The Evidence

HORIKITA POV

The exam that kept me awake every night is finally happening.

"Let me remind you again, senpai. Don't ever stay away from me."

While waiting for us to go down the island, Utomiya-kun beside me gave me a warning once again.

Him being so cautious isn't even helping. It makes me even more nervous.

"I know how dangerous our enemies are but didn't you say that they can't hurt me? Why are you being so cautious?"

"It's because he has to."

Startled, I turned to my left with Amasawa's sudden appearance.

For some reason, it doesn't feel surprising that she's here.

"What do you mean?"

Instead of answering my question, she only gave me a quick glance before leaning forward to look at Utomiya-kun on my right side.

That's not the reaction that I was expecting from her. She seems different today. The expression that she's wearing is too serious as well.

"I do get that you can take him on your own but you know that today is a different story, right?"

I turned my attention to Utomiya-kun to hear his answer but he was only silent. In fact, it seems like he doesn't want to talk to Amasawa right now.

"Moreover, you have extra baggage here with you."

Feeling irritated that she's getting ignored, Amasawa rolled her eyes at me after saying that.

Is she angry at me? I didn't even do anything.

"It won't be different. My story won't end here."

Utomiya-kun finally spoke.

Despite the hint of uncertainty, I could immensely feel the confidence from his voice.

I looked at Amasawa's face, curious of her reaction after finally getting an answer. Seeing Utomiya-kun's attitude, she doesn't look pleased with it. Instead, it made her angry even more.

"They sent Jason."

Jason? Who's that?

She dropped the unfamiliar name from her mouth heavily, signifying how angry she is.

Upon hearing what Amasawa said, the look from Utomiya-kun's eyes changed.

"That guy that took you years to defeat. Do you remember him? I'm sure you do."

So it's someone that they know.

I turned to look at Utomiya-kun to see if I was right but I was surprised by what I saw.

This is my very first time seeing fear from Utomiya-kun's eyes.

I can't deny that I'm feeling worried.

I'm full of confusion right now but the atmosphere is too serious for me to insert myself into the conversation. The only thing I could do is turn my head back and forth.

Amasawa moved and walked towards Utomiya-kun and stood in front of him.

While locking eyes with him, she took a step forward to draw herself closer to him.

"You remember how hard it is to defeat him, right? And he's not here to train you... but to end you."

Amasawa spoke slowly and in a low voice.She did not say that to me but I got scared.

I wanted to speak and asked what Amasawa meant but I held my tongue as soon as I saw Utomiya's expression.

Just by looking at his face, anyone, even Sudo, could tell what he's feeling. Of what's running through his mind. I could tell that he could only think of nothing but the worst possible scenario.

Utomiya-kun, please... please stop looking like that.

I could only put my right hand on my chest as I was pleading in my mind.

"Is that so? Thank you for the information. You can leave."

But then, Utomiya-kun only told Amasawa to leave. No trace of fear from his voice, opposite from the emotions that he was showing from his eyes.

Did I misunderstand?

"Suddenly you're acting so brave when it's so clear from your eyes--"

"I don't need your help."

Utomiya-kun did not let Amasawa finish and spoke coldly.

"What can you even do? At least I was able to defeat him. You haven't."

He continued.

What exactly is happening between them?

Seeing them acting like this in front of me made everything clear about Amasawa's involvement in every rumor that circulated in the school.

They know each other. More than me and Ayanokoji. More than anyone in this school.

"Leave, Amasawa. Horikita-senpai is the only one I need."

Disappointment was written all over Amasawa's face yet her eyes were so sad. I could see water slowly filling her eyes.

Amasawa was still finding her words when suddenly, Utomiya raised his right hand and shoved her out of the way. It was so fast and strong that she wasn't able to react immediately and defend herself.

"Amasawa-san---"

I got concerned but thankfully, she stopped the force by using her leg strength and prevented herself from falling down.

"Riku-"

Despite being treated that way, Amasawa wasn't angry. Instead, she called him with full concern from her voice.

That was the first time I heard her say his first name.

"Emotion is the root cause of all bad decisions. You shouldn't rely on it."

"You're saying that but you're doing exactly the same."

Upon hearing that, Utomiya gave Amasawa a side glance.

"Just stay feeling indifferent towards me, Amasawa because I'll do the same. If I happen to see you there, I won't save you."

"Ayanokoji-senpai and I ---."

