The classroom buzzed with the low hum of students packing up, and scraping chairs. I slid my books into my bag, half-listening.
"Mr. Vice President," Tomoya said, leaning against the edge of my desk, "First day on the job, huh?"
I paused, looked up at him, and sighed. "Let's not make it a thing."
He smirked. "Too late. You gave a speech. There were applause. You're officially a Guy now."
"I was already a guy."
"A Guy, Ren. Capital G."
I shook my head, shouldering my bag. "Just tired. I haven't even eaten."
"Oh, right." He scratched his cheek. "Because you got mobbed."
Yeah. That part was... expected.
After the ceremony, things got busy fast. Classmates hovered around me like I'd grown a second head. Some just stared. Others asked if I was okay, or if I needed help. I tried to keep things normal. Even asked if anyone wanted to eat lunch together.
They didn't say much, but a few followed. No questions, no weird looks. Just… joined me. That was enough.
But the hallway?
The hallway was something else entirely.
Upperclassmen stopped me. Some from Class 2-A, others I'd only seen in passing. They congratulated me. Asking questions. Talked like we were already close.
A girl from the music club caught me before I even reached the stairs. Said she'd heard my compositions on NicoNico earlier at auditorium and wanted feedback.
Something about the "emotional pacing" in my chord progressions.
Apparently, Ren from Class 1-B was now someone you consulted.
Back in the present, Tomoya zipped up his bag and gave me a look. "So, council stuff after this? Or do you get to sneak out like the ghost member you were born to be?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Ghosts don't get desks in the council room."
He groaned. "RIP. Long live the ghost era."
I gave a calm smile, brushing off my uniform as I slung my bag over my shoulder.
"Well, Tomoya," I said, turning to him, "let's talk later. Council work calls."
He sighed, zipping up his bag with dramatic flair. "Heh. Already getting pulled into politics. Don't forget us common folk."
I smirked. "Good luck with your second day in the literature club. Maybe you'll finally meet that mysterious senpai you mentioned earlier."
Tomoya blinked... then frowned, a bit defensive.
"Ren, please. I don't think I'll ever meet her. The upperclassmen say she barely shows up. It's like she exists only on paper, and the club leader's just too stubborn to admit it."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Besides, I'm not exactly a romcom protagonist. There's no way someone like me just stumbles into that kind of encounter."
I slung my bag a little higher on my shoulder. "Well, who knows? Sometimes fate just decides to act without warning."
He snorted. "Yeah, right. I'll be waiting for my fateful encounter between light novel chapters and convenience store sales."
I started walking toward the hallway, waving slightly over my shoulder. "Goodbye, Tomoya. Let's chat later tonight on LINE."
"Ha—yeah, sure. I just hope you're not the one dropping shocking news again."
A quiet laugh slipped from me. Rare, but genuine.
"Unexpected things have been piling up lately," I said. "You never know what's around the corner."
--------------------------
The walk to the student council room on the third floor was quiet, just the soft shuffle of my shoes against the polished hallway floor, the afternoon light slanting through the windows
Still, It took longer than I expected.
Students kept stopping me in the hallway, some to offer congratulations, others just curious. Most of them were club leaders I'd helped, or classmates I hadn't really spoken to before earlier at lunch break.
Maybe because they think I'm overwhelmed... and well they're not wrong.
A few asked if I was still going to help like usual. Some just smiled and said, "So you're the vice president now, huh?"
I guess it made sense they ask now. Still, I was hungry.
When I finally reached the door, I paused, for a second to breathe.
Then I slid it open.
A burst of confetti hit me square in the face the moment I stepped in.
"…Huh?"
"Welcome to hell—I mean, the student council!" Bossun-senpai declared proudly, striking a pose like he just landed a magic trick.
I blinked, brushing bits of colored paper off my hair. My eyes drifted toward the long table in the center of the room. Snacks. So many snacks.
Potato chips, senbei, some weird jelly things I couldn't identify… and in the back, taped crookedly to the wall, was a hand-painted banner.
