AUTHOR'S NOTE: An announcement: Review replies are going to be at the end of the chapter from now on. No specific reason other than I don't want this beginning portion to get too long.
Anyways: This first face-to-face interaction between Akako and Tora ;) and it concludes our first chapter! (I wish I could've published it all at once instead of splitting it into thirds, but the doc manager was NOT behaving well.)
Don't forget to fav, follow, and review! ;))))))
Chapter One: A Rapid Succession, part three
"I only transferred here last week," Sasaki was saying happily, slurping down a spoonful of miso noodles. "My other school was really rundown, you know. The food was terrible and everything was dusty and there was no air conditioning, either."
"Mhmm," Akako responded absentmindedly, picking at her own lunch with her chopsticks.
They were sitting across from each other at the small table Akako had sat at the day before, except she had been eating alone then. She almost regretted letting him come with her to lunch….she liked it when it was quiet; she preferred to be alone, when she didn't have the bother of making conversation.
"But this place is nice," Sasaki went on, downing the rest of his soup in one. "The building and the uniforms, and mostly everything….except the people, I guess. Well, you're okay, Mizuhara-san—"
"Geez, Sasaki, do you always talk so much?" Akako cut in sharply, giving him a smouldering stare. Haruto might've seemed innocently shy at first, but now that he'd warmed up to her he was quite the chatterbox.
"Oh...uh...sorry," He smiled sheepishly, looking down at the table.
"And you don't have to call me that," Akako added in a more relaxed tone.
"Call you what?" He said, gazing back up at her.
"'Mizuhara-san', with the honorific," she replied.
"Oh," he said, looking pleasantly surprised. "Then I guess I could call you 'Mizuhara'. We're friends now after all, aren't we?" And he smiled cheerfully at her, his face positively glowing.
Akako didn't answer.
"Anyways, I—"
"Excuse me," a pleasant-sounding voice said.
Akako and Sasaki both turned their heads to look at the source of the voice. A blue-haired, smiling boy was standing by their table, accompanied by two bulky-looking boys standing in the background.
"Pardon the interruption, but I need both of you — Mizuhara Akako and Sasaki Haruto — to come with me, please."
Akako stared for a moment, without moving; then she said, "Who're you?"
"Ah, please excuse my forgetfulness — I'm Maki Kanade, Student Council Vice President."
Akako eyed the two boys standing behind him. "Who're they?"
"They're from the Judo team," Maki replied pleasantly. "We didn't want things to get out of hand again."
Haruto made a sort of strangled squeal, while Akako chortled.
"And why do I need to come with you again?" asked Akako, turning back to her lunch dispassionately.
"The Student Council President summons you to his office," Maki replied patiently, still smiling unnervingly.
"For what?" Akako said, a little more forcefully.
"Disciplinary issues." Maki said promptly.
"Oh, wonderful," Akako said under her breath, rolling her eyes at the table. Disciplinary issues, eh? This must be because she had hit Koganei yesterday….
"Disciplinary issues?!" exclaimed Sasaki suddenly. "Maki-san, surely this isn't about the fight yesterday?"
"I believe it is, actually." Maki said. "Now, if you will just come with—"
"But — but — Mizuhara was only trying to protect me!" Sasaki sputtered indignantly. "It should only be me that's going in for disciplinary issues—"
"Oh, shut up, Sasaki," Akako said roughly, getting up from the table. "We'll just go. Big deal."
"I'm sorry about this, but I had very specific instructions from the President," Maki said, although he did not look very sorry.
And they allowed themselves to be led out of the cafeteria, Akako with her head held high, and Sasaki cowering slightly with his head down.
When Mizuhara Akako walked in through the tall, overlarge doorway, Tora's first thought was that she looked just the way she did in her picture: stunningly pretty but also very mean and unpleasant. Her eyes in real life appeared dark and burning, so that whatever she did, it always looked as if she were glaring at something. In fact, Akako seemed to be even more hostile in person because she carried that thunderous, hard gaze which simply could not be transferred into a photograph. Koganei Hirofumi, whom he had also summoned, sat still as a statue beside him, looking at Akako with a combination of fear and anger.
Another boy was now shuffling in behind Akako: he had salmon-orange hair and round, doleful eyes. At a glance, Tora could tell that he would be easy to handle. The girl, on the other hand….
In truth, he hadn't known what to think at first when Maki first showed up in his office with a disciplinary report in his hands, telling him that Mizuhara Akako, the very person that his father had asked to make connections with, had just gotten in a physical fight with Koganei Hirofumi – and won. Based solely upon this, he thought her to be reckless, strong-willed, fiercely bold, possibly even rude….a perfect recipe for trouble. And yet her student's record was also perfect; she'd finished at the top of her class last semester, her grades were in tip-top shape; she might have dreamed of becoming yet another one of Miyabigaoka's influential alumni, by the looks of where she was headed, which also meant she probably wasn't the least bit pleased with this new scar on her once-perfect student's resumé–
Then he had a sudden fantastic impulse of an idea. He now saw the vast opportunity in this, a clear way forward in executing his plan. Maybe he'd help her a little with her resumé, and maybe she'd be just so inclined to reciprocate by helping him out a little too. After all, the first thing anyone learned in business school was that mutual interests get things accomplished the fastest. And if she wasn't so inclined to help him, a big fat check probably would get the job done either way. Tora smiled to himself, now confident that the task he'd been assigned could be in the bag within the next hour. The only thing left to do now was to play the card.
