Kiyomizu had a good impression of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. He quite liked his calm and understated demeanor—although, in a way, this low-key attitude was more like a disguise.
A brief silence slowly spread between them. Conversations between men usually revolved around girls, school, games, or mutual boasting. To Kiyomizu, it was completely unclear which of these topics would interest the person across from him.
(I guess we really can't find a common topic.)
Kiyomizu shook his head and silently took out his phone to scan the QR code and order, paying for the other's drink at the same time. Considering that caffeine at night might affect his sleep, he ended up choosing a refreshing mango juice.
About ten minutes later, a waiter began to serve everyone's drinks. Kushida elegantly cleared her throat and gently tapped the side of her coffee cup with her slender index finger. When all eyes were on her, she revealed her signature sweet smile. "Thank you all again for gathering here today... Thank you so much for your votes and encouragement. From today on, we are..." she paused slightly before continuing with a more determined tone, "...a group bound by a common destiny!"
(You're also doing the 'common destiny' thing?)
Kiyomizu, sitting to the side, felt like a keyword had been triggered and couldn't help but roll his eyes. Had this Kushida been watching too many anime about bands? Anyone who didn't know better would think she was forming some kind of five-person Ojou-sama tea-time band.
"I will support Kushida-san with all my might!"
"That's right! This month's class representative has to be Kushida-san!"
However, Kushida's passionate declaration had clearly hit the right note with most of the people present. A round of enthusiastic applause instantly broke out in the cafe. Especially the two clowns, Yamauchi and Ike, who were so excited they clapped their hands red, looking like two rabid fans who had just seen their idol.
(...So... our 'common destiny' group is bound to break up in the future, right! After all, that's the tragic fate of the last band.)
Kiyomizu resisted the urge to facepalm. His peripheral vision caught Ayanokoji mechanically clapping along, his poker face showing no emotion whatsoever.
(This guy is also playing along...)
(Should I call him professional or... just perfunctory?)
Kushida continued, her hands clasped on the table, her tone sincere. "First, I want to make it clear that although Hirata-kun and I are competing for the position of class representative, we are both doing it for the betterment of the class. I hope that just because you support me, you won't hold any grudges against Hirata-kun."
"As expected of you, Kushida-san! Your magnanimity is truly admirable!"
"Yeah! If it weren't for that Hirata guy always acting like such a normie, I wouldn't have chosen to join your side!"
The students responded one after another, their tones full of admiration for Kushida.
Kushida adjusted her skirt again. "As the vice class representative, I hope everyone will respect some basic principles." She held up a slender finger, her tone suddenly becoming serious. "First, regarding the hidden rules—" her gaze slowly swept over everyone present, "—you absolutely, absolutely must not leak them to other classes. After all, according to the system, every class is a competitor." She then held up a second finger. "Second, I hope that from now on, everyone will strictly abide by the student code of conduct." Her voice was tinged with a plea. "We can't afford to lose any more of our precious class points due to disciplinary infractions."
"Got it! We're Class D, after all!" Ike shouted, patting his chest, his face filled with a sense of mission.
Yamauchi immediately followed up, "Exactly! How could we give away such important information to other classes! You know, this information was bought with a full one million personal points!"
"You two should worry about your own attendance first!" a girl couldn't help but interject. "In the first week of school, who knows how many class points were deducted because of you two!"
"Hey, hey, you can't blame it all on us, right?" Yamauchi retorted, unconvinced. "That Koenji guy is often late too! How come no one says anything about him!"
Kushida's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but she quickly put on a reassuring smile. "Alright, alright, let's let bygones be bygones. The important thing is that from now on, everyone needs to strictly follow the school rules~"
Then, Kushida glanced at the time on her phone and clasped her hands in an apologetic gesture. "It's getting late, so I have one last small personal request..." She bowed deeply to everyone. "I hope you can help me win over the people who didn't vote for Hirata-kun."
"Eh~ Is there a reward?" a boy called out half-jokingly.
"Yeah, give us some motivation~" others chimed in.
Yamauchi even jumped up. "If I can get a date with Kushida-san, I'll definitely be full of motivation!"
Kushida's cheeks turned slightly red. After a moment's hesitation, she bit her lower lip. "O-okay... whoever gets the most votes is the winner. As a reward for the winner, if it's a single boy, I can agree to go on one date with him..." she quickly added, "for a girl, I'll give an extra 80,000 personal points as a thank you!"
(Using such a condition...)
(She's really going all out.)
Kiyomizu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The boys around him were already in an uproar, like a school of sharks that had smelled blood. The girls' side was also abuzz with discussion. After all, 80,000 points was not a small number; it was enough for an ordinary student to live lavishly for several days.
"That's all for today. If you have any questions, you can contact me in the group chat anytime," Kushida announced. After dismissing the group, she suddenly stopped Kiyomizu, who was about to leave. "Um... Kiyomizu-kun, can we talk alone for a few minutes?"
Sensing the questioning gazes from the surrounding boys, she quickly waved her hands and explained, "Don't get the wrong idea, everyone! It's just that Kiyomizu-kun and Koenji-kun are on good terms, so I wanted to ask for his help in getting votes~"
The boys, who had been a bit restless, immediately settled down after hearing the name "Rokusuke Koenji." After all, that guy had publicly stated last week that he owed Kiyomizu a favor.
After the others had left the cafe, Kushida gently sat down across from Kiyomizu, her hands clasped nervously in her lap. "Kiyomizu-kun..." her voice was a little lower than usual, "...that... can I give you all the people I find?"
Kiyomizu was about to politely refuse—he really had no reason to get involved in this. He never would have thought that she wouldn't even mention Koenji.
(She's giving me the votes? Does that mean she's trying to pre-select me as the winner?)
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