I Became the Childhood Friend Who Commits Sui**de

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Should I just pass on this?

No.

It wouldn’t be meaningful unless I get everyone in the class on board.

Kim Shinwoo stepped forward with a scowl.

“Is it really that hard to cooperate?”

“Who said it was hard? I’m just asking why I should do it. Huh?”

Right. How could he not know such a thing?

He’s even dumber than I thought.

I pondered what to do for a moment.

Just then, the class president, who had been quietly observing, spoke up.

“Yeonhwa, if everyone in our class banded together, it would also help Si-hyun. It would be great if you could help.”

“Hmmm…”

With the class president joining in, the tide among the classmates began to shift in our direction.

It wasn’t a difficult task to begin with, and besides, there probably weren’t any kids who actually disliked Han Si-hyun.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Hong Yeonhwa broke into a smile.

“Okay.”

“…Really?”

Is she seriously being this cooperative?

Caught off guard, I blurted out a question.

“Of course. But you have to do me a favor in return.”

“A favor? Hey, what’s with that tone right now…!”

We were nearly at each other’s throats again.

I grabbed Kim Shinwoo’s collar and pulled him back.

Right now, time was of the essence, and I was in a far more desperate position.

If this brat feigned madness and refused, I would end up in a worse situation.

“What kind of favor?”

“It’s nothing major. I’ve got a little grievance because of someone who keeps framing me as a friend or some punk who bothers me.”

“And?”

“I just want an apology. That’s all. How about it? Not so hard, right?”

This guy really knows how to manipulate people.

Look at Kim Shinwoo over there throwing a fit.

Seeing him like that, I knew he wouldn’t apologize willingly.

I could tell he was surprisingly proud and stubborn.

“Can’t I apologize in your place?”

“Hmm? You?”

“Not a chance! Absolutely not! Let’s just go. We can let this slide.”

Kim Shinwoo begged desperately.

That seemed to pique Hong Yeonhwa’s interest even more.

Her eyes sparkled as she licked her lips.

“Well, I don’t particularly hold any ill will against you, but it wouldn’t hurt to do that.”

Alright. Bowing my head like that is easy peasy.

Besides, I have no pride to spare here.

Blood circulation in my wrist was cut off.

Kim Shinwoo gripped me tightly as if he would break it.

“Shinwoo, my wrist hurts.”

“…Yu Hana.”

Staring intently at me, Kim Shinwoo finally released his grip.

He quickly bowed his head and said,

“Yeonhwa, I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

“What did you do wrong?”

“I was wrong about everything…”

Snort.

I heard laughter from the front.

“Lift your head. Is this an apology or a circus act? I was just joking~. You know I love our little pup the most, right?”

His hand ruffled my hair roughly.

Anyway, I managed to get the last signature from Hong Yeonhwa.

On the way out of the classroom and back to the student council room, Kim Shinwoo suddenly said.

“Yu Hana. Come here for a second.”

“Hold on. I need to deliver this first…”

“Hurry!!”

What’s going on with him now?

He looked like he’d hit me if I didn’t listen, so I quietly followed him.

It wasn’t until we reached a secluded spot with nobody around that Kim Shinwoo stopped.

“What’s up?”

Thud!

Wait, what was that sound…?

Is this the notorious wall slam I’ve only heard about?

Kim Shinwoo’s arm blocked my escape.

All I could do was look up at him.

“Shinwoo, this is a bit too extreme…”

“Never again.”

I shut my mouth.

Kim Shinwoo’s voice trembled with an odd desperation.

“Never do what he said again.”

“It’s fine. I’m not bothered. We were just messing around, right?”

“Promise me!”

Um, excuse me.

Right now, you’re far scarier than Hong Yeonhwa!

You went from being a caring protagonist to some creepy obsessive guy in an instant.

“Alright.”

“And don’t just say sorry to others recklessly.”

“Hey, is that really important right now?”

“Quickly.”

“…Got it. Can you step aside now?”

Finally, having regained some composure, Kim Shinwoo stepped back.

Is he going to keep flying off the handle like this?

I really shouldn’t get too close to the protagonist.

Eventually, we made it back to the student council room.

I handed over the petition containing signatures from all 35 of Class A, including mine.

The student council president accepted it with a puzzled expression.

“…Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re going this far, but thanks. This will surely help.”

“Let’s hope so.”

I think I might cry if the outcome isn’t good after going this far.

“Speaking of which, how about attending in person to testify?”

“…Huh?”

“It’ll be far more effective than just a petition. I guarantee that.”

Ugh.

How can you say that and leave me with no choice!

“I’m outta here.”

*

The disciplinary committee consists of a total of nine jurors.

They can be classified into three groups: student side, teacher side, and board of directors side.

However, there are not only nine jury members.

The chairman to preside over the verdict and the perpetrator, Han Si-hyun, are also present, along with me.

Hmm. Is this how disciplinary committees generally run?

It feels more like a courtroom trial for sure.

Han Si-hyun is way ahead of me, so I can only see his back.

He has a pretty head, though.

First, the chairman briefly explained the overview of the incident.

