"The student council president?" Hana gazed ahead wistfully. "Now that I think about it, back in junior high, I dreamed about being elected student council president."
Chika tilted her head with a playful smile.
"If you're interested, Hana-chan, why don't you run for the election?"
"No, no, I could never!" Hana waved her hands quickly, shaking her head in panic. "A student council president has to be really capable, and I'm just not."
"Hana, don't underestimate yourself," Amamiya interjected, his gaze calm as it landed on her. "You're better than most people."
Hana's eyes brightened, and she leaned forward eagerly. "Really? What's so great about me?"
"…"
Amamiya fell silent, lowering his gaze slightly.
The short-haired girl, perhaps feeling some discomfort in her shoulders, leaned forward onto the table. More specifically, her chest pressed against the surface.
From the side, the sweeping arcs of her school uniform were strikingly prominent—breathtaking enough to resemble a world-famous painting.
As the saying goes, "Without great assets, how can you win hearts?" Hana's ability to win hearts, especially men, was unparalleled. There was no need to doubt her potential for greatness.
"...stare—"
A cold, cutting gaze came from the side.
Kaguya had her arms crossed and her head tilted slightly, her expression a blend of warning and amusement. Her eyes seemed to say:
Amamiya, I suggest you turn yourself in immediately.
"I protest that thoughts alone don't count as crimes," Amamiya responded firmly, though his tone hinted at resignation.
"…"
"What about you, Miko?" Chika asked, changing the subject.
"I'll pass," Miko replied decisively, shaking her head without hesitation. After several nights of sneaking over to sleep at Amamiya's house, the dark circles under her eyes had finally faded, but her laid-back, salty demeanor remained unchanged. "I'm busy enough as it is—working and taking care of Kyousuke every day."
As a professional lazy girl, Miko had no interest in the student council presidency. She only wanted a peaceful life where she could relax to her heart's content.
"What about you, Umi-chan?" Chika turned to Umi while idly shuffling a deck of cards. "You've been quiet today."
"Ah…"
Umi snapped out of her daze at the mention of her name. She quickly plastered on a bright smile and waved her hands. "I have my hands full with modeling gigs and photoshoots. The student council is way too much work. I'd rather spend my time at karaoke or shopping with my friends after school."
Chika turned her attention once more, this time to Kaguya.
"What about you, Kaguya-chan?"
"Me…"
A flicker of hesitation crossed Kaguya's pretty face.
As the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, her life had never been her own. It was like being a bird in a gilded cage—every move planned, every decision dictated. Freedom was a luxury she could never afford.
In the past, her family had suggested she run for the student council presidency. She hadn't refused outright but had felt powerless to take the role.
But things were different now.
Kaguya's pink lips pressed into a determined line as her gaze drifted toward a figure not far away—Shimizu.
Her mother had "returned."
Of course, it wasn't truly resurrection. It was just a guardian spirit. But even that was enough.
As long as she wasn't alone, Kaguya felt a new sense of courage—enough to rebel against her family's expectations.
"Hmm?"
Noticing her daughter's gaze, Shimizu, who was clinging to Hana, glanced over. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she made a playful scissors gesture.
"Yey~"
Kaguya suppressed the urge to retort, though the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.
Her mother's personality now felt so different from how she'd remembered it as a child. Could it be that when humans pass away and become spirits, their true nature is revealed?
On second thought, it was understandable.
Her mother had been only thirty when she passed—a young age by today's standards, when many women in their thirties remained unmarried and carefree, often acting playful on the internet. Maybe this side of her mother wasn't so unusual after all.
Shaking her head slightly to dispel the idle thoughts, Kaguya regained her composure and spoke calmly.
"I've suddenly lost interest in becoming student council president."
"That's fine." Chika clasped her hands together and turned her sparkling eyes to Amamiya.
"What about you, Amamiya? What do you think?"
Amamiya raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze without flinching.
"You seem to really hope no one runs for student council," Amamiya observed.
"No, definitely not!"
Chika quickly turned her head, avoiding his gaze.
"Don't look away when you're talking," Amamiya said, spreading his hands in exasperation. "But don't worry, I have no interest in becoming the student council president."
"Hehehe…"
A sudden, irrepressible laugh echoed through the room.
Everyone turned to look at Chika.
"Ha ha ha ha—!"
Chika placed her hands on her hips, chin raised, a victorious grin plastered across her face. "Since none of you are running, I'll claim the title of student council president for myself!"
Her eyes sparkled with ambition as she declared, "The plan to dominate Shuchi'in Academy starts today!"
Amamiya raised an eyebrow. "Even if you do become president, there's still the principal and the teachers above you. How exactly do you plan to 'dominate' the school?"
Chika dismissed his skepticism with a wave of her hand, leaning back in her chair as though already assuming the mantle of leadership. With a smug expression that could infuriate anyone, she announced, "The student council president wields the real power! When I win the election, I'll make Amamiya my secretary. You'll do all the work when there's something to do and I'll relax when there's... cough, cough."
She cleared her throat and continued confidently, "Next, Kashiwagi-chan will be my accountant. And Umi-chan..."
Chika leaned forward, her hands resting firmly on the table like a prime minister delivering a triumphant speech. "Umi-chan will be the vice president. Hehehe, isn't this lineup perfect?"
