- Scene 1 -
Sunday,
March 3, 20XX
6.30 pm
Haneda Airport, Ota, Tokyo, Japan
Among the many people bustling around in the airport, either departing to another country or has just landed, Goenji Shuuya sat one side of a metal bench with one leg crossed over the other, a white leather suitcase against the side of his right leg. Four bodyguard, dressed in black suits and donning sunglasses. Blocking all sound and movement, including the excited whispers of the girls who had been eying him for awhile, he silently read through news by news from an online newspaper as he waited. But even when he tried to focus, his mind drifted a few times, interrupting his reading.
What am I doing here?
For the nth time, his eyes narrowed in distaste as if what he had just read offended him. His concentration is slipping away from him. Putting his gold tablet in sleep mode, he handed over the slim gadget to one of the bodyguard. He closed his eyes and let out a small, tired sigh. The talk with his sempai last week had not left his mind. It had been nagging him, annoying him, irritating him. The subject of the talk left him with in a conflict with a mix of feelings. Anger. Guilty. Indifference. Empathy. Perhaps it would have been easier if he has no heart. He would have felt nothing.
But if he has no heart, he wouldn't have felt so much love towards Alicia.
"Is it alright...to leave it like this?"
- Start of Flashback -
Sunday,
February 27, 20XX
8.30 pm
Disciplinary Committee Office, First Floor, Student Council Block
Inazuma High School, Inazuma Town, Tokyo, Japan
The question halted Goenji from drinking his green tea. He lowered down his clay tea cup, meeting Hijikata Raiden's serious face. It was rare for the third year to wear such an expression. Unlike Goenji, who portrays the image of a stern, strict, dedicated and no-nonsense Disciplinary Committee President, the previous President was more laid back and lenient, wearing a cheerful face and playing the friendly head disciplinarian. After a moment of consideration, he placed the tea cup on the table between them and stared at the former President sitting across him.
"What are you talking about now?"
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about."
Goenji's eyes hardened. "I don't have the need to have that kind of conversation with you."
"Yes, you do. I'm the one you confided in first, I'm the one who give you leniency." If he noticed Goenji flinched when he mentioned the word 'leniency', he didn't show it. "I have a right to know."
Staring eye-to-eye at the third year in front of him, brief flashes of the memories of last December crossed his mind.
Zheng Tsui Ling's face full of hatred and angry tears.
The sneering faces of delinquents.
The blood stains on his shirt.
The ripped punch bags and overflowing sands.
The burning pain of his fists.
The sound of the gymnasium door being slid open.
A raised hand, blocking the ceiling lamp.
Waking up with tears.
"You know very well that I don't like to talk about it." Goenji said firmly.
Hijikata sighed, his expression soften a bit. "Yes, I know. But I'm graduating, I'm going to Kyoto. Give me some assurance that this...thing with her will be alright. You'll be alright."
The blond platinum considered his words before saying anything. He owed his sempai an explanation. He could understand Hijikata's concern. If they were to switch places, he knew he'd have asked too.
"The court sided with me. Zheng will leave for Paris at the end of the is allowed to visit every month, if she wants and if she can." His voice sounded cold and indifferent. Goenji gave himself an invisible pat on his back.
"Paris, huh?" Hijikata pondered aloud. "Well, it is her dream to become a ballerina, right? Paris is a great place to start a ballet career."
"I sincerely hope that she will succeed."
"So that she will be far away and might completely forget about her?"
Goenji chose not to retaliate to the teasing sarcasm. He took his clay tea cup and drink, ignoring Hijikata's friendly chuckle.
- End of Flashback -
But the teasing sarcasm made him gave a deep thought about it. He started to question himself whether he's making the right decisions and the many possibilities that may come from many options of decisions. He hated feeling so uncertain. As much as he tried to be indifferent and compose himself, he's still a human with flaws. That is unavoidable. The past is the past. There's nothing he could have done to change it to his liking. What he can do now is move forward, and take the path he believes in.
