This story takes place years after the cast of HYD attended Eitoku High School. I kind of wanted to do a fun sort of story that had plenty of elements from the original HYD (Flowery Four, snotty popular girls, red-tagging, ridiculous hazing rituals, etc.) but tell it from the perspective I guess more "ordinary" students who are serving on the Student Council. Primarily, the story focuses on controlling, law-abiding,and idealistic Itou Osamu (fyi, for those of you not that familiar with Japanese, the names are written Surname First Name, so therefore, Itou is his last name and Osamu is his first name) and his attempt to bring order, as well as representation, to a school that has for years beenrun by generation after generation of the Flowery Four.
As already alluded to, this story does focus on the members of the Student Council - the so-called "regular" students, although they all are rather quirky in their own ways.A new generation of the Flowery Four will also, I suppose, play a signifcant role (a more adversial part, though), but don't expect all the melodrama that is in the actual HYD series; this is simply not that kind of story.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and thank you for taking the time to take a look at my fanfiction!
Chapter 1
Itou Osamu had been warned. He had been warned not once, but on several occasions by several different classmates. Even his best friend had warned him, telling him he was having delusions of grandeur. Others reminded him of the fate of his predecessor, going over with him in detail the long and gruesome tale. Still more argued with him that there was a very good reason why he ran unopposed and that only a lunatic would seek the post out. Yes, their message was clear; do not, under any circumstances, accept the position of Student Council President of Eitoku High School.
Of course, though, Osamu did accept it, accepted it with pride and excitement. After all, it was his civic duty to serve the student body, as well as a great honor to do so. With this in mind, Osamu carried his head high as he entered the campus on the first day of the new semester, while his peers whispered to each other as he walked past. His wavy auburn hair was neatly combed back, only a couple strands gracing his forehead. He was tall, although not very much when compared to many of his classmates, and he was rather lean. In his left hand he carried his briefcase and in his right a thick binder. The school uniform he wore was spotless and wrinkle free and his black shoes were shined to perfection. On his fair face, he wore a sort of diplomatic smile while his intelligent brown eyes anxiously scanned the school grounds.
"Ah, Michiko-chan!" Osamu exclaimed with a wave when he found who he had been looking for. He quickly trotted over to her as she turned to see him, the couple of girls she was talking to hastily scurrying away upon seeing him. "Good morning!" he greeted her, grateful to see his best friend. She was a pretty girl, with loosely curled brown hair and bright matching eyes. As tall as Osamu and slender, she wore a bit of makeup and big flashy earrings. Her complexion was a bit tanner than Osamu's, as well, which made her look very lively and energetic.
"Good morning, Osamu-chan," she grinned, "Seems you're not too popular anymore, huh?"
Osamu let out a meek laugh, "Well, I did notice no one was talking to me …"
"You're lucky you have me, but I suppose that's what best friends are for. I've got to stick with you, no matter whatidiotic thing you decide to do."
"It's not idiotic; like my father says, it's a matter of civic duty," Osamu drew himself up seriously, "After all, throughout our first year, we both have witnessed the tyrannical oppression of the student populous, as well as a complete and utter disregard for the rules. How can we sit back and allow this to continue? No, it is my duty to take on the position of Student Council President so I may bring order and structure back to Eitoku High School - by doing so, I can make Eitoku a respectable institute of learning once more, as opposed to the unsafe, repressive, and chaotic place it has become."
"Okay…" Michiko trailed off, unconvinced. Then, noticing his big binder, she questioned, "What's that?"
"Oh, this? Just a collection of all the notes I took about this place during our first year, along with my many reform plans for this school year. As I promised when I took my oath of office, I fully intend to lead Eitoku toward a glorious future filled with order and structure." Osamu grinned widely.
"Sure, sure," Michiko said, "You know, I warned you about having delusions of grandeur."
"I am not having delusions of grandeur. As my father says, people desire order and structure. What's more, according to my father, a strong leader can unite the people through the enforcement of good, reasonable laws and a solid, detailed plan."
"Don't look now, but here comesEitoku's strong leader now," Michiko said, pointing her finger.
Osamu spun around to see four handsome, tall young men, otherwise known as the Flowery Four, strolling toward the school's main building. At the forefront was the very rich and very attractive Kobayashi Hotaka, skin bronze and dark hair full and silky as it gently blew in the wind. His bangs fell loosely against his forehead and extended toward his dark, mysterious eyes. As the leader of the group, he wore an exceptionally cocky smirk. Behind him was quiet looking Yamamoto Akio, his hair dark blonde and eyes emerald green, flirtatious Tanaka Kenji, who's soft and shiny chocolate brown hair was long and flowing, and athletic Suzuki Ryota, with short light brown hair, a wide smile, and dimples. Not a single one of them was wearing the approved school uniform, but instead were dressed in the latest and most expensive fashions. Most of the students cleared the path for them in both awe and fright, as a few of the more popular girls swooned over them.
