The Book of Faith: Stories of Love, Betrayal, and Trust
Katsura's Betrayal! How Tsutsuji & Katsura Never Spoke To Each Other Again!
On a fine morning in Hokkaido, there was an adult man by the name of Katsura. He works at a food company and has recently been given a promotion. He is also...
Katsura (Adult)
*Walks through the entryway* I'm home!
Kuroki (3 Yrs. Old)
*Cheerful* Papa!
Karin (Adult)
Welcome home, Katsura. I see you had a long day at the office today.
Katsura (Adult)
Yeah. But, it was worth it. I have recently been given a promotion by the upper management.
Karin (Adult)
Really? That's so great to hear. Oh! This came in the mail today. *Pulls out an invitation*
Katsura (Adult)
Hm? What's this?
Karin (Adult)
It's an invitation to our high-school reunion that's coming up. I thought we could go.
Katsura (Adult)
*Concerned* I don't know. I mean, after what I've been through...
Karin (Adult)
Oh, right. You mean because of that guy, right? I still remember the horrible things he said about you.
Karin (Adult)
I mean, it's a reunion, Katsura. It can't be that bad. And if you're worried about "them" being there, don't worry. You remember what happened to them?
Katsura (Adult)
Yeah, I do. And to be truthful, I'm glad that they're getting what they deserve. You know what? I think I'll go.
Karin (Adult)
Hehe! That's the spirit, Katsura.
After receiving the invite to the reunion, Katsura was hesitant because of what happened to him when he was in high school himself. To understand, we have to go back 8 years into Katsura's high school days.
In high school, Katsura was the most popular guy in school. Not because of his looks, grades, and athleticism, but because he was a good person at heart who respected everyone around him and never got angry.
Any bullying situation, he would de-escalate the situation. Furthermore, he was what you call a model student. He also had a girlfriend who liked him for who he was. He confessed to her on Valentine's Day.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Blushing* Katsura, why did you call me out here?
Katsura (Teen)
*Blushing* T-Tsutsuji, I really, like you! Ever since the beginning of the year, I've had feelings for you. So, will you go out with me?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Gasping, Tearing up happily, Blushing* I, like you too, Katsura. I've also liked you since the beginning of the year. Please take care of me.
And so, the two of them began dating. They were lovey-dovey with each other at school. After school, they would walk home with each other while holding hands. On weekends, they would go on dates.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Happy* Ah, space mountain was so much fun! Including splash mountain!
Katsura (Teen)
I could never imagine that you'd ride it about ten times in a row.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
What can I say? I love roller coasters! Anyway, Katsura, is there a ride that you want to go on?
Katsura (Teen)
Well, there is one ride I want to go on. I think it was called Big Thunder Mountain?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Excited* I love that ride! Big Thunder Mountain has been my favorite since I was in elementary school. *Grabs Katsura's hand* Come on, let's go, Katsura.
Katsura (Teen)
*Chuckles* Okay, okay, I'm coming!
They enjoyed Disneyland Park in Tokyo. They rode all the rides and Big Thunder Mountain. After that, they watched the fireworks and took pictures of them kissing each other under the light of the fireworks displaying over the castle.
Life was perfect. But pretty soon, that perfect and happy time will come to an end. Because at the park, little did they know, that someone from the same school was watching them.
The next morning, on a Monday, during school hours...
Tsutsuji (Teen)
Hey, Katsura?
Katsura (Teen)
What is it, Tsutsuji? Is there something on my face?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
No, it's not that. Your birthday is coming up, right?
Katsura (Teen)
You're right. Usually I can't celebrate it because of my dad's work, so it's usually me and my mom.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
Well, then, how about we celebrate it on when we have the next day off?
Katsura (Teen)
That's an excellent idea! Do you know where you'll be taking me to celebrate?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
Sorry, but I'm not spoiling the surprise for you. You'll. Just. Have. To. Wait. *Chuckles*
Katsura (Teen)
*Chuckling* (Man, my girlfriend is so cute! I wish moments like these could last forever.)
The next Saturday, Katsura hopped on a subway to head to the meeting place where Tsutsuji would meet him. He pulled out his phone and texted Tsutsuji to see where she was and if she was safe.
Katsura (Teen)
*Texting* Are you here, Tsutsuji?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Replies* Sorry, I just got there. I'll be where you are in thirty seconds.
Katsura (Teen)
*Replies* No worries. Take your time, okay? *Puts his phone away* Well, I guess I can try to guess what the surprise is that Tsutsuji is going to give me today.
Katsura (Teen)
*Thinking* But, what could it be? Oh, it shouldn't matter. As long as I'm with Tsutsuji, that's enough to make this birthday great.
Katsura began thinking of how his birthday would go with Tsutsuji. In his daydream, he saw that he and Tsutsuji would go to a diner for dinner since they couldn't afford a luxurious restaurant.
Just as he was done thinking, Tsutsuji arrived. He was about to get up and yell her name until...
Katsura (Teen)
Hey, Tsutsuji! Over he...huh?
Next to his girlfriend, a man that looked familiar walked beside her.
Katsura (Teen)
*Shocked, gasp* (Wait, who's that with her? Isn't that the junior from the class next door?)
Katsura (Teen)
*Shocked* (No, no, no, no! It can't be right. This can't be happening, right? Is Tsutsuji dating him?)
Kondo places his arms around Tsutsuji to pull her in closer towards him. Tsutsuji blushes at this gesture. Katsura couldn't believe what he was seeing. He thought it was just a bad dream, but the nightmare was real. He approached the two who were on their way to the aquarium and questioned them.
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned* T...Tsutsuji...
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Stunned* K...Katsura...
At that moment, their whole worlds froze and stopped spinning on their axes. Katsura's eyes widened in fear to see that Tsutsuji, the school's most popular and sweetest girl was going out with the politician's son and womanizer, Kondo Seiji.
Katsura (Teen)
*Worried* Tsutsuji, what are you...*tries to reach out*
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Tears up* Don't! Please don't touch me.
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned* Tsutsuji, what is going on? Why are you acting like I'm a stranger? *Looks at her wrist* (Her wrist...it's bruised. What happened?) *Determined to help* Tsutsuji, let me see your--
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Swish, punches Katsura*
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned* Wha...
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Condescending* What the hell do you think you're doing to my girlfriend?
Katsura (Teen)
*Confused* Your girlfriend? But she was mine before you came? Tsutsuji, what's going on?
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Smug* Hey, aren't you that loser from the next class, Katsura? I've heard about you. Apparently, you're supposed to be the nicest person in school. But, we both know that you're a creepy stalker.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Hey, Tsutsuji, say something to him. Apparently, he claims that you both have "dated" since the beginning of high-school, right?
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
But instead, you said that he was too boring and that you only dated him because he confessed to you. Or how his hugs feel greasy and gross smelling like sweat, fish, and filth.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
That's what you're telling me when we're in bed together. Or at your house when your parents aren't home.
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned, shakily breaths* (Tsutsuji...) *Grips his chest* (What is this? Why does my chest hurt this bad?)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
What's wrong, Tsutsuji? Cat's got your tongue? If you love him very much, then I don't mind backing off and ending it here.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Death Glares Tsutsuji* Choose. Either break up with me or break up with him.
Katsura (Teen)
*Shakily* T...Tsu...
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Worried* (Katsura...I didn't want things to end up like this. Kondo was persistent and blackmailed me to end my father's job if I didn't go with him. I hope you understand.)
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Crying* N...no, don't break up with me! If you break up with me, then I'll be in trouble!
Katsura couldn't believe what he just heard. The Tsutsuji that he once loved was gone. She has completely switched to the womanizer instead of the gentleman-like Katsura.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Pats her head, smug-like grin* Now then, I'll ask again, who is this loser?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
I always thought you were cool and amazing. The most gentle soul that I've ever met, Katsura. But now, you're a...*Shouts*...A STALKER!!
