『』『』『』『』『』
The sport festival was finally over.
It was mid-October, and the air had started to turn cold. Soon after, the student council election was held, followed by a ceremony to honor the outgoing members and appoint the new ones.
The event was significant. The entire student body gathered in the gymnasium. Even so, most first-year students showed little interest. Some nearly fell asleep, quietly steadying their breathing so the teachers and upperclassmen wouldn't notice.
"President Horikita has some final remarks he'd like to share with you all."
The moderator stepped aside. Horikita Manabu walked onto the stage and stood before the microphone.
"I'm very proud to have led the student council for nearly two years. I'm also grateful. Thank you all very much."
His speech was short and without emotion. It felt more like a duty than a farewell. Once he finished, he returned to his original position.
『Huh? Is that it? Isn't that too short, former president... I mean, former president?』
"You didn't even bother to correct yourself..." Manabu let out a small, weary sigh as he looked at his junior. "Aren't you moving on a bit too fast? You speak as if the fact that I'm the one who appointed you as vice president has already been erased from your memory."
『Huhu, despite how I look, I'm someone who cares about things like hierarchy. Especially when it comes to the student council. 』
"I wish that mindset applied to your actual work as well, but I suppose that's too much to ask."
『Ahaha, you're making me shy, Mr. Former President-senpai. 』
He even added more to the title to it.
Standing near the podium, Kumagawa Misogi and Horikita Manabu continued their odd but oddly comfortable exchange. It was not a conversation Manabu would usually entertain. But now that he was no longer the student council president, his expression seemed slightly more relaxed than before.
"Hello. I'm Nagumo, second-year Class A. Student Council President Horikita, I sincerely appreciate the strict yet kind guidance you've shown me. Truly, thank you. I would also like to express my respect. It has been an honor to serve alongside the most capable president in this school's history. Your leadership was exceptional."
As their conversation continued, his successor, Nagumo Miyabi, had already stepped onto the stage, addressing the entire student body.
"This may be sudden, but for my first order of business, I intend to change the term length for student council members, as well as the general election system. The previous president held elections in October instead of December. While this allowed the next generation to assume their roles early, the results were mixed. Therefore, the new student council has decided it is time to take things further."
Nagumo, who had acted enigmatically during the sports festival, now wore a thin smile.
"From now on, the student council president and its officers will hold indefinite terms while enrolled, allowing them to serve until graduation. At the same time, we will abolish the current election system and remove any restrictions on the council's size. The council will always accept new members. In other words, anyone with ability may join, regardless of how many are already present. Likewise, those deemed unfit can be removed by majority vote.
He paused briefly, sweeping his gaze across the gym.
"Allow me to make this clear to all students, teachers, and former council members. To bring this school into the future, I intend to completely destroy the past. That includes the old ideas of how this school should function."
The entire student body could only listen to Nagumo's bold declaration.
He was laying out what he saw as the firm rules of the future. They were completely different from before. Firm rules, rules that made the previous rules just about meaningless.
『That's what he said. 』Kumagawa glanced at Manabu. 『For someone whose role is to serve the students, his rules feel quite self-serving. Don't you feel frustrated, Manabu-senpai? 』
"I more or less expected this kind of reform from Nagumo," Manabu replied calmly.
『Wow, how impressive. So you even expected him to undermine your previous policies? 』
"That's right."
Collectivism and individualism.
Those two ideas defined the leadership of Manabu and Nagumo.
And those two could not coexist.
"I wanted to implement these changes all at once. However, a newly elected president must first deal with certain obligations and restrictions." Nagumo glanced at Horikita before turning back to the crowd. "A revolution is coming. Students with true ability will rise, and those without will fall. I will turn this school into a true meritocracy. So show me everything you have. I look forward to seeing your potential."
The gymnasium had been silent throughout his speech. But the moment he finished, almost every second-year student erupted in cheers.
It seemed there was some kind of tension between the second- and third-year students, something the first-years had yet to understand.
"So, with that said, Kumagawa." Manabu, who had been watching the second-years cheer, turned toward Kumagawa.
"Let's talk later."
『』『』『』『』『』
The school life continued as usual as the second semester started.
There wasn't much change in overall student behavior. Still, the atmosphere in Class D had begun to improve little by little. Friend groups slowly expanded, and before long, even those who had never gotten along were starting to talk to each other.
Sudou had also shown clear improvement. Before the sports festival, he used to sleep through class without a care. He often arrived late and talked during lectures. Now, he attended properly and even took notes, likely because Horikita kept a close eye on him. He still got sleepy sometimes, but that was probably due to his intense basketball practice.
Of course, there were also things that would likely never change.
"Are you by yourself again, Ayanokouji-kun?"
"Is it bad to be by myself?"
Horikita, who had appeared out of nowhere, immediately pointed out his usual pitiful state.
"Your dear friends, Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun, haven't been inviting you out much. Isn't that right?"
"....."
It was lunchtime.
Ike and Yamauchi had already left the classroom with the Professor, heading either to the cafeteria or Keyaki Mall. It didn't really matter which. Since the sports festival, his two closest friends had stopped inviting him. It was less "less often" and more like they had completely cut him off.
"It's hardly surprising," Horikita said. "They used to think all of you were in the same group of underperformers. Then they realized you were hiding notable physical ability."
"What notable ability? I'm just a bit fast, that's all."
