"In the abyss of the soul, hidden truths lie in wait, shrouded by the veil of night."

Ayato POV:

"Akiyama-san, I know you're awake."

"..."

"Quite the actor you are, huh?"

Her talking to me didn't actually seem to be a problem for me, but something else was.

"Akiyama, I dare you to step out of class after this."

"You might as well start counting your days, dude." smiles menacingly

"I hope you have yourself insured, you b-a-s-t-a-r-d!" cracking his knuckles

"Talking to Agawa-sama like that!" trying to gouge his eyes out Wait a moment right there, my dude...

Yes, it seems I'll see you sooner than I thought, Okaa-sama. The situation was heating up, and it looked like a storm was about to break.

Agawa Hoshino's voice was calm, her words carrying an undeniable air of authority. She stood near my desk, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

A hush fell over the classmates as they strained to hear the conversation between us.

"Akiyama Ayato," she addressed me by my full name, her tone as cool as ice, "I require your presence in the Student Council room during lunch break."

I glanced at her, my expression unchanged. "And why's that?"

She leaned in slightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. 

"You'll see"

"I dont wanna".... is what I would have had said if I were ignorant of the fact that I might actually get butchered by some cult members if I were to stay here any longer...

So I obliged.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

as soon as the bell rang I swiftly headed towards the student council room.

as I was headed out I saw the damned Kazuya giving me a fu*ing thumbs up with a disgusting smirk on his face...

How good it would feel to dislocate that jaw of his.......

Anyway, Just as I was about to take a step inside the council room, a voice—soft, bubbly, and undeniably cute—reached my ears. "Oh! You must be Akiyama Ayato, right?"

I turned to find a short girl with an infectious smile standing before me. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and energy, and her dark hair framed her face in a way that was endearing.

"That's me," I replied, studying her with mild surprise.

This cute being was accompanied by Hoshino Agawa who in return gave me polite bow with an ever cold look on her face "I didn't think you'd actually come"

I chose to ignore that remark.

The little girl clasped her hands together, her excitement palpable. "I'm Yuri Mayaka, the treasurer of the Student Council!"

I blinked, my surprise deepening as I took in her words. "You're the treasurer?"

She pouted cutely, clearly sensing my thoughts. "Yes, I know I'm short, but I promise I'm really good with numbers!"

Her playful tone caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but get a sudden urge to pet her head. "I didn't mean to doubt your abilities."

Just as our exchange continued, the atmosphere in the room shifted. A figure entered, his presence commanding attention even before his dignified aura registered fully.

With a pair of glasses perched on his nose, his calculating gaze swept over the room, assessing the situation with an air of authority that excluded royalty.

Hoshino's voice broke the silence. "Ayato, allow me to introduce you to Daisuke Ito, the Student Council President."

I inclined my head respectfully as Hoshino continued. "President, this is Akiyama Ayato, the one I mentioned earlier."

Daisuke Ito extended his hand, his grip firm and composed. "Akiyama-san, a pleasure to meet you."

I shook his hand, noting the subtle strength in his grasp. "Likewise, President Ito."

His eyes held a keen intelligence, and I could sense the weight of experience behind them. "Hoshino speaks highly of your capabilities," he said, his tone measured.

I felt a modest discomfort at the praise. "I appreciate that, but I must admit, I'm not sure I'm cut out for this."

Hoshino's gaze met mine, and her expression softened slightly. "Akiyama-kun, we believe you are the most suited for this invitation"

I hesitated, my eyes flickering between Hoshino and President Ito. The idea of joining the Student Council was growing on me, despite my initial reservations.

However, I wasn't one to jump into anything without careful consideration.

"Forgive my skepticism," I began, "but what is it exactly that you want from me?"

Daisuke Ito's gaze held mine with an intensity that matched my own. "We want individuals who can bring fresh ideas, different perspectives. Individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo."

The implication wasn't lost on me. They wanted change, and they believed that I could be a catalyst for it. But as the weight of their expectations settled over me, I couldn't help but feel a resistance deep within.

"I'm not sure if I can fulfill your expectations," I admitted, my voice steady but sincere.

Daisuke Ito's expression remained composed, but I sensed a glint of understanding in his eyes. "Ayato-kun, the only way to truly know is to try."

Hoshino's gaze held a gentle determination, and I could tell she genuinely believed in my potential. My resistance wavered, the thought of contributing to something greater tugging at my ambitions.

Still, I wasn't one to be easily swayed, not by calculated words or even by the aura of authority. I met Daisuke Ito's gaze with my own unwavering intensity.

"I appreciate the offer," I said, my voice even and determined. "But I'll have to decline."

As I turned to leave the Student Council room, determination etched into my every step, a voice stopped me in my tracks, a single sentence that cut through the air like a knife.

"Would Ayato 'Kirishima' have accepted the proposal?"

The words hung in the air, heavy with an implication that sent a chill down my spine. My steps faltered, and I slowly turned to face Daisuke Ito once more.

His gaze held a calm confidence, but the atmosphere had shifted, and the room seemed to tense in response.

The question struck a nerve deep within me, dredging up a past I had tried so hard to bury.

My eyes met his, and in that moment, I felt a surge of anger, these silver eyes emitted an intensity that could sear through steel.

An intense silence gripped the room, charged with tension. My instincts screamed for release, a torrent of pent-up fury that begged to be unleashed.

The very air seemed to tremble in response, a testament to the turmoil I held within.

My voice cut through the silence, cool as liquid nitrogen, colder than I thought possible. "How do you know that?"

Daisuke Ito's façade seemed to have crumbled as deep within his black orbs, I could see a turmoil of emotions.

Fear.

what could be reflected in his eyes.

looking back, I've lost count of how many times I've seen people with this emotion wrecking havoc within them...

Truly disappointing Daisuke Ito....

He began to respond, but my restraint snapped.

"Forget it," I interjected, my words dripping with a chilling finality. "Don't bother explaining. Just remember, President Ito, it would be a grave mistake to meddle in my affairs again."

A heavy pause enveloped the room, every soul present held captive by the tension in the air. The vibe I emanated was one of peril, a storm simmering beneath a veneer of control.

My statement carried a warning, a promise that hung like a sword between us all.

Without awaiting acknowledgment, without sparing a final glance, I pivoted on my heel, striding towards the exit. The door swung open under my command, and the room seemed to exhale, the weight of my presence lifting.

One last lingering look, a glance infused with the maelstrom of my emotions, and I exited the room with a resounding slam of the door. Its reverberation marked the finality of the encounter.