"Now then, let's begin today's agenda."
It sounded like the meeting had started.
I couldn't help but overhear, given how close I was. It wasn't as if I were forbidden from listening, anyway.
Sara-senpai’s voice followed immediately after. It sounded far more poised and dignified than the voice she usually used with me.
"First, we will identify potential issues for next month's Sports Festival and confirm the schedule for the Master of Ceremonies..."
Come to think of it, the Sports Festival was right around the corner. I wondered how I would fit in, considering I hadn't really integrated with my class yet. Back in Middle School, I somehow ended up only participating in the individual events... I wouldn't mind if that happened again; it was much less stressful that way.
Click...
"Zzz... zzz..."
Oh, it looks like Takanashi-san fell asleep.
He must have been exhausted, especially since he's still recovering from illness... It’s only natural. I feel terrible for leaving him all alone in a place like this with nothing to do.
I'm being selfish again... No, I shouldn't think that way; Takanashi-san would only scold me for it.
What should I do? It’s break time, so I thought about bringing him some tea, but... I should probably just let him sleep.
—A little bit should be fine, shouldn't it? There is still time left in the break period...
Well then, if you'll excuse me... I'll just slide this towel out... and try not to move his head too much...
...Hmm?
Did the sensation of my pillow change? It felt softer, more comfortable.
Stroke... stroke... stroke...
Haa... this was so soothing...
Knock, knock.
Click.
"Excuse me. Satsukawa-san, I brought some tea... oh... sorry for interrupting!"
Click.
"Hey, why are you bringing the tea back out?"
"What’s with that awkward smile?"
"I can't do it. It’s impossible for me. There's no way I'm interrupting that."
"Huh?"
"Wait, what are you doing? Fine, I'll take it, give it to me."
Knock, knock.
Click.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry, Vice President, I brought some tea... I'm leaving now. Please excuse me!"
Click.
"That’s impossible."
"It really is impossible."
"Why?"
"Ugh, what a pain. Satsukawa-san is giving that Takanashi-kun person a lap pillow and going 'there, there' while stroking his head. Satisfied now?"
"""I didn't want to hear that..."""
"Mmm..."
"Takanashi-san, did you wake up?"
When I opened my eyes, two large... shapes were right in front of me.
And there was a distinct softness beneath the back of my head. Wait, was I getting a lap pillow?
"Yes, um..."
"I am so sorry. I... I just did it on my own..."
Apparently, Senpai had given me a lap pillow while I was out. She had absolutely nothing to apologize for, of course. I would welcome such happiness any day; if anything, I was the one who should be saying thank you.
"No, um... it made me happy. Thank you very much."
Knock, knock.
"May I come in?"
That sounded like the President's voice.
Wait—I realized with a jolt that this was the room right next to the Student Council Room. If we were seen like this, it might cause trouble for Senpai, even if I didn't care what happened to me.
I quickly sat up, being careful not to bump into Sara-senpai. I felt a momentary wave of lightheadedness, a slight unsteadiness, but Senpai immediately supported me from the side.
"Takanashi-san, it isn't good for your health to stand up so suddenly."
"Thank you, Sara-senpai."
The President entered just as I sat up. When he looked our way, a look of knowing satisfaction crossed his face for some reason. What was he so convinced of? Senpai and I were just sitting side-by-side on the sofa.
Well, to be precise, Sara-senpai was currently holding onto my left shoulder and left arm.
"It seems you were sleeping; sorry to disturb you. We're about to resume the meeting, and if you'd like, Takanashi-kun, would you care to listen in?"
The President suggested I join them. He said just listening was fine... but since he’d mentioned having a consultation with me earlier, maybe it was related to that?
"President, Takanashi-san's health is—"
"Sara-senpai, it's okay. It’s likely related to that consultation, so... President, I understand. I'll join you."
"Thank you. I'll set up a chair next to Satsukawa-san, so please have a seat."
?
When I stepped into the main room, for some reason, the male officers were glaring at me, while the female officers were watching me with eyes full of curiosity.
I didn't really understand these people. Their reactions when I first arrived were the same—was the Student Council just a collection of weirdos?
Sara-senpai, who followed me out of the break room, seemed to instantly perceive that I was being glared at.
"It seems you have something you wish to say to Takanashi-san? I am listening. Speak up."
Ah... Senpai is pissed—
"!?"
"Sorry, it's nothing!"
"We're sorry!"
"Satsukawa-san, they're just in shock, so please forgive them..."
"President, please remain quiet."
"…Yes, sorry."
This was definitely my fault. Thinking rationally, it was quite cheeky for someone who wasn't even an officer to suddenly barge in and ask for a place to rest. Moreover, I had fallen asleep while everyone else was working seriously. It made sense that they’d be annoyed. I had to smooth this over.
"Sara-senpai, I'm fine. More importantly, please resume the meeting. Since I'm here, I'd love to see you in your role as Vice President."
"Takanashi-san... Yes! I will do my best, so please watch me closely."
Senpai replied with a truly radiant smile. Her mood had clearly improved, which should make it easier for the others to talk now.
"""...Gughhh!"""
And yet, for some reason, the guys all collapsed onto the floor.
"A lap pillow... I'm so jealous... it’s so frustrating."
"She doesn't even give us a smile..."
"Let's just give up."
The three of them huddled together, putting their arms around each other's shoulders in a show of miserable solidarity. It was a little gross.
"Ah... the guys are hopeless."
"More importantly, Satsukawa-san is so cute."
"Exactly. Look at that smile. Those two are definitely dating."
The female officers were as curious as ever, whispering to each other with mischievous grins.
"It seems the effects have been confirmed immediately."
Amidst the chaos, only the Student Council President remained calm, acting as though he had just observed a successful experiment.