Next few days were as peaceful as I could never imagine. Work at Student's Council went incredibly fast, without any troubles. I managed to cope with everything - training, lessons and other facilities. Even my governesses seemed to take their job lightly. Was it some kind of magic? Or maybe the presence of one annoying bastard changed me into a machine? Alright, Chiara, stop it. He's not important, you have to go to library and borrow those books for upcoming Biology test...
I left the classroom, waving at my friends. They were busy sharing latest gossips about everything that happened earlier, so they didn't notice my gesture. Well, it hurt. As a President I should theoretically know what happens anytime, but to be honest, I find it quite irritating. People have their own lives, and what is more important - secrets. I made my way to the library, observing the corridors. Rakuzan is a high school for rich, but also talented people. If you don't excel in anything, you won't last here long. I remember those tough exams I had to pass, even though the school had offered me a scholarship. That is why, whenever I pass other students I can clearly smell they rush for knowledge. Rivalry here is extremely high, it's not uncommon to see friends becoming enemies. But still, somehow, me and my boys are still together. Well, we never had problems with studying, not mentioning sports. Maybe because we are from different country? And our parents never pushed this kind of pressure on us. Okay, maybe my dad is a little bit strict, but he's only a human, who got a chance to fulfill his dreams. He only wants me to continue his path. What is wrong with that?
I finally reached my destination. Library is one of those places I enjoy spending time in. It's usually calm and quiet, but behind this curtain it hides the perfect atmosphere and tension. My bag felt a bit heavier than before. I took a deep breath and entered the room. Next to the history branch were some free tables. I chose one and temporarily made it mine. After leaving my properties I made a short list of needed titles. Small round through the shelves, yay! I screamed internally from happiness. I'm some kind of a bookworm - if I don't train, study or socialize a bit, I read. I always keep a book under my hand. When I entered Rakuzan I didn't particularly wanted to become a President. I wanted to join Library Committee, but things went differently. And here I am, standing in front of a shelf on my tip toes, trying to get concrete title.
"Shit" I murmured. Suddenly, somebody's arm showed up from behind me and took the book down for me. I turned around, confused. Was I that lost in thought that my eyes didn't notice him?
"That was rude, Chiara-chan!" tall teenager with longer black hair and beautiful eyes covered by long lashes was looking at me. His gaze reminded me of a father lightly scolding his daughter.
"Alright, I'm sorry, Reo-nee. Next time I'll be cursing in Italian, so you won't understand. But thanks." subtle smile appeared on his face, after I called his nickname. He truly was like a big sister to me. And by that I don't mean his height. We left to my table, where he decided to join me.
My first meeting with Reo was quite... unexpected. I was running madly downstairs, with a bunch of papers in my arms, when suddenly I slipped. I missed one of the steps and probably I'd end up in hospital if it wasn't for Mibuchi. He not only helped me stand still, but also offered himself to deliver the documents. As a form of gratitude I asked him out for lunch. We spent amazing time together, that was the time when we discovered our love for books. His presence in library didn't really surprise me.
"So, how are the things going, Chiara? Busy as always?" he asked, taking out his notebooks.
"You may not believe me, but it's pretty boring right now. I guess everything will get tougher when Inter-High will appear. And what about you? Your team is probably training hard?" his position as a starter in Basketball Club was unshakable. I saw him playing - his form is unique, no wonder he became the Uncrowned General. But as anyone who received some kind of a title he became a little bit proud. Along with Nebuya and Hayama they were the main core of the team.
"I bet you already know that our captain's changed. Akashi Seijuurou is currently holding this position. He seems to be pretty uptight. But I can say nothing, since he's from Teikou. Wait a minute..." he frowned. "You're from Teikou too, right?"
I nodded, not really happy he remembers this fact. I can smell he's going to make a nice research about that. Or at least his questions will pop out suddenly any time.
"Do you know him? What do you think about him?" I wrote down some sentences for my English homework and hesitantly looked at him. He was waiting patiently, as if he knew that no matter what I'll answer this question. He can be manipulative if he wants. The pen I held met with the top of the table.
"Yeah, I do. I met him during my third year in Teikou. I obviously knew about him earlier, but we weren't properly introduced to each other. Well, I have to admit he is charismatic and charming. He doesn't even need a reason to behave like that. You know, he was like this shoujo manga prince." I chuckled, remembering this statement that left Lena's lips one day. "Nijimura made him vice-captain in his first year. I guess leading people is in his blood. Beside his basketball skills I really see him as a great leader. Just take advantage of this situation. Akashi was the captain of Generation of Miracles. If there is someone who's made to win it's definitely him."
"Woah, you sound just like an advertisement. But in a good meaning, of course. Do you like him?" Reo asked, leaning his head on his palms. His curiosity will drive me crazy one day, I swear. I wasn't ready for this question. Not yet. I wonder how he'd react if I told him that I had huge crush on Akashi. And that he said some words on the graduation day, that should have been said in a different moment in time. My thought immediately drifted to that dream I had on the first day of school.
"He was my vice-president, you know? He never gave me a reason to dislike him. We were on good terms. I'd say he's neutral to me." I kinda lied, but I didn't care. Honestly, I didn't know how I felt about Akashi myself. So what should I say to Reo then? The said dark-haired man just waited for more information. I sighed. "I think I did everything. I'll be leaving, I guess. It was nice to finally see you again."
He smiled cheerfully. I like him, a lot. He's completely different from my boys. I guess I can call myself the popular girl in Rakuzan, besides my position. But even though my only female friend was Lena, who happened to come to Japan from America. Teikou and Rakuzan have amazing transferring program, I've never met so many people from different countries. I don't really have time to do 'girly' things, but still it hurts. Especially since Lena started going out with my Matthew, we barely can talk like we used to. I'm thankful for Reo, he's the best.
I left the library and almost got hit by a lightning struck. Books I was holding fle into the air, accompanied by my loud squeak.
"Sorry, Chiara-chan!" Hayama Kotarou was standing next to me, scratching his head. With his messy uniform and snaggle tooth he tried to look as cool as possible. Yet, still he looked like an overexcited animal. I left out a sigh of relief. We only miss Nebuya to complete the gang.
"It's fine, Hayama." I noticed this grimace on his face. I'm not gonna call him senpai, he is only few months older than me. Finally, he decided to help me clean the mess. Another Uncrowned General, who kinda captured my heart. He's loudness and candour were the exact opposition to calm and reserved Reo. Each of them kinda resembled my teammates. Probably sportsmen have something in common.
"Have you seen Reo-nee? He promised he'd help me with this Literature homework." Hayama smiled at me, and I couldn't resist to answer with the same gesture. Little sunshine... well, not that little! I chuckled and nodded.
"He's inside, pretty close to the history branch. But please, be quiet, the librarian would kill you, if he could." I answered and left, waving for a small goodbye. Even though I liked them, they could be truly exhausting. Now's the time to find a cute, comfortable place and bury my head in this new book I found in a bookstore. I still had to go to the practice, but it always passes so fast. We're working really hard, I think I should let my benchwarmers get some attention, since there will be this international tournament...