Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.
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The day has officially come. The meeting between the two receptive councils and the teachers and the chairman. What will happen in the room? Find out as we approach the epilogue of the "Rise of the Student Council Arc"...
-Yoshimiya Resident-
June 11th Saturday
8:00am
Miyuki was humming to herself a merry melody while she was pouring some boiling water into two cups. Once she was done, she opened a jar that had chocolate powder in it. She scooped up a couple of spoons before stirring them. Her smile never fading with her tune. Once she was done, she picked up the two cups and walked over to the table. She set the cup down, sliding it towards a teenage girl with red cherry-like hair.
"Thanks, Miyuki." She said with a soft smile.
Miyuki offered a smile. "You're welcome sweetie."
She stirred it some more before drinking it. The two enjoyed some peaceful moments before speaking….
"I wasn't expecting you to make a surprise visit. It's been a while, Megumi." She said with a giggle.
"Yeah, I would've met you sooner, but I was pretty busy." Megumi said with a nervous tone as she was rubbing the back of her head. "But…um…yeah."
Miyuki giggled at her reaction. "No need to be shy."
"Sorry. You know I'm not a social person. Usually I just leave the talking to Yoshimiya."
"That is right. You usually just sit in the back and say a few words here and there." Miyuki giggled.
Megumi scratched the back of her head feeling her cheeks heat up. "Yeah, yeah….so um…..how are you doing?"
"I'm doing fine, thank you for asking. How about you?"
Megumi blinked before looking the other way with a bit of frown. "It's…..it's fine."
Miyuki looked at the girl with a sympathetic smile. "It's different isn't it."
"..."
"I'm sorry. If you're uncomfortable with the topic we can talk about something else."
"N-No….it's not that. I'm doing fine. It's just that…..it's very different. I mean, it's not like I'm lonely, I have friends. I was on the track team and doing good with grades…it's just….different without Yoshimiya."
Megumi looked inside her cup. She could see the reflection of herself. Her lips turned into a frown.
"You know…..it's very different without her. You know, with her annoyingly upbeat talking. Her constant teasing on me and Matsuri…."
Miyuki giggled at the girl. "Annoyingly upbeat…..is that how you describe her."
Megumi gave her a blank look. "You know what I mean."
"I know she can be rather…..something. But you know she means well."
"I know…."
Miyuki took another sip before she blinked. "Wait. You said you were on the track team? What happened? Did you get axed?"
"No, no. I didn't…..I didn't tell you the news but I'm…..moving schools."
"Really? But why?"
Megumi bit her lip as her brows furrowed. "Atsuhiko…..isn't the same anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"...well…Hayakki is the president of the student council."
Miyuki's eyes grew wide. "What?"
"Hayakki is the council president." She said with a hint of venom in her tone.
"Really now, well then again, I can't be so surprised. They can't exactly have a council without a president. If I were to say something I think you would make a good president."
Megumi blushed. "No I won't. Let's be honest, I can't compare myself to Yoshimiya. Unlike me, she's more social, more competent, smarter, athletic."
"Oh come on, Megumi. Don't sell yourself short."
"But it's true though. Hell, she even beats my record in track. Even if I was elected, I would've turned it down either way. I'm pretty sure anyone else wouldn't do the same thing."
"Megumi….."
"Honestly, I don't blame them. Yoshimiya has always been there with many of the students. Solving their problems, becoming friends with them. I just don't…..don't think anyone can replace her."
"I see…." Miyuki didn't say anything as she just looked at her cup with a furrowed glare. "I wasn't aware."
Megumi looked at her with a curious gaze. She noticed with the mention of Hayakki, her behavior became rather…..odd. Almost as if she was angry. But why…..why was she angry? Does she know Hayakki?
"Miyuki….."
"Hm? Oh….sorry….."
Megumi looked at the woman with a curious gaze. "Hey…you okay?"
Miyuki sighed. "I know what happened to Yoshimiya."
A sharp gasp escaped her lips. Her hands gripped her cup. "Y-You know? You know who did it!?"
Miyuki nodded without saying a word.
"T-Then who did it!? Who's the one who spread those pictures!?"
"...Hayakki."
Megumi's face froze. Her eyes grew wide, cold sweat dripped against her bare skin. Her hand trembled against her cup, shaking it as it stayed in one spot. She bit her lip as it morphed into a frown before her sharp teeth showed as she growled.
"T-That…..that bitch!"
"Megumi! Language!"
"I'm sorry! But it's true!"
"I understand…..but still."
"That little-" Megumi growled under her breath before she swore. "Little brat! I should've gone over straight to her and fricken strangled her neck!"
Miyuki sighed to herself. She set aside her cup and rested her hand on Megumi's. The red-haired girl looked up at her. "Please calm down."
Megumi took a deep breath before releasing. "I'm fine…..I'm just…..I'm just-" She growled once more before swearing again. "Just mad."
Miyuki couldn't help but to make a sympathetic smile. She can understand her anger and frustration, but she's afraid of what will happen if she goes with her revenge plan. She would get into trouble if she goes with it.
"Please Megumi, don't go and do something you're gonna regret."
"I know….ugh." Megumi ruffled her hair trying to calm down. "So how'd you know?"
"Matsuri told me."
Megumi blinked. She didn't say a word. "Really now? Haven't heard from that pansy ass for a while."
"Now don't be like that. You know Matsuri is a very nice young man."
Megumi groaned. "I know…..I just can't stand him. He's always hiding behind Yoshimiya, and doesn't stand up for himself. Not to mention…he left early during the funeral."
"He must have a reason. He loved her."
"Tch. I doubt it. So you heard it from him?"
"I did. He was here last month. He spoke to me about everything. And how Hayakki was involved with the pictures."
Megumi's eyes looked towards her cup before looking up at her. "How'd he know about the pictures?"
Miyuki opened her mouth, but she shut again. Should she say it to her personally? Then again, it wouldn't feel right if she said it herself. Perhaps…
"Maybe…..it would be best if Matsuri tells you himself."
"Why can't you say it?"
"I just….feel like it's better if you hear it from him and him alone."
Megumi's eyes narrowed at the mother. She did not like this feeling. "Should I be worried?"
"Megumi….." Miyuki blinked before she set her hand on Megumi's hand once more. "Sweetie, please just go easy on him. I know you don't like him. But please give a few thoughts okay."
"...I'll think about it when I hear it from him…..if I know where he is?"
"You do got his phone number right? Also he goes to a different school. He's enrolled in Hachimitsu."
Megumi's eyes widened at that. "Wait….Hachimitsu?"
"Yes?"
"You're kidding…you know what. I don't think I need to call him."
"Huh?"
Megumi's eyes narrowed before looking at Miyuki. "I'll hear it from him myself…because the school I'm transferring to is actually the same school that Matsuri is attending."
"Oh my, really now? Well then…..looks like Matsuri is gonna have a visitor."
"Oh he's gonna have a visitor alright…do me a favor will ya, can you keep this a secret from Matsuri, alright. I wanna see his reaction myself." She said with a glare.
