From Chinese translations by Hinako.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: 櫻橋/樱桥Sakurabashi (Sakura bridge); 行幸桥 Gyoukou bridge; 坪井川 Tsuboigawa
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
Two days had passed since their arrival at Kojou High School.
With regards to Takaya, he had long been detached from high school life.
He had not stepped into his former school in close to two years. All of his fellow classmates were now either in university or contributing to society. Wondering about what everyone else were doing now, Takaya realized that it had been a long time since he last thought about his friends.
Takaya's mood was rather complicated, having to associate with students who were two years younger than he was.
But even if he wanted to casually immerse himself in nostalgia, this school was far too strange to allow that.
What a weird school...
So that was how it was. Like what Endou had said, this school was extremely unusual.
It grew all the more obvious with each observed eccentricity of Mikuriya's student executives from what was known as the 'Iron Student Council' in that school.
The stringent recording of latecomers at the school gates could be comparable to the inspection of luggages and passengers at the airport; the broadcasting office, in charge of the announcements made in school, was also under the eye of the student executives, they could not air any music other those that were allowed. The strangest thing was the Gregorian hymn that was played everyday at noon for no apparent reason. Clearly, this place was not a missionary school. When he asked about it, he was told that it could 'calm a person's mood, thereby making it easier to concentrate on one's study'. (That said, European music had grown rather popular of late)
A student assembly would be held three times a week in the mornings during which the 'president of the student committee would address the students'. Mikuriya would personally stand at the microphone and deliver a speech. Her speech was glorified as an appeal to the students to 'practice the ideal way of school life', but in truth it was nothing more than the admonishment of her subordinates. However, she did have an ingenious way of articulation, every single word was uttered with absolute confidence. Her discussions were so rounded that no flaw could be found in them. Although her gestures were melodramatic, the sense of unclarity felt from watching her drew one in unconsciously. On careful scrutiny, once could see that all of the students were staring at the stage entranced; it startled Takaya immensely. This was a state of semi-hypnosis. It could very well be considered as brainwashing. The announcing of those who had violated the code of the society as well as commendations for those who had significantly contributed to the student council followed after. To conclude the assembly, all of the students recited the rules of the society. A regime that bordered on the strange.
It seemed as though president Mikuriya was regarded as an object of worship. Whenever Mikuriya led the 'inspection tour' around the school, there would surely be five or six student executives following behind her. The students would also make way for her, honoring her with the most polite courtesy of a 90 degrees bow. It was simply like the procession of a daimyo. That aside, their expressionless faces, reminiscent of army personnel, left Takaya cold.
The student executives would watch over the actions of every single student.
Their performance records, relationships between classmates, family environment, even male-female interactions were observed. (In other words, the beginnings of intimacy, the ends of relationships, the place where couples first meet, even the physical extent of the relationships, all of them were entered into the data files of the student executives) With regards to this gathering of personal information, it was said that the student executives acquired this from a system of secret informants. The covert exposure of another's private details to the executives (based on the value of the information) could reduce one's count of violations against the code of the society. This matter was carried out in a semi-overt way. It truly left one stunned with terror.
Even for those who have never violated the code of the society, if their actions were deemed to be problematic they would be 'summoned' by the inspection committee. Once a student has been summoned three times, he would be suspended from school.
It was truly unusual.
Because of the system of secret informants, the social relationships between the students had been strained. With this situation, one could not even confide in friends. It would be most unfortunate if everything disclosed to another party ended up reaching the ears of the student executives.
In this way, lateral ties grew weak while the dominion of the student executives intensified. Judging from this seizing of personal information, it seemed like the role of the student executive was to dig up people's secrets or perhaps weaknesses, so that this data could be used as a threat in the case of a contingency, to make the students obey.
How low-handed...
Under these sort of circumstances, no one would dare revolt even if they wanted to. There was one thing that could not be understood, why had the students allowed the organization to become so corrupt? In the very first place, what would the executive committee gain from these actions?
What is their objective?
The more he knew, the less he understood.
What happened in this school?
Lunch break.
In the nearby corridor, a student was being stamped with a violation mark by a member of the inspection committee (what the students referred to as getting 'inspected') for not obtaining permission to change his bicycle. The inspection committee member handled the situation in a machine-like manner, looking like a despotic policeman. ...On the other hand, the student punished was extremely compliant, to the extent of behaving deferentially, using respectful words to address the inspection committee member who was younger than he was.
"How unreasonable..."
Takaya remarked, stunned at this he rubbed his chin, Endou was seated beside him, voraciously eating out of his lunch box.
"I've to be a bit more careful too. If I get another dot, it'll be my second yellow card."
"Yellow card?"
"Suspension from school." Endou showed his student card to Takaya. It had many red stamps and digits aligned side by side. "Each time you're late, you get two dots. Absence without any valid reason gets you five dots. Even if you have a reason, if it's not an honest one - that's to say, if you're found guilty of skipping classes, you get ten dots at one shot. Ten dots gets you temporary suspension. If you're suspended three times, you'll be expelled."
"So you're snuffed out once you hit 30 dots... If you're late two weeks within a span of three years, will you be expelled?"
"Even if you're late by one second, you'd be considered a latecomer. This sort of thing isn't usually decided by the students right. Seriously, how did it end up like this."
Despite saying this, Endou still accepted it. He accepted this situation, its oddity and unusualness notwithstanding.
Takaya wrinkled his brows in an imposing manner.
Right at that moment.
"Akemi--!" A schoolgirl from the adjacent classroom called out as she ran in.
"Huh, Emi?"
The female student who replied was Inaba Akemi. Seated with her friends, opening their lunch boxes, Akemi widened her eyes in surprise.
"What is it? You don't look so good."
"What am I to do? Sorry, Akemi!"
Takaya and Endou observed this sudden bustle. Her friend, Emi, had an ashen face. She explained the entire matter to Akemi.
"What---!! SEEVA's concert ticket has been confiscated by the inspection committee?"
"Sorry, sorry, Akemi! The schoolbag inspection was only conducted yesterday...! I really didn't expect them to come again today--!"
"How did this...! That concert ticket... That ticket is exclusive to fanclub members, it's an extremely limited concert ticket!"
"I'm really sorry--! What should I do!"
Emi clung onto Akemi, crying out. Akemi did not know what to do either.
"Even if you ask me... What's to be done...!"
It seemed like Emi had brought the concert ticket, that Akemi had entrusted to her, to return it to her in school. It was discovered by the inspection committee as a result and thus confiscated.
"Oh dear. What a pity." Endou also looked sympathetic. "Anything confiscated by the inspection committee won't be returned. They're die-hard fans of SEEVA."
"SEEVA?"
It sounded familiar to Takaya, it was actually the name of the rock singer that Yuzuru was fascinated with.
"That was really unfortunate of her. Unexpectedly having her schoolbag examined two days in a row. They won't see that ticket again."
Emi cried profusely, wiping away her naval mucus and tears at the same time.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Akemi!"
"Even if you apologize... After all the effort spent in getting that ticket... I've even bought the train tickets to Osaka."
"Ahh, what should I do!"
Looking at Emi, who was weeping loudly in despair, Takaya felt angry at the injustice of this matter. She was only going to hand over the concert ticket to a friend, what was so wrong about that? Apparently, even this was prohibited by the inspection committee. It seemed like anything that was not related to driving the students in their studies was not acceptable.
"You can only forget about it."
Endou muttered. The friends around Emi also said the same.
"Nothing can be done, forfeited objects are never returned..."
"You were really unlucky." They consoled her in this way, but no one mentioned about going to retrieve the concert ticket. Watching how the surrounding students resolutely believed that there was no other alternative but to give up on it, Takaya felt irritated. This was not something that should be abandoned so easily.
"...!"
Takaya wanted to say something and stood up, at that same moment, someone called him from behind all of a sudden.
"Is Ougi Takaya of class 2B present?"
He looked back, startled. Endou let out a small 'Ah'; standing over there were those student executives.
"Aren't you present? ...Ougi Takaya."
He uttered as he stepped into the classroom, it was yet again that vice-president of the student council, Ozaki.