"Shuuya."
Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, and the sight of a long black haired girl with ruby eyes greeted him. Zheng Tsui Ling had her hair tied into a high ponytail and she wore a white sundress with yellow sash on her petite waist. In her arms is a precious bundle. Another two of his bodyguards, who he had assigned to keep an eye on her, stood a distance away to provide privacy. His maid, Fuku, stood a little further behind, looking anxiously between him, Tsui Ling and the precious bundle in the young girl's arms.
The precious bundle shifted herself in Tsui Ling's arms to get a better look at him. When Goenji turned to her with a soft smile, she laughed and cooed at him as she raised both of her arms in his direction, asking to be picked up. Goenji stood up from his seat and gently took her into his arms. The baby sighed in content and babbled as Goenji kissed her small nose and nuzzled into her platinum blonde baby hair. Alicia shrieked in delight as her chubby baby hand tugged a strand of her father's hair. Goenji let her do as she please, though he inwardly wince at the painful tugs.
A chuckle sounded and Goenji shot a look at Tsui Ling, who had a small smile on her face.
"You really love Alicia so much. Even though I was the one who gave birth to her, a girl who had betrayed you in the worst possible manner." Her smile dropped at the latter part of her sentence.
Goenji nodded in Fuku's direction, and the middle-aged woman rushed to his side. Fuku gently take the baby from her father, making Alicia whined at the separation from her father. She hiccuped helplessly as her hands stretched out, trying to reach her father and implore him to take her back. Goenji kissed her forehead and patted her head before Fuku bowed and went to sit at the metal bench. The maid did her best to try and entertain the baby, hoping to distract her from wanting to go back to her father. Goenji and Tsui Ling stared at their baby daughter before turning to each other.
"No doubt I will be busy once I start my training at the ballet academy. But I will do my best to keep in touch."
A blank stare.
"Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with Alicia before I go."
A small nod.
Tsui Ling sighed as she looked down, her hands in front of her clenched together in frustration. Ever since they meet up, she hardly get any response from him. Feeling a bit daring, she looked up at him with determination in her eyes. She stepped forward and tip toed, wrapped her left arm around his shoulder and her right arm gently pushed his head down. Their lips met. Fuku flushed a bit at the unexpected scene in front of her, and looked away. The oblivious baby nibbled on her stuffed bunny, her baby saliva dripping from her small mouth. The bodyguards acted indifferent, but one of them, who stayed hidden and invisible from view, narrowed his eyes in dislike.
Goenji was the one who broke the kiss. He unhooked the arms around him and gently pushed the Chinese descendant away from him. The girl flushed and panted a bit, a smile on her face as she waited for their eyes to meet. However, when Goenji finally lifted up his face, her smile slipped away as she saw him staring at him coldly and acting indifferent in response to the kiss. A sob was at the edge of her throat, and Tsui Ling covered her mouth with both of her hands. Tears trickled down her cheeks, her eyes shaking as she stared at her former lover.
"Is there no place for me in your heart at all?"
Silence.
"Not even as the mother of your precious daughter?"
"Now you call yourself a mother?"
"...must you be so cruel? I realized my mistake. I shouldn't have said and done what I did in the past. I want to make up with you, and Alicia, and start all over again."
"Do you expect me to forget everything that happened?" He snorted. "I'm not a fool."
"Shuuya, I-"
"If possible, I don't want to see you again."
Tsui Ling gasped, the words shook her entire being.
"I want you to stay away from my daughter. I want to forget about you. I don't want to hear anything about you. I want you to disappear forever."
Alicia's loud shriek filled the short pause between them.
"But as much as I want all of that, I can't completely separate you from Alicia. She has the right to know who you are. You are just the person who gave birth to her, that is all. Don't expect anything more than that, you'll only disappoint yourself." He swiveled on his heels and approached Fuku, his bodyguards following closely. He took Alicia back into his arms and walked to the exit. Alicia looked over her father's shoulder and saw a sad and tearful pair of ruby eyes that are similar to her own. The baby waved her fist at Tsui Ling.
