Hirata gently moistened his dry lips with his tongue.
A bitter taste filled his mouth.
He had known all along that such a simple trick couldn't deceive the student investigation.
That's why he chose to "confess," hoping to muddy the waters.
After learning he might be expelled, a part of Hirata actually felt relieved. If he hadn't stepped forward to claim he bought the test papers, Ayanokōji might have been dragged into the mess.
But now, Amane, in her effort to clear his name, had seized upon the very loophole he'd been deliberately avoiding.
Just like that, the truth was laid bare.
He didn't blame Amane—anyone could see she was standing up for him, even if it meant facing off against the student council and those pushing for expulsions.
But…
She had no obligation to do this. Whether Hirata stayed or left this class made no real difference to Amane.
Even though they hadn't interacted much, Hirata had still picked up bits and pieces about Amane here and there.
A girl as capable as her had no reason to invite scorn from the whole class. Whether for college admissions or future work, in Hirata's eyes, things would come easily to Amane.
She could have chosen a more relaxed, comfortable school life.
Heck, she could even live like Kōenji if she wanted—no one would bat an eye.
Yet here she was, risking ostracism to speak up for him. Hirata was touched. He really wanted to thank her, but the words felt too awkward, too forced.
So he decided to quietly hold onto this feeling of gratitude.
But… now that the truth was out, what would happen to Ayanokōji?
Even with his own fate hanging in the balance, Hirata was already worrying about Ayanokōji.
"Of course I'm scared. I came to this school with my own dreams. I want to get into a good university—one with a strong football team would be even better."
Hirata's face was full of longing and hope.
"Then why do something so foolish? That Aya-whatever guy—he should face the consequences of his own actions! If you get expelled, what happens to your dreams? They'll just vanish!"
Kiriyama couldn't understand why someone would act this way.
"Because there's no such thing as a ten-player football team."
Amane cut in before Hirata could respond.
"That's what you wanted to say, right?"
Her words caught Hirata completely off guard.
That… was exactly what he had been thinking. If another football player had said it, he wouldn't have been surprised.
But…
He never expected to hear it from Amane, of all people.
"No team can keep playing with just ten players, and certainly not with only three. So, Miyako-san, why are you so quick to abandon the larger group? Even if Hirata is a star player, a team that can't field enough players isn't even allowed on the pitch. Isn't that right?"
Nagumo immediately seized on Amane's words, pressing the attack.
He was curious—just how much amusement could this girl, Miyako Amane, offer him?
Amane let out a soft, dismissive hum at Nagumo's question.
"A bunch of benchwarmers who can't even make the starting lineup of a weak team—wouldn't it be more practical to just sell them off early?"
Amane's retort was sharp and direct.
In her view, those expulsion-bound students were nothing but useless reserves—easily replaceable.
Not worth losing sleep over.
"My, my, Miyako-san—speaking like that might rub some people the wrong way, you know?"
Nagumo's eyes narrowed.
This kind of personality… it was exactly the type that could entertain him.
"What are they going to do? Bite me?" Amane glanced dismissively at Yamauchi, whose face was bright red but who couldn't meet her eyes.
"A cornered mutt will do anything. So it's better to be careful—getting bitten really isn't worth it."
Nagumo had nothing but contempt for spineless cowards like Yamauchi.
He deliberately used a mocking, sarcastic tone to warn Amane.
"Thanks… what was your name again?"
"Nagumo Miyabi… currently the student council vice president. I like your style, Miyako-san."
"Flattered. I'm not into boys."
???
Amane's reply instantly silenced the entire meeting room.
"Ah… um, what I meant was… I'm not really looking to date anyone right now… hehe."
Was it just his imagination?
Hirata felt as if Amane had suddenly become a completely different person. The tense atmosphere around them softened noticeably.
It was as if the Amane who'd stood alone against the entire student council had never existed.
"What I meant was… Miyako-san, would you be interested in joining the student council? There are—"
"I refuse."
"…"
Nagumo stared at her, speechless. Couldn't she at least let him finish?
He was the vice president, for heaven's sake—had he no dignity?
And her refusal was just so… blunt.
Dozens of first-years had applied to join the student council, and he'd only accepted Ichinose. Now, here he was, genuinely interested in recruiting Amane, and she shut him down before he could even make his pitch.
The sheer abruptness made the smile freeze on his face.
Noticing this, Ichinose, who was sitting nearby, gently tugged on Amane's sleeve.
But Amane just casually took her hand, giving it a light pat.
Ichinose blushed instantly.
Still, with Nagumo's eyes on her, Ichinose had no choice but to try and persuade Amane.
"Miyako-san, Vice President Nagumo is practically guaranteed to be the next student council president. And there are lots of benefits to joining the council."
Ichinose's voice was soft, almost whisper-like, yet loud enough for everyone to hear as she briefly explained Nagumo's status.
Amane found it a bit strange.
The way Ichinose spoke almost seemed to disregard Horikita-senpai entirely. No matter how "guaranteed" the vice president was, he was still just the vice president.
The actual president was sitting right there. Yet Ichinose still dared to talk like this—truly impressive. Both her courage and her bust size were worthy of respect.
"Oh."
Amane gave a simple nod of acknowledgment.
Ichinose blinked.
Amane blinked back.
"Ichinose, was there something else you wanted to say?"
Noticing Ichinose's odd expression, Amane kindly asked.
"N-no, it's nothing. I've said all I needed to."
Ichinose smiled wryly and sat back down.
This only made Nagumo even more frustrated.
I'm trying to recruit you, and all you say is "Oh"? What kind of response is that?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.