Shin2 Dan: Chapter 31: Secrets Behind the Exam (4)
Chapter 31 - Secrets Behind the Exam (4)
Due to the lack of time left of lunch, Yamada and Kamiki decided to split up the people between them, with Yamada in charge of the 1D class, while Kamiki is responsible for the 1B and 1C. Even though each only has 3 people to find, it turned out not to be as easy as they have thought. As usual, Kamiki tried to ask their classmates, but none of them know where they are.
“He left right at lunch, as if in a hurry to do something.” All of them told him.
Kamiki even tried to find them at the popular places that people usually gathered, the cafeteria, the grassy parts of the school, the sport area, and even the restroom, but they all ended up to be failed attempts. As the time for lunch break lessens, the roof top will probably be his last location for the day.
Reaching the door to the roof top, he slowly opens it, but the sound of someone talking reached his ears. Or rather than talking, they are arguing. Curious, Kamiki steps out quietly and try to find the source of the sound.
The roof top was bare, but at the corner, a couple was arguing over something. Kamiki hides himself behind the wall, trying hard not to be seen as he slowly takes a closer look. The girl was trying to leave, but the guy stubbornly holds her back.
“I said if you can surpass Fukuda-san, then we can go on a date.” The girl said, her voice sound irritated, “But you didn’t.”
‘They look as though they are having a lover’s quarrel.’ Kamiki thought. He was about to turn away, until the girl’s face meet his eyes.
“Shida-chan, it’s impossible for me, can’t you consider?” The guy asked in earnest, almost pleading. Kamiki quickly recognizes him as the person who pushed him down earlier. Hon… Hongo…. Kanata?
“I told you before, that was my condition.” Shida simply said, “Please give up!” She quickly turns to leave, but Kanata desperately grabs on to her arm.
She turns to look at him. Her eyes must have been shooting daggers, because Kanata’s hand quickly drops to his side in hesitation.
“Shida-chan…” He begins, but Shida quickly cut in.
“I can’t see you any more than friends.”
Kanata becomes silent as he stares at her, almost in shocked.
After a while, Shida continues softly, “And beside, I already have someone I like.”
“But he’s not even looking at you!” Kanata protests, “Why don’t you give up?”
This time, it was Shida’s turn to fall into silence. She gazes down to the floor as she whispers something, more to herself than the boy in front of her. It takes Kamiki all his might to be able to hear that two short words full of uncertainty.
“He will!”
“Mirai-chan!” a voice called out, breaking that moment of tension between the two. They look around as a girl quickly runs up to them.
“Are you okay?” She asked as she stood between the two, “Is he bothering you again?”
“N.. No, I’m alright.” Shida shakes her head, perplex at the sudden present of her friend, though thankful.
The girl quickly turns to Kanata, glaring at him with sharp eyes, “She already gave you her answer, please leave!”
Her commanding voice full of authority causes the boy to retreat angrily toward the directly of Kamiki hiding spot. Kamiki quickly hid himself as much as possible in order to avoid detection as the boy pass by him. But that moment when he crossed path, Kamiki could hear something faint emitting from Kanata’s lips.
“It’s all because of that girl.”
With that, Kanata disappears behind the door to the building. Kamiki’s attention quickly turns back to the two girls.
“You sure are popular with the guys today.” The girl jokingly teased.
“I rather not have that kind of popularity.” Shida made a sour face.
“Why don’t you give him a chance? He’s smart, he’s pretty handsome, he’s popular, and he’s rich, what more could you ask for?”
“What are you saying?” Shida turned to the girl in horror, “He’s too persistent.”
“I’m just kidding.” The girl laughs, “I know you’re only waiting for that one.”
Shida’s face blushes bright red, as if hitting the mark.
“I’m right aren’t I?” The girl laughs once again, “It’s alright. I’ll help you fend off all your suitors until that one come to his senses.”
“Thanks Suzu-chan.” Shida giggles at her friend’s joke, “I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”
“What are you saying? Aren’t we friends?”
“Best friends!”
The girls laugh among themselves as they walk down toward their classes. At the same time, the bell rings, signaling the end of the lunch break.
Kamiki was left at his hiding place, his face downcast, with sadness in his eyes. He slowly picks himself up and walks toward his own class. His head is full of question about who is the person the girl he loves is pinning for. Throughout the rest of class that day, Kamiki is unable to focus on his lesson as his mind wanders around Shida and the mysterious person.
