Volume 13, Chapter 2: The flowing passage of time Part 1

School ended, and we both headed to the student council.

Have you made an appointment?

If you paid a surprise visit, there was no guarantee that President Nagumo would be at the student council office.

Of course, theres no problem since I asked through Chabashira-sensei to meet with president Nagumo. Thats also why they put it off until today. But thats probably a good thing, since Im a bit more motivated to join now anyway.

Because of the bounty?

Yes, the student council is supposed to be an absolutely neutral presence, but if they are unfair to only our class 2-D if thats true, then well have to defend with all our might.

I sneaked a sideways glance at Horikita, whose face was filled with the determination she was expressing.

Being motivated is good, but dont get too excited. Theres no evidence against Nagumo yet. Even if there is indeed a connection, hes not someone you can take by yourself.

He would not obey us and withdraw that test just with us asking.

Of course, I wont do anything rash until Im sure.

I felt relieved seeing that while she was enthusiastic, she also had self-control

It didnt take us long to reach the student council office, and we opened the door.

Excuse us.

Stepping into the student council office, the person who was sitting in the student council presidents chair was obviously Nagumo.

He stretched his legs, and greeted Horikita as if he was a king.

To that, I didnt feel the slightest sense of uncomfortability. I wonder if the fact that it suited him was proof of his divinity

I felt more composure coming from him than ever before.

The absence of Horikita Manabu, his only equal, had a clear effect.

And standing next to him was Vice President Kiriyama.

After glancing towards me first, Kiriyama quickly shifted his gaze towards Horikita.

You have something to say to me?

Yes, thank you so much for your time.

Kiriyama motioned towards me and Horikita to sit down, so we obediently obliged.

Dont worry, were pretty free right now.

Even having me in front of him, Nagumos attitude was the same as usual.

Even if there was just a bit of guilt, it wouldnt be strange if it was shown, but

So what did you want to talk to me about? You didnt come just to talk, right?

Although Nagumos gesture was to welcome us, it also allowed Horikita to cut straight to the chase.

I know that your time is valuable, president, so Ill get straight into it. I want to join the student council.

Horikitas clear voice echoed in the student council office.

Hearing that, the two members of the student council reacted in a similar manner.

Neither welcoming nor rejecting, they were both surprised.

You want to join the student council?

Hearing what Horikita had said, Nagumos expression slightly changed from surprise to anticipation.

Well, what a turn of events! I dont really want to obediently say yes.

So Im not welcome to join you?

Not really, Im basically one of those people who cant refuse. As long as theres space in the student council, Ill allow people to join. I wont even care about your reason for joining the council. It doesnt matter if its for the OAA, or wanting to assume a post in the future, or maybe you just have a sense of righteousness. I dont really care.

Unlike Manabu, opening the door to anyone was how Nagumo operated.

But then again, youre special, Horikita Suzune. Let me at least mention one condition for your membership.

What condition?

Why do you choose to join the student council at this time? Would you please tell me that?

Did he feel threatened by me, who accompanied Horikita?

No, in a good way, Nagumo was not the type of person who cared about minor things.

He simply just wanted to know why Manabus sister wanted to join the student council.

Of course, Horikita wouldnt say that she was joining because she lost to me.

Although entering the student council was still possible, that would probably be the end of it.

Horikita would never be able to gain Nagumos trust.

I had an argument with my brother in the past, and so I chose to enter this school to settle them. But my relationship with my brother hasnt changed since Ive entered this school.

Although she spoke slowly, Nagumo listened clearly to what Horikita said.

My brother couldnt possibly approve of me who hadnt grown in the slightest. As a result, I hadnt spoken to him properly this year, at least up until his graduation.

Now, Horikita seemed to be selectively expressing those truths from the past.

And then? Have you reconciled?

Yes. At the very last second, Ive reconciled with him. And then, for the first time, I became interested in the student council that my brother devoted his school life to. Although Ive taken a long detour, I also want to walk the same path my brother has.

From the start, Horikita didnt want to join the student council

In other words, if you asked her if her response was from her heart, part of the response would be no.

But covering up with several truths could blur Nagumos eyes that were able to differentiate between truth and lies.

The road brother took, it really is a nice story.

It looks like Nagumos blurred vision put him on alert

In other words, can I assume that you have the intention to become the student council president?

No matter what kind of answer she gave in this place, there was no way she could convince Nagumo.

