Morning.
When I stepped into the classroom, the usual morning clamor greeted me, followed by several classmates calling out their hellos. As I returned their greetings and headed for my seat, I saw a familiar sight—a crowd had already gathered around my desk. It could only mean one thing: Hanako-san had arrived.
"Good morning."
My greeting carried the unspoken subtext of Mind moving out of the way? Of course, if they hadn’t picked up on the hint and stayed put, I would have said it more bluntly.
"Oh, good morning, Takanashi-kun. Sorry about that!"
"Morning!"
"Hey there~"
They cleared a path for me to reach my desk, each offering a quick greeting as they moved. Well, it was better than them refusing to budge.
"Good morning, Takanashi-kun. Thanks for all your hard work yesterday."
"Good morning. Same to you, Hanako-san."
"Yeah. I talked it over with my parents as soon as I got home. They told me I could do as I liked, but they gave me one condition."
I felt a wave of relief, but I still had to make sure the condition was something I could actually handle.
"They said if I'm going to be staying late, I have to either come home with someone or wait for them to pick me up..."
"That’s not a problem. I’ll make sure you get home safely, so you have nothing to worry about. I’ll speak with your parents myself when I see them."
Since I was heading to Hanako-san's house this weekend anyway, I could just bring it up then. Their condition was exactly what I had intended to propose from the start, which made things easy. This meant Hanako-san was officially joining the Student Council Executive Committee.
"...Wow, that sounded incredibly loaded."
"...He's talking to her parents? Already?"
"...'I'll see you home safely.' Man, he's smooth."
"R-right. I’ll count on you, then. I’ll help out with the Student Council."
"Thank you! That’s a massive help!"
"Ugh... stop. If you look that happy about it, I..."
"No, I’m seriously grateful. I’d like to introduce you to the team, so do you have some time after school today?"
"I do."
Perfect. Just having Hanako-san on board was a huge win, and knowing that Sara-san would have extra support was a weight off my shoulders. Personally, I was just glad to have her help. If I could get an answer from Todo-san during lunch, we’d be set for the next steps.
"...Whoa, Hanasaki-san is actually blushing."
"...So cute."
"...I guess she really does react differently when it’s her boyfriend."
Ding-dong, dang-dong...
The classroom door slid open.
"Alright, homeroom’s starting. Everyone to your seats!"
As the teacher arrived, the girls surrounding us scurried back to their desks. I settled in. Time to get through another day.
Lately, I had been focusing on my future and taking my classes more seriously than ever. I made a conscious effort to take notes exactly the way Sara-san had shown me, making sure to highlight key points as I went. When I stayed focused like that, the hours seemed to melt away.
By the time the fourth period ended, it was finally lunch break.
The canteen group sprinted out of the classroom while those staying to eat began pushing desks together. As the groups started to form, Hanako-san and I stood up. She had her bento ready, while I, as usual, was empty-handed.
"Takanashi! Eat with us for once!"
Yamakawa called out to me from his group. They were the regular classroom bento group, sometimes numbering three people, sometimes five or six.
"Sorry, maybe next time."
"Fair enough. Hanasaki-san, you’re welcome to join us too!"
"Hey, you idiot!"
"Only if Takanashi-kun stays," she replied flatly.
"Figures..."
I didn't mind the invitation, and I thought it might be nice to join them once in a while. But for me, choosing anything over lunch with Sara-san was simply out of the question.
"...Those two are as close as ever."
"...Man, I’m so jealous."
Ignoring the whispers, I hurried out. If we lingered, we’d be the last ones to arrive again. As I stepped into the hallway, Hanako-san fell into step beside me.
When we arrived at the flowerbed, the whole group was already there. Sara-san spotted us and stood up to welcome us.
"Good work today, Kazunari-san."
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"We're here."
I took my usual spot, and Sara-san sat down beside me. She poured some tea from her water bottle and handed it to me. I took a grateful sip, enjoying the brief moment of peace before eating. Sensing the timing was right, Todo-san spoke up.
"Takanashi-kun, about the Student Council... I’m in."
"Thanks, Todo-san. That’s a life-saver."
With that, the Student Council was finally on solid ground. We had the numbers, and since it was Hanako-san and Todo-san, I knew they’d get along with Sara-san. It would make things much easier for her, which was all I could ask for.
"I’m doing it too," Hanako added.
"Oh, you're joining too, Hanako-san? I’m not really sure what the work is like, but if we’re all together, I think it’ll be fun," Todo-san said with a bright smile.
"Todo-san, do you have a moment after school today? I’d like to introduce both of you to the rest of the council."
"Yeah, that’s fine!"
"Thanks. I'll come pick you up at your classroom."
"Okay!"
Relieved that the first major hurdle was cleared, I felt a soft warmth envelop me from the side. Sara-san pulled me into a gentle embrace and began slowly stroking my hair. Recognizing this as my reward, I leaned into her, letting my weight rest against her.
"You’ve done a wonderful job, Kazunari-san."
"It’s rare for you to stay so quiet, Sara," Natsumi remarked.
"Since Kazunari-san decided to handle this himself, I felt it was best not to interfere. My role is to assist him if he stumbles, and then, once he succeeds..."
Sara-san trailed off, moving her hand to my back and pulling me into a much tighter hug.
"...to provide him with this."
"Oh, for heaven's sake..." Natsumi sighed.
"I can already see what the atmosphere in the Student Council room is going to be like," Hanako muttered, sounding exasperated.
"Ahaha, it’s fine, isn't it? They're just close. Right, Yokokawa-kun?" Todo-san asked.
"Y-yeah, sure..."
Surrounded by the mix of exasperation and amusement, I allowed myself to fully relax into Sara-san's embrace. There was no point in resisting—not that I wanted to.