Full of rage, Utomiya clenched his fist and threw it towards Amasawa. She did nothing to defend herself and only closed her eyes and lowered her head in reflex.

Worried, I tried to grab his arm to stop him but I wasn't fast enough.

"UTOMIYA-KUN!!"

I shouted.

His fist stopped right before it hit Amasawa's head.

My heart was beating so fast, scared of what's happening to Utomiya.

"What's happening, Utomiya-kun? What are you doing?"

I asked. Confused and concerned at the same time.

He did not respond to me and was still fixing his eyes to Amasawa, who was still looking scared, while breathing heavily.

We couldn't utter a single word anymore. It's as if we already knew what's running through each other's mind.

The silence made us understand each other's feelings.

Not any longer, Utomiya lowered his hand and started calming himself down.

".... Consider that as a warning Amasawa. I let you slide before but never meddle in my business again."

Leaving those cold words behind, Utomiya started walking, about to depart to the island.

Despite our relationship, I wanted to comfort Amasawa, who was still looking down and was clenching both of her fists. Trying her hardest to accept that she's too weak to convince Utomiya.

I hurried myself, trying to catch up with Utomiya.

"Don't you think that it was too dangerous to hurt a co-student here? You're lucky that we're the last to depart and that no one is around or you could have been disqualified."

Upon reaching him, I said in an angry tone.

"They won't disqualify me because they have to take me out on the island. Though, someone's already watching us anyway."

Take him out?

Him and Amasawa have been saying something scary.

I know he already warned me before the exam by disclosing the identity of our enemies to help me mentally prepare but all these things are too much for me to handle.

"Why won't you accept Amasawa's help? I know she's --."

"Only Ayanokoji-senpai and I can betray the facility. There's no need for her to add herself to the list of traitors."

Upon hearing that, I finally understood his actions a while ago. His intention wasn't to harm Amasawa but to protect her.

I looked back to see if Amasawa was still there.

She's still on the same spot, hugging her knees while crying like a kid.

HORIKITA POV

Despite being on guard, Utomiya-kun has been acting normal and even participated in the exam just like every other student.

But his behavior changes everytime dark starts to envelop the forest.

As early as five in the afternoon, he'll find open spaces in the forest where the moonlight shines the brightest. It bothers my eyes everytime I sleep but it seems like that's his strategy in case the enemy attacks, considering how he's only relying on his bare eyes to see through the dark.

One week had passed and nothing happened yet. I was hoping and thought that maybe the enemy changed their mind but it seems like that's not it.

The most possible answer was they were trying to exhaust Utomiya. I know that I am right as Utomiya-kun has been conserving his energy this whole week. He would often take a nap in the daytime near the exam stations where teachers or instructors are nearby.

It's not the same for me though because that's the only time I could protect him.

"Where are you going?"

Utomiya-kun asked me.

He became even more strict as the exam hit midway. And I get that. I could even tell that anytime this week, especially at night... the enemy would attack.

"I need to use the toilet."

I answered.

"... I know that you wouldn't like it but.. can I at least stay 2 meters away while you use the toilet?"

Utomiya-kun hesitantly asked.

His question surprised me a little bit. This was the first time he asked permission to stay near me during a toilet break throughout the exam.

"..F-fine. Just --."

"..What?"

".. Nothing."

If I'm gonna be honest, I would like to say no but after considering our situation, I have no other choice but to agree.

This is embarrassing.

You better not listen or much better close your ears Utomiya-kun.

I walked towards the bushes where our basic toilet was placed. Utomiya-kun was walking behind, slightly to my left.

Weirdly enough, this night is more silent than the previous nights. My ears couldn't pick up any sound from the forest insects. Instead I am hearing our footsteps more loud and clear.

It was so calm and silent as if me and Utomiya-kun were the only people on the island.

Not until...

"SENPAI!!--"

Utomiya-kun shouted.

I tried to look at him at the back but the moment I turned my head, I got pulled from the back of the collar of my shirt. It was so hard that my head was forced to face forward and both of my feet got lifted off the ground.

In a split second, I saw a middle-aged man right in front of me, looking scary and desperate. His left arm stretched towards me. Instinctively, my eyes looked down. A blade was so near to my neck, just below my jaw. My eyes followed it but I got blinded when the moonlight hit the blade and it glimmered.

What's that?

My eyes still hurt but I forced myself to open it and before I knew it, I was already facing the ground, my whole body in the air.

Oh no!

I curled my arms and covered my head as I prepared myself hitting the ground. And soon after...

