What reason would Steven and Emily have to do this to me? It simply doesn't make sense... He would have to predict the behavior of every agent involved, including the school and even my parents... Does someone like that need me here at this school to clean up his reputation...?
"Miss Kindness, if you keep acting the way you are, you'll be made a fool of all the time," William said with his tired gaze.
…
"You don't owe Steven Honleast anything. In fact, he's the one who harmed you. The empathy you feel for him because you were in similar situations at some point was also planned by him."
"No… That…"
"Miss Kindness, do you know what 'power' is?"
"Well… it's about… exerting control over a situation…"
"The ability to control in alignment with one's own will. If there is control, there is something being passively affected. There is an assumed hierarchy about who will hold more or less power among all rational beings."
This wasn't heading in a good direction, especially considering we were talking about Steven. Immediately, a phrase he had said came to my mind.
"Kindness, power in our society revolves around selfishness. Humanity acts solely based on the instinct for survival, so everything we do when we gain power logically is just to secure our selfish desires."
"The system doesn't flow according to your moral values, Bonnie. The system flows according to human selfishness and the ambition for power."
"You're starting to understand, aren't you, Miss Kindness?"
"T-this still sounds very fantastical to me... and even incoherent."
"As fantastic as it sounds, this is precisely the kind of thing Steven does casually, simply to avoid being predicted or anticipated. Haven't you seen his capabilities?"
"Mr. Coordinator… Steven isn't as intelligent as you think. He almost lost to Mike in the so-called 'six-sentence game' that he created…"
William looked at me with a mocking expression.
"Miss Kindness… Mike is an idiot. His trivial 'six-sentence game' is something silly that Steven would never lose at. Knowing him… I'd say he manipulated you into solving the game yourself, didn't he?"
...!
"Listen, Miss Kindness. Mike may have tricked you and put you in a trap you'd never escape from, but Steven and the person leading your class are infinitely beyond that."
Did that mean Steven really wasn't the manipulator…?
"When Steven puts his plan into action and unmasks the 'manipulator,' or whatever he told you all, he'll take the lead in the class and start controlling everything. You will notice oddities in his actions. Contradictions that are linked to his character, and then you'll come to me. Understood, Miss Kindness?"
"O-Okay… But that definitely won't happen…"
William changed the atmosphere in the room with a welcoming look.
"Thank you, Miss Kindness. Remember, I'm here to help you, especially because we share interests."
He handed me a document to sign, forcing me to seek his help if Steven turned out to be a bad person.
After getting the signed document, William dismissed me from his office. I walked slowly through the school, observing everyone around me.
I kept walking and finally reached my dorm. I took a shower and studied, a bit distracted.
"No… This answer must be wrong."
I looked around my room while yawning. I remembered when my dad used to tell me stories when I was younger.
Wow… I miss my parents…
I managed to focus better on my homework, and after finishing it, I brushed my teeth and lay down in bed. I checked my phone and noticed that the class group chat was a bit active, but since I was very tired, I didn't bother with it and decided to sleep.
I woke up after a while. My dream, though abstract, brought back good memories, and a nostalgic feeling washed over me. I took a shower, had my meal, and got ready to go to school.
While walking, I noticed a strange commotion among the students… Things seemed more agitated than usual.
"Damn it!... It's really not working!"
"And I thought there'd be internet here… I didn't even bother putting in any credits or pay for an internet plan…"
Tina and another student were arguing about the school's internet not working. I checked my phone, and indeed… the signal was failing.
"Tch! You guys get so anxious without that thing!" It was Andrew, annoyed that the students were complaining.
"You only say that because you have credits, Andrew!"
"Tch! Either way, you're all so stupid for whining about something like this."
"Huh? Whining…? You're exaggerating, idiot!"
"See, you brats? You get so anxious over nothing!"
"Huh…? You have credits, Andrew? How spoiled!" Mike appeared, mocking Andrew.
"You don't have credits because you're an idiot, you jerk! Haha! Your parents hate you so much they don't even care about you!"
