The festival was ever nearer. Orange bathed the council room once again. The rhythmic knocking of hammers on nails was the only sound that filled the area. Their work was undoubtedly the source of the silence: hands full, Shizune had no means to communicate, and the only other two people in that room were Misha and the president. Lilly was late again today. Or likely, Shizune had insisted, another no-show. [She's been hanging out with that friend of hers all the time now!] She had said with vitriol. Misha found she was getting much better at keeping up with the quick pace of her words. "Cut her some slack," the president chimed in while keeping her eyes on the stall she half-heartedly put together, "Not all of us can have every single one of our friends in the student council." Misha translated those words without a hint of the subtleties involved in hostile statements, but Shizune caught on to it right away. She glared over her glasses past Misha at the girl who had retorted in such a way. Her gaze was met only with a lazy grin They returned to their work and didn't say another word for a long time. It was just the three of them. Including Lilly, four was all that remained of the student council. Shizune had no fantasies that anyone else would be coming back to help them. But, realizing this truth, so suddenly in the moment, she felt as if a great weight was upon her. It hurt. There used to be so many members. She shoved those thoughts away once again, failing to exactly hide her change in mood as she her pounding became stronger. And to the others in the room, louder. "Er, Shizu--" "Hey, quiet down! Can you ask her to quiet down?" Misha gesticulated at Shizune’s side, failing spectacularly to gain her attention. She pouted for a moment before attempting a different approach: physical contact. A hand brought to Shizune’s shoulder caused her to jump from her hammering trance. She instinctively pulled away, bumping into a stall nearby. They began to argue in silence. The annoyed president moved to stand. “You know, you could--” The creaking of wood caused her to turn to the stall she had just been building. Both Misha and Shizune forgot everything as they looked on in shock. “Prez, watch out--!” The two girls jumped to their feet. The president attempted to tumble out of the way. Part of the stall came down fast. There was a crack. The president’s leg lay under the wood that had fallen upon it. What had broken? She screamed. Misha was attentive to her cries. Shizune was attentive to her face, twisted in pain and streaked with red-reflecting tears. They came together to pull it off her. [The nurse! We have to go now!] Misha merely nodded as she helped Shizune hoist the girl so they could help her to the nurse’s office. She groaned and wept the whole way. Not a single student passing in the halls gave more than a wayward glance. “Well, it’s broken, of course. Any person could easily receive a fracture from something like this. With her, it’s almost certain.” Misha translated the nurse’s words to Shizune, who looked distraught. “This isn’t anybody’s fault, but considering the situations of everyone involved, you need to be careful with what you’re doing. A lot worse could have happened. And still can. I’m not saying to stop with your council work, but be more mindful of your surroundings from now on.” He paused. “I’m really looking forward to the festival this year,” he said with a grinning wink. His face immediately turned serious again and he concluded, “She’s on her way to the hospital for a cast. As for you two, you should go to your dorms and get some sleep.” Tired, weary, and distressed, they took his advice. A few days later, the president, resting on a crutch, announced her resignation. “I’m graduating this year. I’m already applying for colleges. I study so much. I joined the student council for fun, you know? With some friends. Sure, there was work, but mostly what we did was just hang out. Isn’t that what it should be? We already have so much to do, do we really have to pile more work on? And I mean, you know I don’t need the extra stress. There are so many things in life that could kill me any day.” Tilting her head toward her leg cast for emphasis, she waited a moment while Misha translated. She gestured toward the still unfinished stalls. “But, this is what you want. That’s fine... You can be president. You’re guaranteed to have it next year anyway.” Shizune began signing something, but the president raised a hand to stop her. “I’m not blaming you for this. But I don’t want to be a part of it anymore. I’m sorry. Good luck with everything.” She made her way toward the door. Lilly spoke up, “We’ll miss you around here.” “I’ll miss you too. Good bye.” Leaving the troubled-looking girls behind, the president never returned to the student council room. The festival was in a week. ----------------------------------------------- [Why? I don’t get it? Why are people so afraid to do a little work? What’s so wrong with doing something?] Shizune and Misha had spent a few days working alone in the council room. Their final plan was to dig up cell numbers on registration forms and call the students who were still technically members. [Nothing,] Misha attempted to sign back to Shizune with one hand while she held a phone against her ear in the other. “Yes~ but it will be the last day before the festival. We could use the