Chapter III: F x Stasis
2nd semester started.
"Ryu, how have you been?"
While Ryu was walking to school, a familiar voice called out to him. It was a sound from someone close to him. A sound that irritated and made him feel relieved at the same time. A sound from someone whom he didn't want to talk to right now. It was none other than his best friend, Miraki Maki.
Maki spent his entire winter break overseas, specifically in the U.K. and Greece. He is what you call a rich kid. He didn't keep in touch with Ryu because he wanted to talk about what happened during the winter break, personally, when he gets home.
He excels in academics, sports, and even music. He is also handsome and compared to Ryu, Maki wins by a landslide. He is also approachable and kind to almost anyone. There is nothing else to describe him rather than being PERFECT.
Although he is quite popular due to his unimaginable strong combination of assets and traits, he holds a special bond with Ryu. They have been friends since their early years in high school and are close to each other as siblings.
While Maki was getting closer to Ryu, he noticed that Ryu wasn't acting normal.
It's a given that Maki could easily see if Ryu wasn't acting normal since they've been together for a couple of years.
"Ryu, are you okay? How's your winter break? Is something the matter?"
"Ah, yes, I'm okay. Winter break? Oh yeah, a lot happened and it was enjoyable."
Ryu quickly responded with such a typical reply from someone who is not himself at that moment. Hearing such a reply, Maki held Ryu's arm and they both stopped. He slapped him in the face.
"You do know that we've been friends for a long time. I know that that's not your usual self."
Ryu, smiled gently, then he replied.
"I guess I really can't hide things that easily. No matter how much I try, it just feels different acting normal right now."
"Then tell me what happened!"
The two looked into each other's eyes, sincerely. Ryu didn't want his best friend to know right now what currently happened but, of course, he wouldn't have any other choice but to do so. Well, after all, they are best friends.
"I'll tell you later, at lunchtime. Wait for me at our normal spot."
"Okay."
The two went to their assigned classes. They are in different classes this semester for Maki enrolled late for the second semester. Well, it's natural for things to go that way, sometimes.
The morning period classes ended and it was already lunch break.
Both Ryu and Maki headed to the place where they are supposed to meet.
"Have you been waiting long, Maki?"
"Nah, not really. I just got here faster since our side of the building is closer to this place."
The place was filled with lots of greenery. Lots of grasses and growing flowers. The trademark of the place was its big tree, big enough to cover half of the place. The tree was located on the side. For the two of them, it was the best place to lie down and rest during lunch break. The place where they are right now is located on the backside of their school. It was the Backyard of the school which is being constantly cared for by the gardening club.
"So? What happened?"
"I really don't know how to talk about it. I don't even know if telling you something like this is okay."
Ryu is really hesitant in telling his best friend about what happened during the winter break.
There are times in which we can't tell the closest and most trusted people in our life about something. It's not that we don't want them to know but, we just feel responsible for whatever they might also feel about it. We consider a lot of stuff in our heads and it makes it more complicated. What if he starts to hate me? What if they will feel so sorry for me that they might treat me differently? What if our current relationship will change? What if…
We become dependent on the status quo. We know that it will change as time passes by. Even though we know this, we try to preserve the current state. We are trapped with two choices on whether to tell them or not and most of the time, the latter happens.
But right at this moment, Ryu, chose to tell Maki what happened.
Maki was lying down on the grass underneath the tree and Ryu sat beside him.
"I went to school to help out during winter break. And as I was in school, I met a girl. She was someone whom I got along with. She was fairly awkward to talk to at first but, I soon got close to her quite fast. I've only known her for around 3 days and I felt different when I was with her. Although she was awkward, she tries her best to get along with me. The last day of working in school came and we celebrated it with a Christmas party. Although it was a fun party, she didn't come to it."
Ryu was slowly telling the story. His voice was normal at first when he was talking but, it suddenly became slower and weaker. As he progresses to tell the story, it becomes harder and harder for him to move forward.
"Since she was not at the party… I… I searched for her… and after hours of searching…. I… I finally found her…"
As he comes close to the end of the story, it just becomes more painful to say and tighter on his chest.
"I found her… and I talked to her…"
Ryu stopped talking. His eyes began to tear up, and he cried.
Maki looked at Ryu's sincere and regretful face. He knew that it was something hard on him but, he wanted Ryu to let it out.
The more you speak out about something or the more you open up about something, the more that you'll get used to it. Moving on from something is easier said than done but, the more that you understand what you are going through, the more you can acknowledge the fact and accept it.
Maki wanted Ryu to speak up so he can be relaxed when they meet up and spend time together. He Grabbed Ryu's shoulders and looked at him intently. He pushed through and asked what happened next.
"Ryu, what happened next?"
While crying, Ryu responded and finished the story.
"She… She jumped off the bridge and killed herself…."
Silence filled the two and only the breeze of the wind and the sound of the crickets were heard. While Ryu was still crying and slowly contemplating, Maki was shocked and his face was filled with a blank expression. Although it didn't show clearly on his face, Maki understood why his best friend was acting differently.
Both calmed down and lay on the grass. They looked at the sky and looked at each other, they smiled. The bell rang and they both head back to their classes.
The next day came and Maki saw Ryu in the hallway. Maki was about to call up to him but, Ryu went inside the Student Council Office.
Maki was away for a while so he didn't know that Ryu was friends with the Council Members. Maki went in front of the Student Council Office door and waited for Ryu to come out.
Meanwhile, inside.
"Ryu, glad you came."
As always, Kuki was first to talk leading into a conversation.
"Ah, I just thought of dropping by."
"Don't worry, you can come here all the time if you like. I'll even go as far as to give you a Student Council Position so you can just go from the room in and out without anyone suspecting you of anything. I guess I could make you a backup member? Or a second secretary?"
The president really is abusive of his powers, literally. When he gets his mind to it, nobody could stop him from materializing it into reality.
