Chapter 1

[Even so, Shiromeguri Meguri is watching.]

As first period began, I looked about my surroundings to release the stiffness in my shoulders.

From the corner of my eye, I could make out a figure that resembled Sagami. I took a glance at her. She was hunched over, with her gaze staring downwards. Unmoving.

What kind of impact did the squabble from earlier in the morning have on Sagami? I wish to confirm that for myself.

Up until now, these squabbles have always been confined within the limits of the Sports Festival Committee, but now it has extended itself into daily life. That is to say for Sagami, these squabbles have already invaded her life. Even up until now, she has always been waiting for the school event to end so she could forget about the unhappy past, and continue living her life as though nothing had happened. Nonetheless, these turns of events did indeed leave a scar on her.

This undeniable fact gradually showed its effects on Sagami. The usual soft voices of “She’s so pitiful” had begun to subside, and at a glance people could tell that she was depressed.

However, I didn’t think that she was pitiful or laughable.

At first, I did not take much notice of Sagami, even though I was once the object of her tantrums, but that was all there was to it.

Originally we were already walking different paths. From now onwards, I still probably wouldn’t cross paths with her.

Still, despite that, there was still the need to observe her. The reasoning being exceedingly straightforward, or exceedingly simple.

To put it simply, she was very much like an average person.

Or rather, she was someone amongst those that I know, that most resembles a human.

Although you could find some of the animalistic traits of purity, naivety, or cuteness in Sagami, her slyness could be said to be the trademark of humanity. Smoothing things over with lies, bragging, and putting on appearances. These were actions that only humans would do.

However, the way Sagami makes friends, as well as the method through which she communicates are closer to that of wild beasts. That is to say, we could look at her as a highly developed animal.

For example, like a bonobo or a chimpanzee. The aforementioned animals had class and rank. When met with restraints, they would escape them intelligently. When under threat, they would chatter agitatedly.

In the process of communication, one was often limited by social status, or maybe people had always been wary of it. Sagami Minami was such a person.

There were those whose way of making friends were different from her.

Consider for example, Miura Yumiko.

Her way was the equivalent of a tiger making when it comes to making friends.

When friendships were established, she would place them under her ‘territory’ and maintain them, treating them as her own child, protecting and raising them.

Of course, this was similar to the image of that of the Holy Mother or an affectionate mother, but to other animals she is just a fierce adversary with acute claws and sharp teeth. I mean it, she really is scary...

Miura and Sagami both made friends, but their group of friends were completely different.

There is no right or no wrong to this.

Naturally, both were right.

Just like how people have different strengths in this world, owing to different positions, the criteria by which something is right is ever changing as well.

If I have to say it, it would be that perhaps both of them have the common notion that loneliness is evil.

The class of 2-F had such thoughts in mind, and a deadly air filled the classroom.

A way to describe it would be like the bush in the savannas. The bush here refers to the forest, not the president.

Incidentally, the forest here also does not refer to that singer who argued with his lyricist, but a place where the trees grow. By the way, that also does not refer to the spirit bomb, [1] but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that everyone is currently sapped of their energy.

[1: Bush = George Bush = forest. Forest (in JPN, mori) = Shinichi Mori, the singer. Place where trees grow =木が集まる = 気が集まる (gathering energy (for the spirit bomb))]

In this highly-developed civilized society, a laidback man like me could only watch on in silence at the sudden appearance of this highly-strained, wild, and foreign environment. Man, it’s really wild. The wild that the National Geographic keeps talking about is appearing right in front of me. Heck, the current situation is so bad that I think even the animals at the zoo are much more docile. Somehow, I felt that my life was at risk just by being in this place. It’s probably the same for everyone as well, that there was this smell of bloodlust in the air.

The incident that transpired this morning had brought with it a queer sense of tension in the classroom.

The reason being Miura and Sagami. The fact that these two did not see eye to eye had not changed, but the difference in power between the two had become even more pronounced.

Tigers are the kings of the forest. A monkey was just a resident of the forest. A common populace could not simply hope to match up to the might of a glorious king.

Normally, there would be this constant chatter even during lesson time. Today however, was totally quiet. Only the occasional sound of Miura tapping the table with her nails could be heard. There was even the occasional nervousness that one had when they were about to cough.

No matter who it was, no one looked at either Miura or the target of her anger, Sagami. No one wished to be associated with either of them, and they had the thought that it was better to not agitate them further.

This was especially true for Hayama, Yuigahama, and Ebina who knew better than anyone else what to do in this situation. For they were Miura’s friends. Hence, no one else bothered to go up and talk to her.

Well, it’s only adding fuel to the fire if you ask someone who’s mad why they are mad. Even if that person knew your question was borne out of care and concern.

There is a saying that goes, ‘A wise man stays away from danger’, and so the smart ones will not approach others without any particular reason. Being in contact with others would be equivalent to sowing the seeds of trouble. Hence, those who are alone are the sages, a model of intelligence.

Even so, a certain amount of time had passed since morning up to the current break time. The class had more or less resumed its usual chatter. No, perhaps it was just them wanting the day to pass like always, trying to tell themselves that today was just like any other day, to pretend that nothing had happened at all.

This sort of self-delusion is rather important. However, as there was no need for me to do such a thing, I could feel the dullness of the class, to the point where it was creepy.

Whether one’s relationship with another was good differs completely from person to person. However, those who were truly close to Sagami wouldn’t worry about that at such a point in time. It was only those she wasn’t really close with that showed care towards her. Even so, they didn’t really try to make conversation with her or approach her. One could say that her being alone was partially due to other’s kindness, or maybe it was completely due to kindness.

Just like how the sun rises daily, the classroom would probably return to its usual state given sufficient time. Miura had already returned to her usual self, chatting listlessly with both Yuigahama and Ebina-san.

Noticing this, I took a glance about the classroom.

Sagami had quietly left the classroom. Despite it already being break time, it seemed that she had no intention of staying behind with her friends to gossip and badmouth others. Earlier this morning, she had gotten into a fight with Haruka and Yukko. Having that witnessed by a huge group of people, Sagami’s pride probably took a huge blow from that. There are times where people will actively seek to be alone. Isn’t that a bit too selfish of them to just decide that they want to be alone whenever it’s convenient for them? Normally, they would be mocking or looking down on the loners.

