Chapter 9:

Becoming A Student Council Officer

The Pride of A Banchou [Short]


I quietly exhaled a sigh.

The atmosphere in the practice hall had been really tense these days, especially after Sakuya-chan got into a big fight with Ryuu. We didn’t hear all the details, but we could hear them shouting at each other. I wished they could take it somewhere a bit further away from just outside the practice hall.

Ever since then, Ryuu stopped coming.

Ouji-senpai offered to go and pick him up as usual, but Sakuya-chan firmly told him not to bother Ryuu.

He’s no longer a part of us.” Sakuya-chan said. “It was my mistake for putting a normal student among delinquents like us. Let him live normally from now on.

If you asked me, Ryuu was never a normal student. The person himself would deny it with all his might, but he had something special. I mean, in the beginning, Ryuu was clearly scared of the delinquents just like everyone else. But then he quickly adapted and started treating us like we were normal students. He never saw us as problem children, just as fellow students who were a bit quirky.

I guessed that's why Sakuya-chan took interest in him.

“Hey, Sakuya-chan.” I called out to her, who was watching over the studying delinquents with a menacing look on her face. She seemed like she was ready to bite someone’s head off, which didn’t help lessen the tense atmosphere.

“…what, Tarou?” Sakuya-chan replied after a slight pause. She was clearly not in the mood to talk, but she knew she couldn’t avoid it forever.

“What happened between you and Ryuu?” I asked, noticing that Sakuya-chan’s shoulders jumped with a twitch at Ryuu’s name.

Lately, Sakuya-chan reacted like this whenever someone mentioned Ryuu. It was an extremely adorable reaction, so I purposely didn’t say anything about it.

“…we got into a fight. That’s all.” Sakuya-chan answered curtly, indicating that she wouldn’t say anything more than that.

I smiled wryly at her stubbornness. I could understand why Ryuu’s angry at her for being secretive, but I had decided to unconditionally trust Sakuya-chan. And that was the one thing that set me and Ryuu apart. If I didn’t have that, I’d probably quit just like Ryuu did.

“Hmmm, I see.” I purposely spoke in a carefree tone, and Sakuya-chan’s shoulders relaxed by a fraction. “So it’s related to your secret deal with the new teacher.”

Upon hearing my words, Sakuya-chan instantly turned toward me with wide eyes and a pale face. I smiled innocently as if I did nothing wrong.

Well, I did say I trusted her, but that didn’t mean I would blindly follow her without digging around. Hm? You’re asking who my source was? Haha, as if I could disclose that! It’s my trade secret, you know?

“Who told—no, what makes you think that way?” Sakuya-chan began asking for my source, but she quickly realized that I’d never answer that and changed her question.

“Well, it’s quite easy to figure out, you know.” I shrugged. “Right after that new teacher came, you gathered us and told us that we need to study if we want to pass the remedial test—a test that no one has ever heard of before. It’s easy to guess that you had some kind of deal with the new teacher involving this test, and Ryuu is helping you out. How about it? I’m awesome, right?” I grinned widely.

Sakuya-chan heaved a sigh. “Yeah, you’re always too sharp for your own good. Coming up with such an explanation from just bits and pieces…I’m sure you’re purposely baiting me to tell you the whole truth. What a cunning and sly person.”

Suddenly the corner of her lips lifted into a genuine smile.

“But that’s exactly why I’m glad you’re on my side, Tarou.” Sakuya-chan stared straight at me as she said it.

I felt my face reddened and I hurriedly stood up. “D-D-Did S-Sakuya-chan just praise me?! Did I finally raise a hidden romantic flag after clearing all of the available routes?! Sakuya-chan, will you go out on a date with me after this?!”

“Rejected.” Sakuya-chan refused me flatly, apparently used to my antiques.

I smiled wryly. If I didn’t ramble on like that, Sakuya-chan would find out just how shaken I was from her heartfelt words.

“But well, if you do well on your test, I may reconsider it.” Sakuya-chan casually dropped a bombshell as she left to check on the other delinquents.

“…?!”