WELCOME TO STUDENT COUNCIL, NATSUKI REN
It even had sparkles.
Bossun-senpai's face was practically glowing with pride. Hime-senpai stood beside him, already sighing as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Bossun~ can you not go overboard for once?" she muttered.
Sumiji-senpai, arms crossed, let out a long breath through his nose. "This is completely unnecessary."
Chiyoko-senpai, on the other hand, looked thoroughly entertained. Her eyes sparkled slightly as she clapped her hands... probably enjoying the chaos.
Uzui-senpai was noticeably absent.
And Yonagi-senpai was in the corner, seemingly unfazed, typing steadily on her laptop. Her brows were furrowed, possibly sorting through some administrative backlog, or maybe ignoring everyone on purpose.
I took a breath.
"…This is a lot," I said calmly, stepping inside and brushing a bit of glitter off my shoulder.
Sumiji-senpai let out a long sigh, already pulling a handkerchief from his pocket. "Well, it'll take half an hour just to clean up all this mess."
Bossun-senpai waved him off. "Relax, relax—it's biodegradable. Mostly. And come on, Sumiji, live a little. This is tradition!"
"I only exist to hold you back," Sumiji-senpai muttered, kneeling down to pick up a handful of confetti. "If I stopped for one second, this entire school would spontaneously catch fire."
"That's the spirit!" Bossun-senpai grinned, clearly not listening. "See? Our balance is perfect."
At that moment, Yonagi-senpai's typing slowed, her eyes narrowing slightly behind her bangs. "Bossun-senpai," she said, voice flat. "Your 'welcome party' last year set off the fire alarm. Twice."
Chiyoko-senpai let out a light, almost guilty laugh. "She's right, you know. You tried to cook takoyaki in the council room."
"It was for bonding!" Bossun-senpai defended.
"With a portable grill plugged into a questionable extension cord," Yonagi added.
"I mean, it was fun though, right?" Bossun-senpai turned to Chiyoko-senpai.
Chiyoko-senpai hesitated, then gave a sheepish smile. "…A little."
Sumiji-senpai stopped sweeping to glare. "You dropped dough into the ventilation system."
Yonagi-senpai's looked up with unreadable expression.
"I still don't get it. Why did our disciplinary committee head agree to last year's party in the first place? and the most suprising is Hime-senpai contributed more chaos than Bossun-senpai did."
Chiyoko-senpai let out a quiet laugh, clearly enjoying the shift in target. "Honestly, I was surprised too."
Hime-senpai nearly choked on her juice. "W-Wait—h-hold on a second! I was just… keeping the peace!"
Sumiji-senpai adjusted his glasses, voice dry. "Peace doesn't usually involve a glitter cannon and an indoor relay race."
"Hey! That wasn't even my idea!" Hime-senpai shouted, her face going bright red.
Bossun-senpai held up both hands like a guilty child. "Actually, I think it was a group brainstorm between three of us. But I admit, I may have supplied the glitter."
"Traitor!" Hime-senpai jabbed a finger at him.
Sumiji-senpai raised an eyebrow. "Just to clarify… Bossun-senpai. You didn't bring alcohol to that party, right? Because Hime-senpai was acting... how do I put this, very uncharacteristically loose-lipped."
Bossun-senpai blinked. "Of course not! I'd never! That was pure soda and vibes!"
"Th-That was just the atmosphere!" Hime-senpai stammered, turning even redder. "A-and I was tired! I'm just weak to… to party mood, okay?!"
Bossun-senpai scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Yeah, Himeko kinda gets drunk off energy. It's like emotional osmosis."
"BOSSUN, DON'T YOU DARE—!!"
The whole room burst into laughter, even Chiyoko-senpai covering her mouth to giggle, while Yonagi-senpai returned to her keyboard with a slight, amused exhale.
Sumiji-senpai simply muttered, "This is why I lock the supply closet now."
