"Crap how many people know about this?" Ishigami asked frantically, "Almost all of the student body, this is trending" Rei explained, "Good morning everyone," said as she entered the room, "Ishigami, the principal would like to have a word with you during lunch," said Komari, "Oh great" Ishigami thought as he knew this was going to be a long day
Lunchtime
"You wanted to see me, Principal?" Ishigami asked as he entered the office, "Have a seat" said Adolphe, "As you know, the rumor between you and the vice president has spread like wildfire around the school" said Adolphe, "I understand that my apologies" Ishigami replied, "Fortunately for you, Shuchi`in Academy does not have any rules that forbid Student Council members from having a romantic relationship, but this had caused a major distraction for the Student Council, President Ishigami, I suggest that you find a way to clear this up or I may need to make changes" Adolphe said in a serious tone, "I understand, I`ll do what I can" Ishigami replied, "Very well, you may go" said Adolphe to which Ishigami left the office
Later that day
"Damn it, I can`t focus at all, how could this have happened," Ishigami thought as he rubbed his temples as the situation was too much for him, "Come in," said Ishigami as he heard a knock on the door and it opened to which Chika entered, "Oh Fujiwara, listen I know this looks bad, but.." Ishigami said before Chika cut him off by putting an envelope onto his desk, "What`s this?" Ishigami asked as he picked up the envelope, "I`m taking some time off, I want to be alone" said Chika in a gloomy tone as she walked away, "Wait a sec, come back" said Ishigami as he followed Chika, "This wasn`t my fault, how the hell did this happen in the first place" said Ishigami to which Chika turned back angrily, "This isn`t your fault? Then why the hell does the majority of the school know about this?! You promised me that things wouldn`t turn out like this" Chika shouted to which Ishigami didn`t quite have an answer, "That`s what I thought, just leave me alone for the time being" said Chika as she walked away, "Geez, what shit have I gotten myself into" Ishigami thought as he walked back to the Student Council room
The Next Day
"Out of all the times that she could have chosen to leave us, we have this much work" Ishigami grumbled as the Student Council was struggling to finish up their work without Chika around, "Well maybe if you were a decent person, this wouldn`t have happened," said Miko, "Yeah thanks for the input, I really needed that," Ishigami said back, "Damn it, I just hope this problem is just a temporary one," Ishigami thought
After School
"Damn it, what the hell do I do?" Ishigami thought as he walked out of the school gate, "Yo Ishigami, long time no see" said a familiar voice, "Kazeno, what are you doing here?" Ishigami asked as the former Cheer Squad captain approached him, "I had some free time available so I decided to stop by" said Kazeno, "Yeah good to see you, how have you been?" Ishigami asked, "I`m doing fine, heard you`ve been doing fine with being the Student Council President and all," said Kazeno, "About that..." said Ishigami, "Hey what`s wrong?" Kazeno asked as Ishigami had a seemingly monotone expression, "Things haven`t been great lately" said Ishigami, "Why don`t you and I hang out for a bit and you can tell me what the problem is" said Kazeno as he put his hand on Ishigami`s shoulder, "Yeah I could use some company" said Ishigami as the two left the school
"I see, so you`re having girl problems?" said Kazeno as he dumped some water over his head, "Yeah, I think I screwed up big this time" Ishigami replied as he leaned back into the pool, "Who`s the girl? Miko? Rei? Kobachi?" Kazeno asked, "No, it`s Fujiwara" Ishigami replied, "Her? I`ve never seen her get upset before," said Kazeno, "Yeah well somehow I managed to do it," Ishigami said sarcastically, "Well what happened was he hung out together, but then a rumor on social media swirls around that we`re dating just because we hung out and now she`s mad at me" Ishigami explained, "I see, I guess she`s not ready for this to happen just yet, honestly I think you should give her time to heal," said Kazeno, "What do you mean?" Ishigami asked, "The last thing you want to do is to confront her about the issue, even if she hates you for it, you gotta let her hate you so she can get better about this, for now just relax and try not to dwell too hard about this" Kazeno explained, "I definitely could use a break after all this crap" Ishigami replied as he leaned back in the hot tub, "At least this feels relaxing," said Ishigami