-Hachimitsu Academy- [Hallway]
Many of the students were in a gossip storm much more. The news spread quickly as many of the students heard of what was going on at the school and what was going to happen to the underground student council.
And walking down the hallway, were the five members at the moment. Leading the front line was Mari, who held a glare as she eyed in front of her. Not paying mind to the students around her. All of them were looking at her with concerned looks, some stared at her with terrified looks.
"You think they're gonna get axed from taking authority of the school?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. After the recent events that had happened."
"Yeah, honestly I'm surprised that Matsuri is with them. After what happened with Madam Vice President."
"Not only the Vice President, but Hana has also been causing problems as well."
"Do you think we're really safe with the underground student council?"
Mari tried her best to keep her cool and look forward. She can't let Kate get the best of her when she gets to the meeting. Hana eyes casted a glare as her lips formed into a frown. She cursed herself for what had happened between her and Kiyoshi. Granted, Kiyoshi was hypnotized, but she lost her cool. Not only that, everyone was aware of what she did. She had gotten constant stares and many began making fun of her.
Meiko was not feeling any better herself either. Many of the students still remember how she was brutally attacking Andre for singing that cursed song from her past childhood. She gritted her teeth as she broke out in a cold sweat as she bawled her hand into a fist.
The amazon goddess released a sharp gasp when she felt a soft touch on her hand. She looked over her shoulders and noticed Matsuri's hand softly touching hers. The boy was giving her a sympathetic smile.
Meiko released a soft sigh and moved her hand to grab his hand and gently squeezed it. The only amount of comfort she could get from the boy.
Anzu's lips pulled into a smile as she looked at the boy and the vice president. She was honestly surprised how Matsuri and Meiko were a thing. But she felt that Matsuri couldn't be enough to help her.
As they approached the door, Mari's eyes blinked as she spotted Kate who was waiting by the door. Her eyes turned to face Mari, with the others tagging along. The orange-haired teen made a toothy grin as she looked at the group.
"Well good morning Former Madam President."
Mari bit her lip, trying her best to not lose her cool. Her members on the other hand felt a similar expression. Hana gave the girl a glare, her bangs casted a shadow over her eyes. Meiko crunched her teeth with a low growl. Only to relax once when Matsuri tightens his grip on Meiko's hand. Anzu groaned at the girl's taunt.
"I'm still the president, mind you." Mari said with a glare.
"Oh. Can you still confidently say that after this meeting? After all what had happened for the past few days. Just think about it, you and the underground council will be disbanded and stripped of your grip on the school."
Meiko growled. "You bitch. Don't think that you're gonna win this in the end!"
Kate grinned. "You think so? After all the trouble that you caused for the underground council, you still believe that the teachers and students will be on your side, Meiko."
"You….." Meiko trembled a little, feeling intimidated from her grin.
Matsuri, whose hand was still holding onto Meiko's, could feel the tremble. Noticing the small beads of sweat that dripped against her bare skin.
"Matsuri," The boy heard Kate speaking. "Isn't this girl too much for you?"
Matsuri blinked.
"After what happened between you and her, you got injured from her rampage. Not to mention," Kate looked towards Mari. "Madam President here hasn't treated you fairly the moment you entered this school. Have you forgotten the time she literally invaded your privacy so that she could get you to spill the beans about the death of Yoshimiya. Why not come to my group?"
"Huh?"
"Of course. I can get a position for both you, Hana and Anzu. As far as I'm aware of,
Mari growled under her breath breaking into a sweat. So she was pulling this move now? She's trying to entice Matsuri into her group by reminding him the time he first entered the school. She could only blame herself for trying to get the answers from him by forcing her way through.
Meiko started to release soft, heavy breathing. Her sweat increased, dripping against her bare skin. They tickled against her cheeks, breast and legs.
She only stopped when she felt a grip on her hand.
"I remember the time they interrogated me about Yoshimiya's death. I do remember…but I blame myself for what happened to Yoshimiya. It's…it's understandable why she wouldn't trust me. But…I'm not gonna hold it against her."
Kate blinked.
"I'm sorry Kate. But I have to refuse your offer."
"That goes for me too." Hana said, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Same here."
Mari released a soft sigh with a small smile. While she didn't straight out admit it, she was grateful that Matsuri chose to stay. Granted she felt guilty for her early treatment towards the boy.
Meiko glanced at the boy with a smile with a faint blush on her cheeks. Matsuri was truly loyal to those he considered a friend. Naive, yes. But his real strengths come from his heart and compassion to his friends when they are in need.
Kate however, looked at the boy with an unamused stare. Of course he was going to answer that. That would mean he would be a problem. But right now she has bigger things to take care of. She attempted a fake smile.
"Oh~? Well, that's too bad. Oh well then, I suppose I shouldn't force you either way. Just remember, my doors are always open for you three." Kate said.
Their conversation was interrupted when they heard numerous whispers down the hall. They all turned to see a group of adults walking towards them, with Usano leading the group.
Among the staff were some familiar faces, but there were some that Matsuri did not recognize. He spotted Suzume-sensei within the crowd and Takamoto-sensei as well. There were, however, more crowds in the group.
To the right was a teacher who wore a light aqua blue jacket. Under her jacket was a white shirt with the same sporting ribbon as the female students. The woman had long brown hair, with the back of her hair being tied with a small red ribbon. The end of her hair reached towards her back but didn't reach that far. She carried a serious look on her face.
On the side of her was another teacher who had light tan brown hair with two pig-tails sticking on the side that was braided with a blue band wrapped around it. She wore a pink coat that covered her white shirt with frills on her collar. Within her coat she can see her long blue skirt. However, for shoe wear she wore light pink fluffy slip wears.
Towards the other side of Usano were two other teachers. This woman had a more serious look on her face in comparison to the other teachers. She had long pink hair, with the end of her hair being tied into a ponytail. She had a more professional look to her compared to the previous teacher who looked to be in her casual wear. She wears a brown school suit and red skirt and black stockings. With some red high-heels.
To her side, was another female teacher. She had short brown hair in a boyish style. She wore a dark red physical activity jacket and pants with red shoelaces.
Matsuri felt a little intimidated by how many teachers there were. He only knew a good small number of them, like his homeroom teacher, Suzume-sensei. And of course he knows about Takamoto-sensei, the nurse of the school and basically the one who helped him and the others with the school.
Now as for the others…he never met before.
Usano and the others approached the group. "Good evening."
"Good evening, chairman." Mari bowed respectfully, with the other following the same courtesy.
"Good evening everyone. I hope you're all doing well~!" Kate said with a bright smile.
Meiko couldn't help but to growl under her breath, glaring at the girl. She grinded her teeth. Just who the hell does this woman think she was! She was just trying to kiss up to them, but she was actually trying to get on their good sides so that she could get better favor on her end. She only kept her cool since Matsuri was rubbing her arm to calm her down.
"We are doing well. I assume that you all are prepared as…..well." The chairman said with his usual tone.