After the final homeroom ended, I packed my bag and met up with Hanako-san, who was already waiting. Together, we went to pick up Todo-san.
It was actually my first time visiting a classroom other than my own. I was debating whether I should just walk in when I saw Todo-san waiting in the hallway. She was surrounded by a few boys and girls from her class. I hesitated, wondering if I should wait for them to finish, but she spotted me and waved with a delighted smile.
"Takanashi-kun! Thanks for coming!"
"Sorry to interrupt. Do you need a few more minutes?"
"Oh, no, I'm good! Sorry everyone, I have plans."
As Todo-san quickly said her goodbyes, I felt a few of the boys in her group shoot me a sharp glare. I’d heard she was popular in her class, so I guessed they either thought I was hitting on her or were just annoyed that I was taking her away.
The tension didn't last long, though. Hanako-san stepped in front of me, and the moment the guys saw her, they immediately averted their eyes.
"H-Hanako-san, easy now..." Todo-san stammered, looking flustered. I hadn't seen Hanako-san's expression from my position, but whatever look she’d given them had clearly done the trick.
"Let's go," Hanako said.
She turned back to me, looking like her usual self. We started walking, and Todo-san joined us at my side, waving one last time to her classmates.
"Sorry about that, Hanako-san."
"They were being pathetic," Hanako replied bluntly.
"Ahaha... they're not really people I hang out with, but they sort of cornered me. You actually saved me there."
To be honest, they didn't look like the kind of people Todo-san would usually associate with, but since they were her classmates, I kept my thoughts to myself. Hanako-san seemed to feel the same, as she didn't press the issue.
Slide.
"Good afternoon, everyone!"
"Welcome, Kazunari-san."
As soon as we opened the door to the Student Council room, Sara-san greeted us with a radiant smile.
"Good work, Takanashi-kun."
The President, Uesaka Daichi, gave us a wry smile, and the other officers echoed the greeting. As I walked in with Sara-san at my side, the rest of the council noticed Hanako-san and Todo-san behind me. Their eyes went wide—especially the guys.
"Whoa! Is that the transfer student?!"
"Wait, why are they here?!"
Apparently, Hanako-san was already a topic of conversation among them. I’d have to ask about that later, but first, the introductions.
"These two have agreed to help out with the Student Council. This is Riko Hanasaki-san and Marina Todo-san."
The male officers looked like they’d won the lottery, while the female officers looked genuinely relieved that they’d found successors. Even the President looked like a weight had been lifted.
"Riko Hanasaki. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Marina Todo. I look forward to working with you all!"
"NICE TO MEET YOU!" the room shouted in unison.
The two recruits seemed a bit overwhelmed by the high-energy reception, but since it was clearly a warm welcome, they didn't seem to mind.
"...Alright! I am officially motivated!"
"...Man, I can't believe the rumored transfer student is joining. And they're both so cute!"
"...Good grief, they're so transparent," one of the female officers muttered.
"...You'd think they'd have learned their lesson with Satsukawa-san by now."
"...I'm just glad we finally have our replacements."
"Takanashi-kun, are these two... well..." The President looked at me, his eyes asking for clarification. I gave him a small nod to signal that everything was under control.
"Hanako-san, Todo-san, thank you again. This really helps us out," Sara-san said.
Hanako-san gave her a knowing smirk, while Todo-san gave a polite bow.
"Well, it’s not like I could say no to Takanashi-kun," Hanako said.
"Fufu, I’ll thank you regardless," Sara-san replied.
"...Wait, what was that? That sounded important."
"...No way. She's talking to Satsukawa-san so casually?"
"...Who is that girl? She's amazing."
"Satsukawa-senpai, I’ll do my best to support you!" Todo-san added with her signature angelic smile.
"So cute..."
"What are you staring at?"
"...Honestly, I think things are going to be a lot of fun from here on out."
"We really owe Takanashi-kun for this."
It looked like they were going to be well-received. For them to settle in quickly, we needed the rest of the council’s cooperation, so a positive atmosphere was a good sign.
"I’d like to add my thanks as well. Truly, thank you both," the President said, stepping forward. "The third-years are retiring soon, but I’ll be staying on to help until graduation. I’m Daichi Uesaka, the current President. It’s a pleasure."
"The pleasure is ours."
"Looking forward to it!"
After the formal introductions, Hanako-san and Todo-san spent some time getting to know the other officers. We were just doing a final check for the General Meeting and sketching out the School Festival schedule, so things weren't going to run too late. While we worked, the two of them watched with interest, and once we finished, they began talking with the officers whose roles they would eventually take over.
The plan was for Hanako-san to take over as Accountant and Todo-san to handle General Affairs.
"By the way, Kazunari-san, when should we schedule the cooking class for your class? I need to book the Home Economics room."
"Oh, right. We haven't settled on a date yet. I'll make sure the class decides tomorrow."
I’d have to talk to the teacher and bring it up during homeroom. I had a feeling the news was going to cause quite a stir.
"Should I just teach the people in charge of the cooking?" Sara-san asked.
"Technically it’s for volunteers, but I expect the whole class will want to join. And I’ll be there too."
I’d be busy with council duties on the day of the festival, so I wouldn't actually be cooking, but that wasn't the point. There was no way I was missing out on this, and honestly, I was worried the guys in my class might get over-excited.
"I understand. Of course, I will teach you. However..." She gave me a smile that carried a strange, unmistakable pressure. "...since cooking at our home is my exclusive role, you are strictly forbidden from standing in the kitchen there. Understood?"
I nodded immediately, feeling the weight of her words. I had no delusions about becoming a chef after one lesson, but Sara-san was incredibly protective of that territory.
Still, I was just glad she hadn't noticed my own petty possessiveness—that I just wanted to make sure no one else got too close to her.