The school buzzed with energy as soon as Satoshi stepped onto campus. The final day of the student council election had arrived, and it was as if everyone had caught a wave of excitement. Flyers littered the floors, students huddled in groups, and the candidates' names were on everyone's lips.
"Looks like you're walking into a battlefield," the author chimed in.
"Sure feels like it," Satoshi muttered, dodging a group of eager campaigners.
As he made his way to class, Akira and Ryo joined him, looking just as caught up in the moment.
"Satoshi, who are you voting for?" Akira asked, adjusting his bag on his shoulder.
"Haven't decided yet," Satoshi replied with a shrug. "What about you guys?"
"Mai's got my vote," Ryo said with a grin. "She's been solid throughout the campaign."
"I'm leaning toward Shinji," Akira replied. "I like his fire. Plus, he's promising a lot of change."
Satoshi nodded thoughtfully but kept his opinion to himself. It wasn't that he didn't care—it was more that he found himself observing the race from a different angle, especially after his meeting with Mai.
As the day went on, classes were mostly quiet, overshadowed by the elections. Every once in a while, someone would whisper about the candidates or speculate about who was leading in the polls.
Lunch came and went, and soon enough, it was time to vote. The school had set up booths in the gymnasium, with long lines of students eager to cast their ballots. Satoshi, Ryo, and Akira joined the queue, and while his friends chatted about their choices, Satoshi's mind drifted back to Mai's words.
A good leader listens, adapts, and isn't afraid of hard decisions.
The candidates had all shown different aspects of leadership, but Mai stood out for some reason. Was it her poise? Or was it the subtle intrigue of what she planned to talk about later?
Finally, it was his turn to vote. He stepped into the booth, looking at the three names: Mai Minamoto, Shinji Tanaka, Sakura Ando.
His hand hovered for a moment, then, with a small sigh, he made his decision.
As soon as he stepped out, the atmosphere felt heavier. The votes were in, and now it was just a matter of waiting.
"You're really taking this seriously, huh?" the author remarked as Satoshi left the gym.
"Maybe," he mumbled, glancing at the banners hanging overhead. "It's not just about the election anymore. Something bigger is going on, I can feel it."
"What? You think Mai's hiding some grand plan?"
"I don't know. But whatever happens, I'll find out tonight."
"By the way, you have been really quiet today. Usually, you start your nonsense right at the start of the chapter," remarked Satoshi.
"Excuse me!? I do nonsense?!!" the author said angrily.
"Oh sorry, I didn't mean it that way! I was just joking. What I meant to say is that you've been really quiet today. Is there any particular reason?"
"Don't joke around like that; it hurts, you know? Besides, I'm quiet today because—"
"Because?"
"Because it gives a feel of serious atmosphere."
"The heck!? You seriously had me worried for a second. Honestly, you really are a stupid author. Who suddenly changes a daily thing so quickly? Don't you know how to do narrative writing?"
"How many books have you written before, oh great thy king?"
"I mean, I haven't."
"So please keep quiet and let me do my job."
After that, some banter continued, and soon the school day was over.
---
After School
The election results were to be announced during a special assembly, and as the student body gathered in the auditorium, tension filled the air. Satoshi sat with Ryo and Akira, both of whom were excited to see the outcome. But Satoshi's mind wasn't on the results as much as it was on the conversation that awaited him after.
The principal, standing at the podium, finally began to announce the winners.
"In third place, we have... Sakura Ando."
Satoshi watched as polite applause rippled through the room. Sakura stood up from her seat, giving a soft bow to the audience.
"In second place, we have... Shinji Tanaka."
Akira groaned beside him, clearly disappointed, while a few of Shinji's supporters gave louder applause.
"And finally, the next student council president... Mai Minamoto!"
The room erupted in cheers, and Satoshi found himself clapping too, though his mind was already elsewhere.
---
After the assembly, students filed out of the auditorium in excited groups. Mai was surrounded by her team, receiving congratulations from all directions, but she caught Satoshi's eye from across the room. She gave a small nod, signaling him to meet her at the agreed location.
"Here we go," the author whispered. "Time to find out what she's been planning."
Satoshi made his way to the rooftop of the school, the spot she had mentioned. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city. When he arrived, Mai was already there, leaning against the railing, looking out over the horizon.
"You came," she said softly, without turning around.
"Yeah, like I said I would. So, what's this all about?"
Mai finally turned to face him, her expression serious. "I wanted to talk to you because... I need your help."
Satoshi blinked, caught off guard. "My help? What for? You're the student council president now. You don't need me."
Mai shook her head. "This election was just the beginning. There are some serious reforms I want to bring to this school, but for that, I need the support of talented people like you to complete my objective."
Satoshi stared at her, his usual calm demeanor faltering for a moment. "You're serious?"
Mai nodded, her eyes narrowing. "I need someone I can trust, someone who can help me figure out what's really going on. And Arata-senpai told me you're the right person for the job."
"Well... I wasn't expecting that," the author mused. "Guess this is getting a lot more interesting, huh?"
Satoshi's mind raced. He had no idea what Mai was talking about, but the way she looked at him told him she wasn't joking.
"So... what do you say, Sugimoto-kun?" Mai asked, extending her hand.
Satoshi hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out to shake her hand.
"I'm in."