I just smiled, amused, a little bewildered, but not uncomfortable. Somehow, this room felt familiar already.
Sumiji-senpai pushed up his glasses with a sigh. "Apologies for the chaos. That… is precisely why our welcome party this year is significantly toned down. Last year, when I joined the council alongside Chiyoko and Yonagi, our dear president here turned it into a borderline disaster."
"Ah, I see," I said with a small nod. "Well, I hope I can be useful to the student council from here on."
Bossun-senpai clapped his hands together. "Alright! Then let's give a proper welcome to our new vice president, Natsuki Ren! Snacks are on the table, and I'm pretty sure Ren's starving by now, yeah?"
I sighed knowingly, and gave a small bow. "Yes, Presidenti. Thank you very much."
He wasn't wrong.
As I stepped toward the table, the low chatter resumed, and everyone eased back into their rhythm.
I pulled out my lunch box and settled into one of the empty seats.
Maybe this was why Bossun-senpai ended up as president.
Not just because he had energy or presence, but because he noticed. A quiet kind of empathy, sharp and effortless.
And with Sumiji-senpai acting as the balance to that chaos...
Yeah. I could see it.
This was a good student council.
I popped open the lid of my lunch box. The aroma still lingered warmly, even after surviving the chaos of the welcome. Inside there is grilled mackerel with lemon, sautéed spinach, tamagoyaki with a hint of shiso, and rice topped with furikake.
Bossun-senpai leaned over the table the moment the scent hit. "Whoa, whoa, whoa—who made that? That looks really good."
I took a sip of my tea before answering. "That would be me, President."
His brows rose. "Seriously? You cooked all that?"
I gave a small nod.
"Mind if I try some?" he asked, already reaching.
"Go ahead," I said, amused.
He didn't hesitate. Chopsticks already in motion, he snatched a bit of spinach and popped it in. "Goddamn it, that's unfair. No wonder Segawa keeps trying to rope you into the cooking club. If you joined, they might actually have a shot at beating that fancy culinary school."
Chiyoko-senpai leaned in with a sparkle in her eyes. "Wait, you cook this well, Natsuki-kun? Do you do sweets too?"
"Pastries?" Hime-senpai added, suddenly interested. "Because I wouldn't mind a few tips... I've been trying to make my own taiyaki filling, and let's just say it's been a disaster."
I scratched my cheek. "Pastries… maybe not as good as yours, Chiyoko-senpai. But I can manage a few."
Chiyoko-senpai grinned, mock-sighing as she picked up a cracker. "A polite kouhai who cooks, gives advice, and even bakes? You'll be drowning in confessions by midterm season."
Yonagi-senpai glanced up from her laptop. "Some of our classmates are already watching him."
I felt a beat of awkwardness and chuckled. "E-eh, I'm really not—"
"Okay, okay," Sumiji-senpai cut in with a slight shake of his head. "Let's not scare our new vice president away before he's settled in."
He looked toward me. "Where are you living, by the way?"
"I live in Shizuoka," I replied. "With my family."
There was a small pause.
"Shizuoka?" Bossun-senpai blinked. "That's kinda far."
Sumiji-senpai folded his arms, curious. "And yet you chose Suimei… even though there are good schools closer."
"Oh yeah," Hime-senpai chimed in, tapping a finger to her chin. "Bossun, remember what the old director said during yesterday's meeting? At the principal's office?"
Bossun-senpai tilted his head. "Uh…?"
She raised her voice slightly, mimicking the tone. "'As expected of the one who exposed that scandal last year.' Ring any bells?"
Yonagi-senpai looked up, her eyes sharpening. "Right. I still remember. That's tied to why you came to Suimei, isn't it? Something about… a school scandal?"
Chiyoko-senpai furrowed her brow, thoughtful. "Wait… what kind of scandal would make you move districts? Or even… not be able to attend school in your area?"
Bossun-senpai snapped his fingers, brows furrowing as the memory sharpened.
