Chapter 3: Cheers to the Holy Farce

 

After school, while I’m organizing documents alone in the student council room, noisy voices echo from the hallway.

The moment the door swings open, a girl comes sliding in headfirst.

“Good work, Makita─────!”

Following her, another girl enters gracefully, closing the door with a bright smile.

“Good work, Makita-kun.”

“Yeah, good work.”

The first girl, shouting “Deei!” leaps onto the sofa, while the other moves leisurely to fill the electric kettle with water.

They’re a pair of beautiful girls who couldn’t be more different. That’s exactly why, no matter how many times I see them, my brain feels like it’s short-circuiting.

Because the two of them have the same face.

Sorasaki Fuuko and Sorasaki Raiko.

The two, serving as the student council’s secretary and treasurer, are twins.

From the moment they enrolled, Fuuko and Raiko were, in a way, even more talked about than Nishimaru. And no wonder—not only are they beautiful twin sisters, but despite having the same face, their personalities are complete opposites.

The lively one has a personality like lightning, always bursting with energy. She’s like a Shiba Inu right before a walk, scampering around with boundless enthusiasm.

The calm one, on the other hand, has a personality like a gentle breeze, always composed. She’s like a Golden Retriever after a meal, gazing at the world with serene tranquility.

Despite their contrasting personalities, the older sister Fuuko and younger sister Raiko have one confusing quirk.

“Oi, Fuuko, stop shaking me.”

“Makita, let’s play a game! Co-op, Makita!”

“No way, Fuuko-chan, he’s working. Here, Makita-kun, coffee.”

“Thanks, Raiko.”

The one who seems like Raiko is actually Fuuko, and the one who seems like Fuuko is actually Raiko.

The lightning-like girl who made the dynamic entrance is Fuuko.

The gentle, breeze-like girl who entered gracefully is Raiko.

Their names are totally backward, no question.

“I wanted to be Raiko too! It sounds way cooler!”

“I would’ve preferred Fuuko, but oh well. Fuuko-chan was born first, so it can’t be helped.”

“If it’s about embodying life’s mismatches, they’re pretty well-named, huh?”

“I don’t want such a cynical naming backstory.”

“Anyway, why’re you bringing this up now, Makita? We go way back, don’t we?”

As Fuuko says while forcibly slinging an arm around me and getting all clingy, my relationship with her and Raiko does go back a long way—back to elementary school, actually.

When I was in third grade and ended up in the same class as Fuuko for the first time, she inexplicably took a liking to me, and we started hanging out a lot.

Since we lived close by, I’d get invited to their house, where I also got close with Raiko, who was in a different class at the time.

From then on, by some twist of fate, there was always a “Sorasaki” in my class every year. We went to the same middle school too, and for all three years, either Fuuko or Raiko was my classmate.

Because of that, it feels like we’re almost as close as siblings. I didn’t know them that well as kids, but emotionally, it’s like we’re childhood friends with that level of closeness.

And so, we ended up at the same high school, but for the first time, there was no “Sorasaki” in my class.

Instead, we started seeing each other a lot after school.

“Let go already, Fuuko.”

“What’s that? Not enough gratitude, Makita! I’m helping out with the student council, y’know!”

“Makita-kun, you were always the class rep or something back in elementary school, but becoming student council president as a first-year? That’s surprising.”

“No need to get all sentimental. Raiko, get Fuuko outta here.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m a cat, Makita! I’ll scarf down hairballs and puke ‘em at you, jerk!”

When I became student council president, Fuuko and Raiko ran for secretary and treasurer. I don’t say it out loud much, but I’m genuinely grateful for that.

Having familiar faces in this student council room has made things so much easier on my mind.

They’re surprisingly competent at their jobs, which helps even more.

That said, if I ever express my gratitude, both twins will zero in on me, tease me relentlessly, and make things a pain, so I rarely say it. It’d probably go something like this:

‘Wha—M Makita’s thanking us?! This is basically a confession! Are we getting married, Makita!?’

‘Everyone, listen up! Makita-kun here just expressed his daily gratitude to us! Let’s give him a big round of applause!’

Fuuko’s a given, but even Raiko, who’s supposed to be gentle and kind, gleefully joins in on teasing me in moments like that. They’re bad twins, I tell you.

“By the way, Makita-kun, is Uzuki-chan still not here?”

“Yeah, she said she’s stopping by the staff room first.”

“Uzuki-chan’s late—penalty time!”

The current student council consists of the four of us, including Uzuki. It’s a weird setup—three childhood friends plus one—but since the twins are fond of Uzuki, we’ve built a good dynamic.

That said, their fondness stems from the same bad taste as our classmates: they just find it fun to tease Uzuki.

“Since Uzuki-chan’s not here yet, there’s something I wanna ask.”

Raiko prefaces quietly, making sure her voice doesn’t carry outside the student council room.

“Is there still fallout from that Nakayoshi Newspaper post?”

“Yeah. Since there’s nothing else to talk about, students still ask me about it.”

“Haha, what a bunch of bored losers.”

“Don’t act like it’s someone else’s problem, Fuuko-chan. If you hadn’t caught the flu, we could’ve gone to the glasses shop with them.”

Right. Normally, for an occasion like that, the entire student council would’ve gone out together.

But at the time, the Sorasaki household was dealing with a flu outbreak, likely brought home by Fuuko, so both twins were under house arrest.

Since it was about getting new glasses for a broken pair, rescheduling wasn’t an option.

So, with no other choice, Uzuki and I went to the mall alone, which led to that photo being taken.

“Guess we’ll get some weird looks today, huh?”

“I’m prepared. So is Uzuki. If anyone asks rude questions, we’ll just shut them down firmly.”

“By the way, Makita.”

Fuuko says casually.

“You and Uzuki-chan, there’s really nothing going on, right?”