Loosing her composure, Tsui Ling slumped down onto the floor, her body hunched forward and shook terribly like a leaf as she cried in anguish.
- Scene 2 -
Monday,
March 4, 20XX
9.10 am
1st Floor, General Room, Student Council Block
Inazuma High School, Inazuma Town, Tokyo
"Speech texts?" Kidou asked, starting the last minute check.
"Here." Aki answered, gesturing to the file in her arms.
"Graduates' certificates?" He continued after sending a nod of approval at Aki.
"With us." Sakuma replied on behalf of Fudou, Genda, Kazemaru and himself. Each of them were holding a bag full of hardcover certificates in their arms.
"Graduates' gifts?" He asked, and immediately remembered that the gifts had been sent to the Grand Hall beforehand, courtesy of the Disciplinary Committee.
"Tissues?"
"Right here!" Natsumi answered, holding five boxes of tissues, one on top of another.
"Confetti?"
"Over here!" Tachimukai and Hiroto replied in unison. Each of them are carrying a box full of push pop confetti.
Thus, he moved on to the last checklist item. "Endou Mamoru?"
"Hai!" Endou answered to the call cheerfully before he realized that he had been included in checklist item. His face flushed red as he yelled, "Y-Yuuto! Why did you put me in that checklist?! Are you making fun of me?!" His hands flailed furiously in protest and embarrassment.
A chorus of chuckle resonated in the General Room.
"Just in case if you decided to become AWOL today."
A few snickers could be heard, making Endou pouted slightly.
Kidou only smirked at his best friend's outburst. He took out his smartphone and pressed on Goenji's direct call contact photo. At the third ring, the call was answered.
"Is everything ready?"
"Aah. The sound system is okay, teachers and students are all in place, and the Principal has just arrived." There was a loud yell of someone threatening another to back off from his Onii-chan or risk having his face being bashed into the wall. After knowing him for so long, Kidou was unfazed by it.
"Good. We'll be there in 10 minutes. Otsukaresama." He hang up the smartphone and pocketing it.
"Endou-kaichou?" Going into business-like mode, he turned to Endou as others snapped into attention and do the same.
A big and bright smile crept up to Endou's face. "Yosh! Let's go and make this year's graduation ceremony a memorable one!"
- Scene 3 -
Monday,
March 4, 20XX
9.45 am
Grand Hall
Inazuma High School, Inazuma Town, Tokyo
The loud, monotonous sound from the hall's sound system put all conversations into a halt. Most of the students turned to the stage in front, and saw Raimon Natsumi standing behind the speech stand. Natsumi scanned the students, teachers and parents who are present for the the graduation ceremony, and she could feel her confidence fluctuated. She stared down at her speech text and the words seemed to be spiraling into a whole different language. Bullets of sweat started to drip from her forehead. She was on the verge of panicking.
"Secretary Raimon."
Hearing the familiar voice, Natsumi's heart skipped a beat and a pink blush brightened her face. Slowly, the girl turned around and saw Endou standing behind her. He was wearing the official Student Council uniform; a dark green blazer over a white shirt matching the same shade of dark green pants. A yellow armband with the kanji word 'President' neatly adjusted on his upper arm. And due to Goenji's 'insistence' that he adhere to the school's uniform regulations for the formal ceremony, Endou abandoned his usual orange headband.
The President had a grin on his face, making her all flustered and her fingers numb. She let out a small gasp as her speech text slipped from her fingers and glided down to the stage floor. Feeling embarrassed for acting like a klutz in front of her crush, Natsumi lowered her head and quickly crouched down to her knees as she started to pick up the sheets. As she reached for the last sheet, her fingers touched with Endou's fingers, who had also crouched down to help her. She slowly looked up from the calloused fingers to meet Endou's eyes. In his arms were some of the sheets.
