I rested my hands on the rostrum, taking a glance on crowds. My boys and Lena were sitting more or less in the middle, attentively watching everything. Their sight instantly raised my feeling of comfort and self-confidence. If I have them, nothing can go wrong, right? Besides us, on stage were headmaster and teachers responsible for taking care of Student's Council.
"Welcome everybody! Today we will have a debate between candidates for position of school's President! We will listen to their plans connected with functioning of our high school and ask them some questions. Give them a warm welcoming: Chiara Attaviano and Akashi Seijuurou!" the cheerful voice of emcee was incredibly irritating and if I could, I'd wipe this smile from his face. If he knew how difficult it is to control our characters, he'd never agree to lead this discussion. Anyway, if it was up to me, I wouldn't let this whole staging happen. Still, show must go on and I'm definitely making Akashi a double.
"Ladies first, so upcoming three minutes belong to defending the position Chiara!" the emcee handed the mike over, whispering quietly: Destroy him. Maybe he wasn't that bad? I smiled mockingly and as soon as I looked at the audience I put on the mask of walking perfection.
"Introducing myself now makes no sense to me, cause if you're somewhat interested in school's life you should know me. Omitting this unnecessary part I gained time to explain more important subsections." I let myself to show a small smile, which rapidly got attention. You're mine - whether you like it or not. "I've already explained the work schedule in Student's Council during my first year as a President, simultaneously placing it on the notice board. I divided it into three years, concrete aspects and problems. Looking at the previous year I can honestly, with a clear conscience, say, that I accomplished the plan in hundred percents. I didn't forget any detail and I hope you're satisfied with the effect. We organized the box for you to contact us and teachers, corrected the quality of the gym. New cooperations between schools in Japan and whole world were created, what had desired results in students exchange. Rakuzan happened to be in top three of best high schools in Kyoto's prefecture. Each data and ranking tables can be found in the hallways. We're always proud of our scores. Also, you had to be aware of that while choosing Rakuzan. Sport teams still excel, defending titles every year. I've created shifts to be always there for you and your problems. I undertook negotiations and I always won them.
Deep breath. It's been a long time since I've had to prepare such a concrete, yet still so short speech. It's often hard to gather words, when you have that much to say. Lena subtly showed me fingers crossed, leaning over Matt's shoulder. I closed my eyes, getting ready for the most important part.
"I've always tried to fulfill my duties to the maximum. And for now this is the only promise I can make to you. I'm not going to change my behaviour. I still plan, as a President, to receive all those approbations for qualified teachers, ambitious students and high sport performances. If you don't like it - well, it's not up to me, you're the one to vote. Please, consider our last year together and try to imagine how you'd like to see our high school. Thanks for your attention, that's all from me."
The satisfaction filled my body. I said everything I wanted and pointed my strengths. All I had to do was wait for Akashi's reply and then crush him in question section. I peeked at my opponent. He was observing with this calm expression of him. He was probably calculating and adjusting his own speech. The microphone came back to the emcee.
"Thanks, Chiara, you're dependable as always!" loud ovaries reverberated. I bent down, playing my role. "Akashi, mike's all yours. You have a hard nut to crack!"
Redhead reached for the item and leaned on the rostrum. Slightly shocked I stepped back. His eyes were burning with fire I've never seen. I felt even smaller than before.
"I'm well aware of the spell that Rakuzan's students are under. Chiara in wrapping someone around her little finger is definitely outstanding. She's been doing it in junior high school; believe me, I witnessed it all." I almost dropped my jaw in disbelief. What kind of tactic it was?! We'll try to humiliate each other? "For those who don't know me. My name's Akashi Seijuurou, class' 1-A student and the captain of basketball team. Please, don't take my comment as an insult. Actually, I highly appreciate her skills and charisma. She's perfect for this position and I believe in every word she had said.
I was dumbstruck, with arms flopping by my sides. What is your point then? I can see you've finally learned some strategy. Nice, but still not enough. I'm not giving up till I blast you.
"While preparing for the debate I've looked through plans of my opponent, so I wouldn't waste my time now for some needless elements. All of the tasks she came up with are painfully correct and I can't say a bad word about them. That's why my attitude is simple: I'll do it better. Besides, is it a good thing to function under one's person regime? You, as the electorate, should think it over. Is she going to bring you something new?" he turned to me. "You said that Rakuzan was in top three, right? I'll put this school on the first place. I'll make us the pinnacle, winning everything on my way. Since I always win, I am always right. Future is so easy to change. I dared to challenge your President and I know I'll be the winner. I prefer to listen to your questions than throw empty cants. Thank you."
Well, that was something. But do you really think you can aim higher than me? Not happening. We were standing, eyeing each other up. But when my eyes expressed contempt, Akashi seemed to be expressionless. Our rostrums, set vis-a-vis, were like headquarters sending their orders.
"Let's move to the question section. You can ask candidates and make them confront. Any volunteers?" said emcee, standing between us. Some hands were raised. None of us said anything particular, their interest isn't something abnormal. One of the boys got the microphone.
"What personality trait is the most important while being the President? And don't answer about ambition; this school doesn't approve people without it."
I snorted, agreeing with him in my mind. Still, I had to think over that question, because choosing only one thing seemed to be rather difficult. What was the ground of my power?
