Your Love For Mine

Why the hell do I have to sit outside the principal's office while the BATTLE OF THE CENTURY is being waged back in class?! Ugh… This sucks. If it were any teacher other than Miss Bell I would've thrown a tantrum back there for not being allowed to at least watch.

Nnngh…

I hope it worked out, though.

The only reason I hit her was to show Miss Bell that I'm the violent asshole, not Chase.

If it backfired in our face and he isn't allowed to run then I'm going to lose my mind.

"Yo Nicholas, who was that babe you were walking around with on Friday?"

Some guy who's probably heading to his next class asks me a question as he walks by.

"If you mean Beatrice then she doesn't go to this school. Sorry man."

"Ahahaha. Nah, its cool. She's way out of my league. You're a beast for scoring someone like that though."

A lot of guys like that have been asking me about Beatrice since I've been sitting here. Seems like she was more popular than Sig and I thought she'd be.

They all seemed to think that she was my girlfriend too…

Well, not that I mind that kind of misunderstanding. Maybe I can get a drawing about it commissioned after school, hehehe…

Huh?

Oh look, it's Miss Bell.

Ahh, she's so cute… I'm going to ask her to marry me the second I graduate. She's the only woman I'll ever call my wife.

Still, her being here must mean that the elections are over.

And next to her is that blonde bimbo Thotifer.

Judging by the look on her face…

"…"

"… What's with that look, nerd?"

"Oh? Am I making a face right now? Ehehehe."

"You're grinning like the ape you are is what you're doing."

"Yeah, cuz you look like you could cry right now. Meaning, the one who won the election is…"

"Jennifer, I'm going to let Mr. Stone know what happened before I bring Nicholas in. Is that okay?"

"Sure, I'll go in when you need both of us."

"… Suit yourself."

The most beautiful woman in Sunchester High opens the door to the principal's office and leaves, leaving me and this dumb thot alone together.

Honestly, life is too cruel sometimes.

Why there is such a huge age gap between me and her I will never know.

Oh well, at least I can take solace in the fact that we managed to win the elections. Way to go, dude!

"He didn't win, by the way."

She takes a seat next to me.

"What?!"

How cruel!! My sacrifice… Ugh…

Why…?

"We tied in votes. 14-14."

"That's cruel… Wait, 14-14? How? Our class has 30 students and I was the only one not present to vote. That's still only 29…"

Did someone not vote? Or did a ballot get spoiled?

"No, I didn't vote."

She sits down right next to me and sighs.

"I didn't think I needed to. Like, how was I supposed to know that those perverts would all vote for Chase?"

"Pfft, you didn't vote? You're kinda dumb aren't you?"

"Where do you get off calling someone else dumb, Mr. Soon-to-be-expelled?"

"Hey, at least I did everything I could to win the election. You couldn't even put in a lousy ballot. Everyone already knows that in elections, every vote counts."

"That's just a platitude people use to get others to vote."

"Yeah? How's that platitude working out for you? Man, thots are so DUMB! Hahahahaha!"

"You're an ape."

"Holy shit you're so mad hahahahahaha!!"

"Ugh…"

"Hahaha! Haha… Man that's rich. So, what did Miss Bell decide to do? Is she going to count your vote?"

"No, she said that in a real election you can't vote after the polls are closed. She just made us both the class president and ended it there. Can you believe that? How can there be two class presidents? What was even the point of the vote? I swear to god…"

"…"

"You're making another face again…"

"Pfft… Hahahahahahaha! Oh my god that's hilarious! This proud thot has to share her precious seat of power with Chase! Hahaha what a dumbass holy shit!"

"I will yank your tongue out if you don't shut up right now."

"Haaa… I see. So we won, huh?"

"No, you all lost. If I'd voted, then…"

"You know, you should probably stop doing that.'

She stops in her tracks.

I don't know if it's because she noticed my change in tone, but she doesn't say anything.

"All you do is complain about how bad things are for you and how unfair the world is. But the truth is, if you'd put in just a little more effort then things would have fit into place, wouldn't they?"

"That's bullshit. I've put in so much work for the past month. Are you really going to say that just one vote is going to make the difference after all of that? Just because that cross-dressing pervert got some guys excited by the idea of sharing a gym class with me and the rest of the girls?"

