I Was Falsely Confessed to and Exposed in Front of Everyone, so I Jumped off the Roof - Chapter 7

It happened right after I went to see Amaha and got turned away. My parents and I were called in by Watajima’s lawyer.

“Could you please stop asking to meet or apologize to Amaha?”

The office was plain and cold. Outside the window, the tall buildings rose up. Even I, who didn’t know much about the adult world, could tell this was a very powerful law firm.

“There hasn’t been any action from Amaha’s side yet. At this stage, we cannot make a move ourselves.”

“That’s right! Ruika! What on earth are you thinking!?”

I couldn’t accept it. I had done something wrong.

“I have to apologize. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Yes. That’s common sense. You’re not wrong.”

The lawyer said. But he glared at me sharply with his eyes.

“Let me be clear. You are trash. I personally think you should be exposed online, toyed with, punished, and completely ruined. That’s what I think.”

“Then why?”

“You have a right to defense. As a lawyer, I cannot allow private punishments through SNS or messages. That would disturb a healthy society. This is my moral duty as a legal professional. That’s why I’m defending you.”

I felt his contempt. And he was right. I had done enough to deserve it.

“Children have limited power. Even if justice is on your side, punishments must happen properly through the law. That’s what I tell myself. This incident is that serious. Thanks to online security and various laws, you are protected from the public’s anger. I want you to understand that.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“That’s not what you want. It’s your family who wants this. Because of what you did, they could even lose their jobs. You’re putting your family in danger. The legal team is doing everything they can to stop that. You need to understand that.”

The lawyer probably thought he couldn’t waste time dealing with a foolish child. I had done something wrong. And yet, I was being protected, and it felt wrong. But there was nothing I could do. Nothing at all.

“Anyway, just stay quiet. I don’t like it either. Why did I even become a lawyer… Haa. There’s no justice anywhere…”

Everyone was stuck, caught in some kind of trap. And I was the one who caused it. I couldn’t even say sorry. I knew I was wrong, but I wasn’t smart enough to put it into words.

♢

I was wandering around the city. Just aimlessly walking the streets of Ikebukuro, the same places I had walked with Amaha.

“I should’ve gone into the music store with him.”

I crouched in front of the shop, glaring at the bass. Would I never see him play it again? Would I never be in his eyes again? No matter if I wore a shorter skirt or showed a little cleavage. He wouldn’t see me. I wanted him to see me. See me, see me, see me.

“Excuse me, can I talk to you?”

Someone spoke to me. I turned and saw a very tall woman. She was wearing a flashy Aloha shirt and a long skirt. A really unique outfit.

“What is it? If this is a religion, I’m not interested.”

“Saying that actually shows you need God. But whatever. Let me introduce myself.”

She handed me a business card. Manwa Art Entertainment, Manwa Ryouko.

“An adult service? AV?”

“You don’t know us?! We’re a cutting-edge talent agency producing all kinds of idols!”

I looked her up on my phone. It was true. I even recognized some of the idol groups listed.

“Yes. So?”

“So? You know what that means. I’m scouting you.”

“Me?”

“You.”

The woman’s eyes sparkled.

“I can smell raw talent from you. Why don’t you come to our agency? We just need to talk.”

“That sounds shady.”

“You can call the police if you want. I’m confident enough to handle that.”

I wasn’t interested at all. I knew being an idol meant shaking hands with fans. I looked at my pinky. The soft touch of Amaha’s fingers was still on me. I didn’t want anyone else to replace that.

“I’m not interested.”

“Really? But you have nothing to do, don’t you? I’ve seen lots of girls over the years. I can tell. You want to do something, but you can’t. You hate yourself for it.”

She had hit the mark. But I refused to play along. I ignored her and walked toward the station.

“I will give you my card! I’ll be around here again, so don’t forget!”

She called after me, but I didn’t respond. Even if I became an idol, it wouldn’t erase my guilt. It was something I didn’t need.