◆
The next day.
After leaving the manor, I headed to Kikou Academy in the car with Hinako, just as I did every morning.
(...That photo session really dragged on.)
The maid outfit photo session Ms. Shizune had requested last night had taken over an hour longer than planned. Apparently, those particular clothes were highly functional as workwear, and there was a possibility they would be put into practical use at the Konohana manor from now on.
Thanks to the session running long, I had gained a surprising amount of knowledge about maid outfits. I wondered if the average person knew that they were generally divided into two types: Victorian Maid Style and French Maid Style. The Victorian style was designed as practical workwear; it was austere with minimal decoration and usually featured a long dress. The French style was the "cosplay" variety, generally adorned with flashy frills and lace. The ones we had photographed last night were the Victorian style.
(I feel like Ms. Shizune has been showing her true self more since I found out about her cosplay hobby...)
Until recently, the Shizune I interacted with was strictly the Head Maid. My impression of her had been that of a perfect, elegant woman who was severe with both herself and others. Lately, however, she often relaxed even in my presence. For example, when she came to my room yesterday, she had sat right down on my bed. That was a side of her she never would have shown me when we first met.
"Nngh..."
Hinako, sitting beside me, let out a sleepy groan.
"Sorry. I know I made you leave for school earlier than usual today."
"...It can't be helped. You have a meeting with Tennoji-san and the others, right?"
That was exactly it. I wanted to get to the academy early today to hold a strategy session with Mirei and Narika. Asahi-san and Taisho had also offered their help, promising to arrive at the same time.
"If Itsuki becomes Vice President, I’ll be happy too... so I’ll help."
"Hinako..."
I was deeply moved by her words as she sat there blinking her bleary eyes.
Once the election was over, I would let her sleep as much as she wanted. I would make sure she had a perfectly lazy day where she didn't have to lift a finger. All-you-can-eat potato chips and ice cream—all within limits that wouldn't get her caught by Ms. Shizune, of course.
"But... I think you've been a little too close lately."
Hinako said, staring at me intently.
"Too close? What is?"
"..................Moo..."
Staaaaaaaaare. Hinako glared at me.
Then, she began rhythmically thumping my thigh with her tiny fists.
"Ow."
"Itsuki, you idiot."
"Ow, ow."
"Idiot, idiot, idiot..."
In reality, it didn't hurt at all. I understood she was dissatisfied with something, but since I had no idea what it could be, I was simply confused. What did she mean by "too close"...?
"............I'm rooting for you."
"...Thanks."
I felt a wave of gratitude as Hinako finally pulled her fists back.
"But, if you betray me................ death."
"Death!?"
I felt like Hinako's vocabulary had been changing lately. Was this also the influence of shoujo manga?...I was just glad Ms. Shizune wasn't here to hear that.
◆
Once I arrived at the academy, I picked up an Election Bulletin being distributed on the first floor of the Main Building.
(...So, we’ve finally been overtaken.)
Mirei and Narika each held about 30% of the vote, while Joto had secured a 40% support rate. Joto, who had only been at 20% during the first poll, had doubled his support and finally claimed the top spot.
Excluding the weekend, there were only five days left in the election period, including today. Since we were already in the final stretch, we had to monitor the trends in support rates more carefully than ever.
"Tomonari-san!"
"Itsuki!"
When I reached the meeting spot, both girls called out to me simultaneously.
"Tennoji-san, Narika..."
Mirei Tennoji and Narika Miyakojima. The two candidates for Student Council President looked at me with grave expressions.
"I saw the video you sent yesterday. Ren Joto... his image has changed quite significantly."
"I can tell how skilled his oratory is even through a screen. It’s frustrating, but I don't think I can replicate that."
I had shared the video I’d filmed with both of them yesterday. It seemed the threat Joto currently posed had been accurately conveyed.
Asahi-san and Taisho were standing behind them. I felt nothing but gratitude for them gathering so early. I decided to relay the plan quickly.
"I think it will be difficult to beat Joto-kun in a pure battle of speeches right now. However, that doesn't mean we can't take countermeasures. If the other side is aiming to expand their influence, we must do the same."
The best defense was a good offense. If Joto was aiming to expand his faction, we would do the same and turn the race into a direct struggle for the students' favor. Joto was clearly targeting the swing votes. Therefore, we would target the same demographic.
"I'm going to change the locations for our flyer distribution. I’ll head toward the back gate."
