Chapter 9
The Student Council Office was a sanctuary of quiet authority. At its center sat Kaito Izumi, the President. As a third-year student and the second most handsome boy in the school, his influence was absolute. Beside him stood the Vice President, Mami-chan, a second-year whose beauty was as sharp as her ambition.
Kaito leaned back, eyes half-closed as he mused aloud. "For the past four days, the entire school has been buzzing about this new girl, Aleza. Only four days in, and she's already a legend. Impressive."
Mami-chan, who had been scrolling through her phone, looked up with a strained smile. "She is... unique. We had a bit of a collision this morning. Most girls would have run away in a panic, but she stayed. She was remarkably polite."
Kaito let out a thoughtful hum. "I need to keep an eye on her. If she has the mettle of a leader, I might just offer her my seat as President. It's been five years, and no one has come close to challenging me in an election."
Mami-chan's smile faltered, replaced by a flash of indignation. "But... I was supposed to be your successor. How does Aleza even fit into this equation?"
Kaito's gaze sharpened, catching the irritation in her voice. "You seem tense, Mami. I haven't made any final decisions yet." Then, a slow, calculative smirk spread across his face. "Actually, I have an idea. If Aleza has climbed this high in four days, why not let the two of you battle it out? A Student Council Election: Mami-chan versus Aleza Misaka. The winner takes the Presidency, and the loser serves as Vice President. What do you think?"
Mami-chan tossed her hair back, her arrogance returning in full force. "My status in this school is untouchable. Aleza won't reach my level in two years, let alone a few days. I'll crush her in the polls."
Kaito chuckled. "Bold words for someone who hasn't been able to unseat me for five years. Where do you get such confidence?"
Mami-chan crossed her arms, looking away with a huff. "It's true, I couldn't beat you. But no one has ever been able to take my Vice Presidency either. I am the most beautiful girl in this school, and I have the best team behind me. For Aleza to beat me... the odds are practically zero."
Kaito stood up, stretching his limbs with a tired sigh. "Being President isn't all glory, Mami. Managing every minor crisis and organizing the upcoming Cultural Festival is a heavy burden. I'll be graduating soon; I need to ensure my successor has the spine to handle it all."
Mami-chan raised her hand, her eyes locked on his. "Fine. I accept. I'll run against Aleza, and I'll prove who really rules this school."
Kaito smiled. "Then it's settled. I'm heading to the first-year wing to hear her thoughts myself."
During the final period, the teacher stood before the class with a bright smile. "Students, we have a very special visitor. Your senior and Student Council President, Kaito Izumi, is here."
The room erupted into hushed excitement. Every girl's eyes sparkled at the mention of his name. But Aleza sat frozen, her heart hammering against her ribs. So... you're finally here, she thought. Kaito Izumi. My first crush. Five years ago, you were the only one who saw any value in me, but I could never find the words to tell you how I felt.
Rayzon noticed the dazed look on her face. He waved a hand in front of her eyes. "Aleza? You're smiling like you're in another world. What are you thinking about?"
Aleza snapped out of it, turning her head away with a huff. "Nothing! And it's none of your business anyway."
Rayzon smirked. "Alright, alright. But don't be too grumpy. It looks like Kaito is here specifically for you."
Aleza's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. She turned back to Rayzon, her eyes shimmering with a rare, soft light. "Do you... do you really think so?"
Rayzon's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, seeing that unmistakable glow in her eyes. "Why are your cheeks so red? And what's with that sparkle?"
The door swung open. Kaito and Mami-chan stepped inside, and the classroom fell into a reverent silence followed by feverish whispers. Kaito walked to the front, his hands in his pockets, radiating a calm, effortless charisma.
"Good evening, everyone," Kaito began, his voice smooth. "I hope your studies are going well. I'm here to personally welcome our newest student, Aleza Misaka. My responsibilities kept me busy, or I would have come sooner. Aleza, would you mind standing up?"
