Volume 2 - CH 5

Make Teacher Ookuma our ally—At first, I couldn’t believe what I had just heard, but the more I thought about it, the more it clicked. The ones who join us are the ones who get revenge on the school. We’re going to save people who are exactly like us. And having one of the teachers join our ranks equaled massive opposition against the school. It means we’ll be able to conduct future acts of terrorism from the inside. And, it would be the quickest way to resolve the worries and headaches that Kurumi and I had been going through so far. There’s no better operation. I had to agree that this would be the best way to resolve things. Because letting her cry and cry won’t save a soul. So after hesitating momentarily, Kurumi and I decided to jump on Nanaougi’s idea.

“Fine. If we get Teacher Ookuma to join us, you’ll become one of us, too.”

“Thanks! So for starters, I would need your help with something. But don’t worry, no blame will fall upon you if we fail.”

I don’t think she’s setting up a trap after going that far. We had no other choice but to trust her. She had already prepared everything.

“…Okay. We’ll help to the best of our ability. That sounds good to you right, Senpai?”

“Yeah. Keeping things as-is won’t do a damn thing, either.”

“Then it’s decided. My idea isn’t anything too complicated, but…”

Close to the end of summer break, we once again entered a contract with Nanaougi Nana. This time, we worked toward making Teacher Ookuma join our ranks. And Nanaougi will handle the negotiations to achieve this. We just listened to what she had in mind and prepared whatever was necessary.

*

A few days after our break ended, it was time to put our plans into motion. The stage was the deepest of the third school building. The exact same classroom where I last saw her cry. After all, the negotiations that we were about to do could not ever be heard by another soul. And we also needed a place we could call her for negotiations. So in the end, we went with that classroom.

“Okay. Ren-kun, Kurumi-chan, let’s do as we planned.”

“Gotcha.”

“Okay.”

Nanaougi waited in the classroom, as we prepared everything in the empty room next to her. Calling Teacher Ookuma over was fairly easy because we just had to use Nanaougi’s name. And as it was time for them to meet, we became skeptical if she’d actually show up—A few minutes passed like that, when we heard the distant sound of heels dancing along the floor. These footsteps gradually came closer, until they passed by the classroom next to the one Kurumi and I hid in.

“…Nanaougi, what did you call me here for?”

The voice we heard in the darkness most definitely belonged to Teacher Ookuma. Compared to that, however, it lacked all the vitality she’d usually show. She must be tired, like she was about to break down and throw up. Did the head of the student year chew her out again? At the very least, it sure looks like she’s being backed into a corner again.

“Hey, Nanaougi, is this another lecture regarding public morals?”

“Something like that. For now, just come in.”

“Can’t we just end this…Why does it always have to be me?”

“Did you say something, Ookuma-sensei?”

“…No, it’s nothing. What happened this time? I just want to get this over with.”

Their footsteps grew more distant, as they moved deeper into the room. This is our chance. Right before they closed the door, Kurumi and I stormed out of the classroom, and inside the room were Nanaougi and Teacher Ookuma. Kurumi to the left, me to the right. We closed the door behind us and stood in the way to block off any escape.

“Wah! Th-That surprised me…What is this about?” Teacher Ookuma reacted to the sound of the door closing and frantically turned around.

She then saw Kurumi and me, her eyes widening in shock. Well, that reaction is about what I expected. After all, Kurumi and I were disguised. I was wearing a fox mask, with Kurumi wearing a cat mask. Our job is to ensure that she can’t leave before the negotiations are over and to make sure nobody would interrupt us. Met with two mysterious students, Teacher Ookuma couldn’t hide her confusion.

“…Hey, Nanaougi. Who are they? You know them?”

Even though Teacher Ookuma spoke with a fierce and imperative tone, Nanaougi didn’t move. She just sat down on a nearby chair and crossed her legs. She didn’t bother to do much explaining and bluntly responded.

“Don’t worry. They’re something like…my bodyguards. No need to concern yourself with them.”

“Say what…? I don’t get it. What are you plotting now…”

“Sensei, there’s something rather personal I’d like to discuss with you today. So please, have a seat. It’s very important.”

Teacher Ookuma looked at us and then back at Nanaougi. It’s like two wild animals facing each other right before a battle to the death. Seems like she’s struggling to make a decision in this unforeseen situation. But of course, she couldn’t keep hesitant much longer, so she reluctantly sat down. The classroom was dimly lit, as the teacher and Nanaougi sat facing each other.

“Hey, Nanaougi. What is going on here? You called me here because of school morals, and this whole student terrorism thing, right?”

“As I said before, it’s something like that.”

“…”

“I’m sorry, okay? It’s quite a bit different this time around,” Nanaougi said and faintly smiled.

Simultaneously, Teacher Ookuma’s face tensed up. The situation is set. There’s nothing Kurumi and I could do from now on. It was all in Nanaougi’s hands and the plan she came up with before summer break started. Nanaougi took a deep breath and then began her negotiations.

“Ookuma-sensei, I actually decided to stop this facade today.”

“Facade…? What are you talking about?”

“It’s quite simple. I decided to tell you who the terrorist is that’s causing trouble at school.”

“…What? The terrorist? You know who it is?”

“Yes, quite so. Well, I’ve known for quite some time now.”

“Really?! Who is it?! If I can stop them, I can at least take it a bit easier!” Teacher Ookuma leaned forward, but Nanaougi told her to calm down. Normally, Kurumi and I would immediately have to jump in and job her to reveal the identity of the terrorists, and yet we didn’t move. We already discussed this beforehand, and we knew the exact way this conversation would be going.

“Someone’s desperate! But if you want to know it that badly, I’ll tell you.” She grinned like a villainess and breathed in.

And then, she lied as naturally as she breathed out.

“I’m the one who caused all those acts of terrorism.”

“…What? Huh?”

A few seconds passed, as Teacher Ookuma screamed in shock. But Nanaougi continued without finding anything.

“The exam answers being spread, the abuse payment statement, the beheaded head, and even the abuse broadcast, it was all me.”

