Minus One

—

3.0

—

As we locked eyes in the classroom, the tension between us was heavy and tangible. We remained silent, letting the weight of it all descend upon us like a thick shroud. I broke the deadlock eventually, moving to sit on one of the desks, the sound of my footsteps echoing softly against the quiet walls.

“So, what's on your mind?” I ventured.

Hazel's expression remained stern, her arms crossed stubbornly across her chest, and her voice was laced with fury.

“Why aren't you making any moves? Why are you not taking this seriously?”

“Sorry,” I managed between laughs, trying to compose myself. “It's just amusing that you're so worked up about me not making a move.”

“That's not it at all,” she shot back, clearly irritated but then she inhaled deeply, calming herself down and returning to her cool demeanour.

“I was concerned that you had given up or something. I don't want to win this by default; I want a challenge,” she explained.

“Well, don't worry about that,” I reassured her with confidence. “I'll beat you regardless.”

Hazel drew closer to me, her stare keen as her interest grew. But I held my ground, meeting her gaze head-on.

“If you're so sure, how about a little game?” Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she made her proposal.

“A game?” I echoed her, intrigued by her suggestion.

“The winner of the game gets something from the loser,” Hazel added and I couldn't help but get excited about the possibility of taking on this challenge. If I won, I could have her indebted to me, but I needed to clarify the terms.

“Alright, then how about the winner asking the loser to do anything?” I proposed.

“Anything?” Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see she was thinking about the ramifications of suggesting something so audacious.

“Anything that does not relate to sexual acts,” I firmly added.

Her response was immediate, almost frantic.

“I wasn't thinking about that,” she insisted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from someone as composed as Hazel.

“Okay, then, do you agree on the game?” I pressed, extending my hand as a gesture of agreement.

Hazel composed herself rather quickly, her resolve returning as she reached out and clasped my hand firmly.

“You're on,” she declared, sealing our agreement.

As our conversation concluded, I pushed myself off the desk and made my way to the door, leaving Hazel alone in the classroom as I began thinking of what was to come next.

—

3.1

—

The walk to class had a pleasant feel to it because of the calm morning weather and the light breeze. It was a welcome change of pace, allowing me to take in the surroundings at a leisurely pace.

I had plenty of time to go over my plan again because there was no class until noon. It was a straightforward tactic, but its success depended on luck. The key was to pay close attention to what the other candidates said during their manifestos; any overlap with my own ideas could throw a wrench into my carefully laid plans. Thankfully, from their campaigns over the week, I had a solid understanding of their objectives.

Outside the classroom, I caught snippets of conversation among my classmates, their discussions revolving around the manifestos and the impending vote. I was excited, though, even if the pressure was getting to me. I walked silently inside the classroom and found my seat, conscious of the curious gazes that followed me.

“Are you ready?” A recognisable voice pierced the stillness, and I spun around to find Jaden approaching me.

“As ready as I'll ever be,” I answered, unable to contain my smile.

Before our conversation could continue, a voice cut through the air and drew our attention.

“Jaden,” Nagamine Ran, one of the candidates and one of my opponents today, materialised beside him and wrapped herself around his arm with a possessive familiarity. Whether they were a couple or simply close friends was not a matter I dwelled on for long.

“Come on, I need to talk to you,” Nagamine insisted, tugging Jaden away as she seemed to disregard my presence completely.

“Sorry, Marcus. Good luck.” He apologised before allowing himself to be led away by Nagamine.

Shortly after they left, Nomura-sensei arrived, her authoritative presence bringing the class to attention.

“Good morning, everyone. We are not going to waste any time on this, so please be seated,” she declared sharply, glancing around the room to ensure compliance and displaying a countdown timer on the electronic board.

“May the candidates please stand,” she said, prompting me and my fellow nominees to rise from our seats.

“You each have a minute for your manifesto; use the time wisely to convey your goals and persuade your classmates to vote for you. The order of presentation will be decided by the straws you draw,” Nomura-sensei explained as she held up six straws with numbers on them.