The classroom sank into absolute silence. Endou tugged at Takaya's sleeve worriedly. Takaya stared at Ozaki sharply.
"You didn't show up yesterday. We, together with the president, were waiting for you."
"I've only just registered at this school, there are plenty of things I'm busy with." Both of Takaya's hands were stuck in his pockets, he replied arrogantly. "I don't have that kind of leisure to specially go calling on your queen."
Endou and the rest of the students were shocked. They did not expect such a blatant showing of defiance from Takaya. Everyone's faces were tensed, thinking 'oh crap'. As he expected, the facial expressions of Ozaki's party were completely distorted.
"What did you just say?"
"I don't like to be ordered around. If you really want us to meet that badly, why don't you tell her to personally come over?"
"Aarghhhh, Ougi!" Endou grabbed hold of Takaya's arm, his face had turned rather pale. "You idiot! Why the hell are you being so provocative...!"
"What you said just now..." Ozaki interrupted Endou with a pompous, menacing voice. "Can it be taken as a revolt against the student committee?"
"N...No, it's not that! Ougi's just not used to it..."
Takaya pushed Endou, who was attempting to explain his words, away and stepped forward.
"However you want to retaliate, go ahead. The way you guys handle things, I find it unpleasant in every way. This is my style. No matter what other people say, I won't change."
"...So no matter what, you won't come?"
"I'm not so generous as to accompany you people in your queen's games."
Contrary to the student executives whose anger had reached the heavens, the emotions on Ozaki's face were stripped away, changing into an expressionless mask. He gazed at Takaya.
"I see. I understand."
"..."
"Endou-kun."
Having his name abruptly mentioned, Endou was so scared he nearly jumped.
"Y...Yes!"
"Yesterday, when class ended you went to the video games hub at Shinshigai and enjoyed yourself there didn't you. It should've been stated in the rules of the student council that you're forbidden to enter game shops, such as those in the video games hub, after school."
Endou's face lost all of its color, as though it had been 'painted' white.
"A violation of the fifth rule in article 12 of the student council, this will add five violation points to your records. You'll get your second yellow card if you get another violation point won't you."
"Ah...That... I... that..."
"If all of your school activities are to be suspended from tomorrow onwards as punishment, you won't be able to attend the art lessons on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Your attendance for art class is rather poor right? If you fail this module, you won't be able to get the course credits." Ozaki maliciously hoisted his lips. "Then you won't be able to proceed to the next grade, isn't that right?"
Endou's pale face was completely taut. All of a sudden, as though pushing away all that was in front of him, he shoved Takaya aside and dropped to his knees before Ozaki.
"Endou...!"
"P-Please! Let me off just this once! If I can't proceed to the next grade, I'll get into deep trouble! It'll be bad!"
"What's to be done now..." Ozaki mused, glancing at Takaya. "Even if you say that, a violation of the rules is still a violation."
"P-Please! I beg you, if I'm suspended I'll get into a lot of complications! Please let me off, please...!"
"..."
Every student in the classroom held their breath as they watched this scene unfold. Takaya's eyes were wide open as he gazed at the figure of Endou kneeling on the floor beside him, then he looked at Ozaki. A complacent smile appeared on Ozaki's face as though he was feeling victorious.
"Now that you mention it....Yes, I can reconsider it."
"Rea... Really!"
"Ougi Takaya-kun." Everyone's line of sight concentrated on Takaya. Ozaki smiled even more. "If you come to the executive committee office and swear your loyalty to President Mikuriya, I will consider letting Endou off."
A clamor rang out in the classroom. Takaya stared at him in shock. Ozaki had been planning to do this from the very start. Had someone seen them yesterday when they were roaming about the video games hub and secretly told on them? Ozaki had probably decided to use this information to threaten Endou, thereby making Takaya obey them.
"O-Ougi...!" Endou wrapped himself around Takaya's leg. "I beg you, please go! You only have to go there and everything will be fine! Do this for me will you!"
"Endou..."
"Please, Ougi!"
"There's no need to go to that place for that kind of guy, Ougi."
Endou's entreaty was interrupted by a voice from the front. Everyone turned in that direction in shock. A group of male students walked into the classroom. Seeing the male student standing in front, the students in class let out an apparent outcry of relief. Although that student was not particularly tall, he had a strangely intense presence.
Nezu Kouichi...!
Takaya was startled. They were the 'members of the resistance' who rebelled against Mikuriya's student executives. That resounding voice of Nezu echoed in the classroom.
"Even if Endou can't proceed to the next grade, that is the consequence of his own actions. He obviously knew of his poor attendance, yet still dared to skip lessons."
"What are you saying! Ne...Nezu!"
"Ougi, don't bother with him. You'll be fine, as long as you don't stick to your scrupulous ways that is."
Nezu said boldly, walking over to them. Takaya noticed that Ozaki, who was originally very full of himself, had unconsciously shrank back from Nezu.
"You guys are still the same as always, expert in these sort of vulgar tactics, student executive. What, bullying the new guy this time?"
"You again... Nezu Kouichi."
"Relying on this sort of offenses to threaten others, it's not like you're some kind of secret police. Or is it that you can't even bring a new student under your control without having to resort to these sort of base methods?"
Several drops of sweat appeared on Ozaki's forehead. This was proof that he had sunk into extreme nervousness in Nezu's presence.
"You look even more pathetic now considering that air of complacency on your face just a moment ago. Are you guys so afraid that the prestige of your executive committee will be tarnished by a new student?"
"Watch your words, Nezu Kouichi. You guys didn't attend the assembly this morning right. Do you want to be summoned again? Another violation and you'll be stripped of your member rights."
"Summoned? Is there any meaning to that sort of thing?" Nezu pretended to smile in a confused manner. "Even if I'm not a member, the fact that I'm still a student of Kojou High school won't change. Even if I'm banished from your student council, I can still graduate as a 'student who is not a member of the student council'."
"What insane words..." Ozaki clenched his teeth in hatred. "Banishment from the student council is equivalent to expulsion. Such students can no longer remain in this school."
"I won't allow that."
"What...!"
"Tell that to Mikuriya. You guys may appear to be forcing the headmaster or the staff members to obey the student council, but don't assume that your dominion will continue for much longer. We have a strength much greater than yours." Nezu stated without any trace of cowering. "I don't obey rules which are enforced via corrupted methods. Just because Ougi refused to report himself, you guys consider this as an opposition of the society's code. We will never obey Mikuriya's executive committee."
"...Ngh...!"
In the face of Nezu's fortitude, the student executives had no opportunity for refute. Ozaki glared at the 'leader of the resistance' bitterly.
"...I definitely won't let people like you obstruct us."
"..."
"Endou. Ougi. Don't forget what I said just now. If you don't come to the executive committee office today, Endou will be suspended from school. Understand."
"You don't have to go, Ougi."
"If you don't wish for Endou to repeat a year, you must come. Understand."
Ozaki uttered 'let's go' to his subordinates, leading the student executives out of the classroom. Right at that moment.
"Please wait!"
A female student called out in this way, overtaking Ozaki.
"Emi...!"
"Please! Please return me the ticket that was confiscated this morning! It's an extremely important ticket! It can't be thrown away!" Emi grabbed Ozaki desperately, with tears welling up in her eyes as she implored him. "Please return me that ticket! Please, please! I won't commit this offense again!"
"E-Emi! You...!"
"Please! Please!"
Ozaki looked at her coldly, then pushed Emi away in a vexed manner.
"Ah...!"
The student executives surrounded Emi, who had fallen on the floor. Emi wanted to chase after him once again, but she was cruelly held back by Mikuriya's minions.
"Please! Please...!"
"Satou Emi of class 2C. Three violation points to be added to her records for obstructing the carrying out of duties."
"Understood."
"Vice-president Ozaki!"
Ignoring the fact that Emi was crying until her eyes were a wet mess, the inspection committee member mechanically stamped the violation marks on her student card. All of the students gulped as they witnessed this chain of unpleasant situations. An unbearable atmosphere filled the entire classroom. One could perceive indignation and remorse, as well as a wish to dispel these feelings, a surrender that surrounded everyone's hearts, Takaya again felt severely annoyed.