“…What?! No, that makes no sense! No way you could be the terrorist behind all that?!”

“How could you be so confident about that? I’m confessing my own crimes here.”

“Because…Because…Each time you caused some act of terrorism, you then told me to do something about it! And you’re a student from the higher-ranking classes, too…It makes no sense!”

Despite Teacher Ookuma falling into chaos, Nanaougi was not fazed.

“But the environment here at this school is garbage, right? Most classes are just full of reports on our homework progress, and we’re being squeezed dry of our money, too. Nobody here at this school thinks about the students.”

“No, wait, but…”

“You don’t have to deny it because of your position. We can all be honest here.”

“That’s…Um…”

Teacher Ookuma went quiet and then awkwardly looked away. She may not have wished to do so, but she acted like every other teacher at the school. But since she didn’t deny it, Nanaougi continued with the premise that the school was garbage.

“I hate this school. I despise how only students with good grades are treated like human beings. But even when I complain, nobody listens. Because I’m not as much of a victim.

In fact, not even the victims are taken seriously. Because we don’t provide much value. Yet, the school won’t ever change. And it was important to let Teacher Ookuma know how serious this was.

“That’s why I decided to cause all that trouble. With my acts of terrorism, I wanted to bring about change. Bring attention to the issues. In hopes of the school improving.”

“That’s…your motive, then?”

“Yes, that’s exactly it.” Nanaougi nodded. “Basically, I’m profiting from the problems I caused being resolved. And the only way for me to stop is if the whole school were to change. I wanted you to realize that, and I wanted us to team up in order to change the school for the better.”

“Wait…You want to…team up to better the school?” Teacher Ookuma said with watery eyes. “Why…me? There must be other teachers.”

“People who have worked here a long time won’t change their minds, after all.”

“…I see. So that’s why…” Teacher Ookuma seemed to ridicule the idea, but she still had to accept it no less.

And that’s good. The first step is to make her believe us. All Nanaougi just said was the fabricated truth she created. It was necessary to make her trust the motive. But this is the beginning of the real deal. Will it work out, I wonder…Nanaougi let out a blunt sigh and shrugged.

“What a shame, though. No matter how much I consulted you, the school never changed for the better.”

“…!”

“No matter how long I waited, the classes or the treatment of the teachers improved.”

Teacher Ookuma lowered her head and bit her lip. Her shoulders were shaking, as she said with a quivering voice.

“…That’s not it. I was trying hard to not make things get worse at this school.”

“Deciding on patrols and other premature measures, right? The real problem…The discrimination happening at this school, you’ve been dancing around it.”

“That…might be true, but still…”

“All you’ve done is talk, but not actively change the school. You’ve realized the underlying problem, you’re condemning it, but you pretend you don’t see anything.”

“That’s not the case…! I was really trying…!”

Even standing at the door, we could tell that Teacher Ookuma was starting to struggle to breathe. You could hear her breathing fill the silence.

“You’re not trying at all. Not as an adult, or a teacher. You didn’t pull off anything.”

“…Stop.”

“You know that this is wrong, yet you don’t fight back against the school and your superiors. How many people have you insulted so far? Come on, tell me.”

“…Shut up!”

“To be honest, I’m very disappointed. Despite your age, you didn’t do anything like that properly. You don’t act like an adult. You’re the worst.”

“Raaaaaaaaaah!! Don’t say it! Don’t say that! Don’t blame me! Huff…Huff…Cough…Cough! Belgh…” Teacher Ookuma coughed a few times but Nanaougi continued relentlessly.

“I really thought you’d be the one. But, you’re no different from the other teachers. You’re just one of the many awful teachers that this school has.”

“I don’t want to insult my students! I’m trying to choose my words, and I’m not trying to hurt the belongings of my students either, unlike other teachers!”

“So you know that what they’re doing is wrong, but you pretend you weren’t aware of it? You’re no better after all.”

“No! I just…What am I supposed to do?! Nobody will listen to a newbie like me!”

“Are you fine being a teacher like that? An adult like that?”

“Of course not! I can’t stand this! No student should have to go through such a horrible student life! I understand that better than anyone…Raaaah!!” Teacher Ookuma grit her teeth as she pulled on her long brown hair.

Her facade as a teacher had fallen off completely. And surprisingly enough, this went exactly as Nanaougi planned it.

“I hate this. Just stop, please. What do you want? Why did you call me here? Just to blame me and insult me?”

“Haha, of course not!” Nanaougi stood up and walked next to Teacher Ookuma.

And just like she did with Kurumi and me, she offered her right hand to the teacher.

“Ookuma-sensei, become my partner.”

“Huff…Huff…Wh-What? What are you talking about?”

“I’m going to continue my terrorism against the school in hopes of changing it. And I want your help.”

Teacher Ookuma stared at Nanaougi in disbelief. Her rough breathing stopped, as she made no sound. Ten, maybe twenty seconds of silence went past. But of course, that couldn’t continue forever. When she could breathe normally again, she vehemently shook her head.

“Wh-What are you talking about? Don’t be ridiculous!”

“Huh? So you won’t act for the sake of the students? You know that all this is weird, yet you won’t attempt to change a thing. You won’t even help us? You’re a worthless adult, after all.”

Teacher Ookuma’s face distorted in pain.

“I don’t understand why you would invite me to join your ranks!”

“If you were to help us, we could expand the scale of our attacks. By doing so, we’ll be able to force the higher-ups to move. That way, we can definitely change the school,” Nanaougi spoke with absolute confidence, once again pushing her hand toward Teacher Ookuma.

“Let’s forget about the guilt and pain and just show the school what we can do, yeah?”

“…Ugh…Huff…Huff…”

“You hate this school too, right? Let’s work together.”

Teacher Ookuma’s eyes shot wide open once more as she looked up at Nanaougi. Right now, the world she sees must be colored in a myriad of colors. Touching the darkness of the school, blamed by Nanaougi, losing sight of what was right or wrong. Aware of right or wrong…Can she cast aside her common sense to join our ranks? This is the moment when everything comes together. And the answer Teacher Ookuma gave us was…

“…Haha, don’t be ridiculous. That’s not a joke you should be making,” she said and showed a wry smile. “Help with your terrorism? How could I ever do that? Are you stupid?”