"I think that's taking it too far…"
"Ryu, want some cookies? I just baked them. Wait, I'll get you some coffee…"
Just like a repeating routine that doesn't have any alteration, the student council is acting normally. Kuki is as active as ever, the president is considerate and goes straight to what he wants to be done, and Atchee bakes some sweets for them to enjoy their time.
"No wonder that you were all chosen to be the council members…"
Ryu whispers to himself.
He knew that for a normal person, it would take time for someone to act normally after what happened. Maybe because they weren't at the current scene when it happened but, they are still amazing. He thought to himself.
The four of them took their time in the student council office and talked about some stuff.
Maki realized that Ryu was taking a lot of time and it seems that he was planning to spend time in the student council office so, Maki decided to just go and eat.
Lunch break ended and it was time to go to their afternoon classes.
As Ryu was headed to the classroom, he remembered something.
"I didn't even ask her what class was she on and what she wanted to be in the future. Well knowing her, I guess she wanted to be a person who can help people, not just her mother, but others as well."
He quietly whispered such words while he was going back to his class.
The class ended and Maki saw Ryu in the hallway. The two decided to stop by a café for a while before going home.
"And you know when I was in Greece there was this one guy who talked to me and I was like…"
"Hahahaha…"
The two talked about Maki's vacation and stay in the U.K. and in Greece while they spend their time in the café.
"So Uhm, I saw you earlier going to the student council. Did they call you in for something? Have you been going there for some consultation?"
"You really worry too much for me. Don't worry, it is okay. I made friends with the student council members when I was helping during the winter break. I'll introduce you to them tomorrow. They are a bunch of good people."
Ryu responded as he smiled at Maki, a smile that brightened up the mood once again."So uhm, Ryu, are you friends with all the council members?"
"I guess so, why?"
"Uhm, are you, friends, with Kuki?"
"Yes."
Even though they were close friends, they haven't talked anything about any kind of romance topic. Both didn't value it that much, to begin with, but they knew that it was something that will come by given the time. Both didn't bother much with what the other sought but both cared for one another. Since they are about that age at which romance hits them, Maki thought that it will only be natural to open it up to Ryu.
"Ryu, can you perhaps introduce me to… Kuki? I… I've kind of liked her since last year."
"Oh,… okay! Wait what? Well, I guess I could do that. Hmmm, why don't you come to the student council office with me tomorrow? I think that sounds to be the first step."
"Are you sure? Is that okay?"
"Yeah, I'll just tell the prez that a friend of mine will also come to visit. Ahahah."
"Then that settles it."
Ryu was also considerate of his best friend. Although it was an awkward time to move from a different state (in what he is going through right now), it was the perfect timing to introduce Maki to them and make a good resolution.
They finally decided to go home.
"Since when… since when did you like the vice prez?"
"Hmmm, why are you suddenly asking me that?!"
"Well, I just got interested since you brought up the topic when we were in the café."
The two were walking home while having the conversation.
"You know how girls confess to me every time, right?"
"Yeah, and you always turn them down though. I didn't ask you the reason why for I didn't want to meddle with your choices. I guess I know now the answer why."
"That's that. I'll just tell you the details tomorrow. I'll be on the other route, our house is nearby now, see you tomorrow, Ryu."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow also, Maki."
January 8, Wednesday.
It was lunchtime so, Ryu and Maki went to their usual place to talk right after eating their meal.
"I met Kuki when we were young. I was crying at that time. It was around the 4th grade, years before I met you. She asked me, why am I crying? I said that I got lost from my parents."
Maki started to tell his story while they were both lying in the grass underneath the tree.
"She held my hand and we both walked around the place where I got lost. We finally found them and I saw my parents. They were so worried. I said thank you to her and I asked who she was. She replied to me with her name and she also said, Smile, okay?! With just that word, I began to look forward to meeting her again. I started high school and my parents enrolled me in the Se't Creads University. I met you and we both became friends. At some point in the early years, at last, I saw her again. She was in our school and I couldn't believe it. I looked for more information about her and I didn't know that she was a year older than us."
As Maki was telling the story, Ryu was keenly listening to it.
"I saw her in the library once and I stared at her. When I was staring you jumped up and scared me, I dropped the books that I was holding. As I was telling you to do not scare me off again, she went close to us and picked up the books, she smiled and told us to be quiet."
"Ahahaha. Yeah, I remember that but, I didn't know that you had a crush on her back then. If I had known, I would have pushed you more you know."
"It's okay. I'm just glad that I got to see her up close at that time."
The two share a memorable high school and both were already stuck with each other as early as when their friendship started.
"I guess she didn't remember me back then. Well, it's only natural that she didn't know who I was for we were just children when we met. But even so, I remembered her name clearly and the face who made me realize to strive harder and smile."
"Let's go to the Student Council Office later after school, I'm sure that they will gladly welcome you."
"Yeah, let's go back. Afternoon classes are about to start."
Afternoon classes started and also ended within a flash.
The two went to the Student Council Office.
"Hello, prez? I'm coming in."
"Oh, come in. sorry if it's just me right now."
Kuki responded for she was the only one in the room at that time.
"The prez and Atchee got some things to do in the faculty so they headed there right after the classes ended. I think it's about the upcoming festival in February but, they said that they could handle it. The prez said that you might come to the student council office so it's better to have someone wait for you if you might come. Well, you did come so I guess it was worth waiting here. Hahaha."
"Hello."
Maki went inside the room and said hello.
"Oh, hello. I didn't realize you brought a friend, Ryu. And it's the Prince Perfect."
"Ah, well Maki and I had been my friends since the start of high school so I wanted to introduce him to you guys. I guess only to you right now since the prez and Atchee are not here. Wait, Prince Perfect? Well, I guess that's what he's called by other people."
Maki couldn't keep eye contact with Kuki but, he wanted to look at her. As Maki was about to look at her, Kuki went close and introduced herself.
"Hello, uhm, Maki, right. I'm Kuruki Kuki. Nice to meet you. Don't worry, you'll always be welcome here. Make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you. You shouldn't have introduced yourself. I've known you pretty well. After all, you're our vice prez, it's only natural that we already know you."