extr--well, no. But you haven’t--” she scowled and set down the phone. “Hung up on me! Rude!” Those who hadn’t hung up or outright said no were left voice mails. Some were sent emails written by President Hakamichi herself. Surely SOMEBODY would show up. [Sure the president was hurt, but that’s a hazard of actually doing real work. It’s not like it’ll happen again.] She had a genuine look of distress. [Is it so wrong to want to work hard to accomplish something?] Misha hadn’t known Shizune for very long. She had seen her angry, ranting and raving, but she’d never seen her look like this. It wasn’t the ordinary anger or disappointment, it was something that made her sad to see. She resisted the startling urge to grab her into a hug and comfort her. Instead, she merely agreed with her as enthusiastically as she could. [Let’s get Lilly. She will help, at least.] With that command, the two girls found their way to class 2-2. They had taken a leave of excused absence from class due to student council work, and so at this time most everyone else was still in their classrooms. Shizune cracked the door open and peeked in. Misha peered in above her. The teacher was giving a lecture, and the students around the room listened intently. They had their ears focused toward the teacher. Some took notes, others had tape recorders handy. This was the class of the blind. Some of the kids had already noticed their presence, not-so-stealthily spying on their class. The teacher already had her eyes on them. “Can I help you?” [Lilly. We’re here for Lilly.] Misha didn’t translate this just for the teacher. Instead, “LILLY~!” she shouted across the classroom. Now the whole class had its attention on the council girls. The instructor, trying not to look too perturbed, turned to the girl in question. “Satou?” Lilly herself had a look that did not hide her annoyance. “Could I speak to them outside for a moment, teacher?” “Yes, yes, don’t be long.” Lilly walked across the room to meet the girls outside. “You were aware that class is still in session, right?” “Of course~!” [But this is urgent!] “Student council work isn’t so urgent that you need to interrupt a class.” “But~!” [The festival is at the end of the week. We have a few days to finish everything or we’re out of luck.] “I know, I am aware. But you didn’t have to call me out of class for this.” “Yes we did~! It was...” [... vital that we have you as soon as possible. I’ve already taken the liberty of asking other members. We need as many hands as possible.] “After what happened to the president, do you think anyone will want to?” “That was an accident!” [An accident! There’s no way it could happen twice!] “The point is, people don’t want to do this kind of work. And you can’t force it on them.” “Well, what about you?” [Do YOU want to do this kind of work?] “Right now, I want to be in class where I should be.” “Oh! Suddenly you care about d... diligence?” Lilly glared. It was a very practiced glare. “Sorry~ but that’s what Shizune said!” Shizune nodded firmly. [And it’s true! You turn things in late, you ignore requests and orders! Have you even started trying to recruit people?] “I don’t have to deal with this right now!” “Yes, you d--” “No! I’m going back inside. Do not follow me in. You two can work on your own.” She disappeared. Shizune was fuming. [I can’t believe this! Backstabbed! Betrayed!] [I wouldn’t say that...] Misha attempted some damage control. [It may was well be! Come on! Let’s do this on our own then!] She glared at the door marked 2-2, and stomped off. Misha followed behind. Nobody else showed up that day. Or the day after. They sent more mail. There was one day left until the festival. ----------------------------------------------- On the final day, Shizune and Misha were again alone. The sky was clear that day, and the few clouds that floated on its backdrop were bathed in sunlight. The light that poured through the council room window brought with it a warmth that turned to sweaty heat with physical labor. Many stalls were finished, but still there was work to be done. After hours of work, they took a break. The sun was beginning to set and paint the sky tangerine. [Nobody showed. As expected. A bunch of weaklings.] She munched on her dinner: takeout. [Well, on the bright side, we’re almost done. Right?] Misha tried to be the optimist. [Sure! And it was our hard work! All the more rewarding!] She tossed her empty container in the trash. [In fact, we don’t need them! I don’t need anyone! I can do this myself if I have to!] She took her hammer and began pounding at nails again. Misha still ate. Shizune paused in her work. [It doesn’t matter if we’re here all night. We’re the ones with guts around here. With strength! That’s how it always is!] She hammered hard again, with emphasis. This time, Misha didn’t try to stop the noise. She just watched. She paid close attention this girl before her. The way the sweat on her forehead glistened in the setting sun. The way her cold eyes contrasted the orange that reflected off of them over the sheen of her glasses. The way her brow wrinkled in determination. The rhythmic hammering, a sound Shizune only felt, didn’t hear. This was Shizune, as she had come to know her. Passionate, determined. Even alone, even if Misha wasn’t there with her, she would build these stalls. Nothing could hold her down, nothing could hold her back. Of course, Misha wouldn’t leave her. She didn’t want to. And she knew Shizune didn’t want her to, either. In this moment, she understood how Shizune had assumed so much control in the council. Why people would follow her, admire her. Why they might adore her. Perhaps noticing her staring, Shizune turned to her, and her expression softened into a weak smile. “You’re amazing,” Misha uttered, her hands unmoving. “Misha? Is that you? Is Shizune here as well?” She jumped and turned to the door, feeling a rush of embarrassment. “Ah, Lilly~! Lilly!” Shizune looked in the direction Misha turned. She didn’t glare or huff or rant at Lilly.  