Ack!

I fell hard with my left side first. I rolled on the ground several times and I couldn't stop.

Thankfully, I rolled towards our tent that smoothly stopped me.

Without wasting a second, I looked up, my eyes were worriedly searching for where the attacker was.

"Ugh -"

But as soon as I laid my eyes on Utomiya-kun, he let out a painful groan.

"No!!"

My eyes widened in fear when I saw a knife stuck through Utomiya-kun's left forearm.

"UTOMIYA-KUN!!.."

I couldn't see his face but he's clearly in pain.I tried to get up but my knees were shaking not from fear but from pain.

Did I hit my knee somewhere? My left side is painful too.

At this exact moment, Utomiya's cold words towards Amasawa crossed my mind.

What can you even do?

That's right. There's nothing I could help. Just like what Amasawa said, I'm Utomiya-kun's extra baggage. In fact, the best I could do is to stay away from them.

With tears in my eyes, I silently prayed for Utomiya-kun's victory.

Please win.

Bam!!

As if God heard my prayer, Utomiya's fist hit the attacker's face. Pulling back his arm, he hit the attacker's chin with his elbow.

The hit was so strong that the man dropped the knife he's holding in his left hand due to dizziness. He did not fall down and was wobbling on his feet as if he's trying to stay conscious.

Seeing this, Utomiya-kun took a step backward and did a guard stance.

I was confused about what he's trying to do.

With a knife still stuck in his left forearm, Utomiya-kun rotated his whole body, lifted his left leg upon jumping and hit a tornado kick at the back of the head of the attacker.

Ther- there's no way that someone would survive that.

The man finally collapsed on the ground.

Utomiya-kun was standing still while breathing heavily, his eyes fixed to the attacker's body.

I turned my attention to the attacker's body as well.

He's no longer moving.

Does that mean Utomiya-kun won?

After a moment, Utomiya-kun turned around. Our eyes met. There's no question that we were feeling the same emotions. We both felt relief.

He walked slowly towards me. Upon reaching in front of me, he crouched down.

"Can you still stand?"

It seems like he knows that I am in pain.

"I'm sorry I threw you like that. I had to make it on time."

Upon hearing that, I touched my neck. It's not painful. No cut. There's no blood.

It is only now that I realized what could have happened to me.

"..... You shouldn't apologize. Instead, thank you for saving me."

Despite hearing that, Utomiya-kun was still feeling sorry. It was so clear from his face.

I forced myself to stand up even though the pain on my left waist and knees were growing.

"We should go to the starting line immediately and let the teachers treat your wound."

He did not say anything or argue with me and helped me get up instead by using his uninjured hand.

Blargh!!

We were only able to walk a meter away from the tent when suddenly we heard someone vomiting.

Without question, both our heads turned towards the attacker's collapsed body.

My eyes widened when I saw him slowly lifting his body off the ground.

Wait. Did he seriously survive that kick?

Fear was creeping in my heart upon seeing the attacker slowly sit on the ground. Unlike me, Utomiya-kun was calmly watching him.

I was getting nervous but the man stayed seated. There was no sign of him getting up on his feet. Perhaps... he's not fully recovered yet? That could be the reason why Utomiya-kun wasn't concerned at all.

".....Have you-- been holding back in the white room?"

The man spoke.

I looked at Utomiya-kun's face. It wasn't because I knew that question was for him, rather I was confused by what the man was saying.

"I wasn't. I was trying to survive there but I'm trying to save my life here." Utomiya-kun answered.

"One's motivation could really make a difference huh. I have never seen that highly determined face before."

The man showed a thin smile upon saying that. I don't know why but the tension in the air right now seems different.

I stared at the attacker's face. He looked hopeless with a hint of sadness in his eyes. I don't know if I'm imagining things but it seems like.... he didn't want to be here.

"Say Riku... if you successfully get your revenge... What are you gonna do after this? I mean, do you have a dream?""

The man asked with sincerity from his voice. And I know Utomiya-kun felt it too.

Looking at the side of Utomiya-kun's face, it seems like he doesn't have an answer. It's as if 'dream' is very unfamiliar to him.

"The only future I see is getting all white room officials in jail. Nothing else."

Utomiya-kun responded with confidence.

What is this 'white room'? It has been mentioned twice now.

On the other hand, the attacker fell into silence. I would like to believe that he was moved by Utomiya's confidence but he was looking at him sympathetically.