However, those who truly seek loneliness have their own way of doing so. At the very least, they don’t do it to obtain the pity of others, or in the hopes of obtaining concern from others. Doing so will only lower your own self-worth. It was akin to announcing to the world that if no one acknowledged them, they have no reason to exist.

Just now, Sagami’s friends had tried to make light-hearted chit-chat with the unusually quiet Sagami.

However, Sagami gave a helpless grin instead.

“There’s something… I need to do.”

With that, she quietly slipped away.

This was totally different from her usual actions.

Keeping her distance from people, maintaining a distance from them.

This was extremely different from the usual Sagami who had, up until recently, been trying to grasp the attention of others or to seek the acknowledgements of others. I was shocked by this sudden change and my eyes followed her every move.

Let me repeat this once again, people do not change that easily.

That is my belief. If someone could change that easily over any trivial reason, then that was probably not the real “them.”

Egoistic people, as well as those self-conscious, would always reject change. All humans would, by default, wish to protect their self-identity.

If any person still wished to change, then there was only one reason.

That would be because they were smashed to bits after falling from a great height, and experienced true pain for the first time. Therefore, instinctively, they change to avoid experiencing the same pain again.

Doing so was merely a front to mislead people into thinking that one had grown. However, doing it habitually would eventually let it become a part of you. We can only determine a person’s character through their actions alone. Objective criticism would be criticism towards their actions. Hence, by instinct, they would use their actions to try and change other’s view towards them, even though their true nature may not have changed at all.

What’s this? Mother Teresa?

Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny.

Words truly worthy of Mother! Such great words. Mother sure is wonderful. Mother Ranch is amazing! The soft-serves there are great! [2]

[2: Mother Ranch refers to a theme park with a ranch as its theme in Chiba]

We judge a person based on their performance. Words, actions, habits. The people around us judge each other based on that.

Then, I wonder, what exactly Sagami’s change in her actions signifies.

X X X

Today was the day where it was forecasted that a meeting for the entire sports committee would be held. The key points of discussion being to check on the sports festival progress as well as to discuss possible problems that may arise. However, thinking back to what happened this morning, I had an uneasy feeling even before the meeting started. I felt that it would not progress smoothly at all. Heck, even my hair was reacting to that unease within me, moving ever so slightly.

After school, I walked towards the committee room. I wondered if it was due to the fact that the library and staff room were nearby that I felt that the place was unusually crowded.

Now, the students walking along this corridor would never have imagined that they were just one wall away from people who were discussing about the sports festival. In fact, it would’ve been strange if anyone even knew about the existence of the sports festival committee.

Even in a committee that few knew about, I still went about trying to hide my own presence. Such was my character.

Everybody, this is Ninja Hikigaya. Well, rather than talk about hiding my presence, it would be more correct to say that I have zero interest in it. Hachiman knows this. The super peaceful loner gets along very well with everyone. (Because there’s only myself to get along with).

However, even if I were to erase any hints of me ever existing, someone would still notice me. That person was Hiratsuka-sensei, who had just left the staff room and was now walking my way. Noticing me, she raised her hand slightly, to which I nodded in reply.

We walked towards each other, and when we were at a distance where we both could hear each other clearly, Hiratsuka started to speak.

“Hikigaya, is there a meeting today?”

“Ah, yes.”

I replied to her as I took a slight glance at the conference room. Hiratsuka paused a little before continuing.

“…Sorry, there’s something I need to do today so I can’t be there.”

“I see.”

If that’s the case, then we would lack yet another person who could control the crowd… The unpleasant feeling from before began to grow. My Hachiman radar was already at 3 bars. Come to think of it, the expression 3 bars was rarely used nowadays. Recently, all the smartphones have 5 bars of reception or so. However, the reception indicator did not really reflect the actual reception it was getting. What’s going on…?

“At about this time, the second-years need to continue on with their activities right? I have a lot of work to do as well. I have to attend to matters regarding the school excursion as well. Then, there’s yet another important event waiting for me…… Seriously, why is all the work coming for me...?”

Hiratsuka sighed tiredly. Ah, is this a sign of what’s coming next? That she is going to spout something about the lines of “I am still young, hence all the work…”

However, I won’t let you say that. Each time I hear something like that from her, there would be this inevitable sense of pity that I felt for her. Incidentally, I should also mention that I would also find her quite cute whenever I see her rejoicing over being able to say trivial stuff like that, hence there was a definite need to prevent her from saying that.

I decided then, that I should speak first to gain the upper hand.

“Well, sensei, don’t overwork yourself…”

I mean, she is already getting old. Well, those words I kept to myself. I didn’t want to get bashed by her.

She didn’t hear the sarcasm in my words, but rather, treated it as some form of concern from me.

“My my, it’s rare that you would say such admirable words. I will keep them in mind.”

Then, she smiled at me. …Well, I guess she too knew that she was overworked. Besides, it’s not like I wasn’t really concerned about her health, so there wasn’t any need for me to correct her. However, facing her smile directly was rather difficult. I averted my eyes and what entered my view next was the sight of the conference room’s door.

“…Now then, I should get a move on.”

“Okay, take care then.”

Those words were strangely embarrassing to my ears. But we soon started moving.

As we passed each other, Hiratsuka-sensei patted my shoulder lightly.

“Don’t force yourself too much either.”

I didn’t understand the intention behind those words, and so I turned my head. However, all I saw was Hiratsuka sensei walking further away from me at a steady pace. As though she knew that I was watching her, she raised her hand once more, and waved.

…Ah, don’t get too worried over me. You are getting old, after all.

X X X

The noise in the conference room was louder than usual. Hiratsuka-sensei being absent during the meeting probably had a huge influence to this. Though that may be so, no one at the executive committee was talking. It was only the helpers that were chatting away.

If this was the scene before the meeting actually commences, then there was nothing strange about it. A few casually chatting here and there after meeting each other was also normal. However, the regrettable thing about this is that the meeting had already commenced.