"By the way, have you spoken to Tsubame by any chance?" Ishigami asked as they were having dinner at a ramen shop, "Somewhat, she`s been busy with college lately, she looks quite different now" Kazeno replied as he showed Ishigami a picture of Tsubame with her hair cut short, "Wow, she looks so different and prettier" Ishigami thought as he looked at the photos,
"You`re not still bothered about what happened are you?" Kazeno asked, "Nah not really, but I think me and her are drifting further apart being friends after everything still seems awkward" Ishigami replied, "Yeah I feel you, getting rejected by someone who still wants to be your friend can be awkward, so how are things with the Student Council?" Kazeno asked, "It`s okay, we have two new members, Shirogane`s younger sister and Fujiwara`s sister" Ishigami explained, "Wow, seems like a lively crowd," said Kazeno as he finished up his ramen, "You have no idea," said Ishigami as he picked at his ramen, "But they`re good people I`m assuming right?" Kazeno asked, "Yeah I guess they are" Ishigami replied
"Hey if you need someone to talk to, I`m here," said Kazeno as they were about to part ways, "Yeah, thanks for the advice," said Ishigami as they split, "Maybe this situation will blow over on its own," Ishigami thought as he walked home
2 days later
"Alright, what the hell is going on? She`s been absent for three days now" Ishigami said in frustration as he frantically started looking through some documents, "Ishigami you have a moment?" Moeha asked, "Sure, what is it?" Ishigami asked, "I need to speak to you privately," said Moeha to which Kei looked up from her laptop, "Okay fine," said Ishigami as he followed Moeha, "So what do you want?" Ishigami asked to which Moeha placed him into a Kabedon, "All right, spill the beans, what did you do to my sister? She`s been acting weird and you were the last person with her" said Moeha in an intimidating tone, "Nothing happened, we just went to the mall during the weekend and then all I see is a picture of us together taken by someone I probably don`t know, I had nothing to do with this" said Ishigami, "Whatever the case may be, you had better fix this problem or else you not gonna like what happens next" said Moeha as she walked away, "Geez I mind my own business and all of the sudden everyone`s at my throat, guess that`s life for you" said Ishigami as he walked away
Yep Ishigami, it sure is
Meanwhile
"Come on, you can`t stay at home forever," said Toyomi as she knocked on Chika`s door, "Go away," said Chika, "You`ve been absent for three days straight, Mom and Dad aren`t going to be happy about it" Toyomi added, "I don`t know what`s been going on with you, but you had better sort this out sooner or later," said Toyomi as she grabbed her bag as she was about to head to her college classes, "I have to go to classes so I can`t stay here, you figure this problem out yourself," said Toyomi as she closed the door, "Stupid Ishigami, why`d this have to happen to us," Chika thought as she plopped face down on her pillow
After School
"I still don`t know what`s wrong with her, what am I supposed to do?" Ishigami thought as he walked through the shopping district as he saw a group of girls chatting with each other one of which was someone who was familiar, "Why is the gloomy dude staring at us" said one of the girls, "Right? it`s so creepy" said another girl, "What are you two talking about, oh hey Ishigami" said Toyomi as she waved at him, "Oh hey" said Ishigami, "Hey, I gotta go, I`ll see you girls tomorrow" said Toyomi as she waved at her friends, "So what brings you around here?" Toyomi asked, "It`s about Chika, is she doing all right?" Ishigami asked, "Well is sleeping in for three days straight normal to you?" Toyomi asked, "I figured just as much," said Ishigami, "Why don`t we talk somewhere in private about this?" Toyomi suggested, "Good idea, we wouldn`t want another rumor to swirl around not like I`ve got any more at the moment," said Ishigami as they walked around trying to find an area to talk
"So what do you wanna talk about?" Toyomi asked as they decided to have their conversation at a nearby McDonalds, "It`s about Chika, she hasn`t been in school for three days now not to mention that she took time off from the Student Council which she has never done before, you`re her sister so I need your help" said Ishigami as he took a bite of a french fry, "Oh so you do care about her, how adorable" Toyomi said cheerfully much to Ishigami`s chagrin, "This isn`t the time for that, what`s going on with her?" Ishigami asked, "Before that however I need something from you in return," said Toyomi, "What is it? Money? An IOU?" Ishigami asked, "No, a strawberry shake," said Toyomi to which Ishigami pulled out his wallet and sighed, "Fine, I`ll get it" said Ishigami as he got up
