Chapter 5: The Valentine’s Day Incident

 

Speaking of February’s big event, it’s obviously Valentine’s Day.

However, in all my life, I don’t have a single memory of anything good happening on that day.

Setting aside the quality of my face for a moment, let’s discuss it from the perspective of my ‘character.’

The class president character is just not popular.

In elementary or middle school, the boys who were popular were the ones with great athletic skills, who could make everyone laugh, or who were a bit rebellious.

A serious, honest, and smart class president character like me is hopelessly unpopular.

Even if society values such a person, they have zero appeal as a romantic interest. Saying it myself makes me sad.

So, on Valentine’s Day, I often ended up in the role of scolding boys and girls trying to sneak around the school-wide ban on exchanging chocolates.

Then I’d get throwaway lines like, “You’re just jealous because you didn’t get any!” while being praised by the teachers. That’s all the day amounted to.

The only saving grace was getting friend-chocolates from the twins, though they teased me mercilessly.

So, what about this year?

This year, my visibility has skyrocketed. Becoming student council president as a first-year and standing in the spotlight multiple times.

With the student council versus club alliance conflict turning into entertainment, I’m one of the most recognized students in the school.

If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be strange for a girl or two to appreciate my efforts and give me a chocolate or two.

However, as of 4:00 PM on February 14th,

the number of chocolates I’ve received is zero.

“Tough luck, Mr. Student Council President!”

“Looks like you’re not Mr. Popular this year either, huh?”

As we walk down the hallway, Fuuko and Raiko gleefully tease me from both sides.

Ever since we were kids, these two have loved the fact that I’m unpopular. In that sense, they look forward to Valentine’s Day more than anyone, loving this event that visualizes my lack of popularity.

“I wasn’t expecting anything. It’s the same every year.”

“Really? Didn’t you think this year might be different? I mean, you’re the first-year student council president!”

“First-year president’s brand versus Makita’s unpopularity power. And the winner is—unpopularity power, victorious!!”

“That’s enough, both of you!”

Stepping in to scold them is Uzuki.

“You both know why. It’s because he’s the president that he can’t receive chocolates. That’s the school rule.”

Right. At Hiiragigaoka Academy, exchanging chocolates on Valentine’s Day is banned by school rules.

Despite the relatively free-spirited atmosphere of our school, a few years ago, an incident involving a food allergy happened on Valentine’s Day. It didn’t end in the worst-case scenario, but it caused quite a stir among parents.

As a result, chocolate exchanges on Valentine’s Day have been banned school-wide since the following year.

That said, bringing snacks isn’t usually prohibited.

So the rule is more of an unspoken understanding, and students sneakily exchange chocolates behind the teachers’ backs.

However, we in the student council can’t condone such loopholes.

If I were seen accepting chocolates from a girl, even if it’s just obligation chocolate, I’d be criticized by every organization imaginable.

So, in principle, I can’t accept chocolates.

That’s probably what Uzuki is getting at.

But, sadly, not a single female student has even tried to give me chocolate since this morning.

If I were truly popular, someone would’ve braved the loopholes to give me something.

In other words, that’s how it is.

“Oh, Makita’s got that about-to-cry face!”

“Looks like Uzuki-chan’s defense made him realize a few things.”

“W-What? Why, President!? What was wrong with what I said!?”

“It’s fine, Uzuki… I already knew.”

“I don’t understand! Tell me why you’re tearing up, President!”

“Well, look at that, the whole student council’s here.”

A voice, refreshing like the sky after rain but with a hint of humidity, passes through us.

Nishimaru Nanna was approaching from the front, with Haruko by her side.

“Hey, President.”

“Yeah.”

“How’s it going? How many chocolates did you get?”

“Exchanging chocolates is against school rules.”

“Hehe, true.”

The conversation, part small talk, part probing, creates a unique atmosphere, making nearby students stop in their tracks.

Then Uzuki steps forward, confronting Nishimaru.

“What about you? You haven’t accepted any chocolates, have you?”

“Hehe. As far as I know, Valentine’s Day is when girls give chocolates to guys, right?”

“Don’t play dumb. I’ve heard about what happened in your class today.”

“Oh, Fuuko-chan, huh? You’re quite observant.”

“Sorry, Nishimaru-chan. As a student council officer, I was watching closely.”

As mentioned, Nishimaru and Fuuko are classmates, so Fuuko had reported on Nishimaru’s activities today.

“This morning, a ton of girls tried to give you chocolates, didn’t they? You really didn’t accept any?”

“Nope, not a single one. Fuuko-chan can vouch for me, right?”

“Hehe, yup~! You politely turned them all down. Kinda made me feel bad for you~.”

Naturally, Nishimaru knows that accepting even one chocolate would get her in trouble with the student council or the newspaper club. She’s too smart to slip up like that.

Then Haruko steps in front of Fuuko.

“T-The representative really didn’t take any!”

“Oh, what’s that, Haruko? Really?”

