The End of Akira
Chapter 6: Arashii Souta

Arashii Souta, the only son of the Arashii family who is one of the largest businessmen in Japan. Because Souta is the only child of the Arashii family, the father is a little harsh about Souta's life because he will be the successor of the Arashii family. Since childhood, the man who is familiarly called Sou is restrained by his parents. Strict rules are applied in the growing Sou environment. She must continue to focus on learning to support her life as Sou grows up. Sou had to take tutoring after school, even he had to go back to study before he went to bed. He was only given 1 hour of free time for him to play and do what he wanted. He spends most of his time just studying and studying. If he is seen playing outside of his free time or his academic grades are bad even when Sou gets a B grade, his father would punish him by being hit so he grew up to be a quiet child and did not have many friends. It also caused Sou rarely to be seen smiling even in front of his parents.

When Sou entered Junior High, he was quite popular among students because of his handsome face. Many girls liked her and tried to get close to Sou but Sou did not react to the girls. Many students also approached Sou in order to make friends with him. But not a few who did not like Sou too much because Sou rarely spoke. He only spoke as necessary and even rarely saw him smile so impressed as a cold and arrogant person. In the past, he was even nicknamed the Ice Prince because of his princely handsome face in the fairy tale book and his ice-cold demeanor.

Sou did not respond too much to his friends calling him the Ice Prince. Nor did he respond to people who hated him or perhaps he didn't care about it. Until one day, Sou begins to open himself up.

At that time Sou who was bored decided to take a walk around the ball field and found a lot of people into the gymnasium. Out of curiosity, Sou then entered to see what was really inside there.

Sou was quite surprised because this crowd of people was a spectator of a basketball game that was being held inter-school basketball tournament and today his school basketball team hosted the event. Sou then walked closer to the sidelines in order to see the match clearly. His eyes sparkled staring at the admiration of his upperclassmen who moved around here and there while dribbling the ball and then shot from outside the field which produced 3 points at once. He clapped and smiled as his school's basketball team won the game. Sou looks really enjoyed this basketball game.

3 Days later, Sou comes to the basketball club and he submits a new member registration.

"Excuse me" Sou said entering the basketball club room.

"Oh Prince of Ice? What's the need to come here?" Ask a confused club member.

"I want to be a member of the basketball club. Seeing Brother yesterday compete makes me want to explore this sport more" said Sou smiling.

"(Eh? The Ice Prince smiled? He really is smiling, isn't he? Is this really Souta the Ice Prince that many people talk about?) Wait a minute, I'll call the Chairman for a moment" he said smiling.

Shortly thereafter the student returned with someone believed to be the club's chairman.

"Hello" said Sou.

"Say you want to go to a basketball club?" Speaker Chairman.

"True Sister, I was very impressed with the basketball game yesterday so I want to join this team" Sou smiled.

"The Ice Prince can smile as well as it turns out" the Chief said in surprise. The student quickly elbowed the Chairman's arm.

"Ah sorry sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I'm just surprised by your smile" said the Chief.

"It's okay Brother-Sou smiled - I don't need to know that no matter how cold the Ice Prince is, I'm still human" Sou said.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. It's just that your smile fits perfectly with your handsome face, baby if you keep hiding it" said the Chairman smiled. Sou looked at the Chairman a little surprised.

"Ah regarding your desire to become a member of the club, we will tell you tomorrow. Sorry before, but here is our system to discuss the acceptance of new members let alone this is already the second year" explained the Chairman.

"Okay sister, then excuse me" said Sou.

"I'm sorry for that" said the chairman.

"It doesn't matter, brother, excuse me" said Sou who then left there.

"It looks like I made him back into the Ice Prince as he was - the Chairman rubbed the back of his neck that didn't itch - - but his smile really fits on his handsome face. Being a cold Ice Prince alone was already popular especially if he smiled. I'm sure if he shows that smile, he will definitely be more popular and liked by many people" said the Chairman smiled.

"But the Chairman doesn't have to talk like that, he gets offended" said the student.

"Yes, it was my fault. Gather the other club officials and invite the coach to discuss the Ice Prince" the Chairman said.

"Good."

The next day...

In the basketball club room...

"Congratulations Arashii Souta, from today you are a member of the basketball club" the chairman smiled.

"really? Thank you, brother" said Sou smiling.

"Today we get acquainted and see the activities that you will do in the next days, is it okay?" Ask Chairman.

"No problem, sister" said Sou.

"Alright let's go to gimnas, they are training now" said the Chairman.

"Yes." Yeah."

In gymnasium...

"Children get together" the coach said.

"We'll get a new member. Arashii Souta, he will join the basketball club" he said again.