"Very fast, especially for a student. And there's more. They likely noticed your grip strength as well. You understand, don't you? People tend to resent those who stand out. In your case, they resent the fact that you hid it."
"You don't have to say it so directly... it's kind of painful."
He understood her point to some extent, but it was hard for him to clearly define where he actually excelled at.
"Well, enjoy your life of solitude." Horikita sighed.
After that sarcastic remark, she turned and walked away, her black hair swaying behind her. But for some reason, she stopped halfway. After a brief pause, she turned back and walked in another direction.
"Kumagawa-kun," she called out.
『What is it? 』 Without looking up from his shounen magazine, Kumagawa replied nonchalantly.
Even with the class slowly improving and people beginning to change, some things stayed the same. Kumagawa was one of them. Kouenji was also one, but he had already reached his peak, so there was little to say about him.
"...About the sports festival, I misjudged a lot of things. That much is clear." With an even tone, but slightly sentimental, Horikita began to speak. "I was too focused on how things should be, instead of how they actually are. That's why I failed. And what you said before... about forcing people to change just because you think they're wrong. I understand what you meant. I won't say you were right. But I can't deny it applied to me... So, thanks. That's all."
Without waiting for a response, Horikita simply turned away and left the classroom.
『... 』
Watching her leave, Kumagawa tilted his head slightly.
『What was that about, Ayanokouji-kun? 』
"Who knows..."
『Eh? You don't know? I might have overestimated you. 』
"...Do you know my true capabilities?"
For someone who supposedly knew about the White Room, Ayanokouji decided to test him a little.
To be specific he wanted to know how much Kumagawa actually knew. From the way he spoke, it sounded like secondhand information at best. And previously, he even said it was his first time hearing about the "White Room." Ayanokouji couldn't believe that. Especially with that mysterious Anshin'in-san behind him.
『Ahaha, what are you talking about, Ayanokouji-kun? More importantly, look behind you.』
"Hmm?"
Seeing no harm in it, Ayanokouji turned around.
Standing there was someone with a startled expression, her hand frozen midair.
"H-hey, Ayanokouji-kun..." She slowly lowered it.
It was Satou.
He didn't know her first name, but she was the same type of fashionable gyaru as Karuizawa. She used to hang around with Ike and Yamauchi, and even with him back when they shared a group chat, but they rarely spoke in daily life. It felt like Satou wanted the same kind of social presence Kushida had, but she wasn't as popular with the boys.
According to information from his now distant friend, Ike, Satou was the kind of girl "used to being around guys"—that judgment was likely based on her appearance alone. The only reason Ike spoke of her that way was because she had probably rejected him.
And now, after Horikita left, Satou suddenly approached.
From the way she looked around the room, she had probably been waiting for Ayanokouji to be alone. Though, strictly speaking, he wasn't alone. He had just been talking with Kumagawa. Still, Satou didn't seem to acknowledge him at all.
It was likely due to his so-called "weak presence."
It really was impressive.
"Uh... do you need something?" Ayanokouji asked, unsure what else to say.
"W-well, it's like this. Can I borrow you for a bit? I want to talk."
"....?"
That was unexpected.
"Well, it's just... can we go somewhere else?"
Before he could answer, she turned and walked out of the classroom, as if expecting him to follow.
So he did.
But—
Ayanokouji paused for a moment.
Did he forget something?
Then, without thinking further, he left the classroom, following Satou from behind.
Thus, once again, Kumagawa was left alone at the back of the classroom, with no one approaching him. Still, he didn't seem particularly bothered. At least, not for long. Soon, he noticed someone walking toward him.
"Hello, Kumagawa-kun."
『What is this? Are you here just to mock me or something? 』
It was Matsushita, along with Mei-Yu Wang, or Mii-chan for short.
"What are you talking about? You were alone, so I came to greet you. I'm not that cruel to think that far. Right, Mii-chan?" Matsushita glanced at the girl beside her, who simply nodded.
Even though she stood next to Matsushita, it was more accurate to say she was slightly behind her, almost using her as a shield to avoid unnecessary interaction.
To be fair, she was naturally shy. It wasn't strange to see her nervous around others, especially boys. But when she was with Matsushita, someone she considered a close friend, or even with other girls, she seemed like a normal girl.
『In that case, why approach me? You must have some kind of ulterior motive, right? 』
"Are you trying to make me feel bad...?"
『Don't make it sound like I'm some kind of jerk who can't see even a bit of good in people. That would just make me a pathetic human being. 』
"That's exactly what you just did though..."
Matsushita felt a slight sense of déjà vu.
『Anyway, do you have something you want to ask me? Judging by your expression, you look curious about something. 』
Kumagawa seemed oddly conclusive in his words which made Matsushita instinctively touch her face, wondering if she had shown something weird.
"Mii-chan, did I make a weird face?"
"Uh, no...?" Mii-chan looked at her, confused. She couldn't see anything unusual either.
『You don't have to take everything I say so seriously. If you overthink it, you might go bald, you know? 』
"That's not something you should say to a girl..."
『Now then, ask me anything. I'll answer whatever you want. 』
After closing his shounen magazine, Kumagawa spread his arms wide. The gesture briefly drew attention from the class, making Mii-chan shrink a little. Still, the attention didn't last long, and everyone soon returned to what they were doing.
"In that case... are you close with Ayanokouji-kun? No, I mean... you were pretty close with him, right?" Matsushita asked.
