With an all-school morning assembly scheduled for today, homeroom was canceled. We all filed into the gymnasium in a long, sluggish line.
Lined up by class, every student's eyes were fixed on the gymnasium stage. Today was the day the new Student Council members would be officially announced.
Since Rui had won the presidency, the right to appoint the council members belonged to her and the faculty advisor. My own selection was a foregone conclusion thanks to our prior agreement, but the rest of the roster remained a mystery.
I figured Himesaki was a safe bet, but surely Rui wouldn't try to run the entire student body with a cabinet of only three people. If she intended to match last year’s numbers, she would need to appoint at least one more person.
I glanced over at Yuria and Airi, who were standing in the class rows. Honestly, since the two of them and Rui made up the school's famous Beautiful Girl Trio, I’d wondered if she might just recruit her best friends... but that wasn't happening.
When I’d asked them about it earlier, Airi had apparently declined in advance, claiming she was too busy with her "boyfriend" (her part-time job). Yuria had also passed, stating she wanted to prioritize her "hobbies" (which mostly consisted of watching perverted anime).
I suppose we weren't going to see a "Dream Team" council made up of the Beautiful Girl Trio plus Himesaki after all. Then again, if I had Yuria’s incredible thighs and Airi’s massive chest in the council room with me every day, I’d be far too distracted to get any actual work done. In a way, their refusal was probably a blessing.
"We will now begin the announcement of the new Student Council members, followed by the appointment ceremony. Madam President, if you please."
The announcement from the broadcasting committee member over the speakers caused the restless chatter in the gym to vanish instantly.
Here we go. It’s finally starting.
Rui had told me to make my way to the stage as soon as my name was called.
"—Everyone, thank you for your support in the recent election," Rui began, her voice steady as she offered a brief word of thanks from the stage. "I am honored to stand here as your Student Council President, and to introduce the members who will be walking this path with me."
The crowd leaned in. It was time for the reveal.
"To begin..."
Here it comes...!
"Vice President—Second Year, Ryouta Izumiya!"
"...Yes!" I shouted, my voice ringing out.
Vice President. She really did it. She called my name. I hadn't doubted her, but actually hearing it out loud made the reality sink in. I never imagined the day would come when a guy like me would be the Vice President.
Besides, I wondered how long it had been since Rui had addressed me by my full name like that. A chaotic mix of nerves, excitement, and new-found resolve swirled in my chest as I stepped forward.
"Next, Secretary General—First Year, Nozomi Himesaki."
"Yes!"
Himesaki’s name followed, just as expected. Rui had mentioned her potential involvement before, so that was no surprise.
The real question was the final member. Based on the structure of the previous council, the only major seat left was likely the Treasurer. Rui was a perfectionist who could handle almost anything herself, so I assumed she’d only pick someone she absolutely trusted.
"Lastly... Chief of Accounting, Public Relations, and Digital Affairs—"
That was a mouthful of a title. Who could possibly handle all that?
"Kanade Tanaka."
...Huh?
Wait, what? Did Rui just say... Kanade Tanaka?
"Eh! Ah, r-right! Yes!"
Tanaka’s voice squeaked out from the crowd as her glasses slipped off her nose and tumbled toward the floor.
Oi, oi, oiii! Of all the people in this school, why did Rui pick Tanaka?! Tanaka herself looked like she hadn't been told a single word about this!
"...That concludes the appointments. These four will begin their duties as the new Student Council starting today. We look forward to serving you."
Thunderous applause erupted throughout the gymnasium. It was a roar of approval and expectation—the students clearly believed that if Rui had chosen this team, it had to be a good one.
But I was standing there in a daze. Something was definitely wrong with this picture!
Why in the world was Tanaka on the council?!