Classroom Heartbeats

Chapter 8. A Final Yet Shallow Conflict!

It was election day in Classroom #1 of Building 5. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as students settled into their seats, ready for the voting process to begin.

"Okay class, today we are electing a set of officers who will be our frontliners in leadership, class representation, communication, and organizing fun activities. Let's make our choices wisely," announced Professor Smith, her voice steady and authoritative.

"I now officially open the nominations for the position of Class President,"she added, a hint of excitement in his tone.

A classmate stood up confidently. "I nominate Mikoto for the position," she said, casting a quick glance at Mikoto.

Then, Kazuki rose and, with a firm voice, nominated Kibin.

Another student immediately stood up, "I move to close the nominations," he said, and the class seconded the motion unanimously.

Professor Smith nodded, a pleased look on her face. "Kibin and Mikoto, please come to the front," she instructed. "You both will give a short speech to present your candidacy."

Kibin was called first. He walked to the front with confidence. Speaking in front of his classmates was familiar territory, and he welcomed the opportunity.

"Hi, everyone! I'm Kibin. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today. I am running for the position of Class President," Kibin began, his voice clear and resonant.

"I believe that a great leader listens, understands, and acts in the best interest of everyone. If elected, I promise to be that leader who listens to your concerns and ideas, understands the challenges we face, and takes action to create positive change in our class.

I am not very fluent in advanced Japanese, but I will set up regular meetings where everyone can voice their opinions and suggestions. Transparency and open communication will be my priorities, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. I will work to create an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels supported and encouraged. We will organize study groups, peer mentoring programs, and stress-relief activities to help everyone thrive academically and emotionally. From fun class outings to exciting events, I will ensure we have activities that bring us closer together and enrich our learning experience.

I am committed to making our class a better place for everyone. Together, we can achieve great things. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to earn your vote."

His classmates applauded enthusiastically, the sound of their claps echoing through the room.

Next, Professor Smith called Mikoto. With a confident stride, Mikoto moved to the front, his demeanor exuding self-assurance.

"Okay, classmates, you should vote for me. First of all, Kibin admitted he isn't fluent in advanced Japanese. How can he communicate effectively with us? The president should be proficient in Japanese to ensure clear communication," Mikoto asserted, his voice confident and persuasive. "And between the two of us, I am the better speaker."

"Second, I am from Okinawa, unlike my opponent who is just a visitor. Isn't it better to vote for someone local who knows the area well and comes from a wealthy background like mine?" he continued, casting a glance at the students.

"Lastly, you should vote for me because I can do more for you compared to Kibin. He doesn't know much about what we like or our culture. How can he create enjoyable and meaningful activities if he doesn't understand us well? As a fellow Japanese, I know the fun activities that we all enjoy."

The classroom buzzed with murmurs and whispered conversations as Mikoto finished his speech. His confident demeanor had clearly left a strong impression.

Both candidates had laid out their visions and arguments, and now it was up to their classmates to decide who would lead them. The air was thick with anticipation as they prepared to cast their votes, each student pondering who would best represent and lead their class in the months ahead.

Kibin was caught off guard by Mikoto's words. His remarks felt below the belt, more like mockery and invalidation than a respectful campaign speech. Instead of presenting his plans, Mikoto chose to undermine Kibin's abilities and potential in front of the whole class.

This encounter deeply affected Kibin, sapping his confidence and filling him with sadness, self-doubt, and frustration. Sitting not far away, Kentaro observed the scene closely, sensing the emotional turmoil that Kibin was experiencing.

Before the voting even began, Kibin stood up and approached Professor Smith.

"Prof. Smith, may I go to the restroom?" Kibin asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

"You want to leave before the voting starts? You do know you're a candidate for class president, right?" Professor Smith replied, a hint of surprise in his tone.

"It's really important, Professor. I need to go to the restroom. It's okay if I don't win the election," Kibin explained, trying to keep his composure.

"Alright, just be quick so you can make it back in time to vote for yourself," Professor Smith agreed, reluctantly.