"This sudden signal drop is really strange, don't you think?" It was the student council president, with a disdainful look.
"By the way, did you see another thing was posted about Steven?" Andrew said with a sharp look.
"Steven? That idiot killer? Hahaha! Did he mess up again?"
"No. Actually, I don't think it was him who posted it."
Andrew was strangely more sociable… From what I remembered, he didn't like talking friendly with others, but this time he was calmer.
"What do you mean? Show me."
Andrew showed the post to Diana, who, after thinking for a moment, reached her conclusion.
"This wasn't posted by Steven Honleast. It's a different account, but it's clearly the same person who made the previous post. The writing style is identical."
"Huh? But doesn't that mean Steven posted it?" Tina said with a confused face.
Andrew and Diana looked at each other while looking at the phone.
"No, you idiot! Just read what the post says!"
I checked the post too and was surprised by what I saw. Basically, the post continued to confirm that Steven wasn't guilty of anything and didn't need to apologize, but in an even more exaggerated way. What did that mean…? Had the manipulator lost it…?
"Steven's probably just posting this to confuse us."
"No. Steven had all our support before these mysterious posts appeared. It wouldn't make sense for him to post this, especially with how things are going," Diana said assertively.
"I have to agree with you," Andrew said with a mocking expression as he looked at her.
"You're only defending him because he spared you the day before yesterday, Andrew!" Tina said, a bit annoyed.
"Tch! You should spare me your annoying voice!" he said as he headed to the classroom.
Surely it was Steven who made the latest post.
I headed to the classroom thinking about everything that was happening and reflecting on what had already happened to me. Suddenly, Steven appeared behind me.
"S-Steven…? Good morning…"
"Good morning, Bonnie. Listen, if someone says that 'the one who shared the signal' is the author of the post, know that they're the manipulator."
"H-Huh…? But… why…? What are you planning…?"
"I'm sorry, Bonnie. I can't talk now."
"But…"
Suddenly, Charlotte arrived, hugging me from behind.
"Hey, Bonnie! And… Steven! How are you guys?"
Steven smiled.
"Good morning, Charlotte. I'm a bit tired, but good. And you?"
"Haha, same here. These studies are tough, aren't they?"
"They need to be. After all, each student has a greater affinity for what sounds natural to them, and the school aims to push everyone to their limits. It's surprising that you manage to balance all of that while still studying music."
After some time, Sandra arrived in the classroom, and classes began. With each passing day, the lessons became more rigorous, but I managed to keep up.
"Phew, classes are finally over…!" Charlotte seemed happy, as she didn't seem to understand the subjects at all.
"Yeah… Haha."
Even I was a bit tired. There was so much on my mind.
"Tch! Still no internet!"
"H-Huh? My credits ran out!"
"Hahaha! You're screwed, Andrew!"
"Want to die, Peter?!"
"Bonnie, are you okay? You seem a bit tired"
"Oh, I… I'm fine, Carol. You know, the subjects are really hard, and also…"
"You're still scared of who the 'manipulator' might be, right?"
"Well… Yes."
Carol gave a relieved smile as she got closer to me.
"Don't worry, Bonnie. My cousin will expose the 'manipulator' today, now."
Suddenly, after Sandra left the classroom, Larry took her place in front of the board and said in a calm but authoritative tone, "Please, don't leave the classroom! There's a way to unmask the manipulator here and now!"
Everyone was surprised and looked at him in shock, except Steven, who remained calm.
"Y-You can do that?! As expected of you, Larry!" Tina said with a smile.
"Can you tell me how many of you managed to access the internet yesterday?"
Thinking about what Steven told me earlier, maybe…!
Andrew, Steven, and Carol raised their hands, but that didn't seem enough for Larry.
"Guys, I need you to show me if you have credits available. Just raising your hands isn't enough, as the manipulator could be among you. I'm sorry."
"But do we really have to show our phones…?" Peter said, a bit anxious.
