Time and Fallen leaves

SC

The Student Council

They say the chances of being chosen as a member here is slim, kasing hirap ng pag exam sa academy. Only those privileged or the geniuses are accepted here. They assess the applicants' background thoroughly, making sure that their background is clean or impressive enough to be considered a member.

It's not just a mere student council body, they are the future entrepreneurs. Not only they deal with student affairs but real business as well. They help the academy strive and innovate ideas. Which earned Evergreen Grove a consistent spot as the number one academic institution among other competitors in Korea.

"We are very sorry, as of now cut-off po muna ang applications. Hindi pa tapos iprocess ang first batch ng applicants, please wait for our official announcement kapag ready na ulit for another screening process."

Murmurs were heard nang mag salita ang student council representative na wala nang vacant slot for applications. Some were angry dahil kanina pa raw sila nakapila, they even skipped class just to make it this early. Erin saw how Keen pouted his lips and devastatingly slouched down the floor.

The sight of Keen being this sulky made Erin's heart shatter. It's like seeing Keeana sad and she doesn't want that to happen. She promised she'll take care of Keen on behalf of Keeana. One good thing that she learned from the orphanage is that she takes promises seriously. Promises were like an engine for Erin, it's the only way for her to keep living, promises were the only way for her to find her purpose.

A student walk past them at hinarap ang sc representative. His hands were both inside his pockets. Naalala ni Erin na nasa same home room class siya, he was sitting at the farthest seat of the class, next to the window. Tanda niya ang mukha ng lalake dahil iyong upuan sana ang target niyang puntahan. Unfortunately, it was already occupied by this guy.

"State your purpose please" the sc representative asked while looking at her log book.

"Saki Nakamura, I'm here for the application" walang emosyong saad ng lalake, his deep voice echoed through the hallway. The rep did not even hesitate at agad itong pinapasok sa loob causing an uproar from the others who witnessed the scenario.

"Hey! You said the application was cut off? Bakit tinanggap pa rin siya eh nauna kami rito?" Sigaw ng isang estudyante na nasa pinakaunang pila.

"I am sorry but he's a Nakamura, one of Evergreen Grove's top contributors and business partner" tila nadismaya ang iba nang malaman na isang Nakamura ang nasa harapan nila ngayon, some were even dazzled because admittedly, he is quite good looking.

Erin unconsciously clenched her fist, disappointed at the sight. The orphanage were much better than this academy. Sa orphanage, walang mas nakaka-angat, lahat pantay-pantay.
They were taught that all human beings were just as equal, the only difference is that some are capable of living a good life while some aren't. Loose the money and they too, are nothing.

"Who cares if his parents are top contributors? That doesn't make him less special. Hindi ba't iyan ang primary rule niyo? That every student here are all treated equally, privileges are nulled here"

Erin doesn't like to talk. She rarely speaks and would only say a word or two during her time at the orphanage. Perhaps it's the that pact she made with Keeana, her body just move into its own accord. Her voice is calm and soft, but she definitely gave the message. She doesn't even know how she had the courage to speak for herself or for others. Tila nawala na ang adrenaline sa kanyang katawan at saka lang na realize kung ano ang ginawa niya, she immediately said 'sorry' and somehow regret standing up because the amount of stares were making her uncomfortable.

A head suddenly pop out from the door, his face transitioned from curiosity to glee. It's literally like a light bulb being switched on.

"Well if it isn't Miss Lynch"

It took a few seconds for Erin to realize that it was the guy who assisted him during orientation. She can't quite remember the name but she thinks it has something to do with Lilo or Milo

Lumabas ng pinto si Milo, he radiates a commanding presence causing the students along the hall went silent. All eyes were on him, waiting for his next move. Erin's not that dumb to realize that he had a high position in the student council.

"You're not wrong, we're all equal here. But this issue here, had been settled way before you were even born. You see, bago pa man maitayo ang paaralang ito, the headmistress and her business associates signed a contract that all offsprings of the contributors will be given an immediate position for the student council..." he scanned the students who were lined up as if telling them to listen to every word he says. "To make it clear, hindi pa man ipinganak si Nakamura, he's already a member of the council."

No one uttered a word, heck they even held their breath. Erin was lost with words, not because she was intimidated, nor humiliated — but because what Milo said reminds her of the orphanage. This isn't a privilege, this is a prison. Hindi pa man sila ipinanganak ay binigyan na agad sila ng napakalaking responsibilidad. They don't even get a chance to enjoy their childhood because all they could think of is to be better, just so they could make their parents proud. All I could think of that time was to excel among other kids just so I could get adopted.

Gulat ang naramdaman ni Milo as he saw how Erin reacted. It was subtle, yet the sadness and pity in Erin's eyes tattooed in his mind. Milo expected Erin to react like the others — in regret, and humiliated.
Why did she react differently? No, she's not mad, she was sad, and it bothers Milo a lot.

"Sorry, Milo" saad ng isang estudyante causing Milo to go back to his senses. Agad naman itong ngumiti showing his deep dimples.

"Don't worry, all of you are qualified to apply. Katulad nga ng sinabi ng representative kanina, hindi pa tapos i-assess ang first batch of applicants. Please wait for further announcements" he assured the anticipating students, especially Keen who was about to cry earlier.

The line immediately disperses at umalis na ang mga nakapila papunta sa kanya-kanya nilang pupuntahan. Keen and Erin decided to head back to their classroom. Keen's been sighing nonstop and it bothers Erin to see him this devasted. It's like seeing Keeana devasted too.

"Thank you"

Silence envelops them, gustong itanong ni Erin kung sino si Milo because his words seem like a law here. Somehow, a part of her is familiar with the Milo guy, hindi niya lang mawari kung saan niya ito nakita. But the thought was impossible, she's from the orphanage while Milo was obviously born royalty.

"He's Milo Yang, a sophomore. You'll see him a lot since he's the Vice President of the Student Council. He may look cute and innocent but his actions say otherwise."

"I'm not asking"

"Your face says the opposite. Anyway, you'll see him often kaya mas mabuti nang kilala mo siya. Don't take him lightly"

Keen obviously won't make it to the council, pang ilang batch pa ang hihintayin niya bago siya bigyan ng pagkakataong ipakilala ang sarili niya sa council. The only solution Erin could think of is to help Keen, by directly asking for Milo's help.

Kakapalan niya na ang mukha niya.