Sunlight poured through the tall hallway windows, casting golden streaks across the polished floors. The chatter of students filled the air—until heavy, measured footsteps echoed through the hall, silencing everyone instantly.
All eyes turned. Most of the girls pressed against doors and windows, trying to get a glimpse.
Look! The Student Council President is here! someone whispered.
The President walked with a calm, almost effortless authority, his assistants trailing behind him. Every step he took seemed to pull the attention of the entire school.
Some girls whispered, "He's so handsome…" Others bit their lips nervously.
Then, a brave voice called out from the crowd.
President…!
He stopped, glancing back as a girl stepped forward, her hands trembling.
I… I just… I love you! she stammered, cheeks flaming. "Will you be my boyfriend?
The President shook his head gently, smiling faintly.
I'm sorry. We can be friends, he said softly, leaving the girl frozen in embarrassment as everyone stared silently.
The hallway buzzed with whispers. Inside the Student Council room, a mountain of love letters lay scattered across the President's desk.
"Again?" he muttered, brushing through the pile. "Yume, how many times have I told you… other students aren't allowed in the Student Council room."
Yume crossed her arms, head held high.
"Ha! I told them, but they didn't listen. It's not my fault, President. You're just too popular," she said with a teasing grin.
Sora, one of the assistants, chuckled.
Alright, calm down. I'll clear them. He gathered the letters with a small smirk.
Man… if I were that popular, life would be easy. But you don't realize what it really means—no time for yourself, no space to live. I can't even get a girlfriend!
The President ignored him, returning to his paperwork with meticulous focus.
Yume leaned closer, handing him a file.
"Look at this. I think there's a mistake," she said softly.
Sora smirked again. Hmm… I don't see your letter here, Yume. I know you like him too."
Yume's cheeks flamed red. The President didn't even look up, but Sora's teasing made her throw a book at his face.
Ouch! Sora cried, holding his head. Hey, that hurt!
I don't need to write a love letter, Yume snapped. I'm already here with him.
The President's calm demeanor never wavered. He was untouchable, like an iceberg in a sea of chaos.
A few minutes later, sunlight streamed in through the windows. Sora stretched lazily.
Alright, he said. "Work done for now. You finished, President?"
Almost, the President replied, eyes fixed on his papers.
Yume's gaze drifted toward him unconsciously. "I'm done too," she whispered.
"If you're both done, you can go home. I'll stay a little longer," he said calmly.
"I'm not in a hurry," Yume said quickly. "I'll wait."
Sora rolled his eyes. "Fine, then I'll go. Store's closing soon. Can't waste time here."
The President nodded, voice low but firm. "Go with him, Yume. I'll come later."
Yume hesitated, but Sora waved her on.
"…Fine," she said softly, following Sora out.
As they walked through the school grounds, Sora glanced at Yume. "The President seems off lately. Popular, but… distant. Hard to read."
"That's easy for you to say," Yume murmured.
"I don't know him like you do," Sora admitted. "You've known him since childhood. You see things no one else does."
Her face flushed slightly. "I… I just want him to be happy."
Sora smirked knowingly. "And you love him, right? Don't hide it."
"Shut up!" Yume snapped.
"Then why don't you tell him? Before it's too late?"
Yume's voice softened. "I love him. That's all I know for sure. But I… can't fix him. No one can."
"What do you mean?" Sora asked, concern in his tone.
"Everyone thinks he's perfect," she said quietly. "But he's broken inside. His parents fought, they separated… he's alone. Rich, but lonely. He had no one. Only his grandmother cared, and when she passed… he lost everything."
Sora's brow furrowed. "I see… no wonder he hides it. But you, Yume… you stayed. You understand him."
"I will never stop trying," she said firmly. "Because I love him."
Sora smiled, shaking his head. "That's courage. Only you can reach him."
Yume stood at the school gate, eyes fixed on the building. The wind tugged at her hair, the sunlight glinting off the windows. Her heart ached—but she was ready.
No one understood the President the way she did. No one would.
But she would never give up.