14. Omniscient
Chapter fourteen
Omniscient
“ K imi, you’re going to do fine,” Delilah said to Kimiko as she tried to reason with her.
Instead, Kimiko let the advice go in one ear and out the other. In doing so, she continued to note every topic that she needed to discuss at the conference and frequently paced the room looking for God knows what. She was meeting with the school advisors and the dean to discuss her plans of action for the semester and what she had in store for the students.
“Kimiko, are you even listening? Avery, help me out here!” Delilah said as Avery was busy fussing over minor details much the same.
Kimiko finally looked up and sighed. “I’m sorry, Dee, but I just want everything to be perfect. I don’t want any mishaps or accidents; it’s our first meeting...” she said, and Delilah nodded as she looked over to the clock.
“I know. I wanted to see if you had any time before you had to go, and I had my next class, but it’s all right. I’ll see you after your violin lessons.”
Kimiko nodded and said a quick goodbye as Delilah left.
She grabbed the last of her things and walked with Avery as they approached the conference room.
“Miss... if I may—” Avery said, and Kimiko glared at him.
“Why do you insist on addressing me as such? I thought we established a first-name basis. It’s been two years, Avery.”
“Kimiko... I would suggest time-managing a bit more and finding time to spend with Delilah. She may be feeling a sort of neglect.”
“Neglect? What do you mean? Delilah tells me everything.”
Avery gave a slight shrug. “Perhaps she doesn’t want to distract you from your upcoming duties. You two do spend a lot of time together, and it has changed slightly over the past few weeks or so.”
“I’ll talk to her. Thank you, Avery.”
“Of course, Kimiko.”
“I’d prefer if you addressed me as Ms. Masahiko.”
Avery rolled his eyes at her words. “Oh well, now you’re just being difficult.”
Kimiko gave him a wink, and he ignored her antics as they entered the conference room.
“Ms. Masahiko, it’s a pleasure to see you as always,” the dean, Mr. Mitchell, said upon seeing her, and Kimiko shook his hand.
“Likewise,” she replied, and he spoke again, introducing her to someone who instantly made her mood go south.
“As you may already know, this is Luca Crawford . He often attends the council meetings and gives input to the voices of the students.”
Kimiko resisted the urge to scoff and cleared her throat as she ignored Luca’s eyes. “With all due respect, Mr. Mitchell, I think my voice, along with my vice president’s, represent the voice of the students enough—”
“Oh, well, the last thing I would want to do is impose, Kimiko. I do believe your team is more than capable of representing the students. But it’s always better to have more suggestions and viewpoints when discussing different subjects. Wouldn’t you agree?” the dean asked, and Kimiko looked over to him for a moment and sighed.
“I would... I guess I didn’t see it that way.”
The dean smiled. “Splendid. The meeting will begin in less than five minutes. Please, make yourselves comfortable at the table.”
Kimiko thanked him and walked over to the table, with Avery following behind.
Choosing a seat in the middle, she placed her notebook and laptop on the table and started to organize her belongings. She heard the chair across the table being moved and she looked up to see Luca staring her down.
Ignoring him, Kimiko watched as the other members of the school board entered the room. She took her seat, and the dean spoke as everyone settled.
“Good afternoon, everyone. Today’s meeting, as you all know, discusses the plans for the semester and what last semester had to offer. We are joined by our new student body president, Kimiko Masahiko, and her vice president, Avery Lynn,” he said, and the room erupted in applause for their accomplishment.
Kimiko smiled genuinely and ignored Luca’s gaze as he clapped slower than everyone.
“First, we’ll start with the plans for the semester. Secretary Kelly, you have the floor,” he said, and the board started to discuss plans of action.
Kimiko reached for her pen to write notes but Avery grabbed her hand discreetly and retracted it, as he had already been taking notes himself. She knew he wanted her to be focused as she was going to speak soon, and she silently thanked him for it.
After twenty minutes, the dean looked over to Kimiko as he sat at the end of the table.
“Ms. Masahiko, it is now your turn to present what you have planned for the students this semester and what you have planned for yourself as the president.”
Kimiko folded her hands on the table. “Firstly, I want to start with the students and the courses they are taking.” She continued on, and the board listened, interested in what she had to say.
A few minutes had passed, and she spoke about her last topic: “The final point I want to discuss is our first break of the year in April. The students work relentlessly every day for three months straight, and I thought for a week or two in April… we could arrange a trip to Paris.”
“Interesting... we’ve never gone overseas with this many students,” Secretary Kelly remarked.
