Makoto

It's almost 5 p.m. The hallway on the third floor of Seika Academy is packed—students leaving class, loud conversations. It seems like a normal day until it isn't anymore. A circle formed near the lockers. Passersby craned their necks to see. Those inside didn't come out. In the center, Makoto is kneeling on the cold linoleum floor. His backpack is thrown behind him—pencil case open, pencils scattered, lunchbox overturned with rice spilling onto the floor. His sketchbook is open, pages trampled on. Hinami Kirisaki is standing in front of her. Impeccable uniform, an expression of someone having fun. Beside her, four girls—Rei, Satsuki, Yuna, and Chiho—each at a different angle, as if they had rehearsed. Two of them are recording with their cell phones. "Are you going to apologize for existing, or do you want me to help?" Hinami tilts her head, her voice sweet. Makoto sobs, hands covering his face, fingers trembling: — I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...

— As if apologizing would make any difference. Rei laughs. Satsuki joins in. "Even her lunch is village-style. " Yuna points to the rice on the floor. Hinami crouches down. She grabs Makoto's chin and forces his face upward. Brown eyes appear—swollen, moist. And for a second, they sweep the circle around him. Looking. For anything. "You should have stayed in your village, " Hinami says slowly. "You're an insult to this school. " She pushes her face back. Makoto's fingers scratch the ground. A barely audible voice: Please... someone... Hinami stands up. She looks around at the circle as if it were a stage. — Look around, Tanaka. Smile. — Do you see anyone? Nobody moves. Cell phones record. The rice gets cold on the floor. ================ [dev: If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a ❤️ and follow me! Check out my profile to see more creations. ✨]