“Oh, please. You’re going on about that again? In reality, you…”

“Some people take this school very seriously. Don’t you feel bad for them? Like the…Erm, the student council. They’re doing their hardest.”

The moment Teacher Ookuma finished her argument, you could see Nanaougi’s face freezing up. But the teacher didn’t even realize and continued one-sidedly.

“Nanaougi, you’re part of the higher-ranking classes. Don’t waste your time here and just focus on your studies. Please. This year’s second year pretty much rests on your shoulders. You get that, don’t you?”

“…”

“I’ll pretend like I didn’t hear any of this, so you go back to being a normal student, you hear?” Teacher Ookuma acted like she had regained her composure, pushing Nanaougi’s hand away. “You’re a high school student, so put up with this stuff even if you hate the school. Graduate and you’ll be free, so what’s the point?” Teacher Ookuma stood up and headed our way with no hesitation. “And you two, you better not be getting influenced by any weird ideas, okay?”

She pushed me to the side and stepped out of the room. Her footsteps were growing more distant, as our classroom was filled with silence. And yet, Nanaougi wouldn’t even move a muscle.

“…Nanaougi?” I called out to her, to which she finally reacted.

She felt like a robot that had just booted up again. A human that was reminded of how to breathe.

“Ah…Sorry, there she goes, huh?” Nanaougi mumbled as she looked at the door.

And then, she shrugged with a somewhat troubled expression. This marked the ending. The operation that Nanaougi had set up from the beginning of summer—ended in failure.

*

It’s fine. My choice was perfect. I’m not going to accept an invitation like that. I didn’t hear a thing. Didn’t see a thing. The head of the student year warned me, saying that she’s a special existence that must be handled with care. Since I managed to round up everything, I did just fine. Although I didn’t manage to clear up everything perfectly, I could talk my way out of there. Only think about the exams, the future, and profit.

—For the sake of the students.

Is this really…what it means to be an adult?

*

“Haha…My bad. I guess I messed up where it mattered the most.”

Right after Teacher Ookuma left, we were left behind in the classroom. Kurumi and I took off our masks, met with Nanaougi’s bashful smile.

“I really thought I had her cornered, though. But it seems like I read her wrong. Especially considering my modern Japanese reading task grades. I’m guessing the people of today are a lot harder to grasp?”

“…Well, I don’t think you could have changed much there.”

In fact, I think she did pretty well facing a teacher like that. No way we could have done any better. Plus, making a teacher our ally was doomed from the start. To those adults, our acts of terrorism are nothing more than child’s play, so it was expected that she would make fun of us for it.

“What’s gonna happen to me now? I confessed that I was the terrorist all along, so I’m probably going to get suspended, right?”

“Judging from what she said, she probably won’t tell anybody. Not to mention that you’re part of the higher-ranking classes.”

“I wonder…Well, not like it matters, either.” Nanaougi looked at the ground for a brief moment and then did a long stretch.

She then faced Kurumi and me, showing another smirk.

“It’s a shame I couldn’t join you folks, but I’d still be happy if you continued your terrorism in the future.”

“…Are you sure about that? The blame will continue to fall on you.”

“I don’t mind. As long as you continue my revenge for me, I don’t care about the rest.”

Just what is moving her to say this? I still don’t understand what she’s thinking. No, I do understand, I just don’t have any proof. Because to be perfectly honest, it’s become very clear that she’s not setting up all this just for her little games. I figured that out when we talked at the graveyard. She made it clear that she wasn’t just fooling around. I could see that she was serious. Though…Now that she’s done trying to join our ranks, it’s pointless to figure out her motive.

I glanced outside the window, seeing that the sky was clear blue. The green trees were shaking in the wind, as the West sun lit up the room. In the far distance, I could hear the sound of cicadas. Summer is nearing its end…and yet we couldn’t make Teacher Ookuma join us. Our problem remained unresolved, weighing us down.

“…How frustrating.”

Amidst the silence, a single drop of water hit the surface in the shape of Kurumi’s mutter.

“You talking about me? …Yeah, I’m sorry.” Nanaougi faced Kurumi to apologize, but…

“Not that. I’m referring to Ookuma Kanae.” Kurumi glared at the door the teacher had previously left through and continued. “What’s her deal? She’s suffering to the point she’s putting these kinds of notes in her memo book, she’s even crying, and yet she’s trying to weasel her way out of this. I cannot stand her.”

“…Kurumi?”

“Put up with hating the school? Don’t joke with me. I feel like a moron for ever having sympathized with her.” Kurumi slowly turned toward me. “That’s what an adult is like? I don’t ever want to turn out like that, nor will I accept such a future.”

Just like when we met on the rooftop, her eyes were burning with a strong desire for revenge.

“I found another terrorism I want to do. Senpais, would you mind helping me?”

*

We acted out our revenge on August 21st, the final day of summer break. Kurumi, Nanaougi, and I all came to the gym hall early in the morning.

“Wow. Now this is one fine hall, I dare say.”

Entering the gym hall, we looked around at the walls and then at the ceiling. The colorful vinyl tape was placed all over the ceiling, and cloth was on the walls, paired with paper flowers. Several tables were placed all around, making this look like some party banquet hall. Understandably so, because this place will be used for the after-party of the supplementary classes. And we’re going to mess up this place really good.

“Fun fact, all these decorations are actually from the closing ceremony of the cultural festival. They just kept it as is.”

“I see. The school saves work in every nasty way imaginable. Bunch of cheapskates.”

Nanaougi commented behind us with “Yeah, because they are,” and she’s absolutely right.

“We bought a lot, but will this be enough?”

Kurumi was once again wearing her cat mask, as she took a glance inside the vinyl bag she was carrying. Inside were the tools necessary for today’s terrorism.

“I think it’ll be plenty. But do we have enough time to use all these, anyway?”

