Extra 3More Than Fun
"We are currently counting the votes. Please be patient for a moment while we confirm the results of the vote."
With the school broadcast playing in the background, I completed the final handover and bowed toward the Student Council Office. Even though it was my own choice, leaving the place where I spent every day still felt a little lonely.
"And... ... I'm sorry, Shiozaki-kun. I've caused you trouble."
I bowed once more to Shiozaki-kun standing in front of me.
And then, unusually, Shiozaki-kun's stern expression softened.
"It's fun to fight you like that. It turns out it's not as bad as I thought, exchanging opinions like that."
Shiozaki-kun said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you. Really."
—There's someone here who appreciates the way I work.
"No, this is actually the right time. Those who have been relying on Hinoharu-san are expected to change their mindset a little. When you think about it as a whole, this is a positive thing."
To satisfy that feeling, I had to show them the best kind of excitement I could imagine.
"Okay, I'll do my best from now on. I'll do things recklessly, so I look forward to competing with you again!"
"I accept that. But remember, don't think there are any weaknesses in the Student Council Officials that I have made efficient."
We ended with an excessive declaration of war, and I left the Student Council Officials. –As I walked down the hallway feeling lighthearted, I suddenly thought.
I'm truly grateful to Kouhei-kun, who showed me such an enjoyable path.
–From the very beginning, I liked Kouhei-kun.
I mean, I never imagined someone would suddenly walk in carrying the Student Council Officials meeting materials. Then, Kouhei-kun immediately started complaining about the budget. His arguments were spot on, and he said he would come up with a better plan, so I asked him to do it, and the quality was incredibly high... ...I couldn't help but get excited like I used to.
And thinking that such a great boy was entering Kyou-Nishi High, I was really happy. If this boy was here, maybe I could try again—I even thought that.
But Kouhei-kun refused, saying, "No, I won't join the Student Council Officials." Of course, I was curious as to why. Then, what was the point of coming to complain in the first place?
I was surprised to hear that Kouhei-kun was actually a ronin and the same age as me. But thinking about how he didn't give up even after failing and worked hard to get into Kyou-Nishi High, I respected him even more—
However, for me, Kouhei-kun is the first strange boy or something like that I've ever met.
But that means Kouhei-kun is someone who lives according to himself.
Kouhei-kun really seems fascinating to me.
That's why I was a little annoyed when Uenohara-chan called Kouhei-kun idiot or stupid.
Besides, the way Uenohara-chan acts as if she's the one who understands Kouhei-kun best makes me uncomfortable. Maybe she's right, and I don't mean to say anything wrong, but I got a little carried away and said it too loudly.
...And honestly, I kind of understand what Uenohara-chan is saying.
Because Kouhei-kun often says embarrassing things...
Like, "Your natural self is attractive."
"I want you to smile."
"...I'll protect you."
I fanned my face and let out a small sigh.
...I'll sincerely apologize to Uenohara-chan later. Then we can gossip about Kouhei-kun together. That sounds really fun.
After deciding that, I turned around and started walking again.
–Oh, even so.
Being able to move as I please, just as I want, feels really good.
So, maybe Kouhei-kun is right. I am still a kid.
But... ...For now, that's okay.
That way, I can involve other people, forcing them without thinking about their discomfort.
Besides, I can realize the excitement I imagine—
Not just me, but everyone can be satisfied.
There is the best and most exciting school life that can exist—
Because I decided to believe in that once again.
"In the end, you decided to choose that path, didn't you, Sachi-senpai?"
I heard a voice from behind and turned around in surprise.
"Kiyosato-chan?"
"Hello," Kiyosato-chan replied with her usual smile, standing alone in the dimly lit hallway under the cloudy sky.
My heart was pounding when I suddenly greeted Kiyosato-chan. "What's up? Do you need something from the Student Council Office?"
Ignoring my question, Kiyosato-chan said, "You're leaving the Student Council Officials, aren't you?"
Remembering what she had said before, I felt a little awkward. "I'm sorry, Kiyosato-chan."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"That's because..."
When I first met Kiyosato-chan, we hit it off right away and talked about all kinds of things. I felt that this girl and I had something in common. Kiyosato-chan was always concerned about me, who had been struggling for a long time. She would sometimes give me advice, like, "If someone tries too hard, it can be exhausting for the people around them," "A little self-control can make everyone feel more comfortable," and "It's natural to compromise with other people."
And because Kiyosato-chan always seems to think about others, I feel like we are similar. However, she is good at getting along with others in her own way. So, I secretly feel that I should do the same.
But...
"I'm told that I'm a selfish brat who can't think about others."
"..."
"I think I'm different from you in that regard, Kiyosato-chan."
Yeah, Kiyosato-chan is different from me. She can think about what's best for others first. So, even though we both seem to care about others, our basic approaches are completely different.
"So, Sachi-senpai, do you intend to make others follow your selfish desires?"
Kiyosato-chan's words sounded sharp. I clenched my fist and replied, "Yeah, because I can only spread the happiness I believe in to everyone."
Kiyosato-chan's voice paused for a moment before she continued, "Even if it means you'll be shunned by the people around you?"
"Yeah, and if it comes to that, I'll keep trying until they understand."
"Aren't you afraid?"
Those words pierced my heart, making it ache. "Yeah, of course I'm afraid."
"Then—"
"But..."
At that moment, I looked directly into Kiyosato-chan's eyes.
"If someday I become so scared that I can't hold it in anymore, there's someone I can rely on. So even if I'm scared, it's okay."
I tried to appear as brave as possible.
"..."
Kiyosato-chan silently furrowed her eyebrows, pursed her lips, and bowed her head.
A strand of Kiyosato-chan's bangs fell over her eyes, hiding her expression.
"Besides, Sachi-senpai... ...you really are different from me."
With a laborious cough, Kiyosato-chan spoke. She looked truly sad and extremely frustrated.
And Kiyosato-chan looked so... ...alone.
"I went out of my way to show you the least painful path, but in the end, it still ended up like this."
Seeing Kiyosato-chan groaning in pain, I had no choice but to call out to her.
"Kiyosato-chan, you're too kind to others... ...You should do what you want more often."
"I'm not kind at all."
Kiyosato-chan rejected it firmly, leaving no room for debate.
This isn't working... ...Kiyosato-chan isn't listening to me.
My words probably won't reach Kiyosato-chan, no matter what happens.
"And... ...truly good people don't do things like this." ─ What do you mean by 'things like this'?
Just as I asked Kiyosato-chan that...
"[─We now present the results of the Student Council President Election.]"
The sound of the public announcement system drowned out Kiyosato-chan's voice.
"But..."
And then, Kiyosato-chan...
Just like I always do...
Hid her true feelings behind a fake smile...
"...I knew from the beginning how Sachi-senpai's fate would end, but I chose not to care..."
'The results of the Student Council President Election are as follows...'
Votes in favor: 232
Votes against: 247
Invalid votes: 475
Shiozaki-kun, the Student Council President Candidate, has been dismissed from his position.
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
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