Chapter 69: Such MisfortuneAuthor: Geraint
During the meeting, the two presidents signed a bilateral agreement that benefited both countries, then shook hands with a smile.
Meanwhile, Nejire did her best to entertain the First Lady, showcasing her country's culture. The First Lady seemed to like her and they chatted about various topics, including the challenges of being the wife of someone in the most important political position.
After the meeting ended and the visitors finally left, Ichika and Nejire stepped outside to get some fresh air. Nejire looked exhausted as she sat on a bench, gazing at the night sky.
"Finally..." she sighed.
Ichika returned with two canned coffees and handed one to her."Here."
"Thanks."Nejire popped the can open and took a sip."Ahh~"
"Thanks for the hard work, Nejire-senpai!"
"Yeah, that was exhausting."
"It looks like the First Lady really liked you. She said she wants to visit this country again because of you."
Ichika sat beside her.
"Ugh! She invited me to visit a hot spring in Hokkaido with her. She wants to come back here for vacation! That means I'll have to do this job again next time," Nejire groaned.
"You don't want to do it anymore? How about I pay you?"
Nejire gave him a look, then sighed."No, I don't need money. It was really tiring, but... I guess it might be a valuable experience."
"Then what do you want? You can ask me anything—as long as it's within my power."Ichika opened his can and took a sip.
"We actually just met today, and yet so much has happened. My life turned upside down just from trying to understand you."
Pfffffft!
Ichika chuckled. Nejire narrowed her eyes at him.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing... It's just, when I met you this afternoon, you were kind of cold and distant—like you sent chills down the spine of anyone who looked you in the eye."
"Do I really come off like that?"
"Yeah. Didn't you know you're already being called The Ice Queen at your school?"
"Eh?!"
"So... you weren't aware."
"Hey! I'm not that cold! I act normal!"
"Doubt."
"It's true! Stop teasing me, Ichika-kun!"
"I'm not teasing. I'm just being honest."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Some people told me you looked down on them."Ichika imitated her cold expression and said in an arrogant tone,"'Hey, you! I'm the most beautiful girl in this school, and I have a powerful Quirk. Know your place, peasants!'"
"Oi! I've never said anything like that!"
Nejire sighed and leaned back on the bench.
"I know I don't get along with anyone—not even my classmates. Honestly, I don't even have any friends."
Ichika quietly sipped his latte, listening.
"But that's how they treat me. If they act indifferent toward me, then I just do the same. People avoid me because they assume I'm arrogant? Yeah, I have a strong Quirk—but do they know how much stamina it takes to use it? It has drawbacks too! I've worked really hard to build up my endurance through training."Nejire pouted, her eyes teary.
"I see..."
"Do you really think I'm that cold?"
"Yeah, you always have this grumpy look on your face."Ichika grinned, clearly teasing her.
"Ugh... Ichika-kun, shouldn't you at least comfort me?"
"Nope. I think you'll be just fine from now on."
"Really?"
"Yeah. As long as you smile and stay positive, things will be fine."
"Even if I don't feel positive?"
Ichika gave her a sly smile, placing an index finger to his lips."Fake it. That's one of the most important things in politics and business."
"What a sly guy."
Nejire stood up and turned to him with a smile."Well then, thank you for the advice, Mr. President!"
"No problem, my First Lady."
Ichika got up and walked with her toward the car.
"Hey! I didn't agree to that title!"
"It's too late. They already saw you. I can't change First Ladies mid-term. Just tell me what you want as payment."
"Oh, I haven't thought about it yet."
"Don't you have anything you want?"
"I guess... jasmine tea?"
"That's just a treat, not payment."
"Uh... I can't think of anything. I'm already happy with what I have. I feel blessed."
"But you don't have any friends."
"Hey! Aren't we already friends?"
"Well... technically."
"Then I'm satisfied."
"Such a shallow—"
Nejire frowned, marched in front of him, and poked his chest with her finger.
"Hey! Don't call me shallow! You politicians are just greedy—you guys want everything!"
"Well, to me... more money and wealth means I can help more people, especially children in need."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. I actually grew up in an orphanage. The funds we were supposed to receive were stolen by corrupt officials."
"That's horrible! So... you're not All Might's real son?"
"I'm adopted. Disappointed?"
"Not really. Your hair is pink—I figured it out. You two don't look alike at all."
"Because I'm more handsome, right?"
"Handsome? More like a cute guy, really."
"Oi! Stop treating me like a kid!"
"But you are a kid."
"Who's more childish between us?!"
Ichika scowled as Nejire laughed and ran ahead of him.
"Kyah!"
"Come back here!"
Nejire stopped near the lake, its surface sparkling under the starry sky. She turned toward him with a smile.
"Thank you, Ichika-kun. I had fun today."
Ichika was briefly stunned by her beauty, then smiled back.
"Sure."
"Oh! I forgot to ask—"
She twirled, showing off her beautiful kimono.
"What do you think?"
Ichika grinned mischievously."Think what? Oh, you mean the lake? It's beautiful."
"No! I'm talking about my dress! You haven't complimented me since the meeting!"
"Oh, that. It suits you, Nejire. You look gorgeous."
"Hehe... thanks."
Her face turned red. She wasn't used to reacting this way to compliments, but there was something different about him. A simple kind word made her feel... strange.
Trying to recover, she smirked at him."Uhm... Are you... falling for me now?"
...
Silence.
Ichika blinked, then turned around.
"I'm going home."
"Hey! I was just joking! Don't leave me here!"She chased after him, flustered.
Inside the car, Ichika was about to tell the driver where to go, but noticed he was sweating nervously.
"Let's drop Nejire off first, then head to my hotel."
"Uh... about that, Mr. President..."
"What's wrong?"
"Well... the hotel says they're fully booked."
Ichika frowned."Then find another inn! I don't care if it's the cheapest one!"
"Sorry, sir. They're all full."
"That's impossible! Are you saying I have to sleep in the streets?!"
"I'm really sorry, Mr. President! I already contacted every hotel and inn in the area. They're all fully booked."
"Just what is going on?!"
"You don't know, sir? Yamagi Industries is unveiling their new technologies tomorrow. Engineers from around the world came here for the exhibit."
Ichika paled.
"Ugh... I forgor."
"Mr. President..."
"Then where am I supposed to stay tonight?"
"Ne, Ichika-kun..." Nejire chimed in."You can stay at my place tonight. My parents aren't home right now."
Ichika had no other option."...Then please take care of me, Nejire."
"Sure!"
She seemed strangely happy.
(Such misfortune!)Ichika screamed internally.
(To be continued.)
A/N: I'll fix the rest of my mistakes later.