Fuuko teases Haruko with a gleeful grin, clearly enjoying this student council versus club alliance play as sisters.

“E-Even on the way here, there were students hiding in the bathrooms, outside windows, or in the courtyard bushes trying to give her chocolates, but she turned them all down properly!”

“R-Really…?”

Nishimaru’s fans are way too intense. At that point, I almost want her to just accept one.

“Hehe, rules are rules. It’s a shame I couldn’t take them. By the way, Higashiguchi-kun.”

Nishimaru turns her gaze back to me, smirking as she asks,

“Were you able to properly turn down anyone trying to give you chocolates?”

“…I don’t owe you an answer.”

“Or maybe no one even tried? If so, sorry for asking.”

You totally asked that on purpose, you jerk.

“Here’s some advice: you should probably change those glasses.”

“!”

The one most shocked by those words was Uzuki. After all, she’s the one who picked these glasses.

In contrast, I was just fed up.

Here we go again. Publicly, privately, how much does she hate these glasses?

“That’s kinda harsh, commenting on someone’s appearance!”

“Yeah, yeah! Don’t badmouth Makita’s glasses! They’re trying their best!”

The Sorasaki twins protest fiercely. Then the youngest joins in.

“I-It’s just a personal opinion!”

Normally timid, Haruko gets bold only with Fuuko and Raiko. It’s probably a sister thing. She must want to look good in front of Nishimaru.

“You said the other day that Makita’s current glasses are better than the old ones, didn’t you, Haruko?”

“T-T-T-That’s just because the new ones are trendier… a-and don’t bring up stuff we talked about at home…!”

Haruko’s face turns bright red at Fuuko’s exposure, scrambling to explain. The storied student council versus club alliance conflict suddenly feels like a sibling squabble. What do they even talk about at home?

“…………”

I didn’t miss the cold look Nishimaru shot at Haruko.

Tough luck, Haruko. Seems like your bond with Nishimaru just got a lot frostier.

As things got noisy and onlookers gathered, we decided to end the student council and club alliance sparring.

The student council and club alliance groups passed each other, turning their backs and walking away. The spectators seemed satisfied with the impromptu show.

I noticed Uzuki looking troubled.

“What’s wrong, Uzuki?”

“Oh, sorry… I was wondering if those glasses really don’t suit you, President…”

As expected, she was bothered by Nishimaru’s comment. Being told twice that the glasses she picked don’t suit me must be hard to ignore.

I chose my words carefully to reassure her.

“She’s probably not serious. It’s just a random jab to get under my skin.”

That’s a lie. She’s dead serious. It’s raw, unfiltered emotion.

Uzuki still looked uneasy.

“Is that so…? Hearing it so much makes me wonder.”

“Don’t worry about it. Ignore what Nishimaru says.”

“Maybe I should compare them to your old glasses.”

“Haha, that’s impossible. You broke those, remember, Uzuki-chan?”

“!?”

The moment Fuuko casually mentioned that, a chill ran down my spine.

Turning around, I saw a menacing glare from the club alliance group, now quite far away.

Nishimaru was staring at me with eyes that said, “What? That’s news to me.”

“…………”

Did I not mention that?

‘What’s this about Nakau-chan breaking your old glasses?’

When I got to the study room, a question sheet was already waiting at my usual seat.

She’s definitely angry. I can guess why. But since I owe her an explanation, I detailed the fate of my previous glasses.

‘Uzuki’s hair-whip sent my glasses flying, and when she tried to grab them, she crushed them by accident.’

A loud thud echoed as she slammed the desk.

That mad, huh?

‘I don’t get the hair-whip thing, but it’s true she treated your glasses carelessly and broke them, right?’

In the kingdom ruled by Nishimaru Nanna, breaking glasses probably gets you beheaded. The Glasses Pity Decree.

‘And then she replaced them with half-rims? Oh, Nakau-chan, you messed up big time.’

I don’t get it, but it’s clear Uzuki’s earned Nishimaru’s wrath in a major way.

We’d been working to soften relations between the student council and club alliance to end the conflict, but now the vice president and the representative’s relationship has worsened. All because of glasses. I’m devastated.

‘Do half-rims really look that bad on me?’

‘It’s like putting curry on premium toro sushi.’

Yeah, I’d be furious too.

‘Then pick out glasses that suit me next time.’

The study room fell silent.

Until then, the sound of pens scribbling had been steady, but my suggestion brought an abrupt hush. Even I started to panic a bit.

It was a casual request, but was Nishimaru carefully choosing her response?

Then, from beside me, came the slow sound of a mechanical pencil.

‘Let me be clear: you can’t know if glasses truly suit you until you try them on.’

‘Then come with me to a glasses shop.’

I faintly heard a “Suu…”—a sharp intake of breath.

‘What if we get caught? If someone snaps a picture of us like they did with you and Nakau-chan, it’s over.’

‘We’ll be fine if we go to Tokyo. They’ve got stylish, big glasses shops there.’

