Chapter 1: Student Council

After school.

Having gradually regained my enthusiasm by covering for a deflated Hinako, I was packing my textbooks into my bag, preparing to head home.

“Oh, Tomonari-kun. Got a moment?”

I was called out to by Fukushima-sensei.

Tilting my head, I approached the teacher standing at the podium.

“What’s up?”

“Sorry, could you deliver these documents to each class’s homeroom teacher?”

Sensei handed me a stack of papers.

“Well, I don’t mind, but…”

Why me? The question must’ve shown on my face, because Fukushima-sensei chuckled softly.

“If you’re aiming for the student council, it’s a good idea to build a reputation with the teachers, you know~?”

I see.

Somehow, word that I’m aiming for the student council has spread far and wide. Well, I’ve mentioned it myself during casual chats with classmates, so it’s not surprising it’s reached the teachers’ ears.

I glanced back for a moment. My eyes met Hinako’s, and she gave me a nod.

I’ll have Hinako wait in the classroom for a bit.

“Got it.”

Taking the documents, I left the classroom.

As Fukushima-sensei said, if I’m going to face the student council election, the teachers’ impressions of me will surely matter. I should keep piling up these small, steady efforts.

…This isn’t just being an errand boy, right?

I decided to stop thinking about that.

◆

Kiou Academy’s second-year classes consist of six groups, from Class A to Class F. Hinako and I are in Class A, located on the second floor of the school building, alongside the classrooms for Class B and Class C.

I started heading toward the nearest classroom, Class B, but…

(…Calm down.)

For certain reasons, stepping into Class B’s classroom feels daunting for me right now.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I entered the classroom.

“Excuse me.”

As I stepped in, a few people turned to look at me.

Since Class B shares gym class with us, I recognized a few students. Some gave me a light nod, and I bowed back while heading to the podium.

“I’m here to deliver some documents.”

“Oh, thank you very much.”

Class B’s homeroom teacher was a refined, mature woman. While Fukushima-sensei has a small, animal-like charm, this teacher exuded a calm, intellectual air.

“You’re Tomonari-kun, right?”

“Uh? Yes, that’s me…”

“Never mind. Thanks for your help.”

Maybe she just wanted to confirm my face and name. She stared at me intently but said nothing more.

Next up, Class C.

Trying not to look around too much, I headed straight for the classroom door, but—

“…Ah.”

“…Ah.”

For just a fleeting moment, I glanced inside the classroom.

That was enough for our eyes to meet.

—Narika.

The reason I felt uneasy entering Class B. That reason was Narika.

I vividly remembered my exchange with Narika after the Management Game ended.

I’ll never forget it. There’s no way I could.

The clumsy affection I felt on my cheek still lingers clearly in my mind.

—The one who told me to go all out… that was you, Izuki!!

Narika’s face had turned bright red as she shouted that, and then—she ran off.

…Because she ran off, I had no idea what kind of face I should make the next time I saw her. I agonized over it all night, but no answer came. Honestly, it’s left me sleep-deprived today, which is probably why my guard’s down.

I understood Narika’s feelings. Pathetically, though, I still haven’t sorted out my own.

So right now, I’m probably making an incredibly awkward face.

But seeing me like that, Narika looked a little troubled, her eyes darting around—before she shyly flashed a smile as radiant as a blooming flower.

“!”

That expression hit me harder than any words could.

As if to drown out my racing heartbeat, I hurried out of the classroom.

“M-Miyakojima-san, with such a gentle smile…!!”

“Silly! Lately, Miyakojima-san’s been smiling like every three days!”

I overheard Class B students talking behind me.

Not long ago, I would’ve laughed and thought, “That’s Narika for you,” hearing stuff like that.

But now, I don’t have the composure to think that way.

That’s how much Narika’s presence has grown in my heart.

(…Get it together.)

Next is Class C.

Waiting for my heart rate to settle, I stepped into the classroom.

“Excuse me.”

I rarely come to Class C’s classroom, but it’s not like I have zero connection to it.

This class has that blonde, vertical-roll-haired girl… Tennouji-san.

“Oh my, Izuki-san. What brings you here?”

Tennouji-san noticed me before the teacher did.

Pausing her chat with a classmate, Tennouji-san approached me.

