Every Sin Deserves Punishment - Chapter 5: Early Leave and a Letter

Chapter 5: Early Leave and a Letter

Upon escaping from the family restaurant and returning home, I was drawn to bed by drowsiness.

I woke up, took a shower, spread my textbooks out on the desk, and set my mechanical pencil into motion. I spent the day quietly, without going anywhere.

The following week, after meeting with my old friends, a topic came up during the short homeroom period.

A female student was being stalked, and a letter with disturbing content had been found in her locker at the entrance hall. Based on the content, the perpetrator was assumed to be someone outside the school.

By mid-morning, the classroom was still buzzing with talk about the stalker. 

The victim’s name was kept confidential, which only fueled speculation among the classmates about who the girl was.

Yoshiki, ever the gossip, stopped in front of my desk during break. 

“Ichigaya, who do you think the girl being stalked is?”

“Probably Nakiri.”

“From class one?”

“Yes, Nakiri Yukiha.”

I intentionally raised my voice a little. I kept it playful enough that I could pass it off as a joke if needed.

Nakiri Yukiha’s name was well-known throughout the school, as she had served as the freshman class representative.

Regardless of her personality, her appearance was attractive. I had heard that she had already received confessions from a wide range of boys from the first to the third year. Her name alone was enough to make people understand why she was being targeted.

Whether or not she was actually being stalked didn’t matter. If the rumor spread throughout the school, Nakiri’s student life would clearly become difficult.

What I was doing was clearly harassment.

I’m fully aware of it, but I have no intention of stopping. After all, it was me who wrote that disgusting letter, filled with the stench of sweat and desperation, as if it had come from a middle-aged man.

In this digital age, I had written a creepy message by hand with a ballpoint pen.

I even added drops of water and coffee to simulate the stains of sweat. To avoid detection, I had written the letter with my left hand, even though I’m right-handed. I had also thrown her outdoor shoes into the incinerator, making it seem like they had been stolen, adding a perverted touch to the letter.

I should just die. Even I think that. 

But it was to ruin Nakiri’s student life. I had to do what was necessary.

Because of the bullying I experienced in elementary school, I lost both my family and my time leading up to high school. Even now, consumed by revenge, I was wasting my precious youth.

My time has been frozen since elementary school. Unless I get back at the mastermind, Nakiri, my time will never move forward.

It’s a choice between being crushed by the trauma of the past or finishing my revenge and moving toward the future. This is a battle that puts my life on the line. I can’t afford to stop just because of a little self-loathing.

Four minutes before the break ended, I grabbed my bag’s handle and stood up.

“Where are you going with your bag?”

“I’m leaving early. I’m not feeling well. Tell the teacher for me, will you?”

“That’s fine, but can you go home alone?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’ll let the teacher know.”

“Thank you.”

I left the classroom, shaking off my guilt.

Noticing that the teacher was about to arrive, the students in the hallway rushed back into the classroom.

The scene of them rushing in as I walked out made me feel like I was someone important, and it felt good. Starting a business and becoming a company president in the future didn’t seem like a bad idea. Although, being a power-harassing boss would probably not be well-received by my subordinates.

The sound of the bell signaling the start of class echoed through the hallway.

It was about time that my early leave became known to the entire class. I didn’t think the teacher would chase after me, but there were teachers patrolling the school building. It was best to return home quickly.

I walked down the stairs, trying to keep my footsteps quiet.

The previous noise and bustle seemed like a lie. I was the only one moving in the silent hallway.

I felt like I had wandered into another world, and my heart was filled with excitement, as if I were on an adventure.

I was getting carried away. I took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to calm myself down.

What I’m about to do cannot be seen by anyone. A stalker, even a fake one, is still a stalker. If I get caught, it’s all over. I must not forget that.

The stalker incident was having the desired effect. If it became such a big rumor, it would come up in everyday conversations. Even if Nakiri wanted to forget, her surroundings would remind her.

