3 New Semester, Old Self

Arriving at the familiar school, Leon took his time parking his black road bike as he admired the cherry blossoms and greenery in his school. Despite attending for a year now, he has always liked the quiet atmosphere of the school. By the huge parking lot, numerous trees and aesthetic plants can be seen as Leon walked by to his destination in mind. He proceeded to check the school's bulletin board located at the school's courtyard. He belongs to Section 2-A, the advanced section, which Leon himself already expected. Glancing at his wristwatch which read six-thirty, he had so much time to spare before seven a.m, which the opening ceremony would start. He decided to stay and wait at the Student Council room – located on the far eastern side of the campus, 3rd floor.

The far eastern building consists a variety of club rooms such as: Art & Calligraphy, Astronomy, Cooking, Journalism & Literature, Choir, Dance, Robotics, and the Student Council. Leon was affiliated in the Student Council since his first year as a member, but when spring came, all the seniors graduated, so they held a campaign which Leon decided to run for Vice President. After the campaign ended, it was Leon that was elected as the new Vice President.

Lean questioned this and asked him, "Why not just be the President?". Even though Leon was confident that he had more than what it takes to be the president, he does not desire to be too involved in such tedious activities (as he calls it), as he have lots of other things to do like his part time job and household chores. He only joined the council for the sole purpose of it being good in his resumé. He wanted to participate in important school works yet still be able to do other productive things. He had no intentions of spending all his efforts and time for school. "I want to be able to take it easy but still achieve the best, and for me, that's how real greatness is measured… or maybe that's just me being lazy but nevertheless, I have to let results back up those claims.", was his answer to his sister's query.

True to his words, Leon participated in more extra curricular activities yet maintained his academic achievements nevertheless, gaining him more popularity both with teachers and students alike. Leon soon realized that he may have sounded boastful but he just doesn't want to burn himself out because of school. He believes that there is more to life than just studying, but of course it is still of great importance to him. He makes sure to give just enough effort to keep his grades more than average.

The opening ceremony is supervised by the Student Council, and since he came in early, he decided to do a quick run over and check if everything was in order. After approximately fifteen minutes, Leon heard the door slid open,

"Good morning, Leon. You're so early today, excited to see the new kids?"

"Mr. President, good morning to you too." Leon paused, and answered his inquiry, "Hm, not really, I thought I should check things again and make sure everything's in order." Leon reasoned.

"Ha. How impressive… but please, call me River, like you used to."

"How could I? That's disrespectful, and, the juniors might do the same. I have to set a proper example."

"How 'bout not sleeping at the roof during Latin class, for starters." River said sardonically.

"Hey. That was a year ago, besides, I already completed my attendance requirements and I know for sure I won't fail in that class so why not use my time differently, no?

River and Leon smirked and laughed at the same time. River Luxland was Leon's classmate since first year. He's one of the few people that despite being born with a golden spoon, seemed like a genuine person that even Leon can relate to. He considered his existence a competition of sorts, although Leon beat him academically, his prestige and status is not to be taken lightly. He told Leon that after graduation he was expected to lead his father's international enterprise, but he doesn't seem too thrilled about the idea. River wanted to go to college together with their classmates but due to his father's wishes, he was to immediately move overseas to continue his education at the same time learning how to handle their enterprise.

River is tall guy, around 6'4, with red-blonde clean cut hair, wearing squared glasses and always seen wearing a soft expression on his face. He seems to have this cheerful and older brother type of disposition. Because of this, he was adored by many and has always seen in groups, both with juniors and seniors alike. He is well-liked and has been a go-to person for personal advice.

"You think I'll be okay?" River inquired nervously,

"Of course you will be. Everything is set. We even did a trial run yesterday and you did well." Leon reassured.

"I surely hope so. I don't want to add any more to my list of 'Embarrassing Moments in High School'."

"So, there's a list?" Leon smirked.

River just looked at Leon funny. Despite his occasional wishy-washy attitude, he really does his job well and is serious when it comes to important matters. He is a guy Leon respects, but despite their closeness, Leon does not consider him as a friend but only someone he can talk to at school, a colleague.

Leon does not describe himself as a loner particularly, but, he doesn't see a need for friendship or anything similar to companionship. He considers social interactions uninteresting but despite this, he can befriend or be sociable when he wants to but claims that the whole thing makes him tiresome. Having friends or none, he wouldn't care less. He knows that he is fine either way. He has lived his life as such for the longest time he could remember. But when the need arises or he is in a position that needs societal interactions, he knows he can do it in minimal effort.