Episode 228: A Request from the Student Council

I’d made it through the ordeal of having my spoiled-brat nature exposed to my classmates and friends, and the report meeting was starting to wrap up.

I hadn’t brought up the Student Council stuff yet, so I spoke to the three of them before I forgot.

Kazunari:「Hanako-san, Todo-san, Hayato, you got a second?」

Hanako:「What?」

Todo:「What’s up, Takanashi-kun?」

Hayato:「You need to talk about something?」

Kazunari:「Yeah, about the Student Council.」

The three of them looked even more puzzled when they heard「Student Council.」

I couldn’t exactly tell them the real reason in front of Sara-san, so for now, I just sounded them out about helping.

It’d really help if they accepted…

Kazunari:「Since the third-years are retiring, the Student Council needs to increase its staff. Sara-san is becoming the President, and we’re starting under a new administration. So, if possible, I’d like the three of you to help out as officers.」

Nishikawa:「Oh? Sara is becoming the President?」

Natsumi:「Come to think of it, Daichi mentioned he wasn’t going to run in the election. So it’s confirmed to be Sara?」

Crap, I hadn’t talked about that part yet…

I realized just now that I’d forgotten to explain the core details, so I decided to give a quick breakdown.

Kazunari:「Since there aren’t any opposing candidates, Sara-san ended up taking the President’s seat. But with the current President and two other third-years leaving, we have to fill those spots to get the new administration running.」

Nishikawa:「Well, I doubt there are many people who’d actually want to run for President if it meant going up against Sara. But making Sara the President, that’s another bold… I see, so that’s how it is.」

Nishikawa-san seemed to arrive at the reason I was asking the three of them while she was thinking out loud. She gave a convinced nod and looked at me again.

Hanako:「…Ah, I see. That makes sense. I get it now.」

It looked like Hanako-san realized the reason too. It seems making a show of saying「new administration」paid off. Hayato and Todo-san didn’t seem to have caught on yet, but I had to keep going.

Hanako:「By the way, if Satsukawa-san becomes the President, what happens to the Vice President?」

Kazunari:「I’m going to do it. We’re just waiting for approval at the general meeting.」

Nishikawa:「…Wow… the two of you as President and Vice President… that’s beyond just mixing public and private matters…」

Nishikawa-san’s point was something I knew would be said the moment I mentioned being Vice President. But even if people say we’re mixing matters, it’s not like I’m going to make personal requests and have Sara-san approve them. At most, we might be a bit too close, but I don’t think it’ll cause any issues with the council’s actual operations.

Sara:「That’s rude. Even if Kazunari-san and I are close, it won’t interfere with the Student Council’s activities.」

All:「……………………」

What is this lukewarm look everyone is giving us?

I feel like they’re thinking「these guys are hopeless.」

But really, I don’t recall ever causing a problem… I think.

Kazunari:「S-So, what do you think?」

Hanako:「Well… honestly, I don’t know how much help I can be, but if we’re doing it with this group, it sounds like it could be interesting. It’s a request from Takanashi-kun, so I wouldn’t mind helping. But my daily rhythm will change, so I’ll give you an answer after I talk to my parents.」

Happily, Hanako-san gave me a positive response. It’s true that her schedule would change since she’s currently in the「go-home club,」and she did just transfer here. It’s only natural to talk to her parents.

Kazunari:「Thanks, Hanako-san. But really, don’t push yourself if you can’t.」

Hanako:「I know.」

Todo:「I’ll ask at home too. It might mean I’ll be coming home later than I do now, so I’ll talk to my mom and the others.」

Hayato:「I have club activities most of the time, but I’ll help whenever I have the time. Also, Todo-san, if you’re going to be late, I’ll walk you home.」

As expected of Hayato. Whether he helps with the council or goes to his club, he’ll be late either way. That’s why he thought to offer Todo-san some support and a bit of a subtle approach at the same time. For me, if that solves one of Todo-san’s worries, I’m all for it.

Hanako:「I see. In that case, I…」

Hanako-san glanced at me, looking like she wanted to ask for the same thing.

It’s true that if she’s going to be late, I should take responsibility for that. It’s going to start getting dark earlier from here on out. Knowing that, I didn’t want to let Hanako-san walk home alone.

