Due to the Valentine's Day atmosphere, Class D of the first year was also experiencing commotion.
Several girls had given chocolate to Hirata Yosuke, instantly igniting the boys' enthusiasm.
"Horikita, about that mock exam..."
Just as Sudo spoke up, Horikita Suzune had already begun packing her things, flatly refusing.
"Regarding tutoring, let's discuss it after the mock exams."
His cheering squad, which had been encouraging him moments before, immediately fell into disarray and completely collapsed.
Sudo's plan had never stood a chance from the beginning.
Before leaving the classroom, Horikita Suzune inexplicably glanced toward Kushida and Karuizawa's direction, noticing they were dealing with Valentine's greetings from both boys and girls.
Chocolate...
Walking along the corridor, Horikita Suzune had just reached the entrance when she saw Kaoru leaning against the wall, staring intently in her direction while completely ignoring everyone around him.
"What are you doing here?"
The girl instinctively tensed up, guessing he might be planning to ask her for chocolate or forcibly take her back to the dormitory.
"I have a favor to ask you. It should be resolved quickly." Kaoru paused briefly before adding, "It's related to Horikita-senpai. You don't have to come if you don't want to."
Instantly, most of the wariness in Horikita Suzune's eyes disappeared, replaced by confusion and unease.
Related to her brother?
Various bad possibilities flashed through Horikita Suzune's mind, but seeing Kaoru had already started walking outside the school building, she anxiously hurried after him.
"Explain clearly. Did something happen?"
"Well, it's somewhat connected to the student council."
"But he already resigned, didn't he?"
"Correct. Right now, I want to show you the work he did before stepping down."
Horikita Suzune found she couldn't understand what he was saying.
Racking her brains about what crisis her brother might have encountered, she suddenly realized she knew virtually nothing about him at all.
Although the school intentionally isolates interactions between different grades, making it normal for first-year students to be unaware of the situation of upperclassmen, this only applies to exams.
The school does not interfere with daily communication.
For instance, in clubs, Horikita Suzune actually had the opportunity to gather information about upperclassmen and inquire about Horikita Manabu's activities.
However, Horikita Suzune had never considered doing so.
On one hand, she was already satisfied just being able to come here and get a little closer to Horikita Manabu.
On the other hand, she subconsciously felt she had no right to approach his world.
This contradictory, almost self-deprecating mindset led Horikita Suzune to never actively contact Horikita Manabu, let alone learn about his circumstances.
Regarding Horikita Manabu, she only knew that he was formerly the student council president, currently a student in Class 3-A, and about to face graduation exams.
Beyond that, she knew nothing more specific.
Horikita Suzune followed Kaoru for a while, frowning slightly—this seemed to be the direction of the teachers' office?
Unexpectedly, an upperclassman from the third year soon appeared before them.
She remembered her name was Tachibana Akane, the person Kaoru had recently targeted.
"You're too slow!"
Tachibana Akane immediately scolded Kaoru upon meeting him. "You made me rush over in a hurry, yet you're taking your sweet time. So inconsiderate to a girl!"
"Don't be angry. I have some chocolate here. Would you like some, senpai?"
Kaoru took out today's chocolate from his bag and handed it to Tachibana Akane without waiting for a response.
"Who gave you this chocolate?"
Tachibana Akane was very suspicious.
"I bought it myself." Kaoru replied.
"Can you stop lying? I'm not an idiot. Telling the truth won't make me angry—it's not like you don't have plenty of girlfriends anyway."
Tachibana Akane didn't believe him at all.
Today was when girls give chocolate, not boys—how could he have bought it himself?
After saying this, Tachibana Akane unwrapped the packaging and popped a chocolate into her mouth.
She remembered this was the most expensive chocolate from the convenience store—no reason not to eat it.
Watching the two of them eating chocolate, Horikita Suzune couldn't hold back any longer and asked.
"What exactly happened to my brother?"
"Brother?"
Tachibana Akane mumbled with her mouth full.
After a moment, she finally remembered—Horikita Suzune was Horikita Manabu's younger sister!
"No wonder the surname Horikita sounded so familiar!"
Tachibana Akane exclaimed excitedly. "I had no idea Horikita-kun had such a cute little sister!"
Mid-sentence, she suddenly glared at Kaoru, leaving him completely baffled.
"Horikita-senpai is fine for now, but today I plan to have you experience student council work."
Kaoru paused briefly. "I think it'll be somewhat beneficial for you. Senpai is here to help."
"Experience student council work?"
Horikita Suzune felt quite displeased—so she was tricked into coming here for manual labor.
"Ahem, actually, Mitoma-kun told me about your situation,"
Tachibana Akane cleared her throat. "I've decided that I'll take responsibility for repairing your relationship with Horikita-kun. First, I'll explain what Horikita-kun usually does!"
Horikita Suzune grew even more confused, feeling like she had accidentally boarded a pirate ship.
However, at this point, it seemed she had no chance to escape—Kaoru had inadvertently blocked her retreat.
Horikita Suzune remained silent for a moment. "Although I don't know what you're planning, I need to return by 5 PM."
Tachibana Akane and Kaoru exchanged glances, simultaneously breaking into mischievous grins.
Soon enough, Horikita Suzune understood what the student council's daily work entailed.
Instead of taking her to handle paperwork, the two brought her to inspect various clubs.
Despite final exams approaching, the student council was obligated to monitor club activities—this being Kaoru and Ichinose Honami's usual task.
They conducted inspections approximately once a week, primarily checking whether clubs were actively functioning, identifying ghost club members, and temporarily addressing club issues.
Horikita Suzune was surprised, realizing for the first time how many clubs existed at this school—larger ones like basketball club, archery club, soccer club, judo club, and so on.
What surprised her more was how nearly everyone recognized Kaoru and Tachibana Akane, whether first-year or upperclassmen.
Some even attempted to ask Kaoru if he knew hypnosis techniques.
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