"Good afternoon, Mizuhara-san and Sasaki-san," he began lightly, deciding that a friendly approach would be best for the situation. "Please, sit." The statement was not a request so much as a demand.
Akako complied, not taking her eyes off him or Koganei, while Sasaki sank slowly into the seat beside her.
"I am Igarashi Tora, President of the Student Council of Miyabigaoka. I understand you know why you are here?" Tora asked, his voice still light and cordial.
"Yes," Sasaki said nervously. "This is about the fight yesterday, right?"
Tora inclined his head to acknowledge him. "I've already questioned Koganei about the matter. According to him, Mizuhara-san, you attacked him, insulted him, and left without even apologizing. Do you deny this?"
"I do not," Akako replied in a hard voice, glaring at Koganei.
"Mizuhara-san didn't really mean to hit him!" Sasaki protested indignantly. "It was only because I — because I was being teased, that's why she had to stop Koganei-shi."
"I'm glad you brought that up," Tora said readily. "Koganei-san, it seems you are in the wrong as well."
Koganei, now red-faced and furious-looking, didn't seem to want to expand on the matter.
Tora turned to Sasaki. "Sasaki-san," he said, "how did Koganei-san offend you?"
Sasaki looked down at his hands. It was clear he didn't want to elaborate either. "He — he called me names," he mumbled shamefacedly. "Like — like 'okane-boy' and—"
"He called you names," Tora repeated calmly, folding his arms across his chest as he leaned against his chair. "And Mizuhara-san saw this as reason to attack another student?" He raised his eyebrows at her questioningly, though it was with true curiosity that he anticipated her answer.
"Usually people don't need excuses to hit ignorant jerks," she said disinterestedly, giving Koganei another deadpan yet threatening stare. Tora was torn between silent laughter and a stroke of alarm. She was much more fierce than he'd first imagined. He could foresee that this would be problematic….and yet he found himself wholeheartedly enjoying her audacity.
But then he was shaken out of these thoughts by Koganei, "Hey, who're you calling—?!"
"Look," Sasaki burst out suddenly, his eyes shining with passion as he stood up, his fists clenched by his sides, "Mizuhara-san only hit him because she was standing up for me! She wouldn't hit someone just like—"
"Give it a rest, Sasaki—" Akako hissed.
"That's all very well, but unless you have actual proof—" Tora cut in.
"Yeah, newbie, how would you know—"
"I know because….because Mizuhara-san is really a kind person!" Sasaki said, the words sounding as if they'd spilled out of his mouth.
There was a long pause as Akako stared at the other boy, her eyes wide, nothing but pure shock on her face.
"Oh, very inspiring, Sasaki," Koganei sneered, breaking the heavy silence. Sasaki sat down disappointedly, and Akako recovered from her dim shock, turning to glare at Koganei once again.
"Regardless," Tora said firmly, feeling that he ought to interject. "Mizuhara-san and Koganei-san both violated our school's strictest policies. Our school aims to create a welcoming atmosphere—"
"'Welcoming atmosphere', my ass," Akako muttered under her breath, although Tora heard her. He fought the urge to laugh aloud.
But he continued, as if he hadn't heard anything, "—where all our students can flourish, no matter their background." He paused to glance at Koganei. "As a result, this infraction will be listed on your permanently records and you both will serve a week of detention."
"But, kaichou-san—!*"
"A week—?!"
Tora silenced them with a piercing stare. "This is the school's policy, not mine. And make sure you remember the consequences next time you want to start a fight, understand? Now, I want you to shake hands."
Koganei, still fuming, stuck out his hand, first to Sasaki, then to Akako. When she took it, it looked like she was trying to crush his fingers in an iron grip, and by the look on Koganei's face afterwards, she might've succeeded.
"Good," said Tora, putting on a very convincing polite smile. "You are dismissed to class."
Koganei stormed out of the room bad-temperedly, muttering feverish words as he went. Sasaki followed forlornly from behind.
"Mizuhara-san," Tora called, just as Akako turned to leave, "I would like a word with you."
She stopped in her tracks abruptly, and he wondered briefly if the look on her face in that moment was the impassive mask that she preferred to wear, or an expression of annoyance. Then his mind snapped back to its usual place and remembered the task his father had given him.