Endou smiled softly. "I heard you volunteered to be the MC for today's event. To be honest, I was a bit surprised. Aki's the one who always be the MC for school events, and though I know she doesn't mind it in the least, but I'm sure she's happy with the change. Thank you for being brave." He handed over the sheets he collected to Natsumi, who took them into her arms, all the while staring at him as if she had been hypnotized.
"Good luck." Endou waved at her before turning away and stepped down from the stage via the side stage.
Startled from her short moment of entrance, she palmed her hand on her right cheek, feeling it suspiciously warm. A happy and content smile appeared on her face and she felt herself slowly relaxing. With a deep breath, she turned to the speech stand and reorganize her speech text. From a distance, Kidou watched Natsumi calming herself down and slowly regain her composure and he nodded approvingly. "Good job, Mamoru. Though you did it unknowingly, you managed to calm her down."
From their Student Council seats, Kazemaru and Tachimukai sweatdropped.
"Poor girl. Crushing on a guy as stupid and innocent as President Endou." Kazemaru sighed, lamenting on what an oblivious idiot his President is.
"A-ahahaha." Tachimukai laughed awkwardly to make up for the lack of response.
The sound of Natsumi mildly clearing her throat echoed in the Grand Hall. Chats and other sort of noises began to cease into complete silence. With a smile, Natsumi began her duty. "Thank you for waiting. And now we will commence Inazuma High School's Graduation Ceremony. Everyone, please rise in respect of the national flag and the singing of Japan's national anthem, the school song and the graduation song "Sakura".
From the stage, Natsumi scanned the graduating third years and saw the one she was looking for. Karibe Ranko was singing along the graduation song. She noticed her looking at her, and Karibe's smile widen. Natsumi let out a small gasp, tears gathering in her eyes as her lips trembled uncontrollably. "Karibe-sempai..."
Though it was a bit far, Goenji recognized the back of his former president. He stared at his back as he sing the graduation song. Reminiscing on the memories of when he was serving for the Student Council as the Vice-President flashed into his mind in sequence. Hijikata-Kaichou was patient as he taught him everything that he needs to know, accepting of his abilities and flaws and willing to help him. "Hmm?" He watched Hijikata looking at him over his shoulder. The third year had a wide grin on his face, and he lifted up a thumbs up in his direction. Goenji recovered quickly from his small surprise, and smirked. "Arigatou, Hijikata-Kaichou..."
TIME SKIP
"We will now begin the awarding of graduation diplomas." Natsumi announced, and took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before continuing. "Tsunami Jousuke."
"Hai!" A loud and clear voice answered from the third years sitting. A pink-haired boy rise from his chair, wearing a serious expression that he rarely puts on, and walked accordingly to the stage.
He stood in front of the stage for all to see him sideway, facing the principal. The old man smiled at the valedictorian. "We now award a graduation certificate to Tsunami Jousuke, as proof that you have completed the high school curriculum. Inazuma High School's principal, Hirai Shinzou."
Tsunami received his diploma accordingly as the protocol dictates, bowed to the principal in respect and proceeded to exit the stage. From his seat, Endou's eyes never leave his former President. Endou inhaled sharply before smiling as happily as he could. Beside him, Kazemaru smiled knowingly, as he too, feels the same way.
TIME SKIP
"-we will now listen to Principal Hirai's speech." Natsumi announced before going to her seat on the row of the side of the stage. Principal Hirai adjusted the microphone stand on the speech stand before beginning his speech.
