When I walked into the classroom the next morning at Asai High School, all eyes were on me- if only for a moment. I didn't what was that for and so I settled in my seat.
"Hey, Hikaru. Do you know why was everyone staring at me just now?" I asked. I didn't know what was going on before I went into the classroom, but I could definitely feel that something bad was about to happen to me. The kind ominous impression that I hadn't had since middle school, back when I had zero friends, a state I couldn't shake off.
"Ya, dude. You know you are getting the most votes for Class Representative," Hikaru said. "Everybody's talking about it."
"Why me, though?!" I asked. Being a class representative basically means providing support and planning out events for the class. It doesn't makes sense consider that I have no whatsoever traits that I can help out to be a Class Representative.
"It's not just the students, even the teacher have vote for you." he said.
Before I could speak, the bell rang and the Mr. Takanashi entered the classroom, going straight to the point. "As you all know, Haru is our class representative. Now, I need someone to step up as Vice Class Representative and a Secretary. You've got five minutes to vote."
Immediately, everyone turned to each other. They were discussing and randomly voting.
But for me, I'm still thinking back about the possibilities of me having the most vote as the Class Representative. I was wondering if it was because of my lack of social skills that the teachers voted for me or because nobody else wanted the responsibility of being a Class Representative? Hmmm? Forget it, maybe it was both.
After a few minutes of discussion, Mr. Takanashi clapped his hands to get out attention. "Alright, times up. Let's collect the votes and see who is our new Vice Representative and Secretary will be."
Mr. Takanashi moved around the classroom to collect the slips of paper. After a while, he returned to the front of the class with the stack of votes in his hand. He skimmed through them, with a surprised look. "Alright, let's see. For Vice Class Representative, the person with the most votes is Ayumi."
My heart skip a beat. Ayumi? For the first time, I was paired with Ayumi. Back in middle school, I was never this lucky. I had never ended up the same group as her- never even close. Unlucky was how I would describe my life back then. But now, maybe things were going to be different. Maybe fate had other plans.
Still, I could have guessed it was Ayumi. In this class, everyone always pick the new student, like it's some sort of their twisted initiation. In my class, there's always been this undercurrent of bullying — obvious, but it's there. The quiet ones, the ones who don't quite fit in, they're the ones who end up with all the responsibilities no one else wants. And Ayumi, being the new girl, probably didn't even see it coming.
"For Secretary, the student with the most votes is... Hana."
As soon as the name left Mr. Takanashi mouth, the room instantly feel into silent, sort of. I could hear whispers, or discussion going around the class about Hana. It was clear some of the students weren't expecting her to get the role.
Wait, Hana??
I was surprised when I heard the name "Hana" in the most votes for Secretary. Hana isn't an outclass, in fact, she is popular within the school because of her looks and she has no boyfriend. She is talented in sports and got straight A's in her exam. So, she is basically every man's dreams.
But for me, she is just a regular student in the class. Most people might argue with me, but my heart has already been taken by Ayumi, so I have no interest in other girls, even if they're perfect like Hana.
Mr. Takanashi wrapped up the announcement, congratulating Hana and Ayumi. The class was still whispering about the votes.
Hikaru nudged me with his elbow, "Man, you're really something. You've got the most votes for Class Representative, and now you're surrounded by the school's most popular girl.
I looked at him, my eyes were straightly staring at him like he said something that gave a huge misunderstanding. "It's not even like that. I don't even know why I have the most votes for Class Representative. And besides, the class just wants someone who they can listen and support."
"Sure, sure," he said.
Hikaru laughed softly and leaned back in his chair, glancing at the front of the room. "You know, people notice you more than you think. Maybe it's that whole 'quiet, mysterious guy' thing you've got going on. Works for some people."
I sighed, leaning my head against my hand. "If by 'works,' you mean I'm the perfect target for everyone to dump their responsibilities on, sure."
"Hey, at least you're not invisible anymore"
"Yeah, great. Just what I needed- more attention."
Before Hikaru could crack back with another joke, Mr. Takanashi cleared his throat and began speaking. "Alright class, settle down. Now that we've got our representative, it's time to start planning for the upcoming school festival."
School festival? I had completely forgotten about that. Being the Class Representative meant I'd be right in the center of planning."
Mr. Takanashi continued, "Haru, as a Class Representative, you'll be taking care of the planning. Be sure to cooperate with the Vice Representative and Secretary."
"Alright," I said, standing up as Mr. Takanashi walked out of the classroom. I moved behind his desk, ready to start planning with Ayumi and Hana.
It was normal for a teacher to leave for the class to have an event discussion because this school is all serious about events and earning money.
"Come here, Ayumi, Hana," I called out. They both looked excited, probably because it is their first time planning or they just want to do it their way.