A faint orange color blended with the blue sky, turning into a pale purple, hinting at the beginning of the night. The shadows in the classroom after school were deep. Asaichi rested his cheek on his hand, sitting in his usual spot at the back by the window.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard approaching from the hallway. Looking with just his eyes, he saw that it was Sakuna, a familiar face, entering the classroom.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, catching her breath as she came closer to Asaichi.
“Did something come up?”
“No, I was just looking into a few things about yesterday.”
“Any good ideas? By the way, I couldn’t come up with anything.”
“Did you think about it?”
Sakuna narrowed her eyes in an annoyed way, staring at him. It seemed like Sakuna could tell when he was lying, but he boldly told a lie, saying, “I was busy.”
“…Let’s just say that,” she replied.
“I’m telling the truth.”
“I’m not doubting you. Even if you’re lying, it’s hard to read your expression, so…”
He casually dismissed it.
“So, you’ve been doing some research. What were you looking into?”
“I was studying psychology to figure out how to be liked by people.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I need to be liked by this person.”
With that, Sakuna showed Asaichi the display of her smartphone. It was an account of an online stalker.
“Um, sorry, but could you explain? Why do you need to get along with an anti-Ikutsuki person?”
“Just to confirm, do you think this person would voluntarily apologize and reflect on their actions?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
The person had a strong grudge and obsession with Akizuki, and it was written in their profile that they wanted to prevent more victims. They probably thought they were doing the right thing, which made them even more dangerous.
“People like this mix their personal feelings with a sense of social justice, so they won’t reflect on their actions. Persuading them is tricky, too. They believe they are in the right.”
“So, why do you need to be liked by them?”
“First, I’ll try to get close to this anti-person. I’ll make a fake account and pretend to be another victim of Akizuki Takuji or someone offering information. I’ll send them DMs. To do that, I need to be liked by this stalker.”
“What do you do once you’ve become close?”
“Once they let their guard down, they might start revealing personal information. I’ll subtly try to get them to talk about which school they attend. And then, I’ll figure out who they are.”
“And then?”
“After that, I’ll set up another account. Since I know their identity, I’ll threaten to reveal it if they continue to slander Akizuki. If I send even one photo, I think they’ll get scared. And once they consult the original ‘friend’ account, I’ll gently push them to apologize and stop slandering.”
After explaining, Sakuna sighed and shrugged her shoulders.
“On anonymous social media, anyone can become anyone. If they use it, I’ll use it too.”
“That’s impressive, you sound like a pro scammer.”
“Don’t judge me. If we were doing it legally, the best option would be for the person to hire a lawyer. But that costs money, and if things escalate, the stalker would be in trouble too, right?”
“So, you’re worried about the stalker?”
“Of course. Because, when you think about it, they’re clearly a victim of Akizuki Takuji. What they’re doing isn’t right, but it’s the person who hired them who’s responsible for this. If we want a happy ending, no one should be made to suffer.”
“Well, yeah, now that you mention it, that’s true.”
“Well, if we really didn’t care about methods, we could just expose the account to an influencer who deals with scandals. The person is leaking private info, and they’re clearly crossing the line with illegal slander. Once that gets out, it’s going to blow up, and Akizuki Takuji’s wrongdoings will probably go viral…”
“Don’t think of such scary things.”
“I won’t do it, but there are people on the internet who act maliciously. If this account gets found by someone like that, the worst-case scenario I mentioned could happen. I think it’s best to stop it as soon as possible for everyone’s sake.”
She said that, then pouted, adding, “So, is it okay if I do something a little bit like a scammer?”
“I’m sorry for saying you sounded like a scammer. I just think it’s impressive you came up with such a plan.”
“I’m a professional debutant, even if I can’t write. It’s like plotting a story.”
She seemed to have regained her good mood, smiling, looking pleased.
“So, from today, I’ll do my best to become friends with this online stalker.”
“If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”
“Yeah, I’m not expecting much, though.”
“I can still be of some help.”
Saying that, Asaichi stood up from his chair.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’ve kept my promise with you, so I’m going home today.”
“I’m not going home with you.”
“I know. It’s because I’d stand out if I’m with you, right? Well then, see you.”
Asaichi said that and left the classroom.