".... I see. It seems like not everyone has a dream. I wonder if that's a good thing or not."

The attacker spoke as if he's genuinely curious.

"Did you have one?"

Utomiya-kun asked him with curiosity as well.

"Did?... yeah. I did have one. I wasn't able to achieve it though."

The attacker laughed bitterly.

"It was the worst feeling. It made me feel useless and unworthy. It made me question my capabilities."

The man was talking with regrets but Utomiya-kun was looking at him with questions in his eyes.

"I never knew that you had once experienced that when you're the most passionate in the white room."

"It's all because of Ayanokoji-sensei. He planted a new goal in my heart. He was the first one who believed that I am better than anyone else."

The man smiled as he thought back to the past. It's as if it was his most beautiful memory.

"Speaking of Sensei, did you know the order that I got from him?"

"To get rid of me."

"It seems like you knew that you no longer exist in this world."

"Was I recorded dead as well that night?"

".... No idea. We're not trusted enough that every information is shared to us. All data regarding you is considered very confidential after all."

"Are there kids like Amasawa that are unregistered?"

"Who knows."

What- are they talking about? Who's recorded dead? Utomiya-kun? What does he mean unregistered?

"... Your senses came back too fast."

"Was I able to save myself in the end?"

The man laughed when he responded to Utomiya-kun who sounded disappointed.

"Though it doesn't matter if I happen to give out some information here because I'm sure it will only stay here."

The attacker suddenly moved his right hand and reached out on his lower back.

"It's true that it's easier to get rid of someone that didn't exist to begin with... You're not wrong about that Riku but not totally correct either."

I was watching him when Utomiya-kun also suddenly moved in front of me and covered my line of sight.

What is happening?

Just by looking at Utomiya-kun's back, I know that he's on guard.

"My mission is to get rid of the evidence at all cost. You know what that means, right?"

The attacker talked with an intimidating voice that made me nervous. It was so different from how he was just a while ago.

I tried to move to see the attacker but Utomiya raised his left hand slightly as if telling me to stay behind his back.

"I never thought that the facility would get cornered so early."

"Cornered? No. It only means that the facility already prepared a good alibi in case I had to get rid of both of you here."

G-get rid both of us?

"Senpai."

My mind was still trying to process what the attacker said when Utomiya suddenly called me in a lowered voice and in a very serious manner.

"You have to run now."

Clack!!

Wait. That sound. I have heard of that sound before.

"That girl's father's line of work really comes in handy for us, isn't it?"

The attacker has a gun. He's loading a gun.

"Senpai. You have to go."

"W-what are you saying?"

"Run and don't look back."

"Utomiya-kun!!"

"Don't worry. I'll be fine."

"There's no way that you'll be fine."

With a worried heart, I held the back of his shirt.

"We're in the forest. We can hide in the trees."

"No. The distance is too far from where we're at. We'll get shot as soon as we turn our backs."

He declined my suggestion instantly.

I wonder if Utomiya-kun is feeling frustrated for choosing an open area in the forest as the battlefield.

"I know your body is in pain but run as fast as you can. I'll cover you."

Cover me? From what? From the bullets?

"What nonsense are you even saying?"

"Riku, do you want a parting gift?"

The attacker inserted himself, which made me and Utomiya-kun stop arguing.

I was scared but I slowly looked over Utomiya-kun's shoulder to see what the attacker was doing. And just like how I imagined it, he was pointing a gun at us.

"I don't think I could consider anything as a gift at this moment."

"No. You'll surely love it. In fact, you deserve to know this. I don't want my favorite student to die without even knowing the truth."

"The truth?"

"The fake article about Ayanokoji Kyojuro that was uploaded on the Japanese government website to fool Horikita is actually a true story."

That article about Ayanokoji's father was indeed fake? So I was right?

But how were they able to post it on a government website?

"A true story?"

"Yes. It was a story about a newbie politician who gained the trust of the whole nation after just a year of service. It was the story of Utomiya Kyojuro... your very own father."

Utomiya-kun's father?

"Do you still remember the photo that they posted on the website? That was him. That was your father, Riku."

That was his father?

I never imagined that I would be able to know a part of Utomiya-kun's life this way.

But wait? Why does the man talk like Utomiya-kun never knew who his father was? What does he mean by the 'truth'?

Was Utomiya-kun perhaps... adopted?

My mind is full curiosity but I could only stare at the motionless back of Utomiya-kun, wondering what's running through his mind upon hearing that.