Tokyo’s a two-hour train ride. Going just for glasses isn’t cost-effective, but if Nishimaru hates these half-rims that much, it’s worth the trip.

‘What about your current half-rims? If you suddenly replace them, won’t Nakau-chan or the twins get suspicious?’

‘I’ll say the lenses are off or the frame’s warped and keep them as a spare.’

I feel a bit guilty thinking about Uzuki, who picked them out.

Maybe I’ll use the half-rims for class or the student council room.

But that’s kind of like a cheating husband who only wears his wedding ring at home. Not that Uzuki or Nishimaru are like that, though.

‘So you’ll lie. Naughty boy.’

‘I’m already lying big time by having this written chat with you.’

‘Fair point. You’re a scumbag.’

Don’t you dare say that. You’re the one who dragged me into this.

‘So, we going?’

‘Maybe after the next regular meeting, when things settle down.’

‘Cool. Looking forward to it.’

It started as a casual suggestion, but halfway through, I realized something.

Isn’t this basically asking her out on a date?

Once the word “date” popped into my head, I got super nervous, but since she agreed, I’m relieved.

The student council president and the club alliance representative going on a date? It’s unthinkable.

But the fact that it naturally flowed that way means Nishimaru and I have gotten closer. Embarrassingly, I’m really looking forward to that day.

For the first time in my life, I thought it was great to be a glasses-wearing class president type.

I thought our written chat was done, but it wasn’t over yet.

A new sheet of loose-leaf from beside me had this written on it.

‘So, how many chocolates did you actually get?’

Why’s she asking again?

‘0’

“Pfft.”

‘Pfft’

You didn’t have to write it down. I heard you, jerk.

Suddenly, a round, brown object rolled over from the next seat.

A chocolate.

A plain, unwrapped almond chocolate came from her side.

‘Since no one can know about us anyway.’

A follow-up sheet, slipped over, had that written in curt letters.

‘٩(‘ω’)و’

‘Don’t copy me. Savor it gratefully.’

That almond chocolate was sweeter and tastier than any chocolate I’d ever received.

＊＊＊

The regular meeting went smoothly with our behind-the-scenes work, and the study room sessions have been more fulfilling than ever. Sure, I got brutally humiliated sometimes, but I got a chocolate, so it’s all good.

Despite the outrageous situation of the student council president and club alliance representative secretly meeting, peaceful days continued.

Maybe, just maybe, the conflict could end without major issues.

If that happens, what kind of relationship will Nishimaru and I have?

We could openly go to a café, a diner, or a glasses shop—anywhere.

I was so caught up in imagining that unseen future that I couldn’t stop grinning, basking in the peace.

But—trouble, as always, erupted suddenly on SNS.

In the morning, as I changed shoes and headed to class, I sensed a strange atmosphere.

“Something up?”

Raiko seemed to notice it too. Fuuko tilted her head, saying, “What’s that?”

Among the students passing by, some were sneaking glances at my expression.

Another weird article, maybe? But compared to when the glasses shop photo leaked, the attention on me felt less intense.

When I got to the classroom, Uzuki immediately pointed out the source of the uneasy vibe.

“President, have you seen this morning’s Nakayoshi Newspaper post?”

Nakayoshi Newspaper again. I thought they’d lay low after crossing the line last time.

“Another rude post?”

My classmates gathered, each chiming in.

“You haven’t seen it, President?”

“It’s not as bad as last time. Gossip, but still gossip.”

“This time it’s not about Uzuki and Higashiguchi. It’s about Nishimaru Nanna.”

I should probably fake a relieved look.

But my reflection in the window showed my face naturally tensing up.

“What’s up with Nishimaru?”

“Some flirty document leaked, and people think it’s about Nishimaru…”

“…”

Don’t show it. Stay in character. Don’t let anyone suspect a thing.

“What’s that? Let me see.”

Keeping my face as calm as possible, hiding the tremble in my hands, I checked the Nakayoshi Newspaper’s SNS on my phone.

A prominently displayed photo. One glance, and my heart thudded heavily.

My bad feeling came true.

‘So, how many chocolates did you actually get?’

‘0’

‘Pfft’

‘Since no one can know about us anyway.’

‘٩(‘ω’)و’

‘Don’t copy me. Savor it gratefully.’

That exchange, those words, that loose-leaf. I remember it all too well.

It was from Valentine’s Day, the written conversation between me and Nishimaru in the study room.

“President? Is something wrong?”

Uzuki peers into my face, so I quickly look away.

“No… I’ll read the article closely.”

I step away from my classmates and sit at my desk. After taking a deep breath, I read the article from start to finish.

The article can be summarized as follows.

A student found a loose-leaf sheet on campus. At first glance, it seemed to contain traces of a casual written conversation about Valentine’s Day.

But the student felt something off about one line and brought the document to the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club.

‘Since no one can know about us anyway.’

That single phrase hinted at an illicit relationship.

And the Nakayoshi Newspaper reporter recognized the handwriting.

