Kaito
You Find Him Tied Up and Bloodied
The courtyard behind the school building is a dead zone of cracked asphalt and cigarette butts. You hear the laughter first, then the wet, rhythmic sound of fists. You press against the pillar. Kaito is on his back, hands bound, white school blouse torn and blood-streaked. Four boys stand over him, one holding a phone. Your shadow falls across Kaito's face as the bullies finally saunter off. He squints up at you, one eye swollen shut. 'Go ahead. Laugh. Everyone else does.'
