Text chain between Juraku Sachiko and Yomozuki Runa:
Lollipop Lesbian: *1 attachment*
Scary Lesbian: ?? Tf is this, Runa?
Lollipop Lesbian: it's a crony of Miboumk lol. Go defend ur grilfiends honour.
Lollipop Lesbian: *girlfriends
Scary Lesbian: alr I guess you need to be reminded of the facts: Sakura and I aren't dating. I thought it was a joke between us?
Lollipop Lesbian: ya sureee whatevs.
Scary Lesbian: what's the point of this video? It's just some dumbass praising that shit-stain Miboumi.
Lollipop Lesbian: ya ya ik. That's Ibuki- he's the one who ran our gamble. Tried to swindle the game in the ex-prez's favour. Failed.
Scary Lesbian: I fail to see how that concerns me... or Sakura for that matter. How'd you get the video anyway?
Lollipop Lesbian: it was ez. But like, I kinda need you to come after him now. We kinda threatened him so...
Scary Lesbian: Hm, it does sound like an interesting offer... but as a Student Council member I have more responsibility now, and have to uphold my dignity and honour. I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline, Runa.
Lollipop Lesbian: Son of a bitch. You want to see me beg, is that it?
Scary Lesbian: Naturally.
Lollipop Lesbian: Fuck you, Sachiko. Please please please please I'll tell miharutaki abt ur crush on her if u don't please please please please.
Scary Lesbian: ? What crush?
Lollipop Lesbian: Oh, denial, really? You have literally called her hot so many times!
Scary Lesbian: Because she is??
Lollipop Lesbian: See? I don't get you sometimes fr.
Scary Lesbian: alr u know what? I'm growing sick of your shit, Runa. For once, I'm going to prove you wrong.
Scary Lesbian added "* * *" to the chat.
Scary Lesbian changed "* * *" to "Not my girlfriend"
Not my girlfriend: Scrolling up right now- where the hell am I?
Scary Lesbian: Hi, Sakura! Runa here needs something to be cleared up.
Not my girlfriend: Juraku Sachiko. First, how did you get my number? Second- it's 3am in the morning. Whatever you want can wait.
Lollipop Lesbian: And just what are you doing awake at 3am in the morning?
Not my girlfriend: Not your business, Yomozuki. Juraku, what do you want?
Scary Lesbian: As I was saying to my fellow councilwoman Runa, Sakura can you confirm that the two of us are not dating?
Not my girlfriend: Okay. We're not dating.
Scary Lesbian: See, Runa? Not dating.
Not my girlfriend: But Juraku is a terrible tease. Also, since when is Yomotsuki on the council? What have I missed?
Lollipop Lesbian: Ha! I called it. Miharutaki-san, Sachiko over here has a terrible crush on you (I presume by "tease" you mean "flirt") Also, Momobami Kirari is President now, and as her best friend, I'm obviously on the council.
Not my girlfriend: Bullshit and bullshit.
Scary Lesbian: Second the first statement... but the second one is true.
Not my girlfriend: Since when is Momobami President?
Lollipop Lesbian: Watch
Lollipop Lesbian added "* * *" to the chat.
Lollipop Lesbian changed "* * *" to "President"
Lollipop Lesbian: kiRARI!
President:...yes, Runa?
Lollipop Lesbian: Tell Miharutaki over here you're prez now.
President: Miharutaki-san?
Not my girlfriend: yes?
President: I'm President now. Oh, and on account of your bisexuality you're the new head of Beautification. Juraku, I've decided you're to head Public Morals. Runa said the two of you are awfully close romantically, so I think working side-by-side will help you bond :).
Not my girlfriend: a lot of things here to dissect, but alright. 1) Since when are you President? 2) How is my sexuality even relevant? 3) Juraku fuck you for outing me, 4) Why Juraku??? Why not my actual boyfriend?
Scary Lesbian: Okay, rude! The third point was completely unnecessary. Ffs you told a whole room of people u were bi , how'd you expect me to keep that a secret? And in case you haven't noticed, that's the only reason you're on the council now. (unless you actually want to fuck me, in which case you're more than welcome, beautiful ;))
Lollipop Lesbian: LMFAO DHSJSJXKAKDJSJX
President: You make good points there, Miharutaki-san. To answer your questions:
1) Since today (technically yesterday), when I challenged our dearly departed Kaichou to a game wagering her presidency. I won.
2) I've always dreamed of an all-gay Student Council under my thumb. What kind of lesbian hasn't?
3) I know you want to, and that's why you're working together.
4) See above, and also because I will not tolerate any of this heterosexual nonsense in my council.
Not my girlfriend: You know what, I'm too tired to argue at this point. I'm just accepting things as they are.
President: So you'll accept your massive crush on Juraku?
Not my girlfriend: Ohmigod, really? You too? Read. My. Username. I cannot with you all. I'm going to bed. By the way, Juraku, beat Ibuki up for me please.
Scary Lesbian: Okay.
Lollipop Lesbian: LOL so whipped.
"Not my girlfriend" left the chat.
President: well, I suppose that's my cue to go. Got to get up early to wheel in the aquarium for tomorrow after all :). Kudos!
"President" left the chat.
Lollipop Lesbian: So, gonna beat Ibuki up now?
Scary Lesbian: I suppose I have no choice... :(
Lollipop Lesbian: Oh, please bitch, you love what you do. Just like you love Miharutaki-san.
Scary Lesbian: In your dreams. She's just a fish in the sea. Besides, who are you to talk? You're awfully close with our current Prez...
Lollipop Lesbian: Lol what. We're literally just friends. If we were lovers she'd have made me her secretary.
Scary Lesbian: tf?
Lollipop Lesbian: Ya, she said it was a position in closest proximity to her, kinda like u and Miharutaki with Public Morals and Beautification...
Scary Lesbian: I am Juraku Sachiko. I do not get crushes. Good night.
Lollipop Lesbian: Damn someones pissed... g'night.
Sachiko rubbed her eyes, yawning as she put her phone away.
The nerve of Ibuki though...
She couldn't help but think. The boy sounded painfully stupid to her, and she hadn't even met him. She slipped under her covers, already dreaming up forms of punishment for his insolence.
Not because of what he said to Sakura, though. He was just a dick who didn't respect his elders. That was all.
The morning went by slowly. Torturously slowly. Still, the looks everybody sent her way- vaguely terrified and awed- made it all worth it. Briefly, the previous day's gamble flashed in her life- her own brazen flirting making her flush just ever so slightly in retrospect.
But the way Sakura had reacted.. that punch would've knocked Sachiko down to the floor, had she not held her ground. And the oddest thing about it was she couldn't find it in herself to even mind.