The writing on the document closely resembled Nishimaru Nanna’s.

Moreover, the loose-leaf was the same kind Nishimaru regularly used.

In other words, it suggested that on Valentine’s Day, Nishimaru Nanna had given chocolate to someone—

My classmates, intrigued, chatter about this and that after reading the article.

“What’s Nishimaru-san’s handwriting like?”

“It’s in the article, right? Probably from some club alliance document she wrote?”

“If this is really a conversation between Nishimaru and someone, it’s kinda cute, isn’t it?”

“It’s pretty wholesome. But why a written conversation? During class or something?”

Since it’s not about me or Uzuki, my classmates dive into the topic without restraint.

But I was on edge.

Because the other person in that conversation was me.

Every time, Nishimaru collects the loose-leaf sheets used in our study room chats. I assumed she shredded them or something.

But from this article, it seems this document was dropped before it could be disposed of.

Nishimaru, what an uncharacteristic mistake…

Still, it’s fortunate the content on the dropped loose-leaf was this mild. If it had mentioned our secret dealings or included our names, just imagining it makes me shudder.

Either way, I need to tell her to be more careful when we meet in the study room next.

“But, like, is it really Nishimaru-chan?”

“The ‘pfft’ and weird emoticons don’t really fit her vibe, do they?”

“I think it’s her. The handwriting’s super neat and distinctive.”

“No way…”

A hoarse groan came from a Nishimaru fanboy.

He looked utterly wrecked by the sudden scandal about his idol. Others were affected too—some girls slumped over their desks, and a boy stared out the window with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“It’s a total earthquake for Nishimaru fans.”

“This ‘who’s the other person’ topic is gonna dominate for a while.”

“Nishimaru-san’s gonna be under constant scrutiny. She probably can’t even meet this person anymore. Poor thing.”

“…………”

Right. If Nishimaru’s every move is being watched, she can’t afford to get close to me. Secret meetings for our behind-the-scenes plans? Impossible.

“The other person’s handwriting… it’s just numbers and an emoticon, so it’s hard to tell.”

That was a stroke of luck.

If I’d written anything more distinct, it could’ve been traced back to me.

But because the other person’s identity is unclear, it fuels people’s curiosity to dig deeper.

“…………”

Quietly, slowly, but surely, I realized.

I might not be able to meet Nishimaru in the study room anymore.

＊＊＊

“It’s turned into a bigger deal than expected, hasn’t it, Nishimaru-san’s situation?”

In the student council room after school, Raiko mutters while brewing tea.

Ten days have passed since the article about Nishimaru came out, and the topic has lingered at school far more than expected.

“Yeah… I feel a bit bad for her.”

Even Uzuki, who’d normally snap at the sight of Nishimaru, seems genuinely concerned.

“She seems the same as always, though! Gotta say, her mental strength is impressive!”

Fuuko, Nishimaru’s classmate, shares how she’s been holding up. Nishimaru’s always lived true to her character, so she’s not the type to show weakness over something like this.

“Honestly, Haruko’s taking it worse than Nishimaru-chan.”

“Yeah, she’s been a mess at home—getting mad, trembling, or crying out of nowhere. She’s super unstable.”

“That sounds rough…”

This incident sent a massive shockwave through Nishimaru’s fans.

Some boys in our class have been visibly worn down day by day, but few idolize Nishimaru as intensely as Haruko. Learning she might have a specific someone must’ve hit her hard.

“But Nishimaru-san firmly denied it, right?”

“Yup, in class and at the club alliance.”

“But, like, that handwriting is super similar, isn’t it? Gotta be her.”

No matter how much she denies it, only she knows the truth. Proving it’s not her is nearly impossible, so this won’t die down easily.

“It’s become a banned topic in class. Right after the article dropped, people were speculating if the other person was a classmate, and it got really weird and tense!”

“The other person’s probably a classmate or someone from the club alliance, right? Since it’s a written chat, it’s gotta be someone who’d sit next to her.”

“Who could it be—Nishimaru Nanna’s boyfriend!”

“We don’t know if it’s a boyfriend… Fuuko-chan, who do you think it is?”

Uzuki tosses the question to Fuuko, who puts a hand to her chin and hums, “Hmm.”

I know from experience this is her prelude to a jokey answer.

“I’ll go with a long shot—Makita!”

Even when she’s messing around, Sorasaki Fuuko sometimes pulls off insane miracles.

“Haha, no way! How would Makita-kun have a written chat with Nishimaru-san?”

“Exactly! The President isn’t the type to use emoticons, either!”

“Stop saying dumb stuff… Let’s finish our quota already.”

“““Yes, sir!”””

I steer the conversation away before I slip up.

Nishimaru Nanna’s scandal has kept the school buzzing, even making waves in the student council.

Leaving the student council room early, I walk down the hallway alone.

Then, I run into a familiar face.

“Ugh… Maki… Higashiguchi!”

“Sorasaki, huh.”

When I stop, Haruko halts too. She looks restless, her eyes darting around, glaring at me whenever they meet mine.

