Chapter 532: Because You Are the Strongest Kouhai
[Don't get too excited just yet. If it turns out to be an event that only third-year students can attend, you might be happy for nothing.]
[No way, it's hard enough to find an interesting event, and not being able to participate would be really frustrating.]
[Who knows? So far, there have only been some promotional videos and photos released, but no other information.]
[Come on... Oh, didn't someone just post a photo? Maybe they know some insider information. Whoever posted that photo, come forward!]
[You're thinking too much. I was just brought in as a temporary actor to shoot a video and then left. I don't have any insider news. If you really want insider information, you'd better ask those student council members.]
[How could this be? Can any students from the council explain what's going on?]
[Yeah, come on, student council, give us a clear message.]
[...]
Unfortunately, no matter how many people called out in the comments, none of the student council members responded, as if they had reached a silent agreement.
However, seeing these comments made Iroha a bit curious, and she turned to Hachiman.
"Senpai, is this ball open to students from all grades, or is it limited to just the third-year seniors?"
Before Hachiman could answer, Yukino spoke calmly, "If it's a graduation ball, then it would certainly be limited to third-year students."
"Really? In that case, the first- and second-year students will probably be disappointed." Hearing this, Yui's face showed a hint of dejection. "I kind of want to join the ball too."
At that moment, Hachiman chuckled. "It's not certain yet. There's an official account, right? We can gauge the popularity through the comments."
"If there's a strong enough request from everyone, there's no reason we can't make it a ball for all grades."
Yet when Yukino heard Hachiman's suggestion, she frowned. "The school wouldn't agree to that. After all, it's only the third-year students who are graduating. There's no need to involve the first- and second-year students in a ball."
"That's not necessarily true. If there's strong student feedback, we could use that to negotiate with the school," Hachiman shrugged. "If it comes to that, we could ask Shizuka to talk to the school. I believe even the school couldn't ignore the wishes of so many students."
Hearing his words, Yukino still felt something was off, but she decided to let it go and continued with her work.
Watching the girl, wearing the blue-light glasses he gave her, typing away on her laptop, Hachiman found her quite charming.
After a while, a thought struck Hachiman, and he stood up.
"I'm a bit thirsty. I'm going to buy something to drink. Do you want anything?"
"Tea for me, thank you," Yukino answered.
"I'll have juice, thanks, Hikki," Yui added.
Yukino and Yui both mentioned what they would like.
"Got it, I'll go get them now." Hachiman nodded and was about to leave the student council office.
Before he could step out, Iroha stood up with a smile and said, "Senpai, I'll go with you. I need to get drinks for the student council too."
"Sure, let's go together," Hachiman agreed without suspicion, as he had already laid everything out clearly with her the day before.
He couldn't believe that, after such a straightforward conversation, someone would still be foolish enough to dive in headfirst.
The two left the student council room and headed downstairs to the vending machines to buy drinks.
Just as Hachiman reached the bottom of the stairs, Iroha's clear voice called out to him again.
"Senpai!"
"Huh?"
Turning his head in response, Hachiman was suddenly overshadowed by a dark figure coming towards him.
He looked closely and saw Iroha leaping off the stairs, launching herself at him.
Shocked, Hachiman quickly reached out to catch her.
Iroha flashed a triumphant smile as she landed safely in his arms. Hmph, deep down, Senpai still cares about me.
But for Hachiman, it wasn't as simple. Placing her down, he spoke somewhat angrily, "Iroha, what are you doing? That was really dangerous, you know."
"Hehe, what's the big deal? I knew you'd catch me," she laughed in response to his scolding.
"Because you wouldn't want me to get hurt, right?"
Hachiman was taken aback. He had made things very clear yesterday, but it seemed she still hadn't fully understood.
"Iroha, what are you—"
Before he could finish, Iroha interrupted him.
"Don't worry, Senpai, I'll do my best."
No, what are you trying to accomplish? Just listen to what I'm saying!
"Iroha, did you forget what I said yesterday?" Hachiman was full of questions, proving yet again that he was a true straight arrow, completely unable to grasp a girl's thoughts.
"Of course, I remember. That's why I said I'll work hard," Iroha replied with a smile, her words full of mystery, as she took Hachiman's hand.
"Alright, Senpai, let's go get those drinks. Everyone's waiting."
What exactly are you trying to work hard at?!
Hachiman was utterly confounded but allowed himself to be led forward by the girl.
So all my words yesterday were for nothing, huh?
Fine, if you're willing to go down this path, I'm not going to hold back.
Remember, I did warn you before. If you still choose to dive headfirst, then don't blame me for not being gentle.
After all, if I'm already labeled the bad guy, I might as well play the part. If an opportunity presents itself, why not take it?
With that thought, Hachiman switched roles and took the initiative to hold her hand firmly.
Noticing his subtle move, Iroha felt even happier.
Indeed, Senpai isn't willing to let go of me just yet.
Go for it, Iroha Isshiki. You've got this.
You can definitely win Hachiman over from Yukino-senpai, Yui-senpai, and Miura-senpai.
There's still a year left, and you can definitely make it happen.
Because, after all, you are the strongest kouhai!
...
Soon, the two of them reached the vending machine. Hachiman inserted coins and selected MAX Coffee, tea, and orange juice.
Since there were quite a few student council members, Iroha had a lot more to carry.
She ended up with an armful of six or seven cans, almost unable to hold them all.
In the end, Hachiman helped her by taking two more cans.
"Heave-ho~"
Standing up after retrieving the last can from the vending machine, Iroha looked ready to head back.
"Let's go, we should get back," Hachiman said, noting that she had finished buying the drinks.
Just as he was about to leave, Iroha's voice rang out again in his ear.
"Senpai, let's go on a date tomorrow!"
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