Which was weird in itself but... in that second that Sakura had pulled her in, still glaring, and wearing that look of hers, Sachiko had let down her guard, fooled herself into thinking that perhaps the other girl wanted to kiss her, of all things.
"Get fucked." That voice has plagued Sachiko's dreams that night, courtesy of her waking up at 3am and dealing with Runa's weird message.
God, the past few days were really something else.
A change of President, becoming a councilmember, that little interaction with the five girls playing strip poker- it all felt vastly surreal. Or would have done, for anyone other than Sachiko. Sachiko took it all into stride.
Just like she took into stride the fact that today, tons of first, second and even some third years were swarming Sakura's desk. She looked put on the spot, and incredibly tired today, the eye bags a sure sign as any.
Granted, Sachiko was a little annoyed that there were none at her desk- surely she was just as worthy of attention as Sakura?- but a little relieved nonetheless. She really wasn't ready to deal with a headache this early in the morning.
For a few moments, she simply stewed at her seat, glancing over in Sakura's direction as the latter girl stuttered a few answers to the endless stream of questions, then, still taking her sweet time, stood up, and with a few leisurely strides, took her place behind the other girl, feeling a little sorry for the predicament she had landed herself in.
"Hey, babe," she cooed, revelling in the way the Sakura's baby hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
"Juraku," she turned around with a growl.
"Yes, me." Sachiko would've added something on, had it not been for some first-year to take her chance with the questions.
"Juraku-san! Is it true you and Miharutaki-san are dating?" She piped up, wide-eyed, causing Sakura to subtly roll her eyes and for Sachiko to shoot her a glare. God, her head was already beginning to throb.
"Yes, we're dating, now fuck off, because Sakura and I want to go to that closet over there and make out." Sachiko shot a deadly smile on her direction, causing the girl to gulp, before grabbing Sakura's hand and dragging her into the teachers' closet.
"The fuck?" As soon as the two were inside, Sakura yanked her hand away from Sachiko's. "What on earth are you doing, Sachiko?"
"Aha! I knew I'd get you to call me by my first name!" Sachiko grinned at her, delighting in the glare she gave in response. "So, wanna make out?" She leaned in, puckering her lips, watching the other girl recoil as disgust and just that slight hint of arousal flashed over her face.
"Ooh, a tough one," Sachiko leered. "But seriously, you ought to be thanking me for saving your ass out there. We both know you were uncomfortable with the excess attention."
A raised eyebrow from Sakura. "And you care because? I thought I was just another "fish in the sea"?" She folded her arms annoyedly, but the breathy way her voice came out made it a little difficult for Sachiko to focus.
"I care about you because we're best friends and fellow council-mates. Gotta have each other's backs, don't we?"
A suspicious glimmer in Sakura's eyes manifested at that. "Really?" Her tone was sceptical. "What about yesterday?"
Sachiko blinked. "What about it?"
"I punched you. Are you not...mad about that?" She sounded almost...uncertain? No, that couldn't be it.
"Oh, darling, it hurt like a bitch, but you know it's always been my dream to get punched by a hot girl." An outright lie. Never had Sachiko entertained that sort of fantasy, in fact, most of the time, she preferred to be the puncher, rather than the punched. Who wouldn't, after all?
"Oh." Perfect brows furrowed together in confusion. "Well, um, thanks for the compliment, I guess? You've been giving a lot of those lately, even if they are inappropriate."
"Just the truth." Sachiko backhanded.
"Very inappropriate. And if you wish to retain my favour, you'll have to tone it down." Sakura's tone hardened.
"So we're best friends?"
"I'll think about it." For some inexplicable reason, that put a smile on Sachiko's face. "Now, come on, otherwise people are actually going to think we're making out."
"Oh, they already thought that, dear." She pushed open the door, exaggeratedly bowing as the other girl pushed past, just the faintest hint of a pinkish pallour visible on her cheeks. Sachiko followed suit, parting the crowds with a single glare, before sitting down at her desk.
To her surprise, Sakura moved over to sit next to her. "Don't." She warned as Sachiko opened her mouth. "I don't want them bothering me." She offered as explanation.
"Oh, don't be such a tsundere," Sachiko couldn't help but tease, pinching the older girl's exposed thigh and eliciting a gasp in response.
"God, Juraku, tone it the fuck down! I can't believe I'm going to have to spend the rest of my senior years dealing with you on a daily basis.." Sakura slumped, looking genuinely pained for a moment, before sitting up again, shaking her head to herself.
"Nope. Mental health takes priority," Sakura muttered. "I'm not doing this today." She stood up, shouldering her bag.
"Where are you going?" Sachiko questioned, just as Sakura had reached the door.
"Skipping class. I'm not dealing with this bullshit."
Sachiko blinked. Sakura? Skipping class? "How unlike you," she managed to force out, attempting to deduce Sakura's motives here.
Sakura just rolled her eyes. "Councilwoman privileges. I don't think Kaichou will mind if I take a nap."
"Mind if I join?" In one leisurely movement, Sachiko pushed back her chair, sending a teasing grin in the other girl's direction.
Sakura seemed contemplative for a second, before sighing. "You're going to tag along anyway, aren't you?"
"Yup."
She rubbed her temples, and although she seemed outwardly annoyed, Sachiko could tell that Sakura didn't mind her company as much as she did previously. Probably. Last night's gamble had taught her that perhaps there was more to Sakura than what met the eye.
"Alright. I think Library Prep Room #4 is free."
The aquarium was huge. No, scratch that, it was completely fucking massive. Runa could only gape in shock as it was wheeled into the council room.
I guess Kirari wasn't kidding last night...
Next to the aquarium, Ririka was standing by, along with a clipboard, barking orders at the men wheeling it in.
"Fuck you, Kirari," she murmured, pinching her brow, as Runa bounded into her eye-line.
"Hey, Vice-Prez!" She exclaimed cheerily. "Whatcha doing?"
"Kirari's dirty work. Was that not obvious?" She sighed, "I've been up here since 7, getting these motherfuckers into the council room. The first one was too big, the second too small, the third too big again... At this rate I'm going to be here forever." Just the slightest hint of tiredness crept up behind the distorted voice, and Runa felt a pang of sympathy for the older girl.
"Aww. That must suck for you." She settled on saying, patting the Vice-President's shoulders, who visibly stiffened at the sudden contact. "Speaking of: why on earth does Kirari want the aquarium?"
Ririka just shrugged. "No clue. Something about "mood lighting" or "symbolism" or whatever. I think it's creepy, personally." Well, you're one to talk, with your mask and all.
