The flurry of conversation about the upcoming Christmas in our recent group chat lasted only a fleeting moment.
The reality was that we now faced the final wall standing in our way: the term-end exams. Consequently, our Student Council decided to hold another study session, following the success of the previous one...
"So, I'd like to get started right away..."
Gathered around the long conference tables were the current Student Council Members... along with the seniors from the third-year group who had already retired. The one taking charge while looking over the assembled faces was this person...
"Hey, why is Uesaka-kun the one running things?"
"Shouldn't it be the current President, Satsukawa-san?"
"No, well, it’s not like I don’t think so too, but..."
Uesaka-san, the former Student Council President and today's designated commander, flashed a subtle, awkward smile as he glanced over at us.
As for what the current President, Sara-san, was doing...
"I apologize, but as a rule, I have no intention of teaching anyone other than Kazunari-san."
"Whoa, she just flat-out said it!"
"...I mean, it’s not exactly a surprise at this point."
"Exactly. Even last time, Satsukawa-san was stuck to Takanashi-kun the whole time."
As a general rule for this study session, the Student Council President was supposed to manage the overall situation and provide support as needed (a rule that had been decided at some point). Beyond that, the format was that those who understood a subject would take the lead in teaching those who didn't.
Naturally, one would expect Sara-san, who held the top academic rank in the grade, to do just that... but in reality, asking that of her was a bit of a tall order.
In fact, even now, she had nonchalantly taken a seat right next to me, looking more than ready to serve as my exclusive private tutor.
"Haha... W-Well, it’s fine this time. I’m here, and it looks like the third-year group is participating as well."
"True. My path is already set through a recommendation, so there's no reason for me to scramble now."
"Wait, was that a jab at me!?"
"It’s your own fault for recklessly raising the rank of your first-choice school. If you’d aimed for a safe zone, you’d be on this side of the fence by now."
"Urgh... that hits where it hurts."
Just as they said, the seniors had plenty of leeway (though I wasn't so sure about one of them), so they often dropped by whenever they had free time.
Because of that, they were able to help out with our "duties" (?) just as they were doing now, which was a huge relief for us...
"But once we graduate, Satsukawa-san, you'll eventually have to steel yourself, won't you? New first-years will be joining, after all."
"I suppose so. Well, I will keep it in mind and try to do my best... for now."
"Ah, she's definitely not going to do it."
"If I happen to have a moment of spare time in between looking after Kazunari-san’s studies, I wouldn't mind."
"Hah... Satsukawa-san really has changed. In a bit of an interesting direction."
"Yeah. Well, I guess we should be glad she at least said she'd do her best."
"Th-Then, Satsukawa-san, when you have that spare time, please teach me!!"
"H-Hey, I’m first..."
"I believe I clearly stated that I have no intention of teaching anyone other than Kazunari-san... Are your ears merely decorative? Moreover, you surely didn't mean to suggest that you intended to participate in a study session with nothing but that textbook, did you?"
"......"
Sara-san shot the two of them a look of blatant contempt—so cold it made me feel chills just watching—in response to their silence, which served as their only answer.
The two in question must have expected this, yet they still hung their heads in utter dejection.
"Well... it is your choice to throw away a precious opportunity, so feel free to do as you please."
"Yes..."
"We’re sorry..."
"Now, shall we begin our preparations, Kazunari-san?"
"Y-Yes!!"
"Fufu... if you work hard on your studies, I'll give you plenty of rewards later, okay? ♪"
"Y-Yeah. I'll do my best!"
In a complete reversal from a moment ago, Sara-san returned to her usual self—the Sara-san I loved, with an endlessly kind gaze and a soft smile.
""Uwoooooooooooh!!""
Suddenly, the two seniors made a loud clattering of footsteps and bolted out of the Student Council Room at full speed... while the other council members watched them go with pity in their eyes.
In my heart, I sent a cheer of encouragement to the seniors... Don't mind.
"Hmm... as merciless as ever."
"I wouldn't know. I am neither curious enough nor idle enough to bother with people who have no intention of studying on their own."
"Ahaha... That’s so typical of Satsukawa-san!"
"Really. The contrast between how she treats Takanashi-kun and everyone else is like a comedy sketch."
"Please do not use Kazunari-san as a comparison. It is rude."
"...You're loved to the extreme, aren't you, Takanashi-kun?"
"H-Haha..."
Since the seniors were looking at me with lukewarm eyes, I tried to brush it off with a polite laugh for now. I was well aware of it without being told, but my heart wasn't strong enough to say it out loud...
"That is a matter of course, even without saying it."
But it seemed Sara-san was perfectly fine with it. Yes.
"Well, that was quite the feast."
"It’s not even teasing anymore."
"H-Haha. S-So, time is precious, shall we get started?"
"Y-Yes. Honestly, I’m grateful to have more time for studying."
"Oh, Takanashi-kun is really fired up. I guess having a clear goal makes a difference in your motivation?"
"No, I heard that grades for designated school recommendations are looked at starting from the first year, so I just don't have the luxury to be careless anymore."
I didn't want to call it a matter of natural intelligence, but for someone like me who wasn't exactly good at studying, being careless with test preparations could be fatal.
