When Ishigami returned to student council on Monday, he was greeted by a largely empty room, save for one person.
"Hey there, Kanagae-san. You know where everyone else is?"
Kogane raised an eyebrow.
He's really that concerned for us? What a caring vice-president!
"Well, Tono's out sick and Taikoku-chan's doing his homework in the library."
"Chan"?
Raising an eyebrow, Ishigami took a seat across from her with a shrug. He took out his console for a moment before putting it back and taking out his laptop instead, eliciting a confused look from Kogane.
"What was that about?"
"Oh, this? Well, I finished my student council duties, so I was going to play some games, but then I figured that I may as well be productive and get some studying done."
Kogane clasped her hand over her mouth in shock.
He's studying instead of playing games? I bet that he and the president are always helping each other out academically!
They aren't.
I can almost imagine it myself! Ishigami-sama gets too wrapped up in his work, but then the president reminds him to take care of himself and take breaks…
Nope.
I mean, really, they're just so perfect for each other-
She stopped herself, clearing her throat.
Wait, get a grip! You've gotta remember your mission! I need to find out what the president and vice-presidents' relationship is!
Even though Kogane's actions were fairly muted, Ishigami picked up on them, looking up with slight concern.
"Is everything alright?"
Gah… He's so caring… The president's such a lucky girl…
"Yes, everything's fine on my part. On another note, how was the movie with the president?"
Ishigami had unfortunately chosen to choose that exact moment to take a large swig of water, spitting it all out beside him before thumping his arm against his chest.
"Gak.. It went… well…"
Ishigami quickly regained his composure, prompting a smile from Kogane.
Ah? What's this? Ooh, I bet that something juicy happened at that theater!
She continued, pressing the matter at hand further.
"So, it went well?"
"Hm? Oh, yes, it was a grand experience. The movie was pretty good."
Kogane's imagination ran wild, countless scenarios popping up in her mind!
Kyaaaa~ I bet that Ishigami-sama was right there to comfort the president after she started bawling at the sad scenes!
As for Ishigami…
I can't tell her that I cried like a baby in front of Iino!
"So, how'd the president like it?"
Ishigami raised an eyebrow.
"Iino?"
"Mhm."
Ishigami closed his eyes, thinking to himself for a moment. He remembered Iino choosing the front edge seats, then her crying at the end, and then her expression when he called her beautiful. His cheeks went a little bit pink as he replied.
"Well, I can't exactly read her mind, but I'd say that she enjoyed it."
A devious grin began to grow on Kogane's face as she watched his entire reaction unfold.
Oh? What's with the blush, Ishigami-sama? If he's got that kind of reaction, then I've just gotta keep pushing, right?
"By the way, are you single?"
Ishigami gave Kogane an incredibly confused look.
"Where the hell'd that come from?"
He speaks so casually… He must really be comfortable around his council members! He's so committed to making us feel like equals! No doubt due to the president's tutelage.
Once Kogane was done being completely wrong about everything, she gave a response, her expression unchanging.
"I was just thinking that it would be odd for a boy and a girl to see a movie like that together if they weren't dating."
Ishigami looked away, his voice almost taking on a sulky tone.
"Well, either way, I'm still 100% single. Besides, I'm not really interested in being super popular with the girls anyways."
A tear almost sprung into Kogane's eye.
He really only has eyes for one girl in particular… But I can't allow that kind of thinking! He needs to be able to captivate the president effortlessly! So what methods do I have to work with? I'm no good with fashion, but there is one thing I can do!
"What do you do with your hair?"
Ishigami raised an eyebrow.
"Hm? Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
Ishigami gave a shrug.
"It's not much. I wash it with all-in-one and dry it, but if I have some sort of event, I'll use conditioner and flat iron it and stuff."
He's so efficient, but he knows how to take care of his appearance when it matters! Then again, knowing the president, she'd probably adore him no matter what hairstyle he wore- Ah, but I still need to keep pushing!
Kogane recomposed her expression, a wistful smile appearing on her face.
"Really? That's a bit of a shame."
"Hm? How so?"
Kogane put her fingers on her chin.
"I was just thinking about how much prettier you could be if you really took better care of your hair."
Ishigami's face immediately went red as he recoiled in his seat.
"What?! I-I told you already, I'm not interested in being popular!"
Kogane bridged the gap, mania slowly creeping into her expression.
"But, c'mon! There must be some girl you're interested in! What's your type? What do you want in a potential partner?"
Ishigami has started to suspect that she might be hitting on him.
"Well, even I can do that much."
Kogane sat back down, waiting with bated breath as Ishigami continued.
"I'd prefer someone who looks like they're on the serious side, but are actually really easy to get worked up. I also like people who are generally determined and always aiming to improve. I also think I'd rather they be shorter and younger than me, but that's more a preference thing. Oh, yeah, and I'd also like them to have a bit of a scheming side."
All of this added up in Kogane's mind, coalescing into one thought:
Is he hitting on me?
However, she quickly dispelled that.
Wait, that can't be right. He's only interested in the presi- wait!
