Chapter 165: Nagumo: Yamero! Is the President Grooming Hikigaya Hachiman as His Successor?!
On the other side.
When Nagumo Miyabi stepped out of the third-floor cafeteria, the sunlight was just right.
He held a freshly bought can of coffee, his thumb hooked on the pull-tab, though he didn't open it immediately. Instead, his gaze fell on a slightly hunched back at the end of the corridor, walking in the opposite direction.
Messy short black hair, an unhurried pace, and hands shoved deep into his pockets.
It was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Nagumo stared at that departing figure for two seconds, his brow furrowing slightly. He recalled the scene in the classroom that morning where this kouhai had publicly debunked him—that sentence, "Nagumo-senpai, when it comes to information gathering, you're actually quite unqualified," was still echoing in his mind.
"Miyabi?"
A crisp voice suddenly rang out from beside him. Nagumo quickly retracted his gaze and turned his head.
Asahina Nazuna was walking out of the cafeteria. She was his childhood friend, possessing long orange hair adorned with a sunflower-shaped clip that added a splash of vibrant energy to her elegant face.
She followed Nagumo's previous line of sight to the end of the hallway, then looked back at him. "What are you looking at? You're so spaced out."
"Nothing." Nagumo pulled the tab on his coffee, took a sip, and kept his tone casual. "Just a first-year kouhai."
"Oh?" Asahina blinked, a flicker of curiosity crossing her bright eyes. "Which kouhai could catch your attention like that?"
Nagumo's heart tightened. He really didn't want Asahina paying attention to that guy.
Someone like Hikigaya Hachiman, who clearly had a pair of dead-fish eyes, was somehow inexplicably popular with girls. The way Ichinose Honami spoke to him this morning, and the way that Sakayanagi girl conspired with him to trick Nagumo—it all made him feel uneasy.
Furthermore, the entire second year was currently discussing the first-year class promotions. Class B rising to Class A while the original Class A dropped down—everyone wanted to know how such a dramatic reversal was achieved. This morning alone, he had heard several second-year students asking around for Hikigaya Hachiman's name.
So, if... if Asahina developed an interest in that guy—
However, he couldn't withhold information entirely, or Asahina might go looking for it herself.
With that thought, Nagumo spoke up proactively, his tone intentionally dismissive. "He's the one I went to see this morning. Hikigaya Hachiman. The new class representative for First-Year Class A. President Horikita gave him the position of Vice President."
Asahina's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Vice President? He got that as a first-year?"
"Yeah." Nagumo leaned against the corridor windowsill, his fingers tapping lightly against the coffee can. "And it's not just him. He also recommended two girls to join the Student Council, securing them the positions of Secretary and Accountant. Plus, that girl from the former First-Year Class D—Karuizawa Kei—is also one of his people."
He spoke with a deliberately flat intonation. He knew this phrasing would likely leave a bad impression, as it made it sound like Hachiman was desperately stuffing the council with girls he favored as soon as he got in—a move that usually tanked one's likability. As he spoke, Nagumo kept his eyes on Asahina's face, observing her reaction.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Asahina gave a soft "Oh."
As her childhood friend, Nagumo could sense that Asahina's impression of Hachiman had dropped. This was a good thing. It was reassuring.
"So," Asahina looked up at Nagumo, blinking gently, "is this Hikigaya-kun the same type of person as you?"
Nagumo froze. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing." Asahina smiled, a look of keen insight in her eyes. "I just think that anyone who can pull strings to bring their own clique into the Student Council as a first-year is probably no pushover. Recommending two girls while becoming Vice President himself, surrounded by his own people—it's a very... practiced maneuver."
Nagumo opened his mouth to argue, but for a moment, he didn't know what to say.
The same type of person?
How was he anything like that dead-fish-eyed kouhai? Nagumo Miyabi had been the "perfect child" since he was young—excellent grades, athletic, outstanding looks, the center of attention wherever he went. They were completely different.
But Asahina was no longer looking in that direction. She glanced down at her phone and looked up. "I'm heading back to class."
"Yeah," Nagumo nodded.
