With preparations for the cultural festival underway, every member of the Student Council was now busier than ever.
Aside from attending regular classes, Rukia spent most of her days following Shin around the Academy grounds, dashing from one errand to the next. But she didn't mind. Having something to do every day filled her with a sense of purpose.
The President was a truly kind person—he often gave her pointers and guidance. Rukia held deep respect for Shin in her heart.
"These class submissions are completely all over the place," Shin muttered, flipping through a binder the Culture Committee had just handed him.
Rukia leaned in to peek at the entries: a stage play titled The Fugitive Princess and Her Knight, a musical number Reigaku Dance Revue, a Kidō Fireworks Showcase, and more.
The titles intrigued her. She couldn't help but wonder what each performance would actually be like.
"What do you think, Rukia?" Shin asked suddenly.
"Ah… I think they're... fine?" she replied hesitantly.
Shin frowned. "That stage play is an hour long. If the performance isn't solid, it'll just bore the audience. We need to set stricter selection criteria."
"That… that makes sense," Rukia agreed.
The festival would take place in the Academy's central plaza. A large stage would be erected for the performances, and the surrounding space would feature class-run booths—snacks, secondhand goods, handmade trinkets, whatever the students wanted to sell.
But the performances were definitely going to be the highlight.
Shin closed the binder, glanced at Rukia, and suddenly grinned. "Hey, what if the Student Council did a performance too?"
"Eh? Us?" Rukia blinked, surprised.
"I think you'd be perfect on stage, Rukia."
Her eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "I can't! President, I really can't!"
"How would you know if you've never tried?"
Rukia bit her lip and tried to think of a reason. "But we're so busy with Student Council work… we don't have time to rehearse."
"We don't need a big cast—just two or three people would do." Shin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Let me see…"
"…You, Hinamori, and Kaizawa. The three of you have very different styles—it'll be a showstopper."
The three girls couldn't have been more different: Kaizawa was cold and blunt, Hinamori sweet, soft-spoken and mischievous, and Rukia… well, Rukia felt the most unremarkable. Quiet, diligent, independent. Like still water—clear and calm—but sometimes, sharp and clever beneath the surface.
"President…" Rukia looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping he'd reconsider.
"It's decided. Go find Hinamori and Kaizawa and explain things to them," Shin said cheerfully, putting an end to discussion.
Rukia wasn't good at saying no. She didn't want to do it, but Shin's tone left no room for negotiation. She obediently left the office to find the other two girls.
Half an hour later, all three were gathered in the Student Council office.
"What the hell is this about?" Kaizawa said first, frowning with open displeasure.
She'd known Shin longer than the other two, and didn't hesitate to speak frankly.
Seated behind his desk, Shin smiled brightly. "It's not 'hell,' Kaizawa. Every class is submitting a performance—why shouldn't the Student Council represent as well?"
"Pick someone else. I'm not doing it," she said flatly. "You're just doing this for your own amusement."
"Kaizawa, you're our head of discipline. You have a duty to stand and represent us!"
"I also have the right to refuse," she shot back. "Why don't you go up there?"
"Come on, I wouldn't be as eye-catching as you girls. And if the three of you perform, we're guaranteed to draw attention. It'll make more students want to join the Student Council next year!"
Kaizawa fell silent for a moment, then subconsciously reached up and touched her cheek.
Hinamori seized the moment. "But President… we don't even know what we'd perform. I don't have any talents like that…"
"A play, a song, a dance—you three can figure it out. For now, I'll relieve you of other Student Council duties so you can focus on rehearsal."
Hinamori looked at Rukia, then at Kaizawa. Neither looked eager. She didn't want to say too much if they weren't on board.
Seeing their silence, Shin added, "How about this? If you agree, I'll grant each of you a wish afterwards. Within my authority, of course. I am the President, after all."
That got Hinamori's attention. "Really?!"
"Of course."
She tugged gently on Rukia's sleeve. Rukia hesitated, then softly muttered, "…Alright."
Shin turned to Kaizawa.
She stared at him for a long moment.
"…Fine."
Shin smiled. "I'm counting on you. Show the Academy what the Student Council is made of!"
Hinamori raised a fist in enthusiasm. "We'll do our best!"
After they left the office, Rukia couldn't help whispering to Hinamori, "Why did you agree so quickly? I wasn't ready for this… I don't think I can do it."
"You're just lacking confidence," Hinamori replied. "This is the perfect chance to overcome that. You have to believe in yourself!"
Rukia said nothing, lips pressed together.
Hinamori turned to Kaizawa. "Kaizawa-senpai, do you have any ideas?"
Kaizawa replied coolly, "You two think of something. I'll cooperate."
With that, she turned and walked off alone.
Hinamori watched her go, then whispered, "Kaizawa-senpai's so hard to talk to. I've never even seen her smile."
Rukia nodded. "Yeah… it's true."
In the Student Council, it seemed like only the President and Hisagi really got along with her.
Still, Hinamori perked up again. "Come on, Rukia. Let's start brainstorming. At least the President gave us time off from Council duties."
"I have no idea where to even begin…"
"Then I'll think of something!"
The festival day was fast approaching, and the entire Academy was abuzz with excitement. Banners and streamers had already gone up around campus.
Being a Shinigami was a serious, solemn duty—guarding the Seireitei, maintaining balance in the Three Realms. The Academy's atmosphere was usually disciplined and strict.
But this cultural festival was breathing new life into the school.
Rukia and Hinamori both genuinely loved being here. They loved the Student Council. They loved this new, unexpected life they were living.
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For this week I will do more release depending on the power stones !
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