All the members of the Underground Student Council had gathered in the room, and to everyone's surprise, Chiyo was also in attendance. There was an unexplainable tension in the air as everyone remained silent, avoiding any conversation.
However, their conversation was short-lived as Hana's curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you truly Mari-senpai's younger sister?"
Chiyo walked over to the sofa where Hana was sitting and casually took a seat beside her. She then glanced over at the table where Mari was working.
"That's right. Because of my sister, I decided to enroll in Hachimitsu Academy," Chiyo replied, her face lighting up with a big smile. Her vibrant energy seemed to brighten up the room, and even Meiko joined in the conversation.
"When I first found out, I couldn't believe it. It was quite surprising, to be honest. You guys are really different," Meiko said, casually placing her hands on her knees while remaining comfortably seated.
However, she soon noticed Mari's piercing stare, prompting her to hastily mention, "You know, there's a similarity in your appearances, but your personalities are completely contrasting-"
"Ahh, of course, because even though we have the same father, we come from different mothers," unsure if Chiyo's explanation had saved her. However, Meiko felt a wave of relief wash over her when she no longer felt Mari's gaze.
"Perhaps it's because we haven't seen each other in a while, so there's that possibility too."
Hana and Meiko exchanged nods before the taekwondo girl asked about her reason for being in the room. "So, you mentioned wanting to help the Underground Student Council, What do you mean by that?"
Chiyo couldn't contain her excitement as she abruptly stood up and made her way over to Mari's desk. "I've been pondering it for the past few days. Being part of the Underground Student Council means having a lot on your plate, especially when it comes to dealing with the issues of the boys. If there's anything you need, just let me know. I'm here to help."
The constant tapping in the room abruptly ceased, catching Hana and Meiko's attention as they both turned to face their president. Mari, feeling compelled to join in the conversation, took a deep breath.
"We understand your good intentions, but as a regular student, it would be against the rules for you to assist us with our assignments."
"Would it be considered a violation of the rules if a younger sibling offers assistance to their older sibling?" Chiyo turned around and gazed directly at her older sister. "Hey sis, I'd love to lend a hand with whatever you need."
"Actually, we're not as troubled as you think. Plus, there's another point to consider. If you want to lend a hand, it's sufficient to refrain from violating any rules as a student."
Meiko and Hana were eager to share their thoughts, but they understood the importance of approaching the situation with caution. They sensed that the events that followed would only escalate in intensity.
"Why are you always so stubborn? Let me help you. I can organize these documents and dispose of them if you prefer. I can also help with tidying up this space," Chiyo purposely avoided mentioning the boys, as she believed it would only raise suspicion.
Little did they know Chiyo had a hidden agenda. It all began when she had a secret meeting with Kiyoshi again. While he was the one who initially proposed the plan, Chiyo contributed her own thoughts, making the plan more mature.
Even though she didn't fully grasp the plan's significance, Kiyoshi assured her that it was crucial for the boys' safety and to prevent the Underground Student Council from abusing their power. Her role would be to oversee and prevent any misuse of authority.
She took the first step by entering the organization, even though she wasn't an official member. However, her desire to be as close as possible was evident.
As Chiyo witnessed her plan's initial failure, her eyes grew glassy, fixated unwaveringly on Mari. She was hoping for Meiko and Hana's support, but they were silent. It appeared that Mari's decision in this room was final.
"Huhh… is this related to our conversation yesterday? I already said that I'm doing okay. so you don't need to worry about me," Mari's expression softened slightly, while Chiyo could only bite her lip.
Chiyo had another reason for accepting this plan - she wanted to ease her sister's burden. This additional advantage played a significant role in her decision. Even though she hadn't set foot in Hachimitsu Academy for a whole year, she was well aware of her sister's role as the president of the Underground Student Council.
Kurihara Mari's experience was far from what ordinary students experienced. Naturally, Chiyo recognized that Mari possessed many exceptional qualities, including her intelligence, beauty, and various talents. It was clear to Chiyo that her older sister was meant for something far beyond the ordinary student.
However, she refused to allow her older sister to remain confined in the position of the president of the Underground Student Council. She wanted her older sister to spend her remaining year as a student to the fullest.
Mari had grown tired of Chiyo's unwavering stubbornness, which seemed to know no bounds. Furthermore, she was well aware of the origins of all this, which only served to irritate her.
"Feel free to do as you please, but it's important to keep in mind. We'll only reach out to you when we require help, and it's crucial that you refrain from meddling in any significant affairs under the jurisdiction of the Underground Student Council."
"Thank you so much, sis! I love you!" Chiyo exclaimed, her happiness evident as she dashed behind the table and enveloped Mari in a tight embrace.
Chiyo paid no mind to her sister's surprised face and affectionately pressed her cheek against hers before releasing her.
As she bid farewell to Meiko and Hana, she expressed her desire to spend more time together, saying, "We should definitely grab a meal together sometime. I really want to get to know you guys better."
Chiyo was eager to visit Kiyoshi and share what had happened. Her footsteps were so light, a testament to her happiness. With utmost courtesy, she gently closed the door behind her.
"Umm, I'll make the president some tea, Hana, do you want some?" Meiko asked, her voice tinged with a hint of awkwardness.
"S-Sure, Meiko-senpai, I'd be happy to."
The atmosphere grew tense once more but for a different cause. When they caught sight of Mari's smile, confusion washed over them. Unsure of her true emotions, they found themselves at a loss for how to react.
Eventually, Meiko, having completed making the tea, walked over to Mari's desk. It was a refreshing sight to witness the president working with a smile after a long time.
"Thank you, Meiko. You're always so thoughtful," Mari said with genuine appreciation. However, for Meiko, this comment brought both relief and nervousness.
"President, what about our plan?"
"What's the issue with that?"
Meiko hesitated, her heart pounding as she questioned whether she had made the right decision. Summoning her courage, she finally spoke up, "I'm worried that Hana still doesn't fully grasp our plan regarding the expulsion of the boys, right Hana?"
Meiko believed she had mustered enough bravery, but her confidence waned when Mari's smile vanished. In a moment of quick thinking, she decided to bring Hana along as an alternative approach.
Hana's tea nearly spilt as the sound of glasses clinking filled the air. Her name being called caught her off guard, leaving her with no option but to respond.
"Hehehe... I haven't heard the complete story, so there are still some parts I don't understand."
"A couple of days back, I caught wind of a rumor suggesting that Kate might be up to something behind the scenes. I'm concerned about how this could potentially put the Underground Student Council and the overall peace of Hachimitsu Academy at risk."
When Hana looked confused, Meiko stepped in to clarify. "Mari and I have been friends with Kate Takenomiya since junior high. She's actually the president of the Aboveground Student Council now."
Hana nodded thoughtfully, recalling a tidbit of information. "Ah, her name is Kate. I've heard some interesting things about the Aboveground Student Council, apparently it's filled with rather strange and arrogant people."
After placing her tea on the table, Hana, who seemed unsatisfied, asked another thing, "So, what exactly do the boys have to do with all of this? ... of course I completely agree if they are expelled."
"If I were to speculate on Kate's plan, it seems likely that she intends to manipulate the boys in order to cause harm to the Underground Student Council. Regardless of the circumstances, the presence of those five male students is a burden, so it's better for them to be expelled as soon as possible."
Upon hearing that, Meiko paused, lost in thought. She found herself torn between two conflicting emotions. On the one hand, the painful memories of being bullied by Kate and her gang resurfaced, and she was determined not to reveal her vulnerability in their presence. On the other hand, she was unsure how to react to the boys' expulsion.