I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 60: [Jack-of-All-Trades] Academy Counseling File No.200 – Part Three

[Jack-of-All-Trades] Academy Counseling File No.200 – Part Three

A few days later, I went to see Arashikawa. Naturally, the reason was to learn more about him and his circumstances.

“Hey, Arashikawa—do you have any siblings?”

“Yeah, I do. But… that’s kind of sudden. Why do you ask?”

Ever since then, I’d been looking into Shirao, Se-chan, and Arashikawa’s older brother, but no matter how much I dug, I couldn’t find anything. Maybe it was due to his school district having fewer students, or maybe it was because he was almost always with Kizuki-san—or occasionally with his brother, making a trio.

So I figured the quickest way would be to just ask him directly. For the record, Kizuki-san wasn’t here today—apparently, she had something academic she needed to ask a teacher.

“You know, sometimes I get consultations that involve siblings. But I’m an only child myself, so I’m always wondering: what’s common? Do siblings usually get along, or not?”

“Ah, so that’s where this is going.”

It wasn’t a lie. I really did get a lot of those kinds of consultations. So asking around like this wasn’t particularly suspicious.

“So, Arashikawa—do you have an older brother, sister… or a younger sibling?”

“Yeah. Just one older brother.”

“Perfect. Do you mind if I ask a bit about him?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

As we chatted, I noticed something—surprisingly, Arashikawa wasn’t reacting negatively at all. Compared to how it was with Shirao, it was going smoothly. Not that Shirao did anything wrong, but I realized how important it is to give a proper reason when asking questions. Also, maybe I came on too strong when I first met Shirao… we probably just weren’t the best match.

But still, this was a valuable opportunity—I should ask what I can while I have the chance.

“So, are you close with your brother?”

“Hmm… I think so? I mean, I don’t think we’re on bad terms. He relies on me sometimes. But he’s got a lot of friends, so we don’t really hang out together much.”

“I see. What kind of person is he?”

At that moment—his expression lit up. A brilliant smile spread across his face.

“My brother is amazing!”

“…I-Is that so?”

His excitement caught me off guard, but I quickly composed myself.

“He’s got so many things I don’t have. He teaches me all sorts of stuff. Even things I can’t do—he can do them all.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! He’s athletic, has tons of friends, and lately he’s been recommending all these great manga to me. He knows so much about so many things—it’s awesome!”

“That’s… impressive.”

“Right? Isn’t he cool?”

He had gone from reserved to childlike enthusiasm in an instant.

Hearing that his brother is “amazing” made me pause. In some cases, that kind of admiration can lead to an inferiority complex—but in his case, that didn’t seem likely. Actually, it just seemed like a younger sibling who’s always looked up to their older brother.

“…You really love your brother, huh?”

“Of course! I’ve always wanted to be like him since I was little!”

Yep, no doubt—he’s the type who takes pride in his brother. Having a good relationship with family is a wonderful thing. At school, while Kizuki-san is around now, he used to be mostly on his own. Having someone at home he can rely on is a real strength.

“So, how about the rest of your family?”

As I asked that naturally, his expression clouded over.

“…My parents divorced. I live with my mom, but… she doesn’t always come home.”

“…Sorry. That was a bit too personal.”

“N-No, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got my brother. He’s helped me a lot.”

I apologized quickly, but Arashikawa responded with a gentle smile. It felt like that was the first truly natural smile I’d seen from him.

“Oh? So he’s close with his brother? That’s rare. Most sibling-related consultations lately have been messes.”

“Yeah. I learned a lot, but that’s definitely the biggest takeaway.”

“Then maybe we don’t need to worry much? I mean, sure, his home life is a little concerning, but if his brother’s taking care of things, there’s no need to dig deeper, right?”

“That’s… true.”

It was after school, in the science lab. I was reporting what I’d learned to Shirao and Se-chan while reflecting on it.

We’d learned about his brother, and while the family situation raised some concerns, it sounded like things were okay for now.

But as I was thinking that, Se-chan spoke up.

“Sh-Shigure-kun, is there something that’s still bothering you?”

“Well, yeah. What really bugs me is how little information we have.”

She showed me the notebook where she’d recorded our findings. I read it again, thinking hard.

“This has happened before too—when you only have one source of info, especially someone close like family, the perspective gets skewed.”

“Hmm. That’s true. But we’ve also seen the opposite happen, right? Like that guy… what was his name? The one who was nice to everyone but was secretly abusing animals. He looked great on paper, but kicked stray cats behind his house.”

