《Minus One》


 CHAPTER ONE - WELCOME TO HACHIN ACADEMY

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    <h2>1.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    As expected, my name took its rightful place at the top of the list. Yet, it was not the recognition that stirred the most intriguing reaction, but rather the response from a young girl positioned amidst the crowd. Her lips quivered in shock as she read the names written on the board, a palpable shock emanating from her being.


    ¡°How?¡±


    Her voice trembled, just managing to escape her throat. It was a question laced with doubt, a plea for understanding amidst the tumult of emotions swirling within her. Her world appeared to spin on its axis in that fleeting moment, and she grappled with the stark reality before her.


    Meanwhile, a sense of triumph surged within me as I observed her turmoil. The result of careful preparation and unwavering will had paid off, and the sight of her shattered composure only fuelled my satisfaction. She turned to face me with poise and rage, a powerful mixture of resentment and anger burning in her gaze.


    I met her gaze with a serene smile, a mask concealing the turbulent currents of triumph coursing through my veins. Our quiet exchange at that instant spoke so much¡ªher disbelief and my unspoken declaration of victory intertwined in a silent symphony of rivalry.


    Sure enough, I''d won, exactly like I''d promised. However, beneath the fa?ade of victory hid the indisputable reality¡ªa truth veiled by the shadow of uncertainty and the echoes of an unmet challenge.


    ¡ª


    <h2>1.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The voices from the video I watched could be heard from across the room. Usually, I would have my earpiece with me, but I was too lazy to reach for it because it was on my desk. So, I blasted the sound from the speaker on my phone. Fully immersed in the lengthy video essay, I lay on my side with the screen just inches from my face. It was about an awful TV show that had aired at some point last year. Then, unexpectedly, a notification appeared, pausing the video. A familiar rhythm began to play¡ªit was my alarm. The time read 7:30.


    This was odd because I usually wake up around this time, but today I had woken up about an hour earlier. I had already showered and changed into my uniform. I let the alarm play for a little while longer, then switched it off and got out of bed. Stretching, I walked over to the standing mirror and made adjustments, straightening out the wrinkles that had formed in my uniform from lying down too long.


    With my uniform properly in place, I proceeded to the small cabinet above the stove and took out a bowl, some milk and a box of cereal. I quickly made breakfast for myself and set the bowl on my desk. Propping my phone up again, I resumed watching the video while eating, quickly making good work of my meal. The crunch of the cereal and the commentary of the video essayist blended into a strangely satisfying morning soundtrack.


    After washing the bowl and leaving it out to dry, I glanced around the room to see if there was anything left to do before leaving. Feeling content, I put on my shoes that I had carefully placed by the entrance and slung my bag across my chest. After taking a final glance around, I switched off the lights and closed the door.


    As I locked my door, my neighbour''s door swung open. He, too, was dressed and ready for the day. Noticing me, he closed his door first before turning to face me.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said.


    ¡°Good morning, Ozawa,¡± I replied, maintaining a neutral expression.


    ¡°We''ve still got some time before morning assembly, so can we talk?¡± he asked.


    For a number of reasons, this was unusual, but I understood why he wanted to talk. The events of the last year had been surprising and unpredictable, with me at the centre of it all. I calculated the risks and benefits of this conversation quickly in my mind. I decided it was worth entertaining what he had to say.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied calmly


    We stepped into the elevator. With a gentle hiss, the doors shut and the familiar hum of the elevator accompanied our descent. The doors opened as soon as we arrived at the ground floor, and we stepped out. As we strolled to the auditorium, I could sense the looks and sideways glances I received.


    ¡°So, what exactly is your deal?¡± Ozawa asked abruptly.


    I could simply act naive and ask what he meant, but that would only drag things out. I chose a more direct approach.


    ¡°I am just a student who came here like everyone else, hoping to graduate in the top 15,¡± I offered, though the words rang hollow even to my own ears.


    ¡°First of all, you are not a student like everyone else. No student has been admitted into the school after the entrance years except you, and all of a sudden you topped your class,¡± Ozawa answered sharply and quickly.


    ¡°Maybe it was just sheer luck,¡± I replied in a composed, unfazed tone.


    ¡°Luck my ass,¡± he snapped. His fists clenched and his eyes flashed with wrath. ¡°Just know that you are placing a target on your back, Marcus.¡±


    As he stormed ahead, leaving me trailing in his wake, I couldn''t shake the feeling that this conversation was just the beginning of a storm brewing on the horizon.


    ¡ª


    <h2>1.2</h2>


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    There was excitement and conversation in the air as Hachin Academy''s first day of classes began with the bustling energy of students returning from break. With the general assembly being held in the Kurosawa Auditorium and some time on my hands, I decided to stroll slowly there, taking in my surroundings.


    As I entered the auditorium, I noted the segmented seating arrangements. With the presence of the middle and high schools, the entire area was packed. I chose a seat at the end of the row, ensuring I wouldn''t be sandwiched between people.


    The seat beside me remained vacant until the eleventh hour, when a girl sat down¡ªa classmate by the name of Stella, with whom I had not spoken at all. I subtly glanced at her, assessing her demeanour. She seemed to be engrossed in conversation with the person next to her.


    Out of the 20 people in my class, I only knew about five or so. I was primarily to blame for this, as I didn''t come across as social, which made people just not bother with me. Except for one individual who persisted in extending their friendship¡ªa gesture I still found perplexing and undeserved.


    The whole hall fell silent as someone made their way onto the stage. He was a middle-aged man in a fine black suit, holding a small piece of paper¡ªlikely containing the contents of the assembly. His presence commanded immediate respect.


    ¡°All stand,¡± he instructed. Everyone stood up and greeted the man, our director, Furuya Itsuki-sensei, in unison. ¡°Begin the anthem.¡±


    An orchestra began playing a tune, and we all started singing the school¡¯s anthem, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. The anthem was beautifully crafted, each note meticulously placed.


    The orchestra played on after we were done singing, and then the performance came to a close with a beautiful violin solo by none other than Diya Avery, the only person I considered a friend in the school. Her form was exquisite and first-class, on par with some of the world''s greats. I watched her closely, noting the precision and emotion in her performance.


    ¡°All sit,¡± Furuya-sensei commanded, and we did so, breathing collective relief as we returned to our seats.


    ¡°First, I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to every one of you as we embark upon a new year and semester.¡± He spoke in a firm voice that echoed across the auditorium.


    My mind began to wander as he launched into the customary welcome-back speech, reminiscing about setbacks and successes. The monotony of his words, however, lulled me into a state of trance as he spoke, and I found my attention and thoughts straying to faraway worlds.


    ¡°As we are all aware, at this school, we pride ourselves on our academic brilliance and excellence in superior skills and talents in various fields.¡±


    I noted the shift in his tone as he moved to the crux of his speech.


    ¡°We have had strict rules and protocols that we abide by since the inception of this school, but last year one of these rules was apparently broken when we admitted a student into the 11th grade.¡± Many eyes turned to me after I said this; even Stella, who was sitting beside me, gave me a quick glance before looking away. This type of attention was uncalled for but anticipated.


    ¡°This change is the first of many that the school will make this year to make things more competitive than they already were.¡±


    I watched as others around me reacted, with students shifting in their chairs and murmurs resonating across the auditorium.


    ¡°To start things off, I would like to announce that we will be launching software in a few months that determines a student''s overall rating, which in turn determines their ranking.¡±


    The idea of this new approach caused curiosity in all of the assembled students, including me.


    ¡°I must emphasise this: Your rating and ranking will have a significant impact on you and your class when this is fully implemented,¡±  he warned us.


    ¡°More details will be revealed soon,¡± he continued. After this, he delved into recounting the events of last year, a section I deemed less critical. He concluded after roughly twenty minutes.


    ¡°Thank you all for your time, and now some words from your student council president, Haku Hotaka,¡± the director said, leaving the stage. In his place stood Haku Hotaka, the embodiment of confidence and authority, his light brown hair catching the light as he took centre stage. He easily held the attention of the assembled students with his quiet power of demeanour.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone. I am going to make this quick,¡± he said, standing with his arms behind his back. ¡°My tenure is close to its end, and that means a new president will take up the mantle, so I officially declare this election season.¡±


    ¡°Class 11, the ball is now in your court.¡± Haku-senpai declared, his eyes sweeping across the room, lingering for a moment on me¡ªor so it seemed. Was it mere coincidence, or did his gaze hold a deeper significance? That thought hovered there, a faint murmur of doubt, in the recesses of my consciousness.


    ¡°I will wait to see who rises above you all to claim this spot,¡± Haku-senpai said with a sense of challenge and possibility in his voice, concluding his statement. He thanked everyone one more time and made his way off stage to a round of applause.


    A teacher from one of the final years came on and dismissed everyone. I waited behind as everyone left in droves, not wanting to push through the crowd.


    Some minutes passed, and the hall was practically empty except for a few who stayed back, probably having the same idea as I did. I then stood up, preparing to leave for my class.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± a familiar voice called my name. I turned around to see Hazel Terrell sitting a few rows behind me. Had she been there the entire time?


    ¡°I was hoping to see you in class,¡± I said, trying to lighten the mood with a joke. Yet, her response was anything but expected.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°You got lucky,¡± she said quickly, her eyes locked on mine.


    ¡°Oh, really? Then you''re saying you can beat me during the next assessment.¡±


    ¡°I know I can,¡± she said, standing up and walking away. She paused, turning back to face me.


    ¡°I am declaring war on you, Marcus; be prepared,¡± she said, then left.


    Someone accustomed to occupying the pinnacle of success often grows complacent, lulled into a false sense of security by the familiarity of their lofty perch. For years, she had reigned supreme, her position at the pinnacle of academic achievement seemingly unassailable.


    This caused her to forget that victory was not guaranteed, nor was her position immune to challenge. Complacency was the enemy, a seductive siren''s call tempting one to rest on their laurels and bask in the glow of past achievements.


    In the blink of an eye, the balance of power had shifted, the mantle of superiority passing from her to me with startling swiftness. My triumph in the previous semester''s exams had not only toppled her from her pedestal but had also thrust me into the unforgiving glare of the spotlight.


    Hazel''s declaration of war was a challenge I could not ignore, a call to arms that I accepted with unwavering resolve. The battlefield of academia awaited, its terrain fraught with pitfalls and obstacles, but I was undeterred.


    ¡ª


    <h2>1.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    I settled into my usual spot by the window, just one row from the back of the classroom. My lonesome self fiddled with my phone while the rest of the class went about their business. I had both my ears blocked by my earpiece, but I could still hear the chatter since I decided not to turn up the volume. The class buzzed with the typical hum of conversations, laughter, and the occasional debate.


    As the noise gradually subsided, my attention was drawn to the front of the room, where our lecturer, Nomura Naomi-sensei, had just entered. She moved with a fluid grace, her presence commanding attention without uttering a word. This prompted me to put away my device and prepare for the class. She stood behind a podium that was placed in front of the class, placing her materials on top of it with practiced ease.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± she said, her voice clear and warm.


    ¡°Good morning, Nomura-sensei,¡± most of us answered in unison, our voices echoing slightly in the room.


    ¡°It is nice seeing you all again. This semester will be busier than most for you all, as you can see you already have the student council election upon you,¡± she started, looking around the room and making quick but meaningful eye contact with several students.


    A student in the front row raised his hand, seeking clarification amidst the sea of information. ¡°Sensei, a question?¡± he asked, drawing Nomura-sensei''s attention.


    ¡°Go on, Ritter,¡± Nomura-sensei nodded, acknowledging him.


    ¡°I am wondering what the exact impact all of this could have on our studies,¡± he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.


    ¡°Don''t worry,¡± she reassured. ¡°The school is well aware and always reduces the number of classes offered around this time of the year. Your subjects for this semester will be registered at the end of the day. Sorry about the delay.¡±


    Every student had a profile that included all of our personal details as well as the courses we studied. A timetable was derived from this, but it seemed they had experienced some form of delay at this stage, probably due to the new system that the director mentioned was being implemented.


    ¡°With that being said, today will be a free day for you all,¡± Nomura-sensei announced and there was a round of clapping and shouts. Cheers erupted around the room, a chorus of relief and joy. I would be lying if I said I wasn''t pleased as well.


    ¡°Before that, let''s discuss the upcoming student council elections.¡± The board behind her flickered to life, displaying detailed information divided into two parts: in-class voting and the main event.


    ¡°The election has two main parts,¡± Nomura-sensei continued, her tone now more formal. ¡°The first is the in-class voting, and next is the debate and election event. Each of the three classes of this year is expected to have one candidate that will run for the role of student council president.¡±


    I leaned forward slightly, intrigued by the competitive aspect of this process. Direct competition between our classes was a thrilling prospect.


    ¡°To pick the class nominee, in-class voting is used. In this class, many people can volunteer to be the representatives for the class. You will then campaign and convince your classmates to nominate you,¡± Nomura-sensei explained.


    A hand rose above the class and Nomura-sensei acknowledged him with a nod, inviting his question with an encouraging smile.


    ¡°Yes, Aryan?¡± she prompted.


    ¡°Sensei, are we also doing the same for the other positions on the student council?¡± With evident curiosity, Aryan asked.


    Whatever doubt remained was dispelled when Nomura-sensei shook her head.


    ¡°No,¡± Nomura-sensei replied. ¡°When the nominee for a class is chosen, he or she can then pick those that they want to fill those positions. But don''t worry about that for now.¡± Her explanation was concise, leaving no room for confusion.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Aryan said, nodding in understanding.


    ¡°If you''re interested in running for the position, feel free to meet me in the afternoon at my office,¡± Nomura-sensei said in an open and supportive tone. ¡°The deadline for registering is tomorrow, so I encourage you to act quickly.¡±


    She paused, giving us a moment to digest the information. When no further questions arose, she concluded, ¡°That would be all. Enjoy your day.¡± With that, she gathered her materials, her movements efficient and purposeful, and left the class.


    As the chatter of my classmates grew louder, signalling the onset of their excitement for the free day ahead, I found myself increasingly restless. Feeling the need for some alone time in the hallways of Hachin Academy, I sighed and pushed back my chair as I left the classroom.


    I strolled down the hallway, the polished tiles reflecting the bright fluorescent lights overhead. The corridor was relatively empty, the occasional echo of distant footsteps breaking the silence. As I walked, I passed by the sign for Class 2. From inside, the lively chatter of students poured out into the hall, indicating they were likely done with their briefing from their sensei.


    I was not interested and began walking away, even ignoring the unmistakable sound of the door opening behind me.


    ¡°Is that you, Marcus?¡± I was startled out of my trance by a voice.


    I turned around and saw an average-height female staring back at me with a lean figure. However, her toned, lengthy legs drew my attention, serving as a silent testament to her commitment to tracking activities.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    ¡°It''s nothing really; I just wanted to get a good look at you,¡± she said as her eyes darted over me, surprising me with her boldness. ¡°So, I''m assuming you''re running in the elections?¡±


    ¡°I haven''t made up my mind yet,¡± I admitted, unsure of my own intentions.


    ¡°Well, I want you to run so that I can face you,¡± she said with confidence oozing from her being.


    ¡°Face me? Why would you want to do that?¡± Not that I had any issue with that.


    ¡°You seem interesting and might be a fine challenge for me,¡± she stated, her eyes glimmering with excitement. She took a step closer, her presence almost magnetic.


    ¡°I see, but is that also dependent on whether we both win the in-class voting?¡± To put it mildly, the idea of getting votes from classmates I barely knew was going to be a challenge.


    She waved off my concerns with a dismissive flick of her hand.


    ¡°Don''t worry about me; I have the in-class voting covered for my class, and there''s no way I''m going to lose. Just focus on getting nominated, alright?¡± Her confidence was really palpable.


    Agreeing with her challenge, I was about to say goodbye to her when I felt her hand slide into mine. I was startled and confused by her unexpected touch as I turned to face her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even ask for my name; that is so rude,¡± she said, pouting in a seemingly playful manner.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± I simply apologised. She giggled, her laughter resonating like a light-hearted tune in the hallway.


    ¡°It''s cool; getting things jumbled up is normal. But you should not forget the name of your challenger, Hashimoto Natsumi from Year 11 Class 2. I look forward to a glorious battle,¡± she exclaimed, her smile turning into a cheeky smirk.


    As she sauntered away, leaving me to ponder our peculiar encounter, I couldn''t shake the feeling that Hashimoto Natsumi was unlike anyone I had ever met. I was fascinated by the mysterious girl who had come my way because of her fearless and confident demeanour.


    Shaking my head in confusion, I carried on with my journey, resolved to forget about Hashimoto and her challenge for the time being. As I walked away from Class 2, a creeping unease enveloped me, coupled with the distinct sensation of being observed. Nonetheless, I chose to disregard the feeling.


    ¡ª


    <h2>1.4</h2>


    ¡ª


    The sounds of discussion, clinking cutlery, and sporadic giggles filled the cafeteria like normal. After finishing my chicken stew and mashed potatoes, I looked at my phone and saw that it was getting close to midday. I figured Nomura-sensei was at her office now.


    As I mulled over the idea of running for student council president, the voices of my classmates echoed in the back of my mind. Hashimoto''s challenge was looming huge, and I strongly felt she would be a very tough opponent. But did I really possess the zeal and motivation to start this kind of campaign? The thought lingered as I made my way back to class to gather my belongings.


    Pushing open the door, I found only a handful of classmates lingering inside. Funai, Kimi, Jaden, Aryan, and Kaiya sat in a tight circle, engrossed in conversation that did not concern me.


    ¡°So she is really doing it, is she?¡± Funai''s voice floated across the room.


    ¡°Of course she is,¡± Kimi said in a tone that hinted at admiration.


    Their conversation had now drawn my attention and piqued my interest. I listened intently, silently weighing their words.


    ¡°What about the other classes? Do you think she stands a chance against whoever represents them?¡± Aryan''s voice broke through the chatter, prompting a thoughtful pause.


    Kimi''s brow was furrowed in thought.


    ¡°Well, if I am to guess, Class 2 would most likely have Yuka or Tristin,¡± she said, her eyes darting around as she considered the possible candidates. ¡°Then Class 3 would most likely be Andre.¡±


    A brief pause occurred, which was interrupted by Jaden''s dubious inquiry.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t Andre bad at public speaking?¡± There was a tangible sense of unease, as Funai acknowledged.


    ¡°Is he? I never knew that,¡± she said, seeming surprised.


    I saw that Hashimoto''s name was left out of their discussions. Could it be that she was merely bluffing about her candidature? I pondered this as I gathered my belongings and prepared to leave. But I felt a sudden urge to stop at the door and turn back to the group.


    ¡°Hey guys,¡± I called out to them to get their attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Marcus?¡± The room rang with Kaiya''s passionate response; her energy was infectious.


    ¡°I was thinking of running for student council president; what do you think?¡± I ventured, bracing myself for their reactions.


    With a mixture of surprise and uncertainty flashing across their features, the group quickly exchanged glances. The first person to reply was Aryan, who was sitting next to Kaiya.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should, considering you only just came into the school recently,¡± he said in a cautious but realistic tone.


    His remarks struck a chord with me, reminding me of the inherent challenges of my relatively short tenure at the school. Nevertheless, the notion was too irresistible to resist; the thought of participating in the campaign process excited me.


    ¡°I get what you are saying,¡± I said, admitting that he had a point. ¡°But it seems like it would be fun, even though I don¡¯t make it through in-class voting.¡±


    Kaiya''s eyes gleamed with approval.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I told them! It''s not like I want to be student council president or anything,¡± she said, erupting with excitement. ¡°I just think it would be fun to think of speeches and how to convince people to vote for you, plus it could raise my social standing.¡±


    Funai sighed as a disapproving murmur echoed through the group.


    ¡°Goddamn it, why are you like this?¡± She mumbled, clearly mocking Kaiya with contempt, who laughed unfazedly at Funai''s response.


    ¡°You don¡¯t just understand, Takara,¡± Kaiya retorted playfully, her laughter echoing through the room.


    ¡°Thanks for the advice, Kaiya,¡± I interjected, offering her a grateful smile.


    ¡°I''m happy to assist,¡± she replied with a grin, her playful demeanour contrasting with Funai''s disapproval. ¡°If you need anything, don''t ask these downers because I''m here. Ouch!¡± She winced as Funai playfully nudged her foot.


    With that, I bid the group farewell, their voices fading into the background as I exited the classroom. I strode with intent towards Nomura-sensei''s office.


    I''d have to admit that I had made up my mind to run in this election. A multitude of variables influenced my decision, all of which reinforced my resolve. The thrill of competition beckoned, promising an electrifying challenge. The prospect of facing off against Hashimoto added an extra layer of intrigue. Moreover, a lingering intuition whispered that another formidable opponent loomed on the horizon.


    My prediction was swiftly validated as I pushed open the door to see a familiar figure hunched over a desk, diligently filling out a piece of paper. Nomura-sensei looked up as I entered, offering a welcoming smile before I closed the door behind me. As Hazel finished her paperwork, she turned her attention to me.


    ¡°Don''t tell me you are also running for the position.¡± Her tone was slightly tinged with incredulity as she said this.


    ¡°I am,¡± I said, looking her in the eye. ¡°Are you scared or something?¡±


    Her response almost seemed indignant at first, but she steadied herself and took a big breath before answering.


    ¡°Have people told you that you are annoying?¡±


    ¡°Nope, not once. Just think of it as a challenge.¡± I casually shrugged.


    Stepping forward, I approached Nomura-sensei, ready to officially declare my candidature.


    ¡°So, Marcus, you want to run as well?¡± Pulling a slip of paper out from behind her desk, she asked.


    ¡°I do,¡±  I confirmed, accepting the paper and scanning the details I needed to fill out: my name, age, and class. With a few quick strokes of the pen, I completed the form and handed it back to her.


    ¡°Thank you; the in-class voting takes place on the 21st of this month,¡± Nomura-sensei informed me, her gaze lingering expectantly as I turned to leave.


    ¡°So, guess we are facing each other yet again.¡± An unmistakable air of challenge surrounds her presence.


    ¡°Marcus Luna, let''s see who is the better person here. An official challenge from me to you,¡± she proclaimed, her words resonating deeply.


    I took up her challenge with a fire burning inside of me and determination coursing through me. This would be more than just an election; it would be a test of resolve, fortitude, and willpower. As Hazel had said, let the showdown begin.

 CHAPTER TWO - NOW THEY ARE ELECTION RIVALS

    ¡ª


    <h2>2.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    Later that day, as Nomura-sensei had predicted, our course registration and schedule had been sorted out, bringing a sense of structure to the semester ahead. Instead of having ten subjects to study this term, we only had eight.


    The following day arrived swiftly, and we started homeroom. As we all settled in, Nomura-sensei arrived with a chart showing the names of the candidates running for student council.


    ¡°This chart lists the candidates from our class who have decided to throw their hats into the ring for the student council election,¡± she said as she looked around the group of students. Among the twenty-one students, six names were present: Kusumoto, Aria, Nagamine, Ritter, Hazel, and myself. We candidates felt the weight of my classmates'' attention bearing down on them.


    ¡°Your task now is to rally your classmates and garner their support,¡± Nomura-sensei went on. ¡°Remember, you''ll also have the opportunity to address the class directly on voting day, so be prepared.¡± With that, she concluded her remarks, leaving the room to buzz with whispered conversations.


    I began mulling over a question that I had and believed it would be best to discuss it in private, out of the earshot of my colleagues. Nomura-sensei''s mention of speaking to the class sparked an idea in my mind, one that seemed plausible but required clarification to ensure its feasibility.


    Lunch was over in the blink of an eye as the day zipped by. As I returned to class, my world suddenly went dark as hands covered my eyes in a playful game of guess-who. I could sense their softness, indicating they belonged to a female. The pressure on my back felt like she was trying to reach out, but she was having some trouble. Only one person came to mind who would play such a game.


    ¡°Diya.¡±


    ¡°Bingo,¡± she said as she removed her hands, revealing her trademark cheeky smile. She hopped back a step, her eyes dancing with mischief.


    ¡°What''s up? You''ve been avoiding me, haven''t you?¡± She teased, clearly in a light-hearted mood.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± I said but I feel guilty for speaking to her since classes resumed.


    ¡°So, spill it. Why are you throwing your hat into the student council ring?¡± I could tell Diya was excited to dive into the topic because of her obvious enthusiasm.


    ¡°I figured I could use some competition,¡± I answered.


    ¡°But isn''t that a bit extreme? I mean, challenging Hazel to something would''ve sufficed.¡± As she spoke, a realisation dawned on her, evident in the subtle shift of her expression. ¡°I see now,¡± she murmured, acknowledging the gravity of my decision.


    ¡°Yeah, that''s it,¡± I replied, certain she knew the importance of my decision.


    ¡°But the student council election? Don''t you think that''s a little too much? Besides, winning something like that is very difficult,¡± she questioned, her brow furrowing slightly and I acknowledged the challenge at hand with a nod.


    ¡°I''ve heard that popularity plays a big role, right?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± she confirmed. ¡°You''re quite popular, but I''m not sure if that type of popularity would help you in this context.¡±


    She was right. My popularity sprang more from curiosity and fascination than from actual social impact.


    ¡°So, do you have any ideas?¡± I enquired, hoping she might offer some insight.


    ¡°Me?¡± she asked with a laugh. ¡°I''m a blank slate,¡± she admitted, closing the distance between us again with a quick hop.


    ¡°Plus, you do remember that Hazel is my best friend; you want me to betray her by helping an opponent?¡± Her eyes gleamed with playfulness as she taunted. Despite the jest, I understood the delicate balance of loyalty and friendship at play.


    ¡°I get what you mean,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Sorry, I can''t be of much help, Marcus,¡± she apologised, reaching out and placing a hand on my shoulder dramatically.


    ¡°Not your fault,¡± I told her, valuing her candour.


    ¡°How about this? What if I treat you to dinner sometime?¡± she suggested, shifting the topic. Before I could respond, a soft voice broke through our conversation, causing us to turn our attention to the newcomer.


    ¡°Diya?¡± The girl''s voice revealed that she had a shy and nervous manner.


    ¡°Aria, sorry, I forgot that I was supposed to see you,¡± Diya apologised, her look mirroring Aria¡¯s disappointment. Even though her unassuming presence was often overlooked, it dawned on me that Aria was one of my classmates.


    ¡°Diya, I''ll leave to attend to her,¡± I interrupted, sensing the importance of their conversation.


    ¡°Alright then, I''ll call you later in the night to schedule our dinner,¡± Diya said, her devotion to our plans clear in her tone.


    ¡°Later,¡± I echoed, offering a wave as Diya turned to join Aria.


    With some time to spare before my next class, I reached for my phone and noticed a new message waiting for me. The contents were brief but intriguing¡ªa visitor was on their way to my room tonight.


    ¡ª


    <h2>2.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    When the class eventually ended and I started gathering my things, I felt a presence beside me. With his distinctive green-tipped hair, Jaden approached me with a sense of purpose in his stride.


    ¡°Marcus, do you mind if I walk with you back?¡± I was surprised by his request because he doesn''t usually approach me in this manner. The thought that first crossed my mind was the upcoming elections.


    ¡°Sure, let me just grab my bag.¡± I hastily packed my belongings as we exited the classroom.


    As we walked, I couldn''t help but sense an underlying tension in the air¡ªa palpable anticipation for the conversation that was about to unfold.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± I asked, anxious to hear what was on his mind. ¡°It''s just that you''ve never asked me to walk with you before, so I assumed there was something you wanted to discuss.¡±


    ¡°Well, there is,¡± he said, taking a moment to compose himself. ¡°It involves the student council election.¡± Ah, I was right. The elections weighed on his mind, just as they were on mine.


    ¡°And what about it?¡± I asked, ready for whatever questions he might have.


    ¡°I need you to assure me that you will play fair and do nothing to divide the class.¡± His tone was cautious.


    ¡°Why do you think the class would get divided?¡± I probed, genuinely curious about his perspective.


    ¡°I''m not saying it would, but I''m just trying to warn you not to do anything that would result in that,¡± he continued, his worry visible in his countenance. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ve also had a similar conversation with Hazel.¡±


    ¡°Why didn''t you run for the position? You would make a great leader,¡±  I asked out of pure curiosity.


    ¡°Maybe on paper, but that type of thing isn''t for me; it would be a massive screw-up, trust me,¡± he confessed, his words tinged with a hint of self-doubt.


    ¡°Well, maybe you''re right, but I was just basing this on my own observations of you,¡± I comforted him, trying to instill some confidence in his abilities.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he muttered, looking straight ahead as we got closer to our dorms. He came to a halt and extended his hand.


    ¡°This is where we part ways. For now, I hope what I told you sticks,¡± he said, in an honest but circumspect tone.


    ¡°Don''t worry, I wasn''t planning on causing any division among the class. You have my word,¡± I said, giving him a quick handshake before he turned and returned to the school building, probably still having some unfinished business.


    I decided not to dwell on this and headed back to my room, preparing for the evening ahead.


    ¡ª


    <h2>2.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    It was around seven in the evening when I heard the insistent knocking on my door, disrupting the tranquillity of my room. I sighed as I got out of bed and walked to the door, already knowing who it was. When I opened it, I saw a familiar face with an impatient expression.


    ¡°Finally, you take too long,¡± she scolded me, her eyes shooting daggers in my direction.


    ¡°Can you stop knocking on my door like a mad person?¡± With a tinge of fury in my voice, I shot back. This was not the first time I had asked her to refrain from such behaviour, yet she never seemed to heed my words.


    ¡°Sure, sure, now can you move, please?¡± She entered my room with an air of ownership, brushing by me without waiting for a reply.


    Shutting the door behind her, I observed her as she made herself at home, setting her bag down beside my bed.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°Are you hungry, Kailey? I made some beans with halloumi stew,¡± I offered.


    ¡°Damn, I haven''t had that in quite a while, thanks,¡± she replied appreciatively as I served her a plate of the homemade dish. As she settled onto my bed, I couldn''t help but notice the way her eyes lit up at the sight of the food.


    ¡°This looks great; you have improved since last time,¡± she remarked, taking a bite with relish.


    ¡°Well, I was practicing at home,¡± I admitted and she gave me a shocked look.


    ¡°That''s not possible. How come I didn''t catch you in the kitchen once?¡± She questioned; her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°I was really sneaky about it; besides, you were mostly in your room, remember?¡± I reminded her, with a light-hearted grin pulling at my lip corners.


    ¡°Anyways,¡± she gave in, returning to the meal in front of her.


    ¡°So, how has school been?¡± I asked and she looked up at me.


    ¡°What do you expect from school?¡± She answered casually before she took another bite.


    ¡°Must you be so vague about it?¡± I pressed on, as I was looking for a more thorough response.


    ¡°It has been much better than the first semester. I think I have finally adjusted, but the semester just started, so maybe things can change.¡± She explained, her tone reflective.


    ¡°That''s great,¡± I offered genuinely, relieved to hear that she was finding her footing in school.


    ¡°And what about you?¡± Her attention curiously moved back to me as she asked the question.


    ¡°Me? I am surprised you asked,¡± I joked, thinking it would be a light-hearted statement, but her response indicated she took it more seriously than I intended.


    ¡°Sorry, I said that. Honestly, I am not too sure. I still feel the awkwardness and the feeling that I am an outcast in the class, but I guess it has reduced a bit,¡± I admitted, observing her closely for any reaction as she finished her meal and deposited the plate in the sink before returning to the bed.


    ¡°Wash it,¡± I said, my tone firm.


    ¡°No,¡± came her defiant response, her expression unwavering.


    ¡°Kailey?¡± I said with a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice.


    ¡°Wait a second; I never asked you to cook for me in the first place, so I don''t feel responsible for washing the plate,¡± she retorted, her words laced with stubbornness.


    ¡°I blame Dad,¡± I sighed loudly, feeling a mixture of resignation and annoyance. It was a familiar refrain¡ªour father''s indulgence often led to her entitled attitude.


    ¡°Well, I have about two hours to spend here so I suggest we begin,¡± she said, her eagerness concealed by a sly smile as she pulled a book out of her bag, the word "Pre-algebra" emblazoned across its cover alongside her name.


    ¡°So factors and multiples are what we are covering today. I can''t figure out how to identify them,¡± she admitted, her frustration evident as she handed me the book.


    As we got comfortable for the study session, I revisited the fundamentals, starting with factors. I could tell where she was struggling, primarily in the concept of identifying factors.


    Recalling a helpful trick I had learnt, I demonstrated it to her. I chose to use online exercises instead of creating my own and opened a website with practice questions for her to try her hand at answering.


    After about two hours of studying, Kailey slammed her book shut with a resounding thud, signalling the end of our tutoring session. She stretched her body, emitting a long, contented yawn that reverberated across the room.


    ¡°That was great; I feel like I''m now an expert in factors and multiples,¡± she exclaimed with pride, her smile spreading as she had just vanquished a formidable opponent. I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at her boastful proclamation.


    ¡°Well, ''expert,'' I think it''s time for you to leave,¡± I remarked, rising from the bed and watching as she gathered her belongings into her bag.


    ¡°You''re so hasty to chase me away; I could still stay for a little while. It''s just past nine, you know,¡± she objected, feigning innocence with a playful glint in her eyes.


    ¡°Nope, I''ve had enough of you for today,¡± I retorted, with a trace of humour in my voice and pointed to the door.


    ¡°Rude,¡± she teased, yet there was warmth in her voice as she complied with my request, standing up and shouldering her bag.


    ¡°Before you go, I want to tell you something,¡± I said, catching her attention before she reached the door.


    ¡°It better be important,¡± she said with a tinge of irritation as she turned back to face me.


    ¡°I''m running for the position of student council president,¡± I announced, anticipating her response.


    She came over to me and put both of her hands on my shoulders in an excited and supportive gesture that made it clear how shocked she was.


    ¡°Why didn''t you tell me sooner?¡± She shouted, and her face lit up with genuine enthusiasm. Then she gave me a cunning smile, as though she were struck with an idea of mischief.


    ¡°How about you try changing the rule on wearing your school uniform while on campus?¡± she suggested playfully.


    ¡°Very funny. How about I make it to the general election stage first?¡± I responded dryly, gently pushing her hands off my shoulders.


    ¡°I just wanted to tell you so you won''t be surprised if you see my name up there,¡± I said, attempting to downplay the significance of my announcement.


    Kailey rolled her eyes in mock exasperation before turning towards the door, opening it halfway before pausing.


    ¡°If you need help campaigning in the middle school section, I can help,¡± she said, her voice softening with sincerity.


    ¡°That''s very nice of you,¡± I acknowledged, appreciating her gesture despite our playful banter.


    ¡°Shush,¡± she said with a grin before closing the door behind her, leaving me alone in my room. I took a quick look around and was relieved to see that her presence had left little to no mess.


    ¡ª


    <h2>2.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    A few days had passed and after homeroom, Hazel took the opportunity to address the class.


    ¡°Everyone, I just need a moment of your time,¡± she began, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. ¡°The in-class vote for the upcoming student council election is next week. I will present my policies and ideas at the manifesto on that day, but that doesn''t mean I won''t tease you all; expect some flyers over the coming days.¡± She finished with a lovely bow and concluded, ¡°Let us come together and make this school a paradise for us all.¡±


    Her speech was met with a few sporadic claps, but mostly the mood was muted. As Hazel straightened up, her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she moved on. She was obviously taking the initiative and demonstrating her conviction about the election.


    I watched in silence, realising that I would need to come up with a plan if I was going to have any chance against her. Though I had a vague idea in mind, it would take time to formulate and execute. There was one person I needed to talk to¡ªa crucial ally in my plan. Before class started, I hurriedly texted her to set up a meet-up after school.


    Classes passed by in a blur, and soon it was time for our scheduled meeting.  I made my way to the terrace, a secluded spot with umbrellas, chairs, and tables where students often relaxed. I sat down and pretended to occupy myself with my phone while keeping an eye out for any familiar faces.


    When Diya arrived, she bounced over to the table with her usual energetic flair, dropping into the seat opposite me with a bright, infectious smile.


    ¡°Hello there, Marcus!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for coming.¡± I greeted her with a nod of gratitude.


    ¡°It''s cool, but I thought I told you I couldn''t help with election stuff,¡± she replied, her tone slightly resigned but still playful.


    ¡°I know, but you''re still here,¡± I said, hoping she might change her mind.


    ¡°So, who is this person?¡± Diya asked with obvious curiosity as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°The student council president, Haku Hotaka-senpai,¡± I disclosed, observing her response. I was surprised that she remained unfazed, as if she had anticipated my request.


    ¡°Why did you need me, though? You could have gone to his class or the student council office to make an appointment,¡± she said, bringing up a good point as she tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table.


    ¡°Well, I didn''t want people to know I was the one meeting him, hence why you''re acting as an intermediary between us,¡± I explained, hoping she would understand the need for discretion.


    Diya pondered my words for a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully before breaking into a grin.


    ¡°Remember, you owe this secret agent dinner,¡± she declared before retrieving her phone and making a call.


    ¡°Hello Hotaka, how are you doing?¡± Diya addressed him by his first name with a calm, steady voice.


    ¡°I know it is out of the blue, but I need to meet you; rather, someone wants to meet you.¡± I watched as she looked around the area, ensuring our privacy before activating the speakerphone.


    ¡°He can hear you now,¡± Diya informed Haku-senpai, her eyes fixed on the phone that was lying on the table between the two of us.


    ¡°Good. Marcus, it seems you requested my time.¡± Haku-senpai''s voice echoed through the speaker, clear and authoritative. His ability to deduce my identity caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless.


    ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± I enquired as my curiosity overcame me.


    ¡°It was a very simple deduction; honestly, I am sure Diya could explain this to you,¡± Haku-senpai casually responded, which made Diya furrow her brow.


    ¡°What do you mean by that, Hotaka?¡± she asked, her frustration evident in her tone.


    ¡°Nothing, nothing, Diya; forgive me for that. Anyway, Marcus, I am sure you called because of the in-class voting.¡± Haku-senpai skilfully steered the conversation, leaving me with more questions than answers.


    ¡°You are correct. I need to ask you some questions, both you and Diya,¡± I responded, eager to get to the heart of the matter.


    ¡°Me? What good am I here? Besides, I already told you,¡± Diya objected, her hesitation clear in her voice.


    ¡°I know that you can¡¯t help me, but that does not mean you can¡¯t answer some questions about the school and its history,¡± I explained, trying to reassure her.


    ¡°History?¡± Diya echoed, intrigued that word was being used. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she considered the implications of our conversation.


    ¡°I would be free from seven; both of you can meet me at the overlook,¡± Haku-senpai said.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I said, turning to Diya as the call ended.


    ¡°Where is the overlook?¡± I asked sheepishly, hoping she wouldn''t laugh at my ignorance. Diya couldn''t contain her amusement as she responded.


    ¡°Come on, I''ll show you.¡± She picked up her phone and gestured for me to follow, her steps quick and bouncy as she led the way to our rendezvous with Haku-senpai.


    ¡ª


    <h2>2.4</h2>


    ¡ª


    The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the day before the in-class vote drew to an end. Throughout the week, intense campaigns were going on, with each candidate vying for the interest and endorsement of their classmates. Some had resorted to traditional methods, unveiling detailed policies and plans for the school''s improvement. Others, however, had opted for more dubious tactics, promising extravagant incentives like free lunches or exclusive privileges in exchange for votes.


    Then there was me. I had stayed noticeably off the campaign trail in contrast to the other candidates. Instead of actively seeking votes, I had withdrawn into quiet solitude, allowing rumours to swirl unchecked around me with whispers suggesting that I had already conceded defeat or was plotting a dramatic reveal on voting day. Despite the gossip, I remained stoically silent.


    I packed up my things and was ready to go as the final bell rang, signalling the end of classes for the day. But before I could make my exit, someone appeared in front of my desk. Her posture was stiff and anticipatory as she stood with a sense of urgency.


    ¡°I need to talk to you; it''s important,¡± her statement hung in the air like a challenge.


    I was perplexed by her sudden appearance but my interest was piqued.


    ¡°Alright then, what''s this about?¡±


    ¡°Let''s talk somewhere private; follow me, please,¡± she said in an uncompromising tone. I gave her a nod and got up from my seat, trailing behind her as she led the way out of the classroom.


    Silently, we made our way through the hallways until we reached the farthest corner of the building. She halted abruptly, amidst the dwindling crowds and fading daylight, gesturing towards a nearby classroom door.


    ¡°In here,¡± she said, opening the door to show a dark, empty classroom. The overhead lights flickered to life as she flipped the switch, illuminating the space.


    ¡°Now that we''re alone, let''s talk, Marcus¡ªjust you and me,¡± she said, her look solemn.


    Hazel. Her unexpected summons left me wondering about her intentions and the nature of our impending conversation. What was her plan? I was dying to find out.

 CHAPTER THREE - IN-CLASS VOTING

    ¡ª


    <h2>3.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    As we locked eyes in the classroom, the tension between us was heavy and tangible. We remained silent, letting the weight of it all descend upon us like a thick shroud. I broke the deadlock eventually, moving to sit on one of the desks, the sound of my footsteps echoing softly against the quiet walls.


    ¡°So, what''s on your mind?¡± I ventured.


    Hazel''s expression remained stern, her arms crossed stubbornly across her chest, and her voice was laced with fury.


    ¡°Why aren''t you making any moves? Why are you not taking this seriously?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I managed between laughs, trying to compose myself. ¡°It''s just amusing that you''re so worked up about me not making a move.¡±


    ¡°That''s not it at all,¡± she shot back, clearly irritated but then she inhaled deeply, calming herself down and returning to her cool demeanour.


    ¡°I was concerned that you had given up or something. I don''t want to win this by default; I want a challenge,¡± she explained.


    ¡°Well, don''t worry about that,¡± I reassured her with confidence. ¡°I''ll beat you regardless.¡±


    Hazel drew closer to me, her stare keen as her interest grew. But I held my ground, meeting her gaze head-on.


    ¡°If you''re so sure, how about a little game?¡± Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she made her proposal.


    ¡°A game?¡± I echoed her, intrigued by her suggestion.


    ¡°The winner of the game gets something from the loser,¡± Hazel added and I couldn''t help but get excited about the possibility of taking on this challenge. If I won, I could have her indebted to me, but I needed to clarify the terms.


    ¡°Alright, then how about the winner asking the loser to do anything?¡± I proposed.


    ¡°Anything?¡± Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see she was thinking about the ramifications of suggesting something so audacious.


    ¡°Anything that does not relate to sexual acts,¡± I firmly added.


    Her response was immediate, almost frantic.


    ¡°I wasn''t thinking about that,¡± she insisted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from someone as composed as Hazel.


    ¡°Okay, then, do you agree on the game?¡± I pressed, extending my hand as a gesture of agreement.


    Hazel composed herself rather quickly, her resolve returning as she reached out and clasped my hand firmly.


    ¡°You''re on,¡± she declared, sealing our agreement.


    As our conversation concluded, I pushed myself off the desk and made my way to the door, leaving Hazel alone in the classroom as I began thinking of what was to come next.


    ¡ª


    <h2>3.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The walk to class had a pleasant feel to it because of the calm morning weather and the light breeze. It was a welcome change of pace, allowing me to take in the surroundings at a leisurely pace.


    I had plenty of time to go over my plan again because there was no class until noon. It was a straightforward tactic, but its success depended on luck. The key was to pay close attention to what the other candidates said during their manifestos; any overlap with my own ideas could throw a wrench into my carefully laid plans. Thankfully, from their campaigns over the week, I had a solid understanding of their objectives.


    Outside the classroom, I caught snippets of conversation among my classmates, their discussions revolving around the manifestos and the impending vote. I was excited, though, even if the pressure was getting to me. I walked silently inside the classroom and found my seat, conscious of the curious gazes that followed me.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± A recognisable voice pierced the stillness, and I spun around to find Jaden approaching me.


    ¡°As ready as I''ll ever be,¡± I answered, unable to contain my smile.


    Before our conversation could continue, a voice cut through the air and drew our attention.


    ¡°Jaden,¡± Nagamine Ran, one of the candidates and one of my opponents today, materialised beside him and wrapped herself around his arm with a possessive familiarity. Whether they were a couple or simply close friends was not a matter I dwelled on for long.


    ¡°Come on, I need to talk to you,¡± Nagamine insisted, tugging Jaden away as she seemed to disregard my presence completely.


    ¡°Sorry, Marcus. Good luck.¡± He apologised before allowing himself to be led away by Nagamine.


    Shortly after they left, Nomura-sensei arrived, her authoritative presence bringing the class to attention.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone. We are not going to waste any time on this, so please be seated,¡± she declared sharply, glancing around the room to ensure compliance and displaying a countdown timer on the electronic board.


    ¡°May the candidates please stand,¡± she said, prompting me and my fellow nominees to rise from our seats.


    ¡°You each have a minute for your manifesto; use the time wisely to convey your goals and persuade your classmates to vote for you. The order of presentation will be decided by the straws you draw,¡± Nomura-sensei explained as she held up six straws with numbers on them.


    Hazel took the initiative to select her straw first, followed by Ritter, Kusumoto, and Nagamine. Aria lingered, awaiting my turn, prompting me to step forward and choose from the remaining two straws.


    I noticed, somewhat surprised, that fate had decided I would be the final presenter. It seemed like luck was on my side today.


    Aria collected the remaining straw, and Nomura-sensei continued her address as the selection was now complete.


    ¡°As for the rest of you, I advise that you be just and thoughtful with your votes. Do not elect someone simply because you are friends with them; instead, base your decision on their ideals and policies,¡± Nomura-sensei stressed, her remarks connecting with the seriousness of the situation.


    ¡°Number one, please step forward; the rest of you can sit.¡±


    As Nomura-sensei''s voice called out for the first candidate to step forward, the room fell into hushed anticipation. Along with my fellow candidates, I took a seat and watched carefully as Ritter walked up to the podium.


    With a composed and resolute attitude, Ritter stood tall before the class. Behind him, the digital timer flickered into action, its numbers starting the unrelenting countdown.


    ¡°Hello everyone, My name is Ritter Yoshiro,¡± he said, exuding confidence in his voice. ¡°The student council is a structure that gives students power in the school. Its existence makes the voice of all students heard and allows for a better experience, and one with the title of president oversees everything.¡±


    Ritter had meticulously practised every word of his speech, which was clear and rhythmic.


    ¡°Intelligence, diligence, discipline, and commitment. These are the key and integral factors that the president must possess, and seeing all of this, it can be agreed that I am the best choice.¡±


    His eyes slowly scanned the room as he moved on to the next aspect of his speech.


    ¡°My academic performance is exceptional, and my level of discipline is admirable,¡± he asserted, bolstering the credibility of his promises.


    ¡°If I do win this election, I plan on making policies that will make our learning process more seamless. The implementation of online submission points, a transparent marking and grading system, and a mentor programme.¡±


    With a gracious bow, Ritter ended his speech, prompting polite applause from the class.


    However, beneath the surface, there was a feeling of muted enthusiasm among my classmates; it was evident that more people were clapping out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine excitement.


    I couldn''t help but recognise his ideas'' merit when reflecting on his speech, especially the mentorship programme I could implement. However, a lingering concern was that his focus on academics might overlook the broader aspects of student life.


