Keegan fishes out a small slip of used paper from his pocket before promptly handing it to her "This? I think it's her phone number… or one of their phone numbers."

"S-senpai, I didn't think you were so popular…" Komachi teases with a note of perceptible hesitation in her voice as she examines the paper.

"Oh ha-ha. Like I told y'all, I'm pretty sure I'm just a tool to them. From their notorious reputation, it seems like everyone appears that way to 'em, I just figure it's for when I manage to convince someone to join their little council." He counters.

He peers over to witness Komachi appearing dumbfounded.

"What?"

"Hmm~?"

"Psh. I think it's a reasonably good guess... come on. We should start heading to class." Keegan says as he starts walking towards the stairway that exits the cafeteria with Komachi trailing alongside.

As the two climbed the stairs, she opted to make a suggestion.

"You know… if it gets bad enough, and they don't have a problem with it, you could always suggest me as a member to them. I was part of the student council in my old middle school. I bet it'd make your life easier."

You're shitting me? That's almost too convenient. It most definitely would make this easy and quick. Well, for me anyway. I'm not comfortable with the idea of her working for those two though - or I guess I mean Shizune since she is the sole ranking member. Nah, I'd rather not get Komachi involved, I'll just have to figure something out to persuade Hisao to get on board… or better yet…

"Senpai?"

...Maybe, I can do something more than merely just convince one guy to join. What if I was able to reverse people's reservations about the dubious duo? If I accomplished that, I would imagine that'd get more than just a sole person's interest… but how the hell would I go about it? That's the real kicker; no doubt that'd be the more complicated route to go. Whatever keeps 'em occupied and out of my hair. I rarely meet a pair so tir-

"Hey!" Komachi says loudly and a couple of equally loud snaps with her fingers in front of his face, causing Keegan's head to recoil slightly as he regains awareness of his surroundings; finding himself stopped in the middle of the lobby.

"Oh... Hmm. That would probably make things a helluva lot simpler…" he mutters before speaking normally. "I'll see what I can do first, don't want to throw my kouhai to the wolves so needlessly. This is your first year, eh? If you're gonna sign up for a club or something… it should be something you'd genuinely enjoy..."

"Like what?" She asks inquisitively.

How the fuck would I know.

"What're you interested in?"

She takes a few moments to consider the question, apparently drawing an unsatisfied conclusion as her face displays a degree of uncertainty. "I'm… not sure. I was only involved with my old student council because I kind of... made my classmates choose me."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, I sort of told everyone in class about how I really wanted to join the student council..."

This solidifies my assumption she was good at socializing - too good, I'd say. To manipulate her class into leaving her uncontested is something I gotta give props to. Just how sly is this kouhai?

"Making it so no one would dare risk themselves as being the ones who'd stolen away your wish, eh? That's a pretty clever ploy, Komi-chan. Underhanded, without a doubt, but clever." He responds with a knowing smirk.

"I didn't do it without a good reason, you know. I just felt it would've been nice being on the council. Like I could make a difference, I could help others. But it just ended up being a weird amount of politics and drama, so I usually ended up shirking my duties." She casually explains.

"Heh. I feel you there, little one. Anyways, well. Student council here looks like a regime at first appearance, a really small one but yeah. And I haven't heard of any kind of club that solely helps people."

Her eyes light up as she opens her mouth to speak before stopping and looking elsewhere, somberly. Huh? What's with that? He tilts his head a little as he gazes at her, concerned with the reaction. Before he can ask the question on his mind, she speaks up with a brittle voice. "We should get to class, senpai.."

My mind repeatedly tells me to ignore the gnawing feeling in my gut when it arises, as if warning me of the incoming possibility of dealing with the mess that is the underside of people's more... deeper emotions. I've habitually been a mighty bit awkward when it comes to that. Hence, it's a useful warning in a way.

She turns to head down the corridor.

And most of the time… I'd listen to it. Why bother with people I couldn't give less of a fuck about.

The problem here is…

It's not the same with her.

It's an unprecedented kind of useful this time...

Keegan rests a hand on her shoulder to gain her attention as he speaks up nervously. "Komachi… y-a um.. y-you know you can talk to me.. you said you'd help me. I figure it'd go without saying, but I want to help you too." Gaah. Gut me now. That sounded more graceful in my head.

She lets out a soft giggle as she glances back at him. "I know. I didn't think you'd say it out loud."

Did it work? Or was she messing with me? This goddamn girl..

"Relish it. I doubt you'll hear any type of shit like that from me again." He reverts to his monotone voice as he shakes his head.