It was as though this meeting was not taking place at all. Of course, as a meeting between high-school students, no matter how unmotivated they were, the bare minimum that they could do was to at least stay at the meeting place. However, those waves of soft gossip could not be avoided.

In the midst of it all were Haruka and Yukko. Both of them were totally like minor characters. I couldn’t even tell one from the other. Furthermore, there was a crowd of people surrounding them, which made them appear even more insignificant than ever. They really do have that ‘minor-character’ feel to them.

In sharp contrast to the executive committee sitting in a コ-shaped pattern, the helpers were clumped together into a tightknit group. The two groups looked like two different clans facing off against each other.

“Hmm… Will each class please report your current progress…”

In the midst of the noise, Sagami had started talking.

However, there was no response from anyone.

“…First, let’s hear about the situation regarding the craftwork. How’s the entrance progressing?”

Meguri-senpai who couldn’t bear to watch the scene any longer, interjected with her own question.

Well, if the other party had any motivation at all, it didn’t matter how the question was asked. People who were motivated would complete the task properly. However, in this sort of extreme situation, if someone didn’t get straight to the point in their question, if no specific party was targeted by the question, there would be no answer.

Although Meguri-senpai directed the question to the crowd of helpers at large, the one who stood up was Yuigahama.

“Ah, yes. The shape of the entrance is more or less there. Then, what follows would be the paint and decorations… Something like that.”

“I see. Thank you very much.”

Meguri-senpai replied with a huge smile, but the expression on her face was a little grim. This was to be expected of course. Craftwork related labor were mostly delegated to the helpers and the person in charge of it all had already been designated. It should’ve been that person who answered.

However, by not answering, it was as though they were trying to get the executive committee to lend a hand. It’s not like I don’t understand how they feel. After all, the work was thrown to them in the midst of the preparations for the sports festival.

Could it be said that we were entering a negative spiral? Right now, not only was there no motivation, but the sense of responsibility was beginning to fade away as well.

The atmosphere right now had the hint of “Just give me whatever that you don’t want to do yourself.”

Amongst the helpers, I am pretty sure that there were people who were thinking, “I was forced to do it,” “I will do it for your sake.”

Anyhow, the position that they had adopted now was one whereby we were the ones begging them for help. It has reached a state where they were trying to make us feel that they were taking out a little of their precious time from their club activities to help us.

It was obvious which side had the advantage. If there was some sort of tangible award, maybe the mood might change a little. However, we were unable to make such promises. Was this the fate of all sports related clubs in this school? They were always asked to help out year after year for this event.

Since there were no rewards to speak of, raising their motivations was naturally difficult.

Though my skin could feel the stiffness in the air, the meeting must continue on.

“Next, we have the special program… How are the preparations coming along?”

As she ended her question, she looked in Yukinoshita’s direction. This portion was probably all done by the executive committee. Even so however, due to the continuous addition of various task, it was quite a feat to get everything done nicely.

“We have more or less decided on the boys’ special program. Also, regarding the captain for the Boutaoshi, the red team has already decided on a candidate. From here on, please link up with Hayama-kun for further confirmations.”

Yukinoshita replied to her fluidly. Well, Boutaoshi didn’t really require much preparations. The rules were simple as well. You just have to decide the captain for the team and that’s about it.

The next problem would be the Chibasen.

“Hmm, regarding the girls’ program…”

As Yukinoshita was speaking, a sudden loud noise rang out from amidst the crowd. Glancing towards the source of the disturbance, I could see a few girls whispering to each other, their faces nearly pressing against one another. Then, one of them lightly raised her hand.

After making sure that she was indeed raising her hand, Yukinoshita nodded her head slightly.

“Is anything the matter? Please speak.”

Upon taking a closer look, I notice that the girl who had just been urged to speak was Haruka.

“That… activity called Chibasen? It’s a little….”

Haruka didn’t look at Yukinoshita as she spoke, but was instead watching her friends’ reactions as she dished out her words bit by bit. It seemed like this was an answer that she had come up with after discussing it with her friends. We waited patiently for her to continue.

Suddenly, Yuigahama who was sitting beside them sighed. What a coincidence! I was feeling exactly the same way as well. The way she spoke made it clear that she was going to reject the idea no matter what.

The reason for those vague words was because she had trouble putting it into actual words. That is actually quite a bad trait. I know that because most people who converse with me all have this same problem as well. Ah, being an esper is really quite bad. Maybe she was forced by her father to become a nude model [3]?

[3: Refers to 1977 manga, Esper Mami. MC earns money by being a nude model.]

I wondered what she would say next. Although she could more or less guess the contents, Yukinoshita pressed her to continue.

“It’s… a little.”

Her normally sharp glare, combined with her cold voice froze the very air about her. Haruka who was under her intense stare was scared motionless. Though she seemed to have cowered under those eyes, she still continued to speak haltingly, probably because of the perceived support from her group of friends.

“That, Chibasen. Isn’t that, like, a little dangerous… You see, the festival is coming soon. Then, with the addition of the club activities, the chances of getting injured is quite high, so I don’t really want to do it…”

Having said this much, Haruka stopped talking and gulped.

The ensuing silence that followed made it seemed as though we were waiting for someone. In that momentary silence, we hesitated to say anything. What was surprising however, was the fact that Sagami was the first to respond. She pushed aside her chair and stood up.

“W…- why are you saying this now…!”

Her mouth opened and closed, and at last, no sound came out of it at all. Then, she looked at Haruka and Yukko, her shoulders shaking slightly.

“We have been having that thought since some time back…”

“…We do have club activities after all.”

Haruka and Yukko both looked away. Well, they did have a legitimate reason. During the temporary truce that they did have with Sagami, they had already gotten her to agree that club activities would be prioritized. They had also expressed that they will do their best to aid us. Furthermore, using that as an excuse, they had managed to get Sagami as well as us to be more understanding of them. Which is to say, they had gotten approval for their actions in a very legitimate fashion. It should’ve been during back then, that we should have struck back and rebutted them. After being lenient on them once, they were now taking things for granted and trying to push it.

Right now should be the time to strongly rebuke them. That country that claims itself as the world’s police has always been saying that we mustn’t submit to terrorism. Well, there is nothing inherently wrong with that. We shouldn’t be using wayward methods to try and force the other party to submit to our own selfish aims, after all.

