Sophia.

Both girls glare at you with enough intensity they could pierce a hole through you. You give your vote to Sophia and you can almost feel Katherine’s affection score diving into what might as well be -50.

“What!? That can’t be right! Give me your reasons!” She demands immediately. Sophia’s smug smirk probably agitates her even more.

“I’m getting to that.” You say, trying to sound as rational as possible. “While you delivered your introduction flawlessly, some of your arguments lacked supporting evidence. Saying that ‘an increase in voters will lead to a longer and more difficult voting process’ could’ve been a valid point if it had had more evidence to back it up. Ms. Johnson’s counter argument to it, saying that you made it sound like ‘it’s more work to do, therefore its bad’ was accurate. I’d say your expository skills are superior, but Ms. Johnson did a better job counter-arguing.”

Katherine glances from you to Ms. Owens, and you catch her nodding, apparently approving of your reasoning. You give Sophia’s presentation some feedback as well, telling her how improving her stage presence and argument delivery will help her improve.

“…Dammit!” You can see the frustration in Katherine’s eyes as tears start forming. She leaves the room hastily and without another word, making you feel terrible. It seems this meant a lot to her.

Ms. Owens sighs and speaks to Sophia. “Well then, Ms. Johnson, congratulations. You’re the new captain of the debate team.”

The smug grin disappears from the dark-haired girl and looks at the teacher with a proud smile. “Thank you, Ms. Owens.”

Well this was stressful. The two upperclassmen leave, saying goodbye to everyone but you. As you’re about to walk up to Ms. Owens to say goodbye as well, Sophia walks up to you.

“I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name.” She says. She seems approachable enough, so you try to be on your best behavior.

“I’m David Walker. You’re Sophia Johnson, right?”

“Right. I just wanted to thank you for participating as a judge here.” She tells you. You saw her thanking the other girls, so the fact that she’s approaching you to do the same is telling of her character. “You seem to know a lot about debating. Were you in a debate club in high school?”

“I was. I really liked it and I like to think I was good at it.” You admit.

“Will you be joining this club? As the new captain, I’d welcome you.” Her smug smirk returns.

“I don’t think so. It wouldn’t be a good idea. I can feel the other member glaring daggers at me and I don’t think your red-headed friend is very fond of me right now.”

Sophia sighs heavily. “She’ll be over it soon. She’s always like this when she loses, but I can’t really blame her. I’d be the same if I had lost.” She gives you a meaningful look. “Thanks for your feedback. I’ll try to fix the issues you pointed out. If you ever change your mind about joining, talk to Ms. Owens. We’ll do our best to make you feel welcomed.”

“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”

-Johnson, Sophia- Affection Score: 27.

-Brown, Katherine- Affection Score: -24.