It`s okay Ishigami, we all would have simped as well
"Ah that hit the spot," said Toyomi as she finished her milkshake, "Well are you going to hold up your end of the promise?" Ishigami asked, "Yeah, yeah, of course, I`m gonna keep my end of the promise, what do you take me for?" said Toyomi, "Dealing with Chika all the time, I just don`t trust certain people anymore" Ishigami replied, "Anyways, I think Chika isn`t mad at you for what happened, I think she`s just worried about what will happen to you, she`s always been like that," said Toyomi as she picked at her milkshake, "If it`s not too much to ask, may I ask why she became like that?" Ishigami asked, "Well I think this happened when she was a kid," said Toyomi as she started the story
Flashback, 10 years ago
"Chika, go play with some of the other kids, your father and I have some guests to meet," Maho said to an 8-year-old Chika as they were at a party, "Okay Mommy," said Chika as she wandered around the party alone looking for some fun, "Hey you wanna play with us?" said a boy about her age, "Okay," said Chika as she followed the boy, "What`s your name?" Chika asked, "Name`s Makoto, what`s yours," said Makoto as they walked into one of the rooms, "I`m Chika, "Hey Makoto, who`s the girl with you?" said a female, "Oh hey Mizuki, this is Chika," said Makoto as he introduced her to the group, "Nice to meet you all," said Chika, "Same, I`m bored out of my mind at this party let`s play a game," said one of the boys, "Why don`t we play tag then" Mizuki suggested, "Yeah why not, so who`s it?" Makoto asked, "Hmm I`ll be it then," said Makoto, "Alright, we have 20 seconds before Makoto catches us, everyone run," said Mizuki to which everyone dispersed
"Where should I hide? " Chika thought as she was walking around, "Chika? What are you doing?" asked an 11-year-old Toyomi, "Oh Onee-chan, I`m playing a game with some of the other kids, wanna join?" Chika asked, "I`m good, try not to cause too much trouble or Mom`s not gonna be happy," said Toyomi, "Okay see you," said Chika as she ran around the area, "Damn I haven`t found anyone yet," Makoto thought as he looked around for targets, hold on I see someone," said Makoto as he ran towards the target", "Oh no, it`s Makoto, I better start running now," said Chika as she carelessly started running away not paying any attention to her surroundings, Chika, be careful in front of you," Makoto said as he tried to warn Chika, "What?" said Chika to which it was too late as she bumped the table to which it moved which held a big cake which tumbled to the floor catching the attention of everyone at the party
"Who is responsible for this?!" said a male in a suit as the cake was ruined due to Chika`s carelessness, "Oh no, I`m in so much trouble," Chika thought, "Was it you?!" said the man as he approached Chika, "I`m in trouble," Chika thought as she was preparing for the worst, "Wait, it wasn`t her, I`m the one who caused this," said Makoto much to the surprise of Chika, "Oh really, in that case, come here, you`ve got some explaining to do," said the man as he grabbed Makoto and everyone watched including the group of friends, "Oh boy, Makoto is going to be in so much trouble," said Mizuki, "Wait," said Chika to which Makoto motioned her to go with it as he was being dragged away, "There you are Chika," said Maho, "Mommy, what`s wrong?" Chika asked, "It seems that this incident has caused quite a commotion, let`s get out of here, people these days," said Maho as she took Chika as they walked away from the area "Why did he take the blame for me when I was the one who did it?" Chika thought as the guilt hit her as they walked away
"Did you hear about the boy who caused the ruckus at the party?" said Daichi as they were having dinner after the party "Yes, I feel awful for the father, this will likely cause problems for him because of that incident especially if he was trying to get a job or his reputation, promise me you won`t do something as reckless like that" said Maho to which she turned towards Chika, "Oh, yes I won`t do something like that?" said Chika as in reality she was trying to hide her guilt, "Why does he have to suffer for something that I did, it`s not fair at all maybe I should try to hide my emotions so that this doesn`t happen again" Chika thought
End of Flashback
