Yuuki Uchida II : Tight Rope

I mumbled, "What is this?!"

The bulletin board is filled with pictures of Yuuki and me at the front of the love hotel yesterday.

Who the hell would do this? Why they would do this?

One of the students asked, "That's Uchida-san right?"

A student replied, "Yes. I don't know who the other one is."

Another student spoke, "Her boyfriend? But they are too young for a love hotel."

One more student replied, "I know she doesn't have a boyfriend."

A female student reacted, "It can't be... maybe, she's just a whore."

Miu, who's behind me, asked, "What's happening, Shin?"

I was about to say something but she immediately saw the pictures and said, "What the hell is this?!"

I replied, "Calm down, Miu."

Then, Yuuki, who's carrying her bag and walking toward the crowd asked, "What's happening there?"

Everyone looked at her like a suspect and Yuuki asked, "Is there something wrong?"

One of the students pointed at the bulletin board and asked, "Uchida-san, can you explain this?"

Yuuki looked at it and she suddenly dropped her bag. She was surprised that she can't even speak.

One of the female students asked, "What is this, Uchida-san?"

Another female student insisted, "Say something, Uchida-san?"

"Well, look who's in trouble."

Behind Yuuki was that bastard, Obara-Kun, who just spoke.

Obara-Kun kept talking, "Everyone, is this the student council president that you want to trust? A girl who just went inside a love hotel. Do you even entrust this girl with your club money? Maybe, she's going to spend it on her boyfriend. Wait, I might be wrong, maybe, that boy you're with is what we call sex friends."

The other students started to believe what Obara-Kun is saying, while Yuuki is just standing there, and haven't said a word.

Miu reacted, "What is this, Yuuki?"

Yuuki heard Miu and looked at her with fear in her eyes.

Miu started crying and said, "I thought no more secrets, Yuuki."

Yuuki replied, "It's not what you think, Miu."

Miu ran away from everyone. Yuuki just dropped to her knees, losing any hope at all.

Then, our homeroom teacher arrived at the scene and said, "Everyone, leave," as he took down the pictures on the bulletin board.

He looked at me and said, "Uchida-san, come with me. You too, Tanahashi-Kun."

I think he realizes that it's me who's in the picture.

We both followed him to the guidance room.

He asked, "First of all, can the two of you explain the pictures?"

He laid out the pictures on the table like a policeman interrogating a criminal,

I explained, "It's not what everyone thinks, Sensei."

He just sits there, not talking, while Yuuki is frightened about what's happening.

I continued, "I went to Akihabara yesterday out of favor from Dr. Minoru. I coincidentally met Yuuki there and I went along with her. We are looking for a place to talk, then we saw two of our classmates and Yuuki dragged me to the entrance of the love hotel to hide."

The teacher asked, "Hide? Why?"

I lied, "She doesn't want anyone to be seen with someone with."

Yuuki looked at me, she must be surprised that I covered her.

The teacher replied, "I see. So, it's all a misunderstanding?"

I agree, "Yes."

The teacher wondered, "But who took the pictures?"

I replied, "I don't know."

The bell rang and the teacher said, "You two should go now. Classes are about to start eventually."

We left the room and went to our classroom. Once we entered the classroom, the whole class immediately looked at us, but it was clear they were looking at Yuuki, not me. She's just behind me, as she's scared of what's happening.

As I seat on my chair, I hear whispers from the class.

"Do you think Uchida-san did that?"

"It's hard to believe but I think it's real."

"Why did she do it? She was running for student council right?"

Then, the door opens, and our homeroom teacher entered the classroom. He took the attendance and then asked everyone in the class.

"I know all of you are aware of what happened earlier but do anyone of you took the picture and post it on the bulletin board?"

The class went silent as everyone shut their mouths.

The teacher asked again, "I'll change my question. Does anyone know who's behind the pictures?"

Like the first question, everyone didn't say a single word.

The teacher gave up, "Alright. I'll take everyone's word for it but if anyone knows anything, please tell me right away," as he exits the classroom and the next teacher enters and started the class.

Then, lunchtime came by and the class started talking about it again.

"Will Uchida-san still run for president?"

"Damn, I wish I was the boy with her. What a lucky guy."

"I heard that she's addicted to that kind of stuff. Does she do it every day to anyone she wants?"

The truth is getting fabricated and rumors and lies became the new truth to the masses.

I looked at Itsuki, Nise, Miu, and Sakura but they don't know what to do also.

Then the rest of the class kept talking and talking until Yuuki finally snapped.

I looked at her, "Yuuk—"

Before even I can call her, she stood up and ran out of the classroom.

I shouted, "Hey! Yuuki! Wait!"

I tried to follow her and I met our homeroom teacher in the hallway.

The teacher asked, "Woah, Tanahashi-Kun, no running in the hallway. Why are you in such a hurry?"

I replied, "Yuuki just ran out of the classroom."

He was surprised and I asked, "Did you see her, Sensei?"

He replied, "Unfortunately, I didn't come across her."

What do I do?

Then, he put his hands on my shoulder and said, "Tanahashi-Kun, I trust Uchida-san to you. It's fine if you don't go to classes today but no matter what, find her."