"The prez told me to always introduce myself this way even though the person may or may not know me. Isn't it weird, right? The prez really likes to make an impact you see and I guess I've been directly getting his ways. Ahahah."
As always, Kuki is brightening up the mood wherever she goes. Maki fell in love with her more whenever he saw her. For the past few years, he admired Kuki's personality.
Ray and Atchee finished with their work in the faculty room so they headed back to the Student Council Office.
"Coming in! Oh, we have a new guest!"
"You're too active, prez. We could have just knocked first."
"Ahahaha. In life, we should always move forward without cessation! Every obstacle is nothing towards our goal!"
The prez maintains his charismatic aura. Always moving forward without cessation until we reach our goal, that's his motto. As he saw the new person that was with Kuki and Ryu, he asked who he might be."I'm Sorein Ray, welcome to the Student Council Office."
"Hello, President Ray, and?"
"Ow, yes, I'm sorry. Well, I'm not very famous so I guess I should always introduce myself. I'm Hachi Atchee, The Student Council Secretary. I love baking sweets so if you want some don't hesitate to ask, okay."
Maki continued with his introduction.
"Hello President Ray and Secretary Atchee, I'm Miraki Maki, best friend of Ryu."
"Oh, right, I've heard of you. The Perfect Prince, right?"
"I don't know where that came from but, I guess that's what other people call me."
Ryu finally succeeded in introducing Maki to the student council members. Maki started to know them and it shall be his starting step at getting close to Kuki.
They all started talking inside right after getting to know each other. The student council members are all open to him like they'd known him for a while.
After talking for a while, they all went home.
A week passed and they were all already comfortable with each other.
Ryu and Maki went to the student council office and came at the right time in the middle of the Student council member's conversation.
"We're coming in."
"Oh, you came at the right time. We were just discussing the festival of hearts this upcoming February."
"I guess we will just sit by and hear you on your conversation."
The two didn't want to bother them on such an important discussion so they just sat and enjoyed the sweets and tea that Atchee served.
"Hmmm, I guess we are a little shorthanded, Ryu, want to help out as part of the Student Council?"
"Wait, me? Are you sure? Well, I don't really have anything to do. If it's okay then I guess I'll just do it."
Ryu remembered Rea's action back when they were sorting out papers. Because of that, he gladly accepted the president's offer.
"Little help, huh."
Ryu whispered to himself.
"How about you, Maki?"
"Ah, me? Well, I was offered by almost any club to do something for them but, I all turned them down. I want to perform a song on the last night of the festival since a lot of people are looking forward to it the most. Well, I'll help out for a while whenever I get the chance during breaks."
"Well, I guess I'll just leave it to that. It must be hard being the Perfect Prince."
"Ahahaha."
Again, Perfect Prince? Ryu isn't really in the known group. He doesn't even know what was happening in the school. It might be due to him always going home early and not minding others' business in his past. He also values being home in his room more, rather than talking and socializing with people. But now that he actually starts to explore more of what was going on, he's kind of getting lost.
"Uhm, may I ask something. Why do you guys keep saying that Maki is the Perfect Prince? Well, I guess he is kind of perfect but, I didn't know if this thing that everybody just calls him like that."
The president and Kuki laughed after hearing that. After they were done laughing, Kuki answered his question.
"Well, I guess you need to visit the Media club for some time. They can explain it better than us."
"Hmm, okay."
They wrapped up their conversation about the Festival of Hearts and went home.
Earlier the next day, Ryu went to the Media Club to ask about the prince thing about Maki. Ryu knocked on the door but, there was no one answering. He accidentally pushed the door and it opened. There was no one inside.
He decides to go to his class first and try his luck later at lunchtime. He came back but, there was still no one inside.
"I can't believe that the people working here just leaves everything and goes off to nowhere land."
He sighed. Again he had no luck so he tried to go back after the afternoon classes.
He rushed to the Media Club so he could either see the people going out or he can wait for them. And again, there was no one. He waited for an hour but, nobody came.
"I guess I'll just leave it at that. The people working here must be really busy doing something outside or maybe, they are just absent and forgot to lock the door. Anyway, I'll just leave it to this, it's not that much of a big issue anyway."
Ryu went home.
A couple of weeks passed and the Festival of Hearts was approaching close.
This past few weeks were filled with countless discussions of efficient planning from the student council, unimaginable hard work of the students, and constant monitoring from the faculty members to see that the Festival of Hearts will be a success.
The Festival of Hearts was said to be the core foundation of the school. It started because, in that fateful event in which the founder of the school confessed his love to his lover, the school was built. No one knew why he suddenly built a school just because his lover reciprocated his feelings for him but, one thing is for sure, this event was something special to both the school and the students. Since the festival is celebrated with the school's utmost support, it was a very grandiose celebration to be experienced. The said celebration lasts for a week.
"It is said that whoever confesses their love during the Festival of Hearts, will prove to be intertwined for the rest of their lives."
"Well, that was just a rumor from the girls. You really can't trust those things but, I guess it would work out if it were you who would confess to such a grand festival. Ahahah."
Maki was very excited about the festival. Ryu, on the other hand, just goes with the flow of where things would lead him. He promised to be more cooperative now and be like the student council members as his way of treasuring what Rea left behind for him, friends, and memorable experiences.
"You two! Stop slacking off. Make sure to finish hanging all those decorations in the hallway before lunch, okay? Atchee baked a cake so if you want some of it you better finish that first. Well, I could eat them all if you don't. Ahahaha."
Kuki was smiling and laughing as she scolded the two of them.
"Ey, that's mean. But don't worry, we will finish this as fast as we can!"
Maki replied as he smiled back at Kuki. Kuki smiled back and she headed back to do some other stuff."Wow, I can't believe that you two are already this close. Well, I guess you don't need my help anymore."
"No, I still do. I want you to help me with my one last final request from you."
"What is it, Maki?"
Maki swallowed a big gulp before he responded.
"I… I will confess to Kuki this Upcoming Festival of Hearts!"