"Hm. Where is Kirari anyway?"
"Over in that room." Ririka jerked her head towards the council room.
"Thanks, Ririka, bye!" Runa waved at her, before skipping into the room. One aquarium stood at the corner of the room, filled with all sorts of exotic fish. Kirari herself was standing next to it, perfectly-manicured hands tracing amused patterns over the glass.
"Ah, there you are, Runa." She didn't even look up, but Runa could sense a smile in her tone.
"Hey, Prez! How's it going?"
"Good, Runa, it's going good. I daresay," she paused for a second, "I'm looking forward to acquainting myself with the new council."
"And kicking out the old for good!" Runa added. "Nya-ha! Are you sure about keeping Miboumi on, though?"
Kirari hummed. "Very sure. I'm certain he will be a useful... ah, asset."
"So confused right now, prez, but I'm not going to question it." Runa said matter-of-factly, before promptly sitting herself down at one of the chairs. Kirari stayed where she was, unmoving.
"Yesterday was so amusing," Kirari sighed, almost to herself, but her honeyed voice carried over the room.
"Which part?" Runa had already pulled out her game console, absently scrolling through her options.
"Mostly the time spent with Juraku-san. It was remarkably... illuminating." Kirari tapped the glass, as if to emphasise a point.
"Are you referring to chasing down our ex-President, or catching the naked girls?" Runa probed, wanting to get to the bottom of Kirari's vague answer.
"Both, I suppose," in one smooth movement, she turned around to face Runa. "Those girls, especially Ikishima..." she trailed off, seemingly lost in thought, before continuing. "You know, there is a reason beyond their obvious attraction that I made Miharutaki-san and Juraku-san heads of Public Morals and Beautification."
"So that we don't have to deal with people like Ikishima?" Runa guessed.
"Precisely. But did something about yesterday strike you as odd, Runa?" Kirari floated to the President's seat, not unlike a Muse.
"Well, a lot of things did. For one, Miboumi has people who worship him, two, Juraku drew in a high-stakes gamble, three, we're basically overlords of the school now, four, we saw a bunch of naked girls in the corridor, I could go on." Runa listed, ticking each item off on a finger.
"Yes, all of that is quite frankly shocking," Kirari said in a listless tone that implied she thought it was quite the opposite of shocking. "But I was referring to the girl with glasses. The one wearing a bra and underwear, standing in the middle of the corridor."
Runa blinked. "It was Ikishima's den. I don't get what's so confusing about it."
Kirari made a noise in her throat. "No, no. Didn't she feel... out of place?"
Runa barked out a laugh. "Oh, Igarashi-san? She's Ikishima's best friend."
For the first time, Kirari looked her equivalent of shocked- eyes slightly wide, and lips parted just ever-so-slightly. "Really?" Her interest was obviously piqued. "Pray do tell me more, Runa."
The other girl blinked confusedly. "Odd request, but sure. She's actually in our class, you know?"
"I didn't." Kirari's brows narrowed, as if trying to recall the girl in a less risqué setting. "Igarashi-san... hm. Doesn't ring a bell." One hand flicked off an imaginary ball of lint off her blazer.
"Well, it ought not to, really. She's pretty quiet, and you're... not. She's like, the ultimate nerd. Top marks in every subject in our class, probably even our year. Super smart. Super nerdy. Probably super gay too, given her friendship with Ikishima." Runa listed, scrunching up her face.
"Super smart, super gay..." Kirari's eyes had a vaguely unfocused look in them. "I think I'd like to have her on the council. Although in due time, perhaps not now. She is just a first year, after all." Runa bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from commenting on the fact that Kirari herself was also "just a first year".
"Oh! That reminds me," Kirari's eyes lit up. "Tell Ririka to put up these posters. I want to personally interview every single candidate for the position of Council Secretary- the most important position on the council."
She shoved the papers into Runa's obliging hands, the latter who took her time evaluating the posters themselves- nothing too catchy, just the job description and the kinds of qualifications it required. "Why do you care about this position so much, Prez?" She inquired, genuinely curious.
"A secretary is the backbone of this council. Whoever it will be will be handing 90% of the paperwork, negotiations with the school board, announcements, et cetera. It's a busier job than both Public Morals and Beautification, with only one person to carry it out." Kirari listed, looking sharp for once- clearly, this was a topic of interest for her, something she'd given a lot of thought.
"You could have two secretaries?" Runa suggested. "Rather than one person to carry the workload, it could be two? That way, the bar wouldn't be so high?"
"No. As they say- "too many cooks spoil the broth", Runa. The only reason I'm keeping the ridiculous system of Beautification and Public Morals is because of who is to be seated there, after all. It's less because of efficiency and more about "stirring up the aquarium". As soon as Juraku and Miharutaki graduate, I guarantee one of them will be abolished." The President paused. "But somebody has to carry the council. It's not me, not you, not even Juraku or Miharutaki or Ririka. But here's another guarantee- with our new claim to fame, I trust a lot of people would be willing to apply as Secretary."
Runa was about to butt in and suggest that rather than "stirring up her aquarium", Kirari could always pick reasonably competent people for her positions instead of dumping the workload on her poor secretary, but she decided against it.
After all, it was a system that benefitted her, so who was she to complain?
"Alright. Be right back, I'll just take these to Ririka."
Soutarou had told him everything. Obviously. Soutarou always told him everything. It was one of the only constants in Hyakkaou. So, when the previous day Soutarou had entered his room, all sombre and red-eyed, as if he had been crying beforehand, Aoi didn't think much of it at first.
After all, Soutarou tended to get a little sensitive. Sometimes he would come into Aoi's dorm when Sakura was absent- as she almost always was- and simply vent about a bad day. And Aoi, for some reason, would find it in himself to listen.
Even today, after the most awful gamble transpired.
First of all, he was quite frankly offended that Sakura had chosen the first year Habakiri as her dealer, rather than him. Of course, he wouldn't have chosen her as a dealer for his gambles, but that was irrelevant and a given, since he didn't fully trust her.
Second of all, Juraku and her absolute nerve never failed to irritate him. Sure, at first it was fun to see Sakura come undone, but by the second round she had hardened, taking the flirtatious comments into stride. Then it became boring- no, irritating- because Sakura was his, and nobody else's, so how dare Juraku make a claim on her? And her blatantly insulting remarks about how he was seemingly undeserving of his fiancée... ugh.
Third of all, Sakura neither won nor lost, which was incredibly annoying. Had she lost, it would've been something to hold over her head. Had she won, it would've been something to add to his growing fame: a fiancée who successfully beat the best in the year. But she drew, from which he didn't gain anything.