…Sara-san is my top priority, but I…

Sara:「You’re right. How about the three of us walk home together? Hanako-san’s house is near the shopping district, so we can drop her off and then do our shopping. So it’s fine.」

Sara-san’s suggestion solved exactly what I was worrying about. I’ll thank her for noticing later, but since Sara-san said it was okay, I’ll take the job. I wondered for a second how Sara-san knew where Hanako-san lived, but anyway, if Sara-san says so…

Hanako:「W-Wait a second. I was joking, I’m fine on my ow—」

Kazunari:「No, I can’t let Hanako-san go home alone after dark. When that happens, I’m definitely walking you back.」

It’s not decided yet whether she’ll accept, but if I solve these concerns now, the conversation might go smoother. I think it’s better to decide this now so she can feel at ease.

Hanako:「Ugh… o-okay…」

Hanako-san suddenly looked down and seemed to be mumbling something. But it was only for a moment, and when she looked back up at me, she looked like her usual self.

Hanako:「A-Anyway, I’ll talk about it at home.」

Todo:「I’ll ask too.」

Hayato:「Either way, I’ll help when I can.」

Kazunari:「Thanks. I’m counting on you guys.」

Now all that’s left is to wait for their final answers. While praying for a good response, I have to convey another thing I remembered while talking about the Student Council. I have something to say to Nishikawa-san personally, so I can’t forget that.

Kazunari:「I have something for Nishikawa-san too.」

Nishikawa:「Oh, for me too?」

Kazunari:「Because of what you and your father said, Masaomi-san finally acknowledged us. Thank you so much.」

Nishikawa:「Wait, Takanashi-san, I accept the sentiment, so please raise your head!」

Me giving a deep bow seemed to fluster Nishikawa-san. When I looked back up after a bit, she looked relieved.

Kazunari:「To be honest, it really saved me. So…」

Nishikawa:「It’s only natural to want to help a friend. I get it, so please stop. It’s embarrassing when you’re so serious about it.」

She wasn’t lying about being embarrassed; her face was turning red. This side of Nishikawa-san is rare, so when I accidentally stared, she couldn’t take it anymore and turned away.

Things got a bit awkward, so I’ll use the President’s message to distract her.

Kazunari:「Oh, that’s right. The President asked me to give his regards to Nishikawa-san.」

Nishikawa:「Eh, the President? …Ah, you mean Uesaka-san?」

Uesaka… let’s see, I think that was his surname… I always called him President, so I forgot. I remember his first name is「Daichi」because Natsumi-senpai calls him that.

I looked at Natsumi-senpai, and she noticed, giving me a nod.

Kazunari:「Yeah. When I said I was meeting you today, he told me to give you his regards.」

Nishikawa:「I see. Please tell him that I appreciate everything he did back then as well.」

It looks like they have a decent connection.

But judging by Nishikawa-san’s reaction, it might just be at the acquaintance level.

Natsumi:「Wait, did Daichi and Eri-rin have that much of a connection?」

Nishikawa:「We saw each other because of committee work. Also, sometimes our commute times overlapped and we walked part of the way together… just that much, really.」

Natsumi:「…Commuting together? I haven’t heard about this… Daichiii.」

Natsumi-senpai murmured something in a low voice and gave a meaningful smirk. She looks like the Natsumi-senpai who’s plotting something. I reflexively looked at Yuji, who was watching with a wry smile.

Kazunari:「Got it. I’ll tell the President. Also, some other people mentioned they wanted to see you again after all this time.」

Nishikawa:「Is that so. It’s nice to hear that.」

Watching Nishikawa-san smile happily, I suddenly thought that if I invited her to the school festival, she could meet her old acquaintances and friends from before she transferred.

Kazunari:「If you’d like, why don’t you come to the upcoming school festival?」

Sara:「That’s a great idea. It would be even more fun if Eri came.」

Todo:「Whoa, Nishikawa-san is coming?」

Nishikawa:「Well… I’ll check my schedule.」

She seemed pleased to be invited; she didn’t answer immediately but looked happy. It might be fun if everyone gathered… I wasn’t the only one thinking that.

Natsumi:「Tachikawa-san, how about you? Tachibana-kun already decided he’s coming.」

Kazunari:「Wait, really, Yuji?」

I was planning to invite Yuji myself, so hearing it from Natsumi-senpai was a surprise. When I looked at Yuji, he gave a wry smile and nodded.

