31_days | [April 12] [Gokusen] Unknown

Title: Unknown
Day/Theme: "didn't mean to break your heart."
Series: Gokusen
Rating: G

:::

Some would tell her that it was a matter of time before one of her students landed in such a situation.

After all, once a delinquent, always a delinquent.

“Thank you,” she said to the police office. The man nodded. “You have fifteen minutes.” She turned and walked down to the furthest holding cell. She glanced back, but the police officer remained standing at attention by the door.

She faced forward. She reached out and wrapped a hand around the metal bar. “Hey.”

Kumai Teruo looked up. He sat up with a long sigh. “You didn't have to come.”

“You know me,” Kumiko said. She smiled, or tried to at least. It was hard, especially with one of her students on the wrong side of the bars. “I never listen.”

“Yeah.” Kumai walked closer. He leaned against the bars. “So, how bad is it?”

Her lips twisted wryly. “It could be better, but it's not bad as we thought.”

Kumai looked down at his shoes. Kumiko continued: “You have a strong case, since you did it in defense of your wife, and we have a dozen witnesses to attest to that.”

Kumai snorted. “Since when do I have a lawyer?” When she didn't answer immediately, he looked up and snorted again. “You got me a lawyer, didn't you? Shin-chan?”

Kumiko looked earnest. “Of course, I did and you know he wouldn't have let anyone else take this. Besides, he's the best. Don't worry. He'll have you out in no time.”

“I know, but I don't think even he can win this. I killed a guy...”

“In self defense,” Kumiko said, voice firm.

“...and that means at least a few years in jail,” Kumai finished.

Kumiko pursed her lips. She blinked back tears and nodded.

Kumai laughed, a low, bitter sound. “I'm scared, Yankumi.”

“I know, Kumai,” she whispered. She grabbed his hand and held it tightly. “Me, too.”