“...and now, letʼs invite the new President of the Studentʼs Union to give a speech up on stage.”
This year will be the seventeenth year since being born in this world called ‘Earthʼ; Iʼve dedicated myself to being a perfect model student and son, and finally, everything I had done and suffered through so far will be paid off.
I calmly exited from the backstage once the cue was given. Immediately silence fell over the entire school hall; I could feel everyoneʼs gazes on me as I made my way across the polished wooden floor to the centre of the stage. A copy of my script had been prepared on the podium, but I didnʼt bother to glance at it as I adjusted the microphone.
“Good morning, Mr. Lok, Principal of Coast Junior College, deputy principals, deans, teachers and my fellow schoolmates.” I put on a warm smile on my face before continuing, “I am Avery Ruan Wen Liang from Class 42S03A, and today, Iʼm honoured to have been given the great opportunity to lead and serve our school community for the next year. As the new President, I promise that the Studentʼs Union will not only hear out, but adapt to the needs of every student sitting in this hall. The Studentʼs Union will actively involve each and every one of you in shaping our school culture and fostering a united spirit, so as to make your experience with us in CJC as best as possible. Thank you.”
As soon as I finished my speech, the captivated audience erupted in applause. Of course, I wouldnʼt expect anything less given my reputation in the school.
“Thank you, Avery, for the amazing speech.” The student emcee clapped and nodded his head, signalling for me to move to my position to the right of the podium. “We are now coming to the end of the investiture ceremony. To conclude our introductions, may I first please invite the Head Prefect of the Prefectorial Board up on stage and formally shake hands with the Studentʼs Union President.”
From the corner of my eye, a slender figure emerged from the backstage and began walking towards me. The Head Prefect, huh…if I remember correctly, her name should be—
“Seraphine.”
Her cold voice caught me by surprise; turning my head to the left, my gaze fell upon an unsmiling girl with long straight brown hair styled in bangs that ended just above her dark, aslant eyes. Her navy-blue pinafore hugged her tall, slim stature and ended slightly above her knees, exposing her long light-skinned legs softly illuminated by the stage spotlights.
It wasnʼt until a moment later that I realised she was extending her right hand towards me; hurriedly I took her hand and shook it. “Avery. I look forward to working with you from here on.”
She looked at me quietly, as if trying to peer into my mind, before giving a terse reply. "Likewise.”
Whatʼs with her… The emceeʼs voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Together, the Prefectorial Board and the Studentʼs Union will form the 67th Student Council of Coast Junior College this year. May I invite the two Presidents to face front and smile for the camera?”
Seraphine immediately withdrew her hand and turned towards the cameraman, a stoic smile on her face. I quickly adjusted my school tie and also faced the camera, keeping some distance between myself and her.
“Three, two, one!” The camera flash went off, and the hall resounded with thunderous applause.
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