Just as Kuro's said, the next day feels like a rush. Kuro seems distracted yet very full of thought. Always keeps his laptop with him. From picking up Shiko from her room in the morning to after breakfast, he thinks, writes in his phone and now and then, Shiko says something he could think about as well. Just, trying to help. During the breakfast, he doesn't play word ping pong with Haru or Erika. If any "funny comment" is said, he ignores it. And again like he said; after the classes are over, he immediately heads to his room. When Haru is there, tells him not to disturb him. Because his friends are around, he doesn't overwork himself too far and gets enough food. In no time, the day of the empathy conference arrives
Students seat themselves down. Shiko, Haru, Aiko and Erika are fairly close to the front. There is a small curtain separately on the stage. Yami and Ningyo or, Nexus; who's wearing a black mask are seated in the front. Shiko takes deep breaths. Haru whispers to Shiko
Haru: So- can you give us a general idea of... what is about to happen? He asks curiously and tilts his head like a puppy. Shiko lightly sighs and looks a bit down
Shiko: I actually... don't know...? She says a bit hesitantly I thought we were going to explain? Empathy? And try to get people to understand our purpose but... I have no idea what he kept writing and writing about... she averts her eyes he is doing this one alone... I don't know anything except that his mood went down since he worked on it with-.... Haru lets out a *hm?*, Shiko stops herself By(!)... himself... Erika pinches Shiko's cheek from the seat next to her
Erika: Stop with the long face. It's not like he's gonna cause harm, remember the stunt he pulled at the beginning of school? A huge f you to the people who trust the system? Shiko looks at her, lightly smiles and nods. Aiko reaches over from next to Haru and ruffles Shiko's hair
Aiko: It's gonna be alright. Trust us. And- trust Kuro Shiko looks at her and nods again before the back of her seat feels kicked. All 4 of them look back, it's Nagisa, and Lucy next to her. Standing. Nagisa plays innocent and slowly smirks
Nagisa: Oops!~ Sorry, I didn't mean to bump. Her expression turns a bit mad and eyes get cold. She looks at Erika who looks a bit uncomfortable Hello. Erika. Erika lets out a short sigh and averts her eyes I see you're getting really comfortable with the nobodies. She rolls her eyes and here i thought you could have had even the tiniest worth. You're- she sighs a joke. She glances at Lucy who looks tired and bothered. Erika slowly looks at her as well
Lucy: I... can't believe I- she looks at Nagisa very briefly and looks back at Erika used to call you, my friend. Erika feels her insides heat up a bit, she hesitantly opens her mouth to bite back but gets interrupted but Aiko getting up quickly
Aiko: Hey!. Her voice echoes for a second before it gets covered up by murmurs of students sitting down. Nagisa and Lucy look at Aiko, looking unentertained. That is my friend you're talking to. She stares into Nagisa's eyes with no hesitation, Nagisa sigh and rolls her eyes
Nagisa: And? Did you forget how she treated you befo- Aiko interrupts her
Aiko: No. No I did not but her heart's in the right place. Not like you would know anything about having a heart. Haru puts his hand on Aiko's arm, she looks down at him Don't- try to stop me. Haru sighs and gets up. He turns to Nagisa and Lucy with a smile
Haru: Ladieees!~ a light smirk appears on Lucy's face. Aiko clicks her tongue, sits back down and crosses her arms. Nagisa lifts an eyebrow Heeey, the conference is about to staaart~ he lightly ruffles Aiko's hair, Aiko pushes his hand away. Haru looks at Nagisa I'm sorry that this pretty lil gingersnap-cookie right here was expecting so much from you. Like what did she think? That an ex-emo was gonna wear her heart on her sleeve? He lightly giggles. The others including Lucy all look confused while Nagisa gets a bit pink with extremely wide eyes. Then; Aiko and Erika start looking a bit entertained while Shiko is still quite confused
Nagisa: H-How do you...? What?!- she says confused and unsure if she should be loud or not. Haru lightly giggles again
Haru: I read it somewhere? Nagisa quickly shakes her head no
Nagisa: No. I know that's not true. You're- you're making things up. Haru shrugs with a big smile
Haru: Meh- "Mama we're all full of lies" am I right? Aiko closes her mouth to not laugh, Nagisa grunts and looks at Lucy, sorta pissed
Nagisa: We are leaving. The conference will start. She takes a deep breath let us. Find our seats somewhere, away(!). From these losers. She walks off annoyed, Lucy quickly follows her and Haru waves his fingers goodbye at them
Haru: Ta-Ta~ he smiles and sits back down. Erika genuinely smiles, Aiko slowly pushes her fist onto Haru's arm. Shiko looks around, still a bit left in the dark
Erika: Thank you both... that was- literally the best thing I've ever seen- she giggles. Shiko looks at Haru who's next to her
Shiko: I'm... confused...? How did you get under her skin like that....? Aiko nods
Aiko: Yeah how did you know?? She asks curiously. Haru lets out a big sigh of relief and giggles once more
Haru: I do my research~ I know a little bit of everything about everyone~ I'm so loveable aren't I?~ Aiko rolls her eyes and flicks the side of Haru's head. Shiko giggles and slowly, the lights start to dim down.
