The Montas and the Capas

Somewhere in Japan, there exists a place much different than anywhere in the whole country, perhaps even the entire world. This place is known as the city of Viora.

What makes it different than other places? The answer lies in the past, present, and likely future of the two major high schools located within this city, Monta and Capa academy.

To say these two schools have a rivalry would be the biggest understatement of the century. The hatred the students between these school have for each other is immeasurable. Were one of the schools to be burned down to the ground, tears would not be shed by the students within the school still standing.

To outsiders, their rivalry seems over the top. However this isn’t just some mere strife due to some past historical event. Though plenty has happened in their bitter past. Both schools had differences that couldn’t easily be resolved. Beliefs that couldn’t be compromised. Neither side showed any sign of backing down either.

This feud isn’t only from the students either, many residents of this town have chosen sides. While outright fights and discrimination do not occur between them, there is an air of tension whenever paths must be crossed for daily activities.

“Look who decided to walk around on our turf.” Such tension could be felt right now, as the student councils of each respective schools saw their fates collide. “You guys got some nerve.”

The one talking right now was Jurie Chikakui, the student council president of Capa academy. The normally cheerful girl stood as a beacon of beauty and grace among her classmates. Though in front of the opposing school, she turned into an ice queen.

“The real nerve here is your belief you own this place.” Ryuo, the student council president of Monta academy gave his retort first. His reputation preceded him at school, where even troublemakers made sure to follow the rules to the letter in order to avoid his wraith. “Everyone knows this is the neutral zone, not that you Capas could even begin to understand the term, neutral.”

He gave off his famous aura as the pair stood in front of the other, staring each other down. They weren’t alone either, as they were both accompanied by the other members of their respective student council.

“Guess you Montas just had to come to crash and drag down this party.” The Capa vice president, Tenmaro Tadou stood between the pair, as if to protect his girl. “What’s wrong? You guys such haters that you can’t even stand to see us Capas having fun?”

“Big words coming from the ones harassing us.” Riyone Nakayachi, also a vice president, was the one to respond to his insult. “Though I’m sure your idea of fun is disturbing people and the peace.”

“And your idea of fun is reading giant books and solving stupid math questions.” A girl who would be easily missed due to her size, but not because of the size of her mouth, Sumiwa Waraike, spoke up. “I think the library is that-a-way.” She pointed towards the exit of the cafe the group found themselves fighting in.

“There’s more to fun than spending all your money shopping.” Another member of Monta academy, Meguru Ubuki responded by getting into her face as the pair exchanged scowls. “And there’s plenty of fun books around to read, but I guess your tiny brains can’t comprehend them.”

“Don’t go around bullying little girls, tough guy.” A taller, dyed blonde girl proceeded to get into his face with a glare. She was Niiya Daiuchi, a girl whose reputation preceded her across both schools. He backed up, breaking a sweat in fear before quickly composing himself and making an attempt to appear fearless. “Or you’ll have to answer to me and my fists.”

“Resorting to threats.” A boy even larger than her with broad shoulders and a cold look got between the pair, simultaneously trying to keep the peace while also preparing for a fight. This was Benzou Oosaga, a boy not many wanted to cross. “Expected from your kind. And I’m more than ready to answer, even if you are a girl.”

“Hey!” Suddenly an older man’s voice ran out through the cafe. “If you’re going to fight, take it outside. I’m not dealing with another mess from you high school hooligans. Especially here.”

The earlier comment Ryuo made about this being the ‘neutral zone’ was no exaggeration. There were areas members of each school knew to never enter due to the high chance of being attacked. However there was a portion of this city where both side had a so-called ‘cease-fire’ that meant there would be major ramifications should something break out.

“We were here first.” Jurie spoke smugly. “So how about you be the ones to leave?”

“I think you’re doing us a favor.” Ryuo responded. “Being in the same room as you makes me lose my appetite.” Today, it would be the Montas who would retreat for now. After all, rules were rules and it was fair that people were allowed to keep their spots.

“Fufufu, that’s right. You run away now.” Riyone called out to them, sticking out her tongue as the group walked out the door. “Nice job president, you did a great job.”

“Not like it’s hard to deal with those stiffs.” Said Tenmaro. “Now how about we order our food? I’m starving.”

“Actually, I just remembered something.” However, despite gaining the victory, Jurie already had to leave the ground she stood up for. “One of the teachers asked me to print out some handouts for the weekend. So I need to head to the library and take care of that.”

“Man, you’re always working hard.” Said Niiya. “Well, we’ll be sure to grab something extra for you when we see you school again tomorrow.”

“Great, thanks so much!” She gave them a deep bow before quickly rushing out of the cafe. Jurie skipped along the sidewalk, quickly turning a corner into an alleyway. However there she saw Ryuo, her Monta counterpart stood there leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

“Heh, took you long enough.” He spoke, standing up straight and looked right at her. “Or are you starting to shirk on your duties?”

For a moment, they stood still, staring at each, as if time stopped moving. Without saying a word, Jurie took off in a sprint right at him. She ran with enough speed to knock him onto the ground. Though despite how anyone would expect out of such an encounter between the pair, she did the complete opposite as the girl opened her arms wide open.

Many would expect him to dodge or even push this girl’s advances away, but instead Ryuo opened up his arms and caught the girl in his grasp.

“Of course not.” She answered his question after the pair twirled around in each other’s arms. Jurie then leaned up against him as the pair shared a kiss.

Indeed a surprise if anyone were to know the truth. The student council presidents of Monta and Capa academies were actually in a romantic relationship.

“I hope my words didn’t hurt your feelings.” He said after their lips parted from their kiss.

“Oh please, I’ve heard way worse from you Montas.” She replied as they continued to hold each other. “Got to keep up appearances, right?”

“Right.” He sighed as they finally let each other go. “So, what excuse did you use this time? The teachers asked you to do something during your free time?”

“You know me too well.” She giggled as they held hands, walking down the alleyway as if in another world. “Let me guess, parents told you to take care of some laundry?”

“I think I need to come up with new excuses.” He replied, looking away from her nervously. “I don’t even know how they bought it. They should know my family has servants for tasks like that.” Jurie couldn’t help but laugh at him for his faults.

“So I guess Mr. Perfect isn’t so perfect after all.”

“Yeah yeah, laugh it up.” While he spoke as if he wasn’t amused, his small smile betrayed his true feelings. Though it would quickly turn into a frown as the pair neared the end to this alley. A sign for the end of the short private time they shared. “I suppose it’s time to say goodbye once more.”

“One more kiss first?” She gave him puppy dog eyes, which he could hardly resist. First, Ryuo looked at the end to make sure no one was walking by before he finally gave her what she wanted. The pair shared one more bittersweet kiss.

And so this is the story of Viora. A town known for the hate between its inhabitant, as well as home to an unlikely love.

But how can their love truly survive when surrounded by such hate?