Sarah: "Alright, kids—get going or you'll be late."
Yami: "Yeah, let's move before we're even later."
Misami: "Fine…"
Yahiko: "Yes, sir!"
The group headed off to school, arriving in their classroom to find every pair of eyes locked onto Yami—but not for the same reason as before. In a sudden burst of energy, a crowd rushed toward him.
Yami: "Ehh? Why me—again?!"
Before the chaos could grow worse, a student wearing a band labeled SCHOOL REP stepped in front of Yami, his posture firm.
School Rep: "You guys sit down right now—or you'll be in trouble for disturbing other classes with this nonsense!"
Class (in protest): "Come on, Jayson! You're no fun at all!"
Yami (thinking): "Jayson...? That name... it sounds familiar. Have we met before—in my realm?"
The rep turned to face Yami directly.
Jayson: "Yo. I'm Jayson Tomioka—the student body president."
Yami: "Nice to meet you. I'm Yami Saturo."
Jayson (with a knowing smirk): "Oh, I know. You're trending all over YouTube after that fight."
Yami (startled): "The fight...? Wait—who posted it?"
Jayson: "No one knows. It just went viral. Anyway, I'm here to officially invite you to join the student council. You'll represent Class 2-A."
Yami: "Isn't this a bit sudden? I mean, I'm still new here."
Jayson: "The principal and the rest of the council voted on it. You were chosen."
Before Yami could respond, a thick, heavy presence filled the room. The classroom door opened, and a tall man in a tailored suit entered—the principal.
Mr. Hoffman: "So you're the great Yami I keep hearing about... I'm Principal Hoffman—founder of this institution. A pleasure."
He extended a hand toward Yami. The moment their palms touched, Yami felt an overwhelming sensation—like a snake coiling, ready to strike.
Yami (strained): "Yes, sir. Nice to meet you too..."
Mr. Hoffman (with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes): "I look forward to seeing what you'll do for this school. Until next time."
He turned and exited the classroom without another word.
Jayson (looking concerned): "So, Yami... are you joining?"
Yami stood frozen. His skin had gone pale. Terror clawed at him from within.
Jayson: "Yami? Are you alright?"
Misami: "Yami?"
Suddenly, Yahiko jumped onto Yami's back.
Yahiko: "Carry me!"
Yami flinched, but instinctively gave her a piggyback ride.
Yami: "Yes, yes—I'll join the student council. And Yahiko... why are you on my back again?"
The girls in the class glared daggers at Yahiko, but she remained completely unbothered.
Yahiko: "Because I want to!"
Yami (sighing): "Please get off. You can ride later."
Yahiko (grinning): "Hmm… Deal." She hopped off casually.
Jayson (laughing): "You've got some weird friends, my dude. Catch you at lunch—I've gotta run."
Yami: "Later…"
Class resumed, but the unease in Yami's heart didn't fade. Meanwhile, back in the principal's office…
Mr. Hoffman (murmuring): "He sensed me. That crest must've reacted to my aura..."
He turned to face the window, eyes cold.
Mr. Hoffman: "I wonder how my daughter fares... in the Underworld."
Just then, the door burst open and the vice principal stormed in.
VP Smith (angrily): "Why the hell did you offer him a seat on the student council?!"
Mr. Hoffman (calmly): "I—"
Before he could finish, a textbook smacked into his face.
VP Smith: "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
Mr. Hoffman (shouting): "That should be my line! Better to keep him close than have him turn against us. Get your head outta your ass!"
VP Smith: "Screw you!" She stormed out of the room.
Mr. Hoffman (rubbing his face): "Argh… women."
Later, during lunch break, Yami wandered to the basketball court and spotted Jayson practicing alone.
Yami: "Jayson?"
Jayson (smirking): "Sup, Yami. Or should I say... vice student body president."
Yami: "Just call me Yami. Mind if I join you?"
Jayson: "Sure—catch." He tossed the ball to Yami.
As they squared up, students began to gather around the court.
One student shouted: "Everyone! Yami's facing off with the prez! Come check this out!"
Yami: "Isn't this getting a bit much?"
Jayson (grinning): "Come on—let's give them a show. We only live once, right? Might as well make it count."
Yami grinned back, energy surging through him.
Yami: "Right."
The court buzzed with excitement as the game kicked off. Sneakers squeaked and the crowd roared as the two went head-to-head. Yami launched toward the hoop with blinding speed. Jayson responded with a perfect block—but Yami recovered mid-air, slamming the ball through the hoop in a thunderous dunk.
Cheers erupted. Jayson nodded in respect. The game stayed neck and neck until the final seconds. With only a moment left, Yami stepped back and sank a perfect three-pointer—winning the game.
Jayson walked over, smiling and extended a hand.
Jayson: "You've got some pretty good moves, bruv."
Yami: "You're not so bad yourself, man."
Jayson (offering a bottle): "Fancy a drink?"
Yami (laughing): "Fancy indeed."
They fist-bumped, smiles on their faces, a new bond forming beneath the surface.