“Which is why I wanted to try it this year; open new doors for other opportunities that all students can participate in.”
“Ms. Masahiko, the reason we only have a select number of students who are able to travel abroad is simply because of financial circumstances. How do you plan on funding the majority of students to go overseas?” the dean asked, though Kimiko knew all too well that the school did have enough money; they just didn’t want to spend it.
“I have a few different ways of acquiring the funds. Firstly, my father, Shin Masahiko, and my very generous uncles Blaine Porter and Killian Russel have graciously offered to help fund our trip,” she began, and Avery chuckled internally at the word “offered.”
“If I may.” She heard a voice and looked across the table to see Luca was the one to speak. “Though it is extremely generous of your family to fund this event, I don’t believe it sets a good example for you as president.”
“Elaborate for me,” Kimiko said, and Avery tugged the end of her blazer, signaling to her to calm down.
Luca smirked. “I was just thinking that the students may feel a certain way to see their president using her family to do everything they can’t. It is very thoughtful indeed. However, it isn’t the ideal way to go about it, considering some of the less fortunate students may not agree as much.”
Kimiko could feel her temper rising at an alarming rate. He, out of all people, cares about the less fortunate, as he put it, “ever so gently.”
“I’m pleased that you have found sponsors to fund the trip, but I have to agree with Mr. Crawford. The students can see this generosity as something more negative than you would hope,” the dean remarked.
Kimiko nodded. “Of course. Which is why I mentioned having multiple different ways of raising money,” she emphasized, shooting a glare toward Luca. “Currently, I have planned a few fundraising activities that the students can participate in. My treasury will be taking care of all the matters regarding the money, and if all goes according to plan, we may be able to fully cover the trip without any assistance.”
The dean smiled as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m impressed, Kimiko. Really, I am. I would like to discuss more of these ideas you have in my office. With the passion you have for the students and with the work you are willing to put in, I believe those ideas will come to life.”
Kimiko’s smile returned to her face, and Luca looked away as a scowl was placed on his.
“We will meet back in a month to discuss progress, and if necessary, we can arrange some last-minute appointments. Meeting adjourned,” the dean concluded, and everyone stood up to gather their things and leave.
Walking out with Avery following behind her, Kimiko was excited with how it went, though still a bit irritated with Luca’s attempted meddling.
When they returned to her office, Avery said, “Job well done, Kimiko.”
Kimiko went to thank him when another voice cut her off.
“Yes, a job well done indeed.”
She looked over her shoulder as Luca entered the office as well.
“Ah, Kimiko Masahiko, the daughter of Shin Masahiko and a dear friend to Delilah.”
“What do you want, Luca?” she asked him abruptly, and he tilted his head.
“You took Brad’s position as acting president of the academy. This saddens me because I no longer have control over the students’ choices… it’s you who controls them.”
“Okay, first off, I don’t control them. This is what you call democracy, not a dictatorship. And secondly, I was elected fair and square. Just because you manipulated Brad to do whatever you want doesn’t mean you can do the same to me.”
“I know I can’t, Kimiko... you’re strong, fierce, independent...” He trailed off. “But I can’t help but notice how Delilah seems much more fragile… easy to break.”
“Leave her alone, Crawford,” Kimiko seethed.
Luca shrugged. “And I promise I’ll do just that if you give me control of the student body.”
“Go to hell. I worked for this position so I could actually turn the school around from your appalling behavior.”
Luca’s face darkened, and he caught her by surprise as he rushed up to her and grabbed her arm forcefully. Avery made a move, but from the look on Kimiko’s face, he waited.
“I’ll repeat this again, Kimiko. Give me full control of the student body, and your friend is safe.”
Kimiko pulled her arm back towards her, making Luca shift slightly in surprise, but he still held onto her. With her other hand, she placed a finger on his chest and seethed.
“I know a two-faced lying bitch when I see one, and you, sir, are no exception. You can kiss the lightest part of my ass if you ever think I’ll surrender to you. You stay away from my best friend... from my sister, and I promise I’ll leave you alone. Now get the hell out of my office, Crawford.”
He let go of her arm and chuckled. “You’re intimidating, Masahiko. I’ll give you that much.”
“And you’re repulsive,” she responded.
He bit his lip. “I’m going to have fun playing this little game with you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, sweetheart.” He left the room, leaving both Avery and Kimiko speechless.
After some time, Kimiko sighed and crossed her arms in thought. God, it never ends, does it?
