𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗘 - 𝗛𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗔-𝗡𝗢-𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗢
𝗦𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦
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The student council room had mostly emptied after the meeting, leaving behind only a few lingering voices and the faint echo of chairs shifting back into place.
Aimi leaned back in her seat, the official invitation letter held delicately between her fingers. Her eyes sparkled as she skimmed through it again, a bright smile forming on her lips.
"So… it's confirmed," she said, her voice carrying just enough excitement to pull everyone's attention back. "We've been selected for the Inter-Academy Power & Leadership Summit."
She lifted the paper slightly.
"It's being held at Hoshizora Lodge in Tokyo. A full week—joint training, strategy sessions… and exhibition matches with the top schools across the country."
"Eight of us will be representing Seiran Academy of Arts."
Hiroshi raised a brow, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Only eight?" he asked. "There are ten of us."
"Exactly," Aimi replied smoothly. "The principal personally selected who gets to go."
Itsuki let out a soft chuckle, adjusting his glasses with a practiced motion.
"Don't let the name fool you," he said. "They call it a 'summit,' but it's basically a week-long power control boot camp."
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table.
"We'll be staying at Hoshizora Lodge—that private estate near Yoyogi. Each of us gets our own room. There are shared training grounds…" a faint smile tugged at his lips, "…and even a field if anyone feels like playing football in the evenings."
Yurina, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head just a little.
"A whole week away…" she murmured. "That sounds… different."
Suzumi flipped through the pages of her book, her expression unreadable.
"As long as there's somewhere quiet to read, I don't mind," she said. "But if anyone tries to drag me into activities before noon…"
She paused.
"I will disappear."
Taehyun grinned instantly, clearly already sold on the idea.
"Come on, it'll be fun!" he said. "We get to explore Tokyo during free time—and go up against other schools."
His grin widened.
"I heard Kurogane's council is full of arrogant people this year."
Jaehyun smirked, crossing his arms.
"Good," he said. "I've been bored. If they talk too much, I'll shut them up."
For a moment—
Shiharu said nothing.
The conversation swirled around him, excitement building, plans forming… but he stayed still, trying to process it all.
Then—
"…So we're all going?" he asked quietly. "Leaving the school… and staying somewhere else for a whole week?"
Aimi shook her head gently.
"Not all of us," she corrected. "Only the eight chosen."
Her gaze softened slightly as she looked at him.
"But you're one of them, Shiharu."
A small smile.
"No excuses."
Shiharu exhaled quietly, the weight of her words settling in.
A week.
Away from everything familiar.
With them.
"…Right," he muttered under his breath.
Before he could sink too deep into his thoughts—
Tap.
Hiroshi's hand landed lightly against his back.
"Cheer up," he said with a laugh, flashing a grin—his braces catching the overhead light. "You noob."
He leaned in slightly, voice teasing but genuine.
"What's not to like?"
"Alright," Aimi began, straightening slightly as she held the finalized list. "The principal has confirmed the representatives for the Inter-Academy Power & Leadership Summit."
"Eight of us will be going to Tokyo."
Taehyun didn't even try to hide his excitement—he pumped his fist into the air.
"Yes! Finally!" he grinned. "Shibuya at night, arcade runs, late-night ramen—I'm all in!"
Jaehyun leaned back with a quiet scoff.
"Not bad," he muttered. "Better than staying here buried in paperwork. So... who are the two staying behind?"
Minhyun, who had been silent until now, spoke calmly—his tone steady, almost too composed.
"I'll stay behind."
The room stilled slightly.
"The three of us have been to Tokyo more times than I can count," he continued. "Someone needs to keep things running here while you're gone."
The words landed heavier than expected.
The two triplets who were going froze, their excitement flickering into something uncertain.
This would be their first time apart.
Even something as simple as that… felt unfamiliar.
Near the wall—
Ryuji stood with his arms crossed, having returned earlier with the official list from the vice principal. His posture was relaxed, but his presence carried weight.
"As Vice President," he said smoothly, "I've also been asked to stay."
His gaze swept over them briefly.
"I'll handle council affairs… and any emergencies during your absence."
A faint, almost amused smile touched his lips.
"Someone has to make sure this place doesn't fall apart."
Yurina said nothing, but gave a small nod—quiet acknowledgment, nothing more.
Suzumi, who had been listening in silence, closed her book with a soft snap and stood up.
"It's lunch time," she said simply. "We should eat first."
Just like that—
The tension loosened.
Aimi smiled warmly, looking at each of them.
"We'll be leaving before the end of the month," she said. "Make sure you're prepared."
Her tone softened—but carried quiet pride.
"This is a big opportunity for Seiran."
"Let's represent ourselves well."
The room settled again—
But beneath it all…