"This is for the good of the class. Of course, if you choose not to, I won't force you. But it might make you suspicious in the eyes of others."
"Oh..."
"Well, after checking everyone's phones, I can say you were telling the truth. Only I, Carol, Andrew, and Steven had credits on our phones, and Andrew's credits just ran out. Did you see the post that was made yesterday?"
Everyone was surprised, except those who had credits and those who knew about the post through rumors, which spread quickly through the school.
"But how will that help you, Larry?" Charlotte didn't seem to understand where Larry was going with this.
"Think with me. The manipulator, according to Steven, is in this classroom, right? Well, there's a way to check who made yesterday's post, and let's be honest, whether Steven is the 'manipulator' or not, the highest probability is that the post's author is the one manipulating everyone behind the scenes."
"Yes… That's true, Larry. But how do you plan to show which of us made that post…?"
"The post was made after our meeting, at night. The 'manipulator' did it to cover their tracks, because if they didn't go to the meeting and made the post, there'd be few suspects. But they didn't count on something."
"What?"
"The signal drop. Coincidentally, the internet signal stopped just before the post was made, and shortly after our meeting in the cafeteria. Since the switch from the regular Wi-Fi signal to credits is automatic, the manipulator didn't notice the drop and posted without caring about that detail. That means the only ones who could have posted it were me, Carol, Andrew, and Steven."
"But how can you know it was someone from this classroom?" Peter said, confused.
"The post included a photo of our classroom, and it's forbidden to enter a classroom you don't belong to. That means, at the very least, someone from 2-A is involved. But to be sure, we can check if there was a mistake and if the person who took the photo didn't have malicious intentions, and the 'manipulator' used the photo for that purpose without their consent. Did anyone here take that photo? If so, please let us know, and we can get to the person who posted it faster."
Larry showed the photo to everyone in the class, but no one seemed to recognize it. That meant… the "manipulator" was indeed in this classroom, or someone here was involved, with the former being more likely based on Steven's words…
"Very well… That means the highest probability is that the 'manipulator' is here, so let's get to the facts. Does anyone here have an alibi?"
Andrew raised his hand.
"Mike and I went out last night to talk. If you ask him or someone from his class, they'll say we were at the courtyard."
"I see. Well, then the only ones left are Carol, me, and… Steven."
Everyone turned to Steven, with looks that confirmed my suspicions. Between him, Carol, and Larry, it was obvious he'd be the most accused. The only one who seemed uninterested in all this was Jack, who was sleeping at his desk.
"Steven, it was you, wasn't it?!" Tina was very nervous.
Steven slowly stood up, with a look of excitement but strangely neutral. With a calm smile, he said, "Dear classmates, calm down. To answer your question, Tina: no, and I'll tell you why Larry's strategy to uncover the 'manipulator' was simply something they had previously planned."
"Huh? That's impossible!"
"First of all… What would prove I'm the 'manipulator'?"
"That's obvious… The possibility of Larry and Carol making that post doesn't exist! Are you stupid?"
"Indeed, I can't imagine Larry taking that action. But imagine this scenario: the manipulator wants to get rid of me because they know I have a strategy to unmask them. So, taking advantage of the signal drop, they prepare to load credits and then frame me, knowing I only use credits. As you know, at the last dinner I attended, I used my phone, and at some point, they could be seen. Thus, the possibility of me being the 'manipulator' would be more plausible, considering only me, the manipulator, and a few other students had credits."
Everyone got a bit annoyed, though what Steven said was indeed possible.
"Are you accusing Larry and Carol now?! That's pathetic…"
"Larry? Carol? But they're not the only ones with access to the signal."
"Huh? But I have an alibi, Steven!" Andrew seemed confused.
"Yes, but your alibi is a bit strange, isn't it? As Larry said that time: 'someone is at least involved' because of the photo… What guarantees that you're an ally or the 'manipulator' themselves, along with Mike, who's a suspicious figure?"