"The back gate?" Mirei tilted her head in confusion.
"Not many students use the back gate to commute, so we haven't prioritized it until now. That’s exactly why I think it will be effective. By reaching out to them personally, I think we can get people interested who otherwise wouldn't care about the election."
"That makes sense..." Narika nodded, convinced.
First, we would carefully gather the votes we had been overlooking. It was slow, steady work, but it would serve as a strategy that combined offense and defense against Joto's camp.
"Tennoji-san, Narika, please distribute flyers in other locations today. The spots are—"
I gave them both specific locations intended to capture those overlooked votes.
"Asahi-san and Taisho-kun, please stick to the grounds as usual."
"You got it!"
"Leave it to us!"
We would continue distributing flyers on the grounds where foot traffic was heaviest. Since the number of flyers distributed directly correlated to the number of students who would attend the speeches, we couldn't afford to let our volume drop.
After giving the instructions, we moved to our respective posts. As I told the others, I headed toward the back gate at a brisk pace with a bundle of flyers.
However, I encountered an unexpected person there.
"Minato-senpai..."
"Oh, if it isn't Tomonari-kun."
Maki Minato, who had been handing out flyers to students as they arrived, turned around and smiled.
"I thought you might come here. You're trying to pick up the swing votes, aren't you?"
I felt a sudden jolt, as if my heart were being gripped by a cold hand. She had read me. She knew exactly what I was thinking.
"The other places you’d likely have your eye on would be the first floor of the Main Building and the corridors, I imagine. Are Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san at those spots?"
"..."
"Did I hit the bullseye? If so, you’re a step too late. We've already secured those locations."
Minato-senpai had instantly deduced the locations I had sent Mirei and Narika to.
I knew this chilling sensation. She wasn't my mentor's former disciple for nothing. I felt an aura from Minato-senpai that was strikingly similar to Takuma-san’s.
But—
"I am different from that man," Minato-senpai said, as if sensing my thoughts. "Judging by that reaction, you’ve heard, haven't you? Whose disciple I once was."
"...Yes."
I felt a pang of guilt for having found out without her telling me. Minato-senpai wore a self-deprecating smile.
"I am not like him. All I can do is simple prediction based on diligent observation and experience. It’s a mediocre talent that anyone can achieve with enough effort."
She mocked herself, but in the next instant, her gaze pinned me down.
"But with that alone, I will show you that I can win."
Struck by her sheer determination, I found myself unable to speak.
"If I win... I wonder what kind of face he will make."
With that, Minato-senpai resumed distributing flyers. The side profile I saw as she turned away was hauntingly fragile and tinged with a deep sorrow.
I knew there were complex emotions behind her declaration of war. I understood that. I understood, but I didn't have the luxury of sympathizing with her.
I immediately returned to the grounds. A short while later, Mirei and the others returned, looking equally flustered.
"Tomonari-san, I am so sorry. The distribution spots were already occupied."
"Same here. Sorry, Itsuki..."
I shook my head as they apologized.
"It was my oversight, so please don't apologize....Let's just distribute flyers here on the grounds today as usual."
We couldn't stop the campaign entirely. There was no choice but to work the grounds.
However, even though I knew I had to pivot, I couldn't suppress the growing anxiety in my chest. Minato-senpai had mocked herself as mediocre, but there was no way that was true. She was the former Student Council President. She was someone who had fought her way through this exact election process and won. How could someone whom the majority of Kikou Academy had chosen to lead them be considered mediocre?
The fact that such a formidable person had joined the enemy camp filled me with a sense of impending dread.
"—Tomonari-kun!"
Suddenly, both of my cheeks were sandwiched between someone's hands. Caught between small, warm palms, I stared in surprise at the girl standing right in front of me.
"Asahi-san...?"
"If you make a gloomy face like that, you're only going to put yourself at a bigger disadvantage!"
I snapped out of it. Since we had started working the grounds, I was the only one who hadn't handed out a single flyer. In my agitation, I had unconsciously been wearing an expression that drove people away.
Asahi-san pulled her hands back.
"I’ll support you, so let's work hard together!"
"............Yes."
I had lost sight of the absolute basics. In an election, what the students evaluated most wasn't the policy—it was the candidate's character. Handing out flyers with a scowl was completely counterproductive.
"Asahi-san, thank you."
"You're welcome!"
I thanked her for reminding me of what mattered. Seeing her sparkling, energetic smile, I couldn't help but smile back.