    As Ritter returned to his seat, Nomura-sensei, diligent as ever, made notes on her pad, her gaze lifting occasionally to scan the attentive faces of our classmates.


    ¡°Number two, you are next.¡±


    Gesturing the straw above her head with a hint of eagerness, Kusumoto made her way to the podium. Her energy was contagious, drawing the attention of the entire classroom.


    ¡°Alright, I know that the student council has been extremely resourceful when it comes to our academics,¡± Kusumoto began, wasting no time at all.


    ¡°However, as the world transitions into the digital age, I have noticed that our school is lacking in some departments to keep up with this global change,¡± she continued, hitting a chord with many in the room.


    ¡°An e-library is something I expected a school like this to have, but it does not,¡± she pointed out, her tone tinged with disappointment. ¡°Some of the software we use to teach is outdated by several years, and as a school that prides itself on having something for everyone, the fact that we don''t have an eSports team infuriates me.¡±


    The other students responded to her remarks with nods and whispers of agreement.


    ¡°The implementation of the recently announced ranking system is a start,¡± Kusumoto said, her voice becoming cautiously upbeat. ¡°But proper features and management of this thing are important, or it would be dead on arrival.¡±


    ¡°Our school should be the pinnacle of technological innovation and usher in a new era,¡± she declared with powerful conviction behind her voice as she clenched her fists to add emphasis ¡°So vote for me, guys. Thanks.¡±


    As she blew a kiss to the class, a wave of affectionate chuckles and smiles rippled through the room. It was a strategy that highlighted her charisma and charm, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    A brilliant fusion of charisma, practicality, and enthusiasm characterised Kusumoto''s speech. I couldn''t help but acknowledge her astuteness and noted the potential impact her candidature could have on the election outcome. I couldn''t help but feel more respect for her way of thinking and her perseverance as I watched her return to her seat.


    ¡°Number three, your turn,¡± Nomura-sensei announced and I couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation as I wondered what the girl who stood up would bring to the table.


    Hazel walked calmly towards the podium, her movements deliberate and measured. The classroom fell silent, waiting for her speech as she inhaled deeply before beginning.


    ¡°Hello everyone. I am Hazel Terrell, and I am here to convince you to nominate me for the position of student council president, the most prestigious title a student at this school can achieve.¡± Hazel spoke in a steady, assured voice.


    ¡°However, everybody has their own wants and needs, which can sometimes clash with each other,¡± she said, expressing her awareness of the complexities of student life.


    ¡°If I were to be president, some people may agree with me, while others may not,¡± Hazel said in a resolute yet inclusive tone. ¡°Our education is important, as are our clubs and activities, the free time we receive, and the fun we have. It is all something that contributes to the larger picture, which is our happiness.¡±


    ¡°That is why I aim to make everyone happy; I want to make decisions that affect the entire student body and not just a select number.¡± She emphasised her commitment to representing the entire student body.


    ¡°As a previous representative of this class, you have all experienced my leadership style and can attest that I have been able to make this possible,¡± she stated, projecting confidence in her capacity to bring about change.


    ¡°So that''s why I want to build upon that and make it a standard in this school,¡± she said, finishing her speech with a kind bow. The classroom applauded and I joined in, swept up by the room''s collective energy. I was surprised to learn that she had previously served as a class representative. Although I had expected her to use her academic background to her advantage, I had not anticipated her previous leadership position.


    Our gazes locked for a moment, exchanging a silent acknowledgement amidst the applause, but there was prevailing tension underneath it all. The movement of a chair interrupted my thought before I could dwell on it further, drawing my attention to Nagamine as she stood up.


    ¡°Guess I am next,¡± Nagamine announced casually, her demeanour exuding confidence. Hazel gracefully vacated the podium, and as she passed by, our eyes met once more. This time, though, I couldn''t help but smile a little, a gesture she reciprocated before averting her gaze.


    Now that I was completely focused on the next nominee, I noticed Nagamine''s assured gait as she walked up to the podium. There was an aura of self-assurance about her, as if she already knew she had the room''s attention.


    ¡°Hello everyone. I am sure you are aware of who I am, but just for the unacquainted,¡± she began and I couldn''t help but feel as though she was staring at me for a little while. ¡°I am Nagamine Ran, and I am running for student council president. I know what you''re thinking¡ªanother cocky female student who thinks she is better than everyone else. And you are right. I am better than everyone else. I am cocky. And I am going to win this election.¡±


    With each word, she dared the audience to challenge her assertion.


    ¡°Why am I so confident? It is simple. It is because I am the best candidate for the job. I am smart, ambitious, and confident. And I do think I''m better than everyone else. But that''s not a bad thing. Being cocky means that I believe in myself. It means that I''m not afraid to take risks. And it means that I''m going to do whatever it takes to make this school the best it can be.¡±


    Her unabashed confidence was palpable, cutting through the air like a knife.


    ¡°Now you want policies, you want plans¡ªI¡¯ve got them in spades. The first will be the revamp of our outdated school infrastructure. A complete overhaul. Those squeaky chairs, those vending machines that seem to have nothing anyone wants, the impressive yet slow wifi connection. Those are all going to change.¡±


    ¡°Next on the agenda is promoting extracurricular activities like never before. I believe that true growth happens outside the confines of the classroom,¡± she said as her eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°I will work tirelessly to bring in renowned guest speakers, organise captivating workshops, and establish partnerships with local businesses to provide exciting internship opportunities. Let''s show the world what our students are truly capable of.¡±


    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t stop there. This school is at the forefront of technological innovation in the educational space. I want to maintain that, which means integrating state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge software in our classrooms.¡±


    ¡°I know that some of you are thinking that I am only running for this position for my own gain. And you''re right. I am,¡± he admitted, her voice unwavering. ¡°But let me be clear: my personal success is directly tied to the success of this school. And I will stop at nothing to ensure that we reach new heights together.¡±


    As the timer behind her hit zero, signalling the end of her allotted time, Nagamine showed no signs of slowing down.


    ¡°I want to be student council president because it will look good on my college applications. I want to be student council president because it will give me power and influence,¡± she proclaimed, her tone unapologetic. ¡°But I also want to be student council president because I care about this school. I want to make it a better place for all of us. So vote for me.¡±


    Applause and hesitant murmurs accompanied her blunt honesty. It was clear that Nagamine''s approach had polarised the classroom. While some appreciated her candour, others questioned her motives. She was a paradox¡ªan intriguing blend of vanity and altruism.


    ¡°Nagamine?¡± Nomura-sensei spoke out, breaking the silence and drawing everyone''s attention back to the front of the room.


    ¡°Yes, Nomura-sensei,¡± Nagamine answered, with her steadfast stare locked on her.


    ¡°The timer ran out, and yet you continued. Don¡¯t you think that was a show of the lack of responsibility and respect you have?¡±


    The atmosphere in the room changed as a result of Nomura-sensei''s question hanging in the air. Some exchanged uncertain glances, while others awaited Nagamine''s response with bated breath.


    ¡°I do know that what I did put me in a negative light, and many would view something as simple as this as a deciding factor on whether or not to vote for me, but the truth is, I do not care. Getting my points and ambitions across to them and having them decide based on that was important. If I did stop in the middle of my speech, they would not have the complete information to decide whether they wanted to vote for me. I prefer to be voted for because people know who I am rather than make assumptions about who I am.¡±


    The class was stunned into silence upon hearing Nagamine''s forthright admission. Her refusal to conform to conventional expectations and her unyielding authenticity commanded begrudging respect. Her confidence and mindset could be my biggest competition during this election.


    ¡°I see,¡± Nomura-sensei finally responded, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. ¡°Go take your seat.¡±


    Without hesitation, Nagamine obeyed and returned to her seat. The weight of her presence hung in the air, making a lasting impression on everyone who bore witness to her audacious display of self-assurance.


    ¡°Alright, number four, you are up,¡± Miss Noami said, prompting the next candidate to step forward.


    ¡°I am coming,¡± a voice behind me said, and the girl got up from her seat to approach the front of the class. Aria. Her name surfaced in my mind as I watched her approach the podium. Her hand leaned lightly against her chest, a tense move that revealed her fear. She tried to calm herself down, and her deep breaths punctured the air.


    ¡°Public speaking has not really been my strong suit. I am not the most outspoken or confident person. Oh, right, I forgot to mention my name. It is Aria Kimura. Alright. So. I don¡¯t have the natural charisma that a leader has, but I do want to make a difference at this school.¡± As she spoke, her voice faltered a little bit.


    ¡°Like, uh,¡± she hesitated and seemed to be having trouble finding the correct words before she closed her eyes briefly, regaining her composure.


    ¡°Art has always been my solace, allowing me to express myself when words fail. Through my art, I have learnt the power of observation and understanding. I want to bring this quiet strength to our student council, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can be themselves.¡±


    ¡°Though communication may be a challenge for me, I am committed to improving our school''s channels to ensure students'' voices are heard and concerns are addressed. As an artist, I value imagination and critical thinking, and I will advocate for a balanced curriculum that fosters both academics and creativity.¡±


    She spoke with a sense of sincere devotion, each syllable uttered with heartfelt sincerity.


    ¡°While I may not be the most outgoing person, I recognise the importance of collaboration, and I will strive to strengthen our ties with the local community through art exhibitions and outreach programmes. Despite my quiet demeanour, my dedication to this role is unwavering. I promise to listen, support, and always prioritise your best interests. Thank you.¡±


    The students applauded politely as Aria finished her speech, albeit without any enthusiasm for it. It seemed forced, as if the audience was merely going through the motions to spare Aria any discomfort. Although it was clear that her anxiety had affected how people heard her speech, she did manage to get through it, which I would give her credit for. However, she was not someone I needed to worry about.


    As I approached the front of the class, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, waiting for Aria to settle back into her seat before commencing my address. The opening of my speech was crucial¡ªit needed to have a hook that pulled everyone in.


    I met Diya''s gaze¡ªa quiet acknowledgement between us. The meeting she had set up was a massive help, as it made me come up with this idea; all that was left was executing it. I raised my hands and gave them a few deliberate claps, which broke through the ambient noise and grabbed everyone''s attention.


    ¡°First off, let me just say that I''m not here to give you a rehearsed speech. I simply want to have a conversation with all of you,¡± I started.


    ¡°You see, I''m someone who recently joined this incredible school, and let me tell you, it''s been nothing short of exciting and amazing. Our school is already top-notch when it comes to facilities. We have everything we need to thrive academically and creatively. The curriculum here is innovative and flexible, allowing us to explore our interests and truly shape our educational journey. Honestly, it''s hard to find a school that offers such opportunities.¡±


    I took a moment to let my words sink in and observe how my audience was reacting.


    ¡°But here''s the thing¡ªI''m a bit disappointed,¡± I continued, adding a sincere note to my voice. ¡°You see, back in the early days of this school, there used to be summer trips organised for students. And that got me thinking¡ªwhy not bring that back? Not an educational excursion or a learning experience, but a simple, calm vacation to anywhere we choose.¡±


    The concept hovered there, a glimmer of potential sparking among my peers.


    ¡°Now, I know it won''t be easy. It will be difficult to do, but I can make it work; however, one of the requirements would be for me to be the student council president,¡± I said with certainty.


    ¡°I, Marcus Luna, am right here to listen and to implement any additional ideas or improvements you have in mind. Does anyone have any suggestions of where we can go?¡±


    My speech concluded with a question, and I could hear the murmurs of interest but no one actively coming forward, so I would be the first to move the ball.


    ¡°I was thinking we could visit an exotic location; how about somewhere like Mount Fuji?¡± I proposed, throwing out the first suggestion.


    ¡°Not at all; the humidity there can be crazy. I suggest the beach,¡± another person retorted.


    ¡°Huh, how about a private resort?¡± chimed in another voice.


    ¡°I agree.¡± One of the students near the front and others around them nodded in agreement.


    ¡°How about a spa?¡± someone questioned, sparking further deliberation.


    ¡°That could be fun, but a resort would have a spa,¡± another person pointed out, prompting murmurs of agreement.


    ¡°Maybe we can try leaving the country,¡± a student suggested with a mixture of thoughtful nods and laughter.


    ¡°Damn, talk about realistic expectations,¡± remarked another, eliciting chuckles from those nearby and even from me as well.


    Excitement was in the air in the classroom as ideas were discussed and debated, each contributing to the collective vision of an ideal vacation. This was exactly what I had hoped for¡ªa collaborative exchange of ideas that would leave a lasting impression on everyone present.


    Nomura-sensei signalled silence with a clap of her hands and I interpreted that as a signal to go back to my seat. Next, she took to the podium, her gaze sweeping over the class before she spoke.


    ¡°So, I am sure you have heard all of them. Think about what it is that you want and what the candidates said they would do. Do they align? Do you trust that they will be able to perform their task well? Take all these into consideration,¡± she cautioned, emphasising the significance of thoughtful decision-making.


    ¡°Jaden, could you come help me pass this around?¡± she said.


    Rising from his seat, Jaden helped Nomura-sensei hand out ballots to each student. The simple, straightforward process allowed us to mark our choice for student council president quickly and efficiently.


    ¡°You have a minute, and then I''ll collect the ballot from you all,¡± Nomura-sensei declared, establishing a deadline for the voting process and just as she had said, the ballots were all collected.


    Every second seemed to drag on as we waited for Nomura-sensei to tally the votes.


    ¡°A total of 21 students voted in this election for six candidates. I will announce the top three students,¡± Nomura-sensei began.


    ¡°In third place,¡± she paused to create tension, ¡°Kusumoto Yoko.¡±


    The students erupted in applause, and Kusumoto rose from her seat elegantly to accept the praise, a smile lighting up her face before she resumed her place among her peers.


    ¡°At second place,¡± Nomura-sensei said in a measured tone, ¡°Nagamine Ran.¡±


    I joined in the applause, observing Nagamine''s reaction, which was a mixture of enigmatic emotions. Were these feelings of frustration, disappointment, or perhaps just sadness? Only she knew the true depths of her feelings.


    ¡°And now the winner of the in-class voting is...¡± Nomura-sensei lingered, drawing out the moment and building suspense.


    ¡°Marcus Luna,¡± she finally announced, and the room erupted into cheers and applause. I felt a rush of relief rush through me as I rose from my seat.


    ¡°Thank you everyone for trusting me with your vote,¡± I said with a bow.


    My gaze drifted towards Hazel, who appeared lost in thought; her expression was near impossible for me to read. Though I couldn''t help but wonder what was going through her head, one thing was clear¡ªI had won.

 CHAPTER FOUR - SCOUTING

    ¡ª


    <h2>4.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    I knocked on the door twice and then waited for a response.


    ¡°Come in,¡± the person on the other side said. As instructed, I opened the door to Nomura-sensei''s office, and there she was, standing by her desk with a cup in her hands.


    ¡°Thanks for coming, Marcus,¡± she said, gesturing for me to sit down. ¡°I want to congratulate you on your victory.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sensei,¡± I replied.


    ¡°The reason I called you here was to discuss what happens next,¡± she continued, sipping her cup.


    ¡°Do you want some?¡± She raised the cup in her hand.


    ¡°It''s coffee,¡± she added with a smile.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I said eagerly. Coffee was my weakness.


    I watched as she retrieved another cup from a drawer and placed it under a coffee machine. The machine hissed and poured out a fresh espresso, filling the room with aroma. She handed me the cup, and I took a grateful sip.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, savouring the deep flavour. Espresso was always a treat.


    Nomura-sensei took another sip from her own cup, set it down, and crossed her arms, her demeanour remaining serious.


    ¡°The student council election takes place about seven weeks from now.¡±


    Seven weeks seemed longer than I anticipated. It would fall around the second week of March.


    ¡°During that time, you''ll need to build your team and start campaigning.¡±


    ¡°Build my team? I see,¡± I said, assessing the work at hand.


    ¡°You''ll need to fill the positions of vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Choose your team wisely,¡± Nomura-senseiadvised.


    I could relate to what she said. Winning this election required more than just my efforts; I needed a strong and dedicated team behind me. But finding the right candidates would be more complex.


    ¡°I am sure you are already aware,¡± Nomura-sensei said as she leaned forward, her expression thoughtful.


    ¡°For your vice president, you''ll want someone who complements your leadership style¡ªsomeone reliable, organised, and capable of stepping in when needed. Your secretary should be detail-orientated and adept at communication, while the treasurer must have strong financial acumen and accountability.¡±


    I nodded, absorbing her insights.


    ¡°Now listen closely, because there are specific requirements for choosing team members.¡±


    Requirements? This was interesting.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    Upon exiting Nomura-sensei''s office, I was surprised to encounter Hazel waiting for me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she said softly. ¡°Can we talk for a bit?¡± Her words carried a feeling of urgency that made me agree without question.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied as I fell into step beside her. For a while, we strolled silently, the weight of our unspoken words looming between us like a dense fog. The distant buzz of classrooms in session was the only sound disturbing the calm in the hallways.


    ¡°I want to congratulate you on winning our bet,¡± Hazel eventually said, her voice slightly dejected.


    ¡°Thanks; it was not easy, though,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°I know that,¡± she remarked, her steps slowing as we stepped outside into the warmth of the sun. ¡°It seems I have lost my edge. I couldn''t even win second place. That was the thing that had the most impact on me.¡±


    There was no denying Hazel''s disappointment, and I couldn''t help but feel a little sorry for her. I''d learnt from Nomura-sensei about the election results, including the positions and voting percentages. While I empathised, I decided not to divulge this information.


    ¡°You need to cheer up,¡± I whispered in an attempt to console her.


    ¡°Who told you I was feeling down?¡± With an inscrutable face, she countered.


    ¡°Come with me; I will treat you to lunch,¡± I suggested in an attempt to cheer her up.


    ¡°Lunch?¡± She repeated, her surprise audible. ¡°I don''t think that would be the best idea at the moment, plus I just want to rest my head right now.¡±


    ¡°Then I''ll walk you back to your dorm,¡± I countered.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she murmured, keeping her eyes on the ground as we started the walk back to the dorms. There was a palpable tension between us, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was troubling her deeply.


    ¡°Another competition,¡± she said abruptly, catching me off guard.


    ¡°What?¡± I responded, taken aback by her abrupt statement.


    ¡°Me and you, we compete in something else,¡± she clarified, a hint of resolve in her voice.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked, as her comment intrigued my curiosity. However, her comments hung in the air like an unanswered question, as she seemed to withdraw before answering.


    ¡°Sorry about that; don''t mind me,¡± she murmured, regretting her actions.


    Hazel''s sudden vulnerability took me by surprise, and I couldn''t help but wonder what was going on beneath her composed facade. Had her defeat in the election truly affected her that deeply?


    We continued our journey in silence until we reached the entrance to her dorm tower, Green. Hazel turned to face me, avoiding my gaze while she spoke.


    ¡°Thank you for accompanying me back here,¡± she said, her voice almost audible above a whisper.


    ¡°It''s no problem,¡± I reassured her. Before leaving, I felt compelled to say something. ¡°Anytime you want to compete, just call me.¡±


    ¡°Call you? Well, then we better exchange numbers,¡± Hazel answered, smirking a little. We swapped phone numbers.


    ¡°See you later, rival,¡± she teased before entering her dorm building.


    ¡°Rival, huh?¡± I thought to myself, slipping on my earbuds and heading back to my room.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    I knew there were a few things I needed to do when I woke up, so the first thing on my agenda was texting Diya. As our marketing class ended, I made my way over to the green area where Diya was already waiting, her presence a welcome sight amidst the bustling campus.


    ¡°You got here early,¡± I said to her as I walked up.


    ¡°Took a shortcut,¡± she replied with a grin, gesturing for me to come sit down at the table with her.


    ¡°First of all, congratulations on your nomination,¡± Diya sincerely remarked.


    ¡°Thanks. I''ve been hearing a lot of that lately,¡± I acknowledged.


    ¡°Well, get used to it, because becoming president won''t make things any easier than they already are,¡± she cautioned, with a note of light-hearted cynicism.


    ¡°Anyways, I need your help and advice on a couple of things,¡± I said, getting straight to the point.


    ¡°Again?¡± Diya scoffed.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    Each step up the winding path brought us closer to the overlook. Eight minutes of steady ascent had passed, and as we neared the summit, I noticed a contemplative look on Diya''s face.


    ¡°What''s on your mind?¡± Curious about her sudden quiet reflection, I questioned and she turned to me.


    ¡°Why do you want to take part in this election? Is it just because of Hazel?¡±


    ¡°Hazel? Why do you think I did this because of her?¡± I answered, sincerely curious about her assumption.


    ¡°Because of this weird competition between you two, you probably joined the election after finding out she was competing, right?¡± Diya clarified.


    ¡°Well, that was one of the reasons, I suppose. I''ve always been competitive, and when the opportunity arose to challenge someone like Hazel, I couldn''t resist,¡± I shrugged.


    Diya took a moment to process my answer.


    ¡°That''s pretty cool,¡± she finally said as we arrived at the overlook. Haku-senpai was waiting for us there, resting against the railing with his phone in hand.


    ¡°I assume this is our first official meeting, Marcus,¡± Haku-senpai said, extending his hand for a firm handshake.


    ¡°In a way,¡± I retorted, reciprocating the handshake.


    After that brief exchange, we positioned ourselves near the railing. I leaned back while Diya stood with her arms crossed, attentive to our conversation.


    ¡°I don''t want to waste any of your time, so I''ll begin by asking what your opinion of the school is during your time here,¡± I asked, eager to learn from Haku-senpai''s viewpoint.


    ¡°Interesting question,¡± Haku-senpai mused as he considered his answer. ¡°I''ve been in this school since grade school, which means I''ve seen it change over the years¡ªpolicies, highs, lows. The truth is, there are very few persistent issues for students under the current administration.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I probed further.


    ¡°My focus was bridging the communication gap between students and the school. I succeeded in that, so apart from minor issues, there wasn''t much else to fix,¡± Haku-senpai said in a tone that was both pragmatic and proud.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Diya spoke up, her doubts clearly visible.


    ¡°Was that why last Halloween''s party was an absolute snooze fest? So many things went wrong that day,¡± Diya questioned, remembering with clarity the disappointment of the event.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Haku-senpai acknowledged her criticism with a scratch of his head.


    ¡°That was my fault, honestly. I agreed to the party plan a bit late, causing everyone to scramble at the last minute.¡±


    ¡°I was looking forward to it. I even had a costume ready, but the party fizzled out before it even began,¡± Diya bemoaned, covering her face with her hands in mock despair.


    ¡°How long did you have to plan it?¡± I enquired, curious about the timeline.


    ¡°Only four days,¡± Diya cried out in shock, clearly frustrated.


    ¡°Back to business,¡± Haku-senpai interrupted, redirecting the conversation and quelling Diya''s mini-outburst. He turned his attention to me, his demeanour now more serious.


    ¡°Why did you ask that question?¡±


    ¡°If I want to win the election, I need to propose something different. From what you said, there are few problems to solve within the school, so I want to steer clear of academic reforms,¡± I explained, my mind already churning with possibilities.


    ¡°So you''re aiming to shake things up with extracurricular activities?¡± Curiosity piqued, and Diya spoke out.


    ¡°That would be predictable. I suspect others might have the same idea, so I need a pitch that stands out,¡± I said, recognising her insight.


    ¡°So you need my help to brainstorm?¡± Diya asked.


    ¡°Not exactly. There''s a reason I wanted to meet the student council president,¡± I answered, a cunning smirk appearing on Haku-senpai''s face, seemingly understanding my intentions.


    ¡°You''re a sneaky one, Marcus Luna,¡± Haku-senpai said, leaning against the railing and sounding slightly amused.


    ¡°I want access to information about the school and all the changes it''s undergone since its inception,¡± I stated.


    ¡°You''ll need the change management documents, then,¡± Haku-senpai pondered.


    ¡°It might take some time, but I can arrange it for you,¡± he added, his countenance contemplative as he pondered through the details.


    ¡°That''s great. Can we go now?¡± Diya chimed in, pulling lightly at my shirt, her agitation obvious. I glanced at her, noting her fatigued demeanour, and I knew I had already taken up too much of her day.


    ¡°Before you leave, I''d like to remind you that this favour doesn''t come without a price,¡± Haku-senpai interjected, a shrewd glint in his eyes.


    ¡°I''m not surprised,¡± I shot back, ready for the eventual trade-off.


    ¡°As for what I''d like in return, I''ll get back to you on that. Diya can give you my number,¡± Haku-senpai said, before gracefully excusing himself and departing, leaving us standing by the railing.


    ¡°I''m tired,¡± Diya remarked, stretching her arms above her head in a display of weariness.


    ¡°Sorry for basically dragging you into all of this,¡± I apologised, feeling a tinge of remorse for monopolising her time.


    ¡°It''s nothing. But I can''t help but wonder if your decision to trust me with all this information is either incredibly foolish or incredibly bold,¡± Diya pondered, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.


    ¡°That remains to be seen,¡± I grinned and led the way as we started to descend from the overlook.


    ¡°Well, I may be Hazel''s friend, but that doesn''t mean I''ll betray the trust you''ve placed in me,¡± Diya said, with a note of resolve in her voice. Fortunately, she was unable to see the fleeting but sincere smile she brought to my face.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.4</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°You want Hazel to be your vice president?¡± She questioned, sounding a little surprised.


    ¡°Yes, or did you want that position?¡± I teased, but Diya just laughed them off.


    ¡°Of course not; I have way too much on my plate already, so I don''t think I can become a council member. Besides, Hazel might be very suspicious about that,¡± she clarified, her laughter fading into a contemplative look. Her remark didn''t surprise me because I knew she had a lot going on.


    ¡°I know, but I am serious about wanting Hazel to be my vice president,¡± I replied.


    While I fiddled with a piece of paper on the table, thinking about what to do next, Diya took a sip from her drink.


    ¡°I''m not doubting your reasoning for choosing her. On the contrary, I''m happy that you do want her to be in that position, but you called me here first to discuss it with me. Why?¡± she questioned. It turns out she was more observant than I thought.


    ¡°It''s really simple. I wanted you to call her over here,¡± I explained.


    ¡°So, Marcus, am I now your school messenger?¡± She grumbled as she slouched slightly, a slight frown on her face.


    ¡°No way. I just want you to be here when I ask her.¡± Her remark made me laugh.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Diya said with a sigh.


    ¡°You don''t have to say a word. Just watch,¡± I reassured her, confident that Diya would follow through. Taking out her phone, she called Hazel and arranged for her to join us.


    ¡°You owe me big time for all this,¡± Diya muttered under her breath.


    She was right¡ªI definitely owed her.


    The wait was brief as Hazel arrived at the green area. Considering the small number of people there, it didn''t take her long to find us. I noticed a hint of curiosity mixed with caution in her expression as she greeted Diya.


    ¡°Diya?¡± As she took a seat, Hazel questioned.


    Hazel''s attention was diverted from Diya as she took a slow sip from her drink and gestured towards me.


    ¡°I''m the one who wants to see you,¡± I interjected, cutting through the confusion.


    ¡°Why the backhanded approach, though? I gave you my number so you could have called me yourself.¡± Hazel''s brows furrowed slightly as she queried.


    ¡°That''s not really important. What is important is your answer to my proposal,¡± I answered directly.


    ¡°Proposal? Diya, what''s going on?¡± Seeking clarification, Hazel glanced at Diya, but Diya remained nonchalant, focusing on her drink.


    ¡°Hazel, I want you to be my vice president,¡± I said while maintaining a firm gaze on her.


    Her reaction was palpable; her eyes widened, and she seemed momentarily stunned.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ But why?¡± she stammered.


    ¡°You are the best fit, Hazel. Your intelligence and critical thinking are unmatched. Plus, you have a good reputation in the school, which would be beneficial in building trust with students from other classes,¡± I explained.


    Whirling in her mind, Hazel fell silent. Diya''s watchful gaze didn''t escape my notice; she seemed as eager as I was for Hazel''s response.


    ¡°Fine. I''ll do it,¡± Hazel finally replied, her voice quiet as she avoided looking directly into my eyes.


    ¡°That''s great. Thank you, Hazel,¡± I responded, offering a warm smile. Diya caught our attention with her spontaneous applause; her excitement was evident.


    ¡°Now you just need two more members,¡± Diya said. Hazel glanced over at me, seemingly wanting to ask something.


    ¡°Hazel, are you familiar with how the election team is structured?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Not really. Someone was supposed to explain it, but they left it as a surprise,¡± Hazel replied, sending Diya a scathing look that Diya skilfully evaded.


    ¡°Let me explain,¡± I said, giving Hazel the rundown on the composition of the team. ¡°The winners of the in-class voting across every Year 11 class need to assemble a team of four: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Vice President must be from the same class as the President, while the Secretary and Treasurer come from the other Year 11 classes. This means we''ll need to recruit members from other classes.¡±


    As I finished speaking, Hazel''s face showed signs of understanding.


    ¡°Got it. So, we need to start scouting other classes for potential team members,¡± she concluded.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Alright then, lunch is almost over. We should head to the other classes now to start scouting,¡± Hazel suggested, rising from her seat.


    ¡°You''re coming with us,¡± she said to Diya, who grudgingly got to her feet,  her sulky expression not entirely masking her underlying curiosity.


    The three of us headed back into the academic building. Our first stop was Class 3. However, as we approached the class, we were denied entry when a large, intimidating figure suddenly appeared in our path. His rough manner exuded a sense of hostility.


    ¡°Already scouting, I see,¡± the boy said in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°Cohen, can you let us through?¡± Diya said, attempting to defuse the tension with a polite request but she was met with a dismissive laugh.


    ¡°No can do, sweety,¡± he shot back, dismissing her request.


    I moved forward, ready to address the confrontation head-on.


    ¡°And why is that?¡± I asked, drawing Cohen''s smirking gaze.


    ¡°You came here to scout for a member to join your election team, isn''t that right, Marcus?¡± Cohen was clearly aware of my recent win in the in-class voting, which made sense considering a day had passed since that.


    ¡°We did; is there any problem with that?¡± I replied, refusing to back down in the face of his antagonism.


    ¡°Actually, yes. You see, you guys are not getting any members for our class. It''s already decided,¡± he stated, with a tone full of finality.


    ¡°What''s that meant to mean?¡± Hazel interjected with a hint of aggression.


    ¡°You heard what I said. Class 3 is off-limits for you guys,¡± he declared, his tone uncompromising.


    ¡°Cohen, what you''re doing makes no sense. If you prevent us from getting members from your class, then we''ll be forced to do the same to you. It''s a lose-lose situation for everyone.¡± Diya pointed this out, attempting to reason with Cohen.


    ¡°I know you wouldn''t, and even if you did, we can risk that,¡± he countered confidently, his tone unwavering in the face of Diya''s logic.


    ¡°That''s an absolutely crazy plan,¡± Hazel said, expressing her astonishment at Cohen''s irrational stance.


    ¡°It''s just my way of making things interesting. Marcus, just in case you didn''t know, you''re going up against me in this election, and I''m going to do anything in my power to crush you,¡± he declared, his words dripping with malice.


    ¡°Oh, you think you stand a chance against me?¡± I said, almost laughing.


    ¡°I''m not joking around here. Now, leave,¡± he ordered, his tone non-negotiable.


    Hazel moved to face Cohen, but I reached out and caught her hand, silently urging her to stand down. Recognising my intent, she reluctantly withdrew, acknowledging that further confrontation would only escalate the situation and we decided to retreat for the time being.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.5</h2>


    ¡ª


    As lunchtime drew to a close, the cafeteria gradually emptied, leaving only a handful of students scattered throughout the space. Tucked away in a quiet area, Hazel, Diya, and I gathered around a table, engaging in a hushed conversation.


    ¡°So, who was that?¡± I enquired, and Diya wasted no time in providing an answer, her voice laced with irritation.


    ¡°That rascal was Cohen; he''s such a loud, obnoxious guy who loves stirring up trouble with everyone. He''s going to be annoying, honestly,¡± Diya said, clearly frustrated.


    ¡°I''ve only interacted with him a few times, but I can say that Diya is right; he has an aggressive approach to things,¡± Hazel interjected, expressing her own viewpoint on Cohen.


    ¡°That''s a problem. It means that his plan to stop us from getting members from his class is actually possible because of the use of fear.¡±


    ¡°What I do wonder is why Ralph would let this happen?¡± Hazel muttered, her voice barely audible over the din of the cafeteria.


    ¡°Ralph?¡± I queried.


    ¡°He is Class 3¡¯s representative,¡± Diya chimed in. ¡°The thing is, not everyone would agree with his strategy, would they?¡±


    She had a point, though. Class 3 members may take offence at Cohen''s harsh methods, leading to internal discord. If we could identify and ally ourselves with those individuals, it could significantly bolster our recruitment efforts.


    ¡°That''s true,¡± I said, thinking about what to do next. ¡°What we need to do right now is find out if Cohen is only targeting us or if Class 2 is also in his crosshairs.¡±


    ¡°That''s a good idea. I''ll talk to Class 2 and get back to you on their answer.¡± Hazel got up from her chair and gestured to leave.


    ¡°I''ll come with you. You look like you could use some company.¡± Diya followed suit, offering her assistance to Hazel.


    I paused to gather my thoughts as they left, leaving me alone at the table. There was plenty to ponder, but first, I needed to nourish myself with a meal. I was about to stand up so that I could order something when someone slammed their hand on the table, drawing my attention. Looking up, I found myself face-to-face with a familiar figure.


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± she said, putting her palms together in an apologetic position.


    ¡°Hashimoto, correct?¡± I asked, just to make sure I remembered her name correctly.


    ¡°Yes, it is but you call me Natsumi; I prefer that, plus we would become close real quick; I just know it.¡± She nodded, her gaze softening with relief.  ¡°I challenged you to a battle and couldn''t even make it past the first stage. This is a terrible display of my character.¡±


    Her unexpected apology caught me off guard, and I wasn''t sure how to react. Before I could gather my thoughts to respond, I noticed curious gazes from the few people around us starting to drift in our direction, drawn by the sudden commotion.


    ¡°It''s alright; there''s no need for all that,¡± I comforted her. ¡°You can try again next time.¡±


    Natsumi''s eyes lit up with renewed enthusiasm, a bright smile gracing her features.


    ¡°I look forward to it,¡± she said and pivoted to leave.


    ¡°Remember the name, Hashimoto Natsumi,¡± she said before disappearing out of sight.


    Just like before, Hashimoto Natsumi was a strange one.


    ¡ª


    <h2>4.6</h2>


    ¡ª


    With lectures ending and the day coming to a close, I packed up my things and left the academic building, eager to get back to the comforts of my dorm room. I was so engrossed in the glow of my phone screen that I barely noticed the approach of a fellow student until his voice broke through my reverie.


    ¡°Hello, Marcus! I''m glad to have met you out here,¡± he said, his voice tinged with eagerness.


    Upon raising my gaze, I spotted a shorter figure, labouring due to the weight of several books cradled in his arms. Immediately I extended my hand.


    ¡°Hi there. Do you need some assistance with those?¡± I made a gesture towards the books he was carrying.


    ¡°Thank you; I actually do.¡± He said with gratitude, clearly delighted as I lightened his load and helped him with a few of the books.


    ¡°Where are you headed?¡± I enquired as we fell into step together.


    ¡°The library, please,¡± he responded, and I gave him my knowing nod.


    ¡°Thanks once again for this,¡± he said, to which I simply shrugged in response.


    ¡°It''s no problem,¡± I reassured him.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, my name is Ryo from Class 2.¡± He then introduced himself. ¡°And I came to ask you for something,¡± he added, his tone shifting slightly.


    His mention of Class 2 piqued my interest.


    ¡°And what is it you came to ask for?¡± Curious as to why he had come so suddenly, I prodded.


    For an instant, Ryo paused, his expression changing slightly as though he were grappling with his thoughts. Finally, he gathered his courage and spoke up.


    ¡°I want to join your election team as your secretary.¡±

 CHAPTER FIVE - ONE DOWN, PROBABLY

    ¡ª


    <h2>5.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    His sudden request to join the team caught me off guard, lingering as a surprise in the back of my mind. I hadn''t expected someone to approach me so directly, wanting to join.


    ¡°You want to join our team? I suppose word has already spread about my win,¡± I said, grinning sarcastically.


    ¡°Everyone''s talking about it,¡± Ryo affirmed, his excitement contagious throughout his words. His genuine joy made me feel warm and fuzzy.


    ¡°That''s great, but why me?¡± I enquired, genuinely curious about his motives.


    ¡°It''s simple. I heard about your plan to bring summer travels to the school. I think it''s awesome,¡± he beamingly explained.


    ¡°Summer travels would be amazing. Do you have any ideas for a vacation location?¡±


    ¡°The Bahamas,¡± he exclaimed as his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.


    ¡°The Bahamas? That''s ambitious,¡± I replied, a hint of surprise in my tone. I couldn''t help but think about the logistical difficulties that such a trip would entail, even though I found the idea intriguing.


    ¡°I''ve always wanted to go there. The crystal-clear ocean, beautiful sun, delicious food, and vibrant culture¡ªit''s all so fascinating,¡± Ryo gushed.


    As we reached the entrance to the library, our conversation came to a halt. Ryo led me to a nearby desk, where we both set down our books.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Marcus.¡±


    ¡°You''re welcome,¡± I said, dabbing at the sweat that had gathered on my forehead.


    ¡°And about my request?¡± Ryo prompted.


    ¡°I''ll need some time to think about it, but I''ll get back to you soon. How about you give me your number?¡± I recommended.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ryo said, and he gave his contact details right away. With a wave goodbye, I left the library, mulling over our conversation.


    As I checked the time on my phone, I debated whether to call Hazel and share the encounter or simply send her a text. Opting for the latter, I quickly composed a message before returning to the dormitories.


    However, my path was soon interrupted by the sight of Haku-senpai conversing with another student. Despite my attempt to walk past them unnoticed, Haku-senpai called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.


    ¡°President,¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡°Marcus. Congratulations on your victory in the in-class voting,¡± Haku-senpai greeted me with a warm smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied, reciprocating the gesture.


    I quickly glanced at the girl next to him and noticed her visibly annoyed expression.


    ¡°I assume your strategy paid off well,¡± Haku-senpai remarked.


    ¡°It did,¡± I confirmed.


    Then Haku-senpai turned back to the girl, gesturing towards me.


    ¡°Shayna, I''m not sure you''ve had the pleasure of meeting Marcus.¡±


    ¡°I''ve heard about him,¡± Shayna said sharply, her tone dripping with disdain. I couldn''t understand why, but it was obvious that she felt some resentment towards me. Deciding it was best to avoid any potential confrontation, I kept my distance.


    ¡°Can you not talk like that?¡± Haku-senpai gave her a reproachful look.


    Shayna dismissed him with little regard for his criticism, prompting Haku-senpai to redirect his attention back to me.


    ¡°Don''t mind her; she''s just a bit grumpy. Anyway, sorry for taking up your time. We''ll catch up later.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± I answered, anxious to get out of the predicament. With a brief farewell, I continued on my way, not looking back as I walked away.


    I noticed that Hazel had sent me a message on my phone, asking to meet by the fountain. I quickly sent her a reply, agreeing to meet her there once I had dropped off my belongings in my room.


    ¡ª


    <h2>5.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    As I approached the fountain, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the surroundings, bringing tranquil air to the scene. Hazel sat on one of the wooden benches, engrossed in her phone, her figure outlined by the fading light. She wore a simple blue sports tracksuit, a departure from her usual polished appearance.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said to her as I sat down next to her, the wooden bench creaking slightly beneath my weight.


    ¡°You took your sweet time,¡± she remarked, tearing her gaze away from her phone to acknowledge my presence.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± I apologised while stroking my hair.


    But before I could say anything more, Hazel interjected abruptly.


    ¡°Before you say anything, I just wanted to say that this was a mistake.¡±


    Her words surprised me, and I furrowed my brows in confusion.


    ¡°A mistake? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Me joining your team was a mistake,¡± she said, her voice stern.


    ¡°But why? I thought you were onboard with the idea.¡± I was having trouble understanding her abrupt change of heart.


    ¡°After some reflection, I realised I only joined on impulse, swayed by the persuasive scenario you and Diya concocted,¡± she said.


    She had seen through our strategy, a simple manipulation tactic designed to add a bit of compulsion to her decision. In all honesty, even though I knew it was wrong, I needed her on my team.


    ¡°I''m sorry if I misled you, but my reasons for wanting you on the team were sincere. You truly are the best fit for the position,¡± I countered, attempting to get her to change her mind.


    ¡°It''s not about being the best fit. I don''t want to settle for second place. The reminder that I''m not the president but merely the runner-up is something I''d rather not contend with,¡± she admitted, her voice laced with frustration.


    ¡°So you''re saying you don''t want to be second in command?¡± I tried to understand her point of view by asking for an explanation. Hazel paused, averting my gaze as she wrestled with her thoughts.


    ¡°It''s something you wouldn''t understand, but I want out of the team,¡± she declared clearly.


    Her words struck me like a punch, leaving me speechless.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I mumbled under my breath as a wave of disappointment and resignation swept through me.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I said, drawing her attention with my serious tone. ¡°If that''s your decision, then I respect it. I''ll inform Nomura-sensei,¡± I continued, rising from the bench and preparing to leave.


    But before I could walk any further, I was stopped in my tracks by Hazel''s voice.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she called out.


    I turned to face her, waiting for her to speak.


    ¡°Are you not going to try to convince me any further?¡± She asked, looking into my eyes. I paused, contemplating her words, before responding.


    ¡°No, I won''t. It''s your decision, and I won''t force or stop you. While part of me wants to convince you otherwise, I know it wouldn''t be right. Hazel, wish me luck, and I''m here if you ever need someone to compete against. Thanks,¡± I said, giving her a brief nod before turning to leave.


    ¡°Now, everything is left to me,¡± I murmured to myself.


    ¡ª


    <h2>5.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    As I scrolled through my phone on that Wednesday morning, Hazel''s unexpected message caught my eye. It wasn''t a reversal of her decision from the previous day, but rather the information she had promised to provide.


    Despite her decision not to be involved in the election, I was grateful for her gesture. I could at least see where I was going with this now. I used the opportunity to message Ryo after our Japanese lesson to set up a meeting during the break at the green area. With one class left before our rendezvous, I had time to prepare.


    Hazel, meanwhile, maintained her usual calm and stoic self. She didn''t appear to be acting differently as a result of her decision not to participate in the election.


    During lunchtime, I made my way to the green area, selecting a secluded spot for our meeting. Not too long after, Ryo arrived, waving enthusiastically as he took a seat across from me.


    ¡°Hello, Marcus.¡± He said it with a smile.


    ¡°Ryo, thanks for coming,¡± I replied.


    ¡°It''s cool,¡± he said, projecting confidence in his manner.


    ¡°Now then, as you probably guessed, I called you here because of the student council election. Since you''re interested in joining, consider this your interview,¡± I explained.


    ¡°An interview? That''s cool. I''m definitely ready for this,¡± he declared.


    ¡°Let''s start with the basics. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and why you want to be my secretary?¡± I began.


    ¡°Of course, Marcus. I''m a passionate and dedicated student who believes in making positive changes in our school. I''ve seen your leadership qualities and vision, and I want to support you in any way I can,¡± Ryo replied.


    I paused to internalise his response before proceeding with the next question.


    ¡°That''s great to hear. Teamwork is essential in this role. Can you share any experiences or skills you have that would make you an effective secretary?¡± I was curious to hear about Ryo''s practical abilities.


    ¡°Certainly, Marcus. I''ve been involved in various clubs where I''ve honed my organisational and communication skills,¡± Ryo explained.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°What clubs, if I may ask?¡± I investigated further.


    ¡°Well, the Model Congress Club, Film Production Club, and Drama Club,¡± Ryo answered, as he waved his finger with each mention. ¡°I''m detail-orientated and efficient in managing tasks, which I believe are crucial for a secretary''s role. Plus, I''m always willing to learn and adapt to new challenges,¡± he assertively said.


    ¡°It''s good to know you''re adaptable. Communication is key in a student council. How would you handle communication between council members and me as the president?¡± I asked, shifting the focus to his approach to communication.


    ¡°I understand the importance of clear and effective communication. I would ensure that all council members are well-informed about our decisions and plans. I''ll maintain open channels for feedback and suggestions and keep you updated on any developments promptly,¡± Ryo emphasised.


    ¡°Alright Ryo, let''s talk about your vision for our student council. What specific ideas or initiatives do you think we should pursue during our term if I''m elected president?¡± I asked, curious about Ryo''s strategic outlook.


    ¡°Well, Marcus, I believe we should focus on improving extracurricular activities and fostering a sense of unity among students. Additionally, I think it''s crucial to plan exciting school vacation trips to engage and reward our fellow students. These are just a few ideas, but I''m open to hearing your thoughts and collaborating on our agenda,¡± Ryo shared while scratching the top of his head.


    ¡°Those are good starting points. Finally, Ryo, before we conclude this interview, can you share any personal values or principles that guide your approach to leadership and teamwork?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, Marcus. Integrity, honesty, and inclusivity are fundamental to me. I believe in leading by example and ensuring that everyone''s voice is heard and respected. I''m here to support your vision for the council and contribute positively to our school community,¡± Ryo affirmed.


    It was perfect. Everything. His values aligned closely with mine, and they were pretty much what I wanted to hear.


    ¡°Oh, there is one more thing. Did you know about Cohen from Class 3?¡±


    ¡°Cohen? I do, and on that issue, well, I tried to keep out of class politics before, but since I am now also involved in the election, I had to stay informed. I do not approve of what Cohen is doing, as it is breeding severe distrust among the classes, but they are aware of the consequences it would bring on them as well,¡± Ryo said, exhibiting a levelheaded comprehension of the situation.


    ¡°What action is your class taking against it?¡± Curious about Ryo''s point of view, I asked.


    ¡°Well, our class representative, Tomiko, has not revealed that to anyone at the moment,¡± Ryo disclosed.


    ¡°I do, and that is not going to stop me. It''s just some friendly competition in which there is a winner and loser, although I would love to be on the winning side,¡± Ryo chuckled.


    ¡°Alright then. I am through with the interview now,¡± I concluded.


    ¡°Great. How did I do?¡± Ryo asked.


    ¡°Well, you will have to give me some time to mull it over and discuss it with my vice president,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Vice President?¡± I noticed his demeanour change but he quickly reverted back to his usual composure. ¡°That''s cool. I will be awaiting your feedback on that. Thanks, Marcus.¡± He got to his feet, casually extended his arms aloft and turned to leave.


    I reached under the table and retrieved my phone, where I had discreetly recorded the interview for later reference. I tapped the edge of my phone absentmindedly on the table.


    ¡°Now, what next?¡± I said, tapping the edge of my phone absentmindedly on the table while I mulled over the options and considered the next steps.


    ¡ª


    <h2>5.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    After classes ended for the day, I was packing up my things when Jaden came up to me.


    ¡°Hey, Marcus. Can we talk outside?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said, dropping what I was doing to follow Jaden out of the classroom to a quieter spot at the end of the hall.


    ¡°First of all, I want to congratulate you on your win. Sorry, I hadn''t done that sooner,¡± Jaden began with a genuine tone.


    ¡°Thanks, it''s cool,¡± I said, feeling grateful for his acknowledgement.


