Chapter 2: School Life

The fluorescent lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare over the crowded hallways of Atashi High School, illuminating the sea of faces that hurried to and fro. Yeko blended into the crowd, his eyes fixed on the floor as he navigated through the throngs of students. The air was thick with the smell of stale air, sweat, and desperation. As he walked, Yeko's mind wandered back to the wallet he had found earlier that day. 5000 yen was a small fortune, one that could feed him and Yumika for days. He had been so careful, too, making sure no one was watching as he picked it up. But then, he had seen Kiroshi, the popular student, and his friends, Hazuko and Firakagu. Kiroshi's eyes had narrowed as he spotted Yeko, and for a moment, they had locked gazes. Yeko had felt a shiver run down his spine as Kiroshi's expression had turned cold, his eyes seeming to bore into Yeko's very soul. "Hey, that's mine!" Kiroshi had called out, his voice carrying across the hallway. "Give it back!" Yeko had quickened his pace, the wallet clutched tightly in his hand. He knew he had to get away, had to find a way to keep that money safe. He had pushed through the crowds, his heart racing with excitement and fear. As he burst through the school gates, Yeko had felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was almost free, almost safe. But then, he had heard Kiroshi's angry shout, followed by the sound of footsteps pounding the pavement. Yeko had run, his legs pumping as he sprinted down the sidewalk. He had dodged pedestrians and cars, his heart racing with fear. He had finally lost Kiroshi and his friends in the crowded streets, but he knew it was only a temporary reprieve. As he caught his breath, Yeko couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, but saw nothing but the gray, filthy streets of Atashi. The city seemed to stretch on forever, a bleak and desolate landscape that seemed to swallow everything in its path. Yeko took a deep breath and continued walking, his eyes fixed on the pavement. He knew he had to be careful, had to stay one step ahead of Kiroshi and his friends. He couldn't let them catch him, not now, not ever. The streets seemed to blur together as Yeko walked, his mind consumed by thoughts of the wallet and the danger that lurked around every corner. He knew he had to find a way to keep himself and Yumika safe, had to find a way to survive in a city that seemed determined to crush them. As he turned a corner, Yeko caught sight of a familiar landmark – the old convenience store where he bought his lunch every day. He quickened his pace, his stomach growling with hunger. He knew he had to get home, had to make sure Yumika was safe. But as he approached the store, Yeko saw a group of students loitering outside, their faces twisted into cruel grins. He recognized them as Kiroshi's friends, Hazuko and Firakagu. Yeko's heart sank, his instincts screaming at him to run. But it was too late. Hazuko and Firakagu had spotted him, and they began to move towards him, their eyes glinting with malice. Yeko knew he had to act fast, had to find a way to escape. He turned and ran, his legs pumping as he sprinted down the sidewalk. The city seemed to stretch out before him like a living, breathing entity, its streets and alleys twisting and turning like a maze. Yeko knew he had to navigate it carefully, had to stay one step ahead of his tormentors. He couldn't let them catch him, not now, not ever. As he ran, Yeko felt a sense of desperation wash over him. He was trapped in a living nightmare, one that seemed to have no end. But he refused to give up, refused to let the city and its cruel inhabitants break him. He kept running, his heart pounding in his chest, until he finally reached the safety of his neighborhood. Breathless and shaken, Yeko slowed to a stop, his eyes scanning the familiar streets. He knew he had to be careful, had to stay hidden. But for now, he was safe, and that was all that mattered.