I snuck a glance in Meguri-senpai’s direction, trying to see what would be the executive committee’s response. Noticing my glance, she smiled and nodded at me. Then, she looked at Sagami.

It seems like she would be leaving it in Sagami’s hands.

Sagami was currently biting her lips.

“But, this has been decided already…”

Finally, Sagami, refusing to give in to them, uttered those words. However, her voice grew softer and softer with each word. Both Haruka and Yukko glanced at her before returning their gaze to the surroundings.

After exchanging a look with one another, both looked at Sagami once more.

“It’s true that it has been decided already. But, if the idea is wrong in the first place, I think that we should correct it now.”

“Indeed, after giving it some careful thought, I think this should be the way.”

Both their sentences sounded as though they had prepared it beforehand. No, I bet that they had indeed thought of this to say beforehand.

It was precisely because of that that the seating arrangement was in such a manner. It was only natural to try and gather those who had similar opinions, and have them seat close to you. In the face of pressure, using numbers to quell your opponents was the simplest method.

Before the meeting had even begun, or perhaps during the meeting, one just needed to complain and voice out what they found unsatisfactory. Doing so, it will gradually cause the others to feel the same way as well. This much, was natural.

Be it Sagami or the executive committee in general, everyone should be somewhat unhappy with us. People were bound to be unhappy at the notion of being “used.”

The destructive power of badmouthing others was multiplicative. Just like how those games get exponentially harder. You could probably say that it has a synergistic effect. Even if each person’s unhappiness was small, their combined unhappiness was not something that should be underestimated. Unknowingly, those people will begin to succumb to the illusion that they are somehow revolutionaries or righteous crusaders that will right the wrongs of others.

When you know that someone has a similar ideology to yours, you would be able to justify your thinking, even if they might be wrong to begin with. If everyone’s thinking was the same, everyone will just blindly assume that their own thinking was right.

It was happening right now, at this very instant.

Because people were using their previous remarks as an excuse to reject our proposals as well as to seek the help of everyone, those who were currently unhappy would surely be itching to say something now as well. Using those remarks to demonstrate the fact that there were also others who felt unhappy, and to let all of these unhappy people stand by their side.

In order to prevent this from happening, the executive committee must demonstrate their strong leadership abilities, and shoot down Haruka and Yukko’s opinions completely. Just like in the world of wild beasts, one must show the other side who is the stronger party.

If it was Yukinoshita, this was probably what she would do. No matter how much she would’ve had to twist her words, she would definitely snipe them down, right here and now. If it was Yuigahama, she would smile and gloss the whole thing over, and in between words like, “Ah,” and “I kind of think that…” would search for openings to initiate a negotiation. Whichever route one decided to take, both were equally valid to deal with the current situation.

However, before we could act, Sagami had already started speaking.

“Right now, even if you were to say something like that…”

Sagami mumbled weakly on. Her face didn’t look too good, probably out of unease. Swaying to and fro, as though she could fall at any moment, she sat down once more. Just like that, the stage is now set.

Watching how Sagami, the head of the executive committee, caved to the pressure, the complaints and grumbles spread out throughout the entire room like ripples on a water surface.

“Chibasen is dangerous.”

Someone said that very softly. I didn’t know who, but it was someone else other than Haruka and Yukko. Then, other people chimed in on the matter as well.

“It’s too close to the meet…”

“There’s no time to prepare the costumes as well.”

“If we get hurt, who’s taking responsibility?”

The voices came from all directions. This was like lighting a fire in the wild. After the initial small ember, it was soon going to turn into a roaring inferno. Anyone could open their mouth at will or just follow up on what others have already said. The current situation was well beyond salvation.

In the meeting room that was currently overwhelmed with complaints and questions, the sound of clapping hands rang out.

“Silence! Attention!”

It seemed that the person who had clapped, was Meguri-senpai. She was now standing up.

“We are very clear on the doubts that everyone has. We will think of the solutions.”

With her announcement, the room suddenly grew quiet.

As expected of someone who has been accustomed to such scenes! Her response to the situation was lightning-quick, and she defused the scene in an instant. Well, it’s as they say, prevention is better than cure.

If it was possible, stopping them at an earlier stage would’ve been more desirable. Meguri-senpai had probably wanted to test Sagami, hence the reason for her silence just now. Wait, that means we two were of the same mind…… There isn’t a reason for me to complain about her interjecting only now then…

Meguri-senpai continued on, so as to stop any possible complaints, “Anyway, please continue on with your other works.”

However, the people present were now looking at each other, whispering here and there. It seemed like they still wanted to continue discussing the previous topic. Once again, I tossed Meguri-senpai a look of suspicion.

Although it was obvious that Haruka and Yukko were just trying to be clever just now, I couldn’t assert that their worries were unfounded. It was indeed the executive committee’s job to oversee safety related matters. Especially since the big meet was drawing near, everyone’s concerns over safety could be understood.

However, if that’s the case, then we wouldn’t even be able to hold a normal sports meet…

You will bump into things when you walk and you will trip when you run. No matter what we do, there’s the possibility that we could get hurt. As long as continue living, we would continue to get hurt.

Though that may be so, it would be pointless to talk about this sort of principle or idealism. Right now, if we couldn’t say something to assuage their fears, we would probably never hear the end of this matter.

The people present were now all looking at us. Their gazes were a mixture of dissatisfaction, scorn, and contempt. Although we said that we would think about it, seeing as we have yet to give them a clear answer on how we were going to resolve it, they probably saw us as useless. To always be harping on trivial details, yet never able to give solutions to important problems, we must really appear to be some sort of useless superior lacking any leadership capabilities.

However, underestimating us would be a really bad thing for them. When faced with this sort of provocative attitude, there was someone amongst us who detested losing, who always took things quite seriously. Furthermore, she was also very talented.

Yukinoshita had always been quietly folding her arms up till now. However, she had now unfolded her arms, and had raised her hand.

“Yukinoshita-san, please.”

Meguri-senpai called out Yukinoshita’s name, to which she silently pushed her chair away and stood up quietly. Then, she walked to the front of the whiteboard and took a marker.