Those words rang throughout the whole district. Pretty soon, the nearby police officers came and pinned down Katsura who they thought was harassing and stalking Tsutsuji. Katsura was too stunned and too afraid to say anything. Instead, he let them do what they did.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Now then, tell him properly, honey. Tell this delusional stalker colleague of ours from our school.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Tears up, regret* I'm sorry, Katsura. I can't be with you anymore. And don't talk to me at school, either.
Katsura (Teen)
*Fear* But...but...
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
You heard him, buddy. So...*Leans in and glares* I better not see your face near her again.
After two hours of talking with the police, Katsura was forced onto the train by them to go back home. He was banned from the shopping district of Edogawa. As he went home, the atmosphere was heavy because of what had happened this morning. People gave him cold, icy stares that chilled him to the bone.
Katsura (Teen)
*Despair, broken* I'm home.
Yuri (Adult)
*Cheerful* Welcome home, Katsura. How was your...
Katsura (Teen)
*Keeps walking in depression*
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* Katsura, what's wrong? Why are you crying?
Katsura (Teen)
*Crying* I...I don't want to talk about it.
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* Well, do you want dinner? Or perhaps maybe, we can celebrate your birth...
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* Mom, I don't want anything right now. I don't even want to celebrate my birthday anymore. *Depressed* I'm going to bed. Goodnight. *Walks upstairs*
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* Katsura, poor thing. (What could've made him hate celebrating his birthday?)
After a long day like today being the worst birthday of his life, Katsura went to bed without dinner and a celebration of his birth. Katsura stayed in bed for the rest of the night. Yuri came up and brought him dinner, but left it by his door.
Yuri (Adult)
*Concerned* Katsura, I left your dinner by the door. Be sure to eat it, okay? I'll come by later to pick up the dishes.
As Yuri walked downstairs, Katsura quietly began to sob in his pillow. He sobbed throughout the night. Later...
Yuri (Adult)
Welcome back, dear. How was work?
Tokusa (Adult)
Work was a killer today. But anyway, where's Katsura? It's his birthday and we should celebrate.
Yuri (Adult)
Oh, about that, I'm sorry to say, but I'm afraid I wasted your time by asking your boss to let you get off early.
Tokusa (Adult)
Huh? What do you mean? Did something happen?
Yuri (Adult)
Well, you see...
Tokusa (Adult)
*Serious, solemn* I see. Poor guy. He was looking forward to celebrating his birthday. What happened?
Yuri (Adult)
*Solemn* I don't know. He wouldn't even talk to me about it. But, when I went up to get his dishes, I heard him crying.
Tokusa (Adult)
Crying? You don't think it has to do with Tsutsuji, do you?
Yuri (Adult)
...Maybe. I don't really know, though. I'm getting worried about him, honey? What do we do?
Tokusa (Adult)
The best thing to do is not to pry into his business. We have to keep our distance on this subject and pray that he'll tell us what happened.
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* I hope you're right.
The next morning, Katsura walked to school. But not with Tsutsuji anymore. It was just him, his sadness, and shock from the breakup, and the true memories but now we're false. He was sad and depressed about losing Tsutsuji to Kondo, but little did he know that he was waiting for him on the inside.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* (Ugh, I don't want to come to school today. But, I have no choice. It's for my scholarship to Etra University.) *Goes to his shoe locker*
Akamatsu (Teen)
*Wraps his arms around Katsura* Hey there, Katsura! Morning, man! How's it going?
Katsura (Teen)
Oh, Akamatsu. Good morning. I see your bright and cheerful today.
Akamatsu (Teen)
Yep! I just asked out a girl from the next class over, and she said yes.
Katsura (Teen)
That's good. Congratulations. *Looks at Tsutsuji* Huh?
Akamatsu (Teen)
What's going on, man? Why are you looking at Tsutsuji as if she was a total stranger to you? You go out with her.
Katsura (Teen)
...Uh, yeah. (Little does he know what really happened yesterday.)
Katsura sees Tsutsuji walking and talking with her friend Azami. In his mind, was he really going to let go of all the fun things that have happened? Of course not! He mustered up the courage and went to talk to Tsutsuji until...
Katsura (Teen)
Tsutsuji, we need to talk--
Azami (Teen)
*Gets in front and slaps him, angrily* You! Don't you dare get involved with her, you abusive creep!
Akamatsu (Teen)
*Shocked* Wha?! Abusive creep? Hey, Katsura is not an abusive creep. I've known him my whole life, and he would never do something horrible to women.
Azami (Teen)
*Angry* Then I guess that means your friend here is lying to you. He's the worst. Tsutsuji told me all about what happened. *Glares at Katsura* If you come near her again, I won't let you get away with it, Stalker.
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned* But...huh...
Azami (Teen)
*Serious, grabs Tsutsuji's hand* Tsutsuji, let's go. You can't, Tsutsuji. It's better if you put him in his place just like now.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Awkward*...Yeah.
Azami (Teen)
I mean seriously. Why would you ever date a guy like that? I can't believe he would abuse you.
Akamatsu (Teen)
Abuse? Hey, Katsura, what is she talking about? Did something happen between you and...*Shocked and gasp*
Katsura (Teen)
*Letting tears flow wild* Tsu...tsu...ji...why?
Akamatsu (Teen)
*Worried* Hey man, maybe you should go home for the day. You don't look well enough to come to school. Don't worry, I'll bring over your materials.
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* Yeah. I'll do that.
And so, Katsura walked home and away from school before the bell rang. He went home since his mom went out running errands. He got in his bed and stayed there for the rest of the day. Until, he got a notification on his phone.
Katsura (Teen)
*Gasp* (An unknown account...?)
On it, it's reads, "Die. You're disgusting." "You're the worst. Don't come to school anymore!" "Abusive Scumbag!" "Don't ever come to school again." "Violent stalker. Drop out!" and lastly "Disgrace to our school!"
Katsura (Teen)
*Afraid* What...are these messages? Why are they taking her side without hearing mine? *Throws his phone away angrily* I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!
The messages kept flowing and flowing. Until the whole thing was filled with verbal and abusive comments telling Katsura to kill himself. Katsura weep and sobbed that night, to all the hateful things he's seen and heard from his classmates.
Katsura (Teen)
*Worried* (It's fine. Just pretend like it's a normal school day.) *Opens the sliding door* Morning.
Classmate 127A
*Whispering* Hey, what's Katsura doing here? I thought he was expelled.
Classmate 112A
*Whispering* Tell me about it. I mean, who hits Tsutsuji and gets away with it?
Classmate 113B
*Disappointed, angrily whispering* He has some nerve showing his face here after what he did.
Classmate 113A
*Whispering* Why haven't they expelled him?
Classmate 112A
*Whispering* Talk about no sense of justice in this world.
Katsura (Teen)
*Walks up to them* Uh, guys, what's going...
Classmate 113B
*Angrily* Don't even look this way.
Classmate 112A
*Angry* Disgusting.
Classmate 127A
*Angry* Just die.
Classmate 113A
*Angry* I can see why he's an enemy to all the women.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
*Angry* You disgusting abusive creep. Can you get the hell out of my sight?
Katsura (Teen)
*Quietly, sad* Even though, I didn't do anything to hurt Tsutsuji...
Azami (Teen)
*Slams the table angrily* Shut the hell up, you disgusting criminal! Tsutsuji would never lie unlike you.
Azami (Teen)
*Angry* The two best-known students throughout the whole school, and a criminal. I think you'd know who they all would believe.
Azami (Teen)
*Angry* Even Kondo-sempai himself said he saw everything and rescued Tsutsuji.
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* (I don't even want to hear it anymore.) *Puts his head down* (Why does it have to happen like this?)
Everyday, starting at lunch, Katsura would go up to the rooftop to eat by himself. No friends, no girlfriends, just him and his thoughts on what to do next. After school, he would go to the locker room to change until he heard...
Classmate 113A
Hey, Akamatsu, you're still friends with that guy? I think it's time you broke things off with him, you know? Cut all ties.
Classmate 127A
Yeah, I mean, it's scary to even think about practicing on the same field as Katsura. He might start hitting us with the bats instead of the balls.
Akamatsu (Teen)
Don't worry, I sent him a message during lunch saying that I had things to do after practice so we can't hang out today.