Asahina waved at him and turned toward the other end of the hall. Her long orange hair swayed with her steps, and the sunflower clip glinted in the sunlight.
Leaning against the windowsill, Nagumo watched her walk away and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Asahina didn't seem to show any real interest in the guy.
He had known Asahina for too long. Growing up together, he understood her personality perfectly. She wasn't a girl easily fooled by appearances, but precisely because of that, she tended to pay more attention to "interesting people." If she found a guy like Hachiman "interesting," it would be trouble.
However, Asahina's words reminded him of something.
Hikigaya Hachiman did indeed share a similarity with him—they were both positioning their pieces within the Student Council and installing their own people. The only difference was that Nagumo's goal was the entire second year and eventually the whole school, while Hachiman's goal was likely just his own small circle.
Nagumo finished the last of his coffee, tossed the empty can into a nearby bin, and headed toward the school building.
He had only walked a few steps when his phone vibrated. He pulled it out and saw a notification forwarded to the Student Council group chat. He tapped it, and as his eyes scanned the screen, his footsteps abruptly stopped.
[Notice Regarding Inventory Adjustments for Certain Goods in the Shopping District]
The content was brief: After discussion, the Student Council has decided to suspend the stocking of contraceptive products in the shopping district. The wording was very official, citing "the maintenance of campus discipline and guiding students to focus on their studies and personal growth." It was signed by Horikita Manabu.
Nagumo stared at the text for a few seconds, his lip twitching slightly.
He knew exactly what the intent behind this notice was. Summer break was approaching. The freshmen had spent two weeks on a cruise ship, and now that exams were over and they were relaxing, they were bound to have... certain thoughts. Cutting off the supply now was a blatant move to prevent the newly enrolled first-years from acting out. Otherwise, the school's public morals would be in shambles.
"The President really... even regulates this side of things." He shook his head, put his phone away, and continued walking.
Clearly, Nagumo did not yet realize that this was an arrangement made by the President specifically to restrict him.
.
.
.
The final class of the afternoon ended.
Hachiman closed his textbook and stuffed it into his desk. Ichinose, sitting next to him, was also packing her things. Only after confirming Hachiman was finished did she look over.
"Are you going to the Student Council now?" she asked.
"Yeah." Hachiman stood up and pushed his chair back. "Let's go. It's the first day on the job, after all."
The two walked out of the classroom side by side.
Since school was over, students were already heading toward the dorms, but people still stole glances at them. After all, the whole grade knew Class B had risen to Class A, and the name "Hikigaya Hachiman" had surged in popularity over the last two days.
Meanwhile, in the Class D classroom.
Kushida Kikyo finished packing and stood up. However, she didn't go anywhere with her best friend, Wang Mei-Yu, today; instead, she sent her away.
She was also somewhat distracted. An unusual email had arrived on her phone.
[Congratulations, Kushida Kikyo. You have been approved to join the Student Council. Please proceed to the Student Council office after school today to sign your appointment forms. You will be granted the position of Accountant. — Student Council]
Sure enough, just as Hikigaya said, he had actually secured her an Accountant position. In other words, he had truly found her a place to "work."
The next step was simple: head to the Student Council office.
However.
She tucked her phone into her pocket and looked toward the front of the classroom.
Karuizawa Kei was still in her seat, clutching her phone. The screen was lit. She stared down, her thumb swiping once, then again, as if scrolling. But Kushida noticed that her chat history was empty—there were no signs of any new messages.
She had been in that position for quite a while.
"Kei, let's go—" Sato Maya walked over, swinging her bag over her shoulder. "Matsushita is waiting for us at the door."
"Yeah, just a second," Kei replied. Her thumb swiped the screen one last time before she locked it and shoved the phone into her pocket. The movement was fast, but Kushida noticed that before the screen went black, the last message in the chat was from yesterday.
Sato Maya tilted her head. "What's up with you today? You keep checking your phone, but it's not like anyone's messaging you."
"It's nothing," Kei said, standing up and tucking in her chair. "Just checking the time."
Sato clearly didn't believe her but didn't press further. she grabbed Kei's wrist and pulled her toward the door. "Alright, alright, let's go. Matsushita is getting impatient."