"Wha, what! Isn't that too soon? It's only been less than a month since you two became friends. Are you sure that you are going to instantly waste your current relationship with her?"
"It's okay, I had everything planned up. I just need you to guide Kuki to the audience when I start to perform. I will be performing on the last day of the last night in the outside stadium, I want you to guide her there so I can confess to her in front of everybody."
Ryu thought of what Maki said. It sure is something! He knew that he couldn't pull off something like that even if he tried but, if it were his best friend, he knew that he could do it.
Loving someone is a beautiful sight. You would want them to experience all the happy stuff, treat them to everything that you could afford, and even do things that are not like you, even for once. Although it may be beautiful, if not reciprocated at all, it can either be tolerated and weaken or, you will stop being sane. It's like a drug, addicting and giving pleasure. And yet despite the risk, people still…
"Okay, I'll help you out."
"Thank you!"
The two continued their work and finished right before lunchtime.
They went back to the Student Council Office and enjoyed the cake that Atchee made.
After the last week of preparing, practicing, and countless sleepless days, the festival finally started!
"WELCOME TO SE'T CREADS UNIVERSITY"
FESTIVAL OF HEARTS, A WEEK FULL OF LOVE! The big sign covered the top of the gate. The school was famous in their city that's why every time that the festival was being held, lots of people come and enjoy their week in school.
The school was filled with lots of booths that the students manage. They sell snacks, toys, love merchandise, and many more that are connected with the festival. People also come to see events in the field while others enjoy the musical performances in the gymnasium.
The festival was a big event. As one of the Student Council Supporting Staff, Ryu was responsible for monitoring the event and reporting issues all around the school. The Student Council Supporting Staff was given a badge to wear to distinguish them from other students. With Ryu being an exception, the SCSS consists of only 2nd-year students.
The first day ended fast but, Ryu was already feeling the weight of his job. The second, third, and fourth days of the festival also went by in a flash. Ryu was really tired, he had already reported a lot of queries during these 3 days and even helped a lost child to find its mom.
"PHEW, I didn't realize that I would be doing something like this for a week. I guess it's okay. I get to interact with lots of people and even experience new stuff."
While Ryu was busy with his Student Council Duties, Maki, on the other hand, was also busy practicing and participating in various events. He already participated in lots of sports activities. Well, as a Perfect Prince, he needs to uphold his status.
It was finally the fifth day of the festival. It was a really hot afternoon at that time so Ryu bought an ice cream and decided to rest on a bench near the shade of some trees.
"PHEW, this really is relaxing!"
As he was resting, an unfamiliar girl walked out to him.
"Are you Ryu?"
"Uhm, yes I am? Do you need anything? Do you need me to relay something to the Student Council?"
"Uhm, no, I want to interview you!"
"Ah, okay. Wait… interview?"
"Yes."
Ryu wanted to monitor the school right after he finished his ice cream but, he didn't expect an interview to be coming his way. Well, he thought that it was fine since there was really not much that he could say anyway, well, not enough to embarrass himself.
"Wait first. Since you already know me, who are you?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't yet introduced myself. I'm Aine Enia, President of the Media Club. You can call me Enia. First Year."
"You're the President of the Media Club?!"
"Yes, I am. Uhm, I didn't think you were this surprised."
Finally, after that day of going in and out of the media club, he met a member and it's the president. The president of the Media Club had her eye on the relationship between Ryu and Maki for a while since the start of the school year.
"Finally! I've found you!"
Ryu was so grateful that his hard work is paying off, in a sense that is.
"Wait what? I'm the one who should be surprised that I found such an interesting subject!"
"Well, there are just things that happened here and there. To cut it short, I want to ask you something."
"Give and take. I'll interview you first before I will answer your questions."
"Okay, fine."
Ryu had no way out of this and since he also wanted to ask her something, he just went in with the flow.
"First question, how are you related to Kuki and Maki?"
"Uhm, I've known Maki since we were in the early years of high school and as for the vice president, I've known her since the time I helped in during our winter break."
"Good, good. How about your relationship with the other student council member?"
"Well, since I became friends with Kuki, it just became normal that I also got to interact with the President and Atchee."
"Hmm, yes... yes…, really nice answers, Ryu!"
As Ryu was being questioned, he can't help but notice the grinning face of Enia as she writes the things that He said.
"Are you and the Prince Perfect going out? You two seem to be really close together."
"What kind of question is that? No, we aren't!!!!!"
"Hmph… well, I guess that ship will be gone for a while…"
"What do you mean FOR A WHILE, kill it now! Don't let it come back!"
Although it was such a hot day, for some reason, the two seemed to be going well.
"Well for the last question. Since you two aren't going out, does Maki have a girlfriend?"
"I guess, not yet."
The interview ended.
"Okay. That was good. Thank you for your help."
"It's okay."
"So, what is this question that you want to ask me?"
"What ARE THESE… I got two questions."
Finally, it was time for Ryu to ask the questions.
"First, why are there no people inside your club room? It was also open when I got there. I went in 3 times during the morning, lunch and after the class has ended but, there was still no person inside."
"Oh that, well you see, the Media Club goes around the school a lot. We only use the room for meetings and printing stuff. The reason it was open was for people to come in and write in a request for investigations for us. Didn't you read the sign on top of the door?"
"Wait… There was a sign?!"
"Yes, there is! It says, SORRY, THE MEDIA CLUB IS NOT HERE. IF YOU HAVE SOME THINGS YOU WANT US TO COVER FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER, JUST WRITE THEM DOWN AND PUT THEM ON TOP OF THE TABLE. WRITE ALSO YOUR NAME, CLASSROOM, YEAR, AND FREE TIME SO WE CAN COME TO YOUR AID AND TALK TO YOU. SINCERELY, THE MEDIA CLUB MEMBERS."
'What the?! How the heck could I miss such a sign if there were so many words written in it?!"
"Well the sign is quite small and it's on top of the door so I guess that's why. Don't worry, I'll move the sign on the door this time so we won't trouble anyone again."
