The Evidence That Stayed [Lunch / Outside the AV Prep Room]

Hara stopped as he passed a closed door.

A very faint voice came from inside.

(Bully’s Voice) : “Put the wallet and card in Hara’s bag, then film him getting caught. Easy.”

Hara held his breath.

Laughter came from the other side.

[After School]

Just as expected, the bully shoved a sports bag at Hara.

He turned on his phone and began recording.

(Bully) : “Caught the thief. Hara stole someone’s—”

He dumped the bag.

Only gym clothes and an empty plastic bottle fell out.

The bully froze.

(Bully) : “Where’s the wallet? The card?”

(Hara) : “You sure know what’s supposed to be in there for someone claiming I stole it.”

(Bully) : “That’s—”

(Hara) : “Because you put it there?”

The bully went silent.

Hara looked toward the doorway.

Koharu stepped inside.

She had been recording from the start.

(Bully) : “You’re in on this too?”

(Koharu) : “I was just watching. You’re the one who said everything yourself.”

The bully reached for Koharu’s phone.

Hara stepped between them.

He didn’t touch him.

The bully saw Hara’s hand and stopped.

[Outside the Teachers’ Office]

Inside the lost-and-found box were the wallet and card the bully had stolen.

Koharu asked,

(Koharu) : “How did you know what was inside that bag?”

(Hara) : “I heard them talking.”

(Koharu) : “The door was closed.”

Hara hesitated.

(Hara) : “Maybe they were loud.”

Koharu stared at him for a long moment.

(Koharu) : “Fine. I’ll go with that for now.”

Hara looked relieved—and guilty.

Koharu knew something about Hara was strange.

She just didn’t know why.