Stalkers rarely just follow their targets. They usually escalate and make contact with their targets. They often make a fatal mistake, confess their love, and when rejected, they might resort to violent acts like stabbing.

Their very existence is a factor that can lead to death. No one would be unafraid if they knew they were being targeted.

Even the strong-willed Nakiri would be scared, not knowing when or where the stalker might appear. She would be so scared that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy her youth. I was going to take away her time, just as mine had been taken away.

My face was reflected in the hallway window.

What a terrible expression. I look like someone about to kill another person. With my fake blond hair, I even resemble a delinquent from a gangster manga.

This was the current me. ‘Shikura Yuu’ had retreated to the depths of my heart after my mother’s death, and the face reflected in the window glass was that of the avenger, ‘Ichigaya Yuu.’

I lifted the corners of my mouth with my index fingers, forcing a smile onto my face.

With this, I was safe. From any angle, I looked like a good young man. There would be no problem if I happened to greet a patrolling teacher.

I lowered my arms and laughed at my own narcissism. My strange laughter echoed through the hallway.

The self-proclaimed “nice guy” was about to engage in stalking. I’m sure the girl who spoke to me at the entrance ceremony would be shocked.

I won’t apologize for that. It’s unfortunate, but they should blame themselves for not having an eye for discerning one’s character.

I made my way to the entrance hall, my footsteps echoing.

In the dimly lit, empty space, there was no sign of anyone. I opened my locker and changed into my outdoor shoes.

It was currently during class time, so there was no risk of students witnessing my actions.

The patrolling teacher, as far as I could see in the hallway, wouldn’t be coming anytime soon. I was guaranteed absolute safety for at least ten seconds.

I stepped toward my target locker. Having placed two letters in there already, I knew exactly where Nakiri’s locker was.

Ah, the second time was a riot. When I opened her locker, there was another letter inside. I’m sure it was something along the lines of “please stop stalking me.” I left the envelope untouched and stacked my creepy love letter on top of it.

Now, what would be in there this time? I reached into my bag and took out a pair of gloves. I inserted my gloved hand into the bag and grasped the envelope, which was the key to my plan.

I reflexively stopped in my tracks.

“Huh?”

I was surprised by the unexpected situation.

My eyes met with chestnut eyes. She was wearing a well-pressed blazer and skirt, and her milk tea-colored hair flowed smoothly. Her elegant demeanor and eye-catching beauty were unmistakable.

“Why…”

Why was Nakiri here?

I searched for a reason and noticed the bag held by her delicate fingers.

At this time of day, there are only two reasons someone would be at the entrance with their bag. Either she was late, or she was leaving early. Knowing her reputation as a model student, it was likely the latter.

Why did she have to leave at this time?

“You…”

After a blink, her chestnut eyes fell on my hand.

She saw it.

She saw the letter. 

What should I do? What can I do? Use violence? Threaten her to keep quiet, or else?

But that would be…

“Huh?!”

I held my breath and turned back to the hallway I had just come from.

Footsteps were drawing closer.

The guaranteed ten seconds of safety had long passed. Was it a patrolling teacher? Or a student leaving early? Either way, it was two against one. The opportunity to silence her was lost.

It was a failure. I couldn’t continue with the love letter operation. I sighed and bit my lower lip.

It wasn’t over yet. I had considered the risk of being discovered. I didn’t just write with my non-dominant hand. I used technical terms and place names to create content that would make teachers and cleaning staff come to mind. It would be difficult to definitively identify me as the perpetrator based on the content.

The problem is the love letter in my hand. I just need to make it unreadable. I could run to the bathroom or, worst case, chew it up. Even if questioned by a teacher, I could play it off, saying I was just caught up in the incident.

I won’t stop. I won’t let a setback like this snuff out the fire of my revenge.

In this case, a stern warning or, at worst, suspension would be enough. As long as I wasn’t expelled, I could continue my revenge. I would reflect on this incident and plan my next move more meticulously.

“Come here.”

Just as I was prepared for some form of punishment, her soft fingers grasped my wrist, and the sweet scent that wafted from her made my nose tingle. The warmth of her body, transmitted through her fingers, took away most of my ability to think.

