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Outside the heavy oak door of the Student Council office, the atmosphere became subtle with the addition of Ichinose Honami.
The pink-haired girl's smile was warm, Katsuragi Kohei was as steady as a mountain, and Sakamoto was like a deep, still stream.
"Katsuragi Kohei, Class 1-A." Katsuragi-kun's voice was low, and he nodded slightly.
"I am Sakamoto, Class 1-A." Sakamoto's posture was elegant, and he also nodded in greeting.
"Hello!"
Ichinose Honami's smile was warm, her pink long hair gently swaying,
"I am Ichinose Honami, Class 1-B. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Her gaze shifted between Katsuragi-kun and Sakamoto-kun, with genuine curiosity,
"So, you two are both from Class 1-A? What a coincidence."
She seemed unaware of Class 1-A's special status; her tone was natural.
"Yes."
Katsuragi-kun responded concisely.
Sakamoto-kun nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
Then, as if remembering something, her gaze fell on Sakamoto-kun, with unconcealed curiosity:
"Sakamoto-kun? You're the Sakamoto-kun who did so many 'amazing things' just two days after school started, aren't you? Everyone at school is talking about it! They say your movements are especially dashing and cool!"
Sakamoto's expression was calm and unruffled, his gaze behind his black-rimmed glasses gentle:
"Ichinose-san overpraises me. What I did were merely trivial matters."
Just as the three were conversing,
With a soft "click," the heavy oak door of the Student Council office was pushed open from within.
A petite figure appeared at the doorway. She had smooth, short purple hair, neatly styled into a cute bun at the back of her head, with a few wisps falling along her cheeks, making her fair face appear even smaller.
She wore a burgundy school uniform, exuding an elegant yet capable aura.
"Ichinose-san?"
Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her gaze fell on the pink-haired girl,
"The Student Council President said you could come in… Oh?"
Only then did she notice there were two other people outside the door, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
She quickly adjusted her expression, revealing a gentle and slightly apologetic smile, bowing slightly:
"Excuse me for interrupting your conversation. I am Tachibana Akane, Class 3-A, Student Council Secretary."
She introduced herself with proper decorum,
"The Student Council President is waiting inside. Since all three of you are here, why don't you come in together? Please remain quiet and do not be disrespectful."
Her gaze swept over Katsuragi-kun and Sakamoto-kun, lingering on Sakamoto-kun for an instant. She clearly recognized this rising star who had become famous just two days into the school year, and a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, but she quickly reined it in.
"Please come in."
Tachibana Akane suppressed her curiosity, stepped aside, and gestured for the three to enter.
The three followed Tachibana Akane into the Student Council office.
The scene inside the office was starkly different from the simple corridor outside.
The space was spacious and bright, with large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the setting sun to pour in unreservedly. The floor was covered with dark, polished marble, and a large, heavy mahogany desk occupied the central area, creating a solemn atmosphere, much like a CEO's office in a large corporation.
There was more than one person in the office.
Behind the mahogany desk, Student Council President Horikita Manabu sat upright.
His posture was tall and straight, wearing a well-pressed Class 3 uniform, his face stern, with features as if carved by a knife and axe. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, exuding an aura of silent authority.
Several documents were spread out before him, and a steaming cup of tea sat beside his hand, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the desk, producing a rhythmic soft sound.
And by a set of sofas near the window, another person stood.
Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi leaned casually against the armrest of the sofa, his golden short hair shining in the setting sun, a cynical smile on his face, with a hint of scrutiny, as he observed the three incoming First Year students with interest.
Tachibana Akane quickly walked to Horikita Manabu's side and reported in a low voice:
"President, Ichinose-san has arrived. The other two are Katsuragi Kohei-kun and Sakamoto-kun from Class 1-A."
Horikita Manabu's gaze swept over the three like a searchlight, finally lingering on Sakamoto-kun for an instant, his eyes deep and unreadable.
Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi's gaze also shifted among the three. When he saw Sakamoto-kun, the playful curve of his lips deepened noticeably, and a very subtle hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, immediately turning into deeper interest.
[This guy… I didn't go looking for him, but he came to me? Interesting…]
He mused inwardly, his smile becoming even brighter.
"Welcome."
Horikita Manabu's voice was low and powerful, breaking the brief silence,
"I am the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu."
"Vice President, Nagumo Miyabi."
Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi straightened up, bowing slightly with elegant posture, his smile carrying a lazy magnetism,
"Welcome, three excellent First Year students, to the Student Council."
