The moment my name was called—
As I stepped onto the rostrum, an unmistakable murmur rippled through the crowd, coming primarily from the male students.
I wondered what it was about.
If they were surprised because they didn't know who I was, I could certainly understand that. I hadn't been an official officer; strictly speaking, my position was closer to that of a helper. I had definitely been unremarkable.
But the atmosphere didn't feel quite like that...
"Ka... ahem, Kazunari Takanashi-san, please stand here."
Sara-san, nearly reflexively using my first name as she always did, hurriedly corrected herself.
During the briefing just before this, Uesaka—well, calling him that feels awkward, so I’ll just stick with Former President—had cautioned us to keep things professional. He specifically warned us not to mix public and private affairs while on the rostrum, which was his way of telling us not to flirt. Sara had been grumpy when he said it, likely because she wanted to snap back that she knew that without being told.
The place Sara designated for me was right at the rostrum where she stood—directly by her side.
Without stopping, I moved to the spot she indicated. I braced myself and looked straight ahead...
This is bad. My body is shaking. What is this sight...?
Standing before the entire student body.
I had known this was coming. I understood it in my head, I’d pumped myself up, and I’d been encouraged... but I hadn't truly grasped what it meant to be the focus of so many people at once.
Wherever I looked, there were eyes, eyes, and more eyes—staring with curiosity, as if looking at a strange specimen or a sideshow attraction.
Having experienced it myself, I finally understood. Sara had been exposed to these kinds of gazes this whole time. Even in a situation like this, she had always remained dignified.
As that thought crossed my mind, her performance from moments ago surfaced in my memory. A realization struck me. Perhaps the "persona" she played—the version of herself she used to face the public—also served as a shield to help her endure situations like this.
Right now, I was only being stared at out of simple curiosity. But Sara was different. It sounds nice to say she was popular, but she drew attention colored by all sorts of complicated emotions. Especially from the boys, she must have been subjected to the kind of gazes she hated most.
A solitary mask reaching for the heights, seeking neither help nor support. There might have been reasons for that existence beyond what I’d imagined... that was the thought that struck me then.
And now...
I was panicking over something entirely different from the tension I’d felt earlier, and my mind was going blank. In this state, I—
Squeeze.
Beneath the rostrum, hidden from everyone’s view, Sara’s hand reached out and intertwined with mine. I felt her warmth, her affection, and her gentle heart through her palm. It was as if her feelings were telling me that it was okay, that she was right there with me.
Sara continued to face straight ahead, her expression perfectly composed. But the kindness flowing through her palm gave me a steady anchor.
I told myself to pull it together. Didn't some predecessor have a trick for this?
"Everyone is just a potato."
Realizing I was going to be okay, I looked forward once more. I wouldn't flinch anymore; the gazes weren't scary as long as Sara was beside me. The strength flowing from our linked hands gave me limitless courage.
I squeezed her hand back slightly. Feeling it, Sara seemed to realize I had recovered.
"We will now move on to the introduction of the Student Council Officers who will form the new administration. After the introductions, those who approve, please provide a round of applause."
Sara made the declaration, and the introduction of myself as the Vice President began. If I could successfully receive approval, I would be formally appointed by Sara and then give a brief inaugural address.
"Kazunari Takanashi-san has served as a Student Council Officer in a special category since the middle of the first semester. Many of you likely recognize him from the broadcasting booth during the Sports Festival, where he provided commentary alongside the Former President, Uesaka-san. Although he held no official title until now, he is the one who supported our activities and operations as my exclusive assistant."
From there, Sara began a passionate speech. She spoke about how much I had supported her, helped her, and assisted her. Her praise was so over the top that I felt my face heating up with embarrassment.
However, I also noticed a murmur rising from some of the students. Since the focus was on Sara, I assumed the stir was related to her intense endorsement...
"I, of course, along with the Former President, Uesaka-san, earnestly requested that he take this office. As I carry out my duties as Student Council President, he is the most suitable person imaginable for the role of Vice President to assist me. Please, I ask for your approval."
Having said her piece, Sara finished my introduction with a satisfied expression.
What would happen next...?
Clap clap clap clap!!
