My Stella Polaris

Kanae had always been good at studying — but not with people.

Regardless of having a reserved personality and the normal student vibe that she gives off with her long black hair, slender figure, obsidian eyes, a pale complexion (which makes her prone to being asked if she’s anemic), Hoshizora Kanae is a member of the student council organization in her school, Higashino High. Out of having no other option but to comply, and not wanting to disappoint their homeroom adviser, she took the challenge along with responsibilities. She accepted the position as she also attempted to step out of her comfort zone.

'It wouldn’t be that bad, Ritsu will be there.' She thought as she refers to her best friend to ease down the pressure. But every time she remembers those countless times her sensei convinced her despite her refusals, she still gets somehow irritated.

For Kanae, solving complex math problems, memorizing and understanding different scientific concepts, or learning any academic related thing is never really a pain, yet being a member of the student council is one real headache. She always believes that she wasn’t deserving and that there is someone else out there who is more suitable for the position — a better student leader than her.

"Kana-chan, someone is looking for you." A short-haired girl from Kanae’s class, standing near their classroom door called.

Kanae stood up from her desk, holding her yakisoba bread she'd eaten halfway as they are currently having their break time.

"Kana!" A pretty girl with brown wavy hair, round amber eyes, with a fair complexion that creates a beautiful contrast against her hair, named Minami Ritsu greeted her.

"What do you want, Ritsu?" Kanae deadpanned as she approached her friend.

"What a way to greet your best friend," Ritsu pouts and Kanae just heaved a heavy sigh.

"Kana, I told you, didn’t I? You wouldn't have a boyfriend with that attitude. You'll scare guys away!" Ritsu reminded her, loudly, that Kanae had to cover her mouth with the bread she was holding. Kanae began to ask herself for the nth time, why the hell she became best friends with someone like Ritsu — a complete opposite of her.

They are like Yin and Yang in almost every aspect: appearance, personality, attitude, skills, and interest.

Ritsu loves dressing up and is quite fashionable, she walks through their school corridor with her chin up, back straight, filled with confidence as if she's walking on a runway, on a daily basis. While Kanae, aside from lacking on sense of fashion, also lacked the confidence to not keep her head down most of the time and make eye contact with people, that's why it has became her habit to look down, hide her face beneath the curtains of her dark hair, with her shoulders slightly hunched while walking. Ritsu has a curvy physique and is shorter than average while Kanae's tall height makes her look thinner than she already was. Ritsu is outgoing, she loves people, unlike Kanae who's quite reserved, hates crowds, and prefers to be alone most of the time. Ritsu is good at dealing with people, she is good at dancing, singing, and almost everything that Kanae sucks at. Kanae does excel in academics, unlike Ritsu who barely passes some of her subjects.

Their differences are simply overwhelming and too many to point out. No one would think they were best friends at first glance. Kanae always wonders why it became possible, yet at the back of her mind, there is also a voice that tells her maybe their differences are what keeps their friendship intact. The fact that they somehow manage to fill up what each other is lacking allowed their friendship to survive for years.

The brunette didn't complain anymore, she just took a large bite and started munching the bread as if she was the one who owns it.

Kanae leans closer to her friend and whispers as she tries to restrain her annoyance, "And didn't I tell you to keep your mouth shut or at least lower your voice when we are in public?"

Ritsu couldn't argue since Kanae does always remind her to keep it low whenever they were together in public places, especially in school. This is because being with Ritsu; who has a pretty face, a nice body, and was very charismatic as a student council secretary, makes her feel self-conscious as they become more prone to the gazes of other students.

The last thing she wants is to stand out even more due to her best friend’s loudmouth.

"Okay, I get it, sorry for that," Ritsu said in defeat as she raised her palm between them. "I just came to tell you that Saeko-sensei wants us to come to her office after class. Gosh, I just wish she is not going to ask for our help in cleaning the library again," she complained and rolled her large, round amber eyes.

Kanae let out a sigh, "I think she will."

Ritsu groans, "Last time I checked we're student council officers, not part of the maintenance department or somethin'. Ugh, now I have to cancel my date with Haru-kun."

"Maybe it's a sign for you to lie low and stop changing boyfriends every single damn week." Kanae teased with a smirk.

"What am I supposed to do? It's not my fault that your best-friend is attractive,” Ritsu flips her hair, “and that studying is stressful, I have to destress myself."

Kanae nods sarcastically and narrows her eyes, "Oh, what about your ‘studying is only for the weak’ motto then?"

Ritsu recalls that she used to say those lines before whenever Kanae asks her why she wasn't studying for their exams.

"I hate you." Ritsu glared but Kanae simply laughed.

Eventually, Ritsu laughs along with her.

Hours have passed and the school bell rang signifying the end of the long Monday class.

“Ritsu-chan, Kanae-chan. Come in!” Saeko-sensei, the student council adviser, calls the moment she saw the two girls peeking near the entrance of the faculty room.

Saeko-sensei is short, that is why she loves wearing high heels to make up for her lack of height. She has a long brown hair that she always tie neatly on a bun. The fact that she is in her late twenties and still single is the reason why she dedicates most of her time teaching and guiding the students as the council adviser. She has always been close to students and uses her charms to ask requests from them but in her defense, it’s for their benefit too.

The two girls slowly approached her as she sat at her desk, “Good afternoon, sensei.” they greeted in unison.

“Good afternoon,” Saeko-sensei greeted sweetly with a smile. “I simply have a simple favor to ask, I hope you could lend me a hand on this.” her eyes were practically pleading.

'This is bad, how are we supposed to refuse her?' Ritsu thought.

“Sure, sensei. As long as we are capable of doing it, we’re happy to help.” Ritsu slightly nudged her friend, “Right, Kanae?”

Kanae smiled half-heartedly and fixed her slouchy posture, “Ah, yeah. Of course, sensei.”

“Thank you, my dear students. The thing is Keiji and his friends have caused trouble again, several teachers reported that they always skip classes, and sending warnings didn’t help so I’ve decided to give them some sort of punishment. They’re cleaning up the men’s restroom right now, however, I cannot watch over them since as you can see," Saeko-sensei gestures to the pile of papers on her desk, "I’ve got so much paperwork to do and I’m afraid they may do trouble again so could you please keep an eye on them for a while on my behalf?” Saeko-sensei explained.

Ritsu’s eyes swiftly lit up in excitement after hearing they’ll be watching over a group of guys. “No problem, sensei.” A wide smile suddenly formed on her lips.

“Thank you so much, my always reliable angels,” Saeko-sensei said happily.

“You're always welcome, sensei. We’ll be going ahead now.” Ritsu bowed as her way of bidding her goodbye, respectfully and tugged on Kanae’s hand.

“Excuse us,” Kanae slightly bowed and smiled.

As they walked towards the men’s restroom, Ritsu’s fast strides made it harder for Kanae to keep up.

“You sound like you hated it when you came to me during our break, what’s with the rush now?” Kanae asked between her breathes.

Ritsu looked back to her, “Kana-chan, I can’t let this opportunity pass! Keiji will be there, this is my chance to talk and get close to him.” she giggled.

“Kei— who?” Kanae's brows furrowed in confusion.

“Gosh, Kana, this is why you need to go out and interact more! Kurayami Keiji,” Ritsu emphasized, “that hottie from class B.”

Kanae tried to recall if the name rings any bell but remembers she doesn't recognize many students who are not in the same class as her so she gave up thinking later on.

“Still doesn’t know him," she shrugged.

Ritsu smirks, “Well now, you’ll get to.”