U-uoooooooooooooh...!!
She smelled so good! She smelled so good!
I grabbed a file window on the desktop with my cursor and swung it around in frantic circles. I couldn't think of any other silent way to vent this level of excitement. I’d always thought my experience with part-time jobs meant I was good at switching my professional mode on and off, but that composure was made of tissue paper now. My pipes were about to burst—no, they were already gushing. It was all I could do to keep a straight face.
To think Natsukawa... actually hugged me...!
To hell with those "lucky pervert" moments in shonen manga! If you get hugged by the person you’re actually in love with, even without any fan service, it’s enough to make you ascend to heaven! I’ve officially used up all my luck for the month. I was planning on rolling the gacha at the end of the month—what am I supposed to do now, you bastard?! I’m going to strike out for sure!
"Sajou—hey, what are you doing?"
"Ken-senpai."
"I told you, it’s not 'Ken'."
"My bad, Gou-senpai."
"Good grief... I have an update."
I spoke with Ishiguro Gou-senpai while desperately trying not to let the lingering scent of Natsukawa wafting from my uniform distract me. No matter how many times I heard it, that was one rugged name. It felt like his current appearance had been molded specifically to fit it. Staring at his chiseled features helped me regain a bit of my calm.
"I got in touch with Renji-san over chat. As planned, he’ll be leading the team over there. We might have to communicate with them directly at times, but there shouldn't be any issues in relaying our needs or current status. I’m going to set up a group conference call after this. Can you participate?"
Thanks to Hanawa-senpai’s moves, the plan was off to a smooth start. If things continued at this pace, we could have them handle the vast majority of the tedious manual labor. Unlike us, who can only scrape together time during lunch or after school, people who are used to computers working on this all day would likely finish with time to spare. That would give us the breathing room to add what Gou-senpai called "added value."
"Yeah, I brought my earphones, so I should be able to. Are we doing it here?"
"No, I can't exactly hold a call in the middle of a workspace... Let's use the empty classroom next door. The Wi-Fi from this room should reach there too."
"Got it. I’ll go to the faculty office to get the key, then."
"Right. Sorry to—hm?"
Just as I locked my computer screen and started to stand up, the classroom door right behind me was swung open with excessive force. Startled, I looked over to see the Student Council Vice President standing there with an expression so foul she looked ready to start a gang war.
Wait, what? This wasn't the plan, Yuuki-senpai. We’d specifically discussed keeping Nee-chan away from here since she doesn't get along with the committee president, Hasegawa-senpai. Seriously? She’s here already? Does she already know I’m involved?
"...Just as I thought... So that’s what’s going on..."
"Hey, why are you—"
"Quiet, second-year."
"Guh..."
Gou-senpai stood his ground against Nee-chan, but despite his firm stance, the difference in school year must have been his undoing. She silenced him in a heartbeat. Nee-chan marched over to me, grabbed my arm, and began dragging me toward the exit. Thinking I should at least get an explanation, I braced my feet for a moment. Her eyes immediately snapped to mine with a sharp "Huh?"
"Nee-chan."
"...It’s true that I was the one who brought you into the Student Council's orbit, and I’ll admit I wanted to get you used to the workload so I could officially recruit you later."
"That 'officially recruit' part is news to me."
This was the first I’d heard of it. Wait, she’d actually been thinking that? I thought being forced to help out every now and then was just the usual "errand boy" treatment. No way. You’re the Vice President, so please stick to proper reporting, contacting, and consulting. I almost got drafted into the Student Council without even knowing it.
"But if they are still going to be involved, that's a different story. I have no intention of letting my own brother get dragged into this. Don't get involved anymore."
"Nee-chan."
I could tell from the weight of her words that she was dead serious. This wasn't just about her dislike for Hasegawa-senpai. She was trying to distance me from the Executive Committee—or more accurately, from Yuuki-senpai and Gou-senpai.
Still gripping my arm with a grave expression, Nee-chan turned a piercing glare toward Gou-senpai.
"Don't screw with me, Yuuki’s errand boy. The failures of the Cultural Festival Executive Committee are the Student Council's responsibility. I may be a member of the Council, but my brother has nothing to do with it. You have no right to use him as a pawn."
"..."
"You’re useful." That was the gist of why Yuuki-senpai wanted me involved. In fact, I probably was just a pawn to him.
Gou-senpai crossed his arms, kept his mouth shut, and lowered his eyes to the floor. He didn't seem to have any intention of arguing back. He looked like he was simply thinking about how troublesome this had become. In truth, the only reason I was here was because of Yuuki-senpai’s machinations, so I suppose Gou-senpai couldn't escape the blame.
"Nee-chan, look around. Everyone’s staring."
"You stay quiet."
"Whoa..."
"W-Wataru..."
"Ah, no, I'm fine. Thanks."
When I grabbed her shoulder to try and calm her down, she immediately brushed my hand off. Man... she was angrier than I thought. She’d looked irritated the moment she walked in; I wonder if Yuuki-senpai had provoked her in the Student Council Room. That man... he’s the type who could use logic to argue that white was black and somehow make it stick. Just the sort of thing to drive Nee-chan up the wall.
As I stumbled back slightly and put my hand on the desk behind me, Natsukawa hurried over. I was grateful and happy, but it was dangerous for her to get close right now.
When I looked at Nee-chan again, she was wide-eyed, appearing to snap back to her senses as she looked at me and Natsukawa... but then her face soured and returned to that irritated scowl. It was rare to see her go through such a range of emotions so quickly.
"Come on, Nee-chan."
