Chapter 1: Vice President Yokohama

The Vice President of the EHS Student Council is none other than Yokohama Ryuusei. The only mystery is why he is not the President. He is not lacking in any aspect, but there is only one defeat he will accept. If it is the archangel he dreams of meeting, he doesn’t mind being a Vice President or being placed in a much lower position.

He had given up on his ambitions to be as good as his brothers and compete in his family’s lineage of successful politicians. He already has a plan, he wants to pursue another dream, a path different from the ones he was born from. He could’ve disobeyed his father, but he didn’t.

Knowing that he was selected as the Vice President, he already bet on high hopes that the President will be none other than the Archangel, a mysterious girl who stars in the TEEN WEEKLY magazine. The one who beats all his efforts, a magical person who turns an unpopular school into a subject of interest.

Instead, he entered the student council room with none other than the famous Mikitani Harumi, Nitori Akemi, and Suzuki Kise. All of them are remarkable individuals who stars the TEEN weekly magazine, known for their leadership. To his dismay, the person he wanted to see the most is not there. The name of the President is far from the one he expected.

And the worst of all, his President ditch the traditional first day of school speech.

“Good day to all of the students, teachers, and board members present at this assembly. We are deeply honored to be a part of the Student Council Government of this school of prestige that inculcates the growth of potential leaders. Given this opportunity, we can only return it by doing our very best. We are looking forward to a bright semester, and may you entrust this position to us with all your heart, thank you!” Delivering this impromptu speech is no big deal to Ryuusei. But dealing with the stern and stoic faces of other student council members, befall on his shoulder since the second to the highest position next to the President is him.

The students applaud his flawless speech. But it doesn’t leave his mind that he might have done a good job, still the President, the main star of this event is not here.

His anger knows no bounds at this moment. He was able to endure the excruciating agony in the stage. But he can only endure such an embarrassment he had never experienced before. After the ceremony he decided to skip the first class to look for the missing President. Tanizaki Chiaki, just wait til I find you.

Giving up, he decided to visit the Principal office. He forgot his manners, that he didn’t even knock. Realizing his mistake he took a step back to knock despite being already inside. Principal Tanaka is just staring at him.

“Greetings to you Principal Tanaka.”

The principal he called, motioned him to sit on the chair across the table.

“Good-morning to you, are you skipping class?”

“I hate to admit it, but yes Principal Tanaka. I skipped class because I was busy looking for the President.”

“Oh Tanizaki.”

“I’d like to ask, who is she?” Deep inside he wanted to ask where the archangel was, but he held himself back.

“She is a great person. Tanizaki, that child, has a vast potential. Are you perhaps contemplating?”

“That is definitely the case, it is the first day of school yet she acted out of the rules. She dared disregard the assembly, she abandoned us as a matter of fact.”

The reaction of principal Tanaka sent Ryuusei to his limits. He wanted to explode in anger seeing that creepy smile. He’s been having a bad day, but that old Principal dared to smile.

“Isn’t this a mistake, there are so many great leaders in the student council yet they choose an irresponsible President? Isn’t it such a shame?”

The expression of the gentle principle went blank. “Be careful what you say, or even try to question the board’s decision. Regardless, our choice is ultimate and we don’t mean to degrade the school’s reputation.”

He smirked. “Is that so? Then why turn a blind eye on such irresponsibility?”

“Are you saying you wanted to impeach the president?”

“Will that be an issue? There are so many worthy President candidates in this school, even with eyes closed the board can just pick one.” Ryuusei is aware of the way speak, but at the moment he doesn’t bother.

“That mean’s this administration shall be void.”

He was taken aback. He only wanted to get rid of one person, but why does it have to deal with the other members? Ryuusei is not that selfish. He understood that the members might be someone under pressure or expectation from their family. Having just a mere position, any position even in the student council government is a dream for every student. Being smart alone doesn’t vouch for the spot. He wanted to impeach the current president but he can’t turn a blind eye on what the Principal wants. If it’s only himself, he doesn’t mind, but it involves others.

“What?” That’s the only thing he could answer.

“This means if it can’t work, it’s meant to be replaced isn’t it?”

“But what about the others who didn’t do wrong?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Is that it?”

“Yes young man, that’s it.”

Swallowing his tiny little bit of pride left him to stand up from his seat. “I shall take my leave.”

“I expect you to handle this very well.”

The last part that he heard tore the last patience he had. If found something to break he definitely will.

Standing straight with all the dignity left of him, clenching his fist, he left the principal’s office. He attended the next class

_________

The days passed like a blur and the Student council was almost nonexistent. 3 days had passed yet he wasn’t able to find the President Tanizaki Chiaki. He did his best searching for every corner. It is safe to assume that person wasn’t even going to school. It made his head ache. He hasn’t been well these past few days either. He doesn’t have the courage to strike a conversation with any of the members.

Aside from that, he had to endure the cruel whispers around him.

“Isn’t that the Vice President? How handsome!”

“Are you crazy?”

“I mean what a waste of time for the new student council.”

“Why a bunch of youngsters?”

“Do you have any idea who the President is?”

“It was posted in the news wall you dummy!”

He had to take a deep breath to maintain his sanity. On his way to the student council office, he saw Suzuki Kise. He knew this guy, there was an event before that schools were competing. They were both on the debate team. Yokohama’s team won, he earned an award for best debate leader, at that time Suzuki got the best speaker award. Their match was so close, the judges had to postpone the results, in the end they had a rematch with a given topic they weren't prepared for.