    ¡°Alright, what I came to discuss with you is regarding the building friction that Class 3 has created,¡± Jaden continued, getting straight to the point. ¡°This is now spilling over and affecting basic interaction between students in our year.¡±


    ¡°This just started yesterday. Things are already that bad, huh?¡± I remarked.


    ¡°Yes, they are. Cohen is basically now barring all contact with other classes. Some clubs are trying to be neutral grounds for everyone, but it''s proving difficult,¡± Jaden said, painting a dismal image of the situation.


    ¡°You want me to do something about it?¡± With a burden of responsibility resting heavy on my shoulders, I asked.


    ¡°If possible. Do you have any ideas, Marcus?¡± Jaden enquired.


    ¡°At the moment, I do not. And let me be straight with you, Jaden, I don''t see any way to fully solve this except Cohen himself stops his forceful approach,¡± I said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation we were in. ¡°Besides, I have a lot to think about. I want to inform you that I don''t have a vice president.¡±


    ¡°Still? I thought you would have gotten that already,¡± Jaden said, sounding worried.


    ¡°Well, I had, but stuff happened, and that fell through,¡± I said, sounding a little frustrated. ¡°Jaden, why not be my Vice President?¡±


    ¡°I know that you are overwhelmed right now, Marcus, but I am still not budging on that. Leadership positions aren''t for me,¡± Jaden said, firmly refusing.


    ¡°It was worth a shot,¡± I said, respecting his choice.


    ¡°Sorry, I can''t be of more help,¡± Jaden said with a note of remorse in his voice.


    ¡°I did bring this upon myself so I will handle everything. By the way, do you know anyone I can recommend to become a member of my election team?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I think I have someone.¡± We were startled to hear a new voice interrupt us as a newcomer quietly joined our conversation.


    ¡°Hazel?¡± I exclaimed, surprised to see her there.


    ¡°Hey you two,¡± she said, approaching us with a slight grin.


    ¡°Hazel, what are you doing here? And did I hear that you might have a candidate in mind?¡± Jaden asked, and his interest peaked at the same moment as mine.


    ¡°Yes, I do, but it would take some time, though,¡± Hazel replied, her words laced with a hint of mystery.


    ¡°I know that I said I wanted out, but I want to ask you a question first.¡± With a serious expression, she turned to face me.


    ¡°A question?¡± I echoed, intrigued by her sudden inquiry. ¡°Sure, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to become student council president?¡± Her question was straightforward yet loaded, causing me to pause and consider my reasons.


    ¡°Marcus, answer me honestly. Why do ''you'' want to become student council president?¡± She persisted, her gaze unwavering.


    That emphasis. Perhaps it''s best to express my thoughts as they are, unfiltered. That''s what she desires, after all. Very well, Hazel; here''s my genuine perspective.


    ¡°Well, at first, it was because of the competition that came with it, then it was about beating you. But now, I''m not too sure. The truth is that at this point, I don''t have a definite reason. I could say that it is because I want to leave my mark at this school, but that is not my driving factor. I think that someone can do something without knowing the real reason why they do that thing at the time, but as time goes on, they discover that reason within themselves. I want to do that. I want to discover the reason I am still doing this.¡±


    ¡°What if the reason does not exist, and you get bored of all this?¡± Hazel challenged my determination with a legitimate concern.


    ¡°That is a valid concern. That''s why I make this whole process as fun and engaging as I can,¡± I explained and having spoken my truth, I awaited Hazel''s response.


    ¡°Alright then. I want to retract my statement about not wanting to be your vice president. So, if you have me back, I am here to begin service,¡± Hazel said, extending her hand towards me.


    ¡°What convinced you to come back?¡± Startled by her sudden change of heart but yet appreciative, I enquired.


    ¡°I had some time to think about what you said after our conversation that day. Plus, I had a very nagging friend disturbing me,¡± she laughed, alluding to Diya''s persuasiveness.


    ¡°I didn''t tell Diya to do that,¡± I interjected hastily, but Hazel just laughed, her amusement evident in the twinkle of her eyes.


    ¡°I know. She can be a pain at times.¡± She said, her laughter turning into a warm smile ¡°So, are we good?¡±


    Hazel shook her extended arm slightly, bringing it back to my attention. I smiled back at her and firmly clasped her hand in mine, sealing our agreement.


    ¡°Yes, we are,¡± I said, feeling a wave of relief pass over me.


    ¡°I know I have caused you so much trouble by just leaving, so I am going to put in extra effort for this,¡± Hazel stated with conviction in her voice.


    ¡°Alright then, let''s start with this,¡± I gave her my phone in response. ¡°I recorded the interview I had with Ryo, a member of Class 2. He said he wanted to be our secretary. Do you know anything about him?¡±


    ¡°Ryo?¡± Hazel repeated it, giving it some thought. ¡°The only thing I know about him is that he''s one of the top students in their class.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± I said, taking note of her statement in my head.


    ¡°Want me to ask Diya?¡± Hazel offered.


    ¡°No, first listen to the interview and tell me what you think,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± she accepted, taking the earphones from me and inserting them into her ears so she could hear the recording.


    After a few minutes, she removed the earphones and handed back the phone.


    ¡°Initial thoughts are that he is good and seems like a perfect fit.¡±


    It seems she came to the same conclusion as me.


    ¡°However, I noticed something strange. He mentioned that he has seen your leadership qualities and vision. Did that ever happen?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You picked up on it too. The thing is that the interview was completely impromptu, and the questions I asked were the basic ones most people would ask. As you can see, his answers were perfect; there was no stuttering, no reflection, no internalisation. It was as if he knew I was going to do this and had crafted the perfect response,¡± I said, weighing my own thoughts on the matter.


    ¡°Cohen was another interesting topic. Even though you didn''t ask or tell him about the stipulations he had placed, he was already aware of them,¡± Hazel added.


    This was an important observation. The text I had received from Hazel a few days before was about what Tomiko thought about the situation. Tomiko''s response was clear and simple¡ªshe would handle Cohen by herself and had not informed the class about it.


    It''s possible that between the time Hazel spoke with Tomiko and the time I interviewed Ryo, Tomiko could have shared her plans. However, I doubt that was the case because Ryo explicitly stated that Tomiko had not revealed a plan to counter Cohen at the moment.


    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± I turned to Hazel to get her perspective.


    ¡°Don''t accept his offer. I will find someone else in Class 2,¡± she firmly declared.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I asked, wanting to be sure we were making the right decision despite my already deciding that that should be the best course of action.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Just give me some time; like I said, I have someone in mind,¡± Hazel said as she placed her hand on her cheek.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said gratefully and with a welcoming smile.


    ¡°As for Class 3, we''ll handle that later. Anyway, I have to go now. I''ll keep in contact,¡± Hazel said as she started to walk away.


    It was a weight off my shoulders to have Hazel back as my vice president, and knowing that she was the one in that position gave me confidence because I knew that she was the best choice for the role.


    ¡ª


    <h2>5.4</h2>


    ¡ª


    On January 26, 2024, Hazel sent me a text instructing me to meet her at the indoor swimming pool around 4 pm. When I arrived, I noticed that the pool was bustling with people, perhaps from the swimming club. Among the splashing and noise, Hazel walked up to me.


    ¡°Our target is the guy over there by the skimmer,¡± she said, gesturing towards a figure with blond hair and a noticeably athletic build. ¡°His name is Sullivan Kramer, from Class 2.¡±


    I looked in the direction she indicated, observing Sullivan''s easygoing stance against the pool¡¯s wall. His assured manner suggested a certain level of self-assurance but maybe I was reading into him a little too quickly.


    ¡°Any other information on him?¡± I wanted to know more about our prospective recruit, so I asked.


    ¡°As you can see, he''s part of the swimming club,¡± Hazel remarked as she watched Sullivan''s movements with a shrewd gaze. ¡°And from what I''ve heard, he''s quite insightful.¡±


    Navigating around the edge of the pool, we came up to Sullivan, following her lead. Sullivan, engrossed in his own thoughts, seemed unaware of our arrival as he relaxed against the pool wall.


    "Excuse me, Sullivan?" Hazel''s voice cut through the din of the pool area, drawing his attention.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Sullivan responded with a slightly surprised expression on his face.


    ¡°I''m Hazel, and this is Marcus.¡± She introduced us with a smooth stance and Sullivan seemed taken aback by our sudden approach.


    ¡°This is unexpected,¡± he said in a curious tone.


    ¡°Yes, it is. We need just a bit of your time,¡± Hazel answered, her shoulders squared and head held high, her posture expressing her determination. Sullivan acknowledged with a nod before gracefully swimming to the ladder and emerging from the pool. He picked up a towel from a nearby chair and started to dry himself off, his movements deliberate and composed.


    ¡°I am listening,¡± Sullivan remarked, turning to face us with a curious tone in his voice.


    ¡°Alright, I''ll be straight to the point. We want you to join our election team,¡± I replied, pausing to gauge his reaction. Sullivan''s brows sprang upward, revealing his surprise at our proposition.


    ¡°I feel honoured, but why me?¡± He asked, his expression a mixture of intrigue and inquiry.


    ¡°You''ve been co-captain of the swimming club for the past year, haven''t you? That''s impressive and makes you a good fit to be our secretary,¡± Hazel said in a strong and assured tone. Sullivan acknowledged the truth in her remarks with a thoughtful nod.


    ¡°I see you''ve done your research, and despite that, you came to me. Seems like I''m a good fit for you all,¡± Sullivan said, and his deduction was not wrong. ¡°I''ll think about it. I would have gotten your numbers, but I don''t have anything to write it on at the moment.¡±


    ¡°It''s okay. You can just come to our class when you are ready,¡± Hazel said with a sense of warmth and friendliness.


    With that, we left Sullivan to continue his day and exited the aquatic centre. I gave Hazel a hopeful look as we strolled together.


    ¡°That went well, didn¡¯t it?¡± I was curious to hear her opinion of the exchange. But rather than return the favour, Hazel let out a sigh, her expression thoughtful and contemplative. It seemed the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her mind as we embarked on the waiting game that lay ahead.

 CHAPTER SIX - GAME PLAN

    ¡ª


    <h2>6.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    A week had passed since the end of the in-class voting. As I approached the classroom, I noticed a familiar figure waiting by the door, clearly hoping to run into either Hazel or me. Upon seeing me approach, he straightened up.


    ¡°Sullivan, you''re here early,¡± I remarked as I stopped a few steps away from him.


    ¡°That''s because I wanted to get started as soon as possible. I accept your request to join your election team as your secretary,¡± he replied, extending his hand with a firm resolve.


    ¡°Welcome to the team,¡± I said, smiling, pleased with his eagerness and extended my hand to meet his. He grasped my hand firmly, giving it a confident shake before releasing it.


    ¡°So what now?¡± He asked.


    ¡°We need to get a member from Class 3,¡± I responded, taking a small step back and resting against the wall.


    ¡°That would be tricky considering that Cohen has barred all recruitment for members,¡± he replied, thoughtfully crossing his arms.


    ¡°And when did you find this out?¡± I asked, curious about his source of information.


    ¡°Just so you are aware, I am very close with Tomiko,¡± he answered with a tone of pride.


    ¡°I see. Tomiko. Tell me about her,¡± I asked, with an eyebrow raised.


    ¡°What''s there to say except that she is an awesome and capable individual?¡± He smiled slightly, clearly admiring her.


    So he thinks that highly of her? That''s interesting.


    ¡°How about meeting her and seeing for yourself?¡± He suggested, raising his head slightly to see my response.


    ¡°A meeting with Tomiko,¡± I mused aloud. It seemed like a reasonable suggestion. It could offer insightful information.


    ¡°You have a plan on how to get a Class 3 member?¡± Sullivan asked, bringing the conversation back to the original point.


    ¡°Hazel has that covered,¡± I replied, half expecting to see Hazel pop up at any second as I glanced down the hallway. I didn''t have all the details, but I trusted Hazel''s resourcefulness. Pleased with my answer, Sullivan nodded.


    ¡°Alright then, I have to head back to class now,¡± he said, turning slightly as if ready to leave.


    ¡°Sure, but before you go, I need your number,¡± I answered, taking out my phone.


    We swiftly exchanged numbers once he took out his phone. He gave a final nod, then turned and walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing softly.


    ¡ª


    <h2>6.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    After completing a few assignments and a quick study session, I was lying on my bed when a knock echoed through my front door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I shouted as I groaned while rolling over.


    Not wanting to leave the comfort of my bed, I hoped the visitor would go away. Instead, the person kept banging against the door like a megalomaniac.


    ¡°God damn it,¡± I muttered to myself as I slouched out of bed, my footsteps heavy with reluctance. The incessant knocking continued. I had a rough idea of who it was by this point.


    ¡°Can you stop?¡± I said as I opened the door, only to have Kailey push her way in without hesitation.


    ¡°Marcus, can you believe what happened in school today?¡± she said, completely ignoring my question as she stormed into the room.


    ¡°No, I can''t. Maybe if you tell me, I¡¯ll be able to give my thoughts on it,¡± I cynically replied, observing as she moved to sit on my bed without a care in the world.


    ¡°Alright, so there''s this girl, Queen. She¡¯s not someone I talk to. Not that she¡¯s to be avoided or anything; we just have different friend groups, that''s all. Anyway, yesterday she suddenly approached me and told me that a guy she knew was apparently into me,¡± she blurted out.


    ¡°Hold on, Kailey.¡± I interrupted her rant, holding up a hand. ¡°Is this about romance?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. I came to you because I don''t want to talk it over with anyone in class. Usually, I¡¯d tell Riley or even Noah about this, but due to the time zone, speaking to them both has been a hassle. So, you are the next best option,¡± she clarified, her expression genuine.


    I quickly checked my phone and saw that it was just a few minutes past eight, which meant it was about 7 a.m. back home.


    ¡°Woah, I feel honoured to be on your list of people to have love talks with,¡± I said sarcastically again. She took hold of my pillow and flung it in my face this time.


    ¡°Shut up, okay? Let me continue. So, at the moment, I don¡¯t know who this boy is,¡± she remarked, leaning back on my bed and crossing her legs.


    ¡°So, you want me to help you figure that out?¡± I interrupted once more, leaning against the door frame.


    ¡°What? No, I can do that on my own with some time. And again, shut up,¡± she responded, rolling her eyes.


    I allowed her to continue, as she said she could handle it. I moved to sit on the edge of the bed, facing her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to talk about this with any classmates so that it wouldn¡¯t spread around and get to him. Queen then said that one of her friends has a crush on him. Can you see where I¡¯m going with this, Marcus?¡± she exclaimed, scattering my bed even more with her hands and making wildly sweeping gestures.


    ¡°You¡¯re happy because you are basically in the perfect scenario to cause drama.¡± I surmised, with an eyebrow raised.


    ¡°That. And I am caught in a love triangle. And I have the power to determine its outcome,¡± she replied as her eyes gleamed with wicked delight. I shook my head in bewilderment as she burst into laughter akin to that of an unhinged sociopath.


    I took out my phone and switched the camera on, capturing her manic moment.


    ¡°Can you stop recording me?¡± She said, still giggling but trying to cover her face with her hands.


    ¡°Just admit you didn¡¯t want your friends to see you like this,¡± I said, putting the phone aside after getting what I needed.


    ¡°Maybe. Anyway, any ideas on how I can make this juicy?¡± She picked up the pillow she had thrown and placed it back on the bed, clutching it firmly. ¡°I could say that I like him and actually steal him away from Queen¡¯s friend.¡±


    ¡°Are you some kind of supervillain? Better stop that,¡± I said, arching my eyebrow at her.


    ¡°Any suggestions on what I could possibly do?¡± She asked again, her voice full of wonder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to do anything crazy that would lead to trouble,¡± I said, trying to talk sense into her.


    ¡°But that would be boring. I could try to stretch this out for as long as I can. This is so good!¡± she exclaimed, laughing once more and wildly kicking her legs in delight as several unhinged ideas ran through her head.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Congratulations on winning the nomination for student council president,¡± she added casually.


    ¡°So, you only just remembered,¡± I remarked, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°Are you hurt? Huh? Sorry, okay?¡± She responded with a sarcastic pout and the protrusion of her tongue. I just scoffed at her and decided to take a seat at my desk instead of the bed beside her.


    ¡°I did say I¡¯d help you campaign in the junior levels, so leave that to me,¡± she grinned and gave me the thumbs up.


    ¡°If you say so. Now, is that all you came here for?¡± I asked, crossing my arms and leaning back in my chair.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°You want to kick me out that badly? What an older brother you are,¡± she said with mock indignation, standing up from my bed and walking towards the door.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, you haven¡¯t spoken to Dad since the day we arrived, right? He said you should try calling once a week,¡± she continued, turning to face me once more as she opened the door to leave.


    ¡°He can be a worrywart sometimes. I¡¯ll call him later,¡± I murmured, tenderly scratching my hair. Although it was reasonable that he would want me to call, he could have called me himself if he was really that concerned. Kailey sighed as she stepped out.


    ¡°KAILEY, COME BACK AND CLOSE THE DOOR!¡± I shouted, but my demon of a sister had already disappeared down the hallway, leaving my door wide open.


    With a muttered complaint, I got up to close it. I was going to get her back for this, no doubt about it. I couldn''t help but think about the mayhem her love triangle drama was going to bring as I made my way back to my bed. Life with Kailey was never boring, that was for sure.


    ¡ª


    <h2>6.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    I was waiting in the green area, the cold winter air nipping at my cheeks. We were anticipating the arrival of our team''s last member. I drummed my fingers on the wooden table and looked out over the sparse area. Finally, Hazel emerged from the pathway, making her way towards us at a brisk pace.


    ¡°Always late, Hazel,¡± I teased and she rolled her eyes but smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Got held up with something, that''s all,¡± she answered, her breath visible in the cold air. She looked over at Sullivan and extended a hand. ¡°Great to have you join the team, Sullivan.¡±


    ¡°The pleasure is mine,¡± Sullivan asserted while shaking her hand firmly. ¡°Now then, you called a meeting, but we are still down a member.¡±


    ¡°That''s what this meeting is about,¡± Hazel stated as she took a seat and took a folder out of her bag. ¡°I found a potential candidate.¡± With a hint of excitement, she placed the folder on the table and looked up into my eyes.


    Wait, she actually made documentation for this? I looked over at Sullivan but he did not seem surprised by this fact. Does that mean I am the only one who thinks this is weird?


    ¡°That must have been difficult,¡± Sullivan replied, leaning in closer.


    ¡°It was,¡± Hazel said, pulling open the folder to show a few documents. ¡°But let me give you the info. Her name is Harley Sherman. In terms of academic ranking, she is in the bottom half, and I am not exactly sure about her skills, but she is the only one I could strike up a conversation with this past week.¡±


    ¡°So Cohen''s strategy is very effective,¡± I remarked, a hint of annoyance visible on my face. With a solemn gaze, Hazel nodded in accord.


    ¡°I hate to admit it, but yes, it is. It''s not like we have a defined deadline to complete our teams, but the earlier it''s done, the better,¡± she stated, tapping the folder with her fingers.


    ¡°So my guess is that we are meeting her now?¡± I asked as I was about to stand.


    ¡°No, that''s the issue.¡± I was stopped in my tracks when Hazel responded, ¡°We have to wait till next week before we can meet her.¡±


    ¡°Next week?¡± Sullivan echoed, his expression darkening into a frown.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Hazel acknowledged with a sigh. ¡°She is a member of the tennis club and it turns out they have a three-day tournament coming up at Katsushika. They would be leaving tomorrow. She told me that we should wait till next week after she is back and rested before talking with her.¡±


    ¡°That''s disappointing. What are the details about your encounter with her?¡± I asked and Hazel took a deep breath before recounting her story.


    ¡°So, I first interacted with her in the library a day after in-class voting began,¡± she began.


    ¡°Are you sure she was not planted there by Cohen?¡± I interjected.


    ¡°No, simply because I have seen her around there a lot,¡± Hazel reassured me. ¡°I approached her when I noticed she was not too busy and talked to her about the books she was reading. At first, she was pretty uncomfortable with my presence, but soon she opened up.¡± Hazel''s hand rested on the side of her face as she recalled the event.


    ¡°Since that day, I have been making sure I visit the library at least once a day to talk with her. Our conversation always involved books and movies, so nothing really related to school.¡± Her approach was simple but extremely cunning.


    ¡°Yesterday, out of the blue, she did throw a curveball at me by asking if I was just getting close to her because we wanted to recruit her. What I told her was that I was appreciative of her company but that I saw her as a potential candidate as well. That''s when she told me that we would discuss further once she came back.¡± Hazel stopped to take a breath.


    ¡°So, what do you all think?¡± She asked as she glanced from Sullivan to me.


    ¡°I think the fact that she is willing to hear you out is a good sign,¡± Sullivan said thoughtfully, his fingers drumming on the table.


    ¡°Plus, her reaction to the matter does seem genuine,¡± I added.


    ¡°Exactly; it does not feel that she was planted there by Cohen,¡± Hazel replied.


    ¡°So, the consensus is what?¡± Sullivan peered between us and asked.


    ¡°I say we recruit her,¡± I said decisively.


    ¡°I have already made my decision regarding her.¡± Hazel nodded and continued, ¡°Sullivan?¡±


    ¡°I stand by you two in agreement,¡± he said, his tone firm.


    ¡°Alright then, when Harley comes back from her tournament, inform us right away,¡± I remarked to Hazel, who nodded in acknowledgement.


    ¡°If there isn''t anything else to discuss, our meeting comes to a close for today,¡± I announced, standing up once more. Hazel and Sullivan followed suit, gathering their belongings. We exchanged goodbyes, and I watched as Hazel and Sullivan walked away, their figures blending into the bustling campus.


    ¡ª


    <h2>6.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    Monday. My phone buzzed on the desk as I was in the middle of getting ready for school. One glance at the caller ID and I had an idea of what to expect.


    ¡°Hey Dad,¡± I said after answering the call on speaker, placing my phone down as I continued buttoning up my shirt.


    ¡°Kiddo, how have you been? It''s been some time,¡± he said in his deep, familiar voice. Through the phone, I could practically hear the sneer on his face.


    ¡°I''m great, Dad. And yeah, I know I haven''t been the best at keeping in touch,¡± I replied, wincing slightly at my own admission.


    ¡°At least you''re aware of that,¡± he laughed and continued. ¡°Like gosh, kid, your old man misses you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I really am,¡± I said as I brushed some lint off my sleeve.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m probably calling at a bad time, aren¡¯t I?¡± He said, his tone shifting to one of slight concern.


    ¡°Yep, just getting ready for classes,¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°I see, then I¡¯ll make it quick. I won¡¯t be able to come over for Kailey¡¯s birthday,¡± he said, which was very surprising to me.


    ¡°Why though?¡± I asked, pausing to listen.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have my hands tied with work,¡± he answered with a sigh.


    ¡°I see. Have you told her yet?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, not yet,¡± he said.


    I knew Kailey would be quite unhappy to hear this news because of her affection for Dad. On March 28th, she would turn twelve, and for her age, she was surprisingly mature.


    ¡°Instead, I got her an early gift. That should soften the blow when I tell her. I know she loves Universal Studios, so I got you both tickets,¡± he said.


    ¡°Damn, thanks for that. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll love it,¡± I remarked, grinning at the prospect of her enthusiasm. Dad laughed, clearly pleased with himself.


    ¡°It should satisfy her for the time being. Now, tell me, how have you been?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You already asked that,¡± I said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Marcus?¡± he said, his voice demanding.


    ¡°I¡¯m running for student council president,¡± I said, deciding to share the news.


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± He proclaimed.


    ¡°Why are you acting all surprised? I¡¯m sure Kailey already told you about it,¡± I remarked, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re right about that, but it¡¯s good hearing it come from you,¡± he said.


    ¡°I was going to lecture you about the unnecessary need for repetition, but I¡¯m going to spare you this time,¡± I smirked.


    ¡°Thank you, my humble son,¡± he said and we both burst out laughing.


    ¡°Dad, I have to head out now,¡± I said, grabbing my bag.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine; I¡¯ve already overstayed my welcome. Remember to call more often and tell me more about your campaign, alright?¡± he said.


    ¡°I will, but no promises,¡± I said, hanging up the phone.


    It was great to hear his voice, and I realised I ought to make an effort to get in touch with him more frequently. But for some reason, that kind of connection never seemed to happen with us. With Mom, though...


    I stopped myself from going down that road and packed up my stuff. Opening the door, I bumped into Ozawa, who was heading out as well.


    ¡°Morning, Marcus,¡± Ozawa said while fiddling with his backpack.


    ¡°Morning, Chikao,¡± I said as I closed my door, addressing him by his first name. As we walked down the hallway together, the memories from the weekend flooded my mind once more.


    As we approached the academic section, we saw Diya and Hazel near the entrance.


    ¡°Marcus. And Chikao?¡± Diya said, a hint of confusion in her voice as she noticed us walking together. Of course, she would be on a first-name basis with him.


    ¡°If you''re confused, the thing is, we are both neighbours,¡± Chikao swiftly clarified.


    ¡°Oh, that makes sense,¡± Diya answered, taking his explanation at face value. I glanced over to Hazel, who waved at me. I responded with a nod.


    The four of us walked together as a group. Hazel and I fell naturally behind Diya and Chikao as we got closer to the academic area, giving us a chance to talk privately.


    ¡°I am always surprised by just how many people Diya is familiar with in this school,¡± Hazel said with an unchanging expression.


    ¡°Are you jealous that someone might take your best friend away?¡± I jokingly nudged her as I teased her.


    ¡°Not at all. It is just exhausting sometimes whenever we walk together, and she has to stop to greet almost every single person,¡± Hazel sighed deeply. Then her gaze shifted to me, her demeanour growing more serious. ¡°Anyways, Harley is back in school. She sent me a text to meet her in the library after school so that we could talk. I''m inviting you as well.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, I''ll text Sullivan to meet us there,¡± I said, reaching for my phone in my side pocket; however, Hazel quickly raised her hand to stop me.


    ¡°No need. I already sent him a text earlier, but he hasn''t responded yet,¡± she said with a sombre expression.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I agreed, pocketing my phone.


    Chikao and Diya had come to a stop ahead. We joined them as they waited for us to catch up.


    ¡°This is where I leave you guys and girls,¡± Chikao stated, pointing to the academic building for Year 12, which was separate from ours.


    ¡°It was great bumping into you, Chikao,¡± Diya exclaimed. He waved gently to Hazel, who repeated the gesture, and I nodded my goodbyes. Then he headed off to his classes.


    The three of us¡ªDiya, Hazel, and I¡ªcontinued walking towards our building. As we moved through the bustling hallways, Diya chatted animatedly about her latest project, while Hazel and I shared a knowing glance, already planning our strategy for the meeting with Harley.

 CHAPTER SEVEN - THE WAY IN

    ¡ª


    <h2>7.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The library door swung open, and Hazel and I stepped inside. The air was filled with the aroma of polished wood and aged paper, creating a serene atmosphere that instantly made me feel more at ease.


    ¡°Good morning, ma''am,¡± Hazel said cheerfully to the woman stationed at the desk. The receptionist''s face lit up with a warm smile.


    ¡°Hazel! How are you doing today?¡± The receptionist asked, her eyes crinkling at the corners.


    ¡°Great,¡± Hazel said in a cheery voice.


    ¡°Good morning, ma''am,¡± I said, grabbing the receptionist''s attention.


    ¡°Hello, dear. What''s your name?¡± She enquired politely.


    ¡°It''s Marcus, ma''am,¡± I replied respectfully.


    ¡°Marcus. What a nice name,¡± she complimented.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied, smiling a little.


    ¡°Ah, Hazel, that book by Thomas Perry has arrived,¡± the receptionist said, and Hazel''s eyes widened with excitement.


    ¡°Hero? That was quicker than I thought,¡± Hazel said, leaning on the reception desk in anticipation.


    ¡°That''s what I thought as well, but it seems our distributor was lucky,¡± the receptionist said, nodding.


    I decided to go for a walk and take in the atmosphere of the library while they carried on their conversation. The architectural design of the library was stunning; it had a sunken layout, allowing a clear view of the tops of the bookshelves and the students studying below. The ceiling was particularly striking, with its dome-like structure adorned with intricate paintings that seemed almost otherworldly.


    ¡°It caught your eye, didn''t it?¡± A voice spoke up next to me. I turned to see Hazel joining me, a knowing smile on her face.


    ¡°Yeah, it looks familiar,¡± I replied as my gaze returned to the ceiling.


    ¡°The Camera Picta, or better known as The Camera degli Sposi. It''s a room filled with paintings. The library takes inspiration from the ceiling of that room,¡± she explained.


    ¡°I didn''t know you were an art connoisseur,¡± I remarked, arching my eyebrow. She laughed softly.


    ¡°I''m not. I was just interested in this particular piece, that''s all,¡± she remarked, grinning. ¡°But that does make me better than you in this regard.¡±


    ¡°Give me a week and I''ll become an expert in library art,¡± I said confidently as I followed her. Her amusement-filled eyes gleamed as she laughed once more.


    ¡°Alright then, on Saturday, let''s both meet here to test our knowledge. Remember, all the artworks in the library are fair game,¡± she challenged.


    The steps resounded pleasantly beneath our feet as we both made our way down the enormous staircase. The library was enormous, with shelves upon shelves of books. Each shelf had a plank suspended by a string at the end, marked with letters for easy organisation and identification.


    I couldn''t believe how many books there were as we browsed the aisles. A book could open a door to a new universe, and the library itself was a veritable gold mine of information.


    ¡°How many artworks are there in the gallery?¡± I asked, and my curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Seven. That''s not too much, is it?¡± Hazel answered as she led the way through the maze of bookshelves.


    ¡°It is, but I don''t want to make this easier for myself. When I beat you, there will be no excuses,¡± I declared, grinning with confidence.


    ¡°Bold,¡± she answered with a teasing smirk. We reached a seating area, passing by several others on our way, each occupied by students engrossed in their studies or deep in conversation.


    Two girls were sitting at a desk when we got close to it. One was engrossed in her phone, while the other had her head laid sideways on the desk, a book propped up by her bag to read hands-free.


    ¡°Hey, Harley and Ohara,¡± Hazel greeted them warmly. With an upward gaze, the girl who was reading sat up and extended her arms above her head.


    ¡°Hazel, you¡¯re here. And you?¡± She said, her voice groggy from reading.


    ¡°My name is Marcus,¡± I introduced myself.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Marcus. Heard quite a bit about you,¡± she said, her tone tinged with curiosity.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I responded, intrigued.


    ¡°Yep, I¡¯m Harley Sherman, and that over there is¡ª¡± Before Harley could finish her introduction, Ohara stood up abruptly, her expression fierce.


    ¡°Harley, you seriously aren''t going to do this, are you? There are going to be severe consequences,¡± she stated, her voice edged with concern.


    ¡°I already told you I don''t care about that. Besides, I¡¯m just listening to their offer,¡± Harley groaned, seeming annoyed.


    Ohara appeared prepared to continue her argument but stopped herself, obviously frustrated.


    ¡°Sorry about her,¡± Harley apologised. ¡°She¡¯s just worried about me. Let''s get straight into this because I have to get back to reading.¡±


    Except for Ohara, who stayed standing, her posture rigid with tension, the rest of us took seats.


    ¡°Harley, I would like you to join my election team as our treasurer,¡± I said, paying great attention to Harley''s reaction. She drew in a long breath before continuing.


    ¡°I know that Cohen is making it difficult for you guys to recruit members for the election, but why me? I doubt I have the skills for such a position,¡± she asked as her doubts were apparent.


    ¡°To be honest, I agree with your sentiment. We don¡¯t know much about your skills and capabilities. Plus, you just said you don¡¯t have the skills for the position. However, this is a gamble I¡¯m willing to take. The longer we wait, the worse our situation will become. I¡¯m trying to avoid that,¡± I explained, opting for complete transparency.


    ¡°I see. Honestly, I¡¯m not too keen on joining, but I do have an interesting proposal,¡± Harley stated, her gaze thoughtfully narrowing.


    ¡°Are you serious, Harley?¡± Ohara spoke up, her voice rising with annoyance. ¡°Just decline their offer.¡±


    ¡°Kameko, please, just stop,¡± Harley uttered in a stern tone.


    ¡°Stop? I¡¯m trying to save you from being labelled an enemy of the class,¡± Ohara fiercely stated, her hands clenched into fists.


    ¡°Kameko,¡± Harley said with a stern voice, silencing her friend. Ohara sighed, her shoulders slumping as she picked up a bag hidden under the desk.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± Ohara muttered to Harley before turning on her heel and leaving.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Hazel spoke with concern in her voice as she looked at the space Ohara had just vacated.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her. I''ll calm her down later,¡± Harley let out a long sigh. ¡°She¡¯s a little clingy, like Chika,¡± she added under her breath.


    ¡°Chika?¡± I enquired, interested in the name she had brought up.


    ¡°Ah, sorry. She¡¯s my little sister. She¡¯s a junior here,¡± Harley remarked, as if she had just remembered. ¡°Can we get back to the topic at hand? Can you listen to my proposal?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Hazel said, leaning forward slightly, her demeanour unwavering and serious.


    ¡°The thing is, after coming back from my tennis tournament, I¡¯ve been pumped and filled with a lot of competitive energy. I need an outlet to disperse the feeling. So, I propose we play a game. One with high risks,¡± she said, a smirk playing on her lips. The look in her eyes made me interested. ¡°The game is simple. It¡¯s a speed reading contest. The rules are straightforward. We both pick the same book at random, and then for a set period of time, we read its contents. After that, we get quizzed from anywhere in the book. If someone fails to answer, the other can. The winner is the one with the most correct answers.¡±


    It was essentially a speed reading and memory game, which I felt I could handle. The content of the book would play a significant role, but I was about eighty percent confident I¡¯d do well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you all get that, so I¡¯m playing against Hazel for this.¡± I was surprised to hear Harley say this.


    ¡°Can I ask why?¡± I quickly enquired, wanting to understand her reasoning.


    ¡°I want a fair competition. I don¡¯t know much about you, Marcus, but I do know that your academic performance is impressive considering you joined the school last semester. You¡¯re too much of an unknown to me. Hazel isn¡¯t,¡± Harley clarified.


    I understood her reasoning and nodded in agreement. It is dangerous to engage with an enemy you do not know anything about.


    ¡°Plus, she¡¯s the one who approached and falsely befriended me with hidden intentions,¡± she added.


    ¡°Harley, I know it might come off that way, but I genuinely enjoy spending time with you,¡± Hazel responded, her tone defensive.


    ¡°Sure, if you say so,¡± Harley replied indifferently. ¡°If I win, I join your team. If you lose, I don¡¯t, and Hazel leaves the team,¡± she added.


    Just as I was ready to object, Hazel spoke up first.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± she agreed. Then she turned to face me, taking hold of my arm and dragging me aside to have a private discussion.


    ¡°Why did you agree to her terms?¡± I questioned as I crossed my arms, a little annoyed that she didn''t take her time to think it through before accepting.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°It was obvious that we couldn¡¯t negotiate further. She holds all the power here,¡± Hazel remarked.


    ¡°That may be true, but confirming that fact to your opponent is not the way to go about it,¡± I countered.


    ¡°I know,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°If you lose, you have to drop out of my team,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t plan on losing. Place your trust in me,¡± she replied, her voice steady and confident.


    ¡°I do trust you. I¡¯m just worried I might lose you after just getting you back,¡± I admitted.


    She looked away from me, her face taking on a shocked expression and her cheeks flushing. It dawned on me what I had just said.


    ¡°Sorry about that. I worded it wrongly,¡± I said, trying to clear the air.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I just let that get to me,¡± she remarked, composing herself. ¡°Leave this to me,¡± she added with a confident smile.


    Both of us went back to Harley, who was back to reading the book she had earlier. Hazel leaned on the desk towards Harley.


    ¡°So, how do we choose the book?¡± Hazel questioned, her tone stern.


    Harley pushed her chair back so she could stand up and put the book to her side.


    ¡°We should go meet the librarian for that,¡± Harley trudged forward, while we both followed from behind.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± a voice called my name from behind, drawing our attention. It was a familiar face.


    ¡°Natsumi,¡± I said as she scurried quickly over to where we were.


    ¡°It''s been quite a while, hasn''t it?¡± She said it with a huge smile on her face.


    ¡°Has it really?¡± I said sarcastically.


    ¡°Hello, I don''t think we''ve met. I am Hashimoto Natsumi. You can just call me Natsumi,¡± she said to Harley.


    ¡°I am Harley; nice to meet you,¡± Harley said, maintaining the same expression. ¡°Hazel, we can go off to meet the librarian, so Marcus can chat with his friend.¡±


    Friend? With how little I knew about Natsumi, that term wasn''t appropriate in this context.


    ¡°Yes, you should. We have some things to talk about,¡± Natsumi said to her.


    We do? That had me curious, but I needed to focus on the current issue at hand. As I was about to voice my opinion to Natsumi, Hazel spoke up.


    ¡°That''s fine. We''ll come back. Just wait around here,¡± she said, and I let out a sigh.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said as they both walked away, leaving me with Natsumi.


    ¡°So what''s all this about?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°None of your business, or do you want to report it back to Tomiko?¡± I said with some underlying sass.


    ¡°I am not going to become an underling of that girl,¡± she said.


    ¡°That is strange. From what I''ve heard, people look up to her,¡± I stated, and she looked at me with anger in her eyes.


    ¡°Who is feeding you such lies?¡± She asked, clearly fuming.


    ¡°Multiple people, but I ain''t giving names.¡± She didn''t know that I had heard this from Sullivan alone, but there was no way I would tell her that. I was curious to know if her distaste for Tomiko stemmed from a personal grudge or if it was a shared sentiment among their classmates. Considering the anger and surprise she had when I mentioned multiple people looking up to her, it was clear there was some tension in the class with Tomiko at the centre.


    ¡°Just know she is not the great person everyone says she is,¡± she said, and I could tell she held some sort of personal vendetta against the class leader.


    ¡°Care to give me more information to work with in that regard?¡± I enquired.


    ¡°Aside from her overbearing attitude, she also always thinks she''s in the right. She rarely listens to anyone that isn''t in her nonsense cabinet, and she''s just an over-controlling a-hole,¡± Natsumi said.


    ¡°Yeesh, is she really that bad, or are you just blowing things out of proportion?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Trust me, that girl is just overly entitled, and I hate it,¡± she said, crossing her arms, then turned back to face me swiftly. ¡°Enough about that; now spill the tea on what you guys were doing.¡±


    She wasn''t going to drop it. I sighed inwardly.


    ¡°Aren''t you sticking your nose into other people''s business?¡± I asked, hoping she would back off.


    ¡°I am, but seeing as we''re friends and rivals, I think it''s best that we come to the aid of one another,¡± she replied, patting me on the back. It was clear this girl was forcing herself onto me, which was hypocritical considering all that she just said about Tomiko, but I wasn''t going to point that out.


    ¡°Friends and rivals? Isn''t that a huge jump in our relationship?¡± When I asked, she just chuckled. As she did, I noticed both Hazel and Harley making their way back to us, each holding a book in hand.


    ¡°A String of Beads,¡± Harley said, revealing the book''s title. I tried recalling if I had read any book with that name, but nothing came to mind.


    ¡°Have either of you read this book?¡± I enquired.


    ¡°No, I am not much of a reader,¡± Natsumi boldly replied, grinning self-satisfiedly as she stood upright. I just watched her in awe.


    ¡°Now then, Hazel and I have thirty minutes to read the book while you two are free to look up the book online and ask us questions based on that,¡± Harley stated.


    ¡°The two of us?¡± I asked, noting how she referred to me and Natsumi. ¡°Wait, I thought you wanted unbiased individuals to ask the questions. I could have convinced her to help me rig the game,¡± I voiced my concern, trying to get a proper read on her mind.


    ¡°It''s something pretty simple. I have faith in you. Faith that you won''t resort to such tactics,¡± she remarked, setting the book down on the table. Hazel and I exchanged looks. ¡°Or do you want me to doubt you?¡±


    There was something intriguing about this girl. The whole thing was, to put it mildly, fascinating. Natsumi''s arrival could not have been a coincidence, could it? This seemed like a deliberate ploy to see my course of action. I did not know Natsumi well, but it could be possible that she and Harley were in this together. In any case, I should be alright because I was lucky not to resort to any underhanded tactics.


    ¡°No, you can trust me,¡± I replied. As I spoke, I noticed a smile on Harley¡¯s face. She then clasped her hands together.


    ¡°Alright then. Let''s begin,¡± she said.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± I spoke to Hazel in a whisper as she went by.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hazel replied as she sat down next to Harley, who set her phone down on the table with its display showing a countdown set for thirty minutes.


    ¡°And start,¡± Harley said, clicking the button to begin the countdown. They both flipped open the pages, starting the competition.


    I observed Hazel scanning across the pages with her eyes, her mouth moving ever so slightly as she murmured the words to herself. She looked elegant, and for some reason, I was captivated by her.


    ¡°Stop staring,¡± a voice muttered, and I turned to see Natsumi, who was grinning at me. I was immediately irritated by her expression.


    ¡°I was not,¡± I said, swiftly dismissing the claim and pulling out my phone. ¡°Come on, let''s read about the book,¡± I said, searching for a summary online.


    ¡°Not here, idiot,¡± Natsumi said, standing up and grabbing my collar. She tightened it against my neck, forcing me to follow her. Despite her small size, she managed to drag me along.


    ¡°Can you stop pulling me like that?¡± I protested as we came to a stop between some shelves of books. At last, she released her grip, and I adjusted my collar while massaging the area of my neck that was causing me some minor discomfort. ¡°You are rough; you know that, right?¡±


    ¡°Be quiet,¡± she said, pulling out her phone. ¡°Now, care to explain everything?¡±


    Her question caught me off guard. I wasn¡¯t expecting it again, especially after our previous conversation. My theory about Natsumi and Harley possibly teaming up seemed less likely. Natsumi would already be aware of the details if they were collaborating. There was also the possibility that Harley didn''t inform her, but I doubted that. Harley placing her trust in me seemed more plausible now.


    ¡°Guess I might as well tell you then,¡± I responded, giving up at last. ¡°Simply put, I want to recruit Harley to join my election team. She decided we should do this speed reading contest, and if we win, she would join us. That''s all.¡±


    Since it was information she didn''t need to know, I omitted what would happen if we lost.


    ¡°I see. Was that so hard then?¡± She laughed and slammed her hand into my shoulder.


    ¡°Anyways, can we get back to reading about the book?¡± I asked, attempting to refocus the discussion back to the task at hand.


    ¡°Ah, sweet lost child, it seems you have forgotten the year we are in,¡± she remarked with a mocking tone. ¡°Why stress ourselves when we have the power of AI?¡±


    I just glanced at her, astonished, as she showed such enthusiasm. A heavy sigh escaped my mouth.


    Not that I was against AI, or even terrified of it; rather, my real worries were about how AI will become the norm and replace human thought processes and reasoning in everything.


    ¡°You are one sly individual,¡± I remarked, flicking her forehead. She let out a small cry, placing her hand on the area I smacked.


    ¡°Was that necessary?¡± She attempted to strike back, but I stopped her by grabbing her arm.


    ¡°Yes, it was. The fact that you immediately want to resort to that is an issue,¡± I said, holding her gaze.


    ¡°But that does not mean you are against the idea, right?¡± A sly smile appeared on her face as she said this.


    ¡°Come on,¡± I said, as she moved closer so that I could see her screen. She opened up the app already installed on her phone. A few prompts later, and we had about twenty questions and their respective answers generated.


    It was clear they wouldn''t even make it halfway through the book in the thirty minutes they had to read. So, we picked questions related to the beginning of the book. However, I decided to throw in a question about the ending as well.


    ¡°Great, we still have about seven minutes before they are done. How about we¡ª¡± she said.


    ¡°Hold that thought, I''m going to the restroom,¡± I interrupted, taking the opportunity to leave her for a while.


    Navigating through the labyrinth of bookshelves, I walked briskly to the restroom. The library''s ambient noise of whispers and rustling pages faded as I reached the more secluded area near the restrooms. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the familiar scent of cleaning supplies. The restroom was empty, giving me a moment of solitude.


    ¡ª


    <h2>7.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    When I returned from my ''unfortunately'' long restroom stop, there were just some seconds remaining on the countdown.


    ¡°Did you fall in or something?¡± Natsumi asked as I rejoined her, and we made our way back to the duo.


    ¡°Nope, just enjoying the scenery,¡± I answered, casually shrugging.


    ¡°I guess whatever floats your boat, dude,¡± she said, giving me a confused and slightly disgusted look. Right on schedule, the alarm went off as soon as we sat down at the table.


    Harley and Hazel both shut their books and set them on the table. With a gentle sway back in her chair, Hazel closed her eyes and tilted her head back. Meanwhile, Harley stretched her body in the same way she did the first time I met her, extending her arms above her head and letting out a small sigh.


    ¡°You guys ready?¡± With a look of eagerness in her eyes, Natsumi asked, obviously enjoying herself immensely.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harley replied, sitting up straight and looking eager.


    ¡°We are,¡± Hazel confirmed, her eyes now open and filled with determination.


    With a glint in her eyes, Natsumi opened the questions on her phone.


    ¡°Let''s begin,¡± she said, then paused and turned to me. ¡°Who should go first?¡±


    I reached into my pocket, pulling out a coin.


    ¡°Heads is for Hazel, and tails is for Harley,¡± I declared, tossing the coin into the air, catching it in my palm, revealing the outcome. ¡°Tails.¡±


    ¡°Do you just carry around a coin in your pocket?¡± Natsumi asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°First question,¡± I said, brushing past her comment. ¡°How does the story begin?¡±


    Harley jumped in with a confident answer, her voice steady.


    ¡°Correct,¡± I said, and Natsumi gave a small clap as she turned to Hazel.


    ¡°Next question,¡± Natsumi said, swiftly checking her phone before locking eyes with Hazel and asking the question. Hazel paused, her brow furrowing in thought, then gave her answer with calm precision.


    ¡°You are correct,¡± Natsumi said with a nod, her approval evident.


    The questions continued, both Harley and Hazel taking turns, each responding swiftly, with barely a moment¡¯s hesitation. Then came a particularly tricky question, and this time, it was Harley¡¯s turn.


    She did not respond right away. Instead, she tapped her foot rapidly, her face a picture of deep concentration. ¡°Wait¡­ was it¡­¡± she muttered, trailing off. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t that¡­¡± She fell silent, searching her thoughts, her eyes flickering as if recalling the text in her head. ¡°She cares about people?¡± she finally offered, her voice hesitant.


    ¡°Incorrect. Hazel?¡± I turned to her, giving her the chance to steal the point. Without missing a beat, Hazel answered.


    ¡°Correct,¡± I said. Harley¡¯s shoulders slumped, and she let out a breath, her disappointment evident. But she quickly composed herself, her eyes refocusing for the next round.


    As we moved to Hazel¡¯s next question, I noticed her slight frown. She closed her eyes for a second, sifting through the details, then nodded to herself before confidently stating her answer.


    ¡°Correct!¡± Natsumi said, pointing a playful finger gun at Hazel, who gave a small grin, clearly pleased.