The dimly lit space became brighter. It seemed like we had left the entrance hall and were outside. I leaned against the wall, letting the footsteps from the hallway pass by.

I was saved.

Even in relief, my feet didn’t move.

A beautiful face was in front of my eyes. I couldn’t understand this situation at all. She must have seen the letter, but why did she defend me from the teacher? I had no idea.

“That’s a bad thing to do.”

My heart skipped a beat.

I swallowed hard and forced a practiced smile onto my face.

“What’s bad?”

“It’s the love letter. I understand that you can’t control your feelings, but right now, everyone is talking about that incident.”

“That incident…?”

My mouth stiffened. I hoped my voice wasn’t shaking.

Anyway, I had to stay focused. I could play the fool here. I had to divert Nakiri’s interest from the letter at all costs.

Nakiri’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You don’t know? It’s about the stalker. Don’t you think that sending a letter in this situation would naturally lead to misunderstandings?”

I felt like her words were going in one ear and out the other.

After a moment of confusion, I came to my senses and thought about it.

Misunderstandings? About me? Was Nakiri making a huge mistake?

Come to think of it, Nakiri had called it a love letter. She wouldn’t have called that disgusting letter a love letter. It was proof that Nakiri didn’t associate me with the stalker.

I laughed playfully and raised both shoulders.

Thank you, Nagiri, for being so foolish.

“Well, sending a letter alone might not be enough to achieve my goal. I thought I’d try to use the suspension bridge effect.”

“Isn’t that the psychological effect where people are more likely to develop romantic feelings in situations of anxiety or fear?”

“Yeah. I was aiming for that.”

The stalker incident was a hot topic. If a letter was found in the locker, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to think, “Oh no, I have a stalker too!” It would be like being on a swaying suspension bridge, a situation that would make anyone feel terrified.

The logic made sense. Even if it was a far-fetched argument, it was still a valid argument.

“I think there’s a slight difference in meaning.”

“No, there isn’t. I’m right. By the way, are you leaving early?”

“Yes. I don’t feel well.”

Nakiri lowered her eyes tiredly.

She must be tired. I had sent her a letter filled with stalker-like sentences, and there were mentions of it from her classmates. It was natural for her to feel mentally exhausted.

I smirked inwardly.

It seemed to have had more effect than I expected, and I was glad. I decided to continue without being satisfied.

“Are you leaving early too?”

“Yes. Well, see you.”

I bid farewell with her and headed towards the school gate.

I had successfully diverted the conversation. All that was left was to quickly create some distance.

“Wait.”

I stopped in my tracks at her call.

Could she have realized that I was the stalker who put the letter in the locker?

I maintained my smile and turned around cautiously.

“What is it?”

Could she be trying to blackmail me with the letter? Was she going to toy with me again? I held my breath and stared at her well-proportioned face.

Nakiri fidgeted with her delicate fingers.

“Um, if it’s okay with you, would you mind if I walked home with you?”

“Huh?”

This time, it was my turn to be surprised, and my eyes widened. Her pink lips pursed in the corner of my vision.

She didn’t seem to be joking. Could she have some scheme in mind?

I thought about it and smirked maliciously.

“What, are you lonely and want someone to walk with you?”

“Haha, maybe. I just feel like talking to someone right now.”

Nakiri shook her body self-deprecatingly.

I was surprised by her unexpected response. I had expected her to be strong, at least like the Nakiri I knew from elementary school, who stood up against those upperclassmen. She had a weakness for barking dogs, but there was only me and Nakiri here. Despite the stalker incident, I found it a little surprising.

I turned my back on Nakiri.

If I wasn’t exposed, then my job here was done.

“Why don’t you invite a friend? See you.”

“Ah…”

Her voice was barely audible, but I ignored it.

Being with Nakiri like this was a risk in itself. It was best to leave the school building as soon as possible.

But I saw something interesting. That anxious expression of hers was hilarious. I could just stand here at the entrance hall until after school and watch her all day, what a spectacle.