"Wait... wasn't there a news report last year? Some prestigious middle school got exposed. The principal and a few teachers were—" he hesitated, glancing at the others before lowering his voice, "—pressuring female students into… giving sexual favors in exchange for competition slots and recommendation letters."
The air shifted.
Sumiji-senpai's voice turned grave. "And if I'm not wrong, the same school built its prestige on one particular club. They pushed their students through insane training regimens. Some of the girls were forced to exercise until they collapsed, and if they didn't meet the 'standard,' they were beaten. Physically or even emotionally."
Hime-senpai winced. "That's… disgusting."
Chiyoko-senpai looked horrified. "Poor girls… I still remember that article. I couldn't even finish reading it."
Yonagi-senpai closed her laptop halfway, unusually quiet. "It wasn't just the abuse. There was blackmail, too. If the students said anything to their parents or tried to report it, they were threatened. Some were told their academic records would be erased."
Hime-senpai's fists clenched slightly. "How can a place like that call itself a school?"
Yonagi-senpai added, her voice even but bitter, "And if I recall right… the same investigation found signs of embezzlement and money laundering.
Bribes from sponsors and corporations, all under the radar. Even now, the fallout hasn't stopped."
Chiyoko-senpai exhaled slowly. "With my media contacts… I heard there was an anonymous source who leaked everything.
They sent full documents, audio files, chat logs, and names to reporters directly, but they never revealed their identity, only said they had no desire for credit."
She looked over to me, eyes narrowing just slightly. "They said they were hiding for safety. And by request, the higher-ups agreed to keep the whistleblower anonymous… even in government records."
Everyone turned toward me.
And in that moment, I knew... pieces had started to fall into place.
I smiled faintly, still chewing a bite of rice.
"Yes," I said quietly, "I was the one who exposed it."
A small silence followed.
"I didn't expect anything from it. I just couldn't stand watching it happen. But after that, most schools turned me away. Said I was 'a risk.' That I'd stir things up. No one wanted a student who might dig through their closets next."
Bossun-senpai gave a low hum, then laughed softly.
"Yeah… you're totally the type our old director would take a gamble on."
He leaned back with a crooked grin, arms folded behind his head. "You're the type who causes trouble for the right reasons. I get it now."
Chiyoko-senpai offered a half-smile, the corner of her lips tugging upward. "Honestly, Natsuki-kun… we already figured you weren't normal from that meeting yesterday. This just confirms it all over again."
Then her expression shifted—subtle, but clear. The light in her eyes dimmed like she was peering through something only she could see. "But that's not a bad thing. We've all seen our own shadows here. Even Bossun-senpai, who looks like he runs on sugar and sunshine… isn't untouched by the darker stuff."
The energy in the room settled. Not heavy, but quieter.
Sumiji-senpai exhaled slowly, his voice lower. "In theater, it's always the ones with the biggest smiles. The ones who make it look effortless. Most of them gave up something just to keep standing on that stage. Family, their lives, even identity."
His tone softened, thoughtful. "They wear their pain like a costume. Most people don't even notice."
Yonagi-senpai closed her laptop gently, fingers lingering on the lid. "I didn't become an actress because I wanted to. I needed the money. I hated it at first—the pressure, the way people expected so much before I even understood the role."
She paused. "But somehow it saved me. It got quieter over time, but it was never become easier... just become harder."
Hime-senpai tapped her pen against her notebook, expression distant. "Editors… we're the ones behind the curtain, right? Always chasing deadlines, pulling all-nighters. And when something fails? We're the first ones they point to."
She gave a quiet, tired laugh. "Most of the time, you're invisible. Until you mess up."
Bossun-senpai leaned forward, elbows on the table, grin still there,, but softer now, more grounded.
"Well… that's why we're here, right? Why we guide our clubs. Give them support, some structure, a bit of chaos control when needed."
He tapped the table lightly with his finger, as if counting each role. "We're not just here to keep order... we're here to make sure they don't burn out before they even get to chase their dreams."