    The game picked up speed as we neared the end, the questions firing off and their responses coming quickly. Natsumi''s quick ¡°Correct,¡± marked the last question, signalling the end of the game. Harley sighed deeply and sank back into her chair. Her face showed relief, though she looked equally disappointed to have missed that crucial question. Across from her, Hazel¡¯s fists tightened in a small gesture of triumph, her face lighting up with satisfaction.


    Harley stood and extended her hand to me with a slight grin. ¡°A deal¡¯s a deal. You beat me at my own game. I¡¯m at your service, President.¡±


    I took her hand, giving her a firm handshake and an approving nod. ¡°Welcome to the team, Harley Sherman.¡±

 CHAPTER EIGHT - COMPLETE

    ¡ª


    <h2>8.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    After a brief conversation and exchanging contact information, we left Harley to carry on with her reading. We emerged from the library into the warm afternoon sunlight, Natsumi joining us.


    ¡°That was fun,¡± Natsumi said as she strolled behind me with a lively gait.


    ¡°I guess so, but that''s done now,¡± I answered, feeling a mixture of success and relief.


    ¡°And now your team is complete,¡± Natsumi remarked, a touch of enthusiasm in her voice.


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± I curtly said, hoping to dampen her enthusiasm and make her lose interest. Natsumi let out a huge yawn, stretching her arms above her head. ¡°You seem tired,¡± I noted.


    ¡°Yep. Before I met you all in the library, I was on my way to take a nap,¡± she admitted as she stretched her arms above her head.


    ¡°But you chose to stay?¡± I asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°Yep, because I knew that whatever you were up to was going to interest me,¡± she grinned.


    ¡°You are a strange one,¡± I uttered, shaking my head. Her smile widened even more as she chuckled.


    ¡°You know, we should also exchange contact info,¡± she said in a light-hearted yet serious manner.


    ¡°Nope, maybe another time,¡± I quickly dismissed the notion.


    ¡°I see. You¡¯re trying to avoid me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Natsumi asked, her voice teasing.


    ¡°Yep, and I¡¯m not even going to deny that,¡± I replied, smirking. She laughed, clearly enjoying our banter.


    ¡°That¡¯s mean. Anyway, I¡¯ll leave you two to discuss your important details.¡± Natsumi said. Though a little too late, it was great that she did pick up on our intentions.


    ¡°We shall meet again, Marcus,¡± Natsumi said as she hurried off, her laughter echoing behind her. Honestly, I wished this wouldn¡¯t happen, but I knew I would run into her again somewhere.


    ¡°She is interesting,¡± Hazel finally said, breaking her silence since we left the library.


    ¡°I know, right,¡± I said, looking around. ¡°That bench over there is free; we can talk there.¡± I led her over to the vacant bench by the walkway. We both took a seat; the wood felt cool against our backs.


    ¡°So, have you heard anything from Sullivan?¡± I asked, noticing her perk up at the mention of his name. It was clear that she had been so engrossed in recent events that she had forgotten to check her messages.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t checked my phone yet to see if he gave a response,¡± he said, pulling her phone from her pocket.


    She showed me her phone after going through her messages. I leaned in to look at Sullivan''s chat window. About an hour ago, he responded to her text message concerning Harley''s arrival and the planned meeting in the library. He had said he was busy with some class meetings and could not attend.


    ¡°What do you make of this?¡± She asked, her brow wrinkled in thought.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s lying?¡± I asked her a question in return.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your friend a member of Class 2? Shouldn¡¯t she also be present if there was a class meeting?¡± Hazel said, her eyes narrowing.


    ¡°My friend?¡± I was a little perplexed at first.


    ¡°If you are referring to Natsumi, then yes, you are right about her being a member of Class 2,¡± I replied. ¡°But from what she has told me, she has some problems with Tomiko, so maybe not attending a class meeting is something she would do.¡±


    ¡°I see. Besides, her having issues with Tomiko might prove useful,¡± she looked aside, lost in thought. ¡°So, are we taking Sullivan¡¯s word here?¡± she added, glancing back at me.


    ¡°Yes, but we are going to remain cautious because we can¡¯t trust anyone except ourselves,¡± I said firmly.


    That was the truth. Even though we really wanted to trust our members, we were unable to do so without harbouring some doubts. I was willing to treat them like enemies until the election was over, and it appeared Hazel thought the same thing.


    ¡°Agreed. We need to stay vigilant. Everyone has their own agenda, and we can¡¯t afford to be blindsided.¡± Hazel said with a nod, her expression resolute.


    For a brief while, we sat in silence, the sounds of the campus surrounding us filling the stillness. Students walked by, laughing and chatting, oblivious to the gravity of our conversation.


    ¡°With our team complete, the next thing we have to worry about is publicity,¡± I remarked as I observed Hazel inhale deeply and furrow her brow in contemplation. ¡°Could Diya handle it?¡±


    ¡°She could, and I¡¯m sure she would do an outstanding job, but she already has too much on her plate with all the clubs and activities she¡¯s involved in. I don¡¯t want to add this on her as well,¡± Hazel answered, her expression darkening.


    ¡°Alright then, but we do need someone for it,¡± I said while deciding what to do next.


    ¡°I do know someone, Kusumoto Yoko,¡± she said.


    Kusumoto? The name seemed familiar, and then it clicked. ¡°She was one of the nominees for our in-class voting, wasn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. The issue is, I¡¯m not sure I can get in touch with her right now, except if we leave it till tomorrow in class,¡± she said, frustration creeping into her voice.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t want to do that, do you?¡± I asked, smirking slightly.


    ¡°Yep. Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve grown impatient,¡± she admitted, which made me chuckle.


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯m sure you have a plan,¡± I asked, leaning in slightly.


    ¡°Yep. She has a friend, Funai Takara, whom I have contacts with, so I''ll call her and get her to organise a meeting with Kusumoto,¡± Hazel said, taking out her phone and typing rapidly. She soon placed it against her ear.


    ¡°Hey, Funai,¡± she said, then paused. ¡°Sorry for calling you out of the blue, but I need your help. I need to meet Kusumoto, please.¡± She paused again. ¡°Right now... Thanks, we¡¯ll be right there.¡± She hung up the phone and stood up quickly.


    ¡°She¡¯s currently at the second computer lab in our building, but we need to hurry; she¡¯s about to leave,¡± she said, causing me to spring up as well.


    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s go,¡± I said, and we both began to move with purpose.


    ¡ª


    <h2>8.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The chilly air from the air conditioner swept over us as the door opened. Inside the lab, Kusumoto Yoko stood alone, bent forward, engrossed in the screen of one of the computers. When we walked in, she gave a fleeting glance up before quickly turning back to the screen.


    Hazel and I walked over to her workstation. Sensing our approach, Kusumoto looked up again, acknowledging us more fully.


    ¡°Hey, Kusumoto,¡± Hazel said, her voice friendly but direct.


    ¡°Hazel, Marcus, what''s up?¡± Kusumoto answered with an inquisitive, although somewhat distracted.


    ¡°We need to talk to you about something important,¡± I said, stepping forward slightly.


    ¡°Alright, but can it be quick? I have somewhere to be,¡± Kusumoto replied, giving us the go-ahead and turning back to her screen.


    ¡°My election team is now complete, but there¡¯s something we need your help with¡ªpublicity. I need to get our names into the mouths of students and get them talking,¡± I explained.


    ¡°That¡¯s cool. I can handle that,¡± Kusumoto said quickly.


    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± I said, surprised by her prompt acceptance.


    ¡°However¡­¡± Kusumoto continued, stopping me in my tracks. ¡°I do have some conditions.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± Hazel responded, keeping her gaze fixed on Kusumoto.


    ¡°First, I need creative freedom. I don¡¯t want to be micromanaged. Second, I want this to be a collaborative effort. I¡¯ll handle the publicity, but I want to be involved in the overall strategy,¡± Kusumoto said firmly.


    The first condition made perfect sense, but the second one made me somewhat suspicious. Before I could voice my concerns, Hazel spoke up.


    ¡°Alright, we accept the conditions,¡± she stated with assurance.


    I glanced at Hazel, and our eyes met for a moment. I could tell from her expression that she trusted her decision, and I decided to follow her lead.


    ¡°Great. This is another opportunity for me to grow and add more to my merit. Don¡¯t worry, just leave it to me,¡± Kusumoto remarked, smiling contentedly as she extended her hand.


    ¡°Great to have you on the team, Kusumoto,¡± I said, taking her hand and shaking it firmly.


    ¡°Looking forward to it,¡± Kusumoto replied. ¡°I do need you to provide your campaign plan, though.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re working on that and will get back to you soon,¡± I assured her.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kusumoto responded.


    ¡°Your contact information, please,¡± Hazel asked, and Kusumoto swiftly entered her number into Hazel''s phone. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    This was completed far faster than anticipated. I thought Kusumoto would turn down our offer, pointing out that we were rivals during the in-class voting. I even prepared several counterarguments to points I predicted she might bring up. Fortunately, this interaction did not result in any wasted breath.


    I glanced at Kusumoto''s monitor as we turned to go and saw a file being transferred. A hard drive was plugged into one of the ports. I wasn''t sure what she was doing or if it was within school regulations, but I decided not to dwell on it.


    ¡ª


    <h2>8.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°Hazel?¡± I called out as we walked some distance from the computer lab.


    ¡°You want to know why I accepted the condition, right?¡± Hazel said, preempting my question.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Simple. I had already done my digging on Kusumoto before this. We can trust her,¡± Hazel said, her tone confident.


    ¡°I see. You could have just told me that from the start,¡± I remarked, feeling both relieved and frustrated.


    With a mischievous smile, Hazel turned back to me. ¡°Oh, seems you are lagging behind in this. Guess I¡¯m just better at investigation and negotiation than you are,¡± she teased.


    ¡°Oh, is that how you want to play it? Bring it on,¡± I said, laughing. as we both made our way out of the academic building.


    ¡°Tomorrow we may need to inform the class about our team members and what comes next,¡± Hazel commented thoughtfully as we strolled around the campus.


    ¡°I agree, but let¡¯s consult our publicity expert beforehand. Who knows, she might have a plan,¡± I replied, and Hazel nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Do you know who from our class joined the other teams?¡± I asked, curious about our competition.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not sure for now. I¡¯ll have to ask our classmates about that,¡± Hazel remarked.


    ¡°Alright, thanks,¡± I said, appreciating her dedication.


    As we strolled about the campus, the sun began to set and cast a golden hue over the buildings. Students were still milling about, but the crowds had thinned. Our pace was slow, but I wasn¡¯t complaining. I enjoyed Hazel¡¯s company, finding her presence intriguing and comfortable.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hazel said suddenly, breaking the silence. I turned to face her, not sure I understood her.


    ¡°For trusting me during the speed reading test,¡± she elaborated, her eyes meeting mine with a sincerity that made my heart skip a beat.


    ¡°That¡¯s all good,¡± I murmured, trying to play it cool but feeling a warmth spread through my chest.


    ¡°It might not seem like much, but I do feel grateful.¡± She continued in a gentle and sincere tone. I could tell she meant it, and I smiled softly in response.


    ¡°Plus, you didn¡¯t lose me,¡± she said, and my cheeks flushed as I remembered my embarrassing comment from earlier.


    I had said it without thinking, and now she was bringing it up, making me relive the awkwardness. I looked away, trying not to look embarrassed, but a quick glance at Hazel revealed that she was blushing too, her cheeks as red as mine.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Why are you getting embarrassed?¡± I teased, trying to deflect my own discomfort.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like answering that,¡± Hazel responded in a light-hearted but slightly bashful tone.


    It was a weird but charming moment, one that made us both smile despite the blushes. We walked back to our dorm rooms in comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts but enjoying the shared company.


    ¡ª


    <h2>8.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°His area of focus is competition,¡± Hazel stated firmly.


    ¡°Competition?¡± I reiterated, perplexed by his selection of the campaign''s top priority. It seemed an odd focus for a school election.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Hazel confirmed.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said, crossing my arms and breathing a sigh of relief. It didn¡¯t seem like an immediate threat to our plans.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about that?¡± Harley asked, her tone tinged with concern.


    ¡°Not at the moment,¡± I said, brushing off the problem. ¡°Are there any other concerns?¡± I asked, scanning the room for any raised hands or objections. The quiet, deafening silence meant that everyone had understood what I was trying to say.


    Some days had gone by, and I found myself in one of the numerous small auditoriums with Hazel, Harley, Sullivan, and Kusumoto. We had just concluded one of our frequent strategy sessions. Although Kusumoto wasn¡¯t an official member of our team, she attended as many meetings as she could. She argued that it was done to gain a better understanding of us and our intentions, with the goal of applying that insight to our publicity campaign. In just a few days, she had started spreading word about us to the junior classes, holding off on the seniors until our goals and plans were more defined¡ªwhich they were now.


    ¡°With no concerns or questions, I hereby draw this meeting to a close,¡± I declared, causing everyone to get up and gather their belongings. Together we exited the auditorium and made our way through the hallways to our classrooms. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows on the floor.


    A bunch of girls ran into Harley as we were walking, and their laughter could be heard all the way down the hall. I expected an apology, but instead, they gave her looks of disgust and whispered among themselves, smirking as they walked away.


    ¡°That was rude,¡± Hazel remarked, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. Harley gathered herself and dismissed the situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s cool,¡± she muttered, trying to downplay it as she walked ahead. Harley was stopped in her tracks though, as Kusumoto stretched out and gripped her hand with a determined expression.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not cool. This has been going on for some time. It¡¯s time you explained what¡¯s happening,¡± Kusumoto stated in a furious tone.


    Kusumoto was right. The subtle harassment has been escalating ever since Harley joined our team. Initially, it was a trivial thing that the majority of people would overlook. But the constant repetition of these small acts was causing significant distress.


    ¡°Harley, you need to talk to us,¡± Hazel urged, her concern evident.


    Harley glanced first at the rest of us and then at Kusumoto''s hand, which was still holding hers. With a sigh, she gave up at last. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you all,¡± she said, prompting Kusumoto to let go of her. ¡°I¡¯ve been ostracised from my class.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kusumoto exclaimed, shock evident on her face.


    ¡°Exactly as you heard. It started the moment I announced I was joining your team. Flicking the pen off my desk, bumping into me, gossiping about me when I¡¯m around, and avoiding talking to me whenever possible,¡± Harley explained. ¡°Even my friends.¡±


    ¡°This is most likely Cohen¡¯s doing,¡± Hazel said, her tone grave. ¡°He¡¯s punishing you for breaking the rule he imposed. Does he have that much of a hold on your class?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes. His physique makes it difficult for almost anyone to oppose him, plus he is known to have violent tendencies,¡± Harley''s voice trembled a little as she answered.


    This was a problem¡ªnot just for the election, but for Harley¡¯s well-being.


    ¡°Could we not classify this under bullying? We could report to the teachers,¡± Kusumoto suggested.


    I shook my head in disagreement. ¡°The reason what they¡¯re doing to her isn''t extreme is because they¡¯re avoiding it being called that. He¡¯s treading on the line between teasing and bullying. However, with how constant it is, you could make the argument that it¡¯s bullying, but we need evidence.¡±


    ¡°Evidence? Isn''t Harley''s word enough?¡± Kusumoto asked, obviously distressed by the circumstances.


    ¡°Her word is important, but bullying is taken very seriously in this school, so having evidence would make things go quicker and would clear any doubts,¡± Sullivan explained.


    ¡°By doubts, you mean false reporting, right?¡± Kusumoto added.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± he confirmed. I had a question concerning this but decided to save it for later.


    ¡°Our best bet to stop this is to approach him and try to broker a deal,¡± Hazel suggested.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t. If you guys try that, it would tell him that what he¡¯s doing is working,¡± Harley pleaded, but I was having none of it, and neither was anyone else.


    ¡°So you want to just put up with it?¡± Harley remained silent to Sullivan¡¯s question.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then. Hazel and I are going to talk to Cohen now. Kusumoto, could you carry on with the survey? I need a report by tomorrow,¡± I instructed.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kusumoto responded, and with that, I turned to Hazel.


    ¡°Wait, stop,¡± Harley protested and attempted to pursue, but Sullivan intervened, stopping her in her tracks.


    ¡°You are part of our team; that means that this issue is also ours as well,¡± he reassured her, and that appeared to calm her down.


    After that, Hazel and I headed to Class 3.


    ¡°Do you have a plan on how to solve this?¡± Hazel questioned me as we navigated through the throngs of students.


    ¡°At the moment? Not sure. This is already a risky move from Cohen because if I find a way to spin this in our favour, we can tank his vote during the election,¡± I remarked, my head buzzing with possible ideas.


    ¡°Our last resort is to get the teachers involved,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°Of course,¡± I agreed as we reached Class 3 and opened the door. There weren''t many people in the class because it was free period, but we felt the gaze of those present shift to us immediately.


    The man we came looking for was seated to the side. Cohen was talking to another student while holding his phone in one hand. Upon noticing our arrival, the student said a few words to Cohen before leaving.


    ¡°Marcus, Hazel. What brings you both to our classroom today?¡± Cohen remarked, grinning as he looked up at us.


    ¡°You know already, so stop playing dumb. It¡¯s about Harley,¡± I said, standing over him.


    Leaning back in his chair, Cohen smirked up at me and dropped his phone on the table. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± he said, feigning innocence.


    ¡°Then explain why Harley has been ostracised,¡± Hazel demanded, her eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Ostracised? That¡¯s insane. Why would you think that?¡± Cohen responded, his tone dripping with false concern.


    This guy. I looked around the classroom and saw that everyone was listening intently to our conversation. My eyes fell on the student Cohen had been talking to earlier. He was writing something in a notebook, seemingly indifferent, but it was obvious he could hear every word.


    My eyes then turned to a person I recognised: Ohara Kameko, the girl who had been with Harley when we first met. She had her seat drawn up to an empty desk in the second row. When our eyes met, she quickly looked away, a sign of guilt.


    Deny all you want, but try to use better methods rather than scummy ones like the ones you¡¯re using,¡± I said to Cohen.


    ¡°You could try acting smart for once,¡± Hazel said, turning to leave. But just as she did, Cohen¡¯s hand shot out towards her. I reacted quickly, grabbing his wrist firmly.


    ¡°Could you not behave like a rabid animal?¡± I said, holding onto Cohen¡¯s hand tightly.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to do anything to her,¡± Cohen replied, trying to force his hand free, but my grip was strong. His smirk turned into a scowl. After several unsuccessful attempts, he relaxed his arm, and I let go.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said to Hazel, and as we exited the classroom, I felt the eyes of everyone follow us until we left.


    ¡°That was a complete failure,¡± I muttered, scratching the top of my head. ¡°On both regards,¡± I added, pulling my phone from my pocket.


    ¡°Recording?¡± Hazel asked, her eyes widening slightly.


    ¡°Yep. If we had gotten him to spill, we would have had evidence to report to the teachers or use against him during the election. However, he saw through that somehow,¡± I remarked, a little frustrated.


    ¡°He never struck me as the clever type,¡± Hazel said, shaking her head. ¡°Oh, and thanks for what you did back there,¡± she added with a thankful look on her face.


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± I said.


    ¡°Stop trying to downplay it,¡± she sighed. ¡°How about learning to take some compliments?¡±


    When she asked, I just grinned. Up ahead, I saw Harley walking alone. ¡°Harley, wait up!¡± I called out.


    She stopped dead in her tracks and turned back. ¡°Where are you heading?¡± I asked as Hazel and I caught up to her.


    ¡°I was debating if I should enter my class or not, but I decided to leave it till later. So, I¡¯m heading to the library now,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Wait, Harley. You could stay in our class during your free time,¡± I offered.


    ¡°That¡¯s nice of you, but no. I don¡¯t want to get in the way,¡± she replied with a gentle smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Cohen may have stopped everyone from interacting with me, but I¡¯m not going to let that get to me. Let¡¯s just focus on winning this thing. I gotta go now,¡± she said, leaving us both behind.


    ¡°This entire thing is an issue we have to deal with,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°You guys mentioned that the school is wary of false reporting?¡± I asked, referencing our previous conversation.


    ¡°Yes, they are. That¡¯s why we need solid evidence before we can submit anything to the teachers for them to actually take action,¡± Hazel answered.


    ¡°From the way it sounded, this has happened before, hasn¡¯t it? Someone falsely reported?¡± I asked the question that I had held back earlier.


    Hazel nodded, her expression thoughtful. ¡°Exactly. I don¡¯t know the specifics because it happened about four years ago. I was still in middle school, and the incident occurred in the high school department. Knowing what happens over there was already difficult, but this case was huge enough that everyone at least knew it was happening,¡± she said.


    ¡°I do know that two people were expelled, one of whom made a false claim. That¡¯s why the school takes matters like this so seriously and why evidence is so crucial,¡± she added.


    I nodded, absorbing the information. This event was the catalyst for a significant shift in the school''s policy regarding the handling of disputes. It seemed like the perfect topic to dig deeper into for some insight. I thought of Haku-senpai, who might be able to share more details related to it.


    An idea sparked in my mind¡ªa theory about Harley''s friend, Ohara Kameko. There was something off about her and this situation, but I needed more information to work with.


    ¡°I do have an idea that could bring forth a possible solution,¡± I told Hazel.


    ¡°You do? What is it?¡± She asked, curious.


    ¡°It¡¯s only an assumption right now, but I need to talk with someone to help me out with it. I¡¯ll tell you what I find out after that,¡± I said, keeping the details vague.


    ¡°Very suspenseful. But I¡¯ll leave you to it then,¡± Hazel added, with a playful smile. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s head back to class,¡± she said, and we proceeded to our classroom together.


    As we walked, my mind raced with possibilities. If my hunch about Ohara was correct, we might have a way to turn the tables on Cohen. But first, I needed to gather more information.


    ¡ª


    <h2>8.4</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°Sherman?¡± Kailey said, laying carelessly on my bed with her legs kicking up against the wall.


    ¡°Yep, find the person with that last name,¡± I replied, sitting at my desk chair with a cup of water in hand.


    ¡°That sounds like work,¡± she groaned, kicking the wall lightly with her foot.


    ¡°You were the one who said you wanted to help with my election campaign,¡± I reminded her.


    ¡°Exactly, help with advertising. Not being a private detective,¡± she lamented, to which I laughed and took a quick sip from my water.


    ¡°You''re a very picky person. I blame Dad again,¡± I said, shaking my head.


    ¡°You always do,¡± she shot back, rolling her eyes. ¡°Anyway, once I find this Sherman girl, what am I supposed to do next?¡±


    ¡°Just ask about her sister and her friends, that''s all,¡± I said, leaning back in my chair.


    ¡°Anything a bit more specific than that?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°For now, no,¡± I said.


    ¡°For now? Don''t tell me I¡¯m becoming a medium for you to talk to this girl,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes at me.


    ¡°The thing is, I don¡¯t want her sister to find out that I approached her. Even using you is a risk, but I can¡¯t trust anyone else on this,¡± I explained.


    ¡°Aww, he trusts me.¡± I choose to ignore her playful teasing.


    ¡°When you do get some information out of her, tell me immediately,¡± I instructed.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± She taunted again, then kicked herself to sit upright. ¡°Now, remember that whole thing about me being in a love triangle?¡±


    ¡°Why? Did you get told off?¡± I joked, and she scoffed loudly, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Very funny. Anyway, I figured out who the guy and girl are. The guy¡¯s name is Kitahara. I¡¯ll rate him a 7 out of 10, which isn¡¯t that bad, but I¡¯m sure I could do better,¡± Kailey said.


    ¡°Delusions are strong,¡± I commented.


    ¡°Delusions are strong,¡± she repeated in a mocking, babyish tone. ¡°The girl¡¯s name is Emma. I actually do know her quite well. She¡¯s pretty sweet and a nice person.¡±


    ¡°So, you feel guilty for trying to cause drama out of all this, right?¡± I asked, hoping my demon of a sister had gained some compassion.


    ¡°Hell no,¡± she exclaimed.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re my sister? Sometimes I just think you¡¯re the devil¡¯s incarnate,¡± I said, shaking my head.


    She laughed loudly. ¡°All I¡¯ve done so far is just lead on Kitahara, but I¡¯m getting tired of that. So I have no ideas at the moment, and I¡¯m just thinking of telling Walter I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing. You¡¯re making progress,¡± I said, attempting to be encouraging.


    ¡°Screw progress. I was hoping you would have any interesting ideas,¡± she asked. I just stared at her blankly, and she sighed. ¡°Oh yeah, have you heard about this party happening on the 17th?¡±


    ¡°What party?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Apparently, it¡¯s taking place at a club and being hosted by one of the seniors.¡± She waited for me to say something, but I just remained quiet. ¡°You live under a rock,¡± she said, and I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re planning on going,¡± I asked.


    ¡°Uh, of course, I want to go. Some of my friends are going, and it seems fun,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Have you forgotten that is the day we were meant to go to Universal Studios?¡± I reminded her.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve forgotten that those two things happen at different times of the day,¡± she countered.


    ¡°So you¡¯re planning on attending both? Dad would not like it if he found out you attended a party,¡± I remarked, crossing my arms.


    ¡°That is only if you tell him about it,¡± she said, looking irritated.


    ¡°You know I have to,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ugh, God, you are bullshitting me, Marcus,¡± she said, turning over to her side and falling silent for a few minutes. Was my action wrong? I didn¡¯t think so. Considering that she was planning to attend a club, I felt obligated to inform our father about it.


    A solution would have been for me to accompany her there, but I was not inclined to do so. Then an idea came to mind, one that could benefit us both.


    ¡°Kailey, I have a proposal,¡± I said, leaning forward.


    ¡°Go on,¡± she replied, not even bothering to turn and look at me.


    ¡°Give me your pass for Universal Studios,¡± I said, interlocking my fingers.


    ¡°What?¡± She said, at last turning to face me, her expression showing confusion. ¡°Why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°Because it is the only way I¡¯ll let you go to that party without informing Dad,¡± I said, watching her reaction closely.


    ¡°So you¡¯re planning on inviting someone with you?¡± She asked, her eyebrows raised.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± I answered, maintaining a casual tone.


    ¡°Do you know how expensive that ticket is? Plus, Dad got it for me as an early birthday gift,¡± Kailey said.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just putting that proposal out there,¡± I said, shrugging. She averted her gaze from me once more and became quiet. The only sound in the room was the soft ticking of the wall clock. After what seemed like an eternity, Kailey finally spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m sleeping on your bed tonight,¡± she declared.


    ¡°Do you want me to kick you off it? Better head back to your room,¡± I said, standing up.


    ¡°Nope,¡± she said, her tone defiant.


    Reaching the bed, I took hold of her leg. ¡°You won¡¯t dare,¡± Kailey said, turning her head to glare at me.


    ¡°Bet,¡± I said, beginning to drag her off the bed. Taking hold of the bed''s edges and anything else she could find, she resisted. Despite her efforts, I pulled harder, and with a loud thud, she hit the floor.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked, looking down at her as she lay face down on the floor.


    ¡°Yep. Nothing¡¯s broken,¡± she said, pushing herself up with a groan.


    ¡°Great. Now find your way out of my room,¡± I responded, folding my arms and standing over her.


    ¡°You really are mean,¡± she said, wrapping my duvet around her as she headed towards the door.


    ¡°Drop it before leaving,¡± I said, pointing at the duvet.


    ¡°Sherman is the individual you want me to find, right? It might take some time, but I¡¯ll get back to you in a few days,¡± she said, disregarding my earlier instructions and opening the door.


    ¡°Kailey,¡± I warned.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll also try to end the whole love triangle drama. Although, I¡¯ll do it in a classy way,¡± she smiled, her mischievous eyes glistening.


    I knew what she was about to do, so I braced myself. As soon as she darted out the door, I gave chase.


    ¡°GIVE ME BACK MY DUVET!¡± I screamed, sprinting after her down the hallway.

 CHAPTER NINE - BINGE FORECAST

    ¡ª


    <h2>9.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    I entered the classroom with a small box of chocolates. A younger student had stopped me on my way, and though I was initially taken aback, I quickly realised what was happening. Today was Valentine¡¯s Day. The classroom was buzzing with energy as girls handed out treats to the guys.


    I approached Hazel, who was sitting at her desk, her attention fixed on her notebook. She was completely absorbed in her notes, her pen gliding smoothly across the page.


    ¡°Hey, Hazel,¡± I said, leaning casually against her desk.


    ¡°Good morning, Marcus,¡± she replied, looking up momentarily before reaching beneath her desk and retrieving a small box. She handed it to me with a quick, effortless motion. ¡°I already gave everyone else their gifts, so you were the last one.¡±


    It was a neat box of chocolates¡ªmost likely the obligatory kind handed out on Valentine¡¯s. I wondered briefly if she¡¯d made them herself or just picked them up from the store. Given the casualness of it all, I assumed the latter.


    ¡°Thanks, Hazel,¡± I said, placing the box carefully in my bag and mentally noting my second gift of the day.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she replied, her gaze swiftly returning to her notebook.


    Pausing for a moment, I gauged her expression, aiming to sound casual. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you¡ªI just wanted to see if you¡¯d be interested in going out with me this Saturday.¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± she replied almost instantly, without a hint of hesitation. ¡°By the way, why are you asking me out? And on today of all days? Don''t you know people would think it''s a date?¡±


    ¡°I do, but it was concerning that assumption I had, plus I said it''s on Saturday, not today, didn''t I?¡± I said, trying to maintain a light-hearted tone.


    ¡°And that requires you to take me on a date?¡± She said, looking up and this time meeting my eyes.


    ¡°Well, maybe you shouldn¡¯t phrase it as a date per se,¡± I remarked, scratching the top of my head, aware of the curious gazes from our classmates.


    ¡°Then what?¡± she asked, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°An outing amongst friends?¡± I offered, giving her a hopeful look. Taking note of the attention we were receiving, I grabbed her hand and pulled her gently, indicating that she should follow me. She did, albeit reluctantly.


    We walked out of the classroom to have our private conversation at the end of the hallway. I was about to explain further, but Hazel spoke first.


    ¡°I wanted to say I¡¯m sorry if I came off a little too harsh with my rejection,¡± Hazel said, her expression softening.


    ¡°It¡¯s cool. I just sprung it on you without warning,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°Anyway, I need you to come with me.¡±


    With a groan, Hazel crossed her arms. ¡°Why don¡¯t we invite Diya or the other members of our council?¡±


    ¡°Because I trust you with this,¡± I responded.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t trust Diya?¡± She asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°I do trust her; it¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want her getting involved in student council drama. You were the one that mentioned she had too much on her plate already,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°That is true,¡± she conceded, considering my logic. ¡°But I still don¡¯t want to go. I am not particularly keen on spreading rumours around the school about us at this time.¡±


    ¡°At this time? So you want that to happen later?¡± I teased, smirking.


    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± she murmured as she turned to face away.


    ¡°Alright then, if you insist on not coming with me, then I guess it¡¯s time for me to use my ace in the hole,¡± I said, crossing my arms.


    ¡°Ace in the hole?¡± She repeated, turning back to me, confused.


    ¡°Yep. Remember our in-class voting deal?¡± I said, my eyes twinkling with mischief.


    Realising this, her eyes widened. ¡°Are you seriously going to force me to go?¡± Hazel asked, her tone incredulous.


    ¡°The winner gets to ask the loser to do anything. That was the deal we agreed to,¡± I reminded her. I could see her eyes darting around as she searched for a way out. ¡°Come on, it would be fun and definitely worth it.¡±


    ¡°You are very persistent,¡± she remarked, her voice laced with resignation.


    ¡°Well, get used to it,¡± I said with a grin.


    ¡°That could very well be a toxic trait, you know. Better get that under control,¡± she warned, and for a moment, I had a flash of my sister in my mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. So?¡± I said expectantly.


    ¡°Whatever, I will go with you,¡± she said with a sigh, giving in.


    Although the method I used to get her to come was dubious and questionable, I really wanted her to come, not just to confirm my assumption but because, for some reason, I wanted it to be just the two of us. I could have easily invited someone else, but I had come up with those excuses.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll send you the details later,¡± I said, feeling a sigh of relief.


    She let out another sigh and turned to return to the classroom. I followed her, feeling the awkwardness from our conversation sink in. As we entered, the realisation dawned on me that I had essentially been rejected by Hazel in front of the entire class.


    Why did it take me until now to realise this? My jaw tightened as an unsettling feeling washed over me. With about ten minutes until class was meant to start, I decided to leave again. I turned on my heel and headed back out, needing a moment to gather my thoughts.


    Just as I was pondering my next move outside the classroom, I heard a voice I recognised. ¡°Hey, Marcus, it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    I turned to see Diya, holding a large bag brimming with boxes, each one decorated with ribbons and little hearts. ¡°Diya,¡± I said, a faint smile forming at the corners of my mouth. She returned my smile, lifting the bag slightly as if to show off her impressive haul. Clearly, she¡¯d prepared gifts for nearly everyone in the class, judging by the sheer number of boxes and colourful wrappings peeking out from the top.


    ¡°Need help with¡ª¡± I started to offer, but stopped myself. Diya was on her way to the classroom¡ªthe exact location I was attempting to avoid. There could be rumours if I entered the room with her and those boxes. Considering the class had just witnessed my rejection from Hazel, they might jump to conclusions about me moving on too quickly. I now realise why Hazel was worried about rumours. Sometimes I really doubt my ability to read situations accurately.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I blurted out, attempting to hide my reluctance.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Are you free later today?¡± She asked in a casual tone, but the question caught me off guard.


    Now I completely understand how Hazel felt. What was going on today? I''ve already dealt with a number of unforeseen circumstances in the last few minutes. Considering it was Valentine''s Day, was Diya asking me out on a date? I immediately came to that conclusion.


    ¡°Today? Yes, I am. Why?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking, and no, I¡¯m not asking you out on a date. It¡¯s more of a hangout,¡± Diya explained, a playful smile tugging at her lips.


    It was similar to the tactic I had used on Hazel earlier. I put my palm on my head, feeling a little guilty and regretful. This didn''t bode well, as Diya''s eyes became heavy with disappointment, misinterpreting my body language.


    ¡°Sorry about that. It''s just that what you said was very similar to something I heard from someone else,¡± I quickly clarified in an attempt to allay her worries.


    ¡°Clarifying it was just an outing and not a date?¡± She asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    ¡°Yep.¡± I nodded. As I had hoped, her mood lightened, and she giggled.


    ¡°Is it just the two of us?¡± I asked, and my curiosity was piqued.


    ¡°Well, that obviously makes it a date, wouldn¡¯t it? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m inviting Hazel as well. Truth is, I just realised that the three of us have never hung out before,¡± Diya replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong about that, but why today of all days?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow. She casually shrugged her shoulders, as though there was no true explanation. ¡°That¡¯s crazy. So we could literally do this on any other day? Besides, I assumed you, of all people, would be busy on Valentine''s Day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± She narrowed her eyes at me playfully, pouting a bit.


    ¡°Those boxes¡ªdoesn¡¯t that prove my point?¡± I pointed to the neatly wrapped gifts in the bag she was holding.


    ¡°They¡¯re just obligatory chocolates; I hand them out every year,¡± she replied with a wave, dismissing my assumption.


    ¡°Are you trying to say that there aren''t any there that belong to a special someone?¡± I teased.


    ¡°Very funny, but no,¡± she remarked contemptuously.


    ¡°I do find it strange, though,¡± I mused.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°The fact that you¡¯re still single,¡± I added, attempting to seem nonchalant.


    She stared at me for a moment, then used her head to nudge under my chin. ¡°What was that for?¡± I asked as she relaxed her head on my chest.


    ¡°For making assumptions,¡± she said, her voice muffled.


    ¡°Wait, does that mean you¡¯re actually dating someone?¡± I asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Nope,¡± she replied, pulling back just enough to look up at me. ¡°But maybe ask before assuming.¡±


    ¡°Fair point,¡± I said, holding up my hands in surrender. ¡°Consider me warned.¡±


    After having her close for an extended period, she finally stepped back. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯re meeting in my room for a chill-out night filled with movies and food.¡±


    ¡°Your room? Isn¡¯t that a bit too much?¡± I enquired, feeling a twinge of awkwardness.


    ¡°I see nothing wrong with that,¡± she remarked, her mischievous eyes twinkling.


    Considering my recent streak of self-reflection and embarrassment, I was hyper-aware of the situation. A guy going to a girl¡¯s room at night, and with two girls on Valentine¡¯s Day, would definitely not be a good look.


    ¡°Diya, you do realise how that might look, right?¡± I asked, trying to sound reasonable.


    With a playful sparkle in her eyes, she giggled. ¡°Oh, come on, Marcus. It¡¯s just a hangout. Besides, who cares what people think? Let them talk. We¡¯re just friends having fun,¡± she said, her energy infectious.


    ¡°Please, let¡¯s be careful,¡± I murmured, internally accepting the idea despite my reservations.


    ¡°Careful about what?¡± Diya asked, tilting her head in curiosity.


    ¡°About letting people find out about this whole thing we have planned,¡± I clarified, being careful with my tone.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Diya smiled back. ¡°You should get the snacks and drinks, then meet me at my room by six.¡±


    ¡°Six? Got it,¡± I confirmed.


    Diya let out a little cheer; her energy was infectious. She adjusted her grip on the boxes she was holding, balancing them with practicing ease.


    ¡°Great, I¡¯m off to tell Hazel,¡± she said, spinning on her heel.


    As Diya opened the door to the classroom, I pulled out my phone to check the time. There were three minutes left before homeroom started. I watched her enter with her usual light step, looking as if she didn¡¯t have a care in the world. It struck me then that she hadn¡¯t handed me an obligatory gift, like she was planning to do so with the others. Not that it mattered, but a twinge of disappointment came in. Maybe I¡¯d just been hoping for something more.


    Deciding to shake it off, I stepped away from the classroom, choosing to linger in the hallway. I needed a moment to gather myself to let that odd sense of unease fade before heading back.


    ¡ª


    <h2>9.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    Throughout the day, the halls of Hachin Academy were alive with gift exchanges and romantic gestures¡ªcouples, hopeful matches, secret admirers, and even long-time friends finding tiny ways to express gratitude. Boxes of chocolate and elegantly wrapped treats passed between hands, each gift telling its own story. I found myself at the receiving end of several offerings, some seemingly obligatory from classmates and others undoubtedly meant to convey admiration.


    By the time I counted them all, I had received sixteen gifts from people across all class years. The breakdown was interesting: four from classmates, the rest primarily from juniors, each accompanied by a shy smile or bashful glance. One gift was especially surprising¡ªKrista, a senior from Class 1, had introduced herself with a confident grin, leaving me both impressed and a little amused. But perhaps the most intriguing gift came from an anonymous admirer in my year, Class 2, delivered with a note that hinted at something more than mere admiration.


    Apparently, my popularity reached further than I¡¯d thought. While I assumed much of it was superficial, likely drawn by appearances more than personality, I was willing to accept it as a compliment.


    I then clearly recall my bold earlier actions, playing over and over in my thoughts. I hadn''t heard anyone say anything about it, but I knew that was simply because they made sure I didn''t.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    I was brought back to reality by a loud laugh. Right now, I was at the grocery store, getting the drinks and snacks Diya had requested. However, because of how weird this day was, I wasn''t doing this shopping on my own. The laughter came from the girl beside me, Natsumi. We bumped into each other on the way here, and, unsurprisingly, she had already heard about what transpired in the morning.


    ¡°I already told you, I was not asking her out,¡± I uttered, exasperation in my voice.


    ¡°You can deny all you want, but that doesn''t take away the fact that she said no in front of everyone,¡± she said, trying not to laugh.


    ¡°Honestly, Natsumi, I don''t know what to do with you sometimes,¡± I said. When she had finally calmed down, she put her hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°It is good to let out a hearty laugh once in a while,¡± Natsumi said.


    ¡°Doing it at the expense of someone else is a bit problematic, don''t you think?¡± I said this while reaching out to pick up a few drinks from the standing refrigerator in front of me. I was unsure of what Hazel and Diya liked, so I decided to pick a blend of the top three drinks. With a shopping cart in hand, I took roughly six bottles out of the refrigerator.


    ¡°Come on,¡± I called to Natsumi, and she followed me with the items she came for in her hands. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any plans today?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°I do, as a matter of fact. A date,¡± Natsumi said.


    ¡°Is it happening outside of school?¡± I wondered because the time was around 5 PM, and the school gates usually close around 9 PM. This meant you would have to spend the night at a hotel if you were still outside by then. However, during the weekends, the school gates were closed around midnight, which was late but took into account that students might decide to go sightseeing or seek other forms of entertainment.


    ¡°Yeah. I was invited to Kaiyukan,¡± she said.


    ¡°What is that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s an aquarium,¡± Natsumi explained.


    ¡°An aquarium?¡± I said, grabbing various edibles from the shelf.


    ¡°Surprising, right? It seems he had someone spill the beans on me. The Kaiyukan aquarium was a place I always wanted to go to when I found out about it. I may not look like it, but I love fish,¡± she added.


    ¡°I see. So this is the perfect date location, then,¡± I said.


    ¡°Exactly. I honestly can''t wait,¡± she said.


    ¡°For him or the fish?¡± I teased as we both walked towards the counter.


    ¡°Is it wrong for me to say the fish?¡± Natsumi said.


    ¡°Damn, I do feel bad for the guy,¡± I said.


    After making our purchases, we carried our stuff in nylon bags, both exiting the shop and stepping into the courtyard of the mall. Dedicated to one of the greatest baseball players in history, Ichiro Suzuki, this was the Ichiro Mall. The mall has three floors and is about 6,000 square metres with over 50 stores, which include various restaurants, department stores, and entertainment areas. There was rarely a need for students to leave campus because the mall could usually accommodate most of their demands.


    I ran into a few faces I recognised as we were leaving.


    ¡°Marcus, didn''t expect to see you out,¡± Jaden said, his voice filled with surprise.


    Our unofficial class leader, Jaden, stood there with his arm around Nagamine, which made me conclude they were a couple, considering how close they always had been and our previous competition during the in-class voting. They were clearly spending Valentine''s Day together. I noticed Jaden looking over at Natsumi, who was standing beside me with an ice pop in her mouth. I was surprised she could enjoy such a snack despite the cool weather.


    Before they could start making any unwelcome assumptions, I knew right away that I had to clear the air.


    ¡°This is Natsumi,¡± and the girl in question waved to them slightly as she pulled the ice pop from her mouth.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± she said with a casual nod. ¡°I better head off for my date now. I''ll tell you how it went,¡± Natsumi said, surprisingly understanding the situation.


    I was surprised by her desire to explain and alleviate the situation rather than taunt or try to make things worse. Was my perception of her wrong? Nah.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I said to her, and I watched as she casually waved off.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re friends with her?¡± This came from Nagamine, and I had no idea what to think of it. Considering that Natsumi ran off like that, could it be that she did it to get away from Nagamine? However, I still thought calling us friends was a reach.


    ¡°I guess. Something the matter?¡± I questioned, attempting to read Nagamine''s expression.


    ¡°Oh, not at all. Just surprised you could make friends with people from other classes.¡± Nagamine spoke with a bland tone.


    Ouch. I felt that one.


    ¡°Come on now, wasn¡¯t that a bit mean?¡± Jaden said to Nagamine, gently nudging her. She stood with her mouth gaping, as if about to say something, but then stopped herself. Instead, her eyes fell to the ground, and a low-sounding voice came out.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± she murmured, her voice softening.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Jaden replied, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze.


    The entire situation was strange. I remembered Nagamine''s speech quite vividly. Her bold and honest attitude came across as unpleasant, but it was refreshing to many. She refused to sugarcoat or lie about who she was. She wasn''t going to change anything about herself. She wanted to convey her true self to everyone so they knew who they were voting for. She still had that in her, but it appeared she was prepared to tone it down for Jaden. Love, as they say, works in mysterious ways.


    ¡°Anyways, what are you guys up to?¡± I said, trying to steer the conversation to something interesting.


    ¡°Getting ready to catch a movie. Heard about Highlands?¡± Jaden exclaimed, and his eyes lit up with delight.


    ¡°Oh, I have, but I haven''t seen the trailer at all,¡± I replied. From what I knew, its genre was drama, and that didn''t particularly excite me.


    ¡°Same here,¡± Jaden admitted with a shrug. ¡°She was the one insistent on seeing it.¡± He turned his focus to Nagamine, who blushed and began to playfully smack his arm.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Nagamine said with an embarrassed tone, her cheeks a light shade of pink. She playfully swatted Jaden again; her hits were gentle and affectionate.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Jaden replied, laughing as he evaded her playful hits. ¡°Anyways, we decided to do some shopping before that.¡± He smiled, looking genuinely happy.


    ¡°You seem to have plans today as well,¡± Nagamine observed, staring over the bags of stuff I had purchased.


    ¡°Well, what better way to spend today than to drown yourself in all kinds of snacks and drinks?¡± I said with a self-deprecating smile. She sighed and gently tugged on Jaden''s arm, suggesting that it was time for them to leave.


    ¡°I see. Well, it seems like it is time for us to go,¡± Jaden said, getting ready to walk away.


    ¡°Oh, by the way. Have you both heard about the party happening this weekend?¡± He asked, stopping mid-stride and turning back to me.


    ¡°The one at the Gala Resort, right?¡± I said, recalling the excitement surrounding the event.


    ¡°Yes, that one. Are you going? Because we have a group you can join,¡± he offered, his tone inviting.


    I see. So he was asking me to tag along. Based on all I''ve heard about this event since Kailey mentioned it, I''m inclined to believe it''s a divine event that should not be missed.


    ¡°Well, I would have loved to join, but the thing is, I have plans that day,¡± I said, feeling a bit regretful.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Nagamine said, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°That¡¯s understandable, but if you still want to come, just let Jaden know.¡±


    ¡°I will, thanks,¡± I said, appreciating their kindness. I was taken aback by how kind she was to me, but this could just be because she regarded me as a loner who chose to spend Valentine''s Day alone. Anyway, I wasn''t about to squander this alleged act of goodwill.


    ¡°I should get out of your hair. But I will consider your offer to join you guys,¡± I added, feeling genuinely grateful.


    With that, I gave a quick wave as I turned to leave, briefly catching sight of Jaden returning the gesture. As I looked down inside my nylon bag, I noticed a small, neatly wrapped gift nestled among the stuff I bought. Seventeen now. It didn¡¯t take long to realise Natsumi must have slipped it in without my noticing. How did she manage that?


    ¡ª


    <h2>9.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    The elevator door opened, and I walked out onto the eighth floor. I followed her instructions and soon found myself standing in front of Room 813. The walk to the hostel building was quick; after my shopping, I had stopped by my room to drop off Natsumi¡¯s gift, freshen up, and pass the time. It was 6:04 p.m., as told by the clock on my phone after a brief glance at it.


    I decided not to waste any time and knocked on the door, which swung open mid-knock. On the other end was Diya, who was on a phone call.


    ¡°Like, damn, they really could not choose a much worse day,¡± she told the person on the phone as she motioned for me to enter.


    I took a moment to look around her room and found it properly arranged, with little difference from mine in how it looked. What stood out immediately was the TV placed on the desk. There were some cups put up on a little stool, as well as three pillows side by side on her bed. Diya''s room had a cosy and inviting vibe, with lights hanging around the room''s edges, casting a soft glow.


