Chapter 19: Assembly, Part 1

Chapter 19: Assembly, Part 1

Taking a deep breath, I pushed aside the exhaustion and focused on the task at hand. With Misaki by my side, I knew we could tackle any obstacle that came our way. As we walked side by side, our steps quick and purposeful, Misaki's question hung in the air like a sudden gust of wind. Her voice cut through the silence, breaking the rhythm of our hurried pace.

"Yuuki... How do you feel about Aya?" she asked, her words abrupt and direct. I paused for a moment, considering my response. Honesty seemed to be the best course of action, even if it meant revealing my true thoughts. "Well, to be honest, I don't feel much towards Aya," I replied, my voice carrying a hint of indifference. "She is merely engaged to me by virtue of our families, but to me, she is nothing more than an annoyance. Or, to put it more accurately, a stranger."

Misaki listened attentively; her gaze was focused ahead, but I could sense the wheels turning in her mind. She had always been perceptive, capable of reading between the lines and understanding the complexities of human emotions. I trusted her to see beyond the surface of my words and grasp the deeper truth.

"I understand," she said softly, her voice laced with empathy. "Arranged marriages can be complicated, especially when feelings are not involved. It must be challenging to navigate such a situation."

I nodded in agreement, grateful for Misaki's understanding. We had shared countless conversations over the years, and she knew the intricacies of my life better than anyone else. There was a level of comfort in her presence, knowing that she accepted me for who I was, even when my thoughts and emotions were not conventional.

"Jeez, isn't that weird? You're engaged to someone you barely know," Misaki remarked, her tone laced with playful mockery. I couldn't help but chuckle at her comment, knowing that she had a point. "Says the girl who got rejected by Asahi like five times," I retorted, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. I couldn't resist teasing her back, reminding her of her own romantic misadventures. It was all in good fun, though, as our banter had become a familiar and cherished part of our friendship.

"President, wait for me!" a voice called out, approaching us with boundless enthusiasm. It was Yoshiki-san, a classmate and friend of ours, who seemed to have an endless supply of energy. Misaki's face flushed with a hint of embarrassment, and I couldn't resist adding a playful remark. "Hmmmm," I mused with a sly smile, pretending to be intrigued by the situation. Misaki shot me a playful glare, knowing exactly what I was implying. "Don't say!" she exclaimed, her cheeks turning even redder. "It's not like that." She tried to defend herself, but her reaction only fueled my playful teasing. "Sure, sure," I replied, feigning innocence. "I won't say a word." I raised my hands in a mock gesture of surrender, knowing full well that the playful banter would continue to entertain us on our journey to the student council room.

Subaru Yoshiki, the student council treasurer, His unruly black hair stood out in all directions, giving him a distinct and somewhat quirky look. His eyes, always filled with curiosity, seemed to sparkle with excitement as he addressed me. "President! Why did you call for the assembly?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity and a playful smile. Subaru was known for his inquisitive nature and unique perspective on things. I glanced at Misaki, who took it upon herself to answer Subaru's question. "Regarding the 36th Yato Modern Japanese Sword Tournament," she responded confidently. Misaki had always been passionate about swordsmanship and was eager to participate in the upcoming tournament. Subaru's eyes widened with surprise and genuine interest. "Are you going to compete in the tournament?" he inquired, directing his question to Misaki. His excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but be curious about her response.

"Yes!!" Misaki exclaimed, her excitement palpable. She wasted no time in questioning Subaru about his own participation. "So, are you going to compete?" she asked him eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

Subaru shook his head, his smile unwavering. "I don't think so," he replied. "I'll be assisting the committee members behind the scenes. There's plenty to do to ensure the smooth running of the tournament."

As we approached the assembly hall, a buzz of anticipation filled the air. The hall was teeming with students, all gathered to witness the upcoming event. The sight of their eager faces added to the sense of importance and responsibility that came with being part of the student council.

"Walk in pride, for we are the student council," I declared, a surge of pride welling up within me. Subaru and Misaki echoed my sentiment, their voices blending together in unison. With a renewed sense of purpose, we led the way, striding through the assembly hall.

The hall itself was adorned in a magnificent mediaeval European style. The grandeur of the decorations, with their intricate details and regal colours, created an atmosphere of enchantment. It was a space that exuded both history and elegance, serving as a fitting backdrop for the upcoming tournament.

As we walked with confidence, the eyes of the students followed our every move. Their gazes were filled with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and admiration. Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd, each person offering their own thoughts and observations.

"He just became the student council president because of the Yato family," someone whispered, their voice tinged with a hint of envy. The legacy of my family seemed to precede me, and while it brought me to this position, I was determined to prove myself through my actions and dedication.

"He is so handsome," another voice remarked, their words carrying a note of admiration. I couldn't help but feel a touch of embarrassment at the compliment, yet I remained focused on the task at hand.

"He's won the Yato sword competition six times, hasn't he?" Someone asked, their voice filled with genuine curiosity. The mention of my accomplishments in the prestigious sword competition was met with murmurs of acknowledgment and respect.

Meanwhile, Misaki, with her charming and charismatic presence, also caught the attention of the students. Whispers of admiration and affection floated through the air. "Misaki is way too cute," one voice gushed, while another responded with a playful retort, "What are you saying?" The exchange brought smiles and laughter to those who overheard it.

As we reached the stage, the energy in the hall intensified. All eyes were fixed on me as I took my place at the centre podium. The anticipation in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders.

Standing tall, I surveyed the sea of eager faces before me. It was a moment of great significance as I prepared to address the students and set the tone for the upcoming tournament. The stage was set, both literally and metaphorically, for me to convey my vision, inspire unity, and ignite the passion within each and every student present.

Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat and began to speak, my voice resonating through the hall. The words flowed with a blend of conviction and sincerity as I shared my hopes and aspirations for the tournament, emphasising the values of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

The students listened intently, their eyes fixed on me. It was a pivotal moment, a chance to foster a sense of unity and purpose among the diverse individuals gathered in that hall.