I slowly opened my eyes and realized that I wasn't cuddling Emi anymore. Instead, she was staring at me with a kind smile on her lips.
"Good morning, Inzo," Emi said softly.
"Morning, Emi," I replied and winced slightly as I felt a sharp pain in my neck when I touched it. "Ow...! What's this?" I asked, pointing my right index finger to the sore spot.
Emi's smile widened, and she leaned closer. "That's my mark~." she said playfully. "Just a little reminder that you're mine."
I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and warmth. "Your mark, huh?" I said, trying to hide my smile. "You didn't have to leave such a noticeable reminder."
"I couldn't resist it; you looked so peaceful while you were sleeping."
I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. "It's already 6 AM."
Emi nodded. "Yes, but it's nice to have a quiet morning together before going to school together."
"Yeah," I said, stretching my arms. "But I could have a bit more sleep."
"Sorry about that but school comes first."
"Hahaha! You have a point, Emi. But it's really embarrassing for my classmates to see this," I replied, still touching the mark on my neck.
Emi shook her head. "It's not embarrassing, my beloved Inzo. It's just a small mark that shows you belong to me. You should be proud to show it to everyone."
"I don't want them to get jealous, you know? I don't want unnecessary trouble."
"Don't worry, Inzo," Emi said reassuringly while holding my right hand. "I'll always protect you."
"Thanks, Emi. You're always looking out for me," I said with a smile.
Emi smiled back as she sat up, still holding my right hand. "Shall we go now, my beloved Inzo~?"
"Yeah, let's go now, Emi."
With that said, our week passed by with a normal routine: going to school together and having lunch. Well, not exactly; Karina always joined us for lunch. Whether we headed to Emi's van, went to the rooftop, or sat in the cafeteria, Karina seemed to find us wherever we were.
I couldn't help but wonder if Karina had some kind of tracking ability to always know where we were.
During lunch, it became a playful rivalry over whose meal was better. Luckily, I was always neutral by praising both of their foods. This kept both Emi and Karina smiling, hoping that one day I could choose one of their meals without hurting their feelings.
After the final class in the afternoon, we would go home, and Emi would tutor me for the upcoming final exam next week since I was absent for all the classes last month, which puts me at a disadvantage.
I could ask Nishimura-sensei to adjust my exam date, but that would mean taking exams alone, which I'm not used to since I've always taken exams with my classmates since elementary school.
Today is Tuesday, and this day is what students are most nervous about this year, because today is none other than the final exam day.
From its name alone, it sounds scary enough to make students tremble in fear while taking the tests.
Nonetheless, I should only worry about myself and not others, since I just joined the class last week. Even though Emi, the top student in our class, tutored me, I still feel nervous. What if I fail the exam? Emi would be really disappointed in me.
But I don't plan on failing the final exam. I also hate having supplementary lessons. Imagine failing the final exam and not being able to enjoy the Christmas and New Year break because of it.
Moreover, this Christmas and New Year are special as it's my first time spending them with Emi. That's why I can't allow myself to fail the final exam. I just need to trust myself and remember what Emi taught me during those tutoring sessions last week.
With that said, Emi and I arrived at our classroom and took our seats.
This time, things were different; our seats were spaced three feet apart from each other, just like the others, to prevent cheating.
I glanced at my desk, where my pencil, ballpoint pen, and eraser lay. Silently, I reviewed the formulas in math and science in my mind. Remembering them was crucial for passing the final exam.
"Inzo."
A familiar, soft voice reached my ears from my right side. I turned to see Emi Shinohara.
"Emi?"
"Don't be too nervous."
"I'm not nervous," I replied firmly.
"You are."
"No, I'm not."
"Your eyes don't lie, am I right, my beloved Inzo~?" Emi teased with a playful tone and a grin.
"Y-yeah, I guess you are," I admitted shyly, scratching my head.
"Ara-Ara~ There's no need to be so nervous. After all, I tutored you last week, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did," I said, smiling at her. "I should be confident now."
"That's the spirit, my beloved Inzo."
"Talk to you later, Emi. I'll just review what I've learned."
"You don't need to do that, Inzo."
"Eh? Why?"
"Because there's a good chance that reviewing everything just before the exam might make you forget what you've learned today."
After Emi said that, all of my classmates, who were currently memorizing answers, seemed to look at her and stop. They believed in what Emi had said.
I mean, she's the top student in our class, and if that was her advice, they would really follow it.
But there is only one exception, and that is from my right side in my seat: Karina Nakashima, who is just looking at the top of the ceiling and then down at her table desk, like up and down, up and down, memorizing what she learned.
You can't blame her, as she was the transfer student in our class, having just attended her first class last week. It must be tough for her.
Suddenly, I was interrupted by a sharp and cold tone coming from Emi.