    ¡°Marcus just got here,¡± she said, drawing my attention immediately. I observed her pull the phone away from her ear and tap the screen.


    ¡°You¡¯re on speaker now,¡± Diya said, holding the phone in her hand. I waited for the voice on the other side to make itself known.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± a familiar voice said.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I am so sorry, but I can''t come over tonight. My dad is in Osaka for a few days and decided that I should come see him today,¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh, that''s disappointing to hear,¡± I said, attempting to conceal my own disappointment.


    ¡°I promise to make it up to both of you next time,¡± she said.


    Even though we couldn''t see her expression, it was clear that she was sad about the situation. It seemed she was really looking forward to this.


    ¡°I gotta go now. Bye,¡± she said.


    And just like that, the call ended. Diya tossed her phone onto the bed, visibly angry.


    ¡°I wonder what it is this time,¡± she remarked, pacing back and forth with her fists clenched. I felt compelled to ask about what was going on, but I also felt it wasn''t my place. However, I did feel that I needed to find a way to calm her down.


    ¡°Diya?¡± I said it gently. She stood still, unclenching her fists and taking a deep breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just pissed,¡± she responded, her voice still brimming with rage.


    ¡°I can tell,¡± I said, trying to be soothing.


    ¡°Sorry, it''s a long story that I am not in the best position to tell you about,¡± Diya murmured, her hand resting on the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°I understand,¡± I said, respecting her privacy.


    ¡°I will be back. Just give me a few seconds,¡± she replied, walking over to a door and entering the room, which was the bathroom, going by the layout of the dorm rooms.


    Whatever the problem was with Hazel, Diya appeared to take it very personally, which had a significant impact on her. Family problems. That could explain some things about Hazel, but until I got an outright confirmation from either Hazel or Diya one day, I was not willing to draw a conclusion or butt into that affair.


    Diya reappeared, and I noticed that her face was somewhat damp, indicating that she had just dried it in the bathroom. She then slumped to the ground with her back against the side of her bed, one of the pillows acting as a headrest.


    ¡°Anyways, I just realised how this now seems like a date with it just being the two of us,¡± she said, trying to change the conversation, forcing a smile.


    ¡°You did say it wasn''t meant to be one, though,¡± I said as I joined her on the ground as well, leaning back against the bed.


    ¡°I know, I know. Just thinking about it now, even if Hazel were here, having two girls and a guy alone together would bring the wrong idea,¡± she remarked, her tone lightening slightly.


    ¡°Now you notice?¡± I teased, nudging her playfully with my elbow.


    ¡°When I invited Hazel, she did bring it up, but I saw no issue until now,¡± she said with a sheepish smile.


    ¡°My guess is that she declined at first, right?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said, laughing with me, though a comfortable silence soon fell between us. Diya quickly filled it. ¡°Oh! Did you at least get your chocolate from Hazel yet?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± I replied, and then a realisation hit me. ¡°Wait a minute... you¡¯re the reason Hazel gives out obligatory Valentine¡¯s chocolates, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°That obvious?¡± she asked with a knowing smile. ¡°Honestly, I thought it would make her seem more approachable, but¡­¡± She trailed off, her smile fading into thoughtfulness.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she approachable?¡± I asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°She¡¯s just so serious, you know? It kind of intimidates people,¡± Diya admitted with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve tried telling her, but she doesn¡¯t really believe me.¡±


    I thought about Hazel¡¯s focused, no-nonsense demeanour and the way she carried herself with such unwavering resolve. Diya was right; as admirable as it was, it could certainly make people hesitant to reach out to her. I wondered if Hazel was even aware, or if it bothered her at all. She seemed so self-assured, always moving to her own beat.


    ¡°What movies are we watching, then?¡± Diya asked, a spark of excitement in her voice as she redirected us to the reason I¡¯d come over today. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re into, so you have to do the picking,¡± she added, pressing a button on the remote she had taken from the bed, which turned on the TV and launched a streaming site. ¡°Here you go,¡± she said, handing me the remote.


    ¡°What about you? What types of movies are you into?¡± I asked, taking the remote.


    ¡°Sci-fi, comedy, action. I watch a whole lot,¡± Diya replied, her face beaming with excitement.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re just like me in a way,¡± I said, smiling.


    I took a look at what the service offered. In the spirit of Valentine''s, there was a section dedicated to movies for that occasion. Obviously, I was not going to choose any of those and decided to search past that. As I scanned through the selections, a familiar title caught my attention.


    ¡°Is that Shawshank Redemption?¡± she said, her eyes widening.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t watched it yet?¡± I asked, surprised.


    ¡°Never had the time to,¡± Diya responded.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s watch it,¡± I said, selecting the movie.


    ¡°It seems like you have seen the movie, though?¡± She raised the point, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°Yep, but that was almost seven years ago. I remember next to nothing about what happened in it,¡± I said. I decided to lie because it had actually been five years ago, and I remembered quite a good portion of the plot. I didn''t want to tell her this because she might decide not to watch the movie despite wanting to. If she was happy, then it didn¡¯t matter.


    I clicked on the movie, and we both got comfortable as the opening sequence began. We were seated next to one another with some spacing between us, our legs stretched out while our backs reclined against the frame of the bed.


    As the movie started, I glanced over at Diya. Her eyes were fixed on the screen, totally engrossed in the story unfolding before us. The room was dimly lit, the glow from the TV casting soft shadows on her face. The tension from earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.


    Occasionally, Diya would ask questions or make brief comments regarding the story, to which I responded with enthusiasm, careful not to spoil anything. During a particularly intense scene, she grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    ¡°Wow, this is intense,¡± she whispered, her voice filled with excitement.


    ¡°Just wait, it gets even better,¡± I replied, leaning in slightly.


    We both shared the snacks I had brought, reaching into the bag without taking our eyes off the screen. The crunching of chips and the popping of soda cans added to the ambiance, making the experience feel even more relaxed and homey.


    ¡ª


    <h2>9.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    The credits began to roll, and I reached out to switch off the television. Diya had turned on a nightlight a few hours before, so the room was faintly illuminated.  I wasn''t sure what time it was, but I knew it was way past midnight. A slight groan pulled my attention to Diya, who was asleep on my lap. I played with her hair slightly, watching her move in response. Tonight had been fun, that¡¯s for sure. We watched a slew of movies¡ªfour, I think¡ªand had discussions, even with a few playful arguments in between.


    The movie that had just finished playing was none other than A New Hope. I was looking forward to watching this one because I had yet to see the original trilogy. My Star Wars experience began and stopped with the sequel trilogy, and when Diya found out, she freaked and insisted I watch the older movies. I was familiar with the story and the big reveal, but I had never sat down to watch them. I proposed saving it for another day, but she insisted on watching them now. And now she was asleep.


    I gently took her head off my lap. She grumbled but did not wake up. I decided to lay her on her bed for comfort, so I carefully pulled her up. Diya shifted but remained asleep as I guided her onto the bed. As soon as she struck the mattress, she automatically sought out her blanket, which was on the bed''s edge, and drew it over her body. I let out a little laugh; it was my first time seeing her like this.


    ¡°Now, what should I do?¡± I muttered, grabbing my phone to check the time. ¡°2:19.¡±


    This was worrying. If I left Diya''s room and was found at this hour, I''d have a lot of explaining to do, especially since it was Valentine''s Day. Assumptions would be made¡ªassumptions I wanted to avoid at all costs. Even if I was able to leave the girls'' floor, I would have to find a security guard to let me out and back into my dorm building.


    At our school, the dorm buildings are closed around midnight. If anyone wanted to leave, they would have to meet the security guards on duty, answer their questions, and sign an exit form. This would allow them to open the door and direct you back to your dorm building. I wasn¡¯t keen on going through that stress, so I decided to spend the night in her room.


    I looked around for a comfortable spot to sleep since I wasn¡¯t planning on getting into the same bed as Diya. The place we sat to watch our movies had a soft blanket on the ground, and there were still two pillows I could use.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I said, deciding to move the blanket further away from the bed to avoid being stepped on if Diya woke up. I lay down, placing my head on one pillow and the other right next to me.


    This was my first time spending the night in a girls'' room. It felt surreal, and I couldn¡¯t help but think about what Hazel¡¯s reaction would be if she ever found out. As I lay there, my mind drifted to tonight¡¯s events¡ªit all made me smile.


    I adjusted the blanket around me, feeling the softness against my skin. I could hear Diya¡¯s soft breathing from the bed, a gentle reminder of her presence. I shifted slightly and found a more comfortable position on the makeshift bed. The pillow cradled my head perfectly, and the blanket provided just the right amount of warmth.


    My thoughts wandered back to the moment when Diya had fallen asleep on my shoulder before moving to my lap. The trust she had shown by letting herself be so vulnerable around me was heartwarming. I felt a sense of protectiveness towards her, wanting to ensure she was comfortable and safe.


    The last thing I heard before falling asleep was the gentle rustle of Diya¡¯s blanket as she shifted in her sleep. A smile lingered on my lips as I slipped into the land of slumber, comforted by the warmth of the night''s shared memories.

 CHAPTER TEN - AFTER THE 14TH

    ¡ª


    <h2>10.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    My alarm jolted me out of a deep sleep, and I groggily opened my eyes, pulling myself off the ground. I fumbled for my phone and sighed as I switched off the alarm.


    ¡°Good morning, Marcus,¡± a tired voice greeted me. I glanced over at the bed to find Diya lying on her chest, peeking out from under her blanket. The sight was undeniably cute, but I wasn¡¯t going to voice that thought.


    ¡°Good morning. Seems my alarm woke you,¡± I replied, getting up and stretching out my limbs, feeling the delightful crack of my stiff joints.


    ¡°Yep. I¡¯m not due to get up for another thirty minutes,¡± she replied with a heavy yawn, her eyes half-closed.


    ¡°I need to leave now. I¡¯ll see you in class,¡± I said, gathering my things.


    ¡°Damn, the fact that you still have enough energy for school despite staying up so late is impressive. Did you finish the movie?¡± Diya asked, her voice muffled as she buried her face in the pillow.


    ¡°I did. I actually enjoyed it. I¡¯ll watch the others when I have the time. As for the school thing, I have to show up unless I want rumours to spread,¡± I remarked, sliding on my shoes.


    ¡°I understand. Anyway, don¡¯t watch the movies without me, and hopefully Hazel can join us next time,¡± she murmured, drawing the blanket over her head. ¡°Oh, be careful. My neighbour on the right, Azumi, usually does morning exercises outside, so be careful not to run into her.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads up,¡± I said, cautiously opening the door and glancing into the corridor to ensure it was empty.


    The coast was clear, and I slipped out, closing the door quietly behind me. The hallway was dimly lit, with just the faint hum of the building''s heating system interrupting the silence. I moved quickly but silently towards the elevator, my footsteps barely making a sound.


    I hit the button and waited, nervously peering around. The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. The ride down was uneventful, allowing me to gather my thoughts.


    ¡ª


    <h2>10.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    Saturday had arrived, and it was a few minutes after two as I finished getting dressed for my outing with Hazel. She hadn''t called to cancel, and her previous text indicated she was almost ready. I don''t care for flamboyant clothing, and today was no exception. I chose plain dark blue jeans, a black unbuttoned short-sleeve t-shirt over a white vest, and black sneakers. After a few dabs of cologne and a quick glance in the mirror, I grabbed my keys and headed out.


    As I entered her hostel''s reception area, I texted her to let her know I had arrived. Almost immediately, she replied that she would be down shortly. I didn¡¯t have to wait long before Hazel emerged, her hair cascading down her shoulders. She wore a blue unbuttoned denim shirt over a black tee, black leggings, and white lace-up sneakers. A small purse was slung over her shoulder.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she murmured quietly, avoiding eye contact.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I replied, trying to sound casual. I rubbed the top of my head, feeling slightly apprehensive.


    ¡°So, where are we heading?¡± she asked, finally meeting my eyes. Her expression was a blend of curiosity and friendliness, which made me smile.


    ¡°Come on,¡± I said to her, beckoning for her to follow me. We walked out of the hostel building and headed towards the school''s entrance. There, we signed out, writing down the reason for leaving.


    Our school was nestled in Asahigaoka, a mountainous area. Fortunately, there was a train station not too far from the school. Hazel and I strolled towards it silently, which initially felt awkward but soon became comfortable. Sometimes, silence has its own way of speaking volumes.


    The wait for the train was short. As it approached the station, we entered the fourth car, which was nearly empty. Hazel chose a seat a bit away from the entrance, and I sat beside her. The train jerked into motion, and for a few minutes, we sat in companionable silence.


    ¡°You know, you never mentioned where we were going,¡± Hazel finally interrupted the silence.


    ¡°And you followed me without asking until now. Shouldn''t you be concerned about that?¡± I teased.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have a bit of trust in you,¡± she replied, her cheeks blushing slightly as she looked down and her hands playing with each other.


    ¡°I do appreciate that. Thanks,¡± I murmured, scratching the top of my head again. I turned to her, noticing her bashfulness. Was she embarrassed by what she had said, or was I reading too much into it? Deciding to keep the conversation flowing, I continued, ¡°We¡¯re heading to Universal Studios. Have you been there before?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I have been there a few times. I think the last time was about a year ago with Diya and some other friends,¡± she continued, her eyes brightening at the memories.


    ¡°I went there pretty recently myself with my dad and my sister,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You have a sister?¡± she asked, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.


    ¡°Oh right, I didn''t tell you. Her name is Kailey, and she''s five years younger,¡± I said.


    ¡°Does she also attend our school?¡± she asked, her curiosity peaked.


    ¡°Yep,¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°I see. Considering I didn''t hear anything about her, it must mean that she entered the school the conventional way, didn''t she?¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°Bingo. She''s in Year 7,¡± I confirmed her theory.


    ¡°Oh, that makes sense, then,¡± she remarked, nodding thoughtfully.


    The conversation lulled, but Hazel quickly broke the growing silence. ¡°Did you enjoy yourself when you went there with your family?¡± she asked.


    ¡°As much as I hate to admit it, yes, I did,¡± I replied, and she began laughing.


    ¡°What''s funny?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°It''s just that I usually hear that it''s common for older brothers to hide their affection from their siblings,¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I trailed off, realising she had a point. As much as I wanted to deny it, I knew exactly what she meant. It wasn''t done on purpose, I think. It was more of an instinctive behaviour, like how siblings in general love annoying one another.


    ¡°So, you''re an only child?¡± I asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°That obvious?¡± she asked, and I gave a modest nod.


    ¡°The truth is that I think of Diya as my sister... from another mother,¡± she remarked with a warm smile.


    ¡°Cute,¡± I said as the train arrived at the next station, prompting us both to prepare to disembark. We exited the train at Imazato and boarded another train a few minutes later.


    Neither of us reignited the previous conversation or brought up anything new to talk about, so we stayed silent until we got to the next station to change trains once more. We arrived at our destination a little more than an hour after leaving. The excitement was palpable as we made our way to the ticket booth. Since I was the one who asked her out, it was clear that I would pay for her ticket as well. Luckily, money was not a problem at all, as I had allocated about 40,000 yen from my allowance for this outing.


    The next decision was which attraction to head to first. I was thinking we could go to the Harry Potter theme park, but I wasn''t sure what she liked, so it was better to ask. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± she said, looking around and pondering profusely. ¡°One of the roller coasters would be cool,¡± she added, meeting my gaze, and I smirked.


    ¡°Alright then. To Jurassic Park,¡± I said, taking her hand to keep us from getting separated in the crowd as we walked to the Jurassic Park section. Because it was the weekend, the park was packed with visitors, resulting in long lines for the rides. However, I had a simple way to bypass this issue because I had express passes, which allowed us to skip the long lines. There was a rollercoaster ride included in the package as well.


    The towering gates of Jurassic Park loomed ahead, and we picked up our pace, eager to start our adventure. The Flying Dinosaur, a rollercoaster known for its thrilling inversions and breathtaking drops, awaited us. With the express passes, our wait time was only three minutes. We watched as the previous group of riders disembarked, their faces a mix of exhilaration and relief.


    ¡°Hope you don''t get motion sick?¡± Hazel asked playfully, her eyes shining with delight.


    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± I replied confidently, flashing her a grin.


    We both rode in the same car, strapping in securely as the ride slowly made its way up the tracks. The clinking sound of the chain lift heightened the suspense, and I could feel the adrenaline building.


    As we reached the peak, the drop came swiftly. The wind whipped past our faces, eliciting screams of excitement not just from us but from the other passengers as well. I sometimes glanced over at Hazel and saw her hair flying wild, her face beaming with excitement. She was screaming and laughing, clearly having the time of her life. Her hair, which she had tied up, had partially come undone, strands flying into her face and, somehow, into my mouth.


    After several bends, loops, and dark tunnels, the ride came to a halt at the platform, and we unbuckled ourselves. We stepped off the ride, our legs a little wobbly from the adrenaline rush.


    ¡°That was crazy,¡± Hazel exclaimed with a wide grin that I had never seen her express before.


    ¡°Yes, it was. Ready for the next ride?¡± I questioned her, attempting to suppress my excitement.


    ¡°I am. So what''s our next stop?¡± She said, her enthusiasm was infectious.


    ¡°We can go check out the Spiderman ride, or we could try the Harry Potter one,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°Harry Potter,¡± she said excitedly.


    The lady had decided, so we made our way to the Harry Potter area of the park. The queue for this ride was impressive, indicating its popularity. Fortunately, the express pass performed its function, although we still had to wait a while before getting on the ride.


    This one had some interesting effects and absolutely made me feel like I was floating and flying on a broom. We stayed in this area of the park for quite some time, donning the cloaks and taking pictures together, browsing some of the boutiques, and buying a nice snack before deciding to move on to the Spiderman ride.


    For me, this ride was not as entertaining as the previous one, but that did not dampen my excitement. It soon ended, and we had one more place to check out, but there was still sometime before that. A glance at my screen showed it was now 6:30.


    I decided to take Hazel back to the Jurassic Park section, where we experienced The Ride. It was a great flume ride that made its way down the river, and the evening light added a magical glow to everything around us.


    ¡°Hey, over here,¡± Hazel said, drawing my attention towards her direction. Then, a splash of water hit my face as she flicked her wet hands towards me, laughing.


    ¡°Nicely done,¡± I said, wiping the water from my face with a chuckle. The sad part, however, was that I could not retaliate due to my sitting position being further away from the edge of the flume than she was. This did not matter at all, though, as being surrounded by water always led to one thing: getting wet.


    After stopping by another shop for some snacks, we made our way to Super Nintendo World to board the cart ride. The vibrant colours and energetic atmosphere of the area were captivating. We entered the ride, and as it began, the famous tunes from Mario games filled the air.


    Our ride was enjoyable, but what I enjoyed the most was simply walking around and seeing the park transition from day to night. Decorative lights lit up, illuminating the night sky and casting a warm glow over everything. We strolled side by side, enjoying the sights and sounds around us.


    The park seemed almost magnificent beneath the night sky. We stopped at several locations to take photos and create memories. Hazel''s laughter echoed around us, and I couldn''t help but smile at how perfect the evening felt.


    ¡ª


    <h2>10.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    We stood in front of the Gala Resort, which was hosting the party I''d heard so much about. The place was raving, and the pulsating music spilled out into the street, blending with the hum of the crowd. A long queue stretched out from the entrance, dashing our chances of getting in quickly. I knew I had to change my plans on the fly.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Uh, Marcus?¡± Hazel said, looking over at me with a raised eyebrow. I realised I hadn''t told her we were coming here after leaving the park.


    ¡°Clubs aren''t really my thing,¡± she voiced her opinion, her discomfort evident.


    ¡°Same here, but don''t worry, it seems we won''t be going in,¡± I informed her, pulling my phone from my pocket and making a call.


    ¡°Hey, you at the club?¡± I asked, waiting for the person on the other end to answer despite the loud music in the background.


    ¡°It¡¯s too loud in there. I need you to come out,¡± I said, hanging up after a garbled response that confirmed she heard me.


    ¡°You remember I told you I had an assumption about something and needed to confirm it? That''s what I''m doing,¡± I explained to Hazel, who, despite not asking, was clearly curious.


    ¡°Relating to solving the Class 3 bullying, right?¡± she said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Gosh, you owe me so much for this,¡± a voice said, and I turned to see my sister, Kailey, approaching us, dressed in a short gown with a belt.


    ¡°Hazel, this is my little sister, Kailey,¡± I introduced them.


    ¡°Hey, nice to meet you,¡± Hazel responded with a friendly smile. Kailey, my little demon sister, quickly changed her demeanour, her face lighting up as she looked at Hazel.


    ¡°Same. It''s great meeting such a brilliant person finally,¡± Hazel responded, catching on to Kailey¡¯s charm.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± I interjected, but Kailey only gave me a sly look before returning her focus to Hazel.


    ¡°Hope he hasn''t been too much trouble for you?¡± Kailey asked sweetly.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Hazel replied, laughing softly.


    ¡°Can we get back to business?¡± I interrupted their brief conversation. Kailey sighed dramatically before speaking.


    ¡°Alright, I''ll get to it. There is a Sherman here, and to be specific, the older sister,¡± Kailey said.


    ¡°Sherman? Older sister?¡± Hazel asked, piecing everything together. ¡°Why would she be here?¡±


    ¡°That is genuinely a good question, which I am trying to find the answers to. Kailey, please continue,¡± I urged.


    ¡°I spotted her hanging around a couple of people but lost sight of her soon after,¡± Kailey said.


    ¡°How long ago was this?¡± Hazel asked.


    ¡°Over an hour ago,¡± Kailey replied.


    ¡°I would have loved to go and take a look myself, but...¡± I trailed off, looking at the enormous wait that snaked its way to the entrance.


    ¡°Now can I go?¡± Kailey asked eagerly and fidgeted.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied reluctantly.


    ¡°Finally,¡± she murmured with a noticeable tang in her voice. She turned to Hazel, smiling innocently. ¡°Hope to see you again, Hazel-senpai.¡±


    ¡°I wish the same too, Kailey,¡± Hazel said warmly.


    ¡°Senpai?¡± I muttered in surprise and confusion as I watched Kailey leave. ¡°You call her that, but not me?¡± I shouted after her, knowing she heard me but chose to ignore me.


    ¡°Could it be that you''re jealous?¡± Hazel asked, wearing a cheeky smirk.


    ¡°Very funny,¡± I replied, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°About Harley...¡± Hazel started to say, her tone shifting to one of concern.


    ¡°Come on, we have one place left to visit,¡± I said, interrupting Hazel''s train of thought as I led the way. We walked briskly to the nearest station, took a short train ride, and disembarked at the stop closest to the Hep Five Shopping Centre.


    As we approached the mall''s entrance, Hazel''s eyes widened in awe at the sight of its star attraction, the iconic Ferris wheel that loomed high above us.


    ¡°Seems you haven''t been on it before,¡± I said, noticing her gaze.


    ¡°Are we going on it?¡± she asked, her voice filled with eagerness.


    ¡°Yep, though we should hurry. I think it closes in about thirty minutes,¡± I remarked, quickening our pace.


    With a deadline set, we hurried into the mall, dodging among the late-night crowds before heading straight for the Ferris wheel. Fortunately, due to the late hour, there wasn''t much of a queue, so we were able to simply acquire our tickets and board. I booked an entire car just for the two of us, ensuring we had privacy.


    We both sat down on the same side, and slowly, we began to ascend into the night sky. The lights of Osaka spread out beneath us, creating a stunning and surreal view. My gaze shifted to Hazel, whose eyes glittered from the city lights as she was drawn in by the sight, oblivious to me staring at her. It was like watching a child experience something magical for the first time, and I couldn''t help but let out a slight giggle, which seemed to snap her out of her trance.


    ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± She questioned, turning to face me.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I replied, shaking my head.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie,¡± she remarked, playfully narrowing her eyes before turning back to the view. ¡°It seems those secret meetings between us worked out as planned.¡±


    ¡°There was no harm in being overly cautious, it seems. What should we do now?¡± I asked, shifting the conversation to our pressing concern.


    ¡°I was thinking we should tell Sullivan about it, but I think we should wait on that,¡± Hazel remarked thoughtfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust him? I''ll tell you that you can,¡± I said, trying to reassure her.


    She looked back at me, evidently waiting for my explanation.


    ¡°I spoke to Tomiko,¡± I continued.


    ¡°Oh. How did that go?¡± She asked, curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Pretty well, actually. Interestingly enough, she reached out and was aware of what Cohen was planning on doing,¡± I explained.


    ¡°So she informed you?¡± Hazel enquired, shocked.


    ¡°Surprised about that?¡± I asked with a smirk.


    ¡°I¡­ I just thought that she would have capitalised on that. It doesn''t mean I am surprised, though. It''s just that I thought wrong about her in this regard,¡± she added, turning her attention back to the view as our car slowly reached the peak of the ride. The cityscape of Osaka looked even more beautiful from up here.


    ¡°Woah,¡± she faintly said, once again awestruck. I found it cute and decided to let her enjoy the moment. The gentle swaying of the Ferris wheel and the quiet hum of the city below created a serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation.


    Soon, the fifteen-minute ride was over, and we had to start heading back as it was now nearing 11 PM. I decided to call a taxi, and we waited by the entrance of the mall for our ride. The cool night air was refreshing after the day''s activities.


    ¡°If you trust Sullivan, then I suppose we can tell him about Harley,¡± she said, bringing up the conversation once more.


    ¡°Exactly. Even though we took certain precautions, this is still going to be a detriment to our plans,¡± I replied.


    ¡°We have just over three weeks until the election. Kusumoto is doing a good job with publicity and campaigning. I¡¯ve seen plenty of posters and heard people talking about us,¡± she said.


    ¡°That''s pretty soon,¡± I murmured under my breath as we waited a short while for our ride to arrive. We jumped in the taxi and headed off as soon as it arrived.


    Hazel kept her gaze fixed on her lap, avoiding eye contact. ¡°Why did you do all this?¡± she finally asked.


    I looked at her, sensing her confusion and hesitation. ¡°If it was just to confirm your suspicions about Harley, you could have done that easily without me and even more without the visit to Universal Studios or Hep Five.¡± She paused before continuing. ¡°I don¡¯t understand that.¡±


    There was a tense silence between us, and I could sense her expectations hanging in the air. After what seemed like a lifetime, I finally spoke.


    ¡°Did you have fun?¡± I asked.


    She seemed surprised by the question. ¡°I did,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Then I accomplished my goal,¡± I explained.


    ¡°Which was for me to have fun?¡± She questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied, and the tense silence returned. But I quickly continued, eager to express myself thoroughly. ¡°I wanted to show my thanks and appreciation for all you have done to help me throughout this election campaign.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything at all,¡± she said, turning her head towards the window.


    ¡°Yes, you have. You helped me get Sullivan and Harley to join the team¡ªtwo things I wouldn''t have been able to do by myself. You have been managing the flow of information and campaign ideas for our team,¡± I said.


    ¡°I feel you could have done all that by yourself,¡± she said.


    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°You are exceptional. You bested me in our school assessment and during the in-class voting. You figured out the truth behind Ryo, Harley, and Cohen¡¯s intentions. And I¡¯m sure there¡¯s other stuff that I don¡¯t know about yet. So stop saying I have done something to help when I have not been able to live up to what is expected of me,¡± she said, her voice trembling.


    ¡°What?¡± I said, reaching out to grab her shoulder and gently turning her face towards me. She had been looking out the car window all this time, avoiding my gaze. I was surprised to see her eyes red and on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Shit,¡± she muttered, her voice heavy as she tried to hide her face. This entire conversation seemed to have more meaning than what was going on at school¡ªa deeper undercurrent of emotion that I couldn''t quite fathom. This scene reminded me of a similar event that occurred once before at a park on a particularly cloudy, soon-to-turn rainy day. Back then, she fought to keep in the tears, but it was evident that she was about to break down at any moment.


    I quickly snapped out of my reminiscing because that didn¡¯t matter now. I had to think of a way to console her. Leaving her to let it all out felt wrong. I decided to wrap my arms around her, pull her close, and rest my head over her shoulder.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are saying, but I did all of this to thank you for everything you have done.¡± I paused to ensure she understood before continuing. ¡°Hazel, I already told you before, but I''ll say it again: I need you. If you want to cry, you can. I can¡¯t see your face now.¡±


    I felt her head softly rest on my shoulder and her arm wrap around my body in a hug.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she whispered quietly, sighing and pulling away from me, wiping her tears. ¡°I apologise for you seeing me in such a sorry state.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I said, leaning back against the car window and gazing outside.


    We were at a traffic stop, and I discovered that we had entirely forgotten about the driver, who was undoubtedly listening in on our conversation for the latest high school drama. Not that I minded.


    The driver cranked up the radio slightly, filling the car with pleasant music that served as a soothing backdrop to the subsequent silence. Hazel and I sat quietly, each lost in our thoughts, the hum of the city streets merging with the soft tunes from the radio.


    ¡ª


    <h2>10.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    A faint voice awakened me from my dream.


    ¡°Marcus.¡±


    I recognised the voice immediately.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    I opened my eyes and found myself resting against the car window. We had come to a stop, and I noticed we were at the main parking lot of the school.


    ¡°Finally up?¡± Hazel asked, noticing that she had moved closer to me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I already paid the fare.¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± I muttered as I collected myself, and we both stepped out of the cab.


    ¡°How much was the fare? I¡¯ll pay you back,¡± I said as we began walking back to the dorm area.


    ¡°There is no need for that,¡± she answered.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± I started.


    ¡°No buts. That''s my way of saying thank you for today,¡± she remarked, interrupting me.


    ¡°If you say so,¡± I conceded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take you to be a deep sleeper,¡± she said, her usual calm persona restored. She looked to have regained her composure and felt better, which was a good thing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I consider myself a relatively light sleeper,¡± I answered.


    ¡°That must mean that you are completely drained then,¡± she said.


    ¡°Yep, currently running on reserves as is,¡± I admitted. Although today was enjoyable, all of the walking and waiting had exhausted me, and my unplanned nap in the cab was proof of that. I didn¡¯t even know when I had fallen asleep.


    ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you feel tired at all?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Oh, I do. My legs are actually killing me,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°Want me to carry you?¡± I joked.


    ¡°No, not necessary,¡± she respectfully declined, and I smiled.


    ¡°Why not? Think I¡¯m too tired?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That is among one of the reasons,¡± she said.


    ¡°Mind telling me the others?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯ll leave that up to your imagination,¡± she responded with a teasing smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just assume it¡¯s because you are way more tired than I am,¡± I said.


    ¡°What? How does that make any sense?¡± She replied, puzzled but smiling.


    ¡°You are the one that said I could assume anything, Miss Tired,¡± I teased.


    ¡°Miss Tired, huh? Well, how about this?¡± she said, pointing towards her dorm building, which was just a short distance away. ¡°We will have a race. Winner admits defeat.¡±


    ¡°How did it lead to this?¡± I questioned aloud, perplexed by the peculiar turn the conversation had taken.


    ¡°Come on. Where¡¯s your competitive spirit?¡± She challenged, removing her shoes. I smirked before removing mine as well, feeling the rough pavement beneath my feet.


    ¡°Try not to step on something sharp,¡± I cautioned.


    ¡°Sure, sure. You ready?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Ready,¡± I responded, assuming a sprinting position. I wasn''t sure if I should take this race seriously, but a look at her determined demeanour told me she was serious, so I might as well try.


    ¡°And¡­ go!¡± she exclaimed, darting away unexpectedly. The speed at which she ran was impressive. I had underestimated Hazel¡¯s physical and athletic abilities. From her physique, I could tell she stayed moderately fit, but this was a severe miscalculation on my part.


    I decided I was not going to let her win and launched myself forward, sprinting at what I would consider close to my top speed. The wind blew past my face as each leg moved in front of the other in quick succession. The gap between us closed, and I overtook her. However, I noticed she was running at a much slower pace than before, closer to jogging. With the gap I had built, she could not catch up unless she picked up the pace, which she didn¡¯t. I kept an eye on her in case she had an unexpected burst of speed.


    I stopped outside the building¡¯s entrance and sat on the ground, waiting for her to arrive. She was out of breath and slumped on the ground next to me, clutching her shoes and small purse.


    ¡°Why did you have to be so fast?¡± she managed to ask, despite her shortness of breath.


    ¡°Did a lot of training before. What about you? Didn¡¯t expect you to start so quickly,¡± I said, watching her as she lay on the ground, attempting to recover.


    ¡°Well, I was always good at starting fast, but I have terrible stamina,¡± she admitted with a grin, and I followed suit.


    ¡°Now admit your defeat,¡± I responded with a cheeky grin on my face.


    ¡°It was a friendly competition. You had fun, didn¡¯t you?¡± she countered.


    ¡°I did, but that doesn¡¯t get you out of fulfilling your end of the deal,¡± I insisted.


    She finally sat up, wiping sweat from her forehead. I could see the sweat trickling down her neck as she breathed heavily, though less so than before.


    ¡°Alright then. I admit defeat, Marcus Luna. You are faster than me,¡± she admitted, lifting her hands in mock surrender.


    ¡°Good,¡± I replied, beaming at her, and she returned the smile.


    ¡°God, I need a shower,¡± she said, fanning herself with her hand.


    ¡°Same,¡± I replied. ¡°There¡¯s no school this Monday, right?¡±


    ¡°Yep. President¡¯s Day, and Friday is the Emperor''s birthday, so next week is going to be short,¡± she confirmed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep through those days. I do need it,¡± I muttered, feeling the tiredness sink into my bones.


    We sat there in pleasant stillness for a few minutes, the cool night air invigorating against our sweaty skin. I finally stood up and stretched my arms above my head.


    ¡°It¡¯s super late, and I need to sleep,¡± I said.


    ¡°Huh. You¡¯re right,¡± she agreed, raising her arms in the air before struggling to her feet. I noticed her legs wobbling a bit.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked, extending out a hand to support her.


    ¡°I will be. Hopefully,¡± she said with a faint giggle, accepting my help.


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll see you on Tuesday,¡± I remarked as I prepared to leave for my dorm.


    ¡°Before you go, I just want to say I¡¯m grateful and thankful for today. It really helped,¡± she said, lowering her head slightly.


    ¡°I already said this was my way of showing my appreciation, so there¡¯s no need to do that,¡± I responded, and she raised her head, returning to an upright position.


    ¡°Regardless, I¡¯m still going to appreciate it,¡± she insisted, picking up her shoes and purse. She waved at me with a tired but genuine smile. ¡°Goodnight, Marcus.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Hazel,¡± I replied, waving back.


    I watched her leave for her dorm, feeling satisfied. I looked up at the night sky, where the stars were slightly visible, one of the benefits of living on the outskirts of the city. The air was cool and fresh, a perfect ending to a long and eventful day.

 CHAPTER ELEVEN - A DRINK TO CALM THE NERVES

    ¡ª


    <h2>11.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The warm caramel flavour created a pleasant, sweet sensation in my mouth that I couldn''t get enough of as I continued to sip from the cup of coffee, savouring every drop. With a satisfied sigh, I returned the empty cup to the table.


    ¡°Was it that good?¡± a male voice asked from across the table. I looked up at Haku-senpai, my host, who was slowly sipping from his own cup of espresso. He had invited me to this caf¨¦ at Ichiro Mall, and I had to admit that I had not expected such high-quality coffee from this establishment. It might just become a frequent stop for me whenever I get the chance.


    ¡°It was. Better than what I expected,¡± I replied, observing Haku-senpai''s faint smile, undoubtedly delighted that I liked the place. ¡°So, what is this about?¡± I asked, intrigued by the timing of this meeting.


    ¡°It¡¯s about you. Simple.¡± Haku-senpai said, placing his cup on the table.


    ¡°Me?¡± I echoed, a little puzzled because I had believed it was about the forthcoming election.


    ¡°I just want to learn more, that''s all,¡± Haku-senpai added, reclining in his chair.


    ¡°Is that so? Well, you already seem to know a lot,¡± I commented, watching him laugh softly.


    ¡°I only know what I am granted access to with my position as student council president. However, the information I need to know will soon be available for people in that position to access,¡± he replied, taking another sip from his cup.


    ¡°You won''t be in power by that time, though,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°Exactly, so why not learn from the source? Tell me how and why the school let you in,¡± Haku-senpai asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes locked on mine.


    ¡°I have a question before that,¡± I added, hoping to understand his motivation.


    ¡°Go on,¡± he said, taking another sip from his cup.


    ¡°Why are you so keen on knowing this? It¡¯s not like it would change anything, would it?¡± I asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°I see your point. Think of it like this: I have been in this school for a good chunk of my life, and I know the rules like the back of my hand. One of those rules has been that no student is allowed admission into the school except for the starter years of Year 1, Year 7, and Year 10. It was a unique attribute of the school that made it stand out from others because the admission rate was exceptionally low,¡± Haku-senpai explained, his voice steady and measured.


    I pondered his words, realising the rarity of my situation. There were 20 students in a class for the senior years and double that for the juniors. I didn''t know the precise number of the grade school, but I knew it was on the same campus. This meant that the school probably accepted roughly a hundred students every academic year.


    ¡°I did try to get this changed during my tenure, but that was not working out until very recently,¡± Haku-senpai added, interrupting my thoughts.


    ¡°So you believe that I am the cause of this?¡± I asked, and my curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Probably,¡± he said with a shrug.


    ¡°Well, what else could be the deciding factor in the school accepting me than being based on my intelligence?¡± I pointed out, leaning forward, trying to understand his angle.


    ¡°If it were due to that, then there would be many others that would also be accepted this same way,¡±  Haku-senpai said quietly, setting his cup down.


    ¡°Then I am just a special case,¡± I shot back, trying to keep my tone light.


    ¡°You know something? This isn¡¯t the first time this has happened,¡± he replied with a mysterious glint in his eyes.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, stunned by the revelation.


    ¡°I mean exactly what you heard. This isn¡¯t the first time that someone has entered the school past the admission time,¡± he explained, leaning back again to observe my reaction.


    ¡°Then why is no one¡ª¡± I began, but he cut me off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop you right there,¡± he responded, raising a hand to halt my question. ¡°I seem to have intrigued you with this detail, so how about this? Show me what you are capable of during this election, and I¡¯ll tell you more.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said, surprised at what he proposed. My issue was not with the trade itself but rather with the requirements of the trade. I had expected him to ask about the process I used to get into the school, but instead, he asked for something entirely different.


    ¡°I thought you would have asked me to tell you about the process I used to get into the school; instead, you asked for that,¡± I said.


    ¡°Is there anything wrong with that?¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I do have other ways of finding out that information. I''ll just be a little patient, that¡¯s all,¡± he said, finishing the espresso he had ordered.


    My mind wandered, thinking about how he might attempt to get the information from the other student. However, I quickly disregarded that idea for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, if it were that simple, he would have done it by now. From the way he spoke, it was obvious that this student had arrived before me, meaning he could have approached them and been denied. Another possibility was that the individual was no longer attending the school. This school has twenty-four years of history behind it, which means the student could have been admitted at any point during that period. Although I felt the range was over the past six years, that was just my assumption.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I responded as I stood up.


    ¡°I look forward to the outcome of your result, Marcus,¡± Haku-senpai said.


    ¡°I hope I live up to your expectations,¡± I said.


    These were my parting words with him as I left the cafe and began making my way to class. The lunch break was about to end, but that didn''t matter as we still had the free period to make use of. I strolled calmly back to our classroom.


    When I entered the classroom, I immediately noticed that the atmosphere was tense. Everyone stared at me, hinting that something significant had happened. Diya left her companions and rushed over to me.


    ¡°Marcus, we have a big issue. Your election plans have been leaked,¡± Diya said in a hurry.


    ¡°Leaked?¡± I said, my eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± a voice said from behind me. I turned to see Hazel. ¡°Almost the entire school is aware of it at this point,¡± she added.


    ¡°Any idea when it happened?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Probably about ten to fifteen minutes ago,¡± Diya answered.


    ¡°News travels fast during lunch period, plus it was posted on multiple school forums and spread through word of mouth,¡± Hazel added as she leaned against the door and stared outside the classroom.


    ¡°What information is spreading?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Everything from campaign speeches and promises to the questions we were going to ask during the President''s Question Round and our breakdowns,¡± Hazel said, then sighed.


    ¡°It seems we have an uninvited guest,¡± she said as I shifted my gaze to the door and watched as a masculine figure walked in, full of pride and a confident sneer on his face. Everyone in the classroom looked at him.


    ¡°Why, what''s all this, Marcus? Heard your election plans are out,¡± Cohen said mockingly.


    ¡°So, are you going to deny that this was you?¡± I asked, and he clapped his hands in amusement before moving to the front of the class, making sure he was the centre of attention.


    ¡°Look at your nominees. So incompetent and over their heads that they can''t even guard their precious secrets from leaking. How will they fare tomorrow?¡± he said, ignoring my initial question.


    The tension in the room was apparent. Hazel stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she faced Cohen.


    ¡°Cohen, if you think this is going to deter us, you¡¯re sorely mistaken,¡± Hazel said, her voice calm and determined.


    Cohen chuckled, looking around the room as if seeking approval from his audience. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not trying to deter you. I¡¯m just enjoying the show. Watching you all scramble to save face is quite entertaining.¡±


    ¡°Hey, loudmouth,¡± a voice exclaimed from the back of the classroom, catching everyone''s attention. It was Nagamine, clutching a small juice box with a straw. ¡°You¡¯re making an awful lot of noise, so I think it¡¯s time to skedaddle.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re the infamous Ran, aren¡¯t you? I see you talk big for your size,¡± he said.


    ¡°Woah there, I don¡¯t remember giving you permission to call me by my first name, plus you are trying to shade my size. Are you sure you aren¡¯t overcompensating for something? Fucking idiot,¡± she remarked calmly, putting the straw in her mouth and sipping from her juice box.


    ¡°How about I come over there and put you in your place since your goody two-shoe boyfriend isn¡¯t here?¡± he said, cracking his neck and knuckles, threatening violence.


    ¡°A guy who isn¡¯t afraid of getting physical with a woman. Haven¡¯t stumbled on people like you in a long while,¡± she said, setting the juice box aside and stretching her body, seemingly ready to meet his confrontation.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± I said, deciding to step in and de-escalate the situation. ¡°You came here to gloat, didn¡¯t you? I think you¡¯ve achieved that.¡±


    Cohen gave an offhanded smile before turning towards the exit. ¡°Let me tell you something,¡± he stated confidently, projecting a menacing aura. ¡°Give up because there is nothing you can do to win this. Your questions, breakdown, and analysis. I am aware of it all, and not only me but Class 2 as well. We will take advantage of that and crush you where you stand, Marcus.¡±


    I met him in silence. We all did. A satisfying expression crossed his face as he left the class without another word. The silence persisted, and his words hung in the air.


    ¡°So what are you going to do about this?¡± Nagamine''s voice broke the silence, and I looked over to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± I said to her.


    ¡°I am not the one you should be saying that to,¡± Nagamine replied.


    The murmurs began, growing louder.


    ¡°Wait, so the entire plan leaked out?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Ran was so cool there.¡±


    ¡°I wish I voted for her.¡±


    ¡°I already warned you, idiot.¡±


    ¡°Marcus and Hazel are on the same team and still let this happen?¡±


    ¡°This is all stupid.¡±


    I heard different opinions in just a short while and I began looking for some solution to this issue. Nagamine was right; I needed to be concerned about the narrative that was spreading. Dealing with it on such short notice would be impossible, so I had to think of ways to mitigate it.


    ¡°Marcus, you good?¡± I turned to see Diya checking on me.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. I just didn¡¯t anticipate this from him,¡± I said to her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t?¡± she said curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± I said, trying to push the matter aside for now.


    ¡°I see. Well, how about going to see Harley? She¡¯s obviously the one behind this, isn¡¯t she?¡± Diya said.


    ¡°Yes, she is, but I get nothing new out of her,¡± I responded, attempting to organise my thoughts.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Information is key, and I¡¯m sure you can make use of the fact that she and Cohen pulled this off,¡± Diya added, and my eyes widened in realisation at what she said, but I decided to brush off what I noticed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said, taking a deep breath and settling on my next course of action. ¡°Hazel?¡± I called out to her, as she had not said a word in a while, still leaning against the door frame.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, proving that she was listening in on the conversation. We both left the class, heading to the one place we could find Harley apart from her class: the library.


    ¡ª


    <h2>11.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    Hazel and I arrived at the library, heading to our usual spot, but to our surprise, someone had the same idea as us. Harley sat down on a chair, staring blankly into the distance, unconcerned about the presence of Sullivan, who was standing over her.


    ¡°Finally,¡± she murmured as we approached, drawing Sullivan''s attention as well.


    ¡°Harley. Was it worth the self-sabotage?¡± I asked as we all crowded around her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you consider it still a win if your opponent does not achieve their goal?¡± she asked. ¡°I think it does. Hence, I am willing to lose myself if it means taking you down,¡± she answered her own question.


    ¡°So you consider us enemies?¡± Sullivan asked.


    ¡°Of course I do. I am sure that you are aware that the structure of this election enables that,¡± she said.


    She was right about that. I reached this conclusion after learning how the teams were to be formed. Two students from the same class, and two from each of the other two classes. It was done to breed excessive competition and for people to learn to balance trust and suspicion.


    ¡°So you were working with Cohen since the beginning?¡± I asked, despite already knowing the answer.


    ¡°Yes, I was. Everything was orchestrated by us,¡± Harley confirmed.


    ¡°Everything?¡± Hazel said, her eyes widening.


    ¡°What? Are you surprised? Thought we couldn''t pull it off?¡± Harley said.


    ¡°What about the bullying?¡± I asked, but she remained silent, not answering the question directly. The smile that formed across her lips was the confirmation I needed. ¡°So that was planned out as well, huh? To what end?¡±


    ¡°To gain your trust. Why would you be suspicious of someone who was getting bullied by their own classmates for joining your team?¡± she explained. ¡°Since I was already a relatively quiet and secluded person, it was easy for me to fill that role. So what can you do now? I know everything about you guys.¡±


    ¡°Resorting to such underhanded tactics, would it really be worth it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Again, I¡¯ll repeat myself. Isn¡¯t victory the desired outcome of this battle? Using any means to achieve it should be on the table,¡± Harley said.


    ¡°Is that right?¡± I muttered, furrowing my brow in fury.


    ¡°Of course it is. Now, I''ll advise you to go have an emergency meeting and try your best to fix this mess. We will be looking forward to seeing what you can cook up,¡± she replied condescendingly, her tone mocking.


    Gritting my teeth, I turned around to leave, not looking back at her. The footsteps following me from behind, presumably my teammates, reassured me we were all on the same page. As we exited the library, I slowed down my pace to fall in sync with the others.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Sullivan asked, concern evident in his voice.


    ¡°First, we need to find Kusumoto and Cale. We have about ten minutes before classes start, so we have to be quick,¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Kusumoto to find him so that we won''t waste time,¡± Hazel said, pulling out her phone and making the call.