『Well, of course. He sits behind me, after all. 』
"No, that's not what I mean! I'm talking about your relationship. Re-la-tion-ship!"
Why would he even think of distance? If that counted, then she could say she was close to Kouenji too, just because they sat near each other.
『Then you should be more specific. 』 Kumagawa made a rather annoying expression. 『If you're asking whether we're close enough, then yes. We're close enough for him to dislike me to my very core. 』
"Dislike you? Doesn't that mean you're not close at all?"
『Aren't Sasuke and Naruto close, even as enemies? It's that kind of relationship. 』
Matsushita wanted to argue that it clearly worked differently from those famous characters.
For one, even if they were enemies, it wasn't like they hated each other to the very core. She didn't know the full details since she didn't read or watch Naruto, but she understood the general premise well enough to know that what Kumagawa described was completely different from reality.
It could also be that he misunderstood the nature of their relationship, which led him to such a bizarre answer, but that was beside the point.
"Well... if you say you're close enough, then I guess that's fine..." In the end, Matsushita decided to accept that answer.
『What's this? Did you fall for him during the sports festival because of how fast he is? 』
"Kumagawa-kun, that's ill-mannered... What kind of girl do you think I am?"
『Ahaha, don't get offended. I'm just joking.』
"Anyway, do you know if something happened between Ayanokouji-kun and Karuizawa-san?"
『Ayanokouji-kun and Karuizawa-san? In what way?』 Kumagawa tilted his head.
"Uhm I don't know?" Matushita addmited, "but the both of them seems to have some kind of secret relationship. I can smell it."
『Ahaha, what is this? Are you interested in Ayanokouji-kun for your personal ambition, Matushita-chan? 』
"Like I said, I'm not interested in him like that."
『Who ever said anything that romantic. 』
"Uhh...."
She understood what he meant.
『You don't need to answer. In a class like this, I can see why you act the way you do. Just think of it as a blind guess. 』
A blind guess, he said.
For something like that, it was too accurate.
Still, it wasn't that surprising. Ever since the cruise ship exam, she had the feeling he had noticed something about her. Especially when he mentioned how she seemed to be hiding her abilities. He was strangely sharp when it came to things like this.
『But why ask me? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask Karuizawa-san or Ayanokouji-kun directly? 』
"It's not that I don't want to. It's just... I can't."
She could try asking Karuizawa, but bringing up another boy, especially when she already had a boyfriend, could easily be misunderstood. Asking Ayanokouji wouldn't help either. He barely interacted with Karuizawa in public, so he could simply deny it. Asking Hirata was no better. It would likely cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
She had also thought about asking Horikita.
But quickly gave up on that idea.
『Eh? You can't? Are you cursed or something, Matsushita-chan? 』
"Cursed... is that supposed to be funny?"
『Well, you see, if I keep going with gags that are absolutely hilarious, then that'll just become the new norm. Sometimes I just need to say something unfunny to set the rhythm, hahaha. 』
"..."
It seemed this was not merely an act. He genuinely appeared to believe in his terrible sense of humor. Or perhaps his performance was simply convincing enough to hide the fact that his jokes were awful.
In the end, she still did not know Kumagawa well enough to read his expressions or emotions.
『Anyway, since you couldn't ask them, either Ayanokouji-kun or Karuizawa-san or whatever her name is, are you trying to change your approach or something? Isn't that a huge leap in logic? 』
"It really is a leap in logic to assume that, especially when I don't recall ever mentioning it..." she muttered.
『Hm? Did you say something, Matsushita-chan? 』
"No, I didn't say anything, Kumagawa-kun."
She shook her head.
『But this is a first. Seeing you be proactive, I mean. Are you okay? Did you suddenly grow a conscience or something? 』
"What do you mean by conscience...? I have nothing to feel guilty about."
『Then are you on your period? 』
"...You're more inappropriate than ill-mannered, aren't you."
She could not understand how he could casually throw out remarks like that.
Now she found herself wondering how Kushida, the person Kumagawa was always strangely close to, managed to deal with his constant harassment. And judging by how things looked, Kushida might have already become desensitized to it.
Was that supposed to be a good thing?
In the end, instead of getting the information she only half-heartedly wanted, she had simply been harassed instead.
Along with the completely forgotten Mii-chan....
『』『』『』『』『』
Just as usual, when school ended, most students either returned to the dorms or spent time with their friends at Keyaki Mall or other places around campus.
"Kumagawa-kun, Kumagawa-kun."
『What is it, Kushida-chan, Kushida-chan? 』
"What do you think about this combination?" She held up two sachets side by side.
At the convenience store near the dorms, Kumagawa and Kushida were shopping together. The sight of them drew attention from nearby boys. Some looked jealous of how close they seemed, but no one said or able to do anything. Especially when it was already common knowledge that they were childhood friends.
『Pistachio and matcha, huh... ahaha, what's with that childish taste? But don't worry. It's fine to have such immature preferences at your age. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Your immature tongue, your immature taste, your immature mind. Even if it's a little embarrassing, it's still wonderful in my eyes. 』
"Can you not talk about my 'tongue' like that? It's creepy."
She probably shouldn't expect a satisfying answer from Kumagawa. It was clear he was abnormal in many ways, but even that didn't neatly summarize his behavior.
『If you want something sweet and savory, then instead of a drink, shouldn't you just eat some dark chocolate and drink milk? 』
Hm, he had a point.