Of course, the detail reports must have already been distributed to everyone present and reviewed.

Once the explanation ended, the one first to raise a hand was from the teacher’s side.

“This incident is a serious matter that we cannot take lightly. In a space intended for everyone to comfortably relax, a sword was made through abilities, which was used to threaten and injure a peer. A heavy penalty is warranted!”

Strong words right from the start.

Even more disheartening is that some jurors nodded in agreement.

Soon, a hand was raised from the student side. It was the student council president.

“No one can deny that the defendant was at fault. However, we need to dig a little deeper to understand the specifics of the situation hidden within. The defendant did not have the intention to harm his peer. It was an impulsive incident triggered by an inability to control his momentary anger.”

Next, an elderly woman from the board of directors with snowy white hair gained the floor.

“Isn’t that merely the perpetrator’s excuse? I believe the victim’s perspective is of utmost importance here.”

“You raise a valid point. This is why the victim herself is here to testify at this hearing.”

Suddenly, a spotlight went on, shining down on one person.

That would be me.

This is super embarrassing…

All eyes turned to me.

The chairman in a serious tone asked,

“Is the victim, Yu Hana, present?”

“Yes, yes. That’s me…”

“Please provide your testimony.”

Swallow.

I gulped once and started speaking.

“Si-hyun called me to give me some counseling out of concern. But… I was being stubborn to maintain my pride, and in turn, I crossed the line… And so, Si-hyun got angry because of that. So if there is any fault, it’s entirely mine.”

Alright.

My voice trembled a bit, but I got it all out calmly.

The chairman nodded and then spoke to Han Si-hyun, who was positioned in front.

“Defendant. Is that statement accurate?”

“No.”

Huh?

“Hmm. Are you saying that isn’t true?”

“Yes. What I did was indeed wrong. I carelessly gave advice without knowing the full context, which ended up hurting Hana. My behavior was inappropriate.”

“So the two of you have conflicting statements.”

Han Si-hyun, you fool!

Why are you presenting this complicated mess?

It’s infuriating; it’d be better if you just admitted you were wrong!

The jurors’ expressions grew puzzled.

You don’t usually see people admitting fault like this, so it’s quite a rare sight.

I could have never imagined things would spiral out like this.

“I will submit a letter of petition that proves the defendant’s usual conduct is upright and honest. All 35 of his classmates from the same class signed it without exception.”

“Are you sure that this wasn’t coerced by the student council president’s authority? Since I understand she is the defendant’s older sister.”

“This was not prepared by me, but was personally arranged by the victim, Yu Hana.”

…

The room fell silent.

The victim putting in this much effort to take action?

That would indeed make one think Han Si-hyun isn’t at fault.

In the meantime, Han Si-hyun turned around to look at me.

When our eyes met and I awkwardly smiled, his expression shifted oddly.

What’s the deal? Are you unhappy that I did this?

This is all to help you out, you know?

So just accept it, please.

Afterward, the same words were recycled and repeated.

Eventually, the chairman gathered the comments and readied for closure.

“Now it seems we’re about to issue a verdict. Jurors in favor of the defendant receiving a severe penalty, please raise your hand.”

Please, please, please.

“Six votes in favor, meaning Han Si-hyun will receive a severe penalty.”

“What? Why!? I’m fine! I’m saying I’m okay, and the victim is saying she’s fine. Why are you doing this!?”

For that moment, I completely forgot how embarrassing it was and shouted loudly.

I’m going to be so livid that I might actually combust. Han Si-hyun can’t be expelled!

Clears throat! “The error of Han Si-hyun is indeed a significant concern that disrupts the order within the academy. If such an incident is dismissed with just demerits, similar occurrences could arise again.”

…

“However, considering the heartfelt plea for leniency from the victim and the fact that all his classmates submitted a letter of petition, we believe there is room for mitigation.”

Oh. So that means it’s not all bad?

You’re throwing in all those complicated legal terms to confuse me.

“Thus, the disciplinary committee rules that Han Si-hyun shall receive a deduction of 10 points, 30 hours of community service, and a transfer to Class B. Does anyone have any objections to that ruling?”

Unanimous decision from nine members.

My raised hand was easily disregarded.

Han Si-hyun’s class is being changed?

I’m doomed. This is a complete disaster.

Just then, one of the board of directors raised a hand.

Oh. Are they raising an objection?

I’m counting on you! Please make this work!

“The number of students in any given class must remain at 36. If the number drops, the entire curriculum for the year would collapse.”

Alright!

Just that much, please!

I’m not exactly clear on what that means, but just go ahead and raise an issue right away!

At that moment, a teacher raised their hand.

“I don’t think that should be a problem. Isn’t that child currently in Class 2-B?”

“Oh, are you suggesting to switch with that child?”

“Precisely. Then there wouldn’t be any issues at all.”

…Huh?

The board of director member who raised the objection also nodded in agreement.

“Did we not consider that method? I think it’s a very good solution.”

“Is there anyone who wishes to voice further opposition?”

“No.”

“Very well then. This concludes today’s disciplinary committee meeting.”

No way!!