Shimizu Akira was added to a group chat.
The members were all those who had voted for Kushida Kikyō—her close friends like Inogashira Kokoro, the usual suspects like Yamauchi and Ike, and surprisingly, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
But one name was conspicuously absent: Wang Mei-Yu.
(Inogashira and Wang are inseparable... or so I thought.)
(Girl friendships are more fragile than I imagined.)
Kushida's messages popped up:
"Thank you all for voting~"
"After school today, I'm going to karaoke! Join me?"
Simultaneously, her cheery voice rang across the classroom: "Everyone, please come!" She waved enthusiastically.
(Class D's improving... forming cliques already.)
Shimizu mentally rolled his eyes.
With two leaders, factionalism was inevitable.
The chat exploded—Ike demanded song picks, Yamauchi begged Kushida to sing love ballads.
"I'll pass—"
Before he could send it, a hint of jasmine tickled his nose.
Kushida had materialized behind him.
"Shimizu-kun, you're coming too~ The more, the merrier!" She tilted her head cutely.
"Sorry, I've got plans." Shimizu shook his head.
Karaoke was the last thing on his mind.
Class B and C still hadn't contacted him—high-stakes deals took priority.
"...Oh?" Kushida's smile faltered. "That's... a shame."
Shimizu wasn't lying.
He was heading to the Student Council.
This idea stemmed from Satō-senpai's hint: "Visit the Student Council more."
As a third-year Class A member, Satō's words were never idle.
Walking the halls, Shimizu reflected on Japanese student councils' unusual power—they mediated conflicts, even overruled teachers in some cases.
(Fights? Mishaps? All under their jurisdiction.)
From last night's encounter, Horikita Manabu seemed rigidly principled—would he agree?
At the council office, a blue-haired girl stood ahead of him.
Her aura reminded him of a sharp blade, but before he could analyze her, the line moved.
Soon, it was her turn.
Through the door, heated arguing leaked out:
"Violence incidents!"
"We need camera proof!"
"People are getting hurt!"
"Is this even a school?!"
Minutes later, the door slammed open.
The blue-haired girl stormed out, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the bulletin board.
"Next."
A deep voice summoned him inside.
Shimizu entered, scanning the room.
Council members bustled at their desks.
At the head sat Horikita Manabu, silver glasses glinting.
(No sign of the rumored blond vice-president...)
"Close the door."
A purple-haired girl with a messy bun stood beside Horikita, eyeing him coolly.
"Understood."
The lock clicked softly.
Shimizu recognized her instantly—Tachibana Akane, the council secretary.
"State your business," she said, closing a file.
"I request the Student Council's guarantee for inter-class transactions." Shimizu met Horikita's gaze.
Tachibana blinked. "Guarantee...?"
Horikita remained impassive. "Discussion room. Now."
As they walked, Tachibana hesitated. "Shimizu-kun... You've met the president before?"
Shimizu detected her probing tone. "We've crossed paths. I'm Horikita Suzune's friend."
"I see..." Tachibana murmured, "So he has a sister..."
Regaining composure, she gestured forward. "This way."
In the discussion room, Shimizu sat across from Horikita.
Silence. Only the clock's ticking filled the air.
"Why the Student Council?" Horikita finally asked.
"I'm selling intel and rental rights to other classes. The sums are large—I need a binding guarantor."
"You plan to deal with Ryūen Kakeru (Class C), but fear he'll renege on payment or resort to violence. Hence, you seek our enforcement." Horikita's tone was matter-of-fact.
"Just the payment. Violence doesn't concern me." Shimizu paused. "Can you accommodate this? After all, points can buy anything here."
"We can." Horikita tapped the desk. "The council will conceal your identity, draft contracts, and enforce compliance. In exchange, 5% of your earnings will be taxed to the school."
Shimizu nodded. "Accepted."