The Source of the Rumor
Finishing first-period assignment early, Tatsuya headed to the counseling room to uncover the truth.
"Class is still on."
As a counselor, the remark felt off, but Haruka's unease around him made it inevitable.
"I finished my work."
"That's why model students are..."
"I'm no model. Practical exams rank me near the bottom."
"Listen, Shibuya-kun—don't broadcast your 'inferiority.' Some respect you; others resent a Course 2'er shining."
Tatsuya had stated facts, no more. But Haruka mistook it for bitterness.
"So? What's up this time?"
"I'm here for counseling—must be a worry."
"Hmm. Sister pressuring you to run?"
"That'd be a headache. But no—this is different."
Her attitude shifted once she realized he sought advice. Maybe because it wasn't like the Nine Schools exploitation.
"Actually, there's a rumor I'm running for president. You mentioned it to Shibata yesterday, right? Care to elaborate?"
Tatsuya pressed; Haruka flashed a fleeting "busted" look. He caught it, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Surely you're not the one spreading it?"
"Of course not. You're the behind-the-scenes schemer type, not a front-runner."
"Can't deny that."
Her half-sarcastic jab affirmed, Haruka surrendered.
"Um, it's like a game of telephone—the rumor snowballed."
"How so?"
"Hattori's out. Nakajou too. Council's desperate for successors, so 'Shibuya-san's perfect' became 'Shibuya-san's running,' then 'Shibuya-kun's in'... and it dragged on."
Tatsuya clutched his head seriously. Telephone gone this awry?
"And somehow, it stuck more with teachers than students."
"Why? They know my grades."
"Remember April's mess? Tenjiku buried it, but staff room knows—some, anyway."
"Blanche..."
He'd reported it, but never imagined staff gossip. Tatsuya itched to fix every credulous teacher. Futile, of course.
"So teachers wouldn't blink if you ran."
"I'm not, and Course 1 lock's still on."
Haruka—and the staff—blanched in genuine shock. Forgotten rule.
"Anyway, that's all I know—no way to dig deeper."
"Got it. Won't push."
Leaving, Tatsuya strode the hall toward class—but halted after steps.
"Oh~ Shibuya-kun. What brings you here mid-class~?"
Busted by school nurse Yasuhoku Reimi. No real aversion, but she was tricky to deal with.
"Just consulting Ms. Ono."
"Worries? You look pale. Swing by the infirmary."
"No, I'm fine..."
"No~pe! Listen to your teacher."
Arm grabbed, Tatsuya was marched off. No shaking free, he resigned to it.
"So, what worry?"
"A rumor."
"Rumor? You running for president?"
"You knew too, Yasuhoku-sensei?"
Even a nurse had connections? Tatsuya eyed her curiously.
"So~? Really running?"
"No. Course 2—can't hold office."
"But~ Nanakusa's ditching the Course 1 rule, right? You could join~."
"Even then, no votes for me. Told my classmates that."
"I bet you'd rack 'em up~ Everyone knows you. Girls consult about you in counseling all the time."
Unwanted truth struck; headache renewed. Infirmary worsening his "illness"—pointless.
"Heading back now."
"Still time? Have tea."
Gulping the offered tea, Tatsuya fled. Lingering risked real agony.
"Whew... Standing out too much..."
Unaware students sought counseling over him, Tatsuya sighed in the hall. Regardless, a Course 2 drawing crowds could spike Course 1 hostility—Miyuki's mood sours, vicious cycle. Another sigh.
"Tatsuya-kun, all those sighs? Happiness'll run."
"President... Why here?"
"Errand to Yasuhoku-sensei. You in infirmary?"
"Headache. Rested a bit."
Plausible fib, then Tatsuya bolted to class. More time with Mayumi risked eyes—and headaches.
"Ah, welcome back~"
"Where were you?"
"You ditched, so I got grilled..."
"Sorry."
Kanjiro's grudge-eyed gut-clutch drew a sincere apology.
"So, Tatsuya-san, where to?"
"Quizzed Ms. Ono on the rumor. Nothing major."
"Aw, boring~"
Erika's eager face soured; she slumped to her seat. Leo's disappointment mirrored it. Tatsuya noted—they were peas in a pod.
Haruka and Reimi feel like a two-choice dilemma...
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