One day…
When I went to the student council room after school, Togami approached me with a big smile.
“You finally arrived, Gujou-san!” (Nadeshiko)
“What happened?” (Takaki)
“We’ve received a request for giving advice to a student in the suggestion box!” (Nadeshiko)
“Seriously?” (Takaki)
I glanced at Arisu, who was standing behind Togami, nodding while holding her smartphone.
“It’s true. We received a DM (direct message) on the student council’s social media account.” (Nadeshiko)
Apparently, it wasn’t a misunderstanding by Togami.
The student council has official accounts on various social media platforms. These are mainly used to announce school events, test periods, and information requested by the teachers to inform the student body.
The management of these accounts is handled by Arisu, as she is “the most familiar with social media among the student council members.” The DMs serve as an online version of the suggestion box.
In front of the student council room, there is the physical version of the suggestion box, but it seems that DMs are less intimidating for students.
That said, honestly, I didn’t expect to receive any requests from students so soon.
“Hmm, I didn’t expect we’d actually receive one.” (Misuzu)
It seemed Hourai-senpai felt the same way.
Togami, unaware of my mixed feelings about the increase in work, spoke to us with a big smile.
“So, everyone! The person seeking advice is scheduled to arrive in about ten minutes, so let’s give it our all!” (Nadeshiko)
Arisu and Hourai-senpai seemed reasonably enthusiastic. They were probably feeling a bit excited as well.
“Since they took the trouble to ask for advice, we have to do our best as the student council.” (Nadeshiko)
“Last year, we didn’t have many opportunities to listen to the general students, so this feels a bit refreshing.” (Misuzu)
“Well, if it’s an unreasonable request, we can just turn it down.” (Takaki)
“Ei!” (Arisu)
When I murmured without much enthusiasm, Arisu, with her keen hearing, lightly bonked me on the head.
Ten minutes later.
*knock knock*
A sound echoed from the door.
“Yes, come in!” (Nadeshiko)
“Um, this is the student council room, right?” (Student)
Following Togami’s enthusiastic response, a nervous girl appeared, opening the door slowly.
With short brown hair and slightly tanned skin, she gave off an active impression at first glance. Her toned physique hinted that she was a member of some sports club.
“Um, I sent a DM for advice. Is this the right place?” (Student)
“Yes, this is the student council room. Please have a seat on that sofa.” (Nadeshiko)
“Yes! Thank you!” (Student)
Togami gracefully gestured towards the sofa with a sweep of her hand. The female student politely bowed her head and sat down.
Togami took a seat opposite her, Hourai-senpai sat next to her, and Arisu stood behind the two. I decided to observe the discussion from a slightly distant spot by the wall.
“Firstly, nice to meet you, I am Togami Nadeshiko, the student council president. I have just been appointed not long ago, so there may be some areas where I fall short, but I hope I could still be of help.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami introduced herself in a pleasant voice that exuded gracefulness. Even knowing her true, clumsy nature, I couldn’t help but be captivated. The overly energetic vibe from earlier was gone, and her demeanor in dealing with people was perfect.
“I am Sena Akane, a first-year student. I’m part of the tennis club!” (Akane)
The girl who introduced herself as Sena sounded slightly nervous as she spoke.
Next, Hourai-senpai and Arisu introduced themselves.
“I’m Hourai Misuzu, a second-year and the student council vice president. Nice to meet you.” (Misuzu)
“I’m Yura, the student council treasurer. Just like Sena-san, I’m also a first year!” (Arisu)
“Oh, yes! Nice to meet you!” (Akane)
Looks like the entire student council was expected to introduce themselves. As I walked toward the sofa, I started to speak.
“And I’m the student council secretary…” (Takaki)
At that moment, Sena flinched. What was that about?
“Huh! You’re Gujou-san from Class B…!?” (Akane)
“Oh, do you know Takaki?” (Arisu)
Arisu asked in a weird way. She’s probably thinking something rude like, “Wasn’t Takaki a loner?”
Unfortunately, based on Sena’s reaction, she doesn’t seem to have any pleasant thoughts about me.
“Well, it’s just that there’s a rumor you’re the biggest delinquent since Reishuu started.” (Akane)
Yeah, that sounds about right… What else could it have been?