Classmate 113A
Do you think he's going to be on the team still?
Classmate 127A
Nah, I imagine that he's going to get kicked off soon. Seriously, he's so pathetic.
Akamatsu (Teen)
Yeah, seriously. *Laughs*
Katsura (Teen)
*Backs away sadly and runs with tears in his eyes* (This can't be happening! I can't even talk to the teachers because they'll believe Tsutsuji more than me! Forget this!)
Katsura goes to his shoe locker to head home. Then, inside there was a note that said, "If you snitch, I'll go to your father's company", as he pulled it out. Katsura's hands began to tremble in sadness and anger as he ran home with his head down and tears flowing. The bullying never stopped.
The next day, Katsura walked through the halls but...
Yuzuriha (Teen)
*Anger* Don't ever come near me, creep.
Classmate 113A
*Annoyed* Look, it's the abusive stalker.
Classmate 113B
*Annoyed* I wish he would die already. That could make the whole day better.
As Katsura walked in, he saw two pictures. One being of himself, and two of his father's company and house in the neighborhood.
Katsura (Teen)
*Shocked* Wha...what is this?
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Looking down on Katsura, smug* So how does it feel, criminal bo-- *Gets grabbed by his collar*
Katsura (Teen)
*Angry* Words cannot express how I feel right now! You took my girlfriend, you ruined my life, and then you even took away my scholarship to Etra University!
Katsura (Teen)
So tell me; Why do you do this when you could've achieved it all on your own?
Katsura (Teen)
*Furious* Why...would you do something like this? Why would you lie?
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Grins evilly* Because it's fun.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Smirks evilly* Isn't it obvious? It's because I love wrecking other people's lives. Losing your girlfriend to me, and everything else, makes for a great show.
Katsura (Teen)
*Gasp, gets angry* You. You had this all figured out. You knew I was still dating Tsutsuji, and you just took her away as if she was toy that someone can lend you. You even made me the criminal of things I haven't even done.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Smirks* Just because you lost and I won doesn't mean you get to be angry. It's your fault for thinking someone like "you" can ever get to date pretty girls like Tsutsuji.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
You should just drop out now and never show your face in the light of day again. So then, get your stuff and get out of here. No one will miss you. *Glare* And even if they did, they would still see you as a criminal, abusive creep*
Katsura couldn't hold in the tears anymore. Everyone hated him in school. Nobody was on his side. He grabbed his things and ran out of the building. Tears flowed from his eyes as he began sobbing and crying. As he left, he never came to school again. He later then dropped out.
Katsura (Teen)
*Crying while running* (Damn it! Damn them all! I hate them and everything else! Love? Screw it! I don't ever want to fall in love again!)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Watching from the window* (Oh Katsura, you should know your place. And don't even think about trying to run and hide. I'll keep chasing you until you're nothing but a forgotten virus.)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Pulls out his phone* (Its from one of my other sidechicks. I guess since Katsura is gone, I can now focus on Tsutsuji and make her life a living hell as well.)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Gets an idea, grins evilly* (But first, I'll make sure that his father and his mother are hated by everyone here in Etra City. Hahaha.)
Kondo then smirks and takes out his phone. He then started making false rumors about Katsura's dad on his company web page. Then, he heads over to Tsutsuji while Katsura keeps running away hoping to never be seen again. Tsutsuji looks away for a brief moment and then back to see that Katsura is gone from her sight.
At the Etra Company...Katsura's father, Tokusa was a planning manager for the next big project. He was ready to get the team on track and to work but...
Tokusa (Adult)
*Stunned* What? I'm...fired? What do you mean?
Hiiragi
Because we received an anonymous tip that your son was sexually harassing one of his classmates.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Stunned* Huh? What do you mean by that? *Defending Katsura* I've raised Katsura to never do anything like that to anyone. There's no way that he sexually harassed his own classmate.
Hiiragi
*Serious* Unfortunately, that's not what this article says. It claims that your son has harassed and abused a girl named Tsutsuji. There are even claims that he was seen stalking and beating her.
Hiiragi
And to make matters worse, they took your picture and uploaded it online to see where you work. And now, we're on the news as a scandal.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Stunned* But, but, but!
Hiiragi
*Serious* No buts, Tokusa.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Worried* But, sir, what about the project? Who will lead it? And, what about my clients?
Hiiragi
Not my problem. And, I will handle them over to someone else.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Worried* But sir, Katsura would never do any of those things. You have to believe me.
Hiiragi
*Serious, disappointed* I wish it were true. But, photographic evidence doesn't lie. And we don't need a father who raises a criminal, a stalker, and a sex offender.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Worried* But, what am I supposed to do for work now? How will I get by? I have a wife and a son to think about. And how will I tell my wife about what happened today?
Hiiragi
*Cold* Not my problem. Pack your things and go. Oh, and by the way, I made sure to tell other companies not to hire you. So, good luck on your next job hunt.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Upset* (But there isn't going to be a next job hunt because of what you told them about me!) *Frustrated* Ugh!
Hiiragi
I'm sorry, Katsura. But, we can't have our company's image tarnished because of your son.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Tearing up* (This can't be happening. Please, God, let this just be a bad nightmare.)
Hiiragi
Katsura, please leave here before I call the cops.
And just like that, Tokusa lost his job. He packed his belongings in a small cardboard box and left the company where he had worked for ten years. The other staff gave him mean looks and icy cold glares because of this incident. Though, one of his colleagues was happy that he was fired. And unfortunately, things were about to get worse for both Tokusa and Katsura.
When he came home, Yuri had dinner ready as he walked through the entryway. But unfortunately, instead of a warm greeting, Yuri came crying in Tokusa's arms as she heard that Katsura quit school.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Upset* I'm home.
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* Tokusa, I'm so glad you're back. Katsura came home crying, and he said that he was quitting school!
Tokusa (Adult)
*Shocked* Wait, what?!
Yuri (Adult)
*Worried* I know. That's the same reaction I had when he told me. I don't know what to do! And I don't even know what happened to lead him to quit school. I'm so worried.
Yuri (Adult)
*Tears up* He wouldn't even look me in the eye and talk to me about what was happening to him. What do we do? And why are you carrying your...
Tokusa (Adult)
*Upset* Yeah. I've been fired from the company I worked at for so many years. And, I don't think any job will hire me now.
Yuri (Adult)
*Breathes heavily* Tokusa...I don't...feel...*Falls to the ground*
Tokusa (Adult)
*Shouting worriedly* Yuri! Yuri!! Yuri!!! Please, wake up! Yuri! Yuri, answer me!!
After hearing such shocking news, Yuri collapsed to the ground and didn't wake up until she got to the hospital. She was on IV drip and fluids, but, it wasn't enough to save her life. And after all that saving, Yuri died the following morning.
Meanwhile, at his mother's funeral, they burned incense and candles at her mini shrine. But, it was only he and Katsura who were there. Nobody else came because of the one-sided rumors. Katsura grieved and cried as he knew that not telling her was her fault. Two days after the funeral...
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* This is all my fault.
Katsura (Teen)
*Upset* I should've told her that I was being bullied instead of holding it in. And the fact that I also told her that my classmates and my school bullied me to quit school was bad enough...
Tokusa (Adult)
*Consoling Katsura* Katsura, now is not the time to blame yourself, son. This is a time for grieving. I also lost my job. No place is going to hire me here. So we may have to sell our house and go find another place to live.
Katsura (Teen)
*Upset* But, what can we do? We can't leave the country because it costs too much. And we can't buy a new house because--
Tokusa (Adult)
*Shouting angrily* I KNOW, ALRIGHT?! STOP TRYING TO MAKE IT SOUND WORSE! I don't know what to do without Yuri, anymore! I lost my job, my savings will dry up soon, and your mother is gone...
