After a long day, Saki had finally made it home. She dragged her feet as she came to the door and rummaged through her pocket.
"Where is this key…"
She frowned and paused for a moment. Then she remembered that she had put the keys in her bag. She opened her bag, took out her keys, and opened the door to go inside. She changed into comfortable clothes. She prepared herself a light dinner and ate it without lingering. After studying, she lay down on her bed and hugged her teddy bear. Her exhaustion finally took over, and she fell asleep shortly after.
After a pleasant sleep, she quickly got ready. She slung her bag over her shoulder, left the house, and started walking toward school. As she walked, only one thought passed through her mind. Today was the presidential election. It would be the first time she became the president of a club. That thought made her heart beat faster.
When she arrived at school, she went straight to her classroom without wasting any time. When she entered, Yusuke and Hana greeted her.
"Good morning."
Saki smiled and returned the greeting. After putting her bag on her desk, she looked around. Her eyes were searching for Miyuki. Miyuki was sitting at her desk, absorbed in a question in her book. Hiroki, however, was not in the classroom.
Saki walked over to Miyuki with quick steps.
"Good morning, Miyuki."
"Good morning," Miyuki said, but her eyes were still on the question.
"Miyuki, what are we going to do today?"
"About what?"
"The presidency."
Miyuki lifted her head.
"Now that you mention it," she said. "During the third period, we'll plan the music club's performance."
Saki frowned.
"So soon? The travel club president hasn't even been elected yet."
"By the way," Miyuki said, holding out her book. "Can you help me with this question?"
Saki leaned over the question. Just as she was about to start solving it, the teacher entered the classroom. The students took their seats, and the lesson began. But Saki couldn't focus on the class. She stared at her notebook, spinning her pen in her hand. Her mind was constantly on what was about to happen.
She didn't even realize when the lesson ended.
"Saki."
She flinched at Yusuke's voice. Yusuke and Hana had come up beside her.
"We're meeting in the travel club room this period," Yusuke said. "We're heading there now. Come with us."
Hana giggled.
"We already know the result."
Saki lowered her head slightly. As she stood up from her desk, she noticed that Miyuki was still struggling with the question. She went back to her.
"Let's solve it together."
They solved the question in a short time. Just then, the bell rang. Saki headed toward the classroom door. The moment she opened it, she almost collided with Hiroki. They stopped at the last second.
"Hiroki!"
Her eyes sparkled. Hiroki smiled.
"Where were you?"
"I woke up a little late. Where are you going?"
"To the travel club room."
"For the presidential election?"
"Yes. After that, Miyuki and I will plan the music club's performance."
Hiroki nodded.
"It feels like everything is happening all at once."
Saki smiled.
"Yeah… but I have to."
At that moment, a teacher appeared in the hallway. Hiroki stepped back.
"Good luck, Saki."
"Thank you."
Saki walked toward the travel club room. When she opened the door, everyone was already gathered inside. Principal Takeshi was there as well. She sat down in an empty seat. Takeshi stood up and cleared his throat.
"During this period, I will announce the travel club president. We will also discuss the performances of the other clubs."
"The travel club president will plan the performance with the music club president in the next period."
"Because of an issue, this was rushed, but I believe we can handle it."
Silence filled the room.
"Very well… The travel club president is: Saki Aoki."
Saki stood up.
"Thank you, sir."
"Do you have an idea for the performance?"
Saki took a deep breath.
"I think the performance should be held in Tokyo."
Some students seemed indifferent, but Yusuke and Hana were listening carefully. At the end of the lesson, Takeshi spoke again.
"Saki, stay here next period. Call the music club president as well."
When the lesson ended, Saki returned to the classroom with Yusuke and Hana. They were still talking about the performance as they walked. When they entered the classroom, Miyuki and Hiroki were discussing something. Hiroki immediately turned to Saki.
"How did it go?"
"I became president," Saki said. "And next period, we'll plan the performance with you."
Hiroki put his hands in his pockets.
"We're counting on you."
They chatted a bit more. Then Saki and Miyuki went back to the travel club room. The meetings were exhausting. Every period, they talked with a different club president. Eventually, they reached a common decision. School was almost over.
"From here on, it's up to me," Takeshi said. "You can return to your classrooms now."
Saki took a deep breath. Miyuki smiled.
"Bravo, Saki. You really did it."
"Hiroki will be so happy when he hears."
"But I got really angry with the soccer club president."
Saki smiled.
"It doesn't matter. In the end, we succeeded."
The lessons were over. Everyone was getting ready to leave. Miyuki excitedly went over to Hiroki. Saki followed behind her.
"Everything is settled."
"Of course," Hiroki said, pointing at Saki. "Thanks to her."
Saki's cheeks turned red.
"Thank you, Saki."
"I did everything for you," she said shyly.
Just then, Yusuke and Hana arrived. They left the school together. As they were about to say goodbye, Hiroki stepped closer to Saki.
"Saki, can I talk to you?"
Saki was surprised but nodded.
"Sure."
They walked toward her house together.
"Do you remember?" Hiroki said. "I told you I would give you a gift after every mission."
Saki turned to him excitedly.
"Yes, I remember."
Hiroki reached into his pocket and took out a small, simple keychain.
"This…"
Saki took the keychain.
"What is this?"
"My mother gave it to me when I was little," Hiroki said. "In case I got lost."
Saki clenched the keychain in her palm.
"Thank you."
They walked a little more and stopped in front of Saki's house.
"See you, Saki."
"See you, Hiroki."
Hiroki walked away. Saki turned toward the door. She took out her keys, attached the keychain to them, and opened the door. She went inside and changed her clothes. She sat down on the couch and pulled her teddy bear close. She turned on a movie.
But the day had been very tiring. Her eyes closed while the movie had barely begun. And with the weight of the long day, Saki fell asleep.