Having survived the ordeal of my friends exposing my overly affectionate behavior at home, the debriefing session finally began to wind down.
I realized I hadn't brought up the matter regarding the Student Council yet, so I spoke up to consult the three of them before I forgot.
"Hanako-san, Todo-san, Hayato—do you have a minute?"
"What is it?" Hanako asked.
"Is something wrong, Takanashi-kun?" Todo-san added.
"Need to consult us about something?" Hayato asked.
"Yeah, it’s about the Student Council."
The three of them looked even more puzzled at the mention of the council.
I couldn't exactly explain the real motivation right in front of Sara-san, so for now, I simply broached the topic by asking for their cooperation. It would be a huge help if they accepted.
"Since the third-years are retiring, the Student Council needs to increase its staff," I explained. "Sara-san is going to become the President, and we’ll be starting under a new administration. If possible, I’d like the three of you to join us as Officers."
"Oh?" Nishikawa-san chimed in. "Is Sara becoming the President?"
"Come to think of it, Daichi mentioned he wasn't going to run for re-election," Natsumi said. "So it’s definitely going to be Sara?"
Crap, I hadn't mentioned that part yet. Realizing I’d forgotten to explain the most vital detail until now, I gave them a quick summary.
"Since there are no opposing candidates, Sara-san is set to become the President. However, three third-years, including the current President, are leaving. We need to replenish our numbers to get the new administration up and running."
"Well, I doubt there are many people who would want to be President enough to actually oppose Sara," Nishikawa-san remarked. She began to offer her thoughts, then paused as the realization hit her. "Making Sara the President... that’s quite a bold—I see. So that’s what this is about."
As she muttered to herself, Nishikawa-san seemed to deduce the real reason I was asking these three specifically for help. She nodded as if satisfied and looked back at me.
"Ah... I get it now. That makes sense," Hanako-san added.
It seemed Hanako-san had also caught on. My pointed mention of a "new administration" had paid off. Hayato and Todo-san still looked oblivious, but I had to keep the conversation moving.
"By the way," Hanako-san asked, "if Satsukawa-san is the President, who’s going to be the Vice President?"
"I've been tapped for that role. I’m just waiting for formal approval from the General Meeting."
"What?" Nishikawa-san gasped. "The two of you as President and Vice President? That goes way beyond just mixing public and private affairs..."
I knew Nishikawa-san would jump on that the moment I mentioned the Vice President position. People might call it "mixing public and private," but it wasn't as if I’d be making personal requests for Sara-san to officially grant. At most, we might be a bit too cozy, but I didn't think there would be any actual issues with how the school was run.
"That’s quite rude," Sara-san interjected. "Even if I am close with Kazunari-san, it has never hindered the activities of the Student Council."
Everyone went silent.
I couldn't help but wonder what was behind that lukewarm collective gaze. I felt like they were all thinking, This girl is hopeless.
But in reality, I didn't recall us causing any specific problems... or so I hoped.
"S-So, what do you think?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back.
"Let's see..." Hanako-san said. "To be honest, I’m not sure how much of a help I can be, but it sounds like it could be interesting with this group. Since it’s a request from Takanashi-kun, I’m more than happy to cooperate. However, it’ll change the rhythm of my daily life, so I’ll give you a final answer after I consult with my parents."
To my relief, Hanako-san gave a positive response. It made sense; she was currently in the going-home club, and since she had only just undergone a School Transfer, she needed to check with her family.
"Thank you, Hanako-san. But please, don't feel forced into it."
"I know."
"I'll ask at my house too," Todo-san said. "There’s a chance I’ll be coming home later than usual, so I’ll talk it over with my Mother and the others."
"I have club activities most days, but if it's okay for me to help out whenever I have free time, I’m in," Hayato said. "Also, Todo-san, if you end up staying late, I’ll walk you home."
Classic Hayato. Whether he was helping the council or going to his club, he’d be staying late either way. He had clearly realized this was the perfect chance to support Todo-san and make his move at the same time. From my perspective, if that resolved one of Todo-san's worries, it was a win-win.
"I see. In that case, I..." Hanako-san glanced toward me, her expression suggesting she was hoping for something similar.
She was right; if things ran late, I should take responsibility for that much. Especially since the days would only get shorter from here on out. I didn't want to leave Hanako-san to walk home alone in the dark.
I wanted to offer, but Sara-san was my top priority...