Kuro walks on stage with a mic and stops in front of the small curtain. Lights shine on him. All the students in the hall slowly look at him. Shiko, meets his eyes and holds her breath. His eyes look more lifeless and uncertain than usual. She takes a deep breath
Shiko: "Please let this turn out alright..."
Kuro taps his mic
Kuro: Hello all students who could gather here without much explanation on what for! He walks around the stage a bit as he talks I wanted to bring people in to talk about the one thing that everyone in this school needs a lot. more. of. He seriously looks around the students, a few murmur within each other. Shiko gulps Empathy. Some students look confused, some look around, a few get up to leave, Kuro immediately continues
You see- Everyone in this school, one way or another follows the so called perfect system it's placed on us while some just survive under it. Aiko looks over and sees that Shiko seems tense. She pokes Haru and points to Shiko. Haru hums to get Shiko to look at him. He whispers
Haru: Relax... it's going to be okay... Shiko lets out a light sigh and hums that she understood. They both look back at the stage. Kuro keeps slowly walking around as he speaks into the mic
Kuro: The excuse of this school is that the "real world" will be oh so cruel and that this school can realistically prepare you for it. He stops and looks around at students Bullshit. He says with confidence. Almost all of the few people getting up sit back down. Kuro continues walking around slowly You see- President Zero says we are either here because of such a cruel world of our family not caring how we are treated OR we don't have enough income. He walks in front of the curtain in the middle of the stage and stops, he turns to the students again Maybe most of us don't have the best families if any family at all, maybe they- or you(.) barely make enough money for this school. He looks at Shiko and back at everyone else But can't anyone notice how many excuses our school system puts on the table for us?.
Because nobody, no teacher or no upperclassmen care- Bullying is encouraged. As if it puts one in a position of power. He makes eye contact with a few people in the crowd How many of you have been beaten up before?- don't answer that. He takes necessary pauses now and then to get all of his points across If you've beaten up someone before, I'll think you've experienced similar shit thrown your way as well before, so you would know how it feels? Or- maybe you're just afraid of it ever happening, so you "know your place" under the "oh so perfect" rules. The students are mostly silent. Nobody even talks within themselves. Kuro lets out a short sigh and holds out his arm to the side
If I broke my arm right here, would you all be able to feel that? Silence of course not, but if you've experienced something similar before, you could imagine how much it could hurt. He puts his arm down and even if you haven't experienced anything of the sort, WOULD you want me to break your arm? He takes a few steps ahead towards the students. It's dead silent. Shiko feels herself breath sort of heavily
Shiko: "This... isn't so bad.... It- might really be okay..."
Kuro: I would think you wouldn't want such a thing. And- when so many of you hurt people. Do you feel proud? He looks around Do you feel their pain, echo back on your body?. Silence again Maybe some of the people you've hurt are sitting here as well. Somewhere near you. He makes eye contact with a few students again It's not weak to say you're sorry. It's not inhuman. He smiles mockingly Though I don't take inhumane as such a rough word. After all, we here are all human and look how much harm can arise from one school. "Nexus" from the front giggles shortly. Kuro's expression falls again I want to believe you all have at least thought once or twice, "why am I just following along?" Or at least thinking the system could be wrong. I mean- Our FOOD is separate. A befalled expression falls on his face The "REAL world" won't give so much of a shit-...
Girls, Women can learn how to fight. To protect themselves. We shouldn't have to give them extra reasons to but they can. Boys, Guys, Men- whatever you call it can smile, can cry, can say sorry. Can like poetry. Anyone else, anyone- can be however way they want to be. Shiko lightly smiles. Kuro lets out a breather again and his expression disappears I'm not here thinking I look "pathetic" like some of you might be thinking right now. I am standing up because so many of you stayed insignificant on this stupid system and just- followed along. You were sheep. Maybe you thought you couldn't make a difference. He slowly looks at Shiko But you can. Even without Kuro having much of an expression, Shiko's smile gets a bit warmer.