Just then, Tokusa flashed back to the time when he was fired. Hiiragi told him that his son was the cause of this. After he came back, he got angry.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Gets angry* And it's all your fault.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Angry* It's all of your fricking fault! *Leaves and flips over the table* Get the hell out of my sight! *Walks away*
Katsura (Teen)
*Stunned* I guess...I have no one...now...*Slumps down to cry*
Katsura kept crying and apologizing for the things that had happened. Even though none of it was his fault. Three weeks have passed, and Katsura was holed up in his room, crying as he went through the most traumatic day of his life. Losing everything in three weeks.
Katsura was deeply hurt, deeply upset, and deeply betrayed by those who were his classmates and his girlfriend. Even his teachers refused to help and believed the false rumors. And his father even blamed him for his mother's death. Not wanting to go to work or back into the work force, Tokusa began drinking heavy substances and smoking. He even sometimes beat Katsura.
Katsura (Teen)
*Sobbing* (Tsutsuji, why did you say those things when you were dating me? God, why does this have to happen to me?)
Katsura (Teen)
(Where did it all go wrong? Why does this have to happen to me?)
And frequently, he can still hear the many voices that swirl around his head. He would hear them say...
Yuzuriha (Teen)
*Echoes* Don't come to school, violent stalker!
Classmate 112A
*Echoes* Die and never come back!
Classmate 113B
*Echoes* The worst! Just drop out already!
Azami (Teen)
*Echoes* Don't ever come to school again!
Classmate 127A
*Echoes* Criminal scum!
Katsura (Teen)
*Crying* No! Please! Listen everybody! I--
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Echoes* Don't you ever talk to me again, or at school Katsura.
Katsura (Teen)
*Gasps sharply and feels streams of tears down his cheek*
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* I don't think I want to do anything else. I'm sick of people. I'm sick of relationships, and I'm sick of going outside. I don't want to go outside anymore.
Katsura (Teen)
My Dad beats me every day now, he hates me, and I can't even step outside without someone yelling or calling me a "stalker" or "Violent guy." So, I'm done with all of this...done.
A few months later...Tsutsuji felt incredibly guilty about what had happened in the last few months. Not once did she visit Katsura, not once did she go to check up on him. Having him labeled as a criminal, an abusive creep, and a terrible piece of trash hit him. The once kind Katsura was no longer there.
Azami (Teen)
What's the matter, Tsutsuji? Aren't you happy that peace has been restored to our school?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
Huh? What do you mean?
Azami (Teen)
Your violent ex is now gone. He won't even think about stepping out of his house anymore.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
And frankly, I'm glad he dropped out and quit. Having scum like him around brings down our school's reputation.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
I mean...I guess...probably. *Conflicted* I don't know. Ever since Katsura has been bullied, I've been worried that--
Azami (Teen)
Do not say, "I am worried", because that's the stepping stone to thinking about that horrible man. Think about the good times you're having with your new boyfriend.
Azami (Teen)
Aren't you glad that I introduced him to you?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
Well, yeah, but I never intended on dating him, but, something about him made me get pulled in.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
Hey, speaking of Kondo, where is he taking you today for your date?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
I don't know. He said it was a surprise though. *Hears the bell* We better get ready for class. I'll talk to you guys after, okay?
As Azami and Yuzuriha went to their seats, Tsutsuji grew a little worried about Katsura.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Worried* Katsura. (I feel bad. He hasn't come to school in days. And those days turned to weeks.)
Tsutsuji (Teen)
(Is it, because of me that he decided to drop out?)
Seeing an empty desk that is not filled, of course she would be worried if Katsura killed himself or something worse. Then, after school...
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Tsutsuji, what's wrong? Are you still thinking about that creep?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
No! No, not at all. Anyway, thanks for walking me home.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
No big deal. Any guy would protect his girlfriend from creepy and violent stalkers.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
...I see. But anyway, where are we going? This isn't the way to my house.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Actually, I was thinking we should do something else other than go home. I was thinking we could have some fun before dark.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Surprised* Huh? But I have to go home and study. And what about the test that's coming up? I want to get a degree in nursing.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
(Come to think of it, Katsura always agreed to come and help me study on questions I don't get. And, he supports my dream of being a nurse.)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Okay, then I guess we can break up after all.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Pleading* No! Please, you have all I have left! Please don't leave me, Kondo-san.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Smiles conniving* Good girl. Well then, let's go. *Walks with Tsutsuji* *Annoyed* (Honestly, this girl is so annoying. Good thing I have other girls I can go with in my contacts.)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
(Ever since splitting Tsutsuji and that nerd up, I've been living the best life. It's good to be me. But seriously, Tsutsuji has no use for me now. I'll keep having her until I dump her ass.)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
(I loved stealing childhood friend's girlfriends. And as they date me, their grades slip and fall. Women in highschool will do anything for a popular guy like me.)
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Concerned* But, uh, senior, Katsura would always--
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Gets angry* Hey, hey! Forget about that creepy violent guy! He "beats" you, remember? *Pulls out his phone, calms down* And by the way, about his father, I took his job away.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Shocked* Huh?! (What did he say!?)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
You heard me. I had him fired. I spread the picture of your arm to his dad's workplace and now, no place will be willing to hire him.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Unless, you have a problem with that.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
I mean, it's wrong to get people fired just like that. Katsura's dad didn't do anything to me and---
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Glares at Tsutsuji* You're not thinking about going back to him, right?
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Stammering* N-no, it's not like that! *Worried* It's just, I feel terrible about his father losing his job. Did you have to go that far?
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
Someone has to teach that Katsura guy a lesson about his place in life. And he should know, that I'm the one who holds his chains.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
You know what? Since you care about that guy, let's end it. I can find another girl.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Shocked* Huh?! Wait a minute! You came and approached me! You even took me away from Katsura! And you're dumping me?!
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
It's better for both of us. And besides you always put him first. Unless you don't want to put him first after everything I gave you.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Falls silent, regret* Alright, let's just go. Let's go on our date.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Regretting* (Katsura, I'm sorry. What have I done? I hurt you so much. This isn't who I am. But, how did I end up dating Kondo and making you disappear?)
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Smirks evilly* Good.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
(Katsura, you should know, that in life, I win. And that I'm the only one that you should fear and listen to.)
And so, the two of them left the crowd to have a fun time. And at night, they would go to a love hotel to expand on their love and grow closer like husband and wife. Or more like, a slave who needs her master.
As days, and weeks pass, Katsura decided to go outside. Not caring about how he looked, he didn't keep himself kept like he usually does. The trauma hits deep and he still has those same nightmares every night he goes to sleep.
Katsura was now a senior, or ex-senior since he dropped out. Enrolling in the same school or any school in the Etra County would be a pain. And, it has too many traumatizing memories. Not to mention, that his ex would be there with the man who took everything from him. He looked to the sky as if he was thinking his mother was shunning him from Heaven.
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad, depressed* (Mom, I'm sorry. Everything has been destroyed that we worked hard for. My grades, my scholarship, everything is gone, Mom.)
Katsura (Teen)
*Looks at the trees* I've even lost my friends. They don't care what happens to me anymore, anyway. *Chuckles sarcastically* I've even been kicked out of sports and my Dad has gotten violent since he was fired.
Katsura (Teen)
I guess it is my fault that our lives have gone downhill. If I hadn't grabbed Tsutsuji to ask, then...
Katsura (Teen)
*Tearing up* (I'm sorry. Please forgive me, Mom. I'm the worst son you could ever have.)
Katsura (Teen)
*Sighs heavily* And with Dad out of the job, and the mountain of bills that we have, we can't even keep our house. We have to rent cheap apartments. *Depressed* I've lost faith in everything.
Katsura keeps walking through town just exploring and trying to find something to try and see colors instead of clouded judgment in his eyes. He looks at a brochure stand and sees pamphlets of Hokkaido.
Katsura (Teen)
*Picks up a pamphlet* "HOKKAIDO LOVE!". Pfft! Only idiots go to Hokkaido for love. If they ever want to get dumped and labeled as a criminal. No thank you.
God Speaks To Katsura! Hokkaido: New School, New Friends, and New Life!
As Katsura throws away the pamphlet containing the exciting things about Hokkaido, Katsura walks away with his head down, eyes filled with coldness, sadness, and betrayal. Out of the shop, God speaks to Katsura.