As soon as his eyes fell upon the F4, Osamu felt rage swell within him. He narrowed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and clenched his fist tightly around his briefcase, trying his best to control his anger. "You've got to admit, they are really cute," Michiko commented from behind, giving her friend a playful nudge as she positioned herself to his left. "Still," she then said thoughtfully, placing a finger to her chin, "despite their good looks and their money, they really are so full of themselves. Ugh, I just can't stand a guy with an ego!"
"Yes, well, that's about to change," Osamu stated determinedly, as he turned his back to the F4 and the large commotion around them and started marching toward the school.
"Hey, wait, Osamu-chan!" Michiko called and ran quickly to catch up to him. "Hey, you know, I'm really worried about you, Osamu-chan. I think you're in over your head."
Osamu's anger melted with this, and he smiled brightly at her, "Oh, don't worry Michiko-chan. I'll be just fine."
"If you say so…" she eyed him suspiciously as the two entered the main school building. Relaxing a bit, she remarked, "Well, I guess you will be, as long as you don't think of challenging the F4. You aren't going to, are you?"
"Of course, I am, if necessary," Osamu replied casually.
"What?" Michiko's face dropped. "Are you serious?"
"Well, somebody has to, and as Student Council President, it's my job to do what the students cannot."
"Oh great," Michiko muttered, burying her head in her hand, "Here you go again…"
"Besides, the F4 has not been given the right to exercise authority over the student body, whereas I, as an elected official – "
"Now wait a minute, you weren't 'elected' – you won by default because nobody else was crazy enough to want the stupid position."
Osamu's cheeks grew pink with embarrassment, and he quickly answered, "Well, obviously everyone was pleased with the former president's recommendation that I succeed her, hence why I ran unopposed." Michiko frowned skeptically as Osamu reached his locker. "Anyway, as I said before, I'll be fine. I've got everything under control."
"Osamu-chan, I hate to bring this up, but do you remember that time with the wasp nest?"
"Uh…sort of…"
"And how you were certain you could organize them into a wasp army?"
"Yes…"
"And how you ended up in the hospital with dozens of wasp stings?"
"I guess it's coming back to me…"
"Well, this is sort of like that – incredibly stupid."
"Now, wait a minute, we were six when that happened!"
"And you think you would've gotten smarter since then. Don't you get it? You're messing with something you think you can control but you can't."
"You can't compare the two – they're completely different situations. After all, we're talking about people here, which are reasoning, thinking creatures, although, I bet if I had a little bit more time with those wasps I could – "
"Never mind," Michiko interrupted with a frustrated groan, and then said, "I've got to go to my locker, anyway, so I'll just see you in class, Osamu-chan."
"Oh, wait!" Osamu called after her, "I had to ask you something."
"Hmm?"
With hesitation, he began, "Well, as you know, it's my responsibility to appoint the rest of the members of the Student Council – "
"No."
"But Michiko-chan – "
"I don't want to serve on the Student Council!" Michiko whined, "It's going to be so boring, not to mention all the trouble it's going to cause me."
"But I need a Secretary, and you're the only one I could ask, as no else seems to be talking to me," he explained, and then added with pleading eyes, "Please?"
Sighing in defeat, she agreed, "Oh, fine. I'll do it, but with much protest, might I add."
"Great!" beamed Osamu, "Thanks so much, Michiko-chan! You're the best!"
"Yeah, yeah," Michiko mumbled with annoyance. "Anyway, I've got to get to my locker – "
"I'll go with you," Osamu said, closing his locker over, "I'm finished here."
"Okay," Michiko said pleasantly as he fell into step with her. "So, who else is on this Student Council?"
"Well, I've still got to appoint the treasurer, but the Vice President is Nakumura Taro."
"Nakumura Taro? I don't know him, though the last name sounds familiar."
"His family's got a big company, but I didn't know of him either until I got elected into office. Anyhow, he actually served as Vice President last year, and, according to the former President, he was the one who recommend me to her because he thought I'd be interested in taking over after she transferred. Funny how these things work out, don't you think?"
"It sounds pretty good to me." The two reached Michiko's locker.
"Yeah. I'm glad, because he's the only one coming back from last year's Student Council, so I'm sure he'll have valuable experience we can all benefit from. I am looking forward to meeting him."
"How about Treasurer?" Michiko asked as she finished up at her locker and the two began heading to their classroom, 2-B.
"I've compiled a list for that position of potential candidates, although nothing is seeming to pan out at the moment…" Osamu trailed off with a frown.
"Well, I suppose there's time to worry about that later," Michiko commented with a shrug. By now, they had reached their classroom, and Michiko pushed open the doors, Osamu following close behind.
Class had not begun yet, but there was much disturbance in the back corner by the windows. Girls were gushing giddily as the male students looked on with envy. "He's so dreamy," squeaked Tsutsumi Suzu, a beautiful red head of sixteen years.
"Where'd he come from?" her friend, pretty brunette Inada Naomi, asked.
