Chapter 9: The Turning Point

Saori's POV

Riser Nafutori was at it again.

I watched him from the window of the student council office, leaning casually against a vending machine, surrounded by a group of first-years who were laughing like he'd just told the world's funniest joke. He wasn't campaigning, wasn't handing out flyers, wasn't doing anything that remotely resembled effort.

And yet, they adored him.

"Carefree confidence," I muttered under my breath, scowling. "That's all it is."

"You talking to yourself again, Sayori?"

I turned to see Yuki, one of my campaign team members, leaning against the doorframe with a playful smirk. Yuki was short but sharp-tongued, with jet-black hair always tied in a messy bun and glasses that gave her an almost intimidating look.

"I'm just… strategizing," I said, crossing my arms.

"Strategizing how to take down the human golden retriever?" Yuki teased, sitting on the edge of the desk. "Good luck with that."

My Campaign Team

Aside from Yuki, there was Haruto, the tall, quiet artist who'd been roped into the campaign after I complimented his poster designs. He barely spoke, but when he did, it was always profound—or painfully awkward.

Then there was Akane, my overly enthusiastic junior who'd joined the campaign because, as she'd loudly proclaimed, "A queen must have loyal knights!" She had a knack for turning even the smallest tasks into dramatic spectacles.

Finally, there was Takumi, the self-proclaimed "data analyst" of the group. He was a math prodigy who claimed he could predict election outcomes using algorithms. He spent most of his time scribbling numbers on a whiteboard and muttering things like "margin of error" and "statistical anomaly."

Together, they were… an interesting bunch. Not exactly the dream team I'd envisioned, but they were mine.

"Alright," I said, addressing the group as we gathered in the library. "We need to understand how Riser became Student Council President last year. What did he do, and how can we counter it?"

Akane raised her hand like we were in class. "He didn't do anything, Saori-sama. He just… existed."

Yuki snorted. "She's not wrong. I was there last year. He didn't campaign or make speeches. People just liked him."

"That's not a strategy," I said, frowning. "There has to be more to it."

"It's not about what he did," Takumi said, adjusting his glasses. "It's about who he is. People trust him. They believe in him."

"Why?" I asked, my frustration boiling over. "What makes him so special?"

Haruto, who'd been quietly sketching in the corner, finally spoke up. "He's kind," he said simply. "And he listens."

For a moment, the room fell silent. Even I couldn't argue with that. As much as Riser annoyed me, I'd seen it with my own eyes—the way he made people feel seen and heard, even in the smallest moments.

But I wasn't ready to admit defeat.

"Fine," I said, snapping my notebook shut. "If kindness and listening are his strengths, then we'll use strategy and preparation. This debate is going to be about leadership, and that's where I'll shine."

The Debate Announcement

The next morning, the principal stood at the front of the assembly, clearing his throat into the microphone. Principal Kondo was a short, round man with an unfortunate habit of cracking dad jokes at the worst times.

"Attention, students!" he boomed, his voice echoing across the gym. "As you all know, the election for Student Council President is upon us. And what's an election without a little friendly competition?"

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"That's why I'm thrilled to announce a debate between our two candidates: Riser Nafutori and Saori Dolorez!"

The room erupted into cheers, laughter, and a few surprised gasps.

"Oh great," I muttered under my breath. "More chances for him to embarrass me."

Riser, who was lounging casually in the front row, turned and gave me a grin. "Looking forward to it, Dolorez."

"Don't call me that," I snapped.

Principal Kondo continued, oblivious to the tension. "The debate will take place next Friday in the auditorium. May the best candidate win!"

A Late-Night Revelation

That evening, I stayed late in the library, pouring over debate strategies and potential questions. My notebook was filled with bullet points, diagrams, and contingency plans, but none of it felt like enough.

As I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples, I heard voices from the other side of the shelves.

"Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without Riser," one girl said, her voice soft but sincere.

"Same," another voice chimed in. "Remember when I bombed that history test? He stayed after school with me for a week just to help me study."

"And when I lost my phone, he spent an hour helping me search for it. He didn't have to, but he did."

"He's always there," the first girl said. "That's why I'm voting for him. Not because he's perfect, but because he cares."

Their words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable.

For the first time, I felt a pang of doubt. Could I ever connect with people the way Riser did? Was I too focused on winning to see what really mattered?

I closed my notebook, my thoughts swirling.

What am I missing?

…..

The morning sunlight spilled through my curtains, pulling me out of a restless sleep. Today was the day—the debate against Riser Nafutori.

I sat up, stretching as my mind immediately began racing. I'd prepared for this. I had bullet points, counterarguments, statistics, and contingency plans. Meanwhile, Riser had probably done… nothing.

That thought made me smirk, but then I caught myself.

"Why am I laughing because of that bastard?" I muttered, shaking my head. My cheeks felt warm, and I scowled at my reflection in the mirror.

Before I could dwell on it, a sharp knock came from my door. "Miss Saori," my maid called, her voice clipped and professional. "You'll be late if you don't hurry."

"Coming!" I called back, pulling myself together.

As I descended the grand staircase of my house, the sight of the empty dining room struck me. It was luxurious, with polished floors and crystal chandeliers, but it felt hollow without my parents.

I paused for a moment, letting the loneliness wash over me, but then I squared my shoulders. I don't have time for this. The debate is what matters now.

The walk to school was uneventful—until it wasn't.

"Hey, young lady!" a gruff voice called out.

I turned to see an old man sitting on the curb, surrounded by a pile of tattered blankets and an assortment of questionable snacks. He was holding a hand-painted sign that read: Support Riser Nafutori—The People's Champion!

I groaned internally. "Can I help you?"

"You look like one of them fancy types," he said, squinting at me. "You running against the kid?"

"Yes," I replied, trying to keep my tone polite.

He cackled. "Good luck! That Riser boy's a legend around here. Gave me this sandwich last week." He held up what looked like a science experiment gone wrong.

"That's… nice," I said, trying to sidestep him.

"You got any sandwiches?" he asked, grinning.

"What? No!"

"Figures," he said, shaking his head. "Not everyone's got the heart of gold like that kid."

I stared at him, torn between frustration and disbelief. "You're basing your support on sandwiches?"

"Not just sandwiches," he said. "He's got charm. You don't. Just saying."

I stormed off before I could say something regrettable, his laughter echoing behind me.

By the time I reached school, my mood was already sour. Thankfully, my campaign team was waiting in the library, ready to strategize.

"We need to focus on your opening statement," Yuki said, tapping her pen against her clipboard.

"And your rebuttals," Takumi added, scribbling furiously on the whiteboard.

"What about her outfit?" Akane chimed in, looking up from a pile of color swatches. "Presentation matters!"

"I'm not running a fashion show," I snapped.

"You're running for president," Akane shot back, hands on her hips. "It's the same thing."

Haruto, ever the quiet one, held up a poster he'd been working on. It depicted me in a heroic pose, standing atop a pile of books labeled "Knowledge" while Riser lounged in the background eating a slice of pizza.

"This might be too much," he said.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Focus, everyone. The debate is in a few hours. Let's get this right."

The afternoon arrived faster than I'd expected.

The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as students filed in, chatting excitedly about the upcoming debate.

I stood backstage, clutching my notes like a lifeline. My team was around me, offering last-minute advice and reassurances.

"You've got this," Yuki said, giving me a thumbs-up.

"Just remember to smile!" Akane added.

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves.

And then Riser walked in.

He strolled toward me, hands in his pockets, looking like he didn't have a care in the world. When he reached me, he stopped and gave me that infuriatingly carefree grin.

"Ready to have some fun?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.