—What? No— I replied immediately, frowning.
—I don't like Chisaki. What are you trying to imply? Why did you really bring me here?
Arakawa watched me closely, as if he were evaluating each of my reactions. Suddenly, he let out an exaggerated laugh, resting one arm on the back of the couch.
—Hahaha… You're really bad at lying. Don't worry, Kaito, it's obvious you do like her. The way you avoid looking at her, how you tense up when she talks to you… believe me, I've seen it hundreds of times.
He leaned to the side and, without warning, grabbed a girl who was sitting next to him by the neck he kissed her without any care, almost as if she were just another object in the room the girl only laughed nervously while the others watched the scene as something completely normal.
—But there's no problem with that. If you follow me, you won't have to settle for just one. You can have all the girls you want.
I remained completely silent. It wasn't embarrassment I felt, but a mix of discomfort and rejection. The way he spoke, the way he touched others, the way he assumed everyone desired the same things he did felt repulsive to me.
Noticing that I didn't respond, Arakawa dropped the joke and his tone became lower, more serious, as he leaned closer.
—Listen carefully. I'm forming a gang inside the school. Tomizawa thinks he's untouchable just because he's the son of some stupid important businessman. He always uses his money and last name to crush anyone who gets in his way. He does whatever he wants.
He slammed the table with visible frustration.
—I'm going to take control of this area, and not just because of that idiot Tomizawa, hahaha… There's a lot of money at stake: protection, betting, "special" jobs. Everything flows when you're the one in charge. You and Pig already proved you can stand up to his dogs, so I want you with me. What do you say, Kaito?
I felt a chill run down my spine. I thought for a few moments and finally answered.
—No. I'm really not interested in any of that.
The laughter stopped completely.
—What did you say?— Arakawa asked, still wearing a forced smile.
I stood up and spoke firmly while looking at Arakawa.
—What you're planning is exactly the same thing Tomizawa does. You just want to replace him. I don't want to support abuse, gangs, or using others to make money. I would never agree to that, no matter what you offer me.
Arakawa remained silent. The smile slowly disappeared from his face, replaced by a cold, almost disappointed expression.
—That's a shame. If you're neither with me nor with Tomizawa… you'll be stuck in the middle.
He snapped his fingers.
The door burst open and ten students entered the room. Their bodies were larger than mine, and their gazes were filled with intent. Without saying a word, they grabbed me by the arms.
—Take him to the back. This won't take long.
As they approached me, a window appeared before me.
[Side Mission]
Side Mission: Defeat Arakawa and his gang.
Status: In progress.
They dragged me out of the karaoke and into the back area, dark and narrow. The distant sound of music contrasted with the heavy silence of the place. One of them stepped forward, smiling cruelly as he clenched his fist.
—Don't resist!
When he threw the punch, a figure appeared between us.
The fist was stopped, and in an instant, the attacker received a direct punch to the jaw, falling to the ground with a groan. Everyone froze in surprise.
Chisaki was there, breathing heavily but standing firm.
—You're a much worse bastard than I imagined!— she shouted at Arakawa with fury.
Arakawa took a step forward, letting out only a laugh.
—You shouldn't get involved in this, Chii. You know better than anyone what will happen if you do.
—I don't care. I thought we really wanted the same thing, but I see that's not the case.
—Fine. I'll do it your way, Chisaki.
The students tensed up, taking their stances, and at that moment, the karaoke door burst open.
—I knew you wouldn't leave without me, Kaito!
Pig appeared, jumping into the alley and positioning himself at my side with a determined smile. His hands were clenched into fists, his stance firm.
—I knew you wouldn't reject me just to go home!
I looked at Pig, surprised.
—How are you here?!
—I come to karaoke when I feel down!
—And that's because… oh, right, I get it now. Sorry, Pig.
—Hey, you two, I don't want to interrupt your moment, but understand the situation. I'll leave my back open. If anyone touches me, I'll kill them— Chisaki said, then took a stance I recognized from karate championships.
—And who's that?
—Sorry, Pig, but it's a long story, haha.
—Why are you letting them talk, idiots?! Just cripple them already!— Arakawa shouted, causing the entire group of students to rush toward us.
—Ready?— Chisaki said as she charged into the crowd.
—I'll be hungry after this, haha— Pig said, likewise running toward another part of the crowd.
"What the hell are they thinking?! I thought we were going to race, there are too many of them!" I thought, frozen in place as Chisaki and Pig moved away.