The sounds of the court had begun to settle as the period neared its end. Students drifted toward the sidelines, conversations picking up where games had left off, the earlier intensity fading into something more relaxed.
Rei remained seated on the bench, the faint sting from the impact already gone. Yuna still held the towel lightly against his head, though her grip had softened now that the urgency had passed.
"…I'm really sorry," she said again, quieter this time.
"You've said that enough," Rei replied. "I'm fine."
She hesitated, then slowly lowered the towel, her expression still carrying a hint of concern.
"…Does it still hurt?"
"Not anymore."
Yuna let out a small breath, visibly relieved. For a moment, she didn't move, as if making sure he truly meant it.
Then, as she straightened slightly, Rei's gaze shifted toward her.
He studied her for a second.
"…Did you change your hairstyle?"
Yuna blinked.
"…Huh?"
Her hand instinctively moved to the side of her hair, fingers brushing lightly against it.
"I… um…"
A faint flush rose to her cheeks.
"I just… tied it a little differently today," she
said, her voice soft and slightly embarrassed.
"It's not a big change."
Rei nodded once. "It suits you."
For a moment—
She froze.
Then her expression softened, the nervousness turning into something warmer.
"…You noticed," she murmured.
"It's not that hard to notice."
"For me, it is," she said with a small, shy smile.
"Most people don't."
Rei didn't respond, but there was a quiet ease in his posture now.
Footsteps approached from behind.
"…Are you alright?"
Both of them turned.
Shiori stood there, her expression calm, though her gaze was fixed directly on Rei.
"I heard you got hit," she said.
"I'm fine," Rei replied. "It wasn't anything serious."
Shiori's eyes shifted briefly toward Yuna, then back to him.
"…You should still be more careful."
"You sound like her," Rei said lightly.
"That's because she's right."
Yuna straightened slightly. "I'm really sorry, Shiori. It was my fault—"
"It's fine," Shiori interrupted gently. "He's not injured."
Her tone was polite.
Controlled.
But her gaze lingered for just a moment longer than necessary.
A brief silence followed.
Then—
The whistle blew, signaling the end of the period.
Students began to disperse, conversations picking up again as they gathered their things.
Rei stood, stretching his shoulders slightly.
"…Guess that's it."
As they walked back toward the building, the topic shifted naturally, as it always did after class.
But today—
There was something new.
"Did you hear?" Miyu's voice cut in as she approached, slightly out of breath. "They're announcing student council elections soon."
"Elections?" Yuna repeated.
"Yeah," Miyu nodded. "For next term. Campaigns, speeches, all that stuff."
Reina, walking just behind them, added calmly, "It happens every year. It's just earlier this time."
Rei glanced ahead slightly. "…That means Uzuki-senpai is running again."
"Probably," Miyu said. "He's in second year, so he still has a chance."
Yuna nodded. "He's really popular. I think he could win again."
Rei thought about it for a moment.
Sata Uzuki.
Confident, approachable, capable.
"…Yeah," he said. "He probably will."
Shiori walked beside them, silent.
But listening.
"…Unless someone strong challenges him,"
Reina added quietly.
Her gaze shifted, almost subtly—
Toward the Hayakawa siblings.
The conversation moved on, but the idea lingered.
By the time evening settled in, the Hayakawa residence had returned to its usual stillness.
Dinner was served.
The three of them sat at the table, the atmosphere calm, composed, as always.
Their mother placed her utensils down neatly.
"…How is school?" she asked.
Rei answered first. "Normal."
Shiori followed. "The same as usual."
A brief pause.
Their mother's gaze moved between them.
"…Is anything going on?"
The question was simple.
But it carried weight.
Rei hesitated for a moment.
Then—
"…Student council elections are coming up," he said.
Their mother's expression didn't change.
But her attention sharpened.
"I see."
Shiori spoke next. "They'll begin next term. Campaigns will start soon."
A short silence followed.
Then—
"…That is an opportunity," their mother said.
Rei frowned slightly. "Opportunity?"
Her gaze settled on both of them.
"Yes."
Her tone remained calm.
Unyielding.
"You will both participate."
The words landed clearly.
Decisively.
Rei straightened slightly. "…You're serious?"
"Of course."
Shiori didn't speak.
But her eyes didn't leave their mother.
"The student council is a position of influence," she continued. "Leadership, recognition, authority within the school."
Her gaze sharpened just slightly.
"All of which are… measurable."
Silence filled the table.
"The one who proves superior," she added, "will stand out."
Rei exhaled quietly, leaning back just slightly.
"…So this is part of it too."
"Yes."
No hesitation.
No room for argument.
Shiori lowered her gaze briefly.
Then—
"…Understood," she said.
Rei glanced at her.
Then back at their mother.
A small pause.
"…Fine," he said.
Their mother gave a slight nod.
"Good."
Dinner resumed.
But the atmosphere had shifted.
Once again.
Another stage had been set.
Not just academics.
Not just talent.
Now—
Influence.
Reputation.
Leadership.
And only one of them—
Would be allowed to stand at the top.