“Have you seen her?” Suzuki asked.

“Not yet, by the way where’s your glasses?”

Both of them had a long pause. Suzuki laughed, knowing that he probably had a bad day, he has a nerve, but it was the first time he saw this four eyed guy laugh.

“I wore contact lenses.”

“Oh.”

“Thank you for not giving up.”

He looks up to him. It gives him a weird feeling. “How about you?”

“Well, I’m not resigning.”

“That is so mushy."

Suzuki just chuckled. "You can just call me Kise. We are not competing anymore. We are on the same team."

Ryuusei never expected this guy to be someone like this. He is after all a popular disciplinarian. His reputation was something.

"Just call me Ryu then." He offered his hand. Kise took it. This has made their official truce.

He headed to the student council office to check some things. He didn't even see any pile of paper works. The desk is squeaky clean. He even mentioned the paper works to principal Tanaka, worried that there are tons out there, but that Principal just told him everything is fine.

A president that is missing. The paperworks is fine. It doesn't make sense.

It must have been his boredom or him losing sanity, but he went through the cabinets and shelves to look for something unknown.

He ended up on the most obvious shelf. It is the one near the President's table. He can see it right in front of him, a flashdrive.

He grabs it and makes his way out to visit the computer laboratory. It is a long trip, that means he will visit the 3rd year's building. This school is huge enough to get lost, but that is not his problem.

He is peacefully making his way to the annex building. He must have been too oblivious to his surroundings.

"Ahhhhh."

It's not the typical bumping thing where a guy will accidentally knock a passing girl by accident.

The girl is just pure shocked. She just looks away and goes back inside of the infirmary room.

That's weird, is what he thinks of. The girl went pale as if she saw a ghost.

That doesn't matter to him at the very least. He decided to run towards the annex building to make his trip quicker. He just had to talk a little bit to the guards. It was no problem at all; they allowed him to enter without hesitation.

The flash drive reveals the key to the mystery.

It contains all the details about the members. Except from him and the President. This flash drive also includes the reports regarding the student council whereabouts from the prior administration, a copy of letters, even the budget is here.

It is complete.

Could it be that Kise took care of them? He was the only one he met from the office at that time. But it is strange that his own name was on the list. The person who made this deliberately excluded himself and the perpetrator. That is the only plausible reason he can think of.

He left the computer laboratory since the afternoon class will start soon.

On his way, he met the higher years. He is not certain what year, but they are exactly pinning their attention on him.

“Is it the Yokohama guy? Where’s your president?” It is a girl, who was probably on the waiting list of candidates.

Yokohama has had low tolerance for the past few days. “Who are you?” He retorted.

He knew all the problems there were. The cafeteria was a mess, the students mock them. He even heard that he was only tolerated because of his pretty face. Clenching his fist, he is determined to find the missing president.

__________

The first time I encountered Yokohama myself was terrifying. I can compare it to the feeling I was planning to go to school the next day. I can only wish and hope not to be in the same classroom as he is.

This is the day that I have decided to face my fears. I took a week off, but principal Tanaka was not even bothered. I did my part during those times in the infirmary room. My cousin finally had someone to spend her time with.

Monday means new beginnings, and I hate to admit that I am frightened to enter the class. At least the introduce yourself period is over, nobody would ever suspect a thing about me.

Thankfully, just like any cliche moments.

The class started, everybody was minding their own business. As usual, I’m taking notes. What I forgot to expect is recitation. The teacher called me, and everyone suddenly stared at me. My heart beats so fast, the teacher told me to turn the pages.

“Page 37 Tanizaki.”

My hands shake as I flip the pages. I started to read the pages, the words are blurry, I don’t understand what I’m doing.

Suddenly, someone chimes in as I read. It was the voice of a guy. I look at him, it is none other than Yokohama.

I felt a sudden chill. He just saved me, I took my seat then. The teacher did not try to even scold him. He looks calm yet I feel threatened.

I tried to shake him off my mind as I tried to escape during lunch. Thankfully, he did not follow me or anything. I was peacefully making my way to the infirmary.

“Chiyo!” a familiar voice called me. I did not look right away. I just don’t have the courage to look.

“Chiyo!” She called me again and ran to hug me. She is in tears as she hugs me. “Where have you been?”

“Akemi.”

“I’m glad you are here!”

“But I want to leave.”

“Why? Please don't leave!”

“But I don’t want this anymore.”

“I really wish you would stay.”

“I wanted to escape this kind of responsibility. I have suffered so much, I endured so much but it was never to my benefit.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Please don’t be. You are the best person that I have ever met and I have decided not to confide in you back then. This is my only way to finally break free. I’m not ready to tell you anything yet, Akemi. I’m really sorry.”

I leave Akemi behind.

Waiting inside is my cousin, Sara, who is reading a book. “I already bought the food because students will soon fill the cafeteria. It has become so messy these days.”

“I don’t intend to fix it though.”

“Why has it something to do with you?”

“Oh, nevermind.” I have not mentioned my situation yet. I am still obsessed to be considered normal in the family.

She didn't ask further, I mean the whole dyeing hair is like being bored of my old one that is why. The impression I kind of made her think is that I was just trying to relieve my pressure.