Chiaki Matsushita was leaning against the hallway windowsill, looking down at a small notebook. Seeing Kei and Sato come out, she closed the book and looked up.
"Kei, are you going to the Student Council today?" Matsushita's tone was casual, as if confirming a minor detail.
Kei nodded. "Yeah."
Everyone knew she had been given a general affairs (clerk) position and that she would officially become a member of the council now that they were back at school.
"I heard Hikigaya-kun from Class B was also appointed as Vice President by the President." Matsushita's eyes lingered on Kei's face for a second. "I heard it from someone in Class A this morning."
Sato Maya's eyes lit up. "Vice President? As a first-year? Hikigaya-kun is way too amazing!"
Kei didn't respond, only giving a soft "Mm."
Matsushita watched her, feeling that Kei was quieter than usual today. She figured Kei was probably nervous about starting her duties. Even if it was just a general affairs role, being on the Student Council was a big deal.
Actually, Kei wasn't nervous about the work at all. She was just thinking about Hachiman. He really was incredible—reaching the rank of Vice President only three months after enrollment.
As expected of the high-spec meal ticket she had set her sights on. She had even brought back the pair of plain glasses she intended to buy for him from the cruise ship.
So, should she find an opportunity to give them to him? Even though he had already obtained a pair from their homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei...
Because of that news, she couldn't stop staring at Chabashira-sensei during history class today. Consequently, because she was so distracted, she was called on to answer a question.
"Well, you should head off then. Don't be late," Matsushita patted her shoulder. "Good luck on your first day of work!"
"Okay," Kei nodded and turned toward the stairs.
Kushida stood at the classroom door, watching Kei's back disappear around the corner. After a moment's hesitation, she followed.
In the corridor, Kei walked ahead, her pace slightly faster than usual. Kushida followed a few paces behind, observing her.
As a master of reading the atmosphere, Kushida felt that the frequency of Kei's blonde ponytail swaying was higher than usual, and her steps were hurried—as if she were rushing toward something, or perhaps running away from something.
"Karuizawa-san."
Kushida's voice came from behind. Kei's steps faltered, and she turned around. Kushida walked up and stopped in front of her. The two stood in the middle of the corridor, the evening sun stretching their shadows long.
"Going to the Student Council together?" Kushida flashed a sweet smile.
Kei looked at her and nodded. "Sure."
They walked side by side. After a few steps, Kushida spoke up. "Hikigaya-kun recommended me for the Accountant position."
Kei's pace slowed slightly. She glanced sideways. "Accountant?"
"Yeah. He mentioned it last night," Kushida said with a feigned air of indifference. "Then I got the notice today."
Kei was silent for two seconds before giving a soft "Oh." Her expression didn't change, but Kushida noticed her fingers twitch against her bag strap.
"He probably just doesn't want to do the work himself," Kushida continued with a helpless smile. "That's why he stuffed me in there—to make me work for him."
Kei looked at her, her lips twitching slightly. She seemed like she wanted to smile, or perhaps didn't know if she should.
"Maybe," she said.
They continued forward. Kushida kept Kei in her peripheral vision. Kei's expression had returned to normal, but Kushida still felt something was off. It wasn't unhappiness or anger. It was... distraction.
Ever since they were in the classroom, Kei had been checking her phone despite having no messages. It was as if she were waiting for someone's text but was too embarrassed to ask.
Kushida turned the thought over in her head but couldn't fathom who Kei would be waiting for. All her friends were in Class D, and they had been together all day.
Who was she waiting for?
Kushida only knew of one person Kei knew outside their class. But... did Kei really have a reason to be so desperate for a message from Hikigaya Hachiman?
Kushida stole another glance. Kei was looking straight ahead, her blonde ponytail swaying, her face calm—but beneath that calm was something Kushida couldn't quite name. It wasn't anxiety or irritation. It was more like... waiting.
Kushida looked away and didn't ask more. They headed toward the office together. Not only were they members of the Horikita study group, but they were now colleagues.
Of course, Kushida didn't know that Kei had been waiting for a message from Hachiman all day.
