The main topic for today's homeroom was, of course, the upcoming school festival.
First, we had to decide what our class would contribute. If our proposed stall or exhibit overlapped too much with another class or club, the Student Council would have to intervene, or we’d be forced into a lottery.
Furthermore, we couldn't just pick something on a whim. If the mid-term survey determined that our proposal wasn't actually feasible, we would be forced to switch to something simple. To make matters worse, the class would be hit with a penalty for the following year's festival.
With that warning delivered, the discussion began.
"Alright, if anyone has any ideas, let's hear them!" the Class Representative called out.
Several students who had clearly been waiting for this moment started shouting out suggestions, and supporters quickly chimed in.
"Yes, yes! I want a maid cafe!"
"Ugh, that’s only fun for the guys. Let's do a cosplay cafe instead."
"I’m down for that!"
"I want to do a play!"
"No way, the roles wouldn't be fair. Pass!"
"It has to be a haunted house! There’s no other choice!"
It was the usual list of suspects—the standard festival tropes. Because they were so common, the chance of overlapping with another class was high, which meant we’d likely end up in a lottery...
"Hanako-san, do you have anything you want to do?" I asked.
"It's only my first day since transferring. That’s impossible," she replied.
Fair point. I’d already grown so used to Hanako-san being in the seat next to mine that I’d almost forgotten she’d only just arrived today.
In the end, while several ideas were tossed around, the general consensus leaned toward some kind of cafe. However, since the girls argued that a maid cafe put too much burden on them, we eventually settled on a Butler & Maid Cafe.
I thought it sounded interesting enough. Since I would be busy with Student Council duties and could only help out about half the time, I chose not to offer any specific opinions.
Once the plan was settled, a certain group of students got incredibly fired up. They started arguing over who would wear which costumes and what food they wanted on the menu. The ideas kept ballooning until the conversation was on the verge of spiraling out of control. I understood the excitement, but this was getting unrealistic.
"Hey..."
"Wait, why don't you all settle down for a second? You’re deciding all these things, but do we actually have anyone who can cook all that? Are you planning to sew the costumes for both the boys and the girls? Do you even have the technical skill for that?"
Hanako-san, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke up, cutting right through the noise just as I was about to intervene. She was right; if we didn't have a plan for the execution, we’d be the ones suffering later. The group that had been mindlessly pushing for their favorite ideas fell silent at her sharp critique.
"You should probably cut the menu in half. If you don't narrow it down to items we can definitely make—especially if we don't have anyone with experience—we’re going to be in serious trouble on the day of the festival. Besides, do you have any idea how much material we’d need...? What is it?"
The classmates were likely already aware that Hanako-san tended to speak in short, blunt sentences, but they seemed genuinely stunned to see her taking such a proactive lead. Noticing the eyes on her, Hanako-san fell silent.
"No, it's just... Hanasaki-san, you're amazing. You're being so calm and logical about this..."
"Yeah, honestly, I was thinking the same thing, but I was too scared to say it because I thought someone would get mad..."
"Thinking it but not saying it is pointless," Hanako-san stated. "If we hadn't checked this and just blindly submitted our current ideas, it would have been a disaster later."
It was a bit harsh, but she was absolutely right. Her words seemed to remind everyone of the potential penalty, and they settled down, listening to her advice more respectfully.
I felt like she’d beaten me to the punch, but I decided to add my own input.
"We don't even know if the application will pass yet, but if it does, there's going to be a lot more to think about than just costumes. I know everyone’s excited, but we should keep it within a realistic scope for now. The Student Council is set up to follow up and help with the necessary details, so I think it's better to submit a minimal plan and then add to it once we see how things go."
I was a Student Council Officer, after all. I had to do my part when the situation called for it. The class seemed to take my words to heart as well.
"Heh... Takanashi-kun, not bad."
"No kidding. When did he get so cool?"
"Look at you, Mr. Student Council Officer!"
"Shut up," I muttered.
I wondered how long it had been since I’d been able to exchange such casual banter in the classroom.
"Alright! Everyone, let's do as Takanashi-kun said and keep things realistic for now."
The Class Representative took the lead again, summarizing the points I’d made and gathering final opinions. Seeing the class actually beginning to unite was a huge relief for me.
The next topic was Parental Observation Day, but that was just a quick explanation. Since it was still nearly a month away, I figured I’d just call my parents tonight. My Dad would probably be working, so only Mom would likely show up.