Even among first-year students, my bad reputation had already spread widely.
Sena must have heard the rumors somewhere.
So, what should I do now?
If it were just a random encounter in the school, there wouldn’t be much of a downside to letting the misunderstanding go. It would only hurt my feelings a bit.
However, since I’m here as a student council member, I couldn’t just leave it be.
“Look, Sena, I don’t know where you heard those rumors, but I’m not a delinquent.” (Takaki)
I spoke as friendly as I could, with a smile.
“Eek.” (Akane)
However, upon seeing that smile, Sena’s expression tensed up. She slid her hips onto the sofa, positioning herself diagonally opposite to me.
“Just think about it. If I were really a delinquent, there’s no way I could be a student council member.” (Takaki)
“Well, that’s true, but…” (Akane)
She visibly showed her wariness.
“W-Wait, could it be that Gujou-san has taken over the student council!?” (Akane)
“Of course not!” (Takaki)
Arisu, unable to watch this unfold, jumped in to help.
“Haha, well, Takaki is easily misunderstood, but he’s really not that shady. As his childhood friend, I can vouch for him.” (Arisu)
“Arisu…” (Takaki)
I sent a relieved glance her way, and she casually raised her thumb as if to say it was nothing.
“He just has a menacing look and a face that could pass as a delinquent, he’s socially awkward, a loner who slipped and broke his bone checking his face on his phone before school, and to top it off, he’s just going through a rebellious phase where he can’t keep up with his studies. So don’t worry!” (Arisu)
“Oi!” (Takaki)
Just when I thought she was helping me, she had to throw in all those unnecessary words.
Well, what she’s saying is all true, but even if it’s true, it still feels like it’s slander.
“Is that so?” (Akane)
Nevertheless, I appreciated Arisu stepping in for me.
Going along with the flow, I tried to explain to Sena.
“Yeah… Yura’s right. Besides, if I really were a dangerous student, I would’ve been expelled by now.” (Takaki)
“But there’s also the possibility that Gujou-san has already taken over the entire Reishuu High School.” (Akane)
“If I had that much power, it would be too late to worry about such things, won’t it?” (Takaki)
After calmly addressing everything, Sena finally came to understand that I wasn’t a delinquent.
Seeing Sena’s composed demeanor, Togami, who had been observing the situation, prompted her to continue.
“Shall we get to the main topic then? Sena-san, regarding your concern.” (Nadeshiko)
“Oh, right! Actually, um, I feel a bit guilty asking this of everyone in the student council…” (Akane)
“Don’t worry about it. Supporting everyone’s school life is part of our duty in the student council.” (Nadeshiko)
“Oh, that’s reassuring! Then, if you don’t mind…” (Akane)
“Yes?” (Nadeshiko)
As we, the student council, anxiously watched, Sena nervously played with her fingertips on her knee and smiled shyly.
“To be honest, there’s someone I’ve liked for a long time. We’re quite close, but because of that closeness, I feel like I’m not seen as a romantic interest. I’m worried that I might be seen as just a friend. So, I thought I’d ask everyone in the student council how I can get this person to notice me romantically!” (Akane)
There was a brief moment of silence.
“…Eh?” (Arisu)
Arisu, who was standing by my side, couldn’t help but let out a surprised sound.
Togami clasped her hands neatly on her knees and sat upright on the sofa.
She glanced at me as if seeking help, but what am I supposed to say?
“Kyaa! I said it!” (Akane)
On the other hand, Sena, perhaps relieved after sharing her concerns, raised her hands to her cheeks and was getting excited.
The initial tension had dissipated somewhere.
Deciding to discuss it among ourselves, I subtly gestured for Togami to come closer.
“Um, excuse us for a moment.” (Takaki)
Togami and Hourai-senpai also stood up, and the four of us gathered to discuss quietly.
“This is a love consultation, isn’t it?” (Takaki)
Hearing my words, Togami had a difficult look on her face.
“It seems so. Honestly, I didn’t expect to receive this kind of request…” (Nadeshiko)
“So, what should we do about this? Are we going to flat out refuse to take a love consultation in the student council?” (Takaki)
“However, it doesn’t sit well with me to send away a student who came to us for help. But I must admit, I’m not confident in handling a love consultation myself… How about you three?” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai directed the question to us, but both Arisu and I shook our heads.
