It was heartbreaking to see that a team so capable didn't even get the chance to showcase their potential by competing at their best. I knew they would have been able to go to the Inter-High, but those circumstances prevented them from doing so, thought Nanaho to herself as she looked out the window.
Seeing Hiroki's younger sister crying like this could only mean one thing—Jirou was back in school and out of the hospital. She had never expressed herself to anyone after her brother went to jail, so that was the only logical reason. What's worse is that Jirou didn't even say a word to any of us on the team about his return. If he were truly innocent of everything Hiroki accused him of, then why didn't he come back to the court the first chance he got?
Nanaho then spotted Tetsuo walking toward Tomoe. Well, at the very least, she has someone she trusts, and he cares for her, so I know she'll be alright.
"Tomoe, what are you doing out here?" asked Tetsuo.
"I don't know myself. I just feel like I have nowhere else to run. I'm tired of his charade, and I just want it to end. Is that too much to ask?" said Tomoe, tears in her eyes.
"It's Jirou, isn't it? I saw the books in the library all torn up."
"No one ever believes me when I tell them the things he does. They just assume I make it all up because of what happened between him and my brother. And because he acts all innocent, they always brand him as the victim, blaming me for every single thing he's done.
"They think I'm a deranged person who does things to myself and then blames others. I'm tired of it all. I'll just have to drop out of school or transfer somewhere far away from him. That's right… it's the only way I'll ever live in peace," said Tomoe.
"No, dropping out of school is not an option. Running away from the problem won't solve anything—it'll only leave you empty. Your older brother, Hiroki, wouldn't want that for you. If you do that, then his sacrifice will have been for nothing, and everything you wanted to achieve will be lost," said Tetsuo.
"You can't allow Jirou to take control of your life and decisions. Listen, I have a plan to get evidence of his wrongdoing. If it works, he won't ever be able to hurt you again—I can promise you that. I'll meet you in the literature club after school and explain the details, but before that, I need to tell Nanaho I'll be attending training a little late," said Tetsuo.
"Are you saying you can find a way to finally put an end to all of this?" said Tomoe, her eyes glistening.
"Yes. Trust me," he responded.
"Thanks for that. It means so much to me. Tell me, why are you doing all this for me? Going out of your way, I mean," said Tomoe.
"The reason is the same as it has been since the day we met—your eyes," he said as he walked off.
Is it right for me to just rely on him to fix my problem? I mean, he's just a first year… honestly, what am I thinking?
I never thought I would set foot back in here after I disbanded the club. It really brings back a lot of good and bad memories for me.
Tetsuo is taking a while to get here. I'm not sure what's holding him up… maybe I should just go home and call him later in the evening.
Just as Tomoe was about to leave the clubroom, she noticed a shadow at the door.
"I've been waiting for you. Perfect timing," said a voice.
Tomoe, shocked by the voice, stumbled backward as fear kicked in.
"Why are you so surprised? I've been watching you since you left the library," said Jirou.
"What do you want? Why are you here?" asked Tomoe, scared.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm here for you," said Jirou with a menacing laugh.
"Why do you put on an act in front of everyone and pretend to be innocent when you know the wrong you've done?"
"I do it because there are no consequences to my actions. No one would ever believe you, no matter what I do. For example, when I tore up your books in the library. I had fun doing it, and your reaction was hilarious—though I didn't expect you to retaliate. But throwing those books at me kept me in the clear, so many thanks for that."
"You're sick! What have I ever done to you to deserve this?"
"That's enough talking. That basketball player, Tetsuo, should take a good deal of time to get here for your little meeting, so that gives me plenty of time to do what I'm about to do."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Tomoe, her voice trembling.
"What I failed to do months ago," said Jirou as he grabbed Tomoe and pinned her to the ground.
"Let me go!! No!!" she cried, struggling to shake him off.
"I'm going to enjoy this. And you know what the best part is? No one will ever find out or believe you," whispered Jirou.
Tomoe then closed her eyes, accepting her fate.
"Well, that's as far as you'll be going," said Tetsuo.
Jirou, startled by Tetsuo's appearance, jumped up.
"You—what the hell are you doing here?" said Jirou.
"You, of all people, should know since you listened in on our conversation. The real question is: did you really think you could get away with this and everything else you've done?" asked Tetsuo.
"Of course, I would have gotten away with it if you hadn't interfered."
"That's what you think. But thanks to your actions, I have more than enough evidence proving that Tomoe is not falsely accusing you," said Tetsuo as he showed Jirou the camera in his hand.
"What?! Don't tell me… you were here this whole time?" said Jirou, shaken.
"So you're finally catching on. This camera has videos and pictures of your attempt to assault Tomoe. And not only that, I have recordings of what you said—word for word. I also just retrieved footage of you ripping her books to pieces in the library earlier today and the time you attacked her in the park," said Tetsuo.
"And all that's left to do is submit this as a case."
"Like hell I'm allowing you to leave with all this information!" said Jirou as he rushed at him.
However, Tetsuo dodged him, causing Jirou to collide with the desks.
"It's over for you, Jirou."