He takes a few steps back and opens the small curtain. Zero is there, tied to a chair, mouth taped, eyes filled with rage. Many, many students gasp and their eyes open wide. Including Shiko. Her eyes even get teary a bit. Kuro pushes the curtain aside and stands next to Zero. His eyes almost seeming like they're spiraling
Shiko: "Kuro.... What are you do-" Haru interrupts her train of thought with a whisper while facing the stage
Haru: What- are you doing man...? Shiko takes a shaking breath. Kuro faces the students again
Kuro: THIS man. Student Council President, Zero Tetsu. He who thinks his word is absolute.
He hides under the system and sees himself in a position of power WHICH we let him do. "This is a school, there are rules." Well this is- NO average school. He looks at Zero who shakes in place, trying to get free from where he's tied. Feeling humiliated.
This man, is the one person which I'll say needs the most empathy in this school. He looks at the students with empty eyes filling with spiraling thoughts from within
We all remember when he shocked the spooky scary vice President Yami. Supposedly; unless we obey, we'd have devices we'd have to wear where we'd get shocked if we were to try to attack the student council. Silence in the conference room overwrites the air. It feels hard to breath with anxiety flowing around. Shiko's eyes open wide. She notices that she can't see Zero's wrists with how he's tied
Well.... That's not exactly how it works...
Shiko: "No.... He wouldn't..." she looks at Haru who seems mildly panicked and uncomfortable. She quickly looks back on stage and notices the ring Kuro is wearing
Kuro: You reap what you sow... he presses the button on the ring which causes the shock bracelets to go off. Zero starts getting electrocuted and his face twitches in pain with wide eyes. Many students gasp. Tears start flowing from Shiko's eyes
Shiko: "This isn't him.... It's Ningyo's fault... I know it is.... But why am I now so... afraid...." She covers her mouth. Erika and Aiko look very shocked. Haru stands up and yells
Haru: Kurosaki!. Kuro's eyes twitch and he closes the electricity immediately. Zero looks out of breath and mumbles in pain. Kuro stays silent a few seconds before snapping out of it and looking around at the faces of the shocked and for some, terrified students. He coughs shortly to clear his breath. Pulls the mini curtain in front of Zero and looks at the students. Haru sits back down.
Kuro: He experienced only a little of a pain he would give to any one of us now. He starts walking around a bit, looking slightly more nervous yet eyes looking more collected. Ningyo chuckles a little under his mask.
The idea, of empathy is putting yourself in place of others- I don't care. If you students think this is some nice guy bs. I don't care if you look down on me, I COULD beat up so many people here yet I would not because I know I wouldn't want to be hurt myself. He stops walking around and just looks at the students I apologize if what you've seen today was harsh but do think of my point. Do see that you don't have to follow along with this stupid system and unless you are literally 3, THINK before you act. He falls silent for a few seconds. Shiko slowly calms her breaths. Aiko and Erika look at her as well. Haru sits cross armed. That's all... he closes the mic and puts it on and stand. Some applause gets started and actually continues for a bit as Kuro leaves the stage. Yami and Ningyo with a mask also get up. Ningyo goes besides the stage and closes the main curtain to take Zero away. Yami Stands in front of the main curtain and looks at the students sitting with empty eyes. Applause dies down. It's silent for about a minute
Yami: Out. He says loud enough for everyone to hear in that silence. His deep voice sending chills down the spines of many students
Everyone starts getting up and leaving. Including Shiko, Aiko, Erika and Haru. They head outside to get some fresh air and finally breath. Yami leaves to go to the student council room to find Kuro walking around back and forth, Tsubasa rubbing the side of his head, seated at the table and Ningyo laying on a couch. He closes the door, walks in and sits on his own couch at the corner of the room. Ningyo giggles
Kuro: IT'S NOT FUNNY. I CAN'T BELIVE- how blind you made me- I wasn't thinking at all... shit. Shit... SHIT. Ningyo rolls his eyes with a smirk
Ningyo: Relaaax, its not like your reputation changed. It's hilarious that despite everything you've done under covers, the only thing you might possibly get in trouble for is slamming the piano keys so hard the other day he looks at his own nails, without a care in the world. Then, looks up at Kuro
Kuro: THAT was on you. YOU asked me to!- He yells, Ningyo gets up in front of him quickly and yells back with a big smile and a twisted look in his eyes
Ningyo: NOT LIKE U HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING I SAY!?- I'm a psychotic fuckin serial killer! He lowers his voice and quickly ruffles Kuro's hair You're really damn stupid sometimes Kuro-Chan~ Kuro slaps his hand away and holds him from the color of his shirt
Kuro: WATCH IT. I swear to fucking god I want to kill you right now. Ningyo interrupts him
Ningyo: Why don't you try? Worse case, you're just as bad as us~ Would be fun to see you attempt~ Today HAS just been so much fun you know?? he giggles and pushes Kuro off of him, he playfully spins You were SO easy to manage without your little white Kitty to cool your nerve~ he giggles again, Kuro takes a step towards him and yells
Kuro: WATCH IT I SAID. Ningyo jumps back onto the couch he was previously laying on and puts his arms behind his head comfortably
Ningyo: Plus Plus!- he speaks as if holding in laughter if you shocked him when he shocked Yami, for the excuse of EMPATHY- you'd have to shock yourself to understand Zero no? He giggles Come onnn- It was well deserved!!~ Kuro turns around and keeps walking aimlessly, pissed off
Kuro: YOU FUCKING PLAYED ME- I don't even know WHY I went along with it. AGH.
