It had been five months since they transitioned into Class 10. For most students, it might've been a time of excitement, friendships, and new beginnings. But for these five — Alan, Kamiko, Kaguro, Kashimo, and Bachi — it was a dark and unforgettable chapter of their lives.
Each of them carried scars, not just on their bodies, but deep within their hearts. One bore emotional trauma. Another had developed trust issues. One wrestled with fear, one carried a heavy burden of guilt, and one struggled with severe psychological damage.
Five months had passed — time had helped some of them heal. Kashimo was doing better. Kaguro and Bachi had slowly returned to a sense of normalcy. Kamiko had tried to suppress the memories.
But Alan — he hadn't yet returned to himself.
His physical wounds were mostly healed, but some injuries were permanent. The burn mark from hydrochloric acid on his face, poured by his own mother, remained. He wore a mask now, and a plastic surgery had been scheduled — made possible thanks to contributions from the families of all four boys.
Alan was now under Kamiko's custody. Kamiko's mother had offered to become his legal guardian out of both guilt and compassion. The others wanted to help too, but their families simply didn't have the financial means or space to adopt another child.
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Tatsumaki Camp School — Morning
The school bell rang, and students poured in through the gates.
Kaguro arrived first, standing by the school courtyard. Moments later, Kashimo walked up to him.
Kaguro: "Yo Kashimo, how are you?"
Kashimo: "Feeling better now, compared to my past self. You?"
Kaguro: "Same here. The past was... horrible."
Kashimo: "Yeah. So, what about Kamiko? Is he still on medical leave? And who's Alan's guardian now?"
Before Kaguro could respond, Bachi arrived.
Bachi: "Hey guys! How are you both?"
Kaguro & Kashimo (together): "We're good. What about you?"
Bachi: "Incredibly well, actually!"
Suddenly, a boy entered the school gate — face fully covered with a mask and legs clearly showing signs of injury. He was being supported by Kamiko, walking slowly and with difficulty.
The three stared in silence.
Kaguro: "Who... who is he? Is he new?"
Bachi (squinting): "Wait... is that Alan?"
Kashimo: "What?! No way!"
Kamiko walked up to them. His face was calm, but his tone was serious.
Kamiko: "Yes. That's Alan. My mom took responsibility for him. Right now... he can't speak about what happened. Not yet. He still has deep trauma and trust issues. The physical abuse he went through as a child — it's hard to describe.
He wears a mask because his face... it's badly burned. He looks like a burnt pancake, honestly. But he can hear and write, so he'll still be able to communicate."
Alan : " I..I am , Mitonka ."
Kamiko : "no , y..you are not Mitonka . You are Alan"
Kaguro : "what is happening to him ?"
Kamiko : "Alan has multiple personality disorder after the emotional trauma he got"
Kaguro (quietly): "oh god , atleast he is alive right now , I feel so bad"
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Sixth Period — Classroom
As the 6th period came to a close, Anaomi Ma'am, their class teacher, entered the room with a big smile.
Anaomi Ma'am:
"Good afternoon, everyone! I have an exciting announcement! The school is organizing a 6-day school trip, and we'll be leaving in 5 days! I'm already looking forward to it!"
She held up a stack of papers.
Anaomi Ma'am (continued):
"I'm handing out the permission slips now. The total charge is 5,400 yen, and the destination — a bit of a spoiler — is a beautiful place near Mount Fuji, right on the outskirts. Fill the form and return it soon!"
She began distributing the forms. The classroom buzzed with excitement.
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Later That Day — Telegram Chat
That evening, the boys chatted in their Telegram group.
Kaguro:
"Are you guys going for the trip? My mom gave me the green light."
Bachi:
"Yeah, same here. Let's hope it turns out to be actually fun this time."
Kashimo:
"My mom said no unless everyone agrees to go."
Kamiko:
"My mom said yes. She said both Alan and I need a break — some time to breathe and move forward. She believes the trip could help."
Kashimo:
"Alright then. It's a yes from me now too."
Kaguro:
"That makes it all five of us. Nice! Finally... we might just enjoy something again."
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Five Days Later — The Trip Begins
The boys were preparing for the journey of six days. Backpacks were stuffed, forms submitted, and tickets handed over. As they boarded the school bus bound for the countryside near Mount Fuji, there was a sense of quiet hope.
This wasn't just a school trip.
For them, it was a chance — a chance to heal, to reconnect, and to rediscover themselves.
Even Alan, behind his silent mask, sitting next to Kamiko, seemed to breathe a little easier as the bus rolled into the distance.
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TO BE CONTINUED…
Next: Arc 2 — The Trip Begins