“If it’s a friend, that’s one thing, but giving strangers love advice is too much responsibility.” (Takaki)
“I have no clue about this kind of thing either.” (Arisu)
“Hmm, I see…” (Misuzu)
“Well, I read online that when girls ask for advice, you just need to say ‘uh-huh,’ ‘yeah,’ ‘it’s his fault,’ or something. Just nod along and wrap up the conversation sounding like it’s resolved.” (Takaki)
Sometimes just having affirmation is enough, right?
It seemed like a fairly constructive suggestion, but Arisu next to me began nudging me aggressively with her foot.
“Um, Arisu-san, that hurts…” (Takaki)
“Because you say the worst things!” (Arisu)
“But I read it online… ow! Okay, got it, I’m sorry!” (Takaki)
“Haa… if you try that, I’ll really hit you.” (Arisu)
Between getting stepped on and getting punched, I couldn’t decide which was worse. For now, I’ll just take this seriously.
I turned to Togami, wondering what we should do next.
She seemed unsure herself, glancing briefly at Sena behind her.
Sena sat on the sofa, visibly restless and fidgety. Clearly, she was concerned about our conversation, occasionally glancing our way, though she kept her face composed.
Togami slowly turned back, clasping her fists in front of her chest.
“Let’s take on Sena-san’s request.” (Nadeshiko)
She said it firmly with an unwavering expression.
“Are you okay with that?” (Takaki)
“Yes. I’m sure Sena-san must have thought hard about it before sending the DM. It wouldn’t be right to send her home now that she’s trusted us enough with her concerns,” (Nadeshiko)
Hearing those words, Hourai-senpai smiled.
“That’s a good attitude to have. I may not know much about romance, but I’ll do my best to help.” (Misuzu)
“Alright, I’ll do my best too!” (Arisu)
With that, we returned to our seats.
Togami, seated in front of Sena, smiled gently and spoke.
“I apologize for the wait. The Student Council will gladly listen to Sena-san’s concerns. While I can’t guarantee how much we can help, I promise we’ll do our best.” (Nadeshiko)
Upon hearing those words, Sena’s face lit up brightly.
Seeing her expression, I couldn’t help but feel relieved that we hadn’t refused.
“Thank you so much! I’m glad I came here!” (Akane)
Sena made a small fist pump. It was a bit pressure-inducing to see her so happy when nothing had been resolved yet.
With sparkling eyes, Sena leaned forward on the table.
“Togami-san, you’re incredibly beautiful so you must have a lot of experience with romance, right!? Ah, I’m so jealous!” (Akane)
“Eh?” (Nadeshiko)
Sena clasped her hands together like in a prayer and spoke with a dreamy expression.
Seeing her like that, Togami looked bewildered.
Indeed, Togami had a strikingly good appearance, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she had a boyfriend.
The issue was, if she did have one, her clumsiness would undoubtedly be exposed.
“And the other council members… All of you ladies seem like you’d be popular and have plenty of romantic experience!” (Akane)
Sena casually praised everyone else, excluding me.
Upon receiving her gaze, Hourai-senpai and Arisu reacted with a slight twitch.
“I’ve always been focused on training, so I’m not very experienced in romantic matters.” (Misuzu)
“Well, I’ve been confessed to before, but I haven’t actually dated anyone.” (Arisu)
“Even so, that’s good enough! And as for Gujou-san… he seems like he might make girls cry instead…” (Akane)
“Hey.” (Takaki)
Sena’s prejudice against me remained as strong as ever.
For the record, even during my serious middle and elementary school days, I never had any experiences with being popular, whether romantically or otherwise. By high school, I’ve been avoided by both boys and girls alike, so my romantic experience is zero. While I’ve been close friends with Arisu for a long time and don’t feel uncomfortable around girls, it’s likely they feel uncomfortable around me. It’s sad to say that about myself.
Sena seemed unfazed by her unintentional slip and turned back to Togami.