In fact, she had been waiting since last night.
She had placed her phone next to her pillow, screen up, brightness at the minimum. She had tossed and turned, unable to sleep, checking the screen every few minutes.
The result... was nothing. No messages, no missed calls.
It made her doubt her life. She even checked her signal—full bars. She turned off silent mode and turned on vibration, confirming it multiple times.
Still nothing.
Kei had shoved the phone under her pillow and rolled over. A sliver of moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a thin white line on the ceiling. She stared at it for a long time, her mind racing.
'Did he regret it? Was 'let's give it a try' just him being polite? Or did he never intend to actually date her and just didn't know how to refuse?'
But if he were just being polite, he wouldn't have said those words. Based on Hachiman's personality, if he didn't want to do something, he'd just refuse directly. He wasn't the type to beat around the bush.
He was a decisive person.
'So... if we're dating, why hasn't he sent a single message?'
She thought about it most of the night, only drifting off as the sky began to turn grey.
Because of that, she was out of it all day. She spaced out in class and nearly failed to respond when called on. During breaks, she sat at her desk, pulling her phone out and putting it back, over and over. The chat window still showed the same messages from yesterday—"Let's give it a try" and "Okay"—sitting there quietly, like two people who had stopped speaking after those final words.
Of course, she thought about messaging him first. She typed out several drafts and deleted them all.
"What are you doing today?" Too ordinary.
"Why haven't you messaged me?" Too direct.
"Have you eaten?" Too much like a mother.
In the end, she sent nothing. She told herself that since she agreed to be his "practice partner," she had to act the part. She couldn't be too proactive, nor too passive. She had to wait for him to ask, and then she would answer. That was how a "teacher" should behave.
But that unidentifiable feeling kept her glued to her phone all day.
And to top it off, he didn't contact her, yet he applied for an Accountant position for Kushida. Naturally, Kei wasn't jealous—she knew Hachiman would need capable staff as Vice President. Someone like Kushida, smooth and efficient, was far more useful than a general affairs clerk like herself.
So, recommending Kushida was a logical decision. Still, knowing that didn't stop a subtle sense of awkwardness from lingering in her heart.
But she didn't show it. Or rather, she thought she didn't show it.
The Student Council office was at the end of the first-floor corridor. When Kei and Kushida arrived, the door was open, and several people were already inside.
Kei's eyes quickly scanned the room, stopping at a spot by the window—Hachiman was sitting there, several documents spread out before him, looking down. His expression was the same as usual, looking like he was spacing out, but the occasional flip of a page proved he was reading.
Ichinose Honami sat next to him, her strawberry-blonde hair draped over her shoulders, writing something with a pen. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, saw Kei and Kushida, and beamed a brilliant smile, waving at them.
"Hello, hello... Kushida-san, Karuizawa-san."
"Hello, hello, Ichinose-san!" Kushida responded quickly, waving back. Their interaction was natural and smooth.
Kei felt that way of greeting was a bit awkward and didn't think she could pull it off, so she simply nodded in response.
Hachiman noticed Kei's gaze linger on his face for a few seconds before she quickly looked away.
"..."
"Everyone is here," came the calm, steady voice of Student Council President Horikita Manabu.
He picked up two documents from the desk and pushed them to the edge. "Karuizawa Kei, Kushida Kikyo. These are the appointment papers for General Affairs and Accountant. Sign them."
Kei stepped forward and took the document with her name on it. The paper was thin, and the font was neat and printed. Her eyes paused on the word "General Affairs" for a second before
she picked up a pen and signed her name in the signature block. Perhaps because she was writing quickly, her handwriting was slightly messier than usual.
Kushida, standing beside her, took the other document. Her movements were composed, but her signing speed was very fast.
Once finished, they handed the papers back to Horikita Manabu. He took them, glanced at them, and set them aside. His expression remained unchanged as he nodded, signaling for them to take their seats.
As Kei turned around, she scanned the room. The office was large and had a suite, but everyone was currently in the main hall. It seemed every position had its own dedicated desk. At the President's desk sat Horikita Manabu, with Tachibana Akane standing behind him.
