"Well then, the break ran a little over, but let's get back to it."
The Student Council President spoke up, resetting the atmosphere.
Two rows of long conference tables were arranged in the room, with the President and Senpai sitting at the head. A chair had been pulled up right next to Senpai for me to sit in.
"We will now begin the selection of events for the Student-Requested Category. Please bring up the list of survey results."
Beside me, Senpai began facilitating the proceedings.
She was dignified and sharp—a truly cool version of her.
She had looked exactly like this when she gave her speech from the gymnasium stage regarding announcements from the Student Council.
"For the reasons stated above, I believe these three events are our best candidates at this time."
I didn't even know there was a Student-Requested Category...
Wait, a survey?
Ah, I think I remember something like that. I hadn't been interested at the time, so I’m pretty sure I just wrote something random. I'm so sorry...
"If participation by the entire student body is honestly difficult, shouldn't we focus on an event for selected members instead?"
An extremely serious discussion was taking place, with no trace of the heavy atmosphere from earlier.
To be honest, I didn't think I could be of any use here. I actually started feeling anxious that my presence might be a nuisance.
Since Sara-senpai was the one leading the meeting, all the officers’ opinions were naturally directed toward her.
"—Wouldn't that be best? I think the students watching would find it just as enjoyable."
One of the officers was making a point.
I was trying to listen, but I inadvertently found myself captivated by Sara-senpai. When she glanced my way, our eyes happened to meet.
Senpai’s sharp expression suddenly melted, and she gave me the same soft, gentle smile she always reserved just for me.
...I felt my face go red.
"You're right. In the sense that both the selected members and the spectating students can enjoy it, I think that would be a fine choice."
!!!!!
For some reason, the other officers were wearing expressions of utter shock.
Only the Student Council President was over there grinning.
"Um, so... the Costume Relay is acceptable then?"
The officer who had suggested it asked for confirmation, looking utterly bewildered.
I didn't quite understand why they were so confused, though...
"I agree. Since this is the Request Category, it's important for the entire student body to be able to enjoy the spectacle."
Following Sara-senpai’s lead—her expression remaining uncharacteristically soft—everyone else quickly agreed, and the decision was made.
The meeting continued, leaving a strong impression on me because of the contrast between the officers, who looked stunned from start to finish, and Senpai, who stayed in high spirits.
Still, that was decided surprisingly quickly.
It sounded like a fun event to me... although it would probably be a nightmare for my specific class.
Eventually, the discussion moved on to a brief exchange of notices.
"Vice President, about the Suggestion Box from the other day... I've sorted through them as much as I could for now."
"Thank you. I'll perform the final check on my end, then."
!!!!!
Seriously, why was everyone making those shocked faces again?
"...What is with Satsukawa-san today?"
"...Things are going so smoothly it's actually terrifying."
"...No, if she were always like this, my life would be so much easier."
"...I knew it. Satsukawa-san really was a Goddess. This is her true form."
"...It's frustrating when I realize exactly why this side of her finally appeared."
The Student Council President was smirking as usual. Was he plotting something?
The rest of the group was whispering amongst themselves, and the whole vibe was just weird.
"Well then, that's all for today's agenda. Good work, everyone."
The President began his closing remarks, looking around at the room.
"Sorry, but I have a consultation for Takanashi-kun. Since it involves everyone here, I'd like you all to stay and listen."
It seemed I was finally going to hear about that consultation.
But what did he mean by it involving everyone?
"President, let me say this first: if your consultation with Takanashi-san involves something unacceptable..."
Senpai warned him, an ominous aura practically radiating from her. It looked like the other officers were turning pale.
"I-It's fine, so don't put that much pressure on me! It's scary! I'll just get straight to the point. Takanashi-kun, won't you join the Student Council?"
"Huh?"
Words I hadn't expected at all came out of the President's mouth.
Join the Student Council? Me?
Sara-senpai looked just as shocked as I felt, and the rest of the officers looked like they'd been struck by lightning.
"Me? No... that’s completely unexpected. Why me?"
"I have several reasons, but primarily, I'd like you to act as Satsukawa-san's Assistant. To be honest, work tends to pile up on her quite often. Since you understand her well, I think you could keep an eye on things and provide support when needed."
Certainly, I could tell from watching her that Sara-senpai was probably overworked.
She likely took everything on herself without complaining.
If I could lighten her load even a little, I didn't think I had any reason to refuse.
Senpai had a conflicted look on her face, appearing somewhere between surprised, bewildered, and hesitant.
Knowing her personality, she probably couldn't bring herself to ask for help directly.
"If Takanashi-kun could act as a filter for messages from the other officers, the burden on Satsukawa-san would decrease significantly just by having him relay things at the right time while watching over her condition."
!!!!!
"President, I'm all for it!"
"Takanashi-san, please, won't you join us!"
"Satsukawa-san has it so rough, we're in desperate need of Support Staff!"
"Takanashi-kun... if it's you... ugh, please, take care of Satsukawa-san for us."
For some reason, the entire room had suddenly become incredibly enthusiastic.
One after another, they threw words of encouragement and pleas my way.
To be honest, regardless of the reason, it made me happy to be accepted so readily.