Mari and Kate nodded. The crow's mistress' head scanned from the left to right of the pigtailed girl and the other teachers.
"Hello Ringo-sensei, Ino-sensei, Suzume-sensei, Takamoto-sensei, Kiruyu-sensei, Nagita-sensei."
Each of the teachers nodded at the girl with the pigtail teacher waving at her.
"It is nice to see you as well, Madam President. I assume you're prepared for the case today." Kiruyu said.
"I believe I am. However, if it's okay, I wish to do this alone."
Just as she said that, a range of expressions spreaded across each of the underground council members' faces. Hana held her mouth gaped open with her eyes wide open looking at the president. Meiko looked at the president with a face that looked as if she saw someone get stabbed or she was betrayed. She was immediately drenched in sweat the moment that Mari mentioned she was going to do it herself.
Matsuri blinked at the girl, was she serious? Was she actually gonna do this herself? But why? Didn't she need help from her friends? Why would she want to do this by herself? Anzu held a similar reaction to Matsuri, unsure of what she was trying to accomplish.
Ringo held a curious gaze. "Y-Yourself?"
Usano brought his hand to his chin. "May I ask why you want to do it yourself?"
"I just figured that this should be between me and Kate."
"M-Madam President!?" Meiko burst.
Mari raised her hand as she looked over her shoulders at the teen. The vice president reluctantly stepped back, but she was still trembling under her cold sweat.
"Yes. This augment should just be between me and Kate. No one else needs to be dragged into this." Mari said with a determined look.
Usano thought for a moment before looking at his daughter. "Very well then, we shall see you girls when you are ready. Everyone."
"Yes."
Usano opened the door as they all entered inside. As soon as they all entered the room, Kate looked towards Mari with a grin. "Well now, this is surprising. You're not gonna have your guard dogs with you?"
Mari glared at the girl before she closed them. "This situation should be between us and us alone…..unless you feel that you can't win an argument against me." She made a small smirk.
Kate brow twitched, but she kept her smile, trying to not lose it. "O-Oh, don't you worry. I attend to have them on my side. After all…."
Her eyes looked particularly at Meiko and Hana. A hidden smile graced her lips.
"I'm not the one who caused such trouble for the underground council."
Meiko gripped her hand with a twitch. Hana looked the other way as she bit her lips, trying not to yell at the girl. Kate simply giggled as she walked in the room.
"M-Madam President…." Meiko stuttered as she looked towards the president.
"I'm sorry Meiko….Hana…..Matsuri….and Anzu. But I wish to handle this myself."
"But why!? Don't we need to say our piece as well!?" Hana exclaimed.
"She's right Madam President! It's our fault what happened in the past days! We should be the one taking the blame as well! Please Madam-!"
"Meiko!" Mari yelled firmly. But still caused her to flinch. "Please, this is something I need to handle with Kate myself. And besides, if you two were present during the meeting, I can certainly guarantee that Kate would aim for you two. Especially you, Meiko."
A small gasp escaped the amazon beauty lips.
"She would try to provoke you about the incident with Matsuri and Andre. You would only lose your cool in the end. I can't let either of you take the weight of that amount of pressure. Please, allow me to handle Kate myself."
"M-Madam President….." Meiko shook, breaking out into a sweat. Her eyes casted towards her feet. "I-It's my fault."
"Meiko…."
"If I had not lost my temper, then the USC would have never come to this predicament…..it's my fault."
Matsuri frowned at the teen. He knew this situation was getting to her, but he didn't know it was this bad.
Hana looked at her with an attempted smile. "H-Hey, come on Meiko. It's not your fault. Remember, I also carry the blame."
"But I…..I….."
"Meiko, please don't beat yourself up over this. You and Hana have done nothing wrong…..if anyone is at fault it is mine." Mari said. "I should've predicted what Kate was up to before she made her move behind the scene."
"B-But-"
"It's fine Meiko." Mari shook her head as she gently grabbed her hand. Her eyes looking into hers. "It's not your fault, nor is it Hana's. I will handle this myself. In the meantime, you all are free to spend the day however you want. Matsuri."
"Y-Yes."
"I will call you to let you know of the news."
"Y-Yes ma'am."
Mari nodded with a soft smile before waving goodbye to the group and going inside the room. Leaving the others outside.
Matsuri released a sigh as he scratched the back of his head. Unsure of what to do at the moment. He is aware that Mari wanted them to stay out of this mess, but he couldn't help but to worry. Hana cursed to herself, feeling partially responsible for what is going to happen to the USC. Anzu was on a similar boat.
"T-This is….." They all turned to the vice president who was sweating bullets and beginning to hyperventilate. "This is my fault…..this is my fault."
"M-Meiko, you heard her. It's not your-"
"YES IT IS!"
Matsuri flinched at the teen as she shook, holding herself in place. She looked at the three members who looked back at her with worried looks. Both her arms squeezed against herself, squishing her massive bosom as it was causing them to be pushed upward. Sweats were dripping onto her breast, creating a small pool.
"I….apologies….I…I need to go." She said as she walked away from them as a quick pace. Ignoring the stares she was getting.
Matsuri looked at the back of the president as her power walked away, only to start jogging as she was a good distance away from them.
"She's taking this very hard, is she?" Anzu asked the two.
"Guess so…." Hana responded with a worried look.
Matsuri did not say anything as his eyes were still on the vice president who soon disappeared as she made a turn. His heart broke for the amazon beauty, he had always known as she was loyal to Mari. The two go a long way back and she practically owed it to Mari for saving her life back then.
He didn't have enough time to think when he felt a smack against his back. He looked over to his right and saw Hana with an annoyed glare. "Go after her."
"H-Huh?"
Hana rolled her eyes. "You dolt! Go after her. I know you're worried!"
"I-I am worried. B-But she-"
"Who cares what she says! Just go after her already! You love her, right?"
Matsuri twitched at that. "Y-You don't have to say it so bluntly!"
"Geez, you're such a loser. Listen, Meiko is going through a lot of this. After your interference between her assault on Andre, she's still feeling guilty about what happened." Matsuri listened to the blonde secretary. "She's been trying to find ways to make it up to you. And not only that, she feels that it's her fault that the USC will be disbanded."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously. So what are you gonna do about it?"
Matsuri didn't say anything back as she looked back in the direction that the girl left in. He knew it, so she was still feeling guilty of what had happened between them. Not wasting time, he took a step, before making a jog towards her in the right direction. Leaving Hana and Anzu to themselves.
Hana sighed to herself. "What a loser."
"Don't be like that. At least he showed some guts, right?" Anzu said with a small smile.
"Yeah I guess….Meiko is lucky to have a boy like him by her."
"Not only Meiko…..I think Mari was right to have someone like him on the council." Anzu said as her smile brightened.
-Classroom- [Meeting Room]
All of the teachers within the room sat down in their respective seats. Usano sat in the middle of the table with his hands over his other hands. Looking at the two receptive council presidents who were on the other side of the table, standing straight up.