But no, something else inside him, some old instinct told him it was too soon for him to ask after her own father just yet. She didn't trust him at all; that was clear from the moment she started speaking. He would have to wait, earn her trust, only then would it be safe for him to persist about a favor, otherwise she might go running in the other direction and never come back. This task would require time after all. He had been wrong. And he could not risk losing his chance when it stood, quite literally, right in front of him.
"Mizuhara-san," he repeated to her back, for he had made up his mind now.
She didn't answer. Suddenly he itched to say something that would make her respond to him, to see how she would react….but his rational mind quickly put this impulse down. He had a job to do.
He picked up a file from his desk and held it up as if he were studying it in the light: "'Top of the class,'" he read. "Great ambition, stunning grades, and all your teachers have written wonderful recommendations — what a shame to see such a perfect student's record ruined by a small infraction. You are in luck though, Mizuhara-san." He continued. "I—"
"Am I?" Akako whipped around suddenly, her dark eyes flashing, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "My great ambition, my stunning grades, my perfect record ruined. Yeah, I am so in luck."
"You are," Tora continued, restraining himself from laughing at her remark with quite some difficulty yet again. "Because I have a proposition for you."
A silence buzzed the air.
"I am in a bit of a dilemma," Tora went on casually. "One of my best managers on the student council has transferred to a foreign school, and she's left a gaping hole in our team. I want you to fill her position." He paused. "Mizuhara-san, would you like to join the student council?"
"No," said Akako bluntly, eyeing him distastefully. "Can I go now?"
"You may not," Tora said. He refused to be put down. "Because you see, we are both in a bit of a dilemma. I have a manager to replace, and you have a record to fix. Why don't we help each other out here? If you joined the student council, it would cancel your disciplinary infraction, Mizuhara-san." He saw her shift slightly. "You would have a clean record."
"Wow, Igarashi," Akako whistled after a long pause. "I never expected this, not even after all I've heard about you." Akako sneered, and Tora, despite himself, suddenly felt just the tiniest bit intimidated. He hadn't known what to expect when made the offer, but it certainly wasn't this….
"Not so high-and-mighty when it comes to your own business, are you?" She leered. "'Canceling out infractions', I don't suppose that's a part of the school's policy. You—"
"It is, actually," he countered evenly, although inwardly he was thoroughly enjoying the amount of nerve she was displaying. "By doing service to the school, you can annul any demerits. And if that isn't enough for you, I can write you a check — just tell me what amount—"
"I don't want your money," Akako spat, her eyes narrowing, burning intensely. "All you people, you're the same, thinking money can solve everything."
Tora's eyes widened as he was forcibly reminded of the last time someone had stood here and said something very similar. It would seem that he had been wrong about her twice over now. His interest piqued.
"And why do you want me so badly on the student council anyways?" Akako said, glaring at him.
"Because you're top of the class, clearly very smart, and an extraordinary student. It all comes back to your record, doesn't it?" he said, flashing her a quick smile. "You are just what the council needs."
He could see the gears turning in her head as she considered his words. He held his breath silently. The suspense in the air was palpable.
"Fine," she said finally, a touch of haughtiness in her voice, "I'll join the stupid council. You'll cancel out my infractions, right?"
"Yes, I'll do that," Tora said, and he was unable to contain his laughter any longer. "You don't have a problem with that, do you? Because just a minute ago—"
"You said they're part of the school's policies!" Akako snapped. "So what's—"
"No, I understand," said Tora, recovering and immediately putting on another coy smile. "Well, that's all for today, Mizuhara-san," he continued. "I'll let you go back to class now."
She didn't spare him a word as she sped out of the room, her black hair rippling behind her.
"Tomorrow will be your first day as a member of the council," he called after her. "So don't be late."
He chuckled quietly to himself. Oh, this was going to be fun, very fun….he silently thanked his father for giving him such an interesting assignment. He did not mind at all now that this task would take time when he was enjoying himself so much. He'd much rather have a month of wrestling around with her than having the job done quickly in an hour. What fun would that be? Even now, it had taken almost all his willpower to keep up the polite facade when what he really wanted to do was to see how she would put up against him, the real him….
Review Replies:
MistWizard: Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you think it's well-planned (even though I don't know what I'm doing half the time lmaoo). And welcome to the ride, I hope you'll enjoy! :))))
Sasysadist72: Thank you! And don't worry, once Tora finds out she hates her dad he won't use that kind of direct approach with her ;). Although...Akako might get mad at him all the same haha. But I hope you'll stay with this story! And about the updating: This is probably the last time I'm updating three weeks in a row. After this, it'll probably be once a month – that is if the doc manager fixes itself. The surest way to not miss an update would be to follow the story hehe (shameless self-promo)
AusllyBeliever: Yep! She definitely will.
*kaichou-san is the respectful way to refer to the president.
extras:
Akako: "Why do you want me so badly on the student council anyways?"
Tora: I want you badly, period. XD
Akako: glares
(IT'S TOO SOON FOR THAT, TORA!)
Hope you liked this chapter! Leave a fav/follow/and review :)
06/30/17 first draft.
Revised 08/04/17