"Class Representatives"

The following week after midterms, the vote counting for the class representatives had concluded. As students made their way to class, teachers followed with two folders. A folder for rep of the boys and one for the girls. Once everyone was seated, and settled in, she made the announcement:

"The votes for our class representatives have been counted and finalized. Before I announce our winners, I want to reiterate what our representatives will be responsible for. Future representatives, you will be responsible of keeping your class informed of future events. As well as planning them and coordinating with other classes for these events. The most important part of your duties as class representatives, is that you keep the classroom in order. You are my backup, meaning that if you see something that's not supposed to be happening, you must act on it. Failure to uphold your duties as class representatives, could result in you losing your status. With that being said, I'd like to welcome Seira Takanashi as your representative for the girls, and Takada Suzuki for the boys."

Immediately cheers filled the class, as the two most popular people won. This was no surprise that they would win, they're both great people, and I know that they will be great reps. Our teacher had then called them both up to the front to address the class. As they both got out of their seats, as they walked, the constant cheers of the classroom filled the room.

"Hello everyone as you know, my name is Takada Suzuki. I would like to thank you all for voting for me to be the boy's representative for the class. I promise that I will be someone everyone can trust and depend on... Thank you."
"I'm Seira Takanashi, if I'm being honest, I didn't expect to win the vote for this. I want to get to know you all better and grow with you all."

Everyone clapped and applauded as the teacher gave them their keys and duties.

"I hope you two will be great leaders for the class. Congratulations for all your hard work, and the achievements you have yet to get."
"Thank you, Sensei, we'll make you proud."

With our new representatives now chosen, the environment of the class seems to change overnight. The class seemed livelier over the next few days, as Seira and Takada performed their duties flawlessly. They always ensured that the class was clearly informed on events around the school and kept participation within the class high. We weren't able to hang out with them after school much after they were voted in, mainly due to the meetings they had to be in with teachers and the other representatives. They both seemed very happy with their positions, and I was happy for them. One day as I was walking to the cafeteria, someone taps my shoulder. I was surprised when I turned around and saw Seira smiling at me.

"Hey Shiro, are you heading to lunch?"
"Yea, I forgot to eat breakfast this morning, so I'm starving..."
"I was heading over there myself, want to eat lunch together?"
"Yea sure."

Seira and I walked and talked all the way to the cafeteria. She told me about the types of things that the representatives have to do, and how some of the meetings can be quite boring. As she told me that, I chuckled a little.

"It seems like you and Takada have the work laid out for you..."
"Yes... the extra responsibilities are a lot, but I really enjoy it. We're currently talking about a surprise for all the classes with the other class reps."
"Oh really? What kind of surprise?"
"Dummy... if I told you what it was, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore wouldn't it?"
"I guess you're right about that one, well I'm looking forward to it."

She nods to me as we enter the cafeteria. They were selling miso soup and curry udon in the cafeteria.

"I love curry udon... they rarely sell it here."

I said excitedly, as I walked faster to the lunch line. Seira also sped up, but she was after the miso soup instead. As we got our lunch trays, and looked for an open spot to sit at, we spot Takada and the rest of our exam study group sitting at a large table with other classmates. 

"Want to join them, Seira?"
"Okay, that's fine with me."

She said in a happy tone. Seira was in bright spirits whenever I saw her, she's always in a good mood. I've never once saw her angry. But I didn't want to see her angry, I had heard from someone in the past that "the nicest people are also the scariest when they're pushed too far." With that in mind, I hope that I never do anything to upset Seira, because I don't want to see her upset... especially with me. As we sat down at the table, Takada waved to us.

"Hey guys, what's up?"

Takada had asked us, before we could answer, we were interrupted by a couple of the students:

"Takada... why is that loser with us?"
"Because he's a cool person."

As I sat down, I felt the stares of a couple students that still felt some animosity towards me. Other than the few students with a foul mouth, lunch was enjoyable with my new friends. After lunch, Seira and Takada had to head straight to a meeting for the surprise that they had planned.

"I wonder whatever it is they have planned..."

I thought to myself as I walked back to the class. For the rest of the day in class, our teacher spent the time to announce the project that we'll have to do after our break. After announcing our project, she suddenly began a lecture on the Izu Peninsula. We were wondering why sensei suddenly started talking about Izu. Being very descriptive about important landmarks in the area, along with some popular beaches.

"Sensei! What's the point of this lecture?"

One of the students asked.

"I want you to pay attention to this lecture, because after we will have a small quiz on it."
"What? No fair?

Many students, once again started to complain about the sudden announcement of a quiz. While many students simply accepted defeat and pulled out their notebooks. The lecture on the Izu Peninsula lasted for around 30 minutes. As I looked at my phone, I saw that every other class was also suddenly receiving a lecture on the Izu Peninsula. No one really had a clue about what was going on regarding the sudden lecture. I found it quite interesting though, I enjoyed learning about locations that I've never been before.  As the lecture ended, our teacher, along with all the other classes in our level were called to the auditorium. When we got to the auditorium, we saw all the teachers and the class reps on the stage.

"Good afternoon students, we have a special announcement to share with you all today. As you all know, this afternoon, you all were treated to a special lecture on the Izu Peninsula. You might have wondered, what was the point of this lecture. Well, we want to share with you all... that for the weekend, we will be taking a class trip to the Izu Peninsula. While we're there, we will be staying in Minamiizu.

"Holy hell! A class trip!?"
"I've never been to Minamiizu before!"
"I'm so excited."

The auditorium roared with yells and screams of happiness, as we were treated to this amazing surprise. As I looked at the stage at Takada and Seira, I could see them wink and give a thumbs up towards my direction. I couldn't lie, I was extremely happy with this surprise. I had been to Minamiizu once, but it was for family reasons. I was happy to be going back. Maybe... I could go back to that one beach...

"Today we will be handing out permission slips for the trip. Please make sure you talk to your parents about this trip and have them sign these slips. We are looking to leave from the school to Minamiizu on Friday morning. The school has charted a few buses that will be able to hold the classes. We will be in Izu for the weekend, so please make sure you pack enough items for the trip. But most importantly, make sure you have fun and enjoy yourselves while we're there. "

The class representatives began walking around the auditorium passing out the permission slips. As they were doing this, it was nearly impossible for anyone to keep their excitement inside. This was possibly one of the biggest announcements to ever be said at the school. After all the permission slips were passed out, the teachers and representatives dismissed up. Students funneled out through the exit, trying to get home quickly. As I got home, although I didn't like the thought of talking to my parents about things, I needed their signature. Eika and my father were in the kitchen preparing dinner. As I walked in, I decided to try to play nice, so that I could get their permission.

"Hi father... Hi Eika..."

They look up at me and wave, and before I say anything else, my father starts talking.

"How was school today?"
"It was good. So, um... at school today, they surprised us with something big. But I need you to sign a permission slip so I can go."
"Go?? Go where?"
"To Minamiizu... in Shizuoka."
"How long is the trip?"
"They said we'd be there for the weekend."
"Alright then, I'll sign it for you, it'll be a good experience for you."
"Thanks..."

I unzip my backpack, and pull out the form, setting it on the table.

"I'm going to get some sleep; I'm really tired from the last few days. Thank you again for letting be go, I really appreciate it..."

My father nodded as I walk upstairs and got ready for bed. The next day, I turn my permission slip into the teacher. I'm so excited for this trip... this is going to be an amazing time. I couldn't think about anything else, the only thing that filled my mind, was the trip that we'd be taking at the end of the week.

"I can't wait... during this trip, I'll make sure to confess to Seira, and tell her how I feel."