yogen | (closed) do you want to change your life? change your mind

[ Really, he just hadn't had the time. But that was more of an excuse than anything.

Between his apprehension as it pertained to anything Nagito Komaeda-adjacent, how he'd been spoken to before, and his recent interactions with Rantaro Amami, he had been bouncing back and forth between wanting to just speak his peace and then leave. Take care of all of this with the help of those close to him, and leave it at that. However, he could tell that whatever was going on around Yogen Academy at this point, it was going well. He couldn't afford to be complacent and not bother to speak to the school's new principal.

Leading him to the office, where he cautiously knocks on the door. The counselor's doors are always open, but what about Ranger's? ]

Principal. You in?

[ To say that he's found himself in an odd position would be an understatement. He'd applied without ever expecting to be given a role after all that's occurred, but he's a quick study and playing the role isn't all that difficult all things considered. It's more paperwork, but unlike some people he's not bothered by that, and the rest is largely a more effective version of wht he had already been doing.

His door remains open though. He's in the middle of sifting through some of the aforementioned paperwork when he hears the approach of a person, his head lifting. It's the cheerful grin card today - some things don't change, or at least not so quickly. ]

... Just Ranger is fine.

[ It's weird being called by a title by people who are in effect his equal. It's enough for the nameless students to address him so formally. He sets the pen down. ]

What's up?

Just wanted to give it a try. Lucky for you, I don't think it feels right.

[ That's right, a joke. He's chuckling, just a bit. ]

Wanted to check in on how you're handling the sudden responsibility. Can't be easy to adjust.

[ He's right and he should say it. ]

Ahaha.... It sure isn't where I expected to find myself, but it seems like it's about the only way to get anything done around here too... Well, I gotta say, doing paperwork sure beats sitting through classes.

Oh, I don't know. Depends on how much paperwork there is... then again, I don't mind class.

[ Maybe he's the weirdo here. Still, he decides to go for his next topic-- ]

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about "getting things done". Amami and I were brainstorming ideas on what we could do to ingrain the changes we're making into the school's traditions. Something that ensures that nobody has to suffer the way everyone had as of last year.

If possible, reevaluating the student council's contract as it pertains to graduation. Perhaps even establishing more of a class representative system in the future. Something to allow the student body to have more of a say in the graduation process.

[ stoppp maybe he wouldn't mind it if he weren't a supercomputer!! ]

Hm... It is pretty messed up that it's decided by a single person, huh? Not to mention, it's hard for that sorta person to be the friendly sort.

[ It puts a target on one's back, or so Ranger has heard. He has a bit of experience with that half. It kills any trust or goodwill that a person might otherwise have. ]

So, you're thinking that the majority should have a say about how it goes, huh? Can't say that I'd disagree with that.

I've always thought that should be this way. The chances of anyone coming into having that power and being able to use it to everyone else's benefit are slim. At least, having that majority would be able to rein them in a bit.

[ He thinks back to when he first arrived, after the death of the student council president that eventually led to Maya being appointed. How the council was able to vote on that process with no input from the student body, which would've turned it into a popularity contest.

Would Maya have made it into that position, if that were the case? How much would change if more of the students could express themselves? ]

I feel that as time goes on, if we allowed it, it'd be easy for the school to slip back into how it was before we got here, and that cycle will just cause certain souls to linger on far longer than they should. I'm not quite as well read on that as some, but I imagine that those desperate to hold on and being terrified of the process would only cause problems for others in the future.

[ Just as they had last summer. ]

Yep, that sounds about right. The kiddos here don't even need that sorta power to cause trouble for the rest of us, just 'cause they were stuck here longer than they'd like they decided to burn the joint down. You gotta wonder who's bright idea that one was.

[ For better or worse, those who are long lived will inevitably change, and they're not necessarily the ones that should be in charge. He drums his fingers on the desk. ]

Well, anyway, I gotta agree. Having someone in charge is fine and dandy, but they can't be the only one calling the shots, especially not when they can't even share it with anyone.

[ It's too much weight to put on a single person, really, and in the end it just hurts everyone who participates. It's as cruel as anything else in the school. It's more ridiculous yet when one stops to consider that there's plenty of transfer students who are older than students and faculty alike. ]

So, what do you suppose that looks new system looks like? Normal schools have elections for a class representative don't they?

Typically, yes. Within each of the classes, the students nominate, discuss, and eventually elect their representative. In that case, each classroom has someone they can go to in order to pitch ideas to.

There may still be a need for a student council, but it wouldn't have to be quite as expansive as it is now. The idea being that the representatives can report on how the classes themselves are doing and if anything needs to be done, while the student council oversees the student body as a whole.

That way, the ideas work their way up. From a student who may bring something to their class rep, to a student council member, to the student council president, back to whomever's acting as Principal. It's elaborate, but the concept of Graduation in itself isn't something to be taken lightly.

[ It literally affects lives and who a person is, so getting as many perspectives as possible... that'd have to be the best option. ]

It's also a good way to keep a good eye on those who could abuse their power. If one gets elected as a class rep, theoretically, they should be trustworthy enough to have what they say about an unruly student council be listened to.