“I’ve told you already…”

At that moment, Raiko places a hand on my right shoulder.

Fuuko moves to my left side, mirroring her, and places a hand on my other shoulder.

Two identical faces line up in front of me, and the same voice echoes in both ears. If they were whispering sweet nothings in this situation, I might not mind, but sadly, what’s rattling my eardrums is an interrogation.

“Makita-kun, what’s the real deal?”

“You’re not hiding anything from us, right? After all these years?”

“Like I’ve said a million times… there’s nothing between me and Uzuki.”

“That photo didn’t, like, spark something, did it?”

“Spark? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Raiko brings her lips close to my right ear.

“If something’s going on, you’d better tell us properly, Makita-kun.”

“W-Why would you even…”

“We’re childhood friends, right? Student council buddies, right?”

Under the intense pressure from the twins, I can only nod.

“F-Fine, I get it. There’s nothing now, and there won’t be.”

“That’s a promise, okay?”

“A promise~”

Only then do they finally back off.

Back in elementary school, both Fuuko and Raiko were always a bit ditzy, prone to going overboard, or just plain bad at studying, so I often helped them out.

Thanks to that, we built a sibling-like bond. They even said they joined the student council to repay me for all those times.

But on the flip side, it’s like I gained two high-maintenance little sisters.

Even now, at this age, they fight over who gets my help with studying, or if they catch even a hint of a girl around me, they’ll barge into my house to grill me about it.

I sigh inwardly, thinking I’ve spoiled them too much.

But… if they ever found out about my thing with Nishimaru, what would happen to me?

“Hello. Sorry I’m late.”

Just then, Uzuki arrives.

I have no intention of scolding her for being late, but she bows deeply the moment she steps in.

Then, the next instant.

“Uzuki-chaaan!”

The Sorasaki twins charge at her like dogs greeting their owner, moving at lightning speed. Uzuki lets out a genuinely terrified “Hiie…!”

Standing before Uzuki, Fuuko and Raiko spread their arms wide, forming a heart shape with their bodies.

And they shout.

“LOVE─────!”

Idiots.

Overwhelmed by the twins’ massive display of affection, Uzuki responds hesitantly.

“Th-Thank you…”

“…………”

“…………”

Despite her response, Fuuko and Raiko freeze in place, not moving an inch. Their faces are both eerily expressionless, which visibly confuses Uzuki.

“Um, uh…”

“Looks like your response wasn’t enough, Uzuki.”

I glance at my documents while offering Uzuki some advice. She still tilts her head in confusion.

“Not enough… what’s not enough?”

“Love, obviously.”

“Even you, President? What are you talking about…?”

From the frozen twins’ mouths, faint murmurs of “Love” and “Love, Uzuki-chan” slip out. See? It’s love.

“…!”

Uzuki seems to realize what she needs to do, her face turning bright red.

I get it, Uzuki. You don’t want to do it, but if you don’t, the twins will sulk. And sulky twins are a pain. Double the pain.

Trembling, Uzuki forms a heart with her hands and says in a barely audible voice.

“……Love.”

Instantly, Fuuko and Raiko pounce on her, enveloping her in a double hug.

“Kyaa! I love you too, Uzuki-chaaan!”

“Uzuki-chan, mwah mwah! Love you, mwah mwah!”

“S-Stop it…!”

You’re all idiots.

In the end, Uzuki gets teased like this wherever she goes.

Fuuko and Raiko, thrilled from successfully extorting “love,” and Uzuki, red as a tomato and getting squished. Meanwhile, I keep working, unfazed.

This is the student council’s daily life.

“Everyone, attention.”

“Hai!”

“What’s up, Makita, huh~?”

With a single word, Fuuko and Raiko, like well-trained dogs, immediately come to stand in front of me. Uzuki stumbles over, still wobbly.

“Uzuki-chaaan, why’re you walking so slow~?”

“You gotta shape up.”

“I-It’s because of you two…!”

“Uzuki, pull it together.”

“!?”

Enough teasing Uzuki—it’s time to get to business.

“It’s almost time for the regular meeting. Let’s get ready.”

“Oh, today’s the regular meeting?”

“Jeez, Fuuko-chan, I told you before we came.”

“Did you? Oh, so that’s why we’ll get weird looks, huh~?”

“President, have you read today’s materials?”

“Yeah, mostly. Uzuki, give them a look too, just in case.”

I hand Uzuki the stack of papers I was reading, outlining today’s agenda and model responses. In return, she holds up a plastic bag with something inside.

“An-doughnuts. I bought them at the school store.”

“Thanks. I was just craving some sugar.”

“Then we’ll head to the venue early to help set up~.”

“Thanks, Fuuko, Raiko.”

The student council members spring into action. The sudden spike in tension is only natural.

Because today, we have our regular meeting.

“Well… let’s see how this goes.”

I let out a murmur mixed with both anxiety and anticipation.

Held once a month, the regular meeting between the student council and the club alliance.

It’s an official forum where the top brass from both sides line up and clash opinions. In essence, this is the front line of our ongoing feud.

As I step into the auditorium’s first meeting room, the venue for this event, the air tenses slightly.

Several students from the club alliance, including club presidents, are already gathered. Some shoot hostile glances our way—likely the ones directly involved in today’s agenda.

Meanwhile, general students are seated in the spectator seats.

Since this is an official meeting between the student council and the club alliance, its contents are open to all students. We compile and publish minutes afterward, and spectating is also allowed.

In a normal school, most students wouldn’t even know such a meeting exists.

But as I’ve said before, at this academy, the feud between the student council and the club alliance has become a form of entertainment. That’s why curious students flock to the spectator seats like this.

Naturally, many of them are here hoping to see Nishimaru Nanna in action, speaking and moving. In the past, there were even times when seats ran out, and we had to hold a lottery.

It seems Nishimaru hasn’t arrived yet.