"First of all, congratulations to the third years on their graduation. Today is both a sad and memorable day, as we say goodbye to our talented and bright students who have contributed so much to the school and leaving fond memories of all kinds, but also praying for their success in life as they enter the society as adults. One of the unique legacies left by this batch of seniors is the new idea whereby we learned not to be too bound by the rules,to be flexible, to value the creativity of our students, and to accept that each student is unique and special in their own way. Thanks to the hard work of the Student Council these past two years, changes have been made to accommodate the students, allowing them to be themselves, but at the same time, controlled in a good manner. This school has now become an ideal environment for students to thrive in many fields, be it academic, sports, arts, and so on. I ask that the graduating seniors to be brave and pursue their dreams. Work hard, take good care of yourself and be happy. And from time to time, feel free to drop by and say hello. You've finally graduated, and we are proud of you."
The principal's speech ended, and a loud applause echoed in the entire hall. Many students could be seen crying at the touching speech. Approaching the speech stand, Natsumi dabbed her tearful eyes daintily using a handkerchief before resuming her duties. "We will now listen to a speech from the student body. Head of the Presidents of Student Council, Endou Mamoru." Her eyes darted towards the owner of the name she mentioned. "Hai!" Endou rose from his seat and replied loud enough for all to hear.
Endou stared down at the speech text prepared by his Secretary, Aki. Beautifully and neatly typed and printed for him to use for this special day. Taking a deep breath, Endou flipped the speech text and slid it away to the side. Aki, Tachimukai and Natsumi looked dumfounded. Hiroto, Fudou, Sakuma, Genda and Saginuma had amused expression on their face. Shirou chuckled warmly while Atsuya smirked. Kazemaru sighed, with a small smile at the corner of his lips. Kidou and Goenji exchanged a knowing look.
"To be honest, I'm not good with delivering speeches, and rarely do so. Usually Kidou-kaichou will be the one standing here, talking. Even Goenji-kaichou delivers more speech than I have in our entire period of service. But today is special, today is important. I represent the whole student body to bid the seniors farewell. We, the juniors, feel grateful for the guidance that the seniors have given us. We learn to trust others,-"
"I can't just stand and let my friend get hit! I have to help him!" Endou protested as he tried to free himself from Tsunami's tight hold. A particularly loud and strong kick landed on Goenji's stomach, slamming him into the wall behind him. Five thugs cornered him, and the leader lifted Goenji up by the collar.
"Shuuya!" Endou screamed, fear for his friend's life.
"Endou!" Tsunami yelled, getting his attention. "Don't worry so much! Trust your best friend!"
"B-But-!"
"Have more faith in him!"
Endou's eyes widened at the words. "T-Tsunami-san..."
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Goenji headbutt the leader, before taking down the rest of the thugs.
"-to become better in what we choose to be,-"
Kidou smiled sadly, a memory flashed in his mind.
"My name is Kidou Yuuto, from class 1-A. I have been appointed as the Campus Event and Students' Management Committee's Vice President. I will be in your care." He introduced himself and bowed deeply. A melodious laughter reached his ears and a friendly slap landed on his shoulder.
"You're too stiff, boy! We gotta work on that, for sure!"
He lifted up to properly see the female president. A warm smile greeted him. "I'm Karibe Ranko. 2-B. When we're doing Student Council business, refer to me as Karibe-kaichou. Any other situation, call me Karibe-sempai, ne?"
"-and to help us when we're lost and in need, and accept us even with our mistakes."
Goenji closed his eyes, as a memory crossed into his consciousness.
"Goenji-fuku-kaichou. You were reported to have been involved in a fight with a group of delinquents from Meito High School. You beat them badly enough to be sent to the hospital. You took the gym's double key from the Student Council's office without permission and you damaged the punching bags. Explain yourself." Hijikata crossed his arms in front of the first year who was covered with blood stains, sustained a few cuts, drenched in sweat and tears, wearing a lost, confused and angry face.
Goenji panted heavily, taking off the boxing gloves. He dropped them to the floor without a care. He was too tired and disoriented. He was losing himself.
"I...I don't deserve to be a member of the Student Council. I ask that you dismiss me."
"Goenji-!"