I instantly tried to grab her hand to confirm it, but Sakuya-chan slipped away from me.

“Aah, really…” I stared at Sakuya-chan with gaze full of yearning. “You’re always good at riling people up, you know?”

*****

“Haaaahhh…”

I sighed for the umpteenth time as I lay my head on the desk. Reikou shot a worried glance at me, but she didn’t say anything. After all, I had been sighing nonstop ever since that fight with Sakuya.

When I think about it, the last time I sighed this much was when Sakuya sent me on my first—second, to be exact—errand to buy her a can of juice across the school.

I wish I could turn back time…life was much easier back then…” I thought, barely registering my homeroom teacher’s voice. “I kind of want to apologize and make up with Sakuya, but I still think that she should open up more about herself. Why do I have to apologize in the first place?! After all that she said, this isn’t my problem anymore!

I closed my eyes, replaying our fight in my mind. The memory easily came to me, perhaps because every single word was burned into my mind. There were some words that I regretted saying to her, but if I had the choice to turn back time, I would still persuade her to tell everyone the truth. There was no meaning in forcing people to follow you—that’s just plain tyranny, not leadership.

Then again, Sakuya was too stubborn to listen to someone like me.

The sound of the last bell ringing interrupted my thoughts. I lifted my head and started sluggishly cleaning up my desk, just like every other students.

“Ryuuji-kun, we’re planning on studying together today. Do you want to come with us?” Reikou offered from the seat next to me.

“Ah…” I turned to look at her. I had promised to join their study group, but then the bet happened and I never had the time for it. “Yeah, I don’t have any plans for today, so I’ll join you guys.”

Reikou was visibly surprised by my answer. “Oh…I seriously thought that you’re going to turn it down like usual. You haven’t been hanging out with the delinquents lately, right?” She asked innocently.

My fingers twitched at the mention of the delinquents, but I quickly clenched my fist to hide it.

“Yeah. I’m done hanging out with them.” I answered while focusing on packing my books. “We had our differences, so it’s only a matter of time, really.”

Even I knew how cold I sounded.

“That’s…” Reikou was about to say something, but in the end she closed her mouth again without saying a thing.

We both finished packing our books in silence and headed toward the hallway with Minami and Shou. The two of them also seemed surprised that I joined them today, but they were being considerate and didn’t say anything about it. With Shou joking around, Reikou going along with him, and Minami retorting them, I felt like I truly had returned to where I belong—as an ordinary student.

“Shiba-kun.”

A feminine, calm voice called out my name. I stopped putting on my outdoor shoes and turned around. The beautiful Student Council's Vice-President was standing in the hallway near the school entrance, attracting both curious and admiring looks from the students who were going home.

“Are you going home?” Marika asked me while smiling. Her arms were occupied with stack of books and reports.

“Y-Yes. Is there something you need from me, Senpai?” I asked her gingerly.

“No, I’m just passing by and happened to saw you, so I thought I’d say hi.” Marika shook her head. “It’s rare to see you going home this early.”

“Ah, that’s…” I averted my eyes. “I have study group with my friends, so I’m going with them. Besides, it’s normal for students to go home after school is finished, right?”

I didn’t know why it felt like I was making excuses in front of Marika.

“Hmm…I see.” Marika’s gaze was directed toward my friends behind me. “Good luck with the exam, okay? Kujou Minami-san, Kiriko Reikou-san, and Ishikawa Shou-kun.”

The three of them immediately straightened their backs. “Y-Yes, of course!”

They seemed bewildered that the Student Council Vice-President would remember their names.

“Then, see you later, Shiba-kun.” Marika turned around and walked away.

“Ryuuji, are you close with Tachibana-senpai? How come she bothers to come and greet you when she’s that busy? What did you do to get close to her?”

Without missing a beat, Shou immediately put his arm around my shoulder and bombarded me with questions.

“No…I’ll…explain it on the way.” I glanced at other students, who eyed me with the same intense curiosity.

“I also want to hear it!” Reikou immediately piped in.