Wantanbe Cho, the most beautiful of them all, spoke; "His name is Saitou Daisuke and he just transferred here. He's the heir to the Saitou family fortune, you know!" Concluding matter-of-factly, she glided her fingers through her long silky brown hair and stared confidentially at the new classmate with striking brown eyes.
Both Osamu and Michiko exchanged glances before peering through the crowd to get a look at the newcomer. He was incredibly handsome, rivaling perhaps the F4 even, with light ginger hair that was stylishly unkempt and thoughtful hazel eyes. His face was smooth and white and he appeared to be tall and trim. In his hand was a book which he was reading intensely so that he wasn't even paying attention to the clamor around him. "Wow, what a hunk," Michiko commented with a grin, "Maybe they'll have to make the F4 the F5 from now on."
"Well," Osamu said, crossing his arms, "at least he's wearing his uniform."
"That's it, we're going over there to talk to him – he's just too handsome to resist!" Cho declared from nearby, and both Suzu and Naomi nodded in agreement. Immediately, the made their way across the classroom, pushing by Osamu roughly, "Excuse me, Mr. President," Cho sneered as she knocked him slightly off balance, although he did not fall.
"Hey – " Osamu tried to reprimand, but the three girls had already haughtily brushed past him and had made their way through the small crowd to Daisuke's desk.
"Hello!" Cho exclaimed, giggling foolishly, "My name's Wantanabe Cho and it's such a pleasure to meet you, Saitou-san!" When he did not respond, Cho started to grow irritated, but she continued to be as pleasant and sweet as possible, "What is it that you're reading, Saitou-san?" She asked, leaning in closely and pressing up against his right shoulder.
"Hmm?" Daisuke looked up from his reading and blinked, surprised to see Cho standing there.
"I was just asking what you were reading, Saitou-san," Cho explained, blushing coyly, "My name's Wantana-"
"Advanced Applications of the Local Classfield Theory."
"What?"
"You asked what I was reading. I'm reading Advanced Applications of the Local Classfield Theory."
"What the heck is that?" Cho questioned, unable to hide her disgust. The other students murmured in confusion.
"Local Classfield Theory," Daisuke repeated, and explained stoically, "It's the study in number theory of the abelian extensions of local fields. Actuality, on its own, it's a successful theory and has led to definite conclusions. However, it's also significant in terms of the proofs of class field theory itself, as it was developed to help clarify them. In any event, the basic theory deals with a local field K, the description of the Galois group G of the maximal abelian extension of K. This is closely related to K to the x power, the multiplicative group of K. These groups cannot be equal, since as a topological group G is pro-finite and so compact. Conversely, K to the x power is not compact.
"Therefore, taking the case where K is a finite extension of the p-adic numbers Qp, one can say more precisely that K to the x power has the structure of a cartesian product of a compact group with an infinite cyclic group. The main topological operation is to replace the infinite cyclic group by a group Z, or, in other words, its pro-finite completion with respect to subgroups of finite index. This can be done by indicating a topology on K to the x power, for which one can easily complete. This, roughly speaking then, is the correct group to identify with G. Also, it's good to note that the actual isomorphism used is important in practice, but is described in the theory of the norm residue symbol."
The classroom became completely and utterly silent. For a while, everyone was quiet, not having a clue as to what the say. Finally, outraged, Cho shouted, "What is wrong with you? Are you some kind of freak or something?"
Daisuke blinked, his large book still open in front of him, and calmly answered, "No."
"Whatever!" Cho exclaimed, "Just wait until the F4 hear about you. Let's go, girls!" She then stomped off, Naomi and Suzu following close behind, equally disgusted.
"What a loser," Suzu scoffed.
"I know…" Naomi agreed.
The rest of the class followed suit, becoming disillusioned by whom they had idolized only minutes before. Still looking unmoved, Daisuke shrugged and went back to his book.
"I guess he is a bit odd," Michiko admitted, placing her briefcase on one of the desks, "But that doesn't mean they have to be so mean, you know Osamu-chan? Osamu-chan?"
Wide-eyed and beaming, Osamu was staring straight at the handsome new transfer student; very unlike his classmates, he had went from being unimpressed from being in awe. "Why, he's perfect!" he abruptly declared happily. Before Michiko could even react, Osamu had marched over to the Daisuke's desk, extended his hand, and introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Itou Osamu, and I'm president of the Student Council. It's very nice to meet you."
Daisuke looked up startled to see the grinning face looking down at him. However, immediately, he shook Osamu's hand and introduced himself, "Hello. My name's Saitou Daisuke, and I've been looking forward to meeting you, too."
"Really? Well, I just wanted to welcome you to Eitoku High School. As I mentioned, I'm Student Council President, so if you have any problems whatsoever, please don't hesitate to talk to me about it."
"Thank you, Itou-san."
"You know, actually, I wanted to ask you something, if you don't mind."
"Uh, okay. Sure."
"I couldn't help but notice that you seem to be a bit of a math whiz."