“Fukushima-sensei asked me to deliver some documents to Class C’s homeroom teacher.”

“Documents? …Ah, I see what’s going on. Since Class A’s only candidate is you, Izuki-san, Fukushima-sensei must be quick on the uptake.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

As I wondered, Tennouji-san turned to the teacher at the podium and—

“Sensei, some documents have arrived!”

Tennouji-san called out in a clear, carrying voice.

As expected of Tennouji-san. She has zero hesitation about raising her voice in a classroom.

Called by Tennouji-san, Class C’s homeroom teacher paused his paperwork and looked up. I walked with Tennouji-san to the podium and handed over the documents.

“Hey, thanks for coming all the way to deliver these.”

Class C’s homeroom teacher was a tall, lean man.

He gave off a slender impression, but not frail. His well-fitted, clean jacket accentuated his frame, exuding an air of sophistication.

“This is Tomonari Izuki-san, a student from Class A.”

“Yeah, I know him. He’s kind of famous, after all.”

Tennouji-san introduced me, but it seems I was already known.

“By the way, he’s aiming for the student council, just like me.”

“Is that so? …Oh, wait, yeah, I think I heard something like that.”

“Izuki-san’s strength lies in his earnestness and strong drive for improvement. A quick look at his grade trends makes it obvious—”

Wait… is Tennouji-san pitching me to the teacher?

When our eyes met, she gave me a quick wink. She’s probably trying to boost the teachers’ impression of me for the upcoming election.

What a reliable ally.

Of course, if she were exaggerating or lying, I’d have to stop her. But true to Tennouji-san’s upright nature, she didn’t embellish a single word about me.

After hearing her out, Class C’s teacher gave Tennouji-san a warm look.

“Alright, I get it. Tomonari-kun’s clearly Tennouji-san’s favorite.”

“T-that’s not what I meant!”

Tennouji-san’s face flushed as she protested.

Well, given how it played out, it’s no surprise he’d think that… I gave a wry smile and left.

Now, just Class D, Class E, and Class F to go.

Classes D through F are on the third floor. Since they’re on a different floor from Class A, I barely know anyone in those classes.

As I started climbing the stairs to the third floor…

“…Hm?”

Feeling a gaze, I turned around.

For a moment, I thought someone was behind me… but there was no one.

Maybe I’m getting paranoid from being noticed by so many people. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I continued up the stairs.

After that, I delivered the documents to Class D and Class E’s teachers.

Finally, I headed to Class F to deliver the last set.

While I don’t know anyone in Class D or E, there’s one familiar face in Class F. Hoping to exchange a quick greeting, I scanned the classroom and noticed a guy looking at me.

It was Ikuno. The guy who ran Wedding Needs during the Management Game.

Spotting me, Ikuno immediately approached.

“Tomonari-kun, what’s up?”

“I’m here to deliver these documents to Class F’s homeroom teacher.”

“Still helping people out as usual, huh?”

“It’s not that big a deal.”

We shared a light laugh as we talked.

During the game, Ikuno wasn’t just a key business partner for me—he was also the one I entrusted my company to in the end. That trust still holds, and it seems he feels the same. We’ve become pretty close now.

“Sensei, you’ve got a visitor.”

Together with Ikuno, I headed to Class F’s teacher.

“Oh, Tomonari-kun, right? What’s up?”

Class F’s homeroom teacher was a burly man.

As his appearance suggested, he was a gym teacher. His toned muscles and short-cropped hair gave off the vibe of a refreshing, athletic guy.

“Fukushima-sensei asked me to deliver these documents. …You know who I am?”

“Of course. You made quite a splash in the Management Game.”

As I thought, the Management Game was what boosted my reputation.

It was worth the effort, even if I can’t claim all the credit.

I handed the documents to the teacher and stepped away from the podium.

“Alright, Ikuno-kun, I’ll head out now.”

“Sure. …Tomonari-kun, if you ever need help, just let me know, okay?”

“…I appreciate that, but you don’t have to feel indebted about the game.”

“No way. Thanks to you, I got to genuinely enjoy the Management Game.”

When we formed a capital and business alliance with Wedding Needs, I learned Ikuno had initially joined the game just to follow his parents’ orders. But through our negotiations, I encouraged him to confront what he truly wanted to do.