God
Katsura. Katsura. What do you see?
Katsura (Teen)
I see a Sakura branch.
God
And what is it season?
Katsura (Teen)
Beginning to sprout?
God
You have seen well, Katsura. Just as I created the Earth in 7 days, you will go to Hokkaido and start anew in 7 days.
Katsura (Teen)
*Confused* What do you mean? How do I know that this is true? Who are you?
God
Just as I have promised my servant Moses, I will not fail you, or abandon you for as long as you live. Because I will be with you.
Katsura's vision has become clear because God took away his sadness and anger. But, he was still upset about losing Tsutsuji, being betrayed, and being labeled as a criminal. Katsura was also still not trusting people around him. Later at home, Katsura went to his room to shut himself in, then, God spoke to him again.
Katsura (Teen)
Yes? Who's there?
God
Arise, go to Sapporo, in the region of Hokkaido, and stay there. I have commanded your grandparents there to provide for you.
Katsura (Teen)
But, what about my Dad? I cannot leave him here? He's having a tough time just like me?
Now Katsura wasn't a man who was deeply into religion, he was a normal religious person who followed God's ways to treat all living things including people. And so, he got up, packed his things, and headed to Hokkaido with the money they had left from the inheritance.
Katsura (Teen)
*Worried, cautious* Dad, uh, Dad?
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drunk* What do yer want? Can't you see that I'm trying to drown my sorrows and grief?
Katsura (Teen)
*Sighs* Dad, I think you'd better go and grab your stuff. Since you haven't paid the bills for the house, the bank is coming to take them.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drunk* Ah, f**k the travesty, and all that. You know, I was an elite officer at a great company, until your dumb dumbass got me fired.
Tokusa (Adult)
So, how are you going to make this up to me, huh? And on top of that, I lost your mother, too.
Katsura (Teen)
I know, but...we have to leave. Grandma and Grandpa are allowing us to stay with them until we can find a new house.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drunk, angry* Then, go on. Get out of here. I never wanna see your ugly-ass face again.
Suddenly, something broke inside Katsura as if his heart had been severely punched out. He fell silent, grabbed his things, and went to the train station. He walked out, put his house key in the mailbox, and walked away from everything he grew up with.
He looked back at all the good times he had in that house, and now it's nothing more than a sad pathetic dump where the high school kids dump their trash and tell him to leave. And so, Katsura left. Never looking back and never to return again.
At the station, the Shinkansen to Hokkaido pulled into the station and opened the sliding doors. Katsura, with dull eyes that used to have sparks in them. Now, they're dull and lifeless like an alien planet. The train pulled out of the station and left. Katsura looked out the window, and all of his feelings for Tsutsuji were gone like the wind.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* (Goodbye, Tsutsuji. I hope I never see your face again.)
4 hours later, the train arrived in Sapporo. Seeing all the different colors, Katsura still looked the same as before he left Tokyo: Broken, battered, and beleaguered.
Katsura (Teen)
*Dull eyes* (These colors are so bright and beautiful. Not like the ones in Tokyo. But I don't ever plan to trust anyone again. Except for my grandparents. I better get moving.)
Katsura's Grandfather
Katsura!
Katsura's Grandfather
*Hugs Katsura* Welcome to Sapporo, Katsura! Man, you've grown quite a bit. I'm surprised that you're here alone. *Notices one person missing* Huh? Where's your father?
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Dad, is not in the best state or mind to come here right now.
Katsura's Grandfather
I see. Well, anyway, let's get your things in the car. We have a long drive to get to our house. *Grabs his luggage and puts it in the trunk* Hop in. Your grandma is making hamburger steak tonight.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Hurray.
And so, they drove off. They drove through the streets of Sapporo and into the peaceful and white area of Kitami. When they arrived, Katsura was still the same as he was. He went upstairs to the guest room without saying a word.
Katsura's Grandmother
Hello, Katsura! Welcome to, huh?
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Hey there, grandma. Sorry, but, I need to be alone. *Walks upstairs*
Katsura's Grandmother
*Concerned* Katsura? *Looks at his grandfather* What happened to Katsura, honey?
Katsura's Grandfather
I don't know. And it's weird. His father didn't come with him nor his mother. What happened to them?
Katsura's Grandfather
*Concerned* I don't know. But, all I can say is whatever happened in the city, must've traumatized him.
Katsura's Grandmother
I feel bad. But, at least he'll be able go to the school we enrolled him in. Hopefully, he can move past this.
Katsura's Grandfather
I hope you're right.
Later, at dinner, Katsura was told that he was going to a nearby school that was only a five-minute walk. After dinner, Katsura went upstairs to think to himself about if the same thing will happen at the new school.
Katsura (Teen)
*Shocked* What?! A new school?
Katsura's Grandfather
Yeah. And it's only a five-minute walk from our place. You'll be able to go and make new friends, get a new girlfriend, or...
Katsura's Grandmother
The main point, Katsura, is that you've been enrolled in the best school in the entire land. Their education is...
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* I can't.
Katsura's Grandmother
Huh?
Katsura (Teen)
*Sad* I can't. I don't think I can go and see new faces for a while.
Katsura's Grandfather
*Confused* What do you mean?
Katsura's Grandmother
*Grows concerned* Did something happen back at home, Katsura?
Katsura (Teen)
*Solemn* Well...the thing is...
Katsura's Grandfather
*Furious* THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE!! *Angry* Not only did you lose your girlfriend to that creep of a son of a politician, and not only did your father get fired, but they had the nerve to make your lives' hell!? Unbelievable!
Katsura's Grandmother
*Tearing* I can't believe they would do such a horrible thing to you. How could they?
Katsura's Grandfather
*Angry* And my son...my son, not telling us about this and sinking into depression and taking out his anger on you.
Katsura's Grandmother
We are so sorry this all happened to you Katsura.
Katsura (Teen)
That's okay. But, in retrospect, I feel like this was a good thing.
Katsura's Grandfather
What do you mean?
Katsura (Teen)
I mean, if I didn't find out, I would've been in big trouble.
Katsura's Grandfather
Katsura.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Anyway, I'll go to school, but I won't get a new girlfriend or anything. I'm done with relationships.
Katsura's Grandmother
*Concerned* Are you sure, Katsura?
Katsura's Grandfather
*Concerned* Did something happen that we should be concerned about?
Katsura looks down and remembers the horrible memories that flow through. The pain he went through, the excessive bullying, slander, and harassment. Even having his scholarship taken away for being labeled as a "creepy stalker" and "Abusive Scumbag"!
Katsura then comes back to his senses and breathes. He then gets his shoes on and heads out the door.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* ...No, I'm fine. I'm off. *Walks out, walks to school* (They don't need to know...that I'm a victim in what happened back at my old school.)
Tokusa kept drinking and drinking until the pain went away. Because of being fired for false reasons, because of how Yuri died from the shock, Tokusa was an empty and broken spirited man. With no motivation to do anything, he lost everything.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drinking and gags, drunk* Ugh, why did it have to come to this? It's all that dumass of a son's fault. If he wasn't born, gotten bullied, then NONE of this would be happenin'.
Just then, a ghost figurative of Yuri speaks out to Tokusa.
Yuri (Adult)
Tokusa. Tokusa!
Tokusa (Adult)
*Surprised* Huh? Yuri?
Yuri (Adult)
Tokusa, look at you. Why are you like this? Why have you become someone that you despise?
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drunk* I know you're not here. Plus, my wife is DEAD! And you...you're nothin more than a whatyoumacallit.
Yuri (Adult)
Tokusa, snap out of it! Ever since I died, you changed. You even became violent towards the people you care about. I know it's been hard since you lost your job, but that doesn't mean that you can take your anger out on our son.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Drunk* What do you mean? I mean, he deserves it. That boy needs to learn to...
Yuri (Adult)
*Angry* Open your eyes! You've become abusive and drunk since you got fired and I died. Even our own son doesn't want to be near you since something is wrong with him!
Yuri (Adult)
Tokusa, our son, Katsura has gotten expelled from school for some reason, he locks himself in his room crying and praying, and now, he doesn't feel safe here in his hometown anymore.