As a result, another person is currently drawing attention in the meeting room.

“Vice President Nakau is as beautiful as ever.”

“Her hair’s so sleek and shiny… how does she get it like that?”

The student council vice president, Naka Uzuki. She’s so popular and well-known that she even has radical fans who send me threatening letters.

Maybe I’m just numb to it because I’m always around her, but she’s probably the kind of unattainable beauty most people wouldn’t even dream of talking to.

“So, what’s the deal with her and the president?”

“They denied it, so that’s that, right? Honestly, do they even seem like a match?”

The Nakayoshi Newspaper post is still causing ripples, and I can hear rude comments like these. Worse, I feel hostile glares mixed in from the spectator seats.

Every time I come to this meeting, I think the same thing.

Someone take over as student council president.

Now, ten minutes until the much-anticipated January regular meeting.

Uzuki, Fuuko, and Raiko are chatting with acquaintances. Nishimaru and the rest of the club alliance haven’t all arrived yet.

I start preparing for the meeting.

I fire up the projector and check its operation. I confirm there are no errors in the agenda written on the whiteboard.

Lastly, I arrange the nameplates for both sides’ attendees in their seating order.

As I place one down, someone takes a seat right beside it.

A member of the club alliance has arrived.

“Hey, Sorasaki.”

“…………”

A familiar surname, though not one I say often. I greet her, but there’s no response.

She glances at me, her mouth moving wordlessly, but says nothing.

Her name is Sorasaki Haruko, one of the club alliance’s executives.

As you might guess, she’s another member of the Sorasaki family.

But she’s not a triplet with Fuuko and Raiko. She’s their younger sister, born after them.

To make things complicated, Fuuko and Raiko were born in April, while Haruko was born in March. That means all three are in the same grade, so they’re often mistaken for triplets.

Like Fuuko and Raiko, she’s a childhood friend of sorts. We were even classmates twice in elementary school.

But her attitude toward me is starkly different from the twins’.

“Nishimaru and the others not here yet?”

“……I-I’m not telling.”

This is how it is.

Even though we’re on opposing sides, is that really a response a high schooler should give?

Compared to those twins, she’s remarkably standoffish. Or rather, her social skills are low. Stumbling over words like that? She’s on another level.

Her features aren’t as similar to Fuuko and Raiko’s, but as part of the same bloodline, she’s undeniably attractive. Yet, perhaps due to her shy and timid nature, she always wears a troubled, clouded expression.

That’s the youngest of the Sorasaki family, Haruko.

It’s rude to say this about someone I’ve known since childhood, but a word to the Sorasaki parents:

Did you mess up naming all three of your kids?

“Unlike your sisters, you’re not exactly friendly, are you, youngest?”

“Shut up… you academy lapdog. I-I’ll knock you out…”

“Haruko-chan, you shouldn’t talk like that.”

A warm, enveloping voice cuts in, and the room’s atmosphere shifts.

Nishimaru Nanna is standing beside me.

She glances at me and flashes a bright smile. I respond with a curt “Yeah.”

The moment Haruko sees Nishimaru, she lights up like a dog spotting its owner.

“Representative! You’re here!”

“What were you and the president chatting about so happily?”

“N-No, it’s not like that! He just talked to me…”

Nishimaru wasn’t even scolding her, but Haruko panics on her own.

As you can see, Haruko idolizes Nishimaru.

I don’t know the details of how it happened, but something must’ve gone down between them in middle school.

Unlike Fuuko and Raiko, Haruko is part of the escalator group who came up from Hiiragigaoka Academy’s middle school. So is Nishimaru.

Meanwhile, Fuuko, Raiko, and I went to a nearby public middle school.

Why was Haruko the only one of the Sorasaki sisters to attend a private middle school? It might seem like a complex family situation, but the truth is simple.

Fuuko and Raiko are, well, kind of dim, so they didn’t pass the entrance exam.

Because of this, I’m noticeably more distant from Haruko than the other two Sorasaki sisters. We barely spoke during middle school, so it’s no surprise.

“You’re childhood friends, yet you act so formal. It’s like a reflection of Higashiguchi-kun’s sloppy social skills. Do you cut ties with anyone who doesn’t benefit you?”

“I don’t need a lecture on friendships from someone who looks down on everyone.”

As we exchange our usual jabs, a chilling tension ripples through the meeting room. Uzuki, the twins, and Haruko all hold their breath.

“Heh… well then, it’s about time, Higashiguchi-kun.”

“Yeah.”

I lock eyes with Nishimaru.

Seeing her usual enigmatic smile somehow calms my nerves.

With all the players present, the regular meeting begins.

The student council sits in a row against the wall, facing the club alliance members and various club presidents who’ve chosen to attend, with spectator seats further back.

It’s almost like a press conference. The first time I sat on the student council side, the tension had me sweating bullets.

I’m in the center of the student council side, with Nishimaru directly across from me.

Our eyes are always locked on each other, right in the center of our vision.

“Let’s begin the January regular meeting. First, general announcements. Regarding the graduation ceremony next month—”

The meeting kicks off with Uzuki’s greeting. The vice president always serves as the facilitator.

The early part of the meeting covers announcements about school events and facilities. These are important, but since the meeting time is limited, we need to move through this smoothly, or we’ll be accused of stalling.

The club alliance and spectators are really here for the agenda items that come next.

“—Since there are no questions, that concludes the general announcements. Now, we’ll move on to today’s agenda.”

Uzuki’s clear delivery of the announcements wraps up. Some club alliance members and spectators shift in their seats. Uzuki sits down and glances at me.

Here’s where the real show begins.

“First, regarding the clubrooms of the Second Literature Club and the Light Music Club. According to the report, the Second Literature Club raised concerns about noise and conversation from the Light Music Club’s room?”

