"You... Tachibana-san from first year?"
Yuigahama exclaimed in surprise. Yukino also looked slightly taken aback, studying the silver-white-haired girl from head to toe.
"Yes, I'm Tachibana Kanade..."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes showing mild confusion.
Kanade's expression didn't change much. She still kept her head slightly lowered, speaking calmly and politely, "I apologize for disturbing you, Senpais."
After she finished speaking, the three of them unconsciously relaxed.
Her emotionless voice somehow carried a soft, comforting quality—as if their entire sense of hearing had been soaked in warm water.
A voice kissed by angels—perhaps that was the only way to describe it.
"Just like the rumors say, she's incredibly cute..."
Yuigahama placed both hands over her chest, her face looking as if she were being healed. She clearly wanted to rush forward and pat the little head of her junior. However, since they weren't close yet, she could only fidget in her seat.
Yukino seemed unable to bear watching her. She massaged her forehead and sighed. "...Yuigahama-san, could you please stop making that creepy face like that guy beside you?"
"Right, right!" Yuu nodded in agreement.
Then he mimicked Yuigahama—placing both hands on his chest and squealing in a high-pitched, childish voice, "Ohhh, President Yukinoshita is so beautiful~ Just like the rumors said, no, even colder and more stunning than a real yuki-onna~"
"..."
Yukino made a disgusted face, as if she'd swallowed an insect. She glared at him coldly. After taking a deep breath, she turned her expressionless gaze toward the two underclassmen still standing by the door.
"There are chairs over there. Please, have a seat."
"Ah, yes—Thank you, Senpai~"
Having enjoyed the exchange between the two, Iroha laughed cheerfully. Then she pulled Kanade to sit across from the trio. Clearing her throat, she put on a serious expression.
"Although you Senpais may already know who we are, allow me to formally introduce ourselves—we are this year's student council president candidate team. Tachibana-san is the candidate, and I am her assistant, Isshiki Iroha."
"What kind of self-introduction is that..."
Iroha ignored Yuu's complaint. In fact, she'd pretended not to know him since stepping into the room.
Instead, she lifted her chin and stared directly at Yukino and Yuigahama. "I assume you Senpais know that the student council president election will be starting soon, correct?"
"Well... that..."
Yuigahama touched the bun on her head and gave a vague smile.
...Despite knowing every single rumor, she apparently had no idea about school events.
But Yuu understood—ordinary students probably didn't care much about the student council election. After all, Sōbu High's student council was just an ordinary organization. It didn't wield the immense power seen in manga or novels. Instead, it was essentially a group of hardworking, dedicated students burdened with endless tasks.
Those who dreamed of joining—or actually ran for—the student council usually had personal motives: wanting better university recommendations, seeking self-improvement, or aiming for higher status within their class.
That was why Yuu couldn't understand why Iroha would get involved with the student council.
Given her personality, she should be chasing after handsome senpais in sports clubs and actively participating in fun activities to enjoy her youth—not quietly serving as a tool within the student council.
"I know. The voting announcement and candidate list should've been posted today."
The other two remained silent. Yukino simply sighed and asked Iroha in return, "I don't follow such announcements. But given Tachibana-san's popularity, shouldn't it be easy for her to win the presidency? Is there something else you need help with from the Service Club?"
Yuu detected Yukino's confidence hidden beneath her casual tone.
After all, both she and Kanade—second and first-year respectively—were equally renowned for their beauty at school. Meaning, it wouldn't be difficult for Yukino herself to become student council president.
(She gets narcissistic whenever she gets the chance...)
"Not exactly." Kanade replied softly. Of course, she didn't deny Yuu's thoughts, but spoke seriously to Yukino, "Although many people care about me, becoming student council president and helping everyone requires far more effort and knowledge than I currently possess. It's natural that I might be surpassed by someone more capable."
She spoke slowly, yet each word radiated sincerity. Yukino paused briefly, then offered a faint approving smile.
"You want to earn votes through merit. That's a very appropriate mindset. I misspoke earlier..."
"Actually, even if Tachibana-san does nothing, she has a 90% chance of winning." Iroha interrupted with a slightly wry smile, raising her hand. "As far as I know, aside from her, the other candidates were simply selected by teachers from each class to fill quota requirements. Not a single one is genuinely serious about this election..."
"No enthusiasm at all? Sounds like the student council presidency is just as tough as being on the cultural festival committee..." Yuu complained as if it had nothing to do with him, while Yuigahama nodded in agreement beside him.
Iroha glanced curiously at the two of them, then quickly redirected her attention back to Yukino.
"So, although we came as student council candidates, the matter we're seeking your help with isn't actually related to the election. Tachibana-san wants to resolve this issue using her own strength."
Kanade didn't speak—she merely blinked her large, pale golden eyes, silently confirming the truth of her words.
"In that case, let's get straight to the point. Let me remind you upfront—the Service Club isn't a volunteer club. We'll only provide methods and guidance; we won't solve your problems with our own hands."
Yukino stated bluntly, back straight, hands folded neatly on her lap. Her clear blue eyes locked seriously onto the two juniors.
As for why they had come seeking the Service Club—there was no need to waste time asking. Either Hiratsuka recommended them, or they investigated the club after the autumn performance. There were no other possibilities.
Regardless of the reason, if someone was struggling, she would offer help and guide them toward the right path.
That was the Service Club led by Yukino.
"Hm, we also hoped to solve it ourselves... But this is truly beyond our abilities. After consulting with Hiratsuka-sensei, we decided to come and ask for help from you, the Service Club Senpais."
She seemed slightly embarrassed. Iroha scratched her cheek, her eyes secretly flickering toward Yuu.
Yukino sharply noticed this. A sudden unease stirred within her.
Kanade, whose gem-like golden eyes also glanced in that direction, spoke frankly, "To be precise, it's not us who need help—it's our friends from the kendo club."
"They want us to help persuade Tenkuji-senpai from the Service Club to participate in this year's national high school kendo competition."
Yukino: "..."
(In the end... they came looking for him again?)