"I consider myself as a stubborn person. I'm not a negotiator type; my orders are absolute. I don not accept the rejection." Akashi glanced at me and my legs seized up, trembling like a jelly. Is it something in his eyes or words he's using? I had to be called out twice before I came back to reality. I sighed, blushing madly and turned my head away.
"My negotiating skills? If you can name it this way. I like conversing and being conscious of solving the problem with my ideas. Correct approach to the matter is essential."
I lost my composure because of this small gesture of his and instantly I felt like losing. I'll do it with another question. I won't let him win.
"What is your opinion about current educational system? Are you envisioning any kind of help for weaker students?"
"Our organization providing support has worked excellent until now and I don't see why should I give up on it. Maybe I'll be able to put in on a different level; it's obvious that studying in groups isn't too effective."
"Here comes your mistake in calculating, Chiara." Akashi interrupted me. I stared at him defiantly, folding my arms.
"What is that supposed to mean, Akashi?" I asked.
"I beg for your forgiveness for my intruding, but I find myself concerned about your last statement. In spite of appearances, group studying has more advantages than you probably think. The problem that we should start with is competence of alleged teachers." he started, bending even more. "Wouldn't it be better to take care of qualified and popular with students personnel? Less people would have to sacrifice their free time, still everybody would do the same material."
I growled, feeling another of my arguments falling down. My work I've been creating through first half of my reigns! How dares he even touch it!
"Maybe you're right, but you can't tell me everyone's fine with such conditions. Each of them should be treated individually; some may have a problem with those groups. Rethink it. I'll stick to my opinion. Groups? Yes, but only created on some rules."
"We share the same point of view, surprisingly, and I'm glad we both agree upon that. There'll be no complications when you hand me over your desk, Chiara." the half-smile on his face was so dishonest that I almost left the rostrum and slapped him. I'd gouge out his eyes and presented them to the redhead.
"I'm sorry to say that, Akashi, but I'm not leaving anywhere. Yet, your behavior and demeanour is quite entertaining for our high school. I enjoy challenges and I consider you to be another one." I answered. Nervous murmur could be heard in the gym. The headmaster watched us silently without interrupting. He was aware that the clash can't be disturbed. Only his head was moving from side to side.
"I can't believe you're hiding yourself behind those blind ideas, that are not precisely aiming for the top. With this brilliant mind of yours I expected something more." he spoke, raising his head. I couldn't quite get if it was an insult or a compliment. We were starting to deflect from the topic and it would end awfully. No one really minded. Everyone was fascinated by the tough atmosphere surrounding us. You could cut it with a knife. Even those with questions fell silent, waiting for more progress. And us? We were ranting and raving at each other, trying to humiliate the opponent in a gentle, but still calculated way.
"No, it's your fault! You can't see a rational argument right in front of your eyes!" I raised my voice, the anger slowly taking control over me. Clenched fists started to get pale, knuckles hurt incredibly. My thoughts were concentrated on Akashi though and nothing could bring back my peace. He also seemed at the edge of hardiness. Hundreds of eyes staring stopped us from jumping down ours throats.
"You know, I think..." the emcee started, but redhead raised his hand, shutting him up. He didn't even bother to look at him; his heterochromatic eyes were drilling wholes in my face.
"You didn't make such tryvial mistakes back in Teikou. I admit, your tongue honed, then why are you hanging onto conservative attitude? This school needs a fresh look and I'll provide it. The end of discussion."
"Why do you call conservative using basic rules of law and order, ethics and morality? You must know I don't see absolutism as the only way. Alright, in some cases yes. But still, for me, it's people's right to voice out. I'm leaving them the right to choose." I snorted. This discussion was getting more and more difficult for my body. My strengths left me. For a long time my head seemed to be heavier. Lack of fresh air made it impossible to breath. I had to rest on the rostrum to prevent the fall. What was going on lately? My pulse became irregular, and during practices I panted more often. Usually I didn't have to use more than seventy percent of my potential, but I barely managed to go higher than sixty. I squinted my eyes, avoiding coming tears. Powerlessness was the worst option right now. Akashi was looking at me, probably wanting to say something else. I couldn't care less. My concentration was long gone.
"I think we should end this debate." he spoke and I stared at him in disbelief.
"But..." the emcee tried once again to cut in our conversation. I pitied him. Interrupting Akashi was a shameful crime. Redhead looked at the headmaster, who only nodded his head. Akashi approached me and stretched his arm. I squeezed it tentatively. He bent down to me and whispered.
"I'm not going to fight you till you're at your maximum. I'd still win though. I don't want to drive you round the bend. Rest, Chiara."
I fleered at him and drew back. He's not the one to call the shots. Students decided to leave the gym, informed about the date of voting. Waves of heat flooding my body calmed down a little. I caught the bottle of water and before Akashi could do anything I run out, leaving him behind. I didn't need his mercy. I didn't need him at all.
However, subconsciously, I knew that I was running because I didn't recognize what I truly needed. Acquaintance with Akashi wasn't the easiest. Knowing the consequences I should cut myself off and become neutral. Then, why I can't?
Author's note: Woah, that's a long one. But as I said earlier: I wanted this clash between them. I'm not 100% satisfied, but it doesn't mean I don't like it at all. Hope you'll enjoy reading it. As always - see you soon with next chapter. Let me know what you think! :)