"He used something like that to get votes? Damn, this whole thing must've really changed him then. That's great."

"…"

"Here's the point I'm trying to make: We also sacrificed and worked our asses off to get those fourteen votes. Do you really think you're the only person capable of doing that?"

"You can't possibly be saying that this is fair. Everything I've worked so hard to build up was used against me just because a bunch of guys wanted to see me up close in my gym clothes. Scarlet leaked the details of my campaign to Chase too, didn't she? You're calling that hard work? You're calling that fair? Seriously?!"

"No, it's not fair. But neither is any of the shit you put either of them through."

"…"

"If you had never bullied Scarlet, then she wouldn't have come up with the idea to sabotage your campaign. If you'd never spread those rumors about Chase, then he wouldn't have ran against you just to salvage his high school career. You dug your own grave by making enemies of the 'Fated Ones'. You can refute the result and call everything unfair, but at the end of the day this is all your own doing."

She doesn't respond.

My point must have gotten across to her, as stubborn as she is.

"Haaa… that said, I wish we didn't have to share the seat with a girl. We could've done so many cool things without worrying about anything…"

"…"

""The 'Fated Ones' doesn't fair either," huh?"

"What's that?"

"Chase left Momo with those words for me."

"… He's changed a lot because of you."

Jennifer sighs and folds her legs.

"How so?"

"When I met that guy… man, he was a wreck. First day of school and he wouldn't talk to anyone. Wouldn't approach anyone. He was kinda just there. Always looking at the ground. It's like he was scared, dude. I dunno why. He must've had his own demons to fight. I never asked about it really."

"…"

"He felt like me in a way. Because of some shit that happened to me in middle school I had my own demons. That's why I decided to form the 'Fated Ones' with Sig. I wanted to make a place where the three of us could be ourselves. Cuz like, I dunno… I think all three of us needed that safe space where we didn't have to give a shit about anyone else. But, he was still the same for most of that time. Never opening up, just barely making conversation. It wasn't real."

"And me starting up those rumors changed him?"

"Yup. Because of you and Scarlet, we found out a lot of things we never knew about him. And the rumors forced him to make a decision to change things on his own rather than just letting every day go by as-is. Cause it's scary to be isolated from everyone. Not that you'd know anything about that."

"Yeah, because everyone loves me for my great personality, right?"

"Nah, they like your tits dude."

"That's what I meant, you ape."

"… Look. What I'm trying to say is, being a member of the 'Fated Ones' is way better than being popular. Look at you, you've spent so much time, sacrificed so much for appearances and image, and what did you get for it? They turned on you the moment something else caught their attention. But even when you started all of those shitty rumors about Chase, the 'Fated Ones' was still there for him."

She sighs.

"This all happened because Scarlet's such a stupid bitch."

"Haha. Yeah, she is kind of a stupid bitch isn't she?"

"…"

"But, even if she is a bit dumb, she's still a much cooler girl than you'll ever be."

Before she could say anything in response, the door to the principal's office opens up and Miss Bell walks out.

"Okay, he'll see the two of you now. I'm going to go talk about the results in the staff room. Everyone's excited to hear about it. I think they'll love this conclusion."

"'Kay."

"… Yes ma'am."

The two of us head into the principal's office.

It's a dark room, to say the least.

You'd think the person who does all the paper work that keeps this school afloat would keep his room more well lit. I'm getting some serious Monokuma vibes from this guy right now.

"You're the two Miss Bell was telling me about, right? Nicholas Albert and Jennifer Swift?"

"Yeah, that's us."

She looks so bored…

You wouldn't think she was about to get a classmate expelled just by looking at her.

What a bitch.

"So, is there anything either of you would like to say?"

"Nope."

Though, I guess I probably look kinda bored too.

I've already done my part. We've exacted vengeance on this thot, so all that's left is for me to die in peace as the sacrifice.

"Yeah, actually. Can you let him off with something lighter than expulsion?"

"… Huh?"

What the hell is she saying?

"Oh? And why should I do that?"

"Like… yeah he hit me, but it was all political if you think about it. He wouldn't normally hit another student, I don't think. I provoked him and he calmly assessed that this would be the best option for his candidate to secure the electoral seat."

