Tsumi to Kai Chapter 45

Chapter Summary

Zen tells Kousuke that thanks to him, he was able to feel a bit better. He is a bit starstruck to be even talking to student council president. Kousuke is flattered but says that he's not some kind of big shot or anything, and that he needs not get caught up in formality. Zen and Kousuke agree that he can dispense with the titles and he can just call him by his name. Kousuke notices that he's visibly upset, and tries to pry to see what's bothering him as if he wasn't the architect of his misery, himself.

Zen tries to play it off like he's fine, but Kousuke replies "Hmmm... if I had to guess, it looks as if you were double-crossed by someone you trusted and you feel insecure about yourself." Zen naively responds, "Wha... HOW DID YOU KNOW?!" My guy...

Kousuke says it might be because he watches so many different types of people. Zen asks Kousuke what he does whenever he's feeling upset. Kousuke says he focuses on his hobby of raising flowers because something about them has a mysterious effect that clears his mind. Hearing Kousuke go on about his favorite flowers has a calming effect on Zen that helps put his worries to ease momentarily, as Kousuke invites him to come see his flowers during lunch break. He'll be waiting for him! Zen is a bit shocked, rendering him speechless. As Kousuke leaves, Zen reflects on what an admirable person Kousuke appears to be, and how he wants to be like him and keep moving forward through is adversity. However, Kousuke looks on with a fiendish countenance.

The next day at school, a melancholic Hojo is getting dressed after physical education. She notices that her bag's weight is conspicuously light. Something she had is missing and she can't seem to find it. However, she does find a note, which she crumples angrily in her hand.

Next, we see Kousuke tending his flowers. He says "Ah, so you've finally arrived!" as a furious Hojo shows up. He shows her that he has her most valuable possession... her special rope. He taunts her for her bizarre hobbies, taking delight in telling her that he knows that this is the kind of rope used for bondage play. He tells her that he's tied up girls before, himself, but didn't take a particular interest or care in the rope itself. He says that he loves bondage because he loves to steal women's volition and hear them cry out as he holds them to his will. As he says this, he creepily licks the rope. Hojo tells him to get his filthy hands off her rope. She rushes forward to stop him in a fit of rage.

However, Kousuke grabs her arm as she moves to strike him. He uses the rope to bind her fingers as he takes delight in seeing her normally cool demeanor fall apart before his eyes. He taunts her, as he uses her own rope to manhandle her. He tells her that she of all people should know how this works: the more you struggle, the more pain you'll feel. He begins to move his face close to her, commenting on how delicious her lips look as she shows him that hateful expression. He tells her that if she opens her mouth for him, he'll let go of her arm. He moves his tongue closer to her... just in time for Zen to show up and see the whole thing.

He looks back with a pitiless expression. Was this the 'flower' he wished for Zen to see?

End of Chapter