Hazel took the initiative to select her straw first, followed by Ritter, Kusumoto, and Nagamine. Aria lingered, awaiting my turn, prompting me to step forward and choose from the remaining two straws.

I noticed, somewhat surprised, that fate had decided I would be the final presenter. It seemed like luck was on my side today.

Aria collected the remaining straw, and Nomura-sensei continued her address as the selection was now complete.

“As for the rest of you, I advise that you be just and thoughtful with your votes. Do not elect someone simply because you are friends with them; instead, base your decision on their ideals and policies,” Nomura-sensei stressed, her remarks connecting with the seriousness of the situation.

“Number one, please step forward; the rest of you can sit.”

As Nomura-sensei's voice called out for the first candidate to step forward, the room fell into hushed anticipation. Along with my fellow candidates, I took a seat and watched carefully as Ritter walked up to the podium.

With a composed and resolute attitude, Ritter stood tall before the class. Behind him, the digital timer flickered into action, its numbers starting the unrelenting countdown.

“Hello everyone, My name is Ritter Yoshiro,” he said, exuding confidence in his voice. “The student council is a structure that gives students power in the school. Its existence makes the voice of all students heard and allows for a better experience, and one with the title of president oversees everything.”

Ritter had meticulously practised every word of his speech, which was clear and rhythmic.

“Intelligence, diligence, discipline, and commitment. These are the key and integral factors that the president must possess, and seeing all of this, it can be agreed that I am the best choice.”

His eyes slowly scanned the room as he moved on to the next aspect of his speech.

“My academic performance is exceptional, and my level of discipline is admirable,” he asserted, bolstering the credibility of his promises.

“If I do win this election, I plan on making policies that will make our learning process more seamless. The implementation of online submission points, a transparent marking and grading system, and a mentor programme.”

With a gracious bow, Ritter ended his speech, prompting polite applause from the class.

However, beneath the surface, there was a feeling of muted enthusiasm among my classmates; it was evident that more people were clapping out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine excitement.

I couldn't help but recognise his ideas' merit when reflecting on his speech, especially the mentorship programme I could implement. However, a lingering concern was that his focus on academics might overlook the broader aspects of student life.

As Ritter returned to his seat, Nomura-sensei, diligent as ever, made notes on her pad, her gaze lifting occasionally to scan the attentive faces of our classmates.

“Number two, you are next.”

Gesturing the straw above her head with a hint of eagerness, Kusumoto made her way to the podium. Her energy was contagious, drawing the attention of the entire classroom.

“Alright, I know that the student council has been extremely resourceful when it comes to our academics,” Kusumoto began, wasting no time at all.

“However, as the world transitions into the digital age, I have noticed that our school is lacking in some departments to keep up with this global change,” she continued, hitting a chord with many in the room.

“An e-library is something I expected a school like this to have, but it does not,” she pointed out, her tone tinged with disappointment. “Some of the software we use to teach is outdated by several years, and as a school that prides itself on having something for everyone, the fact that we don't have an eSports team infuriates me.”

The other students responded to her remarks with nods and whispers of agreement.

“The implementation of the recently announced ranking system is a start,” Kusumoto said, her voice becoming cautiously upbeat. “But proper features and management of this thing are important, or it would be dead on arrival.”

“Our school should be the pinnacle of technological innovation and usher in a new era,” she declared with powerful conviction behind her voice as she clenched her fists to add emphasis “So vote for me, guys. Thanks.”

As she blew a kiss to the class, a wave of affectionate chuckles and smiles rippled through the room. It was a strategy that highlighted her charisma and charm, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.

A brilliant fusion of charisma, practicality, and enthusiasm characterised Kusumoto's speech. I couldn't help but acknowledge her astuteness and noted the potential impact her candidature could have on the election outcome. I couldn't help but feel more respect for her way of thinking and her perseverance as I watched her return to her seat.

“Number three, your turn,” Nomura-sensei announced and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as I wondered what the girl who stood up would bring to the table.