In the end, following his advice, Kushida grabbed milk and some chocolate, mainly the Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato brands. According to him, they were the best, shaped by over forty years of rivalry in the corporate battlefield between two giants of the chocolate world, which gave them a unique taste compared to others.
Thinking about it like that, one could say Kumagawa had a uniquely strange taste.
A taste drenched in corporate money, you could say.
Built on the suffering of others.
It suited him though.
After paying for a basket full of chocolate and milk, using Kumagawa's points, the two of them headed back to the dorms. More specifically, they went to Kumagawa's room.
At this point, Kushida likely saw this place as an extension of her own room. More like an entertainment space. Whenever she came here, aside from venting about Horikita or things she disliked, she would spend her time reading his manga or playing games.
As she took off her shoes, Kushida spoke.
"By the way, Kumagawa-kun."
『Hmm? 』
"What did you talk about with Matsushita-san earlier? I heard something about Ayanokouji-kun, but I couldn't quite catch it."
She could have joined their conversation back then, but she had been talking with her own group. Leaving midway would have looked rude.
Though her ear was somewhat trained, there was no way she could catch a conversation happening at the back of the classroom while she was near the podium.
It was simply impossible.
『What is this? Are you also interested in Ayanokouji-kun? My heart is broken, Kushida-chan. It's shattered into pieces that won't heal unless I see your panties. 』
"Interested in Ayanokouji-kun? Was she interested in him?" Ignoring the obvious harassment, Kushida focused on the main point.
『Hmm... it would be fair to say she was interested, but not in that sense. 』
He was being vague for no clear reason.
Still, after hearing that, Kushida realized she wasn't that interested in digging deeper. It was unusual for her, but she didn't think much of it. Instead, she seemed more interested in sharing something she knew.
"Speaking 'interested with Ayanokouji-kun', did you know that Satou-san interested in him, or rather confessed to him earlier today?"
Satou Maya.
Someone who was average in almost every aspect, looks, physical ability, and even intelligence. Though her academics were slightly above average, it wasn't to the point where she could be considered smart in every sense.
In other words, she was a completely average girl.
And yet, she was fairly popular within Class D, mainly because of her personality and her closeness with Karuizawa.
Kushida brought it up out of curiosity. Ayanokouji was a loner, much like Kumagawa, so she wondered what he would think about someone confessing to him.
She wanted to see his reaction.
And yet—
『Satou...? 』
Kumagawa tilted his head.
『Who's that...? 』
That was.
The reaction of someone who'd heard the name for the first time—as if he wasn't even sure that the word was supposed to be a name in the first place.
"...It's you classmate, Satou-san."
Even then, Kumagawa showed no sign of recalling her, nor any recognition of who she was or what she looked like. Even his earlier "not sure" had already turned into 'completely sure', that "Satou" wasn't a name to begin with.
"It's a girl."
She added her gender, even though it was completely unnecessary given the context of the conversation
『Ah, isn't she the one whose father's name is Masayuki Satou? That Satou Maya, whose father has had a stable job for the past fourteen years. 』
"Why would you know her father's name instead of your own classmate...?"
Given his nature and his position as the student council vice president, someone who proudly claimed that he should know the personal details of every students in the school (according to him), it was strange that he couldn't even remember the name or face of his own classmate. Especially when it was a girl. Even if she wasn't particularly popular, someone in his position would normally pay attention to that... all the more so when it came to girls.
Instead of remembering his classmate's name, he seemed more familiar with her father instead.
Kushida couldn't even come up with a proper response.
The whole thing felt too off.
『Anyway, Kushida-chan, what happened to your grand plan of humiliating Horikita-chan? 』 Kumagawa suddenly changed the topic from the unfamiliar girl, Satou, to Kushida's supposed grand plan.
"That? Well, of course it ended in disaster."
Sitting on top of his bed, Kushida let herself fall back slightly, looking down at Kumagawa, who was reading his shounen magazine on the floor.
『Disaster... Are you saying you lost? 』
"That's right. Are you going to mock me for it?"
She had, in fact, told him not to intervene, regardless of whether she won or lost. But now that she had lost against Horikita, Kushida wouldn't be surprised if Kumagawa decided to mock her for it. Rather, she had already prepared herself for his usual annoying remarks ever since Ryuen received that message.
But expecting something and actually hearing it were different.
『Well, in the end, you did well. You may have lost, but what you gained is greater than what you lost. 』
His response was oddly encouraging. It wasn't what she expected.
『But you were careless, weren't you? You didn't expect Ayanokouji-kun to help Horikita-chan of all people. He's already become your enemy, hasn't he? 』
"So you knew it was Ayanokouji-kun? The one who helped Horikita-san, I mean."
『Well, Ayanokouji-kun and Horikita-chan have a somewhat awkward relationship, but it wouldn't be wrong to say he's interested in her. Though not in a romantic sense. 』
"Really?"
That was the first time she heard that.
Ayanokouji was interested in Horikita?
She knew they talked more than others in class, but she never thought it went that far. She had assumed he helped Horikita simply because he knew her real side and happened to be close to her. Not because he had any kind of interest in her.
"There's nothing I can do about it now, right? Besides, that plan would have worked if it weren't for Ayanokouji-kun discovering that I was the one who leaked the participation table." Kushida let out a sigh.
If only she had known he had that kind of interest in Horikita...
"Still, it's not that bad. At least I got to see Horikita-san's miserable fac—"
Ding dong!
Her words were cut off by the sound of the doorbell.
