She barely managed to get her budget notes on the board and started observing them carefully, when someone knocked on the door of her office. She let the guest in, without turning around. She was supposed to find some money for new volleyball uniforms after she heard they are about ten years old. 'Why did nobody take care of it? They just had to let me know earlier. I don't have that much time to run around every club' she thought. She's always been busy: whether it was her office, classes or just dealing with news, competitions and documents. But finally she had to admit that she liked her job. The feeling of responsibility and satisfaction coming from a done work were impressive award and a lesson of the adults life. She wouldn't hand it over to anyone.
"Chiara-senpai? I am as you asked me to." Akashi's polite voice broke the silence. She turned to him with a smile on her face. 'As always in a buttoned shirt and a tie. If only you were taller...'
"Alright, I'm really glad you managed to come. The agreement and rules are on the table, you have to sign them. No one really reads them, but if you want, I won't stop you. They are mainly directed to ease you functioning in a school system and providing a solution to problems which may occur." brunette explained, pointing her head toward the desk. She tampered with the board, changing the direction of her plans, having her sleeves rolled up. Maybe there was a way to get new baseball bats for a smaller price...
Meanwhile, Akashi leaned on the desk and silently studied papers prepared for him. He immediately noticed this clear, terse style of the President. It's only been her third year in Japan but she had reached this beautiful calligraphy. But he enjoyed her alphabetic writing more he caught in few places. Was just more... interesting. Texts were refined in detail, with excluding any mistakes. Akashi has heard many gossips about her professionalism, but it was his first time witnessing it. After reading documents he made his signatures in the right places and raised his head.
Chiara was so busy doing her plans she didn't spot how many small elements the redhead could easily catch. Brown hair tangled in a sophisticated braid was now flighty from scratching a head too many times. When she didn't like something she bit her lower lip or sticked out the tip of her tongue. She also often raised her left eyebrow. He truly enjoyed her rich facial expressions. And those arms resting on hips, legs covered by overknee socks... He was fourteen years old, but who said he couldn't admire women's beauty? Especially such a rare European gem here in Japan that she represented. Akashi smiled a bit.
"I can see you're done." she said, not looking at him. Slightly surprised he didn't comment on her weird habit; he wasn't even sure how her Eyes really worked. Maybe he'll see it on the pitch one day.
"I thought that since I'm wasting my classes time I'd like to know why am I doing it. By the way, I have something for you, Chiara-senpai..." Akashi answered, reaching to his bag. He pulled out a briefcase, took out the papers and handed them to her. She knitted her eyebrows, skimming through the text.
"Is that..."
"Yes, that's the application for vice-president position. I'd like to try my hand at it." Akashi was observing her with interest, waiting for some emotional reaction. Unfortunately he miscalculated; she maintained composure.
"When I was complaining to you about lacking hands to work I didn't suggest anything. It wasn't an order."
"Honestly, it didn't make me essay. I'm fascinated with your work as a Student's Council." with those words he approached her, looking into Chiara's eyes. "I' have never seen such a perfect mechanism of cooperation. I'd love to become a part of it and be useful to you. It is to your merit, President."
She blushed, hearing something that could be taken as a compliment. She'd probably even thank him, like she used to do, but his piercing gaze made her choke. It was so intensive it could burn a hole in any material. So she remained silent, confused, afraid of scaping from his eyes. Would he find it as an insult?
"Anyway, thank you. Still, I can't promise you anything. Your candidacy must be voted during the upcoming Council's meeting. I'll let you know as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Chiara-senpai. Then, I guess I'll be taking my leave. I hope you can deal with this mess." he pointed to the board behind her. It looked as if tornado made its way through it. But sooner or later she'll figure something out and find enough yens to spend. Surely everyone will stay pleased. She chuckled, covering lips with her hand.
Akashi straighten up for this gesture. It resembled a music to his tired from school's noises ears. Brunette wasn't laughing hysterically or with extortion; simple, delicate giggle of someone who has just heard a nice joke. His ears tainted with pink. Akashi wasn't skilled with talking to women. Obviously his father took him to different banquets or business meetings, but there were only older ladies. None of them could be compared to limber, pretty Chiara. He was strongly shocked how he found himself infected by her in no time.
Only a few minutes later he noticed this silence between them. It wasn't uncomfortable, but bothersome. Akashi hemmed and caught his bag.
"See you around, President."
She waved at him and came back to her board. She couldn't stand this creepy feeling flooding her body when he was looking at her. As if he was penetrating her soul and revealing all secrets hidden underneath. Finally, she corrected last piece of paper and looked at the watch. Her shift was over in fifteen minutes. She still had time to find a vending machine and get something cold to drink. The document laying on the desk was making a mess of her. Chiara once again checked all the subsections. Each answer was concurred with meaningful argument, followed by his personal data and small comment about his future plans. The smile lightened up her face. She wouldn't mind working with him. All she had to do was convince the Council...
He was at the end of the hallway, talking with his classmate. She patiently waited for them to finish and approached him briskly. When he saw her, he crouched a bit, afraid of bad news. Brunette, however, placed her hand on his arm.
"The Council has voted... Welcome aboard!"
Not really understanding why he sighed with relief. It seemed to be unavoidable to choose him; they didn't really have a choice. But even though, he spent all night tossing and turning in his bed. He also wondered if volunteering was a good thing. Chiara's emerald eyes turned out to be an unbeatable argument. They reflected ambition, determination and knowledge. Everything he liked. Warm touch of brunette's hand made Akashi shiver. The respect for her grew incredibly fast.
"Well then, I'm really sorry, but you'll have to deal with me between classes and practice a little bit longer than yesterday. I don't know how long will it take to prepare you, but with your abilities I guess it's a piece of cake." she was chattering and he couldn't help but smile at her. Redhead caught her tiny hands in his and bending a little, he lightly kissed their backs. This time she wasn't surprised; or she hid her embarrassment damn well.
"It will be a true honour to me, Chiara-senpai."
"Let's start with the first lesson: I'm Chiara. No honorifics. You're among people similar to you. Besides, this whole senpai makes me feel older. I'm looking forward to our cooperation. I'm counting on you, Akashi." she left him wth those words, previously handing him a schedule of shifts and full list of other members. He spotted brunette's mail and phone number. He should immediately save them in his phone. Just in case...
My behaviour seemed too desperate. I shouldn't have run away after debate. My head felt heavy after today's night. Why does my memories come to me in my sleep, damn it. I don't have time for that. Belabouring about that won't be useful. I left my bedroom, ready for the match. My body was ready to kick some asses. I'll just give my opponent's Akashi's face. The revenge shall come soon.
Author's note: Hey, yeah, it's time for another chapter! I'm not sure if many of you noticed (probably yes, but I just feel like I need to explain) but the italic story is the storyline between main characters taking place in Teikou. :) Hope it doesn't make a mess. Anyway, I'll leave you to Chiara and Akashi. Remember to let them know what you think and see you later!
Love you guys :)