Every eye in the room pivoted to Aleza. With a steady breath, she stood, bowing politely. "Thank you for taking the time to visit, President. It's an honor to meet you."
Kaito stared at her for a long moment, his gaze unreadable before he broke into a warm smile. "Just as I heard. You seem quite capable. It's no wonder you've already broken into the Top 20."
Mami-chan's eyes drifted to Rayzon, and her blood boiled. What is my fiancé doing sitting next to her? And why is he looking at her like that? Does he even realize I'm in the room? She cleared her throat loudly, forcing a polite tone. "I'm also here to welcome you, Aleza."
Aleza smiled back. "Thank you, Mami-chan. And I truly am sorry for the collision this morning."
Kaito clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Now, as you all know, the School Festival is approaching, followed by the Student Council Elections. I want my successor to be someone with immense potential—someone like you, Aleza Misaka."
The room gasped. The whispers turned into a roar of shock. Aleza is running against Mami-chan?
"Exactly," Kaito continued, looking directly at Aleza. "I want you to run for President against Mami-chan. The winner takes the lead, the loser becomes Vice President. So, Aleza... will you accept this challenge?"
Aleza's face was burning. She looked down at her desk, her voice small. "No... I don't have any interest in politics. I don't think I can do it."
Mami-chan smirked internally. She's folding before the fight even starts. Weak.
"I see," Kaito said, undeterred. "I believe everyone should have a choice. I'll give you three days to think it over. Give me your final answer in the Council Office then." He then turned his gaze toward Rayzon, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And what about you, Rayzon? The most handsome boy in school... are you sitting this one out again?"
Rayzon looked Kaito in the eye, his expression shifting into one of cold arrogance. "I have no interest in titles. If I had run even once, you would have been out of that seat years ago. I just don't like working that hard."
Kaito turned toward the door, a small smile playing on his lips. "Your arrogance is as sharp as ever, Rayzon. But pride can be a heavy burden. Think about it. Aleza, I'll see you in three days."
After school, Aleza walked home, her mind a chaotic mess. Kaito Izumi... he's the one who saved me from those bullies five years ago. I've liked him ever since. If I accept, I'll be closer to him... but he's graduating soon, and I have years left.
She gripped her head in her hands, closing her eyes in frustration. "What do I do? Why can't I decide?"
"Why don't you just run for it?" A confident voice called out from behind. It was Rayzon.
Aleza stopped, turning to see him leaning against a wall, a knowing smile on his face. He stepped forward. "I'll help you. I'll make sure you beat Mami-chan."
Aleza gasped. "You? Help me? But why would you..." She stopped, her thoughts darkening. You did nothing but cause me pain in the past, Rayzon. Why the change of heart now?
Rayzon watched her, his heart aching. I know what you're thinking, Sofia. I know I don't deserve your trust after what I did. But if I don't start now, I'll never be able to atone for my sins. I have to make this right.
He walked up to her, extending his hand. "Let's be a team, Aleza. I'll be your strength in this election."
Aleza saw the sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, her breath hitched. But the bitterness of the past was too strong. She looked away, her voice laced with despair. "I can't do it. I can't beat someone like Mami-chan. It's impossible for me."
Suddenly, Aleza felt a pair of arms wrap around her. Rayzon pulled her into a firm, gentle embrace. Aleza's eyes widened in sheer shock, her body tensing up.
"Life is strange, Aleza," Rayzon whispered into her ear. "If you give up before you even begin, you'll never see what you're truly capable of. Don't let fear win."
Aleza shoved him back with all her might, her face flushed with fury. "Don't you ever touch me like that again! Stay away from me!"
She spun around and bolted toward her house, tears blurring her vision as they flew into the wind. Why? she cried out in her mind. Why does my heart race whenever you're near? I'm supposed to hate you more than anyone in this world, Rayzon!
Back on the path, Rayzon stood alone, watching her figure disappear. A sad, determined smile crossed his face. I'll wait for you, Sofia. No matter how many times you push me away