“Senpai, you must be a master at handling complicated romantic nuances, right?” (Akane)
“Huh… well, yes, you can count on me. I might even have enough insight to be called a love master.” (Nadeshiko)
“Wow!” (Akane)
Sena applauded enthusiastically, prompting Togami to cross her arms and boast with a smug expression.
Knowing her true nature, I understood this was just a front, but Sena had no way of knowing that.
“So, Sena-san. Could you tell us more about your situation?” (Nadeshiko)
Togami redirected the conversation towards Sena, urging her to elaborate.
◆
According to Sena, she had feelings for her childhood friend, Tachibana. However, to Tachibana, Sena was just a childhood friend and not seen as a girl. Sena wanted to make him notice her, but due to her lack of romantic experience, she didn’t know how to go about it, so she turned to the Student Council for advice.
That was the gist of her story.
“A childhood friend, huh…” (Arisu)
Arisu murmured after hearing the whole story.
“Sorry, but I have to ask. Wouldn’t it be better to discuss this kind of issue with close friends rather than the Student Council?” (Misuzu)
In response to Hourai-senpai’s question, Sena gave an awkward look.
“Well… that’s true, but my friends already believe we’re already dating. And I’ve sort of just gone along with it.” (Akane)
“Aren’t you going to clear up the misunderstanding?” (Nadeshiko)
“B-But! It feels good, you know! When they say things like ‘Aww, so lovey-dovey!’ or ‘I want a boyfriend too!’ I really start feeling like we’re actually dating!” (Akane)
“Is that how it works…?” (Nadeshiko)
Togami looked perplexed.
But before anyone could say more, Arisu suddenly ran over to Sena and grabbed her shoulders firmly.
“I understand! I totally get how you feel!” (Arisu)
“Really, Yura-san?!” (Akane)
“Yeah, falling for someone you’re close to is tough, especially if they’re oblivious.” (Arisu)
“Exactly! But it’s that difference from other guys that makes me like him!” (Akane)
“Absolutely! I mean, it’s not like I’m in love with my childhood friend or anything, just speaking in general terms, you know.” (Arisu)
Arisu turned her face away, coughing to cover her flustered expression.
While everyone was contemplating Sena’s dilemma, I approached Togami and asked quietly.
“Hey, Togami, what’s this about being a love master?” (Takaki)
With a smug smile, Togami answered confidently.
“Just as I said. I’ve read a fair number of romance manga.” (Nadeshiko)
“…Haa?” (Takaki)
“Have you heard, Gujou-san? Reading romance manga teaches you about various issues and joys related to love! I’ve read dozens of series, so in my head, I have the experiences of dozens of people… no, considering that some series feature multiple couples, it’s practically more than that! My recommendations include ‘Opposites Attract’, where a cheerful, energetic girl falls for a calm, quiet boy, and ‘Meals Behind the Supermarket’, which follows the slow-burning romance between a supermarket worker and a salaryman. And then there’s…” (Nadeshiko)
As she continued, her excitement grew, and she eagerly began discussing her favorite series.
She… She thinks she understands love just from reading romance manga…!
“When it comes to childhood friend romcoms, there’s ‘The Romcom Where the Childhood Friend Won’t Lose’, although… she loses in that one…” (Nadeshiko)
I was about to tell Togami the harsh truth that real-life romance isn’t like manga when…
“Erotic selfies.” (Arisu)
Arisu suddenly said something outrageous.
“Yura-san!? Do you mean…!?” (Akane)
Sena, with a shocked expression, covered her mouth with her hand and began to tremble.
“The important thing is to change how he perceives you from ‘childhood friend’ to ‘classmate who’s a girl.’ And for that, you need to make his heart race!” (Arisu)
Arisu started saying something that actually sounded like it came from a romance master.
“I see, make his heart flutter, huh? Even though he’s dense, he’s still just a high school boy; he can’t resist something erotic…!” (Akane)
“That’s right, Sena-san! There’s no way a high school boy can resist erotism! All you need to do is to send him an erotic selfie and you’ll be promoted to love interest in no time!” (Arisu)
“Ohhhh!” (Akane)
Sena clapped enthusiastically, clearly impressed by the suggestion.
“No, wait… is that really a good idea?” (Akane)
Hourai-senpai, on the other hand, wasn’t convinced.
