Episode 8 "Confessions of a Mob Member--Reasons for Hidden Behavior"-"Flickering in the Waves, The Courage of That Day"

--Back of the gymnasium at night.

The door to the apparatus room is slightly ajar and light is leaking from inside.

I (Kohei Aizawa), Tomoki Otani, Hinata Tachibana, Saki Kawakubo, and Mizuki Kiryu, the student council president, stepped in to follow a suspicious person.

What I saw there was a remarkable person--

Male student who should have previously left the surfing clubwas a figure holding a large bag and looking back at us.

"...... what?"

All of us stood there stunned.

In the stillness of the night, he stared at the door with an impatient expression on his face as he held the light.

Hey, why are you guys here ......"

He swims his gaze and backs away.

In the first place, it is suspicious enough when you sneak into a school at night without permission.

Moreover, what on earth were they doing in this apparatus room?

Hinata asks in a trembling voice.

"You, why are you here ......? You must have left the club. ......"

"It has nothing to do with ....... It's up to you."

He answers shortly, but does not seem to be able to hide his upset.

What is in the bag is not yet visible to us.

Ohtani takes a step closer, bracing himself.

Tell me what you were doing. Perhaps you're the one hiding Shinoda-senpai's board ......?"

The mob club members (hereafter referred to as "outgoing students") distorted their faces at the overly straightforward question.

"...... Huh? What's that?"

Then what's in that bag?" Saki-senpai presses in a sharp tone.

The outgoing student clearly looks impatient and tries to put the bag behind his back.

However, the movement only made it more suspicious.

Hey, let me see that."

Hinata steps in with courage.

As expected, there is one opponent, there are five of us, and there is no escape.

The retired student sighed in contemplation and slowly held out the bag.

"...... what's in it, you'll know it when you see it."

We gasp and open the mouth of the bag with the light on.

There it was--

I'm thinking, "Surfboards ...... wax and fins? And a fairly new ......."

Moreover, aren't these the same type of parts as those used by Shinoda-senpai's maker?"

Hinata raises her voice.

Indeed, it is similar to the "old parts" I saw in the warehouse the other day, but this one is newer and of a different color.

When Otani looked into the bottom of the bag, he found even smaller tools and repair kits mixed in.

"...... what the hell is this ......"

When Saki-senpai looks up, bewildered, the retired student opens his mouth with a depressed look on his face.

The ...... surfboard itself isn't here."

Then where is it?"

I don't know! I mean, ...... I didn't steal anything.
　I just heard that Shinoda-senpai's board disappeared, and I was hoping to find some clues. ......
　I was looking for ....... Maybe it's unnecessary meddling."

The words left everyone perplexed.

Although "I was looking for it" doesn't sound like an excuse,
What is the significance of the action of going out of your way to explore the equipment room with surfing supplies at this hour of the day?

Kiryu-senpai urges in a calm voice.

Tell me in order. Tell me how you left the club and what you're doing here now."

I was actually in a bit of trouble with Shinoda-senpai when I decided to leave the club.
　Shinoda-senpai, with his talent and achievements, is treated as a hero by those around him.
　But from my point of view, I was honestly jealous.
　So I just jumped out and said, "I'm going to quit these club activities. ......"

The frustration that seeps into the words.

It seems that part of the reason for the awkward atmosphere in the club was due to this student who had left the club.

But ...... then I saw Shinoda-senpai earnestly supporting the surfing club,
　I thought to myself, "You're a great guy after all.
　I regretted that I should have worked a little harder too.
　But now that I've left the club, I can't go back. ......"

He looks pained.

Saki-senpai asks in a stern tone.

But what does that have to do with "bringing wax and fins into the equipment room at night?"

When the board was found, if it was broken or scratched." ......
　I was just trying to make a few repairs. ......
　I'm just an outsider, but I thought I could help in my own way. ......"

Unexpected motives.

Indeed, if you have surfboard repair supplies and parts, you might be able to get by if your board is found and covered in scratches.

Ohtani says with a snarl.

'Then why not just bring it in the daytime like normal?
　Why are you sneaking around at night? Besides, the apparatus room has nothing to do with it."

The outgoing student replies with a slumped shoulder.

