Collision Course

"Let me call your parents!" the chairman exclaimed, reaching for Fumiko Suzuki's number. Just then, the door burst open.

"Mr. Anzai? What brings you here? Can I help you?" The chairman scrambled to her feet, flustered, attempting to smooth her hair.

"Indeed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered," Hiroto Anzai replied coolly. Akie saw Hiro hiding behind his father, clutching tightly onto his shirt. Akie himself quickly retreated behind a cabinet.

"How can I be of assistance, Mr. Anzai?" the chairman asked politely.

"That's what I want to ask you. How can you help me keep your son in line?" Mr. Anzai said curtly.

"I'm afraid I don't understand, Mr. Anzai," the chairman said, glancing at her son.

"Don't understand? Perhaps your son, who shares a classroom with mine, can shed some light. What he's done," Hiroto added, glaring at the boy.

The chairman maintained a forced smile. "I still don't follow, Mr. Anzai."

"Ha! I seem to have made a grand mistake in believing this institution would be a haven for my son's education. I also assumed you'd help me shelter him from public scrutiny, unaware that he'd be bullied from such a young age, and by none other than the chairman's son!" Hiroto declared.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding, Mr. Anzai," the chairman interjected, attempting to regain control.

"No misunderstanding exists. My words are the truth, and it needs to be heard. Furthermore, the child present here witnessed your son bullying mine. And the so-called teacher you've appointed not only witnessed the event but attempted to conceal it. Such shameful behavior! How can an adult entrusted with protecting children from bullying actively hide it just because the perpetrator is the chairman's son? Unbelievable! In my entire life, I've never encountered such absurdity."

"I apologize for my incompetence, Mr. Anzai," the chairman bowed deeply, seeking forgiveness.

"Apologies alone won't suffice. What will you do to address my son's situation? And what about the innocent child who tried to defend his friend? I won't tolerate this. You leave me with two options."

"First, resign from your position as chairman immediately, or I'll be forced to acquire this entire property and appoint someone worthy. The choice is yours."

"Please, Mr. Anzai, show mercy. I was unaware of the incident. I kept my promise to you. No one in this school, not even the teachers, knows Hiro Anzai is your son. Please be lenient." The chairman pleaded.

"Are you threatening me?" Hiroto raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanged.

"N-never would I dare," the chairman stammered.

"Then comply with my demands, or I'll take matters into my own hands." Hiroto turned towards the exit, pausing briefly. 

"Kid, you can come out now. Nobody will hurt you. There's no need to be scared," Hiroto said, glancing towards the corner.

"Dad, he will come out. Let's go!" Hiro stuttered, pulling on Hiroto's sleeve.

"But—" Hiroto began, only to find himself sprawled on the school ground moments later, Hiro panting beside him.

"What's this, Hiro? Aren't you happy your friend's safe? Then why did you pull me away so suddenly?" Hiroto asked, puzzled.

"Nothing," Hiro mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

"Why did you keep this issue from me for so long? If you'd told me, I could have taken better action," Hiroto said, sitting down in front of Hiro.

"No, you couldn't have," Hiro insisted, still looking away.

"Why? Why are you talking like this?" Hiroto asked, his expression stoic.

"Because that's just how it is. You never answer my questions. Every time I ask you something, you deny it. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have called you here either. There's no need for you to dwell on it any longer," Hiro said sullenly.

"Hiro, why are you acting like this? You're a good boy, a good son. What's gotten into you all of a sudden? Is it the bully bothering you? If that's what you think, then don't worry. I've already taken care of everything. No one will bully you anymore," Hiroto assured him calmly.

"It's nothing, Dad! I think we should go home," Hiro said, climbing into the car. Hiroto watched him, trying to decipher what was going on.

"Hiro, are you okay? Do you feel sick? Tell me, and I'll call the doctor at home," Hiroto said again, sitting beside him. But Hiro remained silent, and Akie watched them from upstairs.

"Why are you standing here? This all happened because of you," the teacher scolded, arriving after Hiroto had left.

"It happened because of you, not me. You should know the consequences of lying as an adult. Don't try to shift the blame," Akie retorted, heading towards the classroom. He found the children already leaving due to the chairman's sudden announcement.

"Are you all going home?" Akie asked one of them.

"Yes, the teacher said there wouldn't be any more classes today, so we're heading home," the boy replied.

"Okay, thanks," Akie said cheerfully, walking towards the school exit. He saw the car was still there with Hiro inside.

"No, this is my chance. I need to go with them," Akie decided, hopping into the car's back compartment and hiding himself.

"Driver! Drive the car! Return us to the mansion!" Hiroto instructed.

"As you wish, sir!" the driver complied, and the car set off. Hiro and Hiroto remained silent throughout the journey. Upon reaching their destination, Hiro quickly jumped out and ran inside the mansion, followed by Hiroto.

"Now I need to enter the mansion. I'm sure no one will discover who I am, considering how much I resemble Hiro," Akie thought, confidently trailing after them.

"Young Master, you just went inside, didn't you?" the surprised butler stopped him, making Akie jump in surprise.

"Ah, yes! But I forgot something in the car, so I came back to get it. Now that I have it, I'll be heading to my room." Akie said, his voice slightly shaky.

"There's no need to be so polite, young master. You can do as you please," the butler replied with a smile.