"But didn't he hit said candidate last week? Chase Masters, was it?"

"Again, it was all political. Listen Mr. Stone. I get that you're supposed to be the principal here, but let me make something clear."

… I think this woman might have a bigger pair than I do.

"You're the one who made such a huge political arena out of your school in the first place. If you're scared of things like this happening then you're better off just shutting the entire system down. Do you really want to raise sheep who just blindly follow along with what the system tells them is right and wrong? Because let me tell you, that's not how real change happens. Real change is when you go through the hoops and do the things that no one else has done. Certainly, Nicholas deserves to be punished for hitting me, but him and I, we're still just fourteen-year-old kids who were thrown into a political arena without knowing how serious it would get. So really, if you want to expel him then you're better off just tearing the entire system down while you're at it. That way, we won't strive so much for that Student Body President position."

"…"

Uwahhh… She really said all of that to the principal of this school.

What kind of person did we have Chase run against? How did we even tie with someone like this?

Man, this is rough… Even if it's Thotifer, having her get punished because she defended me would make me feel kinda bad.

"Hmm."

He ponders her words for a moment.

Well, it's a good sign that he doesn't look pissed off at least.

"Do you know why I've created such a political environment in our school?"

"Not really."

"There's two reasons. The first is to create a voter-conscious student body. I want the youth to be aware of the power that each of their votes holds. Too many elections have been swung due to young voters not knowing how much power their single ballot holds. Perhaps neglecting to vote in an election here will result in a student with unfair policies coming to power. When that happens, then their view of the voting process will surely change. If every single graduate convinces three swing votes to put their ballots in during a real Election Day, then thousands of votes that would not have affected the election otherwise will enter the ballots."

"And the second reason?"

"On the opposite end of the spectrum, I believe this school has the potential to create very powerful politicians. The control and power members of the student body government have in this school is incomparable to any other school in the country. The sheer amount of money they're able to move at the snap of their fingers towards things such as clubs and faculties is unheard of for a high school student. I'm sure you've noticed it. The quality of the amenities in each of the club rooms is extremely high, no? Those were installed by members of the government in the past. The power of this government is the power of money. And so, the seat is extremely competitive despite being a simple High School Student Body Government seat."

"Which is why, as I said, it would set a bad example to outright expel him. You'd basically be admitting that your precious system forced him to do something that can't be disciplined without booting him."

"What makes you think my system is what forced him to hit you?"

"Haha…"

In the face of his question, Jennifer merely giggles.

"Seems like you don't understand anything, Mr. Principal. Don't you know? I'm friends with people in your precious government. And trust me, this incident is far from the worst thing that's come from your system."

"…"

"Do you get it?"

Hold on, is she fucking blackmailing him with information?

"Hehe… Hahahaha! Don't worry, I get it. I won't expel him."

Are you for real…?

"But Miss Jennifer, answer me this: What do you plan on doing now that you've become class president?"

"Wouldn't it ruin the surprise if I told you?"

"Ahahaha! I like it! You're an interesting one. Very well. In that case then I'll let you in on a little information. Everyone has had their eyes on the class 103 elections. The teachers too. That fight you and Chase had during lunch, Nicholas, I know all about it too."

Was it the teacher from back then? He suddenly didn't bring us back to the principal's office…

This school really is like something from a fucked up light novel.

"Well, don't let me keep you two. I'm sure you have class to attend."

"Um… What about my punishment?"

"Oh? Hmm. Let's just say you're suspended from tomorrow until the week is over. How's that?"

"Sure…"

Oh whatever. I don't care anymore.

It's not like I wanted to be a cool sacrifice or anything…

"…"

YEAH RIGHT, I'M PISSED!

WHY'D I HAVE TO GET SAVED BY THIS STUPID BITCH?

IT WOULD'VE BEEN SO COOL! I WOULD'VE LIVED ON AS A MEMORY! THE FALLEN HERO OF THE FATED ONES!

THIS IS SO TYPICAL OF THOTS, ALWAYS STICKING THEIR NOSES WHERE IT DOESN'T BELONG!

But…

I guess I am kinda happy I can spend more time with those three.

Hahaha…

With that taken care of, I reluctantly leave the office alongside my "savior" without saying much.

"…"

"What? You look like you want to say something."

