The East Park Academy's second-semester results sparked a mix of emotions among students. Teacher Ms. Nakahara stood at the front of the classroom, a stern expression on her face.
"And the topper of this exam is none other than Natsumo Kanabayashi... again!" she announced.
The room remained silent, devoid of applause. Natsumo's classmates glanced at him with a mix of envy and resentment. Natsumo, however, felt no sense of triumph. He walked silently to Ms. Nakahara's desk and received his marksheet, his hands trembling slightly.
As he returned to his seat, Aya, his classmate, congratulated him with a warm smile. "Great job, Natsumo!"
Natsumo's eyes lit up, and he thanked Aya, his voice barely above a whisper. For a fleeting moment, he felt a sense of connection, a sense of belonging.
But that moment was short-lived.
As the school day concluded, Natsumo prepared to leave when a group of boys from his class ambushed him, dragging him into the bathroom. Their faces twisted in cruelty.
"No Natsumo, you won again, haah!" one of them sneered, punching Natsumo's belly. Another boy covered Natsumo's mouth, silencing his cries.
Natsumo struggled, but they overpowered him.
Aya appeared, her expression unexpected. "Hey, leave Natsumo alone. He has talents, unlike you bullies."
Natsumo felt a surge of gratitude toward Aya, thinking she was defending him. But her tone quickly turned venomous.
"This isn't an anime, Natsumo. No power of friendship here. You're alone."
Natsumo's eyes welled up with tears as Aya's words cut deep.
One of the boys explained, "Our private tutors are academy staff. You study alone, yet outperform us. That's why our parents and teachers lecture us."
Natsumo protested, "But... I didn't do anything to you! I just study."
Aya slapped him. "That's the problem! Your actions make our lives miserable."
The boys forced Natsumo's head into a toilet. Aya produced a wine bottle from her bag.
"Enjoy your marks, Natsumo. Congratulations!" she said, pouring the wine into his mouth.
Natsumo gagged, his eyes burning from the liquid.
Natsumo's world darkened, his dreams shattered by the cruel reality.
As he lost consciousness, Aya and the boys laughed, exiting the bathroom. A teacher approached, praising them.
"Good job, kids! You're teaching Natsumo a lesson."