On his sides to his far left. Ringo sat nervously on the end with her hands fidgeting on her dress skirt to make sure it stays. Next to her was Takamoto who sat casually with one fist on her cheeks and the other on the table, looking at the two students with a small smile. Suzume sat between Takamoto and Usano with her binder on the table in front of her.
Sitting to Usano right was the other group of teachers. Ino sat next to him with Kiruyu and Nagita on the far end of the right. All prepared to hear out the case of Kate appeal and start the session.
Mari trembled a little, feeling a little intimidated by the amount of teachers who were within the room ready to hear out the discussion that was about to go on. But she needed to remain strong for her council, she couldn't let Kate get the best of her. But how would she manage to do so with Kate already having the upper hands.
"Feeling nervous, are we?" Kate said, interrupting Mari's thoughts. "You can always leave if you want? There's no need for you to be here. Not that your presence is really needed." She said with a smug.
Mari eyebrow twitched at the orange hair girl before looking the other way. "No. I am prepared to defend my council."
"My~. So bold of you for saying that. Especially given the situation you're in at the moment." Kate said, her smug widening.
Usano coughed into his hand, grabbing their attention. "Shall we begin the case?"
"Yes Chairman." Kate said with an innocent smile.
"Before we begin, I like to say something." Mari raised her hand. "I want to clarify that I'll be telling the truth and if anything comes as consequences, I would like to point out that all of this should fall on me and not any of the members of the USC."
Usano pondered in his thoughts. "So you're saying that you will take responsibility?"
"Yes…" Mari said with a grim face.
"My….so noble of you. But given that Meiko and Hana have caused issues as well, the fault should fall on them as well. But…well, I guess we can figure that out after this." Kate said with a wink.
Mari was becoming more and more infuriated with the girl. She was just enjoying her moment with her. The situation she was in was just not a laughing matter. But she knew what she needed to do, and she needed to focus on her job to protect her council.
Mari took a deep breath before speaking. "Right then….I am ready."
"Very well then….lets!" The chairman said with his usual speech.
Kiruyu didn't wait enough time to speak her mind out. "The first thing I like to get around at is the incident between Meiko and Andre."
Mari bit her lip. She wasn't aware that they were going into that straight away. She took a deep breath before speaking once more. "Very well then."
Kate grin widened ever so further as she glanced over towards Mari before looking over at the teacher. "Right then. So where do you want to speak about with Meiko and Andre?"
"For starters, I would like to ask what had happened during? I have known the USC for a good while now and all of you have protected this school. Even back then after the incident that occurred not too long ago, the underground student council had been there for Hachimitsu academy. However, to hear that Meiko has attacked one of our students…..is just disheartening."
Mari breathed through her nose.
"Why has she attacked him?"
"It was an accident, Kiruyu-sensei. You see, Andre has provoked her by singing an awful song from her childhood."
"Even so, this is something that is highly restricted and should not be a display of the underground student council."
"I know."
"I agree with Kiruyu-sensei on this." Nagita agreed. "It makes me concerned how you and the girls behave like this. And to show something like this to first-years…..I'm not sure how this goes by."
"I-I understand all of your concerns. But please, try to understand. Meiko was provoked and she was led into a trap."
Ringo raised an eyebrow. "A…..trap?"
Kate simply giggled. "Please, a trap? You make it sound like the world is out to get you."
Mari furrowed her glare at the girl before looking at the teachers. "All I'm saying is that Andre's behavior has been odd lately. He's been trying to gain something from her for a while now and has taken things too far."
Ringo thought for a moment before speaking. "W-Well…..Andre is actually in my class. Both him and Joe. According to Joe, Andre has not been appearing in class lately due to…..unnatural behavior on his end."
Ino looked at her. "And you haven't said anything back to us?"
"U-Um! O-Oh sorry! Was I supposed to report back to you?"
"Not necessarily." Takamoto spoke. "But it's something that should be taken care of before it grows out of hand."
Ringo nervously looked at the other. "S-S-Sorry. Perhaps I'll have Joe look i-i-into it."
"Please do." Kiruyu said before looking at Mari. "But even so, the way Meiko reacted is something that cannot be overlooked. She can't just use unnecessary brute force on a student. Regardless of how it went or who started. This is something that should not be overlooked."
Mari furrowed her glare. "I understand. Meiko should've reacted a little differently, but she was being humiliated by that boy."
"Not only that." Suzume spoke up. "I heard that she attacked Matsuri as well."
"Matsuri? Ah. You mean Hitoyoshi, right?" Kiruyu said with a pondering thought.
"He's one of the new transfer students that transferred back at the start of the semester." Ino said.
Kate's smile grew wider. "That is correct. Meiko has attacked not just Andre, but even one of her own members. Granted, it was an accident. She was blinded by her own temperament that caused such an outrage. But still, the behavior she displayed that day made not just me but many other students unease. I mean, do we really need people like these to protect the school. If anything, they might have skeletons in their closets as well."
The teachers begin to whisper amongst each other, weighing in on Kate's statement. Mari released a small sigh. This is going to be a tough fight. She was hoping to at least get this done sooner or later, but given the situation, she can't really get a break. She can already see the smug look on Kate's face that she was giving her.
As the teachers were done speaking, Usano nodded before looking at Mari.
"While I understand that it was an accident. But the fact remains that the way she reacted should not easily be passed over. Meiko should've restrained herself. The student council-no. The underground student council should not display behavior like this in front of our students. That goes for the first year. Just be lucky something like this was not released to the public. However, this still leaves a mark on the USC standing. Do I make myself…..clear."
"...yes father."
"Very well then. Now let us-"
"Hold on." Kiruyu spoke up before Usano could move on to the next case. "I would like to know more about this Hitoyoshi boy."
Mari raised an eyebrow, followed by the other teachers/staff members who looked at the teacher.
"What do you mean?" Takamoto asked.
Kiruyu looked right at Mari with a curious gaze. "I understand that Mari and the USC members are nothing but girls. I understand that you don't like males as much, but with Hitoyoshi included in the council. I can't help but to feel that this came out of left field."
"H-Hey, hold on." Nagita asked. "You choose now of all time to ask this?"
"I would've asked sooner but I needed to find the right time to ask. Now back to the question, why is this Hitoyoshi boy in the council?"
Mari bit her lip. Feeling a flood of perspiration running down against her cheeks, parts of her hair strand from her clip fell on her face. She took a deep breath before answering.
"Matsuri was under strict investigation during his time here."
The teachers/staff look at the council president. With Kate looking at the girl with her ever so widening smug.
"While the boys were being incarcerated for their crime. Matsuri was not part of their operation, but was aware of it. So I gave him a choice of whether he would join them or join us. He chose the 2nd option. However, during his time with us, I found out something interesting. I…..I looked into his records…"
"W-Wait! You looked into his records?" Ringo asked.
"I did. I apologize, but I…..I wanted to expose him for the filthy dog whom I thought he was….."
"...and? Did you find anything?" Kiruyu asked.