Fourth of all, after the gamble she had seemingly gone off with her protégé, and hadn't even bothered to consult Aoi.
So when Soutarou came in sobbing, Aoi couldn't find it in himself to care, although he had to pretend to. He smiled and patted the boy on the back, who between hiccups told him bits and pieces of what transpired that day. Apparently Juraku and Sakura were due to beat him up, and some random girls were threatening him- that was the first part, which greatly confused Aoi, to say the least.
For the second part, he just kept saying "Momobami-san" over and over again, occasionally muttering Kaichou, and after a few minutes of gentle consolation from Aoi, he finally began to piece together what happened.
Seeing the Big Gamble as a ripe opportunity, Momobami-san, in Aoi's absence, had challenged the (now dearly departed) President to a gamble, betting Momobami's self-expulsion and Kaichou's Presidency. Poor Soutarou had been picked as the dealer, and tried to swindle the odds, but in the end it didn't matter, since Momobami won anyway, with no help from the Fool card.
He also said something about a council of "lesbians only", and so Aoi couldn't even be certain of his current position in the ranks.
Sakura, though... little miss "I'm bisexual" may just make it through...
He thought bitterly, biting the inside of his cheek. Spending all that time around a crazy red-eyed dyke may have influenced his fiancée more than her thought.
It was these sorts of thoughts that swirled around Aoi's head that day, one second anxious, the next broody, the next ridiculously angry. In one day, his life had been turned upside down. Well, probably. He wouldn't actually get the verdict until the council meeting. Which was in... he unsubtly glanced at the clock at the corner of the room: 3 minutes.
He could hardly hear the mathematics teacher droning on about hexadecimal and denary and whatever it was they were learning, too shrouded was he in thought. Usually, at times like these, he would skip class. Councilman privileges, and his connections to Kaichou ensured that his future was in safe hands whether he attended class or not.
But if all that was to be jeopardised... he gulped, just thinking about it. The amount of work he had skipped out on was going to be extremely difficult to catch up on. He wished he could have had some foresight like Soutarou, who attended the important classes "just in case". But he didn't.
"All right class, homework is set on your Google classrooms, you may go now," the teacher dismissed them, clearly bored. Google classroom... when was the last time Aoi had checked his stream? His classwork? He could feel himself beginning to sweat. He would just have to suck up to Momobami all the more, and "the annoying lollipop girl" Soutarou described.
In a daze, he grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder, before standing up clumsily and heading out of the room, to the direction of the Student Council room. He had the route memorised by now- could walk it with closed eyes. He swallowed as he reached the double doors- once inviting, now imposing.
Aoi rapped out two knocks, determined not to get cold feet, even if it was the icy Momobami inside. To his surprise, however, it was not Momobami, nor the "annoying lollipop girl" who opened the doors for him, but rather, a girl with a mask. She had platinum-blonde hair, not unlike Juraku and Momobami, except hers was worn down, unlike Momobami's, and a far lighter shade than Juraku's. She was reasonably tall too, tall enough to be imposing. He gulped to himself.
The mask itself looked like it was out of a Greek Tragedy.- two eyeholes and a droopy mouth.
"Hello, um..." he trailed off, not knowing her name.
"You shall address me as "Vice-President"." Her voice was distorted by the mask, pitched at a tone lower than Aoi's himself.
"May I enter, Fuku-Kaichou?" He bowed his head, sweat beginning to end on his brow. For one terrifying second, it seemed like she was going to refuse, but to his immense relief, the double doors swung open, revealing the 105th council President of Hyakkaou herself, Momobami Kirari.
Looking incredibly relaxed for somebody who had competed with such high stakes only the previous day. In fact, she looked ready to do exactly that again- her posture erect to a fault, braids curled by her head. Probably something she did to avoid it getting in her face. Upon seeing Aoi, her lips stretched into an almost inhuman grin, eyes glittering with something Aoi couldn't- and didn't want to- quite discern.
"Um. Good afternoon, K-Kaichou," he felt himself stuttering, unable to hold her intense gaze. "Where's the rest of the council?" Aoi asked, moisturising his lips as the emptiness of the room dawned on him.
"Oh," Momobami blinked, tilting her head to the side, and once again he was struck by just how airy her tone was. He would have expected something deeper, more commanding, like Sakura's, or Juraku's, or perhaps even a voice changer like Vice President's would've been less striking. "Runa- the new Head of the Committee of Absolute Neutrality- is on an errand. Juraku-san and Miharutaki-san are late, apparently."
Aoi did a double take. "Juraku and Sakura? Since when-" he exclaimed in confusion, before Momobami cut him off.
"Since yesterday." Just the slightest hint of impatience crept into her voice. "Did Miharutaki-san not inform you?"
"If I may ask... why?"
She blinked at him, scrutinising him as if he was one of the fish in her tanks, which, Aoi did another startled double take, now were all over the corners of the room, giving it a soft, cerulean glow.
Ethereal.
Creepy as fuck. Aoi felt chills go down his spine, before he forced his gaze back onto the President.
"No, no you may not." Icy was her tone, enough the grin remained. "My motives are not for you to divulge. Consider yourself lucky that I've decided to spare you on the council despite Juraku's ardent dislike of you. Kamishimo-san came by earlier, as did Ibuki and the ex-head of Beautification. All rejected. You may remain, but may not ask impudent questions such as these. You will also remember that each and every single one of us is above both you and Manyuda, given that neither of you are female, lesbians, or even particularly good gamblers."
Aoi could only stutter in shock. "Why do you want me here, Momobami?"
"You will address me as "Kaichou" or "Momobami-sama". But to answer your question..." she leaned in, just ever-so-slightly. "I think you're... interesting." There was a distinct look in her eye Aoi did not like very much at all.
But in a second, it was gone. "Now, go make yourself useful and look for Juraku-san and Miharutaki-san."
"Alright." He forced out.
"Alright...?" There was a certain lilt to her tone, like she was expecting him to add something on.
"Alright, Kaichou." Aoi said through gritted teeth, clenching his fists until his knuckles were white. With one sweeping once-over of the room, he turned around and stormed out of the Council room.
Stupid lesbians and their stupid rules, he thought to himself sourly. No wonder Sakura's a bisexual- she's just like the rest of them: demanding, persistent and impossible to please.
He turned the corner, shooting another disdainful look towards the double doors, before sighing.
Quite clearly, things were going to be run a little differently from now on.
I suppose I'd better start looking for Sakura and that upstart Juraku...