What is with this school...!
"Ougi, please go. I'm begging you...!"
Hearing Endou's plea from his side, something snapped in Takaya's thoughts. He could not tolerate that miserable appearance of Endou's dependency on other people, Takaya glared at him ferociously.
"Wah...!"
Forgetting his original fear, Endou released Takaya. Takaya looked at Nezu, who was standing behind him.
Here we go again...
Nezu stared at Takaya with eyes full of what could be considered hostility. That manner of his was completely different from the way he spoke with Ozaki just moments ago.
Is he an ally... Or...
The student executives and inspection committee members had left. Akemi ran over to Emi, who was crying her eyes out. Nezu's gang also quietly left the classroom.
"..."
Remaining in the classroom, Takaya stood there in the vortex with a solemn expression.
***
After school that day,
Takaya went to the executive committee office.
Takaya was not planning to yield to the use of Endou's progress to the next grade as a threat against him, however he could not just ignore it.
Whatever the case, he saw a need to meet the student known as Mikuriya Juri.
After the bell for the sixth lesson rang, Takaya headed to the school building facing north, to the executive committee office on the first floor.
Inside the office, the room of the student council leader was situated on the right.
"I'm Ougi Takaya from class 2B."
Following the student executive's instructions he reported his name, Takaya opened the door to the president's room.
There was a carpet on the floor. A gorgeous desk and leather chair stood in the center, the room's furnishings were sadly more luxurious than that of the headmaster's office. Seated on the leather chair was one attired in a sailor-like uniform, a schoolgirl who looked rather young. The vice president Ozaki was standing beside her.
"Welcome. We've been waiting for you, transfer student from class 2B."
"..."
Takaya was startled, he stood dumbfounded in his original position for a brief moment.
He had mistaken the figure seated on the chair for a doll. Her skin was unusually white, with straight black hair that was leveled at her shoulders. Her eyes and nose were petite; a cute, regular face. She looked far too young and small for a second-year high school student, such that she appeared to be sinking into that gorgeous leather chair. That sort of disequilibrium gave one a feeling of peculiarity.
Is this Mikuriya Juri?
Her appearance was far from what he had imagined, making Takaya somewhat astounded. He had assumed Mikuriya to be someone with much tougher features. But not long after, his feeling of peculiarity changed into something else.
This brat is also...
"Please come in."
Urged in this way, Takaya entered the room. He felt sickened by the feel of his shoes sinking into the carpet.
"I'm pleased that you've decided to heed our words like an obedient student. There wouldn't have been any problems if you had done so from the start."
Perhaps Ozaki's arrogant smile provoked Takaya, he deliberately lowered his voice, confronting Mikuriya Juri directly.
"...I have come as instructed. So what are you going to do with me?"
Mikuriya Juri observed Takaya in silence. Ozaki interrupted.
"Watch your words. Take your hands out of your pockets. You're standing before the president."
Despite Ozaki's berating, Takaya ignored him.
"You asked for me right. President Mikuriya."
"That's right, Ougi Takaya." Mikuriya replied with a loud and clear voice. "I heard from Ozaki that you've many issues with the student council despite only having just transferred to this school."
"Planning to immediately stamp me with violation points are you?"
"No. You have not been 'broken in' yet. We will not punish a member who hasn't been educated on the rules of our society. We shall explain to you the significance of our society's principles, then you'll be requested to swear absolute compliance with the code of the society. However..."
"..."
"Before coming here, we already expect your full compliance with the code of the society."
"...And if I say that I can't understand such rules?"
Under Takaya's scrutiny, Mikuriya squinted, her small fine lips curled slightly.
"We won't let you say that you can't understand them."
"..."
"The council rules of this school are absolute. Consenting to it is an unquestionable prerequisite to become a student of Kojou High School. Do you understand now? Ougi Takaya."
I see...
Takaya finally understood. Mikuriya Juri... Very much like what the rumors say. She had a calm and loftiness inconsistent with that outward appearance which resembled a Bodo doll. At first glance, even the smile on that pale, young face possessed a distinctively compelling strength. No wonder everyone feared her. This imbalance, as though a mature woman was residing on the body of a child, projected a bizarre impression to anyone who looked at her.
'As though' residing on...?
Takaya's eyes grew sharp.
... That's not the case.
"Before that, in order to understand your character, we shall conduct an interview-like process. Please answer our questions."
"Interview...?"
"Please take a seat."
A metal chair had been prepared before the desk.
"Just some questions from this document that has to be submitted to the school's administration. Please let me know if there are any mistakes."
Following that, the long 'interview' began. Name, date of birth, former address, curriculum vitae, family members... The questions started simple, gradually leading to more personal matters. Chiaki had handled nearly all of the paperwork prior to their entry into this school. A dose of hypnotism, Chiaki's forte, had been included in his implementation. Thus, in reality, Takaya had not actually transferred from Jouhoku High School. However if the questioning grew too analytic, it would be difficult for Takaya to continue to deceive them. It was uncertain if Mikuriya noticed that Takaya had begun to feel dreary, or was this her objective perhaps? The endless questions made the one providing all the answers feel exhausted.
"At Jouhoku High School, you repeated your second year twice. Why?"
"..."
"Please answer. Why was your attendance lacking?"
"Are you guys investigators?" Takaya could no longer bear it, he finally snapped at her. "I don't believe it's necessary for me to continue with this answering. Is the job of the executive committee focused on prodding into people's personal affairs? If that's the case, you guys can really compare with those entertainment journalists."
"This is our responsibility, as stipulated by the rules of the society."
"No comment." Takaya firmly replied. "Your questioning is a cross-examination. If that's your intention, then I can exercise the right to remain silent. At the very least, this is stated in the laws of Japan."
"There's no right to remain silent in the societal rules of our school."
"...!"
"You won't be recognized as a student if you refuse to answer the questions. You won't become a student of Kojou High School if you behave in this way, no?"
"Is that a threat?"
Ozaki and Mikuriya remained silent. That ridiculous smile, flaunting 'victory', appeared on Ozaki's face again; but Mikuriya's expressionless face was several times more strange than his.
Takaya gazed at Mikuriya.
"What an exceptional dictatorship."
Saying this, he leaned back against the chair, casually changing his sitting posture at will. If Mikuriya really intended this, Takaya was prepared for a long battle.
Ozaki looked at him disapprovingly.
"Ougi, what kind of attitude is that..."
"I said I'm happy to keep you company. You guys are interested in me right? Then let's take it slow and easy."
"...!"
"Go ahead, please, thought-control police."
The two student executives stared at him in shock. Even Mikuriya appeared confounded at Takaya's astonishing surge of confidence.
Takaya did not take his eyes away for even a split second.
Mikuriya's expression grew earnest.
"Then will you please answer this question."
"..."
"Why have you come to this school?"
Takaya knitted his eyebrows.
Mikuriya gazed directly at Takaya.
Their views clashed in midair.
A tense atmosphere dominated the entire room.
"This answer..." Takaya uttered. "Why don't you ask yourselves the same question, kanshousha."
"...!"
Ozaki and Mikuriya were clearly perturbed. Takaya was swift, he stood up at this critical juncture.
"Ougi Takaya of class 2B swears to abide by the rules of Kojou High's student council. There, satisfied now? This is all that needs to be done right?"
"Ougi, you...!"
"I'm leaving. This room isn't particularly accommodating." Takaya reached the door, he turned back towards Mikuriya. "I don't know what you're attempting, but you won't get what you want. It'd be better for you to just give up on your schemes."
"...!"
"The next time you ask for me, at least prepare some tea for the guest. Your Highness."
Takaya's figure disappeared to the other side of the door.
Seated on the leather chair, Mikuriya's face was tensed while Ozaki was beset with intense uncertainty.
"President... He really is..."
"..." Mikuriya commanded with a tough intonation. "Gorou, dispatch our subordinates. Find out which faction he's from."
"He really is similar to us...!"
"Although we don't know what he intends to do, we can't let him obstruct us. He may be a comrade of those guys. Find out his identity."
"If he's their comrade then..."
"Dealing with him immediately would be the best course of action to take."
