Time returned to just after classes ended in the afternoon.
When the dismissal bell rang, the atmosphere in Class 1-A instantly brightened. Students packed their books, some chatting quietly while others got up to leave. The rigorous air left by the math class still lingered, though it was slowly being replaced by the usual bustle of the afternoon.
Katsuragi Kohei sat upright at his desk, his sturdy frame like a rock, the smooth scalp of his head gleaming faintly under the lights. He methodically organized his notes, placing them in a folder with precise movements. His expression was serious, yet a focused anticipation shone deep in his eyes.
Student Council.
The thought revolved in his mind. From elementary through junior high, Katsuragi had always been a core member of the Student Council, even serving consistently as its president. Leading, organizing, serving the collective—these had long been second nature to him.
The Student Council of Koudo Ikusei High School, as the apex student self-governing body of this elite academy, was undoubtedly the perfect stage for him to realize his ambitions and continue his glory. At the entrance ceremony, the cool-tempered, eloquent Student Council President, Horikita Manabu, had left a strong impression on him. Katsuragi yearned to join, to contribute his strength.
He rose from his seat, his gaze habitually sweeping across the classroom. His eyes landed on the window seat, where Sakamoto-kun was being pestered by Morishita Ai, a girl with shoulder-length purple hair tied into two pigtails. She seemed to be asking him something persistently.
Sakamoto-kun's expression remained calm, his posture elegant. Even amidst the noisy break, his composed aura was undeniable. Katsuragi studied him for a moment, intrigued.
Sakamoto-kun.
This classmate, who had created several "shocking" incidents in just two days since the school year began, possessed a charisma that was difficult to define—and some undeniable leadership quality. Katsuragi keenly noticed that Sakamoto-kun was quietly establishing an invisible prestige among their classmates in his own unique way. Though his actions seemed exaggerated at times, his precision, composure, and problem-solving abilities made him impossible to ignore.
The string in Katsuragi's heart that responded to "leadership" was gently plucked. His experience as a student leader gave him an instinctive sense of responsibility toward such traits. Yet for now, he chose to observe calmly.
A thought suddenly struck him: Student Council. Invite Sakamoto-kun to come along? Perhaps in that formal setting, he could better gauge Sakamoto's true capabilities and understand his attitude toward collective affairs.
Katsuragi no longer hesitated. He strode steadily toward Sakamoto-kun, who was still being held up by Morishita Ai.
"Sakamoto-kun," Katsuragi's deep, powerful voice cut through the chatter, interrupting Morishita Ai mid-question.
Morishita Ai pouted unhappily, her pale purple eyes narrowing at him. "Katsuragi Kohei, didn't you see I was talking to Sakamoto-kun?"
Katsuragi ignored her glare, focusing on Sakamoto. "Sakamoto-kun, I plan to visit the Student Council to inquire about joining. Are you interested in coming along?"
Sakamoto-kun's usually calm gaze brightened slightly at the mention of the Student Council, like a ripple across a still lake. He turned slightly, posture straightening instantly.
"Student Council?" His voice was clear, edged with curiosity. "This is indeed worth a closer look. Thank you for the invitation, Katsuragi-kun. I would be happy to accompany you."
"Hey! Sakamoto-kun," Morishita Ai protested, clearly annoyed. "We haven't finished talking yet."
"My apologies, Morishita Ai," Sakamoto replied, bowing slightly, movements fluid and elegant. "Matters of the Student Council concern the collective and cannot be delayed. We shall converse another day." His tone was gentle and polite, yet carried an undeniable finality.
Without lingering, he fell naturally into step beside Katsuragi. Morishita Ai watched their retreating figures, grumbling indignantly.
The two walked side by side through the noisy corridor. Katsuragi's steps were steady and strong, while Sakamoto's were light and fluid. After a brief silence, Katsuragi spoke, his voice deep, tinged with curiosity.
"Sakamoto-kun, which school did you attend in junior high?"
Sakamoto's steps didn't falter. Behind his black-rimmed glasses, his gaze remained calm and measured. "Private Danzai Academy."
"Danzai Academy?" Katsuragi frowned, racking his mind. "Never heard of it. What kind of school is it?"
Sakamoto's voice was gentle, carrying a hint of elusive depth. "A place that focuses on cultivating students' independent judgment and initiative."
"Oh?" Katsuragi turned to look at him more closely. "Sounds special. Were you… as conspicuous there as you are now?"
Sakamoto's lips curved in an almost imperceptible arc. "Being conspicuous is not the goal, Katsuragi-kun. What I do is merely choose the most appropriate path according to the situation and complete what needs to be done. The gazes of others… they are merely scenery passing by on the journey."
His posture was humble, yet flawless. Katsuragi studied him silently, choosing not to press further. The mysterious aura surrounding Sakamoto only deepened his curiosity.
They walked on in silence, soon arriving at the corridor leading to the Student Council office.
The corridor was relatively quiet, carpeted in dark tones, with plain white walls stretching along both sides. At the far end, a heavy oak door bore a simple yet striking metal plaque, engraved with three characters—Student Council.
Just as they were about to reach it, a figure appeared before them. A girl stood outside the office door, her presence gentle yet noticeable. Long, soft pink hair, as delicate as cherry blossoms in spring, shimmered under the corridor lights. She turned slightly, revealing a graceful profile, her demeanor calm and refined.
She had likely heard their footsteps and glanced back. Upon seeing Katsuragi and Sakamoto, her eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened into a warm, friendly smile.
"Ah, hello!" Her voice was clear and pleasant, like a mountain spring. "I am Ichinose Honami, from Class 1-B."
She introduced herself with effortless poise, her long pink hair swaying gently with her movements. "Are you two… also here to visit the Student Council?" Her gaze shifted between Katsuragi and Sakamoto, brimming with genuine curiosity. "Or… do you want to join the Student Council?"
Her smile radiated warmth, instantly dispelling some of the corridor's solemnity. Katsuragi and Sakamoto's eyes both fell on this unexpected Class 1-B student, intrigued by her presence.
The heavy oak door of the Student Council office loomed directly ahead. Outside it now stood three distinctive first-year students—steady and grounded Katsuragi Kohei, elegant and enigmatic Sakamoto, and gentle, approachable Ichinose Honami—crossing paths in this unexpected, quiet moment.