Haruko, from the club alliance, responds to my question.

“Y-Yes. Performances are held in designated areas, but equipment checks are done in the clubroom, and that noise is disrupting the Second Literature Club’s activities… or so they say.”

Normally timid, Haruko stumbles a bit but speaks clearly enough to be understood in this formal setting. She’s probably been practicing under Nishimaru’s guidance. Even the twins on our side seem to smile faintly at her effort.

Now, the issue boils down to a neighbor dispute—a noise problem in the clubrooms.

“The Second Literature Club is requesting to relocate their room, but… realistically, moving rooms isn’t feasible.”

I feel a subtle spark in the air as I say this.

“There are no vacant rooms in the club building, and we’ve received reports that the Light Music Club is operating within reasonable limits. Therefore, the student council believes there’s no need for a room change. We ask both the Light Music Club and the Second Literature Club to be mindful of each other and continue their activities.”

The moment I state this conclusion, the Second Literature Club’s president lets out an audible sigh.

Attendance at these meetings is optional for club presidents, but those involved in the agenda are encouraged to show up. So, the Light Music Club’s president is here too.

The presidents of the Second Literature Club and the Light Music Club are seated on the club alliance side, noticeably keeping their distance from each other.

And now, the main event steps in.

Nishimaru locks eyes with Uzuki and raises her hand sharply. The spectator seats buzz with excitement.

As Uzuki nods for her to speak, Nishimaru begins in an eerily calm tone.

“To begin with, don’t you think it’s odd that two clubs with such different genres, like the Second Literature Club and the Light Music Club, are next to each other?”

“……”

At that moment, I can’t help but swallow hard.

I take a breath through my nose and counter.

“From what I’ve researched, the two clubs have been neighbors since the Second Literature Club was founded five years ago. There’s no record of this being an issue before. So, I believe the difference in genres doesn’t inherently cause problems.”

“The people and numbers in both clubs have changed since then, so you can’t treat it the same. Besides, isn’t it possible the Second Literature Club has been enduring it all this time? Maybe they’ve only now mustered the courage to speak up.”

The Second Literature Club’s president nods vigorously, clearly satisfied.

As my verbal sparring with Nishimaru begins, the spectator seats quietly buzz with excitement.

Formally, student council officers and a few club alliance executives are required to attend these meetings. But aside from Uzuki, who facilitates, they usually don’t have much to do.

Because, more often than not, it turns into a one-on-one showdown between me and Nishimaru.

So, Uzuki, Fuuko, and Raiko are holding back cheers, their faces full of support. Haruko, too, watches Nishimaru with bated breath.

“…………”

Amid all this, I’m probably the only one feeling this particular emotion.

At that moment, I feel a sense of reassurance.

Because everything up to this point is going exactly as planned.

＊＊＊

A few days ago, after school, in the study room of the old school building.

The student council president and the club alliance representative were sitting knee-to-knee.

“—And that’s why the student council doesn’t want to set a precedent for approving room changes. If this goes through, everyone will start saying, ‘Well, us too,’ and it’ll be chaos.”

I lay out the student council’s stance on the Second Literature Club and Light Music Club room issue, completely honest, to Nishimaru.

Nishimaru nods repeatedly as she listens. The confident smirk she wears at regular meetings is nowhere to be seen.

After hearing me out, she states her conclusion first.

“You’re right. For this issue, the best outcome is ‘no room changes.’”

I blink, caught off guard.

“What’s with that look?”

“I just thought you’d push back a little…”

“Come on, Higashiguchi-kun.”

Nishimaru laughs, almost exasperated.

“I told you, didn’t I? What we’re doing here isn’t the monthly feud performance—it’s a serious meeting to make the academy better. So, it’s only natural we’d agree sometimes, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right… I guess I’m just too used to the regular meetings.”

That’s right. What we’re doing here, just the two of us in secret, is a pre-meeting for the regular meeting.

We’re deciding the ideal resolutions for each agenda item right now.

“Well, if we disagreed, the regular-meeting me might show up.”

“Please, no. Let’s keep things civil here, at least.”

“Huhu, just kidding.”

Suddenly, a chilling realization hits me.

“Wait a second. Does that mean, in past regular meetings, there were times you secretly thought the student council’s stance was right?”

“Well, yeah. Probably more than half the time.”

“And yet you still picked fights with us?”

“I told you, it’s a performance. It was pretty pointless, honestly. Though, coming up with nonsense arguments to heat up the debate was kind of fun.”

“Don’t tell me… there were times the outcome ended up being bad for the academy?”

“Oh, yeah. I’d think to myself, ‘Oops, I won.’”

“…I didn’t want to hear that.”

“Sorry. You did a great job too, Higashiguchi-kun.”

Nishimaru laughs carelessly, patting my shoulder.

I’m too scared to ask which agenda items she’s talking about.

“Let’s get back on track.”

“Yessir!”

Why does she sound so cheerful, jeez.

“So, the Second Literature Club’s request for a room change is rejected, as per the student council’s stance, right?”

“Yup. Like you said, letting room changes happen for reasons like this sets a bad precedent. Since the club alliance manages relocations, frequent moves would overwhelm us.”

“Exactly. The student council needs to keep things under control, so we’d rather avoid that kind of situation.”

“Plus, it’d be a shame if the Light Music Club got a bad rep over this. The noise they make is within reasonable limits, and a clubroom’s supposed to be a place for everyone to chat and have fun, right?”

“Yeah, you’re absolutely right.”

“Above all, the Second Literature Club’s president is such a snarky guy, and I can’t stand him. No way I’m letting things go his way.”

That last bit was dripping with personal bias.

“Figures. I had a hunch from the investigation report.”

“The guy was already kicked out of the Film Production Club for being hated and ended up in the Second Literature Club. Ever since he became president last fall, he’s been nitpicking at us with petty complaints. So annoying. He even tried running for a club alliance executive position, but I pulled some strings to shut that down.”