As a result, Ikuno sees me as the person who freed him from being his parents’ puppet. He’s insanely grateful, but honestly, he helped me out a ton, so I feel a bit awkward about it.

(…Ikuno’s the quintessential Kiou Academy guy, isn’t he?)

I sometimes forget, especially when looking at Taishou, but most guys at this academy are like that. Ikuno, though, is especially polite and gentlemanly. Maybe it’s because he’s the heir to a family in the etiquette-heavy bridal industry. Talking to him reminds me I’m a Kiou Academy student.

Leaving Class F’s classroom, I headed back to Class A, where Hinako was waiting.

On the way… I felt a gaze again and turned around.

“Oh?”

This time, someone was there.

An unfamiliar female student. She was tall, with straight black hair. Her demeanor was mature, and her eyes seemed to hold a strong, unyielding core.

“Um, were you following me?”

“Hmm, caught me, huh?”

The girl laughed and admitted it without a hint of guilt.

“Tomonari Izuki-kun. Come with me, would you?”

“Come with you… where?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

With that, she turned on her heel and started leading the way.

I had no clue what was going on, but I followed. …Maybe it’s some important matter that’s hard to discuss here.

“Um, who are you…?”

“Questions about me can wait until we reach our destination.”

She spoke without turning around.

“Tomonari-kun. You’re aiming to join the student council, right?”

“That’s the plan.”

It’s even reached a complete stranger like her…?

Surprised, I looked at her, and she gave a faint smile.

“Good. Then I’ll grant you the right to enter this room.”

With that, she stopped.

We’d apparently arrived. I looked at the double doors in front of us and checked the nameplate above.

“This is…”

“Go on in. The others are already waiting.”

I was half-forced into the room.

It was as spacious as a classroom, but with fewer chairs. Two large leather sofas faced each other across a central table, and a table and chair set sat by the window. The furniture was all high-quality, and the dense, luxurious carpet on the floor hinted at its expense. The vibe was like a blend of a reception room and an office.

On the sofas sat familiar faces.

“Huh, everyone…?”

Hinako, Tennouji-san, Narika, Taishou, Asahi-san… the full lineup of the group some call the Tea Party Alliance was here.

“I knew you’d get called too, Tomonari-kun!”

“Well, with us here, it’s no surprise.”

Asahi-san and Taishou nodded in agreement.

“Tomonari Izuki-kun. Take a seat on that sofa.”

Silently following the instruction, I sat next to Hinako.

…I was starting to piece things together.

Considering the purpose of this room, I could guess why we’d been gathered. I also had a hunch about the identity of the girl who’d led me here.

The girl sat on the chair by the window, opening her mouth with a hint of amusement.

“Welcome to the student council room. I’m Minato Maki, the current student council president of Kiou Academy.”

◆

As I sat on the sofa, a cup of tea was quietly placed in front of me. It was brought by another unfamiliar female student, likely a current student council member.

I took a sip of the tea.

“One week from now, Kiou Academy will begin the student council election period.”

Minato-san started speaking.

“You all seem to know that already. Tomonari-kun, in particular, was making the usual rounds.”

“Rounds…?”

I hadn’t meant to do anything like that… Puzzled, I looked up, and Tennouji-san spoke.

“To smooth things out for election-related activities, candidates typically make informal greetings to each class’s teachers before the election period. It’s customary to do so under the guise of delivering documents.”

“I had no idea…”

“For candidates who are already well-known, it’s unnecessary, but Fukushima-sensei must’ve thought it was important for you, Izuki-san.”

Fukushima-sensei… thank you.

I’m sorry for doubting you and thinking I was just an errand boy.

“Back to the point—things will get busy for candidates once the election period starts, right? So I wanted to call in students who seem interested in the student council beforehand to have a little chat. There’s also a small request I’d like to make of the candidates.”

I was curious about the request, but I now understood why we’d been summoned.

Among this group, Narika, Tennouji-san, and I are planning to run. Minato-san must know that. She probably invited the rest of the Tea Party Alliance, assuming they might be interested in the student council too.

It hit me late, but the girl who guided me was a third-year senpai.

Not just Minato-san, but Minato-senpai. Or rather, since she’s the president, President Minato.

