"So, how did it go for you, Kouta? School tour?"
I figured that was enough about me. No one would be interested in hearing about how my mother got scolded by the coast guard and the fishing association, asking, "Are you a demon for leaving a boy on a deserted island? Should we report this to child services?" Or how she had to bow in apology repeatedly.
And there's no point telling how the doctor said, "You have the survival instincts of a wild child. You're in perfect health." I'll just take that as a compliment.
I kept an eye on the pork in the monjayaki, making sure the meat was cooked properly. As I scraped the crispy bits off with the spatula, I asked Kouta about his day.
"Ah, well, it was… unique, let's put it that way."
Kouta, your eyes look dead, man. What happened? Tell your ol' buddy here.
Turns out, yeah, it made sense. Ousen Academy boys are a rare breed, after all. Every one of them is a handpicked elite—a bunch of self-absorbed pretty boys. The result? A school full of spoiled, self-centered princes. I mean, of course that'd be tough to handle.
"If that was all, it would've been fine. But…"
Oh no, there's more?
Apparently, the pretty boys were just the tip of the iceberg. The real issue was the student council, especially the members from middle and high school.
At Ousen Academy, the student council president and vice president are chosen not just by student votes but also by a special system involving external "supporters," also known as fan club members. It's like a twisted popularity contest reminiscent of how certain idol groups elect their centers.
These elected leaders become the face of the school—the president and vice president.
The rest of the council, however, is appointed by the school administration. And here's the kicker: it's based on overall merit, which makes sense in theory.
"If you want to stand by the best, prove your worth."
And so, the competition begins, driving everyone mad.
Of course, the girls chosen to assist the council are top-tier students. The work? All handled by them.
The president and vice president? They're just figureheads, the center of attention. Surrounded by a sea of admiring, high-achieving girls, they're paraded around as the school's representatives. Their egos swell with the attention they receive daily.
And thus, the birth of the Ore-sama King, the supreme ruler.
They even earn nicknames like "The Tyrant" or "The Greedy One," depending on their personality.
Wow, that sounds like a nightmare.
And so, Kouta had met the "king"… Oh, by the way, the pork's done. Go ahead and eat. (I look at him with a compassionate gaze).
Today was my first day at the trial enrollment for Ousen Academy.
I'd heard the boys here were scouted for their looks and had huge egos, but hearing it from Yoshikawa-san, who manages Ousen Academy's admissions, really made it hit home:
"It's really tough. One of my colleagues ended up in the hospital with a stress-induced stomach ulcer. Believe it or not, the management department is always hiring because the turnover rate is so high. We're looked down on by the other departments, and even the insurance counselors are suggesting we review our work environment.
Out of the three students I'm in charge of for next year's enrollment, Kouta-kun, you're the only one who's polite and can actually hold a conversation. The other kids? It's not a conversation—it's 'submission and acceptance.' Like, what era are they from? Are they gonna ride around on a white horse and cause chaos or something? Ugh, I just want to talk to Kouta-kun. You're such a breath of fresh air."
Just hearing that was enough to drain my energy.
Wait, wasn't Ousen supposed to be a prestigious school?
Dad told me, "Graduates from Ousen Academy are a rarity these days—leaders with a strong sense of self. I want you to study there and grow." So, I accepted the scout offer. But it turns out they're just a bunch of tyrants, right? They're not leading—they're being controlled by the people around them.
I'm really starting to have doubts about this.
"Greetings. You must be the students enrolled for next year's trial period.
I am Hajime Sumeragi, the Vice President of the Middle School Student Council at Ousen Academy.
Today, I've been told you'll have a brief school tour and a photo session for the pamphlet.
For more details, refer to these individuals."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kaori Tanaka, a member of the Student Council's General Affairs Department.
I will be guiding you all, so please stay close and don't get lost.
Vice President, I'll leave the rest to you."
"Indeed. I'll be in the council room. Fetch me when the photo session begins."
"Yes, sir. If you'll follow me, everyone, let's go."
Their attitude was pretty awful.
Even considering that we're younger, the condescending politeness was over the top. So, this is what Yoshikawa-san was talking about, huh?
The way the Vice President spoke—it was almost like giving orders. But none of the other students seemed to care. It was as if they accepted this as normal.
Are they all the same? They've been sizing me up since I got here.