Still, because I had been working hard on my daily studies, I felt that I was much better off than before.
"Alright... I have to work at least half as hard as Takanashi-kun."
"Marina, your goal is too low. You should at least say you won't lose to him."
"Uu... but I'm not good at studying."
"I'll look after you, so work at least as hard as Kazunari today."
"Hanako-san... thank you!!"
"It’s nothing. His wife is sticking to him anyway, so I can't look after Kazunari's studies."
"Ah, r-right..."
As she spoke with a small smile, that part of Hanako-san felt like she was just hiding her embarrassment... So, whether it was because of me or not, Hanako-san probably would have looked after Todo-san's studies anyway.
...And probably Sara-san too.
"Hmm... a toast to heartwarming friendship."
"In that case, shall we roll up our sleeves for our cute juniors too?"
"P-Please! I can't afford to let my grades drop any further..."
"M-Me too..."
Encouraged by the seniors' reliable words, the two who had been quietly watching the situation until now spoke up in a panic. Those two had been taught by the seniors last time as well, so it was only natural in that sense.
"Sure thing~. Well then, you two work hard with us."
"By the way, what about the two who ran out?"
"They'll probably be back soon anyway."
"True. Let's just leave them alone~."
Those two would likely return as if nothing had happened (there was precedent), so we decided not to worry about them.
Uesaka-san would probably look after their studies... maybe.
"Then, let's focus... and begin the study session."
""Yes!!""
Alright, I'm going to put my heart into it and study too!!
…………… ……… …
"Let's see... I think this part goes like this..."
"Fufu... you've properly overcome the problems you stumbled on last time, haven't you?"
"Ahaha, it's thanks to you teaching me the tricks, Sara-san."
An hour had passed since the study session began.
With Sara-san as my ultimate private tutor staying by my side, I was steadily progressing through the test preparation workbook—Sara-san's Special—that doubled as a review. Lately, I had been feeling for myself that the number of times I got stuck in the middle was decreasing. It made me happy, and at the same time, I couldn't help but feel grateful to Sara-san all over again.
"Alright, this should do it..."
"Yes, that's correct♪ Fufu... there, there. You're a good boy."
Confirming that my answer was correct, Sara-san happily reached out her hand and carefully gave me my reward, a "there, there"...
"...Strange. I thought that tutor only used the whip until this spring."
"...Now there's nothing but candy."
"...Actually, it's more like syrup than candy, isn't it?"
"...Dammit, how long are they going to keep that up?"
"...I'm jealous... I'm so seriously jealous..."
Ever since this study session started, Sara-san had practically been petting my head the entire time... I could feel a heavy, fed-up atmosphere drifting from everyone else.
But for me, there was nothing more important than a happy Sara-san, so it couldn't be helped!
"Alright, let's take a break."
At the same time Uesaka-san spoke, the smartphone alarm that had been set went off loudly. Everyone placed their pens on the table; it had been exactly one hour since we started, and the first half was already over.
I had been so focused that it felt like it went by in an instant.
"I probably don't even need to ask, but how are things on your end, Takanashi-kun?"
"Kazunari-san is doing fine. He’s handling the slightly tricky questions quite well."
"I see, that's good. In any case, it's nothing but a pleasure to see Takanashi-kun's grades being secure. For various reasons..."
"Various reasons?"
If it meant that my grades going up made my future education secure, I could understand, but were there other reasons to be happy?
"True. We don't know what will happen next year."
"That's because there was no one who could compete with Satsukawa-san this year."
"Takanashi-kun has an extreme level of name recognition, for better or worse, so it's important to increase the number of elements that give people a good impression of him, even if only a little."
"Um, what are you talking about...?"
As the seniors engaged in their casual conversation, I felt a somewhat ominous atmosphere... honestly, I couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this.
"Hm? What? We’re talking about next year's Student Council Presidential Election."
"I think it makes the most sense for Takanashi-kun to do it, after all."
"I also think I would like Takanashi-kun to be the Student Council President next year."
"Eeeeeeh... even Uesaka-san!?"
It was exactly the topic I had expected.
But I hadn't thought that even the third-years would be thinking so far ahead, following everyone else. Besides, the idea of me being the Student Council President... I couldn't imagine it at all.
Honestly, what was the deal?
"There is no issue with that. It's already been decided that Kazunari will be next year's Student Council President."
"Oh, we've received word from the reliable brain!"
The one who jumped into the conversation right then was, of course, my "big sister," Hanako-san. She stated it with strange confidence, as if it were a given.
"Since you put it that way, does that mean the topic has already come up among you all?"
"Natsumi-senpai and Yokokawa have declared they will join the election support. So, the female votes are guaranteed to be monopolized."
"Ah, that makes sense. If Takanashi-kun runs, Natchi and Yokokawa-kun are bound to support him. And if that happens, their cheering squads will come along as a set?"
"Exactly."
I did feel like Natsumi-senpai and Hayato had said something like that back then... but I hadn't decided to run yet. In the first place, I'd only been Vice President for about two months; this was way too premature.
"Come to think of it, Takanashi-kun is secretly popular with the upperclassmen girls."