Katsuragi Kohei's sturdy frame stood ramrod straight, his voice steady:
"Class 1-A, Katsuragi Kohei."
Ichinose Honami also smiled gracefully:
"Class 1-B, Ichinose Honami."
Finally, it was Sakamoto's turn. He stepped forward, his movements fluid and elegant, like a top butler who had undergone rigorous training. He bowed slightly, his posture flawless, his voice clear and calm:
"I am Sakamoto, Class 1-A."
Horikita Manabu's gaze swept over the three in turn.
He had reviewed the files of all outstanding First Year students, and the faces of those before him gradually matched their records.
Katsuragi Kohei, with a history of serving as Student Council President in both elementary and junior high, was steady and reliable, but seemed to lack flexibility;
Ichinose Honami, who had served as Student Council President in junior high, but for special reasons was unable to serve a second term. She had strong charisma, but in this meritocratic academy, charisma alone was far from enough;
As for Sakamoto, although his file contained unremarkable information, the events within the first two days of school had already reached his ears through the school's intelligence network.
This young man before him, with elegant and composed posture, and calm, unruffled eyes, possessed a composure far beyond that of a First Year student and an elusive temperament that stirred something within him.
Horikita Manabu quickly made his assessment.
He was about to graduate, and the position of Student Council President was undecided.
And the Vice President before him, Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi, was capable and ambitious, with flexible tactics, but his philosophy was contrary to his own.
If Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi were to control the Student Council without checks and balances, the consequences would be unpredictable.
He needed to find a suitable successor, someone who could counterbalance Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi within the Student Council and uphold his vision for the Student Council.
Katsuragi Kohei? Steady and reliable, experienced, and responsible. But too rigid, perhaps lacking flexibility in his methods. Against an opponent like Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi, he might… Ichinose Honami? Strong charisma, good at communication, with leadership experience. But her philosophy leans towards gentleness, and in a place like the Student Council that requires a firm hand and strategy, countering Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi might… Sakamoto? His abilities are unfathomable, his style of action unique, possessing strong appeal and adaptability. But his motives are unclear, his actions unpredictable, and he doesn't seem to have a clear desire for power.
Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi observed Horikita Manabu's expression from the side, the smile at the corner of his mouth deepening. He naturally understood Horikita Manabu's concerns.
He was pleased to see it, even somewhat anticipating it.
"Three students,"
Horikita Manabu withdrew his thoughts, looking at them with sharp eyes,
"Why do you want to join the Student Council? Or rather, why are you here to 'observe and learn'?"
"Yes, President."
Katsuragi Kohei spoke first, his voice firm,
"I served as Student Council President in both elementary and junior high, and I am familiar with Student Council operations and possess corresponding organizational and coordination skills. I hope to join the Koudo Ikusei High School Student Council to continue serving the collective and contributing my efforts."
His answer was direct, practical, and filled with a strong sense of responsibility and mission.
"President Horikita, Vice President Nan Yun, hello."
Ichinose Honami's smile was warm, her voice clear,
"I also served as Student Council President in junior high and really enjoy the Student Council as a platform to serve everyone. I believe the Student Council is a bridge connecting students and the school, and I hope to join it, using my enthusiasm and communication skills to help students solve problems and make campus life better."
Her answer was full of sincerity and idealism.
Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi clapped softly from the side, his smile playful:
"Both students have great ideas! Katsuragi-kun is experienced, and Ichinose-san is enthusiastic. Both are rare talents! Horikita-senpai, it seems our Student Council has successors!"
His words sounded like praise, but his tone carried a subtle hint of teasing.
Horikita Manabu ignored Vice President Nan Yun Miyabi. His gaze fell on the last person:
"Sakamoto-kun, what about you?"
Everyone in the office instantly focused their attention on Sakamoto.
Sakamoto's expression remained calm, his eyes behind his black-rimmed glasses as still as water.
He bowed slightly, his movements fluid and elegant:
"President Horikita, Vice President Nan Yun. I am Sakamoto. I came today with Katsuragi-kun, primarily because I have a strong interest in learning about the operational mechanisms of the Koudo Ikusei High School Student Council."
His voice was clear and calm, his phrasing precise:
"The Student Council, as the highest student self-governing body, its operational model, decision-making process, and interaction with school management all reflect the unique governance philosophy of this academy. I believe that a deep understanding of its core will help me better comprehend school rules and clarify an individual's position and responsibilities within the collective."
He paused, his gaze calmly meeting Horikita Manabu's sharp eyes:
"As for joining the Student Council, I am currently in the observation and learning phase and do not yet have a clear intention."