“I wonder…Depends on your hard work.”

That is absolutely true, but I’d appreciate it if you don’t put any more pressure on me. I was wearing my fox mask as before and let out a faint sigh.

“I’ll try to rush through my portion, so let’s get this done.”

“Gotcha. But don’t get your hopes up, I’m not as athletically blessed as you are.”

I looked back at Kurumi, but she just returned a blunt “I’m putting my trust in you” through her mask. At least listen to me…Well, I’m planning on providing what is asked of me.

“But enough banter, it’s about time we start.”

Kurumi glanced over at the clock hanging on the wall. It was moving close to 5 am. And if everything goes as planned, today’s main actor should be here soon, too. Of course, considering Nanaougi’s previous failure, there’s a chance today’s king won’t even show up. Five minutes passed when the door of the gym hall slowly opened. The one who entered was a small female teacher with long brown hair. She’s the one we’re going to wrap up in our terrorism today—Ookuma Kanae.

“…You actually came here, huh?”

Teacher Ookuma looked at us with a stern face.

“Again with you people? What’s the deal now?” She said and showed us a single sheet of paper—the invitation we sent her.

“‘We’re going to return the memo book to you, so come to the gym hall early tomorrow morning. If you don’t come alone, we’ll spread what you said in the book to the whole school’…What is your deal now?” She walked toward us with a fierce tone.

It’d be bad if she got hold of the leading role again, so we should probably start our operation. I gave the signal, to which Kurumi nodded. She placed the vinyl bag at her feet and took positions.

“We will now begin our terrorism. Nanaougi-senpai, make sure to keep the escape route open.”

“Gotcha. Leave it to me.”

Nanaougi followed Kurumi’s orders and headed for the back exit. Teacher Ookuma gave Nanaougi a curious glance during that but quickly looked back at Kurumi and I.

“Those masks…So you’re Nanaougi’s allies?”

“Oh, what an odd assumption to make. But you’re not quite right. We’re not in cahoots with Nanaougi-senpai. In fact, I’m the real terrorist you’re looking for.”

“What? Real terrorist? What are you on about?”

Kurumi and I took a step toward Teacher Ookuma—and then removed our masks.

“I’m Hoshimiya Kurumi, part of class 1-6. I think this is our first meeting, so nice to meet you. I’m the one behind all the recent terrorism.”

“And I’m Natsume Ren from class 2-5. You should know me from your classes.”

We didn’t waste much time revealing our names and classes. This must have thrown her off, because Teacher Ookuma looked at us in disbelief. But she quickly returned to her senses and showed a glare of pressure.

“You’re coming clean now? Are you surrendering yourselves or something?”

“Not at all. We just figured it’d be easier to carve our existence into your mind by revealing our true selves.”

“Carve your existence…? What do you mean?”

“We actually have another request to make of you today, Ookuma-sensei.” Kurumi put on a newsboy cap with cat ears and then approached the teacher.

“Ookuma-sensei, won’t you join our cause?”

“Again with that…Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to fall for some nonsense like that.”

“Haha, that’s true. You did say that earlier.” Kurumi turned around and walked back to where I stood. “Some teacher who is merely pretending to be an adult wouldn’t understand how we feel. So, we figured we might as well show you how serious we are and prepared this scene.”

“What…?”

Kurumi took out today’s weapon from the vinyl bag. It was a spray can that made a rattling sound whenever you moved it. And we didn’t just have one. The entire bag was full of them in various colors.

“…What the hell? What do you plan on doing?”

“If mischievous brats like us carry one of these, there’s only one thing to do, right?” Kurumi flashed a devious smirk and then headed deeper into the hall.

She stood in front of the wall decorated and ready for the party and then began spraying a line of black across it. Another line followed until she created the words ‘Shit School’ with the graffiti.

“…Hey! You moron! What are you doing?!” Teacher Ookuma roared and started running to stop Kurumi.

However, I knew she’d do that, so I quickly got between the two. I’m not particularly strong or anything, but she’s still a petite woman. If I just stand here like a bodyguard, she won’t be able to do much.

“The hell is your issue?! Get out of the way! Right now!”

Teacher Ookuma and I glared at each other.

“Ookuma-sensei, why exactly are you trying to stop this?”

“Why wouldn’t I?! I need to put an end to this!”

“That’s not an answer. Just shut up and watch.”

“Huh? Shut your mouth! I’m not letting you continue!”

She rammed into me to push me aside and run up to Kurumi. She seemed to have some level of experience when it comes to sports, but it’s not enough to take care of me. No matter what, I won’t let her reach Kurumi.

“Ah, shit! What the hell?! Do you think you’ll get out of this unharmed?!”

“Not at all. Kurumi and I have been prepared to face the consequences from the start.”

“…What even…!” She stuffed one hand into her pocket.

If this was a regular street fight, I’d have to be worried that she might take out a knife or something along those lines, but she’s a teacher, so I didn’t have to put up my guard that much. And as I had anticipated, the object she took out was her smartphone. She probably saw herself overwhelmed in this situation and thought of calling for help. I reacted immediately and slapped her wrist to make her drop the phone.

“Shit…!”

She didn’t even look at her phone and turned around. If I had to guess, she probably planned to run away from here…But I still wouldn’t allow that. I ran after her and grabbed her shoulder right in front of the door. I pulled her toward me as we switched places.

“Don’t run away. You have to properly face us first.”

Teacher Ookuma’s shoulders went up and down as she gasped for air, glaring at me from below.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Teacher Ookuma grumbled and then roared with a scream that came from very deep down. “Who the hell are you?! Why are you doing this?! Will you give it a rest already?! If you hate school that much, you can just drop out!”

Hearing that, Kurumi continued to fill the wall with her spray and laughed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. We wouldn’t run away with our tails between our legs.”

“Then you could always ask for help from the right place! There’s gotta be more options than doing something like this!”