A hint of mischief gleams in her eyes as she speaks. "Oh? Are you suure about that?"

"Uh.. well.. I-I mean…err-n-not really." He mumbles out quickly and quietly. Lord save me. At least I'm starting to get good at getting her sidetracked. Albeit at the expense of my awkward-ass self.

A modest price to pay, I suppose.

I'm having a few too many of these moments lately.

"Mhm. I thought so. See you later, senpai!" She gives a quick pat of his hand before taking off down the corridor, disappearing into the clumps of students making their way to class.

This goddamn girl.. He thinks to himself with a satisfied smirk as he proceeds to head up the stairway to the topmost floors.

o—o

Upon entering the classroom, Keegan sees almost everyone has already made it back with the sole exception of Hanako as he sets himself in his spot beside the surprisingly conscious Suzu.

I wonder how much of a pain in the ass that's gotta be. Doing your typical stuff then all of a sudden just, bam! You're out!

...Her knee injury must've stemmed from something like that.

Coming to the realization that he's staring, he swiftly goes to divert his gaze elsewhere; trying to stretch casually in his chair as he looks over the classroom. His attention is captured by Lezard's ineffective glaring. Does this dude only have one mode for looking at me?

The rest of the afternoon classes pass by relatively uneventful, save for Hanako coming in halfway through the last class. I get the sense if most people pulled that kinda thing, they'd get shitted on. She must be exempt due to what seems like crippling social anxiety. I bet most folks would define her as a delinquent at first glance. Her timidity says otherwise. Keegan observes. Wrapping up his assigned work fairly quickly, he decides to take a gander out to the warm outside world before ultimately slumping over on his desk - the tiredness from the morning not entirely subsiding; ultimately succumbing to an inevitable bout of sleep.

A little while later, someone shaking his shoulder rouses him from his impromptu nap. Rubbing his eye and yawning as he sits up, Keegan looks in front of him to see Suzu straightening her posture before looking at him with her arms crossed and yawning in response,. "You're stealing my job."

He snickers with tired amusement. "Not by choice."

"Usually never is, class is over; figured you'd want to be awake for that." She informs him as she vacates the classroom.

"You figure correctly," Keegan confirms as he rises from his seat, glancing behind him to check if the student council was present. To his surprise, they've already departed. An urge of suspicion started prodding at him as he considered what they might be up to. They left? Do I not have to engage in their little game? Doubt it. It wouldn't be that straightforward.

o—o

Trudging out of the room, Keegan warily proceeds down to the lobby as he comes to a stop at the apex of the ramp leading down to the front doors; the external world almost beckoning him as rays of the afternoon sunlight pierce the lobby windows.

Before he can make a move on towards the door, Shizune and Misha appear from seemingly thin air and latch onto the bewildered young man, covering each flank.

Christ! Where the fuck did they even come from?!

Their proximity is disconcerting. Then again, most girls this close usually have that effect on me. Tsk, weak.

The escort is a little much, though. It's sort of off-putting if you think about it — students in the past must've made attempts to escape if these two are this cautious. Off-putting and kinda nerve-wracking.

"What's up with you two? I feel like I'm about to be hauled off and never to be heard from again." He tries vocalizing as casually as possible.

"Wahahaha! What's wrong, Shiro~?" Misha questions playfully with her trademark grin.

[We're only just going to play a game of Risk.] Shizune signs.

"That's not really reassuring." He comments offhandedly.

This is just further solidifying my feelings of unease. Getting to the student council room is quite simple, the duo escort Keegan down the first-floor corner, only turning two corners before arriving at their destination.

"That's it? This makes you guys being so on top of me seem dumb." He gripes as the girls detach themselves.

[When their life is threatened, people have demonstrated the capability to pull off superhuman bursts of speed.]

"'Life is threatened'?" He repeats aloud, the concern apparent in his tone.

With her expression unchanging, Misha starts to amusedly sign something to Shizune before coming to a full stop before she scarcely really begins.

"No, please. Don't stop your secret banter on my account. I won't eavesdrop, I swear." He sarcastically comments.

Misha giggles at his ironic comment, Shizune, on the other hand, is unamused as she scoffs and opens the door to the student council room.

It's a very plain, sparsely decorated room, it appears to be even a little larger than a classroom. There's an extensive table in the centre surrounded by chairs, and a smaller desk prominently placed in the back which is assumed to be Shizune's. There are a few typical desks and chairs stacked to one side, as well.

Aside from the tables and chairs, the room doesn't have much else to offer. Just a couple of filing cabinets and bookshelves stacked with old school records and documents.

Not much else.