I just hoped it wouldn't turn into a headache. My Mom had taken a massive liking to Sara-san, so I’d have to make sure she didn't go charging into things...
Wait, on Sara-san's side, Masaomi-san was probably too busy, so would Mayumi-san be coming?
As I looked around the room while lost in thought, my gaze fell on my neighbor, who was staring at her handout with her usual sullen expression.
"By the way, Hanako-san, are you living alone?"
"No. We all moved here together. My parent’s transfer was the primary reason for the move."
I see. So it wasn't just because she wanted to transfer schools. But to move to this exact spot...
"My father's company is Sawa Electronics... well, he's just a regular employee, but he apparently got transferred to the headquarters."
I’d made a random guess in my head, but it had turned out to be exactly right. But a transfer to the headquarters—wasn't that basically a promotion?
(...Come to think of it, if Kazunari marries his wife, he’ll be on the succession track, won’t he? Which means he'd become my father's boss?)
"Hanako-san? Something wrong?"
"It's nothing. I was just thinking that transferring schools is more work than I expected."
Despite her words, her expression softened slightly. Lately, I felt like I was starting to understand her moods a little better.
"Are you having fun, Hanako-san?"
She had once told me that school was boring. If transferring here had changed that...
"I suppose. Even if I have to deal with a handful of a younger brother."
Big sister, younger brother... I wondered if there was a specific reason she kept using those terms. Seeing her look like she was enjoying herself, I figured she’d tell me when she was ready. Still, I was curious.
After school, I headed to the Student Council Room for the first time in about a week. Sara-san had mentioned she would be getting busier, so I wanted to make sure I was there to support her.
When I opened the door, I saw all the familiar faces I hadn't seen in a while.
"Good work, everyone."
"Good work!"
"It feels like it's been ages!"
"Takanashi-kun, welcome back!"
"Good work. Your class was pretty rowdy today, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, did something happen?"
There were currently eight Student Council Members, three of whom were third-years, including the President. To keep the numbers consistent for the handover, we’d need to add three more people. However, since my position as Assistant was an irregular addition that didn't technically exist, maybe two would be enough.
"No, we just had a transfer student join us."
"Heh, that's rare. A girl?"
"Alright, alright, the boys are always so quick to jump on that."
"Well, cute girl transfer students are a staple, right?"
I didn't know if that was a real rule, but it certainly applied in this case.
Clatter.
"Good work, everyone."
"Good work, President."
As we were chatting, the President and Sara-san arrived last, completing the group.
Now, for today's agenda...
Once everyone was seated, the President looked around the room before he began to speak.
"Before we discuss the Presidential Election, I’d like to say a few words. Truly, thank you for everything. It's thanks to all of you that I was able to fulfill a role as prestigious as President, even if I feel I was ill-suited for it."
The President spoke slowly and seriously, his tone more solemn than usual. I thought he was being too humble, but I could tell he meant every word.
"I owe a special thanks to Satsukawa-san. You’ve supported me from the very beginning, covering for all my shortcomings. You were an incredible help."
"No, that was simply my role. You are the one who worked hard, President," Sara-san replied.
Even Sara-san, who usually spoke to him in a purely businesslike manner, spoke with genuine emotion this time. They had been working together since before I’d even enrolled; they surely shared a bond I couldn't fully understand.
"As we’ve discussed before, I truly believe Satsukawa-san is the only one who can take over after me. And I’m sure everyone else here agrees."
The other officers nodded in unison. I agreed with them, of course. But there was one key difference: if Sara-san showed even a hint of reluctance, I was prepared to oppose the idea. To me, her feelings were the only thing that mattered.
"Satsukawa-san, you declined before, but I still want you to accept the position of Student Council President..."
"President, even if it's not me, there are others who can—"
As expected, Sara-san began to voice her refusal. She clearly still didn't want the job.
"Wait a moment, Satsukawa-san, let me finish. We have no intention of dumping all the responsibility on you alone. All the officers will be there to actively back you up, and I’ll help out as much as I can until I graduate. Besides... fortunately, you have him, the man who specializes in supporting you."
Wait, this was taking a very unsettling turn...
The serious atmosphere the President had cultivated vanished in an instant, replaced by the mischievous look he always wore when he was about to mess with me.
"After all, don't you all think Takanashi-kun is the only one who can provide perfect support for Satsukawa-san?"
Everyone surely noticed the shift in tone, but they seemed content to follow the President's lead, nodding along. The only ones who looked out of place were an anxious me and a confused Sara-san.
