8:00 PM, inside Shiraishi’s room.
The core members of Class B had gathered here, ready to hear Ichinose’s account of what had happened at the Student Council office that afternoon.
As for why they were in Shiraishi’s dorm room—the school had a peculiar rule.
Male and female students lived in the same building, with girls on the upper floors and boys on the lower.
Girls could easily visit the boys’ floors, but boys were generally prohibited from going to the girls’ floors.
“So, a Student Council Vice President named Nagumo Miyabi sought you out and agreed to let you join the Student Council.” After hearing Ichinose’s account, Kanzaki and the others grew even more confused.
“Nagumo Miyabi is the leader of Class 2-A.
He led the former Class B to overtake the original Class 2-A.
And I believe he’s already consolidated control over the entire second year.” Shiraishi took a bite of his instant noodles and provided the information.
“How can you tell?” Ichinose asked curiously.
“Here—these are this month’s class points for the second year.” Shiraishi set down his fork, grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote down the point totals for each second-year class.
Class 2-A: 1,200 points | Class 2-B: 950 points | Class 2-C: 700 points | Class 2-D: 350 points.
Everyone’s eyes immediately caught the pattern.
“The top three classes are all exactly 250 points apart, and the gap between D and C is only 350 points…” Kanzaki’s gaze sharpened.
“Is the second year already manipulating exam results, dividing the spoils evenly?” Compared to the irregular point totals of the third year, the neatly spaced distribution of the second year was clearly abnormal.
“Nagumo Miyabi has already conquered the second year.
To keep school life from getting boring, he’s set his sights on the higher grades.” Shiraishi had “seen through everything.” “The current Student Council President, Horikita Manabu, is a perfect target.
I imagine Nagumo has been causing him no small amount of trouble.” “So he invited me to join the Student Council to compete against President Horikita?” Ichinose’s expression darkened.
“Not just that—he probably also intends to install a puppet leader to take control of the first years.” Shiraishi looked at Ichinose.
“But it’s fine if you accept.
He didn’t make you commit to anything, so you don’t need to worry about him interfering.” The only real concern was Ichinose’s abundance of conscience.
It was her most endearing quality—and her greatest weakness.
“I’ll go for the Student Council interview tomorrow.
Whether I get in or not, I’ll bring this up and clear the air.” Shiraishi had already received the notification—his interview was scheduled for lunch break tomorrow.
“I’m counting on you.” Ichinose let out a breath of relief.
After today’s events, she had gained a deeper understanding of the school’s inner workings.
Thank goodness Shiraishi-kun is here.
I can’t imagine…
Watching Shiraishi continue to take notes on his phone, Ichinose felt a growing sense of reassurance.
The next day at noon, after lunch, Shiraishi arrived at the Student Council office.
“You’re Shiraishi-kun, correct?” Outside the office, Tachibana Akane was waiting with a stack of documents in her arms.
“There’s another student being interviewed inside.
Please wait a moment.” “Understood, Tachibana-senpai.” Shiraishi nodded and waited quietly outside.
Tachibana flipped through her documents while occasionally glancing up at him, making Shiraishi suspect that the files might contain information on today’s interviewees.
Honestly, he was curious too—what kind of evaluation had the school given him in its records?
He didn’t have to wait long.
The office door opened, and a student with a very distinctive appearance walked out.
It’s Katsuragi Kohei from Class A…
Shiraishi watched the bald-headed student and paid close attention to his expression.
True to form, Katsuragi’s brow was deeply furrowed—clearly agonizing over where he might have fallen short.
“Shiraishi-kun, you’re up.” Tachibana prompted.
“Right.” Shiraishi put away his phone and knocked lightly on the Student Council office door.
“Come in.” Horikita Manabu’s voice came from inside.
Shiraishi opened the door and stepped in.
“Have a seat.” Horikita gestured from the head of the table, and Shiraishi naturally took the seat across from him.
Over the past two days, he had specifically asked Ichinose, Kanzaki, and the others for advice on etiquette and social conduct—from breathing control to sitting posture.
With some intensive practice, he’d managed to improve significantly.
“Shiraishi Makoto-kun.
Tell me—why do you want to join the Student Council?” Horikita had a document spread out before him, and Shiraishi even caught a glimpse of his own ID photo.
But Horikita didn’t look at it—he asked directly.
“Because you once said, Senpai, that the Student Council has the authority and mission to change regulations.” Shiraishi met Horikita’s gaze steadily.
He had anticipated this question and had his answer ready.
“Is that so.” Horikita gave a slight nod.
“And to what extent have you come to understand the school’s rules?” Shiraishi thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and showed the screen to Horikita.
“1,650,000 Private Points…” Horikita’s brow lifted slightly, then quickly returned to calm.
This was the sum of Class B’s class funds plus Shiraishi’s own points.
After discussion, the class had agreed that since the first month would require purchasing various necessities, expenses would be higher, so they would only contribute 40,000 Private Points each.
Going forward, they’d settled on 60,000 per month.
Though Horikita didn’t know the origin of these points, the sheer number already spoke volumes.
“Next question.
After joining the Student Council, what do you hope to accomplish in that capacity?” “Yesterday, after you rejected Ichinose Honami from our class, Senpai, an upperclassman approached her and invited her to the Student Council office after school.” Shiraishi suddenly brought up what seemed like an unrelated matter.
As he spoke, Horikita’s brow furrowed slightly.
“The one who invited her was Nagumo-senpai from Class 2-A—the Student Council Vice President.
He extended an invitation for her to join the Student Council.” Silence fell over the office.
After a full thirty seconds, Horikita lightly adjusted his glasses and spoke: “One final question.
If you were Student Council President, with the authority to propose changes to the school, what suggestion would you make?” “I wouldn’t propose anything.
I think the current system is fine as it is.” Shiraishi answered without hesitation.
Horikita stood and extended his right hand: “Good.
Welcome to the Student Council, Shiraishi Makoto-kun.” “Thank you, President.” Shiraishi stood as well, the weight in his heart finally lifting completely.