"小 Yukino, Yukino?"
A gentle voice called out, pulling Yukinoshita Yukino from her daze. When her eyes finally refocused, she met the concerned gaze of Fujiwara Chika.
"You've looked off ever since you came out of the student council president's office," Chika said, peering at her with genuine worry, as if she could see straight through her confusion. "Did the president say something to you?"
"…"
Yukino's gaze drifted from her friend's anxious face, wandering around the room for a moment before she realized she was in the Lamb Club's room.
Besides Chika, the newly inducted Shirogane Kaguya was also watching her. Her expression was still that icy, unreadable mask, but Yukino could detect a trace of concern in her eyes.
When exactly had she walked out of the student council president's office? And in what state of mind had she entered this room? Honestly, her memory was hazy; it was as if her mind was still trapped in that lavish office.
Rewinding to just after school…
Student Council President's Office
Yukino had been sitting properly on the sofa in the reception area. After the last period, she received a notification from the student council summoning her to the president's office.
Unlike Hara Kei that morning, who had been addressed over the school-wide announcement system, Yukino was contacted by the council's executive committee.
A senior with an armband came to her class and relayed the president's instruction:
"The student council president wants to see you."
Yukino had met the president once before—during the St. Eden Academy opening ceremony. At that time, as the student council president, Kongou gave a welcoming speech in front of all students and teachers.
Back then, Yukino hadn't considered seeing her as a target or benchmark—she was just quietly excited about starting a new life at the academy.
But once she established her goal of becoming student council president herself, she took the time to study Kongou, the legendary student council president.
At first, it was just research for experience, to learn and emulate. But as Yukino delved deeper, she couldn't help but be impressed by Kongou's life.
Kongou's family wasn't wealthy. Like Hara Kei, she had entered St. Eden as a special admission student. But unlike Hara Kei, Kongou made full use of that status, uniting the other special students of her year as her initial team. What followed were a series of almost textbook "urban legend" school exploits.
Within just six months, she won the support of most students and teachers, and she even secured re-election in the next student council elections—essentially reigning over St. Eden Academy.
Reading about Kongou, Yukino didn't react with disbelief. Instead, her mind conjured a fleeting image of Hara Kei. She couldn't help but think: if Hara Kei were the type to crave power and wealth…
Every time this thought crept in, Yukino deliberately squashed it.
Today, she finally had the chance to sit in the same room with the legendary student council president.
The honor brought a flutter of excitement, but also a tinge of unease. She knew herself well. Though the Lamb Club had started gaining recognition, compared to the all-powerful student council, they were still tiny minnows. The only person the president might truly value? Perhaps just one…
Thinking of the morning announcement, a shadow of unease crossed Yukino's clear eyes.
"Would you like something to drink, Yukinoshita-san?"
In the opulent student council office, Kongou asked. Today, she didn't sit in her usual chair but instead moved to a corner of the room.
There was a small, modified counter there—not a kitchen, but a place for tea or coffee to entertain guests. Whenever important visitors came, Kongou personally brewed tea, coffee, or even juice or milk tea, depending on the guest's preference. A small skill, but one she wielded effortlessly.
"Just coffee, thank you, President," Yukino replied, watching the faint steam rising from the cup.
"Oh?" Kongou seemed slightly surprised and asked, "Sugar or milk?"
"No, black is fine."
"Black coffee at your age? You're quite unique, Yukinoshita-san," Kongou remarked naturally. "I couldn't do it. If I need coffee to stay awake, I'd drown it in sugar and milk."
"Some say the bitter, rich flavor is the essence of coffee," she continued, stirring her own latte, "but for me, bitter is bitter. Why punish your tongue when you could choose sweet?"
A moment later, Kongou returned to the seating area, carrying two cups. She placed the black coffee in front of Yukino, then took a seat opposite her, latte in hand.
Across the glass table, they faced each other—Yukino with her dark liquid, Kongou with a faintly pearly white glow of coffee and milk.
"Hmm… Yukinoshita-san, you might be wondering why I asked to meet you for no apparent reason," Kongou said lightly, swirling her latte. Steam rose in faint wisps from the cup, forming a delicate haze above the shallow brown liquid.
"It's not without reason," Yukino said, lowering her eyelids slightly, gazing at her reflection in the dark surface of the coffee. "Hara Kei is my club member, and he was summoned here this morning. I'm not sure of your intention, but this meeting must be connected to that matter, right?"
"Exactly."
Kongou regarded Yukino's calm, composed demeanor with admiration. She set her latte on the glass table with a quiet clack.
Taking this as her cue, Yukino raised her head. Black eyes met crimson ones across the table.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to waste too much time. I'll be straightforward.
"For Hara Kei's future, I intend to recruit him into the student council.
"This isn't a request for your opinion—just a notification."
..
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