Hazel walked calmly towards the podium, her movements deliberate and measured. The classroom fell silent, waiting for her speech as she inhaled deeply before beginning.

“Hello everyone. I am Hazel Terrell, and I am here to convince you to nominate me for the position of student council president, the most prestigious title a student at this school can achieve.” Hazel spoke in a steady, assured voice.

“However, everybody has their own wants and needs, which can sometimes clash with each other,” she said, expressing her awareness of the complexities of student life.

“If I were to be president, some people may agree with me, while others may not,” Hazel said in a resolute yet inclusive tone. “Our education is important, as are our clubs and activities, the free time we receive, and the fun we have. It is all something that contributes to the larger picture, which is our happiness.”

“That is why I aim to make everyone happy; I want to make decisions that affect the entire student body and not just a select number.” She emphasised her commitment to representing the entire student body.

“As a previous representative of this class, you have all experienced my leadership style and can attest that I have been able to make this possible,” she stated, projecting confidence in her capacity to bring about change.

“So that's why I want to build upon that and make it a standard in this school,” she said, finishing her speech with a kind bow. The classroom applauded and I joined in, swept up by the room's collective energy. I was surprised to learn that she had previously served as a class representative. Although I had expected her to use her academic background to her advantage, I had not anticipated her previous leadership position.

Our gazes locked for a moment, exchanging a silent acknowledgement amidst the applause, but there was prevailing tension underneath it all. The movement of a chair interrupted my thought before I could dwell on it further, drawing my attention to Nagamine as she stood up.

“Guess I am next,” Nagamine announced casually, her demeanour exuding confidence. Hazel gracefully vacated the podium, and as she passed by, our eyes met once more. This time, though, I couldn't help but smile a little, a gesture she reciprocated before averting her gaze.

Now that I was completely focused on the next nominee, I noticed Nagamine's assured gait as she walked up to the podium. There was an aura of self-assurance about her, as if she already knew she had the room's attention.

“Hello everyone. I am sure you are aware of who I am, but just for the unacquainted,” she began and I couldn't help but feel as though she was staring at me for a little while. “I am Nagamine Ran, and I am running for student council president. I know what you're thinking—another cocky female student who thinks she is better than everyone else. And you are right. I am better than everyone else. I am cocky. And I am going to win this election.”

With each word, she dared the audience to challenge her assertion.

“Why am I so confident? It is simple. It is because I am the best candidate for the job. I am smart, ambitious, and confident. And I do think I'm better than everyone else. But that's not a bad thing. Being cocky means that I believe in myself. It means that I'm not afraid to take risks. And it means that I'm going to do whatever it takes to make this school the best it can be.”

Her unabashed confidence was palpable, cutting through the air like a knife.

“Now you want policies, you want plans—I’ve got them in spades. The first will be the revamp of our outdated school infrastructure. A complete overhaul. Those squeaky chairs, those vending machines that seem to have nothing anyone wants, the impressive yet slow wifi connection. Those are all going to change.”

“Next on the agenda is promoting extracurricular activities like never before. I believe that true growth happens outside the confines of the classroom,” she said as her eyes lit up with excitement. “I will work tirelessly to bring in renowned guest speakers, organise captivating workshops, and establish partnerships with local businesses to provide exciting internship opportunities. Let's show the world what our students are truly capable of.”

“But it doesn’t stop there. This school is at the forefront of technological innovation in the educational space. I want to maintain that, which means integrating state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge software in our classrooms.”

“I know that some of you are thinking that I am only running for this position for my own gain. And you're right. I am,” he admitted, her voice unwavering. “But let me be clear: my personal success is directly tied to the success of this school. And I will stop at nothing to ensure that we reach new heights together.”

As the timer behind her hit zero, signalling the end of her allotted time, Nagamine showed no signs of slowing down.

“I want to be student council president because it will look good on my college applications. I want to be student council president because it will give me power and influence,” she proclaimed, her tone unapologetic. “But I also want to be student council president because I care about this school. I want to make it a better place for all of us. So vote for me.”

