Today, I hope to be a peaceful day.
It's Friday, so I just want to go home early, relax, and try out the video games I haven't had time to play yet.
Of course, I also plan to read the book I borrowed from Ayame—uh, I mean Ayame-san.
Still, I just want a break, you know?
Anyway, I'll pray that nothing happens so I can quietly chill in the corner of the classroom.
There's a saying: 'Peace and quiet are the best', right?
"Excuse me, but I'd like to speak with Morikawa-san." - said the student council president.
…Did I just jinx myself?
Please let this not be something troublesome.
"I'm here, President. Long time no see."
"You seem to be doing well, especially after that incident a while back. As expected of the male scholarship student. May we talk somewhere private?"
The classroom immediately turned restless. I mean, who wouldn't react after hearing such a misleading line?
"Excuse me, but may I accompany you two?" - Ayame-san asked politely.
"It's been a while, Edomae. Are you doing well? Since this involves personal matters, I think it would be improper to bring in outsiders."
"Thank you for your concern. However, it's even more improper for a man and a woman to meet alone." - Ayame-san replied calmly but firmly.
"As the president of Sakurazai High's student council, I give you my word, I treat everyone with the utmost respect."
I have no idea what's happening here, but I can feel the tension in the air. No one dares to step in.
"Anyway... Morikawa-san, may I borrow a bit of your time?" - she asked, looking directly at me.
It seems Ayame-san isn't too fond of the president. But I can't exactly refuse her. She holds an important position, after all.
Even if I did say no, I'd just be dragged into it later. Let's just get this over with quickly.
"Sure, if it'll be brief."
"Thank you. It won't take long."
As soon as we left the classroom, we headed to the student council room.
"Please, sit wherever you'd like. Make yourself at home."
"Thank you. Excuse me, then."
The room was beautiful and spacious. All the furniture looked expensive, and the president's chair stood out as especially grand.
"So, Morikawa-san—how are you really doing? I heard about the incident with the cooking club president."
"I'm doing well. Thank you for asking."
"That's good to hear! May I ask you something... personal?"
"If it's something I can answer, sure."
"What do you think about women?"
…Is this an interview or something again?
I feel like if I answer honestly, it'll just create more problems.
Should I say what's expected of a man in this world?
No—I can't risk my scholarship.
"They're an important part of a man's life."
"Oh? And how exactly are we so important?"
"There's the obvious biological reason. But what I truly admire is the effort women put into living beautifully."
"Could you give me an example?"
I smiled and pointed to myself.
"I'm an example. Without my mother, I doubt I'd be living peacefully and healthily like I am now."
My mother in this world... and in my previous one. They both cared for me, and I respect them deeply. Just thinking about it makes me miss my real parents. I hope my other self is doing okay with them.
"…I'm genuinely impressed. I didn't expect to hear that from you."
"Can I ask something too?"
"Of course."
"Besides me, how would most guys answer your question? Because I feel like everyone is just overeacting."
"Either they'd dodge it or try to flatter me."
"…Just like I did?"
"Kind of, but you were able to give me a clear reason—and even an example. A relatable one."
"I see… Thank you for telling me."
"Don't mention it. If anything, I should be the one thanking you."
"So, President, why did you call me here?"
"Well, Morikawa-san, your proposal about increasing interaction between male and female students was well-received…"
…Uh-oh. I don't like where this is going.
"…and among the male students, you were unanimously chosen as their representative."
"Wait, what about Ryuichi?"
"Even he voted for you."
That bastard!
But to be fair, since I was the one who proposed it, I guess it makes sense I'd lead it.
"So, in two weeks, we'll hold a discussion in the auditorium. Will you participate?"
"Yes. If I can help in any way, I'll do my best."
"Thank you. Satou-san said he'll assist you in gathering feedback from the male students."
"Really? That helps a lot. I'll talk to him later."
"Good. Well, that's all. Thank you for your time."
"No problem, President. If you'll excuse me."
Then I leaved the student council room and got back to the classroom.
When I returned to the classroom, things still felt a bit tense. Probably because of the atmosphere between Ayame-san and the president earlier.
Let's just quietly sit down.
"So, what happened?" - Ryuichi asked.
"She just talked about the plan I proposed in the auditorium."
Everyone relaxed and went back to chatting like normal. Maybe they were expecting something spicier. Ayame-san also looked relieved.
"Sorry, Tomoki. We gave your name as the male representative without even asking. If you want to refuse, we'll understand."
Seriously… I can't hate this guy.
"It's fine, don't worry about it. I was the one who suggested the idea in the first place. Actually, I should thank you—President said you'll be helping me gather feedback from the male students."
"Of course I will! It's the least I can do. Leave it to me."
"Thanks. Let's talk next week about how we'll do it. For now, I just want to chill."
"You're right. We're going to be busy from now on."
I knew the moment I helped Ryuichi with his first request and proposed that idea, there'd be no turning back. But I was hoping for a bit more time to relax and get used to life here.
"Tough times ahead, huh? Is there anything I can do to help?" - Ayame-san asked.
"Since it's restricted to the boys, Ryuichi and I will handle it."
"I see. But if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks, Ayame-san."
Let's just hope that next week, the conversation between the male students will go smoothly. And somehow, the lectures from the teacher will be easy to understand and learn...
Who am I kidding? I know it won't be easy.
That's why I'm changing my plan.
This weekend, I'm not playing games or watching anime.
It's going to be all study—and finishing the book I borrowed from Ayame-san.
Yeah! I can do this!
...
♦♦♦
I couldn't do it.