    ¡ª


    <h2>11.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    All four of us gathered in an empty classroom, and I immediately addressed Cale. ¡°Cale, you¡¯re a member of Cohen''s election team, right?¡±


    As I had just stated, Cale was Class 1¡¯s representative on Cohen''s election team. I had avoided approaching him because I didn''t want to play the game that way, and I felt that someone like Cohen might just leave him out of their plans. However, things were different now.


    ¡°I am, but just so you know, they don''t tell me anything,¡± Cale said, his voice tinged with frustration.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I need you here for. It''s something else, and I need you to listen,¡± I said clearly, and he nodded in response. ¡°I wanted to ask why you joined his team.¡±


    It was a simple question, but I was confident that the answer would provide me with enough information into what my next line of action should entail.


    ¡°I joined because I wanted to have a role to play in the student council, and Cohen''s group was the only one that accepted my proposal,¡± Cale explained with a sincere tone.


    ¡°You were the one who approached them?¡± Hazel asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yes, I was. After I joined, Cohen made no attempt to contact me until recently,¡± he paused before continuing. ¡°Our meeting was brief, but he informed me of possible questions and how I should respond to them.¡±


    ¡°Those questions, did they turn out to be...?¡± I asked, waiting for him to complete my train of thought.


    ¡°Yes, they were your leaked questions,¡± Cale confirmed.


    ¡°I see. When did this happen?¡± I asked, my mind racing.


    ¡°About, huh¡­ two weeks ago,¡± Cale answered.


    ¡°Two weeks?¡± I looked over at Hazel, and I could tell she knew what that meant.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cale confirmed, and that was all I needed.


    ¡°If that is the case, then we are done here,¡± I said to Cale, and we got ready to leave. He, on the other hand, seemed confused, and I could tell.


    ¡°You thought there would be more to this, didn''t you? Don¡¯t worry, I just needed to confirm when that happened, that''s all,¡± I added, turning to leave.


    ¡°WAIT,¡± a voice firmly said, compelling me to stop. Turning back, I saw Cale standing up. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a plan to stop this? I want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked, curious about his sudden urgency.


    ¡°Because I don''t want Cohen to win this either,¡± he explained, his enthusiasm surprising me. ¡°What he did¡­ it¡¯s¡­ it''s not something I can stand by and watch happen,¡± he added, his voice full of conviction. ¡°Such a person cannot be allowed to be in such a position of power.¡±


    I grinned at him, filled with newfound determination. ¡°Seems we share the same ideals. Don¡¯t worry, I''ll do everything I can to stop him from winning,¡± I assured him. He gave a subtle nod, trusting in my words.


    As we left the classroom, Kusumoto approached us, her expression tense. ¡°Marcus, this whole leak is causing a spiral,¡± she said quickly, scrolling through her phone.


    ¡°Anything we can do to turn the tide so late?¡± I asked her, and her worried expression revealed the answer I dreaded.


    ¡°Of all the things to do, he leaked it,¡± I muttered, clenching my fist tightly. Why didn''t I predict him doing this?


    ¡°What do you plan on doing?¡± Sullivan asked, and I took several deep breaths to steady myself.


    ¡°I am not going to let him win,¡± I declared with resolve.


    ¡°I assume that means you have thought of something,¡± Hazel said, her eyes locked on mine.


    ¡°Yes. Still the same plan, but with some modifications,¡± I responded, my mind racing with possibilities. ¡°He might have brought down people''s opinions of us now, but people can be swayed in the moment by something big. In the moment right before voting.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that risky?¡± Kusumoto asked, her concern evident.


    ¡°Of course it is, but I am willing to take that risk,¡± I said, my resolve steadfast.


    Hazel looked contemplative for a moment before speaking up. ¡°It would be a close call, but it''s better than letting Cohen win. Guys, we may need to work overtime tonight,¡± she stated, addressing everyone.


    I could see the stress and determination on everyone''s faces. It was going to be a long and gruelling night, but it needed to be done.


    ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s begin,¡± I said, rallying everyone for the task ahead.


    ¡ª


    <h2>11.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    I headed up to my room, my mind still buzzing from the events of the day. As I approached the door, I noticed something unusual attached to it. An envelope was tucked away in a location where the average passerby would not discover it. Curious, I picked it up and examined it. The envelope felt slightly bulky, indicating there was something small inside.


    After a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, I entered my room and closed the door behind me. I sat down at my desk, holding the letter in my hand, and carefully opened it. Inside, I discovered a brand-new flash drive and a small piece of paper. Unfolding the paper, I read the single line of text printed on it:


    ¡°From an onlooker.¡±


    I couldn''t help but feel a mix of curiosity and caution. Who was this ¡°onlooker,¡± and what was on the flash drive? The thought of it potentially being a virus crossed my mind, but I doubted it. This seemed too deliberate and precise to be something as mundane as malware.


    I laid the paper aside and took a deep breath before connecting the flash drive to my laptop. The screen came to life, and after a moment, a single folder appeared on the drive. My finger paused over the touchpad, hesitant to click on the folder. What if this was a trap? But then again, what if it was crucial information?


    ¡°This is a lot,¡± I murmured to myself as I scanned through the contents of the folder. Documents, images, and audio files filled the screen. The sheer volume of data was daunting, so I leaned back in my chair and tried to comprehend it all.


    ¡°The question now is, who sent this?¡± I mused aloud. ¡°And are they friend or foe?¡±

 CHAPTER TWELVE - THE DAY OF RECKONING

    ¡ª


    <h2>12.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    I fixed my clothes and went to the mirror to check my hair. The eye bags I had gotten were no longer visible, which was a relief. Everything was ready, and the stage had been set. Then I heard a knock at my front door, which surprised me. I hadn''t asked anyone in the group to meet with me, and even if they had something important to share, we had a secondary group chat for that purpose.


    The knocking persisted, relentless and impatient. My brows furrowed as I realised who it must be. I made my way to the door, the knocking showing no sign of stopping. My palm hovered above the knob, as I mentally braced for what was to come. I eventually opened the door to see my demon of a younger sister, Kailey, standing there.


    ¡°You were taking your sweet time, weren''t you?¡± She remarked, breezing past me into the room without any hesitation.


    ¡°What are you doing here so early?¡± I asked as I walked over to my desk to pack up the things I needed for the day into my bag.


    ¡°Can¡¯t your cute little sister grace you with her presence?¡± Kailey replied, plopping down on my bed and making herself comfortable.


    ¡°Woah. I definitely do feel honoured,¡± I said with an evident roll of my eyes.


    Kailey sighed loudly, but then her tone softened. ¡°Good luck,¡± she said quietly.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, pretending I didn¡¯t catch what she had said.


    ¡°I said good luck, alright,¡± she repeated, turning her face away from mine.


    ¡°How about saying that to my face, huh?¡± I teased, a faint smile forming on my lips.


    ¡°That¡¯s the best you are going to get from me,¡± she said as she got up and walked into my kitchen, grabbing a cup.


    ¡°I see. Well, thanks. At least you are displaying human traits and emotions,¡± I replied, watching her laugh as she opened the fridge and scanned the contents before placing her hand on a carton of fruit juice.


    ¡°I''ll be taking this,¡± she announced.


    ¡°Just make sure not to finish it,¡± I said as she opened the juice and poured a portion into the cup, chugging it down in one go.


    ¡°When are you leaving for school?¡± she asked, placing the empty carton back in the refrigerator.


    ¡°In about ten minutes,¡± I answered, zipping up my bag.


    ¡°Well, I am going right now,¡± Kailey remarked, placing the cup on the counter without washing it.


    ¡°Did you want to walk me to school or something?¡± I asked jokingly, and she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Be sure to win, alright, or you owe me,¡± she remarked as she walked towards the door.


    ¡°Why would I owe you for losing?¡± I asked, following her to the doorway.


    ¡°Because I have done a lot of work to help you. I do deserve some form of compensation,¡± Kailey stated matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Me being your brother is enough compensation,¡± I said with a smirk.


    She laughed out loud. ¡°Stop joking, alright,¡± she said, opening the door. ¡°Seriously, good luck today. Don¡¯t mess it up.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Kailey,¡± I said, my voice sincere.


    ¡ª


    <h2>12.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The violinist performed with grace and finesse that only a professional could attain. Each strum and stroke was executed with conviction and emotion, resulting in a mesmerising experience. A gentle touch on my shoulder, snapping me out of the trance. My eyes opened, and I saw Hazel setting down her bag on the cushion chair next to me. I used both hands to remove my headphones, which had blocked out the sound of the world.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I greeted Hazel.


    ¡°You got here pretty early,¡± she said.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I wanted to have a clear head and calm my nerves,¡± I admitted, noticing the surprise on her face.


    ¡°What? Are you nervous?¡± she asked, her voice carrying a hint of surprise.


    ¡°Of course I am,¡± I confessed.


    ¡°I just thought that¡­¡± she began, then trailed off, her expression indicating she was rethinking her assumptions about me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a god, you know. I¡¯m very much human,¡± I answered, attempting to ease her curiosity and concern.


    ¡°I know,¡± she replied, nodding slightly.


    ¡°I get nervous a lot of the time, though I tend not to show it. It''s a weakness of mine that I can''t get rid of, but that is not a bad thing in itself,¡± I explained. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel nervous?¡± I asked, and she hesitated.


    ¡°I am. I¡­¡± she trailed off again, her gaze shifting to the floor.


    ¡°It is normal to be nervous,¡± I reassured her, noticing the weight of her thoughts on her face.


    ¡°I can''t explain it, but I do want to get rid of that feeling of nervousness as best as I can,¡± she said with a heavy breath.


    ¡°Want to listen?¡± I asked, pointing to my headphones.


    ¡°Huh?¡± she appeared bewildered.


    ¡°I was just trying to show you the way I deal with nervousness,¡± I explained, trying not to pressure her into it.


    ¡°What were you listening to?¡± she asked, curious.


    ¡°Classical music. It helps calm my mind,¡± I answered, watching her think about it for a moment. ¡°Not your type of music?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I haven''t really given it a chance,¡± she confessed as she approached and sat next to me.


    ¡°Understandable. I myself was not an avid listener, but I heard a few tracks by accident and slowly found myself sucked in,¡± I said.


    ¡°Let me listen in,¡± she replied, taking the headphones from me and putting them over her ears. I took my phone and resumed playing the track I had been listening to. She didn¡¯t give off many signs that I could pick up on to indicate whether she was enjoying it, but I appreciated that she was at least willing to try it out.


    ¡°Damn, this person goes even harder than Diya,¡± she remarked, smiling slightly.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I remember that Diya plays as well,¡± I said, but she didn¡¯t seem to hear me. She removed the headphones.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I just mentioned that I remember that Diya played the violin as well,¡± I repeated.


    ¡°She does, and she is really good at it. She said she has been playing since she was six years old,¡± Hazel explained.


    ¡°So young,¡± I said, impressed.


    I was going to say something else when the sound of the door opening caught our attention. Kusumoto and Sullivan walked inside the room.


    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Kusumoto said, quickly setting her stuff aside.


    ¡°Hey. Alright, it seems like everyone is here,¡± I said as I stood up and walked towards the board, taking a piece of chalk in my hand. ¡°We are not going to waste any time. So let''s go over our game plan one more time.¡±


    Everyone nodded in response, indicating I could continue.


    ¡ª


    <h2>12.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    The day''s activities were held at the Kurosawa Auditorium. With enough room to accommodate every student in middle and high school, it was the second-largest auditorium on the campus. It was also the venue for the general assembly. The time was 9:53, and I could hear the hum of voices coming from the audience as I stood backstage. We had seven minutes before the event began.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± Sullivan said as he ran up to me, brandishing a piece of paper. ¡°This is the printout,¡± he said, handing it over. I went through the contents, making sure everything was right and in order.


    ¡°Where''s Hazel?¡± he asked.


    ¡°She''ll be back in a second. How''s everything going so far?¡± I replied.


    ¡°The hall is filled up, and teachers are already seated. I even spotted one of the board members present,¡± he answered.


    ¡°A board member? Is the student council election really such a big deal?¡± I voiced out, surprised.


    ¡°Yep, it is,¡± another voice answered. We turned to see Hazel approaching us. ¡°You ready?¡± she asked.


    ¡°As ready as I''ll ever be,¡± I responded.


    The moment was near, and we had done all we could to tilt things in our favour. Now it was up to Hazel and me to deliver our stage performances and secure the victory.


    ¡°And who do we have here?¡± a boisterous voice said. We turned our attention to see Cohen, accompanied by his election team and Harley.


    ¡°Are you quaking in your shoes?¡± Cohen teased as he went up to me, attempting to intimidate me with his imposing physique. I showed no reaction to his attempt, which clearly disappointed him. ¡°Well, all I can say is good luck. You¡¯ll definitely need it,¡± he said, walking away with his team, leaving Harley behind.


    There were no words said, but the tension in the air was evident. We soon heard a voice speaking into a microphone and amplified by the speakers. It was nearly time, and we listened closely for our cue.


    ¡°Now let us present the election teams from each class,¡± the voice over the speaker announced. That was our signal.


    With that, I took the lead, and the rest followed suit. A quick glance ensured that Harley was also coming along with us. Stepping onto the stage from the backstage area was truly a moment to remember. The lights and sounds from the audience clapping created a unique ambience in the auditorium, one that could only be experienced by being up on stage.


    The faces of those in the front rows were visible, but the further back I looked, the harder it was to identify them. As I stood at our designated spot, my eyes swept over the entire auditorium. The hall had a capacity of about 570 people, and from simple calculations, I could discern that the student population was 540. This left the remaining seats for teachers and other staff members, ensuring the entire hall was at full capacity.


    Three podiums were set up, one for each class. We had been advised ahead of time on which platform to stand on and other relevant protocols as the event continued. We stood shoulder to shoulder, just a few meters away from our podium, waiting for everyone else to file onto the stage.


    ¡°These are your election teams from Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Today, one of them shall constitute the new members of the student council through the power of your vote,¡± the announcer stated, his voice resounding throughout the auditorium. ¡°Let the introductions begin,¡± he added.


    I stepped forward to the podium, adjusting my stance so that the microphone could clearly pick up my voice. The bright stage lights momentarily blinded me, but I quickly adjusted, focusing on the task at hand.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± I began, my voice amplified by the speakers. ¡°My name is Marcus Luna, the student council president representative from Class 1. Behind me are my teammates: Hazel Terrel, my vice president; Sullivan Kramer, my secretary; and Harley Sherman, my treasurer.¡±


    Each of them raised their hands in acknowledgement. Hazel stood tall and confident, Sullivan gave a small wave, and Harley remained composed.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honour to be here,¡± I finished the introduction, taking a step back to join my teammates.


    I heard footsteps, and my eyes followed the next person making her way to the podium. Her stride was full of confidence and grace. She had medium brown hair with dyed white tips and wore thin black glasses. She didn''t appear to participate in any active sports, but that was due to our uniform.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± she began with a soft voice. ¡°My name is Nanako Tomiko, the student council president representative for Class 2. Behind me are my teammates: Asato Diachi, my vice president; Chanel, my secretary; and Kazuki, my treasurer. It is an honour to be here,¡± she concluded with a slight bow and turned to rejoin her group.


    Our eyes locked briefly, but she didn''t react, leaving me to wonder what was going on in her mind. From my encounter with her, I could tell that she was going to be a formidable opponent; what mattered, however, was if she was going to keep her word.


    Next, an imposing person strode up to the platform in a casual, swag-driven motion. He exuded confidence, and I half-expected him to keep his hands in his pockets to complete the vibe he gave off.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone. My name is Cohen Higgins, the student council president representative of Class 3,¡± he said. His earlier aggressive tone had softened substantially, becoming more welcoming.


    ¡°Behind me are my teammates: Amelie Solace, my vice president; Zane Farrell, my secretary; and Cale Horne, my treasurer. It¡¯s an honour to be here,¡± he concluded, before returning to his teammates.


    ¡°The introduction of the teams is complete,¡± the announcer said. ¡°We will now begin the Officiate Question Round.¡±


    A middle-aged man, who I did not recognise, came onto the stage. He was balding in parts and wore a grey suit complete with suspenders.


    ¡°It is an honour to present Mr. Sinclair, head of the accounting department, who will conduct the Officiate Round,¡± the announcer continued. A resounding applause followed.


    Mr. Sinclair approached me, and we extended our hands to shake. He then repeated the gesture with the other candidates on stage before stepping down and walking to a desk in the front row that had been set up for the event.


    The desk was raised slightly, making it a focal point aside from the stage. Alongside Mr. Sinclair, nine other individuals were already seated. From there, I recognised and named three: the director, Furuya Itsuki-sensei; the deputy director; and the outgoing student council president, Haku Hotaka-senpai.


    Among the others, I could see they were important figures in the school administration. I also noticed another male student beside Haku-senpai, whom I recalled as the student council vice president. It made sense for him to be present at this event.


    An electronic board off to the right displayed a timer set to 30 seconds, the time allotted for each of us in this round.


    ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Mr. Sinclair inquired, his voice resonating through the auditorium. We all nodded in silence. ¡°Let us begin the Officiate Question Round,¡± he declared, and on cue, Hazel stepped forward along with Asato and Amelie. This round was to be answered by the vice presidents.


    ¡°Question one: What is your main objective?¡± Mr. Sinclair''s voice was authoritative, and as he posed the question, the countdown began. Hazel took a deep breath and began.


    ¡°The objective of our group is to create a fun and more relaxed system of learning without sacrificing the quality of education offered at the school,¡± Hazel stated clearly and concisely. Her words were steady and measured, ensuring each word would be properly heard by everyone in the auditorium. ¡°Creating an environment where students can easily de-stress and engage in exciting activities allows them to feel refreshed when learning opportunities present themselves.¡± With about seven seconds left on the clock, she ended her segment. The timer reset to 30 seconds, and the countdown began again.


    Asato was next. ¡°There has been a massive uptick in the cost of products on campus, about a 30% increase. Education is the fundamental backbone that makes up the school; however, student life is also imperative and should be a priority topic. The increase in the price of products and services has made the cost of living rise over the past year, making it difficult for students. Our main objective is to tackle this issue.¡± Asato finished his statement with four seconds remaining. I knew he was Tomiko¡¯s right-hand man and always by her side. His loyalty seemed unwavering, which was likely why she chose him as her vice president.


    Finally, it was Amelie''s turn. ¡°Competition fuels the soul and drives us to push ourselves, whether in education, sports, or recreational activities. The thrilling joy of overcoming challenges and proving oneself is exhilarating. Our objective is simple: to implement the spirit of competition in the school in a way that encourages self-improvement without feeling forced.¡± Her tone was confident and well-rehearsed. She finished with a second left on the timer. Despite her quiet nature, her participation in the election had surprised many, but her public speaking skills were impressive.


    ¡°Question two: How would you achieve your main objective?¡± Mr. Sinclair asked promptly. I observed that the timer was set to 20 seconds for this question. So, these were some of the unexpected challenges Hazel and the others had warned me about.


    I smiled with excitement. This may be an exciting event full of twists and turns, and that didn''t even count what I had planned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if I can come out on top in this,¡± I said to myself.

 CHAPTER THIRTEEN - THE ROUNDS

    ¡ª


    <h2>13.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    I recalled the day Hazel, Sullivan, Harley, and I were having a very important meeting. It was about the big day¡ªthe election day. Nomura-sensei had handed Hazel the programme guide and information notes earlier that morning, so we knew what to expect and could plan accordingly. We sat in the study room; the atmosphere was packed with both excitement and tension. The table was cluttered with notes, pens, and cups of coffee.


    ¡°There are three rounds we need to focus on,¡± Hazel began, spreading out the programme guide on the table. ¡°The Officiate Question Round, President Question Round, and Audience Question Round. Each is crucial and offers us weapons we can use to sway the voting population to our side.¡±


    She pointed to the first section of the guide. ¡°The Officiate Question Round involves an official from the school asking four general questions that each Vice President representative has to answer. These questions are usually basic, focusing on explaining the objectives of the election team.¡±


    ¡°Sounds straightforward enough,¡± I responded, making a mental note.


    ¡°It is,¡± Hazel agreed, ¡°but we can¡¯t take it lightly. We need to be clear and concise, showcasing our strengths from the start.¡±


    I nodded, understanding the importance of making a strong first impression. Hazel moved on to the next section.


    ¡°The President¡¯s Question Round is where things get interesting. This is where the presidents from each team ask the questions. It¡¯s designed to drill the opponents, exposing any weaknesses or flaws in their plans and objectives. It involves multiple back-and-forths between the opponents. The key aim of this round is to plant doubt in the minds of the audience about your opponent.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Hazel replied, echoing Harley''s statement. She then pointed to the final section on the guide. ¡°The Audience Question Round is the most technical. It¡¯s designed to reinforce the audience¡¯s understanding of our plan. Representatives from every class in every year of the school ask the candidates questions. Seniors get to ask two questions, while juniors only get one. Once a representative from a year asks a candidate a question, no other representative from that year can question that candidate again.¡±


    ¡°The entirety of Year 11 isn¡¯t allowed to participate in this stage,¡± Sullivan added, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Each candidate is given a minute to answer the question they¡¯re asked.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s designed to test our ability to think on our feet and manage pressure,¡± Hazel said. ¡°We have to be quick, clear, and convincing. And remember, the school likes to throw in plot twists.¡±


    ¡°Plot twists?¡± I repeated, intrigued.


    ¡°Yep. That¡¯s what we students refer to them as,¡± Hazel said, expanding on the term. ¡°As the name suggests, it¡¯s the school finding ways to change things during the events. For instance, last year during the President¡¯s Question Round, they had every member apart from the president ask and answer the questions.¡±


    ¡°So that''s why everyone on the team is practicing the questions and answers,¡± I said, now fully grasping the importance of thorough preparation.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hazel confirmed. ¡°We have to be ready for anything they might throw our way.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Harley, who had been silently listening, agreed with Hazel¡¯s point.


    With wildcards in play throughout this election, it was critical that we covered as much as possible to avoid anything that could cost us victory.


    That brings us to today. The fateful day.


    ¡ª


    <h2>13.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The clock stopped with just a second remaining, and I was impressed by how Amelie managed to time her responses perfectly, every single time. This Officiate Question Round, which was initially intended to have just four questions, was now on its sixth. The time durations for each question varied, ranging from 30 seconds to as low as 10 seconds. The order in which the teams had to respond kept changing too.


    Asato, who had started out strong in the beginning, began stumbling as the questions went beyond their limit and the time lessened; the pressure was getting to him. Overall, Hazel had adapted well, but I could tell she was feeling the pressure. Her calm and measured tone from the start had become more rushed and tense.


    Amelie, on the other hand, was a different story. Despite the mounting pressure, she maintained her poise and grace. Each answer she gave seemed meticulously rehearsed, delivered with the same smooth precision every time. It almost felt like she had prior knowledge of the questions and their accompanying twists, but that was impossible given the school''s stringent regulations against any unfair advantages.


    ¡°Final question. What is one sentence that can be used to describe your team?¡± Mr. Sinclair asked, and the timer began a five-second countdown, the shortest time given so far.


    ¡°Our team¡­¡± Asato paused, trying to quickly gather his thoughts. The pressure was palpable. ¡°We are focused on creating a better student life¡­¡± The timer ran out before he could finish, and he fell silent, frustration visible on his face.


    ¡°A mix of individuals from different views, goals, and ambitions, putting that aside for one objective,¡± Amelie said calmly, once again perfectly timing her response to end with one second left.


    ¡°We are a group of people who want to make the most of this and have fun along the way,¡± Hazel said, finishing just as the timer stopped. I breathed a sigh of relief, proud of how she handled herself throughout the round. Although she had the occasional hiccups, she was able to pull through and adapt adequately. That deserved praise.


    ¡°That is all from me. Thank you,¡± Mr. Sinclair said, and the announcer returned to the stage.


    ¡°The next round is about to begin. May the presidential candidates of each group step forward.¡±


    On cue, we went forward as our vice presidents returned to where the rest of our team members were. As I passed by Hazel, our eyes met, and I gave her an approving nod. She responded with a faint smile, knowing she had done her best. Now, it was my turn.


    ¡°Now we will begin the Presidents¡¯ Question Round,¡± the announcer stated. I glanced down at the podium and noticed a small red LED light in the right corner. It seemed I wouldn''t be the first to speak.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± a voice said through the speaker. I turned my attention to the one challenging me. Cohen stood there with a nihilistic smile, exuding overwhelming confidence. ¡°I want you to explain something to both me and the audience. Yesterday, your entire campaign plans, questions, and answers were leaked. That might not bother some people, but it does bother me. Why should someone who can''t control and contain the flow of information within his group be allowed on the student council? Isn''t this just a show of incompetence on your part?¡±


    He came out swinging. Well, it made the most sense, as this issue could be fueled even more by him, but I was prepared for it. In fact, his bringing it up this early worked in my favour.


    ¡°Incompetence? That''s an interesting way to put it. The truth is, no one stated that our campaign promises were meant to be secret. Am I right?¡± I replied, standing tall and confident.


    ¡°Of course, but that doesn''t mean there aren''t expectations for a group to keep such information from leaking out,¡± Cohen countered, his smugness evident.


    ¡°Something I do wonder is why you''re so confident. What makes you think this was a leak?¡± I said, turning the tables on him.


    ¡°What?¡± Cohen was clearly astonished by my approach.


    ¡°Exactly. Throughout this debate, you''ve insisted it was a leak. What gave you that idea?¡± I pressed, leaning slightly forward to emphasise my point.


    ¡°Are you trying to say that you purposely released the information?¡± Cohen asked, his confidence wavering.


    ¡°You''re on the mark,¡± I responded, folding my arms and remaining calm.


    ¡°We know that¡¯s not true,¡± he insisted, trying to regain control.


    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Why not explain it to the audience?¡± I challenged him, my tone inviting him to dig his own grave.


    He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself. I could see the gears turning in his head. I smiled faintly, everything going according to plan. I then gave an audible sigh, adding to the dramatic effect.


    ¡°Jumping to conclusions and making assumptions like that can get you into trouble. We released the information to the public for one reason: to become the talk of the town,¡± I said, letting my words sink in.


    The crowd murmured, the audience trying to piece together the meaning behind my words.


    ¡°Is that the narrative you''re running with?¡± Cohen scoffed.


    ¡°I still don''t understand why you''re so adamant about disproving my claim. Why are you so certain that I''m trying to cover up a leak?¡± I pressed further.


    Cohen furrowed his brow, evidently considering his next step. The timer ran out, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I glanced at the LED light, still red, then shifted my gaze to Tomiko, who had remained quiet until now.


    ¡°Cohen, this question is directed at you,¡± Tomiko began, her voice calm and measured. ¡°Your campaign is built on the premise of competition, but I don''t see how the school isn''t already breeding healthy competition among its populace.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to say that my goal is redundant?¡± Cohen responded almost immediately, his tone defensive.


    ¡°Exactly. The school''s examination and grading system is optimal. There are numerous extracurricular tournaments and events across almost all clubs,¡± she stated firmly.


    ¡°The competition I am trying to implement is one between students that allows for personal growth across a multitude of areas, not just education,¡± Cohen argued, trying to regain his composure.


    ¡°You just dismissed the fact that you mentioned the extracurricular tournaments. Anyway, if it''s direct competition you want, remember the school announced they were implementing a ranking system,¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°That is still educational,¡± Cohen remarked, his frustration showing.


    Tomiko sighed, a tinge of disappointment on her face. ¡°Then tell me what type of competitions you have in mind,¡± she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°Quizzes, art tournaments, sports festivals, entrepreneurial tasks. These are among the few ideas I have regarding breeding healthy competition and fostering growth within us students,¡± Cohen responded.


    ¡°You mentioned sports festivals when there already is one,¡± Tomiko said.


    ¡°Do you really think the current sports festival is doing enough to highlight and demonstrate the skills of students?¡± Cohen asked, trying to regain the upper hand.


    ¡°As a matter of fact, I do. The previous sports festival had a total of 17 sporting events, and the school has been adding an event every year for some time now, as well as rotating out events. Aren''t those enough?¡± she asked, her voice uncompromising.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Cohen remained silent, evidently attempting to come up with an appropriate response. What the hell was all this? That question was the bare minimum to expect, and he appeared to be completely unprepared for it. I wasn''t sure what to believe because this was completely throwing me off, to the point where I didn''t notice when the red light turned green and began flashing steadily.


    ¡°With the several processes that would be involved in authorising more competitive events, how would you go about trying to implement this in the fastest way possible, Cohen?¡± I asked, stepping forward. This was a basic question, and I decided to ask it because I needed to properly pace myself while on the offensive. If I went all in this early, I wouldn''t have enough momentum to carry out the second phase of the plan properly.


    ¡°I would raise a proposal with management and mark it as urgent,¡± he said after some thought.


    ¡°Why would they choose to address it as urgent, though? As my fellow candidate has already pointed out, there are already a lot of competitive events in the school,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°Does that mean the school is not ready to grow and continue expanding on this front?¡± Cohen inquired, his frustration bubbling to the surface.


    ¡°Of course it does. However, there are various levels of priority assigned to different tasks. The likely probability that your proposal would be given immediate priority is low, so what would you do in that regard?¡± I asked, maintaining my calm demeanour.


    ¡°I am saying that is not going to happen,¡± Cohen responded, his tone becoming increasingly hostile.


    ¡°Okay then, if you say so,¡± I said, taking a step back as the light turned back to red, signalling the end of my questioning.


    ¡°Marcus,¡± Tomiko called out my name with her calm tone. It seemed the order of questioning would constantly change. ¡°In regards to the issue of priority, how would you get the school to prioritise your own proposals?¡±


    I was expecting to have some of my questions redirected to me. It seemed weird that she chose to ask me the same question that Cohen had struggled with, but I would entertain it.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. I¡¯ll show them the evidence to prove that a much more relaxed environment can foster growth,¡± I responded.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t the school already aware of this?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, they most likely are. However, part of my plan involves something massive, and that is to bring back the summer trips the school used to host,¡± I stated firmly.


    The murmurs began again, this time louder than before. I could see the interest and scepticism in the audience''s faces.


    ¡°That is a monumental task, and from what I have heard, you intend to plan a trip this summer. Am I correct?¡± Tomiko inquired.


    ¡°You heard that right,¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°We are in March at the moment. That means you have just over three months to plan that out. Do you really think that¡¯s attainable?¡± Tomiko asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°I do admit that the process would be long, and planning would have to be intricate, but having a good link between students and the management would speed up the process. Making quick decisions on things such as budget, safety protocols, and travel demands would make the process smoother,¡± I responded, emphasising each point.


    Tomiko''s finger tapped gently on her podium. ¡°There are 541 students in the school right now. Even with all that planning, I don¡¯t think you would be able to take all of us. The mode of transportation and the place of accommodation for that number of people would be difficult to come across. Aren¡¯t I right?¡± she said.


    This was a discussion point I expected to come up because it was one of the questions included in the leaked information we were preparing for.


    ¡°Yes, you are right. Saying that all the students would be able to follow along is just wishful thinking. So let me be honest with you all. My initial target was that the 121 students in the senior school would be able to go; however, the more optimistic scenario would be for just the Year 11 class to go. It would seem that I am just looking at my year, but that is not the case,¡± I responded. I took a short break to organise my thoughts, as this was critical for conveying clearly and suppressing any negative or sceptical ideas that might arise. ¡°What I am doing is laying the foundation for these things to become common. I would work hard to ensure that even though the entirety of the senior year is unable to go, it will be possible next summer.¡±


    That was all I had to say about the situation, and I waited to see if Tomiko had any follow-up questions, but it seemed that she chose not to counter my point.


    This round of questioning continued for a while. Cohen''s expression became irritated as he asked questions that exploited flaws in the leaked information, but I easily countered them. His barrage of questions focused on me, as mine did on him. Tomiko took a neutral approach, asking each of us questions interchangeably.


    Soon, it was time for the final string of questions, about two hours after we had started the round.


    ¡°Chanel is a member of Class 3. A class that had our access to potential candidates limited by its leader, Cohen. As such, we are to find ways to solve this issue. For me, this involved making a move beforehand and acquiring my representative,¡± Tomiko said, addressing the audience this time. ¡°However, what guaranteed that she would not try to sabotage me as Harley did with Marcus?¡±


    Immediately, I understood what she was trying to do.


    Tomiko paused, letting her words sink in. The audience mumbled, attempting to piece together her strategy. Cohen shifted uncomfortably, sensing the weight of her question.


    ¡°A representative who uses crude techniques to snuff out the competition and another who denies and lies to the face of the people in an attempt to manipulate the situation for his own gain. What a way of doing things,¡± Tomiko said. The seed of doubt had been sown, and if left unchecked, it would become a huge detriment. This girl was ready to eliminate both Cohen and me from the game in one fell swoop. ¡°Marcus, Cohen says the information on your election campaign leaked, and you denied this fact. I do have evidence that proves this leak did, in fact, happen. What do you say to this?¡±


    At this point, I was up against my true opponent, who had launched her attack. Exposing a lie would undermine my efforts and have negative consequences. She was careful with her wording to cover all possible grounds and leave me without a route to slip through. However, she was not the only one taking caution in their statements.


    ¡°That is where you are wrong, Tomiko. What you have is evidence of Harley betraying us, not a leak occurring. A betrayal that I never did deny,¡± I countered.


    ¡°I see. If that''s the way you want to play this, then I''ll bite. Yesterday at 12:41 p.m., the first post regarding the leak was made on the school''s forum. However, the news had begun to spread much earlier than that. By looking at the document and comparing what you said here today, it is easy to see that you decided to change things, potentially at the last minute. You then decided to spin it in such a way that the leak was intentional, using it as a symbol to boast around and represent strength,¡± Tomiko said.


    I couldn''t help but smile at this point because she had read my plan like a book. However, there was something she didn''t notice that would soon become apparent to her.


    ¡°Like I said, what you have is evidence of the betrayal, not a leak occurring. What has happened is nothing more than a display of my skill and ingenuity. A misdirection that my fellow candidates have fallen for,¡± I began my response. ¡°We released the information yesterday to cause a stir, that''s all. In fact, the document that was released was a draft from about two weeks ago. Although it could have gone either way, the desirable outcome was for me to shoot to the top of people''s minds. I can say that worked pretty well. Did it not?¡±


    I took a quick breath before proceeding. ¡°There are several ways this could have ended badly, but that was not the case. We managed to cause confusion amongst our opponents, even though it was just minuscule. Basically, everything was just a show of strength. To show that even though my plans are known to everyone, that would not stop me.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Tomiko said, then stopped herself as she began to ponder a bit. A smile appeared on her face. ¡°Alright then. That is all the questions I have,¡± she said, withdrawing from the offensive. Had she realised what my end goal was?


    The light turned green, indicating it was my turn next. At the moment, I was torn between two options. The first was to stick to the plan and continue to drill into Cohen; however, another option presented itself: to attack Tomiko instead.


    For most of my preparations, I had made Cohen my main target, as I felt he might actually offer me the competition I needed to quench my thirst, but it turns out he was just a dud. As for Tomiko, we had decided to play fair with one another, and she was not my primary target, as I was okay with either of us winning. I took a deep breath as a fire lit in my eyes. It was pure, unbridled excitement.


    ¡°There are several ways to fight a battle. This question might not be related to this event in particular, but it would help both I and the audience have a better understanding of your psyche, Tomiko,¡± I began, shifting my weight slightly and leaning forward. The crowd''s attention was palpable¡ªa silent but eager presence.


    ¡°All right then, ask away,¡± she said with her usual calm demeanour. Her eyes met mine with a steady gaze, welcoming the challenge.


    ¡°Both you and Cohen assume that the information released yesterday was due to a leak rather than being an intentional plan, correct?¡± I asked, watching her closely. She hesitated and considered her response.


    ¡°I do have evidence that points to there being a leak, but since you insist there wasn''t one, then I guess I''ll have to take your word for it,¡± she said finally.


    So she decided to withdraw the claim. It would be difficult to make my point now, but I could still do something with it.


    ¡°I do appreciate that, but I''d still love for you to try and prove what happened if it was a leak. Hypothetically, if you did suffer an information leak, how would you approach it?¡± I asked, folding my arms and tilting my head slightly to the side.


    Tomiko paused, her eyes narrowing as she thought of the best response. The silence stretched, adding weight to her contemplation.


    ¡°I would probably deny all claims of such happening and try to cover it up as best I could, given that there is no evidence of such. However, if there was ever a profound testimony that came up, it would ruin my hard work and expose the narrative I tried to build,¡± she finally answered. ¡°Marcus, what if the betrayal came from your own class and someone from within was sharing this information with your enemies? Such would pose a big risk, wouldn''t it?¡± she asked, her tone serious.


    Her words struck a chord, raising unsettling questions. Was there really someone within our class doing this? And if that were the case, who was it? As much as I wanted to find that out, it was not the time. I could use something to my advantage; we did promise one another to not play dirty so what I am about to do can not be classified under that.


    ¡°Yes, such a mole would pose a big risk. This is why team unity and cooperation are important so that such things can''t happen,¡± I replied, my voice firm. ¡°But Tomiko, I am aware you are the leader of Class 2, yet there is another faction in your class that opposes your rule. Can a representative who can¡¯t keep her class members under control be trusted with managing the affairs of the school?¡±


    I heard the crowd begin to murmur as my tactic began taking root. There were two ways out of this that she could take. The first is that she denies my claim but she would be careful about this as she would have no knowledge if I had any evidence to back up my claim. The second option means welcoming the claim and trying to spin it in the best way possible to take the least damage; however, that could end up backfiring heavily and she would dig her own grave if she messes up. Either option was a risky endeavour, so Tomiko, what would you pick?


    ¡°I assume you are talking about the issue with one of my classmates approaching you with malcious intent towards your campaign, right?¡± She said, choosing the second option.


    ¡°You are right,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Well, I did apologise for that, as those were never orders of mine.¡± She said.


    ¡°True and I don¡¯t blame you for that, but human beings are complex creatures. We tend to have goals that are just too outlandish to comprehend,¡± I said, her eyes softening slightly.


    ¡°Indeed, you are right. Thank you, Marcus,¡± she said, and gave a nod of acknowledgement.


    ¡°No problem,¡± I responded with a faint smile.


    It was not much but this should have an effect on people¡¯s perception of Tomiko and I am sure during the break curious people would ask her classmates. If this is the time to oppose Tomiko, it would be now, so I was betting on Natsumi and whoever felt the same as her to take action.


    With that, my round of questioning ended, and to wrap everything up, it was Cohen''s turn.


    ¡°What would you say, Marcus, if I revealed that I have concrete proof about the leak?¡± Cohen asked, his voice tense.


    ¡°That again? I thought we were already past this.¡± I said sarcastically, crossing my arms.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you be happy if that were the case?¡± he said, gritting his teeth. I could see a vein pulsing on his forehead.


    ¡°Anyways, what evidence do you have?¡± I asked, gesturing with an open hand, inviting him to show his cards.


    At this point, it was clear what he wanted to use against me: Harley. This could backfire severely on him, and he should be aware of this. However, given how things have turned out with regards to him today, I might be overestimating his foresight.


    ¡°If your evidence involves Harley, I implore you to state so,¡± I added, trying to force his hand.


    ¡°Of course it does. I know she is the one that leaked that information,¡± he replied confidently.


    ¡°Oh, is that what you think?¡± I said, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Are you trying to deny testimony from a reliable source? How naive,¡± Cohen stated, his voice full of derision.


    ¡°The thing is, there has been no testimony from her. She has not said anything, has she?¡± I pointed out, my tone calm but firm.


    ¡°No, not at the moment,¡± Cohen conceded, his frustration visible.


    ¡°I see. Well, she can probably do that if asked to in the next round. Anyway, is that all you wanted to say?¡± I asked.


    I watched him grind his teeth, powerless to do anything about his current situation.


    ¡°That brings an end to the Presidents¡¯ Question Round,¡± the announcer concluded as he returned to stage. ¡°Right now, there will be a break, and we should all reconvene here before 12:30.¡±


    With that said, the congregation began dispersing slowly. I took a deep breath, the tension easing slightly from my shoulders, before being approached by Hazel.


    ¡°You did good,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°Yeah, but I hope that will be enough. What about Kusumoto?¡± I asked, glancing at her.


    ¡°See for yourself,¡± she replied, showing me her phone.


    It was the school''s forum, and I could see what the top post was. Kusumoto had been busy, as expected.


    ¡°She works quickly,¡± I said, returning the phone back to her.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Hazel replied with a nod.


    I then looked over at where Cohen and his team were meant to be but noticed they were gone, as well as Harley. That was to be expected considering what was going on at the moment.


    ¡°Where is Sullivan?¡± I asked, scanning the area.


    ¡°He went for a break with some of his friends,¡± Hazel answered.


    ¡°I see. Want to accompany me to the cafe then?¡± I offered, noticing the brief hesitation before a smile formed across her face.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said.

 CHAPTER FOURTEEN - UNSAVORY TACTICS

    ¡ª


    <h2>14.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    Our stroll to the caf¨¦ was quiet but refreshing, providing respite from the intensity of the election events. After a few minutes, we arrived at the busy caf¨¦. The uptick in the number of people made sense given the break, and as we entered, I felt eyes fall on us. The whispers around us were plainly about Hazel and me, but I didn''t mind.


    ¡°The line is too long. I don''t think we would be able to order anything before the break is over,¡± Hazel observed, her eyes scanning the crowded space.


    ¡°Want to try someplace else?¡± I suggested, already turning to leave.


    ¡°Wait,¡± a male voice called out, stopping us in our tracks. I turned to see a muscular figure that stood out even under his layered clothing¡ªa shirt and sweater. His short, spiky hair and towering stature gave him an intimidating presence. ¡°Marcus and Hazel, right?¡± he asked, his tone friendly but direct.


    ¡°Yes, that''s us. Do you need something?¡± Hazel interjected swiftly.


    ¡°Just wanted to ask what drink you want,¡± the stranger said.


    ¡°What?¡± I expressed surprise at his offer.


    ¡°I want to get you guys a drink since I am next in line. Just think nothing of it,¡± the stranger explained, smiling.


    Think nothing of it? That was quite the ask. The only thing I could do was wonder why he would do that, but I didn''t know him or his intentions.


    ¡°Thank you for the offer, but I don''t even know who you are,¡± I said cautiously.


    ¡°Is that truly important at the moment? I don''t think so, but if you are so keen on knowing, just call me Robin. So what would you two like?¡± he remarked, introducing himself with a casual shrug.


    I turned to Hazel to get her opinion on the situation.


    ¡°I will have a peach smoothie,¡± Hazel said, surprising me with her swift decision.


    So that was how she opted to handle the situation. Alright then, I''ll follow her lead.


    ¡°An espresso for me, thanks. And can they both be to-go?¡± I added.


    ¡°You got it,¡± Robin said, returning to the counter to place the order. Hazel and I locked eyes again and moved to find a place to sit. The atmosphere was buzzing with chatter, and we found a quiet corner to sit down.


    It was quiet between us for a while, then Hazel broke the silence. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask about him?¡±


    ¡°I was, but not right now. We still have the election to win. Or is he going to pose a problem to that?¡± I asked, leaning forward slightly.


    ¡°At this rate, most likely not, but I am not sure what to make of this encounter,¡± she answered, her brow furrowing slightly in concern.


    I decided to whip out my phone and check on Kusumoto''s post. ¡°Do you think the school would get involved?¡± I asked as I looked at the trending post.


    ¡°You asked this question yesterday,¡± she noted.


    ¡°But you didn''t give me an answer,¡± I reminded her.


    ¡°Oh? I didn''t? Guess I might have been tired,¡± Hazel admitted, letting out a small laugh.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± I said, feeling guilty for causing her stress.


    ¡°No need to apologise. Well, about the question, I think the school might investigate, considering it has something to do with bullying. I don''t see Cohen walking away from this clean,¡± Hazel explained.


    Approaching footsteps made us pause our conversation, and we looked over to find Robin holding two drinks.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± he replied, placing the cups on the table for us.


    ¡°Thanks a lot for your help,¡± I said, showing appreciation.


    ¡°No big deal. Well, I got to go, take care,¡± he said, waving at us as he made his way to the other side of the caf¨¦.


    I looked at my cup and took a sip of the espresso, savouring its rich flavour before preparing to leave. ¡°Come on, let''s head back,¡± I said to Hazel, who nodded in agreement as we both stood up and started walking towards the exit.


    The covert glances our way had not stopped, but I looked over to see where Robin had gone and found him seated at a booth with his back turned, speaking with a girl. A girl who had her eyes trained on me as we locked eyes for a moment. I immediately looked the other way and left the store with Hazel, but she looked familiar.


    ¡°Shayna, I think that¡¯s her name,¡± I muttered under my breath as I thought out loud.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Hazel asked, having heard my muttering.


    ¡°Nothing to worry about. Anyways, I wanted to ask why you ordered a smoothie?¡± I asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°Is there anything wrong with doing that?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Not at all. Just curious,¡± I replied, shrugging.


    ¡°I hate the taste of beans, especially coffee beans,¡± she explained, wrinkling her nose at the thought.


    ¡°I see. So you usually order a smoothie from there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± she confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°Is it any good?¡± I asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°Well, not as great as the one from that store in the mall, but it does have its perks,¡± she continued, her eyes lighting up.


    ¡°I see. Now I wish I could have tried it out,¡± I admitted, my voice tinged with regret.


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. I would have offered some of mine to you, but sharing isn''t my strong suit,¡± she added with a cheeky look on her face.


    ¡°That was obvious,¡± I said with a chuckle.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment,¡± she replied, taking a long sip of her smoothie and savouring the flavour.


    The weather was cool, with a fine breeze sweeping through the area. Hazel had her hair tied up in advance, preventing it from flying around uncontrollably, but I couldn¡¯t help but imagine how it would look if it did. Perhaps a bit of mischief was on the horizon, but I stopped myself as we neared the auditorium, focusing on the task ahead.


    ¡ª


    <h2>14.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The audience had mostly reconvened in the auditorium, and I got ready to make my way back on stage. Hazel took a seat by the stairs leading to the stage.


    ¡°Hey,¡± a voice called out. I turned to see Sullivan approaching us.


    ¡°Took you quite a while,¡± I said, watching him walk up next to me. He waved to Hazel, who waved back.


    ¡°Yep, had a quick class meeting,¡± Sullivan explained.


    ¡°Tomiko. She needs to stop taking my teammates'' time,¡± I joked.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Sullivan laughed a little. ¡°I guess you could have a word with her after this.¡±


    ¡°I probably might,¡± I responded with a smile.


    ¡°Welcome back, everyone. Without wasting any time, let us now begin the Audience Question Round,¡± the announcer said loudly over the speakers.


    ¡°So is she not going to show up?¡± Sullivan asked, referring to our absent teammate.


    ¡°She will. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Hazel reassured him, remaining seated.


    ¡°May the teams please come on stage,¡± the announcer called.


    Harley approached us as if on cue. Her look was difficult to decipher, but it was evident that whatever had occurred during her absence had caused her immense distress.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hazel remarked, standing up and leading the way. We followed behind in stride, even Harley.


    We stood together, joined by the other teams. A glance at Cohen''s team told me he knew he had no chance. Moreover, he was likely aware that he could face serious consequences for what he had done.