Everyone realized what Steven said made sense and turned to Andrew, who was also a hated figure in the class. Maybe it was him all along…?
"Wait," Steven said calmly, "I don't think it was Andrew who made the post."
What…? It wasn't Steven, Carol, Larry, or Andrew? But… they were the only ones who could have made the post.
"What do you mean, Steven?!"
He smiled and started addressing the "manipulator."
"'Manipulator,' you thought you could corner me with this, but the truth is, I will unmask you, and soon. I still have the responsibility to prove who you are, unlike what you said in the post before the one we're discussing. Let me tell you what happened yesterday: the manipulator was preparing to leave me with no way out in front of the entire class, preparing to deposit credits into their own account and then make the post, when they noticed something. The school's signal had indeed dropped, but a new signal had appeared. One that none of the students in this classroom looked for, even though it was available only to them. A signal I transmitted, as a countermeasure to avoid being cornered by them. If the 'manipulator' was someone with more influence than me in this class, the tendency would be for me to be framed, and fearing that, I shared my signal with all of you to use. I did this only yesterday, at the time the meeting usually ends, and I shared only part of my credits, so none of you exceeded the limit. I also shared during class hours. Look."
All the students were shocked and checked their phones.
It was true… I could also use some of Steven's credits…
"Does this have anything to do… with what you told all of us before class started?" Charlotte asked, with the exact same doubt as mine.
"Exactly, Charlotte. The 'manipulator,' upon seeing the signal being routed, probably thought of a new strategy: to say at the start of classes that whoever shared the signal with you was the 'manipulator,' and that this person was doing it to avoid suspicion. But I also thought of that possibility, and when I saw they'd try to do that, I said beforehand that whoever said that was the real 'manipulator.' Think about it, if someone knew I'd share because of the post, that person would have to be the 'manipulator' themselves. In fact, this is why that post had that photo. The 'manipulator' wanted to make sure everyone suspected me."
Steven was right. The fact that he said that at the start of class already showed he had thought about it long ago, so the manipulator could be anyone using my friend's signal and trying to frame him. Yes, that made sense.
"Larry was probably incited by the 'manipulator' or simply had the idea the 'manipulator' would have to find the culprit or frame me, haha. But the 'manipulator' must have realized the flaw in their plan after seeing I was telling everyone that whoever said what they were going to say was the post's author, and then decided to 'abort the mission,' asking someone else with credits to make the post."
"But that doesn't make you any less possibly guilty."
Steven sighed.
"Indeed, just as it doesn't clear anyone in this classroom from being possibly guilty. The 'manipulator' could be someone with credits, or they didn't deposit credits on the device after seeing they could use my signal. But my actions now at least stopped their plan to frame me."
Wow… It all made complete sense… It was incredible that Steven took so many measures, and yet the manipulator managed to see through his actions too. The fact that Steven started executing his plan from the beginning of class and everything unfolded as he planned to explain showed that he probably wasn't the manipulator, since someone who could think that far ahead certainly wouldn't make the mistakes the manipulator implied he made.
"Indeed, what you say is possible, Steven. I'm sorry, everyone… I couldn't unmask the manipulator, and I might have almost been used by them to frame Steven."
All the students approached Larry and Steven.
"It's okay, we'd never think of something like that…"
Even though everything was going well for Steven again, I felt a certain tension in the air. All this showed that anyone could be the culprit, the post's author, and that was affecting me too.
Jack slowly got up and left the classroom with the others. He had really slept through the entire situation.
"Well, now that we've resolved this situation, I think we can go home, haha. Steven, will you come to dinner tonight?"
"You can count on me!"
Everyone said goodbye and headed to the dorms. It seemed part of the class still distrusted Steven, but the situation had definitely improved a lot. All that cleverness to avoid the manipulator's trap… Maybe William was right…? No, that would be going too far…
"Hey, Bonnie! Wow, all that was pretty confusing, huh…? I didn't understand everything, haha!"