"Stop looking at another girl, Inzo."
"Whoa!" I shouted in shock and turned to look at Emi. "It's not like that, Emi. I wasn't trying to cheat on you."
"It's okay to look at me, Inzo~" Karina said with a teasing smirk.
"Stay out of this, Snake," Emi said with her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Inzo doesn't have time to look at a flirty girl like you."
"Snake? I see... I'm okay to be called a snake rather than a territorial genius girl who can't trust her boy."
"Are you seriously trying to pick a fight right now?" Emi asked, her teeth gritting in anger.
"Maybe I am," Karina replied, her smirk widening. "Or maybe I'm just stating facts. Inzo deserves someone who trusts him, not someone who always doubts him."
Before Emi could respond, the door to the classroom opened, and Nishimura-sensei walked in, looking stern.
"That's enough, you two," Nishimura-sensei said sharply. "The exam is about to start. If you make any more noise, I'll have you both removed from the classroom, and you won't be allowed to take the exam."
Both Emi and Karina fell silent, glaring at each other one last time before reluctantly turning their attention to Nishimura-sensei.
"We're sorry, Nishimura-sensei," they said in unison.
I sighed in relief. I'm glad that the fight between the two has been stopped by Nishimura-sensei. The tension in the classroom was still there, probably their nervousness for the exam and worry that they might fail and take supplementary lessons, but at least for now, it was under control.
As Nishimura-sensei began handing out the exam papers, I took a deep breath, trying to focus on the challenge in front of me now. With a quick glance at Emi and then Karina, I knew this wasn't the end of their rivalry, but I'll try to balance them like I did last week. I just need myself to be confident to solve this problem.
As the exam started, the classroom fell silent, as if no one was around. Only the sound of pens on test papers could be heard.
Three days passed, and it was finally the afternoon of the last day. The final subject, the PE written exam, was finished.
The test papers were all stacked on Nishimura-sensei's desk. I stretched my hands up in relief.
"Finally, the final exams are done!"
"Did you answer everything well, Inzo?" Emi asked.
"Yeah, I did," I replied, looking at Emi. "How about you, Emi?"
"It was easy. It never even made me sweat."
"Cool! As expected of the top student in our class."
"That's right, praise me more, Inzo. Fufufu~!"
"You're also a gen—" I was interrupted by another voice to my right side.
"It was easy for me too," Karina said with a teasing smile. "So, do I also deserve praise, Inzo-kun?"
"Ah! You're a genius too, Karina!"
"That's right, I'm a genius!"
"She's not," Emi said in a cold tone.
"What did you say, Emi?!" Karina asked in anger.
Oh no, it looks like another war is about to start.
"Wait, wait, you two! You're both geniuses and deserve praise, but let's just wait for the results first to be released. I'm a bit nervous about whether I passed the final exams."
Hah..." Emi let out a sigh as she continued. "Fine, we'll wait. But only because you asked, Inzo."
"Me too," Karina said. "I'll wait for the results to see if you passed the exams, Inzo."
Suddenly, two members of the student council, a boy and a girl identifiable by the logo on their badges, entered the classroom and glanced around. The girl called my name.
"Inzo Hayashi?"
My eyes widened in shock as I looked at her. "Me? Did I cause trouble?"
"You didn't cause trouble, Inzo, but we need you to come with us. There's something important we need to discuss."
"O-okay," I stammered as I stood up, feeling my heart race with nervousness.
Emi grabbed my left hand before I could walk away. "Be careful, Inzo. I don't trust them."
"You don't have to say it like that, Shinohara-san," the boy from the student council interjected. "You're the class representative of 2-B. It wouldn't look good if you said things like that."
"Are you threatening to remove my position?"
The boy's grin widened. "Perhaps."
"Inzo, please take care and come back to me safely," Emi pleaded, tightening her grip on my hand.
"Don't worry about me, Emi. I'll be fine."
"Okay, Inzo. I trust you. Take care," Emi said, releasing my hand.
With those words, I walked over to the girl from the student council. She glanced at Nakashima-sensei.
"May I borrow your student, Nishimura-sensei? You wouldn't refuse an order from the student council president, would you?"
"Of course not. You may speak with him, but please make it quick. Class is almost over, and everyone will be going home soon."
"Understood, Nishimura-sensei."
With that, the boy from the student council, the girl, and I left the classroom together, heading towards the student council club room.
We turned right and walked down the hall until we reached the second floor. Finally, we arrived at the student council club room.
The girl opened the door, revealing a room furnished with a sofa, a table, and a TV. Directly ahead, there was another door labeled "Student Council President's Room."
We continued to walk until we stood in front of the door. The girl from the student council knocked, and a female voice, cold in tone, answered from within.
"Did you bring him?"
"Yes, I brought him, Pres."