I put the letter back in my bag and took off my gloves. I recalled the expression Nakiri had shown earlier and smirked.

I thought of mocking her, but at that moment, a childhood memory flashed through my mind.

Nakiri, with her ponytail, cowered in fear before the fiercely barking dog. Just like the time I witnessed it back then, my chest tightened painfull

My feet stuck to the ground.

What was I thinking? I turned around and retraced my steps.

Nakiri, who had been bowing her head at the entrance hall, forced a smile.

“Did you forget something?”

“No.”

“Then why… oh, were you going to put a love letter in the locker? Sorry for interrupting you.”

“I’m not in the mood for that anymore. I don’t have the courage to do it in front of a girl.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I do.”

There was no way a boy would put a love letter in a girl’s locker when the girl was present.

The speed at which girls share information is incredible. The Nakiri I knew was discreet, but it was possible that she had changed over time. I couldn’t afford to be careless.

“I see. Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do.”

“Yeah. There’s nothing we can do.”

I stopped about two meters away and gestured with my eyes for Nakiri to follow.

Today, I was really acting strangely.

“Why are you stopping there?”

Her well-proportioned face looked puzzled.

Her mature beauty had a hint of childishness, and something felt like it was rising in my head.

“You’re so dense! I’m saying I’ll be your conversation partner!”

I raised my voice out of embarrassment.

I scared a girl with a disgusting letter, and now I was taking advantage of her weakened state.

What a match-pump situation. It’s almost as if I’m trying to win Nakiri over with romantic strategies.

I was aware of this, and my face flushed as if I had overheated in the bath. I felt like I was going to pass out from the heat. I hoped my blood wasn’t boiling.

Her chestnut eyes appeared and disappeared behind her eyelids.

Her face, which still had traces of her elementary school self, was adorned with a flower-like smile.

“Thank you.”

I responded by turning around. I heard the sound of her footsteps behind me as I passed through the school gate.

As I turned to the right, the swell of her chest appeared in the corner of my vision. She was walking beside me, and her sweet scent wafted towards me. My heartbeat, which I could feel in my left chest, quickened. Was this girl emitting caffeine from her body?

Two women who looked like housewives came into view ahead. As we passed by, I heard them whisper behind us, envying the young couple they said.

I realized that they were talking about us, and my earlobes felt like they were melting from the heat.

No, this is a strategy! It’s an alternative to the love letter tactic to shake things up!

I got the chance to contact my target of revenge, and I just improvised to make the most of this rare opportunity! I’m definitely not swayed by emotions!

I immerse myself in walking to forget the humiliating conversation.

How many minutes have I been walking? She still haven’t spoken.

It’s awkward. Why is she silent when it was her who wanted a conversation partner? Does she see me as a bodyguard?

That’s possible. Nakiri was scared, and it wouldn’t be strange for her to rely on a boy in case of a stalker attack. She might have even asked other boys for help.

Something is bubbling up inside me.

I can’t hold it in anymore, so I let it out in words.

“You’re popular, aren’t you?”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“I heard the rumors. You seem to be popular. You’re the girl who received a love letter from a passionate fan, right?”

I didn’t mean to provoke her, but the words just flowed out when I opened my mouth.

Nakiri frowns with her willow-like eyebrows.

“Stop calling the stalker that. It’s really scary to be known by someone you don’t know.”

I guess so. I wrote Nakiri’s full name on the letter, as well as her class and student number.

I also covered Nakiri’s social circle. After writing it, I felt like tearing it up myself. I’m proud of my literary talent.

“By the way, what’s your name again?”

“I’m Ichigaya. Call me Ichigaya-san.”

I intentionally kept my first name a secret.

I changed my last name, but I needed a special reason to change my first name. I couldn’t meet the conditions, so I had to enroll as ‘Yuu’, the same as before.

If she were to connect the dots with Shikura Yuu, it could be troublesome. I could have lied about my name, but it would be easily exposed if investigated later.

