Untold Part 1: The Strength Within

Chapter 6: Quiet Reason

Three days have passed since Young Iteijyu and Mabaru recovered from their injuries. He woke up in a hospital room to see his parents sleeping on chairs separate from each other. He checked his phone next to him and saw many messages from his friends.

Kin: Iteijyu! Are you okay? Please let us know!

Hisoki: Sending you our love!

Kazu: You better make it home safe!

"Thanks guys." Iteijyu softly laughed. Even seeing their banter was enough to lighten him.

Looking around his surroundings, he was wearing a white-teal, polka-dot, hospital gown. He positioned himself to see his mom with a small letter.

"To Ayane Kasai,

We will inform the principal for immediate measures for Iteijyu. Aimaki's 7th grade teacher, Ms. Shira, reported the incident and contacted staff members after school hours. We will be investigating this case soon. Iteijyu's bravery and courage is an example of how we support one another.

Best regards, local police enforcement."

He twisted his body and dropped onto the cold floor. '"Bravery" and "Courage" stood out to him. He shouldn't be honored for standing up to a bully. What made him a good person anyway? He isn't trying to impress someone. Iteijyu realizes he was overthinking too much about it and decides to find Mabaru. He approached a small slip on top of an empty dresser and read the note.

"'I'm in room 314. Come if you like. I don't mind.'"

He slowly opened the door and found an empty hallway. Across from him is Room 314—conveniently across from him. Upon entering, he saw Mabaru looking through the window.

"Hey." Mabaru was tired and gently smiled.

"Hey. Can I sit next to you?" Iteijyu hesitantly asked.

"Sure. There's a small chair right there."

Both of them sat quietly and looked outside the window. The two were complacent. They didn't win. They were disappointed in themselves. The thought kept replaying over and over again. What was there to mitigate their feelings? It added more insult to injury for Mabaru. Iteijyu doesn't know why Jidai bullied him. But what he got out of Mabaru is a broken spirit. The difference between the two wedged in. Iteijyu hates to see him sad and breaks the silence.

"You like the night, don't you?"

"Yeah. Everything is quiet. No one hurts me."

"Where are your parents?"

"They're getting food for me."

"What are you getting?"

"Curry and custard cake. I like it."

Iteijyu chuckled and smiled at him. Mabaru shifted his focus on the window. He didn't expect Iteijyu to come into his room late at night. Now that he's here, Mabaru wants to tell him something. He's confused but relieved. That moment when Iteijyu stood up to him was different. He still questions himself frequently.

"Iteijyu, why did you help me out?"

"What do you mean?"

"No one couldn't care less about me. I find it weird. If anything, I had to atone for what I did."

"What?"

"Jidai thinks I'm weak. I became a target. That was like everyday until I saw him getting hurt by his dad. I hid behind a wall and had to do something for him. And now... this happened. I ruined his life. I don't know if I did the right thing. It was none of my business. And I made it worse for myself. What did I do to deserve this? I'm sick and tired of hearing 'It's going to be okay.' What is that supposed to mean, Iteijyu?"