Golden Era (Book 2)

31. Play it Cool

On his visit to Hikari, Atobe presented himself as the student council president of Doutsu University. He was then given a visitor's pass and directions to the Student Council Hall. Granted a rare chance to get a close look at the Hikari campus, Atobe decided to walk.

Three years ago, Atobe had permanently relocated to Kyoto to study and to oversee the Kansai* division of his family's business. He chose to study at Doutsu University—a private institution distinguished for its programs in business, economics, and international relations. With the main campus hugging the crest of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Doutsu frequently held receptions for the imperial family during their visits to the old residence. Over time, these diplomatic events earned the university respect and eminence over others.

At Doutsu, Atobe had quickly climbed ranks and surpassed other seniors to become the first freshman elected as the president. With tact and leadership, he secured the president title for an uninterrupted three years. In his tenure, he extended business connections and leveraged them to expand the Atobe conglomerates.

Standing in the heart of Hikari, however, Atobe felt humbled. Even though he was named one of the most influential young leaders in the region, he had never been behind the gates of Hikari or seen its magnificent architecture. He had overlooked the hidden giant. While Doutsu was an incubator for new riches, Hikari represented the old money and old power—families who had held prestige and wealth for generations. 

Arriving at the Student Council Hall entrance, Atobe smiled to himself. It was reassuring to know that his hunch about Ayuna wasn't misguided: she was someone with an extraordinary upbringing after all.

Straightening his blazer, Atobe presented his pass to the receptionist and briefly described the purpose of his visit. The receptionist welcomed him warmly and told him to wait while she phoned the acting vice president, who received outside visitors for project approvals.

***

The phone rang while Noa was screening a mountain of fundraiser applications. When the receptionist informed her of an external visitor, she switched to the security camera panel to double-check.

"The student council president from Doutsu has come to express his interest in collaborating with Hikari. He'd like to submit the proposal in person, and if there's enough time, have a short discussion. May I send him up?"

Her words passed right through Noa.

She gaped at the live security footage and blinked hard to confirm reality. No matter how many times she tried, the familiar face refused to go away: on the screen was the ghost of her party's past.

Pressing her hand over the receiver, Noa cursed the world for being so damned small.

"Ami-san? Are you still there?"

"Yes, yes," replied Noa hastily, scrambling to fabricate an excuse. "Tell him I already have a meeting scheduled and won't be able to see him."

There was a short, muffled exchange, then the receptionist came back on the line, "He said he's willing to wait."

"It's a long meeting. Really long."

"Then is Kamiya-san available?"

"Ayuna's in class. She won't be back until much later."

"How about taking up five minutes of your time right now? Surely, it'd be okay for him to say hi then submit the application?"

"Our application entry's full," declared Noa with a tone of finality. "Tell him sorry, and it's too bad he missed the opportunity."