“With regards to the current situation, there are several effective measures.”

All eyes were focused on her now, waiting to see what she would write. As she bore the brunt of their gaze, she continued writing, the marker swishing across the whiteboard.

“First of all, it would be most important to have some people be the first-aiders. Then, they should cooperate with the local fire-fighters. They should ensure that the game rules are adhered to stringently, and dispense punishment to anyone who violates them. Of course, this would mean that additional manpower would be required…”

As she recited her proposal, she continued writing on the board. Everyone had their mouths agape. Probably because she looked so unconcerned over what just happened.

Then, after she had written quite a fair bit, she turned again quickly to face us.

“We will establish who shall be the first-aiders by discussing it with the gym teacher. As for the matter with the fire-fighters, should we leave it to the school to formerly write a proposal to them?”

Meguri-senpai looked at Yukinoshita and nodded her head. Having her idea accepted so quickly, Yukinoshita swiftly continued on, not letting anyone interrupt her.

“As for the rules, we need it to be written clearly and let the rules be distributed before the actual event. Then, we will enlist the teachers’ help and supervision. This should be sufficient to prevent any sort of dangerous plays that students may do, I think…”

Explaining things step by step was definitely Yukinoshita’s style. The people present were also scrutinizing each and every thing she had written. Taking a look around, there was no one who seemed to be whispering to each other anymore.

“What about it?”

“Ah, if it’s like this…”

“However…”

“Hmm.”

“But…”

Rather than say it was an exchange of opinions, it would be more prudent to say that they were trying to get confirmation of the current situation. Everyone was reading the mood, and in turn, responding to it. As they continued conversing using such highly-contextual words, their attention eventually fell back onto Haruka and Yukko, who had first opposed the idea.

Then, the two of them looked at each other, and this time, Yukko timidly raised her line.

“However, this doesn’t absolutely guarantee…”

She seemed to be afraid of Yukinoshita, her eyes looking about Yukinoshita’s feet, only occasionally looking at Yukinoshita directly.

Despite locking eyes with her, Yukinoshita did not shy away, but merely continued staring at Yukko with that cold, clear gaze. Then, Yukko’s voice gradually vanished. However, this should not be assumed to mean that she had retracted her statement. Right now, she was just quietly whimpering.

As if such a matter could simply be resolved with logic alone. Even if you disentangle a rope, as long as a kink remains, then it would just entangle once more.

The silence continued on for quite a while. Actually, it wasn’t that long, but the tension in the air made it appear so. Haruka didn’t really take a look at the time, but she nevertheless slowly said, “It’s about time.”

Hearing that, everyone began looking at their watches as well.

“Ah, anyway, since we now have a plan, then, let’s……”

Yuigahama tugged lightly at Yukinoshita’s sleeves.

“…Indeed. We will do a bit more thinking to see if we can’t increase the safety a little more.”

“Let’s dismiss then. Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Those who still have unfinished work, please stay behind.”

Meguri-senpai took over from Yukinoshita and made her parting remarks. Thanks to this pleasant voice, the tension in the air disappeared in an instant and the mood returned to normal. Those who still had work to do exuded an aura of laziness. Both Haruka and Yukko quickly vanished. A few more followed behind them. Since there was now the golden pass of “For the sake of not interfering in our club activities,” we couldn’t hold it against them.

The remaining people watched them leave. The executive committee members sighed.

However, it was definitely not a sigh of relief. Rather, it was a sigh of resignation.

The problem was deeper than I could’ve imagined.

During the meeting, after work had ended for people due to time constraints, we still have not solved a single issue. In the end, the executive committee was also in a state where we were going to have to work extra hard. With the amount of time left, and the lack of manpower as well as the addition of this new safety issue, I felt that we would never be able to catch up.

Since the number of people had been reduced, we could feel the autumn’s cool breeze blowing in from the open windows. If the wind can easily pass through the area, does that mean that there were few people in the area? That was what I contemplated as I surveyed my pathetic working environment.

Chapter 2

[Quietly, Kawasaki makes an inquiry]

We continued making the entrance and the notice board as well as collecting flag poles, ropes, and other various materials. After that was done, we ticked it off our to-do list. Although the jobs were rather plain, it was still a relief to see our work eventually coming to an end. Especially since we had landed ourselves in this current state.

The real problem was when we were faced with a job where we couldn’t see its end.

A handwritten task, “Chibasen safety management,” was written at the end of the to-do list. Seeing those words, I frowned. It wasn’t only me, but just about everyone in the meeting room had the same reaction as well.

“What, should we do about that…?”

Meguri-senpai groaned as she asked her question. Yuigahama, who had been crossing her arms and tilting her head this whole time seemed to be thinking of the same thing as well. Then, she gave up thinking and sighed.

“But, I feel that what Yukinon said is already quite sufficient. There’s nothing more to add…”

“I agree. To be honest, I think we would have to cancel it if we can’t get them to understand.”

I voiced my agreement with Yuigahama. Yukinoshita was probably the only one who could come up with such a logical proposal in such a short amount of time. It was indeed admirable. However, if such a proposal could not obtain the other’s approval, then it was no longer a problem of right and wrong.

This whole problem started as a result of emotions that have gone awry as a result of the animosity towards the executive committee as well as Sagami.

Putting it this way made the problem appear childish, but that was just human nature at work. People’s emotions are hard to control. There would be times where an act of impulse could lead to a disaster. If curiosity killed the cat, then emotions would be the thing that kills humans.

Suddenly, Sagami stopped what she was doing and said in a low voice.

“Maybe it’s better for me to quit…”

It was kind of unexpected to hear that coming from her. Compared to the Sagami of the past, her tone now sounded more sincere. That was probably because she wasn’t talking to anyone in particular, but just her mulling over the matter. There was no intention of acknowledging herself in those words.

No one replied after she expressed her doubt.

In the silent meeting room, the sound of Yuigahama’s arms rubbing on her clothes as she folded her arms could be heard.

“…Probably. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

In the past, Yukinoshita had said something similar before as well.

However, this time there was none of that testy nuance in it. Yuigahama’s gentle voice made one feel as though she was worried for Sagami. Sagami seemed to have felt so as well, and she had a resigned look as she smiled bitterly. It would appear that she had felt her own helplessness in this entire affair.