Well, of course. Advising people to send erotic pictures of themselves is problematic, especially when it’s coming from the Student Council.
“Togami, maybe you should stop this?” (Takaki)
“True, in romance manga, there are scenes where sending photos in casual clothes or pajamas leads to the guy blushing and feeling excited, that’s the standard pattern.” (Nadeshiko)
“Huh?” (Takaki)
“Ah… Sending something explicit might not be a good idea, but trying one that makes the other party aware of your femininity could be worth a shot. As a love master, there’s some logic to this approach.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami nodded seriously in agreement.
This girl and her clueless romance manga brain…!
“That’s right! As expected of a love master! Togami-san, you really get it!” (Arisu)
“As expected of the student council president! You have a wide range of knowledge! I admire that!” (Akane)
“Hehe, well, it’s only natural.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami crossed her arms and nodded thoughtfully.
Seems to me that she was enjoying the feeling of being praised by the two of them.
As I stood there dumbfounded, Arisu called out to me.
“So, Takaki, could you step out for a bit?” (Arisu)
“Hey Arisu, you’re not seriously planning to take them here, are you?” (Takaki)
“They say ‘strike while the iron is hot’, right?” (Arisu)
“I feel like this isn’t a good idea…” (Takaki)
“Anyways, if you’re around, we can’t exactly take the pictures, can we? Come on, out you go! And if you try to peek, I’ll hit you.” (Arisu)
“Y-Yeah… Sena, do your best.” (Takaki)
I said “do your best”, but should a guy like me really encourage a female student to take erotic selfies?
Anyways, I got kicked out of the student council room.
I stood a short distance away from the closed door, contemplating my next move. Not that I’m curious about what’s happening inside or anything, but voices leaking through the gap in the door are beyond my control. It’s an unavoidable situation.
“Alright, Sena-san! Let’s take some super sexy shots now! They’ll be so hot that whoever sees them will fall head over heels!” (Arisu)
“Yes, Yura-san! I’m ready!” (Akane)
“Alright. Let’s start by unbuttoning a bit of your chest. Oh yeah, this is hot…” (Arisu)
“W-Wait, if you unbutton that much, your underwear will be visible!” (Nadeshiko)
“It’s fine, Togami-san. Romance manga would be even more extreme!” (Arisu)
“Hey, are you really going to do this in the student council room? Shouldn’t we move somewhere else?” (Misuzu)
“No way! It’s perfect here! Mixing eroticism in this formal space is the key!” (Arisu)
“Ugh, I won’t be able to face my senpais from last year…” (Misuzu)
“Next, let’s see… sit on the chair and lift one leg.” (Arisu)
“Is this okay?” (Akane)
“You’re looking good, Sena-san! Yeah, that’s it! Next, lift your skirt a bit!” (Arisu)
“Ei!” (Akane)
“Wow, it’s really picking up! I’m getting excited too!” (Arisu)
“I-I-isn’t this a bit too much, Yura-san!?” (Nadeshiko)
Even though the door was closed, loud voices could be heard leaking through. Naturally, one couldn’t help but imagine what was happening inside. Of course, it was all beyond my control.
But really, this is just too stimulating…
“Ah, maybe I’ll go to the vending machine in the courtyard for a bit…” (Takaki)
Unable to endure any longer, I muttered to myself and quietly slipped away from the student council room.
◆
I spent quite some time at the vending machine, pondering, and in the end, I bought a carton of orange juice.
As I sipped through a straw on my way back, I noticed that the door to the student council room was open.
It seemed like the selfie session was over.
Not wanting to barge in abruptly, I knocked gently, just in case.
Inside, I heard a faint voice from Arisu saying, “Haa…”.
Peeking in cautiously, I saw all four of them, including Sena, slumped over the desk looking exhausted.
“Uh, you all look beat…” (Takaki)
“Oh, Gujou-san. Sorry for kicking you out earlier.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami noticed me and lifted her head slowly.
“So, did you send the selfie?” (Takaki)
“Well, in the end, it was deemed too explicit, so we scrapped the idea.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami chuckled in a troubled manner.
Beside her, Arisu smiled bitterly, while Sena covered her bright red face with both hands.