"Why'd you stick up for me? You could've just let me get expelled back there."

"'Why'? It's obviously because of those things you said earlier."

"Those things?"

"Yeah… The truth is, I haven't made any close friends since I joined this school. It's just been Momo who I've been friends with since middle school and Scarlet, who I'd… yeah. I think it'd be nice to start making more meaningful connections. You know, ones that don't get ruined by things like lust or status."

"That so?"

"Yeah. I was wondering if… I could join your friend circle. Scarlet's friends with you guys now, right? I figured I could make amends with her and join you guys. I think it'd be fun, no? "

"Well, I don't mind."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you can join. But for the record it's not because I believe any of that bullshit you just said."

"…"

"Bullshit?"

"You really think I'd believe that a spiteful bitch like you would do a complete 180 just like that? Get fucking real."

She must think I was born yesterday. What a joke.

There's no way in hell any of that was true.

And as if to confirm my suspicions, my call-out only makes her smile.

"Ohh? How could you tell?"

Yeah, deceitful to the bone. I really can't stand this woman.

"Thots always get real flirty when they want something from you. I don't know what you want out of the 'Fated Ones', but you won't get anything from it if you're trying to take advantage of us. Like you said, we're above things like sex and status."

"Hmm. So that's why Chase didn't get caught in my trap."

She looks down as if she's thinking of something, then grins.

"I definitely underestimated you guys. You're not like the other guys in our class. If I told them something like that they'd think it was because I was actually interested in them. You in particular; you didn't hesitate for a second to call me out, even compared to Chase."

"Oh shut up already. We've got algebra now, let's hurry up."

"Hehe, sure."

The two of us begin on our way to class.

"So, Nick!"

"Only my friends call me Nick."

"Good thing I'm your friend now. So, how do I join the 'Fated Ones'? Do you guys have like, a secret code?"

"Yeah, it's TNT."

"TNT…?"

"It stands for Don't Believe Anything Jennifer Swift Says Because She's A Lying Thot."

"??????? Nicholas you're really bad a jokes. You should take some lessons from Chase."

"Chase isn't that funny! You're the only one who thinks that!"

"No way, he's really funny! His deadpan delivery is amazing! Do you remember when he told our algebra teacher that he was talking about the founding fathers? Pffhahahaha!"

"Oh my god you are so annoying…"

"And then the Gotham joke earlier… Pfft!"

"Wait, he actually did that one? What a dumbass! Hahahaha!"

"I know right! Ahahahaha!"

"Hahahaha…"

"…"

"…"

We both stop in our tracks.

Because right before us, is a certain newspaper club president.

And for some reason, her face is completely blank.

"L-Leyla?"

Oh crap. Last week she FREAKED when she saw me come in with Beatrice. Now I'm here in the middle of the halls laughing it up with her other crush?!

What on earth is she going to do to me now…?

"…"

But as if to betray my expectations, she clasps her hands together slowly as that blank face quickly turns into a smile of almost ecstasy.

"Hehehe… I knew it."

"K-knew it?"

"My king and my queen, together at last… ahh! Finally, my OTP has been realized."

…

Wait, what?

What is this girl saying?

"Please! I beg of you two! Nothing would make me happier than seeing the two of you go out at last! Get married and invite me to the wedding too! Have babies! OMG I would LOVE to see your kids! Ahhh, I can die happy now that I've finally seen this! The most hated freshman Nicholas Albert alongside the most beloved freshman Jennifer Swift! It's a match made in heaven! Forbidden love, brought together by their mutual friends through a political trial! I'msofrickin'happyI'mgoingtoexplodethisisthebestthingeverIneedtogowritefanfictionaboutthisrightno-"

"YOU'VE JUST BEEN A STUPID SHIPPER THIS ENTIRE TIME?!"

Oh for the love of…

"I'm going home. Count my suspension as in-effect starting today. I'll see both of you next week."

"Wait, Nick! You can't leave until you've made me a member of the 'Fated Ones'!"

"Only my friends call me Nick, you dumb thot!"

"Don't let him get away Jennifer! Keep close until you've made it to the altar!"

Ugh! What the hell is this?! When did I become a shitty harem anime protag?!

This is the worst!

I just wanted to spend high school talking about videogames and anime with my friends…