“I-I’m also kind of curious…” Minami adjusted her glasses and whispered in small voice.

“Yes, yes, I get it.” I smiled wryly.

*****

“HUH?! She invited you to join the Student Council and you refused?!”

Shou’s shout rang loudly inside the fast food restaurant.

“Shou-kun, be quiet! You’re embarrassing us!” Minami hissed at him with red face.

But Shou didn’t let the other customers' pointed gaze bother him. He kept glaring at me while lowering his voice. “Are you even a man?! Why would you do that?! If that perfect, idol-like Senpai were to invite me to become her slave, I’d agree in a heartbeat!”

“I can’t say I fully agree with Shou-kun, but I’m also curious why you’d refuse her offer.” Reikou shot a withering glare at Shou.

“Well…I’m not really interested in the Student Council, you see.” I averted my eyes as I answered them. “I just want to be a normal student that doesn’t stand out, so becoming part of the Student Council will definitely make me stand out.”

“Even though you already stood out plenty by hanging out with the delinquents?” Minami’s jab really hit where it hurts.

I grimaced and quickly added, “Besides, if I join the Student Council, I won’t have time to hang out with you guys like today.”

Shou sighed and propped his chin on the table. “Ryuuji, you’re not fooling anyone here. We can tell that you’re not keen on joining the Student Council because your delinquent friends hate them. If you join them, you feel like you’re betraying your friends, right?”

“Ugh…” I was rendered speechless. Shou’s words were completely on the mark.

“But you no longer hang out with them. And they don’t have the right to judge you for what you choose in the first place.” Shou shot me a sharp look. “Don’t you think you should consider what’s best for yourself?”

“Hmm…maybe you’re right…but…”

“Ryuuji-kun, you should try joining the Student Council!” Reikou spoke up with fiery gaze. “You only live once, so you should experience many different things. Don’t worry about what other people may say about you! Even if your delinquent friends are mad at you, we’ll protect you. We’re on your side, after all!” She grinned as she said that.

“Reikou-san…” I was honestly touched by her words. “Thank you. I’m really happy to hear that. Maybe I’ll try considering about this again…”

“Shiba-kun, do you know that Student Council officers get a letter of recommendation from the school to help them get into their dream university?” Minami’s words delivered the last punch.

“R-Really?!” I stared at Minami wide-eyed.

“Really.” She nodded. “An upperclassman of our school managed to get into the world-famous university in England. He used to be our Student Council President and got a letter of recommendation from the school principal, so I’m sure it will be useful!”

Upon hearing Minami’s words, I was reminded again of the life plan that I made before entering Sakurasaki Academy. If I could enter a prestigious university after graduation, it wouldn’t be difficult to get a stable job and started my smooth-sailing life.

That was my dearest wish, and the reason why I studied so desperately to maintain my good grades. But somehow, right now I didn’t feel the same appeal that I felt just a few months ago.

For an instant, the figure of a petite, black-haired girl flashed across my mind.

Is it because she isn’t there with you?

That thought startled me so much that I nearly dropped my burger.

Why am I thinking about her again?! We’ve gone our separate ways—she’ll be fine, even without me around!” I slammed an imaginary lid on my own thoughts and shut it away.

“Speaking of which…” I spoke out to distract myself from my thoughts. “Why do you guys want me to join the Student Council so badly?”

I stared alternately at Shou, Reikou, and Minami. My eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“I know how kind you guys are, but it’s hard to imagine you desperately persuading me to join the Student Council just for my sake. What, exactly, is making you try so hard?” I questioned them.

At first, all three of them averted their eyes from me and refused to answer. But when I tried mimicking Sakuya and intensifying my glare, Minami was the first to break under pressure.

“I-It’s because…”

“Because?” I leaned forward in anticipation.

“…b-because of the Student Council room!” Minami blurted it out.

“…huh?” I stared blankly at her.

Student Council room? What did that have to do with them?

“I-I mean…” Minami started fidgeting. “I was told that students who were friends with Student Council officers can visit there anytime they want. S-So…I figured if Shiba-kun can join Student Council, I…I will be able to meet the President often…I think…ah! I don’t mean I l-like him or anything, it’s just that, I really, really admire him! That’s all!”