Tokusa then begins to sober up as he hears Yuri's exclamation and worried declaration about what happened to Katsura. As he did, he sees Yuri and then begins to tear up with emotion.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Tearing up, sad* Yuri...?
Yuri (Adult)
Yes, it's me. Now will you listen? Because seeing you drunk is very disappointing.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Crying* Yuri, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me. I didn't know what was going on in my head and I felt lost.
Yuri (Adult)
Tokusa, if you really want to try and fix things, then go to Hokkaido, where Katsura is, and apologize for everything that has happened.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Worried* But...but how? Katsura must probably hate me for how I've been treating him ever since you died and...I don't think I'm ready to face him, yet.
Tokusa (Adult)
I think it would be safe to keep my distance and go somewhere else.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Gulp, feels ashamed* Okay, you're right. But, like I said, I'm not ready to face him. I'll just go to a hotel and find a job from there. Is that alright, Yuri? *Looks around* Yuri? Where did she go?
And just like that, Yuri was gone. Katsura looked around but there was no sign of her. Tokusa sold his house and began the move to Hokkaido. Luckily, he managed to find an apartment complex that he could live in to keep his distance from Katsura.
Tokusa looked back on the house and the memories that were left behind. As Tokusa closes the door one last time, he says...
Tokusa (Adult)
Goodbye, Yuri. Thanks for all the great memories we made together. *Walks away*
Katsura went back to school after transferring and moving to Hokkaido with his father. His dad also got a new job down in Sapporo. At his new office, everyone was nice and friendly towards him. With Katsura, he was still feeling traumatized about meeting new people, because he knew what people would say. Thinking back on what happened, he decided to keep his distance.
He decided to enjoy being a loner, that way he wouldn't have to go through the same thing over again. That was until one day, he met someone who would change his life forever.
Katsura (Teen)
(This school is impressive. They have everything that I can learn and more just like my old school. But, I'm still afraid of getting close to people.) *Looks at his classmates* (Every time I look, I see dissatisfaction, hatred, and anger from my old school.)
Katsura (Teen)
*Sighs deeply* (Maybe it's for the best that I don't make any friends or even have a girlfriend. I'm not ready nor will I ever be to go into a new relationship.)
Katsura (Teen)
*Sinks into depression* I'm done. Being a loner is better than getting into a relationship.
As Katsura walks to his new classroom, he gets anxious, nervous, and begins having the traumatic memories from his old high school flood and cloud his vision. For him, darkness was always with him. He opened the door and his teacher introduced him to the class. Katsura doesn't speak or anything.
Akane (Teen)
Hey, what's with the new kid, Karin? Does he not talk at all?
Karin (Teen)
Akane, it's not nice to judge someone just because they can't talk. And I'm pretty sure he can, but I think he's just nervous.
Katsura went to his desk and sat. He spaced out and didn't respond to anyone. During lunch period...
Akane (Teen)
Hey, I'm gonna go to the cafeteria, you want to come with?
Karin (Teen)
Sure I'd...*Looks at Katsura* (That new kid. He sure doesn't have anyone to sit and chat with. He doesn't even want to eat lunch with anyone.) Uh, Akane, is it okay if I eat with the new kid just this once?
Akane (Teen)
*Concerned* You want to eat with him? No offense, but he doesn't seem to friendly. I mean, look at the aura he's emitting.
Karin (Teen)
*Not amused* Karin.
Akane (Teen)
Okay, fine, you can eat with him. But, I want you to make it up to me later after school, got it?
Karin (Teen)
Got it, got it. *Grabs her two bentos* Hey, your name is Katsura, right?
Karin (Teen)
You wanna eat lunch with me?
Karin (Teen)
(I get it. I guess he's not the talking type.) I made too much for myself to eat, and I was hoping if you--
Katsura (Teen)
...talk to me.
Karin (Teen)
*Confused* I'm...sorry?
Katsura (Teen)
I'm sorry, but can you do me a favor and not talk to me anymore? *Gets up and leaves*
Karin (Teen)
*Shocked* (Wha...what the heck is he deal?!)
Karin (Teen)
*Frustrated* (Ugh! What the heck is his deal? I just wanted to be friends with him but I never expected him to be like this!)
Akane (Teen)
I'm guessing by the way you're steaming, it didn't go so well with the new kid?
Karin (Teen)
Yeah! Get this, I went up to give him some lunch, and he said not to talk to him ever again.
Akane (Teen)
Wow, talk about being dramatic. But, maybe something happened from where he came that made him say that.
Karin (Teen)
What do you mean? And I don't think you don't get the whole "Don't ever talk to me again!" quote.
Akane (Teen)
I get it, but, what if something thag happened in Tokyo was so bad that he refused to open up to anyone here?
Karin (Teen)
You really think that would happen? I mean, he did look sad during the whole lessons. He even ignored the teacher.
Akane (Teen)
Well, I did have a friend who went to Tokyo for high school after her father got transferred. Maybe I can ask her what's up.
Karin (Teen)
Yeah, I think it would be best if you did that. Because, I don't think I can go through another day with him shutting himself off from the world.
Akane (Teen)
Okay, then I'll do that.
Karin (Teen)
(I wonder what happened to him, anyway to make him like this?)
Meanwhile, at Tokusa's new job...
As you guessed it, Tokusa got a new job. He now works at one of the main offices in Sapporo. Good atmosphere, great employees, all that he could ask for. Unfortunately, the downside is, it's an exploitative company. You don't get many days off, no overtime, and what's worse is...
Gonzō Kosugi
*Slams the table angrily* Don't come crying to me for everything! Why can't you figure it out on your own, you know?
Gonzō Kosugi
*Shouts Angrily* What? You made a decision without me? What did I say about doing stuff like that?
Tokusa's new manager, Gonzō Kosugi, Shouts from the tip of his lungs whenever he does a good job or makes a mistake. Most female employees cry and quit because of him.
Gonzō Kosugi
*Angry* Where do you think you're going, damn it? Honestly.
Tokusa (Adult)
Uh, Manager Kosugi, I know this might be a bad time, but I still have some...
Gonzō Kosugi
*Slams the table again* Some what? What is it that you're looking for? Well let me tell you something, Tokusa, finish the work you have, and then we'll talk.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Nervous* Y-yes sir. *Gets back to his work desk* (Man, and I thought the jobs in Tokyo were tough.)
Nagisa Tohmine
*Touches his cheek with coffee* Tokusa, I brought you some coffee. Are you thirsty?
Tokusa (Adult)
Oh, Nagisa. Thanks! *Takes the cup* Ah, there's nothing like a cup of coffee to get a Jumpstart on work.
Nagisa Tohmine
I hope you're liking your first day here at the office. Even though some of us can't go home, we still have each other.
Tokusa (Adult)
Yeah, you're right. But, hey, are we still on for dinner tomorrow? I want you to me my son, Katsura.
Nagisa Tohmine
Yeah, we're still on. I hope your son likes me. I understand that losing his mother while in highschool was--
CEO
*Interrupts the conversation* Nagisa, can I have a word with you?
Nagisa Tohmine
Sure. *Whispers* See you tonight, Tokusa.
Tokusa (Adult)
(I...I think I can get used to dating ag-) *Hears Nagisa and the CEO* Huh?
Nagisa Tohmine
Please, sir, not here.
CEO
*Seductive* Oh, don't worry. The walls are so thick, no one can hear us.
Nagisa Tohmine
*Moaning* Oh, sir.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Angry at himself* (I knew it was too good to be true to fall in love. Who knew that my fiancée...was the CEO's side-chick?)
Tokusa (Adult)
*Angry* (Screw it! I'm done. I quit! I don't ever want to fall in love again.)
Tokusa's dream to get married, and to introduce Katsura to Nagisa was shot down. Because Nagisa was the CEO's side-chick. As they got it on in the next room, Katsura's spirit for living was broken. It was back to square one for him.
Poor Tokusa. Poor Katsura. Everything that made them happy was taken from them by two demonic forces. One, a popular boy who is the son of a politician with a knack for being a womanizer. And two, a fat-ass CEO who is cheating on his wife.