“Of course not. Asking for help won’t change a thing. Everyone should experience this pain we’ve gone through or it wouldn’t be fair, right? If we don’t get our revenge, we won’t be able to rest easy.” Kurumi said so and moved on to the next wall. “Don’t you get it? In this very moment, revenge is all that matters. And someone who made fun of our terrorism now gets to watch from the front row until you understand how we feel.”

“What’s your fixation with revenge anyway? Even if you do that, you won’t be rewarded for anything!”

“I wonder about that. If you were a teacher truly devoted to your work, you might have understood.”

Met with Kurumi’s cynical comment, Teacher Ookuma bit her lip. She was absolutely right, but I still felt a bit guilty.

“Ookuma-sensei, what you’re saying, it’s already too late for that.” Kurumi threw aside the empty spray can from her hand. “I’m done swallowing my thoughts and feelings, just listening to what the clueless adults have to say.” Kurumi rubbed her nose and then opened her arms. “Here, look at this. Our displeasure can only be freed by writing something as big as this!”

The second wall was filled with Kurumi’s complaints at the school.

“What do you think? I don’t know about some after-party nonsense, but you can just continue as always, right? Ignoring is what you do, don’t you?”

‘Shit School.’ ‘Abusive Everyday.’ ‘Hierarchy based on grades is bullshit.’ ‘Don’t discriminate based on results.’ ‘No people’s rights should be denied.’ They were the roars that filled our minds at all times, now splattered on the wall. And in the center of that was a line that should be very familiar to Teacher Ookuma.

‘I don’t want to tell my students they should die. I don’t want to be told that, either. I want to die. I’m the one who wants to die.’

It was the very comment we found in Teacher Ookuma’s memo book.

“Hee hee, how do you like that? It melts beautifully…with our words. With our feelings.” Kurumi clapped her dirty hands together and moved to where Teacher Ookuma and I stood. She then flashed a mischievous smirk and offered the teacher a hand.

“Ookuma-sensei, reading through your memo book, we were sure of it. You’re no adult at all. You’re a snot-nosed brat like the rest of us. So, let’s be bad together, yes?”

“H-Huh? B-Bad…There’s no way I could…” Teacher Ookuma’s eyes shot open as she frantically shook her head.

Seeing that, Kurumi pushed her head closer.

“What are you hesitating for? You dislike this school as much as the rest of us, right? So, help us. Let’s change this school together. Let’s get revenge.”

“Revenge…? No, I wouldn’t…”

“I’m sure you’re hungry for revenge. Throw all your complaints at this rotten school and its rotten people. And if you understand our feelings even the smallest bit, then join us!”

“…No! It’s not my duty as a teacher to help you with such a thing!”

“Then what is your duty? Insult your students? Milk them for money? Come on, tell us! Teach me, you teacher!”

With this endless barrage, Teacher Ookuma’s shoulders quivered.

“Kurumi, that was too much.”

“Ah…I’m sorry, I got a bit too heated there.”

Heeding my warning, Kurumi took a deep breath and then looked back at the teacher with an expression of compassion and contempt mixed together.

“I hate you. I want to show you that our terrorism isn’t just some childish play. But at the same time, I want to save you. So, please…I hope you understand.”

“That’s…”

“Adult, teacher, all that is just excuses. I’m speaking to you personally, Ookuma Kanae. Join us. Let’s get revenge on this god-awful school.”

“…”

“I’m sure there must be a lot of teachers you despise, right? Unlike Nanaougi-senpai who gave you no other choice, I’m saying this for your sake. For your sake…For your own health, I want you to make a decision now. I beg you.”

“…”

“If not, you will die. Your vitality or your heart, but nobody knows which will give in first.”

“I…I…”

No response came, as Teacher Ookuma just stared up at Kurumi in shock. It didn’t take long until Nanaougi came back to us from the backside entrance.

“Ren-kun, Kurumi-chan, it’s time. You should leave.”

“Got it…Let’s go, Kurumi.”

“…Yes. And, Ookuma-sensei? …Farewell.”

We used the escape route Nanaougi guarded to escape from the hall without being seen. In the end, this was the terrorism Kurumi wanted. No success, but no failure either.

*

“What even…What in the world happened here?!”

When I heard this voice above my head, I thought I’d finally been saved. Raising my head, I saw the head of the student year. Surely, he must have rushed here after hearing all this noise. He looked around the gym hall, filled with graffiti and empty spray cans. Thank god, I’m saved. Now that the head of the student year saw this, things will be resolved. I don’t have to think about anything else again. The way of the school, the teachers, I don’t care. I’m just 23 years old, what are you expecting of me…

“Ookuma-sensei! What is going on here?! Explain yourself right now!”

The head of the student year closed in on me, so I answered honestly.

“A student…A student wrote graffiti all over the walls with these spray cans.”

“How could this…Why did you not stop them?!”

“I tried to! But there were several people!”

Right as I had finished my sentence, I heard a sharp slapping noise. Right after, a heatwave ran through my cheek. I was hit. And it only took me a few seconds.

“Why the hell does that matter?! They were in front of you, so stop them!” The head of the student year howled at me, so I fought back.

“D-Don’t be ridiculous! How could I?!”

“This is all because you can’t bring your students under control!” He screamed and raised his hand.

Another slapping sound followed, as my ear rang. I held the cheek I was slapped on and sunk to the ground. Why? Why…Why do I deserve to be slapped like this? I don’t understand.

“I swear to…So many problems, so little solving. Get a grip already.”

“But I couldn’t do anything…”

“Tsk. I’m not asking for that. I’m telling you to take care of those students already.” The head of the student year didn’t bother hiding his rage and frustration as he glared at me. “Erase all this writing immediately. And then, find the culprits.”

“But they are…”

I already know who they are. Hoshimiya Kurumi, Natsume Ren, and Nanaougi Nana. They gave me their names and put me in this situation. I wanted to throw them under the bus, but for some reason, I hesitated. I looked at the head of the student year and hid the truth.

“What…what will happen to them?”

“They will get kicked out of school, I bet,” the head of the student year responded instantly.