“That’s true…”

“Although you failed this time, it doesn’t mean there won’t be a next time. Maybe, they will understand someday…”

“I see…”

Hearing Yuigahama’s words, Sagami nodded her head powerlessly. However, she probably didn’t believe her unconvincing argument.

Sagami had already given up. Be it as the chairman or trying to get Yukko and Haruka to understand her, she had given up on both.

If even she thought that way, then there’s no helping it.

In the first place, Sagami didn’t have it in her to stand above others anyway. This much was made clear to me after the Cultural Festival.

This time, the request we had received was to make the Sports Festival a success, as well as to let Sagami think of a way to restore the mood in class 2-F.

If Sagami was upset in any way, she would probably take a short break to calm herself. Of course, after a certain amount of time has passed she would probably continue badmouthing others in an attempt to justify her actions in the past. In fact, if we were to consider Sagami’s character, that would probably be what she would do.

Even so, we should still be able to keep Sagami from running her mouth for the time being.

When we receive Sagami’s resignation, we would go into full overdrive to try and salvage the Sports Festival, and attempt to fulfill the request.

This wasn’t the best way, but it was at least reasonable.

In fact, for the whole affair to have fallen into this state, that was probably the limit as to what we can do.

As I was thinking, I suddenly heard the sound of a chair being pushed. Looking at the source, I could see Yukinoshita readjusting her chair’s position. Up till just now, she had been folding her arms and her eyes were closed. Right now however, she had straightened her body, and was looking directly at Sagami.

“…But, are you sure that will be better?”

“…Eh?”

Sagami raised her head with bewilderment written all over her. She seemed unable to comprehend the meaning behind those words. However, Yukinoshita didn’t seem to care for that as she continued on.

“There may not be a ‘next time’ or a ‘someday.’”

Yukinoshita’s words were very cold and as sharp as a thorn, but her voice was gentle. It was because of this, that Sagami could do nothing but keep quiet.

“…”

If she had said something provocative, maybe she might’ve gotten a fierce rebuttal in return.

However, there was nothing one could do when one received warmth during the times they are hurt or suffering. That was because one’s suffering had already been witnessed by others. Because such an action from the rest had already proven just how pathetic one’s own existence was. Likewise, it was because she had already noticed that she was someone that was only saved by the gentleness of others. Someone who couldn’t do anything.

Rather than shoulder everything yourselves, it would probably be easier if one just pushed the responsibilities onto others who could not understand the situation.

Sagami bit her lips. The fact that she was unable to formerly say that she wanted to resign at this stage was an indication that she is still not yet mature enough. However, at the same time she didn’t say she wanted to continue on either, which showed that she had a clear grasp on the current situation.

To be honest, having it come to this stage of whether or not Sagami remained as the chairman was of no real issue. It would just mean one less manual laborer. This was now a complicated problem that needed way more than just leadership abilities to resolve. To say it even more plainly, it meant that Sagami wasn’t needed anyway, chairman or not.

However, this also did not mean that everything will go on smoothly if Sagami quits. It was way too late for that.

Even if Sagami was to resign now, the problem would not be resolved.

Maybe the other party might be in a better mood if that were to happen. If the other party’s wish were much simpler, like merely unhappiness towards Sagami, this problem could be easily dealt with.

However, they had some strange request complicating the matter even further.

Safety management and club activities.

Though we could try and tell them, “Why talk about this only now?” they would use their hate against us, and construct some sort of weird emotional argument.

Arguments based on emotions had no real merit. Just like this time, they had constructed some kind of weird argument after deciding that they didn’t like Sagami or us.

Well, it’s true that we can easily overturn their arguments. However, if we didn’t resolve the knots in their hearts, they will definitely not listen to it.

Furthermore, since they had armed themselves with emotional arguments, the end result can only be that everyone would be unable to come to an amicable resolution. What would happen, would be that it becomes an endless mudslinging war.

“I…”

Sagami lowered her head and tried her best to say something. However, after saying just that one word, she didn’t continue on further. Everyone was silent, waiting for her to continue. Yukinoshita had closed her eyes, quietly listening to Sagami. Yuigahama looked earnestly at Sagami. Meanwhile, I was petting my head, thinking of stupid things like, “Ah, my nails are getting long.” as I waited for her.

There was only one person who did something unexpected.

Meguri-senpai coughed, seemingly on purpose, and slowly began to speak.

“I think, that Sagami-san has done a decent job.”

Sagami raised her head in surprise.

“Eh?”

Both Yukinoshita and Yuigahama had a similar reaction to Meguri-senpai’s words. This reaction was too honest, but it couldn’t be helped. After all, when one observes what Sagami has done up until today, it would be impossible to arrive at the conclusion that Sagami had done a decent job.

Meguri-senpai, noting the two’s honest reaction, looked somewhat flustered as she waved her hand slightly and continued on.

“Ah, um, that… y… you see, although the way she handled things weren’t that great…. But even if it was me, I might not have been able to handle it well too. That’s why, I know, that you’ve worked hard.”

It was a little unexpected, but it wasn’t entirely unbelievable either. Indeed, Meguri-senpai’s practical experience in such matters were at best above average, and her leadership capabilities didn’t seem that high either.

Senpai herself seemed to have noticed these points as well, and she looked away. She rubbed her cheeks, forming a difficult expression.

“No… There are a lot of others before me who were extremely good. Like, for example, Haruno-senpai.”

Hearing that name, Yukinoshita narrowed her eyes. Indeed, Yukinoshita Haruno was someone who differed from the norm. Her ability at handling situations were naturally top notch. However, it was her ability to see through one’s intentions and manipulate others that was really scary. She sat right at the top of the list of people who one could only hope to become.

“People often call me an airhead as well. It probably is true though… Ahaha, if I didn’t have the other student council members’ help, I might not have made it through the years.”

When she was done talking, the student council members had tears in their eyes. There were some who seemed so moved that they were even saying things like, “Hey, hey.” Just how much do you people adore her?

However, it could be seen from their reactions that Meguri-senpai did have a little charm to her. In contrast, Sagami had no charm at all. Well, let’s just leave this topic for now.

