Failed Yandere (YKMRO)

Chapter 38

It's finally the first day of the school festival. Students were buzzing around to set everything up early in the morning.

Kizano paced back and forth on the stage. He massaged his temples, 'Hopefully nothing goes wrong today...'

Ayoshi patted his shoulder, "You're going to do good."

With a big smile, Kizano hugged Ayoshi close. "Thank you, that means a lot."

"We're going to make our parents proud," Ayoshi said, hugging him back.

Soon, people started to fill the chairs set up in the gym. The curtains were closed and Kizano peaked out to look at the audience. In front sat his parents, both frowning. He sighed, 'At least they came like they promised...'

Yamazaki walked out onto the stage. He gave everyone a smile and a bow. "Welcome! Today you will watch the love story of a serious prince and a mysterious jester. The Drama Club presents: Joking Deception!" Soon the curtains opened.

Unannounced to everyone in the audience, a couple entered late and sat in the back. Ayoshi glanced over to the crowd, searching where no one could see him. 'Where-' His eyes paused, a weight lifting from his heart.

***

Ayoshi stood before Kizano, shackles imprisoning his wrists and ankles. His head hung low, "I'm... sorry..."

Kizano's face went cold and solemn. "When we met, I wanted to push you away, fearing heartbreak. The more you persisted, the more I learned that it's ok to trust and let others inside your heart. However, you also taught me that you can never truly believe in someone." He turned his back to Ayoshi, clenching his fist. "Take-"

"Please!" Kizano paused, allowing Ayoshi a chance. Ayoshi took a deep breath, tears filling his eyes. "I... I know what I did to you is unforgivable. I came here under imperial order from the King, my father, to infiltrate your kingdom and send back information. My entire life, my father filled my mind with information that you and your father were horrible people, mistreating your people for your own gain and pleasure. However, the longer I stayed, the more I learned how much my father lied to me. You and your father are wonderful rulers. When you took me out of the palace, the smiles I saw on your people's faces were something I'd never seen before. The more I learned about what it truly meant to live for your people, the more I learned that my father has never been the man I thought he was. Whatever punishment you choose to give me, even if it's death, I will accept. However, I promise you, I never sent my father any information back."

Silence filled the gym. Ryoba sniffled, wiping away her tears with a tissue. She looked at her husband, who wasn't paying attention, and texted on his phone. With a twitch of her eye, she snatched the phone from his hand. "Pay attention," she whisper-yelled.

Jokichi pursed his lips, sitting up in his chair. "Mm."

The audience anticipated what Kizano would say next and they were not disappointed. "Your father has declared war with us in hopes of stealing our land. If you wish to live, you will tell me everything you know."

Ayoshi opened his mouth before closing it again. They looked into each other's eyes for a few very long seconds. "What will happen to my people?"

"If we win, they will be treated the same as ours. However, those who do not wish to comply will be dealt with."

Ayoshi closed his eyes, tears falling. "I will tell you everything."