Mikuriya coldly replied, casting a sidelong glance at the doorway where Takaya had exited.
"Ougi Takaya..."
She muttered Takaya's name hatefully. She took out a silver chain from her clothes. A cross hung down from the front end of the chain. It was a rosary.
"How much does he know about us..."
"President."
"Whoever he is, we can't let him hinder us. No one must be allowed to obstruct the construction of the kingdom. Don't be negligent in your wariness of him. Watch his actions. Understand? Gorou. Don't lower your guard."
The stares of the student executives who watched Takaya as he left the president's room were needlelike. From the expression in their eyes, they seem to regard Takaya not so much an outsider as a heretic. Perhaps the atmosphere in the president's room had been transmitted to the outside, all of them were highly cautious of him. Takaya understood now.
--Brainwashing of raw recruits?
Apparently, they were not the type to rely on hyoui possession.
As he walk out of the room, Takaya suddenly noticed the scraps of paper in the rubbish bin. It looked like a blue concert ticket that had been thrown away after it was torn to pieces. It had the five letters of 'SEEVA' on it.
This is...
It was indeed the concert ticket that had been confiscated from Emi.
Remembering the crying face of the victim, Takaya wordlessly walked out of the room.
***
The sky was dark. The layers of stratus clouds gathered together. It looked like it was about to rain.
Someone called out to Takaya, who was slipping on his shoes at the front door.
"Seems like you've bowed to Mikuriya Juri, transfer student."
Once he lifted his head, he saw his classmate Miike Tetsuya standing there, leaning against the glass door. That ferocious expression of his could really match Takaya's. It seemed like he had been waiting for him.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"And here I was thinking you were someone with moral backbone..., hmph, not that amazing after all. Sucking up to that kind of woman... I've really misjudged you. Gutless brat."
"Rascals like you won't understand it." Takaya said as he wore his shoes. "With all the quirks of this school, I'm surprised you haven't been expelled yet. Contrary to your outward manner, you're actually very observant of the words and gestures of others."
"What!"
"I don't know why you've chosen to behave like a harmful juvenile but it's pathetic, just cut the act already. Do you want people to worry about you? You're nothing but a kid throwing a petty tantrum."
"What did you say!"
Tetsuya shouted, grabbing hold of Takaya's collar. Takaya noticed that Tetsuya's fingers were covered with circular scalds. Seeing that, feelings of nostalgia began to surge through him, Takaya smiled at Tetsuya slightly.
"Burn marks of your courage? This practice isn't popular anymore you know."
"You...!"
"Tetsuya!"
Hearing a sharp yell from behind, Tetsuya turned around in shock. Inaba Akemi was standing there. Her expression paled as she dashed over.
"What are you planning to do with Ougi-kun! Don't beat him up!" Akemi forcefully pulled Tetsuya away, yelling loudly. "Sorry, Ougi-kun! Tetsu, get a grip! How mean of you!"
"Quit nagging! It has nothing to do with you!"
"It has everything to do with me, Ougi-kun is my classmate! You rough brat! Still the same as when you were in primary school!"
"Shut up!" Tetsuya pushed Akemi away. He grabbed his schoolbag, turned on his heels and walked away. "Don't get too full of yourself, Ougi. I won't let you continue with your arrogance, you best remember this!"
Finishing with these words, Tetsuya walked away from the front door. It seemed like he had waited in this place just to cast these words at Takaya. Akemi stood up behind Takaya muttering, "Ouch, ouch."
"I'm really sorry, Ougi-kun. You must have been scared right? He really goes too far sometimes. He has always been a brute."
"Always? Have you known him for long?"
"Yeah. We studied at the same primary school. After moving to the city, we got separated but now we're together again in high school. But, why is Tetsu so bothered with Ougi-kun in the first place?"
"...Good point." Takaya's expression abruptly relaxed. "Perhaps it's because he smelt someone with the same flavor as himself."
Wah... he smiled!
The first time Akemi saw Takaya's profile, she had felt incessantly fearful. All this while, she had only seen Takaya's frightening face, she never imagined he had such an expression as well. That look on his face was unexpectedly gentle, causing Akemi to gaze at him in enthrallment.
"Looks like it's going to rain. If I don't hurry back, I'll get drenched."
"Ou...Ougi-kun!" Akemi came back to her senses, she suggested loudly. "I've an umbrella. If it's okay with you, shall we walk back together?"
***
Although Takaya had tactfully refused, explaining that his destination was very close by, it seemed like it was no match for Akemi's hospitality. Once Akemi knew of Takaya's place of residence, she exclaimed in a gleeful voice.
"Ehhhh---! Ougi-kun, you're staying at a hotel? That's so awesome!"
However, she added, "But that's really far from school." Because of the rain, she grew more and more stubborn, as a result, Takaya had to give in to Akemi's offer to walk him back to the hotel. Takaya had a lot of questions regarding the situation in school that he wanted to ask her, so this provided him with a good opportunity for conversation.
The tax office was situated beside the high school. A row of trees stretched from the Sakura bridge to the Gyoukou bridge of the Tsuboigawa coast. The two of them walked alongside each other through the rain.
"Ehhhh---! The concert ticket was thrown away?"
Learning of what Takaya saw in the executive committee room, Akemi's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
"So it would've been a lost cause after all... Everyone was talking about going to the executive committee room together to request that they return the ticket to Emi, but nobody went in the end out of fear."
"How is Emi?"
"Mmm. She was stamped with violation points right? Emi has been suspended from school. Once, she was absent without asking for leave beforehand because her grandfather had fallen ill all of a sudden. Despite explaining her reasons to the executive committee, it was not accepted. Combined with the points received from the inspection team for bringing disallowed materials, the addition of ten violation points, hence suspension."
"...This is seriously outrageous."
Due to shock, Emi had left school early. Akemi lowered her head, drooping her shoulders in a disheartened manner.
"Suspension from school would have a large impact on the grades. Speaking of which, I'm partly at fault... I feel really terrible for Emi."
"You didn't do anything wrong." Takaya sharply looked up at the sky. "This school's strangeness is to blame."
"Is it really that strange? Really so strange?"
"Don't you find it strange?"
"Hmm... Although people like Tetsu and Nezu-kun have said a lot, I don't really find it that... Perhaps it's a little strict, but this is for the betterment of the school. I also think that allowing autonomy among the students is a good idea..."
Is this another effect of the brainwashing? ...Mikuriya Juri.
Takaya's expression grew solemn. Despite having suffered so much, Akemi's acceptance of the code of the society did not change. An abnormal lack of self-initiative. Although she was aware, there was no open resistance. ...Just like Endou.
All of them shared a common characteristic. Akemi, Endou, as well as the other students, had a mixture of spirits attached to their body. Although their strength was small and weak, Takaya could sense a magnetic-like object, which attracted spiritual bodies, in every student. The students' opposition to Mikuriya's executive committee appeared related to whether they had spirits attached to them or not.
Proof for this was provided by the fact that several individuals did not have any mixed spirits adhered to their bodies in Takaya's class. And one of them was--...
"You said that you're Miike Tetsuya's childhood friend right."
Takaya changed the subject of their conversation, Akemi was a little startled.
"Yeah... that's right. Why...?"
"He doesn't seem to be Nezu's friend, did something happen to him? I hear he rebels against the executive committee, has he always been this way? It seems like he went through some hardship, his sister going missing or some sort..."
"You actually know of Hokage's incident!" Akemi was shocked, the color of her complexion changed. "From whom did you hear about this? Who told you? Ougi-kun, why do you...!"
"!"
Suddenly, Takaya stared ahead with a stunned expression. In the shade of the woods along the Tsuboigawa coast, a male student was standing there on the road, leaning against a tree.
"Ah..."
Akemi covered her mouth in shock. Takaya stared at the other with a serious face. The 'energy' issued from his body was unlike that of an ordinary person. In that class, he was another student who, like Miike Tetsuya, had no mixed spirits attached to his body...
"I wish to speak with you. Ougi Takaya."
"... It seems like the students of this school really like to harass new students."