In fact, nothing else.

This is... a pretty bleak room. Now, I know these two don't seem like particularly artistic/decorative people, but you'd think they could do with a potted plant or a motivational poster about 'hanging in there' or some shit. The lack of people would also probably phase me if I didn't already know these two were the only ones on the student council.

"Christ, this place is depressing. I've seen alleyways that were more embellished." He remarks.

"You shouldn't be so harsh, Shiro~! Shicchan and I have had plenty of good times here~!"

"Didn't really disagree with my statement, though…"

Before Keegan can complain any further, Shizune claps her hands together very energetically before signing with an equivalent amount of enthusiasm.

[Let's play!]

"Shiro, let's play Risk! Come on, you promised, didn't you? You have to~! Hahaha~! Okay okay okay~! Do you want to know the rules? We can explain to you while we set everything up!"

"Wasn't exactly a promise but whatever. I know the rules but you should explain anyways, I get the sense I'd get a kick outta it."

Disregarding his comment once more, Misha begins explaining. As she explains, Keegan observes Shizune in the background taking out the familiar sight of a board game from behind one of the filing cabinets and throwing it on the table. Hello, darkness, my old friend. I can say with a certain degree of confidence; that I have this one in the bag. After Misha spends a little too long running through the basics with a somewhat vague and confusing tutorial, Shizune cuts in and declares the game has started with a decisive motion, slicing her arm through the air.

I swear, sometimes it's hard to tell who's more aggressive. Me or her. I suppose I respect that about her. The familiar sensation of competitiveness begins to surge in Keegan as they initiate the game.

Halfway into the expectedly lengthy session, Keegan tries to ponder how to defend against Shizune's assault from two fronts as Misha has already been defeated; the student council president breaks his concentration by drumming her fingers on the table to seize his attention.

[You are taking too long to make a move. I will permit you to keep Australia if you agree to join the Student Council.]

"I thought this was a game with no strings attached," She seems to be under the influence of this delusional fact that I'd be bothered by the outcome of the game. Honestly, I'm just enjoying myself as is. "and anyway, Nah."

[I admire your fighting spirit and would be a benevolent dictator who will spare your people if you agree to join the Student Council!]

"Please, like I'd need your benevolence when you barely have the upper hand. I'll crush your world empire with my rebellion."

Her eyes shine with childlike mischief.

[Arrogance can only carry you so far. You'll have no chance if you keep playing like this.]

Well, she's got a point there. However, that statement makes it clear to me that she doesn't see my overall stratagem taking shape. She seems extremely focused on conquering whole nations. So in turn, I can feint a sacrifice of my hold on continents and rally my troops at crucial chokepoints. It's worth a shot.

An absurd amount of turns later, the game prolongs into a tiring war of attrition with neither player being able to sustain the advantage long enough to make an effective push into their respective territories. Ok. Obviously, I wasn't expecting her to simply roll over, but I also wasn't expecting her to match me step for step. This is turning into a lengthy battle. Not that I mind it, but I still gotta check out the library.

He investigates the time on his phone to confirm the length of time they've spent playing.

6:11p.m

Holy fuck. That long? I wonder how long the library is open.

With a sigh, he slouches back into his seat before flinging his hands up in defeat. "I gotta' concede. You win."

Shizune adjusts her glasses disapprovingly and taps her fingers on the desk again. [That was anticlimactic. Afraid of losing properly?]

I'd be insulted if this wasn't over a board game. Still, my pride… He scoffs before speaking. "That's rich coming from the person who lost absolute control of North America, Iceland and South America. You could've stamped me out ages ago. Besides, I got things to do. If I had more time, I'd gladly show you what else I can do."

She scowls at him at the mention of her losses before she takes a moment to consider his words. [Then we'll do this another time. I won't accept having this victory delivered to me.]

"There's another time?" He asks curiously.

The girls exchange a look before Misha speaks up.

"Shiro, would you like to join the Student Council?"

They don't waste any time, do they? On top of that, it's a bit odd that Misha is the one asking the question. Ordinarily, it's been Shizune. Why the switch-up? I have one particular problem with the question overall…

"You two know I never actually said I was interested in joining the Student Council, right? You asked for my help." He states brusquely.

"That's true… but... would you consider joining~?" Misha asks in an uncharacteristically low voice.

"I… Hmm. Maybe. I'll have to get back to you about that."

She perks up upon hearing his reply. "Okay, Shiro~! But, I hope you're not just saying that so we don't feel bad."

"No, really. I kind of decided I'd try to help y'all out already." Wait, since when do I care about their feelings?