Kibin nodded and hurried out of the classroom, his thoughts a whirlwind. The weight of Mikoto's cutting remarks still pressed heavily on him. He needed a moment away from the prying eyes of his classmates to gather himself. As he walked down the hallway, his mind raced with thoughts of inadequacy and frustration.

As Kibin walked out of the classroom, Kentaro's eyes followed him intently. He could sense the heavy weight of emotions bearing down on Kibin, emotions all too familiar from their countless confrontations. Despite their frequent arguments and the distance that had grown between them, Kentaro couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.

Professor Smith's voice cut through the tension in the classroom. "Alright class, we will now begin the voting for class president. Raise your hands if you're voting for Kibin." The room buzzed with movement as hands were raised. Kentaro, however, quietly slipped out of the classroom, his mind focused on finding Kibin.

Meanwhile, Kibin had already reached the restroom. He walked straight to the sink at the far end, facing a large mirror. He stared at his reflection, feeling a deep sadness wash over him. The cheerful, sociable Kibin he once knew seemed to be fading, replaced by someone sad, lacking confidence, and easily irritated. The recent arguments with Kentaro and the harsh words from Mikoto weighed heavily on him, and tears began to well up in his eyes.

The sink faced the door, so anyone entering the restroom could see their reflection in the mirror. As Kibin gazed at himself, lost in thought, he saw Kentaro enter the restroom behind him.

Quickly, Kibin splashed water on his face, trying to wash away the traces of sadness and frustration. The cool water did little to soothe the turmoil within him. He glanced up at the mirror, meeting Kentaro's eyes through the reflection.

Kentaro approached the sink and looked at Kibin. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the distant hum of the school. Kibin looked up, meeting Kentaro's gaze.

"What are you doing here? What do you want?" Kibin asked angrily.

Kentaro spoke calmly. "I know you're upset about what happened in the classroom earlier, about what Mikoto said in front of everyone."

Because of his anger and the heavy emotions he was feeling, Kibin didn't notice the calmness in Kentaro's voice. His anger towards Kentaro only intensified.

"So what if I'm angry and hurt by what Mikoto said? What does it matter to you? Are you happy now? Isn't this what you wanted?" Kibin retorted.

"It's not like that," Kentaro said hesitantly. The truth was, Kentaro had come to check on Kibin, but now his intentions were being misinterpreted, and Kibin was directing his frustration at him.

"Don't play dumb, Kentaro. You came here to see me like this. Are you happy now? If you're bored with your life, don't drag me into it."

Kibin turned and started to walk away. Suddenly, Kentaro grabbed Kibin's wrist. The force of the grip made Kibin stop. He turned to face Kentaro.

"What's your problem? Do you want to fight?" Kibin asked.

Kibin shook off Kentaro's hand from his wrist and pushed Kentaro's left shoulder. Because the restroom floor was wet and slippery, Kentaro lost his balance. In an attempt to steady himself, Kentaro accidentally grabbed the collar of Kibin's blazer. Both of them were caught off guard, and Kentaro ended up pushing Kibin into the open door of a toilet stall. They both stumbled inside.

Kibin landed on the toilet bowl, his hands resting on Kentaro's chest. The air between them was charged with unresolved emotions. In a moment of unexpected vulnerability, their lips brushed together in a fleeting, accidental kiss.

Both boys froze, eyes wide with shock. The kiss had been unintentional, a result of the charged atmosphere and their close proximity. Kibin's heart raced, a mix of confusion and something else he couldn't quite identify. Kibin blinked, trying to process what had just happened, his own cheeks tinged with pink. Kentaro looked down, his hand still resting on Kibin's shoulder.

The accidental kiss in the restroom had left Kibin and Kentaro in a state of stunned silence. The air was thick with unspoken emotions as they pulled apart, their faces flushed with embarrassment and confusion. They stood there, just inches apart, the awkwardness of the moment settling between them.

Kentaro was the first to break the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Kibin..."

Before he could say more, a familiar voice interrupted them from behind.

"What are you two doing here?" Kazuki asked. "Professor Smith has been looking for you. Hurry up, you're needed back there."