Well, I don’t know what I expected, to be honest. With actions so aggressively going against school regulations and common sense, the only thing possibly awaiting them would be expulsion. But even so, it made me think…Will kicking out those students really improve the situation at the school? Erase all troublemakers, straighten up the students, will this really bring peace? Be it the abuse broadcast at the cultural festival, or the beheaded head incident, the abuse payment statement, or the solutions to exams, they were all messages detailing the disastrous situation at this school. Are they really the bad guys? I personally don’t know.

That Hoshimiya Kurumi girl said that the line I wrote in my memo book melted perfectly into all the writings on the wall. What if I was the same as them? If I told the head of the student year who the terrorists are…wouldn’t that be the same as selling out my heart? Seeing that I remained silent, the head of the student year sighed.

“Listen up, Ookuma-sensei. We don’t want any students getting expelled.”

“…I know that.”

That’s right. I don’t want to see that happen. But, it’s already too late to worry about that. If you’re going to live in this society, you have to abide by its rules.

“Sadly, we won’t be able to cash in on their student fees any longer, and it will most likely negatively impact next year’s applications. Plus, fewer people getting into universities sucks, too. Nothing we have to gain from that.”

“…What?”

For a moment, I felt like something snapped inside of me. How could you? How dare you say things like that? My eyes shot wide open and I didn’t try to hide my animosity. Yet, the head of the student year continued to gaze at me with his cold eyes.

“Ookuma-sensei, expulsion in this day and age is no laughing matter. Especially not after the problems they’ve caused.”

“…”

“And because you couldn’t control your students, their lives have now gone awry.”

…What the hell? Can you shut up already? I’ve been gritting my teeth so hard they began to hurt. Don’t joke with me. Don’t make it my fault. Our school was still prestigious enough that delinquents from middle school wouldn’t be able to get in here. That’s right. ‘Shit School.’ ‘Abusive Everyday.’ ‘Hierarchy based on grades is bullshit.’ ‘Don’t discriminate based on results.’ ‘No people’s rights should be denied.’

Seeing all those messages on the wall, I finally realized. These kids have gotten twisted and rotten because of this school. And yet, I’m the one receiving the blame. It’s…sickening. You’re the one who’s wrong. The way this school operates…This entire system! You’re the ones at fault! You made this school so messed up before I even got accepted here!

“Anyway, erase all those writings. We cannot hold our event in this current state.” The head of the student year waved his hand at me and made his way to the door of the gym hall.

At the same time as the sound of his footsteps grew distant, I felt something pushing my back. I may have been living my life by running away all day, but even I had some level of pride in me. I could not forgive him. I didn’t want to forgive him. I wanted him to vanish from this world. When I realized that this emotion inside my chest was a burning rage, my body had already moved. I shot up and started running, grabbing the man’s body.

“Are you kidding me?! You can’t be serious! Do you even have a shed of humanity left in you?!”

“?! What are you doing, you fool!”

“Wah!”

I wanted to punch him at least once, but he pushed me away immediately and made me land on the ground.

“What was that about, Ookuma-sensei?” The head of the student year crouched down and grabbed my bangs.

“Ah…Ouch…”

“This is exactly why your students don’t take you seriously!” He roared and picked up a nearby spray can.

He then pointed the nuzzle at me and sprayed black color right into my face.

“Ah…Wah…Cough, cough…”

“Oh my, Ookuma-sensei…You tried to stop those delinquents and happened to get sprayed in the face? Poor child.”

“?! You damn…!”

It was frustrating, but this was also all I could say. I’m scared. It hurts. I can’t open my eyes.

“I’ll let this one slide, so get to cleaning your face and start your classes, you talentless moron.”

He threw the empty spray can at my stomach and then left the hall.

“Ugh…Ugh…”

The world was dark. Tears came streaming from my eyes as I could no longer stop myself.

“In the end, all I could do was cry.

“Gah…Ah…Raaaaaaah!”

Only my cries filled the otherwise silent gym hall. But at the same time, it also didn’t feel like my own. I must be imagining things, and yet it sounded like another person’s voice. It resembled the voice of the girl that was just here a few moments ago.

‘You can’t stand this school either, right?’

It’s Hoshimiya Kurumi. They were the words she told me.

‘You won’t be able to rest easy unless you throw all your hatred at them, yeah?.’

…I see. I get it now. This is what she meant by their revenge.

‘Let’s get revenge on this god-awful school.’

The inside of my head felt warm. Vibrations that I couldn’t control passed through my body. I see. I guess I was never an adult to begin with. If that is what happens when you grow up…If you end up an adult once you become like him…Then I don’t ever want to grow up. Don’t give me that crap. He hit me twice. I’m never going to forgive him! Common sense? Justice? Oh, shove it! I don’t give a rat’s ass! I don’t care any longer! If I can’t hit this school…if I can’t hit him with all my rage and frustration, I won’t be able to rest easily!

“Raaaaaah! What the heeeeeeell!!”

I opened my eyes and grabbed a spray can that had dropped at my feet. From inside that, I could hear the metal rattling of the small ball as I shook it.

*

After that whole ordeal, the graffiti and writing in the gym hall were not erased even until classes began, so the school decided not to hold the after-party, of which we were informed during the early homeroom. Saigou’s worst recorded supplementary classes thus ended with regular self-study.

Time passed on as we moved on from August 31st, bringing us into September. Summer break ended, and we went back to regular classes. September 1st basically consisted of just homeroom class, giving us the end of the day off. Even though we finally returned to the familiar astronomy club room, the atmosphere was gloomy and pessimistic. Only the sound of the clock ticking disrupted the silence, as Kurumi and I simply sat at our table, spacing out.

“Now we really went and did it…” Kurumi grumbled in a defeated voice.

“The fact that we leaked both our faces and names to Teacher Ookuma?”

“Exactly. Now we definitely won’t have any way to talk our way out of this…” Kurumi leaned against the pipe chair she sat on and twirled the newsboy cap with cat ears on her finger. It’s pretty clear that this was weighing down on her mind quite heavily.

“Do you regret that final terrorism we did?”

“That…I don’t. I don’t regret it one bit.”

