Golden Era (Book 2)

30. King Atobe (II)

Ayuri and Sachi set off to Tokyo the following Monday. 

Their departure was early and silent. Ayuna only knew they left when she found an envelope at her door containing a set of keys to the president's office and a list of access codes for essential files. At the bottom was a notecard with Ayuri's handwriting: I trust that you'll do the right thing. From Sachi, there was nothing: they had depleted all there was to say.

"Guess it's just you and I," remarked Noa when Ayuna presented her with the farewell package.

"More you than me," said Ayuna sheepishly. "Hikari is a brand new landscape for me. I need your help navigating."

Noa swatted at her friend with a yawn. "Too early in the morning to talk business. First things first—follow me."

Leading Ayuna into her room, she pulled out a set of car keys from her beside cabinet, "I want you to have these."

Ayuna didn't accept right away. "You're giving me your car?"

"Lending it to you," corrected Noa.

"Isn't it brand new?"

"I have my motorbike, so I'll be fine until the first snowfall."

"But what would I need it for?"

"Based on what you told me, I figured you might not want the driver chauffeuring you everywhere." Pressing the keys into Ayuna's hand, Noa said, "Take my car when you need to go see Fuji Shuusuke."

Ayuna's lower lip trembled, "Noa, you don't have to help."

Noa shook her head with a grin, revealing two deep dimples. "It's not just about helping. The heart wants what it wants and I envy you for having that choice. I know this is complicated, and it may not even be morally right... But I'm still on your side."

***

With Sachi's absence came a surge of questions and rumors. To make matters worse, it happened right before the most impactful event of the year: Hikari's annual fundraiser for Nippon Foundation—the largest non-profit organization in the country. Every year, Hikari would host high-profile charity events such as extravagant galas and silent auctions for a target program in the foundation. Not only was the event symbolic of Hikari's dedication to philanthropy, but it was also an outlet for the upper-class to justifiably flaunt their riches.

This elitist legacy was upended the moment Ayuna stepped in as the acting student president.

She decided to dismantle the old model and publicize the fundraiser: instead of having an internal committee with only Hikari students, this event would be done in partnership with another university. Applications and event proposals were opened up to all institutions in the region. The student council would then vote on these submissions and select a fitting partner. 

Her announcement resulted in an upheaval of backlash. The entire campus was appalled to have their exclusivity stripped away. Many saw her move as a violation of Hikari's long-standing traditions. Kamiya Ayuna was officially downgraded from a mystery to a collective enemy.

Faced with violent oppositions, Ayuna remained unwavering. Only when she took over did she realize that Hikari's policies were heavily biased.  While it would've been wise to keep her head down and follow Sachi's footsteps, turning a blind eye on unfairness wasn't in her nature.

As pushback from students intensified, however, even Noa started to worry. 

"Your intentions are admirable, Ayuna. But is it really safe to rock the boat right when you step in? I mean, people are practically asking for your head on a platter!"