Kaguya: "..."
Perfect?
Excuse me, but where am I in this so-called perfect lineup?
Kaguya's expression darkened. The oversight felt intentional. As the saying goes, truth comes out when drunk, and people inadvertently reveal their true feelings when joking. Did Chika just admit she never intended to include her?
She clenched her fists. It's confirmed. Chika is indeed the cancer of the earth!
"Heh…"
Kaguya crossed her arms, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I have a different opinion about this lineup."
"Huh?" Chika tilted her head.
"While Kashiwagi-san is a fine candidate, she lacks relevant experience," Kaguya remarked coolly. "The accountant position would be better suited for Amamiya."
Amamiya raised a hand in protest. "I don't have any relevant experience either."
"That's fine," Kaguya replied with a serene smile. "I'll arrange for a professional to mentor you."
"Can I decline?"
"No."
"…"
"Wait a minute!" Chika interrupted, pointing dramatically at Kaguya. "I'm the student council president, so I have the final say on Amamiya's position!"
Kaguya's expression shifted, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "I've suddenly changed my mind. I'm running for student council president after all."
Chika's jaw dropped. "You just said you weren't running!"
"Sorry," Kaguya replied with a faint smirk. "I've reconsidered."
"You change your mind every day!" Chika puffed up her cheeks indignantly. "You don't keep your word!"
Kaguya's eyebrow twitched. How dare you lecture me about keeping my word when you didn't even include me in your lineup of student council members?
Her gaze sharpened. You're just trying to use your charm to seduce men and solidify your dominance while I'm out of the picture. Shameless!
Kaguya's internal monologue: Truly, Chika is the cancer of the earth!
"Hey, everyone, calm down." Umi stepped in, raising a hand to diffuse the tension. "Let's discuss this peacefully. Amamiya, what about you? What do you think?"
Amamiya intertwined his fingers and rested his chin on them. After a pause, he said decisively:
"In that case, I'll also run for student council president."
"Huh?"
Miko blinked in surprise, tilting her head in confusion. "Why the sudden motivation?"
Amamiya's tone dropped, as if revealing a profound truth. "Because I've come to realize something: If I don't work hard, I'll end up as a plaything for girls—ordered around and treated like a beast of burden."
"…"
"Alright then!" Chika shot up from her chair, slamming her hands on her waist. She declared with fervor, "Let's settle this through the election! Whoever wins becomes student council president. And the loser must unconditionally fulfill one request from the winner!"
"No objections here," Kaguya said calmly, her confidence unwavering. Her expression sharpened as she shifted into serious mode. "I'll win for sure."
The determination radiating from Kaguya could not be overstated. If I put my mind to it, I won't lose!
Umi blinked in surprise. "...Why the sudden enthusiasm?"
"..."
The process for electing the student council president was straightforward.
First, candidates submitted a campaign application form to the Election Management Committee.
Next came the campaign itself—handing out flyers, making speeches, and rallying supporters to give endorsement speeches.
Finally, voting day. Every student in the high school division cast a single vote, and the candidate with the most votes would be declared the new student council president.
In essence, both popularity and ability were required.
However, while ability was subjective and harder to measure, popularity could be quantified.
In the end, popularity was what truly mattered.
With the board game session wrapped up, the group dispersed.
As they left, Amamiya deliberately slowed his pace and fell into step beside Umi.
"Did you stay up late gaming last night?" he asked.
Umi snapped out of her daze and shook her head. "No."
Amamiya raised an eyebrow. "Then why were you so out of it this morning?"
Umi hesitated before replying in a soft voice, "It's because... I had a video chat with my dad last night. He looked really tired, with dark circles under his eyes. I'm starting to worry that he might turn into a player too."
Amamiya gave her a thoughtful look. "If you're that worried, why not go visit him?" he suggested. "I can go with you this weekend."
"Huh?"
Umi stopped abruptly, turning to face him. Her colored contact lenses caught the sunlight, making her bright eyes seem even more radiant. She leaned closer, her excitement palpable. "You really want to come with me?"
Amamiya nodded without hesitation. "I don't say things I don't mean."
A flicker of hesitation crossed Umi's face. "But my dad's workplace is really far from Tokyo," she said softly. "He only comes home for Obon(*a Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the spirits of ancestors) and New Year's. If we go, we'll spend the entire weekend traveling—it'll be exhausting."
"That does sound tough..." Amamiya paused, then shrugged. "So should I not go?"
"No!"
Before he could react, the succubus-like girl grabbed his arm, puffing up her cheeks in indignation. "You just said once you say something, you can't take it back!"
"Umi-chan," Chika called from a short distance away, her voice lowered in warning, "We're still at school."
"What does school have to do with—" Umi began, but her words faltered.
She noticed several classmates nearby, their curious and gossipy expressions fixed on her. Her cheeks flushed a light pink, and she quickly released Amamiya's arm, taking half a step back to create some distance.
Clearing her throat, she straightened her posture and tried to act composed. "I'll head to the classroom first," she said briskly. But before turning away, she added with a smile, "Let's go visit Dad together this weekend!"
With that, she hurried off, her blush still faintly visible.
"..."