"Hm?"
At that moment, I felt a heavy gaze from behind and turned around. There, staring at me with chillingly intense glares, were Narika and Mirei.
"Um... is something wrong?"
"...Nothing."
"...It is nothing at all."
Their faces said the exact opposite, but... for now, I had to focus. I resumed distributing flyers.
◇
Itsuki had no way of knowing this, but...
At this exact moment, Mirei Tennoji, Narika Miyakojima, and Hinako Konohana—who was secretly peeking out from the school building—were all thinking the exact same thing.
Itsuki and Asahi-san.
Those two............ hasn't their distance been a bit too close lately?
The suspicion taking root in their hearts was destined to grow, day by day.
◇
When the first period ended, Hinako let out a quiet, relieved sigh.
(Phew... class is finally over.)
Hinako didn't find the academy's curriculum particularly difficult. Since she was forced to undergo far more advanced studies at home, her brain rarely got tired from the daily lessons.
If anything, it was simply a chore to maintain her facade of perfection. Hinako was always on guard, ready to provide a perfect answer regardless of when the teacher called on her. While she was certainly used to the habit after years of training, Hinako loved her sleep so much that if given the chance, she would have fallen into a deep slumber in less than five seconds.
(I hope no one talks to me...)
Maintaining her mask as the perfect lady, Hinako wished for a moment of peace. However, voices from behind her caught her attention.
"Tomonari-kun, regarding yesterday's speech, there was this one part..."
"...I see, we can definitely use that as a reference."
When she stole a glance back, she saw Itsuki and Karen talking. Perhaps to avoid being overheard by the surrounding students, the two had their heads close together as they whispered.
(I-I knew it... they're too close...!)
Lately, the physical distance between them had been noticeably tight. It was the kind of proximity that wouldn't be strange for a couple. Hinako knew Itsuki and Karen were doing it unconsciously, but because it was unconscious, it looked all the more like their natural, preferred distance.
As Hinako's anxiety grew, she heard a conversation between nearby classmates.
"Those two have been getting along quite well lately, haven't they?"
"I wonder if they've started dating?"
"Well, if that's the case, we'll have to find a way to congratulate them."
"They are both such hard workers; they really do make a lovely match."
It wasn't just Hinako; the other students had noticed the chemistry between Itsuki and Karen. This was bad. At this rate, the narrative would be set in stone by the student body.
(......!)
Hinako stood up with sudden force. While the classmates nearby widened their eyes in surprise, Hinako walked straight toward Itsuki and Karen without a moment's hesitation.
"—Are you discussing the election?"
Maintaining her perfect lady act, she addressed them. Itsuki and Karen looked up, slightly startled, but Itsuki immediately nodded.
"Yes. We were brainstorming for the next speech..."
"As a friend, please allow me to offer my assistance as well."
When Hinako said that, Karen's face lit up with a bright smile.
"That's great, Tomonari-kun! Konohana-san's insight is incredibly valuable!"
"You're right... I'm grateful."
Since Hinako usually preferred to rest, her offer of help left Itsuki a bit bewildered, but he expressed his gratitude nonetheless. While Hinako wore a gentle, supportive smile, she secretly shot a sharp look at Karen.
(Hmph... the real Itsuki doesn't even talk like that...!)
I know much more about the real Itsuki than you do.
(I even know the patterns on Itsuki's pajamas...!)
Yesterday they were checkered, and the day before that, they were solid blue. It was a secret from everyone else, but in truth, she was the one closest to him. Hinako silently fanned the flames of her rivalry.
◇
During the break after the second period.
Narika was speaking with a first-year girl in the hallway just outside her classroom.
"I'm sorry to trouble you during such a short break."
"No, I've wanted to speak with you too, Miyakojima-senpai, so it's no problem at all."
Narika's companion was a girl named Nishi, a student aspiring to a General Affairs position on the Student Council. Narika had met her at a previous tea party for candidate executives and had exchanged contact information.
"If I remember correctly, you wanted to hear more about the specific duties of General Affairs?"
"Yes. There are a few things I've been personally curious about. First..."
At the tea party, Nishi had explained that she wanted the role because her older sister had held the same position. Because of that, Nishi had heard a great deal about the inner workings of the role from her sister. Narika had asked Nishi to share that knowledge.
(As I thought, General Affairs is very similar to a sales position...) Narika thought as she listened.