“Yeah… good point.”

While I was deep in thought, Se-chan joined in.

“I think both of you are right. Shirao-kun is saying you can’t trust someone blindly, even if everyone speaks highly of them. Shigure-kun is saying one perspective isn’t enough and we need a broader view. That’s what you both mean, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then maybe the answer is simple—just gather more info and be cautious. We can do both.”

“Yeah. Sorry for sounding harsh.”

“No, I didn’t explain myself clearly either. Thanks for putting it into words, Se-chan.”

Se-chan really is invaluable in times like this. Both she and Shirao always help me where I can’t reach on my own. Having different perspectives really makes a difference.

“I get what you’re saying, Shigure. I’ll try a different angle. Next time, try to get his brother’s name for me.”

“Now that you mention it… I never asked. In that case, maybe Kizuki-san knows… Hey Se-chan, can you try asking her and let us know?”

“M-Me?”

“Yeah. She probably has things she’d rather talk to another girl about anyway. Like, if she asks for date spot recommendations, you’d be better at answering than I would. Think you can handle it?”

“I’ll… I’ll give it a try!”

Honestly, I really want someone besides me to connect with Kizuki-san too. Shirao probably still isn’t ready… and honestly, it’s just safer this way. That couple can both be pretty possessive.

“Got it. And Shirao—can you tell me exactly what you’re planning to do?”

“I was thinking I’d ask around. Someone’s bound to know Arashikawa’s brother—maybe someone who goes to the same high school. You try to find out which school that is, alright?”

“Makes sense. Got it.”

And with that, our discussion ended, and our next steps were set.

***

A week passed after that—but I hadn’t made any progress on my end.

Even when I tried checking in on Arashikawa during class breaks or lunch, Kizuki-san was always with him.

I didn’t want to interrupt them—it was obvious he was spending time with someone special. And having Kizuki-san ask about his brother… didn’t sit right with me. I’d heard that his brother hadn’t gotten into his first-choice high school, and considering how much he admired him, that could be a sensitive topic. If anyone was going to ask, it should be me—not her.

Shirao had told me there was no rush, so I’d decided to take my time. Se-chan had done her part though—she’d found out that his brother’s name was Arashikawa Haruki.

Then one day, on my way home after finishing something else at school…

“…Hmm? Is that Kizuki-san and Arashikawa?”

I spotted them walking together. Around here, seeing a boy and girl walking together was super rare—it would usually become gossip the very next day.

But… well, at this point, it was pretty obvious. People had already noticed Kizuki-san often went to talk to him. She didn’t mind being teased, and Arashikawa… didn’t really interact with others enough to be teased. If anyone did try, Shirao would shut it down.

This was worth keeping an eye on. Not too close—I didn’t want to eavesdrop, just observe.

“…They look happy.”

Kizuki-san mostly led the conversation, but both looked genuinely cheerful. Sometimes Arashikawa would speak, and she’d light up in response, her cheeks faintly blushing—an expression I’d never seen her show anyone else.

They really were an unexpectedly perfect match.

Maybe if things went well, other students would ease up too. Even if there was less than a year left… it could help.

“…Even if just a little, I want everyone to have happier days.”

If a year from now—or three, five, ten years—they can look back and say, “those were good times,” then I’ll be happy. That’s why I started taking love consultations in the first place. And so far, things were going well.

As I watched the two, they stopped in front of a large house. So this was Kizuki-san’s place… Wow, I’d followed them all the way here.

I was about to turn around when I stopped.

Arashikawa said something, and Kizuki-san nodded with a delighted smile.

…Wait—did something just happen?

As much as I wanted to stay and confirm, I couldn’t intrude any further.

If something came of it, I’d probably hear about it tomorrow or get a message.

***

To start with the conclusion — things turned out very differently from what I’d expected.

The next day after school, Kizuki-san spoke to me in the science lab.

“W-We’re going to have a study session at Haruma-kun’s house this weekend, in the afternoon. You know, finals are coming up soon, right?”

Hearing that, everything from yesterday suddenly made sense. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel impressed with Arashikawa — he’d really given it his all. It’s rare for a guy not to chicken out in moments like that. Given that they were childhood friends to begin with, it wasn’t like they were rushing things either.

“So, he invited me to come over Saturday afternoon. Ehehe.”

Kizuki-san looked genuinely happy. Of course, being invited by someone you like would make anyone happy.

“That’s great. Have fun.”

“Yeah! Thank you!”