"I suppose so. I picked up most of it from my parents, though. I grew up loving mathematics. I guess I took comfort in how orderly it was, and how you would always get an absolute answer. There was no confusion, because there was always a law you could apply and follow. Kind of like bringing order to the chaos, don't you think?" Daisuke let out a laugh.
Osamu's smile grew wider; Daisuke was too good to be true. "Exactly! Order to the chaos! You understand entirely!"
"Do I?" Daisuke now asked a bit perplexed.
"Yes - Mathematics is just what this school needs!" Osamu stated passionately.
Daisuke frowned uneasily. "Well, unfortunately, it appears that this school doesn't really appreciate mathematics like I do."
"Nonsense! I'm sure this school could be very, very grateful to the subject of mathematics, particularly when its principles are practically applied by a knowledgeable person to nobly assisting them."
"Do you think so?"
"Why, certainly. After all, I am the elected representative of the student body, so I would know, right?"
"That would make sense, yes," Daisuke answered, then asked, "Uh, Itou-san, wasn't there something you wanted to ask me?"
"Yes. Saitou-san, would you like to serve as the Student Council Treasurer? I know you'd be a big help to my plans to reform this school. I think you'd do a great job."
"Huh?"
"Why not give it a try, hmm?"
"Well, I – I'm a little confused."
"It won't be so bad, trust me. As long as we stick together firmly and – "
"No, it's not that," Daisuke informed him, "It's just that, well, Nakamura Taro already appointed me to the position earlier this morning."
"What?"
"Don't you know?"
"Uh…" Osamu trailed off weakly, growing bright red. Quickly he lied, "Oh, yes, of course I knew. I'm the president, after all, so I knew. I just didn't, uh, realize that uh, Vice President Nakamura talked to you about it already. But I had naturally told him to mention it to you. See, I had already made the appointment, because I'm the president and it's my job to do that sort of thing, and uh, I had simply asked Vice President Nakamura to let you know about my decision, as that's his job, but I just wanted to make sure he did so, because he might not have, you know…?"
"Um, okay…"
"Well, I better be taking my seat then, since class will be starting and all," Osamu said.
"Sure. I'll see you at the Student Council meeting later."
"Meeting?" Osamu, who had been retreating back to his desk in front of Michiko's, turned around. He had not a clue what Daisuke was talking about.
"Yeah, the one at lunch," Daisuke informed him, "Nakamura told me about it."
"Oh, yes, that meeting. The Student Council meeting which I scheduled for today at lunch that I ordered Vice President Nakamura to tell you about. Of course, I'll see you then, Saitou-san" Osamu forced a smile and Daisuke also grinned with uncertainty. Speedily, Osamu turned around again, while Daisuke returned to his book. Once with his back to Daisuke, Osamu's smile faded to be replaced by an angry grimace as he took his seat and thought bitterly, Just who does this Nakamura Taro think he is?
"I just don't see what the big deal is, Osamu-chan," Michiko said as the two walked down the halls of Eitoku High School at noontime. "You wanted Saitou to be Treasurer, right? So then who cares who appointed him, if it ends up the way you wanted it to be?"
"Because," Osamu answered through clenched teeth, "You're missing the point. Nakamura went completely over my head without asking my permission. Say if I wanted someone else to serve as Treasurer?"
"But you didn't."
"Yes, but say if I did? Then what would have happened? No, Nakamura's behavior is completely unacceptable."
"Maybe it was a misunderstanding, and Saitou only thought Nakamura appointed him, when in reality he had just mentioned that the position was available. Or Nakamura could just be trying to impress you," Michiko suggested with a shrug, "After all, he must have seen what a math genius Saitou is, so perhaps Nakamura thought you'd be real happy if he brought him on board."
"But it's my job to appoint – I'm the president! And what about the lunch meeting he scheduled without consulting me first?"
"Maybe he thought that since he has more experience, he'd just help you out by starting things ups again and to ease you into your new position."
"I think you're being a little bit too easy on him. You're supposed to be my best friend, not his."
Michiko rolled her eyes. "Just admit it, Osama-chan."
"Admit what?"
"You've always been controlling."
"What? Have not!"
"Yes you have. You've been ever since we were little."
"That's so absurd – "
"Remember the wasps?"
Osamu laughed nervously and hastily changed the subject, "So where is the Student Council office again? It's supposed to be nearby I thought…ah, there it is!" Hastening his pace he approached the door to the office and went to open it. Yet, to his dismay, it was locked. "Locked?"
"Osama-chan, didn't you hear?" Michiko asked, catching up to him.
"Hear?"
"The F4 took over the Student Council office."
"What?"
"Yeah, at the end of last semester, I think. In any case, the Student Council meets in the storage room now."
"The storage room? The storage room?" Osamu exclaimed with exasperation. "But this is our office – it even has 'Student Council Office' written on it!" However, when he went to point it out, he saw that the words were crudely scratched out. "What? This is an outrage!"
"I'm sorry, Osamu-chan. But there's no use standing around and complaining about it, right? Besides, we'll be late to the first meeting," Michiko said as happily as possible, proceeding down the hall. "Come on!"