Applause and hesitant murmurs accompanied her blunt honesty. It was clear that Nagamine's approach had polarised the classroom. While some appreciated her candour, others questioned her motives. She was a paradox—an intriguing blend of vanity and altruism.

“Nagamine?” Nomura-sensei spoke out, breaking the silence and drawing everyone's attention back to the front of the room.

“Yes, Nomura-sensei,” Nagamine answered, with her steadfast stare locked on her.

“The timer ran out, and yet you continued. Don’t you think that was a show of the lack of responsibility and respect you have?”

The atmosphere in the room changed as a result of Nomura-sensei's question hanging in the air. Some exchanged uncertain glances, while others awaited Nagamine's response with bated breath.

“I do know that what I did put me in a negative light, and many would view something as simple as this as a deciding factor on whether or not to vote for me, but the truth is, I do not care. Getting my points and ambitions across to them and having them decide based on that was important. If I did stop in the middle of my speech, they would not have the complete information to decide whether they wanted to vote for me. I prefer to be voted for because people know who I am rather than make assumptions about who I am.”

The class was stunned into silence upon hearing Nagamine's forthright admission. Her refusal to conform to conventional expectations and her unyielding authenticity commanded a begrudging respect. Her confidence and mindset could be my biggest competition during this election.

“I see,” Nomura-sensei finally responded, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. “Go take your seat.”

Without hesitation, Nagamine obeyed and returned to her seat. The weight of her presence hung in the air, making a lasting impression on everyone who bore witness to her audacious display of self-assurance.

“Alright, number four, you are up,” Miss Noami said, prompting the next candidate to step forward.

“I am coming,” a voice behind me said, and the girl got up from her seat to approach the front of the class. Aria. Her name surfaced in my mind as I watched her approach the podium. Her hand leaned lightly against her chest, a tense move that revealed her fear. She tried to calm herself down, and her deep breaths punctured the air.

“Public speaking has not really been my strong suit. I am not the most outspoken or confident person. Oh, right, I forgot to mention my name. It is Aria Kimura. Alright. So. I don’t have the natural charisma that a leader has, but I do want to make a difference at this school.” As she spoke, her voice faltered a little bit.

“Like, uh,” she hesitated and seemed to be having trouble finding the correct words before she closed her eyes briefly, regaining her composure.

“Art has always been my solace, allowing me to express myself when words fail. Through my art, I have learned the power of observation and understanding. I want to bring this quiet strength to our student council, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can be themselves.”

“Though communication may be a challenge for me, I am committed to improving our school's channels to ensure students' voices are heard and concerns are addressed. As an artist, I value imagination and critical thinking, and I will advocate for a balanced curriculum that fosters both academics and creativity.”

She spoke with a sense of sincere devotion, each syllable uttered with heartfelt sincerity.

“While I may not be the most outgoing person, I recognise the importance of collaboration, and I will strive to strengthen our ties with the local community through art exhibitions and outreach programmes. Despite my quiet demeanour, my dedication to this role is unwavering. I promise to listen, support, and always prioritise your best interests. Thank you.”

The students applauded politely as Aria finished her speech, albeit without any enthusiasm for it. It seemed forced, as if the audience was merely going through the motions to spare Aria any discomfort. Although it was clear that her anxiety had affected how people heard her speech, she did manage to get through it, which I would give her credit for. However, she was not someone I needed to worry about.

As I approached the front of the class, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, waiting for Aria to settle back into her seat before commencing my address. The opening of my speech was crucial—it needed to have a hook that pulled everyone in.

I met Diya's gaze—a quiet acknowledgement between us. The meeting she had set up was a massive help, as it made me come up with this idea; all that was left was executing it. I raised my hands and gave them a few deliberate claps, which broke through the ambient noise and grabbed everyone's attention.

“First off, let me just say that I'm not here to give you a rehearsed speech. I simply want to have a conversation with all of you,” I started.

