The summer sun was merciless, but the atmosphere among Class D was surprisingly light after the exam results had been finalized. The cruise ship docked, the students disembarked, and the school's buses awaited to take them back to campus.
After days of hidden betrayals, secret alliances, and the constant mental strain of the test, freedom felt almost unreal.
Teruhiko Yukimura stretched his arms, letting out a sigh."Finally… finally it's over. I need at least a week to reset my brain after that."
Haruka Hasebe, ever the free spirit, smirked. "I'm heading straight to the mall when we get back. Summer break only comes once a year. No way am I wasting it with study sessions."
Akito Miyake slung his bag over one shoulder. "I'll pass on the shopping. I need to hit the court and clear my head."
Mei Yu Wang smiled shyly. "I… want to check out the new bookstore. There's a sale on foreign novels."
Kyosuke Okitani and Wataru Ijuin were already making plans for karaoke, dragging An Maezono into their noisy chatter.
Before long, my whole team had scattered, each heading off in their own direction. It was only me — Soshi Miyamoto — and Airi Sakura left behind.
Airi fidgeted nervously with her camera strap. "Um… Soshi-kun, what about you? Do you want to, maybe… go somewhere together?"
I gave her a reassuring smile. "Sure, let's just walk for now. No rush."
As we made our way across the courtyard, I noticed a familiar figure ahead. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, silent as always, had bumped into none other than Horikita Manabu, the student council president. Beside him stood his ever-loyal secretary, Akane Tachibana.
Their presence alone made the air feel heavier. Airi instinctively froze, clutching my sleeve.
"W-what should we do?" she whispered.
"Nothing," I replied softly. "Just watch."
Manabu's sharp gaze locked onto Kiyotaka. "So, we meet again. I expected as much."
Kiyotaka remained unshaken. "President. It's been a while."
Manabu's eyes narrowed, voice like a blade. "The uninhabited island exam. The special test on the cruise ship. You were involved in both, weren't you? Don't think you can hide it from me."
Kiyotaka tilted his head slightly, as if amused. "You give me too much credit. The real strategist was Suzune Horikita. My involvement was minimal."
"Minimal?" Manabu's tone was filled with disdain. "Don't insult my intelligence. Every move bore your mark."
Kiyotaka's reply was calm, almost detached. "Even if that were true, I'd prefer you not to investigate me further."
Manabu's eyes gleamed with curiosity — and then, unexpectedly, he turned his attention."To be precise, Ayanokoji, I should also mention him."
I froze as his piercing gaze found me.
"...Me?" I pointed to myself, feigning confusion.
Manabu nodded. "Soshi Miyamoto. I've been keeping an eye on your performance in both exams as well. Though we've only met once before — when the council assisted in the matter of Sakura Airi's stalker — your actions since then have been… impressive."
Airi stiffened at the mention of her past incident, cheeks reddening.
The atmosphere was tense. So I decided to break it in my own way. I put on a playful grin."Ah, so Tachibana-senpai still hasn't confessed to Manabu-senpai yet? That's a shame. I was rooting for you, Tachibana-senpai."
Akane Tachibana's face flushed red instantly. "W-What are you saying, Miyamoto-kun?! That's completely inappropriate!"
Even Airi let out a surprised squeak.
For a fleeting second, even Manabu seemed caught off guard. Then, the corners of his mouth curved ever so slightly — not in amusement, but acknowledgment.
"You've got nerve," he said simply.
Manabu turned back to Kiyotaka, his voice regaining its iron edge."Ayanokoji. I'll be direct. Join the student council. This time, as vice-president."
Even Tachibana's eyes widened. "P-President?! That's… that's impossible! He's just a first-year!"
Manabu ignored her outburst. "The council will undergo a massive change soon. The rules of this school are at risk. I need someone capable — someone who understands the stakes. With you as vice-president, we could stabilize the council and protect the integrity of this institution."
Kiyotaka regarded him with mild curiosity. "And why, exactly, should I care? After all, you'll graduate. The moment you step out of this school, none of this will matter to you anymore."
"Perhaps," Manabu admitted. "But someone has to defend the order here. If I don't, Nagumo will twist it beyond recognition. You know this as well as I do."
Tachibana bit her lip. "President, please…"
Kiyotaka's gaze sharpened, uncharacteristically direct. "Unless… this is about Suzune. You want to protect your sister, don't you?"
The silence that followed spoke volumes.
Finally, Manabu exhaled, a rare sign of concession. "...So be it. If you refuse, I won't press the matter further. Consider my time wasted."
He turned back toward me.
"As for you, Miyamoto… your potential isn't on par with Ayanokoji's, but it is still noteworthy. You also qualify to join the student council. Not as vice-president, but in a supporting role. If you are interested."
Even Airi gasped beside me.
I scratched my cheek, pretending to think it over. Then I gave him a faint smile."Sounds tempting. But… I'll think about it when the time is right. No rush."
Manabu studied me for a moment, as though weighing my words. Then he gave the faintest nod.
"Very well."
With that, he turned on his heel, Tachibana hurrying after him, still red-faced and flustered.
The courtyard felt lighter once they were gone. Airi finally exhaled, her shoulders slumping.
"Soshi-kun… you really shouldn't tease the student council like that…"
"Maybe," I replied with a grin. "But it worked, didn't it?"
She pouted, but the tension in her expression softened.
In the distance, Kiyotaka was already walking away, his calm figure disappearing into the crowd.