At the Vice President's station, there were three people—one was Nagumo Miyabi, leaning back in his chair and twirling a pen; another was Kiriyama Ikuto, sitting against the wall, looking down at a notebook.
The third Vice President was Hikigaya Hachiman, with Ichinose staying by his side.
Katsuragi Kohei was sitting on a sofa, nothing in front of him, just sitting quietly. Next to him was a boy with a somewhat fierce face—his features were rough and his build was tall, but his posture was very upright, and he held a report that he seemed to be auditing.
Then there were three upperclassmen she didn't recognize. Including Kushida and Kei, there were quite a lot of people in the office.
Kei walked to an empty desk in the corner and sat down. Kushida sat next to her, placing her bag down gently.
In truth, Nagumo Miyabi's gaze hadn't stopped since they entered. After all, the two new kouhais were quite outstanding in appearance.
First was Kushida-san, with her short blonde hair that made her face look small and cute. When she stood at the door smiling at Ichinose, her eyes crinkled into crescents, looking gentle and harmless. However, Nagumo was no stranger to that kind of smile. Girls who always maintained a perfect image in front of boys mostly followed that pattern. But her features were genuinely good—fair skin, clear eyes—and her smile had a sweetness that made it hard to look away. Calling her an "angel" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Then there was Karuizawa Kei. Her blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail with a green ribbon. Her features were more defined than Kushida's, and even cuter. However, she seemed distracted, her eyes vacant and her lips slightly pursed. She didn't wear a constant smile like Kushida, but that actually gave her a unique charm. She gave off a "gal" vibe, but without the usual boisterousness.
Finally, there was Ichinose Honami. Her strawberry-blonde hair was in a ponytail, with stray bangs resting on her forehead. She looked clean and gentle, like a painting brought to life. Her
beauty wasn't the "stunning" type, but the kind that grew on you the more you looked. When she smiled, her eyes would squint into slits, exuding a non-aggressive softness. Even when not smiling, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. That gentleness wasn't faked; it came from her bones, carrying an aura that made people want to get closer without her even realizing it.
Nagumo had seen many beautiful girls, but few were like Ichinose. Her beauty wasn't carefully crafted; it was natural. When the sunlight hit her, she seemed to glow.
Unfortunately—as Nagumo had observed this morning—this kouhai had a very different attitude toward Hikigaya. The tone of her voice, the way she looked at him, that natural sense of familiarity... it wasn't something ordinary classmates had.
And now, these two had come to the Student Council. Even though the Secretary and Vice President had their own desks, Ichinose had moved her chair right next to Hikigaya Hachiman. Even as colleagues who needed to cooperate, was it necessary to sit that close?
It was truly annoying and regrettable. Nagumo made a judgment in his heart: These two are probably dating.
Thinking this, Nagumo retracted his gaze and leaned back. The frustration of being publicly undermined by Hikigaya this morning was still stuck in his chest, and now seeing three beautiful kouhais hovering around him—it wasn't exactly jealousy, but it certainly didn't feel good.
"Since everyone is here," Nagumo suddenly spoke up, "let's get to know each other. We'll be working together from now on; we should know who everyone is."
He straightened up in his chair, folding his hands on the desk with a confident smile.
"Nagumo Miyabi. Second-Year Class A." He scanned everyone, emphasizing the words "Class A." "I also rose from Class B, just like Hikigaya-kun. Currently serving as Vice President of the Student Council."
When he said "just like Hikigaya-kun," the corner of his mouth quirked up, as if stating something to be proud of, or perhaps as a reminder.
Kiriyama Ikuto introduced himself expressionlessly. "Kiriyama Ikuto. Second-Year Class B. Vice President." His introduction was so short it was almost dismissive. He immediately looked back down at his notebook.
Tachibana Akane, standing behind Horikita, bowed slightly. "Tachibana Akane. Third-Year Class A. Secretary." Her posture was dignified, her voice gentle, carrying the aura of a senior.
Hachiman felt she had a similar vibe to the third-year Shiromeguri Meguri from Sobu High, though Tachibana Akane seemed much more reliable.