Sitting in the president’s chair by the window, her dignified presence was so refined it was hard to believe she was only a year older. It felt like facing Takuma-san or Kagen-san.

As if seeing through my tension, President Minato smiled gently.

“No need to be so nervous. This is just a casual meet-and-greet. I’m not judging you. As the current student council president, I’m simply curious about who the next officers will be.”

The more someone tenses up, the heavier the atmosphere risks becoming.

Sometimes, being nervous can come off as rude. I deliberately rolled my shoulders to relax, subtly signaling to President Minato that I was relaxed.

President Minato smiled.

“Well then, shall we start by hearing your target positions and your enthusiasm?”

The first to react to those words was Tennouji-san.

“Tennouji Mirei from Class 2-C. I aim to become the student council president.”

Tennouji-san continued speaking.

“When I become student council president, I will make this academy a place where everyone can live with pride.”

“With pride, huh… Hmm, I like that. It’s a refreshing vision for the future.”

“You’re not going to ask for specifics?”

“I said this was just a meet-and-greet, didn’t I? Save the details for the main event.”

Tennouji-san seemed to have concrete policies in mind, but at President Minato’s words, she quietly pressed her lips together. …A place where everyone can live with pride. I could only vaguely imagine what kind of future that would be, but it would surely be an environment where everyone could thrive.

Next, Narika spoke up.

“Miyakojima Narika from Class 2-B… That’s me. I, too, aim to become the student council president.”

Narika’s conversational skills had improved compared to before, but she still seemed a bit nervous in this situation, her voice trembling slightly.

“My vision isn’t quite clear yet, to be honest… but I want to create an environment where people can change themselves.”

“Hmm… Is that inspired by your own transformation, perhaps?”

Narika’s eyes widened for a moment, as if to say, How did you know?

But she quickly composed herself.

“As you say.”

President Minato nodded, satisfied with Narika’s affirmation.

“As I told Tennouji-san, it’s fine if your specific vision isn’t clear yet. The Management Game just ended, so you probably haven’t had much time to think it over.”

Narika’s turn came to an end.

Finally, it was my turn.

“Tomonari Izuki from Class 2-A.”

The student council position I was aiming for was—

“I’m hoping to become vice president.”

President Minato’s eyes flickered subtly.

Was that unexpected? But this was a decision I’d reached after serious thought.

“I’m not sure if it qualifies as a vision, but… I want to become a consultant in the future. If that’s the case, I think aiming for a position that supports someone at the top, rather than leading from the front, suits me better.”

“I see. Well, if you view Kiou Academy as a company, the student council president would indeed be like the CEO.”

Becoming president would make it hard to act like a consultant.

Well, in my case, I don’t even have the confidence to become president in the first place…

“Personally, I think it’d be interesting if you aimed for president, Tomonari-kun.”

President Minato suddenly threw that out there.

“I started from scratch in the Management Game, just like you did, Tomonari-kun. I feel a certain kinship with you.”

“…Is that so?”

“Well, in my case, it was my family’s policy.”

Her family… Come to think of it, what was President Minato’s family background?

As if sensing my curiosity, she added,

“Ever heard of the Rakuou Group? That’s my family’s business.”

Of course I’d heard of it—

Rakuou Group Inc. A massive corporation, known to every Japanese person, primarily focused on internet services.

They operate in various fields—communications, finance, even sports—owning everything from companies to a professional baseball team. Compared to the Konohana Group or Tennouji Group, their history is much shorter, but through aggressive M&A, they’ve rapidly climbed to their current status. They’re a sharp, ambitious company.

President Minato said she felt a kinship with me, but her words made me realize how different we are. She likely chose to start from scratch in the Management Game to prepare herself to lead the massive, dynamic Rakuou Group. Her background is completely different from mine. Even if we did the same thing, the weight we carry is worlds apart.

“…I appreciate the sentiment, but I’ll pass on aiming for president.”

“Hmm, that’s a shame.”

I couldn’t tell how serious she was…

That carefree attitude reminded me of someone close to me, but who?

“So, the candidates are these three, huh? …Konohana-san, Asahi-san, Taishou-kun. What about you guys?”

President Minato turned her gaze to Hinako and the others.

To the question of whether the remaining three would join the student council, Asahi-san spoke up.

