The sacred speech (not really)

Making my speech didn’t require much preparation. It’s not that I don’t care, it’s simply that the words come naturally when spoken from the heart. Sure, I had to include the standardized phrases expected in a formal address, but beyond that, it’s all instinct.

Now, the moment has arrived. I finish speaking the necessary pleasantries and lay the prepared paper aside on the stand.

“Kotton Academy offers a unique path for students to grow -not just as learners, but as individuals,” I begin, my voice steady and carrying through the hall. “Here, we are given the tools to define our futures and become adults who embrace what life has to offer. This academy is a place of quality, which is why so many dream of attending.”

I pause, scanning the crowd of faces, each lit with youthful anticipation. “All I see before me are bright, lovely people, ready to create memories and enjoy their youth. Whether you’re just starting your high school journey like me, preparing for the next step as second-years, or navigating exam season as third-years, what unites us all is this: life is meant to be enjoyed.”

I grip the stand’s sides tightly, leaning forward as my tone grows more impassioned. “And that brings me to what I believe is one of the most important parts of life.”

I let the moment hang before declaring, “It’s love!” I spread my arms wide, my voice rising. “Experience love! Romance! That’s what you deserve! This isn’t just a place to bury your heads in textbooks and ignore the world around you.”

I step away from the stand, gesturing animatedly. “Confess your love! You boys, your childhood friend might like you! Look at her! Your senpai might be into you, but you’re as dense as a neutron star! Don’t ignore the classmate who always helps you! Praise your tomboy friend for who she is! She deserves everything!”

A loud, disdainful voice cuts through the auditorium. “What nonsense!”

I turn toward the interruption. A white-haired boy adjusts his glasses, the reflective glare adding to his air of superiority. His uniform is immaculately pressed, every detail screaming perfection.

“What’s wrong with what I said?” I ask, standing my ground.

He sneers, pushing his glasses higher. “We are here to learn. That’s the sole purpose of this academy. Your ridiculous ramblings about love and experience are an embarrassment to this blessed learning ground and our senseis.”

“Nuh-uh!” I interject comically, earning a sharp glare along with some laughs.

“You!” He snaps, his teeth gritted. “Renyuki-san… was it?”

“My name is none of your concern,” I reply smoothly. “But tell me, how far has your heartless logic gotten you?”

“Relationships come far later,” he says dismissively. “I’ll get into the best university and make my country proud. And what will you achieve, playing the role of a so-called ‘lady’s man’? Your flings will end at graduation, at best. Love doesn’t last, it’s just childish fantasy! Even fake.”

“I don’t care.”

“What?!” His voice rises, incredulous.

“I don’t care if it doesn’t go beyond high school. You don’t have the right to call it fake.”

“Love isn’t real!” he shouts, his voice echoing through the silent auditorium. “No one here cares about it. We’re here to learn and succeed!”

“I care!” I yell back, stepping forward. “And so do many others here, whether you acknowledge it or not! Love is real! It can be eternal -full of fluff and joy. Accept it! ”

The room falls silent. Even the usual whispers are gone.

The boy adjusts his glasses, composing himself. “Do whatever you wish. Your childish ideals are no concern of mine.”

“Not so fast,” I call after him, halting him mid-step. “I bet there’s at least one girl who loves you, and you’ve been hurting her with this attitude.”

“What? Love? Me?” he stammers, his confidence faltering.

“Maybe it’s your classmate who always studies with you in the library?”

“Huh?”

“Or your next-door neighbor?”

“Stop, at this once!”

“Maybe your childhood friend?”

“Hey!”

“Or your tomboyish classmate, the one you’ve never taken seriously?”

“W-What?! T-That’s not true!”

“Give her love, you idiot!”

He freezes, his face a mixture of shock and frustration. “What do you know about me?!” he yells, gripping his jacket as though it’ll shield him.

I put on a genuine smile. “Give love to those who deserve it. That’s all I know,” I reply calmly.

He breathes heavily, trying to collect himself. After a moment of breather, he adjusts his glasses once more and straightens his posture. “Hmph,” he scoffs, turning toward the doors. “This isn’t over, Renyuki-san. I’ll become the student council president and end your ridiculous dreams.”

The doors swing open dramatically as he exits. Manga magic. Or maybe they’re just automatic.

I turn back to the crowd. The senseis watch me with mixed expressions. Some intrigued, others less so. I offer a sheepish grin, scanning the room. Many boys look annoyed, while the girls seem equal parts embarrassed and thoughtful.

“What can I say?” I shrug. “I’m on the side of heroines. Boys, don’t hold a grudge against me. This is the result of your own neglect, though it’s certain that everything is not on the boys. Please, girls -continue to show your care. Tsun is great, when it matters. Balance is the key.”

Talking about manga terms in real life would never produce a clear and sharp reaction, I won't be taken seriously in anyway. Even if I'm living a manga world, every single eyes staring at me are real living human beings with their life own set of life and problems. So in the end, I'm not going beyond being your usual, somewhat creepy otaku. Nonethelesss... rather dishonest heroines on their display of love are real, even some aggressiveness, violence included. Like how a boy would bully the girl she likes to get her attention. A bit more mature version...

I catch a few girls whose gazes were focused on mine turn their eyes away. As it’s expected. Tsunderes are God's gift to us, even I cannot deny that. So water is the source of life, and you will die if you drink too much in a short span of time.

Lowering my gaze, I soften my tone. “Please, enjoy your youth. Study together, support each other, and yes -love each other. This is about everyone in the end. I’m not saying academics aren’t important. I worked hard to be here, too. But don’t lose yourselves in the grind. Balance it with love and joy.”

I bow gently. “That’s all. Thank you.”

For a moment, there’s only silence. Then, a smattering of applause grows into a roar, filling the auditorium. I straighten, catching sight of Ebeil, Akari, and Lona in the crowd.

Ebeil claps furiously, his face beaming with pride. Akari looks mortified, her hands covering her reddened face. Lona hides her flustered expression behind her hand, glaring at me from the corner of her eye.

When I step off the stage, Ebeil rushes over and pulls me into a hug. “What was that performance?! Amazing!”

“As always, Renyuki-san…” Akari mutters, still visibly embarrassed.

“You know Keisuke is here,” Lona hisses. “How am I supposed to look him in the eye now?! You made everything so weird!”

“I have no regrets, Lona-san,” I reply solemnly. “I can’t go easy on someone who rejects someone as beautiful as you.” I just can't help but being honest when it comes to her...

“H-Hey…” she stammers, her face turning a deeper shade of red.