"Ice Prince?" Said a member.

"Isn't he the Prince of Ice?" Ask other members.

"I'm not sure." Speak to the other member.

"I'm worried."

"Don't be tempting, please Souta introduce yourself" said the Chairman.

"Include me Arashii Souta, just call me Sou. The reason I wanted to join in order to feel an amazing game like yesterday's basketball team. I know the rules of basketball but not as much as the members here, so please help" Sou bowed and smiled.

(Oh he's really smiling) Inner coach.

"Good Sou. Please help too" said the Chairman patting Sou on the back.

"Thank you" Sou said with a smile.

"Good God, he's smiling. The Ice Prince smiled" said one of the members.

"The ice is melting!!" Shouted another member.

"I was very lucky to be in a basketball club. I could see Sou's smile" said the other member.

"Please ask for help" said another member.

"Sou you look more handsome if you smile" shouted another member.

"True Sou, you must always smile" said another.

"Wait, this.." said Sou confused and uncomfortable simultaneously.

"Quite enough - the coach patted her hands - Don't make her uncomfortable on her first day. You are here to practice not to admire his smile. Back practicing!" Coach's word.

"Well Sir!" Speak members simultaneously. They then returned to training despite stealing a glance at Sou.

"Thank you Sir" said Sou.

"No problem, make yourself comfortable. You start training tomorrow" said the smiling coach.

"Good sir" said Sou spirit. He then noticed the members who were practicing meticulously.

Since joining the basketball club, Sou is seen to show his smile even though only occasionally. He also seems to talk more often with his friends even if only briefly.

Even so, Sou was still the Ice Prince in his home. He still never seemed to smile at his parents even though at school he had changed. Sou was a little relieved when his parents did not forbid Sou to play basketball on condition that his academic value did not decline.

"I doubt you're just playing basketball" the chairman said on the sidelines of training.

Sou smiled. "But I'm really just playing basketball for the first time" Sou said, wiping his sweat.

"Then, Sou's good work. Even if you are new to playing, but your game is quite good, continue" said the Chairman back running to catch the ball.

"Good."

Every day, Sou shows good progress in training, so Sou is included in the first team and for the first time Sou participated in an official tournament even though he only entered the basketball club in a few months. For the first time as well, Sou felt very happy and proud of himself for having won his first match.

"Good work all, you guys are great" said the coach clapping.

"Thank you all" said the Chairman to all the members. "You're a great Sou, very talented. Thank you" said the Chairman embracing Sou.

"No Chairman, I'm far from talented. Thank you also Chief" Sou smiled.

The chairman smiled again. "It looks like I can trust you to be my successor later" he said.

Sou looked surprised. "Wait for the Chairman, what does that mean?" Said Sou confused.

"Ba-good."

A few months later, the Chairman actually handed over his position as Chairman of the club to Sou.

"Listen friends, for the next period the position of chairman will be filled by Arashii Souta, vice chairman by...- Chairman explains the leadership for the new period-Is there a question or statement? Please raise your hand" said the chairman.

Sou then raised his hand.

"Please Sou" said the Chairman.

"Why am I the chairman? Isn't there still someone better than me to guide this club?" Ask Sou.

"Are you not confident? We chose you not without reason, you are the one who is quick to respond and most progress during practice. The point has been a lot of consideration to choose leadership at this club" explained the Chairman.

"But shouldn't the long-joined member be the Chairman? I mean I.." said Sou doubtfully.

"Well, if you're in doubt let's have a vote to see how other members respond to you Sou" said the coach.

"I think voting is better" Sou said.

"Those who do not agree Sou to be chairman please raise your hands" said the coach.

Sou then raised his hand. He felt it was quite strange to see the chairman and coach in front of him smiling.

Sou then turned to look at her voting and how surprised she was to find out that it was only she who raised her hand as a sign of disobedience.

"Those who agree Sou to be chairman please raise your hands" said the coach again.

Everyone there including the chairman raised their hands except Sou and the coach. Sou looked surprised and confused simultaneously, while the Chairman smiled triumphantly at the voting of the members.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Speaker Chairman.

"Wait, are you guys serious?" Said Sou did not believe in all of his friends.

"I'm serious Sou. You're better than all of us" said the member who stayed longer at the club.

"True Sou, if the Chairman and coach have agreed then it means you are really better than us. Please help"

"But.."

Sou was quite confused and did not know what to do. What he was afraid of was that he could not carry out the chairman's duties well because there was so much for the chairman to do and Sou was not sure of that. He also thought that if he, who was basically a new member already entrusted with the position of chairman, would definitely cause dissatisfaction or even hatred from the other members, he did not want to lose his friends anymore. Given that he does not have many friends because he is always focused on learning.