Kikou Academy's Student Council didn't have a dedicated Liaison role. Instead, the responsibility of negotiating with external organizations to coordinate various events fell to General Affairs.
While the title usually suggested menial chores, the elite nature of the Kikou Academy Student Council meant that true "grunt work" was rare. The Treasurer handled all calculations alone, and the Secretary handled all records. Consequently, the primary duty of General Affairs was interpersonal negotiation. The President's duties were vast and varied enough to produce some menial tasks, but those were mostly handled by the Vice President.
(...Hm?)
While listening to Nishi, Narika saw a familiar pair in the corner of her eye. Itsuki and Karen were walking down the hallway, looking remarkably close.
"So, I was thinking there's really no reason for us to hesitate..."
"Hmm... that seems like it might be worth a shot."
She couldn't quite make out their conversation, but the two were pointing at various spots—the end of the hallway, the first-year building visible through the window—as they talked. They looked like they were having a wonderful time.
(Those two... aren't they much too close!?)
Because they were discussing election strategy, they likely couldn't speak loudly. But even so, Narika was bothered by the proximity of their faces. Their shoulders and elbows touched several times....Wait, did their fingers just brush against each other!?
Watching them, Narika felt her heart racing with anxiety. They looked exactly like a couple.
"Miyakojima-senpai?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing!?"
She had been so distracted by Itsuki and Karen that her focus had completely slipped. She pulled herself together and concentrated on what Nishi was saying.
After parting with Nishi, Narika immediately went to peek into the next classroom. She found Itsuki standing near the entrance.
"..................Itsuki."
She called out to his back in a low voice.
"W-What is it?"
"Just now... what were you talking about with Asahi-san............?"
Staaaaaaaaare. Narika glared at him. However, Itsuki explained the situation as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"We were scouting locations for campaign activities. Asahi-san suggested that since the trouble with Rintaro has been resolved, it might be a good time to start campaigning at the first-year building."
He added that since she was Rintaro's sister, she would have plenty of common ground with the students there. Narika simply continued to glare at him.
"Mumu..."
"W-Why are you looking at me like that?"
"............Nothing. I just thought you looked like you were having a lot of fun."
Pouting, Narika turned her head away. She was being blatantly sulky, but Itsuki spoke with a puzzled expression.
"Of course I am. If this goes well, it means I can be more helpful to you, Narika."
"Nnnnngh!!"
Narika's face turned bright red.
(T-That's completely unfair............!)
That was a total sneak attack. To have him say it was all for her sake so casually...
"............I don't know what will happen if you make me fall for you any more than this."
"Fall for..."
As Narika glared at him with ears as red as her face, Itsuki's own face began to flush.
"..................I-I'll be careful."
The bell rang for the next period. To hide their mutual embarrassment, they both looked down and hurried back to their respective seats.
◇
Lunch break.
Mirei, having finished her lunch in record time, was delivering a speech in front of the grounds.
"We will all hold positions of leadership in the future. That is precisely why I want you to understand that the charisma that captivates people is not merely an innate trait!!"
The election had entered its second half. Mirei, now accustomed to speaking before a large audience, projected her voice skillfully while gauging the crowd's reaction.
(Ren Joto's oratory was magnificent. However—I must not waver.)
She had been devastated after watching the video Itsuki sent last night. It was frustrating to admit, but Ren's speech had been perfect. He wasn't an opponent she could challenge on oratory alone with the skills she currently possessed. With only a few days left, she knew she couldn't catch up by simply trying to mimic his style.
But an election wasn't just a contest of public speaking. Remaining steadfast, believing in her team, and continuing her activities with a cool head—that was what she needed to do now.
As she shared her heartfelt vision with the students, Mirei noticed Itsuki watching her from the side. Karen Asahi was right there next to him.
(............)
Aren't they a bit close? No, she knew it couldn't be helped. The crowd was dense in front of Mirei, and Itsuki's group was at the center of it. They were likely being pressed together by the sheer volume of people.
If the mind is cleared, even fire feels cool—
Mirei composed herself and focused on her speech.
"When I am elected Student Council President, I will ensure this academy becomes a place where one truly learns the conduct of a leader! And—"
Just as Mirei was speaking with conviction, the crowd shifted. Pushed by the students around them, Itsuki and Karen were forced into a position that looked like a close embrace.
"A-Asahi-san...?"
"S-S-S-Sorry! I was pushed! I-I'll move away right now!"