Better to get on Momobami's good side while he still could. Clearly, she was not impressed with Soutarou.
Now, just where could Sakura be?
Knowing what a leech Juraku was, she was probably keeping his fiancée company as of now.
The library was an obvious guess, but it was unlike Sakura to lose track of time...
...unless she's in on a gamble.
Which left... pretty much all the dens. And if Juraku was (most likely) with her, then they would be taking an incredibly long time.
But. It was probably a "spur-of-the-moment" sort of thing, and so that left all the dens near the classrooms of Cherry Blossom Class 2. Since the two would've presumably started the gamble at the end of the day, chances were they were in one of the Library Prep Rooms, since those were near their finishing classroom.
A ghost of a smile appeared on his haggard face. See? He was a good guy, a good fiancé. He knew Sakura better than she knew herself.
Emboldened by this, he took longer, faster strides to the Prep Rooms.
1 was empty, but Aoi didn't mind that.
2 was full of first years taking turns sitting down in the chairs Juraku and Sakura had sat in the previous evening. Devious little Togakushi was charging them all 10,000 yen to get a turn.
3 was an actual prep room, something Aoi kept forgetting, and was met with an onslaught of shushes as he entered.
4, on the other hand..
Bingo. He thought, making out Juraku's figure splayed out on the couch. She was sitting, somewhat haphazardly, concentrating on something, and paid no mind to Aoi.
"Gotcha," he chuckled, feeling the need to draw attention to himself.
Juraku turned around, but more slowly than she ought to have done. She looked... groggy, almost. Then, in one bewildering motion, she raised a finger to her lips, mouthing at Aoi to shut up.
...What?
He took a step closer, clearing his throat. "Juraku, we've got-"
A groan cut him off, neither from Juraku nor himself. It was at that moment that his eyes caught on to another pair of legs tangled between Juraku's, and long, dark hair splayed out all over the couch. A girlfriend? A conquest? A prostitute? He absently wondered, shuddering at the implications
However, before he could voice these thoughts, Juraku spoke up. "Shut up, Miboumi!" Yep- there was no denying the croak of her normally smooth voice. "Can't you see we're in the middle of something?"
Undeniably curious as to what was going on, Aoi tiptoed over to where Juraku was, the latter who was gently stroking a curtain of long, dark hair, sloppily tied back by a white ribbon-
Wait.
"Sachiko..." Sakura moaned in her sleep, leaning in against the touch. Aoi felt as if his eyeballs popped out from how wide his eyes were, but Juraku seemed to take this all into stride.
"Sh, sh darling..." she cooed- sounding almost domestic, if not for the sadistic leer on her face. "Wait, hold on..." still completely ignoring Aoi, she fumbled around with her bag, which was thankfully near her, and pulled out her phone, quickly snapping a picture, before tutting to herself and turning Aoi's fiancée over so that she lay face up, and snapping another few pictures.
"Juraku, what the fuck is going on?" Aoi hissed, lowering his voice for some unfathomable reason.
At that, the sadist merely rolled her eyes. "One day I hope you can understand love.." she mused, acting as if she held some sort of moral higher ground.
"We're late for the council meeting and Momobami is pissed!"
Juraku cocked her head to the side. "Is she now? I personally remember her as a more lenient sort of girl. Or maybe it's just you she's mad at?"
"What would she be mad at me for?" Aoi was stumped.
"Because you're annoying." She rebuked matter-of-factly. "Now hush, Sakura needs her beauty sleep."
"Oh does she now," Aoi remarked scathingly, getting more and more frustrated by the second. "SAKURA! Wake the fuck up!" He yelled, cupping his hands.
Juraku shot him a venomous glare as Sakura stirred just ever-so-slightly in her sleep. "Mfff, don't want to.. Sachiko..."
"Now look what you've done!" Juraku huffed, before cradling Sakura's head in her arms, and adopting a softer tone of voice: "Hush now, babygirl, mommy Sachiko will protect you from big bad Miboumi."
"Mommy... Sachiko..." Sakura sleepily parroted, leaning in as Juraku let out another one of her sadistic chuckles, before muttering almost to herself- "this is pure gold,"
Sick of their collective shit, Aoi grabbed Juraku, and tugged at her once, twice, before effectively getting her off of Sakura, and taking advantage of her shock, pulled himself in her position, grabbed Sakura's head, and yelled into her ear: "Wake the fuck up!"
That elicited a grumble in response, causing Aoi to adopt one of his fathers' tactics when it came to waking people up- clapping. Like, lots of it.
"Mfff... fuck off.." Juraku openly laughed at that- the nerve! "Good girl," she muttered, almost inaudible.
"Miharutaki Sakura!" Aoi barked furious beyond belief, 100% fed up.
"What?" Her eyes flickered open, still obviously half asleep as she attempted to stifle a yawn.
"Wake! Up! We've got a council meeting now!"
"A what-now?" Her voice was slurred by fatigue. "Where's Sachiko? What are you doing here?"
"Right here, baby. With some adorable sleeping pics of you." Juraku looked incredibly pleased with herself about that. Sakura rolled her eyes.
"You know, I, like, love you and hate you at the same time." She managed to say, before dimly registering that Aoi was in the room.
"And what council meeting? We're like, literally not even on-"
It was at that moment when the cogs in her brain fully started turning. "What am I doing?"
"Napping with your bestie- me. Duh." Juraku said this as if it was obvious.
Sakura ignored her. "Wait, Aoi? What are you- fuck." Her eyes went comically wide as she sat up straight, arms flying up to straighten the ribbon.
"Today's my first day as officer of Beautification! Fuck! Juraku, why didn't you wake me up? God!" Sakura cursed, as Juraku pouted- pouted! How she was always so leisurely like this stumped Aoi.
"You looked so peaceful... and I like it more when you call me Sachiko."
"Not even the point!" Sakura's voice grated against the velvety-ness of Juraku's, before she took a sigh to recollect herself. "Whatever. Let's just go."
When the three of them arrived at the Student Council- Aoi out of breath, Sakura taking ridiculously large and equally furious strides, and Juraku walking at a leisurely pace that seemed to match her demeanour perfectly- it seemed as if nothing had changed, save for the "annoying lollipop girl", who was very clearly present now.
"Ah, Miboumi!" She gave him a once-over, "Looks like you made yourself useful after all, nya-ha!"
Momobami chuckled, before rather hypocritically chiding her friend for her comment. "Now, now, Runa. Don't be rude."
She turned to Aoi. "Apologies for my earlier behaviour, by the way. It was a simple hazing technique, and I meant nothing of what I said."
Oh, thank fuck.