"Hmm? Are you expecting someone, Kumagawa-kun?" She got up from the bed and looked toward the door.
『I guess so? 』
"Then why didn't you say anything! What if someone gets the wrong idea!?"
『Ahaha, what do you mean by wrong idea? Haven't people already misunderstood our relationship from the start? It's a bit late to worry about that now. 』
"..."
That was true.
People had misunderstood their relationship from the beginning. Still, she had managed to steer those rumors in another direction during the summer break by creating a different misunderstanding.
In a way, the nature of those rumors would probably never change.
"But still—"
『Besides, just lie like you always do. Isn't that what you're good at? 』
"Don't make it sound like I enjoy lying to people..."
She wasn't lying about that.
But even as she said it, there was a strange pull to it. Lying to people felt oddly addictive. She didn't enjoy it, yet at the same time, she couldn't deny that she was getting used to it.
Ding Dong!
"Aren't you going to get that?"
『Hm? 』
He cocked her head in mock puzzlement, which really irritated her, but she suppressed that feeling and continued with all the patience she could muster.
Ding Dong!
"Agh, fine!"
Feeling annoyed by the doorbell, Kushida had no choice but to open it herself. It wasn't like she could just leave, and jumping out of the window wasn't an option either. In the end, she was stuck here.
Well, if something troublesome happened, she would just leave it to her future self.
"Yes, who is—"
"Good evening, Kushida."
"....."
It was a familiar voice.
No, more than that, it was a face everyone in the school would recognize.
"Hello... President..."
It was Horikita Manabu.
Seeing the former student council president standing at the door, Kushida didn't know how to react.
"Aren't you going to let us in?" he said.
Behind him stood another senior she respected, holding a plastic bag with both hands. Secretary Tachibana quietly waited like a secretary.
"U-uh... welcome?"
Since it was Kumagawa's room, he should have been the one to greet them. But he showed no sign of doing so, and since Kushida had opened the door, she ended up acting as the host and let them in.
"Ah, Kushida-san, I guess Kumagawa-kun didnt tell you about our arrival by the looks of your face." Tachibana who followed behind Manabu talk to Kushida.
"Yes...."
Forget telling, from the look on his face, he probably didn't even remember that anyone was coming... that's what she wanted to say, but she held back from saying it.
『Hey, hey, Tachibana-senpai, don't make it sound like I didn't tell Kushida-chan something that important. Isn't that right, Kushida-chan? 』
"You didn't, though..."
What is he even saying?
『Haha, I'm just joking. 』
"....."
After entering the room, they moved to the square table in the center. The atmosphere quickly turned awkward.
Manabu sat quietly, looking at Kumagawa. Tachibana sat beside him, a bit reserved, though from the look on her face, she seemed unusually happy—like a maiden in love.
As for Kumagawa...
『Ahaha, Kushida-chan, look at this. Isn't he an idiot for doing that? Hahaha. 』he laughed while showing a specific manga page to Kushida.
"....."
Rather than feeling anything, it was more accurate to say he simply didn't care about the atmosphere at all. For someone like him, who lacked basic situational awareness, it was nothing unusual.
Even so, it was quite disrespectful. Especially in front of a senior. And not just any senior, but the former student council president.
And yet, neither the president nor Tachibana looked offended. If anything, they seemed to expect this level of behavior from Kumagawa. Seeing that, Kushida didn't know what to think. Part of her admired that kind of tolerance. At the same time, it looked exhausting to have that kind of patience.
"Ah, by the way, Kushida-san, have you had dinner?" Tachibana suddenly asked.
『Hey, hey, isn't this my room? Why are you asking Kushida-chan instead of me, when I'm the host? 』
"I don't consider someone who didn't even bother to open the door, or remember that we were coming, a host," Tachibana replied flatly.
『..... 』
Hearing that, Kushida, who already respected this senior, found that respect growing a little more.
"We haven't had dinner yet, though we already ate some snacks," Kushida replied.
『That's not good. What are you going to do if you end up getting chubby? 』
"And whose fault do you think that is?"
Since she spent most of her free time in this room, doing nothing in particular, Kushida had slowly been influenced by Kumagawa's lifestyle. Reading manga, playing games, and eating snacks. Because of that, the amount of snacks she ate had clearly increased.
『Ahaha, don't worry. Even if you do get chubby, it'll probably all go to your boo— 』
"Don't finish that!" She quickly covered his mouth.
What is this idiot trying to say?
If it were just the two of them, she might have let it slide as usual, treating it as the kind of verbal harassment she often received. But saying something like that in front of student council members, and even a former president, was too much.
Still...
It was true that her shoulders felt a bit heavier than before.
"Then, why don't we have dinner together?" Tachibana said.
"....?"
Tachibana placed the white plastic bag on the table, ignoring their exchange. It was a strange response from her. Normally, she would point out behavior like this, but now she acted as if it didn't matter.
"By the way, Tachibana-senpai..." Kushida glanced at the bag, then back at her. "What's that?"
"Our dinner, of course."
"...Why?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.
"What do you mean why? We're going to eat it."
"I know that, but that's not what I meant..."
Kushida looked inside the bag.
Instead of a prepared meal, it was filled with ingredients. Not dinner itself, but the things needed to make it. Raw ingredients meant for the meal they were supposed to eat.
What? Were they supposed to cook their own dinner?
Shouldn't guests bring ready-made food instead of raw ingredients?
