My Last And My Only

Chapter 78: May I?

A week after the University Fair officially concluded, life around the university slowly settled back into its usual rhythm.

The colorful booths had disappeared from the open field.

The banners hanging across the campus had been taken down.

Students had gone back to worrying about quizzes instead of event schedules, and the flood of social media posts celebrating the fair had gradually been replaced by announcements of midterm examinations.

For most people, the event was already a memory.

For the committee heads...

It wasn't over just yet.

The Student Council conference room was considerably quieter than it had been during orientation.

Instead of dozens of volunteers filling every seat, only the committee heads remained around the long table.

Nica stood at the front, flipping through the final evaluation report.

"First of all," she began with a tired smile, "thank you, everyone."

"You made this year's University Fair one of the smoothest we've had."

Christine immediately raised a hand.

"Can we get certificates before the thank-you speech?"

Everyone laughed.

"You'll get them," Nica replied.

"But let me be sentimental first."

Yves rolled her eyes affectionately.

"She's been practicing that speech."

"I have not."

"You practiced."

"I absolutely did not."

Francheska leaned toward Gwen.

"She definitely practiced."

Even Lindtsey smiled.

Only for a second.

Christine caught it.

She pretended she hadn't.

Some things were better left unmentioned.

The meeting lasted nearly two hours.

Every committee submitted reports.

Budgets were finalized.

Evaluations were completed.

Suggestions for next year's officers were written down.

Finally, Nica closed her folder.

"That's everything."

Collective sighs filled the room.

"We're free?"

"We're free."

Christine was already halfway out of her chair.

"I suddenly remember I have a life outside Student Council."

"You?" Francheska teased.

"I thought this building was your permanent address."

Christine placed a dramatic hand over her heart.

"That was hurtful."

"It was true."