It’s wiser to take a method that doesn’t require revealing my name rather than raising suspicions.

“You’re forcing me to call you ‘san’?”

“Why do I have to be called by my first name by you when we’re practically strangers?”

For me, she’s an enemy, but from Nakiri’s perspective, ‘Ichigaya’ is a stranger. I can’t let ‘Shikura Yuu’ slip out, and I mustn’t talk like I used to.

“That makes sense, I guess? Then call me Nakiri-san too.”

“Okay, Nakiri-san.”

I felt like laughing when I said it.

I’ve been calling Nakiri by her first name ever since we first met. I don’t remember ever calling her ‘san’ when we were kids. A slight sense of loss stabs my heart.

“So, who were you planning to give the love letter to?”

“It’s a secret.”

“I won’t tell anyone though?”

“You commoner.”

I criticized her with a sneer.

Her translucent white cheeks puffed up slightly.

“That’s harsh. Isn’t there a better way to say it?”

“You plebian.”

“You know what I mean, right?”

“Yes.”

“As I said before, you should stop with the love letter.”

My sarcasm was ignored.

Feeling irritated and like I’d lose if I got mad, I tried to act mature.

“I understand. You want me to stop the love letter operation until the stalker is caught, right?”

Her flaxen hair swayed from side to side.

“No, it’s not that. The problem is with the act of opening the locker. Some people might not like it.”

“Oh, that.”

Indeed, some students might be concerned about the smell of their shoes. A timid girl might even cry.

But I’m not worried about that. I was opening Nakiri’s locker after all.

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

I nodded superficially, and Nakiri lowered her eyelids halfway.

“I’m serious.”

“I’m always serious. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“You’re definitely not.”

“I am.”

“No, you’re not.”

Yes, no, yes, no. I felt a sense of déjà vu from this childish exchange.

Before Nagiri got hit by that car, we used to argue over trivial things like this. As those memories of happier times resurfaced, I unintentionally felt my mouth relax. The ‘Shikura Yu’ within me began to emerge.

My mind was about to regress. I noticed and tightened my lips.

This comfortable feeling is poison. It’s a deadly poison that could kill ‘Ichigaya Yuu.’ If I’m to move forward, I shouldn’t let anything hold me back.

This is a good time. Now that we’ve gotten this close, it’s probably time to leave.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why did you defend me? You know about the stalker, right? When you saw the letter, didn’t you think I was the perpetrator?”

“I did.”

My breath stops. I quietly curl my fingers so I won’t be found out.

It’s okay. If Nakiri had seen through me, she wouldn’t have invited me to walk home together. She recognizes me and the stalker as different people.

Her words confirm my guess.

“But based on the content of the letter, I don’t think the stalker is a student. I also have personal feelings about this.”

“Personal feelings?”

I frowned and then understood.

Naliri spent her years as a student through both elementary and middle school. With her striking appearance, she must have had plenty of romantic opportunities.

From Nakiri’s perspective, she thinks I was about to put a love letter in a girl’s locker. She probably sympathizes with me, imagining me caught up in some romantic struggle, comparing it to her own experiences.

My jaw clenches, and my left chest hurts.

It’s frustration. Frustration over how, while I’ve been stuck, the one who started the bullying has been living their youth. Anger surged within me as I tightly, fiercely clenched my fists.

I shift my gaze back to the front and push Nakiri to the corner of my vision. I take a deep breath discreetly to calm myself.

“Did something happen in the past?”

“No, nothing. But I do want love to succeed.”

“Even if it’s someone else’s love?”

“Yeah. I may not look it, but I think I understand the pain of heartbreak.” 

I almost burst out laughing.

You’re funny. Someone like you understand that?

I clenched my cheeks from the inside, determined not to laugh.

“You seem to have a lot of experience in love. Got any advice for me?”

“All I can offer is advice for when the love falls apart.”

Curious, I glanced at her.

Nagiri was gazing up at the azure sky. But her chestnut-colored eyes seemed to be looking at something else entirely.