I couldn’t say there was no reason to stop her… but looking at her smile, I just didn’t want to. Risk management is important, but obsessing over it can turn into unnecessary stress. After all, you can’t eliminate every risk completely.

Besides, when it came to Arashikawa Haruma, Kizuki-san probably knew more than I did. As far as I could tell, there was nothing dangerous about him. He just seemed like a quiet boy who adored his older brother.

“…Still, be careful, okay? If anything happens, call any of us.”

“K-K-Kizuki-san! If anything bad happens, make sure to say no, okay!?”

“I will! Hehe, thanks, both of you.”

It was a bit awkward to say as a guy, but thankfully, Se-chan said what needed to be said.

Of course, this was if anything bad were to happen. If not — and it wasn’t illegal or leading to pregnancy — I thought she should be free to make her own choices. I wasn’t even sure if middle schoolers could buy contraceptives, though…

Kizuki-san was a responsible person. I believed she’d be fine.

“Once the study session’s over, and… if there’s no need for more advice or anything, just let us know. Even just a word — if it’s hard to tell me, you can always talk to Se-chan instead.”

“Okay! …Guess I’ll have to pick out a cute outfit to wear.”

The usually composed Kizuki-san now had a dreamy, almost floaty look. She was even mumbling to herself.

Love really is powerful, I thought, and found myself smiling — this would probably all end well.

***

That week was quite hectic. Final exams were around the corner, and that always meant more people came seeking help with studies — especially since we were third-years prepping for entrance exams.

I spent lunch breaks and after-school hours helping different classes. Shirao and Se-chan often studied with me as well.

Despite that, I made time to investigate Arashikawa’s older brother… but didn’t turn up much. Kizuki-san had been spending a lot of time around Arashikawa lately, which may have complicated things.

Oh well — I thought I’d ask Arashikawa directly once things settled down.

And then… Saturday came.

That’s when it happened.

After lunch, I was helping an elderly woman who lived nearby with her grocery shopping when my phone vibrated in my pocket.

I told her I’d take the call — it was Shirao.

“Shigure!”

“Shirao? What’s wrong?”

He sounded panicked — so much so I had to ask again. Then he told me the reason.

“It’s Arashikawa — something’s seriously wrong!”

“…Which one?”

“The older brother! I just ran into someone who knows him!”

“Tell me everything. Calmly, slowly — focus on clarity.”

Shirao was rattled, but he paused to take a deep breath and then continued.

“You know that guy, Matsuyama, from my class? He was meeting up with some elementary school friends, so I tagged along — to ask if any of them knew Arashikawa’s brother.”

“You really went that far… thanks, Shirao.”

“I don’t half-ass things when I’m helping you.”

Shirao was shy, but this was who he truly was. No wonder Se-chan liked him. But there wasn’t time for small talk — I waited for more.

“And — I found someone. They knew Arashikawa’s brother. One of them even went to the same high school. I got them to call someone who knew him too!”

“So how do we know it’s really him? The name?”

“Yeah. His name’s Arashikawa Haruki. Said he had a quiet, obedient little brother — and that the kid’s in his third year of middle school.”

“Hmm.”

Same name, and the brother’s description matched. “Obedient”… that word felt disturbing, but it tracked.

“Any other proof?”

“Yeah. Recently, he lent his brother some manga, and the kid got really into it. Didn’t he talk about that recently?”

“…Yeah, he did.”

There was no doubt now — it was Arashikawa’s brother. Which meant…

“Is there a problem with him?”

“Yeah. He dropped out of high school. Happened this year.”

“Why?”

“Sexual assault. Against a female student.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“And apparently, he recorded it… sold the video to some delinquents he hung out with. Might’ve even uploaded it online.”

“…Hold on. My head’s starting to hurt.”

The sheer weight of information made me dizzy. Could Arashikawa’s brother really be… a criminal?

And then it hit me. Something terrifying.

“…Wait. Today, Arashikawa’s brother…”

“Wait — I’m not done.”

I was about to run — Kizuki-san flashed through my mind — but Shirao stopped me.

“Shigure. Arashikawa Haruma is a brother-loving little brother, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“Worst-case scenario — second worst, I mean — is that he doesn’t know about his brother’s crimes… and Kizuki-san is in danger.”

My heart thudded painfully. That was only the second worst?

“The worst is… that Arashikawa Haruma offered Kizuki-san to his brother.”

“W-Wait. No way —”

“The guy said he had an obedient little brother who’d do anything. That doesn’t seem so far-fetched now, does it?”