"So yeah that`s pretty much what happened, I guess in reality that experience made her afraid of letting people stand up for her, she would rather take the full force and not speak up," said Toyomi as she finished through the flashback, "I guess it all makes sense then, no wonder why Chika keeps acting so nice when in reality she`s forcing herself to put on a facade, but what should I do about this?" said Ishigami, "Why don`t you go see her?" said Toyomi, "Really? Does she even want to see me?" Ishigami asked, "Hey maybe the only way she`ll get over this is if she sees that you actually care," said Toyomi, "You`re right maybe I should still go see her," said Ishigami, "That`s the spirit boyfriend," said Toyomi, "We`re not in a relationship yet" Ishigami pointed out, "Yeah, yeah, that`s what they all say, come on, I`ll go take you to see Chika," said Toyomi getting out of her seat, "Yeah, let`s get going," said Ishigami as the two walked away
Later
"I`m home," said Toyomi as she entered through the door, "Oh welcome back Onee-chan, wait what`s he doing here?" Chika asked as she noticed that Ishigami was with her, "Come on, is that any way to talk to our guests like that?" said Toyomi as she took off her jacket, "I`m going back to my room" said Chika as she got up and was about to walk away when Ishigami grabbed her hand, "Just hear me out, please" said Ishigami, "All right, I`ll leave you two to deal with your business" said Toyomi as she walked away leaving the two alone
"What do you want?" Chika asked seeming disinterested, "I know you`re just faking it Fujiwara," said Ishigami as he took a seat, "What are you talking about?" Chika asked confused, "You`re not mad at me, you`re just worried about me," said Ishigami to which Chika stood up, "Why do you care so much about me? I just don`t want to see you get hurt over this, you`ve already been hurt by Ootomo and Tsubame," said Chika to which Ishigami hugged her much to her surprise, "Listen you don`t have to worry about me, I can take whatever comes to me, if anything were to happen to you, I`ll be by your side," said Ishigami to which Chika held onto Ishigami as she felt the weight lifted off her shoulders, "Can we stay like this for a bit longer?" Chika asked, "Fine, but just this once," said Ishigami
"Listen if you feel that we should just be friends for the time being if you`re worried about the rumors" Ishigami suggested, "That`s not necessary since now I know you`ll be by my side no matter what happens right?" said Chika, "Yeah sure," said Ishigami to which Chika grinned, "Ooh getting soft on me now, is this how you win the ladies over?" Chika teased much to Ishigami`s chagrin, "I`m only being nice since you were upset, nothing more than that," said Ishigami, "Ooh glad to see you two back to normal, try not to get too crazy" Toyomi teased as she was watching the whole time much to the joy of the two, "I`ll see you tomorrow then?" Ishigami asked as he got up to leave, "Of course Ishigami" Chika replied back with her usual smile, "Later" said Ishigami as he headed home, "Ooh, it seems that you two are getting closer now" said Toyomi, "Oh shut up, we`re still going to be friends until then" said Chika as deep down she was happy
The Next Day
"Chika, you`re finally back," said Kei as she noticed that Chika was present in the Student Council for the first time in a while, "Yep, it feels good to be back," said Chika to which she was embraced by Miko, "Fujiwara-senpai, thank goodness you`re back, I thought you were going to leave us," said Miko to which the door opened, "Morning everyone," said Ishigami as he entered the room, "Oh hey, you were taking care of business?" Chika asked as he took a seat, "Sure was" said Ishigami, "Anyways, let`s get started with today`s meeting" said Ishigami as the Student Council gathered for their morning brief
Prior to this
"Hey Ishigami, I did what you requested, are you sure about this?" Karen asked as she approached Ishigami, "Yeah I`m sure about it, I can deal with it" Ishigami replied to which Karen smiled, "You really have changed haven`t you?" said Karen, "Yep, it`s probably for the best," said Ishigami
Shuch`in Academy Newspaper Headline: Student Council President confirms rumors with the Vice President are false as it was likely a random rumor created by a student
Results of Battle: Ishigami`s victory
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I know it`s been a month since I posted, but since I have graduated college, I`m not too sure if I have some more free time to write, I do want to finish this story, I`m not sure when though
As always feel free to leave a review on what you thought of the chapter see you all in the next chapter