Then he looked at me, grin crooked again but something serious in his eyes.
"And you, Ren? You fit in. Way too well, honestly, like the universe nudged you here on purpose."
He gave a small shrug. "Fate's weird like that."
I bowed my head slightly. "Thank you so much, everyone. Really." I lifted my eyes again, voice even. "Though… there's actually a group who already knows about the scandal."
Hime-senpai raised an eyebrow. "Wait... who exactly knows you're the one who exposed it?"
I gave a small exhale. "Well, if we exclude my family, the government, and pretty much every principal in Japan… then in Suimei, it's Chihiro-sensei, a few faculty members, Kagami-sensei, and all of you in the student council."
There was a beat.
Yonagi-senpai tilted her head slightly. "You didn't tell the others at Sakurasou?"
I offered a faint smile. "It's just the past. I didn't do it to be known, I just wanted to help."
Yonagi-senpai let out an amused breath and leaned toward Chiyoko-senpai. "Speaking of help Chiyoko, I was reading about a new method for performance immersion. Mind if I run it by you later?"
Chiyoko-senpai nodded, already scribbling something down. "Only if you trade pastry techniques with me again, Yonagi-chan~. You still owe me that lavender scone recipe."
Meanwhile, Hime-senpai stood and stretched her arms with a small sigh. "Well, at least the introductions are over, I'm heading back to the disciplinary office. Bossun, please don't triple my paperwork like last time."
Bossun-senpai gave her an exaggerated salute. "Yes, ma'am. You have my word as president."
Sumiji-senpai also stood. "I should get back, too. Clubs are scrambling for budget approvals, and with first-years joining, there's always some chaos. Uzui-senpai and I are on it, but since he's tied up today… well, it's going to be a handful."
"Got it, Sumiji. Good luck," Bossun-senpai said, waving him off before turning to me with a grin. "Now then… I'll wait until you finish your late lunch, Ren... but after that, prepare yourself. You're about to learn the glorious duties of the Suimei student council."
"Understood," I said with a small nod, finishing the last bite of my rice. I took my time wiping the chopsticks clean and tidying up the box.
Across the room, Bossun-senpai was lounging in a chair, arms crossed behind his head, eyes half-closed, grinning like he was imagining something.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, President," I said once everything was packed up. "Took a bit longer than I thought."
"It's fine, it's fine," Bossun-senpai said, springing up to his feet with that familiar laid-back energy. "Now that you're ready... let's go. Follow me."
Bossun-senpai stood up and walked toward a bookshelf, and I immediately confused but have a sense what will he do.
He threw a glance over his shoulder. "C'mon. Time to see where the real magic happens."
Without hesitation, he reached for a blue book on the third shelf. A soft mechanical click followed, then the whole bookshelf shifted as he pushed it to the side, revealing a hidden doorway.
"Welcome to our real office," he said, a little dramatically.
I blinked, calm but with raised brows, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
Bossun-senpai turned back after a few steps inside, noticing my expression. "Wait, why do you look... not surprised at all?"
"Well, President," I said politely, stepping in behind him, "the moment you walked toward the bookshelf, it felt like a trope. And when I first entered the student council room, it felt unusually clean... no overload papers, no workload signs... It's feel decorative."
He let out a groan and ran a hand through his hair. "Goddammit, you're too perceptive. Maybe I've watched too many secret base anime. Still, Chiyoko, Sumiji, even Yonagi were all shocked when I first showed them this."
"It's impressive," I admitted, taking in the room's depth. "And I'm a little surprised. But more than that, I'm curious, how did you even convince the school to build a hidden office behind a bookshelf?"
Bossun-senpai just grinned. "That, my friend, is a long story. But today's not about my glory, this is your tour. And this…"
He waved his hand toward the sleek interior, lit by warm ceiling lights and filled with sofas, a fridge, cabinets, and seven desks arranged in a clean, structured layout. "This is where the real student council work gets done."