"Oh, fine!" Osamu relinquished and followed after her.
Shortly later, the two entered Eitoku High School's storage room. The room was small, poorly lit, and stuffy. All around were boxes cluttered clumsily on top of one another, and there was only one small window that barely let in any sunlight. In the middle, some of the boxes had been pushed aside and a few desks had been arranged. There sat Daisuke, reading a new book, and beside him stood a dignified looking young man. He was about Osamu's height, but a little bit skinnier, and was very pale to the point of almost being white. His jet black hair, which contrasted deeply with his fair complexion, was neatly parted to the left and exceptionally shiny. Over his shrewd dark brown eyes he wore round glasses with thick black frames.
"You must be Itou Osamu, correct?" the unfamiliar male student spoke.
"Yes, I – " Osamu began, but soon began coughing on the dust that lingered thickly in the storage room's air.
"My name's Nakamura Taro. I'm the Vice President. We were just about to begin."
"Oh?" Osamu managed to choke out. "Actually, I was hoping I could speak to you in private, Nakamura-san –"
"Don't worry, this meeting will be very brief," Taro went on, paying very little attention to Osamu as he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his glasses. "I just wanted to – " Placing his glasses back on his face he stopped mid-sentence and then stated, "You brought her!" His eyes fell onto Michiko.
"Yes, Michiko-chan is going to be – "
Beaming, Taro pushed past a bewildered Osamu and clasped Michiko's hands. "I've been waiting a long time to actually meet you Takahashi-san! It is my honor!"
"Huh?" Michiko let out a confused giggle and said, "Oh, well, it's nice to meet you."
"I appointed her to be our Secretary," Osamu stated.
"Did you, Itou-san? Oh, I knew you would!" he exclaimed, but continued to gawk at Michiko as he did so.
"Uh, Nakumura-san, could you please let go of my hand now?" Michiko awkwardly asked.
Instantly, Taro's snow white cheeks became beat read, and he quickly let go and stepped back a bit. Drawing himself up, he cleared his throat and said, "Yes, well, sorry about that. Let's begin, shall we?" He then walked back to where the desks were arranged and took a seat in the middle one.
"Nakumura-san, shouldn't I be running the meetings, since I'm the President?"
Taro blinked. Then, he narrowed his eyes. "Well, if you insist upon it!" He answered with a huff, getting up and taking a seat at the desk beside the one he was just sitting at.
"Thank you," Osamu said, sitting down at the center desk, greeting Daisuke as he did so, "Good afternoon, Saitou-san!"
"Oh, good morning Itou-san," Daisuke replied, glancing up from his book. Noticing Michiko there, he smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I don't think we met. My name's Saitou Daisuke and it's very nice to meet you."
"Likewise! I'm Takahashi Michiko!"
"Takahashi-san, don't you think you should take your seat now?" Taro immediately questioned with a suspicious gaze.
"Oh, right, sorry!" Michiko complied, sliding into one of the chairs and taking out a binder filled with blank loose-leaf paper.
"As of now, I officially call to order the first Student Council meeting of this school year," Osamu started as Michiko began taking the minutes, "I'm very excited and think that if we all work together, we can get a lot done. Tomorrow, I expect to meet with Principal Nakazawa and Vice Principle Hoshi, and, if you'd like, you may come along Nakumura-san."
"Very well," Taro agreed with disinterest.
"Good," Osamu smiled, and then slammed his large binder open on his desk, "Now then, I have many plans for this year, and I think we should spend this meeting going over some of them, all right? To begin, I have decided that our first order of business will be to tackle the issue of dress here at Eitoku, since this will be the starting point of our larger agenda, which is to reinforce discipline and order back into this high school. As some of you might know, Eitoku has a clear, strict school uniform policy. If you would all turn to your policy series – you all do have a policy series, yes?"
"Yes," they all responded.
"Okay, well if you could all turn to your policy series Article 2, section 3, you'll see that the school uniform policy has been outlined in detail. Since we are the Student Council, it is our job to make sure that this policy is fully enforced, as it is in the best interest of the students at large."
"President Itou," Taro spoke up now, "If I may say so, I believe that on the whole, this policy is properly being upheld. Furthermore, while it seems that you went to a lot of trouble devising for us an agenda, I doubt that it'll be necessary."
"Huh?" Osamu looked over at Taro with confusion, as Michiko and Daisuke exchanged worried glances.
"It's quite simple, Itou-san," Taro said, "And I'm sure you'll understand once I get a chance to explain to you. However, at the present time, I'd like to quickly conclude this meeting so the two of us will have adequate time to chat."
"But I haven't finished going over everything I wanted to discuss, Nakumura-san," Osamu stated, trying to hold his temper, "And we still haven't finished with the school uniform policy."
"As I said, I see no problem with the school uniform policy or the way it is being enforced currently."
"Then I suppose we'll take a vote on it, all right?" Osamu said. "I vote we pursue this issue."
"I vote against any such thing," Taro sneered, crossing his arms.