"But, if I may inquire..." Aoi sheepishly paused, waiting for her to deny his request. "Why?"
"Oh, no reason. I just thought it would be fun, that's all." Her gaze skimmed over him, before landing on his fiancée- her tone conversational as always, yet turned Aoi's blood to ice. So this was the sort of person the new President would be.
Unpredictable. Eccentric. Psychopathic.
"Ah, Miharutaki-san, such a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you from Juraku-san- I'm sure the two of you will get along so well, with your shared posts." Sakura visibly stiffened at the President's remark, unsubtly shooting Juraku an annoyed look, the latter who simply shrugged, leaving Aoi puzzled about their silent exchange.
What?
"You too, Momobami-san." She said stiffly, facing the icy-blue gaze head-on.
"Oh, please! Don't be like that! Call me Kirari, would you? I'd like for my council members to get to know each other better. Best to clear the air now, hm?"
Sakura blanched a little at that, but, like Aoi, sensed it was less of a request and more of a demand. "Alright... Kirari." She forced out.
"Great! I think I'm going to like you very much, Sakura. What about you, Juraku-san? Are you alright with dropping formalities?" Juraku too pretended to consider.
"Sure, I guess." She lazily shrugged. "Though only as long as Aoi over there still has to refer to me by my last name." She sneered cruelly at him, but Momobami- no way was he calling her Kirari- didn't seem to mind.
"Condition granted! Runa, you're fine with this too- correct?" She turned, addressing the dwarf-like girl, who didn't seem at all bothered by the prospect.
"Okay!" She said cheerfully.
"What about you, Miboumi-san? Are you alright with me addressing you by your first name?" Aoi gulped at the question. Was he? If he said yes, would he have passed some sort of initiation, or was this all another one of Momobami's weird hazing pranks?
"S-sure," he mumbled. "Call me Aoi, I guess, Kaichou."
"I'll pass." The distorted voice made him jump, just ever so slightly. Juraku seemed unfazed, but the slight clench in Sakura's jaw told him she too was a little disturbed by the mask. "Everybody in this room shall address me as "Vice President"."
The "annoying lollipop girl"- well, Runa now, he supposed- rolled her eyes at that. "Really, Ri-"
Kaichou raised a hand to silence her. "Sh, Runa. She's allowed to do as she pleases." Aoi felt himself swallow. Had he picked the wrong option? Perhaps sticking to formalities was the better idea, but Juraku didn't seem fazed at any rate, and neither did Runa.
But then again-
"So!" Kaichou- that was what he was calling her now- clasped her hands together. "Let's get this meeting going!"
In several languid strides, she took her seat at the head of the table. Runa cheerily hobbled off to sit at her left- the Vice-President at her right. Now missing a beat, Juraku moved to sit next to the masked girl, dragging a still slightly-dazed Sakura with her. Seeing no other option on the table, Aoi took the seat opposite- ugh- Juraku.
"Okay, everyone! We've got a lot to get through today, so I expect we're going to be here for a long time." The President sounded oddly cheery about the prospect. Runa looked apathetic at the prospect, though, and as did Juraku. Sakura just looked tired.
What the hell was she doing last night?
"Sachiko, Sakura, as the both of you know, you're going to be our new Heads of Public Morals and Beautification. As President, I took a few liberties and fired both of your committees, given that recent reports made by the failure of a secretary indicated that infractions in this school were ridiculously high, and the previous committees were simply incompetent." Juraku suppressed an eye roll, muttering "understatement" under her breath.
"And of course, as I've already mentioned, the previous secretary was garbage, so I'm looking for a new one. If anyone finds someone, please do let me know!"
"Secretary, Treasurer, literally what's the difference?" Sakura mumbled to herself, loud enough for Aoi to hear and bristle at, but Kaichou ploughed on.
"Alright. Now, since almost all of us are new- Aoi, if you could just quickly give us a rundown on how the council works?" Kaichou extended a lean, well-manicured hand towards him, which Aoi took as his cue to stand up.
"Right, right," planting a self-assured grin on his face and trying not to wilt at the look of pure boredom etched into Juraku's face, Aoi cleared his throat.
"So, um, I'm pretty sure you know what the President's job entails?" He started off, wincing at his own weak introduction.
Kaichou didn't even blink. "No, actually, I don't."
"Right."
This is going to clearly take a long, long time.
Aoi's rambling was, in a word, boring. It was clear to Sakura that he had no real understanding of the positions of the council outside of his own, and was doing a very poor job of explaining it.
Even in her fatigued state, Sakura couldn't help but nitpick every word of her fiancé. Naturally, she had taken it upon herself to research all the positions on the council as soon as Aoi declared his wish to become President, so in actuality, she probably knew more than he did himself.
But, if Sakura was being honest, that wasn't the real reason she couldn't concentrate. The real reason...
She gulped, trying her best not to look to her side, where she would inevitably see Jura- Sachiko, she supposed, peering at her with that ever present "I told you so" sort of look.
It was stupid, she knew, to be so obsessed with somebody who most likely didn't give her a second thought.
Shaking her head, she forced herself to refocus on Aoi, who was having some difficulty forming a coherent sentence with all the attention on him. He never really did well with that.
"So, aha, Committee of Neutrality, it's like... they're neutral, yeah? They, um..." He fumbled, causing Sakura to roll her eyes.
"They are responsible for overseeing all important gambles and staying impartial to the outcome. This is a recent development made by the previous president after she discovered that dealers were often used to cheat. As well as that, given their minimal responsibility, along with Public Relations, the committee is responsible for organising fundraisers and school festivals." Sakura cut in, feeling the need to spare Aoi from further embarrassment. A mistake, giving the way Sachiko's gaze seemed to be devouring her as soon as she drew attention to herself.
She blinked. God, there was something wrong with her.
"Hm. You seem to have quite a bit of insight on the topic, Sakura. You're well researched. Perhaps you ought to continue instead of Aoi over here?" Quite unsubtly hinting at Aoi's incompetence, the President turned to Sakura, tone light as ever.
"Oh. Well, I don't see why ever not," Sakura said, the slightly sadistic side of her silently revelling in Aoi's humiliation.
She liked her fiancé well enough, but did he have to be so... well, Aoi-like all the time?
"Public Relations is a department that takes care of the artistic aspects of our school. Renting venues, organising concerts, theatre, the lot." Sakura continued, attempting to focus on her words and not on Sachiko's weirdly attentive gaze. Nor on the President's perfectly blank expression.
"Public Morals and Beautification are two councils essentially for the same thing. They're responsible for upholding honour and peaceful code of conduct at our school." She fought back a yawn.