He stepped further in, hands casually tucked behind his head.
"The room outside? That's for formal meetings... when we need to gather everyone, or if the principal calls in the class reps or club leaders. But the real work, the paperwork, event planning, and all the behind-the-scenes discussions? That happens here."
He pointed around the space.
"Seven desks. I sit at the very back in the center, naturally. Closest to me on the right is Sumiji's spot. And now," he gestured to the left side, "this desk's yours. It used to be Himeko's nap zone, but well... congratulations. It's officially yours."
I gave a slow nod, eyes sweeping the room... familiarizing myself.
"There's also board games, cards, and a box of random entertainment stuff we break out when things get too stressful," he added with a grin. "Doesn't happen often, but... yeah, sometimes we need to unwind."
He gestured at the small sofa set in the corner. "And the couch's for breaks. As for the appliances... fridge, kettle, even a rice cooker? It's because when we have major events or formal school visitors, like when a famous alumni or guest mentor comes, we sometimes stay here two or three days straight."
He turned back to me, hands on his hips now.
"So yeah. That's why we held the welcome party in the outer meeting room. It's our second home. And we don't want it trashed."
He gave a satisfied nod, then clapped once. "Alright. Now that the tour's done… let's talk about your actual tasks. But before that—anything you wanna ask?"
I shook my head. "No, I understand, President."
"Hm, good. You're fast." He grinned, a little impressed. "You know, when I first gave this tour to Chiyoko, Sumiji, and Yonagi? They all just blinked at me like I was joking. Couldn't believe the school even allowed an office like this. They got awkward around me for a week."
He let out a fond sigh. "Ah, good old times. Anyway, if you get it, then we can move on."
Bossun-senpai stretched his arms a bit before continuing, voice casual but firm.
"Well, like we said yesterday. What you're doing isn't too different from what we've always done... basically, help out when there's a problem that needs the student council's hand. You're allowed to assist anyone even outside of council duty. That's the heart of it."
He raised a finger. "For me, personally, I listen. I give advice. When clubs start bickering or there's tension between students, I help mediate before it turns into something worse."
Then he sighed, long and dramatic.
"But of course, on top of all that… like every student council in Japan... we've got the cursed paperwork."
He rubbed the back of his neck with a groan. "Budget sheets, event proposals, club registrations... we handle all of it. Sometimes it feels like we're a walking office."
I nodded, listening quietly.
"Another big thing we do is coordinate school events. Festivals, competitions, charity drives, you name it. We're the ones who link up the contractors, confirm permits, make sure safety checks are passed... all the fun behind-the-scenes stuff people forget exists."
He glanced at me. "We also act as a bridge between students and faculty, or clubs and administration. Sometimes even outsiders, like alumni or special guests will reach out to us first if they want to organize something."
Bossun-senpai smiled, proud but not smug.
"That's what makes this job weirdly cool. You're not just helping students... sometimes, you're literally the person who makes an event possible."
"Well, of course we have help," Bossun-senpai continued, stretching his arms behind his head. "We delegate a lot of the work... class leaders, club heads, teachers, committee, members of student councils and even some volunteers.
But in the end, it's still on us to make sure no details slip through. One mistake can turn into a full-blown disaster if we're not careful."
He stepped over to his desk and started shifting some papers. "For now, just focus on adapting. You'll help me with some paperwork today, I'll walk you through it."
He shifted some papers, then paused, opening his drawer with a sigh.
"Oh yeah… speaking of paperwork, we've got a headache. Kendo and Archery Club both want the same gym slot and are asking for nearly identical 'essential upgrades.'"
He rubbed his temple. "Sumiji's been trying to mediate for a while, but they're both being stubborn. Mind going through their proposals? See if there's room for compromise or signs of something shady. Good crash course on how we handle club disputes."
Bossun-senpai let out a low sigh. "Man, why did I ever think becoming president would be cool?"
"You are cool, President," I said, offering a small, honest smile.
