Prologue

Why is Spring considered to be the season of new beginnings? Well apparently, I've heard that it welcomes the change in nature emerging from hibernation. It is a season that brings new life to the flowering plants, trees, and other vegetation. The natural world revives and reinvigorates after the long cold winter, giving the environment a fresh appearance.

In line with that is also the start of my final year as a student at Sierra Advanced Senior Memorial National High School, also known as SASMNHS.

I never would've thought that I will survive three years in this private school where studies and financial costs are both important to have a high remark. Almost all of its properties are decent enough to nurture even the lowest and most unskilled students on the campus. And although the tuition is fairly expensive, I had no problem with the way I spend my time every year.

That's because my crush is also enrolled in this school.

Her name is Autumn. Compared to how my other classmates describe their desired women based on their looks and popularity, I'd say Autumn stays at the center of those qualities, which makes her pure and lovely.

I've been friends with Autumn for three years now after meeting her for the first time during our 1st year in this school. She's a modest girl, who always interacts kindly with those around her with a cheerful expression.

For the past three years, I witnessed how Autumn struggled to become a top-notcher. She is always very diligent about her studies and has been working hard to maintain her grades.

She would even sometimes sacrifice her time for eating just to study for our next exams. She's a hard worker who has a positive mindset and doesn't let her problems affect her. I definitely know how difficult it is to keep grinding for something that you want to achieve. That's because I've been there as well.

That being said, it is one of those reasons why I fell in love with her. She's someone to keep and that positive and lovely aura that she exudes makes my heart flutter every single time I see her.

In my last year at this school, I steeled myself and decided that I will ask her out before graduation.

Or so that would've been the plan but—

"...Hey, are you still listening to me?"

"Mm..."

Whack.

A thick layer of paper was smacked onto my head.

"Ow! What are you doing?" I turned to the girl standing beside me while scratching my head.

"You're daydreaming again, Natsu. If you keep this up, you won't be able to get relieved from your duties."

"I know that. You don't have to keep reminding me, Kylee."

"Do you want me to repeat the process again?" she asked.

"No, I'm fine. I think I could do some of this without any problem." I nodded. To be honest, I didn't really understand anything from her lectures but I didn't want her to repeat all of that convoluted steps. I've got a general idea of my role and what should I do as a member of the committee more or less.

"Is that so? Well then, I still have something to take care of in our class. If you're done reading, take these documents back to the council room." Kylee brushes her hair with her hand as she turned around.

"Got it, take care,"

I headed upstairs to where the Student Council office is.

This is the first time that I felt really hopeless about my development with Autumn. Being a council member that oversees the school management was arduous and requires a lot of mental prowess. If this keeps up, I wouldn't be able to have free time to talk with her.

Heaving a deep sigh, I turned left to the large hall and passed through numerous classrooms dedicated to the 4th-year students. We're currently having our lunch breaks right now and so the hall was bustling with groups eating their snacks while the others stayed inside the room.

As I reached my own classroom, I saw Autumn and a couple of her friends eating lunch together.

The cute side of her and the way she bites her biscuit gracefully made me relaxed. It's so sad that I could only just glance at her. I didn't have that much courage to approach, and I think it would be pretty weird if I were to interrupt her lunch while her friends are there. It might give off a misunderstanding that I'm trying to hit on her.

If that happens, my life would surely experience a downfall. Being a subject of a rumor is the one last thing that I wish to happen. Especially since I'm trying to appeal to Autumn. My confession would get affected and my dream to go out with her will fly out of the window.

But maybe a simple greeting would work, right?

If I just walk in there and say 'good afternoon' to her, there wouldn't be any problem. Though that approach would only paint me as an attention-seeker.

Just as I was about to step in, a tall student placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Hello, Nathan. On your way to the Student Council?"

"Ah, Joseph. Yes, I am on my way there. I need to return these documents."

Joseph Macaraig. He is the Vice-President of the Student Council and is also one of the most popular students in our year.

He's been blessed with looks and he is also very intelligent, leading his own name to the top of the list of those who are exceptional and have proven their excellence.

"Nice! Let's go together then. President announced that there would be a meeting about the Arts Festival this Spring and it seems pretty important." He informed.

"O-Oh? Alright then, let's go..." I nodded.

I was interrupted. There's no way I could greet Autumn now, let alone, have her look at me. And I also don't know anything about the Arts Festival meeting that Joseph was talking about.

Once we reached the end of the hall, we turned right. From there, I saw the door to the council office with a sign.

Joseph knocked on the door three times while I hid behind him.

"President, I'm here..." he called out.

"Come in."

Upon entering, I was greeted by a cold atmosphere.

Sitting on the magnificent chair reserved for the student that has a powerful influence on the whole school was none other than the Queen. Or maybe the White Princess? I don't know. To be honest, she looks dazzling from the way she sat while her beautiful platinum hair fluttered. She almost looks like a royalty princess waiting for her guards.

That's right, she is the reason why I was thrown into the committee as a voluntary member. Technically, it was actually my fault but I had to agree with her condition because I felt really bad.

She is the current Student Council President of my beloved school—Ayumi Villamor Fuente.

For why and how did I get myself hurled in this position you ask? Well, let me tell you what happened...