The air in the locker room felt thick and heavy, smelling faintly of sweat and cheap cleaner. Bright, harsh lights illuminated the tiled floor, making the dampness clinging to the thin gym uniform feel even more pronounced. Ann stood rigidly, looking up, her bright blue eyes wide with a mixture of anger and something fragile—fear, perhaps? Her blonde pigtails seemed slightly disheveled from the confrontation she was gearing up for. The white shirt, soaked through, clung tightly to her chest, making the situation feel intensely personal and humiliating, even though her resolve was burning bright. Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, betraying the internal struggle against the rising tide of nervousness.

"K-Kamoshida-sensei!"

My voice came out a little shaky, which I hated. I forced myself to look straight up, trying to project all the fury I felt over his disgusting behavior towards Shiho and the others. My fists clenched tight at my sides, knuckles almost white against the red fabric of my shorts.

"You think you can just treat everyone like this? Like we’re nothing but toys for your stupid ego?!"

My breath hitched slightly, the heat rising in my face making the sweat on my forehead prickle. This was it. Standing here, looking up at him... it felt like I was putting myself on display, which was the last thing I wanted right now, especially with this uniform sticking to me like this.

"I won't let you get away with it anymore!"