He blinked, then broke into a grin. "Heh. Careful, Ren. Say things like that and I might start expecting compliments with my lunch."
Then he gave me a sideways look. "But don't think this job's all charisma and pep talks. If you're trying to avoid paperwork... you're already in too deep."
"It's not that," I replied quietly. "I just want to do it right."
Bossun-senpai's grin widened, and he slapped his palm against a stack of files. "That's what I like to hear. Alright, Vice Prez, let's get started."
-------------------------
After what felt like a small-scale peace summit, I stepped out into the hallway of the main building, the door closing behind me with a soft click.
I let out a slow breath.
First day on the job, and I'm already in the middle of a storm.
Apparently, the Kendo and Archery Clubs had nearly come to blows over floor mats, of all things. Both claimed the main gym's flooring was "damaging their precision." One accused the other of sabotage. The other countered with a slideshow.
Yes, a slideshow.
Luckily, my reputation as the "jack-of-all-trades" helped. People already saw me as neutral and reliable, but not overly attached. Add the new vice president badge to that, and suddenly everyone's willing to listen.
Still… I didn't expect my first mediation as vice president to involve arrow placement angles and sword grip humidity
As I walked down the stairs of the clubhouse building, I thought back to the mediation.
Sumiji-senpai hadn't noticed the misaligned carpet in the gym... understandable. He was swamped with task that usually Uzui-senpai and him working together.
I remembered the conversation from earlier.
--------------------------
Bossun-senpai leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
"Well, well. Vice President on his first day, and already full score. I didn't expect a rug dispute to nearly turn into a dojo brawl. This school really is something, huh?"
He chuckled. "I swear, Suimei makes comedy arcs out of floor mats."
Sumiji-senpai, still tidying some files, let out a sigh.
"…I'm sorry. I thought it was a real logistical issue, but it turns out they just didn't like how the edge of the carpet curled up."
He adjusted his glasses, clearly frustrated with himself. "It was a minor thing, and I overcomplicated it."
I shook my head slightly. "It's okay, Sumiji-senpai. I get it... you're handling so much right now."
I paused, then turned to Bossun-senpai.
"Speaking of which… where's Uzui-senpai today?"
Bossun-senpai glances at me, arms crossed behind his head.
"Straight home. Apparently some tech company sent in another emergency AI system commission, and they need him. So now, he's neck-deep in neural net bug fixes."
He let out a low chuckle.
"Honestly, that's how it is with all of us. We have real jobs, freelance work, or company obligations. That's why we always delegate task to train them leading and coordinating because we can't always be around. Someone's always busy."
Then he gave me a knowing look.
"But at least one of us is usually on standby. Someone like Himeko or Yonagi. And now, there's you. Your project's not tied to company contracts like ours... so for now, you're our stable member."
I stood up and then walking toward the door. With my bag on the shoulder
"Good luck with your game, by the way. But... when it's ready, I want to be the first to play."
He grinned.
"After Mashiro, of course. You're making it for her and for yourself, right?"
I smiled and with soft voice. "Yes, President. I'll finish it."
----------------------------
By the time I stepped outside, the sky had shifted to orange — that warm, nostalgic 5 PM glow. The baseball field was quiet, just the sound of wind brushing across the net.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
You've been added to the group chat: CHAOS CONTROL (Working Title, Pls No Rename Wars Again)
----------------------------
@boss_doodle:
"Alright squad, make some noise!!
We got our new vice prez onboard!
Handled two clubs mid-war AND didn't cry on his first day. Well, expected by the holder of jack of all trades title."
@switch_protocol:
"Statistical is true.
Ren has 78% chance to handles club disputes, off by a 4% margin ."
@boss_doodle:
"Speaking of conflict resolution—
@yankee_yogurt once 'resolved' a dispute of baseball club and basketball club by punching through metal and yelling them into submission.
Peace through overwhelming force.
