Chapter 9 — Elections and Hearts

The third week of the campaign ended with a special event: an "Ideas Day" organized by the current Student Council, where all three candidates were invited to present a specific project to a jury consisting of representatives of teachers, parents and students from all grades.

Ngoc and Khang decided to jointly present their combined project — Companion Scholarship Fund and Creative Space — as a testament to the spirit of cooperation beyond personal competition that they both committed to each other.

The school's large auditorium was filled with students, eagerly awaiting the rumored presentation. On stage, a large screen showed Khang's detailed drawings, interspersed with Ngoc's diagram of the Companion Scholarship Fund.

"We believe," Ngoc began, standing next to Khang in front of the microphone, "a good school not only nurtures the intellect, but also the soul and passion of each student. That's why we decided to combine these two seemingly separate projects into one."

Khang continued, showing detailed 3D drawings of the renovated warehouse area. "This creative space will be completely free for all students, with special priority given to those who receive support from the Companion Scholarship Fund, to ensure that the opportunity to develop their passion does not depend on their family's economic circumstances."

The presentation ended to prolonged, enthusiastic applause. The jury, including principal Nguyen Van Duc — who rarely attends student-organized events — nodded in approval.

"This is the first time I've seen two rival candidates present the same project at this event," the principal commented when it was his turn to speak. "This spirit of cooperation for the common good is exactly what an educational environment should encourage."

When it was Gia Huy's turn, he stepped onto the stage with a completely different project — a proposal for a "digital anonymous suggestion box" that would allow students to reflect on school issues without fear of their identities being revealed.

"Many students do not dare to speak up for fear of being bullied or receiving unwanted attention," Huy presented, his voice still maintaining his usual confidence even though his eyes were slightly tense as he looked towards the screen that had just shown Ngoc and Khang's project. "This anonymous mailbox will be a safe place for you to speak your true voice."

Huy's idea also received a certain amount of attention, although it did not explode as strongly as the previous presentation, making him even more insecure when standing on stage, his eyes constantly glancing towards the big screen where Khang and Ngoc's drawings were still faintly displayed behind. A few judges questioned the feasibility of preventing abuse of this anonymous system to spread false rumors — a question that made Huy pause for a second before answering, as if he had accidentally touched on something sensitive.

"We will have a censorship mechanism before making it public," Huy replied, his voice a bit hasty. "Make sure no one takes advantage of this system for malicious purposes."

After the three candidates' presentations, the jury spent ten minutes privately consulting before announcing their general comments, which are not official rankings because this is only a reference event and does not count in the election results. Ms. Ha stood up to represent the jury, her face radiant and rare.

"All three attended Today's decisions all demonstrate serious investment and true dedication," she said, her eyes taking turns looking at the three candidates standing on stage. "In particular, we appreciate the spirit of cooperation between Ngoc and Khang — this is exactly what a healthy election needs. We also acknowledge Huy's creativity in his project, and encourage him to continue to improve the control mechanism."

Principal Duc added a few words of general encouragement, emphasizing that the school will seriously consider the possibility of implementing all three ideas in the next school year, regardless of who wins the election. The ceremony ended in a positive atmosphere, students applauded all three candidates before leaving the hall one by one.

While the students were dispersing from the hall, Ngoc happened to encounter Huy in the hallway.

"Your project is good," Ngoc sincerely praised, trying to erase the distance that had formed from previous doubts. "I think if implemented well, it will be of great help to those who are afraid to speak up."

Huy looked at her for a moment, his eyes complicated and unpredictable. "Thank you," he replied curtly, then started to walk away.

"Hey, Huy," Ngoc called back, hesitating a bit before continuing. "I know there have been some bad rumors circulating about me recently. I don't mean to imply anything, it's just... if you know anything, or if there's anything I can do to make things clearer, I'm always happy to listen."

She spoke with true sincerity, without any intention of probing or accusing, simply feeling like something was wrong brewing between the three of them, and she wanted to resolve it as openly as possible, before it could become an irreparable rift.

Huy paused, a moment of confusion crossed his face before he could regain his familiar calmness. "I don't know anything about those rumors," he replied, his voice a little harder than necessary. "I have to go, see you later."

Huy turned and walked away quickly, leaving Ngoc standing there with a vague feeling of insecurity. She didn't have any specific evidence, but Huy's reaction just made her hunch even more certain that something was wrong.

Trang, standing not far away, witnessed the entire short exchange and quickly ran to Ngoc's side. "What are you and Huy talking about that's so tense? His face looks like he's just been caught red-handed."

"I was just asking about the rumors," Ngoc sighed, briefly recounting the conversation. "But his reaction... I don't know, it just feels wrong."

"Let me try to find out more," Trang said, her eyes determined. "I know a few people in Huy's class, let me ask him if there's anything unusual about him lately."

"Be careful, don't overdo it," Ngoc advised, although secretly grateful for the care of her closest friend who has always stood by her side since the first days of the campaign. "I don't want this to turn into a massive investigation if I end up overthinking it."

"Don't worry," Trang smiled reassuringly, taking her friend's arm and walking out of the crowded hallway. "I'm just asking gently, I'm not doing anything too extreme."

That evening, Ngoc recounted that short conversation to Khang over the phone.

"Do you really think Huy is hiding something?" Khang asked, his voice worried.

"Me Not sure," Ngoc sighed, "but his reaction made me unable to help but think so. I just hope I'm over-interpreting it, because I really don't want to be unfoundedly suspicious of anyone."

“No matter what,” Khang said, his voice steady as usual, “let's just keep doing what's right. If Huy is really planning something, the truth will eventually come out. Most importantly, we don't let that worry affect the way we treat others — including Huy himself."

Ngoc nodded, although there was still a worry in her heart that was difficult to completely disappear.

The next night, Trang called Ngoc again, her voice was somewhat cautious. "I asked a few of Huy's classmates. No one knows anything specific, but one kid said Huy has been staying up late lately, sitting alone in his room, and communicating less with friends than at the beginning of the school year."

"That's it?" Ngoc asked, not sure what that little information meant.

"Yeah, I can only ask so much," Trang sighed. "Maybe I'm really overdoing it. Anyway, just keep your spirit and focus on your campaign. If Huy really did something wrong, sooner or later it will be exposed."

"Yeah, you're right," Ngoc nodded, trying to put her worries aside. "Thank you for always helping me, Trang."

"It's a small matter," Trang laughed, her voice lighter. "Well, go to bed early, tomorrow there's one last week of campaigning before the preliminary round."

Ngoc hung up the phone and lay looking at the ceiling for a long time, trying to get rid of negative thoughts to save energy for the important days ahead. But she didn't know that right now, in her small motel room, Gia Huy was sitting in front of the phone screen, her trembling fingers typing the first lines of an anonymous post that would soon shake up the entire election race.