“That’s why I was saying, I think that Sagami has done a decent job. Since you’ve already worked so hard up till now, why not continue on?”

Meguri-senpai appeared somewhat shy, and she smiled bashfully. Her actions right now, along with her cute personality and the way she got along well with everyone was extremely charming indeed.

Although it was clear that no one was interested in having Sagami stay on the committee, Meguri-senpai had given Sagami an honest review of her change. That’s why, she had decided to let Sagami continue on with this festival. Hence, it was why she could obtain the adoration of all the student council members, the reason why up until now, she was still the student council president.

Sagami’s face twisted strangely. It was probably because this was the first time anyone had ever told her something like that since the cultural and sports festival. As a last measure, Meguri-senpai added in one more question, “How about it?” Sagami nodded her head.

Yuigahama and the rest of the student council sighed slightly when they saw this. Although Yukinoshita did not break into a smile, her expression slackened somewhat as well.

However, I didn’t think that this was something worth celebrating.

Because of her choice, Sagami was probably going to be forced into more difficult situations from now onwards. She was probably going to remember how one cannot hope to complete a task without getting hurt.

Kindness is a poison. At the same time she was being healed, it would also land her in a very difficult position. In order to prevent yourself from getting hurt any further, escaping is the correct option. Now, with her decision, it was going to mean that she would bear the full brunt of any repercussions. Even if this time the festival could progress along smoothly, the hate of old would not disappear.

We already knew this. Exchanging blows would not result in friendship. Even if one could mask the malice through good-will, the malice would not disappear. At the most unexpected moments, that pretense would be peeled off, and the underlying malice and hate would be revealed once more.

That’s why, there wasn’t much point in Sagami’s determination anymore.

However, if one knew about this, but was still willing to stand at the front, then there is meaning to that.

To revolt against ignorance, to rebel against the masses.

I will not reject those who had decided to go the way of the loner. Hence, I will not reject this scene before me, a scene fabricated by kindness, a scene that was somewhat annoying as well.

“Then, what should we do next?”

Hence, I decided to keep my judgements to myself, and continued to push the topic along.

In the first place, I didn’t have the right to prevent her from making her decision. I didn’t have the job of advising her anyway. Sagami would probably not seek my opinion either. Sagami has made up her mind to continue being the chairman. Then, what follows would be how we were going to follow through with our plans from before and come up with a concrete and tangible proposal.

Following my question, Yukinoshita swiftly replied.

“Since we can’t get this side to give up, we can only get the other side to yield.”

This girl is sure as smooth as ever… This was a plan that respected Sagami’s solution. Since we had now decided to duke it out with the others, with no signs of each other letting up, there was no other choice but to crush the other side.

I agreed with her.

“But…”

Yukinoshita words caused Sagami to frown. However, just like just now, she didn’t press on. It was Meguri-senpai who continued.

“How do we get the others to submit?”

This was a problem. Both Yukinoshita and I did not have a concrete plan on how we could achieve that. After a brief silence as we thought about it, Yuigahama raised her hand timidly. Meguri-senpai nodded her hand, urging her to speak.

“A… a way to p-persuade them?”

Yuigahama didn’t seem very confident as she said that. Well, persuasion is quite a basic idea. However, it wasn’t a very good idea to just try and persuade them in this current situation.

“It’s because we had talked so much to persuade them that we ended up in this situation…”

Since the very beginning, we had always been trying to use words to persuade the rest. From the establishment of the shift cycles, to editing said shifts to please them. Yet, it was still at this pathetic state with all the compromises we made. Meguri-senpai, who had witnessed all these first hand as well, agreed with me, and nodded her head strongly.

“Yes. At the very least, they still have motivation. If we ended up saying too much it would be trouble if they end up losing interest.”

In hearing Meguri-senpai’s explanation, Yuigahama seemed convinced. She then, with a frown, crossed her arms once more. However, I didn’t quite understand.

What caught my notice was the word, motivation. Just how did she arrive at the conclusion that everyone was still motivated?

I didn’t intend to lend Sagami a hand, nor did I consider supporting Haruka and Yukko. Because both sides were wrong. There was a need to correct the both of them.

“…We should just get all the current helpers to quit. Then, we go around recruiting new ones.”

I had said that half-jokingly. In other words, it was half-serious as well.

The relationships between the parties involved had already soured, so it didn’t matter what we did now. Since our side didn’t plan on quitting, we should make the other side quit then. This was extremely simple logic. Rather than create a breeding ground for future problems, why not just start again from scratch?

“…Hm. I don’t think we have that sort of time.”

A great many wrinkles had now appeared on Meguri-senpai’s forehead. In particular, a「川」like shape had formed in between her brow. Looking at the calendar, though it might appear that we still had some time left, the fact that we didn’t work on weekends meant that we actually didn’t have the sufficient time to start from scratch.

I too, knew that this train of thought wouldn’t work out. However, looking at the current situation and the people that we have, I don’t think we would make it either.

Suddenly, Yukinoshita spoke.

“…There is a need to get new people. Though I might say that, I don’t think it’ll be feasible to get everyone to quit. There’s no real meaning if we get them to stay till the very end and being just supports.”

“That is to say, it would be better to get these new people to join us, am I right?”

Hearing this, Yukinoshita nodded her head. She placed her hand beneath her chin and began concluding her thoughts.

“Yes. We need to think about how we can possibly bring us back up to speed, given that the current people have just been slowing us down with all their excuses and procrastination.”

That is to say, even if we had new manpower, the problem of what we could use the current helpers for still remains.

After hearing all our thoughts, Yuigahama raised a finger.

“No matter what, it seems that we have to think of a way to cooperate with them.”

“But, I think that they won’t continue helping us…”

Sagami replied, an apologetic look on her face.

“That is because they understand that our greatest weakness is our lack of manpower.”

Yukinoshita sighed all of a sudden and placed her finger gently against her temple.

Weakness, huh?

It was indeed so. Since there was no way we could change the personnel now, we had to have their cooperation. If they didn’t aid us, there was no way in which we could get things done.

In other words, the success of the Sports Festival depended on them, and precisely because of that, they were able to become stronger.