Meeting with Nishimaru like this feels like getting a peek into all sorts of club alliance drama. Probably more than I need to know.

“So, the conclusion is that the room change is rejected, but you’ll put on a show of opposing the student council’s stance during the process, right?”

“Of course. Gotta fool everyone properly.”

“You’re a scary one, you know that?”

“Thanks!”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

Nishimaru and I have secretly formed a partnership.

Our ultimate goal is to completely dismantle the tradition of the feud between the student council and the club alliance.

But if we suddenly stood up and said, “Let’s end the fighting!” it wouldn’t work. That’s just how traditions are.

So, as I mentioned before, we’ve decided to manipulate the feud from behind the scenes.

We decide what to fight over, where to compromise, and what impressions to leave on the students watching.

Through these machinations, we gradually shift public perception.

We make everyone realize that the feud is meaningless.

In the end, we aim for a dramatic finale: a declaration of peace between the student council and the club alliance. That’s the ideal scenario we’re working toward.

As the first step, we’re trying to steer the January regular meeting exactly as we’ve planned.

That’s why we’re holding this secret meeting in the old school building’s study room, where no one else comes.

No other students have ever shown up here, but just in case, we’ve prepared countermeasures for if someone does.

“I hope we never have to put that plan into action…”

“Heh. Just make sure you’re mentally ready in case someone shows up.”

We’re chatting as if the “no talking” rule doesn’t exist, but we justify it under our own rule: “Conversations for the academy’s sake aren’t personal chatter.”

When we’re actually studying, we follow the no-talking rule properly.

Well, during study time, our written notes tend to get pretty lively.

“So, how are you planning to come at me?”

The topic shifts to Nishimaru’s performance.

“Let’s see. For starters, I’ll hit you with the basic argument that it’s weird for two clubs with such different genres, like the Second Literature Club and the Light Music Club, to be next to each other.”

“Yeah, I can totally picture that…”

I can even see her face in my mind. Nishimaru’s sly smile from the regular meetings is burned into my brain.

“After that, I’ll just poke at you as the flow goes.”

That’s a very rigged-game kind of statement.

“If we script it too tightly, it’ll feel unnatural. My style is to capitalize on openings with ad-libs in the moment.”

“That’s kinda cool.”

If we wrote out all of Nishimaru’s counterarguments in the meeting prep documents, Uzuki would probably get suspicious. So, it’s better to keep things a bit loose.

“This should do it. Sorry if I end up winning big.”

“Hey… I’d say that’s unlikely, but it’s not impossible, is it?”

“If it looks like I’m clearly going to win but suddenly back off for the planned outcome, that’d raise suspicions too. But for this agenda, we’re fine. It’s a stretch for the club alliance to win this one.”

Obviously, we can’t let anyone see this scene.

Especially Uzuki—she’d hate anything as shady as backroom deals. She’d probably faint just being here.

I’m not trying to play the martyr by saying I’ll take on the dirty work alone.

Because, honestly, I’m kind of enjoying this.

“Should we think about a win scenario for your side, just in case?”

“Actually, I’ve got a good idea. Not exactly a win, but a compromise.”

“Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Nishimaru leans in closer, clearly intrigued.

＊＊＊

“The academy currently has a large bookshelf in storage. It’s big enough to cover an entire wall of a clubroom. We’d be very grateful if the Second Literature Club could take it.”

Nishimaru tilts her head slightly at my proposal.

“Wait, are you saying to use it for soundproofing?”

“Exactly. If they fill the shelves with books, it should provide decent soundproofing. From what I’ve looked into, the Second Literature Club’s current shelves are already overflowing, and they’ve got books stacked directly on the floor.”

The Second Literature Club’s president, who’s been listening with a sour face until now, perks up noticeably when the bookshelf is mentioned. Not a bad reaction.

“A big bookshelf, huh? Will it even fit in the room? It’s pointless if it doesn’t.”

“It was originally used in another clubroom. That club’s room has the same layout as the Second Literature Club’s, so it should fit fine. The academy would also appreciate it since it saves them the trouble and cost of disposal.”

The spectators seem convinced by my explanation.

“The Second Literature Club will need to handle transporting it to their room, but in exchange, the student council will take their old bookshelf. We’ll pass it on to any club that wants it, or keep it in the student council room if no one does.”

As I explain, a message passes from Nishimaru to Haruko, and from Haruko to the Second Literature Club’s president.

Then the chain reverses, and the president’s opinion seems to reach Nishimaru.

“It’s confirmed. They’re fine with that.”

Hearing this, Uzuki, the facilitator, stands up.

“Then, for this agenda’s conclusion: no room change for the Second Literature Club, but a bookshelf will be donated as a compromise. Is that acceptable?”

The Second Literature Club’s president looks satisfied. Nishimaru nods with a smile. Meanwhile, Haruko glares at me, grinding her teeth. Why me?

With that, the agenda regarding the Second Literature Club and Light Music Club’s rooms is concluded.

“Next, regarding the defective netting around the tennis courts—”

As Uzuki explains the next agenda, I let out a deep sigh of relief in my mind.

I glance at Nishimaru. She glances back at me.

We don’t show it on our faces or say it out loud.

But in that moment, we’re definitely high-fiving in our heads.

＊＊＊

When I bring up the bookshelf idea, Nishimaru smiles, clearly pleased.

“That’s a great plan. That president will definitely bite. Bookworms are obsessed with wall-to-wall bookshelves.”

“So, the final resolution for this agenda is no room change but donating a bookshelf, right?”

“Yup. By the way, which club originally owned that bookshelf?”

“The First Literature Club.”

“Oh, you’d better not mention that. The First and Second Literature Clubs don’t get along at all.”

“What, really? I thought they were always holding joint events.”