I replied, "Leave it to me, Sensei."

He continued, "But before you go, there's a hidden exit in the back of the school. Go through there. I know Uchida-san knows already about that since I asked her for a favor months ago. She probably used it as well."

I asked, "How do you even know this, Sensei?"

He replied, "Let's say, your teacher cut classes when he was in high school. Anyway, I'll leave it into your hands, Tanahashi-Kun," and proceeds to the faculty room. I was going downstairs but I heard someone shouting.

"Wait, Shin!"

I turned around and saw Itsuki, Nise, Sakura, and Miu.

Itsuki asked, "Where are you going, Shin?"

I replied, "I'll find Yuuki."

Nise insisted "We'll come with you, Shin."

Sakura followed, "Nise's right, if there's more of us, we can easily fi—"

I stopped her and said, "It's fine, I'll find her on my own. You guys stay in class."

Itsuki is forcing himself to help me, "But, Shin!"

I shook my head and said, "Look, I don't want you guys to get in trouble. Trust me, I got this. Please, leave it to me."

Everyone looked at each other and Nise said, "We understand. Please, find her, Shin."

I nodded at them and I was about to go before Miu shouted, "Shin!"

I turned around and Miu said, "Tell Yuuki that I'm sorry."

I replied, "I'll make sure to tell her but tell her when I found her."

Miu smiled and nodded at me and I left them and proceeded to the hidden exit that our homeroom teacher told me. It's a hole in a fence that anyone can fit in. I escaped through there and started searching for Yuuki.

I kept calling her phone but she was not answering at all.

I went to her house and kept ringing the doorbell.

"No one's answering."

I forgot, her parents are on a business trip right now and since no one's answering, she's not here either.

"Where could she possibly go?"

I kept thinking then I hear a loud growling noise from my stomach.

"Why does it have to be now?"

Wait, she could be possibly at the cafe. But I can't go there with my uniform on.

I went home and ate for a bit and changed my clothes and left the house.

I took the train to Akihabara and went to the cafe that we visited yesterday.

I looked around and she wasn't there. I asked one of the staff if Yuuki went here. The staff replied, "She was here a while ago but she left after getting a drink."

So she was here a while ago. Maybe, she's near.

I left the cafe and explore the area. After looking at every store, every corner, and every spot there is, I can't find her. I even went back to the store where we coincidentally met yesterday but she wasn't there either.

"Where are you, Yuuki?"

I didn't realize the time and the sun is setting down.

My phone rang in my pocket and grabbed it. I opened it and it was Itsuki.

"What's up, Itsuki?"

 "Have you found Yuuki yet?"

"I haven't."

"I see. We can't help you right now, Shin. We leave it to you on your hands."

"I'll find her no matter what."

"I see."

He ends the call and I continue searching for her in the Akihabara area. I've called her phone multiple times but she hasn't answered at all.

I actually don't know where to find her.

Lights near me turned on, as the moon had already risen.

I'm actually losing hope...

...can I even protect her smile?

I was about to lose hope when I forget about one more place to check. The bridge.

I took the train back to Yoyogi-Uehara and started running.

I could feel the cold wind that is gazing through my skin from running. I kept running but all I could think about was Yuuki. 

I finally arrived at the bridge but from where I'm standing, there was no one at the bridge.

"It's so cold."

Even though I'm wearing a jacket, I could feel the cold air.

I'm walking on the bridge. It's quiet. Not a single car that is driving or even a random pedestrian walking on this bridge. I'm nearly halfway down the bridge and I noticed someone just staring at the black sky.

Wait, that's the girl's uniform from our school. 

Hold on.

That's...

That's Yuuki!

Why is she there?

I looked at her but she hasn't noticed me yet.

I was about to call her name out but she started going over the fence.

Wait a minute.

Don't tell me.

She's planning to kill herself.

I started running towards her as she was standing outside of the fence of the bridge.

"Don't do it, Yuuki!"

(Please, don't!)

She looked at me and I see her eyes. It's completely dead. There's no hope, just despair.

"Goodbye, Shin."

(No, don't say those words!)

As she shed a tear in her eyes.

"Yuuki!"

She looked down at the water and her body start falling out of the bridge.

I leaped out of the bridge and tried to save her.

(Please, l need to make it!)

...

...

...

I caught her.

I hold her tight as we are both falling down from the bridge.

...

I hear a big splash. It was dark and cold but I could still feel Yuuki by my side.

While holding her, I tried to get the two of us out of the cold water, as fast as I can. 

We finally reached the surface. We're still underneath the bridge.

"Yuuki. Yuuki!"

I kept calling her name until she finally woke up.

"Shin?!"

"Yuuki!"

She cries, "Why?"

"Why?"

She cried and complained, "Why did you save me, Shin?!"

I didn't answer her as the tears continue to fall down.

"Why did you save me, Shin?! You could end up the one who'll die instead of me. What the heck are you doing?! Trying to be a hero or something?!"

(It's because I love you, Yuuki)

She starts giving me weak smacks on the chest.