“Well, we really went too far with that. If it leaked out, Sena-chan’s student life would have been over.” (Arisu)
“Yeah, I got carried away… even doing that kind of shots…” (Akane)
“But hey, it’s good we noticed before sending it, right?” (Arisu)
“Exactly. If it got out that we filmed that in the student council room, we’d all be writing reflection essays at least.” (Akane)
Even Hourai-senpai, with a cross-armed and bewildered expression, blushed slightly.
What kind of photos did these girls take?
“What were you all even doing in the student council room?” (Takaki)
I sighed heavily as I sat on a sofa away from the four of them.
Looks like we hit a roadblock.
Since it’s come to this, I might as well suggest an idea I came up with during my walk.
“Actually, wouldn’t just a message be enough? Without including any pictures.” (Takaki)
“What kind of message?” (Arisu)
“Yeah, considering the upcoming exams, how about something like, ‘How about studying together at my place next time?’ It might be easier to be aware of each other compared to places like the crowded library or a family restaurant.” (Takaki)
“Hmm, using a study session as an excuse sounds very high school-like and natural. For close childhood friends, it wouldn’t be an unnatural step, and it adds a special feeling to studying in a private space.” (Misuzu)
Houshii-senpai warmed up to this idea. Anything seemed better than erotic selfies.
“I see! If you arrange a study session at home, it could naturally lead to developing romantic feelings right then and there! Like accidentally touching hands while studying, or one of you dozing off and seeing their sleeping face, or even inadvertently picking up their glass for an indirect kiss…” (Nadeshiko)
This idea seemed to strike a chord with Togami’s romance manga-influenced imagination. She drifted into her own world, clearly pleased.
Arisu also nodded approvingly, showing her impressed expression.
“Simple is best, Takaki, that’s a good idea… What do you think, Sena-san?” (Takaki)
“Yes, I’m totally fine with it. I’ll send the message now!” (Akane)
Sena quickly tapped away on her phone screen.
—(Next time, want to have a study session at my place?)
With that simple message sent, Sena left her app open on the screen and placed her phone on the desk where we could all see.
Not even a minute passed before a notification came.
“It’s here!” (Akane)
“What does it say?” (Arisu)
“Um… ‘There’s not enough space in your room for two people to sit lol’.” (Akane)
…………
An awkward silence filled the air.
Ignoring the message, Sena turned off her phone screen.
Her face trembled with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration.
“Well, first off, I think you should clean up your room.” (Misuzu)
“I know, okay!” (Akane)
Houshii-senpai interjected with a pained expression, prompting Sena to retort tearfully.
“Ugh… This is the downside of having a childhood friend…” (Akane)
“Well, at least you avoided having a guy you’re interested in see a room with no space to even walk.” (Takaki)
“That’s not the issue here!” (Akane)
Seeing that even my attempt to comfort her had no effect, Sena slumped over the desk, her upper body resting heavily on it.
Observing her, Togami placed a hand on her chin and muttered with a serious tone.
“This calls for… the suspension bridge effect.” (Nadeshiko)
“Is that like mixing the thrill of romance with the thrill of crossing a real suspension bridge?” (Takaki)
“Exactly! Hmm, knowing about the suspension bridge effect, could it be that Gujou-san is a love master too?” (Nadeshiko)
“As if!” (Takaki)
Knowing about the suspension bridge effect could be considered basic knowledge if you’ve delved into romance-themed manga or anime to some extent.
For those who don’t know, the suspension bridge effect flips the usual flow of romance from [meeting a wonderful person → fall in love → feel your heart race] to [encounter a high tension situation → feel your heart race → fall in love].
I might not be a love master, so the details might be off, but that’s the general idea.
“That sounds great! But how are you going to make her childhood friend’s heart race?” (Arisu)
Arisu asked curiously, but some reason, Togami looked at me and smiled.
“That’s where you come in, Gujou-san.” (Nadeshiko)
“…Huh?” (Takaki)
◆
The next day after school.
We, the student council, gathered at a café located near our high school.
I was seated alone at a small table for two, while the rest of the members occupied an area a bit further away.
Sena and her childhood friend, Tachibana, were scheduled to join us shortly.