"I have an idea," Sara-san proposed. "Why don't the three of us go home together? Hanako-san's house is near the Shopping Street, so we can drop her off before we do our shopping. That should work out perfectly."
Sara-san’s suggestion solved the exact dilemma I was struggling with. I’d have to thank her later for sensing my thoughts. Since she had given the okay, I was more than happy to agree. I did wonder how she knew exactly where Hanako-san lived, but if she was fine with the arrangement, then I was too.
"W-Wait a minute," Hanako-san stammered. "I was just joking. I’m perfectly fine on my ow—"
"No," I cut in. "I can't let you go home alone after dark, Hanako-san. When we’re late, I’ll always walk you home."
Even if she hadn't officially accepted the position yet, resolving these potential concerns early would help the process go smoother. Putting her at ease was worth the commitment.
"Ugh... O-Okay..." Hanako-san looked down suddenly, muttering something under her breath. A moment later, she looked up with her usual expression. "Anyway, I'll talk to my family about it."
"I'll consult them too," Todo-san added.
"And like I said, count me in for whenever I can help," Hayato finished.
"Thanks. I’m counting on you all."
With that, all that was left was to wait for their final answers. While praying for a favorable outcome, I realized I had one more thing to address. I had a message for Nishikawa-san that I needed to deliver before I forgot.
"Nishikawa-san, I have something for you as well."
"Oh? For me?"
"Because of you and your Father, Masaomi-san finally gave us his approval," I said, bowing deeply. "Thank you so much."
"Wait, Takanashi-san! I appreciate the sentiment, so please raise your head!" Nishikawa-san cried out, looking flustered by my formal display of gratitude. When I finally looked up, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"To be honest, it was a massive help," I said. "So—"
"It’s only natural to want to help a friend," she interrupted. "I understand, so please, stop. It’s embarrassing when you’re so serious about it."
It wasn't a lie; her face was flushed bright red. Seeing Nishikawa-san this flustered was a rare sight. When I couldn't help but stare, she seemed unable to take it anymore and turned her head away.
Things had become a bit awkward, so I decided to change the subject back to the President.
"Oh right, the President asked me to give you his regards."
"Eh? The President? ...Ah, you mean Uesaka-san?"
Uesaka... Right, I think that was his surname. I always called him "President," so I tended to forget. I remembered his first name was Daichi because Natsumi-senpai used it, but that was about it. I looked toward Natsumi-senpai, and she gave me a small nod of confirmation.
"That's the one," I said. "When I told him I’d be seeing you today, he asked me to pass that along."
"I see. Please tell him that I am also grateful for the help he gave me back then."
It seemed they were acquainted to some degree, but judging by her reaction, it didn't seem to go beyond that level.
"Oh?" Natsumi asked. "Did Daichi and Eririn know each other that well?"
"We saw each other occasionally for committee work," Nishikawa-san explained. "Sometimes we’d leave at the same time and walk together part of the way... but that was all."
"Walked together, huh? I never heard a word about that... Daichi..." Natsumi-senpai muttered under her breath.
The meaningful grin that spread across her face was worrying. That was her "I’m plotting something" look. I glanced at Yuji, who was watching her with a wry, knowing smile.
"Understood," I said. "I'll tell the President. Also, some others mentioned they wanted to see you again soon."
"Is that so? That’s nice to hear," Nishikawa-san said with a happy smile.
Watching her, it occurred to me that if she came to the School Festival, she’d be able to catch up with acquaintances and old friends.
"If you'd like, why don't you come to the upcoming School Festival?" I invited.
"That’s a great idea," Sara-san added. "It would be even more fun if Eri were there."
"Whoa, is Nishikawa-san coming?" Todo-san asked excitedly.
"Let’s see... I’ll check my schedule," Nishikawa-san replied. She didn't give an immediate "yes," but she looked genuinely pleased to be asked. I thought it would be fun to get the whole group together, and it seemed I wasn't the only one.
"What about Tachikawa-san?" Natsumi asked. "Tachibana-kun is already coming."
"Wait, really, Yuji?" I asked. I had planned to invite him myself, but hearing it from Natsumi-senpai was a surprise. Yuji gave me a wry smile and a nod.
"Yeah, I’m going to cheer for Natsumi-san's match. Though I’ll definitely stop by your class too."
"I see," Yoko said. "If Nishikawa-san and Tachibana-kun are both going, I don't want to be the only one left out. I think I'll clear my schedule."