"Alright, you may enter."
"Understood, Pres."
The girl opened the door, and we stepped inside. Sitting before us was a strikingly beautiful and poised girl, the Student Council President, with long silver hair, piercing blue eyes, and glasses perched on her nose. She wore the Hanayami Academy uniform, adorned with a badge that read "Student Council President."
Everyone knew her, including myself, but why would she want to talk to me? What could be the reason, and what did she want from me?
"Good afternoon, Inzo-kun," she greeted, her tone still cold.
"G-good afternoon, President," I replied, bowing slightly.
"No need to be so formal with me, Inzo."
"Ah, okay," I nodded as I straightened up to meet her gaze.
"I'm sure you have many questions as to why I've called you here today."
I swallowed nervously. Had I violated a school rule? Was this about Emi confronting the bully last week?
"But let's get straight to the point. I've called you here today to discuss your comeback."
"Comeback? W-what do you mean, Ishizawa-san?" I asked, puzzled and a bit taken aback by her statement.
Her lips turned into a wide grin as she replied, "What I meant is your former self, Inzo-kun."
"B-but I lost my singing voice, Ishizawa-san. It's impossible for me to make a comeback," I muttered, feeling a pang of despair.
"Don't misunderstand me, Inzo-kun," Ishizawa-san said calmly, standing from her seat. Despite her petite height, her presence commanded attention as she walked toward me. Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her breasts were balanced according to her height.
"You seem to have forgotten something important about your old self, Inzo-kun."
Me? Forgot something important? My eyes widened in disbelief. I cherished my singing career so much; how could I have forgotten something crucial?
"Your eyes show your denial, Inzo-kun," she said as she tapped her eyeglasses; they glinted with a white light as she continued, "Do you remember what you did on the first day of school last school year?"
Suddenly, my head flashed back to what I did last school year, and I remembered what I had completely forgotten earlier. Tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks, falling to the floor.
I cried because I had focused solely on singing and had forgotten about it.
"You seem to remember it now, Inzo-kun," Ishizawa-san said firmly.
"Y-yes, Ishizawa-san," I replied with a nod, wiping my tears.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, she handed it to me. It was a challenge letter from Ouran Academy for a Christmas music festival competition between our two academies.
"What's this?" I asked, confused.
"This is why I want to talk to you," Ishizawa-san explained calmly. "Ouran Academy has challenged us to a music festival competition on December 23. I also observed other members from our music club, but nothing caught my attention and we would only lose the contest. That's why I chose you to represent once again the Hanayami Academy."
"But it's been so long since I played the piano," I admitted as I looked at my hands. "I would just let you down again."
"You're such an idiot, aren't you?" Ishizawa-san said with a cold tone. "You have two weeks to prepare, and you have your girlfriend to support you, don't you?"
"Ah, you mean Emi?" I asked as my cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
"Yes, Emi will support you in your practice. All you need to do is have confidence in yourself," Ishizawa-san said. She then hugged me. Given her petite height, the scene felt a bit awkward.
"Wha-what are you doing, pres?!" the girl student council member shouted in shock.
"S-she has a girlfriend already, Pres!" the boy student council member said, equally startled.
Ishizawa-san just smiled at them and let go of the hug. "Do your best, Inzo. Make this comeback and restore your name."
"Yes, I will, Ishizawa-san," I replied determinedly.
And with that, my journey to the Christmas music festival and my comeback performance with the piano began.
————
One hour later, in the Student Council President's room at Ouran Academy, a silver-haired girl with striking violet eyes sat at her desk. The room was elegantly decorated, reflecting the prestige of the academy. Her phone buzzed on the table, and she picked it up to see a message from Serena Ishizawa, the Student Council President of Hanayami Academy.
"They agreed to the challenge," Luna Hoshizaki said, her eyes narrowing as she read the message. "Their representative will be Inzo Hayashi."
Standing beside her was Kaori Sato, a girl with long brown hair and blue eyes. "Inzo Hayashi? The one who lost his singing voice at the Academy Music Contest last month?" Kaori asked, surprise evident in her voice.
"Yes," Luna replied, a cold smile forming on her lips. "And now he's attempting a comeback as a pianist."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
Luna's lips turned into a wide grin, her violet eyes swirling in determination. "I'll crush him completely so that my Hinori will be amazed by me! And then he will confess his feelings to me after the event, and you will lose our competition, Kaori."
"Hinori is mine, Luna. I will win our rivalry," Kaori declared, her blue eyes flashing with jealousy.
Suddenly, Kaori formed an idea of her own as she secretly smiled to herself.
"Oh, that's right. When the day of the competitions starts, Luna will be at the backstage while I and Hinori will be in the front seat, so that means I'll have more alone time with Hinori Nakano and make my move. It looks like you've made a blunder move, Luna."