Yuji:「Yeah, I’m going to cheer for Natsumi-san at her match. Of course I’ll stop by your class too.」

Tachikawa:「I see. If Nishikawa-san and Tachibana-kun are going, I don’t want to be left out. I think I’ll clear my schedule.」

Todo:「Yoko, I’ll show you around!」

Hanako:「Looks like everyone is going to cheer for Satsukawa-san in the Miss Con…」

Hearing Hanako-san, Sara-san let out a sigh with a complicated expression. Having everyone show up for a beauty pageant she wasn’t into probably didn’t make her that happy. I’m going, of course, but it’s less about cheering and more about being ready in case something happens. At worst, I’m thinking of forcibly taking Sara-san away.

Sara:「There won’t be anything interesting if you come. I have no intention of doing anything at all.」

Hanako:「…That actually sounds kind of interesting in its own way.」

Tachikawa:「…Sara-senpai really is thorough about this.」

Natsumi:「…She’s gotten a bit better, but the fact that she doesn’t care about any man other than Takanashi-kun hasn’t changed.」

For me, it’s obviously great, but Sara-san’s attitude could easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. If she’s going to be the Student Council President, follow-up from the people around her, including me, is going to be essential. I really want Hanako-san and the others to join the council…

The report meeting ended, and we split into two groups for the car ride back. Yuji and Tachikawa-san would ride in the car with Nishikawa-san, and the rest of us split into two other cars.

「Good work everyone~~」

「See you later~」

「Good night.」

As we were saying our goodbyes and getting into our assigned cars…

Hanako:「Sorry, I want to talk to Satsukawa-san.」

Hanako-san suddenly said that, likely intending to talk about the upcoming matter. Sara-san seemed to judge it was a serious conversation based on Hanako-san’s tone.

Kazunari:「Sara-san, please listen to what Hanako-san has to say.」

With me saying it too, Sara-san nodded and guided Hanako-san into the car that had its assignment changed.

After seeing them off, we got into a van-type car that Nishikawa-san had called on short notice and headed home.

Todo:「I wonder what kind of advice Hanako-san is asking Sara-senpai for…」

I think everyone was wondering the same thing. Todo-san said that, probably sensing it had something to do with me.

Natsumi:「She’ll tell us eventually… I’m sure.」

I hope Natsumi-senpai is right… I’m sure everyone else was thinking that too.

In the end, no real conversation happened after that, and the only sound in the car was some classical BGM I didn’t know the name of.

「Here, Kazunari-san. Come here…」

Lying down on the futon, Sara-san wore a smile as she opened both arms, getting into her usual position to welcome me. As I slowly drew my body into her arms, she wrapped hers around my back and held me tight, pressing me against her.

Since Sara-san was the one asking for this, I don’t think I have to hold back. But honestly, I think Sara-san deliberately framed it as her own wish so I wouldn’t have to feel bad about it. Of course, she’s definitely happy about it too, so it’s just a thought.

While Sara-san stroked my head, I decided to bring up the talk with Hanako-san.

「Sara-san, about this weekend…」

「Yes, I heard from Hanako-san. Please don’t worry about me and listen to her story.」

She really did talk about it in the car, getting permission before I could even finish.

Now I can hear all sorts of things from Hanako-san. Especially the part about the「Onee-chan」thing.

「Kazunari-san, I really don’t want to say things like this, but… on that day, please be kind to Hanako-san. Please listen to her story properly.」

The hand stroking my head stopped, and then she pulled me even closer, pressing my face into her chest.

I don’t know why Sara-san is saying that, but she probably doesn’t feel great about it deep down.

「Please accept a few things from her. But only for one day. I’ll hate it if you get serious…… If you cheat… I’ll cry.」

She was trying to act like she was joking, but I knew what she was really thinking immediately. Of course, I have zero intention of doing anything that would make Sara-san sad. Hanako-san is precious to me, but she’s just my best friend. Being told this by Sara-san makes me nervous about what’s waiting for me on that day… but I’m sure it’ll be fine.

「The idea of me cheating is so impossible that being told that actually hurts… mgh.」

When I tried to crack a joke in return, I was pressed against her (I won’t say where) and silenced. Lately, I feel like the frequency of being silenced by this happy method is increasing.

「Fufu… my apologies. Then, please forgive me with this.」

Chu……

She moved my face away and propped up her upper body slightly to lean in. After kissing my cheek, she pulled me close and lay down again.

「Now, let’s get some rest.」

「Yeah.」

Being wrapped up by Sara-san and having my head stroked makes me sleepy in an instant. Tomorrow’s plans, this week’s plans… all the things floating in my head never quite took shape… before I eventually fell into a deep sleep.