"I’ll be your guide, Yoko!" Todo-san chirped.
"So this is the part where everyone rallies to cheer for Satsukawa-san in the Miss Contest..." Hanako-san remarked.
Sara-san let out a weary sigh. She wasn't exactly thrilled about the beauty pageant, so having everyone show up to watch probably didn't appeal to her. I was definitely going, but less for "cheering" and more to ensure everything went smoothly. In the worst-case scenario, I was prepared to practically drag her away from the stage.
"There won't be anything interesting to see," Sara-san insisted. "I have no intention of doing anything up there."
"That sounds interesting in its own way," Hanako-san said.
"Satsukawa-senpai really is consistent," Yoko noted.
"She’s softened up a bit," Natsumi said, "but her policy of not giving a damn about any man other than Takanashi-kun hasn't changed a bit."
While I was happy to hear that, I knew her attitude could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. If she was going to be the Student Council President, she’d need support from the rest of us. I really hoped Hanako-san and the others would decide to join the council.
The debriefing session concluded, and we split up into two cars for the trip home. Yuji and Yoko went with Nishikawa-san, while the rest of us divided into the remaining vehicles.
"Good work, everyone!"
"See you later!"
"Good night!"
As we were saying our goodbyes and heading for our assigned cars, Hanako-san spoke up.
"Sorry, but I’d like to talk with Satsukawa-san."
It was a sudden request, but she likely wanted to discuss the plan for this coming Sunday. Judging by Hanako-san's serious expression, Sara-san concluded it was an important conversation.
"Sara-san, please hear her out," I added.
Sara-san nodded and led Hanako-san into a different car, changing the seating assignments.
After seeing them off, the rest of us piled into a one-box car Nishikawa-san had hurriedly arranged.
"I wonder what Hanako-san needs to consult Satsukawa-senpai about..." Todo-san mused.
We were all thinking the same thing. Todo-san spoke it aloud, likely sensing it had something to do with me.
"She'll tell us eventually... I’m sure," Natsumi-senpai said.
I hoped she was right.
Conversation died out after that. The only sound in the car was the quiet strains of classical music playing over the speakers.
"Here, Kazunari-san. Come here..."
Lying on the futon, Sara-san smiled and opened her arms, welcoming me into her usual embrace. I slowly drew closer, and she wrapped her arms around my back, pulling me tight against her body.
Since Sara-san was the one requesting this, I didn't feel like I needed to hold back. However, I suspected she only framed it as her own "wish" so that I could relax and enjoy it without feeling guilty. Of course, she was definitely enjoying it too, so it was just a passing thought.
As she stroked my head, I brought up the topic of Hanako-san.
"Sara-san, about this weekend..."
"Yes, I heard from Hanako-san," she said, cutting me off with permission before I could even finish. "Please don't worry about me. Just listen to what she has to say."
They must have discussed it in the car. Now I’d finally be able to hear the truth from Hanako-san—especially about that "Big Sister" business.
"Kazunari-san... I truly don't want to have to say this, but... on that day, please be kind to Hanako-san. Listen to her story properly."
The hand stroking my hair stopped, and she pulled me even closer, pressing my face against her chest. I didn't know exactly why she was saying this, but deep down, she clearly wasn't entirely comfortable with it.
"You can accept a certain amount of... affection. But only for that one day. I would hate it if you became serious... if you cheat on me... I’ll cry."
She tried to sound playful, but I could tell she meant every word. There was no way I’d ever do anything to make her sad. Hanako-san was an important person to me, but she was strictly a best friend. Being told this by Sara-san made me a little nervous about what Sunday would bring... but I was sure it would be fine.
"Me, cheating? That’s so impossible I’m actually shocked you’d even say—mph."
I tried to fire back with a lighthearted remark, but Sara-san cut me off by pressing my mouth into her—well, I won't specify exactly where. I’d noticed a definite increase lately in the number of times she used this "delightful" method to silence me.
"Fufu... my apologies. Allow me to make it up to you with this."
She released her hold on my face, propped herself up slightly, and leaned in. She pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, then pulled me back into her arms as she lay down again.
"Now, it’s time for us to sleep."
"Yeah. Good night."
Wrapped in Sara-san's embrace and having my head stroked, sleepiness washed over me almost instantly. My plans for tomorrow, for the rest of the week... all the thoughts swirling in my head blurred together... and before I knew it, I was drifting off to sleep.