"I-It's okay. Don't worry about it..."
"Ah, haha... this is a bit embarrassing."
With their faces inches apart, both of them were blushing furiously. The light vanished from Mirei's eyes.
"————I shall also strictly crack down on unpure socializing!"
A new campaign promise blurted out of Mirei's mouth of its own accord. The audience tilted their heads in confusion. In that moment, Mirei snapped back to her senses.
(I've done it now————desu wa!!)
She had said something ridiculous. She racked her brain, cold sweat trickling down her back. Her brilliant mind, which she had polished through sheer effort to rival even Hinako Konohana's, suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
"—That! Is!! A joke, of course!!"
Mirei's voice was pitched a bit higher than usual.
"Ever since the Management Game ended, I have noticed that many students have begun to let their guard down. I hope to use this election as an opportunity to promote behavior that is befitting of a student of Kikou Academy!"
The students, impressed by her high-minded sentiment, gave her a round of applause. Having escaped the crisis, Mirei breathed a massive sigh of relief.
(That was a stroke of genius cover-up, if I do say so myself...)
The speech ended, and the crowd began to disperse toward their classrooms. When she looked toward Itsuki, he was looking back at her. The moment their eyes met, he gave a slightly apologetic bow and walked away. He was likely going to check on Narika or perhaps scout Joto's camp.
As the area cleared out, Mirei spotted Karen. She hesitated over whether to call out. There was something she desperately wanted to ask, but she feared the answer might shatter the comfortable relationship they currently shared.
She agonized over it until she finally remembered who she was. I am Mirei Tennoji, the only daughter of the head of the Tennoji Group. I am not a woman who shrinks away for fear of failure.
"—Asahi-san!"
"Yes!?"
Mirei's voice came out much louder than intended. Karen's shoulders jumped in surprise as she turned around.
"Oh, it's just you, Tennoji-san. You surprised me; I heard this loud voice all of a sudden."
"My apologies. I was a bit too... energized."
Mirei apologized. Karen tilted her head, noticing that Mirei seemed unusually tense.
"I-I-I-I shall ask you frankly...?" Mirei looked Karen straight in the eye. "W-What... do you think of Tomonari-san?"
As Mirei asked the question with a bright red face, Karen's eyes widened. Several seconds passed—seconds that felt like hours to Mirei.
Karen, who had been momentarily speechless with shock, eventually let out a quiet, gentle smile. It was as if she had looked right through Mirei and understood everything.
"...Honestly, I might have started to like him," Karen said softly.
"L-Like h-whaaaaaa!?"
Mirei let out a strangled, undignified squawk. She immediately clamped her hands over her mouth, unable to believe she had just made such a sound.
"But you know, I've started to feel like there are other people who are more suited to be by Tomonari-kun's side. So, my 'like' is strictly as a person....I've decided to keep it that way."
Karen's explanation was brief, but Mirei sensed the complex struggle behind it. It was a conclusion she had reached after her own share of agonizing.
"I-Is that... so............"
Mirei didn't know what face to make, so she simply bit her lip. Had Karen given up? Or had she stepped back for some other, more vague reason? At the very least, Mirei wasn't the kind of person who could feel simple joy at the fact that a friend was withdrawing.
The fact that her friend was stepping aside hit her harder than the news that a rival had been removed.
"...Aren't you going to regret that?" Mirei asked seriously.
Karen looked surprisingly carefree as she thought it over.
"Hmm... well, if I ever feel like I'm going to regret it, I'll just fall for him for real then."
"Eh."
"I don't think I have to decide everything right this second."
Karen was more resilient than Mirei had given her credit for.
"I-I-I see..."
Now Mirei was the one feeling flustered. If Karen wasn't secretly suffering, then the only issue left was the fact that her rival was still very much a threat.
"B-By the way, desu wa..." Mirei asked timidly. "When you said someone more suited to be by Tomonari-san's side... who exactly did you have in mind?"
If Karen said Hinako Konohana, Mirei felt like she might let out another strange cry. She prepared her heart for any name that might come out.
Karen smiled and gave her answer.
"For example... you, Tennoji-san."
With that, Karen turned and headed back to the school building.
That smile. That attitude. Karen had clearly seen right through her. Mirei stood frozen for a long moment before finally...
"..................Feh."
Her face turned a deep, burning crimson as she looked down at her feet.
She knows. She definitely knows.