//Shang-Francisco//
"Congratulations to the reigning champion! This is the fourth consecutive year that Team Alpha has won! That's it for today's program! Thank you to the respected judges, participants, and honorable guests. Everyone is welcome to mingle and get to know each other. Feel free to talk to our staffs should you have any inquiries. Have a great day!" the MC announced.
Yeah, a great day indeed. It was my first huge opportunity to proof to my debate club teammates that I had something to offer. We ended up placing second. Our team had never won the inter-campus debate competition. I thought after such a long journey practicing, we could finally beat Team Alpha's winning streak and made history for our faculty.
But they held the defending title for a reason. The way they articulated their arguments, captured the judges' attention, and broke their opponents' concentration were highly calculated and tactical. We still had a long way to catch up.
"Ren! We did so well! This is the furthest Team Kappa has ever gone. I knew signing you up for this was a great idea," Claudia hugged me.
"I know! I still can't believe we made it to top three," Clause joined the group hug.
Claudia and Clause were my fraternal twin debate teammates. We had been picked by our seniors to represent Team Kappa; our debate club's organization. They were the captain and co-captain in training. And I was their new secretary for this term. The club only had a few handfuls of members. So, they were thrilled when I went for the position disregarding my lack of experience.
"We could've done better if I didn't stutter at the end of our final round. And Clause, I think you took too long of a break in between points. But, overall, I'm proud of our progress," we broke up the hug.
"Aww, Ren. Relax for a bit, will you? Our next event won't even be this tense," Clause put his arm around my shoulder.
"Yea let's just celebrate for now. How 'bout some hotpot?" Claudia huddled my other shoulder.
"Okay, you're right. I'm just kinda disappointed in myself. But I guess we can prepare better next time."
We stood by the stairs to the stage to wait for the rest of the crowd to eventually clear out of the debate hall. Meanwhile, the winning team was sat on stage with their feet dangling off it. The captain of their team was standing opposite her teammates. One of the members looked younger than the rest of the group. He was the quietest among the group.
"Hiro, a word of advice. Next time, please stick to the guideline," said the leader sternly.
"Sure, but I think it wouldn't have helped the case. We barely won the first round because of your stupid guideline," he retorted calmly.
"It was made and passed down from our seniors. It had been proven to earn us multiple wins over many years. In Team Alpha, we respect traditions," she sneered, trying to keep her cool.
"Whatever you say. I'll just quit the debate club then. I don't really need you to make my CV look better anyway," he folded his arm.
"Hiro, don't be childish. What would your brothers say?" she threatened.
The third member of the team seemed uncomfortable, "guys, c'mon. Let's review later. This is the first win he's ever had too. He still has a long way ahead, Suze."
"You're right. Let's just get out of here," the captain sighed.
"Hey! Congrats you guys! I've never shared the podium with Team Kappa. You guys really improved," the fretful member diverted the attention to us who had been eavesdropping.
'Oh yeah. Thanks. It's all thanks to Ren. She's new to the competition scene," Clause answered.
"So is Hiro!" he pointed at their youngest member. "What are you guys doing to celebrate?" he continued as the rest of his team sulked behind.
"We're going downtown for some hotpot," Claudia snaked.
"Hey, that's a great idea! Do you mind if we join you? We don't have to talk about work."
"What?" his teammates protested in unison.
"C'mon! There's no harm in going to dinner. We haven't eaten in ages. Please?" he begged.
"Fine by me. But you're driving," Suze agreed.
"I'll see you guys there. I'm taking my car," the young fella walked away from our group.
"Suit yourself," his leader huffed.
Our groups merged and we walked to the stranger's SUV in the campus basement. Suze sat on the front seat while my team and I cramped together at the back. It seemed like the young member had his clashes with the club.
And by the mentions of family members, I assumed that he was forced to be there. But, to be completely truthful, I hadn't the faintest clue about the people in the debating community. I only joined Team Kappa because it was sponsored by my faculty and the research club was full.
We drove downtown and arrived at one of the high-end hotpot places. The restaurant was packed with diners and people lining up for their turn. As the driver parked the car, we spotted Hiro talking to a waitress.
"I don't think there's any tables for us. We can just go to anoth– "
"Hiro's got it under control," Suze cut me off as she undone her seat belt.
We got out of the car and walked inside the fragrant restaurant. The flock followed a waiter into a private room where he set up our hotpot and utensils. The room was quiet and uneasy as we waited for the waiter to come back with our orders of assorted items.
"My name's Michael, by the way," our friendly driver smiled.
"I'm Clause. This is Claudia, my twin sister. And that is Ren, our newest Kappa member," my friend initiated.
"I'm Suze, the captain of Team Alpha," the bossy girl reluctantly muttered.
Michael nudged Hiro's elbow, 'Koshiro, you can just call me Hiro."
"Don't be modest Hiro. Tell them about your famil– "
"Can we not?" he interrupted his teammate.
"Sorry, it's just a touchy subject for him. But I just wanted to say, if you guys keep up your efforts, you might meet us again in the next event. Well, not me. This is my last event as a captain. So, I trust that you guys will be working hard to go against my juniors," she smiled cynically.
"Master Hiro? Sorry to interrupt, but your mother wanted to talk to you," a man in a suit peered in.
"Be back in a sec," he stood up and left the table.