A gentle spring breeze drifted across Shin'ō Academy's benches, scattering cherry blossoms onto the girl's shoulders. Hinamori narrowed her eyes comfortably, enjoying the fragmented sunlight falling across her face as she hummed softly in contentment.
Noticing the boy walking toward her, Hinamori smiled warmly. "Why does it seem like you're even busier than me these days?"
"Our homeroom teacher wanted to talk."
"Oh?"
Hitsugaya took a seat beside her, casually glancing around at their classmates nearby.
"So, did Hitsugaya-kun get praised again for being exceptionally talented?"
Hinamori's voice was cheerful, with just a hint of teasing.
"He asked about my plans after graduation—if I've chosen a division yet," Hitsugaya replied quietly.
"Graduation?"
Surprise flashed across Hinamori's face, quickly replaced by amusement. "You've barely been here two months!"
Hitsugaya shook his head slightly. "Kaichō said if I work hard enough, I can graduate this year. Our homeroom teacher said the same thing, mentioning many divisions have already shown interest in me."
After a brief stunned silence, Hinamori's eyes widened into circles. "Tōshirō! That's amazing! Graduating after only one year—everyone would be talking about it!"
Hitsugaya glanced sideways at the girl beside him. "I'm not really thinking about graduating that soon."
Hinamori, however, was bubbling with excitement. "Why not? Graduating in a single year is an incredible achievement!"
"..."
Hitsugaya didn't respond. He appeared indifferent, simply leaning back slightly, palms resting against the bench as fragments of sunlight filtered through cherry blossoms, scattering gently over him. A soft breeze rustled his short white hair, matching his quiet mood.
"What about you?" he asked after a pause. "Have you decided on a division?"
Hinamori tilted her head, smiling dreamily. "I thought you knew. I want to join the Fourth Division."
This answer made Hitsugaya look away again.
"Because of Kaichō?"
Hinamori's cheeks suddenly flushed, realizing Hitsugaya probably didn't yet know about her crush on Nobu.
As childhood friends who'd grown up together, this made her slightly embarrassed.
How could she even explain such a thing?
She quickly changed the subject. "By the way, has anyone from the Gotei 13 approached you yet? Several lieutenants came looking for Kaichō before."
Hitsugaya replied evenly, "Lieutenant Shiba from the Thirteenth Division visited a few days ago."
"Lieutenant Shiba?" Hinamori pondered briefly. "Oh, he's really nice! I remember him! He seems very close with Kaichō, too. Ah, and isn't Shiba Ganju, who joined the student council with you, related to him somehow?"
Hinamori chatted on excitedly, but Hitsugaya only half-heartedly responded, "Lieutenant Shiba is Ganju's older brother."
As classmates and fellow council members, Hitsugaya had indeed gotten quite close to Ganju.
"Ah, I see. Do you think you'll join the Thirteenth Division then?"
"...I don't know yet."
Hitsugaya genuinely hadn't made a decision yet. He'd only recently enrolled; he hadn't even learned all his classmates' names yet.
These past few days, he'd researched the different divisions, trying to understand their roles. But honestly, most of them seemed similar. Currently, Hitsugaya had no particular grand ambitions—he was just following the flow.
As if struck by a thought, Hinamori continued, "You know, you should ask Kaichō for advice. He knows the Gotei 13 very well, and he's acquainted with several captains and lieutenants!"
Her voice remained as clear and cheerful as ever, but Hitsugaya suddenly felt as if a bitter plum had lodged itself in his throat.
"Let's go find him right now!" Hinamori declared enthusiastically, standing abruptly.
"..."
Hitsugaya watched her animated expression silently, a suspicion growing in his mind: was she truly concerned about him, or just using his situation as an excuse to see Nobu?
"Maybe another time," Hitsugaya said flatly. "I'm tired and want a nap."
Hinamori frowned slightly. "Honestly, Tōshirō, how can you be so indifferent about your own future?"
Hitsugaya merely glanced up at her with tired, dead-fish eyes.
