Horikita Manabu POV
"What a mess," I cursed under my breath as I reclined in my council president's seat, placed my hand on the table, and touched my head in headache.
Knowing my sister was enrolled here and made trouble on the first day of school, creating enemies left and right for herself and me, I knew sooner or later she wouldn't survive long and would leave with nothing but her former shell.
Hah...
I don't know what to say...
Her academy grades were indeed excellent enough to be called genius, but the elite society not only demands good grades, they demand flexibility, social skills, and the ability to play the game. Unfortunately, my sister has none of those.
It would be fine if she were placed in an ordinary and friendly environment, but in the high-pressure elite world, she would only end up in disgrace with that kind of mentality.
I know my sister better; she hates communicating and working together with others. She sees herself as superior compared to others and views them as beneath her. Her inflexible nature makes it hard for her to adapt in high-pressure environments.
Sure, it would be fine if she were from a privileged class. Unfortunately, if she were, she wouldn't attend a school like this, desperate to gain the privilege of getting the best company and a successful life by standing in high society with guaranteed 100% employment.
That's why I don't dare offend the Principal's daughter; no matter what, her capital in the outside world isn't something to be trifled with, and her father's position in government already screams of something that shouldn't be messed with.
"Are you fine, President? Shouldn't you be happy for having freshmen respecting you?" Akane Tachibana asked with a hint of concern on her face. "I mean, you're the first president of the school that has ever won the most popularity and highest respect from freshmen. I don't think it's a bad thing." Her voice couldn't hide the admiration she held for me.
She held the position of Secretary within the Council Seat. Luckily, only she was in the Council Room, or if Miyabi found out, it would be huge trouble for me, especially knowing how ambitious this guy is over my presidential seat.
"I'm fine, Akane-san. If you please, arrange for me to meet my sister privately. I need to talk with her," I commanded, wasting no time in drowning in her praise. I prefer to finish something that I should have finished long ago.
Now, it's time to get my sister out of the picture before it's too late. I don't want her to go deeper into the rabbit hole and am determined to kick her out of the school, whatever it takes. It's just the first day of school, after all, it's not too late for my sister to change at another.
A fresh start, a different school, anything is better than watching her self-destruct here.
...
Sakura Airi POV
Ugh. Of all people to run into, it had to be her.
"Fufufu... It's a coincidence that you are here too, Shizuku-chan," she chirped. That carefree giggle seemed to mock my anxiety. "Sit down here; I wanted to talk with you."
In the hall, I found someone whom I didn't want to meet the most and reluctantly sat down beside her as she hummed some song that I didn't know. Honestly, I was jealous of her carefree nature; she was so free, so cheerful, and so powerful. It seemed there was nothing that she couldn't do. Even the Council President had to be forced to apologize to her, and his sister was no match for her. If I were in her situation, I wouldn't even dare to resist the Council President's sister. Her oppressive and cold temperament was enough to make me prefer to stay away from her.
Hopefully, I wouldn't go into the same class as the Council President's sister or this girl.
"Fufufu... You look tense, Shizuku-chan. Was I so scary, or do you think of me as a nuisance because I know your secret identity?"
Panic choked my voice. "It's not like that..." My cheeks burned as I stammered out a denial, only to be interrupted by the girl before I finished my words.
"Say no more, Shizuku-chan. As I said from the beginning, I just want to talk with you. My name is Arisu Sakayanagi. And yours?"
Should I tell her my real name? It was a terrible idea. Giving her that information could easily lead her right to me, straight into my class. But my cowardly nature and the sheer force of her presence made it impossible to refuse. Despite the lack of any overt pressure, being near her radiated an invisible power that coiled my nerves tight.
"Sakura Airi," I mumbled, defeated, almost inaudible.
"Hmm... Okay. I should probably go back to class. We will talk again later, Sakura-chan."
She stood up, a playful smirk on her face as she patted my shoulder. Leaning in close, she whispered something that sent shivers down my spine. Her breath tickled my ear, and my face flushed crimson.
"You have the potential to be a good pet, Sakura-chan. How about becoming my pet? I will take care of you a lot if you accept my offer, fufufu..."
With that, she sauntered off, leaving me speechless. Part of me... didn't entirely hate the idea.
What am I thinking? This is insane! Why am I even considering it?
I slapped myself, trying to shake off her words. Forget it, Sakura. Just forget it.
But… a small, traitorous part of me couldn't help but wonder… is it really that bad?