Not a single word came out from Utomiya-kun's mouth as if his mind was still processing what he just heard.

Is he believing him? But what if....

"Can you finally see the lingering memory of your father's face, Riku?"

No. What if .... the man is actually deceiving him?

"Utomiya-kun!"

I drew myself closer to him and pulled his right arm to look at his face.

Upon seeing the look of his eyes, I got worried.

"Or are you filling in the blank faces of your father in your memory with that face that you have seen on the website?"

The man spoke again and this time he was talking as if he's seeing through Utomiya-kun's mind right now.

"Utomiya-kun. Don't listen to him."

"But it's fine. You're doing the right thing Riku because I am telling you the truth."

"No. Don't listen to him."

"I was there when they handed you to the facility. I saw him face to face."

Utomiya-kun shut his eyes upon hearing that. He lowered his head and put his right hand on his forehead as if he's in pain.

"At least, for the last time. You've given the chance to remember the face of your father. The main reason for your betrayal to the facility."

"Shut up, Jason."

Just when I thought that Utomiya-kun was successfully getting emotionally manipulated, he spoke in an angry tone.

He seems to be still in control of his emotions but I could tell that he is mad.

"I took a chance of believing that you're different but you're exactly like them, aren't you? You don't care about anyone as long as you achieve your goal. It makes me question if you really ever cared for anyone at all."

The attacker only listened. His eyes were telling me that it wasn't just his ears that heard those words but his heart as well.

"..... Is that the reason why you did not finish me off a while ago?"

Even though the man asked genuinely, Utomiya-kun did not answer.

"You were the second person who gave me a second chance, Riku."

The man smiled. Even I could tell that it came from the heart.

"..... I'm sorry, Riku. But my loyalty for Ayanokoji-sensei is unyielding. There was him before you.... Goodbye."

BANG!!

A gunshot roared throughout the forest.

Despite it ringing in my ear, I heard a painful groan. It was the pain from someone getting shot.

It didn't come from the person holding me with his uninjured arm, my whole face buried to his chest.

"Don't shoot!!"

Someone from a distance shouted. Somehow, the voice sounded familiar.

"Put your hands up!"

The silent night begins to become noisy when suddenly I am hearing rustling in the bushes and several heavy footsteps as if a couple of people are running towards us.

Even though I haven't seen who these people are, my mind already has an idea of who they are.

"We're safe.... I am finally safe."

Utomiya mumbled softly. I could clearly feel the relief and gratefulness from his voice. I wanted to look up to see his face but he was hugging me tightly.

"Suzune! Are you alright?"

The familiar voice called me. As soon as we heard him, Utomiya-kun loosened his hug and we turned our faces towards him.

"Father?"

I cried. Despite knowing his profession, my mind was still wondering why he's here.

Upon seeing my face, he immediately put away the gun that he's holding and opened his arms. I ran straightaway and hugged him with tears in my eyes.

"Please tell me you're not hurt."

"I'm fine. It's already fine."

I know my body is still in pain but at this moment, I forgot about it. I was just so happy that my father is here. I was just so happy that I felt safe.

"I'm glad we made it on time."

I could clearly hear the fast heartbeat of my father. It wasn't just him who's glad but we're more than thankful for their arrival.

"Utomiya Riku, is it?"

After letting me go, my father turned his attention to Utomiya-kun who was watching us.

"After listening to the recording that you sent, I believe you know who I am."

"Of course. You're Chief Horikita Shoichiro of the Criminal Affairs Bureau."

Utomiya-kun responded confidently as if he knew my father more than I do. It seems like he was indeed telling the truth that his recorded voice was a message for my parents.

"As an adult whose main duty is to save and to protect, I felt embarrassed saying this but... thank you for taking care of my daughter."

My father stretched out his right hand for a handshake.

Utomiya-kun took it without a second thought.

"No worries, Sir. I only did what I must do."

My father held Utomiya-kun's hand strongly, signifying how thankful he was.

"You're injured. We need to hurry and go back to the ship so the nurses could treat your wound."

Utomiya-kun gave my father a nod after letting go of his hand and accepted his suggestion.

"It's okay. You can put away your gun. He's not resisting."

I heard another familiar voice from a distance.

It was Assistant Inspector Sawamura-san. I've seen him several times before.

He was putting Jason, the attacker, on a handcuff.

But there's another man that I don't recognize. It was only his back that I'm seeing, but I'm sure this is the first time that I saw him. Perhaps he's new.