“You see, I'm someone who recently joined this incredible school, and let me tell you, it's been nothing short of exciting and amazing. Our school is already top-notch when it comes to facilities. We have everything we need to thrive academically and creatively. The curriculum here is innovative and flexible, allowing us to explore our interests and truly shape our educational journey. Honestly, it's hard to find a school that offers such opportunities.”

I took a moment to let my words sink in and observe how my audience was reacting.

“But here's the thing—I'm a bit disappointed,” I continued, adding a sincere note to my voice. “You see, back in the early days of this school, there used to be summer trips organised for students. And that got me thinking—why not bring that back? Not an educational excursion or a learning experience, but a simple, calm vacation to anywhere we choose.”

The concept hovered there, a glimmer of potential sparking among my peers.

“Now, I know it won't be easy. It will be difficult to do, but I can make it work; however, one of the requirements would be for me to be the student council president,” I said with certainty.

“I, Marcus Luna, am right here to listen and to implement any additional ideas or improvements you have in mind. Does anyone have any suggestions of where we can go?”

My speech concluded with a question, and I could hear the murmurs of interest but no one actively coming forward, so I would be the first to move the ball.

“I was thinking we could visit an exotic location; how about somewhere like Mount Fuji?” I proposed, throwing out the first suggestion.

“Not at all; the humidity there can be crazy. I suggest the beach,” another person retorted.

“Huh, how about a private resort?” chimed in another voice.

“I agree.” One of the students near the front and others around them nodded in agreement.

“How about a spa?” someone questioned, sparking further deliberation.

“That could be fun, but a resort would have a spa,” another person pointed out, prompting murmurs of agreement.

“Maybe we can try leaving the country,” a student suggested with a mixture of thoughtful nods and laughter.

“Damn, talk about realistic expectations,” remarked another, eliciting chuckles from those nearby and even from me as well.

Excitement was in the air in the classroom as ideas were discussed and debated, each contributing to the collective vision of an ideal vacation. This was exactly what I had hoped for—a collaborative exchange of ideas that would leave a lasting impression on everyone present.

Nomura-sensei signalled silence with a clap of her hands and I interpreted that as a signal to go back to my seat. Next, she took to the podium, her gaze sweeping over the class before she spoke.

“So, I am sure you have heard all of them. Think about what it is that you want and what the candidates said they would do. Do they align? Do you trust that they will be able to perform their task well? Take all these into consideration,” she cautioned, emphasising the significance of thoughtful decision-making.

“Jaden, could you come help me pass this around?” she said.

Rising from his seat, Jaden helped Nomura-sensei hand out ballots to each student. The simple, straightforward process allowed us to mark our choice for student council president quickly and efficiently.

“You have a minute, and then I'll collect the ballot from you all,” Nomura-sensei declared, establishing a deadline for the voting process and just as she had said, the ballots were all collected.

Every second seemed to drag on as we waited for Nomura-sensei to tally the votes.

“A total of 21 students voted in this election for six candidates. I will announce the top three students,” Nomura-sensei began.

“In third place,” she paused to create tension, “Kusumoto Yoko.”

The students erupted in applause, and Kusumoto rose from her seat elegantly to accept the praise, a smile lighting up her face before she resumed her place among her peers.

“At second place,” Nomura-sensei said in a measured tone, “Nagamine Ran.”

I joined in the applause, observing Nagamine's reaction, which was a mixture of enigmatic emotions. Were these feelings of frustration, disappointment, or perhaps just sadness? Only she knew the true depths of her feelings.

“And now the winner of the in-class voting is...” Nomura-sensei lingered, drawing out the moment and building suspense.

“Marcus Luna,” she finally announced, and the room erupted into cheers and applause. I felt a rush of relief rush through me as I rose from my seat.

“Thank you everyone for trusting me with your vote,” I said with a bow.

My gaze drifted towards Hazel, who appeared lost in thought; her expression was near impossible for me to read. Though I couldn't help but wonder what was going through her head, one thing was clear—I had won.