"What do you say, Takanashi-kun? Could you take on the role of the next Vice President? The final decision rests with the general meeting, but the entire Student Council would like to recommend you. You’re the only one who can support Satsukawa-san from the closest possible position. What do you all think?"
"NO OBJECTIONS!"
Whoa, the level of unity in the room was unprecedented. It was a unanimous agreement without a single moment of hesitation. There couldn't have been a prior meeting, yet they were all perfectly in sync...
"Please, wait!"
Sara-san cut in. She’d been watching the situation, but she clearly had reached her limit.
"You’re all just saying whatever you want because I’m being quiet. More than anything, I absolutely will not allow you to cause trouble for Kazunari-san!"
Oh boy, she looked like she was on the verge of losing her temper.
"Takanashi-kun, what do you think? I think you understand that Satsukawa-san is the only person fit to be the next President. And if you become Vice President so the two of you can work together, I think you'll become a pair so brilliant that I won't even be a footnote in comparison..."
The President shifted his target to me, trying to persuade me while simultaneously shaking Sara-san's resolve. He was a pro at this. Sara-san grew flustered at the mention of our relationship and was at a loss for words.
But... what should I do?
Logically, I knew Sara-san was the best choice for President. And she’d said she didn't want to cause me trouble. That meant she understood the situation but was trying to prioritize me over the council's needs. In that case...
"Sara-san... Honestly, I hated the idea of sacrificing you just because everyone would be in trouble if you didn't become President. If you disliked it even a little, I was ready to join the opposition immediately. So, please, tell me your true feelings. Forget about me for a second and tell me what you actually think."
"I..."
At my words, Sara-san looked down, lost in thought. The room fell silent as everyone watched, the air thick with tension.
I decided to add one more thing to make it easier for her to speak. And I meant every word of it. I stood up, walked over to her side, and took her hand. Sara-san looked up, her eyes meeting mine.
"More than anything, I hate being apart from you, Sara-san. Not just at home, but if being Vice President means I can be by your side even more at school, then I'll gladly work my hardest with you. So, please, choose whatever you want. No matter which you pick, I'll be right there with you."
"Kazunari-san... I..."
Sara-san looked at me, her eyes shimmering with joy and a hint of moisture. She understood what I was trying to say.
"Hmm, as expected."
"Wait, are they just flirting now?"
"That was a little unfair..."
"That Satsukawa-san... she's turned into a total maiden."
"No, wait, did he just say something crazy?"
"Did he just say they're together at home, too?"
"Wait, WHAT!?"
The atmosphere was perfect; the peanut gallery really should have just stayed quiet.
I’d given it my all, but I wondered how she took it... No, looking at Sara-san's face, her hesitation had vanished, replaced by a firm resolve. She had made her decision.
"For me... more than anyone or anything else, Kazunari-san is my top priority. I understand that I'm essentially the only one who can take over as President, and while I don't want to be swept along by the situation, I do feel that I could accept the position of my own will. But even so, my priority remains the same."
It was the same for me. There was nothing in this world more important to me than Sara-san. If she truly hated the idea, I would have opposed it in a heartbeat.
"Kazunari-san... are you sure it's not a burden? If being President causes you any trouble at all, I could never forgive myself. But hearing you say you want to be with me even more than before... it made me so happy. As long as you are with me, Kazunari-san, I can do anything. Are you sure you don't mind?"
I didn't care about the President's schemes anymore. Looking at Sara-san's vulnerable expression, everything else was irrelevant. If she wanted me by her side, if she needed me, then I would be there. That was all that mattered.
"It’s not a burden at all. I want to be with you, Sara-san. I want to be by your side even more and be the strength you need. That's what I want."
Hearing my answer, Sara-san finally broke into a radiant smile. Thank god, she understood...
Thump.
Sara-san suddenly threw herself at me, and I caught her in a firm embrace.
"Kazunari-san... I'll do it. I'll accept the Presidency. But I won't do it alone. If you aren't with me, I won't be the Student Council President. Please... stay by my side forever."
"Of course. Let's do this together."
"Yes... always together... Kazunari-san... I love you..."
She leaned her weight into me affectionately, and I pulled her even closer.
"No... way... Satsukawa-san is... she's acting so spoiled..."
"Whoa, she's way too cute like that."
"I can't believe she has a side like this..."
"The shock is too much... I think I'm gonna faint..."
"Ugh, seeing her like that... it's too much..."