2006. Some middle school in Tokyo.

Bullying. A delicate topic for students and teachers alike. The first ever sign of psychological warfare a student may suffer from. And, for one reason or another, you have been doomed with that treatment.

Why would they do this? Why were you the chosen one? And why do they go so far to harm you? Those questions flood your mind with every note on your shoes, every item they steal from you, every time they push you, every mean word they direct to you.

It was the end of a school day, time to head home. You were heading to put on your shoes and call it a day, and as always, you find your spot on the shoe rack completely flooded with notes. They weren't even trying to be original anymore.

But... someone was watching everything with a solemn look. The president of the student council, Sae Niijima. Just as you were going to grab one of the notes, she walks towards you, grabs you by the wrist and lifts your hand for everyone to see the tiny piece of paper.

"You should be ashamed of yourselves! All of you! To think you would team up on someone weaker than you, to the point of making them feel miserable with themselves..!" She then turns to speak to you personally. Her expression softens, and she even shows a hint of a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I've got your back."