Ningyo: Gimme some credit hereee!~ It's my jobbb, talent(!) even~ I had my fun and to be honest, it wasn't POINTLESS- with a school like this, a snapping moment gets the point across better than anything! Trust me on this one he yawns. Tsubasa rolls his eyes from where he's sitting and looks over at him
Tsubasa: You did push it this time. Kuro isn't like that. He was embodying you up there. For gods sake, he looked possessed by you he rubs the side of his head again and sighs
Ningyo: Whaaat?~ I'm good at my work. What if he gave a little buzz to Zero-Chan? We've all done way worse to other people? Tsubasa sighs again. Kuro sits next to him and starts tapping his fingers on the table with anxiety
Tsubasa: Again, he's not like us. Or you, in fact. In the end, Yami and I have only taken lives when our emotions were at a loose end. Nin growls and turns to them both, sitting up on the couch
Ningyo: Well it's not like he hasn't hurt people before! Kuro clenches his fist
Kuro: CAN YOU SHUT UP?. Yami speaks from the corner
Yami: Can you all shut up?. Yami, Nin and Kuro look over at him, having not expected that Listen. Nin is right. Here, only something like this would get the point across. Otherwise the students wouldn't bat an eye. Kuro looks down, annoyed. Knowing that's the truth. Tsubasa sighs once more
Tsubasa: He's also right about the fact that you won't get in trouble. It's gonna be handled. Kuro sighs this time
Kuro: Trouble isn't it... I just feel bad. I don't know when I spiraled so bad into doing that blindly...
Ningyo: THANK you! Test of the YNTK look at him, annoyed. Until Yami gets up
Yami: Zero's coming. Kuro looks at him as Nin gets up from the back of the couch and joins the others by the table
Kuro: How do you know? Nin yawns
Ningyo: Someone else is with him too he lays on the table a bit and smiles You get used to it~
Tsubasa: Normally you'd just be able to tell how many people. Yami has practice with Zero.
The door is flung open by an extremely pissed Zero and Haru rushing in after him. Haru closes the door. All the YNTK get up
Tsubasa: WHY WOULD U BRING YOUR BROTHER? His husky blue eyes glisten, angry. Zero yells back while storming towards Kuro
Zero: YOU THINK I'D CARE ABOUT THAT RIGHT NOW?. I DIDN'T TELL HIM TO COME. I DON'T CARE. He stops on the other side of the table and points at Kuro YOU. Went TOO FAR. He points at Ningyo AND YOU LITERALLY KIDNAPPED ME FROM HIM, WTF?. He looks at Yami AND YOU JUST ALLOWED IT. Haru looks at YNTK, then at Kuro, looking disappointed. Kuro averts his eyes
Yami: I'm not exactly your body guard. His voice is as serious as ever. Zero starts yelling
Zero: UGH!. I'M SO SICK OF THIS BLACK YAMIZA BULLSHIT. He looks at Kuro THE PRINCIPAL MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS. STAY FAR FROM THE IDEA THAT THIS SYSTEM WILL FALL AND DONT YOU DARE EVER FUCKING GET NEAR ME AGAIN UNLESS YOU HAVE TO OR THE WORLD WILL END. He points to Haru NOW DEAL WITH THIS MESS. YOU ARE SO LUCKY THAT MY THREATS ARE EMPTY AGAINST YOU FOUR. He storms into his dorm room on the side and slams the door shut.
Silence fills the room as the YNTK look at Haru. Kuro mostly averting his eyes. Haru sighs
Haru: Umm... I sent the girls to their rooms and- originally came cuz you hurt my brother that uhh.... is barely a brother to me... he also averts his eyes But now I think we just need to talk... Nin smirks
Ningyo: Do I kill him? Tsubasa smacks the back of his head. Yami goes to the side and sits on his couch again. Kuro slowly faces Haru and nods. They head to the door and Tsubasa lightly coughs. Kuro looks over
Tsubasa: Take it easy tonight. Leave "work" aside. Rest. Kuro slowly nods and bows a bit before they leave with Haru.
Slowly, the two friends head to their dorm room for a long, private chat.
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