Hinamori sighed in resignation. "Fine, do whatever you like. But remember, if you really graduate within a year, the divisions will definitely value you highly. So take it seriously!"
---
Nobu lounged carelessly in his chair, his feet rudely propped up on his desk.
"Kaichō?"
Rukia entered carrying a stack of documents, noticing immediately that Nobu looked unusually troubled.
"Ah, Rukia."
"Kaichō, is something bothering you?" she asked curiously.
"I'm thinking about Kōgorō."
"Huh?"
The former vice president?
Rukia looked puzzled.
Staring blankly at the ceiling, Nobu said, "If Kōgorō saw me now, he'd probably scold me for being rude again."
Rukia covered her mouth, hiding a small laugh.
Nobu continued, "The Headmaster talked to me about planning this year's cultural festival. He wants the student council to organize it in advance, make detailed plans, and attract even more visitors than last year."
Rukia tilted her head slightly. "Kaichō, are you worried about organizing the festival?"
"I'm worried about money!" Nobu groaned loudly. "The academy's funding is barely more than last year's, and without Kōgorō, where am I supposed to find extra cash? Ah, Kōgorō-senpai, why couldn't you just repeat a year?!"
Rukia: "..."
Nobu wasn't actually short on money—the generous gift from the Kuchiki household last year was more than enough to cover the festival expenses.
But there was no way he'd spend his own money on something like this!
Nobu muttered thoughtfully to himself, "Come to think of it, the Katori family is also high-ranking nobility. I wonder if our new vice president is as generous as Kōgorō…"
Rukia hesitated briefly before speaking up, "Kaichō, if money is a problem… perhaps I could help?"
Seeing her earnest expression, Nobu immediately understood her intention and shook his head. "No, forget it. Your brother isn't exactly easy to deal with. If you ask him for money, he'll probably lecture you relentlessly."
Rukia quickly insisted, "It's okay, really! As long as I can help the student council… and ease your worries, Kaichō."
Her voice trailed off toward the end, uncertainty creeping in.
Truthfully, even she wasn't confident Byakuya would agree.
"No need," Nobu said firmly. He smiled softly, "Save your goodwill for when you become student council president."
Rukia stared blankly, speechless. "Me… becoming president?"
"I think you're a perfect candidate," Nobu replied casually.
Rukia immediately shook her head frantically. "No, impossible! Kaichō, please don't joke around!"
In her mind, Hinamori and Kira both far outshone her. Perhaps in a few years, she might become a department head due to seniority, but president? That position would never fall to her.
"How do you know you can't do it, Rukia? You really should work on that lack of confidence."
This isn't about confidence, Rukia silently protested. We're talking about the presidency!
Looking at the entire student council, there probably wasn't a single person confident enough to replace Nobu.
Well...maybe Renji—but he didn't count!
Privately, Nobu had already decided: after he graduated this year, the student council would pass smoothly to Rukia's generation. With Hinamori and Kira supporting her, they'd be fine.
By next year, Rukia would be a third-year student. Considering her Kuchiki family background, she'd have no trouble assuming leadership.
Rukia nervously hesitated, "Kaichō, your expectations are too high. I really think—"
Smiling slightly, Nobu asked pointedly, "If you truly believe you're not qualified…then who is?"
"Well…Kira-kun or Momo—they're both more capable than me."
"Either of them would make a good vice president," Nobu countered. After all, the reason he himself had become president was because of captains from the Thirteenth and Tenth Divisions supporting him.
Otherwise, Kōgorō would undoubtedly have taken the position.
After Nobu graduated, the presidency would naturally revert to the nobles, and Shin'ō Academy would likely adjust council rules accordingly. Nobu's considerable authority was due solely to his outstanding abilities and future potential, which the academy's leadership recognized.
The next president probably wouldn't enjoy as many privileges.
"I'll only be a third-year next year," Rukia continued hesitantly. "There are many senpai ahead of me—"
Slowly sitting up, Nobu locked eyes with her violet gaze, smiling softly.
"Rukia…"
"Are you really satisfied giving up something that should be yours?"
---
T/N: are we talking about being the president still