Chapter 1:

When the sun meets the cold wind

Four Seasons With You


April 4th, Monday.

I, Nathan Sumirez, have arrived at the northern entrance of Sierra Advanced Senior Memorial National High School, or SASMHNS for short.

It is one of the most prestigious private schools in the district. Known for its reputable ability to produce academically competent students that have gone to famous state universities. Getting admitted into this school is quite challenging considering that you have to be at least proficient and diligent to maintain your standing.

But I wasn't all that different from the others who are just enrolled to experience the school's engaging activities. My grades were average and I've never tried my best to be part of the board of excellence. Keeping myself restricted from the upper rankings would give me freedom after all.

Heading inside, I took a sidelong glance at the line of students near the gate. There were committee members conducting an inspection of their uniforms and proper haircut. Most of the girls are nearly done but the boys' side is having trouble. I think it is because they're so rowdy that the members couldn't work on their roles properly.

Anyway, since I finished the inspection, I decided to enter the large building. The campus is adequately large to house at least 2,500 students. And since this school is private, it was guaranteed that all of the grounds and buildings are built luxuriously. The rooms are furnished with high-quality fitments and appliances. Even the classrooms are equipped with air-conditioners to keep the environment chilly and refreshing.

And yes, this is the reason why I love this school. I couldn't see myself enrolling in a public one since my standards are relatively high. But of course, being in here does have a price. The school doesn't only requires you to be studious, but you also need to pay for the tuition and other miscellaneous fees.

I live alone and my parents hardly give me enough budget to sustain myself which is why I took part-time jobs.

As I walked through the lockers, someone greeted me from behind.

"Natsu! Long time no see!"

"Haru, good morning..." I greeted him.

His name is Harry Austyn Rubio though most of the students call him by his nickname Haru. If you take the first syllable of his first name and surname and combine it, the word "Haru" will form which means "Spring" in Japanese.

By the way, Natsu is my nickname. Just like Haru's, if you take the first syllable of my first name and surname (Nathan Sumirez), the word "Natsu" will form which means "Summer" in Japanese.

I don't know who came up with the nicknames but they sure like to give us something unique to emphasize the meaning of the Japanese word. Having a nickname connected to the four seasons kinda makes me awkward though.

"Let's do our best again for this year! We're almost there." Haru slapped me in the back.

"You sure are excited. I don't even know if I'm going survive this year..."

Haru and I are best friends. We get along pretty well and we share the same hobbies and commitments on weird things. However, unlike Haru's fresh and positive mindset, I was roasting myself in the scorching heat of hopelessness.

"Don't be like that, you've worked hard up to this point. Don't tell me you're gonna give up after struggling on your own. Graduating from this school is an achievement that you shouldn't miss."

"Yes, I know that. But it looks like this year's going to be more difficult. Wish me luck." I responded as I put on my school shoes.

"If you need some help, let me know! We're best friends after all. Oh yeah, it seems like we're going to be in the same class again this year."

With Haru beside me, we started heading toward the stairs. The classrooms dedicated to the 4th-year students reside on the very top of this building. I have to admit that it sucks because the moment you reach the top floor, you're left with nothing but leg pain.

And I feel really bad for those who had a lot of things inside their bag. I just wish they install an elevator in this building.

"Haru..."

"Hmm?"

"Is—" before I could ask, Haru beat me there.

"Autumn in our class again this year? Heh..." he gave me a smug look as if he was saying that he knew that I would ask that.

"I know you're proud that you guessed it correctly but can you stop flexing that face? You're creeping me out." I replied.

"Haha! The answer is yes, lover boy. Aren't you pretty lucky?"

"I am. And I'm happy to hear that as well. If Akine's going to be in our class then I still have the chance."

Akine is the nickname given to her by most of her friends. Just like ours, "Aki" means Autumn in Japanese.

I just realized we've almost completed the Four Seasons. I wonder who's the lucky person who will get the Winter nickname?

