As I sit here, staring out at the world through my bedroom window, I can't help but feel the weight of my past pressing down on me. My name is Kousei Hydohou, and my life has always felt like a never-ending storm of turmoil and heartache.

I close my eyes, trying to shut out the memories that haunt me relentlessly. It all started with my brother Issei's cruel betrayal. He fabricated a scene that painted me as a bully to our childhood friend Irina, a girl I cared about deeply. The pain of being falsely accused, especially by someone I trusted, cut me deeply.

Irina's sudden hatred towards me was like a dagger to my heart. I replayed the moments we shared, trying to find where I went wrong, but the truth was that I hadn't. Issei's manipulative actions twisted reality, turning everyone against me, even Irina's own parents, who once treated me like their own son.

The fallout with my family was catastrophic. My parents, shocked and ashamed, couldn't comprehend how their once-close-knit family had fallen apart so tragically. The trust that once held us together shattered, leaving behind a gaping void that nothing seemed capable of filling.

For years, I've carried this burden, trying to make sense of it all, trying to find a way to mend what was broken. But each attempt felt futile, like grasping at smoke, slipping through my fingers no matter how hard I tried to hold on.

The isolation I felt was suffocating. Friends drifted away, unable or unwilling to navigate the complexities of my fractured relationships. I became a shadow of my former self, a ghost wandering through life, haunted by the memories of what once was.

As I stepped into high school, I held onto a sliver of hope that maybe things would be different, that I could leave behind the pain of my past and start anew. But fate seemed determined to keep me trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair.

It all started with the discovery in my locker. Pictures of our female classmates and even some teachers, barely clothed, were plastered inside. My heart sank as I realized what this meant. I was being framed, yet again, this time as a stalker and a pervert.

The accusations flew like wildfire, spreading through the halls faster than I could comprehend. Before I knew it, I was the talk of the school, but not in the way I had hoped. Instead of making friends and building connections, I became a pariah, shunned by everyone around me.

I remember the day I was called into the principal's office, the accusing eyes of my peers following me down the hallway like daggers. The interrogation was intense, the school authorities demanding answers I couldn't provide because I was innocent. They couldn't prove that I had any knowledge of those photos, let alone had taken them.

But innocence didn't matter. Perception became reality, and in the eyes of my classmates, I was a disgusting pervert, a threat to their safety and privacy. It didn't matter that there was no concrete evidence against me; the damage was already done.

I tried to defend myself, to explain that I was being set up, but no one wanted to listen. The whispers and rumors grew louder, painting me as a villain, a predator lurking in the shadows of our school.

I felt helpless, lost in a sea of mistrust and suspicion. Friends I thought I had drifted away, afraid to be associated with someone deemed so despicable. Teachers looked at me with wary eyes, wondering if there was any truth to the accusations against me.

The weight of it all was crushing. Every day felt like a battle, trying to navigate a world that had turned against me, trying to hold onto my sanity amidst the chaos.

But through it all, I held onto one truth: I was not the monster they painted me to be. I refused to let their lies define me, to let their judgment break me. Somewhere, deep inside, I found a strength I never knew I had, a resilience born from adversity.

The weight of betrayal and loneliness grew heavier with each passing day. I couldn't shake the feeling that my own brother, Issei, was behind all of this. His deep-seated hatred for me had always been palpable, simmering beneath the surface like a dormant volcano waiting to erupt.

I remember the countless arguments, the bitter words exchanged between us as children, the resentment that seemed to seep into every interaction. Issei's jealousy and animosity towards me were like a poison, slowly corroding any semblance of sibling bond we might have had.

When the accusations at school surfaced, I couldn't help but wonder if Issei was somehow involved. The timing was too perfect, too orchestrated to be a mere coincidence. But proving his involvement seemed impossible, especially when everyone around me had already deemed me guilty without a fair trial.

My family's reaction only added to the pain. Instead of standing by my side, they distanced themselves, treating me like a pariah within our own home. The looks of disappointment and disgust they cast my way cut deeper than any accusation hurled at me by strangers.

The final blow came when I was essentially disowned. The very people who were supposed to love and support me unconditionally had turned their backs, leaving me with no choice but to leave.

Moving into a small apartment felt like a cruel punishment, a stark reminder of how far I had fallen. The loneliness in those empty rooms echoed my shattered hopes and dreams. I longed for the warmth of family, for the comfort of familiar faces and laughter that once filled our home.