“They got hostile after a change in presidents. They talk about ‘philosophical differences,’ but it’s really just personality clashes and both sides acting immature. They’ll probably keep feuding until the next president change. You should keep that in mind, Higashiguchi-kun.”

“Seriously…? Good thing I asked. I was about to include the original owner in the documents.”

I’ll have to warn Uzuki, Fuuko, and Raiko not to mention it either. We don’t need another mess over this. Just get along, please.

“See? Isn’t it great we’re doing these backroom talks?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

It’ll probably make the meeting itself a lot less stressful too.

“If we weren’t working together, even if the student council brought up the bookshelf idea, I’d still come at you aggressively. Like, ‘You’re missing the point,’ or ‘The two clubs are past the point of fixing things with noise measures.’”

“You’re terrifying, you know that?”

She says she’s more suited to being a scriptwriter or working behind the scenes, not standing in the spotlight. No way that’s true. She’s absolutely meant to be a charismatic leader.

“Alright, shall we call it a day?”

Nishimaru says, kicking the floor while sitting in her swivel chair, spinning around.

“I want to do homework. And read a book.”

“Then, the tennis court agenda can wait until tomorrow?”

“Yup. See ya.”

With that, Nishimaru rolls back to her desk in her chair.

“I’ve got a lot to do today, so I’m not playing along with your note-passing.”

As I say that and return to my desk, a slip of paper slides over from the seat next to me.

‘و( ’◁’ )٩’

She’s totally trying to start something. Handwriting an emoji? What even is that?

‘Heading to the vending machine. Want anything?’

‘Banana milk────٩(‘ω’)و’

When I casually ask if she wants me to grab something, I get this reply along with a hundred-yen coin and two ten-yen coins. Seems she’s craving sugar. Her handwriting looks almost excited.

With her order noted, I head to the vending machine.

＊＊＊

The January regular meeting, scripted in advance, proceeds surprisingly smoothly.

To everyone else there—except me and Nishimaru—it probably doesn’t seem smooth. As usual, Nishimaru objects to the student council’s arguments that I present.

But what if even those objections are part of the script?

“The netting around the tennis courts belongs to the academy, right? So, even if a tennis club member made a hole in it, it’s only fair that the academy covers the repair costs.”

Not all of Nishimaru’s objections are scripted. She also throws in brilliant ad-libs, capitalizing on gaps in my arguments.

But the resolution is predetermined, as follows:

‘Even if they damaged the netting messing around, making the tennis club responsible for repairs isn’t good for them. Collective punishment just breeds unnecessary conflict.’

‘Yeah. It’d make things awkward for that member too. Statistically, the club alliance wins fewer agendas, so they should secure a clear win here.’

‘It’s better to make it look as even as possible, after all.’

That’s why I can stand confidently at the center of the meeting.

“For this agenda’s conclusion: the academy will cover the netting repair costs. However, the member who damaged it will be punished with cleaning the toilets at the edge of the schoolyard. Is that acceptable?”

This conclusion, a win for Nishimaru, has Haruko and Nishimaru’s fans in the spectator seats clapping with delight.

So far, no one has suspected a thing.

“Next, regarding the after-school schedule for the second gymnasium—”

“The student council believes it’s unfair to create disparities in club activity time based solely on member count or achievements.”

“I think it’s unreasonable that a club with proud achievements for the academy still doesn’t get a better practice environment.”

At first, I was slightly worried that Nishimaru might not follow the script, or that this was all a ploy to trap me.

But that was baseless.

‘The guys’ badminton team has slug-level achievements and practices halfheartedly, so we should give them a wake-up call.’

‘The girls’ badminton team went to nationals last year, so we should improve their environment.’

‘But cutting their activity time outright would cause backlash.’

‘A warning level should do for now. If they keep slacking, we’ll make them practice outside in the cold.’

It feels like watching a movie I already know the ending to.

“Lastly, regarding the few stray cats often spotted on the north side of the academy grounds—”

“Our academy promotes harmony with nature. Surrounded by forests, it’s difficult to control the cats’ comings and goings.”

“Is there really nothing we can do? Some people have cat allergies.”

The regular meeting unfolds exactly as we envisioned.

‘Cats are cute, so we can just leave them be.’

‘Agreed.’

With that, all agenda items’ discussions conclude.

Immediately after, applause erupts naturally from the spectator seats. It’s a monthly ritual.

I see it less as praise for the agendas we’ve tackled and more as, “Thanks for another great show.”

I look at the student council side. Uzuki, Fuuko, and Raiko are watching me with expressions of appreciation.

I look at the club alliance side. Haruko gazes at Nishimaru with pride.

And Nishimaru? She wears the same smile as always.

She’s probably relieved inside, but not a hint of that shows.

What an actor, I think, meeting her eyes.

The next moment, Nishimaru makes a move. She raises her left arm to the side of her face and her right arm above her head.

At a glance, it’s just an odd stretch. Nothing strange.

But it feels oddly familiar. Like I’ve seen it before…

“…Oh.”

‘Banana milk────٩(‘ω’)و’

٩(‘ω’)و

That’s it. She’s signaling for banana milk.

I nearly crack a smile. Why did she think that would get the message across? Well, it did, but why do I even understand it?

Holding back a laugh, I deliver the closing remarks.

“With that, the January regular meeting is hereby conclu—”

“Hold it right there!”

Just as the meeting room was about to be filled with a sense of relief, it happened.

A high-pitched voice from the club alliance side snapped the air back to tension.

“Helloo, Nakayoshi Newspaper here! Sorry to bother you when you’re all tired, but can I ask just one question?”

The moment everyone saw the pink-haired girl speaking in that sickly-sweet voice, both the student council and club alliance sides visibly tensed.

Yamada Mamare. The infamous president of the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club, known for its tacky content.