God, last night with Habakiri and all the first years had really taken a toll on her. It wasn't like she wanted to go. The gamble had drained all energy from her, but Habakiri with her wide, earnest eyes and adorable blush had convinced her into attending an interrogation by the Miharutaki Sakura fan club, because apparently there was indeed one.
"They're responsible for collecting payments from gambling dens above all, but also for in general holding out against bullies, harassers, cheaters, and just rule breakers in general." Sachiko, for some unknown reason, licked her lips, raking her eyes up and down Sakura's form, forcing her to look away and straighten her already-perfect posture.
"The Presidency itself is a position of great responsibility- as the President holds the burden of higher p-power, um," Sakura felt her face heat up as Sachiko- unabashedly lewd as always- bit down on her lower lip. Again, she had to force away her wandering gaze towards Aoi, who looked suitably bored for the occasion.
She cleared the throat, hoping to ward off intrusive thoughts as she continued: "as well as the responsibility over what ever single committee on the council does. If anything student-related in the school fails, then the President is held at fault. However, if anything succeeds, then..." she shrugged, as if to convey her point.
"The VP and secretary are positions that shoulder the Presidents responsibility. Also, the President has the power to pass new school rules, and is the only one on the council with any real say-so." Sakura instantly backpedaled at that. "I mean! That is, the President is the one who holds the council together, that's all." However, the gleam in Kaichou's eye told her that the President had cottoned on to what she was saying.
Democracy in Hyakkaou is a sham, and the Student Body doesn't hold any real power.
"Hm. Well, Sakura, that was very insightful. Thank you." Kirari's facial expression was now back to blank, her body language strangely still.
"No problem." She said stiffly.
"Yes, Sakura. That was... very interesting." Sachiko's voice had taken on a lewd timbre- all breathy and low. It sent waves of arousal coursing through Sakura's body, and her jaw involuntarily clenched.
What was she doing?
"Thank you, Sachiko." She said, pitching her voice as stern and hoping the sadist would get the hint. Instead, she leaned forward, voice barely a whisper as she said her next words: "Smart girls are so hot."
At that; Sakura's brain practically short-circuited. Fucking hell. This girl knew how to push every single one of her buttons, but she was not giving her the satisfaction of coming undone. Not like yesterday.
"You have very low standards then." She chose to coldly remark, pointedly averting her gaze.
That earned her a chuckle. "Hm," Sachiko leaned back. "I suppose I'll rephrase, then. You're hot when you're smart."
"I'm always smart."
"And you're also always-"
"Alright, that's enough!" Yomozuki exclaimed, slamming her hand down on the table. "Nobody wants to hear your gross flirting."
"Thank you, Runa. Juraku, fuck off." Aoi said. "Leave Sakura out of your games." He sounded hostile, protective almost, causing a deep guilt to nestle at the out of Sakura's stomach. She felt like she was being unfaithful, honestly. Logically, she knew it was hardly her fault- but still. The fact that when she closed her eyes and that Sachiko's face would first come to mind instead of Aoi's was enough in itself.
"No, no, do continue, please." Kirari sounded amused, to say the least. "I'm very curious as to where this is going."
"Yes, Miboumi," the Vice-President interjected. "We're all looking to see how this love-triangle will end up."
"I- you all are deluded!" Sakura squeaked out. "There is no love triangle- this is just Sachiko's way of poking fun! She does it to everybody, right, Sachiko?" She turned her pleading gaze to the red-eyes woman, hoping at least that she would be prideful enough to deny pining after a (practically) married woman.
"True," the Public Morals Chairwoman's answer came a beat too late, and Momobami's shark-like grin indicated that she sensed it too.
"Ahem- but enough of these ridiculous implications. Kaichou, you said that you had something planned this meeting?" Sakura attempted to turn the subject away from herself and Sachiko's situationship.
"Hm, yes. But it does rather pale in comparison to what the two of you were discussing, but I digress." Kirari seemed almost petulant about letting go of the topic.
Oh well.
God, when will this day be over?
The mask, in hindsight, was really not the greatest idea. Ririka felt perspiration beading up on her forehead the entire day, and yet could do nothing about it- least of all now. All eyes were on Kirari- who was delicate as ever, almost like a china doll.
"The new idea I plan to introduce is something called a "debt collection"." Oh? This was new.
Typical Kirari, always keeping her in the dark.
"We already have a "donation day"- implemented by the previous President of the Student Council. I was thinking though... there has to be some way for those saddled in debt to have an opportunity to repay it all- right? After all, one unlucky gamble can lead to huge losses... it's only fair if people have a chance to get out of debt. Especially with my next idea."
"Next idea?" Miharutaki-san furrowed her brows, just as Juraku-san murmured: "I like the sound of this already..."
Ririka mentally rolled her eyes. The very idea of these two being romantically compatible was so incredibly icky for her. Kirari read too much fanfiction for her mental health.
"Yes. Runa and I actually already discussed it- it's a little something I like to envision as the "house pet system"." So you'll discuss this shit with Runa?
"House pet system?" Miboumi looked a little dubious about the concept.
"Yes." Kirari replied, with unfaltering patience. "It's really rather simple- whoever cannot pay their debt or fees to the student council instead has to pay it out with manual labour."
"What! No!" Miharutaki-san looked outraged by the very idea. "That is unethical and not to mention illegal! In fact, high-stakes gambling is illegal for minors in general, and gambling overall is illegal in Japan! What we're conducting here at Hyakkaou... well, as President, you are the only one who has some real authority to stop it. And, as your senior, I advise you-"
"And I'm going to ignore said advice." Kirari taunted, looking amused. "My, Sakura- so moral for somebody who participates in said gambles... hm. You're fun. What do you think about this, Sachiko?"
The sadistic girl simply shrugged. "You know what they say- bros before hoes. So, sorry babes, but I gotta side on Kirari with this. The system is beneficial to me and you, and adds much higher stakes to otherwise boring gambles, don't you think?"
"Well, I agree with Sakura." Miboumi retorted.
"And I didn't ask." Juraku responded with a leer.
"No no, let Aoi speak, Sachiko." Kirari interjected, inclining her head to hear what Miboumi had to say.
"I think it's a ridiculous idea, really, and will discourage people from gambling in the first place. Isn't that the opposite of what we want?" He stated- obviously smug. Juraku side-eyed him unappreciatively.
"Hm. Good argument, but I already thought of that. "Official matches" will be an honour delegated to house pets, and house pets only. They will have the chance to gamble against Student Council members- it will be a chance for them to regain their status as a human. As well as that's Donation day means that students have to all donate 1 million yen to the council. And unless they're incredibly rich, most of them will struggle to do so twice in a month- unless they gamble. And if you can't pay the donation fees you're a house pet anyway!" She chuckled, as if it was the most amusing thing ever.