Now that was really awkward for him. If only he knew that there was a sign that says that he could have just written a letter and the media club would easily go to him. He facepalmed while reminiscing what happened.
"Okay, last question. You called Maki earlier, Prince Perfect. Well, I guess it's only natural for him to be called that by a few but, it seems that almost everybody except me knew that. I'm not really updated on what was happening in school so can you please explain to me what might have happened on why is he called that?"
"Hmmm, first… are you familiar with the 7 ROYALTIES OF THE SE'T CREADS UNIVERSITY?"
"What is that?"
"Oh, then this might take some time to explain. Listen well."
Ryu leaned in to listen.
"In a big university such as the Se't Creads University, there are those who are famous and well known in the whole school. They all have strong traits that are uniquely categorized by the student body. Since the start of our first year, these people show the difference between a commoner and a royalty. These people earned their spot through a majority of adoration which greatly influenced others. It's like a wildfire that started to grow bigger and bigger. Since it had grown this large, they all have a separate fan club. Although separate, they are all connected to a big fan club that hosts all the branches. The fan club started just around the middle-end of the first semester."
"Hmm, you say fan club, sounds kind of fishy. Are you the head of this fan club, Enia?!"
"Whaaaa… how did you know? I mean… NO, I'm not. Huh… okay. Yes, I am the leader of the 7 Royalties Fan club."
"Hahaha, well that was just a guess from the start but since you said yes, that's that."
"How did you know?"
"Well, you were talking about it passionately. Only a person with such a passion could possibly be the head of a fan club and last but not least, to spread such a gimmick, you needed to manipulate the masses. What better way to spread it than through the school newspaper?"
"Is this how you gained the trust of the Student Council Members?"
"Well, no but, I guess it's kind of similar in a way."
Ryu remembered his first meeting with the President, Kuki, and Atchee. It wasn't a very long time ago but, it sure is quite the sight to remember.
"Well then, going on with the explanation."
"Oh, right. Please continue."
The explanation finally continued.
"Since the fan club is called 7 ROYALTIES FAN CLUB, it's only natural to have 7 people. I'll tell you who they are but, you've mostly met most of them so I guess it would just be telling you their roles now. Ahahahah."
"Well, I don't mind. Please continue."
"Okay, first we have the PERFECT PRINCE, Miraki Maki. First Year, class 1-A. He is considered to be the coolest guy in the university. He excels in academics, sports, and music. All other first years and some second years want to be like him that's why he had been branded the title of THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BECOME, PRINCE. The prince of perfection."
"I didn't think that Maki actually has a fan club. I guess given the time it would have happened sooner or later."
"Second, the ALLURING IDOL, Khawana Kana. First Year, class 1-B. She's approachable and her beauty can smite any man who looks at her. She performs mini-concerts in the gymnasium sometimes, at least once a week. Once she sings in front of you, your body will crave to see her more! Also, she has the highest number of fan club members among all the 7 Royalties."
"Wow, so that's what all the commotion in the classroom is about. Well, I really don't talk much to my classmates so I guess that's why I haven't had an interest to know more about her. Also, why the heck do you keep tabs on the number of fans?!!"
"Third, the ENIGMATIC SCHOLAR, Rein Nier. First Year, class 1-A. He doesn't go to school much but, whenever he takes the quizzes and exams, he aces all of them. He's currently the top 1 in the First Years followed by Maki. He doesn't have many fans but, all his fans admire him so much that because of that, they've been getting better in their studies."
"Wow, if only I was that guy then I will have no problems for my future."
"As for the other 4 people, it's the Student Council Members."
"Wait 4?"
Ryu counted all the members that he always sees in the Student Council Office but, there are only 3 of them. Maybe there was just a miscalculation on her part. Ryu decided to listen to her first before jumping in to ask why there are only 4 instead of 3.
"First of the Student Council Members, the UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, Sorein Ray. The Current President of the Student Council. Second Year. Class 2-A. He is said to be one of the most influential person in the whole student body. His determination to not give up and force his way into things to make them work gives him the distinction from the other presidents that he succeeded. Even though he is like this, he is still considerate and helpful to everybody and just wants to do his best for the school. His motto is, ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT CESSATION UNTIL WE REACH OUR GOAL."
"Yup, that's the president alright."
"Second of the Student Council Members, the CHEERFUL PRINCESS, Kuruki Kuki. The current Vice President of the Student Council. Second Year. Class 2-B. She is also well known throughout the campus, top 2 in the most fans category. She is kind and is easy to talk to. She can easily lighten up the mood and can go along with almost anyone. When you see each other, she will most likely smile. Her smile is considered to be a treasure of the school. Her favorite food is Atchee's cookies."
"Yeah, her smile really makes the atmosphere bright and pleasant. Also, the top 2 in the most fans category?! There are categories now!?!?!?"
"Third of the Student Council Members, the MELLOW PRINCE, Hachie Atchee. Second Year. Class 2-B. The current Secretary of the Student Council. He is also called the CARING PRINCE by some. The moment you see him, he will melt your heart. He is not that famous but, since a few students saw him and his difference from the others, he had been put on this list. According to some of his fans, they mostly see him in the morning in the park near the school walking and talking to other people. Because of this stalking, some of his other fans also started to wake up early just to see him in the park. Surely, the Mellow Prince's appearance helped others to not be late for their first subject classes. He also offers some of his sweets to people who visit the Student council for some queries. It is said that if you taste his sweets, you will be struck with a euphoric bolt that will surely make you want to keep him. All of his fans are First Year girls and it's no wonder that someone like him will be famous through the first years."
"Atchee's sweets are surely divine but, what the? STALKING?! Hey, that's a crime!!!"
"And for the last spot of the 7 Royalties of the Se't Creads University, The Fourth Member of the Student Council, the INSOMNIAC PRINCESS, Lilica Lily. Second Year. Class 2-C. It is said that she holds two positions in the Student Council. She is both the Treasurer and Auditor of the Student Council. Some also call her the SLEEPLESS PRINCESS. Well, to be honest, she actually has insomnia and is staying at the Gardening Club's Room. The Gardening Club's room is close to the Backyard and since it was quite soothing for her, she decided to stay there. She does all her work in the Gardening Club's Room and is rarely seen going out. Her fans said that if you saw her even just once in a month, you will be blessed for an entire week! Well, not unless you're a gardening club member, that is. She was also considered a genius at her age and was personally picked by the president for the two positions without public voting."
