SCARS & PETALS

The sound of alarms ringing pulled Tsukiko awake, and she quickly jumped out of bed, the nerves of the big day rushing in. It's the day of the preliminaries.

In the kitchen, she was greeted by a breakfast like no other. Her grandmother had gone all out. A delicate omelet filled with fresh vegetables, golden-brown waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar, a bowl of fresh fruit, and her favorite cup of jasmine tea steaming at the table.

"Wah, what a feast!" Tsukiko exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

Her grandmother smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Of course. It's your big day"

Tsukiko felt a surge of gratitude as she sat down, savoring every bite. "Thanks, Grandma. It's perfect."

After a hearty breakfast, she grabbed her bag, stood up, and kissed her grandmother on the cheek "I'll be back soon."

"Good luck, dear, you've got this," her grandmother said with her hands clenched into fists in a show of support, sending her off with a loving smile.

Tsukiko couldn't help but laugh at the adorable gesture, her nerves easing slightly. With a heart full of warmth, Tsukiko stepped out the door, ready to take on the day ahead.

As she made her way to the competition venue, Tsukiko spotted someone familiar leaning casually against a wall. Her eyes narrowed. "Kai?"

Kai straightened, flashing her a grin. "Morning, Tsukiko."

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?" she asked, her hands tightening around the strap of her bag.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't you know I'm a naughty kid?"

Tsukiko sighed. "Seriously, why are you here?"

"Relax," he said, smirking. "It doesn't hurt to be late sometimes."

Tsukiko gave him a skeptical look, noticing the subtle nervousness behind his casual demeanor.

Kai's grin softened. "I wish you a good luck, Tsukiko. I came here just to say that."

Her expression softened, and her lips curved into a small smile. "Thanks, but you didn't have to."

"When the competition ends," he continued, "I'll treat you to anything you want."

Tsukiko raised an eyebrow. "What if I lose?"

"Doesn't matter," he said firmly.

She chuckled. "Alright then. Keep your promise. Get ready with your wallet."

Kai saluted playfully. "Yes, Queen!"

Before turning to leave, he looked at her, his tone sincere. "All the best, Tsukiko. Just do what you practiced. I know you can do it."

Her chest warmed at his words, and she nodded. "Thank you. I'll see you later."

With renewed determination, Tsukiko walked away, ready to face the challenge ahead, her steps lighter than they'd been before.

After a 30-minute journey, Tsukiko arrived at the Crescent Auditorium. 

The imposing structure stood tall, its curved glass facade glinting under the morning sun. Students from various schools filled the entrance, their chatter blending into a lively hum. Banners announcing the preliminaries swayed gently in the breeze, adding to the charged atmosphere.

Tsukiko tightened her grip on her bag, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Alright, let's do this," she whispered, stepping through the grand doors.

She scanned the crowd, finally spotting her teammates. They waved at each other, sharing smiles and silent words of encouragement as they gathered together for the competition ahead.

The day was filled with nervous anticipation. Students all over the school were reviewing their notes, rehearsing their lines, and mentally preparing for the competition. But amidst the flurry of activity, Tsukiko remained calm, her composure unwavering. 

Students from every corner of the school sat in their seats, waiting for the show to begin. The Minazuru Academy's team took their positions at the podium.

Tsukiko's teammate, Mina, took the lead, stepping up to face her opponent from Seiryu Academy in the first round. In the subsequent rounds, her other teammates, Ayumi, Yuki, and Natsuki, each took their turn in the competition.

As the team leader, Tsukiko was satisfied with her team members' arguments. They were polished and well-rehearsed. Tsukiko observed calmly, her thoughts already forming a strategy.

Finally, it was her turn. Tsukiko stepped up to the podium and the room fell silent. Her eyes swept across the audience, and for a brief moment, she felt the weight of every gaze on her. Her heart raced, and she could feel the nervous energy bubbling up inside her.

But then, out of nowhere, her grandmother's face appeared in her mind. She could almost hear her voice,"Good luck, dear, you've got this," She remembered her grandmother's cute fists clenched in support as she wished her good luck that morning.

Tsukiko couldn't help but smile softly to herself. That little gesture gave her the strength she needed. She let out a quiet laugh, shaking off the nerves.

The host stepped forward, his voice commanding the room's attention. "Now, we begin the final debate of the day. The motion: The cultivation of poppies should be expanded for medicinal purposes. Minazuru Academy will argue in favor, while Takamori High will oppose."

'Alright, here we go,' she whispered under her breath, straightening her posture. She adjusted the microphone, her eyes locking with the opposing team's leader, Hana.

"Poppies have been humanity's ally for centuries," Tsukiko began, her tone firm. 

"Their medicinal benefits, particularly in pain relief, are well-documented and irreplaceable. With advancements in bioengineering and tracking technology, we now have the tools to harness these benefits safely and effectively. Expanding their cultivation under strict regulation is not just an opportunity, it's a moral obligation to improve global healthcare." The audience appeared captivated by Tsukiko's compelling opening.

Hana stood up, her posture sharp, as she launched into her counterargument. 

"While I acknowledge the potential medicinal benefits," she began, 

"expanding poppy cultivation for pain relief comes with undeniable risks. For centuries, poppies have been at the root of addiction and illegal trade. Historical records show that as cultivation expanded, so did the exploitation of vulnerable populations." She paused, scanning the room. 

"The demand for opiates has fueled black markets and caused untold harm to societies. Why should we risk repeating this mistake when we have the technology to create synthetic alternatives that are far more controlled and safer?"

The audience murmured, some of them nodding at the mention of black markets and addiction, while others appeared unconvinced.

Tsukiko didn't flinch, her voice unwavering as she responded. 

"Synthetic opioids may be an option, but they are not a universal solution. They are prohibitively expensive, making them inaccessible to large portions of the global population, especially in developing countries." She glanced at the audience, ensuring they understood the gravity of her point.

"Bioengineering poppies to minimize addictive compounds could provide a far more affordable and sustainable solution. By expanding cultivation under strict regulations, we can ensure both the availability of pain relief and the safety of those who rely on it."

Some faces in the crowd softened, visibly considering the global impact of her argument.

Hana raised a hand, cutting through the air as she continued her argument.