At that moment, Ishigami and Kogane's minds both moved to form a singular observation:
Every one of those statements applies to Iino/the president!
Kogane steeled her resolve, pushing even harder than she had before! Morphing her expression into a casual smile, she looked off to the side as she spoke.
"You know, though, dating someone's really nice. You should try it."
"Yeah? And what would you know about that?"
Kogane blinked twice.
"Didn't you know? I'm dating your treasurer. I would've thought that you'd remember, given how we met?"
A look of realization dawned on Ishigami's face followed by a sheepish expression.
"Ah. Right."
###
One month ago…
Ishigami had just exited the school with a sour look on his face, pinching his nose as he squeezed his eyes shut.
Alright, so I agreed to be Iino's VP, but how in the world are we gonna get more members?
Current members of the student council: President (Miko Iino), Vice President (Yuu Ishigami), and General Affairs (Gomanosuke).
Total headcount: 2 people, 1 cat.
Iino was putting together a list, but other than members from last year's middle-school council, we haven't been able to find any potential recruits.
Ishigami began to scratch at his head in frustration.
We've set up our basic technological infrastructure, but it's pointless if there's no one to use it!
He's a little stressed right now.
Seriously, if we can't find anyone quickly, then-
"Oh? What do we have here?"
Ishigami whipped around to see a small group of girls, 4 of them in total congregating around one person.
What's happening here?
He began to walk towards them, their voices growing clearer as he approached.
"An exchange diary? How adorable!"
The group laughed while the one girl they were standing around stood still, seemingly expressionless.
"Shut up and give it back already."
The group stopped laughing for a moment before one of them gave a snide look, leaning forward.
"Oh? Are you getting mad? Seriously, you really are-"
"Is everything ok over here?"
She turned around to see the imposing figure of Yuu Ishigami. He wasn't that much taller than him, but his posture and stance emanated confidence which cause the whole group to shrink back in fear as they began whispering amongst one another.
"Hey, is that Yuu Ishigami?"
"I heard that he beat up a guy who was dating the girl he liked."
"Yeah, but wasn't that because he was cheating on her?"
"I also heard that he's the vice president! That means that Miko Iino personally chose him to be her second-in command!"
"Eek! That person on the disciplinary committee?"
Don't these people realize that I can hear them?
Ishigami gave a sigh, pinching his forehead.
"Look, I'm gonna trust that everything's fine over here, alright? We're all friends, right?"
His words were one thing, but his tone was another. Ishigami's tone was unshakable, almost as if it embodied the very essence of authority. One who is able to use such a commanding tone would surely be just as sound in his mind!
Gahhh! I've really done it now! Dammit, now they're gonna make fun of me, and no one's gonna trust the student council, and it's all gonna be my fault!
Or maybe not!
"Yeah, everything's fine! We were just leaving right now!"
Ishigami came back to earth, barely managing to keep the shock out of his expression as one of the girls returned the exchange diary and they scurried off, leaving him alone with the owner of said diary.
…It actually worked?
It took everything that Ishigami had to not sink to his knees on the spot in relief.
That… was scary. Does Iino do this every day? I should really give her more credit.
"Thank you, Vice President!"
Ishigami looked over to see that the girl had gone into a low bow in front of him. He quickly began to shake his hands in denial.
"What? It was nothing, don't mention it."
He then put his fingers to his chin as he began to think aloud.
"Still, I didn't know that I was that recognizable…"
"But of course you are!"
He looked back at the girl who had an expression similar to Erika's whenever she saw Kaguya as she spoke.
"Just about the whole school's heard about how you stopped a cheater all by yourself and didn't break down against his lies even after almost a year of suspension! I didn't think that there were any good people left in the world, but you single-handedly restored my faith in humanity!"
Ishigami felt his face going red out of embarrassment as he listened to this.
All I did was stalk a guy and then do nothing for a year! Was it really that impressive?
He's got a little bit of impostor syndrome.
"Well, in any case, if everything's fine over here, then I'll just be off-"
Right then, sparks began to fly in Ishigami's overworked brain, generating an idea of true magnificence.
Isn't this the perfect time to recruit members for council?
He stopped, turning back to the girl.
"By the way, what's your name?"
The girl gave a wide smile, as if utterly delighted that Ishigami had found her important enough to find out her name.
I probably won't recognize her since there were only 2 people on the list that Iino made, but-
"I'm Kogane Kanagae!"
Ishigami stared at her for a few moments, his jaw nearly detaching from his mouth.
Hah?
Kogane Kanagae! As the president of the middle school student council from her first year all the way to her third, her experience at council work is unparalleled by almost any other first year! Despite the rumours that began circulating around her in the tail-end of her third year due to the discovery of certain pieces of artwork she had made in the image of her classmates, her organizational skills and cooperative nature boosted her all the way up to the top of Ishigami and Iino's list of potential candidates!
"By the way, Kanagae-san, what were you doing before you got interrupted."
Ishigami immediately regretted saying this.
Why in the world would I be asking that?! Now she's totally gonna think that I'm a creep! The student council's only gonna have 3 members and it's gonna be all my fault!