"If you have any doubts, we will help you Sou. No need to worry" said the other members.

"Right, even though you are the chairman but you can ask for help to us Sou" said another.

"We'll help you if you need it" said another.

They then smiled and cheered Sou.

"I'm sure you can Sou, trust your members and yourself. The coach will also guide the club and I and my other friends will still be monitoring your progress, so there is no need to worry" the chairman said.

"How's Sou? Are you ready to be the leader?" Coach's say.

"I-I will try" Sou said in a small voice.

Everyone smiled at Sou's statement.

"Please help, Chairman" the Chairman told Sou.

"Please help Sou."

"Please help the Chairman."

"Don't look at us."

"Please help."

Sou smiled a little. "Thank you for entrusting me, friends. I will try to make this club better and move forward again. Please help" Sou told everyone there.

"That's new spirit Sou-Chairman patted Sou's back-It's been decided yes. The official inauguration will be the day after tomorrow. Thank you guys" said the Chairman bowed respectfully. Everyone looks smiling and clapping.

2 days later, Sou was officially appointed as the club's new chairman. He was quite happy that the other members actually accepted the Chairman's decision back then despite not knowing how it would be.

He seems to be getting busy every day. With his duties as chairman, he often went outside the house for practice and discussion. Although his body was tired, he was happy. He enjoyed the time he spent at the club, it seemed like basketball was the only way for him to smile. Both of his parents did not mind him, as long as his academic grades were good enough for Sou's parents.

Over time, Sou is better known for being friendly even though he rarely smiles. His activities at the club made him more famous with a friendly figure. Slowly the nickname of the Ice Prince disappeared from Sou and of course this made Sou's popularity even more. But Sou remains the Ice Prince in his home. He rarely smiles at home.

Until the time of High School, Sou entered one of the prestigious schools in Tokyo. He was quite happy because at the school there were quite a lot of upperclassmen in Junior High who also entered this school, Sou so not too foreign. And this is where Sou meets Akira.

"That girl is so pretty" Sou muttered watching a girl who was walking a little fast while looking down. He occasionally stole glances at people who seemed to be students of this school as well.

"Why is he walking like that? Was he not afraid of bumping into people later?" Sou muttered watching every single one of the girl's behavior.

"Sou" said someone patting Sou on the shoulder from behind.

"Chairman!!" Said Sou surprised.

"Stop, don't call me that. I'm not your kiss anymore" he said with a small laugh.

"Sorry Brother, it's a habit" said Sou smiling.

"It turns out you went to this school too, would you like to join the basketball club again?" Ask Chairman.

"It seems so" said Sou smiling.

"Then, be prepared for Sou's very strict test. I go first, have a nice first day at school" said the Chairman waving his hands.

"Thank you Brother" said Sou smiling. He then searched for the whereabouts of someone.

"I lost that girl" Sou said then walked towards her class.

Arriving at class, Sou was quite surprised to see the girl he had been looking for was already sitting by the window.

(I found it) Sou said inwardly looking at the girl. 

Sou felt a little sad because the seat near the girl was well aside, the front seat and back seat were already filled with other students so he decided to sit on the second bench from the front in a different row with the girl. Sou could still see the girl even very clearly if Sou looked back so no problem.

During the break, Sou plans to eat at the cafeteria following his friend who had walked first. But just as he was about to walk, someone hit him from behind until Sou's stock splashed onto the floor.

"You all right?" Said someone approaching Sou.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry, my mom's waiting downstairs. I'll replace it when I get back, please let me see my mother first" explained the girl who bumped into me.

"It's okay, go" said Sou who was still a little surprised. "Well, this is Mom's cooking" Sou said, cleaning up the food that was splattered on the floor.

"Let me help" said someone. Sou then looked to the source of the voice.

(This girl?!) 

"I'm sorry, you're bothering like this" Sou smiled.

"No problem" Akira smiled.

(Beautiful) Inner Sou stared at this girl. "When this is my mother's cooking, but I threw it away" said Sou smiling wryly.

"Sorry, Akira can't help you with your mother's cooking, but if you don't mind, you can eat my food. I brought her quite a lot" said the girl smiling.

(About? What's his name Akira?) Inner Sou looked at the girl. "No, I can buy a meal in the cafeteria, thank you. You're Akira, aren't you?" Ask Sou.

"A-ah right, I'm Souma Akira" he said smiling awkwardly.

"Greetings, just call me Sou" Sou smiled. 

"I-iya, greetings too" said Akira smiling.