Everything that they worked for was taken time and time again. As the night rolled along, Tokusa's job got harder and harder. He was on the phone with one of his contracts from his client until...
Tokusa (Adult)
*On the phone* But sir, we've already made the cast and so many revisions. *Shocked* What?! No, no, no, no, wait! *Hears the phone hang up on the other end, upset* Damn it!
Tokusa (Adult)
What am I supposed to do, now? I already--
Gonzō Kosugi
Tokusa, where's that client you've been working on?
Tokusa (Adult)
*Worried, regret* Well, it seems sir that they decided to go with a different company to shoot their commercials with.
Gonzō Kosugi
*Yells angrily* Quit wasting my time by messing up and slacking off! Is this harassment? Is that what this is? Are you harassing your superior? Come up here and mess with me again, and I'll give you something to complain about!!
In Tokusa's mind, pitch black is all that he sees. Nothing but a dark, empty, void. Tokusa trudged home from work. Exhausted and frustrated from everything that has happened, he doesn't even remember how he got home.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Takes a beer, chugs six* Ugh, work was terrible. First, my fiancé is cheating on me with the CEO, I get yelled at for my mistakes, clients keep leaving me because I don't satisfy them...
Tokusa (Adult)
*Chugs his seventh beer* Forget everything! Forget falling in love and just...everything. *Drinks his eighth beer* I'm just going to wait until the alcohol poisoning takes me to heaven. I'm done living. Done!
Tokusa drank all the beers he had in the fridge in his tiny apartment and began to do heavy substances again after swearing them off, breaking the promise he and Yuri had made.
We see Katsura's ex-girlfriend, Tsutsuji, who was sleeping while dreaming of the things she has. In her dream, Tokusa was holding her hand and guiding her to a lifetime of happiness. Then, they came across a field. Beautiful light from the sun poured down across the grass. In the middle of the field, there sat a fence, dividing the field in half. On one side, stood Satan and Kondo. On the other side, God and Katsura.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
What is this? A dream? Katsura, what's going on?
God then spoke through Katsura while Satan did the same with Kondo.
Katsura (Teen)
Tsutsuji, let's always be together. And no matter what happens, I'll always be with you.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Blushing* Katsura...
Just then, Kondo forcefully grabbed Tsutsuji by the wrist, and it hurt her. Kondo even took pictures to frame Katsura.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
If you come to this side of the fence, I’ll give you everything you want. If you choose me, everything you have ever desired will be given to you. But if you choose him, you will get none of what I offer you.
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
*Glares* And if you choose that nerd Katsura, then I'll find someone else to date.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
(How much would I like to choose him, because I love Katsura. He respects everyone, never gets angry, and doesn't cheat. But…everything I have ever wanted; it all lies on the other side of the fence with Kondo.)
Tsutsuji (Teen)
So then, Tsutsuji sat on the fence that divides the field. She looked at Katsura and Tendo with both her heart and soul. She knew that she could have a bit of God and a bit of Satan at the same time.
After that, Tsutsuji fell. The field was gone, and so was the sun. She fell, and she fell, and everything got darker and darker. She landed on rocky ground, surrounded by cold, scary, darkness. A hot hand gripped both of her shoulders. It was Satan and Kondo, smiling.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Exclaiming, Frightened* What! Why am I in hell? I didn’t choose you! I chose the fence!
Kondo Seiji (Teen)
[+Satan] *whispering* The fence belongs to me. And now...so do you.
Tsutsuji's nightmare was indeed reality, both in hee dream and in reality. She wakes up screaming, covered in sweat, and crying her eyes out with the tears she kept bottled up. She wakes up panting in fear as she looks around the room.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Screams in fear, panting heavily* It's all my fault. *Tears up and cries* Katsura quit school and left. And it's all my fault.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Crying* Katsura, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! How did things turn out like this?
Azami (Teen)
*Relieved* I am so relieved. I can actually go to sleep at night now knowing that Katsura is no longer at school.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
You're right. And it was lucky for Kondo-kun. And you too, Tsutsuji. If he hadn't saved you from him, then who knows what he would do.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
...Yeah, I guess.
Azami (Teen)
Tsutsuji, just forget about Katsura and focus on yourself. You're dating one of the hottest boys at school. You should be glad.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
Just forget about the abusive guy. Since he ran away and dropped out, they're calling Kondo a hero.
Akamatsu (Teen)
Yeah, and to be honest, I was shocked to hear that Katsura beats you, Tsutsuji. Let's just be happy that we don't have to see him ever again.
Azami (Teen)
That man should just kill himself since no one is going to miss him anyway.
Yuzuriha (Teen)
Yeah. *Chuckling* Good riddance to that violent stalker.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Sad* Katsura, I'm so sorry that I hurt that way. It's my fault you left. I told you to never talk to me again and at school. I completely fell along with Kondo's scheme. I'm a horrible person.
Tsutsuji (Teen)
*Praying* Please God, please tell Katsura that I wish for his forgiveness.
Back in Sapporo, another school day like usual. Students showed up at the gate and walked in to head straight to their classrooms. Katsura however remained the same, until...
Akane (Teen)
*Cheerful* Mornin Akane!
Karin (Teen)
*Happy* Good morning, Akane. I'm guessing you're in a good mood today.
Akane (Teen)
Well, for two reasons. But, right now, I have some info on Katsura if you're interested.
Karin (Teen)
You did? Well, tell me.
Akane (Teen)
Okay. So, my friend back in Etra City told me that she saw the whole thing go down.
Karin (Teen)
Did she really?
Akane (Teen)
Yeah, and get this. She saw our very own Katsura looking upset and worried. And it was because his girlfriend was cheating on him.
Karin (Teen)
*Shocked* Wait, huh?! Katsura had a girlfriend?
Akane (Teen)
Yeah, and she was cheating on him with the captain of the soccer team back at his old school. As he asked what was going on, the captain punched him and sent him towards a garbage can.
Karin (Teen)
*Gets upset for Katsura* That's horrible! And I mean to both of them! You can't just go and steal someone's girlfriend like that and punch him just for trying to ask.
Akane (Teen)
And it gets worse. Because of that incident, she told him to never talk to her again, and at school. Then, they both disappeared into the crowd and went to a love hotel.
Karin (Teen)
*Angry* Just hearing about this makes me sick. That's probably why Katsura is like this.
Akane (Teen)
Uh, no. It gets much worse. Back at his old school, everyone targeted him for bullying and the harassment got so bad, Katsura dropped out, his father lost his job, his mother died from shock, and they had to live in poverty.
Karin (Teen)
I...I had no idea that Katsura was feeling this way.
Katsura (Teen)
*Walks in, sighing in depression*
Akane (Teen)
*Worried* Well, speak of the devil...
Karin (Teen)
Uh...good morning, Katsura.
Katsura walks by, not saying a word as usual. He sits at his desk and looks at the window.
Karin (Teen)
*Concerned* (Nothing. There just has to be a way to get him to open up. And I won't give up.)
Akane (Teen)
*Concerned* Akane, I don't think he wants any friends at the moment. *Remembers* Oh! By the way, guess who I got a text from?
Akane (Teen)
It's none other than-- *Hears the sliding doors open* I'll tell you later.
As soon as class starts, Katsura still looks out the window. Karin takes notes, but still gets worried about Katsura failing because of his depression. At lunch, Katsura went to the rooftop to be alone. Meanwhile, with Akane and Karin...
Akane (Teen)
So, guess what? I just received a text from Tsutsuji! She just sent me a text saying that she has a boyfriend! And this coming weekend, she wants us to meet them. Aren't you excited?
Karin looks out the window of the classroom, concerned for Katsura who has been distant and shutting his heart away from the world.
Akane (Teen)
Hey, are you alright, Karin?
Karin (Teen)
*Comes back to reality* Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just concerned for Katsura. He hasn't made any friends since he came here and it seems as if he hates me.
Akane (Teen)
I'm pretty sure that's all in your head. I'm sure that Katsura doesn't hate you. Maybe he's just shy. I mean, this is a new school and such.