Kentaro and Kazuki quickly left the restroom, while Kibin stayed behind, trying to process what had just happened. The accidental kiss, the intense emotions-it was all too much to take in at once. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts before facing the world again.

As Kentaro entered the classroom, Professor Smith called him to the front. Though puzzled, Kentaro quickly complied. The room fell silent, all eyes on him as he stood before his classmates.

"Go ahead, give your speech for your candidacy for Vice President," their professor said. "Yuto nominated you."

Kentaro's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. "Hi guys, I'm Kentaro. I know most of you know me since we've been classmates for almost two months now. To be honest, I didn't know I was nominated for this position," he began, his voice steady but with a hint of nervousness.

He scanned the room, seeing familiar faces, and continued. "I'm not one to participate much in extracurricular activities, and I usually don't get involved in classroom elections. I focus more on my studies. But being part of this set of officers, if I win, would be a new experience. I see it as a challenge, and I'm ready to face this challenge. If you vote for me, I promise to support the President's decisions that we all know will benefit our class."

As he finished his speech, his classmates broke into applause, cheering him on. The tension that had gripped him began to ease as he saw the support from his peers. When the votes were counted, Kentaro's name was announced as the winner for Vice President. He felt a surge of pride and responsibility.

Just then, Kibin returned to the classroom from the restroom. He had taken a moment to gather himself, and now he looked more composed. He read the names written on the blackboard and saw his own. A wave of joy washed over him-he had won the position of class president. The realization brought a genuine smile to his face.

The voting continued, and soon Kazuki was declared the Secretary, followed by Yuto as the Treasurer. The classroom buzzed with excitement and chatter as the newly elected officers gathered at the front.

Professor Smith addressed the class, his voice filled with pride. "Congratulations to our new class officers. Next Monday, we will have a meeting to discuss and plan the mini sports event for the Social Sciences department, specifically for the freshmen."

The air was filled with a mix of relief, excitement, and anticipation as they looked forward to their new roles and responsibilities

As soon as Professor Smith left the classroom, students began to file out one by one, the chatter of their voices filling the hallway. The air was charged with the excitement and relief of the election results.

Walking down the hallway, Kibin nudged Yuto and asked, "Are you heading to the library?"

Yuto shook his head, "Nah, Kazuki and I have plans." He glanced ahead where Kentaro and Kazuki were walking together. "Hey, Kazuki!" he called out. "You coming with us?"

Kazuki turned, his face lighting up with interest. "What's up? Is Kibin joining us?"

Kibin shrugged, "I think I'll pass. I've got some stuff to do in the library."

Yuto wasn't ready to give up. "Come on, Kibin. It'll be fun. You should come with us."

Just then, Kazuki's phone chimed with a message. Curious, Yuto asked, "Who's it from?"

Kazuki read the message and replied, "It's my mom." He pocketed his phone and turned to Kibin. "Hey, is there any food you've been dying to try? Something you haven't had before?"

Kibin thought for a moment. "Actually, yeah. I've always wanted to try an avocado burger. I heard the ones at Gordie's Hamburger are amazing. The reviews online are great, but I have no idea how to get there. Plus, it's a bit far, like a 30-minute ride from Okinawa University."

Kazuki's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Want to go now?"

Kibin looked surprised. "Now? Are you serious?"

Yuto jumped in, "Yeah, let's go! It'll be a celebration for us becoming the new class officers. What do you say?"

Kazuki added, "Don't worry about the distance. We know the way, and Kentaro's coming too. It'll be fun."

Kibin hesitated for a moment but then nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Alright, let's do it."

The decision made, they headed to the bus stop. Gordie's Hamburger, located in Chatan-cho, near the Sunabe Seawall, was about a 45-minute bus ride away, followed by a 10-minute walk from the Sunabe stop.

The bus arrived, and they climbed aboard. It had two-seater rows. Kazuki and Yuto, who had boarded first, sat together. Kibin took a seat behind them, and since the seat beside him was vacant, Kentaro sat next to him.