Archer continued his set in his gym as he tried to focus on the task at hand, though, as usual, his mind drifted away and was preoccupied with a certain someone. It was always a back and forth between them, every interaction leading to her cowering away from him after taking things too far. And sometimes… he craved that reaction from her and was annoyed with it all at the same time. He wanted her to be reminded that she belonged to him, but he didn’t want to scare her away.
He felt a presence enter the room, and he looked over his shoulder to see Sterling walking in. He made a face as he watched Archer place the barbell on the ground.
“That looks like it takes a lot of effort.”
Archer rolled his eyes as he took a sip of his water. “Something you know nothing about, but yes, it does.”
“I’m just going to ignore what you said and move on to what I actually want to say.”
“As much as it pains me to say this, I’m all ears.”
“Your brother is going to lunch with you and your father’s enemies.” Sterling spoke childishly, and Archer sighed.
“Enemies. Really?” Archer asked him, and Sterling shrugged.
“No better way to put it. Anyway, I was thinking you should probably retract the invitation you gave me.”
“You’re going, Sterling. End of discussion.”
“You want me to be in a room with you, your brother, and four of the most intolerable men on earth? Do you have a death wish for me?” Sterling asked, and Archer stood looking over to him as he looked shocked.
“Stop being so melodramatic. If you don’t come, I’m ultimately being left at the mercy of my father, Killian, and Luca—”
“Oh gosh, I forgot he was going to be there.” Sterling rolled his eyes, and Archer nodded.
“Precisely why you need to come. Delilah is also going to be there—”
“Now, that is something I want to see! But I’ll only go on one condition.” Archer made a face as he listened to Sterling’s demand. “I get to say ‘that’s what she said.’”
“Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate? Children will be there, Sterling.”
“Oh, come on, they don’t even know what it means. What’s the big deal?” Sterling asked, and Archer rubbed his temples.
“God, you’re unbearable. Fine, do as you please; just show up on time, will you?”
“You have my word,” Sterling said with a smile that Archer could see was complete and utter bullshit.
Archer stepped into the limo and saw Stephan across from him. Both dressed in suits, they were ready for the lunch that Archer knew for sure would turn into a total shitshow. He knew this was Brielle’s way of trying to mend a few broken things between Killian and his father.
How can you try to fix a friendship that never really started in the first place?
He decided to let it go. Brielle had good intentions, and if she were anything like his stepmother, Vivienne, he knew she meant well. He knew they got along well and were most likely even friends. He wouldn’t be surprised if the two of them set this up together.
“This isn’t just a simple lunch, Archer. Father is looking to close a business deal. Something you know nothing about,” Stephan said.
Archer went to reply, but Sterling’s voice rang out as he entered the limo and sat beside him.
“You know, I don’t think he ever asked for your opinion.”
Archer resisted the urge to chuckle, and Stephan rolled his eyes.
“I know you’re not good at making friends, Archer, but you’ve stooped far too low on this one.”
“Well, at least I have the charm and decency to actually talk to people as human beings,” Archer responded, and Stephan scoffed.
“Oh please, you wouldn’t know the first thing about charming people, much less speaking to them without trying to control them.”
“And you know any better?” Archer asked, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees, ready for his next offense. Their bickering, however, was cut off by their mother’s voice.
“Cut it out, Stephan; you should know better. Archer, no need to prolong anything unnecessary. And Sterling, don’t be an instigator,” she said tiredly.
Archer ignored Stephan’s harsh gaze as he looked over to her and sighed.
“Gosh, this is going to be a long day,” Vivienne remarked, and Archer looked over at her curiously.
“Why—” he started, but was cut off by his father’s voice.
“Quite honestly, I don’t see the point in going together in the same car. I have other matters to attend to after this—” They heard him ramble, and Vivienne sighed as she coaxed her husband into finally entering the car.
After a small conversation with little to no input from Stephan, they reached the destination and stepped out of the vehicle. Archer noticed the Masahiko family, Porter family, and Crawfords, but he didn’t see the Russels... yet.
They went inside, and Calvin was the first to speak to the men, who stood by the entrance awaiting their table. Andrew also walked over, and Archer watched as it was another face-off between the men. He didn’t care to listen to what they had to say as he was busy looking around the room for Delilah.
“Say hello, children,” Archer heard Killian say, and he looked up to see Delilah standing in an elegant baby blue dress with her hair in voluminous curls and white heels. Her makeup was minimal, but Archer didn’t stare at the details; he just saw her. She looked over to him, noticing his gaze, and spoke softly.
“Hi…”
Archer responded as he tilted his head slightly, “ Hello… Delilah.”