"I did…..but…..I wasn't….I wasn't expecting the answer to be…..anything like that. Are all of you….well some of you are already aware of what happened. But to some of you, do you know what happened back at Atsuhiko academy?"
The teachers began to ponder.
"If I recall, an incident had happened before graduation. A first year student, a council president to be honest, was stripped naked and photos of her body were leaked across the school. Rumors begin to spread and she…..she took her life…."
Kiruyu's eyes began to widen. Everything began to click in her mind. The photos that spreaded, her being stripped naked, someone taking photo shoots of her body in an unknown location. The gears in her head started to move and everything fell in line.
"U..U…Unbelievable…"
"Wait….you can't be serious…"
"No….that can't be…"
Kiruyu, Ino and Nagita eyes widened in shock and horror. All with the exception of Ringo who held a curious gaze.
"Huh? What? What's going on?"
Ino looked towards her with a glare. "Don't you get it. Yoshimiya's death was caused by Matsuri Hitoyoshi!"
"EH!?"
"W-Wait please!" Mari spoke out before they jumped to conclusions. "There's more to the story. Matsuri was manipulated by another student to carry out her cruel sick game."
"And yet he still did it." Kiruyu said with a glare. She took notice of Usano, Takamoto and Suzume who just looked off to the side. "Did you guys know about this?"
Suzume sighed to herself. "Don't take this the wrong way."
"How long have you guys known about this? Have you ever considered the dangers that this boy could possess!"
Takamoto looked at the teacher angrily. "Come on now, Kiruyu-sensei. He's not that much of a threat."
"How would you know that?"
"U-Um….should we….should we call for an emergency." Ringo asked, feeling nervous that they kept a boy who may pose a threat to the entire student body.
Mari immediately knew this was gonna happen. "Please wait a moment. Matsuri isn't a threat."
The teachers (the one who didn't know about Matsuri's secret) looked at the girl. "How can you be so confident? Not to mention, you invited the boy into the council, did you? Why would you-"
"Enough!"
The room completely dropped dead silent. They all looked at the orange-haired teen who held an angry expression. Mari was the most surprised out of the batch, seeing the teen who surprisingly was annoyed the moment they began to talk about the boy and his past involving Yoshimiya's death.
"I can understand your concerns. But please, set that aside your concerns. Matsuri has clearly been through enough as it is and even he's also aware of his mistakes. So please, it is not necessary for the call of emergency. Plus it would cause quite the unrest for the students of this school."
The room grew silent once more. The adults within the room looked at her with stares. Takamoto, Usano, and Suzume especially, seeing how she was here for another reason.
Out of all of them, Mari was more than stunned by the teen's statement. It was surprisingly calm coming from her of all people. She was looking at her, hoping to see through her lies. Kate was possibly using this as a means to get Matsuri on her side. But it looks like she was legitimately serious.
"And besides, Matsuri is currently being supervised under the USC. He's under a strict rehabilitation program, if you will. Matsuri-kun wishes to become a better person so under Mari's supervision, he is currently progressing through it. Right, Mari?"
"Huh!? O-Oh! Y-Yes! That is right! As Kate described it, Matsuri is progressing well on the road to boosting his confidence so that he doesn't repeat the same mistake again as he did back then."
"Is that so then…" Nagita asked.
"A-Are you sure we don't have to worry about him?" Ino asked.
"I am positive. There is nothing to feel threatened by."
"There now you see. And besides, Matsuri is like a harmless little boy. He just wants to improve his confidence. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we and the rest of the school were there by his side." Kate said with a small smile.
Usano slowly nodded his head. "Yes. This I can vouch for. I can understand that there are some of you who are still weary of Matsuri. But please, give him the benefit of the doubts. He is currently and still wishes to improve himself so that he doesn't need to be manipulated so easily the next time."
The teachers weigh in on this. While granted they still are worried about the boy and the incident that involved during the event back at his old school. But to hear that he is going through rehabilitation, it does put them at ease.
"Very well then…..for now at least." Kiruyu said.
Mari sighed to herself with relief. She felt an elbow on her shoulders. "Hey, you're welcome."
"I'm sorry."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Oh please, if it wasn't for me, poor Matsuri would've been cornered by everyone at this school. Honestly Mari, say something yourself next time before I say something."
Mari didn't say anything as she just blinked at the girl. She wasn't sure what was going on with her or what possessed her to stand up for Matsuri like that. She shook her head and decided to ask her after this.
"Very well then, let us move to the next statement."
-Meiko's Room-
Meiko was in a bit of a panic. Well, a bit was a bit of an overstatement. She was doing some intense push-ups. Her hands were on the floor, pushing her body up and down. Sweat was dripping off of her bare skin, creating a pool beneath her. Part of her hair strands fell from her clip.
She breathed each time she let her body fall to the ground before picking herself back up. Her body was soaked in sweat.
"The underground student council is doomed." Meiko thought to herself in a panic. Thinking about what is going on in the room as of today. "I just know it! I have allowed Kate to get to me and now the underground student council is in trouble!"
Her mind is being plagued with thoughts of many possible outcomes of what will happen. She's been thinking what will happen to the underground council from here on out. Will there be any shred of reputation or popularity for them left? What will happen to Mari? Will they lose their room? Will they lose their power over the school? More importantly…..
"What…..what will Matsuri think of us!?" She thought to herself in a panic. She started to hyperventilate. Her sweat started to drip more. Her eyes bulged out with a bit of a tremble. Her body stayed up in the air. Both her hands and feet began to tremble in fear.
"What will he think…..will he go over to Kate's side? Matsuri…what will you…..what will you do from here? If the underground council will-"
She snaps out of her trance as she hears a knock on the door.
"Meiko! Are you there?"
She immediately recognizes the voice.
"M-Matsuri…..y-yes! Please come in!"
Matsuri opens the door, walking in, seeing the vice president who was still on her arms and legs. Her being covered in sweat, dripping against her bare skin and creating a small pool underneath. Matsuri could only guess that she was just doing some training. He took notice of her breathing, her chest heaving up and down.
Matsuri sighed. "You were training?"
"Ah! Y-Yes!" Meiko said as she got up from the floor and sat down with her knees folded. "I'm training myself so that I wouldn't ever make a mistake against Madam President!"
"Meiko….." Matsuri sighed once more. He walks over to the vice president who was drenched in sweat as she sat down. He took a seat in front of her. "You really need to calm down."
"H-Huh?"
Matsuri offered a smile towards the teen. "You don't need to push yourself over something that isn't your fault."
Meiko felt her cheeks grow hot. Meiko bit her lip thinking back of her incident with Andre. She did fall for the trap that Kate setted up for her. She knew that Kate taught Andre that song so that she would attack Andre. But what she didn't really account for was Matsuri getting dragged into this mess.
"Matsuri…..I'm sorry….."
"Meiko…."
"It was my fault that the underground student council is going to be disbanded! It's my fault that you got injured! It was my fault-"
"Meiko!" Matsuri yelled, causing her to flinch. He retracted back, calming down. "I'm sorry….but please, it's not your fault."