The memory of their study session came rushing back. Arashikawa had invited her to his house…

“It’s all just hearsay. I don’t have proof — but rumor has it, when Haruki committed that assault… his brother was filming it with a smartphone.”

“No way…”

“I want to believe that too.”

At that moment, my phone vibrated again — a long buzz. It was a call. From Kizuki-san.

I tried to tell Shirao — but the call dropped before I could speak.

“Shigure!? What happened!?”

“I just got a call from Kizuki-san. But it ended right away.”

“WHAT!?”

“Sorry, I’m hanging up. I’ll call her back.”

I redialed, remembering what I told her — to call if anything happened.

She didn’t pick up.

I took a deep breath. I couldn’t think clearly otherwise.

I told the elderly woman I had an emergency, apologized, and turned away. She called after me not to worry — I was grateful.

Then I called Shirao back.

“Shigure!?”

“She didn’t answer.”

“What now!? What are you going to do!?”

“I’m going to Kizuki-san’s house. I found out where she lived recently — it’s close. If anyone’s home, I’ll explain and ask if they know Arashikawa’s address. If not, I’ll ask the neighbors.”

I ran. My mind racing for what I could do — and what Shirao could.

“Shirao, call the police. I’ll send you Kizuki-san’s address. If I find Arashikawa’s house, I’ll send that too. I’ll message you anything else important.”

“Got it!”

“Also… please tell my mom. We need adults on our side, just in case. If this turns out to be a mistake, I’ll apologize to everyone later.”

“Don’t say dumb stuff! If we’re apologizing, we’ll do it together! What else!?”

“…That’s it for now. I’ll contact you again if something comes up.”

“Roger!”

I stuffed my phone in my pocket and ran. Maybe I shouldn’t go alone. Maybe I should wait for the police.

But what if I waited — and it was too late?

If the police got there before me, perfect. I’d let the professionals handle it from there.

That was my hope as I ran. But five minutes later… that hope was crushed.

When I arrived at Kizuki-san’s house — a pretty fancy one — no one answered the door.

I rang again. Still no response. Gritting my teeth, I turned to ask the neighbors.

Finally, at the third house, someone knew Arashikawa and gave me his address.

I thanked them and ran. After about two minutes, I saw a house with a dark red roof — just as described. The nameplate read “Arashikawa.”

There were two cars parked in the driveway.

I remembered hearing that Arashikawa’s mother was the only adult at home. But if Haruki was a third-year high school student, and it was still June, it seemed unlikely that he’d already turned 18…

And yet, this seemed off.

I noticed something else. Curtains covered only one room — likely the living room — while the rest of the house was bare.

I sent the address to Shirao. His reply came quickly.

“Hold on.”

Just as I was about to enter, I stopped. I waited.

Ten seconds later:

“I’ll be there in five. I’m in a police car now.”

“Got it.”

Five minutes.

…That was all I had.

If the rumors were true, then even five minutes could mean photos or videos being taken. That was something I couldn’t allow.

Five minutes — I could buy that much time.

Heart pounding, I pocketed my phone.

“…Alright.”

I didn’t ring the doorbell. I entered.

If this was a misunderstanding, I’d apologize to everyone later. That was better than the alternative.

I moved through the yard and approached the door.

It was unlocked.

The moment I opened it, voices came from the living room.

“Huh? Who is it? Did you invite more guys?”

“What? Didn’t you call them? You like sharing, don’t you?”

“No, I only called you guys. Haruma, go check.”

“Y-Yes!”

The words were disturbing — I charged in, shoes still on.

I collided with a figure and burst into the living room.

If I was wrong — I’d apologize. I’d apologize to everyone, even my mom.

Please, let me be wrong.

“Wha!?”

“Who the hell!?”

But my hopes were shattered.

“Mmmph! Nn—!”

There in the corner of the trashed living room — Kizuki-san.

Her arms and legs were tied to the sofa and table with ropes, her clothes torn, left in only her underwear — the outfit she’d carefully picked to impress him.

And around her — a group of men.

I didn’t think. I just moved.

“AAAAAARGH!!”

I screamed and charged, shoving aside two stunned men. I threw my jacket over her, just to give her some cover, however little it helped.

Then I stood in front of her, bag in hand.

“Who the hell are you?”

The man in the center — tall, blonde, glaring — looked to the hallway.

“Hey, Haruma. Is he your friend?”

“Ugh… Y-Yukitsuki-san? Why…?”

“Yukitsuki? That sounds familiar.”

So this was Arashikawa’s brother — Haruki. The guy we could never find anything about… until now.