And there's a leader above this guy? Can I really survive here?
"Alright, Takagi-kun, look this way.
Great! You're looking handsome!
Oh wow, I'm getting into this—let's get one more shot!"
Currently, I'm in the middle of a photo shoot for the pamphlet.
The school tour was brief—so brief I wondered if they were serious. I mean, couldn't this wait until we were officially enrolled?
Kaori-san, from General Affairs, mocked us, saying, "Feel free to stroll around the campus if you'd like to walk among beasts."
I really don't like her.
Also, is it okay that I'm the only one getting photographed?
"Oh, don't worry about it. We've got extra time. See, I was initially called to photograph the Student Council President and Vice President, but those guys—ugh—what a mess.
They said, 'Who's this dumb-looking woman? We won't deal with her. Get someone competent!' Can you believe that? The nerve!
They even demanded, 'Bring in the best photographer in the country!'—and that's how I got roped into this. But then they kicked me out themselves! Ridiculous, right?"
Yikes, that's awful. The fact that these guys are the top of the student council is just tragic.
"But really, they're just mascots, right? It's laughable how they act like they're rulers of the school. It's just sad.
Oh, and by the way, off the record, okay?"
Wow, the harsh words of someone who's survived the rough waters of society. It's like they're telling me, Don't be naive about life! It's a learning experience.
"You're so easy to talk to, Takagi-kun. I ended up spilling way too much.
Here, take my card. Feel free to reach out anytime. Who knows, we might work together someday."
Whoa, she gave me her business card.
[Studio Green – CEO Yoshiko Mita]
Wait, the Yoshiko Mita from Studio Green? The world-renowned top photographer? She's the one brands around the world beg to work with.
How did she end up accepting this job? Isn't she too busy for this?
"Oh, you know, I've been working non-stop lately, and then this came along—taking pictures of a cute young guy. It just… felt right, haha."
Tehepero, really? What is this? You remind me so much of my best friend—it's almost uncanny.
The photoshoot with Mita-san continued for another 30 minutes until her assistant, finally unable to bear it, stepped in to stop her. She'd been shouting, "I'm on a roll! Don't interrupt me!" But hey, we have a schedule too. Please cut me some slack.
To the staff who kept apologizing—don't worry, you really helped me out. The one at fault here is that hopeless adult over there.
I hurried to the main hall, where everyone was gathering after the shoot.
"You're late. What exactly were you doing? A simple photo session shouldn't take this long. You're quite inefficient, aren't you? I'm concerned about how you'll manage in this academy."
I really don't like Kaori-san.
"I apologize. I'll make sure not to let this happen again."
I bowed lightly and took an empty seat.
They explained the upcoming schedule, guidelines, and expectations for Ousen Academy students.
Most of it was information Yoshikawa-san had already gone over, so there were no surprises. I just hope the other students understood. I'm… not so sure.
"Is everyone present, Kaori?"
"Yes, my apologies. One student is running late from the photo shoot. We'll need to wait a little longer."
"No matter. I care not for latecomers.
Everyone, look this way. I am Shugo Ozaki, your Student Council President.
Oh, and there's no need for greetings from you lot.
I run on a complete meritocracy.
If you're worth anything, your name will be known without needing introductions.
If you have complaints, prove yourselves with actions. That's all."
What a strong presence. So this is what they call "self-righteousness."
Is this what my dad meant by "leadership"? President Ozaki seems like the kind of person who'd easily discard anyone who doesn't fit into his worldview.
Dad, is this really what you had in mind?
Now I'm more worried about you.
Bang!
"Sorry, I'm late."
"What the hell are you!?
We don't need anyone in this academy who can't follow basic time management. Get out of here at once!"
The hall fell silent.
The boy who had entered late slowly raised his head.
"You're right, senpai. It's unforgivable to be late for such an important trial day…"
His light brown hair swayed sadly as he spoke.
His eyes shimmered, as if holding back tears, like a stray puppy.
He looked up at the council members with a gaze filled with pure regret.
"Senpai, teachers, I'm really sorry.
I… I just wanted to be able to call you my senpai one day…"
A single tear rolled down his cheek as he offered a fragile yet kind smile.
Thud. Clatter. Crash.
One by one, the student council members collapsed.
Ah, it's starting. Hiroshi-sama's domination…
I could only hold my head in my hands, knowing where this was headed.