"Are you alright, Momo?"
The gathering was over. On the way back, Rukia finally couldn't help asking Hinamori.
The shift in her demeanor before and after the party had been too stark—something must have happened.
Rukia thought back to the glimpse she'd caught near the washroom, where the President had been standing with Kanzaki-senpai. Had Hinamori seen something there?
Rukia wasn't naive. As an observer, she could clearly tell what Hinamori felt. And she could guess at what Kanzaki might be feeling as well. Someone like the President—Tachikawa Shin—with his talent and presence… Anyone spending time around him, it'd be stranger if they didn't fall for him.
So it wasn't surprising Hinamori had feelings. What surprised Rukia was how boldly she had acted on them.
But were Kanzaki and the President… a good match?
Rukia wasn't so sure.
"I'm fine," Hinamori muttered, voice low, lips pressed tight.
Rukia sighed softly. She had no experience with things like this and didn't know how to offer comfort. But watching what had just happened, she wondered—if the President didn't return those feelings, wouldn't all this just trouble him?
She glanced toward Shin, who was walking at the front with Shūhei.
If it were her, she'd definitely feel burdened.
The Next Day
The buzz from the cultural festival hadn't faded. Even during breaks, students still excitedly rehashed everything that had happened the day before.
The headmaster of the Spiritual Arts Academy was beyond pleased with how it all went, praising Shin enthusiastically.
The Student Council really had pulled off something monumental for the student body. There had never been this much liveliness in the Academy before. It made Headmaster Shakusō Sasakibe feel like his leadership was bringing about real change.
The Council's reputation soared. With that came greater trust—and greater autonomy.
Seizing the opportunity, Shin pitched another idea.
Interest clubs.
Something to further enrich students' lives beyond the classroom.
But Sasakibe frowned. "Wouldn't that affect their academic focus?"
Shin explained, "Of course, not just any club can be approved. At the start, we'd limit it to things like Swordsmanship Club, Kidō Club, Healing Arts Club—groups that reinforce their learning. Strict limits on number, type, size, and membership. Once the foundation's strong, we can slowly allow other healthy, positive groups."
Unlike the Student Council, these clubs would be informal—just students with shared interests gathering to grow and learn together. With how empty their free hours often were, many students would benefit.
After mulling it over, Sasakibe said, "You really do have endless ideas."
Then he added, "Draft me a proposal. I'll discuss it with the Academy Board."
Back in the Student Council office, Shin got to work.
Classes were in session. The room was empty.
Yup—he was skipping again. But he didn't care. If Nanda-sensei asked, he'd just say the Headmaster needed him.
At this point, Shin's influence and authority within the Academy far exceeded that of an ordinary homeroom teacher.
A knock came at the door.
Shin glanced at the clock. Not time for the period to end yet.
"Come in."
But it wasn't the Headmaster. It wasn't a teacher.
It was a group of men in pristine white noble garb.
Shin blinked.
They were nobles—clearly. And one among them stood out—refined, regal, with sharp features and icy grace. The others flanked him with deference.
Kuchiki Byakuya.
The moment Shin laid eyes on them, he understood.
After yesterday's festival, after Kuchiki Ginrei saw Rukia on stage… this wasn't a surprise.
"You are the Student Council President, Tachikawa Shin?" asked an elderly man—not Ginrei, but seemingly even older in appearance.
"Correct."
"This is Young Master Kuchiki Byakuya."
That brief introduction was all it took. The name Kuchiki carried all the weight necessary.
Shin stood, approached the desk, and asked, "What brings the esteemed Kuchiki family to the Student Council office today?"
No prior notice. They'd bypassed faculty and leadership. That alone spoke volumes of their clout in Seireitei.
"There is a student in the Council named Rukia, is there not?"
"There is."
"We are here to see her."
Not a single honorific. The implication was clear—they expected him to fetch her.
Shin betrayed no displeasure. Instead, he glanced at the clock. "Class ends soon. Rukia will be here then."
"You want us to wait?"
Shin blinked, tone puzzled. "She's in class. Isn't it normal to wait? Or, if you're in a hurry, her classroom is in First-Year Class B."
The elder turned to respond sharply, but Byakuya raised a hand, silencing him. Then he looked directly at Shin.
"What is your relationship to Rukia?"
Cool voice. Cooler eyes.