Katsuragi Kohei sat on the sofa, hands on his knees. " Katsuragi Kohei. First-Year Class B. Secretary." He paused before adding, "Everyone should already know me." It was a stiff sentence, spoken like a mandatory ritual.
The boy sitting next to Katsuragi looked up, revealing a surprising face. His expression was terrifying, not at all like a high schooler's. When silent, he looked fierce. But when he spoke, though his voice was muffled, he seemed almost shy.
"Hayato Kito. First-Year Class B. Also a Secretary." He stopped, as if hesitating, scanned the room, then continued, "My future goal is to become a fashion designer."
Oh!
The room went silent for a moment. Everyone stared at him. This fierce-looking, tall boy had said "fashion designer" with a completely serious expression.
'But wait, brother, are you sure? You're nearly 190cm tall and you want to design clothes? You're going to hold a sewing needle?'
Hachiman glanced at him. Hayato Kito—the top athlete of the original Class A (now Class B). Great physical ability, decent academics, quiet personality. In the original story, he was a core member of Sakayanagi's faction. Even knowing his dream from the original work, hearing him say it in person was still quite the shock.
The introductions continued quickly.
"Third-Year Class A, Fujimaki. Head of the Disciplinary Committee." "Third-Year Class B, Ishikura. Accounting Supervisor." "Second-Year Class C, Konosuke Ninomiya. Accountant. No special goals for now, just hoping to graduate smoothly." "..."
When it was Hachiman's turn, he leaned back, his tone casual.
"Hikigaya Hachiman. First-Year Class A. The newly appointed Vice President as of today." His gaze swept over Ichinose, then Kushida and Kei, before he quickly added: "My ideal is to become a full-time house husband... and well, currently Honami Ichinose is a Secretary, Kushida Kikyo is an Accountant, and Karuizawa Kei is in General Affairs. I hope the three of them can assist me in my work from now on."
The office went silent again. Even Nagumo Miyabi couldn't help but look at him.
This kouhai—a complete newcomer—had introduced the others in a tone that said "these are my people." It was like announcing a pre-determined arrangement.
What bothered Nagumo even more was that President Horikita had no reaction to Hachiman's presumptuous statement. No correction, no addition, not even a second glance. Even Tachibana Akane said nothing. It was as if this had been tacitly approved.
Nagumo's finger tapped the edge of the desk. Having been in the Student Council for nearly a semester, he knew how things worked. A Vice President could have their own assistants, that
was fine. But usually, the President assigned the staff, and the VP might offer one or two suggestions. Hachiman's method of bringing people in and announcing "this is my team" on day one wasn't impossible, but it required the President's silent consent.
And Horikita Manabu had consented.
Nagumo suddenly remembered when he first joined the council. He had also risen from Class B and been given the VP position. But he had never introduced anyone that way. Not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't have the backing then. He had to slowly build his influence to install his own people.
Yet Hikigaya Hachiman had done it on day one.
He looked at Horikita Manabu again. The President was looking down at his files, his expression unchanged. That calmness spoke volumes—he was giving Hachiman space, allowing his methods, letting him play his hand.
Nagumo leaned back, put his pen down, and folded his hands. His expression was neutral, but that unidentifiable feeling surged again.
'Is President Horikita grooming him? Is he treating Hikigaya as his chosen successor?'
The thought seemed absurd. Nagumo was a second-year; he was the most likely candidate to succeed the presidency next year. He had a semester of experience, deep roots in the second year, and a solid network. What did a first-year like Hikigaya Hachiman have?
This silent consent meant more than any words.
'Damn it!'
Nagumo suddenly realized—could it be that Hikigaya had this plan all along, which is why he ignored Nagumo and gathered the votes from Third-Year Class C and D? Because Hikigaya felt he had President Horikita's support?
But—!
Nagumo took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. He had plenty of votes. His base in the second year was stable, and he had bought the votes of the third-year C and D classes. Even with the President's support, no matter how capable Hikigaya Hachiman was, he was still just a freshman. The Student Council election wasn't won by the President's favor; it was won by the number of votes.
What he needed to do was maintain his eligibility and his vote count!
Still, that sense of urgency quietly crept into his heart.
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