In the misty rain, Takaya calmly looked back at Nezu Kouichi.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: 櫻橋/樱桥Sakurabashi (Sakura bridge); 行幸桥 Gyoukou bridge; 坪井川 Tsuboigawa
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
Two days had passed since their arrival at Kojou High School.
With regards to Takaya, he had long been detached from high school life.
He had not stepped into his former school in close to two years. All of his fellow classmates were now either in university or contributing to society. Wondering about what everyone else were doing now, Takaya realized that it had been a long time since he last thought about his friends.
Takaya's mood was rather complicated, having to associate with students who were two years younger than he was.
But even if he wanted to casually immerse himself in nostalgia, this school was far too strange to allow that.
What a weird school...
So that was how it was. Like what Endou had said, this school was extremely unusual.
It grew all the more obvious with each observed eccentricity of Mikuriya's student executives from what was known as the 'Iron Student Council' in that school.
The stringent recording of latecomers at the school gates could be comparable to the inspection of luggages and passengers at the airport; the broadcasting office, in charge of the announcements made in school, was also under the eye of the student executives, they could not air any music other those that were allowed. The strangest thing was the Gregorian hymn that was played everyday at noon for no apparent reason. Clearly, this place was not a missionary school. When he asked about it, he was told that it could 'calm a person's mood, thereby making it easier to concentrate on one's study'. (That said, European music had grown rather popular of late)
A student assembly would be held three times a week in the mornings during which the 'president of the student committee would address the students'. Mikuriya would personally stand at the microphone and deliver a speech. Her speech was glorified as an appeal to the students to 'practice the ideal way of school life', but in truth it was nothing more than the admonishment of her subordinates. However, she did have an ingenious way of articulation, every single word was uttered with absolute confidence. Her discussions were so rounded that no flaw could be found in them. Although her gestures were melodramatic, the sense of unclarity felt from watching her drew one in unconsciously. On careful scrutiny, once could see that all of the students were staring at the stage entranced; it startled Takaya immensely. This was a state of semi-hypnosis. It could very well be considered as brainwashing. The announcing of those who had violated the code of the society as well as commendations for those who had significantly contributed to the student council followed after. To conclude the assembly, all of the students recited the rules of the society. A regime that bordered on the strange.
It seemed as though president Mikuriya was regarded as an object of worship. Whenever Mikuriya led the 'inspection tour' around the school, there would surely be five or six student executives following behind her. The students would also make way for her, honoring her with the most polite courtesy of a 90 degrees bow. It was simply like the procession of a daimyo. That aside, their expressionless faces, reminiscent of army personnel, left Takaya cold.
The student executives would watch over the actions of every single student.
Their performance records, relationships between classmates, family environment, even male-female interactions were observed. (In other words, the beginnings of intimacy, the ends of relationships, the place where couples first meet, even the physical extent of the relationships, all of them were entered into the data files of the student executives) With regards to this gathering of personal information, it was said that the student executives acquired this from a system of secret informants. The covert exposure of another's private details to the executives (based on the value of the information) could reduce one's count of violations against the code of the society. This matter was carried out in a semi-overt way. It truly left one stunned with terror.
Even for those who have never violated the code of the society, if their actions were deemed to be problematic they would be 'summoned' by the inspection committee. Once a student has been summoned three times, he would be suspended from school.
It was truly unusual.
Because of the system of secret informants, the social relationships between the students had been strained. With this situation, one could not even confide in friends. It would be most unfortunate if everything disclosed to another party ended up reaching the ears of the student executives.
In this way, lateral ties grew weak while the dominion of the student executives intensified. Judging from this seizing of personal information, it seemed like the role of the student executive was to dig up people's secrets or perhaps weaknesses, so that this data could be used as a threat in the case of a contingency, to make the students obey.
How low-handed...
Under these sort of circumstances, no one would dare revolt even if they wanted to. There was one thing that could not be understood, why had the students allowed the organization to become so corrupt? In the very first place, what would the executive committee gain from these actions?
What is their objective?
The more he knew, the less he understood.
What happened in this school?
Lunch break.
In the nearby corridor, a student was being stamped with a violation mark by a member of the inspection committee (what the students referred to as getting 'inspected') for not obtaining permission to change his bicycle. The inspection committee member handled the situation in a machine-like manner, looking like a despotic policeman. ...On the other hand, the student punished was extremely compliant, to the extent of behaving deferentially, using respectful words to address the inspection committee member who was younger than he was.
"How unreasonable..."
Takaya remarked, stunned at this he rubbed his chin, Endou was seated beside him, voraciously eating out of his lunch box.
"I've to be a bit more careful too. If I get another dot, it'll be my second yellow card."
"Yellow card?"
"Suspension from school." Endou showed his student card to Takaya. It had many red stamps and digits aligned side by side. "Each time you're late, you get two dots. Absence without any valid reason gets you five dots. Even if you have a reason, if it's not an honest one - that's to say, if you're found guilty of skipping classes, you get ten dots at one shot. Ten dots gets you temporary suspension. If you're suspended three times, you'll be expelled."
"So you're snuffed out once you hit 30 dots... If you're late two weeks within a span of three years, will you be expelled?"
"Even if you're late by one second, you'd be considered a latecomer. This sort of thing isn't usually decided by the students right. Seriously, how did it end up like this."
Despite saying this, Endou still accepted it. He accepted this situation, its oddity and unusualness notwithstanding.
Takaya wrinkled his brows in an imposing manner.
Right at that moment.
"Akemi--!" A schoolgirl from the adjacent classroom called out as she ran in.
"Huh, Emi?"
The female student who replied was Inaba Akemi. Seated with her friends, opening their lunch boxes, Akemi widened her eyes in surprise.
"What is it? You don't look so good."
"What am I to do? Sorry, Akemi!"
Takaya and Endou observed this sudden bustle. Her friend, Emi, had an ashen face. She explained the entire matter to Akemi.
"What---!! SEEVA's concert ticket has been confiscated by the inspection committee?"
"Sorry, sorry, Akemi! The schoolbag inspection was only conducted yesterday...! I really didn't expect them to come again today--!"
"How did this...! That concert ticket... That ticket is exclusive to fanclub members, it's an extremely limited concert ticket!"
"I'm really sorry--! What should I do!"
Emi clung onto Akemi, crying out. Akemi did not know what to do either.
"Even if you ask me... What's to be done...!"
It seemed like Emi had brought the concert ticket, that Akemi had entrusted to her, to return it to her in school. It was discovered by the inspection committee as a result and thus confiscated.
"Oh dear. What a pity." Endou also looked sympathetic. "Anything confiscated by the inspection committee won't be returned. They're die-hard fans of SEEVA."
"SEEVA?"
It sounded familiar to Takaya, it was actually the name of the rock singer that Yuzuru was fascinated with.
"That was really unfortunate of her. Unexpectedly having her schoolbag examined two days in a row. They won't see that ticket again."
Emi cried profusely, wiping away her naval mucus and tears at the same time.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Akemi!"
"Even if you apologize... After all the effort spent in getting that ticket... I've even bought the train tickets to Osaka."
"Ahh, what should I do!"
Looking at Emi, who was weeping loudly in despair, Takaya felt angry at the injustice of this matter. She was only going to hand over the concert ticket to a friend, what was so wrong about that? Apparently, even this was prohibited by the inspection committee. It seemed like anything that was not related to driving the students in their studies was not acceptable.
"You can only forget about it."
Endou muttered. The friends around Emi also said the same.
"Nothing can be done, forfeited objects are never returned..."
"You were really unlucky." They consoled her in this way, but no one mentioned about going to retrieve the concert ticket. Watching how the surrounding students resolutely believed that there was no other alternative but to give up on it, Takaya felt irritated. This was not something that should be abandoned so easily.
"...!"
Takaya wanted to say something and stood up, at that same moment, someone called him from behind all of a sudden.
"Is Ougi Takaya of class 2B present?"
He looked back, startled. Endou let out a small 'Ah'; standing over there were those student executives.
"Aren't you present? ...Ougi Takaya."
He uttered as he stepped into the classroom, it was yet again that vice-president of the student council, Ozaki.
