morning! - I said cheerfully.
Sakura, visibly nervous and seated on the bench next to me, stood up and gave a timid bow. Was Sakura sitting there the whole time? I didn't sense her presence or aura at all.
Good morning - Sakura replied.
Sakura was wearing a hat and even a surgical mask, making it difficult to recognize her at first glance. It was pretty clear she was hiding something, perhaps she was a famous person or something similar...
Yuuichi: You stand out a bit... I think you draw too much attention with that.
Sakura: Yes, I suppose so. I feel quite conspicuous, especially here - Sakura replied. With a lot of shyness, she removed the mask.
Sakura: Anyway, about my digital camera. Is it alright if we go to the electronics store in the mall? - Sakura asked.
Yuuichi: Well, yes. We came here to fix the camera, after all.
Sakura: I'm sorry... for making you come with me.
Sakura bowed, apologizing from the bottom of her heart.
Yuuichi: It's my pleasure to accompany you, Sakura.
---
There were incredibly famous and nationally known stores doing business with our school. Although their customers were only students, and the stores were not very large, they sold daily necessities and appliances.
Yuuichi: Let's see, I'm sure they have a repair workshop somewhere. Let's check it out.
Sakura: I wonder if they'll fix it right away...
Sakura seemed quite anxious as she held her digital camera tightly.
Yuuichi: You love your camera, don't you? - I asked.
Sakura: Yes. It's strange, isn't it?
Yuuichi: (shaking my head) I think it's beautiful to feel such attachment to the things you love.
Sakura blushed a lot and averted her gaze.
Yuuichi: There it is, the repair workshop.
The store was filled with a large number of products, making it difficult to navigate, but at the back was where they conducted repairs.
Sakura: Ah...
Suddenly, Sakura stopped in her tracks. When I looked at her, I noticed she had an expression of evident fear and disgust. Something had clearly disturbed her. However, when I followed her line of sight, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Yuuichi: What's wrong, Sakura-san?
Sakura: Ah, umm... Well...
Though she was about to say something, all Sakura did was shake her head and take a deep breath.
Sakura: It's nothing.
I quickly started a conversation with the store employee, explaining everything that had happened, and Sakura handed him the camera. When the store employee opened the camera to check its contents, he found that part of it had been damaged by the fall, which was why the camera wasn't turning on correctly. Fortunately, since Sakura still had the warranty card, the item could be repaired for free. All Sakura had to do was fill out her contact information, and we would be done. But Sakura's hand suddenly stopped when she was filling out the form.
Yuuichi: Sakura-san? - Can I see that for a second? - I asked.
Sakura: Eh?
Standing next to Sakura, I took the pen from her hand. I didn't understand why I wanted it, but she handed it to me anxiously.
Yuuichi: When the repairs are done, please contact me.
- Hey, wait a minute. Contact you? She's the owner, right? That would be...
Yuuichi: The manufacturer's warranty explicitly shows where the item was sold and the date of purchase. Besides, I doubt there will be any legal issues if I put my information. It should be perfectly fine if the user's name is different from the buyer's.
Before the employee could say, "I understand," I wrote my name and room number in the required fields.
We left the store and went to sit somewhere.
Sakura: Katagiri-kun, thank you. I-I felt really uncomfortable with that man.
Yuuichi: Don't mention it, Sakura. I'm happy to help you.
Sakura: About Sudou-kun... As my way of saying thanks for today, I... Well, that might be a little confusing, but if you prefer... - She stopped and started again more clearly - Maybe I can help with Sudou-kun's case.
In her own words, Sakura told us that she was a witness.
Yuuichi: So, does that mean you saw Sudou-kun fighting with those other students?
Sakura: Yes. I saw it all. It was a complete coincidence; I'm sure no one believes me.
Yuuichi: No, I believe you. Why did you decide to tell us now? I'm glad you did, but I don't want you to force yourself. You don't have to do this just because you're grateful, you know?
It seemed that Sakura couldn't utter any words. She slightly shook her head. The fact that Sakura waited until now to speak shows that she's more concerned about Sudou's case than anything else. I wondered if her deepening friendship with us made her want to cooperate.
Sakura: It's alright... I think if I keep quiet, I'll regret it. I... don't want to cause trouble for my classmates. But if I speak up as a witness, then... I'll definitely stand out. I hated the idea of that... I'm sorry.