    ¡°Let us begin the Audience Question Round. Every representative is to listen for their name, as this is the signal for them to ask their question. Hayden Underwood,¡± the announcer said. I watched as a boy stood up, three rows away from the front.


    ¡°Hello everyone. I have a question for Class 2. I want to know if your plan to reduce the cost of living would also take into account our tuition fees as well,¡± he asked his question and promptly returned to his seat. Tomiko stepped forward to the podium as she elected herself to answer the question.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. I have a question for Class 2,¡± he began. ¡°Does your plan to reduce the cost of living also include addressing tuition fees?¡± With his query posed, he gave a slight nod and returned to his seat. Tomiko stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone slightly before speaking.


    ¡°I understand your concern, and to tell you the absolute truth, I am unable to give a suitable answer to that question. My current knowledge on the matter is that the school already has a high tuition fee as well as a high upkeep fee. However, the school is fully funded by the government, and not just one but three nations'' governments. This should mean that the school should be able to easily cut down on the tuition fee, but it still remains high for some reason. You could chalk it up to making some profit or maintaining exclusivity for only those who can afford it, despite awarding scholarships to those who can¡¯t. With that being said, I would look into the issue concerning the high tuition fees,¡± she said, giving the best answer she could in the situation before returning to her team.


    ¡°Kailey Luna,¡± the announcer said, and a strange wave of anxiety swept through me. My sister was now under the spotlight, and I worried she might make a mistake under the pressure. Whatever the case, she had volunteered and persuaded her classmates to let her be their representative. I wasn''t sure what effect this would have, as many might feel biassed since she is my sister. However, that was dependent on people''s ability to connect the dots. Many might assume it was just a coincidence, and it might fly over the heads of others.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I have a question for Class 3. As the thing on many of our minds, I am just going to come out and say it. Bullying is a serious offence, and there is substantial evidence that you engaged in it to try and crush the competition and win by any means possible. Now tell me, why should we vote for someone who can do something as vile as this?¡± Kailey said.


    With the question leaving her mouth and her goal complete, she sat down. A soft smile formed across my face as I felt somewhat prideful about how she had handled the situation. As I expected, Cohen was not the one to answer. Instead, Amelie took to the podium, and despite the difficult situation she and her group were in, she did not look the least bit fazed as she still wore the same calm expression she had on.


    ¡°The accusations made against my team and class are serious, and the evidence does seem conclusive enough. But I will tell you that we would be willing to work with the school to bring the truth to light. Whether you can trust us until then, I won''t force you nor pressure you to do so, as you have the freedom to form your own opinion on the matter. I just hope that it is not made in haste and is the right one,¡± she said, then stepped back.


    Denial without explicitly stating it. The technique was intriguing, and I believed it was the only one they could employ to try to mitigate the effect of the accusations. Despite this, though, I could see it doing very little to sway audience perception. It was smooth sailing from here.


    The round went rather swiftly because the questions were primarily re-explaining what had been expressed in the Presidents'' Question Round. Apart from Class 3 being constantly asked about the bullying and Amelie stepping in to answer, the rest went pretty well.


    ¡°With that, we have come to the end of the debate. I hope all the candidates have been able to properly leave a positive impression on the audience as they make their way to the voting booths. Candidates can now leave the stage,¡± the announcer stated.


    This cue made us walk off into the backstage area.


    ¡°You guys are free to roam around. They will be voting for a while, so we have some time,¡± I said to my team as my gaze landed on Harley, who had been utterly silent since the start of the last round. She then turned around and left as soon as I said so.


    ¡°What are we going to do about her?¡± Sullivan asked.


    ¡°No idea, but we will figure something out later. First, let''s see if we can clear this hurdle,¡± I remarked as I reclined in my chair and closed my eyes. The sound of shuffling feet informed me of their departure. I''m not sure how long I stayed in this state, but I eventually got up and went for a walk. I needed a drink.


    I was not willing to walk over to a store to buy any, and there were no vending machines close by. Luckily, there was a water dispenser with plastic cups that I could use. I took one of these disposable cups and filled it with cold water, taking several gulps from it. This has been stressful.


    The brief walk helped a lot in relieving the stress I felt. As I was walking back to the backstage area, I noticed two figures in the distance. As I got closer, I recognised Tomiko and her vice president, Daichi.


    From the looks of it, Daichi was very animated as he told her something, but I couldn''t hear them as they cut their conversation short as soon as they saw me. I didn''t mind this at all, respecting their privacy, and decided to walk past. However, I could feel Tomiko''s eyes on me as she watched me pass. I half-expected her to say something, but she didn''t at that moment.


    I returned to my seat and saw Hazel on her phone.


    ¡°Anything new?¡± I questioned her about the stunt we pulled.


    ¡°Well, apart from the post still trending, there is nothing new,¡± she answered without looking away from her screen. ¡°They are done voting, by the way,¡± she added nonchalantly, much to my surprise.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± The surprise in my voice was evident.


    ¡°Well, the voting process is fully electronic. Guess you didn''t know about that,¡± she remarked with a mischievous look on her face. Its purpose was unknown, but I assumed it was due to the fact that she got one over on me, despite how small this win was. My mind wandered back to the election. Since it was an electronic election, I prepared myself, as the results would be announced soon enough.


    ¡°May the candidates please make their way to the stage,¡± the announcer said.


    I sighed a little, then stretched as I waited a short while for both Sullivan and Harley to arrive. The other candidates were present as well, and together we all went onto the stage.


    We stood in our respective teams and awaited the result.


    ¡°Thank you all for your votes and for participating in this year¡¯s student council election. Not to waste any time, let us announce the final result for the votes cast,¡± the announcer added, pulling a piece of paper from his back pocket. ¡°A total of 615 individuals voted, with 529 representing the student body and 86 representing the teaching and academic boards. Each of those votes is properly represented in this result in my hand. I will now begin the announcement.¡±


    He read through the contents of the paper briefly before returning his focus to the audience.


    ¡°Coming in third with a total vote of 7% is¡­¡± The announcer held off on the revelation a little to try and build suspense, but it was quite obvious what the outcome was. ¡°Cohen and Class 3.¡±


    With this came some claps, but it was easy to see they were done out of courtesy. A quick glance at Cohen revealed that he was probably thinking about the predicament he''d gotten himself into. However, someone had a smile on their face. It was something I expected to see on Cane, but this didn''t originate from him. Instead, it came from the vice president representative, Amelie. My mind bolted as I tried to find the meaning behind the smile. Was it self-deprecation? No, this was simply one of pleasure and joy. Why, though?


    ¡°Coming in at second with a total of 44% is¡­¡±


    This statement made me snap out of my thoughts as I realised how close the votes between Tomiko and me were. I did accomplish my goal of making sure Cohen did not win this election, but how about the secondary objective? I eagerly anticipated the results.


    ¡°Tomiko and Class 2.¡±


    My tightened chest relaxed, and a sigh of relief escaped my lips.


    ¡°That means with 49% of the total votes, Marcus and Class 1 are the winners of the student council election,¡± the announcer said. As he did so, the audience erupted in cheers, and I wasn''t sure what to make of it.


    ¡°YEAH!¡± Sullivan yelled directly next to me, almost making me jump. He thrust his fists into the air, overcome by the excitement of triumph.


    Should I join in as well? Would this be received negatively? Lingering doubts clouded my mind, even in the moment of triumph. My eyes landed on Hazel, and I felt entranced by her at that moment. She was trying to hold in a large smile but was actively failing; her eyes were squinted a little as it seemed she was trying to hold back tears. I didn''t know what it was or why I felt this way, but I could only think of one thing.


    ¡°You look cute,¡± I said under my breath.


    ¡°What?¡± she said, and I realised what I''d just said to her. I tried not to panic, hoping she hadn''t heard me over the noise around us.


    ¡°Did you say something?¡± she asked, avoiding eye contact. I felt she didn''t want me to fully see her face in its emotional state. Due to the noise, I decided to lean in a bit so she could hear me.


    ¡°I only said thank you for this,¡± I said softly.


    She seemed to freeze up briefly after hearing me. To respond, she stretched a little, her mouth reaching the tip of my ear.


    ¡°I am not the only one you should thank,¡± she whispered, her breath sending shivers down my spine. ¡°So you should save that for the celebratory meeting later, alright?¡± she added, then pulled away from me. All I could do was nod in agreement. I took deep breaths, slowly soaking in the cheers and relishing our victorious outcome.


    I could see Tomiko clapping as well; her expression was one of gracious defeat. Cohen, on the other hand, looked like he was trying to melt into the floor, his face a mask of frustration and resignation. Amelie, though, still wore that enigmatic smile, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what she was thinking.


    ¡°Congratulations to all the candidates for a well-fought election. Marcus and Class 1, as the new student council leaders, you have the opportunity to make a real difference. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish,¡± the announcer said.

 New Year Update - 2025

    Hey everyone,


    Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! Can you believe we¡¯re here already? Crazy, right? Anyway, let¡¯s jump right into what¡¯s coming this year.


    First off, Minus One''s first arc will be wrapping up on February 21. As for the second arc, I¡¯m aiming for mid-year. Still editing it, so I don¡¯t have an exact date yet¡ªbut once it¡¯s ready, I¡¯ll let you know!


    Quick life update: I was away for three weeks for our national youth program and only got back a week before Christmas. Since laptops weren¡¯t allowed there, I couldn¡¯t edit Arc 2, but I did start working on the first draft for Arc 3. I¡¯ve paused it now to focus on editing Arc 2, but it¡¯s moving faster than I expected, so Arc 3 might release sooner than I thought.


    Now, about Arc 3... this is going to be the final arc for Minus One (for now). Why, you ask? Well, here¡¯s why:


    I¡¯m working on two new book projects! The first one is something smaller in scope that came from a random idea while chatting with a friend (literally last week). It¡¯ll have shorter chapters and more frequent releases, which is a big change from my usual style. I¡¯ve got the plot mostly sorted but need to see if I can juggle it with my other project.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The second project has been in the works for over two years now, and I think I¡¯m finally ready to start writing it! This is actually the main reason Arc 4 of Minus One is on hold for now. Once I¡¯ve written the first arc of this new book, Minus One will continue. Plus, Arc 4 is a big one, so having extra time to get it right is definitely a good thing.


    Oh, and finally, chapter illustrations are here! Here¡¯s an example:


    <figure>?</figure>


    <i>Chapter One Illustration 1: Hazel</i>


    <i></i>


    Okay, confession time: they¡¯re AI-generated for now since I can¡¯t afford an artist yet. I¡¯ll be adding illustrations to the chapters over the next few months. As for whether Arc 2 will have illustrations right away¡­ probably not, but we¡¯ll see! The chapter illustrations are just for <i>Minus One</i> for now¡ªI don¡¯t have any plans to add them to <i>Project Eliora</i>.


    Speaking of <i>Project Eliora</i>, it¡¯s up on Webcomic! So if you¡¯re interested, feel free to check it out and help me out with some views and engagement. I¡¯m also thinking about starting a Patreon for some extra support¡ªwhat do you think?


    That¡¯s about it for now! If anything new comes up, I¡¯ll keep you posted. Have an amazing New Year, and thanks for sticking with me. Cheers!

 CHAPTER FIFTEEN - MARCUSS MASTERPLAN

    ¡ª


    <h2>15.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    It was a few minutes past seven. Diya and I ascended the fleet of stairs under the darkened night sky, not uttering a word to one another. The sound of our footsteps on the wet surface was the only sound that accompanied us. We soon arrived at the end of the stairs and were greeted by the overlook. Not surprisingly, there was no one present except for the two other individuals waiting for us: Cohen and Harley.


    When Cohen saw us approaching, he bolted forward, seemingly ready to attack. I braced myself, but he stopped just inches away from me.


    ¡°You bastard,¡± he spat, his eyes filled with rage as he attempted to intimidate me with his stature. I stood my ground, unfazed.


    ¡°Was I called here so you could antagonise me, or is there something else you both need?¡± I said, moving past him and addressing Harley.


    ¡°Cohen, can you stop?¡± She said, her voice a mixture of frustration and exhaustion.


    ¡°I should stop? It¡¯s not like your name is being dragged through the mud and coming under investigation,¡± he lashed out at her. I watched as she visibly clenched her fist.


    ¡°We brought that upon ourselves, so just stop it, alright?¡± Harley said firmly. Cohen reluctantly backed off, returning to stand by her side.


    ¡°I don''t remember asking you to bring anyone with you,¡± Cohen remarked, referring to Diya, who had remained silent and watched the whole thing unfold.


    ¡°So it was you who sent the text using Harley¡¯s phone?¡± I asked, referring to the message I received about meeting here.


    ¡°Of course. Would you have come if I texted you directly?¡± Cohen retorted. I contemplated his question; maybe I would have come out just like now.


    ¡°I don''t know. And Diya stays,¡± I said.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wondering why we called you here?¡± Harley asked.


    ¡°You need an explanation, don¡¯t you? How was I able to crack through your plan and still reveal your bullying scheme to everyone despite your best efforts to curb it?¡± I said. She did not respond, biting her bottom lip as I read them so easily.


    ¡°It¡¯s really simple,¡± I began as Diya leaned against the railing, listening intently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with Ryo. He approached me right after the in-class voting and said he wanted to join my team. Normally, I wouldn''t have been concerned about that; however, what he said during my questioning tipped me off. Despite not knowing what my true goals were, he claimed to support me. Hazel and I deduced that he must be working for someone, and later concluded it was someone from your class,¡± I explained.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Harley started, but Cohen abruptly cut her off.


    ¡°Continue,¡± he said. I found the gesture suspicious, wondering what she was about to say. Regardless, I chose to proceed.


    ¡°The next thing was choosing the representatives. At that point, you decided to stop anyone from joining other groups; obviously, it was clear you wanted to push us towards a particular person. Considering Harley had always been planted at the library as bait, it shows that you have been planning this for quite a while. We always had suspicions that Harley might try something against us, but I''ll be honest, the bullying ploy actually did work on me. The issue is that maintaining such a scheme required tons of effort and coordination, which led to plenty of cracks showing themselves. The first sign of suspicion came when I visited your class to confront you. Ohara. Does this name ring a bell?¡± I watched as the mention of her name made Harley shrink back a little.


    ¡°She is your close friend, and I did meet her briefly during our first encounter. I didn''t think anything of it when I saw her there, but I noticed whenever we met up, you had her books. This made me assume that you guys were still friends in secret despite the bullying order by Cohen, but I did notice her at your seat when I entered the classroom that day, something that Cohen wouldn''t have allowed,¡± I explained.


    ¡°I see,¡± Harley replied, her face laden with guilt.


    ¡°Your sister also helped quite a lot,¡± I added.


    ¡°What?¡± She was surprised by what I had said, rightfully so.


    ¡°Basically, she confirmed that you were still hanging out with your friends and that you were also attending the party at the club. Don''t worry, I didn''t interact with her directly. Someone I know in her class did,¡± I added quickly, hoping to curb any troublesome thoughts that might arise.


    ¡°On the day of the party, I confirmed that you went into a private booth with your friends. Not just that; Cohen was also present. That was the deciding factor for me. At the time, Hazel and I had already started hiding things from both you and Sullivan because of trust issues. We began holding separate meetings with Sullivan later on, and during meetings with you, we only discussed half-truths. This led to everything that happened today,¡± I revealed.


    Cohen let out a bitter laugh, covering his face with his hand. His anger was palpable.


    ¡°The post I made, as you¡¯ve already seen, included evidence to push the narrative that you bullied Harley despite this not being true. Including your classmates talking about it and also video evidence showing the bullying happening,¡± I added.


    ¡°How did you get the video evidence?¡± Cohen asked, his voice tinged with frustration.


    ¡°I have my ways,¡± I said, still maintaining my calm demeanour.


    ¡°Keeping quiet, huh? Scummy bastard,¡± he muttered, beginning to walk towards me.


    ¡°Cohen!¡± Harley yelled, attempting to stop him, but he persisted in his approach. I stood my ground, unbothered. Soon, we stood shoulder to shoulder.


    ¡°Just know that I am wishing for the downfall of you and your accomplice,¡± he hissed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pass on the message,¡± I said calmly as he walked away, leaving just the three of us behind.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°I hope you can understand why he¡¯s acting like this,¡± Harley said, trying to elicit some sympathy for him.


    ¡°I see no difference in the way he¡¯s acted towards me,¡± I replied.


    ¡°As for me, I¡¯m not trying to beg for your forgiveness or anything like that. What I did was messed up and deceitful, so let me give you one piece of advice at least,¡± Harley remarked, quickly drawing my attention. ¡°Earlier, you mentioned Ryo; he¡¯s from Class 2, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what about him?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Let me be blunt. We had nothing to do with his situation,¡± she said, my eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡°What?¡± I said, unable to hide my shock.


    ¡°Exactly. This Ryo thing is a first for me and probably for Cohen,¡± she explained.


    ¡°I see. Thanks for the warning,¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two then,¡± Harley said, turning and walking away from the overlook. After I was sure she was gone, I turned my attention to Diya, who had remained silent, a lollipop in her mouth.


    ¡°What¡¯s your take on all this?¡± I asked, needing a new perspective.


    ¡°Well, from everything that was said, it¡¯s easy to say that there are more people at play,¡± Diya said thoughtfully.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I agreed as I felt a drop of water land on my shoulder. ¡°We should head back now,¡± I said to Diya. She stood up, and together, we made our way down the steps.


    ¡°Honestly, all this seems really entertaining but stressful,¡± she said with a cheerful tone.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re not wrong about that one,¡± I agreed, stepping carefully on the wet stairs. ¡°What she said was really interesting, though. If we are to believe her, then someone else is responsible for Ryo making contact with me.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t it just be his plan alone?¡± Diya asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    ¡°Yes, I do consider that an option,¡± I responded, kicking a small pebble off the step and watching it bounce away.


    ¡°But damn, Cohen must be under so much pressure,¡± Diya said.


    ¡°Well, he did bring this upon himself. What other option did he have?¡± I said, stretching my arms in the air and yawning as a wave of weariness hit me suddenly.


    ¡°He could possibly blame it on the entire class,¡± Diya said, twirling the lollipop in her mouth.


    ¡°That is true. Maybe pinning the blame on one person was a mistake,¡± I murmured, stroking my chin thoughtfully.


    ¡°Maybe, but that makes me wonder why you didn''t expose the entire class. I mean, the evidence is there,¡± Diya pointed out, tilting her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s a very good¡­¡± I stopped in my tracks, a sudden realisation hitting me. How? That was the question that raced through my mind. I needed a way to confirm it, though, as the circumstances were too vague. ¡°Diya, what you said just made me think of something. I need you to follow my train of thought here. First of all, I need to tell you something that even Hazel is not aware of at this point.¡±


    ¡°Oh? This must be big,¡± she said excitedly.


    ¡°Yesterday, I received an anonymous envelope containing a flash drive that had a folder filled with evidence pertaining to the planning and execution of the fake bullying of Harley by Class 3,¡± I revealed.


    ¡°Wait. An anonymous sender?¡± She asked, her eyebrows knitting together in surprise.


    ¡°Yep. At the time, I didn''t have anything concrete but I did have an idea. Everything that happened during the debate was all my doing, but I still decided to post the evidence and frame it in a way that blamed Cohen for everything,¡± I explained, watching her reaction closely.


    ¡°But why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°The reason is that despite everything, Harley was still a member of my team. It would look really bad if she was involved with this, hence why I decided to go for sympathy on her behalf,¡± I said.


    ¡°That is crazy. And I am sure Harley has no inclination to reveal the truth since she is technically safe. Now Cohen¡¯s statement earlier makes sense,¡± Diya pointed out, nodding slowly.


    ¡°This onlooker, as they refer to themselves, was aware of everything and wanted to help me. From what we know, Ryo was acting independently or was in cahoots with someone else. This onlooker is my biggest problem because I am unsure of what their goals are,¡± I said.


    ¡°I see. At first glance, it seems they do want to help you, but then I begin wondering, why and what''s with the secrecy?¡± she said.


    ¡°Exactly my point. The person has to be in a position where they do not want to reveal themselves, plus there are also the students who gave their testimony. Despite them being anonymous, I doubt they would willingly give up so much information unless something was used against them,¡± I said.


    ¡°Are you thinking about power and position?¡± She asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°Possibly, but I can''t say for sure,¡± I said, sighing.


    ¡°That would mean that there are two unknowns, then. Ryo and the unknown sender. There is a possibility they are one and the same,¡± she said.


    ¡°True,¡± I sighed again. ¡°I guess I just need more evidence then.¡±


    ¡°Damn, a real mystery thriller,¡± Diya exclaimed, beaming at me excitedly.  ¡°I can be your assistant in this case, you know.¡±


    ¡°But you are always busy,¡± I pointed out, giving her a sideways glance.


    ¡°I can make time for you,¡± she said, then quickly pulled back, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. ¡°I¡­ I didn''t mean it that way¡­ just forget what I said,¡± she added, moving behind me to hide her embarrassment. I could only chuckle at her antics.


    ¡°Thanks for coming with me, by the way,¡± I said, appreciating her support.


    ¡°It is nothing; besides, I am happy filling in for Hazel. She needs to rest as she has been stressed these past few days,¡± Diya said, her concern for our friend evident.


    ¡°I take full responsibility for that,¡± I admitted, feeling a stab of remorse.


    ¡°No. She, too, loves overworking herself beyond her limits. I am sure she is probably passed out on her bed from exhaustion right now,¡± she said, and I remained quiet, unsure of how to respond. But she continued, ¡°That¡¯s true. I am going to be heading home next week.¡±


    ¡°Home? Why?¡± I asked, a bit concerned.


    ¡°Oh, it''s nothing serious, just my mom''s birthday, and I need to be there,¡± Diya explained.


    ¡°When are you¡­¡± my question was interrupted as the raindrops began increasing in intensity. We both looked at each other and knew that was our signal to run back to our rooms before we were fully soaked in the downpour.


    We broke into a sprint, the rain pouring down harder, drenching us within moments. The sound of our footsteps splashing through puddles filled the air, as we raced against the weather.


    ¡ª


    <h2>15.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    The rising sun and chirping birds signalled the start of a new day, a welcome contrast to the storm that had raged the night before. The lingering raindrops from the downpour glistened on leaves and grass, adding a touch of magic to the morning as I made my way to the administrative building near the school gate. Usually, I would head to the academic building for classes, but today was different.


    As I entered the building, I greeted a few staff members with polite nods and smiles. Their responses were warm, though slightly distracted, as they were already immersed in their morning routines. I climbed the stairs to the second floor, my footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway. I soon stopped at an elegantly designed door with a plaque reading ¡°Student Council Office.¡± This would be my office for the next year.


    ¡°Wait for us!¡± a voice cried from down the hall. I turned to find Sullivan rushing towards me, with Hazel following at a more measured pace.


    ¡°Finally here,¡± Sullivan panted, bending over to catch his breath.


    ¡°I didn''t expect you to rush over here,¡± I remarked, surprised by his enthusiasm.


    ¡°Well, I am here, aren''t I?¡± Sullivan replied, straightening up as he regained his composure. Hazel joined us, a calm presence beside Sullivan''s breathless energy. ¡°Bumped into her on the way here,¡± he explained, nodding towards Hazel.


    We all turned to face the door together. ¡°Do you think she would come?¡± Sullivan voiced the question we were all thinking.


    I felt a pang of uncertainty but pushed it aside. ¡°We will have to see,¡± Hazel answered, ever practical. She then looked at me expectantly. ¡°Want to do the honours?¡±


    I nodded and pushed the doorknob open, revealing the grand room inside. A large meeting table dominated the centre, surrounded by four office chairs. To the side, a coffee table and two sofas provided a more relaxed seating area. A large bookshelf lined one wall, opposite a desktop computer. At the far end, in front of a window with a view of the campus, was a desk with a single chair. The room''s modernist design was reflected in the sleek, functional furniture.


    We stood in silence for a while, taking everything in. Then I clasped my hands together. ¡°Alright, everyone, let''s get to work cleaning and setting up this place,¡± I said.


    Sullivan and Hazel nodded in accord. We were ready to begin when a voice came from behind us. ¡°Hope I can be of use here.¡±


    We turned to find Harley standing in the doorway, nervously biting her lip. Despite her betrayal and deceitful actions, she was still a team member. Plus, I could use her in this game of wits. I put on the best smile I could muster.


    ¡°Of course you can, Harley. Glad to have you here,¡± I said.

 Quick Update (That Didnt Take Long)

    Hey everyone,


    Quick update! Just wanted to share that I now have a Patreon</a>! For now, it¡¯s mainly a way to show support¡ªthere aren¡¯t any exclusive perks yet. So, if you enjoy what I do and want to support me, even just $1 goes a long way, and I¡¯d really appreciate it!


    Another great way to support me is by dropping comments and reviews. Now that Arc One is wrapping up, feedback is super important¡ªit helps me figure out where I can improve and what you¡¯d like to see more of.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Oh, and I¡¯ve added more illustrations for Chapters 1, 2, and 4! Check them out below:


    <figure></figure>


    <i><b>Chapter One, Second Illustration: Natsumi</b></i>


    <figure></figure>


    <i><b>Chapter Two, First Illustration: Diya</b></i>


    <figure></figure>


    <i><b>Chapter Two, Second Illustration: Hazel and Marcus</b></i>


    <figure></figure>


    <b><i>Chapter Four, First Illustration: Hotaka</i></b>


    That¡¯s all for now. Catch you later!

 CHAPTER HOTAKA - LUNCH DATE

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.1.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The pleasant aroma of food permeated the eatery. Only a few customers, including myself and my guest, were present inside as a storm outside drowned out the noise and turned the evening sky into a dark, atmospheric canvas. The steady drumming of rain against the windows provided a rhythmic backdrop to our meal.


    I took another bite of the smothered pork chops and a sip of water to help digest it easily. The sound of silverware being placed on a plate drew my attention to my guest as she finished eating her meal.


    ¡°Thanks for the meal,¡± she said, her tone a mix of genuine appreciation and residual frustration.


    ¡°It is no problem,¡± I replied, smiling.


    ¡°So, did you call me out today just to gloat?¡± She asked, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°Oh, why do you think I would do that? We get lunch together a few times every week,¡± I said, trying to keep my tone light.


    ¡°I¡¯m very aware of that, and I do appreciate it each time, but today is a special case,¡± she replied, her gaze piercing.


    I couldn''t hold back my laughter and let out a small giggle, which clearly irritated her as she scrunched her face in frustration.


    ¡°Alright, I admit I wanted to see your face after hearing things didn¡¯t go your way,¡± I admitted, still chuckling.


    ¡°Scumbag,¡± she muttered, grabbing my fork and stabbing a piece of pork chop before popping it into her mouth.


    ¡°So now you resort to food stealing? Seems you are really pissed,¡± I said, trying to keep a straight face.


    ¡°Of course I am. I really wanted Tomiko to win,¡± she said, her voice laced with disappointment.


    ¡°That is obviously your bias talking,¡± I said as I took back the fork and ate the remaining pieces of food on my plate.


    ¡°Ugh. What if I say it isn¡¯t, and I actually do agree with her goals out of everyone the most?¡± she said, crossing her arms.


    ¡°I will call bullshit on that,¡± I responded, leaning back in my chair.


    ¡°See. You already have a predetermined assumption of me, so I¡¯m not even going to try and change that notion,¡± she said, throwing her hands up in exasperation.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bad habit though,¡± I added.


    ¡°Is it? I don¡¯t see it that way. It is simply not giving a fuck,¡± she said, leaning back into her seat, her posture relaxed yet defiant.


    ¡°But you really did want Tomiko to win, didn¡¯t you? I heard you did some behind-the-scenes work to help artificially increase her vote,¡± I said, watching her reaction closely. She immediately scoffed.


    ¡°Kassidy told you, didn¡¯t he? Fucking snitch,¡± she said, shaking her head.


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t mention any names. You were the one that came to that conclusion yourself,¡± I said, raising an eyebrow.


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    ¡°I¡¯m not dumb, Hotaka. Anyways, are you going to lecture me that what I did was wrong?¡± She asked, her tone challenging.


    ¡°Do you want me to?¡± I asked, matching her gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not hear it,¡± she remarked, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Good. I wasn¡¯t going to do it either. By the way, Shayna, it seems my second guest has arrived,¡± I said, watching him enter the restaurant with an umbrella in hand. He dropped it by the rack and made his way towards us.


    Shayna turned around and spotted him as well, her expression stiffening. She rolled her eyes again.


    ¡°I am leaving,¡± Shayna said, packing up her things and standing up abruptly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand the hostility. You should get to know him a little,¡± I said, genuinely puzzled by her reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± she said, turning around and walking past Marcus without a word. He glanced at her briefly before taking her seat across from me, shaking off the raindrops from his jacket.


    ¡°Haku-senpai,¡± he said, addressing me.


    ¡°You can call me by my first name, Hotaka. I don¡¯t mind,¡± I said to him. ¡°Congratulations, student council president. How about some drinks to celebrate?¡± I offered, leaning back and gesturing to the waiter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass on the offer, thanks,¡± he said quickly, waving off the waiter. His tone was polite but firm.


    ¡°So, I assume you wanted to see me because of something important? Is this related to the election?¡± I asked, deciding not to waste any time.


    ¡°Exactly. I have some questions,¡± he said, his expression unchanging.


    ¡°Alright, what is it?¡± I asked, leaning forward slightly; my interest piqued.


    Marcus sighed and shifted in his seat, clearly gathering his thoughts. ¡°Cohen. His plan was brilliant and would have worked, but there were some flaws. The same person who came up with such a plan came to the debate completely unprepared and made a fool of himself. This makes me believe those were never his plans; in fact, I do believe that he was never meant to be the class representative.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? So, how did he win the in-class voting? Do you think he brute-forced his way or was planted there by someone else?¡± I asked, watching Marcus closely.


    ¡°That, I am not sure of yet. It does make me wonder who is behind all this,¡± he said, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece it together.


    ¡°What exactly is your question, then?¡± I asked. I had an idea of what he was about to say but needed confirmation.


    ¡°Do you have a hand in this?¡± Marcus asked, his eyes locking onto mine with unwavering intensity.


    ¡°Why would you think I have something to do with this?¡± I asked, curious about his reasoning.


    ¡°First, I know you have been interested in me since the time I came to the school. In fact, I am 100% confident that you are aware of how I got into the school now, and you did all this to test my abilities, am I right?¡± He said.


    I remained silent, choosing not to answer. He sighed in response, then relaxed back into his seat.


    ¡°If you choose not to answer, don¡¯t worry; I won¡¯t press you any further. But that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t get to the bottom of this,¡± he replied, rising from his seat. ¡°And as for our deal?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I still remember. I will uphold my end of the deal. Meet me at the Ichiro Mall on the 23rd, which happens to be next Saturday. I¡¯ll tell you everything I know there,¡± I stated. He nodded and prepared to leave, but I had something else to say.


    ¡°Before you leave, Marcus, a bit of advice as the former student council president.¡± Marcus stopped to listen. ¡°Apart from the council dinner next week, the cultural festival is the first big event your team will manage. I say you should focus on that before anything else.¡±


    ¡°Any reason why I should give it special attention?¡± He questioned, turning back to face me fully.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. The ranking system,¡± I said, watching his interest pique. ¡°This is insider information, but I am sure you would learn about it soon now that you are student council president. That system will be implemented from the beginning of the next term, and it seems the cultural festival will be a turning point for many.¡±


    ¡°A turning point, you say?¡± Marcus replied, his tone thoughtful.


    ¡°Exactly. So focus on that. You have a month until the system is implemented and two until the cultural festival arrives,¡± I said.


    ¡°I appreciate the heads-up,¡± he remarked as he proceeded to the entrance, grabbed his umbrella, and opened it, stepping out into the heavy rain, which showed no signs of letting up.


    I sighed, then decided to finally open a bottle of drink I had on the table and pour some into a cup. I took a quick sip, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn¡¯t any colder, but I didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°At least I can relax all I want now,¡± I told myself, reclining back and watching the rain pour down outside.

 CHAPTER HAZEL - A BORING DAY TURNED FUN

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.2.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    A melodic tone began playing, drawing my attention to my phone. I pushed my book aside and grabbed it, noting the various notifications and blocked messages. However, hers always came through.


    ¡°Hey Diya,¡± I said, answering the call and putting it on speaker.


    ¡°Konnichiwa! Let¡¯s hang out,¡± she said, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Classic Diya. I smiled, knowing how this would end already. Even though I was in the thick of studying, I knew that she would find a way to make me drop everything and join her.


    ¡°What do you have planned?¡± I asked, accepting my fate with a sigh.


    ¡°Shopping. I¡¯m on my way to your room right now,¡± she said, abruptly ending the call. Time to get ready.


    I hurriedly changed into more fitting attire, searching through my closet for something cosy but fashionable. After roughly ten minutes, I heard a knock on my door. Opening it, I was greeted by the radiant aura of Diya, her enthusiasm almost tangible.


    ¡°You ready?¡± She questioned, grinning eagerly as she stood at the entrance, her vibrant energy making it clear she wasn¡¯t coming in¡ªshe wanted to leave immediately.


    ¡°Yep, let me grab my bag,¡± I said. In a swift motion, I slung my bag over my shoulder, turned off the lights, and locked my room.


    ¡°Alrighty, let''s go,¡± Diya said, and I followed her closely as she led the way to today¡¯s adventure.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.2.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    We made a quick trip to Kokubu via the station, a place we would frequently visit whenever we ventured out from school to hang out.  I''ve never really been into shopping as a pastime, but I¡¯d come to understand that with the right person, even this could be entertaining.


    As soon as we entered the busy mall, I saw a few things had changed.  It had been about a month since my last visit, and the new stores and rearranged layouts made it feel almost unfamiliar.


    ¡°Come on, there¡¯s a place I want to check out,¡± Diya said, taking hold of my hand and pulling me towards a trendy clothing store. I already knew what was coming.


    ¡°As long as it¡¯s nothing too revealing like last time,¡±  I cautioned, thinking back to the previous shopping trip''s more daring outfits.


    ¡°You¡¯re overreacting,¡± Diya chuckled but I could see the sly twinkle in her eyes.


    Once inside, we looked over the racks, each picking out outfits we thought would suit the other. The store was alive with the hum of soft music and the rustling of hangers. Diya flitted from rack to rack, periodically putting up a piece for my scrutiny, her eyes sparkling with every move. I matched her enthusiasm, selecting items I thought would look great on her. Finally, with arms full of clothing, we headed towards the changing rooms.


    We exchanged our chosen outfits with a grin, then disappeared into our respective booths. I sighed as I looked at what Diya had chosen for me. She never learns, does she? Apart from the boots being a bit tight, everything else fit perfectly. As soon as I stepped out, I found Diya waiting and her face lit up.


    She wore a dark blue oversized cotton coat over a plain white shirt and jeans of a similar hue. Knee-high boots completed the ensemble, and I couldn¡¯t help but admire how well everything came together.


    ¡°Wow, you look great,¡± I said, impressed with my own selections.


    ¡°Thanks! You too!¡± Diya said, grinning. She looked me up and down, her smile widening. ¡°See, you look amazing.¡±


    I took a quick look in the mirror. Diya had chosen a white sleeveless crop top paired with a loose brown cotton shirt. For my lower half, she¡¯d picked denim shorts and black knee-high boots. The outfit showed off more of my legs than I was comfortable with.


    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Diya questioned me, slanting her head to examine my expression.


    ¡°You really love making me show off my legs, don¡¯t you?¡± I uttered a light-hearted groan.


    ¡°Of course! Why hide something so beautiful?¡± She teased, making me roll my eyes.


    ¡°I do love the boots, though,¡± I admitted, causing her to laugh.


    ¡°Of course you do. Well, I do love my outfit,¡± she said, slowly spinning to give me a full view.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s decide,¡± she said, and I nodded, ready to give my verdict.


    ¡°Three, two, one¡­¡± We counted down together.


    ¡°Buy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t buy.¡±


    Our answers collided in the air, and I could immediately see the disappointment on Diya¡¯s face.


    ¡°But the outfit looks so good on you,¡± she remarked with a pout.


    ¡°Too much leg showing, you know this already,¡± I shot back, turning to face the racks.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s try again,¡± I said over my shoulder.


    ¡°And I actually like this coat,¡± she said, following reluctantly.


    Diya picked out a few more things as we browsed the store once more, clearly trying to find something I would approve of. I found a couple of pieces for her as well, aiming for a balance between her stylish preferences and my modest comfort zone.


    We made our way back to the changing rooms. This time, I selected a casual yet chic outfit for Diya: a soft, pastel sweater with a floral skirt that reached just above her knees. She handed me a pair of high-waisted jeans and a stylish, yet conservative blouse.


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    Stepping out of the booths, we were to gaze upon one another''s outfits once more. Diya¡¯s sweater and skirt ensemble highlighted her vibrant personality without being overly flashy, and my jeans and blouse combo felt both stylish and appropriate.


    ¡°How about now?¡± Diya asked, twirling once more.


    ¡°We will see.¡± I said I was choosing to be mysterious this time.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s count down again.¡± She grinned.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.2.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    In and out of the changing room we went, trying on outfit after outfit until finally, we both reached the conclusive decision to buy something. Two hours had passed by then. We headed to the arcade, both of us knowing it was still too early to call it a day.


    ¡°So you actually beat him?¡± With her eyes wide with excitement and interest, Diya tried to confirm as she took some coins from the attendant.


    ¡°Of course. He tried to challenge my knowledge of art. There was no way I could lose; he even tried to learn everything in just a week,¡± I explained, taking some of the coins from her.


    ¡°That explains why you were so happy yesterday,¡± she replied as we both walked towards the familiar beeps and lights of the arcade games.


    ¡°Yep. I completely rubbed it in his face,¡± I said with a triumphant smile. The memory of Marcus¡¯s face when I won our little competition was quite the treat, even though he didn''t show any sign of anguish. But a win is a win.


    Diya halted abruptly, her eyes narrowing as she noticed something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªin the arcade. ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­?¡±


    I followed her gaze to see a young guy shooting hoops. He hadn''t noticed us since he was so preoccupied.


    ¡°Kazuki, right?¡± Diya said, glancing at me for confirmation. I nodded; he was a fellow classmate. ¡°Let¡¯s go say hi.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we just let him enjoy¡ª¡± I started, but before I could finish, the energetic creature had already made her way over to him with her typical exuberance. I could only trail behind her.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here too, Hazel?¡± Kazuki said as he noticed me approaching.


    ¡°Yeah. Hope we aren''t disturbing you?¡± I asked, mostly referring to the whirlwind that was Diya, but he shook his head.


    ¡°Not at all. I was just practicing,¡± he said, a modest smile on his face.


    ¡°Practicing with a score like that?¡± Diya said, gazing at the scoreboard. Stretching out my neck to see, I was astounded at the high score he had attained.


    ¡°With a score like that, I don''t think practice is necessary,¡± I responded, to which he laughed amiably.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say I¡¯m an expert,¡± he said, still maintaining his modesty.


    ¡°Oh? Expert? What about the other games? Are you good at those as well?¡± Diya asked, her mischievous eyes gleaming.


    ¡°Of course I am,¡± he replied confidently.


    Diya''s eyes brightened and she gave me a sly look. Immediately, I knew what she was thinking. Was I going to stop her? Absolutely not. Was I going to join in? Obviously. A smile formed on my face, and together we both said, ¡°Let¡¯s play Dance Dance Revolution.¡±


    For a brief period, Kazuki appeared confused, but his expression quickly turned into a smirk. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    Excited beyond belief, Diya took hold of our hands and dragged us in the direction of the dance machine. The machine''s lights and music blasted in a cacophony of colour and sound as it stood idle, waiting for challengers.


    ¡°Hazel, you go first,¡± Diya said, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because I should be the final boss, alright? Plus, I''m better at this than you.¡± Playfully sticking out her tongue, I rolled my eyes at her.


    ¡°Alright, you ready?¡± I said, turning my attention to Kazuki.


    ¡°Yep, let¡¯s do this,¡± he answered with a glimmer of competitive spirit in his eyes.


    Taking our respective places on the dance pad, we made the necessary selections. I removed my boots, allowing my bare feet to touch the cool surface of the pad, and got into position. We gradually followed the directions as they showed on the screen, timing every move and step to the beat.


    The difficulty ramped up quickly, and as we moved quicker, I started to breathe heavily. The scores on the screen showed that I was leading at first, but that started to change as my perfect steps began to miss some beats.


    ¡°If you lose, you¡¯re going to buy me ice cream, Hazel,¡± Diya teased, her voice carrying a playful challenge.


    That dummy. I made an effort to pick up the pace, but this caused me to make even more missteps. At the end of the round, Kazuki emerged victorious.


    ¡°Damn, Kazuki, you did great,¡± Diya remarked as we both caught our breath. ¡°You do owe me ice cream, though,¡± she continued, giving me a gentle prod with her elbow. I wanted to smack her forehead but decided to hold back.


    ¡°If you challenge Kazuki now, that wouldn¡¯t be fair since he¡¯s already used up some energy,¡± I expressed my concerns about Diya''s unfair advantage.


    ¡°True. Then I¡¯ll do a solo run while he rests up,¡± Diya suggested, her enthusiasm undiminished.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± Kazuki said, wiping the sweat off his forehead.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Diya started to protest, but Kazuki interjected.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Besides, beating you in this state would just make me even cooler, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± he said with a confident grin.


    Diya grinned and chuckled. ¡°Well, let¡¯s begin, shall we?¡± She struck a dramatic pose, placing her hand over her face to cover one eye like a character from an anime.


    She lost.


    ¡°How?¡± Diya gasped, looking shocked and astonished at the scoreboard. Her score was significantly lower than Kazuki¡¯s and, amusingly, even lower than mine had been. She fell to the ground dramatically, one arm draped over her forehead as if in a fainting spell. ¡°This can¡¯t be happening!¡±


    ¡°Practice,¡± Kazuki said simply, watching Diya''s dramatic performance with a light-hearted smile on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you; that was impressive,¡± Diya replied, still on the ground, gathering her breath. She finally sat up and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.


    ¡°It really was,¡± I added as Kazuki stretched his body, loosening up after the intense game.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he answered humbly.


    ¡°Me and Diya have always played Dance Dance Revolution since we were younger, so seeing you beat us so easily is really insane,¡± I added, sincerely impressed.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve just always been good at games, that¡¯s all,¡± he replied, scratching the top of his head bashfully.


    ¡°I wish I was that good,¡± Diya remarked, sulking for a little before lighting up with another idea. ¡°Come on, Kazuki, let¡¯s go get ice cream! Hazel¡¯s paying.¡±


    ¡°Because of Kazuki, I¡¯m willing to bite the bullet this time,¡± I said, accepting my fate.


    With a hearty cheer, Diya grabbed both of our hands and dragged us to the ice cream shop. We arrived, and Diya went over to the glass, examining the myriad of flavours. ¡°I¡¯ll take a Cherry Vanilla.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a scoop of mint chocolate chip,¡± Kazuki said.


    I chose a classic vanilla cone and handed over the money, noticing Diya smiling off in the corner as she had just gotten a free snack from me.


    ¡°That was fun,¡± Diya said as we found a bench outside the store and sat down to enjoy our snacks.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Kazuki nodded and turned to face me. ¡°You know, it''s refreshing to see you like this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how so?¡± I asked, needing a bit more elaboration.


    ¡°Well, you usually have this serious and stoic attitude that makes you seem unapproachable. It''s good to see you relaxed and having fun,¡± he explained.


    I realised what he meant and laughed a little. ¡°I¡¯m just like that. I¡¯m generally really quiet, but she manages to force this side of me out at times. So, I hope there isn''t any mistaken malice?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no. It¡¯s alright, and thanks for clarifying,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°I told you that resting bitch face of yours scares people away,¡± Diya joked, and I raised my hand in playful retaliation, causing her to move back, laughing. ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t make jokes again,¡± she said, still chuckling.


    ¡°And you think I¡¯m going to believe that?¡± I replied, rolling my eyes.


    Kazuki and Diya laughed, and it was clear that I was their source of entertainment. We laughed and talked for a long while, and before we knew it, the sun had already set. We made our way back to the school, stopping at the entrance.


    ¡°That was fun,¡± Diya said, stretching her body like a contented cat.


    ¡°Yes, it was,¡± Kazuki agreed.


    ¡°Anyways, it¡¯s getting late, and I need to sleep,¡± I muttered as I felt totally depleted of energy.


    ¡°I agree. You both have been really fun. Thank you for today,¡± Kazuki said with a kind smile.


    ¡°Awww, we feel the same way. You added some much-needed spice to our hangout today,¡± Diya said, her eyes glimmering.


    ¡°I feel the same,¡± he said before waving goodbye and making his way to his dorm.


    Diya turned to face me, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. ¡°Want to race back to the dorm?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said flatly, starting to walk away.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± Diya called out, trying to elicit some sympathy from me with her puppy-dog eyes.


    ¡°You always ask, and that is always my answer,¡± I remarked, keeping up my steady gait.


    ¡°You¡¯re no fun,¡± she pouted, but quickly caught up and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. Together, we walked back to our dorms.

 CHAPTER STELLA - A CLUB FOR THOSE WHO LIKE BOOKS

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.3.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    By the time I reached the door at the end of the corridor, it was just a few minutes after five. When I opened it, four other seated individuals in the room shifted their eyes to look at me. Clasping my hands together in a plea, I quickly moved to take a seat before anyone could say a thing.


    ¡°Sorry for coming in late,¡± I said breathlessly.


    With a sigh, Nana, our club president, ran a hand through her unkempt hair, which only added to her usual dishevelled appearance. She began addressing us, her movements animated and expressive as always.


    ¡°Alright, I know that usually we don''t have meetings on Wednesdays, but this had to be addressed now rather than later,¡± Nana said, eager to get started. She almost tripped over her words.


    We could all see what the problem was. Whether we liked it or not, it was something that directly affected us.


    ¡°Our classes have been experiencing growing tension recently, and it can be felt by everyone. Not only is everyone on edge because of the student council election, but Cohen''s new policy has sullied what little middle ground we had.¡±


    Preventing students from his class from joining other classes'' election groups was a very stupid move on Cohen''s part. It was as if he acted on the first thought that occurred to his muscle brain without even considering the potential consequences.


    ¡°Azumi and Alaina, I want to know if there will be issues interacting in the club because of this,¡± Nana remarked, pointing at them dramatically.


    Our attention turned to the two girls who exchanged looks with one another before Azumi spoke. She leaned forward, hands clasped together on the table, her movements deliberate and controlled, a stark contrast to Nana''s.


    ¡°We had a discussion with ourselves on what happens with clubs, and the consensus made was that we are free to participate as we should. However, there are some stipulations,¡± Azumi stated.


    ¡°Stipulations?¡± Nana repeated, clearly curious. She tilted her head, causing a few loose strands of hair to fall into her face, which she blew away with a huff.


    ¡°Yes. First, all Class 3 students must participate in the club, adhering to the time allocated. Meaning no hanging with club members outside of club hours,¡± Azumi continued.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Yasuo swiftly chimed in, raising a hand as though he were in class. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean you have been here already, which violates that stipulation?¡± he questioned. His brows furrowed in confusion.


    This time, Alaina chose to respond, her demeanour composed. Arms crossed, she reclined back in her chair.


