The next day revealed to be more soothing for a numb Midari. The morning weather was cloudy yet lacked precipitation. It obstructed the sun and provided shade to an already cool day. She preferred the cold to the heat, especially the contrast from summer to fall. As it gets colder you can simply wear more clothing, during a roaring heat wave though you can only take off so many layers before getting arrested for public indecency. Midari would tend to stick with just her school uniform only, even as the year neared its end. Traditionally, insistent nagging from her mother would be required to get Midari to wear her winter coat. The immediate response was indifference but when the temperature centered below freezing with little to no deviation she would give in despite her inherent stubbornness. But that is towards the end of the year, now it is a brisk Tuesday with a consistent temperature of sixteen degrees Celsius. This weather is her favorite. If only she was able to freeze weather conditions so that each day was as invigorating and crisp as this Tuesday. That of course is only a dream. The weather is never truly constant though. It becomes a series of probabilities that alter by the most inconsequential variables. Nothing is absolute about the results, all becomes delegated to chance. But do not concern yourself. It is just a Tuesday.
"Hello Midari." A cheerful Yuriko approached Midari in the hallway outside the doorway to the Beautification Council Office. 'Oh hey Yuriko. What brings you to this side of the academy?' Yuriko grinned. "I have some gossip I feel like discussing with the Beautification Officer." 'It has been awhile since we've talked, just the two of us. Please, allow me Traditional Culture Officer.' Midari led Yuriko into the Beautification Council Office then to Midari's presidential office. Before closing the door to her office she approached her secretary. 'Mako.' Ms. Igri was still a bit anxious from the event that occurred yesterday. "Beautification Officer Ikishima. How may I assist you?" 'Look Mako I'm sorry for the way I acted the other day. I regret berating you, especially during a moment of self-inflicted selfishness. I hope you can accept my apology.' Midari pulled out a dessert container from her beautification bag. It was a slice of tiramisu that her mother made for her the other day as a way of celebrating the new week. 'There is real dark rum used in this so I'd suggest eating this at home but if you want to eat it now I will look the other way.' Mako looked at Midari with appreciation. She jumped out of her chair and hugged Midari. "Thank you Midari. I accept your apology. Is the rum strong?" Midari let out a small chuckle. 'It's just 30%. If you want to dilute the rum I'd suggest drinking some water with it so you don't lose the taste of the entire tiramisu. I think you will like it overall though. Oh and I'll be talking with the President of the Traditional Culture Research Club, Yuriko Nishinotouin during my office hour to discuss important matters regarding the Student Council. If there are any incoming calls let it go to voicemail.' Mako was happy to oblige. "Yes Midari." 'Thank you.' She went into the presidential office and locked the door behind her. 'Now President Nishinotouin, what would you like to discuss?'
Midari unlocked a drawer at the bottom right side of her gray metal desk. She pulled out a bottle of red sangria and two whiskey glasses. Yuriko snickered at Midari. "Oh now look who kept alcohol in her office." 'Please, this is sangria. I'm sure at your office you only have atsukan available, being a part of the Traditional Culture Club.' Yuriko couldn't help but agree. "I do have trouble going outside my comfort zone." 'Then have a glass of Portuguese wine with me. It was made with pears and cherries.' Yuriko seemed to be tempted so Midari poured her a glass. They clinked each other's glass before enjoying their beverage. "Hmm, that actually tastes nice. It's not too strong either." 'See‽ I knew you would like it. So what gossip did you desire to share with the audience?' Yuriko quickly finished her glass. 'Is it really that juicy?' "Well yes but I also want a refill." 'Sure. I got you hooked on it now huh?' "Yes, quite. Do you think you could send me a bottle?" 'Of course. You're getting off topic.' "Oh yes, sorry. It's about President Kirari and Secretary Sayaka. Apparently those two are a pair." 'Sure they're a pair. I mean when was the last time any of us have seen the two separated from one another in the academy?' "Well rumor has it that the lack of separation extends to the Mombami estate overnight as well." 'Wait. Are you suggesting that Student Council President Kirari and Student Council Secretary Sayaka are romantically involved‽' "It's a rumor but yes. Is it that hard to imagine?" 'No, I guess not. What I wonder is why hide this relationship? Kirari is the President of this entire academy. Who would honestly challenge her authority over something as vapid as a love life?' "I'm not sure. All I know is that I received a mysterious note the other day left in my office talking about this..." 'Wait. I received an unusual, unidentifiable package yesterday. Something is off. Was your note written on a newspaper using a red marker?' "Yes." Midari poured herself another glass. 'Well, I feel like something nefarious is forming. What did your note say?' Yuriko felt a little anxious, luckily the wine calms her nerves. "Here." She handed Midari the envelope. In taking out the note and opening it revealed a single sentence. Preserve The National Heritage, Crush The Nonconformist President And Her Female Lover. Midari began to laugh. 'This alone isn't really damning evidence Yuriko.' "Check the inside of the envelope." Midari noticed that there was a polaroid in said envelope, it revealed a picture of Kirari and Sayaka kissing at the Momobami estate. 'Hmm. Nice. Do you want to share another bottle of sangria Yuriko?' "Yes. It will definitely make my afternoon Trigonometry class more tolerable. Fuck functions." Both began to laugh intensely. The sangria was starting to kick in.