"Why did you do it, Shin?! Can't you see I'm a burden to you every time I'm by your side?! I'm a troublesome girl. Can you just leave me alone?! I'm in a tight rope, Shin. Why do you have to save me?!"

(I can't say it, but, I'll show it to you.)

Instead of saying anything, I hugged her tightly.

Yuuki was surprised, "Shin?!"

I replied, "It's because I want to protect that smile of yours, Yuuki."

(That's wrong. It's because I love you.)

She's just surprised and tears are still flowing down.

I continued, "It's okay to be a troublesome girl, it's okay to be a burden because I'll be there for you. If no one believes in you, I'll be there to believe in you. Please, don't think of yourself as worthless, you are a very valuable person to me and to others as well and no one can replace you. Don't throw your own life, you only get one shot at it. There's no retry button, please, Yuuki, value yourself more."

She cried more and was finally back to her senses. She hugged me tightly and leaned her head on my chest.

"I'm sorry, Shin."

"I know."

"I'm sorry for always causing you trouble."

"It's fine."

"I'm sorry for making everyone worry."

"It's alright."

"I'm sorry...Shin."

She just cried on me, letting out every single bit of it.

I was about to let go of her but she insisted, "Can we stay like this for a bit, Shin?"

I just nodded at her and I continued to be at her side.

Then, I sneezed. 

"It's cold."

Well, we're both wet from the water and the air is cold.

"We should go somewhere now. At this point, we might get a cold, Yuuki."

"Your right. How about my place, Shin? It's near here."

"Yeah, let's go there."

I stand up and Yuuki did the same as well, "Ouch."

I asked, "What happened?"

She replied, "I think, I sprained my ankle."

I insisted, "I'll carry you."

She was hesitant at first but she insisted, "I'll just lean into your shoulders, Shin."

I offered my shoulder and she leans into it and are on the way to her house.

"Thanks, Shin."

"For what?"

"Everything. I hope I can repay you someday."

"How about being my girlfriend then?"

She blushed, "Girl...friend?"

I replied, "I was joking."

She elbow me in the guts and said, "That's too much, Shin."

I smiled at her, "I'm sorry."

A little later, we arrived at her house and entered immediately.

I told her to take a bath first so we can treat her ankle later. While she was in the bath, I called Itsuki.

"Shin, have you found her?"

"Yeah, she's currently taking a bath."

I hear Nise, Miu, and Sakura in the background.

Nise asked, "Is she alright?"

I replied, "She sprained her ankle."

Sakura asked, "What happened?"

I explained, "She tried to jump off but I caught her."

Sakura added, "Jump from where?"

I lied, "In a bunch of stairs, trying to run away from me."

Sorry guys, I can't fully explain what happened today.

Sakura replied, "I see."

Itsuki asked, "Will she be able to go to school?"

I replied, "It might take a few days to heal her ankle. I'll be absent as well, tell Sensei about it. I'll support Yuuki here while her sprain is healing"

Itsuki followed, "I see but I need to explain something to you, tell Yuuki this after she's a hundred percent, both mentally and physically."

I replied, "Okay, tell it to me."

Itsuki explained, "Someone is trying to frame her."

I asked, "Who did it?"

Itsuki replied, "We still don't know but we're going to find out who did it. We'll try asking the other classes as well."

I followed, "Okay, I understand. Yuuki's about to be finished on her bath, let's continue this tomorrow."

Before I could end the call, Miu spoke, "Shin, please tell Yuuki I'm sorry."

I replied, "I will don't worry about it," and I ended the call.

Yuuki came out of the bathroom, "Shin, it's your turn. I'll get some clothes for you."

"Thanks," and I entered the bathroom to take a bath.

A bit later, I went out of the bath with the clothes that Yuuki provided and went to her room.

"Yuuki, let's talk for a bit."

"Okay, I'm listening, Shin."

"Itsuki called me a while ago. It's about the pictures on the bulletin board. Itsuki told me that someone is trying to frame you."

Yuuki is just listening to me while I continued explaining.

"He told me that they'll try asking the other class as well about the situation."

She asked, "Did you tell also about what happened at the bridge?"

I replied, "I didn't. I told them that you fell on the stairs and sprained your ankle."

She was surprised that I covered for her again, "Thanks, Shin. I wasn't planning on telling them that."

I added, "There's one more thing, Yuuki."

She asked, "What is it?"

"Miu says she's sorry about what happened earlier."

"I see," as she shed a tear but didn't cry at all.

She immediately gets her phone and called Miu.

Miu answered and was crying, "I'm sorry, Yuuki! I didn't know what was happening at all. I'm sorry."

Yuuki replied, "I forgive you, don't worry about it. I need to rest now, I just want to let you know that I have no hard feelings for you," as she ends the call.

I asked, "Where am I gonna sleep?"

"You can sleep here."

"The bed?"

"No, in the room. There's a futon in the closet."

I grabbed the futon out of the closet and lay it on the floor.

"If you need something, wake me up, Yuuki."

"Gotchu."

I turned off the lights and we rest well in the room.

To the person behind all of this, I'll never forgive you.

The next day...

"Shin, I know who's behind all of this."