"I will not disgrace the Disciplinary Committee and Student Council!"
"What are you-"
"I'm going to be a father!"
"We share the good and bad times together, we laugh and cry about it. We move on, and together, we grow as a better person than we are, each day. Thank you for everything, and we promise to carry on with everything you leave behind with pride. Congratulations on your graduation and we wish you the best of luck! Head of the Presidents of Student Council, Endou Mamoru!"
Another round of loud applause echoed in the hall. Natsumi managed to whisper "Good speech." to Endou as they crossed path, him on his way to leave the stage and her on her way to the speech stand. Endou grinned and whispered a "Thanks!" before picking up his pace. Natsumi adjusted the microphone stand to her suit. "Next, we will listen to the speech from the graduating seniors, represented by the valedictorian. Former Head of the Presidents of Student Council, Tsunami Jousuke!"
"Hai!"
Tsunami adjusted the microphone stand to suit him and cleared off his throat before starting his speech. "I'm not good with delivering speeches as well. I guess it is a bad trait 'inherited' by the Presidents of Students' Support and Welfare Committee." Many snickers and laughter could be heard from the crowd. "And when the times that I must absolutely deliver a speech, it will always be with the text!" He raised the speech text up in the air for all to see. "But you know what? Screw this. Screw speech text!" He said and tore the papers, ignoring the many gasps, dropped jaws and forehead slapping.
"Because I want this speech to be genuinely and sincerely from my heart. Please allow me to be this selfish for once. This time, I stand here not as your Head of Presidents of Student Council, not as the valedictorian, but as a senior. A graduating senior. A graduating senior who hated to say goodbye to all of you, but had to. Listen, minna. Two important things that I'd like to remind all of you...first, give your future a long, deep and thorough thought. Sure, you're young, you still have time, there is no rush or pressure, but always remember that what you plan for your future...will be a determining factor to achieve the ultimate goal that everyone aim. To be happy. You want to be happy? You start planning now! Give it a thought, and yes, take your time to decide and plan. What kind of working environment do you want to be in? How successful do you wish to be? Will you be happy with the kind of profession you choose to be in? What are your talents? What can you do to achieve your dreams and be happy?"
"Second! Make sure that you regret nothing! High school is the last chance to truly enjoy just being children! Try out lots of things, experience, experiment! This is your moment! Don't be like 'I should have been more serious in my studies!' or 'I should have tried being in a play, at least once!' or 'I wished I had apply to be a Prefect!'! You have the chance, use it! Sure, some things will be hard for you, and the hurdles might be too much for you to overcome, but that's how you deal with life! Be brave, challenge yourself, discover your true potential! Your senior, Tsunami Jousuke!"
- Scene 4 -
Monday,
March 4, 20XX
8.00 pm
1st Floor, General Room, Student Council Block
Inazuma High School, Inazuma Town, Tokyo
"One, two!" Kazemaru counted, and lots of popping sounds of confetti filled the room. "Congratulations on your graduation, sempai-tachi!" The members of Student Council congratulated them in a chorus. Everyone was covered in confetti, especially the seniors since the confetti were directed at them. A loud shriek added at the end of the chorus, said individual laughed cheerfully as she clapped her hands. A piece of red paper from the confetti fell on her nose, making her titled her head in curiosity, her left hand grabbing the paper.
Before she could put it inside her mouth, Karibe grabbed her small fist and gently tugged out the paper. Baby Alicia frowned and pouted, but did not protest. Instead, she complained, or rather babbled furiously at her father. Goenji humored her by nodding in understanding and rubbing her head and promising her as much confetti as she wants for her upcoming first birthday. Hijikata laughed as he watched his successor's interaction with his daughter.
"She has you wrapped around her tiny fingers, Goenji! Hahahahaha!" He laughed loudly while Goenji was at loss of words.
"Heh, so that's Goenji-kaichou's daughter?" Tachimukai wondered aloud.