"Are you sure you can handle him?"

The unfamiliar man responded with a question with a hint of doubt from his voice.

"Are you underestimating me? Just put down your gun. I'm more afraid that you'll shoot mindlessly again."

"I don't think it is considered mindless when I successfully hit the target."

"Did you not hear the order? We were prohibited from shooting. You didn't even care if senpai would get in trouble for letting a civilian use our gun."

Upon seeing that the people he's with are arguing, my father walked towards them.

Utomiya-kun and I walked with him.

"We should hurry and leave this place or some curious students nearby who heard the gunshot might see us. Chairman Sakayanagi strictly told us not to be discovered."

The unfamiliar man put the gun that he's holding in his back pocket after hearing my father. Sawamura-san also got ready and made Jason stand up from the ground.

"Wait..."

As if he remembered something, the unfamiliar man turned around swiftly and faced us.

When his eyes landed on the guy beside me, the look of his eyes changed. He was looking at Utomiya-kun longingly as if he was someone special that he hadn't seen for a long time.

No. There is something more accurate.

He was looking at him as if he was his long lost son. That's certainly the emotion of a parent.

Is he perhaps Utomiya-kun's father? But he doesn't look like the man on the website at all. Perhaps... his real father?

His eyes are becoming teary.

I diverted my eyes to Utomiya-kun to see if he was indeed someone he knew but he was also looking confused.

"... Young master---"

With a shaky voice, the unfamiliar man spoke towards Utomiya-kun.

He took a step forward with his arms slightly open.

Did he just say young master?

"I'm sorry but--"

"Utomiya."

My father interrupted Utomiya-kun and called him.

"Don't be afraid. He's an ally. You probably don't remember but his name is Nishimura Yuki... He's part of your family."

This man is from Utomiya-kun's family?

The tears that he's been holding dropped down to his cheeks.

Nishimura-san took a step again to get closer and gently wrapped his arms around Utomiya-kun.

"... Kyojuro---... your son... our son is safe now.."

AYANOKOJI POV

"Aren't you walking too fast? You're making a noise. We're supposed to be quiet."

I said to the troubled Amasawa who was walking in front me.

She was taking me to Utomiya and Horikita’s location as she believed that they will be attacked tonight.

Despite me calling her, she didn't listen and walked even faster.

"That's it. I won't follow you anymore. It's useless anyway since I already had a good hint of Utomiya's motive."

Upon hearing me saying that, Amasawa's feet stopped. I did as well.

"Are we really only gonna watch them while you give a joyful commentary like you promised or you want me to jump there and involve myself into the fight?"

I didn't ask because I don't know the answer, in fact I already know what it is and as much as possible, I don't want it to happen.

It's true that I want to confirm if my deduction about everything that's currently happening is correct. That's why I accepted Amasawa's proposal of teaming up with her in this exam. But then, it turned out that she got to know something so late that changed her mind.

"I'll say this to you before getting your hopes up.... I decline."

I coldly said.

No matter what her argument is, my decision won't change.

".... You're wrong, senpai. I'm just in a hurry because I don't want to be late for the show. I saw Jason a while ago and it seems like he was so ready."

Amasawa broke her silence after thinking for a while, however you could tell from her voice that she was lying.

I wanted to point it out but she started moving again. This time, she was running.

She unexpectedly left me behind. Perhaps, she finally accepted that she won't be able to convince me.

Is she serious? It seems like she really wanted to save Utomiya that she's ready to betray the facility. I didn't expect that from her considering how she was acting towards him for the past year.

I know that I said that I won't help but I get the feeling that I need to be there.

*******

I finally caught up.

Amasawa didn't even care if she'll be discovered or about the possibility of bumping into the attacker and chose to hide in the bushes so near to Utomiya and Horikita. They are basically just five meters away in front of us.

"Don't you think that we should stay farther away from them? What if the attacker has a gun?"

"Jason is a Kali expert. He'll kill Utomiya-kun using a knife."

A Filipino martial artist huh.

Well, it's true that killing Utomiya silently is the best decision the facility could ever make considering that they are on an island full of students. Using a gun that would make a noise would be a huge mistake. In case Horikita will report the incident to the school or to the authorities, Tsukishiro can easily deny it and make Horikita the liar. As long as no other witness will step up then they are good.

But I'm also completely aware that I shouldn't limit the possibilities of what might happen here, especially by considering the evil capability of the white room facility and Horikita's background.