Normally, Haruko would just ignore me and walk away.

“Sounds tough, with your representative.”

“Ugh… It’s not like you need to worry about it…”

“Sorasaki. I don’t hate Nishimaru, you know.”

“……!”

“We clash sometimes, but it’s to make the school better. In a way, I respect Nishimaru, and I don’t like seeing her in this situation.”

That’s my honest truth, something I felt even before connecting with Nishimaru behind the scenes.

Hearing this, Haruko glances around nervously. Confirming no one’s nearby, she glares up at me.

“D-Don’t act all cool… you school lapdog. Stupid Makita.”

It’s been a while since I heard Haruko say my name, even with “stupid” tacked on. It reminds me of when we were in the same class back in elementary school.

Haltingly, Haruko starts talking about how Nishimaru’s been doing.

“T-The representative… she acts like she doesn’t care, but she’s probably a bit tired. She’s used to all the attention at school, but… the stares she’s getting now are different.”

Haruko seems to spend a lot of time with Nishimaru among the club alliance leaders, so this must be true.

It’s frustrating that I can’t even go see her.

“M-Makita!”

Suddenly, Haruko points at me and shouts.

“T-The Nakayoshi Newspaper Club! Can’t you shut them down!?”

“Don’t say reckless things. You’re a club alliance leader—you know how sensitive issues around reporting and expression can be, right?”

“Ugh…!”

Haruko stomps her feet in frustration, tears in her eyes.

The photo of me and Uzuki’s private moment earned them a yellow card, and they’d love to give a red card for Nishimaru’s scandal, but objectively, the latter isn’t malicious enough. The Nakayoshi Newspaper only published a photo of the document and their analysis.

It’s gray, but not enough to warrant punishment.

As the school’s lapdog, the student council president, all I can offer are mild opinions like that.

“Don’t worry about that article. There’s no solid proof, so you don’t have to believe it…”

“I don’t believe it! The representative said she doesn’t know anything about it! What she says is the truth!”

“Nishimaru said that?”

“She did! So I don’t care if it’s true or not anymore!”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll trust the representative and follow her! That’s who I am!”

Haruko’s passionate speech leaves me momentarily overwhelmed. I didn’t know she could be this loud.

“Even if that article is true and the representative lied to me, it doesn’t matter! If she wants it to be false, I’ll keep saying it’s false!”

“…………”

“That’s what the club alliance is!”

She’d follow Nishimaru Nanna to the depths of hell with unwavering faith.

That resolve was clear in Haruko’s eyes.

It seems another childhood friend, unbeknownst to me, had forged an incredibly strong bond with Nishimaru. It makes me feel a bit lonely.

To Haruko, breathing heavily, I speak as gently as I can.

“It’s just a baseless rumor. It’ll fade from everyone’s memory eventually. Until then, let her lie low…”

“But… the regular meeting is next week.”

“…Right.”

The February regular meeting is already next week.

It’ll be Nishimaru’s first public appearance since the article, and the atmosphere will surely be charged. The audience will likely include plenty of her fans, as usual.

And you can bet Yamada Mamare, the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club’s leader, will be there in the club alliance seats. She might even barge into the discussion like last month.

For Nishimaru Nanna, it’ll undoubtedly be a trial.

“Even if I or the other leaders offer to debate with you instead, the representative won’t listen.”

“Is that so?”

“I… I’m just a leader in name, but I’m powerless… It’s pathetic.”

“Sorasaki…”

Just then, a voice calls from down the hall, and Haruko hurriedly scurries off.

I enter the study room alone.

The seat by the window, farthest back. My usual spot for over half a year.

But for the past ten days, it’s felt oddly uncomfortable.

Whether studying or reading, it’s like working on a puzzle with a missing piece.

Today, too, Nishimaru isn’t next to me.

A month ago, that was normal. But in this past month, Nishimaru has pushed aside everything in my life, carving out a place in my personal space.

At some point, Nishimaru became a huge presence to me.

Higashiguchi Makita and Nishimaru Nanna are from opposing organizations.

We can’t have proper conversations in daily life. We haven’t exchanged LINE contacts, so there’s no way to reach her. With all the attention on her, we can’t meet secretly either.

At this rate, we might never even walk side by side again.

‘Then come with me to a glasses shop.’

‘Maybe after the next regular meeting, when things settle down.’

The glasses shop date is probably off, too.

We can’t do our secret pre-meeting planning, and our plan to end the conflict is stalled.

Will the events of this past month in this room eventually fade like a dream?

“……”

Her breathtakingly beautiful handwriting, her mischievous smirk when pulling a prank, her soft smile while drinking banana milk—they flood my mind endlessly.

There’s no way I could forget.

＊＊＊

During the next day’s break, I headed to Fuuko’s class for student council business.

I told myself it’s because some things are better discussed in person than over LINE, but honestly, I wanted to check on Nishimaru, Fuuko’s classmate.