"But I…how can you….."
Meiko felt a soft touch against her cheeks. She flinched back, with her hands planted on the floor, supporting herself. She sees Matsuri with a handkerchief in his hand, leaning towards her with a worried look.
"O-Oh! S-Sorry! Um…..Mari handed me this the other day…..saying how you sweat alot and she wants me to…..well…..wipe the sweat off." He said with a blush.
"Madam President….."
"Um…..i-if you don't want me to…..I mean I completely understand if you don't want me to…."
Just as Matsuri's hand was about to retract back, Meiko softly grasped his wrist. Following her silent command, she pulled his hand towards her cheek. The boy's heart started to beat faster. He could hear her breathing as she leaned in closer. Her eyes looked right into Matsuri's.
"M-Meiko…."
"Please. Go right ahead…."
"Y-You sure…."
Meiko did not respond as she released her grasp, her hands folded on her knees. She closed her eyes, her cheeks still flushed red, sweat still dripping against her skin, soon it soaked her white shirt. Making it see through, as her nipples began to poke through.
Matsuri swallowed his temptation. Shoving aside any unnecessary thoughts he has in his head. He dared himself as he made contact with Meiko's cheeks.
He rubbed the handkerchief up and down in slow and calm motion. Wiping the small beads of sweat off the girl's skin. He can hear the amazon beauty breathing, with her eyes still closed. She was allowing him to wipe the sweat off of her.
Matsuri's handkerchief traveled down towards her neck. Through the handkerchief, he could feel the softness of her skin. His hand traveled more downward, only to stop when he realized where he was going to wipe off.
His eyes looked at her enormous breast that was soaked in sweat. Small bead of sweat dripped alongside the flesh, soft plump. Dripping between her valley and dripping towards her navel area. His eyes traveled to her breast and landed on her nipples which were easily seen through. Her breasts rise and fall along with her breathing.
"Matsuri…."
"Huh!? I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-!"
"Go ahead."
"Gak! What!?"
"Go right ahead."
Matsuri looked at her with eyes of disbelief! He did hear that right, right!? She's allowing him to actually touch her breast!? She's being serious now! Then again she has been rather more bold around him lately since their talk in the storage room and then the moment after the Andre incident.
"Y-You really are sure…."
Meiko once again didn't answer as she reached for his hand. Softly grabbing his wrist and pulling him towards her breast. His hand pushed between her soft plump breast. He could feel the softness of her breast. He could feel the warmth from her body.
"U-Um…..I-I don't think….."
He didn't have time to finish when Meiko leaned towards his face, her face flushed red. Still sweating, looking at the boy. "I'm allowing it."
Matsuri swallowed once more and dared himself again.
He began to wipe against her breast. Dabbing a bit between her massive valley, trying his best to ignore the soft feeling from her two enormous plumps. His hand worked its way to one side of her breast. Rubbing off the side from the inside of her valley, soon it made a full circle as it sweeped underneath.
He breathed out, giving himself some breathing room before continuing. His face was red hot from embarrassment. He continued.
His hand rubbed against her left breast, rubbing right underneath it. His hand pushed them upward. He could feel how heavy her breast was against his hand.
"Her breasts…..they feel so loaded and soft in my hands." He thought to himself with a mad blush.
He flipped the handkerchief around, to the point where her breast was being held in his palm. He unconsciously started to bounce it in his hands slowly and softly. Hearing soft moaning from the gray-haired teen.
His hand started to explore her massive flesh plump. With his handkerchief still in hand, he gently squeezed some of her breast. His mind was off somewhere else. Not paying mind to wiping the sweat off, but playing with her breast unconsciously.
"They really are soft…and warm."
His hand began to sweep from the side and towards the rim of her button on her shirt that covered her nipple. His fingers, digging underneath it, pushing it upward. Letting in a small draft through her exposed skin.
Slowly, he began to push the rim of the shirt off her chest, slowly revealing her nipple that was being covered.
"What….what am I….."
Her shirt slowly lifted up some more. He could see the pink area of where her nipple resides.
"I'm…it's like I'm slowly being drowned too…..I'm…."
"Matsuri!"
The boy's eyes blinked as he looked up towards the teen who was giving him the most expressive expression he had seen from the girl. Her eyes looked at him with a knowing look, which was being complimented with her smug.
Matsuri's eyes traveled towards her breast which was almost being undressed by his hand!
"GAK!" He yelled as he quickly tugged her shirt to cover herself before retreating his hand back to himself. "I AM SO SORRY FOR THAT! I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING!"
Meiko only stifled a laugh before looking at the boy. "Seems like the boys are rubbing off against you."
Matsuri could only whine a little. His cheeks are fiercely red. Sweating on the spot. Why did he have to go and do that!? He was just trying to wipe the sweat off of her, but here he was possibly taking advantage of her!? It just didn't feel right to him!
His train of thoughts were soon interrupted when he felt his hand being softly grabbed once more. Following the silence direction, they were placed on her cheeks once more. The vice president gave him a sympathetic smile.
"M-Meiko….."
"Matsuri…will you stay with us?"
"Huh?"
"With us….with the underground student council…..I mean. If you don't wish to stay with us after today, I understand. I know you would want to stay with a group who will hopefully…..hopefully treat you well." Meiko started to sweat once more, feeling her lips trembling. "I know I'm not perfect and I cause mistakes for both you and Madam President."
"..." Matsuri listened to her.
"I….I do nothing but cause trouble for you both. I'm…..if anything….." She started to tremble. "If anything happens to the underground student council….then I….."
Meiko didn't have time to finish when she felt a pair of arms wrapped around her hourglass figure. Her hands immediately lifted up, feeling the boy's body against her own. Her eyes grew wide, her face flushed deep red. Her breathing quickens and becomes heavy. It was so fast, very suddenly out of nowhere.
Matsuri rested his head against her shoulders, feeling her breathing down his neck.
"M-Matsuri…"
"...when….."
"Huh?"
Matsuri half parted ways with her, his hand still wrapped around her waist. "When this is all over…..let's go out!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Meiko immediately broke out into an intense sweat. Her entire body soaked, while getting Matsuri a bit wet as well with how close he was. Her face is a fierce deep red. Her eyes wide as they could be.
"W-WH-WH-WH-WHAT!? YOU AND I-I-I!? U-US!? O-ON A….A….A….D-D-DATE!?"
Matsuri's face matched the same color as Meiko's. He quickly let go of her as his hand started to flail around frantically. "NO! I MEAN, UM….WE SHOULD HANG OUT….UM….SINCE TANABATA IS COMING UP PRETTY SOON!"
"AH! R-R-RIGHT! TANABATA! OF COURSE! WE SHOULD ALL HANG OUT AND M-MAYBE PLAN SOMETHING! AND CHIYO'S BIRTHDAY ALSO LANDS ON THAT DAY!"
"R-RIGHT! WE SHOULD DEFINITELY ALL GET TOGETHER!"