In this case, a simple lie would give a bad impression.

Thats right. Just like the road my brother walked, I also want to become student council president.

But Horikita herself stubbornly chose to challenge that high wall.

There was no hint of a lie in her words as well.

Since she had chosen to join the student council, it was as if she had the awareness to pursue Manabu.

I see. But Honami has been working hard behind the scenes for a year as a member of the student council. Youre already a year behind her in your quest in becoming the student council president. You can understand that, right?

I dont think its a distance that cant be recovered.

That was a stronger answer than before.

She doesnt look that similar to him, but she really is Horikita-senpais little sister!

Vice President Kiriyama, who had remained silent up until now, spoke to Nagumo.

Im kind of comfortable calling you Horikita. I may have referred to you with that already but Ill call you Suzune from now on, okay?

Do as you wish.

I was troubled since the only member in the student council from the 2nd year was just Honami.

Through his direct questions, Nagumo came to understand Horikitas true thoughts, and agreed to let her join the student council.

Then Nagumo left his seat and walked towards the standing Horikita, stretching out his left hand.

Horikita gripped Nagumos hand head-on.

Welcome to the student council. From today onward, I want you to work for me as a member of the council without any worries, Suzune.

Of course.

As a congratulations for joining, Ill tell you something interesting. The past presidents of the student council have always graduated in Class A. Remember that and work towards a higher goal.

Nagumo said to Horikita, who was currently in Class D, as if to motivate her.

Dont worry. I dont plan to graduate outside of Class A.

Then show me that isnt just all talk.

The handshake that had been maintained for long finally ended as the conversation also ended.

Im Kiriyama, the Vice President.

Its a pleasure.

After shaking hands with Kiriyama, Horikita became an official member of the student council.

From now on, Horikita would use her own eyes to observe Nagumos actions.

A meritocratic school system.

This system had completely deviated from what Manabu once defended, so how would she take it?

I guess that the area where I could interrupt them had already passed. Especially since I cant even get info on the bounty, Ill try to find an opening to leave

As I was thinking about how I could escape.

Are you going to join the student council by the way? Ayanokouji.

What are you thinking, Nagumo? You would even invite him into the council?

It was because Nagumos proposal was so rare that Kiriyama on the other side said in surprise.

Its nothing strange. He had the attention of Horikita-senpai after all. I dont have a reason to refuse him. And in the special test the other day he was the only one who got a perfect score in a subject.

Saying that, it was like Nagumo just noticed me.

It seems like he already knew all the information that was made public to the 1st and 2nd years.

Ill pass, my personality isnt suited to being on the council.

I knew you would say that.

He quickly eliminated me from consideration as if his offer was just to be polite.

I didnt know what he was thinking, but he turned his attention back to me once more.

Ayanokouji.

After calling my name out, Nagumo and I stared at each other in silence.

Theres a lot more work in the student council than I thought , but everything has started to calm down now, so when summer starts, Ill spend my time with my kouhais.

What meaning did that have?

Before I could ask him, he spoke again.

Ill play with you, so look forward to it.

This doesnt reach the level of a declaration of war.

It was an order from the strong to the weak.

Sakayanagi, Ichinose, Ryuuen. Those people would probably cry from the joy.

After that, Nagumo completely ignored me.

By the way, Kiriyama, why did you get involved with this today?

What do you mean?

When the 1st and 2nd years requested to enter the student council you had no intention to attend. But this time when Horikita Suzune said she wanted to meet me, you showed up. Its weird isnt it?

Nagumo said those words towards the end of the conversation.

It was like those words were for me, who was preparing to go back, to hear. At the last second, the unexpected statement suddenly broke the flow. Of course, I wouldnt know why Kiriyama was here, but he seemed to be shaken.

I just was interested in Horikita-senpais little sister, anything wrong with that?

Although Kiriyama calmly answered Nagumos question, his voice was a bit sharp from his nervousness.

Nagumo happily laughed out loud, apparently that was interesting.

Its nothing, nothing. Dont mind it.

After seeing that reaction, as if it were enough, Nagumo didnt pursue the matter any further.

Then, Suzune, I want to introduce you to the student council members outside of Kiriyama. You stay right here.

I understand.

There was no reason for me to stay here anymore, as I refused to join the student council.

I left Horikita and Nagumo behind, leaving the scene.