"So, what's the plan?" Haru asked.

"I'm still worried about it. This year is going to be my last chance as well. I need to confess to her before graduation or I might regret it."

"It looks like you know what you're going to do so I think I have nothing else to offer. Just follow your heart, man. And if it is hopeless, I'm here to pamper you." Haru winked.

"No thanks, I might fall for you if that happens..."

"Are you freaking serious?" he twitched.

"I'm just kidding, look at your face,"

"That's a sus way of denying it. But I hope that doesn't happen..."

I wasn't serious when I said that but I guess it made him uncomfortable. But he is right about me following my heart. Autumn is someone to keep, I'd feel bad if she were to fall in love with someone else, it will impede my plan of being with her.

As we reach the top floor, I finally saw her again.

My world turned slow for a moment as if the time is about to stop. Her elegant figure stood within my sight. Nothing has changed about her, she looks stunning wearing our uniform.

Her cute face partnered with a cheery expression gave me a warm feeling. Her brown eyes blended naturally with her chestnut-colored hair complementing the framing layers of her side bangs. The standard monochrome uniform fitted her exquisitely, emphasizing her well-defined curves.

"Ah! Natsu and Haru. Good morning!" she waved her hand upon greeting us.

"Good morning, Autumn! Well then, I'll go inside..." Haru took off as he gave me a wink.

This guy...

"G-Good morning, Autumn. Long time no see..." I could feel myself getting nervous but it looks like Autumn didn't notice it.

"Yes, long time no see. I'm excited to start the class again this year. I look forward to working with you again, Natsu!" she smiled, exerting her excitement.

"Mmm, me too." I returned her smile. If Autumn is excited for this year because of the commencement then I'm more excited because I get to spend one more year with her.

"Right, let's go then!" we headed inside the room together and took our seats.

Some schools utilize the class's seating arrangement based on the alphabetical order of our surnames. However, that kind of regulation was not implemented in our year. Perhaps the juniors have one? Or maybe we had one but changed during the previous term.

Anyway, since we're free to sit wherever we want, I obviously took the table next to Autumn. Haru took the back side near the window while Autumn and I are in the middle.

I took a glance in her direction and I noticed that she was looking at me as well. If she's okay with seating beside me then maybe I had a great impression.

Ah, there's no doubt. I'm totally lovestruck. That's it! I'm going to try and spend more time with her! If I do that, my chances of going out with her will increase. After that, I will confess to her. I just hope that everything will go well this year.

And so the class finally began.

***

I resolved myself that I will spend time with her starting with the after-school session but why am I stuck in here?

"Nathan, you're on duty for today. Please clean up the room with the rest. I'll leave the key on the table." Miss Joanne, my adviser, notified me.

"Yes, roger that!" I responded with a bow.

Normally, only the representatives of each class are assigned to the after-school cleaning of the room. But in our case, we group ourselves based on the total students in our section and whichever group was assigned on a particular day would be the one to clean up after the session ends.

"See you later, Natsu. Do your best!" Autumn stood up from her seat, slinging her bag on her shoulders. She was preparing to leave already.

"Ah, wait...!" I called out to her in a hurry.

"Hmm? What's up?"

"Oh um... It's nothing, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yep! See you tomorrow!" after that, she turned around and left the room.

That was really pathetic. But even if I told her to wait, I'm not sure I have some excuse to say so that she could hang out with me. Autumn usually doesn't have that much time for herself because she's studious.

Most of the students usually stay in the school for their club activities. Fortunately, Autumn is a member of the Tennis Club so I have a few more chances to meet her. But it didn't seem like there would be any activities on the first day of school.

"Hah..." I heaved a sigh. I don't think my heart could take it even if it is just talking to each other.

As soon as they left, my groupmates and I started cleaning the room. It only took me at least ten minutes to sweep the floor and arrange the chairs because they were also helping. After that, I erased the writings on the board and locked the room.