Karin (Teen)
*Worried* Well, I guess when you put it that way. But still, I just wish there was some way he can open up.
Akane (Teen)
I see what you mean. I mean, it's tragic to learn that he was betrayed by his girlfriend and made out to be the bad guy by calling him a stalker and a pervert.
Karin (Teen)
Yeah, and he seems like a nice guy, too.
Akane (Teen)
Hey, I have an idea. How about we take him to meet Tsutsuji?
Karin (Teen)
I...don't know. If he won't listen to me and go out with anyone, then I highly doubt he's going to go along with us to hang out.
Akane (Teen)
Well, there's only one way to find out! *Stands up and grabs Karin's hand* Let's go! We're going to force Katsura to come with us.
Karin (Teen)
*Shocked* Huh? Wait, Akane! We can't just--*Gets yanked* Whoa!
After school, Katsura began to head home alone. Akane and Karin follow him and as he was about to turn the corner, Akane called out to Katsura.
Akane (Teen)
*Yelling* Hey, Katsura! Katsura, wait up!
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Hm?
Akane (Teen)
I don't think we've been properly introduced yet. I'm your classmate, Akane. And this my best friend, Karin.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Oh. Hi. *Turns away*
Akane (Teen)
So, listen, we've noticed that you haven't been talking to anyone at school or after school. Have you signed up for any clubs or sports?
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Playing sports with others means being on a team. And eventually, that team bond you make and grow ends up being thrown away and forgotten.
Katsura (Teen)
I shouldn't make any friends and join anything that has to do with people. I'm better off being a loner. So if you don't mind...*Tries to leave*
Karin (Teen)
Hold on, we're not saying you don't have to be friends with us, but, at least try to talk to us for a little. We're classmates after all.
Katsura (Teen)
*Depressed* Classmates, huh? (They seem sweet. But, at the same time, I can't bring myself to trust them right now.)
Karin (Teen)
*Holds Katsura's hand* Hey, it's okay. We heard about what happened at your old school and what you've been through. And I just wanted to tell you that we're on your side.
Akane (Teen)
Yeah. Your ex-girlfriend has to be the worst person on the face of the earth. Especially, her new boyfriend. Who the heck do they think they are for making you like this!
Katsura (Teen)
*Tearing up due to their sympathy* K...Karin...I...Ugh...*Sobbing*
Karin (Teen)
*Pats his back* That's right. Just let it all out. It's alright.
And so, Katsura began to let out his feelings for Karin and Akane to hear. He told them everything from his viewpoint as they heard from their friend from Tokyo. Even speaking the name of his ex-girlfriend gives him a lump in his throat.
Katsura (Teen)
Sorry. I didn't mean to be like this. I was just, frustrated, traumatized, sad, and angry at everything at the same time.
Karin (Teen)
Hey, you don't need to blame yourself, Katsura. Because of what happened, it's natural to lose trust in things that you like.
Akane (Teen)
Yeah, and your father losing his job because of you? I say it's because of that Kondo guy! He's the worst. If I ever see his face then I'll...
Karin (Teen)
Easy there, Akane. We don't want to murder him, even though he does deserve it.
Katsura (Teen)
I don't know. Most of it is my fault. I did reach out to try to ask her what was going on.
Karin (Teen)
But he didn't have the right to punch you straight to the trash cans and ruin your entire life because he took your girlfriend. I swear, just thinking about what they did is starting to make me angry too.
Akane (Teen)
Totally. Oh, hey, Katsura, you're still new in town, right?
Katsura (Teen)
Yeah. Most of the time, I've been holed up in my room because of...
Akane (Teen)
Well, anyway, Karin and I are going out this weekend. We're going to meet an old friend of ours. You wanna join us?
Karin (Teen)
They won't be here until the later afternoon. Meanwhile, we can take you around Hokkaido and show you the sights and stuff.
Katsura (Teen)
*Concerned, unsure* Well, I don't know.
Karin (Teen)
I mean, you don't have to come if you want. We just want to get to know you better, that's all.
Katsura (Teen)
(If they're doing this just to cheer me up, then, I can't very well just say no to them, can I?) Okay, I'll come.
Akane (Teen)
Great! Here, let me see your phone.
Katsura takes out his phone and hands it to Akane. She then inputs her contact info so that they can talk more. And Karin did the same thing. This was the beginning of a new friendship.
Akane (Teen)
There. Now we can talk all the time. Well, I'd better head home. My parents are going to kill me if I'm out this late. See you guys tomorrow! *Waves goodbye as she leaves*
Karin (Teen)
I'd better get home, too. My house is this way. See ya, Katsura!
Karin (Teen)
Oh, and Katsura...Welcome to Hokkaido! *Leaves for her house*
Katsura (Teen)
*Blushes a little bit* Yeah...this is my new home. Hokkaido.
Katsura went home as he said goodbye to both Karin, and Akane. Both girls are very nice and they seem to understand Katsura's misfortune and where he came from. Katsura then walked inside and took off his shoes.
Katsura's Grandmother
Welcome back, Katsura. How was school today? I see by the look on your face that you've began to smile again.
Katsura (Teen)
Huh? You think so?
Katsura's Grandmother
Yep! Ever since you came here, you looked like an empty shell that lost its color.
Katsura (Teen)
I see. Sorry about that.
Katsura's Grandfather
No need to apologize, Katsura. But hey, I did get a call from your father. He's here in Hokkaido.
Katsura (Teen)
Dad is in Hokkaido? But why?
Katsura's Grandmother
Well, before he called to tell us that he's here, he gave us a surprise visit while you were at school and...
Tokusa (Adult)
Hey, Mom, I'm home.
Katsura's Grandmother
*Surprised* Katsura, what are you doing here? This is a surprise indeed.
Tokusa (Adult)
Hey, uh, can I talk to you? Where's Dad? It's important.
Katsura's Grandmother
What is it, dear?
Katsura's Grandfather
*Angry* You blockhead! Why would you get drunk and take out your anger on Tokusa! Do you know how sad he was when he first came here? He felt like the world was about to end!
Tokusa (Adult)
*Ashamed* Yes.
Katsura's Grandfather
*Angry* I can't believe you even blamed Tokusa for the death of Yuri! Yes, it's sad to know that she's no longer with us. But, there's a limit to your actions.
Tokusa (Adult)
*Sad* I know, I know. I deeply apologize. And I get it. I made his life even worse since Yuri died. And ever since losing my job, I couldn't even look my own son in the eye.
Tokusa (Adult)
I'm a failure as a father, and a husband. I let my anger get the best of me. And, I know you probably don't want me around Katsura for a while, and I get it. But, can you tell him I'm sorry?
Katsura's Grandmother
Tokusa, I know you don't mean all those things you meant to say. But sometimes, we have to do our best to get our anger under control when things get rough.
Katsura's Grandmother
So, we'll have Katsura stay with us until you calm down and get your footing back in society.
Tokusa (Adult)
Thanks. I really appreciate it.
Katsura (Teen)
Oh, really? He said all of that?
Katsura's Grandmother
Yep. And he even said that he was sorry for hitting you out of anger after Yuri's death and him losing his job.
Katsura (Teen)
*Tears up* Dad...*Sniffle* Anyway, grandma, I won't be home tomorrow.
Katsura's Grandmother
Huh? Why is that?
Katsura (Teen)
I'm, going out with two friends from school.
Katsura's Grandfather
Really? That's great to hear. Hey, how about you bring them by tomorrow so I can meet them personally?
Katsura (Teen)
Sure. Well, I'll be upstairs then. Goodnight.
Katsura's Grandmother
Goodnight, dear. Tachibana honey, I guess we can tell Tokusa he doesn't need to worry about Katsura anymore.
Katsura's Grandfather
Yeah. It looks like our grandson has found his spark once again. But, that got me thinking.
Katsura's Grandmother
Thinking what?
Katsura's Grandfather
Who was the a**hole responsible for making both Tokusa and Katsura that way in the first place?
Katsura's Grandmother
*Grows concerned* You know what? I don't know.
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