I was afraid that the teachers and club members would find me during the day. I was afraid that they would say, "You left the club, what's the big deal now?
　So I decided to sneak in at night and hide it in a corner of the apparatus room.
　I had a ...... spare key on hand from when I used to move equipment in and out of this place for club activities."

(Spare ......?) And we gasp.

Well, maybe he had the key for some reason before he left the club and did not return it.

Hinata says with puzzled but kind eyes.

'Then you should have apologized in front of everyone in a dignified manner and cooperated with us. ......
　Why are you taking such a risk?"

You can't "....... It's like, what's a guy who left the club because he was jealous of Shinoda-senpai now?
　"They're going to suspect he stole it or something.

We are at a loss for words.
In fact, if outgoing students come and go at night at too inopportune a time, it is not surprising that they would be suspicious.

However, as far as I have heard so far, there seems to be no proof that he is the "culprit".

The stolen board was nowhere to be found, and was most likely just moving on its own out of unfulfilled desire for club activities.

Then you really know nothing about the whereabouts of Shinoda-senpai's board, don't you?"

Saki-senpai asks again and again.

The outgoing student silently shakes his head.

If I knew, I wouldn't be doing it this way." ......
　I want to see him do well in the competition, too, and I'm rooting for him wholeheartedly."

His words were tinged with frustration.
He probably blames himself for leaving the club because of jealousy.

(I see. (I see.) I guess many of the troubles in the department were actually caused by this kind of "complicated feelings toward talents".
　The more Shinoda-senpai and Saki-senpai shine, the more likely they are to create a rift with those around them. ......)

My heart aches with pain.

Hinata also has tears in her eyes and mutters, "I see. ......

Thank you for ....... I hope your feelings will be conveyed to Shinoda-senpai someday."

The outgoing students roll their eyes at the unexpectedly kind words.

Saki-senpai also sighs, then quickly looks away,

'Well, if you're not the thief, stop acting weird at this hour.
　It's just asking for unnecessary trouble."

She sounds a little harsh, but I can sense her own concern.

The outgoing student mumbled, "Okay, I won't be this reckless ...... anymore.

Then Kiryu-senpai takes a step forward.

And those tools you brought with you, they're not school equipment, are they?
　It is against the rules to hide them in the equipment room without permission. Anyway, the student council will take care of it, and we'll talk more about it later."

Yes. ...... sorry."

The outgoing student obediently obeys and hands the bag to Kiryu-senpai.

If he is not the culprit, then the nighttime prowler has "struck out" again.

(Then where and what is the real culprit doing?
　Where is Shinoda Senpai's board hidden?
　(Is Dr. Kurokawa really irrelevant?)

The questions were endless, but at this moment we had to disperse because the security guard's patrol time was approaching.

Anyway, you should not do anything dangerous by yourself.
　Talk to your teacher or Kiryu-senpai."

Hinata calls out to him one last time, and he nods silently.

-The night search was again inconclusive.

At the same time, however, the small cracks that existed within the club begin to show.
Alienation due to talentandCrossing paths between members of the same clubThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

The thefts seemed to reveal those frustrations and hidden feelings.

(The culprit has yet to be found. But now I know one thing.
　The theory that "the crime was committed by a student who had left the club" can almost be ruled out.
　So is it still an outsider or ...... or one of the limited key holders ......?)

I left the apparatus room for the night with my chest reeling.

◇◇◇

5. the next day in the club room, the rift deepens

When I arrived at school the next day, the mood in the surfing club was as gloomy as ever.

Shinoda Senpai is not hospitalized, but his leg is heavily taped and he is unable to go to school.
They don't seem to have the energy to show up for club activities.

The topic of "Who is the culprit?" is still simmering among the students. is still a smoldering topic of conversation,

Although rumors spread in some quarters that "the night intruder was a student who had left the club."

It seems that not enough has been communicated to the students who left the club to say that the student was not actually the culprit.

Misunderstandings and falsehoods are spreading, and chaos prevails in the department.

I'm not sure what I should do. If this keeps up, we'll never make it to the inter-high qualifying rounds. ......"

Hinata holds her head up.

Saki Kawakubo-senpai also came to the clubroom today but remained silent as she rummaged through her locker.

