The Voiceless

"I'll know everything you're thinking." - Evo.

—-

Evo's POV

As I sat in the cafeteria's square, a grin spread across my face. "You're going to win for sure, man. Your supporters worked very hard on your behalf," my friend Migs said as I sat with my friends.

Wilson, one of my friends, chowed down on the burgers before he began talking. "Man, they strive for it. They flooded my different social media networks with pictures of Evo. I wouldn't say I enjoy looking at your face any longer. Today, I took a long, lengthy look at my face in the mirror, which made me realize that I am rather attractive. Are you aware of how diligently your supporters have worked for you? Upon further reflection, you are likely the reason I am unable to identify my face."

The announcement of the USBO (University Student Body Organization) vote count was imminent. All of the candidates were in a tight spot except for me, who had a built-in army of loyal supporters who quickly spread the word online to sway voters in their favor. Being popular on campus ensures my victory.

I laughed and gave a slight nod. "That group wants me to apply for an officer position. Yet you're whining after making me run for office!"

Everyone laughed. It's true. My friends did mess up the application form by putting my name on it.

Migs smiled at me, then just stared at me. "Have you ever thought that you might lose?"

I shook my head and said, "I don't care if I lose."

"But we care, dude," Wilson said. "You win. You rule!"

Everyone laughed at Wilson when the speaker in the cafeteria made an announcement.

Candidates, please proceed to the wonderful hall where the counting of votes will commence. It will begin in five minutes.

Excited, everyone stood up and pushed me toward the grand hall.

—

The tally began. My name has already risen to the top of the list for president, while Bella Sebastian, who is also a candidate for vice president, has emerged as the victor for the vice presidency. The vote totals for both parties are about equal. Meanwhile, in my peripheral vision, I saw a guy trying to stay out of sight. He was wearing a face mask and cuddling with the folder. He kept looking around, but as soon as the bells of the main building's antique clock rang, he made a beeline for the exit.

After what seemed like hours, I eventually succumbed to exhaustion. Yet the officials still need to complete the tally. I closed my eyes and clasped my hands under my armpits.

After a loud yell, I almost collapsed to the floor. I wiped my face with my palm and immediately glanced around. I took a nap unconsciously. The audience clapped loudly as the host spoke with excitement.

"I'm delighted to introduce Evo Montenegro, the new USBO President, to you all."

At that precise moment, a brief blackout occurred, followed by the spotlight focusing on me. The spotlight focuses on me, and a roar of cheers and applause echoes in the main hall.

The emcee invited me to "come up here, Mr. President, and introduce yourself."

With a broad grin on my face, I stood and stepped forward. I approached the host, and the room again brightened to welcome me. The crowd roared with whoops, cheers, and yells.

"Mr. President, despite your fame, a few freshmen still need to know you." Please introduce yourself."

The host passed the microphone to me, and I graciously accepted it. "Good evening, everyone. My name is Evo Montenegro, and I'm the new president of the USBO."

It filled the whole grand hall with the sound of the uproar filled the entire grand hall. The host switched places with me and introduced the vice president.

The emcee whirled around to face the crowd once again. "It goes without saying that for every Mr., there must be a Miss. We want to warmly welcome Bella Sebastian, our new Vice President of the USBO."

The lights went out as soon as Bella Sebastian entered, and all attention refocused on her. The room became silent, despite how boisterous things had been earlier when Bella Sebastian approached the host. The audience may overhear students' attempts to keep their voices down.

'Who is she? I don't know her.'

'How did she get to the top?'

'She's a renowned scholar at the university. She's brilliant and cool. I can't believe you don't know her.'

'Really? To me, that makes little sense.'

"Amazingly, no one is making any noise," the host said. "Miss Vice President, I'd like to ask you to introduce yourself."

When the host handed up the microphone, Bella grabbed it. "Wishing you all a pleasant evening. I'm Bella Sebastian, the new vice president of the USBO."

No one has broken the silence. The host positioned Bella Sebastian and me in the center of the main hall just as the noise level rose. I glanced at Bella and extended my arms to congratulate her, but she was not looking at me or ignoring me. It was as if she wasn't interested in talking to me. I've heard her name from the Architecture Department, and she is a celebrity there, but this is the first time I've met her in person. She seemed intimidating based on what I had heard about her, but I noticed a tiny smile. Well, I won't force myself on her tonight. Starting tomorrow, we will be together and work together. I ignored it and shook hands with all the committee staff.

Thoughts were growing like a swarm across the entire building, but the one that caught my attention was peaceful and unruffled. It was bright and colorful for a colorblind person. It stands out to everyone, so I can see it. I looked around but couldn't figure out whose mind it was. I saw Bella Sebastian leave the building as I passed the big hall, where my fans celebrated my victory. A little while later, my phone rang, and upon seeing it was from my cousin, I hastily left the big hall to answer it.

—

While waiting for my cousin at the entrance, I spotted a man sprinting towards me. He was so quick that he even ran into the people he was meeting. The man peered at me from behind his mask.

'That's not what I meant to have happened. I didn't intend to murder Joel.'

I frowned. "What...?!"

When I heard the man's mind scream as if screaming in my ear, I looked at him as he ran toward the gate and got close to him. The man walked past me and even turned to look at the woman pursuing him, who appeared to be attempting to catch him. It seemed as if time had slowed for me as I watched the two runners before me make their way out of the campus gate.

I was stunned to remember what I had heard from the man's thoughts. Sudden nervousness attacked me.

"What the hell is going on?" I asked.