The classroom sank into absolute silence. Endou tugged at Takaya's sleeve worriedly. Takaya stared at Ozaki sharply.
"You didn't show up yesterday. We, together with the president, were waiting for you."
"I've only just registered at this school, there are plenty of things I'm busy with." Both of Takaya's hands were stuck in his pockets, he replied arrogantly. "I don't have that kind of leisure to specially go calling on your queen."
Endou and the rest of the students were shocked. They did not expect such a blatant showing of defiance from Takaya. Everyone's faces were tensed, thinking 'oh crap'. As he expected, the facial expressions of Ozaki's party were completely distorted.
"What did you just say?"
"I don't like to be ordered around. If you really want us to meet that badly, why don't you tell her to personally come over?"
"Aarghhhh, Ougi!" Endou grabbed hold of Takaya's arm, his face had turned rather pale. "You idiot! Why the hell are you being so provocative...!"
"What you said just now..." Ozaki interrupted Endou with a pompous, menacing voice. "Can it be taken as a revolt against the student committee?"
"N...No, it's not that! Ougi's just not used to it..."
Takaya pushed Endou, who was attempting to explain his words, away and stepped forward.
"However you want to retaliate, go ahead. The way you guys handle things, I find it unpleasant in every way. This is my style. No matter what other people say, I won't change."
"...So no matter what, you won't come?"
"I'm not so generous as to accompany you people in your queen's games."
Contrary to the student executives whose anger had reached the heavens, the emotions on Ozaki's face were stripped away, changing into an expressionless mask. He gazed at Takaya.
"I see. I understand."
"..."
"Endou-kun."
Having his name abruptly mentioned, Endou was so scared he nearly jumped.
"Y...Yes!"
"Yesterday, when class ended you went to the video games hub at Shinshigai and enjoyed yourself there didn't you. It should've been stated in the rules of the student council that you're forbidden to enter game shops, such as those in the video games hub, after school."
Endou's face lost all of its color, as though it had been 'painted' white.
"A violation of the fifth rule in article 12 of the student council, this will add five violation points to your records. You'll get your second yellow card if you get another violation point won't you."
"Ah...That... I... that..."
"If all of your school activities are to be suspended from tomorrow onwards as punishment, you won't be able to attend the art lessons on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Your attendance for art class is rather poor right? If you fail this module, you won't be able to get the course credits." Ozaki maliciously hoisted his lips. "Then you won't be able to proceed to the next grade, isn't that right?"
Endou's pale face was completely taut. All of a sudden, as though pushing away all that was in front of him, he shoved Takaya aside and dropped to his knees before Ozaki.
"Endou...!"
"P-Please! Let me off just this once! If I can't proceed to the next grade, I'll get into deep trouble! It'll be bad!"
"What's to be done now..." Ozaki mused, glancing at Takaya. "Even if you say that, a violation of the rules is still a violation."
"P-Please! I beg you, if I'm suspended I'll get into a lot of complications! Please let me off, please...!"
"..."
Every student in the classroom held their breath as they watched this scene unfold. Takaya's eyes were wide open as he gazed at the figure of Endou kneeling on the floor beside him, then he looked at Ozaki. A complacent smile appeared on Ozaki's face as though he was feeling victorious.
"Now that you mention it....Yes, I can reconsider it."
"Rea... Really!"
"Ougi Takaya-kun." Everyone's line of sight concentrated on Takaya. Ozaki smiled even more. "If you come to the executive committee office and swear your loyalty to President Mikuriya, I will consider letting Endou off."
A clamor rang out in the classroom. Takaya stared at him in shock. Ozaki had been planning to do this from the very start. Had someone seen them yesterday when they were roaming about the video games hub and secretly told on them? Ozaki had probably decided to use this information to threaten Endou, thereby making Takaya obey them.
"O-Ougi...!" Endou wrapped himself around Takaya's leg. "I beg you, please go! You only have to go there and everything will be fine! Do this for me will you!"
"Endou..."
"Please, Ougi!"
"There's no need to go to that place for that kind of guy, Ougi."
Endou's entreaty was interrupted by a voice from the front. Everyone turned in that direction in shock. A group of male students walked into the classroom. Seeing the male student standing in front, the students in class let out an apparent outcry of relief. Although that student was not particularly tall, he had a strangely intense presence.
Nezu Kouichi...!
Takaya was startled. They were the 'members of the resistance' who rebelled against Mikuriya's student executives. That resounding voice of Nezu echoed in the classroom.
"Even if Endou can't proceed to the next grade, that is the consequence of his own actions. He obviously knew of his poor attendance, yet still dared to skip lessons."
"What are you saying! Ne...Nezu!"
"Ougi, don't bother with him. You'll be fine, as long as you don't stick to your scrupulous ways that is."
Nezu said boldly, walking over to them. Takaya noticed that Ozaki, who was originally very full of himself, had unconsciously shrank back from Nezu.
"You guys are still the same as always, expert in these sort of vulgar tactics, student executive. What, bullying the new guy this time?"
"You again... Nezu Kouichi."
"Relying on this sort of offenses to threaten others, it's not like you're some kind of secret police. Or is it that you can't even bring a new student under your control without having to resort to these sort of base methods?"
Several drops of sweat appeared on Ozaki's forehead. This was proof that he had sunk into extreme nervousness in Nezu's presence.
"You look even more pathetic now considering that air of complacency on your face just a moment ago. Are you guys so afraid that the prestige of your executive committee will be tarnished by a new student?"
"Watch your words, Nezu Kouichi. You guys didn't attend the assembly this morning right. Do you want to be summoned again? Another violation and you'll be stripped of your member rights."
"Summoned? Is there any meaning to that sort of thing?" Nezu pretended to smile in a confused manner. "Even if I'm not a member, the fact that I'm still a student of Kojou High school won't change. Even if I'm banished from your student council, I can still graduate as a 'student who is not a member of the student council'."
"What insane words..." Ozaki clenched his teeth in hatred. "Banishment from the student council is equivalent to expulsion. Such students can no longer remain in this school."
"I won't allow that."
"What...!"
"Tell that to Mikuriya. You guys may appear to be forcing the headmaster or the staff members to obey the student council, but don't assume that your dominion will continue for much longer. We have a strength much greater than yours." Nezu stated without any trace of cowering. "I don't obey rules which are enforced via corrupted methods. Just because Ougi refused to report himself, you guys consider this as an opposition of the society's code. We will never obey Mikuriya's executive committee."
"...Ngh...!"
In the face of Nezu's fortitude, the student executives had no opportunity for refute. Ozaki glared at the 'leader of the resistance' bitterly.
"...I definitely won't let people like you obstruct us."
"..."
"Endou. Ougi. Don't forget what I said just now. If you don't come to the executive committee office today, Endou will be suspended from school. Understand."
"You don't have to go, Ougi."
"If you don't wish for Endou to repeat a year, you must come. Understand."
Ozaki uttered 'let's go' to his subordinates, leading the student executives out of the classroom. Right at that moment.
"Please wait!"
A female student called out in this way, overtaking Ozaki.
"Emi...!"
"Please! Please return me the ticket that was confiscated this morning! It's an extremely important ticket! It can't be thrown away!" Emi grabbed Ozaki desperately, with tears welling up in her eyes as she implored him. "Please return me that ticket! Please, please! I won't commit this offense again!"
"E-Emi! You...!"
"Please! Please!"
Ozaki looked at her coldly, then pushed Emi away in a vexed manner.
"Ah...!"
The student executives surrounded Emi, who had fallen on the floor. Emi wanted to chase after him once again, but she was cruelly held back by Mikuriya's minions.
"Please! Please...!"
"Satou Emi of class 2C. Three violation points to be added to her records for obstructing the carrying out of duties."
"Understood."
"Vice-president Ozaki!"
Ignoring the fact that Emi was crying until her eyes were a wet mess, the inspection committee member mechanically stamped the violation marks on her student card. All of the students gulped as they witnessed this chain of unpleasant situations. An unbearable atmosphere filled the entire classroom. One could perceive indignation and remorse, as well as a wish to dispel these feelings, a surrender that surrounded everyone's hearts, Takaya again felt severely annoyed.