Was she planning to cook in someone else's room?
"Ah, since you're here, can you help me with the preparation, Kushida-san?" she said.
"..."
Kushida wanted to refuse. It was clearly a chore, and after losing at the sports festival, the last thing she wanted was to do something bothersome.
But...
"You can help with the cutting. I'll handle the cooking."
Her tone and gestures made it seem like she was dragging Kushida along—or rather, pushing her to leave Kumagawa and Manabu alone. She had no proof, but that was the impression she got.
But that wasn't what Kushida focused on.
Despite the possible ulterior motive behind Tachibana's actions, from the look on her face, none of that seemed to matter to her.
She simply wanted to cook for Manabu.
That was the main reason.
"...Okay."
And for some reason, Kushida couldn't refuse.
In the end, she went to the kitchen with Tachibana, leaving Manabu and Kumagawa alone.
After the two girls entered the kitchen and the sounds of utensils could be heard from inside, Kumagawa looked at Manabu with curiosity.
『So, what do you want to talk about, Manabu-senpai? 』
"You're unusually direct. What's gotten into you?"
『Well, seeing you send Kushida-chan away with Tachibana-senpai, I didn't want your effort to go to waste. 』
"The situation turned out differently than I expected. I didn't think Kushida would be here." He took a glance at the kitchen where the cooking noise and the conversation of the two girl can be barely heard.
『Is that why you brought raw ingredients? So you'd have a convincing reason to send her away? 』
"No. That was just a coincidence. In the first place, it was Tachibana's idea to cook here. She knew that, with your personality, you wouldn't have dinner prepared in time, and even if you did, it probably wouldn't be anything decent."
She did have a strange fixation on home-cooked meals, especially cooking them herself instead of buying ready-made food. Besides, there was no way they could have known Kushida would be here.
Still, it worked out.
Tachibana had a convenient excuse, and she used it to bring Kushida away.
『Still, I didn't expect the "later" you mentioned to be this soon. I thought it would be closer to your graduation. Something more memorable, not this kind of timing. 』
Closing his magazine, Kumagawa shifted and sat across from Manabu. His expression looked relaxed, but there was a hint of interest in it. Somewhere in between.
"That could work. But it would leave a different kind of lasting impression."
『Is that so? 』
"That's right."
『Okay! 』
He responded with a quick "Okay!" as if he had expected that answer. Or maybe he simply didn't care, and saying "Okay" was enough to make it seem like he did.
Either way, it didn't matter.
Manabu accepted it calmly, easily.
Whether it was disrespectful or not, it didn't change anything between them. More than that, it wouldn't change Kumagawa himself.
『But you look worried, Manabu-senpai. 』
"I wouldn't call it worry... but you should understand why I came here, right?" He looked at Kumagawa seriously.
『It's about Nagumo-senpai and his policies, right? Knowing you, you wouldn't come to talk to me unless it was about him or the student council. Am I right? 』
"I didn't go that far, but... yes, it's about Nagumo and the future."
He didn't know how to respond to Kumagawa's self-deprecation, but since it felt like simple small talk rather than anything complicated, it was easier for Manabu to go along with it; he had to admit he preferred dealing with things that felt like laid-back topics
『Hmm... I don't really understand what's going on, but is it safe to assume you're worried about the school's future, or more specifically, the school your sister will attend once you're gone? 』
"I'm worried about the direction this school is heading. As for Suzune's future here, I don't particularly concern myself with it," he said coolly. Coldly.
『But you are worried, right? 』
"...I'll neither deny nor confirm your suspicion."
『Ahaha, don't you know they call that kind of personality a tsundere these days? 』
Kumagawa giggled.
In the most irritating way possible.
『But if I were to compare your situation to a game, it'd be like a world that praises a max-level player with every skill unlocked, yet somehow forbids the existence of a final boss.』
Kumagawa and his game anologies—but maybe his example was the easiest to understand.
Then suddenly,
Kumagawa rose from his comfortable seat and slowly walked toward the balcony.
Seeing that, Manabu followed after him.
This kept the conversation strictly between the two of them. With the balcony door partially closed, the two girls inside couldn't possibly hear what they were discussing now that they were outside.
『The one who made those rules, Nagumo Miyabi-senpai, 』 Kumagawa began cheerfully. 『From his speech alone, it's obvious he intends to overturn most of your policies the moment he took office. He wants to turn you into history by replacing the present.』
"As I've said, I expected that much the moment he assumed the presidency. The question is, how do you intend to respond?"
『What do you mean? 』 Kumagawa tilted his head.
"Put simply, what are your plans moving forward?" Manabu placed a hand on the cold balcony rail.
Their relationship had always been one of mutual benefit.
Even so, Manabu held a certain level of expectation for Kumagawa's future actions.
That was why, despite how questionable others might find his judgment, especially after recent events, he still trusted his own decision. He understood the kind of disruption Kumagawa could bring to Nagumo's plans.
He might even exceed expectations.
But that remained to be seen.
『Well, it's true that his policies make things unnecessarily troublesome for me. 』
"You mean the part where those judged unfit can be removed by majority vote? If so, then you are at a disadvantage. Though I assume you already have some kind of countermeasure."
『No, no, I'm not talking about that part. In fact, rather than making things harder, it works more like an incentive. You could even say it protects me more than anything else. 』
"....?"
『Huhu, you look confused. 』
He laughed.
