Chapter 320: I Knew This Would Happen
In the preparation area behind the auditorium, Student Council President Kano Sumire was already waiting there, confirming the schedule for the opening ceremony.
Seeing Kaede and Kitamura Yusaku arrive, she said with a smile, "You're finally here. Otherwise, I was going to send someone to hurry you up."
Kaede laughed helplessly, "The classroom was quite lively, so I didn't come early. I only came over with Kitamura after the homeroom teacher arrived, but we still made it on time."
Kano Sumire nodded and said to Kitamura Yusaku, "Please keep an eye on things here and pay attention to the schedule. I need to host soon and also give the Student Council President's speech. Asakura-kun, your speech as the student representative is right after mine. Make sure you're ready!"
"Don't worry, no problem."
Kano Sumire went to find the principal, and below the stage, the students were also arriving one after another.
Utaha looked over at the second-year section, then took out her phone and sent a message to Eriri.
[I see you. And did you guys pull some strings? How is everyone together?]
Seeing the message, Eriri turned her head left and right and saw Utaha not far away.
Smiling at her, Eriri also edited a message and replied.
[Hehe, Kaede-kun went to talk to the teacher earlier, and he successfully got all of us into the same class!]
Utaha looked enlightened after seeing the message, thinking that otherwise, it would be impossible for everyone to be in the same class with such good luck.
Putting away her phone, Utaha let out a small yawn. She had stayed up late writing yesterday and didn't get enough sleep.
"But fortunately, I don't have to give the student representative speech today; Asakura-kun is doing it instead. Otherwise, I really couldn't handle it."
Soon, the opening ceremony began.
First, naturally, was the principal's opening address, which was almost the same every year. After that came the speech by Student Council President Kano Sumire, who informed the new students about some points regarding school regulations.
Although she was talking about serious matters, Kano Sumire's aura and beauty were undeniable, quickly attracting the attention of the new students.
Yes, both boys and girls were captivated by Kano Sumire.
Backstage, Kitamura Yusaku, listening to Kano Sumire's speech, was unusually silent, listening intently.
Unfortunately, others didn't know, but Kaede, who was standing next to him, could clearly hear that Kitamura's breathing was unusual. He couldn't help but move two steps away and whispered, "Dude, is it really that bad? Get a hold of yourself."
"Uh..."
Kitamura Yusaku, coming back to his senses, realized that Kaede was next to him. He awkwardly adjusted his glasses and began his defense: "You're overthinking it. I am sincerely listening to the President's instructions. This is what a proper Vice President should do. You're not part of the Student Council, so you wouldn't understand. I can comprehend that."
"..."
This guy is hopeless.
Sighing, Kaede quietly asked, "So, I've never asked you, what kind of progress have you made? You know Senior is already in her third year. She'll probably step down soon and focus on preparing for university."
"About that..."
If anyone else asked, Kitamura might laugh it off and change the subject, but facing Kaede, who knew him well, Kitamura truly couldn't find an excuse.
Shoulders drooping, he said somewhat helplessly, "No progress whatsoever. Yes, none."
"...Are you serious? You've been in the Student Council for quite a while now, and you've even become the Vice President, yet you're telling me you haven't made any progress? You know Senior Shirogane on the other side is already with Shinomiya-senpai. You're seriously lagging behind!"
"I don't want to be either."
Spreading his hands, Kitamura Yusaku explained, "The main thing is that the President is just too serious normally. She's basically always busy with Student Council work or studying. I finally found a chance to ask her out, but she has a part-time job on weekends. I also don't dare to show my intentions too clearly, so this is how it ended up. Honestly, I'm quite anxious too."
"Hmm..."
Rubbing his chin, Kaede pondered and asked, "Do you think Senior might be deliberately avoiding you?"
"I don't think so."
Kitamura Yusaku stated firmly, "From what I've seen, several boys who showed a slight inclination to ask the President out were directly rejected by her face-to-face. Even if I am the Vice President, I don't think the President would consider my feelings; she would tell me directly and frankly."
That's true. Kano Sumire's personality is like that; basically, everyone at school knows it.
It seems he really just hasn't found the opportunity yet.
Patting Kitamura Yusaku's shoulder, Kaede said, "In that case, now that you've moved up to the second year, Kitamura, you can take on more work from Senior to share her burden. That way, she'll have more free time."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. So, starting this semester, I'll have Kushieda help me handle some of the Softball Club matters."
While they were chatting, the Student Council secretary walked over.
"Asakura-kun, the President's speech is almost finished. Please get ready."
"Alright, I understand."
Nodding, Kaede took out the prepared speech draft from his pocket.
Although he had basically memorized it, having the paper copy would at least be a bit safer.
After finishing her last few sentences, Kano Sumire bowed slightly in thanks and said, "Now, please welcome the student representative to the stage for his address."
Finally, it was Kaede's turn.
Among the students seated below the stage, Eriri was the first to start clapping, absolutely thrilled.
Usami, who was beside her, was also clapping and chuckled, "Hehe, why do you seem more excited than if you were giving the speech yourself, Eriri?"
"Hehe, isn't this normal? If it were Mizuki, you would feel the same way as me!"
Eriri leaned toward Usami and whispered, "Let me ask you, if Uchimaki won the gold prize in a painting competition and the school arranged for him to give a speech, wouldn't you be excited? You'd definitely be excited, right?"
Usami fell silent.
Usami didn't speak. Imagining Uchimaki Subaru giving a speech on stage, with herself watching him from below, and then their eyes meeting—in that scenario... Usami inevitably blushed.
Before Eriri could tease Usami, she immediately heard a discussion among several girls on her left, which was the first-year girls' section.
"Ah! That Senior is so handsome!"
"Mhm mhm, he's exactly my type!"
"Someone should gather some information on this Senior later, okay?"
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
With her friends beside her trying to suppress their laughter, Eriri forced herself to take a deep breath and adjust her mindset.
I knew this would happen.