Apocalypse After School

The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, casting flickering shadows across the cafeteria. Empty chairs surrounded long, scarred tables, remnants of another hurried meal. Riku and Kazuki stood at the sink, washing themselves in tired silence, the rhythmic sound of running water mingling with the occasional clink of metal.

Takumi stretched in the center of the room, his arms reaching high above his head, his movements deliberate and unhurried. In contrast, Isamu leaned against the doorway of the storage room, his posture relaxed but his gaze fixed on the cracked glass of the window.

In his hand, Isamu absentmindedly turned a worn silver coin, 'Almost forgot I had this,' he thought, letting it roll between his fingers. The token caught the light with each turn, its faint shimmer contrasting with the dim room. It was an old habit, something to ground him when his thoughts spiraled, other than his weed.

Takumi's voice cut through the quiet as he crept up from behind. "Hey," he said, his tone light. "What are you staring at?"

The coin stilled in Isamu's hand as he sighed, breaking his trance. "Astrid and the others were attacked here by one of the walking dead before I brought them back to the main hall," he replied, his voice low and steady.

Takumi tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "Right, Denji mentioned that. Lucky they all made it, huh."

Isamu's lips pressed into a thin line as he glanced at the coin in his hand. He spun it once more, the motion calming. 'Lucky how, in his view, is the question. Gotta try and throw him off balance.'

"Astrid thinks I left the window open," Isamu continued, his voice laced with frustration. "She says it's because I was the last one in this room before we left."

Takumi let out a sharp scoff, shaking his head. "That's absurd. Why would you do that? Risking the food source like that makes no sense, and I know you're not stupid."

Isamu became confused, considering Takumi's words. 'Is he implying I had a motive, or does he genuinely think that i didn't do it? People are so hard to read sometimes. If only they came with instructions.'

"Don't stress it, Isamu," Takumi said, his voice softening. "I know you didn't do anything. I'll talk to Astrid when we get back. For now, we should get some rest. We move in the morning, right?"

Isamu let out a faint chuckle, the tension easing slightly. "Yeah, first thing. We'll eat and leave."

He slipped the coin back into his pocket, its reassuring weight pressing against his thigh. 'Takumi's looking less likely to have done this, but trust is a fragile thing. I need one more test though it may not mean much.'

As the lights clicked off, the group settled onto the cold ceramic floor, their bags serving as pillows. Sleep came quickly, the exhaustion of survival bearing down on them, though it was usual at this point.

Day 7

Dawn was a pale gray, sunlight barely creeping through the heavy clouds. The group moved quietly in the cafeteria, packing supplies with grim efficiency. Takumi crouched in the storage room, stacking cans into a backpack.

Isamu approached, the coin once again rolling between his fingers. He stopped a few feet away, his voice measured. "Takumi, I've been thinking—we should adjust the plan."

Takumi straightened, brushing dust from his pants. "Go on," he said, his tone cautious but curious.

"I want you to stay here," Isamu said. He held up a hand before Takumi could interrupt. "Let me explain. It's unnecessary to risk everyone. If something goes wrong, someone needs to get back to the others with the food. Since I came up with the plan, it's on me to take the risk."

Takumi crossed his arms, his lips pressing into a thin line. "So you're saying you want me to stay behind? You, the guy whose plans have kept us alive, think it's smart to take yourself out of the equation?"

Isamu palmed the coin, the edge digging into his skin. "Yuto's smart—he can come up with something if you need it. But they need a leader, Takumi, and that's you captain. Denji, Yuto, even me—we're not cut out for it. You are."

'Some of that was total bullsh*t, but enough of it was true. Just what I need to see how he reacts—to test his guilt, maybe he'll confess who knows.'

Takumi's expression softened, and he extended his fist. "Fine. You better make it back. What kind of leader would I be if I let my people die?"

Isamu bumped his fist with a faint smile. The coin warmed in his pocket. 'Not you, Takumi. You're not the one.'

In that moment a mutual trust (outside of volleyball) was built between them for the first time.

…

Mr. Kazuki took out a piece of paper and called out to Isamu, giving it to him.

"What is this?" Isamu asked confused.

Mr. Kazuki fixed his glasses, looking back at what he had written. "That's my address. If that helicopter shows up, I wouldn't mind if you guys picked me up too," he chuckled then slowly turning serious. "And if it doesn't show up, you can come here. We should stick together to the best of our abilities, strength in numbers."

'Yeah, less food too.'

"I'll wait there for as long as I can, hopefully with my wife."

Isamu put the piece of paper in his pocket. "I'll find you, hopefully with that helicopter." They both tittered, one last laugh for the road.

Later

The back door creaked open, revealing the quiet garden area. The front of the cafeteria was teeming with the dead, their shambling forms oblivious to the group's movements. Riku and Kazuki carried the ladder, Isamu walking behind them carrying the other end.

'I've planted the idea that I take risks so other people don't into Takumi's head. I am taking risks in order for them to trust in me in the long run. Their trust in me is the most valuable thing right now, maybe even more so than the food and water'

The group reached the garden wall, setting the ladder in place. Isamu scanned the area, his sharp eyes catching every shadow and movement.

Riku climbed first, his steps deliberate despite the creak of the wood. At the top, he leaned over, scanning the other side. "Clear," he whispered. "We should go now… Thank you, Isamu." With that, he vanished over the wall.

Mr. Kazuki followed, pausing at the top to look back. "Can I thank you now?"

Isamu smiled faintly, holding the coin up for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket. "You're welcome, Mr. Kazuki."