“We’re not accepting questions unrelated to the set agenda. If you have opinions, please submit them via the survey…”

“Oh, come on! You wrapped up early today, right? I’ve got something I wanna ask. I bet everyone here’s dying to know too!”

Cutting off Uzuki’s voice, Yamada keeps yammering on. Her audacity is almost something to admire.

That flashy hair. I knew she was sitting with the club alliance. As the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club president, she barges into these meetings every month.

But I figured she’d just pester me or Uzuki after the meeting to forcibly dig into that topic. Her asking a question during the meeting? That’s new.

What she wants to ask is obvious.

“Our newspaper article totally blew up, right? I wanna ask about that!”

It’s about the Nakayoshi Newspaper’s article on me and Uzuki at the glasses shop.

“It was a great photo, wasn’t it? You two looked so picture-perfect, I was swooning! ♪ Just so you know, that pic came from an anonymous tip. Mamare doesn’t have time to stalk the president and vice president on weekends. I’m about to be a third-year, so it’s study, study, study every day. Tough life!”

As I said before, we don’t allow questions unrelated to the agenda. I could force the conversation to end and close the meeting.

But frustratingly, the spectators are already hooked on Yamada Mamare’s theatrics.

Her syrupy monologue grabs everyone’s attention before they realize it. The spectators, as if possessed, are now deeply curious about what Yamada’s pushing for. Countless eyes are pleading with me and Uzuki.

About the truth behind that post.

“So, what’s the real deal? Are the president and vice president dating?”

After all that casual chatter, she throws a fastball. A chorus of gasps echoes through the room.

The air crackles with tension. Uzuki’s hands are trembling slightly.

So I cut in sharply.

“Completely baseless. That’s the student council’s response.”

The atmosphere suggests my answer was boring. Like I care.

As I try to close the meeting again, Yamada, sensing the mood, interrupts me and starts rattling on.

“Boring, Mr. President! Look at everyone’s faces—they’re not satisfied! You’re a guy and a girl, you know? Is there really nothing going on?”

Then, unexpectedly, Yamada turns to someone else.

“Hey, what do you think, Representative? Aren’t you curious? You’re curious, right?”

“…………”

She probably thought she could rope in Nishimaru, who’s on the opposing side of the student council.

Nishimaru doesn’t budge, sitting perfectly upright, staring straight ahead.

All eyes in the meeting room focus on her.

With perfect timing, Nishimaru speaks.

“Sorry, Yamada-san. I’m not particularly interested.”

“Wha—? Huh?”

“Besides, I’m exhausted from all the talking today. Vice President, was there time scheduled for this in today’s meeting?”

“No, there wasn’t. My apologies. With that, the January regular meeting is concluded. Thank you for your time.”

Taking the pass, Uzuki forcibly ends the meeting. Nishimaru stands smoothly and leaves the room, followed by Haruko and the rest of the club alliance.

“Wha—? So cold, Representative!”

Despite being thoroughly embarrassed, Yamada shouts this with a carefree tone. Her mental fortitude is honestly impressive.

“Time to clean up!”

“Everyone except the student council, please exit. Thank you for today.”

Fuuko and Raiko promptly usher the club presidents and spectators toward the exit.

“Wait, wait, wait! I still have questions…”

“Everyone except the student council~”

“Please exit!”

“Ugh, you meanie twins!”

Chased out by Fuuko and Raiko, Yamada leaves the meeting room.

Despite the unexpected interruption at the end, the January regular meeting came to a close.

“Good work, Uzuki.”

“Oh, yes! Good work, President!”

Back in the student council room, I exchange a fist bump with Uzuki before sinking into the sofa.

“That was exhausting, as expected.”

“I’ll brew some tea, Makita-kun.”

“We’ve got reward sweets too! This month, it’s canelés!”

As Fuuko pulls a package from a patisserie out of the fridge, Uzuki immediately leans in to peek.

“Wow, canelés from that place!”

“I got them ‘cause Uzuki-chan loves them~”

“But the president’s the one working the hardest…”

“Makita says he’s fine with anything! It’s no fun to feed him!”

“Huhu, feed him?”

Wake up, Uzuki. Fuuko just admitted she’s not feeding me—she’s feeding you.

After every regular meeting, we hold a post-meeting tea party.

Fuuko and Raiko always prepare the snacks. Since Uzuki and I handle the brunt of the work—me sparring with Nishimaru, Uzuki preparing documents and facilitating—they refuse to let us pay. So, Uzuki and I make it a habit to return the favor each month.

“Wow, these are delicious! Have some, President!”

“Yeah, I’ll take one.”

I bite into a canelé and wash it down with hot coffee. My body must’ve been craving sugar—my brain cells feel like they’re dancing with joy.

“So glad Uzuki-chan likes them! Nom nom, so good! Canelé-chan’s so good!”

“Haruko-chan loves these too, right? When our family goes to that shop, Haruko’s always picked canelés since forever.”

I’m used to the casual mention of their club alliance executive sister by now.

At school, the Sorasaki family’s in a tricky spot: Fuuko and Raiko on the student council side, Haruko on the club alliance side.

But it’s not like the twins and Haruko bicker at home.

They talk normally, borrow textbooks, and even hang out together on weekends, apparently.

The three of them must be good at compartmentalizing. They know bringing the feud home would just sour the mood.

“The only school stuff we talk about at home is badmouthing the Nakayoshi Newspaper.”

“Yeah, today’s gonna be a hot topic with Yamada-san.”

“Yeah, that was a surprise.”

Today’s regular meeting was filled with (what looked like) heated debates over various agenda items.

But for most people there, the most striking moment wasn’t me or Nishimaru—it was Yamada Mamare.

“I knew she was there, but I didn’t expect her to barge in during the meeting. My heart sank when she started talking.”