She merely signed, [You’re late.] They spent the rest of evening the building their stalls. Among them, was the most important: A stall decorated with signs that read “Noodles!” and “Student Council.” ----------------------------------------------- The day of the festival was bustling crowds, full of cheer and elation. The smell of fried food and sweets filled the campus, served by stall after stall. The work that would be done at these stalls wouldn’t go unnoticed, but the work that went into building them? Forgotten already. Not that Shizune minded. Neither did Misha nor Lilly. They were too busy to mind. Though they were tired, and understaffed, they were also having fun. “Need another bowl of noodles here!” Shizune scowled at Misha’s moving hands as she cooked. She passed a bowl over. [Why’d she have to decide to finally help anyway? This would be easier without the middleman.] “Wahaha~!” [That isn’t nice!] [Well it’s true, you could take orders and I could cook. Much simpler.] “Another here! And a water.” Misha translated the order and added, [I’m glad she’s here.] She went to help fill up another bowl with delicious noodles. [And so are you. Right?] Shizune offered nothing more than a shrug and a begrudging smile. Sometime later, a woman immaculately dressed in a suit called out to them. Accompanying her was a young boy. Shizune immediately recognized them. “Hey, sis!” Upon hearing her voice, Lilly recognized as well. It was her sister Akira, and Shizune’s brother Hideaki. “Akira! I didn’t know you were coming.” [That’s my brother and her sister.] Shizune made the introductions to a confused Misha. “Ooh! Hello~! I’m Misha~!” “Hey, you found someone who knows sign language! Nice!” The older girl’s comment caused Shizune to snort at her. “Anyway, nice to meet you. I’m not going to be here long, I just took the kid to see your stall, mostly. I’ve got to get back to work soon.” She rustled Hideaki’s hair. He chimed in with, “She wanted to see it more than I did. But can we get some noodles?” “Coming right up!” “Oh! This is perfect.” Akira reached into her jacket pocket and aimed a camera at the girls as they worked. “Smile!” The click of the shutter caused Lilly to frown. “Did you just take a photo?” “Yep! It’s a keeper!” She took the prepared noodles, handing one to Hideaki, and denying protests to delete it from her sister. Misha was laughing. They stuck around to eat and chat, but Akira soon looked at her watch and realized she had to be going. As quickly as they’d appeared, the two were gone. Later that evening, the three of them went to the roof. They had long ago exhausted their supplies, and decided to take a walk around the festival, seeing the sights and trying what food was still being served. At some point, Lilly had broken off to find her friend Hanako, who wasn’t the “walk around the festival” type, but she returned to join her council friends in celebrating the fireworks. Until the fireworks came, the only lights in the sky were stars. Some time since moving here, Misha had noticed how much clearer they were compared to in the city. It was a sight she had fallen in love with. The three of them huddled together in the night chill. [It was fun.] “It was~.” [We have another year to do it.] “We do~.” [And we can do it better. Bigger! No more protests or resistance. We can gather more people. Make it the greatest festival Yamaku has ever seen.] “Yes~! Yes!” Lilly was quiet. The fireworks started, and they stopped communicating, their eyes too focused on the spectacle. Colors danced in the blue-black sky. After a long several weeks of hard work, they realized it was worth it. To be here, with their friends, after building together, working together, was their reward. At the end of the day, as long as they had each other, they could continue. The student council would live on through these friends that, despite everything, stuck it out in the end. Lilly merely listened for her chance to speak after the booming paused. “I don’t think I’ll be joining you.” “What?” In her surprise, Misha nearly forgot to translate for Shizune. “Today was fun, but it will be the last of it. I’ve already filled out my resignation. I’m done with the student council.” [You can’t! You can’t quit! After what we’ve been through!] “After what we’ve done together!” “That’s precisely why. You are my friends, you know that. Shizune, you are my dear cousin and I love you. But I can’t work with you anymore.” The sound of rockets streaking across the heavens sounded. “I’m sorry. It’s final.” She smiled sadly. More fireworks detonated, framing her face in blue, and pink, and yellow. Shizune signed frantically in the light of the explosions. Their sound drowned out even Misha’s voice as she tried to translate. Down below, the crowd cheered.