The newsboy cap jumped up into the air, as she caught it and placed it back on her head.

“That terrorism was like lighting incense. It was necessary to separate myself from what happened this summer break. And I needed her to know that students were being hurt through her indecisiveness.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

I was on board with her idea because I felt the same way. Teacher Ookuma told us to swallow our hatred for the school. So, I wanted to show her how serious we are. Just like Kurumi said, that terrorism was like a ritual for us.

“…I don’t regret it, but I just feel a bit languid thinking about the future.”

“Yeah, I get that. After everything we’ve done…”

Now that we’ve revealed our names and faces, the school must be preparing some kind of punishment for us. Suspension, or maybe even expulsion…Considering this school, it could be even worse. Actually, Kurumi and I talked on the phone this morning and reluctantly headed to school, but nothing has happened so far. I don’t know what the teachers are doing or thinking. I know that thinking about it won’t change a thing, but the worst-case scenario keeps playing on repeat in my mind. Of course, I’m going to take the same blame as Kurumi no matter what, but…

“…Hey, Senpai. Let’s kiss?”

Kurumi didn’t wait for my response and leaned over the table. Yeah, cleaning up these messy feelings with a kiss might be the best.

“Sure, I was feeling like doing it myself.”

“Wohooo! Hee hee…It’s been so long since we exchanged a kiss here in this room.”

“Yeah, now that you mention it.”

“…And, it might also be the last time in this room.”

“…”

I stood up from my chair and gently placed my hand on Kurumi’s anxious face. We looked at each other, pressed our lips together, and intertwined our tongues—when the door of the room opened.

“Ah, I guess my timing is impeccable as always,” Nanaougi said with no ill intentions whatsoever.

Kurumi moved away from me and slumped back down on her chair.

“…What do you want here, Nanaougi-senpai? That surprised me.”

“Is it just me, or are you two being a bit depressed?”

“Why wouldn’t we? The teachers are going to chew us out soon enough for everything we’ve done.” Kurumi answered with a pout, but Nanaougi just looked at her in disbelief.

“Because you caused that terrorism after naming yourselves and revealing your faces? I don’t have to worry about that.”

“What gives you the right to speak like this is none of your concern? You know what’s happening next—” Kurumi’s sentence was interrupted, and my eyes shot wide open, too.

Understandably so, because a small female teacher appeared right after Nanaougi. Her small stature and long brown hair made it very apparent who we were dealing with—Ookuma Kanae. The person on all our minds.

“…Hey there, you terrorists. So this is your hideout, huh?”

Teacher Ookuma entered the room and glared up at us.

“Welp, it’s over, Senpai. She’s here to pick us up.” Kurumi looked up at the ceiling with an expression devoid of emotion.

…I see. So this is the end. Now that they know our names and faces, running and hiding won’t save us. But to think they would come to end it all in our very own hideout. If possible, I wanted everything to end on the rooftop, where I first met Kurumi. And in that mind, I lamented the end of it all. But for some reason, something felt off about Teacher Ookuma. She glared at us, but she didn’t seem particularly angry. Rather, she periodically glanced at the ground, like she was hesitant about something. Doesn’t seem like she came here to arrest us or anything like that.

“Come on, Ookuma-sensei.”

Nanaougi pushed the teacher’s back, forcing her to take a step forward. She still looked at the floor at that point, only for her gaze to shoot up and pierce us.

“First of all, I didn’t report you kids to the school.”

“…Huh? Why wouldn’t you?” Kurumi asked, confused.

“I always thought you people were just trying to destroy the public morals and rules of the school. But getting a closer look, it was never that easy. Teachers weren’t treating the students as human beings, and there were those who screamed in opposition. That was your intention, right?”

“Yes, that’s absolutely true.”

“…I didn’t see you kids being kicked out of the school as the right thing. That’s why I kept it all a secret. I told the head of the student year that I couldn’t make out the people who did it.”

I see. That’s why the school didn’t come to take us into questioning the second we went to school this morning. I was thankful for that, but it wasn’t all that simple. There’s gotta be some backstreet deal about this. And I wouldn’t want her to underestimate us.

“We won’t change just because you let us go, okay,” Kurumi said without any hesitation, stating my exact feelings. “You probably came here with some offer like ‘You’ll be let off as long as you cause no more trouble,’ right? But that won’t happen. We’ll continue revolting against the school, so are you fine with that?”

“I am, yes.”

I thought she was going to argue about our family, school records, future, or some nonsense like that, but the blunt response she gave us only threw me off even more.

“…Are you being serious right now? I’m saying we’ll continue our acts of terrorism.”

“Yeah, do as you please. You can mess up this school as much as you want.”

Kurumi was bewildered, but Teacher Ookuma spoke with no hesitation or remorse. And, she wasn’t done just yet.

“I was thinking about this…and honestly, I don’t even have a reason to stop you people. I hate this school, and I can’t stand the people who set up the rules here.”

“Ohh? So you’ve finally realized? That’s right. You were just pretending to be a teacher.”

“Watching you had me think. What I should do, what I can’t do, I’ve been trying to look at it through my common sense lenses, but that doesn’t matter. I just wanna punch the people I hate.”

“That’s right! That’s absolutely it! Just vent out all your frustration!” Kurumi pointed at Teacher Ookuma, who nodded.

She’s saying some crazy stuff right now. But I guess she needed that, too. I didn’t think she’d change her mind this quickly, though. I’m glad that yesterday’s terrorism had such an impact on her. And with this, another person was changed through Hoshimiya Kurumi’s devilishness. This is good…Or, well, it’s actually pretty bad.

“So anyway,” Teacher Ookuma opened her mouth. “In return for not ratting you out to the school, I’ve got a favor to ask.”

“Huh, what?! You’re not going to ask for money now, are you?”

Teacher Ookuma responded with a “No, no,” and a wry smile and awkwardly continued.

“If possible…I’d like you to make me one of you.”

We all froze up for a moment. Kurumi looked at me, and then back at Teacher Ookuma.

“I will hear your reason first.”

