28 Chapter 28 Saskis Observations (2/2)

Saski listened attentively, praying no one would walk through the door as Duran poured his heart out in a calm and controlled manner.

As Saski heard more he realized how far from the truth and dangerously close he was from stirring further trouble. He wanted to kick himself hard for seeking out Mayuzumi before talking to Duran. The situation was sensitive.

'So, Mayuzumi's thugs were behind Izuki-senpai's attack?'

'Yeah, but I don't have any proof. I happened to overhear Senpai and Mayuzumi arguing at school when I went to check on him. Senpai told me he was being threatened because he and his friend happened upon Mayuzumi about to do horrid things to a middle-schooler.'

'I see, so they were threatened to keep quiet,' Saski responded.

Duran nodded his head and continued his story.

Whilst Isao was recovering in hospital, his house was broken into and the only things stolen were pictures of him and his childhood friend, Shouta Meiko. When Isao returned to school, a few days later, he saw the pictures of them all over pin boards in the hallways to class, carrying accusations that they were gay lovers being exposed. Some photos were suggestive too, half naked shots and group photos that showed the closeness between Isao and Shouta. Nasty rumours were spread around about them.

Saski cringed remembering the rumours, but didn't realize how much of an effect it had caused.

'Their parents also received the same thing in their emails. It was cleverly woven together that no one was going to give Izuki-senpai and Meiko-senpai a benefit of a doubt. The rumours lead to bullying and isolation.

Meiko-senpai was taken out of school, possibly for a transfer. Izuki-senpai ran that day and hasn't been back,' Duran said with his face scrunched into a serious frown.

'I've been visiting Senpai after school, trying to get him back. Senpai's become a shut-in. Rumours continue to spread about him and stir trouble. The frustrating thing is, Izuki-senpai is the only one that can turn it all around. He needs to for his scholarship.' He sighed.

Saski's doubts about Duran's integrity and underhandedness were washed away. However, he couldn't understand why Duran would involve himself with other people's problems.

'Why get involved?'

Duran stared him hard in the eye before answering.

'Because he's my senpai. He is a good guy. I don't care if he's gay. I do care that his rights to an education is being robbed from him because of all this. He doesn't have anyone in his corner. For me, this is the right thing to do.'

Duran's words struck Saski's heart with resolve.

'What you're gonna do about it?'

'Focus on getting Senpai back to school. I might need the Student Council's help.'

At that moment a group of patrons entered. Duran stood to attend to them.

'Kita-kun whatever you need I'll help you.'

'Thank you.' Duran bowed low before going back to work.

Saski left the ramen house with his thoughts more unsettled. He gripped his heart and closed his eyes thinking about Duran's words and what he had said before leaving. A warm and fuzzy feeling washed over him.

His thoughts cleared to the only truth remaining; to help their seniors recover their status and school life.