"I'll have to abstain, as I have not been here long enough to properly analyze the situation in regards to the school uniform policy," Daisuke replied matter-of-factly.
Michiko frowned and reluctantly said, "Uh, I guess Osamu-chan has a point about the school uniform policy…so I vote in favor of further discussing it."
"That's two to one with one abstention," Osamu grinned with satisfaction, "Which means the Student Council has decided to fully support and enforce the school uniform policy as outlined in article 2, section 3 of the Eitoku High School Policy Series."
"Brilliant…" Taro muttered, highly annoyed.
"So, to begin with that," Osamu went on, purposely ignoring Taro, "Uh, Michiko-chan?"
"Yes?" Michiko looked up from her note taking.
"You'll have to remove those earrings."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, but Article 2, Section 3, sub-section b states that 'Students are not permitted to wear any sort of jewelry or accessories, including but not limited to bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, hats, and/or watches, that are deemed by the Student Council and/or the Administration to be either offensive, overly ostentatious, and/or a distraction to fellow classmates.'"
"But, Osamu-chan!"
"As secretary of the Student Council, Michiko-chan, it is your responsibility to set a good example."
"Fine…" she mumbled, sulky, and begrudgingly took off her large earrings, sticking them in her pocket.
"Thank you, Michiko-chan," Osamu said, and continued, "Now, then, unfortunately fashion accessories are the least of our problems in regards to the school uniform policy. It has come to my attention – "
"Waah!" came a loud cry and the sounds of boxes crashing down.
"Is someone else in here?" Osamu anxiously stood up with concern as he saw where a cloud of dust rose from where the boxes had fell. Michiko followed suit, rising to her feet.
"Don't worry," Taro said nonchalantly, "It's just my little sister poking around back there."
"Little sister?" Michiko and Osamu looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Emi-chan!" Taro called to her. "Come out here and don't be so rude!"
"Sorry, Oni-san," replied a petite, fifteen year old girl who appeared from behind the boxes. Nakumura Emi shared similar features to her older brother; she had the same snow white complexion and her straight hair was just as black, but long, as it extended all the way to her waist. Smaller in frame than Taro, she also had bangs which neatly fell across her forehead, and her brown eyes were gentler, as were her delicate facial features.
"Emi-chan, this is Itou Osamu and Saitou Daisuke, our president and treasurer respectively," Taro introduced the two boys, as he got up to stand by her side, while she tried her best to straighten up, as her uniform was covered with dust.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said meekly with a small bow.
"And this is our wonderful secretary, Takahashi Michiko," Taro went on.
"Ah, so this is the one you're always talking about, Oni-san!" Emi now grinned with excitement and Taro's face immediately grew bright red. Michiko also blushed a bit and laughed nervously. "Wow, she is pretty, just like you said!"
"Will you be quiet!" Taro snapped with a harsh whisper and Emi lowered her head.
"Sorry, Oni-san," Emi apologized and added, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Takahashi-san, and please forget everything I just said – my brother actually doesn't think you're pretty at all."
"That's not true!" Taro exclaimed, and questioned his sister as quietly as he could, "What do you think you are doing?"
"I'm sorry, Oni-san, but I thought you were upset that I told Takahasi you thought she was pretty, so I thought it best if I retract my previous statement by telling her you thought the opposite. I'm only trying to make things better."
"You are making them worse!"
"Shall I try again, then?"
"No!" Taro, soon remembering that his three fellow classmates were watching with awkwardness, cleared his throat and said, "Uh, this is my sister, Emi. She is the Student Council's archivist."
"That's why I was looking around through the boxes. I'm sorry for making such a mess, but there are so many things to find in here! I am so happy we moved the Student Council office to the storage room, aren't you? I find it quite convenient."
"It's a bit dark," Daisuke commented nonchalantly with a shrug, "But functional, I suppose."
"But," Osamu spoke up, "The Student Council constitution doesn't outline an archivist position. It stipulates that the Student Council will be comprised of four members of the student body, which are the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer."
"Just think of it as an unofficial position…" Taro trailed off.
"I'll make that decision, Nakamura-san, as I'm the president," Osamu stated, glaring with annoyance.
"Listen, it's not really a big deal," Taro challenged, "She's harmless. All she does is hang around, anyway, so she won't interrupt too much. She's just obsessed with the history of this school - she knows everything about it."
"It doesn't matter, though," Osamu insisted, stubbornly, "because the Student Council Constitution clearly states that there will only be four members of this governing body. As the elected representatives of the student body, it is our responsibility to uphold the constitution. After all, how can we continue on with our agenda of discipline and order if we just break whatever rules and regulations we want?"
"You're just being difficult!" Taro shouted angrily.
"I don't care if that's what you think– I'm the president, and therefore it's my duty to do what I think is best." Crossing his arms, Osamu turned his back to his Vice President and stood tally.
"If I may interject," Daisuke chimed in, "I couldn't help but notice that this council could benefit from an additional member, for voting purposes, I mean. After all, it is basic mathematics."