"WHAT THE! So that's why I haven't seen her! That explains everything now. I thought that as secretary, Atchee was the one who was doing all the finances. Near the backyard? I guess she sees us then whenever we spend our time there. Also, she's a genius but has insomnia? What the heck is that combination?!"
Ryu thought it would never end but, it finally did. His world suddenly expanded after knowing all these. It's like there were so many things that he was missing out.
"So I guess that sums it all up. No more questions?"
"Yes, I don't have any more questions."
"Oh, can you say CHEESE for me?"
"Chee…esee? What for?"
A quick camera snap suddenly flashed.
"Thanks again. Don't worry, I'll be putting you in the highlights of the newspaper. Please, do look forward to it."
"Wait, no! Don't put me on the cover!"
And just like that, Enia runs away with some new scoop. Ryu, on the other hand, was left on the bench.
"There she goes. I guess that's okay. Well then, I should start to work!"
Ryu prepares for another long hour of walking and monitoring.
Finally, after all the restless work of Ryu and the consistent practices of Maki, the day of the confession finally started.
7th day of the Festival, February 14, Sunday.
Maki went to his normal practice while Ryu headed to the Student Council Office.
"Hello, I'm here. Where will you assign me today Prez…"
"Oh, Ryu… the prez is not here. He's at the gym preparing for the final speech. He said that when you come here I'll just be the one to assign you."
"Okay."
Kuki opened the book of schedules and events for the Festival.
"Hmm, let's see here. There are already people in the gym and field right now. Even the courtyard is already being monitored. The hallway? Seems like there are also people there."
"I see…"
When Kuki opened the schedule notebook, only the gym and courtyard had a complete checklist on it. The field and hallway still need a few people to monitor them. For the very first time, Kuki lied to Ryu but it was for a special reason.
"Say, Ryu, mind accompanying me here for a while?"
"Well if you don't have anything to do, I guess I can help you here for a while."
"Thank you."
Kuki was responsible for all of the paperwork in the morning and in the afternoon, she helps with the monitoring. They both stayed in the room and Ryu helped Kuki with her job.
"Hmm, do you want some tea, Ryu?"
"Okay."
"Lemon or green tea?"
"Hmmm, I'll go with the lemon one."
Kuki began pouring him a cup of tea. As the hot water slowly seeps out of the tiny hole, so does Kuki's impulse.
"Here's your tea."
"Thank you, Kuki."
The early morning atmosphere was pleasant. It was so pleasant that it was perfect.
As the two drank their tea slowly, they also enjoyed their time doing some paperwork. An hour passed by and it suddenly became unbearably silent. For the first time, Kuki was not talking and was actually quiet. Since Ryu didn't see it as something natural, he asked Kuki why is she quiet.
"Kuki, are… are you feeling fine?"
"Ye… yes, I'm fine…"
"You always talk almost every time though. It's just so different when you actually kept quiet like that."
"Wha… what do you think of me… of... of course, I can be quiet sometimes."
Kuki was stuttering. Although she said she can be quiet, after she said that, you can see on her face that she was itching to talk.
"Is there something you want to say?"
Ryu asked as he knew that Kuki really wanted to speak out something. As Kuki was about to say something, someone came to the front door, and as that person was about to call out the people inside…"Hello…"
"I LOVE YOU. I know that I'm your senior but still… I want to be with you. These past few weeks I've realized that! So please… please go out with me…"
Maki quickly retracted his hello as he heard the words I LOVE YOU, he knew that it was the voice of Kuki. He peeked through a small opening in the door and saw the people inside. It was Kuki and Ryu. After hearing the whole thing, he ran out.
Meanwhile, inside.
Ryu couldn't speak a word after hearing such a thing. He and Maki already planned the events for Maki to confess and this thing suddenly happened. Kuki confessed to him. He didn't know what to do. Although he didn't know what to do, he realized that he needed to answer her and the answer should be now.
"Kuki… I, I'm sorry…"
"Hahaha, I was just joking! Do you really think that I would confess that easily? Isn't being confessed to the dream of a girl…"
"Ow, haha, I thought that you were really confessing to me. Hahahaha! Good one though, your acting was quite realistic!"
"Really? Ahahah. Thanks. Ahahahah."
As the two continued their work, Kuki picked up her phone from the shelf.
"Oh, the president texted me, he said he needed someone to help with monitoring in the hallway."
"Well, I guess I'll go there. I'm sorry for leaving you now, Kuki."
"It's okay, I can do this alone anyway. Ahahaha."
"Ahahah. Okay bye, see you later."
"Yeah, bye…"
Ryu left the Student Council Office. Kuki on the other hand slapped herself. She drank all her tea poured another one and drank it again as fast as she could. As she was drinking, tears began to fall from her eyes. It was her first time falling for someone, first time confessing to someone, and first time getting dumped. Although she wanted to rewrite what just happened, there was nothing that she could do about it. She laid back on the couch and started doing her work again.
On the other side of the school, Maki was also crying. Although he was crying, he still wanted to continue with the plan. He called Ryu if everything is already set up for the plan.
"Ryu, are things ready on your end?"
"Yeah, don't worry. All of the other things are ready. All I need to do later tonight was distract the president and the secretary so Kuki will not be with us. Don't worry! I know you can do this."
Guessing from Ryu's reply to his call, he knew that he dumped Kuki. He knew that asking her out was quite insensitive but it's all or nothing at this point. He knew that the chances for him were below 0% but he needs to do it. It'll all be for waste if it's not now. The setting will be perfect.
"Thank you, Ryu. I'll be seeing you later."
"Okay, Maki! Good luck with your practice and for tonight."
Maki hung up.