As I walked through the school corridors, the familiar weight of judgment and scorn bore down on me like a heavy burden. Every step I took seemed to amplify the piercing gazes of my peers, filled with disgust and disdain. It was a constant reminder of how quickly one's reputation could be tarnished, how easily lies could overshadow the truth.

Muryama and Katase, the tormentors who seemed to revel in making my life a living hell, were waiting for me like vultures ready to swoop down on their prey. Their words were like daggers, slicing through whatever semblance of confidence I had managed to muster.

Muryama:Look, it's the disgusting pervert

Muryama sneered, eliciting laughter from the surrounding students who eagerly joined in on the mockery.

Katase chimed in, her voice dripping with malice

Katase:How does it feel to know that everyone sees you for what you truly are? A pathetic excuse for a human being.

I felt a surge of anger and humiliation bubbling within me, but I clenched my fists and forced myself to remain calm. Reacting would only fuel their sadistic pleasure, and I refused to give them the satisfaction.

Instead, I took a deep breath and met their gazes head-on, refusing to cower in the face of their cruelty.

Me:You can say whatever you want

I replied evenly, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside me.

Me:But I know the truth, and so do those who truly matter.

Muryama and Katase exchanged smug glances, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Muryama:Oh, really? And who exactly are these 'important' people who still believe in you?

Muryama taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I straightened my posture, determined not to let their words break me.

Me:Myself, for starters

I retorted, a flicker of defiance igniting within me.

Me:And anyone with an ounce of intelligence and decency to see through your lies.

Their expressions darkened, realizing that their attempts to rattle me were failing. But they weren't done yet. They continued their verbal assault, hurling insults and accusations with increasing venom. Each word stung, but I refused to let them see me falter.

Finally, exhausted from their barrage of negativity, I simply turned and walked away. Their laughter echoed behind me, but I tuned it out, focusing on the distant glimmer of hope that someday, the truth would prevail, and I would no longer be a target for their malicious games.

In front of me stood Souna Shitori, the student council president, and Tsubaki, her vice president. They were like a formidable duo, their presence alone enough to send shivers down the spines of their peers. And now, they were focusing their attention on me, adding another layer of torment to my already tumultuous life.

Sona:You're late, Hydohou

Souna's voice cut through the air like a blade, cold and unforgiving. Her eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of disdain and superiority.

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me.

Me:I-I'm sorry, I lost track of time

I stammered, trying to keep my composure despite the anxiety gnawing at my insides.

Tsubaki's voice joined in, equally sharp and cutting.

Tsubaki:lost track of time, or just incapable of following simple instructions? You're lucky we haven't reported you to the principal yet.

I bit back the retort that rose to my lips, knowing that any defiance would only escalate the situation further. Instead, I opted for a more conciliatory approach.

Me:i'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Please accept my apologies.

Souna's expression softened slightly, though the disdain never truly left her eyes.

Souna:See that you do. We have standards to maintain here, and we can't have students like you dragging us down.

The implication was clear. In their eyes, I was nothing but a burden, a stain on the reputation of the school and its student council. It didn't matter that I was innocent of the accusations thrown my way, or that I was struggling to navigate a world that seemed determined to crush me at every turn.

"I understand," I replied, my voice tight with suppressed frustration.

Me:I'll do better.

Their gazes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if assessing whether I was truly contrite or merely putting on a facade. Satisfied, or perhaps just indifferent, they finally turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with a knot of resentment coiled in my chest.

The sudden turn of events left me stunned, frozen in disbelief as Souna casually handed down my punishment without a second thought. Three weeks of detention for being three minutes late—it felt like a cruel joke, a punishment far beyond what the situation warranted.

Me:But I was only—

I started to protest, my voice trailing off as Tsubaki's hand connected with my cheek in a sharp slap. The sting of her palm against my skin snapped me out of my shock, filling me with a mixture of anger and humiliation.

Tsubaki's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, her voice laced with venom as she leaned in close.

Tsubaki:How dare you talk back to us? Know your place, Hydohou, or the consequences will be even worse next time.

I gritted my teeth, fighting back the urge to lash out in return. Instead, I forced myself to remain composed, though the burning sensation on my cheek served as a constant reminder of the injustice I faced.

Souna, seemingly indifferent to the altercation, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

Souna:Are you done with your excuses, Hydohou? Or do you need another reminder of where you stand?

I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening with suppressed rage. "I understand," I forced the words out, my tone strained but controlled.

Me:I'll serve my detention without further complaint

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Souna turned and walked away, leaving me seething with resentment. Tsubaki shot me one last venomous glare before following her, the echo of her slap still ringing in my ears.