…
Shining through the window, the afternoon light make a silhouette of the person seating behind the grand desk. Standing in front of it is a man, his eyes full of respect for the person in front of him. With this setting, one would expect someone really important sitting in that chair, but it is actually only Takeda-sensei.
“Tsutsumi-kun, you really haven’t changed much.” Takeda-sensei smiled. It has been years since Tsutsumi was a student at this school, but he still retain that stoic and quiet character of back then. Though perhaps, his eyes have become a bit more tired and sad.
“No, the time changed and so people have to change.” Tsutsumi shook his head.
“You’re right.” Takeda-sensei chuckled. He opens his desk drawer and takes out a folder. Standing up, he handed the file to the man. “Like you’d asked of me, I added him as one of the member.”
“I hope he’s doing fine.” Taking the file in his hand, Tsutsumi opened it. Inside was information about Kamiki. “Did anyone contact him during these times?”
“None that I know of. It seems like they are not aware he’s here yet. Or even if they are, they don’t seem to be interest in him at the moment.” Pausing, Takeda-sensei continues, “Of course you’re aware that my jurisdiction is only in this school. The moment he walks outside, I don’t know where or what happens. Luckily, we have a GPS system on his keitai so he can be tracked anytime.”
“That’s great!” Tsutsumi sighs in relief.
“I can’t give myself all the credits.” Takeda-sensei laughs, “The members help keep an eye on him too, though they probably don’t realize it. He’s just like his father, a very curious and kind child. He’s getting along great with them.”
“I’m glad.” Tsutsumi smiles, “I was worried that he won’t be able to fit in due to the school transfer.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that. We have great kids this time as well.” Takeda-sensei pauses, “Hmm, well, we always have great kids. Would you like to know who they are?”
“No,” Tsutsumi shakes his head, “Information about the organization must be kept a secret. I used to be a member after all.”
“That’s fine. If you like, you can also take a tour in the old base, since they are having class time right now. A lot have changed from then. With the advancement in technology, we also change a few things.”
Shaking his head again, Tsutsumi softly says, “It’ll just make me feel sad and nostalgic. Maybe next time.”
“I understand.” Takeda-sensei nodded and quickly changes the conversation, “How about your situation?”
“Only a bit more and I won’t have to worry about putting him under your protection.”
“That’s good, but I don’t mind. Having him around made the base much livelier.” Pausing, “It’s too bad about his family though. To think, they died like that. It’s such a tragic story that I am still shocked over their deaths.”
“Even though being part of the police force, trying to protect people from harm, you can never know when you need to protect yourself…” Tsutsumi nodded before adding, “… or your family from harm.”
“Even though it was an act of revenge, but it’s too cruel.” Takeda-sensei said in agreement.
“Making it seems like an accident and concealing the evidences by burning the car.” Tsutsumi said, his eyes wide as the memories rushed back to him like a nightmare, “She was also 3 months pregnant. That’s 3 lives!”
After learning about the accident, Tsutsumi has rushed to the scene of the crime. But while trying to find clues to his friend’s death, he keeps running into dead ends. At the end, they say it was an accident, but he knows that it’s not. It’s just too convenient to call it as just an accident. With his current power, he’s unable to save even his best friend, how will he be able to protect others. That’s why he decided to leave home to find the truth of their deaths.
“They were really serious when they said they want to wipe out the whole family.” Takeda-sensei sighs, “Luckily, Satomi-chan and Ryu wasn’t in the car.”
Takeda-sensei walks toward the man and pats his back. In a gentle voice, he tries to ease the man suffering, “Chin up! They will receive the judgment that they deserved.”
Tsutsumi nods, “I’ll make sure that they will. With all my strength, I’ll make sure that they will.”
Takeda-sensei smiles gently, “You really haven’t changed at all, Tsutsumi-kun.”
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Author's Notes: This chapter is actually 2 separate chapters, but I decided to merge it into one since both of them are so short. On the other hand, another boring chapter.
I somehow passed the 30 chapters mark. *dies*
I feel bad for not adding Umika in this chapter, then we have 3BFFs. D: But I'm lazy.
Kamiki is just too oblivious about his surrounding. :P
And then I just realized another storyline... How will I be able to write about Kamiki and Tsutsumi story when I don't even know yet how, why and who did it. =__=;; The ending may be even farther away than I'd thought.
Oh, and Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for following this story. Even though it took forever for me to update... >_<;; Happy Holidays too!
Secret Files of Shin2 Dan:
The base's blue print.