Gratefully, applause broke out immediately. It was more than I had expected; looking out at the student seats, I could see people here and there clapping enthusiastically. It was mainly my class and... there seemed to be many girls. I suspected they were from Natsumi-senpai's or Hayato's fan clubs.
Then, I saw one student suddenly stand up while clapping.
It was Hayato.
And following him, Natsumi-senpai...
As if following their lead, more students stood up—mostly girls. My own class joined in, and the movement spread rapidly.
Then, a thunderous applause rose from the entire crowd.
I didn't know if they were clapping for me or for Sara’s passionate speech. But there was no mistaking that this applause signified their recognition of me as the Vice President.
I felt a little more strength in our joined hands. I wasn't the only one happy about this sight; Sara was rejoicing, too.
Hayato caught my eye and gave me a subtle thumbs-up.
That guy really is a handsome guy.
Sara waited for the applause to settle before turning back to the microphone to declare that the approval had been granted.
"Thank you. With your applause, Kazunari Takanashi has been approved as the Student Council Vice President. We will now have the inaugural address."
Sara stepped to the side, and I moved to the center. However, she showed no sign of letting go of my hand. When I glanced at her, she wore a faintly mischievous expression that only I, being so close, could see. Thanks to that, my nerves vanished.
I looked straight ahead and faced the microphone.
Even if I was lacking right now, I would become a man who could stand beside Sara and overcome challenges of this level. This was my first step.
"Once again, I am Kazunari Takanashi, the new Student Council Vice President. I will do my absolute best, so I look forward to working with everyone. Normally, I should probably speak about my goals or my determination here, but there is only one thing I wish to say to you."
I hadn't planned on giving some superficial speech about vague goals. As the Vice President and the one who supports Sara, I wanted to say only what was truly necessary.
There was only one point I wanted to make.
"My primary role is to assist and represent the President. It goes without saying that I will dedicate myself fully to those duties. However, in the end, what we need most is your cooperation. No matter how much we plan or prepare, the ones who actually take action are all of you. It is through your actions and cooperation that the results of the President's... and the Executive Committee's activities are realized. The power of each individual becomes our power—and the President's power. So please, everyone, let us work together to support the Student Council and the President!"
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!
It seemed my timing for the pause was a bit off, as I wasn't able to finish the very last word of my sentence, but it didn't matter.
Unlike the ripple from earlier, this was like a surging wave. Just as they had for Sara, everyone was proactively clapping. I could clearly feel the difference.
It likely meant they were agreeing with my sentiment rather than recognizing me personally, but that was fine. Real recognition would come from my future actions. By working for Sara's sake, I would be working for the President's sake, and by extension, for the Student Council's sake. If that led to me being truly recognized eventually, then that was everything I could hope for.
After I finished my address and took my seat, the introduction of the other new officers followed.
Called by Sara, Hanako-san and Todo-san made their appearance.
The descent of the Double Angels caused a stir of a completely different nature from the student seats, but there were no issues with their approval.
Hanako-san, who went first, gave her self-introduction as calmly as ever. Whether it was her undaunted attitude or the "gap moe" of her appearance, she was accepted without a hitch.
On the other hand, Todo-san was incredibly nervous and looked flustered from start to finish.
"I-I-I-I'm Marina Todo! I look forward to working with you-u!"
She ended up biting her tongue at the end, and the way her eyes got teary was quite a sight. But thanks to that, cheers broke out from some sections, and she received a powerful round of applause.
With the new administration successfully inaugurated, the General Meeting moved on to the next agenda items under our lead.
We reported on planned events and budgets, seeking approval where necessary.
However, just as I had heard from the Former President, it wasn't much of a debate. A few students offered minor comments, but for the most part, it was a "debriefing session" where information simply flowed one way.
Still, while it was a bit disappointing, I understood why. Many students aren't interested in the inner workings of the council, and there aren't many who want to stand up and voice an opinion while drawing the attention of the entire school.
The format of "the council proposes and the students cooperate" was already firmly established. If we wanted more than that, we would need to change the awareness of the students themselves.
"This concludes all agenda items for the Student General Meeting. Finally, if there are any questions or opinions, please raise your hand."
Seeing that no further opinions were forthcoming, Sara spoke the closing words. It had ended rather abruptly, but it was successful nonetheless.
