The Next Day – Class
Koji came early. He took his seat quietly, something clutched in his hands, a folded note.
When Johan entered, Koji's dull eyes lit up just slightly.
He'll praise me, Koji thought. I stood up for myself. I did what he wanted.
He slipped the note under Johan's desk—their usual place.
Johan entered slowly. He didn't even look at Koji. Just sat.
Read the note.
And then… nothing.
No glance.
No response.
Koji stared. Why? Why isn't he writing anything? Did he not see the note?
Should I go talk to him? No, then everyone will know… What if Johan starts hating me? I can't risk that. I'll wait till lunch…
Iruka entered the class.
He scanned the room and saw Koji.
"Hey Koji, you're early today. Good. But where were you yesterday? You didn't come to class."
Koji replied in a quiet, lifeless tone. "I was sick, sensei."
Iruka's eyes lingered on him. Something felt wrong. But he let it go. "Alright then."
Class began.
---
Lunchtime
Everyone filed out, laughter and noise trailing into the hallway.
Only two remained.
Koji and Johan.
Koji waited.
And waited.
When Johan did nothing, Koji slowly stood. Trembling slightly, he walked toward him.
Just as he neared, Johan rose from his seat.
He spoke with cold detachment.
"You're still weak, Koji. You couldn't even finish the job."
Koji's heart froze. Finish… finish what?
He looked down, whispered, "I tried… he was stronger than me…"
Johan turned, walking past him.
He said it so softly, only Koji could hear. But the words crushed his world.
Koji stood frozen in place, shattered from the inside.
Johan left the class without ever looking back.
Koji stood there for a long time.
Then, without a word, he left too.
---
Night – Koji's Home
His uncle was drunk, more than usual.
Koji entered, blank-eyed, his face empty.
His uncle glared through bleary eyes. "You little shit… where were you…"
He couldn't even sit up straight.
Koji just stared at him.
No fear.
No hate.
Nothing.
After some time, his uncle began to nod off.
Koji stepped closer.
Took the bottle from the table.
And poured it on him.
One bottle.
Then another.
Then another.
Soaking him.
Soaking the couch.
His hand held a single matchstick now.
He struck it.
The flame flared to life.
He stood still, holding it above the alcohol-soaked scene.
His uncle stirred. "What the hell…?" He blinked slowly. "What're you doing, Koji…"
Koji asked, calm and cold: "Did you kill my mother?"
His uncle growled, "What the hell are you saying, boy? You mad? Throw it away, you'll burn yourself too—"
Koji asked again.
"Did you do it?"
His uncle tried to get up.
Koji's mind echoed with Johan's voice:
"Hm… maybe that's why your mom died. You were weak then… and you're still weak now. I expected more from you, Koji. You're no longer my friend."
Koji's breath shook. Tears slid down his face.
Is that true…? Maybe if I do this… Johan will be my friend again.
Yes.
He dropped the match.
The fire caught instantly.
His uncle screamed, the alcohol erupting into flames. He thrashed, writhed, but the fire was stronger.
He died screaming.
Koji just watched.
Still.
Silent.
Blank.
The fire roared now, spreading fast.
He stayed there.
Looking.
Mom… I'm coming. This world is hell…
Koji closed his eyes.
Goodbye… dear friend.
And the world turned to ash.
---