Otani says, "Let's go directly to the teacher now," but Hinata shies away, saying, "But that would be like questioning the teacher. ......

(The relationship of trust with Kurokawa Sensei is becoming less and less. (It may be dangerous to question Sensei head-on under these circumstances.)

At that time, Kiryu-senpai opened the door to the clubroom and asked, "May I have a word?" I asked.

He has several paper documents in his hand.

I did a little research of my own. I wondered what kind of competitions Kurokawa Sensei had been to in the past,
　And what happened around you when you were injured: ......"

Everyone gasps.

You don't mean to tell me that you've been collecting old newspaper articles and testimonials from people involved--again?

Kiryu-senpai continues with a grave expression.

"Apparently, at the time of the teacher's injury, the adults around him were blaming each other, saying, 'We shouldn't have pushed him harder.
　People around her were expecting too much from her, when they should have been looking out for her safety because she's so talented."

Hinata holds her mouth.

This is exactly the situation that Shinoda-senpai is now in.

"Dr. Kurokawa ended up riding the big wave at the convention and was seriously injured .......
　After that, not only was his path to becoming a professional blocked, but he apparently became awkward with everyone around him."

"Well, maybe the teacher wants to stop Shinoda-senpai from making the same mistake. ......

Saki-senpai mutters to herself.

Certainly, the teacher's concern for Shinoda-senpai's feet, even if not to the point of theft, would have led him to take a stern attitude.

But that doesn't directly lead to the disappearance of the board. ......

When Ohtani says as if to bite down, Kiryu-senpai quietly shakes his head.

I don't get it. How far the teacher wants to go to stop Shinoda-kun. ......
　Perhaps the doctor himself is confused."

Only the bewilderment grows.

(After all, you'd have to ask the teacher about this story--but if he's silent, there's nothing we can do about it.)

"Questioning the teacher could destroy the relationship more and more. ......
　Now it's tough for Shinoda-senpai to see if his leg will ever fully heal, and it really sucks. ......"

Hinata's voice trembles.

Saki-senpai also falls silent with a complicated expression on her face.

(Then how else can I ......?)

We're stuck again.

◇◇◇

6. that evening -- unexpected contact

When I was almost done with my club activities, I received an incoming call on my phone.

I looked at the screen and saw it was from "Shinoda-senpai.

When I impatiently pick up the receiver, I hear the low voice of my senior.

"...... bad, at a time like this. I have a little favor to ask of Aizawa."

How are your senior ...... feet doing?"

It still hurts, but I've managed to walk with crutches," he said.
　I was hoping to at least get the board back, even if I can't make the tournament. ......
　So, I need Aizawa and everyone in the department to help me."

(Seniors help ...... everyone?)

Surprised, I replied, "Of course, I will help you in any way I can," and the senior continued with a faint smile in his voice.

I'm going to show up at school tomorrow for a bit," he said.
　I also want to talk directly with Dr. Kurokawa. I'm done running away."

The senior's powerful words are inspiring.

I understand. I will be waiting for you tomorrow in the clubroom."

Please ......"

The call ends and I report to Hinata, Otani, and Saki-senpai who were there.

Their expressions also light up in an instant.

"Seniors talk to your teacher again: ......!"

Maybe this will move things along."

Hinata says in a voice filled with hope.

Otani and senior Saki also breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Finally, a step forward.

After all, neither the club nor the incident will move forward unless Shinoda-senpai, the captain, stands up.

The injury is severe, but his will is recovering, which is significant.

(If only the seniors and teachers would talk properly tomorrow,
　(And maybe we can unravel a little of the mystery of the board theft.)

With this in mind, we left the school gate.

The evening sky is covered with wispy clouds, and the sea breeze caresses my skin.

(Tomorrow is the day the truth will come out.
　The teacher's past, Shinoda-senpai's resolve, the culprit in the theft case--
　(The whole thing could be connected.)

The day ends with tension and anticipation.

And it is precisely the next day that the captain and the advisor face each other head-on.

What awaits us there: conflict or reconciliation?

We don't know yet.

This confrontation will be the beginning of a new wave of turbulence - and that's what we're going to do.

◇◇◇

--Episode 8: The End