"Huh?"
A senior suddenly said that and gave me a nasty grin while looking at my face.
It was so sudden that I couldn't understand what she was saying...
Popular?
Me?
No, no, you must be joking.
"Ah, I was curious about that too! In my class, people say Takanashi-kun is cute and... hieeeeeeeee!?"
And similarly, another senior who had been looking at me with a smirk... suddenly let out a scream, her face twisted in terror, and jerked her head away.
As for the reason...
I hadn't confirmed it yet, but...
"S-Satsukawa-san, you see."
"Pardon? I am not bothered by this in the slightest?"
"Liar!! That’s a total lie!!"
I hadn't seen Sara-san's face yet, and I was only going by her voice...
But excuse me, I also think that's a lie.
"Heh... So even Satsukawa-san gets jealous?"
"That's not it. His wife is a huge jealou—"
"Ha-na-ko-san?"
"M-Mistake..."
When even Hanako-san went quiet and averted her eyes in a panic... just how much terror was existing right next to me?
Wait, no, that wasn't right.
Since I knew Sara-san was feeling bad, this was where I should...
"Sara-san. No matter what anyone says, it has nothing to do with me."
"Kazunari-san..."
I had no intention of believing such dubious stories, and letting Sara-san feel bad was out of the question.
That was why there was only one thing I should do right here and now.
"For me, there is only Sara-san."
"Yes... Darling."
""Darling!!??""
Regardless of the reason, while it was nice to know there were people who looked at me favorably, it didn't mean anything special was going to happen.
I absolutely didn't want to do anything that would make Sara-san anxious over something like that.
"...Wh-What was that exchange just now!?"
"...Satsukawa-san called Takanashi-kun 'Darling'!!"
"...Wait, H-Hanasaki-san, those two..."
"...It's nothing new."
""Ah... true.""
I felt like the outsiders were saying whatever they wanted, but as long as Sara-san's mood had recovered, that was the most important thing to me. Well, I felt like it might have recovered a bit too much... Hasn't Sara-san's distance become closer? Is it just my imagination?
"Takanashi-kun... jokes aside, would you consider trying to be next year's Student Council President?"
"Uesaka-san?"
This time Uesaka-san spoke up, but unlike the other seniors, he seemed somewhat more serious.
"There's still time, so you can think about it slowly... but to be blunt, if you're aiming for a designated school recommendation, it will be a plus factor. Besides, you have many talented people and reliable supporters around you, and more than anything, I believe it will be for your own sake in the future."
"For my sake?"
"Yes. This is just my intuition, but such an experience will surely be useful for your future. Isn't that right, Satsukawa-san? Hanasaki-san?"
While keeping a tone that suggested more than he let on, Uesaka-san sent meaningful glances not just to me but to Sara-san and the others... and the two of them gave a small nod as if in agreement.
"Kazunari-san. I will also support you with all my might, so could you please seriously consider the matter of the Student Council President? Of course, the talk about the future is part of it, but personally, I believe there is no one else to succeed the position but Kazunari-san."
"Sara-san..."
"Even after his wife graduates, I can support him until the end. Besides, I agree with the former President. For the sake of his future, Kazunari should experience being the Student Council President."
"Hanako-san..."
To be honest, if the two of them went that far... especially if Sara-san said it should be "me," then that alone was enough of a reason to take it on.
And even if I didn't know exactly how the experience would be useful for my future, there was no doubt it would be irreplaceable. Throwing away such an opportunity wasn't what I aimed for.
In that case...
"I understand. I'm not sure if I can really handle such a major role when I'm still learning the ropes as Vice President... but I will consider my candidacy."
"Yes, that's fine. Good... now I can truly say I have no more regrets."
"Uesaka-kun, you sound like an old man."
"Urgh... d-don't say that. Natsumi tells me that all the time too."
"Ahaha... but, that’s good."
It seemed he was satisfied with my answer for now. While his smile twitched at the retort from the side, Uesaka-san still gave me a big nod and a direct gaze.
To think he would care not just about the daily Student Council activities, but even about things after graduation and my future... I felt truly humbled.
"Kazunari-san, let's work hard together."
"Yes. But first, for one more year, I'll do my best in my role as Vice President."
"Fufu... I am counting on you, Darling?"
Setting aside next year for a moment, for now, I would focus all my energy on my role as Vice President—on supporting the President, Sara-san. After that, I could think about it again.
"...Satsukawa-senpai and Takanashi-kun, they've really started to look like a married couple lately."
"...A high school couple as the Student Council President and Vice President... just how many legends do those two plan to create at this school?"
"...The Miss Contest Crusher, a proposal on stage, and the sight of the Student Council President coming to school wearing an engagement ring. Now, what's next...?"
"...Hey, Hanako-chan. I'm seriously counting on you regarding those two, okay?"
"...You don't have to tell me, just leave Kazunari to me."
"...I’m a bit uneasy about that, too. Todo-san, you help out as well, okay?"
"...Fueh!? I-I'll do my best."
"Now, the break is almost over, so let's switch gears."
""Yes!!""
But for now... I’ll put my top priority into working hard on the term-end exams!