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What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?
❀⋆˚｡ ╰┈➤ "One day," Ranpo crossed his arms over his chest, while the frustration from his head, poured out into his words, "one day without you picking a fight is all I ask!"
You, tattered and painted with bruises, simply laugh at the student council president's misfortune. "Telling me not to fight is like telling me to stop breathing, Uncle Ran."
He brought his hand to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I told you to stop calling me that stupid nickname."
"What?" You ask with a laugh, "you nag me like my uncle used too."
"It's not nagging when your enrollment is on the line. A few more fights and you're facing expulsion. Do you really want that?" His tone shifted slightly—almost as if he slipped a tiny bit of concern in his voice.
You met his anxiety with a smirk, "You worry too much, Uncle Ran. It's not like they'd get rid of me that easily."
Ranpo sighed, realizing that you weren't going to take his warnings seriously. He had dealt with countless disciplinary issues during his time as the student council president, but you, with your relentless stubbornness, were proving to be the most challenging case.
Why did the principal insist on making him deal with you?
"It's not just your problem," the young man began again, "it's affecting the school's and my reputation. You're bringing us down."
You shrugged. "Oh, come on, President. Your reputation can handle a little tarnish, and the school will be just fine. Besides, it's not like I'm doing anything too extreme."
Despite your response, you did feel a little tinge of guilt. Especially since your actions were starting to affect people outside of yourself. Maybe you should at least try to lay low —for the president's sake.
Ranpo raised an eyebrow. "Brawling in the cafeteria is hardly 'nothing too extreme', dumbass."
You chuckled, a mischievous glint in your eyes. "Well, it's not like anyone got seriously hurt, right?"
He couldn't help but shake his head, half in exasperation and half in disbelief at your cavalier attitude. "So those bruises, open wounds on your face, and, that sprained ankle you're trying to hide, aren't serious injuries?"
"Wha— how did you—"
"Look," he interrupted you, "I'll give you one last chance to clean up your act. I'm getting tired of having to constantly cover for and check up on you."
You hesitated, sensing that this time, Ranpo's frustration had reached its limit. You knew that you were pushing him too far, and there was a part of you that didn't want to let down someone who, in spite of his stern exterior, showed at least some concern for your well-being.
"Fine," you muttered, avoiding eye contact. "I'll tone it down a bit. But don't expect me to become a goody-two-shoes like you, Uncle Ran."
Ranpo only grumbled lowly, his gaze lingering on your figure as you rose from the chair and left the student council room. His eyes followed you until you were outside the building, walking along the deserted dirt path of the school.
Then a small soft, fleeting breeze, ruffled your hair and clothes.
And when you looked to your left, you happened to notice—
a small cherry blossom had fallen on your shoulder.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION 10.14.2023 ❀
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— Cherry Blossom : a symbol of new beginnings, and fleeting beauty