“Really…”

Uzuki carefully wipes the canelé’s crust from her fingers, letting out a reflective sigh. She must’ve been shaken too.

“Nishimaru-chan’s reaction was kinda unexpected.”

“Yeah. I thought she might join in and poke at us, but she shut it down clean.”

“Well, Nishimaru’s been targeted by their rude articles too, so she’s probably not eager to side with them.”

The Nakayoshi Newspaper isn’t aligned with either the student council or the club alliance. They just chase attention-grabbing content, no matter how crass.

That’s why high-profile people like me, Uzuki, or Nishimaru are easy targets for them.

So, it makes sense that the Nakayoshi Newspaper gets trashed at the Sorasaki house. With Haruko’s admiration for Nishimaru, she must hate them too.

“Can’t you do something about those Nakayoshi people, Makita~?”

“Censoring speech or expression is tricky. Especially with our school’s free-spirited vibe.”

“Free-spirited, huh?”

Fuuko grabs my head and shakes it wildly. I get her frustration, but it’s not that simple.

“According to a senior, Yamada Mamare was in the Manga Research Club during her first year.”

“What, really? Not Nakayoshi Newspaper the whole time?”

“Yeah, I heard that too. Apparently, she was the talkative, outgoing otaku type in Manga Research.”

“Still talkative, huh…”

But last summer, before her second year, Yamada Mamare suddenly joined the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club. From there, she’s been doing pushy interviews like we saw today, earning plenty of dislike from both the student council and club alliance. Thanks to that, she became the club’s president by fall.

Thinking about it, she’s kind of a mysterious figure.

“Alright, I’m heading out.”

As I clean up my dishes and start packing, the three girls blink in surprise.

“Oh, you’re leaving already, President?”

“Yeah.”

“Nooo, stay, Makita! Let’s do some co-op!”

“Next time.”

“The post-meeting party’s just getting started!”

“You’re just gonna start girl talk I won’t get anyway.”

With three girls and one guy, I’d inevitably end up as the guy dragged into girl talk. There’s probably stuff they can only talk about without me around.

I’m trying to be considerate, but Fuuko doesn’t get it and gets all hyped up.

“Yeah, yeah! This is girls-only now!”

“Jeez, Fuuko-chan. Makita-kun can stay if he wants.”

“G-Good work, President!”

With their varied voices at my back, I leave the student council room.

＊＊＊

From the student council room, I head straight to the old school building’s study room.

Thinking about it, this feels like something a cheating guy would do.

I’ve been feeling guilty about this kind of thing for a while, but slipping out of the post-meeting party makes this moment hit especially hard.

As I thought before, what would Fuuko and Raiko do if they found out? Raiko’d probably quietly lose it.

What kind of face would Uzuki make?

I don’t really want to imagine that.

Ideally, we’ll pull off our ambitions without anyone finding out.

“Alright…”

I enter the study room. There’s the usual small figure at the usual seat.

“Good work.”

“……”

No response. I tilt my head.

I set my bag down and glance at the seat next to me, but Nishimaru’s still facing her desk, silent.

Is she in a bad mood?

Did I mess something up during the meeting, or was there some unexpected issue? The agenda items went mostly as planned, though Yamada Mamare’s ambush was a curveball.

I pull out a sheet of loose-leaf paper.

‘If I screwed up something in the meeting, sorry.’

The response comes much slower than usual.

‘If you don’t know what you messed up, the apology’s kinda meaningless.’

Yup, she’s definitely mad. No idea why, but she’s mad.

They say when a woman’s like that, you either apologize profusely or leave her alone. I’m not the patient type, so I’ll try digging a bit more.

‘I don’t have any memory of messing up. If there was an issue, tell me.’

A sneaky move, asking for a work-related report.

Why am I even worried about this? We’re not a couple.

‘There’s a sweet smell.’

“…Huh?”

‘Did you eat something in the student council room?’

Apparently, the canelé’s scent lingers on clothes more than I thought.

‘We had canelés at the post-meeting party. It’s a monthly thing.’

‘Sounds like you had a nice time. Jealous.’

What’s she sulking about? Did she want a canelé?

‘If you’re having a post-meeting party, shouldn’t we have one too?’

‘How about I sneak you some next time?’

‘No thanks to leftovers. Handle food waste on the student council side.’

What a pain. I was hoping her true personality would show in the notes, but if she’s this annoying, maybe not.

‘You just thought I was a pain, didn’t you?’

She’s reading me like a book. Annoying and sharp. What a troublesome woman.

‘Have mercy.’

I place a banana milk pack on her desk along with the note.

The next sheet of paper that comes back has…

‘٩(‘ω’)و’

“Noisy as hell.”

I say it out loud, and I hear a stifled “Pfft” from beside me.

Nishimaru pops her head up.

“Heh, good guess on the pose.”

“Don’t underestimate the observational skills of a cold-blooded villain with glasses.”

Good. That pose was definitely her asking for banana milk.

“I was just kidding earlier, so don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, I know. What was with that annoying act?”

“You came in smelling all sweet, so I figured you were having a cozy tea party with those cute student council girls and got a little irritated. My bad.”

Wait, was she actually jealous?

“Here, my turn.”

Nishimaru pulls a can of coffee from her blazer pocket and hands it to me. It’s the kind I often drink here, still slightly warm.

“Pretty thoughtful, huh? I figured you’d get me banana milk, so I got this ready.”

“But I already bought my own coffee, it’s right here…”

“Put it away. Deep in your bag. You’re drinking this one now, right?”

I toss the still-hot coffee I bought into my bag and open the lukewarm one she gave me.

“Here.”

Nishimaru sticks a straw in her banana milk and holds it out toward me.

“Cheers. Good work.”

“Good work, Higashiguchi-kun.”

We clink our pack and can together and take a swig.

The lukewarm coffee slides down my throat. Only then do I realize how warm my body feels.