"Osamu-chan, perhaps you can appoint Nakamura Emi to the position?" Michiko suggested, "Wouldn't it be useful to have someone so knowledgeable about Eitoku around?"
Osamu frowned and reluctantly relinquished, "Well…I guess I can appoint her temporarily, just as a trial, that is, to see how it works out. However, since in order to create an official position, the constitution must be changed through an amendment process requiring the approval of the student body, she cannot have the power to vote. Therefore, Emi-san, I, as President of the Student Council, appoint you to serve as a non-voting member of the Student Council in the position of Student Council archivist until further notice is given."
"Thank you, President Itou! I will do my best." Emi smiled. She happily continued, "Do you know, that this is the twenty-seventh presidential appointment of an unofficial position made since the Eitoku High School Student Council was formed in the year 1962?"
"What?" Osamu asked.
"I said the Student Council was formed in the year 1962, which many people find surprising, since the school was founded back in 1948. That means that the student body went fourteen years without being represented, you know. Although, the students have always been known to have influence over the school administration, as most of the students, particularly during the first decade, came from the most powerful and wealthy families in all of Japan. Eitoku High School was also much smaller during the pre-Student Council era, too, with an average of one hundred and eighty three students enrolled. But the school's enrollment size expanded quite a bit beginning in 1973, the same year that the school became a co-ed institution, which, actually, the Student Council was quite influential in bringing about. Isn't that interesting?"
"Oh, uh, sure…thank you for that Emi-san," Osamu answered, unsure of what else to say.
Emi, however, wasn't finished; "Oh, but, I don't want to mislead you, President Itou, because that's not the only reason for the rise in enrollment over the last three decades. You see, during the 1980s, Eitoku began to slowly shift its focus toward accepting not only the richest students, but also the most intelligent, according to school board records, that is. If you get a chance to read the Ichikawa report of 1985, it explains how this resulted in quite a lot of tension for the select few lower class students who were accepted into Eitoku and actually able to afford its relatively high tuition rates. These tuition prices sharply increased into the 1990s, although, after 1999, the tuition increase rate has mostly steadied. You know, though, there was a decline in enrollment rates from around 1991 to 1995, due primarily to harassment -"
"Emi-chan!" Taro quieted her, "That's quite enough."
"Sorry, Oni-san, I tend to lose myself…" She giggled timidly.
"In any case, I think it's time we end this little meeting, as we only have a little time before class and President Itou and myself need to talk," Taro explained.
"But, I – " Osamu started helplessly, looking longingly at his large binder.
"This meeting is adjourned, then?" Taro spoke over Osamu. Daisuke shrugged, having returned to his book, and Michiko glanced desperately over to Osamu, hoping that he would agree to conclude the whole awkward, boring meeting. Sighing in defeat, Osamu just gave a nod. "Good," Taro said quite satisfied, "We'll meet again the day after tomorrow at three thirty." With that, Daisuke collected his things and wished everyone farewell as Emi retreated back behind the stacks of boxes, hidden from view.
"I'm sorry, Osamu-chan," Michiko apologized in a soft voice, "I know this meeting didn't go exactly as you would have liked."
"Don't worry, Michiko-chan," Osamu said with resolve, "Once I set Nakamura straight, things will begin to run smoothly. He's definitely going to hear it from me, that's for sure!"
"If you say so…" Michiko frowned doubtfully but gathered her stuff and stood. "Well, I'm going to see who I can catch up with before lunch ends. Good luck with Nakamura!" She waved good-bye and left.
"Are you ready, Itou-san?" Taro asked, closing his briefcase and walking toward the door.
"Yes," Osamu quickly replied, grabbing his own briefcase and holding his binder with his right arm.
"Emi-chan, we're leaving, now," Taro called out once Osamu made it to his side by the entranceway, "Don't stay too long, because class will be starting soon. And don't make more of a mess!"
"Yes, Oni-san," Emi called back, "Bye bye!"
Taro and Osamu strolled across the large school grounds of Eitoku High School, passing by various groups of students who sat eating their lunches and gossiping about their first days. As they walked, Taro did most of the speaking; "Itou-san, it's important that you begin to understand your place here at Eitoku High School. Now I know you have all these quaint notions of idealistically reshaping this school's social structure, but you don't comprehend what's going on here. If you want to survive Eitoku, you better follow my example. After all, there's a reason why I'm the only remaining member of the Student Council from last year, Itou-san."
"Thank you, Nakamura-san, but – "
"Listen, I'm just going to get to the point, Itou-san." Taro stopped sharply and pulled off his glasses to wipe the lenses with a handkerchief. "I know that all these little policies you're promoting are just stepping stones to your main objective – challenging the Flowery Four - and I'm just going to tell you not to do so."
"I don't understand. I was elected to be the president of the student body and it's my responsibility to represent all of them and their interests to the best of my abilities."