Minami frantically tried to explain herself.

“R-Ryuuji-kun, don’t blame Minami!” Reikou hurriedly covered up her best friend. “I also want to laze around in the air-conditioned Student Council room!”

“That’s so like you, Reikou-san…” I smiled wryly. “And what about you, Shou?” I turned toward the last person.

“Ahh…if we’re going to be honest, then I’ll say my reason too.” He raised both of his hands as if giving up. “I don’t want to miss my chance to meet the school idol, Tachibana-senpai, alright?! If you’re a man, then you should understand what I mean!”

“Don’t lump me together with you, idiot.” I stared at him coldly.

I had to admit that Marika’s bust was amazing, but she was just not my type. If I had to say, I would prefer girls who were slender, with moderate chest and shorter height, just like…

“Ahh, my bad. I forgot that you’re a fan of petite girls like Kagura—”

Before Shou could finish his sentence that seemed to voice my inner thoughts, I interrupted him by throwing my school bag at his face.

*****

“Marika-senpai.”

The next day, I visited the third-year classroom and called her out to a quiet hallway.

“My, it’s rare of you to come looking for me, Shiba-kun. Can I help you with something?” Marika tilted her head with a puzzled look.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch break, but it’s about your offer to join the Student Council. Does that offer still stand?” I asked her with a straightforward gaze.

Marika’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she couldn’t believe her ears. Then her expression changed to a joyful smile.

“Of course. I’ve told you that I won’t give up on you. Shiba-kun, you don’t know how happy I am to hear those words from you.” Marika beamed as she held my hands tightly. “As the Student Council Vice-President, I welcome you to the Student Council, Shiba Ryuuji-kun. Come to the Student Council room after school, okay? I’ll introduce you to everyone there.”

As I nodded and talked with Marika, I felt like I caught a glimpse of familiar long, black hair at the corner of my eyes.

I quickly turned to look, but there was no one in sight.

*****

At the corner of the hallway, a single girl leaned against the wall. Her legs shook so badly, as if they would give out anytime. Her hands were clenched so tight that they nearly drew blood. She opened her mouth to try and comfort herself, but only a muffled sob came out.

She buried her face in her hands, as if by hiding her distorted expression, she could hide her distorted feelings as well.

“I should…congratulate him…right?” A mutter leaked out from her trembling lips. “But why is it…that I feel like crying right now…? Even though this is what’s best for both of us…”

She dropped her hands and took another peek from the hallway. The boy who had been chatting with the Student Council Vice-President was nowhere to be seen, which elicited a relieved sigh from the girl.

“This really is the best for us…right? Ryuu?”

That whispered question, filled with bitterness, was swept away with the wind without ever reaching anyone.

The girl was too caught up in her feelings that she failed to notice the presence of another person. A male upperclassman silently watched over her distress from afar, unable to offer even a word of comfort.

“Kagura-san…” The loyal dog-like upperclassman muttered with a pained look on his face.

*****

After school, I headed to the Student Council room as promised. My heart beat loudly in my chest as I stood in front of the door. I had visited this room before with Sakuya, but now I came as its newest member. Was this how a new employee felt on their first day of work?

I knocked on the door before entering. “Excuse me—”

“Shiba-kun, you’re finally here!”

The door had only opened a crack when Marika immediately flung it open. She grabbed my hand and half-dragged me inside. To tell the truth, her enthusiasm was really overwhelming—and helped me calm down instead.

“Welcome to the Student Council room!” Marika beamed at me.

I looked around the room curiously. The room was furnished rather plainly, with a large table occupying the middle of the room and another separate desk for the president set up in front of it. Shelves filled with documents and other stuffs lined the walls, and a small broadcast equipment sat snugly in the corner of the room. The only luxurious thing in the room was an air-conditioner that blew heavenly cold air. I could understand why Reikou yearned to visit here during summer.