Humans really love risking things. Even though the possibilities are questionable, we try to compensate them through believing and hoping. When backed into the depths of not being favored, only in inconsistencies of the fact do we expect something to happen in our favor.
The 7th day was about to end and to wrap it all up, the outdoor stage events were the last to be performed. All the people that were still in school were all there. The president gave a wonderful speech and the performances started.
The student council members are all in the middle of the audience and Maki's performance was about to start. Maki and Ryu talked through the phone.
"Are the lightings ready?"
"Yes, I've talked to the staff that was handling it the instructions."
"Thank you, Ryu."
"Don't sweat it, make sure to nail this okay!"
"Yeah, I will. For sure, I will."
The two hung up the phone. Maki's song was about to start so he also headed to the stage's side entrance. Ryu quickly ran into the student council members to execute the plan.
"Phew, Prez… Atchee… could you two help me out with something?"
"Oh, I also want to help. I can also do it."
"No don't worry Kuki, it's a man's job!"
"What do you mean?"
Ryu explains the situation. It was already set up and was part of the plan.
"Oh, so someone got locked in the boy's bathroom and collapsed?! So you need the master key of that bathroom that I can secure from the faculty room and people to help carry him. I guess I'll do it! Come on Atchee... Ryu! Let's go."
"Don't worry Kuki, we will come back as soon as we're done with this."
Knowing the president who acts on doing things head-on, he knew that he would want to do this himself. Also, getting other people involved might alert the student body that something bad happened and the festival might not end well. The plan was well executed. All that's left was for Maki to confess his love for Kuki and the reply.
"Good luck, Maki."
Ryu whispered as they were running to help the one that was trapped in the bathroom.
As Ryu and the others got away, Maki's performance started.
"I, I dedicate this song to the one that I love. I've only been close to her for a while, but I loved her ever since I was in elementary school. Here it goes."
Maki sang his song as the whole crowd was listening to his lovely voice. He spotted where Kuki was and saw her alone. He knew that Ryu did the plan as expected. As the song was about to end, Maki got off the stage. He began to walk to where Kuki was. After the song ended…
"Kuki, I love you. Please go out with me."
The whole crowd was cheering him and almost everybody was watching the two and thought that they would be perfect for each other if it will actually happen. While everyone was focused on the two, nobody knew what was going on in their minds.
Maki already knows that he will get rejected. He was prepared for the reply but he still hoped. Kuki, on the other hand, was contemplating what had happened and what was happening. A brief silence covered the place. After contemplating for a while, she finally replied.
"I'm sorry, but I can't go out with you."
"I was already prepared for that answer, so… can we continue being friends?"
Kuki remembered what happened earlier when she asked Ryu the same question. She knew that she was a coward, she retracted her true feelings by joking about it. He saw Maki's face and it was genuine. Being his girlfriend or being his friend, it didn't matter at that point for Maki. Even though she knows the pain that Maki will feel after this, she replied.
"Yes, don't worry, nothing will change. I will still talk to you and be there when you need me, just like the others. I'm glad to be friends with someone like you."
"Thank you."
Maki responded. Although quite sad, he was still happy that everything will stay normal after that. It might look like a waste but for him, it was necessary and was full of meaning.
Pain, no matter what kind, remarkably requires and demands us despair and sorrow. In response to being in pain, we try to forget about it, face it and accept it, or sometimes, let it eat its way into us. There are those pains that we can't control and there are those that we choose whether to hurt others or hurt ourselves. The moment we choose to hurt others, we also hurt ourselves. The moment we choose to hurt ourselves, we also hurt others. Why can't we just enjoy this world the way we want to? Why can't we just make choices that everybody will agree to? Why can't I love the one I love? No matter how hard we try to find the answers to how to stop the pain, we can't. Humans unnecessarily hurt others without thinking. Feelings are often more emphasized than understanding. Yes, some look happy. Although they are, humans desire unending happiness more than anything. Why would anyone desire for unending happiness if they do not feel the need to do so? It really is quite an annoyance. Even saying that pain is hand in hand with learning is an understatement. Life itself lets it loose and it doesn't plan on tying it up.
Ryu and the others finally finished with what they were doing. They headed back to the outdoor stage. The other performers were already performing and so they try to find Maki and Kuki. Ryu wanted to see if it did go well.
Kuki and Maki were on the left side bench drinking some coffee.
"So you heard our conversation in the Room? Ahahah. It was just a joke!"
"Joke? It looked to me like a real confession. You looked so serious and it didn't look like you were trying to pretend."
"Yeah, I guess I couldn't hide it from you. Yes, I like Ryu but I guess I'll just let time fly like this. It's more fun if we all hang out together anyway. Ahahaha."
"I guess so, CHEERS!"
"Ahahah."
As they were both talking, a girl approached them. She was holding a pillow, she was covered in her jacket that was a lot bigger for someone like her. She was also holding out some papers and an energy drink.
"Vice Prez, here are the total expenses for the current festival."
Kuki looked up to see her face and it was none other than, Lily.
"Who, Who is this? Is she part of the Student Council? I haven't seen her at all."
"Yeah, she is. She's the Student Council treasurer and auditor, Lilica Lily. She doesn't go out much and she spends her time in the Gardening Club. Apparently, her mother is the current president of the school, Lilica Alice."
Maki couldn't believe it. Well, who wouldn't believe that someone like her is part of the Student Council? Kuki explained further.
"Even though she is studying in school, she is considered an invalid. She is enrolled, yes. She also has a class but she doesn't go to them. She is actually considered a genius and is studying herself. She also lives in the school and she loves the gardening club, the place where she stays at. Well even though she is not actually part of the students, as the president of the student council, Ray had the authority to either choose to pick the treasurer and auditor or let it be voted. He chose her because he knew her capabilities. At first, she wanted to decline Ray's offer but you know how Ray is. And well after that, Lily joined the Student Council."
"Wow, that really is impressive."
The three stayed at the bench and talked some more.
The others were looking for them, and after a couple of minutes of walking, they found them.
As Ryu and the others approached them, Maki called out to Ryu.