While Manabu understood the risk that came with a majority vote, he still didn't understand how it would protect Kumagawa. After all, he looked like the type of people who would be voted out the moment a poll was held.
Since he doesn't even leave a good impression after knowing him, and an even worse impression before knowing him, it was hard to imagine how he wouldn't get voted out in a majority vote, especially if it's a majority vote.
Where wrong can be made right if everyone says it is right.
『But when I say it protects me, I don't mean it in that sense. Getting voted out was never the issue for me. 』
At the very least, he seemed to possess some self-awareness, even if he lacked social awareness.
『It's just that even if they can remove me from my position, Nagumo-senpai especially can't make that majority vote happens. In a way, you could say his hands are tied. Even with power, he's powerless here. 』
"You're saying he's being held back? What's the reason?"
Manabu genuinely didn't understand.
『Isn't Nagumo-senpai the kind of person who cares deeply about his image? The kind who would go very far to protect it? 』
"I wouldn't say he'd do anything... but yes, he cares a great deal about how he's seen. He wouldn't risk tarnishing it without a good reason."
Especially in this school, where how others perceived you could become both a weakness and a weapon.
And in Nagumo's case, it was certainly one of his weapons.
『I wouldn't say it's a good reason, but what do you think is the most important thing for a student council president, especially one who has just been elected? 』
"The most important thing...?"
There were many qualities a student council president needed.
And since he had once held that position himself, or more accurately had only recently stepped down, Manabu could name many things that are important.
But if he had to narrow it down to the single most important one...
Especially for someone newly elected...
The answer was obvious.
『It's reputation. 』
Kumagawa said with a smile.
『For someone newly elected, nothing matters more than reputation. In other words, the image others hold of him. Even leaders from some distant country on another continent must protect their public image from the very beginning. 』
In the real world, even if you have a strong work ethic, good relationships, and a stable life, it could all mean nothing in the face of reputation. The way others view you is a rule that always follows anyone who wants to be a leader.
That was the rule.
An absolute rule.
One that could not be broken.
"But that wouldnt work Nagumo." Manabu countered.
『Hmm? 』
"Even if he values his image, he's a man who rules with absolute authority. In many ways, he's already a tyrant."
Especially within his own year.
While Manabu couldn't speak for every grade, at least among the second-years, Nagumo held overwhelming influence. His word alone could shut down opposition and remove any kind of interference.
He was the very definition of a tyrant within his year.
『What are you talking about?』 Kumagawa tilted his head in confusion.
"I'm saying your logic is flawed. If you're suggesting his reputation holds him back, you're mistaken. Voting you out wouldn't damage his standing, and trying to play the victim to label him a tyrant would be a wasted effort."
It would work all the more because Kumagawa himself had no reputation to lose to begin with.
Removing him from the student council wouldn't be a serious problem for Nagumo.
『I'm not talking about that. 』
"Then what are we talking about?"
Now he was completely lost.
『Just as you said, even if I use something like reputation, Nagumo can still remove me from my position. Especially after building that kind of power for himself. There's no changing that.』 He continued, 『But Nagumo himself can't be the one to remove me. Not now. Not while I have his weakness. 』
"Weakness...?"
『What do you think happened recently that involved Nagumo Miyabi, directly or indirectly, and could affect his reputation? 』
"Recently? You're referring to the incident involving the second-years?"
Kumagawa nodded.
"Explain. How does a closed-door incident become a leverage point against him?"
『It's precisely because it became a closed-door incident that Nagumo-senpai can't oust me from my position. 』
"....?"
Manabu felt like they had been going in circles for a while now. Worse, he had been letting himself get led around the entire time. It was hard to believe. He could only chalk it up as letting his guard down.
『With his authority and influence among the second-years, it's no surprise that such a major incident was reduced to nothing more than "thirty-seven students suspended" and "an assault case." Other than that, almost nothing is known. But if it stayed a closed incident, then the lack of information makes sense, right? I mean, no one outside knows the second-years paid half their private points to me. In that case, someone must have deliberately suppressed the rumors.』
"It was Nagumo, huh."
Manabu had already suspected as much.
But that still didn't explain everything.
So Kumagawa continued.
『Now that it has become a true closed incident, only the second-years and those directly involved know the details, right? 』
"Yeah. Nagumo handled that thoroughly."
It was especially impressive that almost none of the rumors had spread beyond the second-year circle.
『And now, since no one outside the second-years knows about the agreement we made, and many of them are unhappy that they had to pay me, what does that make the rumor? 』
"Something they don't want spreading...?"
『That's right. And since the second-years don't want that rumor spreading, and most of Nagumo's supporters are second-years, what does that make the rumor? 』
"...."
The answer was obvious, even without Manabu saying it.
From that fact alone, the reality that Nagumo couldn't carelessly make a move against Kumagawa was already impressive enough.
But to think that the very incident Manabu had considered unfortunate could be turned into something useful like this.
Manabu had already felt that Nagumo's reputation must have taken some damage because of it. He had failed to stop the deal that forced the second-years to hand over half of their private points to Kumagawa. That alone should have created dissatisfaction among the second-years who followed him, especially the thirty-six students who had been suspended.
It likely weakened his grip over his year, even if only slightly.
But slight damage was still damage.
And if that same incident, something the second-years found embarrassing enough to suppress unanimously in such a short time, were ever exposed because of Nagumo, then his hold over them could loosen far more seriously.
Most of his supporters came from his own year, after all.