    ¡°It does, but all these stipulations only work if everyone is willing to cooperate and report when there is a breach. As for us,¡± Alaina paused, and she and Azumi pinched their fingers together and moved them over their lips in a zipping motion. Their lips were sealed.


    ¡°So with that, let''s just forget about the stipulations, because we won''t let all that class drama get in the way of having fun here,¡± Azumi added, which prompted a smile to spread across my face.


    ¡°If you both are sure that it won''t bring about any problems, then I would like to say that this matter has reached its conclusion,¡± Nana stated. I was ready to leave but noticed that Nana had not yet slammed the desk three times to signify the end of the meeting, meaning she probably still had more to say.


    ¡°Next, I would like for us to choose our next book to read,¡± she said, almost springing out of her chair.


    ¡°We aren''t all here, so it won''t be fair to make that decision now,¡± I remarked, attempting to bring a bit of logic to the situation.


    ¡°I know, but right now, I am just feeling very excited to stick my hand in the box,¡± Nana said, her eyes sparkling with childlike glee as she reached for the selection box.


    Everyone in the room let out a loud sigh, and there was the sound of a palm slamming against something. I turned to find Yasuo with his palm on his face, a sentiment I could completely relate to.


    ¡°I will just tell the others that they can pick next time, alright?¡± Nana added, her voice hopeful and slightly pleading.


    ¡°I doubt that is the main issue here,¡± Azumi remarked, her voice tinged with concern, but Nana appeared to dismiss her concern.


    ¡°I guess we''ll just chalk this up to a Nana moment,¡± I said, and everyone in the room nodded in agreement. Nana¡¯s whimsical decisions were part of our club¡¯s charm.


    ¡°Yippee! Thank you, Stella!¡± Nana cheered, grabbing my hand in a show of appreciation. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite our occasional frustrations, we couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    We watched as she made her way to a cabinet; her movements were hurried and almost clumsy. She pulled out a box with a hole in it, covered by a piece of cloth so that no one could see what was inside. She dropped it on the table with a flourish.


    ¡°Last time we pulled out Wuthering Heights, which was Ezekiel''s pick, right?¡± Nana spoke with delight glimmering in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes, it was,¡± Azumi said in a cool, composed tone.


    ¡°Alright then, I hope mine gets chosen next,¡± Nana responded, bouncing on her heels.


    It was an easy yet fun method to decide on our next book. Everyone wrote the names of two books they wanted the others to read and placed them in the box. Nana would shake the box and reach in whenever we wanted a new book. This time, she shook it vigorously, her whole body moving with the effort, and reached inside. With a smile, she turned to face me after taking out a slip of paper and reading what was written on it.


    ¡°Congratulations, Stella! We are reading The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish!¡± With enthusiasm in her voice, Nana announced. She made a kazoo-like sound with her mouth, something I never quite understood how she managed to do.


    There was a complimentary round of applause, though I didn¡¯t see the big deal about my book being chosen. Nevertheless, knowing there was no cause for complaint, I nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell the others to read the book ahead of time before the next meeting,¡± Nana added, with a glint in her eyes.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Aliana¡¯s voice was very audible and displeased. ¡°The next meeting is on Saturday. You want us to read the entire book by then? How long is this book?¡± The second question was directed at me, so I answered.


    ¡°From what I remember, it''s about a hundred pages,¡± Aliana gave a resigned sigh, realising she had lost the argument.


    ¡°Alright, remember to tell the others about this,¡± Yasuo said, his voice tinged with the acceptance of the inevitable. Nana cheerfully struck the table three times to conclude our unplanned gathering.


    Together with Azumi and Aliana, I stood up and we quickly said our goodbyes before exiting the club room. As we parted ways, I made my way to the library. I wanted to do some light reading for the book, knowing there was a copy there, so I wouldn''t have to walk all the way back to my room.


    As I walked outside towards the library building, I spotted a familiar figure ahead. My heart began to race, and I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to sneak up on him. I hurried to put my arm around his neck.


    ¡°Surprise,¡± I said with a devilish smile, watching as Jaden¡¯s eyes widened in genuine surprise.


    ¡°Stella? What are you up to, sneaking up on people?¡± Jaden said, straightening up his body and expression, a nervous laugh escaping his lips.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°You know I only do that with you,¡± I nudge him playfully and taunt. He chuckled, shaking his head slightly, still adjusting to my sudden presence.


    ¡°Anyways, where are you headed?¡± I asked, curiosity piqued.


    ¡°The library,¡± he replied, his voice steady.


    I felt a wave of exhilaration come over me, and my heart skipped a beat. Biting my lip slightly to contain my enthusiasm, I replied, ¡°Well, I was heading to the same place. I need to do some studying and read a book for our club. Come on, let''s go.¡± I took hold of his hand and pulled him towards the library without waiting for his response, not bothering to look back at his undoubtedly taken-aback expression.


    Jaden staggered a little but quickly matched my pace, his shock melting into a pleasant smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re always so full of energy,¡± he remarked.


    As we walked, the campus was alive with the sounds of students winding down their day. Birds chirped from the treetops, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, making the walk to the library pleasant. I felt a sense of calm wash over me, despite the bustling surroundings.


    As we approached the library entrance, I stopped to allow Jaden to catch up. ¡°Here we are,¡± I said.


    With a smile, Jaden held the door open for me. ¡°After you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Why, thank you, kind sir,¡± I replied before stepping inside. The familiar scent of old books and polished wood greeted us as we entered, and the quiet atmosphere of the library was a stark contrast to the lively campus outside.


    I checked the library directory for the book I was looking for, and after finding it, I took a seat in an empty spot. Jaden sat across from me, pulling out his own book. We exchanged a silent smile. As I opened The Blazing World, I glanced up at Jaden, who was already absorbed in his reading.


    We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds coming from the occasional quiet whisper from other people and the soft rustle of pages turning. I found myself occasionally stealing glances at Jaden, his focused expression making my heart flutter.


    Jaden caught me in the act when he looked up after a while. ¡°What?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I said quickly, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. ¡°Just... enjoying the company.¡±


    He smiled warmly and we returned to our books.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.3.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    I heard a book suddenly close, which prompted me to turn to Jaden, who stretched his body after being in the same posture for quite a while. The stretch turned into a lazy yawn, his eyes squinting in the soft library light.


    ¡°Shit, I am beat,¡± he murmured. His hand fluttered through his hair, tousling it even more than usual.


    ¡°Same here,¡± I said as I sighed and closed my book. I felt a twinge of disappointment as I watched him prepare to go. Was I ready to let that happen?


    ¡°Hey, how about we both go get some dinner?¡± I made the proposal, sounding hopeful. Jaden looked like he was about to agree when his phone, which was placed on the table, began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID and answered.


    ¡°Hey hey,¡± he said, with a light-hearted and playful tone, which made me guess who it most likely was. ¡°You actually caught me at a good time¡­ oh really? I''ll be there then,¡± he said, his voice tinged with excitement. As he hung up, his expression turned apologetic.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll have to decline your request for dinner,¡± he said, his hands already moving to gather his books and slide them into his bag.


    I forced a smile, trying to mask my dismay. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Besides, we could always catch up later,¡± I uttered, but even I found the words to be hollow.


    Jaden rose from the table, slinging his bag over his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll see you around,¡± he said with a genuine smile before turning to leave.


    I watched him walk away, the soft thud of his footsteps fading into the background hum of the library. Once he was out of sight, I sighed deeply and pressed my forehead against the cool surface of the table in frustration and disappointment. What was I even trying to accomplish here?


    I thought it was time to pack up my belongings as well, after shaking off the melancholy. Standing up and stretching out the stiffness in my limbs, I slung my bag over my shoulder and returned the book to the shelf. The library was quieter now, with the evening light casting long shadows through the windows.


    My footsteps seemed heavier than normal as I left the library. With the sky tinted in shades of pink and orange, the campus was enveloped in the warm glow of the setting sun. Despite the beauty around me, my thoughts were preoccupied with Jaden and the missed opportunity for dinner. As I walked along the path back to my dorm, I let my mind wander, replaying the conversation.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.3.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°Yah¨­,¡± the girl said in the national language, seated with her back against my door.


    ¡°Nana? What are you doing here?¡± I asked, startled to find her waiting outside my room.


    ¡°Waiting for you,¡± she replied, stretching her legs out casually.


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you call me or anything like that?¡± I asked, trying to understand why she¡¯d opted for this method.


    ¡°I did,¡± she said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.


    That made no sense. I reached for my phone in my pocket to check, and a hissing sound escaped my lips as I realised my mistake. ¡°Sorry, it was on DND,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Humph,¡± she shot back, clearly miffed at the lack of compensation for her wait. In any case, what could be so urgent that she had to call me nine times and wait outside my room for me?


    ¡°Come in,¡± I said, opening the door. She got up, brushing off imaginary dust from her jeans, and followed me inside. I placed my bag on my desk while she plopped into the chair by my desk, spinning around once before facing me.


    ¡°So, what is so important?¡± I sat down on my bed and asked. I still didn''t understand what this was about, but since this was Nana, it would fall under two categories. One being that this was urgent and serious, as most would assume, and the other being that¡­


    ¡°I need to borrow your copy of The Blazing World,¡± she said.


    ¡­Nana being Nana. Since it wasn''t something serious; I was actually relieved, but I couldn''t help but sigh because this did seem predictable.


    ¡°You always do this,¡± I said, standing up and walking towards my desk. Above it was a shelf with my book collection, and I began searching for the aforementioned book. Nana watched me with a sheepish grin.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy all the books in the catalog?¡± I enquired, referring to us having already purchased every book listed in order to prevent situations like this from happening.


    ¡°I did, but I can¡¯t find my copy,¡± she admitted with her carefree and aloof personality.


    ¡°Did you clean your room and check?¡± I questioned, arching my brow.


    ¡°Urghh, no?¡± She responded, and I smacked my face with my palm, finally pulling out the book and handing it to her.


    ¡°You really are a strange one,¡± I remarked, shaking my head.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said with a broad smile, taking the book from me and standing up from the chair. She headed towards the door, turning back to me as she opened it. ¡°I¡¯ll be out of your hair now.¡±


    ¡°Please remember to read the book,¡± I reminded her as she stepped out.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she answered, with a certainty in her voice that I found hard to believe. With that, she left.


    I took a long breath and fell back into my bed. I could feel the fatigue seeping into my bones after the long day. I needed to sleep, and I wasn¡¯t about to let anything else get in the way.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.3.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    Club day. I was here earlier than usual, watching as everyone filed in one by one. The book club boasted a total of nineteen members spanning both the junior and senior years, and today, everyone was gathered for our usual meeting. The room buzzed with low chatter and the shuffling of chairs as people settled into their usual spots.


    Despite Nana¡¯s unconventional decision to pick a book without everyone present and her insistence that we read it before today, it seemed most had complied with her request. Nana had that effect on people. In part due to curiosity and in part to the sheer force of her personality, they were prepared to follow her lead.


    I took out my copy of The Blazing World, ready to make notes, while Nana stood up. The room fell silent as she cleared her throat, drawing everyone''s attention to her.


    ¡°Hey everyone,¡± she began. ¡°I have a little confession to make.¡± She paused, scratching the top of her head with a guilty smile on her face. ¡°I forgot to read the book.¡±


    The room erupted in murmurs of disbelief and exasperation. Some members leaned back in their chairs, shaking their heads, while others exchanged glances, bemused. I couldn¡¯t help but sigh, placing my hand over my face. This was so typical of Nana.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Yasuao murmured, with a dramatic eye roll. His reaction was echoed by a few others, who grumbled under their breath.


    ¡°Seriously, Nana?¡± Azumi said, crossing her arms. ¡°You¡¯re the one who picked the book!¡±


    Nana held up her hands in a placating gesture. ¡°I know, I know. I¡¯m really sorry, guys. I just... lost track of time, and then I couldn¡¯t find my copy, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°You lost your copy?¡± Aliana interrupted, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Did you even look for it?¡±


    Nana seemed hesitant. ¡°Well, not exactly. I borrowed Stella¡¯s copy but, uh, didn¡¯t get around to reading it.¡±


    ¡°Classic Nana,¡± someone muttered from the back of the room.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± she said, clapping her hands together to regain everyone''s attention. ¡°How about this? Since I clearly dropped the ball, how about we start with a summary and some thoughts from those who did read the book? Then we can have a discussion based on that.¡±


    After a moment, the room nodded gently in accord.


    ¡°Stella, could you start us off?¡± She asked, looking at me with hopeful eyes.


    Sighing, I couldn''t help but give her a smile in return. ¡°Sure, Nana. I¡¯d be happy to.¡±


    I got to my feet and picked up my copy of The Blazing World. I started out by highlighting the main ideas and concepts of the book in my summary. As I spoke, the room gradually grew more engaged, the initial frustration melting away.


    Other people started to add their perspectives and ideas. Azumi brought up the feminist undertones in the novel, and Aliana talked about how Cavendish''s ideas on science and philosophy were reflected in the magical aspects. Even Yasuao, despite his earlier irritation, contributed a thoughtful analysis of the characters.


    Nana listened intently, nodding now and then as she took notes. Despite her initial blunder, she was fully present now, encouraging others to speak and asking insightful questions. It was moments like these that reminded me why she was the club president. Her genuine enthusiasm and ability to bring people together were unparalleled.


    Everyone was enthusiastically participating, and the discussion flowed smoothly. By the time the meeting ended, it seemed like we had not only discussed the book in great detail but also bonded over the shared experience of Nana¡¯s unorthodox leadership.


    Nana rose again as the meeting came to an end. ¡°Thank you all for being so understanding. I promise I¡¯ll read the next book ahead of time.¡± She gave us a sheepish smile, and we all started laughing.


    I felt satisfied as I packed up my things. Despite the hiccups, the meeting had turned out well. As I walked out of the room, I realised that being part of this club, with all its quirks and unpredictability, was something I genuinely cherished. Nana being Nana was just a part of the charm that made it all so special.

 CHAPTER CHIKAO - LOCKED OUT

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.4.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The elevator door swung open, and I staggered out, fearing that my legs might buckle under me. Today had been gruelling, and every muscle in my body ached. When I eventually made it to my room, I searched through my pockets for the key, but it was nowhere to be found.


    I frantically searched all five of my jeans'' pockets, but I came up empty-handed, my frustration bubbling up.


    ¡°God damn it,¡± I muttered, hazily recalling that Quentin had earlier requested my key. I was sure he¡¯d given me a reason, but I couldn¡¯t recall it now. I was completely exhausted by the notion of trekking to the Yellow Dorm Tower, where his room was located.


    ¡°Hey, you good?¡± A voice cut through my fog of frustration. I glanced up to see my next-door neighbour, standing there looking worried. I let out a deep, exasperated sigh, not in the mood to deal with him.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You can leave now,¡± I stated firmly, using a harsher tone than intended. He looked at me seriously for a moment, then turned to unlock his door.


    ¡°If you say so, I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± he said before vanishing into his room and shutting the door. He could have offered help, but I didn¡¯t want it, especially not from him. My animosity towards him was inexplicable¡ªperhaps it stemmed from the unusual way he had entered the school or the way he had effortlessly outperformed everyone, including me. Regardless of the cause, I wasn''t prepared to face that.


    Sick from standing, I let out a deep breath and sank to the ground. The cold night air seeped into my bones, and I knew that staying out here would be unbearable. I needed to figure something out before hypothermia set in.


    ¡°Come in.¡± My train of thought was interrupted by a familiar voice. When my gaze lifted, I saw my neighbour standing by his open door, gesturing for me to enter.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked, surprised and needing confirmation.


    ¡°I said you can come in,¡± he reiterated. I let out a small, incredulous chuckle.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask, nor do I need your help,¡± I replied, still clung obstinately to my pride.


    ¡°I doubt that¡¯s the case,¡± he responded in a calm voice. ¡°Unless you¡¯re ready to get hypothermia, I suggest you come in.¡± He disappeared back into his room, leaving the door open as a gesture of welcome.


    With clenched teeth, I felt the cold already piercing my flesh. With a resigned sigh, I forced myself to get up and grudgingly entered his room, shutting the door behind me. He was in the kitchen, busy preparing something.


    ¡°Make yourself at home,¡± he said without looking up, his hands deftly moving. I stood awkwardly by the entrance, not knowing just what to do.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I muttered, feeling a mix of gratitude and irritation.


    ¡°You can sit anywhere. I''ll be with you in a minute,¡± he added and turned back to his task. I nodded, moved to the desk chair, and attempted to unwind by sitting down and crossing my arms. My gaze wandered around his room, taking in the neatly organised shelves and minimalistic setup. Eventually, I closed my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± he said and I opened my eyes to find him holding out a steaming cup. ¡°It¡¯s hot tea. It should help you feel warm. Hope you like it.¡± He smiled at me as I accepted the cup and tried to figure out what kind of tea it was. Being picky, I usually avoided unfamiliar flavours, but given the circumstances, I decided to give it a try.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, and he returned to his bed, sitting down and taking a sip from his own cup.


    ¡°You¡¯re a strange one,¡± I said and observed a subtle shift in his expression.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°How so?¡± he questioned, with an eyebrow raised.


    ¡°You have no obligation to help me,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°You¡¯re my Senpai. You think I¡¯ll just leave you out in the cold like that? That would make me a bad kouhai and neighbour,¡± he said, taking another sip. A weird silence settled over us. I swirled the tea in my cup, occasionally glancing at him. He seemed at ease, not minding my presence.


    Finally, I decided to try the tea. I recoiled a little as the strong flavour of sugar struck my tongue. I rested the cup on the desk, needing a moment to recover.


    ¡°Not to your liking?¡± he asked, noticing my reaction.


    ¡°It¡¯s too sweet,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Oh?¡± He apologised by lowering his head. ¡°Sorry about that. I thought I added just a little.¡±


    ¡°No big deal,¡± I said, waving it off. We were engulfed in silence again, and I leaned back on the chair and closed my eyes.


    ¡°You can sleep on the bed,¡± he offered, surprising me.


    ¡°What?¡± I questioned, opening my eyes to look at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m offering up my bed for you to use,¡± he emphasised.


    ¡°I know that. I¡¯m wondering why,¡± I said, still perplexed.


    ¡°Well, I can always change out the bed sheets,¡± he replied. Just as I was going to ask him what he meant, he continued quickly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t misinterpret. I know you¡¯ve been drinking, so you¡¯re tipsy. I¡¯m not sure how much, but if you do vomit when you get hungover, I was already planning on washing my bedsheet.¡±


    I was surprised by his nonchalant generosity as I just stared at him. This boy. The fact that he was willing to do all this for me was surprising. There was nothing else I could do if I wanted to turn down the offer. If it was obvious to him that I had been drinking, then the hostel master would be able to notice it as well.


    ¡°What more can I do? It''s not like I am in a position to refuse,¡± I uttered, accepting my fate. I stood up from the chair and walked towards the bed.


    ¡°Uh. Well, I set up the sleeping mat for myself,¡± he said, glancing to the corner of the room, where he had placed a plain mat and a pillow. He dropped his now-empty cup on his desk, the sound of it hitting the surface breaking the brief silence that had settled between us.


    I saw him stoop to straighten the mat, using his hands to smooth out any creases. His movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as if he had done this many times before.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± I questioned, feeling a pang of guilt for taking his bed. ¡°I can sleep on the mat if you want.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You need the bed more than I do right now. Just get some rest.¡± He said with a smile on his face.


    I lay back on the bed, pulling the blanket over myself. The warmth and comfort of the bed were a stark contrast to the cold hallway I had been resigned to just moments ago. I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion take over.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.4.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    My eyes opened and I was soon hit by a massive wave of nausea and headache.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I moaned, struggling in bed and holding my head in my hands.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake,¡± a recognisable voice said. I turned my head slightly to see my neighbour seated at his desk, his phone and a laptop in front of him.


    I could do nothing except wallow in the agony of my hangover as the memories from last night gradually returned to me. I tried to soothe the pounding headache by massaging my temples.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡± I asked, my voice hoarse.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s around 1 PM now,¡± he said, returning his attention to his laptop. ¡°Plus, you got multiple calls. Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t answer or look to see who it was.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said in a low tone, feeling grateful for his consideration of my personal space.


    ¡°No problem. I thought you were going to chew me out for not waking you up when they called,¡± he said, chuckling.


    ¡°I would have done that if you did wake me,¡± I shot back, forcing a weak smile.


    His chuckle was a light, effortless sound that took some of the edge off the situation. I forced myself to sit up, every movement sending waves of discomfort through my body. Upon retrieving my phone from the bedside table, I saw several missed calls and messages, dialling one of the numbers.


    ¡°Dude, where have you been? We''ve been trying to reach you,¡± the voice on the other end of the line said, sounding relieved.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Hurry up and bring my key over to Marcus¡¯s room,¡± I said, trying not to stutter.


    ¡°Marcus?¡± The person on the phone questioned, sounding confused.


    ¡°Just come over to the room on the right side of mine,¡± I explained, closing my eyes to combat the lightheadedness.


    ¡°Alright man, I''ll be there in a sec.¡± He said and hung up. I rubbed the bridge of my nose and dropped the phone onto the bed, trying to focus through the fog in my mind.


    Marcus watched me for a moment, then turned back to his work, giving me space to recover. The faint clicks on his keyboard and the calm hum of his laptop were the only sounds that were being made.


    ¡°Marcus, do you want to join us next time?¡± I questioned, breaking the silence and he looked over at me, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°Hmm, you guys would be drinking alcohol, right?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Then no, I can¡¯t,¡± he answered and shook his head. ¡°But if it was something sweet...¡± he trailed off, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.


    ¡°You got a deal; by the way, call me by my first name. It is Chikao.¡± I said, laughing. The movement made my head throb, but it felt good to laugh.

 CHAPTER SULLIVAN - ACCEPT THE OFFER

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.5.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    I was lying in bed, thinking about the unexpected encounter from earlier. Why was it me that Marcus and Hazel approached? And how should I proceed without igniting Tomiko''s wrath? As I was immersed in my thoughts, there was a knock on the door. I got out of bed and walked to the door, expecting my much-anticipated guest. When I opened it, Daichi was there with a nonchalant smile on his face.


    ¡°Sup,¡± he greeted, raising his hand slightly before sauntering into the room and leaning against the desk. ¡°So, what''s up?¡±


    ¡°I was approached by Marcus and Hazel of Class 1 to join their election team.¡± I said as I sat on my bed.


    ¡°Seriously?¡±  I was surprised to see the tinge of enthusiasm in his eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, I wasn''t expecting it, and now I need advice on what to do,¡± I said, watching his reaction closely. Could it be that he¡­


    ¡°Congratulations, first of all. But why do you need advice? Just do as you please,¡± he said with a casual shrug and I sighed, annoyed by his nonchalant reply.


    ¡°You can''t be serious, Diachi. I don''t want Tomiko to be angry and think I acted out of line. I know that things have been tense given what Class 3 is doing, so isn''t it proper to ask?¡± I pressed, expecting a more serious response.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°First off, Tomiko already did some extensive research into Class 1. She had deduced that they would either come to you or Zane,¡± he clarified, a cheeky grin appearing on his lips.


    ¡°If you guys had a feeling this might happen, why didn''t you tell me ahead of time?¡± I asked, standing up from my bed, feeling a mix of betrayal and anger at their secrecy.


    ¡°Ah, that''s on me. Sorry about that,¡± Daichi apologised, letting out a small laugh and waving his hands in defeat. ¡°What I''m trying to say is, you are free to decide on your own if you wish to join them.¡±


    I took a minute to reflect before returning to my bed and wearing a serious expression.


    ¡°No orders to sabotage them?¡± I asked, needing to be sure.


    ¡°None at all. In fact, I heavily advise against it because that would piss her off. Participate with the intent of winning. Our girl likes a challenge, you know,¡± he remarked and I let out a slight chuckle, reminded of Tomiko¡¯s competitive nature.


    ¡°That is true,¡± I agreed and nodded in response.


    ¡°Anyways, forget about all that for now. It has been a while since we played some Mario Golf.¡± He said with a cheeky sparkle in his eyes and crossed his arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s because your dogshit skills make me feel sorry for you,¡± I shot back, a smirk appearing on my lips.


    ¡°Want to see if that still holds out? I''ve been practicing quite a while,¡± he challenged, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°You''re on. Let''s go find a TV we can play it on,¡± I said, getting out of bed and grabbing my jacket. With a smile on his face, Daichi pushed off from the desk and headed for the door.


    ¡°Prepare to eat your words, Sullivan.¡±


    As we left the room, the tension from before subsided as we embarked on our hunt for a screen to play on, our friendly rivalry rekindling.

 CHAPTER DIYA - AFTER HOURS

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.6.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The movie¡¯s credits began to roll, and I stretched my body after having remained in the same position for so long. ¡°That was a good one,¡± I said to Marcus, who stood up and walked towards the fridge.


    ¡°I know, right? Like I told you, it was good. I wonder why it took you this long to watch it,¡± he said, taking out a can of cold drink.


    ¡°Oh, can you get one for me as well plus some of the chocolate cake in there,¡± I said and he nodded as he grabbed the extra can with the cake which was already on a plate. He walked back towards me, offering it to me and returning to his seat.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, accepting the can and cake from him.


    ¡°No problem,¡± he said as he opened his drink and took a sip.


    ¡°Care to have some?¡± I offered the cake for him to try.


    ¡°Gladly,¡± he said as he took a bit from it. I watched his reaction and then decided to ask.


    ¡°So, how does it taste?¡± I asked expectantly.


    ¡°Great, where did you order this?¡± He asked and placed my hand on my lips with a wink.


    ¡°That¡¯s a trade secret.¡± Truth was this was homemade by me. It was my valentine''s gift from me to him. I was just way too embarrassed to admit this to him. But the fact that he loved it made me jump on the inside.


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± he said as we both shared the cake.


    ¡°My only problem with this film were some of the glaring plot holes,¡± I said to him a bit later, voicing my thoughts on the movie.


    ¡°Well, I can see why you¡¯d say that, but I don¡¯t think it really takes away from the movie''s overall quality,¡± he replied.


    As we talked about the movie, I watched him go through the streaming service''s movie catalogue once more. My attention was drawn to the screen when I saw something interesting catch his eye. The movie being highlighted was none other than <i>Inception</i>, and my eyes lit up in excitement as I grabbed onto his arm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch it! Let¡¯s watch it!¡± I said, tugging on his arm, and he smiled at me.


    ¡°When was the last time you watched the movie?¡± he asked, seemingly surprised by my enthusiasm.


    ¡°Ugh, that was probably about a year ago,¡± I said, before recalling something else. ¡°It was with Hazel.¡±


    ¡°So, you two decided to watch the movie on a whim or was there a movie marathon going on?¡± he asked with a playful smile.


    ¡°Oh, nothing like that. She hadn¡¯t seen the movie at the time, so I decided to force her to watch it,¡± I replied with a grin. I understood the reasoning behind Hazel¡¯s delay in watching the movie as well as others. However, it wasn¡¯t my place to share her story.


    He clicked on the movie, and after a brief buffer, it began playing. We settled in, resting our backs against the pillows propped up against the frame of my bed.


    The movie was still captivating despite me having watched it six times before, but tonight, my attention kept drifting towards Marcus. I occasionally stole glances at him, admiring his reactions, which I found undeniably cute. The distance between us was minimal, our hands resting just within reach of each other.


    Premarital hand-holding. I have seen several shows where it was portrayed as such a big problem. It was a simple act, just taking and holding the other person''s hand. That was all there was to it. But why did I feel so nervous, like my heart was about to burst?


    My mind raced as I debated whether to make the first move. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart hammering in my chest. Slowly, I inched my hand closer to his, my fingers trembling slightly. Just as our fingers brushed, I hesitated, pulling back at the last moment. Goddamn it.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.6.1</h2>


    ¡ª


    ¡°That was a blast,¡± Marcus exclaimed, stretching his arms once the credits began to roll. I looked at him and smiled.


    ¡°Of course, it is the greatest movie of all time. Gets better after every rewatch, I tell you,¡± I added triumphantly.


    ¡°Greatest movie of all time? Have you forgotten about <i>Interstellar</i>?¡± he said.


    I was in shock, so much so that I stood up and took several steps back, covering my mouth with my hands for added dramatic effect.


    ¡°Are you saying that Interstellar is the greatest movie of all time?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°No, that belongs to <i>The Matrix</i>.¡± He responded, and my eyes fell in disappointment after hearing this, dropping the dramatic persona.


    ¡°That is not even remotely true,¡± I stated with a straight face.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s agree on that for now,¡± he replied with a hand gesture, which made me sigh.


    ¡°But you are still saying that Interstellar is a better movie than Inception?¡± I said, spearheading the conversation back.


    ¡°It is. Or do you want to debate on that?¡± he said, and I noticed his gaze, which got me fired up. I was not passing on this chance.


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    ¡°Of course, I am. Heresy against the greatest movie of all time will not be tolerated, and you will be punished for your crimes,¡±  I stated with an accent, pointing to him. He laughed.


    ¡°Alright then, let''s take this seriously,¡± he said, tapping the ground and gesturing for me to sit. We sat opposite each other.


    ¡°I state a positive about Interstellar, and you can counterattack my point, and vice versa, until someone gives up,¡± he continued, establishing the ground rules for our quick debate.


    ¡°Alright then, but I say that we should rewatch Interstellar as well since I am at an advantage because I can easily recall Inception,¡± I told him, and he smiled cheekily.


    ¡°I think I am okay without that,¡± he said confidently. ¡°Just say that you can''t remember much from the movie, Diya,¡± he said, and I pouted, crossing my arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s just mean,¡± I said in a soft voice, hoping to evoke pity.


    ¡°Alright then, I''ll take you up on your offer,¡± he said, typing the movie''s name into the search field and clicking on it when it appeared in the results.


    For the third time this night, we settled in again to watch the movie. As the opening scenes of Interstellar began to play, I continued to steal the occasional glances at his face.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.6.2</h2>


    ¡ª


    "Visually, it is better,¡± Marcus stated, leaning back and crossing his arms with a confident grin.


    ¡°Of course it is. The movie was released four years later,¡± I replied, waving my hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m not just talking about the visuals, though. I¡¯m talking about cinematography, shot composition, and overall style. Simply put, Inception is more visually entertaining.¡±


    Marcus paused, considering my point. I held my breath. Had I won this round?


    ¡°I do agree with your point here. So, I''ll give you this one,¡± he responded, conceding defeat. I lightly pumped my fist in enthusiasm, trying to contain the smile spreading across my face.


    ¡°Next is the score. Do I even need to say anything?¡± Marcus said, crossing his arms again with unwavering certainty.


    ¡°Inception started the whole horn thing in trailers,¡± I began, knowing he would counter this point.


    ¡°<i>No Time for Caution</i>,¡± he said, mentioning the name of one of the iconic tracks from Interstellar. I grit my teeth.


    ¡°<i>Time</i>,¡± I said, naming a track from Inception.


    ¡°<i>Tick-tock</i>,¡± he said with a mischievous smile.


    I saw what he did there. He could have clearly mentioned ¡°<i>Mountains</i>¡± instead.


    ¡°<i>Dream is Collapsing,</i>¡± I said, continuing the back-and-forth.


    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty good one, but how about ¡®<i>Cornfield Chase</i>¡¯?¡± he replied, and I sighed, falling back in despair.


    ¡°This is impos¡ª¡± I paused, realising what I was about to say, and he burst out laughing. ¡°I walked right into that one,¡± I admitted, scratching the top of my head, then stood up dramatically.


    ¡°That is impossible,¡± I declared, and he clenched his fist, playing along with a deep voice.


    ¡°No, it is necessary,¡± he said, and we both exploded in laughter.


    ¡°How about the story?¡± I asked as I sat back down on the ground with him.


    ¡°Interstellar has the better story. Do I need to say more?¡± Marcus said with absolute confidence.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to argue there. However, Inception has the better cast.¡± I shot back almost immediately.


    ¡°True, but Interstellar has the best protagonist. Cooper is so well written,¡± he said in response.


    ¡°I won¡¯t argue about that. However, let¡¯s not discredit Cobb. He is an outstanding protagonist,¡± I added.


    This was fun. I was having an engaging conversation with Marcus about something we both found interesting. Our discussion felt like how two geniuses would be portrayed in the media. I loved being this free.


    ¡°So, are we going to agree that Interstellar is the better movie?¡± Marcus asked, and I snarled playfully.


    ¡°Not at all. How about this? We ask around to see which one people prefer overall?¡± I proposed, observing him contemplating it before smiling.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± he agreed.


    I snuck back under the blanket we had laid out and looked at the TV to see the list of recommended movies. One caught my eye.


    ¡°Oh, <i>A New Hope</i>. It''s been a while since I watched that,¡± I said to Marcus.


    ¡°A New Hope? That''s from Star Wars, isn¡¯t it?¡± Marcus inquired with an air of curiousity.


    ¡°Yes. Why are you acting like you haven¡¯t watched it yet?¡± I asked, somewhat perplexed.


    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s because I haven¡¯t. I only watched the sequel trilogy,¡± he said, and I stared at him in surprise, my mouth slightly agape.


    ¡°What? Wait, you¡¯re telling me you haven¡¯t watched the other Star Wars movies?¡± I asked, my eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡°Yes. I simply never got into it,¡± he remarked, scratching his head.


    In an instant, I grabbed the remote from his palm and hit play.


    ¡°Get tucked in. We are watching the entire original trilogy now,¡± I declared.


    ¡°Wait, Diya, isn''t it already too late?¡± He tried protesting.


    ¡°Not important,¡± I said, placing my hand on his chin and tilting his face toward the screen. ¡°Now watch.¡±


    ¡°Imagine only watching the sequel trilogy. I must rid you of those terrible memories,¡± I mumbled, and he appeared to hear me. He looked back at me before turning to face the screen.


    As the opening crawl of Star Wars: A New Hope began, Marcus''s eyes lit up with interest. I settled in beside him, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The iconic music filled the room, and for the next couple of hours, we were transported to a galaxy far, far away.


    Despite my initial excitement, fatigue began to creep in as the movie went on. The long day was catching up with me, and I found it increasingly difficult to keep my eyes open. I leaned against Marcus¡¯s shoulder, resting my head on it as I succumbed to drowsiness.


    ¡ª


    <h2>A.6.3</h2>


    ¡ª


    My eyes flickered open, and I groaned a little, disoriented by the familiar fabric and texture of my bed and blanket. The lights were turned out, and the TV was silent. I lifted myself off the bed, noticing a figure lying on the ground. Marcus? I seemed to have held him here so late that leaving became difficult.


    I looked for my phone and discovered it near my pillow. A quick peek at the time indicated that it was a few minutes after 5 a.m., and I noticed that I had gotten a text from Hazel about three hours earlier. The text asked how the hangout with Marcus and I went and she also apologised for not being able to make it.


    ¡°Dummy, you know it¡¯s not your fault,¡± I muttered under my breath as I sighed. What should I do? What would she think if I told her Marcus spent the night? I wasn¡¯t ready to open that can of worms because I knew she would scold me and follow it up with a lecture. I decided I would text her later.


    I put down my phone and looked over at Marcus again. I slowly approached him, trying not to make any noise. I kneeled down beside him and looked at his peaceful face. His gentle breathing was calming, and I felt a wave of affection wash over me.


    I then laid down alongside him and watched him sleep. His face was turned to the side, giving me a good glimpse of his profile.  I inched closer, my heart pounding in my chest, and gently placed my hand against his cheek. His skin was warm and soft under my touch.


    I lifted my head, and the distance between our faces was minimal. I felt his breath on my lips and I began to breathe heavily, my heart racing. I leaned in, making the space between our lips nearly non-existent. Just before our lips could touch, I pulled back.


    ¡°What the heck am I doing? Kissing someone while they sleep,¡± I murmured to myself, shaking my head. I got up and returned to my bed, feeling embarrassed and frustrated. I took one last look at Marcus before turning my body the other way and waiting for sleep to come for me.


    ¡°Gosh, I am so stupid sometimes,¡± I admitted to myself as the scene replayed over and over in my mind, causing my cheeks to flush red. I needed to get my act together. That''s what a genius would do, isn''t it?


    As sleep finally began to claim me, I made a silent promise to myself. Tomorrow, I will talk to Marcus about tonight. I wouldn''t mention the almost kiss, but I would tell him how much I appreciated his friendship and how much fun I had tonight. With that thought in mind, I let myself be carried away into the realm of dreams, the smile still lingering on my lips.

 CHAPTER TOMIKO - TOMIKO鈥橲 EARLY JOG

    ¡ª


    <h2>A.7.0</h2>


    ¡ª


    The wind blew against my face as I kept a steady pace, the rhythmic thud of my feet on the sidewalk reverberating in the early morning silence. Sweat trickled down my face and body, a testament to my resolve and dedication to my jogging routine. It had been seven minutes since I began, and I could feel a heat in my legs, indicating the need for a break shortly.


    After a few more minutes of pushing through the exhaustion, I arrived at my intended destination: an outdoor vending machine next to a small seat. The area was quiet, with only the distant twerping of the birds breaking the serenity. I approached the vending machine and examined its contents, my gaze falling on an energy drink. I took out my phone and positioned it over the scanner to pay. The drink fell into the dispenser, and I grabbed it, taking a big gulp to revive my parched throat. I took a seat on the bench, letting the cool breeze wash over me.


    ¡°Hello,¡± a voice called out, breaking the silence. I looked up to see my expected guest approaching, clad in a tracksuit.


    ¡°Hello, so you came?¡± I said, a smile spreading across my lips.


    ¡°Why wouldn''t I? This is our first official meeting, after all,¡± he replied with a grin.


    ¡°Ah, it is. Then I feel I should introduce myself properly,¡± I said, standing up and extending a hand. ¡°You can call me Tomiko; I am the elected leader of Class 2.¡±


    ¡°Marcus Luna, chosen Class 1 representative for the position of Student Council President,¡± he stated, shaking my hand firmly before returning his hands to his pockets. ¡°I know you didn''t just call me over for that, so what is it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, why would you think I had other intentions here?¡± I asked, feigning innocence.


    He smirked, a knowing look in his eyes. ¡°So you''re saying the only reason you called me out here is to introduce ourselves?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, nothing more,¡± I said, maintaining my friendly demeanour.


    ¡°I see,¡± he replied, turning around as if to leave.


    ¡°Are we enemies?¡± I called out, prompting him to stop in mid-step. He remained still for a moment before slowly turning back to face me.


    ¡°Considering that we are competing against each other in this election, I would say that you are,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°Ah, then let me rephrase. Are we enemies or competitors?¡± I inquired, observing his reaction intently.


    His brows lifted slightly, and a smirk tugged at the edges of his mouth as he began to stride back towards me. ¡°You are good,¡± he said, clearly impressed.


    ¡°I will take that compliment with high regard,¡± I replied, my smile widening.


    ¡°What about you and Hazel?¡± I asked, resting back against the bench.


    ¡°Why do you want to know about that?¡± He asked, his posture shifting as he leaned against the vending machine, arms crossed defensively.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say this is me being curious,¡± I added, hoping to seem casual.


    ¡°Well, curiosity isn¡¯t always a good thing, so I won¡¯t answer. Rather, I¡¯ll leave you to form your own opinion in that regard.¡± His response was stern, but not unkind.


    ¡°How cruel,¡± I muttered, attempting to guilt-bait him, but his expression stayed firm, unyielding to my mediocre tricks.


    ¡°So what is your opinion?¡± he countered, his eyes bright with eagerness.


    ¡°Are you interested in what I think about the two of you?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Why not? Maybe that can give me some new insight,¡± he added with a hint of a smile.


    I laughed quietly, resting my right hand on my chin in a mock gesture of deep thought. ¡°Let''s see then.¡± I paused for effect, watching his curiosity grow. ¡°An unsaturated mixture of ethanol and water.¡±


    His eyes widened with intrigue, but I stopped there, savouring the moment.


    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s all you¡¯re giving me?¡± He spoke with a hint of disappointment in his voice.


    ¡°Of course it is,¡± I replied, smirking.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    He laughed in response. ¡°Alright then, I have a better understanding. But one more question.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± I replied, intrigued.


    ¡°Who is the water?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to form your own opinion on that,¡± I replied with a sly grin.


    ¡°Using my own words against me, that¡¯s nice,¡± he said, shaking his head in amusement.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied, bending slightly in faux gratitude.


    My gaze then shifted along the path before returning to him. ¡°Given that you wore the tracksuit like I asked, how about you jog with me for a short while?¡±


    ¡°Alright then, I already did some stretching on the way here,¡± he remarked, straightening up and fixing his posture.


    I started jogging down the path, and he instantly matched my speed, remaining by my side. The rhythmic beating of our feet on the pavement generated a constant beat as we moved in sync. We continued like this for some time, not really saying anything, just enjoying the shared activity and the crisp morning air.


    After a while, I decided to address the next matter. ¡°I want this election to be as fair as possible,¡± I said, glancing sideways at him.


    ¡°Same here,¡± he responded, and I could sense his sincerity.


    ¡°You don''t have to worry about Sullivan. I specifically instructed him not to try anything to self-sabotage,¡± I assured him.


    ¡°Thanks for that,¡± he said, though a trace of doubt lingered in his eyes. ¡°I know that we both want things to play out fairly, but with the way the school designed this election, I doubt that is the case. I¡¯m sure you are aware of this as well?¡±


    ¡°Of course. The fact that the rules require members of other classes to be a part of your team clearly promotes sabotage,¡± I added, nodding in accord.


    This school was built on the idea that competition leads to improvement in most circumstances. The school could have simply designed it so that all of the election candidates were from the same class, but the decision to mix it up posed an extra challenge. It also simulated the real world, where being surrounded by people similar to you is mostly a pipe dream. In the real world, we meet different droves of people, and the ability to manage them all despite these differences is being tested here.


    I slowed down my pace and headed to a bench to catch my breath. Marcus did the same, breathing heavily but steadily. After a few seconds, I continued our conversation.


    ¡°Come to think of it, I heard Ryo approached you?¡± I asked, observing his expression intently.


    ¡°Yes, he did,¡± Marcus confirmed, his tone level.


    ¡°And you saw right through his lies. Just to make it clear, I never gave him the order to do that,¡± I stated, attempting to clarify my position.


    ¡°I know, the orders came from Class 3 after all,¡± he replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°What?¡± I exclaimed, my eyes widening in shock. My teeth clenched against each other as I assimilated this information. I had always imagined how Ryo operated on his own whims, but to find out he was actually working for Class 3 was intolerable.


    ¡°I can see that you were not aware of this,¡± Marcus replied, jolting me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°No, I¡­¡± I tried to explain, but he quickly interrupted.


    ¡°It is not a concrete conclusion, but from what I have gathered, it seems to be pointed that way,¡± he clarified.


    ¡°I see,¡± I replied, my thoughts racing with the ramifications.


    ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡± He asked, his tone probing but calm.<figure></figure>


    ¡°I will handle it personally. It is a class matter after all,¡± I replied firmly.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± he said, leaning back and resting his hands on the back of the bench, allowing his chest to protrude slightly. I couldn''t help but smile at the sight of his relaxed confidence.


    ¡°What do you plan on doing with Cohen?¡± I asked, shifting the conversation to another pressing matter.


    ¡°Him? That is not something I can answer at the moment. What about your countermeasures against him?¡± he asked in return.


    I laughed, finding the question almost hilarious. ¡°I am sorry for coming off as rude there, but the truth is, I don''t consider that boy a threat at all,¡± I said, shaking my head.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°He is stupid, plain and simple. An individual who thinks with his fists because he lacks the brains to do so,¡± I said bluntly.


    ¡°Coming off a bit harsh, aren''t we?¡± He responded with a laugh.


    ¡°Harsh? Not at all. These are just facts that I can say to his face. Right now, he is making some pretty bold moves, but I''ll tell you that it will amount to nothing,¡± I remarked, feeling a little heated. To cool down, I reached for the can of energy drink I had strapped to my fanny pack earlier and took a long sip.


    I looked over to Marcus and extended the can to him. ¡°Want some?¡± I offered.


    He raised his eyebrows in surprise. ¡°Is there something really in there?¡± he asked sceptically.


    I shook the can so that he could hear the leftover liquid sloshing within. He reached out and grabbed the can from me. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said before taking a gulp.


    ¡°You can finish it. I¡¯m good,¡± I replied, and he nodded gratefully. ¡°Marcus, let me make it clear. I don''t give a damn what Cohen does during this election. My only hope is that both of us can play fair,¡± I said sincerely, watching his reaction.


    He paused drinking and looked at me thoughtfully. ¡°I stand in the same court as you. I do have one question though: why would I trust that you won''t betray me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Marcus, I am interested in you and your abilities. I wish to witness them firsthand, and the election can be used as a testing ground to evaluate our skills,¡± I added, meeting his eyes intently.


    ¡°So you want a challenge?¡± he asked, a spark of interest in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, but that can come later. Like I said, let¡¯s just think of this election as a friendly spar,¡± I said. He took a big gulp from the can and hurled it into the nearby garbage bin.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± he said, standing up and offering his hand to me. ¡°Tomiko, it seems we have ourselves a temporary truce for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, a truce,¡± I responded, taking his hand and shaking it firmly to confirm our agreement.


    ¡°Great. I have spent quite a while here now, and I¡¯ve got to leave,¡± he said, turning around to leave. ¡°My guess is our actual next meeting will be on election day.¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± I said, watching him disappear down the path. As I dropped back onto the bench, I let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°Marcus Luna. Truly magnificent. I wish to know more about you; a lot more,¡± I added, a smile spreading across my face as I stared up at the sky.


    ¡°This school is gearing up for some amusing events,¡± I murmured, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement for the challenges ahead.

 April 2025 Update 1

    Hey everyone!


    It¡¯s been a little over a month since Arc One wrapped up, and I think it¡¯s finally time to start dropping some (infrequent) update posts again.


    Let¡¯s start with Arc One. I¡¯ve been re-editing the entire arc over the past month¡ªcutting down word count, tightening the pacing, and removing stuff that didn¡¯t need to be there. Basically just trying to make it read smoother and snappier. I should be done with all of that this upcoming week!


    Also, all the illustrations for Arc One are now complete. So next up, I¡¯ll be moving on to working on illustrations for Arc Two.


    Speaking of Arc Two¡ªI''ll be giving it a little re-edit as well just to match the new style of Arc One, but that won¡¯t take too long.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Here¡¯s a little teaser/blurb for what¡¯s coming next:


    <b><i>¡°The elections are over and the new student council begins its duties. With their newfound position, they learn the truth of the school.</i></b><b><i></i></b>


    <b><i>Surprises, enemies, obstacles¡­ Will Marcus and the others break under the pressure?¡±</i></b>


    I¡¯ll be revealing the official arc name and the release date at the end of the month, so keep an eye out for that.


    Oh, and a quick note on Arc 3¡ªI actually finished the first draft of the main story! I was working on the side stories too, but writing fatigue hit me hard, so I¡¯m taking a break from that part for now. Still, if things go smoothly, I might end up moving its release date up!


    As for my other writing projects, I¡¯ll save that for the next update post.


    That¡¯s all for now¡ªcatch you all at the end of the month!