As I stood there, the weight of their authority bearing down on me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. It was a harsh reminder of the power dynamics at play, where those in positions of authority could wield their influence without consequence.

.The thought of escaping crossed my mind like a fleeting shadow, a desperate urge to flee from the relentless torment that seemed to follow me everywhere. Maybe leaving this school, this city, or even this country altogether would offer some respite, a chance to start anew where my past didn't define me.

But before I could even begin to consider my options, reality crashed down on me with a brutal force. A harsh blow to the back of my neck sent shockwaves of pain radiating through my body, jolting me out of my thoughts. I stumbled forward, barely managing to stay on my feet, only to find Issei standing there, a cruel smirk on his face, flanked by his friends Matsuda and Motohama.

Issei:Well, well, look who we have here

Issei sneered, his tone dripping with malice.

Issei:The pathetic little brother who thinks he can run away from his problems.

Matsuda and Motohama chuckled, their expressions twisted with sadistic pleasure as they closed in around me. The realization dawned on me like a cold wave—I was about to become the target of their violent retribution.

"Issei, please," I pleaded, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation.

Me:I haven't done anything to you. Why are you doing this?

Issei's laughter was like a dagger to my already wounded pride.

Issei:Oh, you haven't done anything? You ruined everything, Kousei. Our family, our reputation, everything!

His words were like venom, each syllable dripping with resentment and hatred.

I tried to reason with him, to make him see that I was not to blame for the chaos that had engulfed our lives. But my words fell on deaf ears as Issei and his friends launched into a vicious assault, their fists raining down blows upon me without mercy.

Pain exploded in every fiber of my being, but I refused to let them see my weakness. I gritted my teeth, trying to fend off the barrage of attacks, but their sheer numbers overwhelmed me.

Through the haze of pain and fear, I caught glimpses of faces passing by, indifferent to my plight. Some glanced over with curiosity, others with amusement, but none offered a helping hand. It was a stark reminder of my isolation, of how alone I truly was in this world.

As the beating continued, a bitter realization settled in my heart I was nothing but a punching bag to them, a scapegoat for their frustrations and insecurities. And in that moment of vulnerability, I vowed to myself that I would not be defeated, that I would find a way to rise above this brutality and reclaim my dignity.

But for now, I could only endure, clinging to the hope that someday, somehow, I would find a way out of this endless cycle of pain and suffering.

The throbbing pain in my body made each step a challenge as I dragged myself to class. The beating from Issei and his friends had left me bruised and battered, but I couldn't afford to miss any more classes, not with the constant threat of failing grades looming over me like a dark cloud.

As I limped into the classroom, the teacher's disapproving gaze fell upon me, and I braced myself for yet another reprimand.

Teacher:Hydohou, you're late again

he stated flatly, his voice tinged with irritation.

Me:I-I'm sorry, sir

I managed to choke out, wincing as I tried to straighten up despite the pain shooting through my body.

The teacher's eyes narrowed as he surveyed my appearance, taking note of the bruises and cuts marring my skin.

Teacher:What happened to you?

he asked, though there was little concern in his tone.

Me:I-I got into an altercation

I admitted reluctantly, not wanting to delve into the details of the brutal beating I had endured.

The teacher's expression hardened.

Teacher:That's no excuse for being late

he declared, his words like a punch to the gut.

Teacher:You should have been more careful. Detention after school today.

My heart sank at the injustice of it all. Here I was, visibly injured and in need of medical attention, yet all I received was a punishment for something beyond my control. I glanced around the classroom, hoping to find some sympathy or understanding, but the other students averted their gazes, unwilling to get involved.

Desperation clawed at my chest as I spoke up,

Me:But sir, I need to see the nurse. I'm in a lot of pain.

The teacher's response was dismissive.

Teacher:the nurse is busy. You'll have to wait until after detention.

The words hit me like a slap in the face, a stark reminder of how little my well-being mattered in the eyes of those in authority. Tears of frustration and pain welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them back, refusing to show weakness.

Throughout the rest of the class, I struggled to focus, the pain and discomfort making it nearly impossible to concentrate. Every minute felt like an eternity, each passing second a reminder of the injustice I faced.

When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the class, I hesitated, unsure of how I would make it through detention in my current state. But with a heavy sigh, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the designated detention area, steeling myself for whatever punishment awaited me.

As I sat there, the minutes ticking by agonizingly slow, I couldn't help but wonder how I had ended up in this situation. Was there no one who cared, no one who would stand up for me and demand justice? The questions echoed in my mind, unanswered and haunting, as I braced myself for the long hours ahead.