I can’t talk to her. Even making eye contact risks raising suspicion in this situation.

Still, I foolishly imagined that maybe locking eyes could somehow break through this deadlock.

Entering the classroom, I catch Fuuko chatting with classmates. She notices me right away and calls out.

“Yo—Maki! What’s up?”

“Fuuko, about today’s student council activities…”

While talking to Fuuko face-to-face, I subtly scan the room for Nishimaru.

There she is. At the back, sitting and talking with some girls. She doesn’t look my way, but she must’ve noticed me since Fuuko loudly announced my presence.

Because of that, the classroom takes on a slightly tense vibe.

Objectively, the student council president and the club alliance representative in the same space is gossip fuel. Students cast small glances at me and Nishimaru.

“No way it’s Higashiguchi, right?”

“Haha, that’s too much of a long shot!”

I faintly hear comments like that.

From the context, they’re about the other person in Nishimaru’s scandal.

It’s reassuring that I’m considered unlikely, but I wish they wouldn’t focus on me. It makes it harder to glance at Nishimaru.

“So that’s the deal.”

“Got it! See ya after school!”

I run out of things to tell Fuuko, and my reason for being here evaporates.

As I leave, I steal one quick glance at Nishimaru.

She’s chatting with her friend, seemingly oblivious to me.

She’s gesturing animatedly, hands moving.

“……?”

Leaving Fuuko’s classroom and heading back to my own, Nishimaru’s behavior oddly sticks in my mind.

I didn’t hear her conversation. What caught my attention was her movements.

Both palms up by her face, like a “what can you do” gesture. Her expression exaggerated, as if sighing dramatically.

Does she normally use such gestures when talking with class friends?

Then again, most of my interactions with Nishimaru are written chats in the study room. I’ve only seen her talk up close during pre-meeting planning.

And, of course, during the regular meetings themselves—

“…………”

Without realizing it, my feet stopped.

Standing in the middle of the hallway, I didn’t notice the puzzled looks from others until a moment later.

My mind was consumed by dots connecting.

Could it be—that’s it.

“Emoticons.”

＊＊＊

The February regular meeting is about to begin, and the meeting room is thick with tension.

The atmosphere is completely different from last month. The students in the audience seats are all, deep down, anticipating something.

Nishimaru Nanna’s reaction to that article.

“Man, I can feel it—the anticipation for Mamare-chan!”

Patting my shoulder and chatting casually is the source of this mess, Yamada Mamare, the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club’s leader. She looks more satisfied than the last time I saw her.

“It’s my big moment, so I hit the salon yesterday and got my hair redyed. Got the fancy treatment, too. Look at this shine! Cute, right, President-san?”

Yamada Mamare flaunts her pink hair. I respond coolly.

“Big moment? The Nakayoshi Newspaper Club isn’t on today’s agenda, as far as I know.”

“Don’t play coy. Everyone in the audience doesn’t care about the agenda. They want to see the representative’s reaction, hear her voice, and know who her crush is. Gotta give them plenty to work with, right?”

“I’d appreciate it if you refrained from asking irrelevant questions like last time.”

“You’re curious too, right, President-san? About who Nishimaru-chan gave chocolate to. Gotta be curious, yeah? Even if you’re rivals, you’ve faced off plenty of times. What do you think? Not secretly crushing on the representative, are you? Forbidden love does spark some flames, doesn’t it?♪”

No matter what I say, she won’t stop, so reacting is pointless. I ignored Yamada Mamare’s clingy antics and continued preparing.

Then, I felt a sharp tension ripple through the meeting room.

I didn’t need to look to know. Nishimaru had arrived.

“Oh, hey, Representative-chan!”

“Hiss! Hiss!”

“Whoa, what’s that, shy-girl-chan?!”

As Yamada Mamare tried to approach, Haruko, who arrived with Nishimaru, blocked her with cat-like hissing.

Nishimaru wore her usual smile, but she looked somewhat worn out. Understandable, considering she’s been under the school’s curious stares for the past ten days.

I’m probably the only one who knows how tough this really is for Nishimaru.

‘I never actually wanted to be the representative.’

‘I’m the one writing the script, not the one dancing on stage.’

She plays a role, meeting everyone’s expectations, living a life detached from her true self.

Wanting even a small escape from that, she sought my help to end the conflict.

“…………”

“President, it’s about time to take your seat.”

“Right.”

Uzuki taps my shoulder, reminding me the meeting’s start is near.

I take a deep breath and wipe my glasses’ lenses with a cloth.

Alright, it’s showtime.

The February regular meeting kicks off with opening remarks, and general announcements proceed smoothly.

Nobody cares about these formalities. They want Nishimaru to speak. They want Yamada Mamare to derail things and dive into the gossip.

That vibe pulses from every corner of the meeting room.

“—That concludes the general announcements. Now, onto today’s agenda…”

As Uzuki says this, Yamada Mamare starts to rise, but…

“Before we proceed, the President has one matter to address.”

