Maddened by you

# Chapter Two: The Unseen Bonds

The following week, you were still reflecting on the Fall Festival when you found yourself in gym class. You had always enjoyed sports, and Crescent High's facilities were impressive. Today, the gym was bustling with activity as students tried out for various clubs and teams.

As you were practicing your jump shot, a tall, muscular student approached you. He had a friendly smile and an easygoing demeanor.

"Hey, nice shot! You thinking about joining the basketball club?" he asked, extending a hand. "I'm Haruki, the team captain."

You shook his hand, feeling a sense of relief at meeting someone outside the student council. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it. I'm M/N."

"Well, we'd love to have you. You seem like a natural," Haruki said, nodding appreciatively. "Why don't you come to our practice after school today? You can see if it's a good fit."

"Sure, sounds great," you replied, feeling a surge of excitement. Basketball had always been a passion of yours, and joining the team seemed like a perfect way to make new friends.

After school, you headed to the gym for basketball practice. The team was already warming up, and Haruki introduced you to the other members. They welcomed you warmly, and soon you were immersed in drills and scrimmages. The camaraderie and teamwork were invigorating, and you quickly found yourself fitting in.

As practice ended, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you saw a familiar face from the student council—Takumi, the treasurer. Takumi stood out in the student council with his slender build and sharp, angular features. His jet-black hair was always neatly styled, framing his face in a way that accentuated his high cheekbones and strong jawline. His eyes were a striking shade of deep brown, almost black, and held a keen intelligence and a hint of mystery.

His skin was fair, contrasting with the darkness of his hair and eyes, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. Takumi dressed meticulously, preferring clean lines and a polished look that spoke of his attention to detail. Whether in the school uniform or casual attire, he always appeared well put together, reflecting his organized and precise nature.

There was an aura of calm confidence about him, a quiet authority that made him stand out without needing to be loud or ostentatious. His voice was soft but firm, carrying a sense of assurance and thoughtfulness. Despite his reserved demeanor, Takumi had a warmth to his smile that made those who knew him well feel at ease. His presence was both comforting and commanding, a blend of gentle kindness and steely determination.

"Hey, M/N. I didn't know you played basketball," Takumi said, his voice friendly but tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah, I love it. Just joined the team today," you replied, wiping sweat from your brow.

"That's awesome. I wanted to talk to you about something," Takumi said, his tone becoming more serious. "The student council is planning a fundraiser, and we could use someone with your energy and enthusiasm. Would you be interested in helping out?"

You hesitated, feeling the familiar pressure of the student council's attention. But Takumi's genuine smile and the prospect of contributing to a good cause swayed you. "Sure, I'd be happy to help."

"Great! We have a meeting tomorrow after school. I'll see you there," Takumi said, giving you a grateful nod before heading off.

The next day, you found yourself in the student council office once again. This time, it was more crowded. In addition to Adrian, Ethan, Alex, and Takumi, there were two new faces. One was a petite girl with bright red hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes. The other was a tall, quiet boy with dark hair and an air of calm confidence.

"Welcome, M/N," Adrian said, his smile as charming as ever. "Let me introduce you to the rest of the team. This is Hana, our event coordinator, and Kaito, our vice president."

Hana waved enthusiastically. "Hi, M/N! I've heard a lot about you."

Kaito nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze assessing but not unfriendly. "Nice to meet you."

As the meeting progressed, you couldn't help but notice the dynamics within the group. Hana was bubbly and outgoing, constantly teasing and joking with Ethan, who seemed to enjoy her playful nature. Takumi was meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring that everything was planned perfectly. Kaito, on the other hand, was more reserved, speaking only when necessary but always with authority.

Throughout the meeting, you felt a sense of camaraderie building. Despite the initial intensity of Adrian, Ethan, and Alex, you were beginning to see the student council as a group of dedicated individuals who genuinely cared about the school and its students.

After the meeting, Hana and Takumi approached you. "So, M/N, what do you think? Ready to dive into student council madness?" Hana asked with a grin.

"Yeah, I think so. It's actually pretty exciting," you admitted.

Takumi smiled. "We knew you'd fit right in. By the way, do you have any plans for the weekend? We're having a little get-together at my place, just to unwind and have some fun. You should come."

You agreed, looking forward to spending time with your new friends outside of school. As you left the office, you couldn't help but notice the lingering glances from Ethan and Alex. Their expressions were thoughtful, almost contemplative.

The weekend arrived, and you found yourself at Takumi's house, a cozy, welcoming place filled with laughter and chatter. The entire student council was there, along with a few other students you recognized from classes.

The evening was filled with games, music, and good-natured teasing. At one point, you found yourself alone with Ethan in the kitchen, grabbing drinks for everyone.

"You know, M/N," Ethan said, his tone unusually serious. "I'm really glad you joined the student council. It's been great getting to know you."

"Thanks, Ethan. I feel the same way," you replied, smiling.

Ethan's gaze lingered on you for a moment before he looked away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Anyway, let's get these drinks back before they start wondering where we went."

Later, as the night wound down, you found yourself on the porch with Alex. He was quieter than usual, his expression thoughtful.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alex asked, his voice soft.

"Yeah, it's been a great night," you replied, looking up at the stars.

"I'm glad," Alex said, his gaze intense. "You mean a lot to us, M/N. I just wanted you to know that."

There was a depth to his words that made your heart race. Before you could respond, Hana called out, interrupting the moment. "Come on, you two! We're taking a group photo!"

As you joined the others for the photo, you couldn't help but feel the weight of their words. The student council members had become an integral part of your life, and their affection for you was becoming increasingly clear.

Little did you know, both Ethan and Alex had started to fall for you, each grappling with their own feelings and the unspoken competition that was brewing. The bonds that tied you to the student council were growing stronger, and the path ahead was fraught with emotion and intrigue.