『But it's not like everything is difficult for me. Though my future does look bleak, Nagumo's policies give me freedom in certain ways. 』
"In what way?" Manabu did not want to overthink it or be led around by the conversation again, so he asked directly.
『Didn't Nagumo-senpai say something about allowing anyone into the student council as long as they have the ability? With policies like that, it should be easy for people to screw their way in. Of course, it would still need the approval of the current student council president, but he definitely wouldn't reject my recommendation of Kushida-chan. 』
"Hmm..."
That was true.
Kushida was a capable student.
In some ways, she was far more capable than Kumagawa by a wide margin. Then again, it was not difficult to say that about almost anyone.
Even so, with a recommendation from the current vice president, Kushida would likely have little trouble entering the student council. Although Kumagawa often said Kushida would join the student council next year, it had usually sounded more like casual talk than something literal.
But with his influence, it was entirely possible.
And now, with Nagumo's new policies, the path for her to enter had become even easier than expected.
"So, are you planning to nominate Kushida for a position in the student council? Since Nagumo didn't place a limit on the number of members, getting her in should be simple."
『Well, it usually depends on the circumstances, but I wouldn't really want to bring her into the student council right now. 』
"Why? Wouldn't things be easier for you if Kushida joined sooner rather than later? With her by your side, moving around should be easier considering her specialty."
『That might be true, but it's more a matter of pride than anything else. 』
"Do you even have pride to begin with?"
『Ahaha, even someone like me should have a little pride, right? 』
"Why are you asking me...?"
Rather than giving a clear answer, Kumagawa had turned it into a question, as if he wanted Manabu to define his pride for him.
As for that pride, Manabu had assumed from the start that Kumagawa possessed none.
Perhaps that was too harsh a judgment toward his underclassman, but there was not a single part of him that clearly resembled pride, nor anything that could be firmly called dignity. If there was any saving grace, it would be his eccentric personality. Even that, however, might have been giving him too much credit.
『In any case, letting Kushida-chan enter the student council wouldn't be good for me. Setting pride aside, Nagumo-senpai would probably grow suspicious and take advantage of Kushida-chan by abusing his authority. At the very least, that's something I can't allow. 』
"So you can't accept Kushida being taken advantage of? It seems your childhood relationship was more harmonious than I thought."
From everything Manabu had seen, the two constantly bickered.
Even so, perhaps their bond was stronger than he had assumed. At the very least, Kumagawa still cared enough about her well-being despite always being harassed by her.
Or so he thought.
『Huh? I'm talking about his abuse of power though? 』
"....."
『Well, if it came down to it, and you forced me to make Kushida-chan join immediately as my manager, I'd still do it even if the odds for her well-being weren't that great, personally. 』 Kumagawa said that with a smile.
"Right..." Said Manabu disregarding Kumagawa and nodding at his statement.
『By the way, Manabu-senpai. What do you think being right means? 』
Now the topic strayed entirely from Kushida—
As Kumagawa asked him the question.
『No need to give it too much serious thought. The meaning of being 'right' changes all the time, after all. You can claim that justice always prevails all you want, but in truth, it loses more than it wins. That's why using grand words like 'Justice' is so tricky, we might be better off with something smaller, like 'justiness' instead. 』
Manabu didn't understand what he meant.
He didn't usually spend his life pondering the semantics of right and wrong, or what was 'just' versus 'justy'—but perhaps that was exactly why he was in this predicament.
Had he focused more on defining what was truly right, rather than simply what was wise or traditional, the situation might not have spiraled into such complexity.
He didn't necessarily think a different path would have led to a better outcome.
『Doing the right thing is difficult, 』Kumagawa said. 『More than that, only doing the right thing is impossible. To do what is right, you often need to do something wrong at the same time. Especially if you want to win, you must lose somewhere first. There's no such thing as a perfect record. Which brings me to my main point.』
Manabu maintained his silence, watching closely to see what the boy would say next.
『You, as the former student council president, must have built an immaculate reputation within your grade, right? In that case, I'd like to ask you for a favor— 』
The moment he heard the request, Manabu couldn't hide his surprise.
Calling it a favor was generous.
It was closer to a proposal, or even an order if one exaggerated it.
"...Are you serious?"
『Ahaha, don't make that face, Mr. Former President. Even if you need to lower your head a little, it can be done without going that far. Besides, those two sides were never on good terms to begin with, right? With your reputation, it should be easy. 』
Manabu pressed the bridge of his nose.
What Kumagawa asked for was not impossible, but it would require time, effort, and no small amount of persuasion.
『If it's hard to accept, just think of it as what you leave behind before graduation. 』
"Don't call it 'what I leave behind' like that. The wording is terrible."
That did nothing to make it easier.
If anything, it only drained his motivation further.
Still...
After thinking in silence for a while, Manabu looked at Kumagawa.
"...Fine. I'll do it. But it will take time."
He had made his decision.
Then suddenly—
"Manabu-kun, dinner is ready."
From inside the room, Tachibana slightly opened the balcony door and called out to him. Whether Manabu noticed it or not, her voice carried a mix of embarrassment and happiness.
"Shall we head inside, then?"
Manabu stepped back into the room first, with Kumagawa following behind him.
In the end, they had a completely uneventful dinner that night.
『END』
『』『』『』『』『』
Here you go peasants, the start of Volume 6
Anyway, that's it for today's chapter.
Hope you enjoyed it.
[Thanks for reading!]