"Haha, well…"
I looked down and sighed.
"Carol, what do you think of Steven…?"
"Bonnie, are you doubting Steven…?"
"N-No, it's just that… I wanted to know if you started trusting him too…"
"I see! Well, I don't 100% trust him, but I definitely don't think Steven is the 'manipulator.' What he said seemed to make sense, I think…"
The signal drop… Was that really just a coincidence?
I went back to my dorm with my umbrella, as it had started to rain. Charlotte soon left for her music club, so I was heading home alone again. I looked at the cloudy sky, feeling a bit reflective.
Since when have I practiced it without questioning? Friends will always be there for me, people should always contribute to a society where everyone benefits… All this was something I've carried since…
In the past:
"Mom! Dad! Look, I got a good grade again!"
My dad smiled and lifted me up. At that point, I was used to being tossed up and down in his arms.
"That's… great, my daughter! Hahaha!"
I smiled at my mom, but she left the room without saying a word.
"Dad, is something wrong with Mom…?"
"Don't worry about it, sweetie. Everything's fine. Your mom's just a bit tired today."
"Oh, okay…!"
"You're so good at math, Bonnie! Much better than I was at your age…"
"When I grow up, I want to run a company like you and Mom, Dad!"
My dad laughed as he stroked my hair.
"Run a company… I'm sure you could do that, but it's a bit early to think about that kind of thing..."
"Oh… Sure."
"How about we play 'company,' my daughter?"
I got extremely excited and started jumping up and down.
"Yes!! Let's do it!!"
"Haha, here we go."
After having fun with my dad, I went up to my room and studied a bit. Back then, my studies weren't nearly as rigorous as they are now, so I had much more time to do what I wanted.
"Sweetie, come down! It's time to eat!" It was my mom, who seemed less tired.
I rushed downstairs and was thrilled to see my mom doing better. My parents were gathered with me at the dinner table.
"Mom, did you get some rest?"
"Thank you so much, sweetie. Yes, I'm better now. Sorry about earlier, okay?"
"Of course!"
After eating, I went to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, put on my pajamas, and after going to my room, I lay in bed, at peace.
Suddenly, I heard something from the living room. It was a noise that caused me great discomfort, and I started to feel sad.
"Mom…?"
I got out of bed and went to check what was happening. I walked slowly and could see from upstairs, a bit hidden.
My mom was crying.
"The money…! No…!"
M-Money…? Were my parents having money problems…? She seemed so… sad…!
"The lawsuit…! That damn lawsuit…!"
I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about everything that happened the night before, and I couldn't help but think about it when I saw my mom in the morning.
"G-Good morning, Mom."
"Good morning, sweetie… Are you worried about something?"
"I… Uh… I…"
I ran to my room and quickly grabbed my piggy bank and brought it to my parents.
"Mom…! Are you having money problems…? I can help with my piggy bank!"
"Sweetie…"
I ran to the kitchen and grabbed a hammer. Though I had never used one before, I knew from TV cartoons that I needed to break my piggy bank to get the money inside. I prepared, swung the hammer, and then…
I felt the hammer being held by someone's hand, stopping me from breaking the piggy bank. I looked back and saw my dad.
"You don't need to worry, sweetie. I'll explain everything that happened, okay?"
"Okay…"
My dad and I went to the living room and sat on the couch.
"Dad… I want to help you… I know things aren't okay."
With a calm face, my dad said to me, "Everything's fine, sweetie. It's just that… a bad man sued Dad, accusing him of making him work too much."
"Huh…? A bad man…?"
"Yes, a… bad man…"
My dad seemed uncomfortable saying that.
"There are people like that, but you don't need to worry, because kindness always wins."
"Huh…? But Dad, you won't run out of money…?"
"Haha! I can assure you I won't, sweetie. You have my word."
"Okay…"
Still a bit worried, I nodded and accepted what my dad told me.
"Okay… I'll trust you, Dad."
"That's right, sweetie. Always trust those who love you, no matter the situation you're in."
