The role as the Sun and Moon

A week has passed since I found myself working for the Student Council.

There were a few things that I learned under the management of the President. And while most of them talk about administration and maintaining the school's proficiency, I was particularly interested in how they form events throughout the semester and how it was implemented every month.

The Philippines had an election a year ago. So the board of directors working under the Department of Education has also changed, employing a newly refined system for each school that was provided with enough assistance by the pillars of executives.

Naturally, this means that the previous term will now be disregarded and the system itself will enter a new phase implemented by the elected staff.

After months of assessing surveys throughout the regions, they've changed the ruling of the old term. The school was now running under the Trimester System which is similar to Japan's education system.

The pandemic asserted its influence on the country, changing the way how education works in the Philippines to adapt to the new normal. However, several committees couldn't take the stress that was given to them and most students regularly complains so they didn't have any choice but to alleviate their concerns via this system.

So what is the connection of the new normal to the council's work?

Well, it gave the students more exposure to the administrative work to run the school stress-free.

Instead of the usual four-semester-spartan-grind-examination, the school is now hosting monthly events that bring all classes together.

Within a semester, the students are expected to study or take their lessons until the mid-term and periodical examination. Then after a few expansions in their academics, the events will now be held, organized by none other than the Student Council and a few organizations that are affiliated with the private school itself.

Of course, the event has several benefits to offer as well if we talk about its details education-wise. The purpose of it is to make the students work together and develop independence as a group. This has a lot of branched advantages that they could use in the future such as managing, leadership, refinement of their talents, sense of responsibility, good personality, and the optimization of their strengths and weaknesses.

It sounded like a good opportunity to hone each other's personal development.

I was heading to the council's office with puffy eyes and an exhausted face.

I couldn't really sleep properly ever since I got into the committee. As a temporary member, I was expected to wake up earlier than the others and spend my time on the inspection and cleaning of the campus.

The reason for this is that Kylee said I should be a role model and be responsible. I don't think she knows the real reason why I am here. It is not like I joined the committee willingly, this is just me being grateful to the President for saving my life.

The president made it seem like an accident occur because of her carelessness in order to reassure every member of the council. I am the only one who knows about what happened. She probably kept it a secret in order to take their eyes off me.

"Hah..."

I opened the door and excused myself. As I entered, I spotted Ayumi alone in her chair sipping her freshly brewed coffee. I could smell a sweet aroma wafting through the room, giving that strong yet preserved flavor.

"Good morning, President." I greeted her respectfully.

"Good morning, good work for today, Nathan," she replied, placing her cup on the table. "How's the inspection, did you find any problems within the school grounds...?"

"I don't think I missed anything. There weren't any problems from the old building either..."

"I see. Do you want some coffee..?"

"Ah yes, please... Oh, wait. Actually, let me get that myself." I stood up and got myself a cup from the corner. I then poured the brewed coffee from the electric coffee maker into the cup and sat down once again.

"I see that you're still sleepy, are you tired...?" Ayumi's cold white eyes pointed at me as if she was observing my whole soul. She had seen through me, and here I am thinking that I am making a great job hiding my weariness.

"N-Not really, sorry..." I apologized. Showing that I am tired will only make her think that I am not reliable and up to the promise I made.

I could see the thin cast that the Nurse have placed on her elbow. The swelling is mostly gone but if Ayumi still couldn't move it, then she was probably dealing with the pain by not moving it. Just remembering what happened on the first day made me shudder.

"You don't have to apologize, I guess you're not used to waking up early..." she mused.

"Oh no, I could wake up early. It's just that having a double job took its toll and now I'm contemplating." I answered.

"What do you mean?"

"I actually have a part-time job after school until the evening so I'm usually not getting enough sleep." If I have a role in the Sun, then I have a role in the Moon as well. If I don't keep my part-time job consistent, I wouldn't have any money to pay for my stay here.

"Oh..." I noticed Ayumi's subtle astonished reaction.

"Ah, but it is not like I cannot do it! I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually..." I followed, sensing that I might have incited a pang of guilt within her. All of this is my fault, I cannot blame Ayumi for my unhealthy body clock.

"Hmm, you're right..." she nodded.

"Umm... how's your injury?"

"It looks well now, I don't really feel that much pain unlike before. Nurse Garcia expected that I will have a full recovery within the next week or so..."

So she actually endured the pain back then!

This is my first time seeing a girl be that powerful both physically and mentally. If it were a normal high schooler, they would've already started crying from the extensive pain. But seeing someone like her, who could still work despite being inhibited by the injury, felt like my respect for her has leveled up.

Thinking about that, a torrent of guilt entered my veins.

I asked myself why am I doing small stuff like inspection or cleaning. Shouldn't I be helping with the council's administrative work as well? The President didn't have that many members to cater to all of the school problems, shouldn't I be joining on her side instead of running errands from the committee?