"Really~? Shiro, if you're going to say that, you're saying that it is definitely the truth, and there can't be any~ mistaking it~!"

"Easy, tiger. You shouldn't put that much faith in me. I said try. And I guess I should have my revenge for losing, at the very least."

Shizune smiles at that in a vexatious way. I GAVE YOU THE WIN, WOMAN.

Ignoring the smug look he was given, Keegan speaks up as he gets up from his seat. "Alright, I think I have to go. I wanted to go to the library. It's not closed yet, is it?"

Shizune scratches her head and gestures at Misha.

How hard can it be to determine whether the library is open? There's a clock right there on the wall.

[It should be unless the librarian is absent.]

"It should be unless the librarian is absent. I think you're right, Shicchan. We... think the library is open. It's on the second floor; can't miss it. Do you want us to show you where it is?"

"Nah, it's fine. See ya tomorrow." He says with a wave. I also feel like I'll blow my brains out if I deal with you two, too much.

"Bye bye~!" Misha jovially waves back as Keegan exits the room.

o—o

Alone in the hallway, he finds himself unsurprisingly drained from the amount of socializing he's just gone through. Yeesh. Yeah, no. I don't think I'd be a good fit with them. I will honour my word of helping them, though. As soon as I figure out how.

Keegan makes his way back to the main lobby and up the stairs to the second floor before an issue occurs to him. Shit. Maybe, I did need their help to find the library. Every goddamn door looks the same. He groans in annoyance. Inspecting the plaques alongside the doors doesn't bear many results as only the active classrooms are marked while others are not, leading to a plethora of unspecific rooms.

Now aimlessly wanders the corridor in the hope of some identifying feature of the library will appear to him but to no avail. Now with frustration setting in, Keegan decides to try a door at random and hope for the best. Even if I get the wrong room, hopefully, someone can point me in the right direction. The door he decided to try was the one in the far corner of the corridor he was standing in. As he pulled the door open, the stale air assaulted his nostrils.

"Oof. That's a pungent smell." He mutters aloud as he steps into the room. The unoccupied room had the appearance of his classroom, a film of dust coated all the surfaces. Wild, it's as if no one's been in this room for years. An unused set of tables, desks and chairs were stacked on top of one another in the far back corner. The evening sunlight crept in through the windows, tinting the room in an orange hue.

A feeling of calmness radiated from inside the green-eyed young man as he stepped further into the room. If it wasn't so desolate looking, I'd hang out in here. A little hideaway to call my own. I wonder how strict this school is with unused rooms. Probably wouldn't get into too much shit. A slap on the wrist at most. Definitely have to keep this room in mind.

With an established memory of the location of the room, Keegan promptly exits, resuming his search for his original goal.

Walking down the hallway once more, he decides to head for the opposite section of the floor. About to round the last corner, the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps catches him off guard.

He moves to investigate and as he turns the corner he is swiftly met with a small yelp and a hard collision to his jaw, sending him stumbling backwards as he winces in pain.

"Ow, for fuck-" He opens his eye to see Hanako on her knees, rubbing the spot that was undoubtedly the point of impact for her.

"Oh shit, Hanako! Are you ok?" Keegan moves quickly to offer her a hand up.

"K-k-keegan!?" She says alarmed, "I'msorryi'mreallyreallysoorry!"

Well, at least she remembers me. "Woah, roll it back there, little lady. It's fine. Are you okay?"

She rubs the injured spot once more before taking his hand, lifting herself.

"Y-yeah. I-I'm okay. S-s-sorry again." Hanako stammers out her apology once more as Keegan massages his jaw.

"No, seriously. It's fine. What's the rus-"

"Hanako?"

A soft voice from behind Keegan interrupts his question, he spins around to see a fairly tall blonde girl with a thin cane walking towards them. Her blue eyes were looking towards the pair, but not directly at them. Huh. So she's blind? Keegan deduces the obvious.

Hanako quickly rushes to the girl's side before clasping onto her arm.

"Lilly!"

Jump man 93 - Bruh

A/N: Holy cow. I went through a couple revisions of how this chapter would play out. I was messing with the p.o.v's too much and decided to keep it simple.

Guest: Despite my mediocrity, I'm humbled by the fact you came back to check out my story, man. Emi was the first route I made it through.(Almost got her bad ending/Thank you Misha). Lmao I felt that when ya said y'all got diddled by Kenji's route your first go. Glad you stuck with it tho. Your ending statement kinda caught me off-guard. I knew a few people who've done something similar. Never really bothered me in the end but that's probably because i'm introverted asf. Regardless, appreciate the review, fella.