“What is this, Arashikawa?”

“Ow… Can’t I do what I want?”

“Not when you’re involving Kizuki-san.”

Haruma approached, rubbing his butt where I’d knocked him over.

“You really don’t see anything wrong with what your brother is doing?”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“It’s a crime.”

“So what?”

That smile — it was the same one he always wore at school.

…It hadn’t changed at all. That terrified me.

“Did you invite Kizuki-san here for your brother?”

“Yep! Yukitsuki-kun, did you know? Videos like this sell for a lot of money.”

“For money…?”

“My brother’s doing it for money. I’m doing it for something else. But now he’ll finally let me join his crew!”

Just like at school, he smiled at his brother.

“Right, Haruki? I bring in Toki-chan, film her — and I’m in. Plus I lose my virginity too!”

“Exactly!”

I couldn’t process it. Too much. Too fast.

“Why do you just go along with your brother like this?”

“…? I don’t get it. He saved me. So I help him — that’s only natural, right?”

“Even if it’s a crime? Even if it ruins someone’s life?”

“But he’s not hurt. He’s happy.”

Arashikawa Haruma was insane.

I reached a conclusion and forced myself to accept it. Was it madness disguised as love for his brother? Or blind devotion? Perhaps their family situation had something to do with it.

I tried to ask more, but one of the men surrounding Arashikawa’s older brother stepped in and blocked me.

“That’s enough, right? Let’s just beat the hell out of this middle school brat and leave him there.”

“Yeah… Wait, hang on. You in love with Toki-chan or something?”

Arashikawa’s brother turned to me with a smug, twisted smile on his face.

“Oh, that’s rich. Even if you’re not, let’s just say you are. We’ll beat you up, tape your mouth shut, and give you a front-row seat to the show. Stuff like that sells even higher. Jackpot for you, Haruma.”

“Really!? That’s great…! You’re amazing, big bro! How do you even come up with this stuff!?”

“…You’re nothing but human trash.”

Sweat rolled down my cheek as I swallowed hard. Still, it was fine. Even if they hit me—I just needed to buy time.

—Or so I thought.

In that moment, I heard it.

A distant siren.

At the same time, the men all flinched.

“…You. You called them, didn’t you?”

“Called who?”

“Huh? Maybe it’s unrelated? …No, wait.”

The room froze. Only the wail of sirens filled the silence. They were getting closer—louder—until one finally stopped just outside.

“It was you, wasn’t it!?”

“You’re the fool for thinking I’d come charging in without a plan.”

I’m not some lone-wolf hero who can do everything by himself. I know I can’t, which is why I always rely on the people around me.

This time… I’d made mistake after mistake—enough to hate myself—but at least, just at the end, luck was on my side.

“You little shit, Haruma!”

“Y-Yes, big bro!”

“Kill him! I gave it to you earlier, didn’t I!?”

Haruma jumped at his brother’s shout, and from the back of his waistband, he pulled out—
A knife.

“So that’s what you threatened Toki-san with.”

“Shut up! Don’t interfere with my brother!”

“…I should’ve asked more about your brother at school. Then I might’ve seen your real face.”

That knife in his hand—it was a real threat. If I’d been any closer, it would’ve been dangerous.

If only I had dug deeper about his brother back at school—maybe I’d have seen this side of him. But that thought was far too late now.

Haruma lunged at me, knife raised.

I hurled my phone straight at his face—aiming for his nose.

“Guh—!”

“Not thinking things through actually makes you easier to deal with!”

The phone struck him squarely, but he didn’t stop charging. Still, he was shaken. I took the chance to grab the knife and throw it aside.

That’s when the front door slammed open. Heavy footsteps thundered in.

“Police! Hands in the air! …Yukitsuki-kun!?”

“…So it was Officer Hirai-san and the others.”

Two police officers stormed in. One of them I recognized—he worked at the local police box. I’d seen him help with lost children, returned wallets—he was someone who looked out for the community.

One of the men glanced at me. I pointed the knife at him, and he clicked his tongue in frustration. I was worried they might take me hostage, but taking that knife away was the right call.

More officers followed in after them—

And just like that, it was over.

The incident had come to an end.

No… It couldn’t be called a mere attempt.

It hadn’t escalated to rape only because they hadn’t had time to record anything yet—but still, it was attempted sexual assault. There were bruises on her body—likely from when she struggled. Her clothes had been cut with scissors.

But above all—

The deepest wound was the one carved into her heart.

That’s why I couldn’t bring myself to say it was “just an attempt.”