Ishigami is very concerned about the success of the student council. Meanwhile, in Kogane's mind:
He's taking an interest in my life? The vice president is so considerate of us!
Kogane has quite a bit of respect for this man.
"Well, I was trying to meet up with Takeno - he's a person I know - but those girls stopped me on the way."
A look of recognition flashed in Ishigami's eyes as she mentioned that name.
Takeno? The scholarship student's also here?! Jackpot!
As Ishigami thought this, however, Kogane's eyes lost a bit of colour and her voice took on a more dreary tone as she looked off into the distance.
"Honestly, the atmosphere here's so suffocating for us that it almost feels like we can't even breathe anymore…"
Ishigami immediately refocused, something in his mind breaking when he heard Kogane say this.
Whether it's to ensure the abilities of this year's council, or for any other reason, I can't leave these people to fend for themselves.
He extended his hand to her and she stared at it, looking up to him uncertainty as he said:
"In that case, why don't the two of you join the student council?"
###
"And the rest, they say, is history."
Ishigami seemed to be rather exhausted from all the listening.
"Yep. In hindsight, I probably should've figured out that the 2 of you had a thing going on a while ago."
"No, it was right of you not to make any hasty assumptions. In any case, now you know!"
Ishigami gave a sigh before staring up at the ceiling.
"Dating, huh? Must be nice…"
Kogane immediately pounced on this opportunity.
"It is! I've got someone who always wants to spend time with me, and supports me no matter what, and stands up for me! It's really amazing!"
"That wasn't an invitation for you to brag."
"Ah? But if you get a girlfriend, you'll be able to brag all you want, hm?"
Kogane makes a decisive blow! Ishigami is reeling from the damage! He wheels back, attempting to recover with all his might!
"Besides, if Iino found out that I was in a relationship like that, she'd totally kill me."
"Hm? I wasn't aware that she would kill her own partner."
Ishigami's face went bright red.
These first years are way too oblivious! Throwing around the word 'partner' as if it means nothing…
While Ishigami failed to realize the identity of the actual oblivious one in the room, he had already begun building up a personal justification for his actions.
"Either way, even if I don't get rejected, then that means that if we ever break up, the student council would basically fall apart."
Kogane had a warm smile, continuing to take more and more ground as the verbal battle raged on.
"Yes, but that didn't stop myself or the previous president and VP of this school, right?"
"They're not exactly the best example! Those two were practically made for each other!"
Kogane narrowed her eyes, throwing caution to the wind as she pounced.
"And what's to say that you and the current president aren't?"
Ishigami grit his teeth, turning away in a huff.
"Why'd you bring this up all of a sudden?"
"Just clearing the air~ Seriously, by this point, half of the school thinks that you're dating in secret and the other half is shipping you harder than the previous president and VP. Honestly, I myself struggle to find reason to believe that the 2 of you aren't dating."
Kogane was expecting a lot of things, but laughter wasn't one of them. A confident smile generated on Ishigami's face.
Either way, if Iino does have a thing for me, then it's only a matter of time until she confesses! She's been dropping so many hints that she may as well have spilled them all by this point.
This bravado quickly faded away, however, as insecurity crept into Ishigami's mind.
Plus, if I confess, then there's a chance that she'll say that I'm not her type, or that I'm still a lazy delinquent on the inside, or that I'm a fraud who doesn't deserve to be happier. That's why it's way easier if she's the one who confesses.
"Do you hear something, Ishigami-sama?"
"Please, never call me that again."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone which read: "Incoming call: Fujiwara".
"What's up?"
Ishigami excused himself to the secret room, eliciting an expression of shock from Kogane as he disappeared behind the bookshelf, before reamerging a few moments later and packing up.
"What happened?"
Ishigami rolled his eyes as he grabbed his bag.
"Oh, nothing. Just an old friend."
He exited the room, and after a few minutes, Kogane heard a knock at the door.
"Come in."
The door swung open to reveal a tired-looking Takeno gave her a weak smile and wave.
"So, how'd the plan go?"
"Oh, well, you see…"
Kogane thought for a moment before coming to the realization that:
Wait, did I even do anything?!
She flopped onto the couch as she looked down at the floor with a dejected look appearing on her face..
"I'm sorry… Mitama's way better at this than I am… I'm just awful- mmph!"
Kogane's eyes shot open as she felt a warm sensation on her lips before seeing and feeling that Takeno had wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a deep kiss. She quickly read the situation and closed her eyes to match his and they stayed like that for a moment before breaking apart and sitting on the couch next to each other, albeit, still in a loose hug as they faced each other. Takeno simply stated:
"Don't talk yourself down like that."
A smile sprung onto Kogane's lips before she began to speak in a wildly animated voice.
"Well, Ishigami-sama and I finished all the work for today but I've got some studying to do and I would love some encouragement~"
Takeno immediately picked up on this, pulling Kogane closer until they were centimeters apart.
"Well, I suppose that this much is fine then."
Result of today's battle: Kogane wins (by "defiling the sacred student council room").