@spotlight_sugar:
"As expected of our disciplinary committee chair
and unofficial mom of the school.
@silent_frame:
"I was there.
First year.
Still remember it clearly."
@yankee_yogurt:
"TH-THAT WAS A ONE-TIME THING
DON'T BRING THAT UP"
@boss_doodle:
"LMAOOO HIMEKO YOU SCARED THEM INTO A TREATY
That was the most efficient negotiation we've ever had.
@tired_director:
"I've updated the conflict sheet.
Thank you again, Natsuki, for the help."
@natsuki_bento:
"Anytime, Sumiji-senpai.
I still have a lot to learn."
@yankee_yogurt:
"Too humble.
You're officially adopted. No takesies backsies."
@boss_doodle:
"HIMEKO'S RIGHT. You pass the vibe check.
Also, don't mind the name. Switch keeps trying to rename the group to *'Taskmaster Collective.'*"
@switch_protocol:
"'Taskmaster Collective' > 'Chaos Control.'
Democracy is flawed."
@spotlight_sugar:
"Don't let them scare you, Ren-kun.
They're mostly harmless unless provoked by glitter or snack shortages."
@tired_director:
"Snacks restock Friday.
Use discretion."
@boss_doodle:
"Anyway! Ren's officially our ghost-turned-VP.
Praise be to the carpet-fix whisperer.
Let the memes commence."
------------------------------
I pocketed my phone with a quiet sigh.
The LINE group was already flooded again with emojis, gifs, and someone dropping a cursed meme of Bossun-senpai's face edited onto a motivational poster.
Definitely Uzui-senpai. No doubt.
The Chaos Control group had officially overtaken my entire chat backlog.
At least I won't be bored.
I let the noise fade into the background as I made my way down the school path, the breeze brushing against my face. The sky was still streaked in soft orange, that fleeting hour between day and dusk.
And then—
I stopped.
My steps froze without thinking.
My eyes widened.
Because at the far end of the path, barely ten meters ahead, standing half-shadowed by the school gate—
Shiina Mashiro.
Alone.
No Sorata-senpai walking beside her, gently steering her through the crowd.
No Nanami-senpai at her side, translating the world's expectations into something she could follow.
She wasn't looking at anyone.
Her eyes were open, but distant. Unanchored. Like everything around her had turned into static.
A few students passed her without a second glance.
But I couldn't move.
There was something... wrong.
And as I stepped forward, slowly, hand half-lifting to call out—
Her head turned.
Mashiro saw me.
Her eyes locked onto mine.
Blank.
But not empty.
There was something behind them. Flickering. Subtle. Unnamed.
I opened my mouth. "Mashiro-sen—"
But her voice came first.
"…Ren."
Soft.
Not quite present. Not quite lost.
Just my name, spoken like it had been waiting there, quietly, at the edge of her thoughts.
Her voice trembled slightly.
"That day… why did I feel like I broke?"
I stood still, breath caught in my throat.
Her gaze didn't waver, but something in it flickered. Vulnerability, not the blank confusion she often wore, but something raw beneath the surface, like a cut reopened by accident.
"Why could you let me feel fear?" Her tone wasn't accusatory. Just lost. Almost childlike. "Why am I feeling that?"
I wanted to speak. To explain. To soften whatever ache had surfaced in her. But I couldn't find the words.
And then, quieter, almost to herself...
"Then why… why do I want to feel that again?"
My hand lowered.
"Mashiro…" I said, finally.
But her eyes stayed locked to mine, filled with a fragile clarity.
"I don't understand what this is… but when I saw it… when I heard it… something inside me cracked. I thought I'd forgotten how to feel that. But now I—"
She stopped. Her lips parted like more words were coming, but none did.
Instead, she took a single step forward.
"Ren," she said again, a little firmer this time. "Can I… see it again?"
I blinked.
"…The game?"
She nodded.
But she didn't just mean the file.
She meant that feeling, the one she didn't have a name for.
The one that hurt, but still made her feel alive.