"Ryu! Did you hear about this? This is Lily, she's the Treasurer and Auditor of the Student Council."
"Yeah, apparently I just heard it from the Media Club's president. Now you know how I feel when I knew it."
"Ahahaha."
"Ahahahah."
They all talked together and spent the last days of the Festival. As Ryu was observing Maki, he thought that the confession went well.
The Festival ended and they all went home to their respective places.
Ryu and Maki, on the other hand, went to the park near the school to pass some time and talk.
"So, I guess it went well for you. Want to come to our house and we can celebrate by playing some games?"
"It… It didn't go well… she rejected me…"
Ryu was shocked, he didn't know that Maki got rejected.
"I saw you two talking normally earlier…"
"Yeah, after I confessed to her I said if I can still be friends with her and she said yes. Everything will still be normal. Well don't worry, just seeing her is okay for me and I can still talk to her like normal so that's also fine. She also said that she already loves someone and I don't want to force her either."
"Wait she already loves someone? Well, I guess that'll actually make it harder for you now but don't worry. I'll still help you."
"No need, I can do this on my own."
"What do you mean? Aren't we best friends! Of course, I'll help you."
Maki was really irritated about that. The fact that Ryu was really oblivious in the past few weeks. Around the first week that he stayed with the Student Council members, he already had a suspicion that Kuki likes Ryu.
"Ryu... the person she like… is you."
"Huh, wait… did you hear our conversation earlier in the Student Council Office? If this is all about that you're wrong because she was just jok…"
"She wasn't JOKING! IT WAS THE TRUTH! She had always liked you ever since the two of you became close to each other. Why were you so oblivious about that? You are the one who spent more time with her and yet you didn't realize that she liked you!"
"May… I… I didn't know…."
Ryu remembered all of his actions these past few weeks. He was so focused on helping Maki that he didn't catch onto something so obvious. No, he was not focusing on helping Maki, he was using it as a cover to patch up himself. He was using it as a way to fix himself. He was using the situation as a means to distract him from the past and the painful memories.
"WHY! Why is it that you always outshine me on the other side! Why do you always get the things that I want and still you're only happy with what you already have?"
Maki was frustrated. Everything he said was from his outburst of emotions that came out. It exploded like a dam that continues to flow more anger and bitterness outside of him.
"I'm sorry…"
Ryu looked down.
"I DON'T NEED YOUR SORRY."
"I don't know what to say rather than saying I'm sorry."
Ryu was also feeling bad. Felt bad not just because of Kuki's feelings for him but also because he remained unclear with his objective and just patched it up with the help of using Maki as a cover-up for what he was feeling.
The breeze of the windy night chills the body of the two. They were both feeling bad and in pain at the same time. As the night enveloped the sky, another evening starts.
After a while, the two looked at each other again and began to laugh.
"Phew, I really don't look good when I'm angry, hehehe. I'm sorry for yelling out my words."
"Yeah, you really don't. Well still, I'm also sorry. I was oblivious of everything for I was caught up with my mind. I used the event we planned, the time we spent with the Student Council, and you to cover up my pain. I almost forgot that I needed this pain for Kuki, Ray, Atchee and I all promised to never forget about her. Don't worry, from now on, I'll start upholding that promise and never forget about it."
The two sat down on a bench. They rested there.
"You know, Ryu. Ever since I met you in High school, I've always admired you."
"Wait, admired me?"
"Yah, ahahah."
"Is there really something that you can admire from me? Ahahahah."
"Well, there is."
Maki started telling Ryu a story.
"My parents are dead."
"Wait, what did you mean? Isn't you pare…"
"They're not my real parents…"
"…."
Ryu became silent and Maki continued telling his story.
"My real parents died together when I was a child. I learned this when I was in high school. My foster parents told me. They died together inside our house. It was said that someone started a fire and burned the house down while both my parents are inside their room. Luckily, I was found inside the big garbage Bin that was outside, close to the house. My real family didn't love me. Isn't it kind of ironic? They threw me away and yet they were the ones who suffered misfortune. When I was found, I was brought into an orphanage. When I was 5, I was adopted by my current family now. They are really nice people and as I grew up, they became the caring and loving parents that I know now."
"I didn't know…"
"Yeah, I haven't told you this. I guess this would be the right time to tell you."
Maki and Ryu began to understand each other more as they talk more about themselves.
"Ever since we became friends, I admired you and wanted to be like you, Ryu. As I began to know more about you, I also began to hate you. Even though I was trying my best, I couldn't have what I wanted. A genuine family, the people whom I want to talk to, and the things that I wanted to attain. You always get the things that I want. You aren't popular and yet you are happy with what you currently have. You didn't have anything to worry about and yet I was always worrying."
"I also admire you, Maki. Even though you are being pressured by other people, you still try to do your best and I think that is awesome. Even though you have always been the popular kid, you always find time to be with me and always reminded me of the things I need to do. You don't need to be like me to be happy. You already have such good friends, a loving family that cares for you, the assets and ability to become the best, and the best friends that will support you with that. You should already be happy."
"Ahahah, Yah! I think right now. I'm really happy."
"Ahahah."
The two laughed as they look up at the night sky. What beautiful scenery, the two thought that maybe with just that, it was enough for someone to be happy.
The night ended and they both went home. They had a 3-day break after the festival so Ryu and Maki spent their break playing video games back at Ryu's house.
Right after school began, Ryu also clarified the misunderstanding with Kuki. He rejected her properly and they both agreed to stay being friends.
Another two weeks passed and it was almost March.
March Started and everything went back to normal.
Looking up to someone is something that people do to compensate for things that they don't have and want to be. They either try to be like the person they look up to or surround themselves with the things that that person surrounds himself/herself with. No matter how we try to be like somebody else, our distinction will always prevail. Instead of accepting this difference, we try to conceal it by pushing ourselves too far. Further from what will actually make us happy. It's just make-believe and nothing more. We try to believe in something more but we still don't get contented. Human nature will always seek something else. No matter how contented we are, we are trapped in a constant search for something better.