Otonokizaka High School, also referred to as National Otonokizaka High School, nestled amidst Tokyo's vibrant neighborhoods of Akihabara, Kanda, and Jinbouchou, boasts a storied history dating back to 1896. 

Once a prestigious institution renowned throughout the district and even beyond, it stood as a beacon of academic excellence.

However, the winds of change have blown harshly upon its hallowed halls, and the school finds itself facing a somber fate - closure.

Why, you ask?

Otonokizaka High School has struggled to adapt to the shifting tides of time. Gradually, its student body dwindled as emerging private schools in the vicinity siphoned away its enrollment. 

Compounded by declining birth rates, the once bustling corridors now echo with a hollow emptiness. Rumors abound, whispering of the imminent demise of the institution, further hastening its decline.

But you may wonder, how did I end up enrolled in an all-girls school? Well, the answer lies in a special exemption I received.

You see, Otonokizaka High School had once considered transitioning into a co-ed institution. However, as the debate between the headmaster and the founder raged on, I was granted a unique opportunity for enrollment.

(A/N: I'm getting tired of this kind of cliche excuse too, but I just don't know how to process it!)

I must say... This school is probably my second home for me as a high school student.

"Secretary Nishihara, are you staying late here in this room again?" A girl's voice broke the silence.

I turned to see President Ayase standing there, "That's right. Don't mind me."

"Are you sure? You can continue the paperwork for tomorrow."

Despite being persistent her tone was gentle, It was my choice anyway.

"I'm good. I think I can finish this within an hour."

"Really? Then thank you."

She then looks up at me before exiting the room.

If you're wondering who she is,  Eli Ayase, a third-year student like myself, epitomized everything a student should aspire to be. 

With her tall, slim figure and radiant presence, she was the perfect role model for the students of Otonokizaka High School, having served as the former student council president.

Her long, blonde hair tied up in a ponytail with a white scrunchie, and her piercing light blue eyes added to her allure. 

She was the epitome of perfection, a chick that many would find irresistible. Yet, for me, romantic feelings were not at the forefront of my mind.

There should be another student council member but I'm just gonna guess that she went out already with the student council president.

Vice President Nozomi Tojo.

She possessed an air of wisdom and mystery, her mature demeanor and gentle nature making her an invaluable member of the council. With her almost all-knowing vibe, she guided and supported me in my role as a student council member.

Without President Ayase and Vice President Tojo, the student council would not be complete, and I owed much of my own growth and development to their guidance and influence.

Ah, how could I forget to introduce myself amidst the flurry of thoughts about President Ayase and Vice President Tojo?

My name is Nishihara Akio, and I hold the esteemed position of secretary within the halls of Otonokizaka High School.

As I finished organizing the paperwork, exhaustion began to weigh heavily upon me, signaling the need for some well-deserved rest.

With a tired yawn, I picked up the documents, intent on completing them before leaving the room. 

However, my solitude was interrupted by the creak of the student council room door, signaling the arrival of three familiar figures.

"Excuse me!"

Surprised, I looked up to see the trio standing before me. "Oh, it's you three..."

"Good afternoon, Tsugimichi-san!"

Their cheerful greetings momentarily lifted my fatigue. However, my attention was drawn to the paper one of them held out to me.

"Sorry, but if this is about the Idol Club, I can't accept that offer without the President's approval."

"Eh? Please, Tsugimichi-san!"

Their plea tugged at my heartstrings, but I remained firm. 

"I don't handle this kind of stuff; you'll need the President or Vice President for approval."

"But if it's you, we know you'll approve it!"

It's touching to hear their confidence but I can't bend the rules.

 "I appreciate your trust, but you still need at least two more members to sign off."

"W-We'll try to get them too!"

Ah, yes, now that you mention it, their visit does seem reminiscent of yesterday's encounter regarding the formation of the Idol Club.

~Flashback to Yesterday~

Inside the student council room, President Ayase, Vice President Tojo, and I were seated, engrossed in our respective tasks. 

As I signed the paperwork, I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"What's this?" President Ayase inquired, her gaze fixed on the trio standing before us.

"Our application to form an Idol club!" The one in the middle answered with a bright tone.

"I can see that much."

Dear President, you shouldn't bully our kouhai, we're gonna graduate soon you know?

The girls exchanged surprised glances at Ayase's unexpected response, "So, you'll approve it?"

Ayase's answer was swift and firm. "No. A club requires at least five members."

"But I've heard that plenty of clubs with fewer than five members exist at this school," protested the girl on the left.

"They all had at least five members when they first formed, I'm sure."

"Please find two more members," Nozomi added, her tone gentle but insistent.

The trio nodded in understanding, "Understood. Let's go," the girl in the middle announced, turning to leave.

But before they could depart, President Ayase rose from her seat, halting their exit. "Wait."

All attention shifted to Ayase as she directed her inquiry to the girl in the middle. "Why do you want to form an Idol Club now? You girls are second years, right?"

The room fell into hushed anticipation as we awaited the girl's response until she answered something I didn't expect to hear, causing me to momentarily pause my hand over the paperwork.

"We want to do something to keep the school from closing!" The girl's voice trembled with earnestness. "School Idols are really popular now, so... I..."

She wants to... keep the school from closing.

"If that's the case... I cannot accept your application, even with enough members."

"What!? Why not!?" 

"Club activities aren't meant to be used to gather prospective students. Even if we act on such ideas, the situation cannot be reversed."

The three girls were speechless as Eli passed the application form back to them. "Stop this ridiculous line of thinking and focus on making your remaining time here count."

~Flashback End~

"But you were listening the whole time, right?" The girl with long dark blue hair fixed me with a serious gaze.

"Of course, I was."

"Then would you please help us?" Her plea was earnest, echoed by the others, with the girl sporting long grayish-brown hair giving me the most pleading look.

Their desperation was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a tug at my heartstrings. 

Especially that look in her eyes! It's so unfair!

"Argh! Alright, I'll see what I can do."

"Really!?"

 Their faces lit up with hope and excitement.

"Yes..."

"Yay!" The three of them cheered, exchanging triumphant glances.

"By the way," I interjected, halting their celebration momentarily, "I didn't catch your names."

"Oh! I'm Honoka Kosaka, a second-year student!" The girl with brownish-orange hair, tied into a ponytail on the right side, introduced herself with a bright smile, her blue eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Umi Sonoda," stated the girl with long dark blue hair, her demeanor calm.

"K-Kotori Minami," the girl with the pleading look stuttered slightly, her long grayish-brown hair framing her face as she spoke, a hint of shyness in her voice.

"I'm Nishihara Akio... For starters... Get two more members, okay?"

"Right!~"

And with that, the trio departed from the student council room, their excitement palpable in their expressions.

Meanwhile, I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon me as I faceplanted my face onto the table.

In all my years at Otonokizaka High School, it was the first time a girl had managed to render me speechless with just a single glance.

...

And so, a new chapter of my life began...

Uncertain of where this journey would lead me, I made the decision to support Honoka, Umi, and Kotori in their endeavor, at least for now.