"RIGHT!"
Both of them stared at each other in silence. Breathing from the yelling they just had. Trying to forget what the boy just said a moment ago. But both of their hearts are still beating fast against their chest.
Meiko could still feel preparation dripping down against her thighs and cheeks. Her hand over her massive chest, trying to calm herself down from the earlier suggestion.
"Um…a-anyways. I don't plan on leaving you guys."
"Huh?"
Matsuri looked at her once more. "I don't plan on leaving. I don't plan on running away. Not ever again. I don't know what's gonna happen in the near future…..but I won't run away and I certainly will not abandon you either."
"...y-you're not just saying that to make me feel better are you?"
"I'm serious." He said as he pushed his face close to hers. Causing her to move back a bit. "I'm not gonna leave. I promise to stay by your side."
Meiko's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes sparkled at the boy in front of her.
"This boy…..even when things are dire…..he manage to stay strong and be by my side…he've grown so strong."
She recalls the events when he entered the school and forward.
"Matsuri…..you've grown accustomed to school life, despite the constant troubles that occur, you still pull through. You grow stronger, braver, and…..you just…..you truly do shine like a shooting star in my eyes!"
Meiko bit down on her lips. Her hands grab both of his hands and look right into his eyes. A serious, fierce look in her eyes as she looked right at him. Pushing herself against him, causing him to lean back.
"Matsuri…you always seem to find some way to amaze me…..then it looks like I must take back the initiative."
"Huh?"
Matsuri was caught off guard when he felt a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. The room spun around him as he was thrown onto the bed, hitting against the pillow. He opened his eyes to find Meiko hovering over his body with a stare. Her brown eyes staring into his soul. Meiko's legs straddled Matsuri's waist with her hands landing on both sides.
His heart pounded hard against his chest as he found Meiko lowering herself closer to his form. He could feel her massive bosom squishing against his clothed chest. Her breathing was blowing against his face. Parts of the bangs from her hair landed on him.
"M-M-Meiko…."
Meiko didn't say anything as she pushed her forehead against his. Her lips are inches closer to his. Matsuri's face turned bright red, his heart rate increased.
"M-Meiko….."
"Say it."
"Huh?"
"I said, say it. Say that you believe in me."
"W-Why?"
"Please…I want to know that I'm still of use to the president."
"..." Matsuri swallowed. "I…..I believe….I believe in you."
"Say it again. This time," She said as her hand slides into his. Grasping his palm as his fingers locked with hers. "Say it with more passion."
"I…..Meiko. I believe in you. I think you're an amazing person with amazing strength and skills. You work hard for the underground council and the president. You're diligent with your duties. I-If anything….I believe in you."
Meiko cheeks heats up. She sucked in some air before releasing. She looks at the boy with a small smile before letting her body fall on top of the boy. Her head brushed against his cheeks. Her arms wrapped around his neck and gave him a warm, heartfelt hug.
The boy was caught off guard a little by the hug, but he didn't reject it. Not one at all did he find her hugs uncomfortable.
"Meiko…she's so warm. At first, when we met, I found her to be pretty intimidating, threatening and non approachable. But the more I see her…..the more I start to see her other self…'Shirayuki'."
He remembered how Meiko revealed how she was back then. And while she still feels insecure when put on the spot, she still tries her best. Something he can relate to…..
"Meiko….you and I are different in strength and abilities…..but when it comes to what we want to achieve…..how we were back then. You and I…are so alike."
He thought to himself as he embraced Meiko. Not a single word was spoken between the two as they embraced.
-Outside of the Classroom-
Mari released a heavy sigh. Today has been truly exhausting for her. Not just the day, but just the following week. Meiko incident with Andre, then there was Hana's with Kiyoshi. She felt that she was letting herself slip up. Not keeping tabs on either of her members. Nor predicting Kate's actions.
"Have I…..have I truly let myself go."
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt something cold against her cheeks. She looked to the side and saw Kate holding a water bottle out to her with a smirk.
"Wow, I never seen you like this, Mari. You're not on your 'A' game lately. You sure you're alright."
Mari glared at the girl as she took the bottle from her. "Please, I'm just tired. That's all."
Kate stifled a laugh as she sat next to the girl. "Sure, go ahead and keep saying that. But let's be honest, you're slipping up. Having Matsuri in your group slipped your game."
Mari stopped her drink and glared at the girl next to her. "What are you saying?"
"I'm simply stating the truth. Think about it, before Matsuri was added into your group, you use to hate males. Finding them repulsive, perverted, belittling them every chance you got. I mean, you were abusing your power to get the truth out of poor Matsuri, right?"
"I was…I…" Mari is at a loss for words. She indeed was using her power to strip the truth from Matsuri so that she could throw him in prison. But after hearing the truth. She wasn't sure of herself anymore or where she placed the boy.
"See, even you don't have anything to say to that. You're at a loss for words."
Mari shook her head. "Matsuri was just an unfortunate victim in someone else's game. I still would have thrown him in prison if I wanted to."
"So then why didn't you?"
"...I guess you could say I felt guilty for what I did."
"You!? Feeling guilty. That's rich! Coming from you!" Kate laughed.
Mari glanced at the girl with an unamused stare. "I should say the same to you."
"..." Kate stopped laughing as she raised a brow at her rival.
"You chose not to reveal the truth about Yoshimiya's death. Even though you easily could've done so in the first place. Not to mention you stood up for him when Kiruyu-sensei was panicking about him not too long ago. So answer me…..why didn't you."
Kate opened her mouth to speak, but now she was lost for words. Her cheeks heats up from embarrassment as she looks the other way and continues drinking.
"Oh. Has the young immature girl I knew from middle school finally grown up into a respectful and charming woman."
Kate immediately choked on her drink. Hacking a few coughs, she looks at Mari with her face red. "Oh don't even start! And what do you mean 'immature'!? I've always been respectful and charming!"
"You're a terrible liar."
"Hmph! A-Anyways. I only did so because Matsuri, unlike you and Meiko, is respectful and well-mannered. Plus, I did have lunch with him not too long ago, so I owe him."
"Oh."
"Is that all you have to say to me!? Ugh! You know what, forget it! The underground student council is doomed anyways! With all the trouble you caused, plus your abuse of power and more of others. The underground student council will have no place left in this school!"
Mari closed her eyes for a moment. Pondering in her thoughts. "Win or lose is still up for grabs."
"I'm sorry."
"You may have got the upper hand here, but the power grab for total control of the council is still up for grabs. In case you've forgotten, we still got our big match to settle it in."
Kate pondered for a moment before opening her eyes. "Ah yes, how could I've forgotten. What's happening here and now, has no real effect beside affecting our councils popularity and reputation. No…the real battle begins during the sports festival."
Their conversation came to a halt when Takamoto opened the door. The two turned to her. "We've come to a decision."
"Perfect! We'll be right there." Kate beamed a smile at the nurse before she went back inside. She looked back at Mari. "Well then…it looks like we will finally know what will happen to the underground student council from here on out."