Amasawa, who no longer cared about her promise to me, was silently watching Utomiya and Horikita. She's crouching with both of her palms open, only the tip of her fingers touching the ground. I could tell from her stance that she's ready to jump into the fight.

While she was seriously watching the two without blinking, my eyes were on the surroundings.

The attacker will use a knife. Then that could mean that we'll be witnessing a close combat here. If there's one place that the attacker would hide himself, then it could be a place where Utomiya has a reason to go.

There's only one thing that I could think of. It's the basic toilet. The attacker only has to wait for Utomiya to use it.

"Can I ask you something?.... Is this Jason guy really good? Or are you just underestimating Utomiya?"

I asked curiously.

The fact that Utomiya has been able to reach at this point against the facility could mean that he is not an easy opponent but it is also not hard to believe that an adult and martial art expert like Jason would win this fight.

I cast a glance at Amasawa as I waited for her answer. I know she heard me despite her extreme focus.

"..... It's the facility that I'm afraid of, senpai."

Amasawa responded in a low voice.

From the way she spoke, I could tell how aware she is of how the facility does their job.

Just then, after a little talk, Horikita and Utomiya started walking away from their tent.

Horikita was the one walking in the front while Utomiya was following her behind.

Where are they going? Are they heading towards the bushes?

Trying to see clearer, I stood up. Instead of watching them walking, I set my eyes to the bushes that they were heading at.

It was too dark. My bare eyes are not enough to see through it.

However, this night seems quieter than usual. It's so dry that I couldn't even feel a wind blowing over my skin. It's as if the Universe is on Utomiya's side. A little rustle on the bushes is enough to determine the location of the attacker.

Utomiya, Horikita is in front of you. Be faster.

They're three meters away.

Not yet.

Two meters...... still haven't come out.

The attacker is making sure it would certainly make contact.

........ One.

"SENPAI!!"

Utomiya screamed, his right hand outstretched.

Horikita was in the middle with both Utomiya and the attacker, who suddenly emerged from the bushes holding a knife on his left hand, trying their best to reach her.

Utomiya successfully grabbed Horikita's collar first and threw her with so much force that she rolled over the ground.

Good job, Utomiya.

He luckily saved Horikita but due to using so much strength in his right arm, he wasn't able to stop the momentum of his body going towards the knife that was supposed to hit her.

He'll get stabbed.

That's what I thought. But then, Utomiya was also able to evade the knife by pulling back his head.

However, Jason did not feel disappointed Utomiya avoiding it as he swung his right hand that's also holding another knife towards Utomiya's left rib.

The knife in his left hand was a distraction. Utomiya wouldn't be able to see the knife that's on the other hand with his head position after evading.

"Riku-"

Seeing this, Amasawa stood up, full of worry from her voice.

I can't deny that I feel the same but then Utomiya moved and sacrificed his left forearm, preventing the knife from hitting his left rib.

Dang! He saw that? I can't help but be amazed.

As if he didn't feel pain at all, he used his injured hand and grabbed the right hand of the attacker. Utomiya then clenched his fist upon pulling his right arm to accumulate more strength and then....BAM!!!!

Utomiya's fist landed on Jason's face on full force. He knew that it wasn't enough so he pulled back his arm and elbowed Jason's chin.

That was even stronger.

A hit on the chin can make anyone dizzy. A great knockout spot.

Jason was wobbling on his, trying to stay conscious. However, Utomiya saw this as an opportunity and hit a tornado kick at the back of Jason's head.

He wasted no time. Utomiya only has his focus on hitting the vital parts of the body.

"Riku..."

Amasawa's arms lightened upon seeing the attacker's body on the ground. I could tell from her voice that her tears are welling up.

I turned my head on my left to look at Horikita. Despite her getting thrown like that, it seems like she's fine.

"..... You said that you won't help yet you fidgeted a while ago."

After cleaning her face, Amasawa spoke.

Is she talking to me?

She turned her head towards me and stared at my face. From her expression, I could tell that she was waiting for my answer.

".... Well, it seems like both of us worried too much. Utomiya's will to survive is huge."

Rather than responding, Amasawa rolled her eyes at me as if she did not believe what I just said. She turned her attention back to Utomiya, who was still checking Jason.

"..... No. He's serious about getting his revenge."

"Revenge?"

"Riku is avenging his parents. He believes that the facility killed them."

Wow. Her dropping information out of nowhere caught me by surprise. I didn't expect that.

