Episode 66: My True Feelings

「President, I have no intention of causing trouble for Takanashi-san for my own sake, you know?」

Sara-senpai seems intent on turning the offer down for that reason.

Given her personality, avoiding being a burden to me is likely the biggest reason she wants to decline.

Because, if the roles were reversed, I would definitely say the same thing.

But, I have no intention of turning down this proposal.

I’m not going to call it returning a favor, this is simply something I want to do.

I don’t know what I’ll be able to do, but if I can be of even the slightest help to Senpai, I thought this was a conversation I should accept.

「President, I’ll accept that offer. Honestly, I don’t know what I can do and I don’t think I’ll be useful as a student council member, but if I can be of even the slightest help to Sara-senpai, I want to do it.」

「Takanashi-san, I…」

Sara-senpai tries to decline.

Of course, if the roles were reversed, I’d say that too.

That’s why

「Sara-senpai, if the roles were reversed… and I was the Vice President and had a tough time, what would you do?」

「Well, of course, if I could be of any help to you, Takanashi-san, I would do so gladly… ah」

Senpai, as expected, thinks the same way I do.

If so, she should understand my feelings too.

「I see… Takanashi-san, is it really no trouble? Joining the student council executive branch means becoming part of the management side for school events. You won’t be able to simply enjoy the events, and it will take up a lot of your time. Even so…」

「Even so, if I can be of help to you even a little, Sara-senpai, I want to do it.」

I look her straight in the eye and convey my thoughts as if to persuade her.

She showed a moment of hesitation, but Senpai nodded.

「Takanashi-san, I look forward to working with you.」

「I look forward to working with you as well.」

With this, I was now able to help Sara-senpai.

All that’s left is to increase what I can do on my own and just do my best.

「That solves the problem regarding Satsukawa-san’s backup… this might make things a lot easier to manage」

「Now we just have to solve the problem with these guys」

「Solving it is impossible. Seeing them in sync like that, there’s no room for anyone to get in… Developing that kind of world unconsciously, I’m a bit worried about the future…」

「「「………」」」

They seemed to be saying something over there, but honestly I didn’t care so I wasn’t listening.

Thinking about the future was a higher priority.

「It’s settled then. Well, Takanashi-kun, once again, welcome to the student council. We’ll be counting on you from here on.」

「Yes, I look forward to working with you.」

When I bowed to everyone, I heard applause.

When I looked up, Sara-senpai had a beaming smile, the President and the girls were smiling too, and the guys… had subtle smiles.

And so, I became a member of the student council executive branch as Sara-senpai’s backup.

「We’ll do proper introductions next time. Well, we’re dismissed for today.」

Well, I should… we should head home too.

I might actually be tired today.

Before I knew it, Sara-senpai had brought my things from the next room.

Fast as ever…

「Takanashi-san, thank you for your hard work while not feeling well. Come, let’s head home. Is your relative coming over today?」

「Ah… no, they seem to be busy or something.」

I’d completely forgotten.

Even if I told the truth, I think Sara-senpai would forgive me.

「In that case, I will make your dinner tonight as well. You’re still just recovering, so you have to get proper nutrition, okay?」

「…She said “tonight as well”…」

「…Ehhh, she’s making dinner at a guy’s house!? Satsukawa-san is bold…」

「「「Gwaaaaah」」」

We didn’t realize that we’d dropped a massive bomb at the end…

After I finished the feast Senpai made and was relaxing, the phone rang.

By the way, when I said I’d walk her home, she got mad and told me to rest…

The call seems to be from Yuji.

Lately, we’ve been talking more than before.

「Good work, Yuji」

「Good work, Kazunari. Was it tough right after recovering?」

「Well, a lot happened and I’m definitely tired.」

I’d talked to Yuji when I caught the cold, and he knew Sara-senpai had been coming over the whole time. By the way, Yuji told me he’d refrain from visiting.

After reporting today’s events and the student council stuff, Yuji asked a question in a serious tone.

「Hey Kazunari, got a second?」

「Hm? What is it?」

「You, honestly, what do you think of Satsukawa-san?」

「What do you mean by what…」

「I know you’re fixated on the fact that Satsukawa-san asked you to be friends.」

「……」

…If I stay in the position Sara-senpai wants me in, I can keep being with her.

That’s why I shouldn’t wish for anything more. I don’t want to let go of my current happiness.

「Right, let me just ask one thing. I’m just asking for myself, so it won’t reach her ears. So tell me honestly.」

「Got it」

「Do you like Satsukawa-san? Do you like her as a woman?」

I didn’t even need to be asked.

If we’re talking about my true feelings, the answer was decided from the start.

「Yeah, I like Sara-senpai. I really love her… but」

「No, hearing that is enough. Got it. Thanks for being honest. Well, goodnight… (I heard the answer Yuzuki-san was hoping for, but it looks like I’ll need to help him out instead)」

With just that, Yuji hung up.

That’s right, I love Sara-senpai.

But if I tell her that and lose the position she’s looking for, I’ll…