“Uh, I’ll pass. I mean… after experiencing the Management Game, I found something I really want to do.”

Asahi-san said apologetically.

“Same here as Asahi. The game made me want to do what we did there in real life, you know…”

Taishou followed suit.

But at his words, Asahi-san’s eyes widened.

“Wait, you mean you’re doing that too, Taishou-kun?”

“You too, Asahi…?”

They locked eyes and spoke at the same time.

“Mobile appliance sales…”

They said the exact same thing.

“—Right?! Exactly! That idea’s way too good to just leave in the game!”

“—Yes! Exactly! And honestly, I’ve been thinking for a while that packaging materials could be improved in real life. We succeeded with that business in the game, so I want to patent it in reality!”

Asahi-san and Taishou got all worked up, bonding over their shared excitement.

Watching them, President Minato nodded in understanding.

“I see, I see. So you two want to focus on your family businesses for now, huh?”

““Yes!!””

Asahi-san and Taishou’s responses overlapped.

“Wonderful. The Management Game is a curriculum designed to simulate real-world applications. If you’ve found something you’re passionate about and want to pursue, I’ll cheer you on with all I’ve got.”

At President Minato’s words, Asahi-san and Taishou nodded happily.

Right after, Asahi-san looked at me.

“By the way, I’m totally dragging you into this, Tomonari-kun, so get ready! It’ll probably be after we’ve got things sorted, though.”

“Got it.”

I was the one who proposed the mobile appliance sales idea, so no problem there. If anything, the fact that they’re still giving me a role shows how much they trust me, which is something to be proud of.

The Management Game was a virtual world, but the bonds of trust we built there still linger.

It hit me again: that game was a major turning point for me.

“And you, Konohana-san?”

President Minato looked at Hinako.

“I’ll pass as well. My family’s going to be quite busy.”

“…No way around it? I don’t like to say this, but a lot of people are probably hoping you’d join the student council.”

Even President Minato seemed reluctant to let Hinako go.

But Hinako shook her head.

“I’m sorry. It’s just not feasible for me…”

“…I see. Then I won’t force you. In reality, many students have to decline because of busy family matters. It’s sad, but it’s expected.”

The students of Kiou Academy all live within the constraints of their influential families. Even if they’re popular, there are plenty of cases where they can’t join the student council.

…Well, in Hinako’s case, she just doesn’t want to do it.

She’s a naturally lazy girl at heart. The student council? No way she’d want that. Even Kagen-san seems to tolerate this, calculating that the risk of her true nature slipping outweighs the benefit of maintaining her perfect Ojou-sama image. They’ve apparently decided she doesn’t need to join the student council.

“Alright, shall we wrap up this meet-and-greet? Sorry for calling you all here after school.”

President Minato gave a slight bow.

“Are we the only ones aiming for the student council?”

“No, there are others. But if I let you all get too competitive before the election period, you might burn out by the time it really matters. Plus, I don’t want people thinking the student council is encouraging cutthroat competition. So, I deliberately called you in groups this time. Honestly, I hesitated about calling Tennouji-san and Miyakojima-san together, but since you two seem close even in private, I made an exception.”

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

“Yeah. I recommend saving the real rivalry for the election period.”

Even for someone as competitive as Tennouji-san, keeping that fire burning from now until the election would be exhausting. President Minato’s thoughtfulness feels spot-on.

“And now, it’s time for a request.”

President Minato spoke up.

Oh, right—she mentioned a request earlier.

“I’d like to have you all interviewed from now until the election period.”

“Interviewed…?”

Narika tilted her head.

“It’s a quirky new event we’re starting this election period. …I call it, ‘A Peek into the Daily Lives of the Candidates!!’”

Yeah, it’s probably exactly what it sounds like…

“Usually, when the election period starts, candidates hand out flyers detailing their visions. But I thought that wasn’t enough. So, for this election, I want to publish articles about the candidates’ daily lives for everyone to see.”

As expected, it was exactly that, but it seemed to carry President Minato’s experience behind it.

“You must’ve thought about this during the Management Game, right? Can I trust this business partner? …When you only look at ideals, doubts like that creep in. That’s why I want you to share your unfiltered daily lives.”

So, it’s not just about polished slogans—she wants to show the candidates’ real, everyday selves.