Sitting next to each other on the bus, Kibin felt a wave of panic and awkwardness wash over him. It wasn't that he was angry at Kentaro or didn't want to be near him; it was the memory of what had happened in the restroom that made him uncomfortable. The irritation Kibin had felt earlier had vanished, replaced by a deep sense of discomfort. Even though the kiss had been accidental, it left both of them feeling physically and emotionally uneasy, wishing they could undo the moment.

Kibin stood up, looking for an available seat elsewhere, but the bus driver called out, reminding him to sit down as the bus was about to move. Reluctantly, Kibin sat back down and put on his headset, hoping the music would drown out his discomfort.

Meanwhile, Kentaro sat quietly beside Kibin, feeling just as awkward. He was embarrassed and anxious, but he tried his best not to show it. As Kibin put on his headset, Kentaro found himself staring at him. Kibin noticed but pretended not to, hoping to avoid making the situation more awkward. In his mind, Kibin kept wishing Kentaro would stop looking at him.

Kentaro's gaze lingered on Kibin's face, particularly his lips. He noticed how well-shaped and slightly moist they were, and for a moment, he was lost in thought. Realizing what he was doing, Kentaro shook his head and looked away, feeling even more embarrassed.

The bus ride was long, about 45 minutes, and eventually, all four of them fell asleep. Kibin's head ended up resting on Kentaro's shoulder. Kibin was the first to wake up, and he was startled to find his head so close to Kentaro's face. He slowly lifted his head, trying not to wake Kentaro. But he couldn't help but notice Kentaro's lips-pale with a hint of pink, and a small mole on the right side of his face that added to their charm.

As Kibin looked up, he realized Kentaro was already awake and staring at him. Kibin's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly pulled away, pressing himself against the side of his seat. He closed his eyes and covered his face with his bag, whispering to himself about how embarrassing it was. He couldn't believe he had been staring at Kentaro's lips, worried about what Kentaro might think.

The bus continued its journey, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions and the lingering awkwardness of their shared moments.

The four of them arrived at the Sunabe stop. From there, they walked along the seawall to Gordie's Hamburger. The slightly warm breeze from the sea brushed against their bodies, melting away the cold that lingered from the air-conditioning on the bus. The sun was bright, casting a golden glow over the crystal-clear water.

Finding a table, they ordered four avocado burgers, a mushroom burger, a pizza, and hot chocolate to warm up. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as they chatted and laughed, enjoying the meal and each other's company. It felt like a mini celebration, a moment of relief after the day's stress.

After their meal, they stepped out of Gordie's Hamburger. Kazuki stretched and suggested, "The best way to wrap up a meal like that is to stroll along the seawall. The view is incredible." The seawall was indeed beautiful, spacious, and breezy, with seats and tables under canopies positioned along it. Many people were seated, admiring the sea, which sparkled like a blue diamond under the sunlight.

Yuto nudged Kibin. "Enjoying yourself?"

Kibin nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. The food was amazing. Totally worth the trip."

As they walked, they passed a fence lined with vibrant flowers. Kibin's eyes lit up with excitement. Growing up on a farm in the Philippines, he had developed a passion for collecting and planting flowers. He leaned in to smell them. "Hmm, these flowers smell wonderful," he said, delighted.

Kazuki noticed his interest. "So, you're into flowers, huh?"

"Yes, I love flowers. I used to plant them all the time back in the province," Kibin explained. "In my apartment now, I have orange and red Begonia plants that Yuto's mom gave me. They're beautiful, and the flowers are stunning."

Kazuki chuckled. "I'm not into plants at all. My mom has some, but I always refuse to water them. I have no interest in gardening." He turned to Kentaro. "What about you, Kentaro? Any interest in plants?"

Kentaro shrugged. "Not really. I appreciate them, but I've never been into gardening."

Kibin mentioned he wanted to have a specific type of plant someday, the blue chrysanthemum. Yuto jumped in, "My mom sells those flowers. If you want, I can bring you one."

Kibin shook his head. "Thanks, but no. That plant symbolizes love and expressing feelings. I want to give and receive it with my future girlfriend."

Yuto then asked Kentaro, "What would you like to receive from your girlfriend?"

Kentaro thought for a moment. "Anything, as long as it comes from her heart and symbolizes her feelings."