Adding another topic, Yamada Mamare stumbles dramatically, like a comedian. Not just her—the audience lets out a small, disappointed “Ehh.”

Still, Yamada Mamare laughs and heckles loudly.

“What’s that? Don’t tell me it’s the President’s engagement announcement? I wanna hear, I wanna hear! Hurry up so we can move on! Keep it short, pretty please~”

Acting like she owns the room, Yamada Mamare grants permission nobody asked for.

“My apologies for the lack of prior notice. Is this alright?”

I direct the question to the room, and Nishimaru answers on behalf.

“Depends on the topic. What’s it about?”

“It’s regarding a Nakayoshi Newspaper post.”

Instantly, the room buzzes. Even Yamada Mamare reacts with a surprised “Ooh?”

Almost no one expected that topic to come from my mouth.

“What’s this? That kind of thing? Featuring lil’ ol’ Mamare? Then I’m totally on board! Who cares about the other agenda, right? Right?”

Despite Yamada Mamare’s annoying prodding, Nishimaru keeps her gaze fixed on me, her eyes appraising. Haruko, beside her, looks suspicious.

“…It’s fine. Go ahead.”

With Nishimaru’s approval, Yamada Mamare throws an exaggerated “Hell yeah!” fist pump.

“Then, since we have other agenda items, let’s get to it. Please take a look.”

I operate the projector remote, displaying a single photo on the screen.

Thank goodness we made it in time.

＊＊＊

I formed a hypothesis.

That pose Nishimaru struck in the classroom—was it a message to me?

I thought so because something similar happened at the last regular meeting. In a room full of people, Nishimaru made the ‘٩(‘ω’)و’ pose to signal she wanted banana milk.

I was the only one who knew ‘٩(‘ω’)و’ meant banana milk.

So, the classroom pose might be mimicking another emoticon, likely one from our past written chats.

But as mentioned, Nishimaru collects all the paper used in our chats.

That means the only way to recall past emoticons is through my memory.

I holed up in the study room, diving deep into my recollections.

In the classroom, Nishimaru did a “what can you do” pose. And her exaggerated sigh-like expression might be relevant too.

I thought, and thought, and thought some more.

Then, I remembered.

‘So you really don’t like Yamada Mamare, huh?’

‘Not a fan. About as much as I don’t like people who call glasses “eyewear.”’

The eyewear bit stuck with me vividly.

After that, we talked about doing something about the Nakayoshi Newspaper, and then…

‘Yeah, I get it. But if they cause any more trouble than they already have, we should carefully scheme behind the scenes to deal a real blow to the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club.’

‘True. But on the surface, you’d have to oppose that decision as the club alliance rep, right?’

‘┐( ･ ω ･ )┌’

That’s how it went, I think.

┐( ･ ω ･ )┌

That’s it. Looking at it now, it’s clear. Nishimaru was making that pose back then.

And the sigh, too.

‘You’ve got bedhead.’

That’s how that conversation started.

It was the day Nishimaru bragged about her mobile printer, taking a photo of my bedhead during our written chat.

‘No sneaky photos.’

‘(⬤  ‘ ･ △ ･ )  =3’

‘Don’t sigh at me.’

No mistake. That sigh was tied to this emoticon.

Now, what did Nishimaru want to convey by reminding me of these two conversations?

The first was mainly about Yamada Mamare.

The second—bedhead? Or maybe the mobile printer?

No, wait. Could it be about sneaky photos?

Was Nishimaru trying to tell me about ‘Yamada Mamare’ and ‘sneaky photos’?

“—No way.”

I immediately contacted a senior one year above me.

＊＊＊

“What!?”

Yamada Mamare had the biggest reaction to the photo on the meeting room screen, nearly falling out of her chair in shock.

“Hey, that’s what I think it is, right…?”

“This is kinda harsh.”

“That’s a decisive moment…”

Murmurs rose from the audience, club alliance leaders, and club presidents. The room was in an uproar.

“…Hehe.”

Aside from the student council, who’d been briefed, only Nishimaru Nanna smiled with satisfaction.

It was a photo of Yamada Mamare secretly photographing Nishimaru.

Hidden in the campus courtyard bushes, Yamada Mamare aimed a DSLR at Nishimaru, who was talking with a club alliance boy on a walkway dozens of meters away.

She probably wanted to frame someone—anyone—as Nishimaru’s written chat partner.

And this was a photo of Yamada Mamare, caught in the act from behind.

“Yamada Mamare-san, I have a few questions.”

As I addressed her, Yamada Mamare went, “Uhh?” and looked away.

“Last month, you said the photo of the Vice President and me came from an anonymous submitter. That you weren’t free enough to tail and photograph us yourself.”

“Y-Yeah~… that’s right, last time.”

“And this? What was your intent here?”

“Uh… uh-huh-huh?”

Yamada Mamare’s eyes darted wildly. She looked around for help, but most people gave her skeptical glares.

Nishimaru was being secretly photographed.

