Chapter 5: You’re the Only One I’ll Never Forgive
THE next day, Yuffie arrived in the student council office after school for her first official day.
“Starting today, Yuffie will be helping us with the student council duties,” explained Edward as he pushed up his glasses pompously.
Despite the tense atmosphere, she bowed energetically and exclaimed, “Th-Thank you in advance for your guidance and adbice!”
Gaaah! I messed up! Why do I always do this at the worst moment?! She kept her head bowed and quivered with embarrassment.
“You don’t need to be so tense. Take a deep breath and relax. Nice and easy.” Lyle’s gentle tone returned a smidgen of peace to Yuffie’s heart.
“It’s only natural to feel nervous on your first day. We’ve all been there.” As always, Noah, the president, comforted her.
“Urk… I’m sorry for being such a pain in the neck all the time…”
Erina pressed herself against Yuffie. They were sitting side by side on the sofa. “You’re fine just the way you are, Yuffie. In fact, I’d like you to stay that way.”
“Th-Thank you very much?”
While she was grateful for Erina’s unconditional acceptance, she cocked her head, confused by how much closer than usual the other girl was.
“Might we please return to the topic at hand?” Edward’s low voice brought the tension back into the air. “First, I’ll explain what we do. Our duties include reviewing the school’s systems, managing school events, and fulfilling requests from students through the suggestion box. Each of these responsibilities plays an essential role in the running of the school.”
“I see, I see.” Yuffie nodded along earnestly, writing down his words in her notebook.
“As far as the first duty on the list goes, there’s nothing in particular to do currently, since the semester only just started. The next school event is the May Festival, which is a month away, and we’ll be holding discussions on that front at a later date.”
“Hey, does that mean I can go?!” Jack, who’d been lying in his hammock with a bored look, jumped up like a fish in water. “Awesome! I’ve got plenty of time for training then.”
“Though it pains me to disappoint you, there was a request in the suggestion box.” Edward’s merciless words made Jack almost fall off the hammock.
“Damn you for getting my hopes up.”
Edward ignored the sulking Jack and read out a palm-sized piece of paper. “‘The puppy I was taking care of here ran away during our walk in the mountain behind the dorm, so I’d like you to find it.’ This person goes on to describe the dog—a brown, miniature dachshund big enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand.”
Lyle raised an eyebrow while listening to him. “That’s all?”
“Seems so.”
“No name on the paper?”
“No. But they’re requesting the student council look after it, should we find it.”
“Interesting… Strange that there’s no sender listed…” The expression on Lyle’s face said he suspected something as he rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
“I say we go look for it right away!” Erina slapped her hand on the coffee table and stood up. “I know exactly how this owner feels because I, too, own a dog! They must be incredibly shy and withdrawn to go about this anonymously. After unexpectedly losing one of their beloved family members, Dark Galaxy Destroyer Royal Dragon…I’m sure they want to find the pup. They just don’t have anyone to rely on, so they decided to turn to the student council’s suggestion box… Yes, that must be it!”
Silence fell over the room during Erina’s passionate monologue.
“Dark Galaxy… What was the rest?” Edward asked with a frown.
“Dark Galaxy Destroyer Royal Dragon! I just thought up the name for the dog.”
“A terribly confusing mouthful. I suggest we call the animal ‘John’ and leave it at that.”
“Ugh, Edward, why are you so mean?! You know the name I gave it is super sweet… Poor Dark Galaxy Destroyer Royal Dragon…” Erina pushed her index fingers together like a pouting child. “But it’s fine! In any case, I’m sure the owner is devastated. Likely on the verge of tears with their precious family member missing…” Her expression was forlorn.
“Erina, I completely understand…” Yuffie, who had already started tearing up, mumbled softly. “I have a cat too… If Friend suddenly disappeared, I… I…”
“Yuffie…” Touched, Erina snuggled up to her. “I’m so glad you can relate…”
Something about owning a pet bonds people together, and Yuffie and Erina solidified their bond by holding each other’s hands tightly.
Edward scratched his head in confusion, then turned to Noah, silently asking him to step in.
“I think that’s fine,” the president said in a relaxed tone. “Obviously, a student is in trouble, and it’s our role to take their troubles seriously and, if possible, resolve them. Besides…” Noah turned his attention to Erina and continued, “If we choose not to act now, someone might run off on her own.”
Erina scowled back at him, her expression saying, “Shoot, you found me out.”
“As you wish…” Edward exhaled softly in resignation. “Then we’ll begin our search for John, whose real name is to be discovered.” He glanced at Yuffie then. “Of course, you’ll help, won’t you?”
“Y-Yes! I’ll do my best not to hold you back!”
And so, the entire student council set out to search for the missing puppy, who had been temporarily christened “John.” Only Lyle looked dubious, frowning in deep thought.
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