What is with this school...!
"Ougi, please go. I'm begging you...!"
Hearing Endou's plea from his side, something snapped in Takaya's thoughts. He could not tolerate that miserable appearance of Endou's dependency on other people, Takaya glared at him ferociously.
"Wah...!"
Forgetting his original fear, Endou released Takaya. Takaya looked at Nezu, who was standing behind him.
Here we go again...
Nezu stared at Takaya with eyes full of what could be considered hostility. That manner of his was completely different from the way he spoke with Ozaki just moments ago.
Is he an ally... Or...
The student executives and inspection committee members had left. Akemi ran over to Emi, who was crying her eyes out. Nezu's gang also quietly left the classroom.
"..."
Remaining in the classroom, Takaya stood there in the vortex with a solemn expression.
***
After school that day,
Takaya went to the executive committee office.
Takaya was not planning to yield to the use of Endou's progress to the next grade as a threat against him, however he could not just ignore it.
Whatever the case, he saw a need to meet the student known as Mikuriya Juri.
After the bell for the sixth lesson rang, Takaya headed to the school building facing north, to the executive committee office on the first floor.
Inside the office, the room of the student council leader was situated on the right.
"I'm Ougi Takaya from class 2B."
Following the student executive's instructions he reported his name, Takaya opened the door to the president's room.
There was a carpet on the floor. A gorgeous desk and leather chair stood in the center, the room's furnishings were sadly more luxurious than that of the headmaster's office. Seated on the leather chair was one attired in a sailor-like uniform, a schoolgirl who looked rather young. The vice president Ozaki was standing beside her.
"Welcome. We've been waiting for you, transfer student from class 2B."
"..."
Takaya was startled, he stood dumbfounded in his original position for a brief moment.
He had mistaken the figure seated on the chair for a doll. Her skin was unusually white, with straight black hair that was leveled at her shoulders. Her eyes and nose were petite; a cute, regular face. She looked far too young and small for a second-year high school student, such that she appeared to be sinking into that gorgeous leather chair. That sort of disequilibrium gave one a feeling of peculiarity.
Is this Mikuriya Juri?
Her appearance was far from what he had imagined, making Takaya somewhat astounded. He had assumed Mikuriya to be someone with much tougher features. But not long after, his feeling of peculiarity changed into something else.
This brat is also...
"Please come in."
Urged in this way, Takaya entered the room. He felt sickened by the feel of his shoes sinking into the carpet.
"I'm pleased that you've decided to heed our words like an obedient student. There wouldn't have been any problems if you had done so from the start."
Perhaps Ozaki's arrogant smile provoked Takaya, he deliberately lowered his voice, confronting Mikuriya Juri directly.
"...I have come as instructed. So what are you going to do with me?"
Mikuriya Juri observed Takaya in silence. Ozaki interrupted.
"Watch your words. Take your hands out of your pockets. You're standing before the president."
Despite Ozaki's berating, Takaya ignored him.
"You asked for me right. President Mikuriya."
"That's right, Ougi Takaya." Mikuriya replied with a loud and clear voice. "I heard from Ozaki that you've many issues with the student council despite only having just transferred to this school."
"Planning to immediately stamp me with violation points are you?"
"No. You have not been 'broken in' yet. We will not punish a member who hasn't been educated on the rules of our society. We shall explain to you the significance of our society's principles, then you'll be requested to swear absolute compliance with the code of the society. However..."
"..."
"Before coming here, we already expect your full compliance with the code of the society."
"...And if I say that I can't understand such rules?"
Under Takaya's scrutiny, Mikuriya squinted, her small fine lips curled slightly.
"We won't let you say that you can't understand them."
"..."
"The council rules of this school are absolute. Consenting to it is an unquestionable prerequisite to become a student of Kojou High School. Do you understand now? Ougi Takaya."
I see...
Takaya finally understood. Mikuriya Juri... Very much like what the rumors say. She had a calm and loftiness inconsistent with that outward appearance which resembled a Bodo doll. At first glance, even the smile on that pale, young face possessed a distinctively compelling strength. No wonder everyone feared her. This imbalance, as though a mature woman was residing on the body of a child, projected a bizarre impression to anyone who looked at her.
'As though' residing on...?
Takaya's eyes grew sharp.
... That's not the case.
"Before that, in order to understand your character, we shall conduct an interview-like process. Please answer our questions."
"Interview...?"
"Please take a seat."
A metal chair had been prepared before the desk.
"Just some questions from this document that has to be submitted to the school's administration. Please let me know if there are any mistakes."
Following that, the long 'interview' began. Name, date of birth, former address, curriculum vitae, family members... The questions started simple, gradually leading to more personal matters. Chiaki had handled nearly all of the paperwork prior to their entry into this school. A dose of hypnotism, Chiaki's forte, had been included in his implementation. Thus, in reality, Takaya had not actually transferred from Jouhoku High School. However if the questioning grew too analytic, it would be difficult for Takaya to continue to deceive them. It was uncertain if Mikuriya noticed that Takaya had begun to feel dreary, or was this her objective perhaps? The endless questions made the one providing all the answers feel exhausted.
"At Jouhoku High School, you repeated your second year twice. Why?"
"..."
"Please answer. Why was your attendance lacking?"
"Are you guys investigators?" Takaya could no longer bear it, he finally snapped at her. "I don't believe it's necessary for me to continue with this answering. Is the job of the executive committee focused on prodding into people's personal affairs? If that's the case, you guys can really compare with those entertainment journalists."
"This is our responsibility, as stipulated by the rules of the society."
"No comment." Takaya firmly replied. "Your questioning is a cross-examination. If that's your intention, then I can exercise the right to remain silent. At the very least, this is stated in the laws of Japan."
"There's no right to remain silent in the societal rules of our school."
"...!"
"You won't be recognized as a student if you refuse to answer the questions. You won't become a student of Kojou High School if you behave in this way, no?"
"Is that a threat?"
Ozaki and Mikuriya remained silent. That ridiculous smile, flaunting 'victory', appeared on Ozaki's face again; but Mikuriya's expressionless face was several times more strange than his.
Takaya gazed at Mikuriya.
"What an exceptional dictatorship."
Saying this, he leaned back against the chair, casually changing his sitting posture at will. If Mikuriya really intended this, Takaya was prepared for a long battle.
Ozaki looked at him disapprovingly.
"Ougi, what kind of attitude is that..."
"I said I'm happy to keep you company. You guys are interested in me right? Then let's take it slow and easy."
"...!"
"Go ahead, please, thought-control police."
The two student executives stared at him in shock. Even Mikuriya appeared confounded at Takaya's astonishing surge of confidence.
Takaya did not take his eyes away for even a split second.
Mikuriya's expression grew earnest.
"Then will you please answer this question."
"..."
"Why have you come to this school?"
Takaya knitted his eyebrows.
Mikuriya gazed directly at Takaya.
Their views clashed in midair.
A tense atmosphere dominated the entire room.
"This answer..." Takaya uttered. "Why don't you ask yourselves the same question, kanshousha."
"...!"
Ozaki and Mikuriya were clearly perturbed. Takaya was swift, he stood up at this critical juncture.
"Ougi Takaya of class 2B swears to abide by the rules of Kojou High's student council. There, satisfied now? This is all that needs to be done right?"
"Ougi, you...!"
"I'm leaving. This room isn't particularly accommodating." Takaya reached the door, he turned back towards Mikuriya. "I don't know what you're attempting, but you won't get what you want. It'd be better for you to just give up on your schemes."
"...!"
"The next time you ask for me, at least prepare some tea for the guest. Your Highness."
Takaya's figure disappeared to the other side of the door.
Seated on the leather chair, Mikuriya's face was tensed while Ozaki was beset with intense uncertainty.
"President... He really is..."
"..." Mikuriya commanded with a tough intonation. "Gorou, dispatch our subordinates. Find out which faction he's from."
"He really is similar to us...!"
"Although we don't know what he intends to do, we can't let him obstruct us. He may be a comrade of those guys. Find out his identity."
"If he's their comrade then..."
"Dealing with him immediately would be the best course of action to take."