“Let me introduce you to everyone.” Marika gestured toward the other members. Yuuki was sitting on the president’s desk, and there were two people occupying the large table. “I’m sure you’ve met President before.”

Yuuki stared at me suspiciously through his glasses. “I’ve heard of you joining from Marika, but I hardly believed it until you actually showed up. Weren’t you one of Kagura’s loyal lackeys?”

I had expected this question, but I still flinched when Sakuya’s name popped out. I took a deep breath to calm myself down before answering, “I quit the other day. We have different values, and it becomes impossible for me to be with her any further.”

“Hmm…” Yuuki studied my expression intently. “Well, I’d never turn down an extra pair of hands, even more for someone who just turned over a new leaf. Welcome to the Student Council, Shiba-kun.” He finally accepted my admission.

I secretly heaved a relieved sigh. “Thank you, President.”

Marika nodded with a satisfied expression. “And the ones here are the Student Council Secretary and Treasurer.” She introduced the two people, a girl and a boy from my grade.

“Hi, I’m Hayakawa Asahi, the Student Council Treasurer.” The boy greeted me casually. “I’m in Class 2-E. Nice to meet you, Shiba-kun!”

“My name is Hayakawa Mitsuki. The Student Council Secretary.” The girl spoke curtly. “Class 2-C. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“It’s nice to meet you too…huh?” I tilted my head upon hearing their family name.

They both had slightly brown hair and standard black eyes, but apart from that, they didn’t look that similar to each other. The girl had slender body and quiet air around her. Her long hair, coupled with her glasses, made her look like the studious type. On the other hand, the boy had more athletic build and lively expression. He was completely her polar opposite with his cheerful and energetic attitude.

“Are you two…?”

“Yep, she’s my twin!”

“Unfortunately, he’s my twin.”

The two of them replied in sync, though the contents of their answer couldn’t be further apart.

“Ah, I’m Shiba Ryuuji, from Class 2-A. From today onward, I’ll be joining the Student Council. Please take care of me.” I bowed towards the twins.

Marika clapped her hands. “Now that you’ve officially joined us, you’ll be in charge of club management, Shiba-kun.” She announced my new job. “Mitsuki-chan used to handle it, so you can ask her if you have questions.”

“Club management…?” I recalled my previous encounter with the drama club’s president and reflexively shivered. “What do I need to do, exactly?”

Marika dragged a nearby whiteboard and had me sit in front of it. “To put it simply, you’ll have the authority to approve new clubs or shut them down. And of course, you’re in charge of allocating their budget as well.” She explained while writing down the details.

“Ahh…” Hearing that, I could already see a headache coming. Once everyone knew I had that authority, every club would hunt me down and appeal for a bigger budget.

“One more thing—you’ll also have to mediate any conflicts between clubs. It’s usually nothing major, just some arguments about which classroom they can use, or some disturbing noises from the music clubs, things like that.” Marika added nonchalantly.

I shot her a resentful look. “This isn’t too far off from what I used to do with the delinquents. Is this why you scouted me?”

This job description vividly reminded me of when I was still being Sakuya’s lackey—as the President put it—and she’d drag me with her whenever a fight broke out between the delinquents. I had to stake my life to stop them every time it happened, because if Sakuya ever stepped in, it would end with me having to drag injured people to the infirmary. The idea of doing this troublesome job again wasn’t appealing to me, but perhaps mediating civilized club members would be easier than managing those hot-blooded delinquents.

Marika smiled brightly at me. “I have high expectations for you, Shiba-kun.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks!” Asahi chimed in. “Even Mitsuki, who isn’t that talkative, can manage it just fine!”

Yeah, it’s probably because her glare is enough to do the talking.” I thought to myself as I saw her icy glare being directed toward her twin.

Despite my rude thoughts, I faced Mitsuki and lowered my head at her. “Please guide me well, Hayakawa-san.”

“Just Mitsuki is fine.” She replied flatly. “I don’t want to be mistaken for my twin.”

“Ah…yes, Mitsuki-san.” I corrected my words.

And thus, my busy days as the newest Student Council member began.

Koyomi
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