"She's a Council member. I'm the President."
"What's her role in the Council?"
"She's my assistant."
"Your assistant?"
"That's right."
Byakuya didn't react outwardly—his expression never shifted. Cold as ever.
Shin, knowing their purpose, didn't ask any further.
Byakuya almost seemed caught off-guard by his silence. After a pause, he continued.
"How does she perform?"
"She's responsible, smart, efficient. Gets along well with others. Shows proper respect to her seniors."
Aside from her self-doubt and tendency to stay quiet.
"She's in Class B?"
Class B—general track. Not the elite Class A.
Byakuya clearly hadn't done much research. Likely, this visit had been triggered solely by what Ginrei saw yesterday.
"Class B is perfectly fine," Shin replied calmly.
Byakuya stared him down.
He was already Vice-Captain of Squad Six. He could've taken the Captain's seat from Ginrei by now, but his marriage had sparked conflict with the clan elders and delayed everything.
Shin knew Byakuya's story well. The Kuchiki clan didn't care for exceptions. Their Squad almost never accepted commoners.
Shin himself might've been making waves… but not in Squad Six.
Things fell silent. A servant quietly brought over a chair for Byakuya.
Shin returned to his seat, unfazed.
The nobles frowned subtly, unused to such dismissiveness.
A few minutes later, the class bell rang.
Not Rukia, though.
Instead, Kamitarō Gōgorō strolled in.
He stopped dead upon seeing the room.
"…L-Lord Byakuya?"
Byakuya rose, eyeing him. "You're from the Kamitarō clan?"
"Yes, sir. Kamitarō Gōgorō. I'm honored you remember me. May I ask what brings you here today?"
Despite the high standing of his own family, Gōgorō knew better than to posture. The Kuchiki clan outranked them, and Byakuya himself was someone he admired greatly.
Byakuya's answer was simple. "We're here to find someone."
"Find… someone?"
Gōgorō glanced at Shin.
No way… him?
Byakuya checked the clock, then after a pause, turned to his attendant. "We're leaving."
"Lord Byakuya?"
Gōgorō respectfully bowed. "Safe travels, my lord."
Perhaps it was the presence of outsiders. Or perhaps Byakuya had had a sudden change of heart.
As they stepped into the corridor, a small figure came hurrying their way.
Rukia.
The moment Byakuya saw her, he froze.
Rukia politely stepped aside, bowing slightly at the group.
One of the elders murmured, eyes wide, "She looks just like… Lady Hisana…"
Byakuya exhaled, eyes closing tightly.
"…Investigate her background thoroughly. And also, that Tachikawa Shin."
"Yes, sir."
Back in the office:
"They were looking for Rukia," Shin said.
"For me?" Rukia echoed from the doorway, stunned.
"Me? Why? What could they want with me?"
"They didn't say. I just told them you'd be here after class. They waited a bit, but then they left."
"…Oh."
Shin grinned, teasing, "Maybe they saw you onstage and one of the noble lords fell in love with you."
Rukia paled instantly.
Gōgorō frowned. "Don't joke like that. Lord Byakuya isn't that kind of man."
He admired Byakuya deeply—not just for his noble birth, but his strength and integrity.
Shin shrugged. "Then why were they here?"
"How should I know?"
Rukia stood frozen in the middle of the room, panicked.
"President, what should I do?"
"What's there to be afraid of?"
She bit her lip, silent.
Shin chuckled and stepped closer, ruffling her hair. "Relax. They probably just have some other reason. You'll be fine."
"But what if—"
"You're being noticed by the Kuchiki family. That's a dream for some. Don't be so scared."
"…I don't want that…"
"Oh?" Shin raised a brow. "You have someone you like already? That redhead—Renji?"
Rukia looked at him for a long moment.
"…It's not like that between us."
"Really?" Shin sounded genuinely surprised.
"…I just don't want to be… treated like an object."
He softened. "Don't worry. I won't let that happen to you."
She trembled slightly, visibly relieved.
"…President."
But just then, someone appeared at the door.
"…Hinamori."
Shin greeted her like nothing was wrong.
But Rukia's face turned crimson. She instantly stepped back.
"...Momo…"
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For this week I will do more release depending on the power stones !
100 Power Stones = 1 chapter (in addition to the daily update)
So give stones if you want mooooar !