After that, I remember everything got better. My parents managed to move forward, and my mom didn't cry anymore. My dad was right, at least for now…
"AAAAAAAH!!!!! WE'RE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING!!!!! THAT DAMN LAWYER GOT YOU, ETHAN!!!!"
"Calm down, honey… Bonnie's listening…"
"W-What happened, Mom…? Are you crying… Is it because of what happened with the lawsuit…?"
At that point, I already had some idea of what was going on. My parents were losing the lawsuit to the man who was alleging something against my dad.
"Yes, I am…! That damn lawsuit…! We're going to lose everything, and then…!"
And then…? What would happen to me…? If Dad and Mom went to jail, where would I go…? Where would I be…?
Tears were almost streaming from my eyes, but my dad hugged me before that could happen.
"Dad's going to fix this. I promise."
"But… Mom…"
I started crying, not knowing what to do. My dad seemed a bit uncomfortable with it, but he tried to reassure me.
After that day, my mom's crying became constant. Every day, I worried about the lawsuit and asked my dad daily what was happening.
"Don't worry about it, sweetie."
"Don't worry about it, sweetie."
"Don't worry about it, sweetie."
The answer was always the same. My dad asked me to not worry, while my mom cried around the house. My anxiety only grew as it all happened.
"Huh… Dad… Where are you and Mom going…?"
My parents didn't answer me as they quickly left the house, closing the door.
"Dad! Mom…!"
I tried to reach them, but my legs were trembling, and my body was slow. An agonizing feeling surged in my heart, as if it were disappearing.
"Dad…!"
I fell to the floor as everything around me darkened, my heartbeat quickened, and my heart sank into the feeling… It wasn't cold or warm; it was as if something was being slowly taken from me.
I lost my ability to speak, and then my body lost its strength. My insides felt like they didn't exist, and my hopes slowly faded. Nothing could be heard or felt, and only the image of the floor slowly darkening was visible to me, until, slowly and despairingly, a feeling and a sound returned. My mom's voice, crying, as the feeling I constantly felt because of the situation we were in came rushing back, full force.
I woke up in my room, crying and desperate. I ran to my parents' bed, but only my mom was there, in tears.
"No… No…!"
I couldn't say anything and ran downstairs to the living room, seeking comfort. I was still crying and completely terrified. There was my dad, with his phone, sitting on the couch. He looked at me and quickly took me in when I jumped into his arms.
"Dad…! Dad…!"
"Calm down, sweetie. Dad's here. I'll always be here with you, got it?"
All night, my dad hugged me while saying comforting words. Apparently, the final trial would happen the next day, and that made me even more anxious.
"Dad… Can you promise me… that everything will be okay…?"
"Yes, sweetie."
The next day, the first thing I saw was my dad going to the trial with my mom.
"We'll be back soon."
While my parents were out, I slowly became more anxious and panicked. My babysitter, noticing this, put on a movie for me, but it was impossible to distract me.
I looked at the floor, remembering my dream, and tears started streaming from my eyes.
"Bonnie…? What's wrong…?" My babysitter immediately got worried and tried to calm me.
"Dad and Mom… they won't come back…!" I said while crying.
"No, don't cry… They'll come back, Bonnie."
I ran to the bathroom and kept crying there. Everything that was happening was too much for me…!
The feeling from my dream came back to my memory, and I was feeling it all again. My parents wouldn't come back, and I'd never see them again. The peace I had was gone.
But suddenly, magically and wonderfully, my dad appeared, opening the bathroom door. With a kind smile, he hugged me and reassured me.
"It's okay, sweetie."
My mom appeared behind him, smiling. She came to me and hugged me too, and that was the most special moment for me. The three of us wrapped in a big hug, as I realized that my dad was definitely telling the truth.
Back to the present:
I sighed lightly as I remembered that. I looked at the wet ground and continued walking toward my dorm, having made my final decision after recalling why I was following this path.
I will trust Steven.