“Because this school is such a big and awful mess, I want to destroy it all.”

“…Oh?”

“I’ve got a superior that I want to suffer through some heartfelt consequences.”

“The head of the student year?” Kurumi asked, but Teacher Ookuma only laughed it off with “Who knows?”

Well, she must have a few people on her list, so I don’t blame her.

“Also…Well…What you guys told me, I’ve started to see reason in that.”

“… Meaning?”

“If you had a teacher supporting you from the shadows, your variety of terrorisms would grow, and that would allow me to change this school much quicker.” Teacher Ookuma gripped her right hand and dropped her gaze. “No matter what a newbie teacher like me says, nothing will change. That’s why, I’ve decided to show what real justice is like. To the higher-ups of this school and everybody who fails to see reason.”

Her serious expression vanished as she let out a self-deprecating smile.

“So…is that good enough? If you don’t want to trust me, I don’t mind writing it down in a contract.”

I’m surprised she’d willingly go that far. I guess she’s very serious about joining us. Kurumi tilted her head and thought about it, looking over at me to confirm my reaction.

“We’ve heard her motive, but how do you feel, Senpai?”

“I think we can let her join us. That’s what we planned to do from the start.”

“Right, I agree…Then, I guess it’s decided.” Kurumi got up from her chair and stood in front of Teacher Ookuma.

She showed a mischievous smirk and offered the teacher her right hand.

“You’re one of us now. An accomplice. So, let’s get along.”

“Yeah, sounds good. I’m done being an adult. Done living the right way if it just brings me pain.”

Kurumi and Teacher Ookuma shook hands to mark this promise. I was genuinely worried about what would happen, but as a blessing in disguise, Teacher Ookuma luckily changed her mind. I’m glad we didn’t get to the worst-case scenario.

“With a new member in our rounds, maybe we should hold a welcome party today, Senpai.”

“Sounds good. But school is going to close soon, so what do we do?”

“What’s this? A welcome party? Why don’t we go to a nearby family restaurant, then?”

“Huh? Well, why not, I guess? Though I’m surprised you’re that open to all this, Ookuma-sensei.”

Seeing how hard Teacher Ookuma came onto her, Kurumi was the one who faltered. It might seem like everything rounded up nicely, but there’s actually one more thing that needs addressing. And right as I looked her way, Nanaougi already called out to Kurumi.

“Hey, hey, Kurumi-chan, does this mean that I get to join you guys, too?”

Kurumi froze up and then glared at Nanaougi.

“What? No, of course not. Go away.”

“Whaaaat? But that’s not what we promised!”

“She decided that she would join us because of my terrorism. It has nothing to do with you,” Kurumi retorted with cold words.

Seems like she really can’t stand Nanaougi all too much. I hesitated for a moment but eventually decided to throw in a helping hand.

“Kurumi, I think we should let her join.”

“Wha…?! Wh-What are you saying?! Is it because she keeps on kissing you that…”

No, she does not…Well, she did, but that’s not the reason.

“She’s the one who revealed her face and name to the teachers even before us, right? I don’t know what exactly she’s planning with all this, but I can tell that she’s serious about working with us.”

“Hmph…Th-That is true…”

“And when we did the whole spray terrorism, she kept an escape route open for us. She wouldn’t do us dirty…at least not for a while.”

Kurumi looked at Nanaougi again…Or rather, she glared at her. Ten, maybe twenty seconds passed when Kurumi sighed in resignation.

“…Okay, fine. Then you can be our team member (Prov) for now.”

“Yay! Thanks a lot, Kurumi-chan.”

“Please stop. Don’t touch me.”

Nanaougi tried to rub Kurumi’s face, but got rejected. I guess it’ll take some time before she warms up to her.

“With this many people, the family restaurant idea sounds better and better. We can’t just keep Nanaougi-senpai out of the fun. But it’d be good if there was a restaurant a bit further away from Saigou High.”

“Near where I live, we should be fine about that. Should I get us a reservation?”

“Where? I wouldn’t like it to be somewhere expensive.”

“It’s fine, I’ll pay for today.”

Kurumi and Teacher Ookuma looked at the teacher’s smartphone. Since they’re both not the tallest, it looks like two middle school girls were playing around. But since I’d get an earful if I said that, I decided to keep quiet. A bit of time passed like that, until Kurumi eventually turned around to face the rest of us.

“Okay, then tonight at 6pm, we’re going to hold our welcome party for Nana-senpai and Koguma-sensei!”

“Hold on a second Kurumi…What did you just call me?”

“Well, with two Senpais here, it’d be confusing if I don’t adjust, and you might be a teacher but don’t really feel like one, so I decided to give you a nickname, too,” Kurumi pointed fingers first at Nanaougi, and then Teacher Ookuma.

“Nanaougi-senpai is too long, so Nana-senpai it is. And Ookuma-sensei does not look like a large bear like her name Ookuma suggests, so you get Koguma for small bear. Makes sense? I like it.” Kurumi showed a confident smirk.

Personally, I think it makes barely any sense, but oh well…What about those two, though?

“I don’t care either way. I’m not interested in nicknames.”

“I’m fine with it. Plus, it sounds kind of cute and it feels like you have affection for me as a teacher.”

…Right, that settles it then.

“By the way, I’m already used to it, so you’re going to stay as Senpai, Senpai.”

“Sounds good to me. I’d only feel embarrassed if you suddenly called me Ren-senpai.”

“Oh, is it? Then maybe I’ll tease you from time to time by going with Ren-kun.” She put her hand above her mouth and giggled.

At least add “Senpai” at the end…Well, if it’s Kurumi, then I sure don’t mind.

“Ahem…Anyway, let’s get along, everyone,” Kurumi grinned and raised her fist.

The other three of us stood in a circle and joined in. Now that it was September, this heated summer finally came to an end, as the harsh cold season was slowly approaching. And with that, the four of us—Hoshimiya Kurumi, Natsume Ren, Nanaougi Nana, and Ookuma Kane—began our activities to get revenge on those we loathe.