Mari groaned as she glared at the orange-haired teen. "Even so, it's still not over from here."
Kate's smile widened. She has her right where she wants. Keeping her smile clamped down within her chest, she turns around and heads inside the room, followed by Mari.
Unknowest, to the two. Chiyo was hidden behind the corner of the wall. Poking her head from the side, she notices Mari and Kate going inside the room.
"Sis….."
-Inside the Classroom-
Mari and Kate found themselves on the same spot. In front of the two council presidents, the teachers and staff looked at them. Usano held a serious look on his face, but Mari took note of how it looked more pale than before. Takamoto rubbed her forehead with an annoyed glance.
"We have come to a decision." Usano said with a grave tone before looking at Mari. "Mari. Granted, we of Hachimitsu academy, truly do appreciate all the work and effort you did to keep the school safe. And our students. However, due to recent events of what have happened within the councils and with your members. And with the abuse of your power during your interrogation against one of your own potential members. It shows us that you are not responsible enough to keep this…..position."
Mari bit her lips, keeping her emotion in check.
"Not only that, we have come to realize another thing, the underground student council is an unofficial organization. You've only seized power through popularity and reputation."
"That is true." Kate said with a smirk.
"But as I said before, with what happened during this week, we, the teachers and staff feel the underground student council should show discipline, responsibility and care for our students' safety. As of this week it shows that you girls are…..as Kiruyu-sensei describes it, uncontrollable."
Kiruyu spoke next. "I appreciate all the work you've done back in the years. For keeping us safe and protecting the students from outside threats. Even with the five boys who've peeped at the girls. But to witness what had happened with Hana and to hear about Meiko's incident, I don't think we need an underground council like this for our school. I am sorry."
"No. I understand." Mari said with a sympathetic tone.
"However…we really do appreciate your girl's effort and hardwork for this school. So that is why we will not disband the USC."
Mari sighed in relief.
"But!" Usano raised his hand. "As of now, the USC will be stripped of power by the school and will be handed over to the ASC."
Kate's smile widened even further. She could just be clapping and dancing right on the spot! But she needed to keep it to herself. She glanced over at Mari whose face casted at her feet. Cold sweat dripped against her cheeks.
"I am sorry, Madam President." Usano spoke.
"No…..it's alright. I had this coming."
"If I may," Kate raised her hand. "I feel sorry for Mari and the USC. I mean, as you said before right? With all the hard work that USC has done for this school and its students. I don't wish for them to feel discouraged. So I propose a deal."
The teacher looks at the teen with a curious look.
"A fair fight between the councils."
"A fair fight?" Suzume asked with a raised brow. "What do you mean?"
"Of course, I don't mean physically. I mean, during the sports festival that will be held in July."
"Ah!" Usano's face lit up. "The sports festival!"
"Yes. A fair fight during the sports festival. Both I and Mari, wager the continued existence between our receptive councils." She said with a small smile.
The teachers and staff took a moment and discussed this amongst each other. Mari could hear them murmuring, she didn't dare look or even glance at Kate. She knew what expression she was wearing and she did not feel like giving her any pleasure of seeing her own expression.
The teachers finished speaking. With Usano coughing in his hand.
"Very well then, thank you for sharing this with us Kate. Then from tomorrow onward, the ASC will hold a position as the council for Hachimitsu academy. But if any of you were to lose the sports festival, then one of your councils will be forced to be…..dissolved!"
Mari let out a trembled breath. But she refuses to let Kate see her in this state.
"Until then, the ASC will remain in power. Do I make myself….clear?"
"Yes chairman." They both said. Kate with a beaming smile and Mari with a serious, but frowning stare.
"Then this meeting is…..adjourned."
The teachers stood up from their seats and began to all walk out of the room, leaving the two presidents in the room. Takamoto took a glance at Mari before she left the room with the group. Noticing the tremble of her arms and the frown on her face. The nurse left the room with the others.
"Well now, it's decided then." Kate said with a bright smile. "The ASC will be in charge and the USC will be in our shadow. Looking for sunlight."
Mari glared at her. "You got your laugh. I'm worried one bit."
"Oh?"
"You may have stripped us of our power. But we still have the sports festival. Only then, we will make our comeback."
"Are you sure? I mean, after recent events, the underground student council reputation and popularity have really declined. Do you really think anyone will have your side at this point? Do you still believe that the USC will have any place here from here on out?"
Mari bit her lip with her hand balling into a fist.
"But just be glad, I'm a good sport. I'll even allow you and the USC to use our old club room. Pretend it's a nice little gesture from me….so how about we seal the deal," She stretched her hand out towards the girl. "A fair fight between us council. Whoever loses, their council will be dissolved. If you win, you can take your pride and popularity back. Etc, etc. But if you lose-"
She didn't have time to finish as she felt a grip on her hand. Being taken back a little, she looks at the crow mistress who looks at her with a glare.
"I won't back down. Certainly not to you."
Kate grinned. "Good. I just knew you would agree."
From the other side of the door. Chiyo had her ear by the door, listening to their conversation. Her eyes widened. Her heart sank. Hearing of what will happen to her sister from here on and in the possible future.
"The USC…..will be…..disbanded?"
…
And that's a wrap! The USC have officially lost their grip on the school, but not all hope is lost as a deal has been made. With their deceive battle confirmed, the two councils have wagered the hanging existence of their respective councils. The two councils must prepare for the upcoming battle for the coming month. But what is Mari's plan from here? What is going to happen to the USC? We will find out in the epilogue of the "Rise of the Student Council arc"!
We are just about done with this arc and this chapter was fun to write. I always enjoy writing about the rivalry between Mari and Kate. Not to mention, Mari begins to show some weakness, feeling that everything she held onto is slipping away from her. I wanted to add some depth to her character during this chapter, because it shows that even in moments like these, she will feel helpless. But she tries to remain strong in front of her friends. However, this is where Matsuri would come into play, given the situation he's been through, he knows when someone is trying to hide themselves by using a mask. This sort of element will come into play during the next chapter.
Also we get to see more teachers/staff members of this school. Something I noticed with the manga is that it was lacking adults in the school. While they have been shown and mentioned, they never made an appearance throughout the series aside from a few scenes here and there. But I wanted to balance out that by adding some teachers in this story. You were already greeted with Takamoto, the computer class room teacher (Kiruyu-sensei) and Suzume. You were not greeted by Ino, Ringo and Nagita sensei.
And in addition, we get a brief tease of Megumi who will be a new transfer student at Hachimitsu academy. If you remember her, she is one of Yoshimiya's friends. So yes, Matsuri is not officially out of the woods yet, and she will be harder for Matsuri to handle. She will be fully introduced in the next arc.
Anyways, thank you all for reading and supporting my story. Remember, this story and Maiden Heart Crusader (standalone/spin-off) are both available on fanfic and AO3 (archive of our own).
As always, thank you all for reading. Leave a comment for Feedbacks. Stay safe. And I will see you guys in the next chapter!