"Wait, what are you—"
While she was faltering, I took the chance to grab her shoulder and lead her out of the classroom. In that moment, I was surprised to realize the position of the arm I’d wrapped around her was lower than I expected. I’d long since surpassed her in height, yet I still had this image of Nee-chan being larger than me. Maybe it's because I spend so much time being looked down upon by her? She was quite tall back in elementary school.
Once I got her into the hallway, I let go and faced her. Gou-senpai followed us out, and then—wait, eh...? Natsukawa-san? Why did you follow us? You don't have to look so worried, we're just siblings! Nothing terrible is going to happen!
"A-Anyway... look, Nee-chan, you’ve got it all wrong."
"...Huh?"
"I've heard bits and pieces about what happened up until last year. I have no intention of getting tangled up in that mess. Besides, I don't even want to join the Student Council. It sounds like a massive pain."
"Huh? Who do you think you’re saying that to?"
"Ah, sorry."
Thinking about it rationally, I’d just insulted her position. Treating the Student Council like a "massive pain" in front of the Vice President was a surefire way to get her mad. Seriously, is our school’s Vice President always this terrifying?
"I’m well aware that Yuuki-senpai is using me like a pawn. I’m helping out because I agreed to it."
"That’s just! I’m sure Hayato whispered some nonsense in your ear and forced you to agree."
"Maybe so, but for me, it was actually a godsend. If I hadn't been able to do anything here, I’m sure I would have regretted it."
"Regretted it...? You don't mean to tell me you’ve developed an attachment to someone in the Student Council, or that he used me as leverage, do you?"
"Eh, the Student Council...?"
The Student Council... Oh, I see. Ultimately, the Student Council takes the fall for the Executive Committee's failures. That would mean the Council would be attacked by various factions, not just the "West," and it could lead to personal backlash against Nee-chan. I see... yeah, I hadn't even considered that.
"—No, that's not it. It’s not for the Council or for you, Nee-chan."
"Huh?"
"Why are you getting in a bad mood...? This is my own personal business. I might have been fine if I’d refused and walked away, but I felt like I had to be on the inside."
"'Felt like you had to'? You..."
Hey, why are you looking at me with such exasperation? Where did all that anger go? Why am I being looked at with eyes that say, "This guy is hopeless"?
In reality, the plan Yuuki-senpai had conceived was already nearly complete. Although he’d asked for my cooperation, I wasn't a key player in it. He probably had a backup plan in case I turned him down. Things would have worked out even without me.
However, things apparently move more smoothly with me involved. Even today, because I was the one explaining the computers to the first-years, it freed up manpower. Gou-senpai wouldn't have been able to arrange the meeting yet if he’d been tied up with explanations. That was the first benefit.
And things always go wrong. If an extra person like me is around, it acts as insurance in case Gou-senpai gets overwhelmed.
—And above all, I can help Natsukawa.
"Anyway! I have no intention of getting involved with the people you’re talking about, and I don’t plan on letting Yuuki-senpai use me as a pawn forever, either. I’m doing this because I want to, so please, just let it go this time."
"..."
Nee-chan looked away, her face clouded with thought. Her concerns clearly hadn't vanished, and she didn't look satisfied. I could see the internal struggle.
"............Fine."
Nee-chan closed her eyes with a quiet click of her tongue and let out a sigh that seemed to say, "You were always like this," before finally backing down. She then marched up to Gou-senpai, who had been standing silently with his arms crossed, and looked up at him from inches away.
"you."
"What."
"Since you coaxed him into this, take responsibility and look after him. If anything happens, I won't forgive you."
"...I intended to do that from the start."
It seemed she had finally relented, however reluctantly. After laying down her orders to Gou-senpai, Nee-chan turned toward the Student Council Room as if her business were concluded. By the way, does Gou-senpai not use polite speech with his senior? Is that why she’s so cold to him? I’m starting to get curious about their dynamic.
"—And also, Wataru’s..."
"Eh, ah, yes!"
Wait, please stop right there...!
Could you please not say "Wataru’s" to Natsukawa? She’s not mine, and you’re wandering into a very delicate subject. If you’re going to use a possessive, don't just trail off like that! I mean, what were you going to say? What exactly is Natsukawa to me in your head, Nee-chan?
"I’m not asking you for anything specific, but look after him for me."
"Y-Yes!"
Natsukawa replied with desperate earnestness. I couldn't tell from her expression what she was thinking when she gave that answer. Damn... I’m happy, but it’s awkward and embarrassing! I can’t even move! If I say something careless now, I’ll just take double damage. You have a sharp tongue, but you’re sounding exactly like our mother!
Nee-chan let out one final, emphatic sigh, and then walked away with heavy, resounding footsteps. My sister really is a storm. I definitely don't want to be an adult like that.
"...Let's get back to work. We have a meeting."
"Right."
Gou-senpai returned to the classroom without a word, acting as if nothing had happened. This guy is pretty much always in work mode. To be honest, I was grateful for the professionalism right now. I’d be in trouble if he started prying.
"...A-Are you okay...?"
"Eh, ah, yeah, I’m fine. Just a little misunderstanding between me and my sister."
"I see..."
"Yeah, that’s all it was... hm? Is something wrong?"
"Um..."
I replied with a tone that suggested we should head back, but Natsukawa, who was standing by the door, didn't move. She looked up at me with eyes that seemed to want to say something. She didn't look anxious, though. It might have been something trivial.
"...No, it’s nothing."
As I waited, Natsukawa seemed to reach a conclusion on her own. She shook her head slightly and went back into the classroom. Even if it was something minor, it seemed we weren't close enough anymore to just chat about meaningless things. Feeling lonely or unfulfilled because of that was probably just me being greedy.
I need to focus on work. If I can help Natsukawa even a little bit, that’s enough.