Genda blinked. "Eh, you didn't know?"
"I know. I've heard that Goenji-kaichou got his girlfriend pregnant. They broke up and Goenji-kaichou takes care of the child, but I didn't really have much thought about it..."
"I still remember the day Endou-kaichou learn about the flowers and the bees." Hiroto cut in, chuckled at the memory.
"Aha! I remember! He asked Goenji how come he's going to be a father when he's not even married yet!" Kazemaru pointed out.
"'Only married couples can have babies'!" Fudou imitated Endou as best as he could, making the others roar in laughter and Endou flushing madly.
"G-Get off my back, okay! That was all in the past! I'm not that innocent anymore!"
"Heh~! Not that innocent anymore, huh?" Sakuma snickered. "Alright, then answer this question. What's a G-Spot?"
As soon as he asked that question, a karate chop landed on his head, courtesy of Kidou Yuuto. The President wore a serious face as he stared down at Sakuma, despite the small difference in height. "Watch what you say when Alicia-chan is around."
"S-Sumimasen..." Everyone chorused apologetically.
"Alicia-chan, come here." Aki spread her arms, and Alicia shrieked in glee. The baby was transferred into Aki's arms and the girl began making silly faces to entertain the baby. Natsumi watched beside her with a childlike smile.
"Demo naa, I couldn't help but worry." Karibe Ranko said, a frown marred her face. "I know that the new school year hasn't started, but seeing vacant seats in the Committees always worry me." She turned to Goenji. "Especially the Disciplinary Committee. They need two more members."
"It's useless to worry too much." Tsunami tried to assure her. The tanned boy placed his arm around her shoulder. I'm sure that they will be able to find the right people to fill in the seats. For now, they can still make do with three members. Even the other Committees are helping out."
"It is as Tsunami-sempai said. Rest assured, Karibe-sempai. The Student Council will remain invincible and the school will maintain its order." Goenji said with an air of authority to assure her.
Karibe smiled at him. "Arigatou, we're counting on you. All of you."
"Hai, sempai-tachi!" The current members of the Student Council replied in chorus.
"Ai!" Alicia chimed in, earning laughter from everyone.
"It's 'Hai', Alicia-chan, not 'ai'!" Aki corrected her gently, making Alicia pout as the baby failed to see the difference between the two.
In the midst of amusement and all, Tsunami went to Endou, a serious face once again on his face. "Can we talk somewhere private?"
Endou sensed the urgency behind the tone.
"Aah. Let's go to the balcony."
Kidou watched the two leave the room in favor of the balcony, curtains drawn and the sliding door had been shut. A foreboding sense filled his chest. He turned to Goenji and Fudou, who nodded in affirmative. So he wasn't the only one who noticed the two Heads of Presidents leaving.
"What is it that you need to discuss with me?" Endou asked when they were outside, away from prying eyes and listening ears. Tsunami stared at him before sighing shakily.
"Now that I'm officially not a student of Inazuma High School and a member of Student Council, I am able to do this."
Endou blinked in confusion. "Do what?"
Tsunami didn't reply for awhile. Slowly, he reached for his pocket and withdraw something from it. He looked at it for awhile before handing it to Endou. Upon receiving the picture, Endou looked at it with a small frown. It was a picture of an elementary school girl. She had twin-tailed purple hair and big blue eyes, dressed in a light red gown. She was playing on a swing, a cheerful smile on her face.
"Who is this?"
"...a girl named Ono Fuyuka. She was the same age as you. This is the sin of the Student Council that you will carry in my place."
"S-sin?" Endou gasped. "What's going on? What happened? Tell me!"
Tsunami's fists clenched. "Three years ago, when I was a first year, a strange and horrific rumor circulated through the campus. It was about the Student Council."
"Wha-"
"The previous Student Council, as they investigated a major case, had killed a girl from the elementary department. And it was rumored to be the girl in this picture."