Even if she told me that being on the committee helps a lot, I, myself, don't think I'm doing good enough to actually help her.

I can feel that she's more stressed than me even if you add the fact that I'm working a part-time job. She's handling a private school all by herself while constantly dealing with her own academics and student performance tasks.

"President...?" I called out to her.

"What is it?"

"Don't you think that I should do more than this?"

"Why do you think so? Aren't you already struggling just working on both?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"That might be true but it feels like me being in the committee doesn't really help you a lot, does it?"

"If you joined the committee thinking that it is more than adequate to help me personally then I would say you're quite mistaken. And haven't I told you that this request is not for me, but for you to reflect on your actions?" I twitched in fear.

Her cold voice punctured my existence as if I was just nothing but a mere addition to her collection of pawns. But even so, I would never accept that kind of treatment from her. I offered that collective decision with the purpose that I could relieve her from some of her duties. If it is not enough then what's the point of me working on it?

"I already reflected on my actions and I really feel sorry about what happened. Because of me, the council work was affected..."

"That's good then,"

"But I wanted to help you. And I don't mean by running errands every day and stalling like an idiot to watch over the students, I wanted you to at least share with me some of that burden you're carrying on your own."

"—!" Ayumi widened her eyes.

"I don't believe that exhausting myself from daily work relieves the pain that you're enduring. What I want to do is to decrease your responsibility. That's why, if you need any help on something, doesn't matter if it is personal or if it is about the council, please just rely on me." I added.

When I said that, Ayumi's lips curled into a smile, and whispered something. It wasn't loud or clear enough to understand but I feel like she was surprised.

"I've never met someone like you who will go that far just to help me, you're interesting..." I thought she'd be angry because I spoke my feelings directly. Turns out, she's not and I felt cringy.

"S-Sorry..."

"You're really stubborn. But unfortunately, I can't have you work in the council..." she responded.

"Eh? Why?"

"Because to me, you're still pretty unreliable..."

Urgh! I felt my body freeze.

"Kylee told me that you're exceptional but I don't think you're up for the task. Also, she reported to me that you're lazy when it comes to cleaning."

How'd she have known that I'm slacking?! That woman...!

"So there you have it. I was surprised by your nature but I don't want to accept a slacker in the council. That's why I'm still putting you on duty work..."

"Tsk! Fine..." I clicked my tongue in vexation.

"Maybe if you're good enough, I can appoint you as the historian. If you are though..." she added. It felt like she was just messing me with the way she said that though.

While we are talking, Kylee entered the office. "Good morning, President. I'm here to fetch that guy."

"Oh, nice timing. You can have him now... Heehee." her alluring giggle made me annoyed.

"I'm off then..."

"See you later, Nathan." Ayumi waved back at me with a smile.

As I went outside, Kylee asks me what was wrong. She probably noticed my deranged expression.

"What's wrong? You look like an ugly madman."

"Shut up, if it weren't for you, I would've won her acceptance." I retorted.

"I don't know what you and the President talked about but I find your expression rather amusing. Did you confess to her...?"

"NO!"

"Ha! Ha!"

***

The morning session finally ended and we're now heading for the gym to do our Physical Education work.

Unlike the other schools, where they have to change into their PE uniform before class, we just go to school wearing them already. Some of us change into white t-shirts after the exercise while the others brought extra uniforms.

By the way, we don't have any swimming lessons in our PE Class. It's a shame, to be honest with you. I want to see how beautiful Autumn would look in her swimwear. And before you say it, no, I'm not a pervert. It's natural for a guy to see their crush on every outfit they wear.

"J-Just a bit more...!" Haru and I were doing pushups. I already finished my set but he's struggling quite a bit.

"Come on, you can do it!"

"I... can't... do... it!" Haru fell to the ground, looking weary. He only made ten pushups while I did thirty. He's not really athletic and physically active so I guess it's understandable.

"I'm surprised he made it into ten..." Kylee joined us, beside her was Autumn.

"H-Hello Autumn, did you finish your set?" I asked her.

"Mhm! It's not that hard," she replied while flexing her plump muscles.

Well, I guess that's easy for her. She's a member of the Tennis club so her physique is well-maintained.

"Come on, do it again you weakling..." Kylee was coercing Haru to do the set again but I could see that he was having a hard time breathing already.

"I... can't..."

"I think that's enough. Pushing him any further might injure him." I said, cutting him some slack.

"I guess that's true..."

"Oh yeah, Natsu. I heard from Kylee that you actually joined the School Management Committee?" Autumn asked.

"Huh?! O-Oh yes, it just happened..."

"Wait, really?! So that's why you're more early than me!" Haru joined.

"That's incredible! I've always respected our officers, the work that they put in every day just to keep the school neat is really admirable!" It seems like Autumn has a great impression on them.

"Hah... this guy is not even—" I instinctively covered Kylee's mouth. It's urgent and I had to do it before she destroys my relationship with Autumn.