Mikuriya coldly replied, casting a sidelong glance at the doorway where Takaya had exited.
"Ougi Takaya..."
She muttered Takaya's name hatefully. She took out a silver chain from her clothes. A cross hung down from the front end of the chain. It was a rosary.
"How much does he know about us..."
"President."
"Whoever he is, we can't let him hinder us. No one must be allowed to obstruct the construction of the kingdom. Don't be negligent in your wariness of him. Watch his actions. Understand? Gorou. Don't lower your guard."
The stares of the student executives who watched Takaya as he left the president's room were needlelike. From the expression in their eyes, they seem to regard Takaya not so much an outsider as a heretic. Perhaps the atmosphere in the president's room had been transmitted to the outside, all of them were highly cautious of him. Takaya understood now.
--Brainwashing of raw recruits?
Apparently, they were not the type to rely on hyoui possession.
As he walk out of the room, Takaya suddenly noticed the scraps of paper in the rubbish bin. It looked like a blue concert ticket that had been thrown away after it was torn to pieces. It had the five letters of 'SEEVA' on it.
This is...
It was indeed the concert ticket that had been confiscated from Emi.
Remembering the crying face of the victim, Takaya wordlessly walked out of the room.
***
The sky was dark. The layers of stratus clouds gathered together. It looked like it was about to rain.
Someone called out to Takaya, who was slipping on his shoes at the front door.
"Seems like you've bowed to Mikuriya Juri, transfer student."
Once he lifted his head, he saw his classmate Miike Tetsuya standing there, leaning against the glass door. That ferocious expression of his could really match Takaya's. It seemed like he had been waiting for him.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"And here I was thinking you were someone with moral backbone..., hmph, not that amazing after all. Sucking up to that kind of woman... I've really misjudged you. Gutless brat."
"Rascals like you won't understand it." Takaya said as he wore his shoes. "With all the quirks of this school, I'm surprised you haven't been expelled yet. Contrary to your outward manner, you're actually very observant of the words and gestures of others."
"What!"
"I don't know why you've chosen to behave like a harmful juvenile but it's pathetic, just cut the act already. Do you want people to worry about you? You're nothing but a kid throwing a petty tantrum."
"What did you say!"
Tetsuya shouted, grabbing hold of Takaya's collar. Takaya noticed that Tetsuya's fingers were covered with circular scalds. Seeing that, feelings of nostalgia began to surge through him, Takaya smiled at Tetsuya slightly.
"Burn marks of your courage? This practice isn't popular anymore you know."
"You...!"
"Tetsuya!"
Hearing a sharp yell from behind, Tetsuya turned around in shock. Inaba Akemi was standing there. Her expression paled as she dashed over.
"What are you planning to do with Ougi-kun! Don't beat him up!" Akemi forcefully pulled Tetsuya away, yelling loudly. "Sorry, Ougi-kun! Tetsu, get a grip! How mean of you!"
"Quit nagging! It has nothing to do with you!"
"It has everything to do with me, Ougi-kun is my classmate! You rough brat! Still the same as when you were in primary school!"
"Shut up!" Tetsuya pushed Akemi away. He grabbed his schoolbag, turned on his heels and walked away. "Don't get too full of yourself, Ougi. I won't let you continue with your arrogance, you best remember this!"
Finishing with these words, Tetsuya walked away from the front door. It seemed like he had waited in this place just to cast these words at Takaya. Akemi stood up behind Takaya muttering, "Ouch, ouch."
"I'm really sorry, Ougi-kun. You must have been scared right? He really goes too far sometimes. He has always been a brute."
"Always? Have you known him for long?"
"Yeah. We studied at the same primary school. After moving to the city, we got separated but now we're together again in high school. But, why is Tetsu so bothered with Ougi-kun in the first place?"
"...Good point." Takaya's expression abruptly relaxed. "Perhaps it's because he smelt someone with the same flavor as himself."
Wah... he smiled!
The first time Akemi saw Takaya's profile, she had felt incessantly fearful. All this while, she had only seen Takaya's frightening face, she never imagined he had such an expression as well. That look on his face was unexpectedly gentle, causing Akemi to gaze at him in enthrallment.
"Looks like it's going to rain. If I don't hurry back, I'll get drenched."
"Ou...Ougi-kun!" Akemi came back to her senses, she suggested loudly. "I've an umbrella. If it's okay with you, shall we walk back together?"
***
Although Takaya had tactfully refused, explaining that his destination was very close by, it seemed like it was no match for Akemi's hospitality. Once Akemi knew of Takaya's place of residence, she exclaimed in a gleeful voice.
"Ehhhh---! Ougi-kun, you're staying at a hotel? That's so awesome!"
However, she added, "But that's really far from school." Because of the rain, she grew more and more stubborn, as a result, Takaya had to give in to Akemi's offer to walk him back to the hotel. Takaya had a lot of questions regarding the situation in school that he wanted to ask her, so this provided him with a good opportunity for conversation.
The tax office was situated beside the high school. A row of trees stretched from the Sakura bridge to the Gyoukou bridge of the Tsuboigawa coast. The two of them walked alongside each other through the rain.
"Ehhhh---! The concert ticket was thrown away?"
Learning of what Takaya saw in the executive committee room, Akemi's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
"So it would've been a lost cause after all... Everyone was talking about going to the executive committee room together to request that they return the ticket to Emi, but nobody went in the end out of fear."
"How is Emi?"
"Mmm. She was stamped with violation points right? Emi has been suspended from school. Once, she was absent without asking for leave beforehand because her grandfather had fallen ill all of a sudden. Despite explaining her reasons to the executive committee, it was not accepted. Combined with the points received from the inspection team for bringing disallowed materials, the addition of ten violation points, hence suspension."
"...This is seriously outrageous."
Due to shock, Emi had left school early. Akemi lowered her head, drooping her shoulders in a disheartened manner.
"Suspension from school would have a large impact on the grades. Speaking of which, I'm partly at fault... I feel really terrible for Emi."
"You didn't do anything wrong." Takaya sharply looked up at the sky. "This school's strangeness is to blame."
"Is it really that strange? Really so strange?"
"Don't you find it strange?"
"Hmm... Although people like Tetsu and Nezu-kun have said a lot, I don't really find it that... Perhaps it's a little strict, but this is for the betterment of the school. I also think that allowing autonomy among the students is a good idea..."
Is this another effect of the brainwashing? ...Mikuriya Juri.
Takaya's expression grew solemn. Despite having suffered so much, Akemi's acceptance of the code of the society did not change. An abnormal lack of self-initiative. Although she was aware, there was no open resistance. ...Just like Endou.
All of them shared a common characteristic. Akemi, Endou, as well as the other students, had a mixture of spirits attached to their body. Although their strength was small and weak, Takaya could sense a magnetic-like object, which attracted spiritual bodies, in every student. The students' opposition to Mikuriya's executive committee appeared related to whether they had spirits attached to them or not.
Proof for this was provided by the fact that several individuals did not have any mixed spirits adhered to their bodies in Takaya's class. And one of them was--...
"You said that you're Miike Tetsuya's childhood friend right."
Takaya changed the subject of their conversation, Akemi was a little startled.
"Yeah... that's right. Why...?"
"He doesn't seem to be Nezu's friend, did something happen to him? I hear he rebels against the executive committee, has he always been this way? It seems like he went through some hardship, his sister going missing or some sort..."
"You actually know of Hokage's incident!" Akemi was shocked, the color of her complexion changed. "From whom did you hear about this? Who told you? Ougi-kun, why do you...!"
"!"
Suddenly, Takaya stared ahead with a stunned expression. In the shade of the woods along the Tsuboigawa coast, a male student was standing there on the road, leaning against a tree.
"Ah..."
Akemi covered her mouth in shock. Takaya stared at the other with a serious face. The 'energy' issued from his body was unlike that of an ordinary person. In that class, he was another student who, like Miike Tetsuya, had no mixed spirits attached to his body...
"I wish to speak with you. Ougi Takaya."
"... It seems like the students of this school really like to harass new students."
In the misty rain, Takaya calmly looked back at Nezu Kouichi.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