I pondered the true meaning behind the message Nishimaru sent through her gestures.

If she knew she was being photographed, she could’ve reported it to Haruko or other club alliance allies to confront Yamada Mamare, without involving me.

Why tell only me? I quickly understood and took action.

First, I closely contacted a senior in Yamada Mamare’s class to track her after-school whereabouts. For a while, I observed her movements.

It didn’t take long to confirm she was tailing Nishimaru.

From there, it was a game of patience and luck.

To capture an undeniable moment, I followed Yamada Mamare as she followed Nishimaru, rain or cold snap be damned.

For days, I only got inconclusive photos, but just yesterday, I managed to snap this perfectly incriminating shot.

“Wait, hold on! Let’s think calmly, everyone!”

Yamada Mamare stood, shouting frantically.

“If you’re saying tailing is bad, then this photo’s bad too! Mamare-chan got tailed, didn’t she? Scary, President, scary!”

“No, I didn’t take this. It was sent to the student council by an anonymous submitter.”

“Liar! The composition’s too perfect!”

I’ll give her points for the sharp comeback, but the unethical behavior in the photo can’t be overlooked.

“Last month’s article about the Vice President and me lacked ethics, but we let it slide due to freedom of expression and reporting. The article two weeks ago about the document was also, barely, tolerable. But this behavior, I believe, is unacceptable.”

And so, I declared clearly.

“It’s a red card. After consulting with the teachers, the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club will face some form of disciplinary action.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, give me a break, President-san! This was, like, to support the student council, you know?”

Even now, Yamada Mamare keeps squirming.

“The representative’s the student council’s archenemy, right? A thorn in your side! So I just wanted to knock her influence down a peg!”

“Then what about last month’s article about the President and Vice President?”

“That was a solid student council takedown, wasn’t it?”

Raiko and Fuuko chime in with serious, reasonable points.

“No, what!? Mamare’s a huge student council fan! I just thought it’d be great if the President and Vice President got together! That’s what that article was about!”

Unbelievable nerve. It’s textbook audacity—probably useful in the real world.

“It’s true that the club alliance, especially Nishimaru Nanna-san, is, in some ways, the student council’s rival.”

I speak firmly, drowning out Yamada Mamare’s voice.

Nishimaru sits upright, looking at me not with her usual smile but with a sincere expression.

I’m the student council president. Nishimaru Nanna’s adversary. The cold-blooded villain with glasses.

But just this once, I wanted to step out of character to protect something.

“However, we are the student council. An organization for the students. And Nishimaru Nanna-san is one of the students we must protect. I firmly believe that violating her privacy like this is absolutely unacceptable.”

The club alliance and audience listened in silence.

This was why Nishimaru told only me about the secret photography.

The first step toward the long-term goal of the student council and club alliance joining hands.

Me, helping my supposed nemesis, Nishimaru.

We used the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club’s misconduct to naturally create this dramatic moment.

Nishimaru Nanna is a formidable woman, enduring the discomfort of being secretly photographed while pretending not to notice, all for this.

“That’s all I wanted to say. We’ll announce the Nakayoshi Newspaper Club’s disciplinary measures later. Nishimaru-san, is this conclusion acceptable?”

I pass the floor to Nishimaru, who responds confidently from her seat.

“Sounds fine. First off, I don’t know anything about that document. For some reason, people think I wrote it, though.”

“Liar! It says ‘Since no one can know about us,’ doesn’t it? What’s that supposed to mean for a normal person!?”

“No idea. Maybe someone’s cheating?”

“That’s a sleazy interpretation! And that handwriting! It’s identical to yours!”

“Plenty of people have similar handwriting. Besides, I know something.”

“What’s that?”

“Some of my fans mimic my handwriting or speech patterns.”

Nishimaru stands, turns, and addresses the audience.

“Raise your hand if you’ve ever copied my handwriting, even once.”

“No-No-No, there’s no way, who’d do that… Wait, there are people!?”

Two girls in the audience shyly raise their hands.

And in the club alliance section…

“…!”

Haruko raises her hand. You too?

“Oh, yeah, Haruko-chan’s handwriting suddenly changed at some point.”

“So it was Nishimaru-chan’s influence, huh?”

Fuuko and Raiko nod in understanding. Haruko, teary-voiced, mumbles, “…Hic, I’m sorry…” It’s not weird to emulate someone you admire.

“So, I’m tired of denying it over and over, so let me say it clearly here. That wasn’t me. If you want to believe it was, go ahead.”

Nishimaru’s polite declaration draws gasps of awe from the audience.

Then she flashes me a bold smirk.

“So, Higashiguchi-kun? Shouldn’t we move on to the agenda?”

“Right. Sorry for taking up time.”

“Hehe. Seriously, what a hassle.”

“First, regarding the tanuki sighted at the golf club’s practice range—”

As Uzuki begins explaining, Nishimaru stretches, raising her left arm by her face and her right arm high above her head.

٩(‘ω’)و

Looks like she’s craving banana milk again.