Togami’s plan was as follows:
First, create a situation where Sena and Tachibana would be walking home together.
Then, have Sena guide them into the café where I would be waiting at a table.
Sena would deliberately bump into my table, and I would act unreasonably and excessively angry towards her.
The goal was to create a high tension situation to make Tachibana’s heart race.
There were probably other ways to do it though.
However, yesterday, Togami said…
“Listen. First, Gujou-san will act intimidating, making Tachibana-san’s heart pound. This clears the first stage of the suspension bridge effect, but… that’s not all.” (Nadeshiko)
“And?” (Akane)
Sena looked at her with eyes full of anticipation.
She still seemed to think Togami was a love master. How pure can she be?
“There’s a chance that Tachibana-san will try to protect Sena-san and stands up for her, creating an opportunity for a romantic atmosphere!” (Nadeshiko)
“Oh~! Like a hero protecting the heroine from delinquents at a time of need! Just like in a romance manga!” (Akane)
“Oi, don’t make me the delinquent.” (Takaki)
My interjection went unnoticed by Sena, who gazed at Togami with admiration.
“Yes, if things go well, they might even become a couple right away.” (Nadeshiko)
“As expected of you, Togami-san! It was worth consulting the student council, after all!” (Akane)
“Oi! Don’t use me as a pawn! What if Tachibana gets seriously scared and runs away…” (Takaki)
I tried to argue my way out of this unpleasant role.
A hand patted my shoulder.
“Takaki, this is for the student council.” (Arisu)
Arisu had a slightly suppressed smile on her face.
“And also, it’s a rare chance to make use of your face.” (Arisu)
“Aren’t you enjoying this a little too much?” (Takaki)
“Well, it’s fun to play the wingman in other people’s love life.” (Arisu)
“At least try to deny it a bit.” (Takaki)
And so, the plan was set in motion for the very next day.
After waiting a few minutes, a message from Sena popped up.
“(We’ll be reaching soon.)” (Akane)
“Ah, Sena-chan’s here!” (Misuzu)
“Where?” (Nadeshiko)
“She’s lining up behind the counter.” (Arisu)
I could hear the three of them having a quiet conversation, so I glanced over in the direction they pointed at.
Sure enough, there was Sena standing in line, next to a guy with metal-framed glasses.
I had assumed Tachibana would be more athletic like Sena, but he gave off an indoor type vibe. On second thought, they were just childhood friends, so it made sense that their clubs or hobbies might not align.
The three of them, including Togami, looked at me and nodded.
Seeing this, I reluctantly nodded back and cleared the table. It wouldn’t be good if a drink spilled when Sena bumped into me.
The two finished placing their orders and started walking towards us.
Sena pointed to the counter seat by the window behind me, likely guiding Tachibana to sit there.
“Kya!” (Akane)
As planned, Sena bumped into my table while passing by.
At this point, I was supposed to pretend to be excessively angry… but things didn’t go as expected.
“Ah!” (Akane)
Unexpectedly losing her balance, Sena knocked over a drink from her tray and orange liquid flew out, splashing all over my face.
*splash*
I could feel the sweet and tangy orange-flavored drink seeped into my mouth through the corners of my lips.
“Gu-Gujou-san!” (Nadeshiko)
“Pfftttt~!” (Arisu)
“Haa… What are you guys doing?” (Misuzu)
I could hear the suppressed voices from the three girls. Arisu seemed to be enjoying the situation.
“……” (Takaki)
“…U-Um… Are you okay?” (Akane)
With orange juice dripping from my face, clearly not looking okay, Sena spoke to me with a strained expression.
Tachibana, realizing I was the infamous ‘Gujou’ from the same grade, had turned pale.
I pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the juice from my face first. I then dabbed at my uniform, though it was clear that I would need to wash it.
“Oi, you…” (Takaki)
Just as I began to speak, recovering from the unexpected event, Tachibana stepped in front of Sena. In a swift motion, he bowed deeply and shouted loud enough to echo throughout the cafe.
“I-I’m so, so sorry!!” (Tachibana)
“Ha?” (Takaki)
Suddenly, my brain froze at another unexpected turn of events.