"Mhhmhp!"

"I know right? Haha! I was actually working really hard the other day. Inspecting the whole campus is difficult you know? Haha! Hahaha..." I giggled. Maybe it's not really that bad to be on duty work?

"O-Oh? Is that so?"

"Mffmmph!"

"Bwuegh!" Kylee elbowed my right flank. It hurts so bad that I coughed three times. "T-That hurts, you beast!"

"That's what you get for covering my mouth. I don't know what made him join the committee in the first place but it's good to have someone in our class other than me. Being the head is arduous..." Kylee replied.

"Oh, so you're actually the head, I thought that was a lie..."

"Huh? Want me to hit you again? Of course, I am..." Kylee shot me some cold glares.

"Sorry, please forgive me..." I bowed. Haru and Autumn had wry smiles on their faces.

While we are bickering, we heard a cheer coming from the other side of the court.

"Hmm, what's that?" I asked.

"The hotshots are finally here..." Haru answered.

As I observed the court, our school's Basketball team arrived from the other side. They were wearing the school's jersey provided by the officials. I heard that they are included in the finals last year and have won tournaments consecutively. Their popularity extended throughout the district. They're probably going to be on the regionals this year as well.

"Kyah!!! Please notice me, Sir Danny!"

"Reyson, you rock!"

"Let's do our best again!"

Audible cheering from all sides resonated around the court. We were using half of it for the class while the rest are for the basketball team's practice. It seems like a number of students want to see them play. Most of them are girls though.

"They're really popular huh..."

"Yeah. Our school is the only one from the province to ever reach the regional plays. We're already a powerhouse, to begin with." Haru said.

"Hmm... And who's that guy over there?" I asked, pointing towards the guy who has girls clinging to him.

"That's Danny from Section Charity. He's a star player—basically a jack-of-all-trades kind of player. He's the one leading the team currently in our year and I heard that he's pretty good." Kylee answered.

"Really? And who's that over there?" I pointed to the scary-looking guy beside Danny.

"Oh, he's umm... His name is Reyson. He's supposed to be Star Player as well, that's what I heard."

"Supposed?"

"Unlike Danny, Reyson has a problem with his personality which is why most of our juniors are scared of him. But even so, when it comes to playing, his skills are remarkable. He could even surpass Danny right now if only he's passive." Kylee answered on Haru's behalf.

"So that's why they're letting him in even though he's bad?" Autumn asked.

"Yep, and it just so happens that without Reyson, the team wouldn't achieve victory. They're both Star Players that are important to the team after all."

As Kylee explained that, Reyson shouted at one of his juniors.

"What are you doing?! Is that how you pass a ball?! Be more aware of your teammates!"

"S-Sorry!" it couldn't be helped. Although their plays are not bad, speaking from an outsider's perspective, I guess Reyson's standard as the Star Players affected his judgment.

"Fix it immediately!"

"Right away!"

"Now now, cut his some slack, Reyson. He only just began. Be more considerate of our juniors." Danny stepped in to mediate. As expected of the team's superstar. I could see girls fawning over him as he plays.

"Tsk! You have one more chance..." Reyson moved from his position as he carried the ball.

"Ugh, their practice session is hard to watch. I couldn't imagine myself doing well with Reyson training me..." Haru commented.

Same...

I could only pray for good luck for those who are joining the team for this year.

***

7:00 PM.

I was riding through the subdivision with my bike when I received a delivery order.

I work as a delivery man in my part-time job. As part of DriveExpress Services, my job is to pick up people's orders and deliver them straight through their homes and get some tips.

I admit that the pay isn't that much but I save them every month so I'm not worried about it.

"Oh, this one's a lot..."

After picking up the large order, I immediately head to the highway and took the shortcut through the junction. The address that I got pointed to a hotel called Marina Viewpoint Hotel.

It's so large!

I was flabbergasted by how big it is. I think there are like fifteen or twenty floors on this one. The outside is just too extravagant.

I went through the glass-like entrance. From there, I turned to the receptionist on the left side. The floor was reflecting the exquisite lamps on the ceiling and you could tell that this hotel is pretty expensive because of its luxurious design.

"Excuse me, I'm here to deliver an order to Room 30..." I inquired.

"Oh, that would be on the 7th floor, please take the elevator in the hall."

"Thank you." I followed the instructions while looking at the notes. As soon as the elevator stopped on the 7th floor, I quickly exited and walked through the hall.

"Let's see, room 30... room 30... Ah, it's this one." I knocked three times. "Excuse me! Deliver from the Express!"

"Ah! Please hold on a moment!" I could hear a voice coming from the other side.

After a few seconds, the door opened. "Here's your order, Ma'am—"

My eyes popped out.

Standing in front of me was the Ice Princess in her home outfit. "P-President?!?!"

"...Oh, it's you."