So Utomiya's motive all along was to get justice for his dead parents huh. That's something that never crosses my mind. I thought that he was just trying to free himself from the facility.

"How did he know?"

"Out of boredom, I investigated Riku's motive  that started from suspicion when he told us that he'll use Horikita-senpai to expel you. I believe that just like me, he got to know upon digging more information about Horikita Shoichiro."

"Horikita Shoichiro?"

"Horikita-senpai's father. The Chief of the Criminal Affairs Bureau."

At last, Amasawa confirmed my suspicion to be true. Utomiya is indeed after Horikita's parents who are working for the National Police Agency.

Horikita Shoichiro is the name huh.

Seeing the life principles of the Horikita siblings, their father must have taught them very well. I could totally see it by how they carry themselves, on how they prefer to fight fair and square. Manabu definitely grew up in a household that believes in equality.

"Was it Horikita's father who handled the case of Utomiya's parents?"

"It wasn't supposed to be his but he took it. He's responsible for changing Riku's parents' car accident into a murder case."

"You mean it was the facility that's behind that car accident?"

"Yep."

A car accident turned murder case? I don't think the facility was too dumb not to foresee that happening.

"So to whom did the facility pass the blame?"

"You knew."

Amasawa laughed a little upon hearing my question.

"They framed Nishimura Yuki as the main suspect of killing Riku's parents. Utomiya family's personal butler."

Utomiya's family had a butler? His household is a real deal. That's another thing to learn.

"Did Nishimura-san prove his innocence or was it only Utomiya's deduction that he was framed?"

"No. Nishimura's warrant wasn't pushed through because of Horikita Shoichiro. He took accountability and couragely insisted that Nishimura is not the murderer but someone else."

Horikita's father saw through the facility's scheme? That's impressive. But... I wonder how.

"What's his evidence?"

"Unluckily. I wasn't able to find anything more than that."

I see. Well, even though I find it disappointing, it is something I expected as well.

"Let me guess. Horikita Shoichiro failed."

Considering how the White room is still operating, you just know the answer.

"Yep, he failed. He unsuccessfully caught the real culprit and proved himself right. He even received hate from the public for chasing after the wrong murderer of their beloved mayor. They trusted him that no one called him out for taking it so long. Anyone would hide themselves from shame but Chief Horikita faced them and still showed up to the office."

His attitude is very familiar. They are indeed blood related.

"But do you know the main reason why he failed?"

"What?"

"The facility found a pet inside the NPA."

That's an obvious answer. You can always find a traitor in a competitive environment like the workplace. Envious colleagues who don't want you to succeed before them.

"Now that you heard that. Do you think Riku is delusional for believing that Horikita Shoichiro could actually help him?"

All of a sudden, Amasawa threw me a hard question.

I don't want to underestimate our Justice system but....

"I don't think the information that you gave is enough for me to judge."

I wonder if Utomiya is becoming desperate because he knows he has nothing to lose anymore.

"You're right. But what if I tell you that the facility is still wary of Chief Horikita that even until now, they monitor every move he makes."

"Monitor him?"

Amasawa gave me a side glance, smirking and gave me a look as if she's expecting me to know what she's thinking.

I want to speak what's on my mind but it is something I just couldn't believe. It somehow feels wrong.

Am I perhaps overestimating my father?.... Or was it myself?

"Horikita Shoichiro was the reason for the temporary closure of the white room. He got too close to finding the facility that the institution decided to hide."

For real? Am I hearing it right?

"It took him two years to do that but for him to actually put the facility into the corner is undeniably quite a feat, don't you think?"

Putting the facility into the corner might sound exaggerated but Amasawa is right.

I never knew that the facility already has its mortal enemy.

While I still believe that all this information is not enough for me to judge yet, but I couldn't deny that I'm having uncertainties for the white room.

At this stage, Horikita Shoichiro only needs one thing. And this one thing is heading towards him. Once Utomiya submitted himself as evidence, then it's over for the white room.

Author's Note

Hey! Just updated. Took me too long because I was having trouble writing the fight scene. That's not my forte at all. I don't have any knowledge in martial arts. What you read is already the best I could.

Moreover, I already dropped my own version of Utomiya's background story and Horikita's family.

What do you think?😅

Anyway's, I might write a chapter or two for this fanfic and finally close this. I'm tired guys. But the truth is I want to write my own story😅 in my own language because english is so difficult for me.

For my loyal readers, thank you for always coming back🥰