"Natsu, thanks for the help. Give me the keys, I'll keep it." Kylee approached me. She was elected as the representative of our class so she also stayed behind.

"Oh, sure. Here you go..."

"Thanks. If you don't have anything to do after class, then you should go home. Loitering around the campus is prohibited." she reminded me.

"I'll keep that in mind..." I'm not quite sure why she's telling me that. Though I guess I should follow her advice and go home. Kylee is pretty much reliable when it comes to managing the regulations around here. Our class wasn't wrong to elect her.

I picked up my bag and headed downstairs. The sky was painted with the afternoon hue, I could see a few students already going home from the window.

However, something caught my eye.

Autumn? Why is she still here?

Autumn was standing right next to the gate. She looks like she's waiting for someone but that is just my guess. Autumn wasn't the type to wait for someone. She usually disappears with her friends after school so I'm confused.

That's when I realized it...

Autumn and I live in the same subdivision, a few meters away from school. Our neighborhood wasn't that far and I usually just bike my way home.

Maybe she's waiting for me?

I shuddered when I thought that. I know that I'm keeping my hopes up but there's no way I will miss this chance! If we walk home together, my opportunity to confess will increase.

"I need to hurry..." picking up the pace, I dashed downstairs.

I could hear music playing from the auditorium. It sounded like classical music and I'm quite familiar with it.

That's from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!

As much as I want to stay and listen, walking together with Autumn is my top priority.

When I reached the final stairs below, I caught Autumn preparing to leave.

"Wait...!" I rushed downstairs, not being careful about the other students on the floor.

And just as I was about to step, I hit my knee on the railings below.

"Uwah!" my body accidentally veered forward down the stairs, failing to grab the metallic handrail.

I gritted my teeth to brace for the impact. But before I hit the ground, someone pulled my body sidewards and used their own to protect me from hitting my head. Both of us rolled downwards, stumbling over the bumps as we slide off the floor.

A loud thud occurred on the ground.

"O-Ow..." I didn't feel that much pain but the bumps made me dizzy. When I opened my eyes, I quickly surveyed my surroundings.

"Are you okay...?" a soft voice woke me up.

And that's when I saw her.

Long platinum hair as clear as the winter snow. It felt like my hot environment was instantly frozen by her cold wind.

She stared deeply at me, my face reflected in her white-bluish eyes that accentuates her snow-white hair.

I thought for a second that she was beautiful but when I moved my gaze to her arm, I felt my blood dropping.

"Ah! S-Sorry! I'm so sorry!" I felt really scared. The woman beside me had her left arm stretched out. That means she sacrificed that and hit herself to protect my head.

"Calm down, it's okay. It's just a light sprain..." she remained expressionless but I could feel her enduring it.

I quickly stood up and offered my hand. "I need to take you to the infirmary, can you stand...?"

She nodded and grabbed my hand. I supported her left side while I hung her strained arm carefully around my shoulder. Moving it recklessly or hitting it with a blunt object will only increase the pain so I took measures immediately.

I couldn't see her face from the angle that we were in but I know that it was hard for her. It was my fault that she fell down as well and this was the result.

Fortunately, the nurse's office is just located at the end of the ground hall and I know the nurse very well.

With my right hand, I opened the door and called out to her. "Miss Garcia! Help!"

"Hmm? Nathan? Oh my... what happened?" Miss Garcia quickly supported her back and both of us laid her gently on the bed.

"We fell together from the stairs and it looks like she stretched her arm forcefully..." I explained the situation.

"I see. Her swelling is quite serious, she needs to have a compress applied immediately. I need some ice. Nathan, take care of her, I'll be right back."

"Yes, Ma'am." Miss Garcia left the nurse's office, sliding the door on her way out.

While we were waiting, I prepared the things needed by Miss Garcia later. I filled a small bucket with water and placed a cloth to dip it. Treating a strained elbow with a cold compress is pretty important in order to reduce the swelling. Now I just need to wait for the ice.