"Then, this concludes this year's Student General Meeting."
Sara made the declaration, and the meeting officially adjourned.
"Good job!"
"It's overrrr!"
"Ugh, I was so nervous!"
As we retreated to the stage wings, everyone collapsed as if the tension holding them together had finally snapped.
I was no different; a sudden wave of fatigue washed over me the moment the pressure was off.
The only reason I didn't fall was thanks to the person supporting me.
Even though she must have been mentally drained herself, Sara prioritized me. The moment we were behind the curtain, she pulled me into an embrace.
"Kazunari-san... good work. It was truly a wonderful inaugural address."
"No, if you hadn't been there, Sara, I definitely would have frozen up."
"No, regardless of the process, the one who takes action in the end is you. What matters is that you found the courage to act, Kazunari-san."
Sara is infinitely indulgent when it comes to me. From my perspective, I only found that courage because she held my hand on that stage. But she still insists on praising me.
"I don't think anyone noticed because it was hidden, but I didn't think you'd actually hold hands on stage."
Apparently, Hanako-san had seen it.
From the angle of the stage wings, it must have been visible. That meant Todo-san had likely seen it, too. When I glanced her way, she gave me a sheepish, wry smile.
"Ahaha, actually, I was so overwhelmed myself that I didn't even notice..."
True, given how stiff she looked, she probably didn't have the bandwidth to look at anything else.
"Is it so wrong? Me supporting Kazunari-san is no different from a wife supporting her husband. Right, Darling?"
"T-That’s... That’s right, Sara."
I keep thinking I should get used to this, but my embarrassment always gets the better of me. Besides, Sara was becoming increasingly bold regardless of who was around...
"...S-Satsukawa-san has finally started acting like a total wife..."
"...N-No, Takanashi-kun also replied without an honorific..."
Everyone went silent for a moment.
"...Let's just leave those two alone for a while."
"In fact, I'm feeling conflicted as a big sister because the content of Kazunari's speech was secretly all for the sake of his wife," Hanako-san remarked.
It was a fair point. I had intentionally framed the speech to encourage everyone to help Sara.
"But, since it was right after Satsukawa-san's speech, the atmosphere was already primed to support the new President. Your timing was quite good. You didn't... plan that, did you?"
The Former President offered some backup, but I certainly wasn't being that calculating. I didn't have the mental capacity for it. I just wanted to say: "Since you all dumped this responsibility on her, you better help her out."
"I just really wanted to say it. Since Sara is taking on the most difficult role, I wanted to tell everyone to at least cooperate... I knew it wasn't a standard greeting. But I..."
Squeeze.
Sara tightened her hug. She was telling me not to say anything more.
"Kazunari-san, as long as I have you by my side, that is enough. With you, I can overcome anything. I can work hard no matter what. If I am with my beloved husband, anything is possible..."
She spoke as if to convince me, her voice slow and gentle as she stroked my head.
"I'll work hard too. To be honest, the position of Vice President is just a convenient title for me. Because thanks to that title, I can be with you openly, Sara, and I can help you without holding back."
That was the honest truth of the matter.
"Oh, Kazunari-san. I'm happy to hear that, but saying things like that in front of people is a 'no-no,' okay?"
Sara poked my forehead, giving me a warning that held no real anger. Since she was clearly pleased, she immediately pulled me back into another hug.
"I'm sorry, but it's my honest feel—mmph."
"I said 'no-no'... but Kazunari-san won't listen. This calls for a punishment."
Because I didn't stop, Sara unleashed her special move to forcibly silence my lips. I’m not sure if she really thinks this is a punishment, but to me, it was nothing but a reward.
Wait... were we forgetting something?
"...Hey, can someone do something about this?"
"...How far can those two go with their flirting?"
"...They've definitely forgotten we're even here..."
"...The Satsukawa-san I saw on stage earlier was an illusion... just an illusion..."
"Hanako-san..."
"Sigh, they're so much trouble... Kazunari, let go already. It's Big Sister's turn next."
"That's your takeaway!?"
In the end, after being scolded by Hanako-san (for some reason, only me), I apologized and was eventually "forgiven" by Sara.
After that, the rest of the group started calling me by my official title with cold, teasing looks, and I was worked like a dog during the cleanup process...