It’s like how some supermarket vegetables come with a photo of the farmer. I get how seeing that can make you feel at ease. It’s the same principle.

“…Well, for you, Tomonari-kun, this might not be necessary.”

That comment felt like she’d seen right through me.

And honestly—she’s right. It’s not necessary for me. I can usually tell if someone’s lying just by reading their words or data. I can trust someone based on their ideals alone.

But that’s when I’m the one voting.

This time, I’m the one being voted for—I need to earn everyone’s trust. Even if I don’t need this event, if others do, it’s worth doing.

That aside, though…

(…How does she know so much about me?)

She seems to know about my actions in the Management Game, but would that alone let her figure out my knack for reading people?

“By the way, the student council will handle the interviews and article writing. For the next few days, we’ll probably be sticking close to you and asking questions, so please cooperate as much as you can.”

At President Minato’s words, the student council members standing by the wall bowed lightly. The girl who served us tea was among them.

Interviews sound like a job for the newspaper club, but Kiou Academy doesn’t have clubs. So, the student council members are taking it on themselves.

“Just weekdays, then?”

“Hmm, good question.”

President Minato pointed sharply at Tennouji-san.

“We’ll cover weekends too. But I don’t want to invade your privacy, so for weekends, we’ll have you write your own articles. Like a diary.”

A diary-style format should keep our burden light.

Tennouji-san, Narika, and I exchanged glances and nodded.

“Understood.”

When I nodded in agreement, President Minato grinned cheerfully.

“Great! That’s it for today, then. We’ll start the interviews tomorrow. I hope you all prove to be as upstanding as you seem!”

With a playful laugh, she wrapped things up.

◆

After we dispersed, I left the academy and got into the Konohana family car a short while later.

“Good work today.”

Shizune-san, in the passenger seat, greeted me, and I replied, “Thank you as always,” to both her and the driver.

Next to me, Hinako sat with a sleepy expression.

“…Izuki.”

“Hm?”

“Did something happen… with Miyakojima-san?”

Hinako’s innocent question caught me off guard for a moment.

“Uh… why do you ask?”

“You two seemed kinda awkward…”

True, I’d been careful not to meet Narika’s eyes while in the student council room. I thought I was subtle, but Hinako noticed.

“…It’s not a big deal, so don’t worry about it.”

“Mm… okay.”

In reality, it’s a huge deal…

If this awkwardness continues, it’ll honestly wear me out. I need to do something about my relationship with Narika.

(…I should probably give her an answer, right?)

She kissed me on the cheek. I’m not dense enough to miss that she has feelings for me.

And… how do I feel about that?

Right after the kiss, I was too shocked to process it. I’ve calmed down a bit now, but thinking about it still makes my mind go blank.

I figured love would be the last thing on my mind while at Kiou Academy.

Maybe that’s why I’m so shaken up.

Not to copy Hinako, but… should I have been reading shoujo manga to build some resistance to romance?

“You seem quite troubled, Izuki-san.”

Shizune-san, watching me through the rearview mirror, spoke up.

“…Well, with the student council interviews starting, I was wondering how I should act.”

It’s not something I can easily talk about, so I dodged the question.

Shizune-san nodded, seemingly convinced.

“I heard about the interviews from Ojou-sama, but I think just being yourself should be fine.”

“Myself, huh?”

“Unlike when you first became her caretaker, you can now navigate Kiou Academy naturally. Why not take this chance to relax a bit and face your ordinary days head-on?”

Relax, huh…

Yuri once told me that’s something I struggle with.

“I… think so too.”

Hinako, listening beside me, chimed in.

“Compared to back then, you’ve changed, Izuki. Things have been hectic lately, so until the election period, you should just enjoy academy life at a leisurely pace… yawn.”

Hinako let out a yawn.

Come to think of it, ever since the second semester started, the Management Game kicked off right away. Including summer break, it’s been over two months since I’ve had a normal academy life.

And for me, the election period starts in a week, so things will get busy again.

(If I’m going to take it easy, now’s my only chance…)

Tennouji-san taught me not to overwork myself.

Rushing around narrows my perspective.

“…You’re right. Until the election period, I’ll try to take it easy and let my guard down.”

It’s the perfect opportunity.

While being interviewed, I’ll take the chance to reconnect with my everyday life.