I also took some painkillers from the drawer. I don't know if Miss Garcia will prescribe this so I just placed them on her table.

After that, I brought her a glass of water.

"I'm really sorry about what happened. I was careless..." I apologized.

She then took the glass of water and drank it. "Thank you. But you didn't really have to do this for me. As the Student Council President, it is my duty to protect the students."

"Eh? Student Council President?"

"That's right. My name is Ayumi Villamor Fuente. the current Student Council President of this school year. Nice to meet you..."

"Oh! My name is Nathan Sumirez, nice to meet you too!" I bowed.

"Right, Nathan. Since you saw what happened, you should probably reflect on what you've done. Running on the stairs is prohibited since it usually leads to accidents. And if you're not careful, you might fall down just like what happened earlier. Can you tell me the reason why you're in a hurry?" she asked.

"I was catching up to someone since I was on duty a while ago. But then I hit my legs while rushing. I'm really sorry!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I don't know if there's going to be a punishment for me but if there's something that you want, I'll gladly do it, Miss Ayumi. I feel bad that I hurt our Student Council President, you also saved me. That's why I'll do what I can to help you. Anything that you want!" I bowed my head.

It was only natural to plead like this. She saved me from my misfortune and I even dragged her to cause that injury. The school might cause disruption if one single member of the council is absent because of me. And her role is even more important because she has the highest authority here.

My only way of repaying her is by helping or following her instructions.

"You'd do anything?"

"Yes."

"I see. Well then, Nathan. Would you like to join the committee as a voluntary member?" Miss Ayumi asked.

"Join the committee?"

"Yes. You said you would do anything to repay me, right? Then you should lend your time to join the school management committee and prevent the others from doing reckless acts inside the campus just like what you did earlier. If you do that, my job to keep the students safe and well-mannered would lessen."

Being a member of the Student Council or the School Management Committee is fairly difficult. Once you joined those affiliated board that oversees the whole school, your time as a student would get cut off in an instant. And you'll be serving the school.

I'm opposed to it since being a member would prevent me from spending more time with Autumn. If I accept her request then I wouldn't have that much time to get along with my crush anymore. My chance to be with her already got shattered the moment I failed myself in front of the President.

But I don't really have that much choice, do I?

Clenching my fist, I stared straightly at her with a serious face.

"I'll do it..."

***

I left the school feeling completely distressed.

First of all, I didn't get to walk home together with Autumn. Second, my cursed fate hurt the Student Council President. And third, I'm now a part of the council starting tomorrow.

I let out a deep sigh while pushing my bike. My first day of school didn't go well as planned. Not to mention, I didn't get to progress with my beloved Autumn.

"Natsu?" I stopped.

That voice was familiar. When I turned around, Autumn was standing behind me.

"E-Eh?! Autumn? W-What are you doing in here?" I stammered.

"Oh, I was actually waiting for you. It felt like you have something to tell to me, am I right?"

Holy smokes, my assumption turned out to be true! But why did she have to wait that long for me? She could've just approached me tomorrow. Actually... I think this is a chance! That's right. This is a chance! If I ask her right now then I'll get to spend time with her.

"A-Actually, yes. I need to ask you about something..." I was nervous. But there's no point in turning back! My love life is not yet over.

"Mmm?"

Calm down, Nathan. You can do this. Just ask her if she's free on the weekend and hang out with her.

"A-Autumn..."

"Yes?"

"Are you fr—"

Ring ring

"Oh! Hold on a second..." Autumn brought her phone.

"Mmm. Yes, I'll be right there..." the phone call ended. "I'm sorry, Nathan. My parents are looking for me already. I need to help my little sister. I'll talk to you tomorrow!" after that, she ran away in a hurry and disappeared.

"..."

AHHH!

I screamed internally. Who would have thought that Spring, known for its fresh start, is actually a start of a nightmare as well?

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