"Chiara!" this cheerful voice raised my motivation in a second. Lena's arms wrapped around my neck, as she jumped to me. "Wanna grab a coffee at the canteen?" she knew. She knew I needed someone to talk and she always appeared in the right moment. So I grabbed my bag and went with her, letting out a breath of relief.
We found a small table in the corner of the room and sat there. I've always admired Lena's appearance. Her long, blonde curls, blue eyes and a porcelain shade of skin. Well, no wonder she attracted many guys. Japanese people are so easily manipulated with women's beauty...

"Tell me now, who is this little red shit and why do I feel an urge to kill him?" she asked, slowly drinking her hot chocolate. I giggled, seeing her concerned expression.

"I've told you about those basketball' Miracles, right? Well, he's the captain, the feared Akashi Seijuurou. We had some... cooperations." I murmured, wondering how should I present him. I've never lied to Lena, but she could be even more impulsive than me. If I let her know about Akashi's change, well this would end bad.

"I thought he was taller..." she started and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Is it really the most important problem?"

"Well, he's handsome. A lot. Actually, I find him damn hot. Those heterochromatic eyes are quite tempting. Did you like him in Teikou? Come on, I bet you had some crazy, romantic relationship!" I raised my eyebrow, watching excitement appearing in her sparkling eyes.

"Do I look like a girl in love? Lena, calm down. I admit, I had a crush on him, mainly since he became my vice president, but... it didn't work out. Well, I haven't told him about my feelings..." I sighed. That was true, even then, in the Council's Room...

"But he definitely felt something for you too! I saw you looking at each other, that was so intensive! If I were you, I'd probably die from embarrassment! I've always been impressed by your calculation." she started getting excited again. Honestly, why?! Matthew didn't satisfy her or something? I guess I'll talk to him during the practice.

"I don't know how you came to that conclusion. We've worked together, that's all. Now, he showed up in Rakuzan as my enemy, that happens, you know? I don't have time for something so useless as feelings. Especially towards him." I stated, squeezing the can of cola. I threw it behind my back, right into the bin. Yeah, those Eyes can be a cool stuff sometimes.

"Stop lying to yourself, Chiara. Is it that hard to be honest? You wouldn't be so tense about other guy. He's different, even I can see it. Just please, be careful with words, okay?" I left her, smiling lightly. Inside, I barely managed to stand straight. Why people try to interfere into my relationships? And how easily she understood my fears? Maybe coming to Rakuzan made me weaker? Maybe my shield was broken and I didn't notice that?

"Calm down, Chiara, you can do it. There's no one better in diplomacy than you." I was murmuring to myself, walking circles in the classroom. The time has come and there I was - preparing myself for the last debate against Akashi. After that, in a few days the voting will take place. Since Akashi's application has been accepted by the headmaster I had to agree upon the election. During this time we were in something, that you could possibly call a cold war. We were keeping up appearances of kindness toward each other, but really, dwelling in our presence was rather intimidating, causing shivers down the spin. I was resentful; I couldn't stand the fact that redhead just came and turned my life around. Whole high school was surprised with his actions; Akashi happened to be true rival for their beloved President. The teachers only knitted their eyebrows in disbelief. Always calm and lofty Empress has finally found an opponent. Hallways became our battlefields. I spent most of my free time talking to the students, gathering as much data as I could. I found out about many problems, and later, in my room, I tried to get a solution for them. I don't even remember the last time I slept longer than three hours. This fight was exhausting, but I promised to myself that I'll win. Akashi may be the undefeated captain of Generation of Miracles. But still, he hasn't fought against me. And that was probably my biggest trump card.

The emcee called my name, entering the classroom. I took a deep breath; small piece of paper was still in my hands. I wrote down some key words I wanted to use. It's always better to have some slogans than whole sentences. You don't lose your focus. I participated in many debates, mainly during my Teikou reigns and I never happened to be oppressed by other's arguments.
We were announced by the headmaster, who showed us our places by the podiums. I looked at Akashi. His emotionless face was scanning through the crowds. Was he looking for someone? He turned to me and stretched his hand toward me. I squeezed it lightly.

"Good luck." he said, and I unconsciously flushed a little. I forgot how pleasurable his voice could be.

"May the odds be in your favor." I answered. I could swear that corner's of his lips rose a little.

And with those words our first official showdown started.

Author's note: Here it is, another chapter! I'm really sorry it's so short, but I'm planning to do something bigger, to show more interactions between Chiara and Akashi. I'm having a break at my university, so I can finally write a lot. And believe me - there are so many ideas in my head! I'll see you with the next chapter, but now let me know what you think! :)