The week following Takashi's persistent attempts to recruit Ryo into the student council was a whirlwind. Rumors about his possible involvement with the council spread like wildfire, even though he had turned down the offer multiple times. Every day, someone would ask, "Ryo, are you really joining the council?" or, "We need someone like you in leadership!"
Ryo felt like he was constantly on the defensive, trying to avoid the attention he so desperately wanted to escape.
It wasn't helping that Hana, Saki, and Mei seemed to find the whole situation amusing.
"So, when's the inauguration, Mr. Councilman?" Saki teased one afternoon as they sat together for lunch in the school courtyard.
Ryo glared at her over his sandwich. "There's no inauguration because I'm not joining."
"Are you sure about that?" Saki shot back, her smile mischievous as always. "Because Takashi keeps looking at you like he's already written your name in the member log."
"I told him no, multiple times," Ryo sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why won't he just let it go?"
Hana, ever the energetic optimist, chimed in. "Maybe he sees something in you! You know, like leadership potential or something! Besides, it wouldn't be so bad, right? You'd get to work with cool people and be more involved in school stuff."
"I don't want to be more involved," Ryo muttered. "I just want to get through high school without a target on my back."
Mei, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "Maybe you should tell him why you don't want to join. He might understand if you explain it properly."
Ryo considered Mei's suggestion, appreciating her always calm and thoughtful input. Maybe that was what he needed to do—be direct and honest with Takashi. But even as he thought about it, he felt a small twinge of guilt. Despite his reluctance, part of him couldn't help but admire Takashi's persistence. He was just trying to do his job, after all.
Before Ryo could respond, Yuto plopped down next to him with his usual carefree attitude.
"Man, I heard you might be joining the council! That's wild," Yuto said, grinning. "Are you ready to lead the school, buddy?"
Ryo shot him a look of exasperation. "You too, Yuto? Seriously?"
Yuto laughed. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. But hey, if you ever do end up joining, let me know. I could be your right-hand man!"
"Yeah, right," Ryo muttered, shaking his head. "The last thing I need is for you to make things worse."
Later that day, as Ryo made his way to his locker after class, he felt a familiar presence at his side. Takashi, looking as composed and charming as ever, walked alongside him, clearly on a mission.
"Ryo," Takashi began, his voice as smooth as ever. "I know you've been avoiding the subject, but I'd like to officially extend the invitation once more. We could really use someone like you on the council."
Ryo paused, closing his locker with a heavy sigh. "Takashi, listen. It's not that I don't appreciate the offer, but I'm really not interested. I don't want the attention or the responsibility that comes with it."
Takashi looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before nodding slowly. "I see. I hadn't considered that side of things. I've been hearing a lot of positive things about you from students, so I thought you'd be a perfect fit. But if it's really not something you want... I won't push any further."
Ryo was taken aback by Takashi's understanding. He had expected more persistence, but this was... refreshing.
"Thanks, Takashi," Ryo said, genuinely grateful. "I appreciate it."
Takashi smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "No problem. But hey, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."
With that, Takashi walked off, leaving Ryo standing in the hallway, feeling strangely relieved yet conflicted.
Just as Ryo turned to leave, he was greeted by a sight he hadn't expected: Kazaki leaning against the wall near the exit, arms crossed and a smug grin on his face.
"Ryo," Kazaki called out. "You're really popular these days, huh? Even the student council wants you."
Ryo tensed, unsure where this conversation was headed. Kazaki hadn't caused much trouble since the last incident, but his sudden reappearance now wasn't exactly comforting.
"What do you want, Kazaki?" Ryo asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Kazaki pushed off the wall and approached him, that ever-present cocky smile still plastered on his face. "Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to see what all the fuss is about."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Fuss?"
"Yeah, you. Everyone's talking about you lately—student council, girls, rumors... I gotta say, you're doing a great job of keeping a low profile." Kazaki's tone was sarcastic, but there wasn't the usual bite in his words.
Ryo sighed. "It's not like I'm trying to get attention."
Kazaki laughed. "Maybe not, but it's happening anyway. I can't figure out if you're just lucky or if this is all part of some genius plan."
"There's no plan," Ryo muttered. "I just want to get through school without any drama."
Kazaki studied him for a moment, then shrugged. "Well, good luck with that. But hey, maybe we're not so different after all."
With that cryptic statement, Kazaki walked off, leaving Ryo even more confused than before.
As the days passed, Ryo managed to avoid further entanglements with the student council, though Takashi would occasionally stop by to chat, his friendly demeanor never wavering. Ryo couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for turning him down, especially since Takashi had been so understanding.
Hana, Saki, and Mei continued to be his constant companions, each of them bringing their own unique energy to the group. Hana's infectious enthusiasm never failed to lift Ryo's spirits, while Saki's teasing kept him on his toes. Mei, with her quiet and gentle nature, was always a calming presence.
One afternoon, the group found themselves sitting in the school's courtyard, enjoying the warm weather. Hana was busy chatting excitedly about an upcoming event, while Saki threw in her usual sarcastic remarks. Mei listened quietly, occasionally nodding in agreement.
"Hey, Ryo," Hana suddenly called out, turning her attention to him. "There's a big sports festival coming up! You should totally join! It'll be so much fun!"
Ryo groaned inwardly. Another festival? After the chaos of the last one, he wasn't sure he was ready for another big event. But before he could voice his reluctance, Saki chimed in.
"Yeah, Ryo. You could totally compete. Maybe even win a few events. You know, add to your growing legend."
Ryo shot her a look. "I don't have a legend."
Saki smirked. "Sure you don't."
Hana, ignoring the banter, continued, "Come on! It's not just about sports, there'll be games and food and all sorts of fun stuff! We'll all go together, just like last time!"
Mei, who had been quietly sipping her drink, finally spoke up. "It does sound like fun. And... it's been a while since we all did something like that together."
Ryo sighed. How could he say no when Mei looked at him with that gentle expression?
"Alright, fine," Ryo said, resigning himself to his fate. "I'll go."
Hana cheered, Saki chuckled, and Mei smiled softly, her quiet happiness clear.
As they made plans for the festival, Ryo couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Knowing his luck, the event would probably be more chaotic than relaxing. But at the same time, he couldn't deny that he was beginning to enjoy these moments with his friends—moments of laughter, teasing, and shared experiences.
Little did he know, the upcoming sports festival would bring more surprises, new faces, and even more tangled emotions than he could have anticipated.