Tachibana was on the verge of prostrating1 himself before me, if not already kneeling.
“I’m really, really sorry for what happened…! I’m so sorry!” (Tachibana)
“No, I’m not that angry.” (Takaki)
“She’s a bit of an idiot, but she means no harm! I swear, there wasn’t any ill-intentions towards you, Gujou-kun!” (Tachibana)
It seemed like Tachibana didn’t even hear my words as he continued to desperately explain himself.
Meanwhile, behind him, Sena covered her mouth with both hands, murmuring with a vacant expression, “Yu-kun…”
Why did it have to be like this? And why was Sena calling him “Yu-kun”?
Well, depending on how you looked at it, maybe it can be seen as him trying to protect his childhood friend. But was this really such a heroic scene?
“I really don’t mind what happens to me, so please just forgive Sena!” (Tachibana)
“I’m telling you, it’s really not that big of a deal…” (Takaki)
“I’m sorry! We’re not trying to make enemies of you, Gujou-kun! We’re just regular high school students!” (Tachibana)
“I’m a regular high school student too!” (Takaki)
What does he think of me?
Tachibana’s dramatic plea made even me, the supposed victim, feel a prickling discomfort.
On top of that, Tachibana’s over-the-top reaction prompted whispers from those around us like, “Is he okay?” “Is this extortion?” “Should we call the police…?”
“M-Money, right!? Y-Yeah, your clothes got wet so it’s natural! Okay, um, I’ll just take off all my clothes right here, and maybe we can settle this…! I’ll even give you my glasses!” (Tachibana)
“Don’t pull out your wallet, don’t take off your clothes, and I don’t need your glasses!! Just stop!!” (Takaki)
After managing to calm Tachibana down by restraining him, I explained that I wasn’t angry, didn’t need any money or clothes, and certainly didn’t need his glasses. Of course, I couldn’t mention the plan, so I quietly warned Sena for what she did.
Haa… I probably won’t be able to go to this cafe for a while now…
◆
A few days later in the student council room…
“After all that, what happened with Sena and her childhood friend?” (Takaki)
After the incident, Sena personally apologized to me the day after the commotion. She even offered to cover the cleaning costs, but I politely declined. I didn’t want to fuel any further rumors.
Well, after washing it at home, the stains weren’t as bad as I thought, and aside from a faint orange scent, there were no real damages. Although, when I move around a bit, I catch a faint citrusy aroma lingering in the air.
As I thought about this, Togami, who was working on some administrative tasks beside me, looked up.
“Ah, regarding that, we agreed to have considered it resolved for now.” (Nadeshiko)
Arisu, who was sitting on a nearby sofa, seemed to have been listening to our conversation. She put her hands on her cheeks and let out a delighted expression.
“She said, ‘We will move on our own pace, so there’s no need to rush. I know he cares about me.’ Kyaa~!” (Arisu)
“Well, Tachibana did stand up for Sena, but… is that really okay?” (Takaki)
Honestly, I couldn’t quite bring myself to say Tachibana was cool.
He was panicking a lot and it didn’t quite fit the image of what I think someone who looks cool helping a girl would be.
As I muttered in confusion, Arisu shook her head with an exasperated expression.
“Ah, you really don’t get it… When you know someone well enough, you move past the stage of liking them just because they’re cool, and you end up liking them despite seeing all their flaws.” (Arisu)
“I see. The path of love is deep.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai nodded thoughtfully with arms crossed.
Togami also muttered in a quiet voice that only I could hear.
“I should read more romance manga and train myself further. Otherwise, I can’t become a proper student council president.” (Nadeshiko)
“Wait, that doesn’t sound right…?” (Takaki)
And so, the first consultation received by our student council was resolved.
By the way, subsequent consultations received by the student council were all sorts of absurd ones, such as finding foster homes for hamsters or studying for upcoming tests. It made me wonder if the students might have a misunderstanding about the role of the student council…
Illustration of… whatever is happening here
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
I always thought the suspension bridge effect was like “hero saves heroine -> heroine’s heart pound -> heroine falls in love”. But here it’s like “hero saves heroine -> hero’s heart pound -> hero falls in love”.
Maybe my definition of the suspension bridge effect is the one which is off.