Honestly... this idea is more of a temporary fix. My main goal is to make the process as easy and painless as possible. That way, no one has to get stabbed in the back and possessed again.

[ As neutral a comment as possible, but that's how it was. Would he have memories of last summer if someone hadn't been desperate enough to kill him and take his body?

Granted. He wasn't necessarily thinking of himself in that respect. ]

[ It was the little boost of confidence, honestly. The feeling of being able to let go of a weighted thought that refused to leave for a long, long time, that's only been helping him out as of late. There's still moments where he feels shy, where he questions himself, but ultimately... he's happy with how this turned out.

Happy enough really, to get working earlier that day, making a stop to borrow a few things from the kitchen and wait. Semi excited and semi nervous for lunch time to roll around. Then for him to roll right around to Classroom 3-B and seek out his loving, understanding girlfriend. ]

Pardon the intrusion. Inaba, can I borrow you for a moment?

[ A very romantic, formal question that may instantly be seen through considering he's clearly holding a plastic bag, and y'know. It's lunch time.

...old habits die a bit hard. ]

Edited 2022-08-03 21:19 (UTC)

[ That is way too formal...!

Inaba looks at him curiously before getting out of her seat and following him. Sure, people might start rumors up again, but fuck that, she's not dealing with it. ]

Sure, what did you need me for, Mister Serious Guy?

[ She is already teasing him. ]

[ "Mister Serious Guy"...

He has his reasons for being so formal? Not. Good reasons, but they're reasons, still! ]

I figured you'd like to have lunch. I uh... prepared something earlier for you.

[ He holds up the bag-- looks like there are two bundles in there? ]

If you're not busy, that is.

You did?

[ She sounds relatively surprised. But the fact that he said 'prepared'...

Huh?

Did he actually cook this? ]

Ah, well... [ Inaba rocks on her heels a little bit as her gaze doesn't meet his gaze. ] I'm not particularly busy, no.

I haven't tried it in a while, but I figured... it might be fun to try it again.

[ Or, as is probably the case: he hasn't had to cook for anyone but himself for a while. He might as well... ]

I know it's a bit of a pain, but is the council room okay? I've kinda taken to spending a lot of time in there.

It's... safe. [ Surprisingly so! ]

I mean, I wouldn't mind eating in the council room, but... you don't mind? I mean, people might interrupt any time.

Fair point-- although, it probably wouldn't hurt if I put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign. I think the others would understand. It's not like anything illicit would be happening in there.

Any suggestions on your end?

...I feel like that would only lead to more misunderstandings rather than less.

[ She says that flatly. ]

Hmm. Maybe the clocktower? I think most people tend to avoid it, and most people are probably going to be eating in the cafeteria because it's "shiny and new". I don't think that's worn off yet.

The clock tower...

[ Hm. He can't remember if he's ever been to Yogen's before. Maybe during a different lifetime, or however that worked. ]

Sure, I'll go for it. [ A pause. ] Be nice to have a little bit of alone time with you again.

[ Inaba's smile softens when he tells her that it's nice to have actual proper alone time with her. It's in a way that nobody else sees her in this school. ]

Yeah, it would be nice.

[ It's such a small thing, but it makes him feel so much better about being there. Another side of Inaba that, selfishly, he gets to keep for himself.

...he'll probably keep that thought to himself for the moment. As they head towards the clock tower, he just can't help but remark. ]

It almost feels normal, doesn't it?

Almost. It's kind of weird, admittedly, that maybe this place could have some semblance of normalcy in the first place, after everything that's happened.

[ But she doesn't hate it. Not in the slightest bit. ]

I couldn't agree more. Really, it's...

[ He thinks about his words carefully. A miracle? To some, maybe. Since he had his momentary flashback, a few statements had been ringing in his ears. ]

...It's a testament to what we've been trying to accomplish here... and really, what we in the student council can accomplish. Actually showing the long-tenured students something along the lines of humanity can go a long way to those who've forgotten what it's like.

Really?

[ Even in a calmer voice, there's still those hints of skepticism that can't be hidden in her voice as she finds herself looking up in the ceiling. ]

To be honest, and maybe it's kind of sad to admit this, but--I don't feel like I've made any strides to actually do anything, you know? That was all... everyone else.

Hm. This may sound like a cop-out, but... I recall being told that this school is a reflection of those within it. With more of us taking over faculty roles and more positions of power so to speak, it gives us a chance to change the culture.

For you though... [ A brief pause. ] I can't pretend to know what you'd been up to since we arrived here, but think of it like someone who started to exercise regularly. It's hard to gauge incremental progress yourself, but it's apparent to those around you that you've made progress. Be it through investigating with others or just wanting your school life to be less chaotic, you were just as integral to fixing this school as the rest of us.

...Although, I guess I might be a bit biased. I always thought you were helping in the background.

You absolutely are biased, Miyuki. But that's fine. Well, it's true that I've made personal progress, but that doesn't do anything for the whole fundamental picture.

But that's enough about that nonsense. I didn't come for some debate on whether I made an impact on anything or not and I honestly don't give a shit right now. I just want to have a nice relaxing lunch.

@ rio ranger

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@ himeko inaba

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