"So, it's like a vicious circle. Either way, you're most likely doomed." Ririka said.
"Precisely!" Kirari exclaimed, ever so cheery. "Except the council members, of course, who will be receiving the payouts."
"Hold on." Miharutaki-san tilted her head to one side, brows furrowed. "Does that include the members of all our sub-committees or just the main council members?"
"Hm, good question. Just main council members for now, but I suppose the committees can be excused from paying fees. I mean- those sorts of rewards are what push them towards the job, right?"
Juraku chuckled- a low, textured sound that chilled Ririka to the bone: which was saying quite a bit, given that she grew up with Kirari. "You're a mad genius, Kirari. I second the motion."
"Same!" Yomozuki exclaimed, finally torn away from the game console she was no doubt hiding under the table.
"I agree too." Ririka forced out. It was a good idea- nothing against that part. She was just worried about the backlash it would receive.
"Good! Well, now that that's settled-"
"Wait!" Kirari was cut off by Miharutaki-san. "You haven't heard Aoi and I's verdict."
"Do I really need to?" Kirari tilted her head to the side, scrutinising the fiancé and fiancée. "There's already been four votes seconding the motion. Whatever you say will amount to nothing."
"It's still the correct procedure." Miharutaki's voice was sharp, like a dagger soaked in honey. Ririka also didn't fail to notice the way Juraku stiffened at it, although the other girl appeared oblivious.
Huh. Perhaps Kirari was onto something...
"Oh, very well." Kirari dismissively waved a hand in their general direction. "Aoi, what say you?"
"Ha! I voiced my opinion before, I'll do so again. I'm against the system. Like Sakura said, it's unethical, and as members of the student council it's our duty prevent this sort of thing, not indulge in it." He shot his fiancée an overly pleased look, which caused her to clench her jaw.
"I second the motion." Miharutaki's voice was tight, as if it pained her to say the words. Juraku blinked in surprise. "What? I thought you were against it, because it was "unethical", or something?" Behind the usual velvety purr there was an undertone of surprise that Ririka detected.
"Well. I've been thinking." She visibly swallowed. "I believe it's a more merciful way to pay off debt rather than to enter adulthood indebted. Besides, debt collection day offers you a way out, and as do the "official matches"so..." Miharutaki shrugged shakily, but her gaze held a certain ire.
"Hm. Fascinating reasoning, Sakura. Your input is much appreciated." Kirari shot her a smile. "Alright- Sachiko, Sakura, next meeting we'll review your den routes, and then you can start with your committees. Aoi- you can help Runa out in interviewing candidates for her committee. Meeting adjourned!" She clapped her hands together, before muttering in a lower voice: "I've always wanted to say that."
"Alright, then." Miboumi pushed his chair back with a creak. "I've got homework to catch up to. Sakura?"
"Oh, right." Miharutaki-san tore her gaze away from Juraku, before turning to her fiancé.
"Wait." Kirari raised a hand. "There's something I'd like to discuss with Sakura and Sachiko over here."
"Oh?" Miboumi shot them a winning smile. "Alright then. I'll be waiting outside, darling."
Darling? That's new...
Apparently, it was also a surprise for Miharutaki-san, whose eyes widened. "I- alright." She managed, awkwardly, as Juraku and Yomozuki visibly but back a grin.
With that, Miboumi sauntered out of the room.
"Ah..." Kirari wrinkled her nose in displeasure as soon as he left. "Who wants to bet he'll be the first to rebel against the regime?"
"Ooh, me please. Does anyone wanna bet Sakura as the rebel in the council? She's certainly got the morality for that." Juraku countered.
"I- what? I'm still here!" Miharutaki gaped at the two of them, but it seemed that they were in their own bubble now.
"Alright. How about 10 million?"
"Deal." Fiery red met icy blue, as a silence befell the council room, before Yomozuki cleared her throat.
"Ahem! On the topic of side bets, who won the one between Kirari and R- Vice President?"
Kirari blinked, tearing her gaze away from Juraku. "Oh! That's right."
"What side-bet?" Juraku's voice was laced in suspicion.
"Oh, nothing big." Kirari said dismissively. "Just a bet the Vice-President and I laid on your gamble with Sakura."
"Hm. Who did you bet on?" There was a hint of genuine curiosity behind the suspicion.
"Sakura, obviously. The Vice-President bet on you." Ririka bit back a chuckle at the look of shock on both Miharutaki and Juraku's expressions.
"Me? But...why?" The older girl forced out. "I mean, I'm just..." she trailed off. Not like you at all.
"Probably for the same reasons Fuku-Kaichou bet on Sachiko over here. So, Runa, since neither of us won the bet.. what does that mean for the money?" Kirari turned to her best friend, who adopted a thoughtful expression.
"Hm. Well, in casinos, a certain percentage of the winnings and losings always go to them, so I suppose since neither of you won, or lost, then the money has to trade hands into a third party." She concluded. "Totally neutral over here, though!" Yomozuki added cheekily.
"Fine by me. I'll transfer the two million from our shared bank account." Kirari responded, not perturbed in the slightest. A million was just spare change to the Momobami twins after all.
"Shared account?" Juraku was like a shark sensing blood- instantly on their trail. "Are you two girlfriends, or what?"
"Oh, hardly. If we were, I'd have made her my secretary." Kirari said amusedly. "But we're not here so that we can discuss the little side bet. I'm here to ask all of your numbers."
"Why?" Miharutaki-san furrowed her brow.
"For a student council group chat, of course! Why else?" Kirari phrased it like it was a dumb question.
"But Aoi-" "-is a pawn. Nothing else." Kirari interjected.
"And we aren't?"
Kirari seemed to ponder this for a moment, before answering. "You're lesbians. Or, I guess, girls who are attracted to girls. You get my attention, my friendship, perhaps even my love if you so desire. Not Aoi though. It's hardly his fault though. He's a sardine in a tank of sharks. It's all perfectly natural."
A dumbfounded expression appeared on Miharutaki-san's face. Juraku and Yomotsuki's remained professionally blank.
"So. Your numbers, please?"
Notes: yeah, that took way longer than it should've. I've finally read 13 out of the 14 twin volumes- thank god that shit stain Aoi left the school. Lol at the fact that Kirari never even noticed him. Kinda wanted to incorporate that.
Next chapter: Sakura has an annoying assignment, Midari is horny, Sachiko and Kirari get to know each other.