Taro let out a chuckle, placed his glasses back on his face, and shook his head. "Itou-san, you really are naïve. Let me just give you some insight into how things really work around here. When I first came to Eitoku, I was quick to learn who had the power and who didn't, and I made certain that I would not become one of the powerless. At the time, the Student Council was in shambles, as you yourself must remember. It was not but two weeks into the school year that the Flowery Four chased out the newly elected Vice President for trying to interfere with them. It was then that I saw my opportunity – if I could take on that position and present myself as a useful ally to the F4, I would be able to ensure security for the rest of my time here. As you can see, it's been working out rather well thus far."
"So, you're just an agent for the F4?" Osamu asked with disbelief.
"Itou-san, you will find that the Flowery Four is quite willing to be amicable with us – the Student Council, that is – as long as we remain compliant. That's all there is to it," Taro explained. He went on; "And I've been able to accomplish plenty for our peers because of this alliance. It helps, of course, that typically the President of the Student Council is the target for the F4's attacks, while the Vice President remains more of a background figure. However, I'm willing to discuss your case with the F4 and see if they'll cut you some slack, as long as you decide to let go of this silly crusade you have against them. After all, you don't want to end up like our last President, do you?"
"No, I don't, but – "
"Good. I'm glad we had this little discussion. Now that you understand your place, things will begin to run more smoothly."
"My place?" Osamu blinked, even more disillusioned.
"A title is just a title, after all. I have been in charge of the Student Council since I became Vice President - I know what's best."
"But then why didn't you just run for President, Nakamura-san?" Osamu questioned, "Why ask me?"
"Because, Itou-san, there are certain risks I'm not willing to take. I'm comfortable in the safer, less conspicuous, useful role of Vice President. As for my recommendation of you – well, let's just say that's more of a personal matter involving Takahashi." Taro turned away at this, his fair skin turning slightly pink.
"Michiko?" Osamu asked, even more confused. "What does she have to do with this?"
"That is none of your concern," Taro snapped before clearing his throat and spinning back around. "Well then, I will see you tomorrow for our meeting with the Principal and Vice Principal. Oh, and there's no need for you to prepare anything – I've taken care of all that."
"Actually, uh, Nakamura-san, I wanted to talk to you about that. I understand that you have your own idea of how things work around here, but I am the President and you are just the Vice President, and according to our by-laws - "
"I'm sorry, Itou-san, but I have to go and check on my sister before class starts," Taro interrupted.
"But, Nakamura-san – "
"You have a nice day, and I'll try to put in a good word for you with the F4. Good bye for now." Giving Osamu a patronizing smirk, Taro marched off toward the school, leaving his perplexed and miserable president behind.
"Can you believe Nakamura, Michiko-chan?" Osamu ranted to Michiko, who stood at her locker as the school day came to an end. "What nerve!"
"I guess so…"
"You guess so? You guess so? He's working with the enemy!" Osamu nearly shouted.
"Well, I can't say it isn't smart of him to get on their good side. It wouldn't hurt you to do the same, Osamu-chan," Michiko remarked.
"That's ridiculous. As my father suggests, I must be honorable when fulfilling my duties as the chief representative of this student populous. I can't be favoring one student over the next, you know," he explained.
"Then why did you tell him to speak to the Flowery Four for you?"
"I didn't tell him to – he just decided to on his own," Osamu told her bitterly, "He doesn't think he has to listen to me."
"But that's your own fault, because you kept letting him interrupt you," she reminded him as she finished at her locker. The two began walking down the hall.
"It's not like I didn't try, but he just keeps talking and talking – do you know what that's like, Michiko-chan?"
"No idea…"she muttered with a roll of her eyes.
"He just went on and on and, well, I guess he can be quite intimidating…" Osamu trailed off with a disappointed sigh. Then, while the two turned the corner, he raised up his briefcase while clutching its handle and exclaimed, 'I can't stand that Nakamura! What a jerk!"
"Hey, Osamu-chan, look down there," Michiko changed the subject, "There's a lot of commotion, isn't there?"she pointed to where there looked to be a huge crowd gathered around a student's locker.
"Yes, there is," Osamu agreed. The two friends could hear mixed sounds of people laughing and joking loudly or cathartically whispering to one another.
"Oh no! You don't think they've red-tagged someone already, do you?" Osamu frowned but did not reply. Instead, he gritted his teeth and began marching down the hall. "Hey, wait Osamu-chan!" Michiko followed after him. As the two grew closer, they could make out what was happening more clearly. As soon as Michiko recognized the new hazing victim of the Flowery Four, she gasped and said, "No, not poor Saitou…"
Cho's angry words from earlier that day rang in Osamu's ears: "Just wait until the F4 hear about you." He watched as Daisuke, clueless, stared inquisitively at the red tag hanging inside his locker. Cho and her comrades stood nearby, looking on with sheer satisfaction. The other students who had gathered around anxiously waited to strike the unsuspecting victim, for it was clear by Daisuke's face that he had no idea what the small sliver of red paper actually symbolized:
The Flowery Four had declared war against him.
To be continued...
Information from Wikpedia