Kazuki laughed. "Have you ever had a girlfriend, Kentaro?"

"No, I haven't," Kentaro admitted.

Kazuki continued teasing. "How can you receive gifts from a girlfriend if you don't have one?" He playfully nudged Kentaro and laughed.

Yuto turned to Kazuki. "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Kazuki smirked. "I have girlfriends, not just one but two."

Kibin raised an eyebrow. "A player, huh? You're dating them both at the same time?"

Kazuki pulled out his phone and motioned for the others to come closer. He showed them a picture of his girlfriends, each kissing his cheek. "There you go, see? Both of them are my girlfriends. And it's not just a kiss on the cheek-I've kissed them on the lips too," he boasted proudly. "Unlike Kentaro, who hasn't had his first kiss yet," he added teasingly.

Kibin and Kentaro exchanged a glance, both remembering their accidental kiss in the restroom. They quickly looked away, avoiding each other's eyes.

Kentaro coughed nervously, surprised by Kazuki's statement. He turned away and started walking. Kazuki followed him, teasing him about who his first kiss was. Kentaro insisted that he hadn't kissed anyone yet.

That night, the cold breeze from outside flowed through the open window and door of the small veranda in Kentaro's room as he sat at his study table, reading a book. The soft rustling of leaves and distant hum of traffic created a soothing backdrop. But his focus drifted away from the pages as he recalled the events of the day. Suddenly, he stood up and walked to the veranda, which faced the street. He couldn't believe they had spent almost the entire day together. Even though he and Kibin hadn't spoken much, it was better than their usual arguments and hostility.

It was seven in the evening, and a car pulled up in front of the house across the street. The gate opened, and a man got out of the car and approached the woman who had opened the gate. They hugged and kissed. The man explained that he was late because of work, and the woman said she understood. She asked if he had eaten dinner, and he replied that he hadn't. They parked the car inside and closed the gate. Kentaro watched this scene from the veranda, and as he stared at the couple, he suddenly remembered what had happened in the restroom. From the moment Kibin grabbed his collar, to Kibin sitting on the bowl, to their accidental kiss. But this time, the images were clearer, slower, as if he were watching himself in real-time.

A strange yet inexplicable emotion coursed through Kentaro's body. Despite the embarrassment of the incident, he couldn't deny the sensation he had felt at that moment. He vividly remembered the slight lift of Kibin's head after their kiss, Kibin's hands resting on his chest while his own hands were wrapped around Kibin. He was his first kiss!

He also recalled the bus ride when Kibin's head unexpectedly rested on his left shoulder. When he turned his head to look at Kibin, he saw that Kibin was asleep, their faces only about four inches apart. He felt a sudden rush of nerves, especially given their close proximity. He gazed at Kibin's peaceful face as he slept. Kentaro didn't wake him, fearing it would make things even more awkward between them. Eventually, he fell asleep too.

Kentaro shook his head and whispered to himself, "What are you thinking, Kentaro?" He gently smacked his forehead and muttered, "Crazy." He went back inside his room, turned off the light, and lay down on his bed. The room was dimly lit by the street light streaming through the window, casting soft shadows on the walls. As he lay there, the events of the day replayed in his mind, each memory tinged with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

He couldn't shake the feeling of Kibin's lips against his, the unexpected warmth and softness. It was a moment that had caught him completely off guard, yet it lingered in his thoughts, refusing to be dismissed. The embarrassment of the situation was undeniable, but so was the strange sense of connection he had felt.

As he stared at the ceiling, Kentaro's mind wandered back to the bus ride. He remembered the way Kibin's head had rested on his shoulder, the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. It had been a peaceful moment, one that contrasted sharply with the tension that usually existed between them. For the first time, Kentaro had seen a different side of Kibin, one that was vulnerable and unguarded.

He sighed, rolling onto his side and pulling the blanket up to his chin. As he closed his eyes, the image of Kibin's face lingered in his mind, a reminder of the day's unexpected twists and turns. Kentaro drifted off to sleep, his thoughts a tangled web of emotions and possibilities, the cold breeze from the veranda gently lulling him into a restless slumber.