It was because they knew that we wouldn’t be able to get it done without their help, hence they could threaten us that it didn’t matter to them one bit, even if they didn’t do anything. Needless to say, it wasn’t just one or two of them who thought that way. Those two had gathered people who shared similar thoughts as them, and caused everyone to feel this way.

If one relied on numbers, to exert their dominance over all others, then that said person is my enemy.

If we didn’t yield to their demands, they would not help us. That was just how haughty they were right now.

Just why were they like that though? I had used my spare time to help out as well. What right do they have to say whatever they want, and do whatever they want? Are you looking down on us? Don’t you dare look down on middle-management!

I hated it when the truth fails to get reciprocated, and when proper reasoning failed to get through. I hate myself too for trying to find a reason so that I could better understand their actions.

If the other side was not going to listen to reason, then we didn’t have to use reason as our basis for persuasion. If brute force could work, then there would be no need for reasoning.

They had taken the Sports Festival hostage, and through their actions they told us that if we did not listen to them, then they wouldn’t continue to assist us in preparations for the Sports Festival. Even though this was not something they had premeditated or wanted to do in the first place, it would appear that this has indeed become their intention.

If that’s the case, then there’s only one solution.

“Let’s use the same tactic as them…”

“What do you mean?”

Yuigahama tilted her head slightly and looked at me.

“The crux of the matter is that they are fighting with us over leadership. The other side wants to sabotage us via a strike to achieve that aim. They want to take the Sports Festival opening works as a hostage.”

“…Potage?”

Why is she repeating that word over and over again? Her face appeared to be deep in concentration as if she was thinking of something. She didn’t seem to understand what I just said at all… This has nothing to do with corn or potato or even Saudade [4] for that matter. Although their readings are similar, they have completely different meanings.

[4: In Japanese, it’s サウダージ (Sa-U-Dā-Ji), which is similar to sabotage (サボタージュ) and potage (ポタージュ)]

As Yuigahama looked while completely frozen in thought, Yukinoshita’s eyebrows were knitted together, and she looked at me coldly. What? You want me to get straight to the point?

“So. In other words, what is it that you plan to do?”

Hearing her question, a phrase suddenly appeared in my mind and so I said it.

“Mutual assured destruction.”

Just by hearing this phrase alone, Yukinoshita should more or less be able to guess what I was getting at. She stared at me, her eyes opened wide and took a long sigh.

“What a surprise… To think that you would be able to come out with such an idea. Should I call it a fair and square underhanded measure, or you being downright malicious…?”

“Are you complimenting me?”

I couldn’t help but ask her that. Hearing my question, Yukinoshita looked shocked and blinked several times.

“Ara, couldn’t you tell?”

“No, I can’t…”

Hearing my reply, Yukinoshita’s face changed, and she now looked extremely happy.

“Probably not. It’s not a praise.”

Indeed. Come to think of it, she has never been fond of complimenting others. Habits are such a scary thing. However, skills such as openly praising others but actually speaking ill of them was something that took time to master. She could’ve used that time on other things… I didn’t say all this out loud, merely cursing at her in my heart. Then Yukinoshita laughed, a laugh so soft that one could’ve missed it if they weren’t paying attention.

“But, it’s not exactly a bad idea.”

Yukinoshita smiled a smile that exuded a victorious aura from it. Indeed, going on the attack was more Yukinoshita’s style than going on the defensive.

“If we are going to do that, then there are some preparations we have to make…”

After mumbling a few words to herself, she placed her hand to her mouth, looking deep in concentration. She was that close to grinning just now, but as it is now, this girl looks truly scary…

It was scary enough when she was looked so happy trying to think up a strategy. It was even scarier when she could completely figure out what I want to do just from those three words. The truth is, the others still didn’t seem to have completely understood at all, and appeared at a loss towards our interaction.

“Hikigaya-kun, could you explain your idea?”

Hearing Meguri-senpai’s question, I looked at her.

“We need to take their sports festival hostage as well.”

“Huh?”

Sagami looked at me with a mix of both contempt and surprise. This girl is really pissing me off… Her manner of speech that is, her manner of speech.

However, now was not the time for me to act like some elementary school kid. I couldn’t just secretly tell my plan to Meguri-senpai and tell Sagami, “Not gonna tell ya～” because if I did that, she would be furious, but that would also really hurt her… If you don’t want me to hear you guys, then don’t keep mumbling amongst yourselves on purpose in front of me. Man, the things that elementary school kids do are totally savage.

I was no longer an elementary school student. Now, I was an outstanding high-school student. Hence, like a high-school student, I continued my explanations in an impudent, roundabout manner. To be honest, I didn’t feel like explaining it to Sagami in a straight-forward manner.

“To take away from them, and destroy the Sports Festival that they hope and wish for. If they are fine with that, then they can go ahead and do whatever they want.”

However, was it too roundabout? My explanation didn’t seem to reach anyone at all. Not only Sagami, but Meguri-senpai also appeared stunned. Incidentally, Yuigahama also appeared to be stunned as well.

Meguri-senpai and Sagami looked at each other, as though asking if the other had understood what I was talking about.

Meguri-senpai looked somewhat troubled, and Sagami had her pride preventing her from asking me again.

At this time, there was only one person who they could rely on.

“S-so, what do you mean?”

Yuigahama tugged at my clothes. Ah, don’t look so shy when you tug lightly at my clothes… I will be greatly troubled. Hence, I shook my body light, and managed to shake off her hand and continued to explain.

“If those guys secretly request to have Sagami removed, we will request them to be removed as well. If we are going to let numbers decide the victor, we just need to prepare a larger battleground.”

If they are going to try to exert their absolute dominance, we are going to do the same too. If they want to achieve victory via superior numbers, we will do the same as well.

A more direct way to put it would be.

“An eye for an eye. It’s that simple.”

With this final line that I added, Yuigahama clapped her hands in understanding.

“I… I see… I understand! It’s like…”

Because the last two words of hers were slipping off her tongue, her voice gradually faded off as she was unable to continue her sentence.

Well, words are not able to convey it as well as actions could. I exchanged a few words with Yukinoshita, who seemed to have completed her thought processes, and confirmed our next move.

After a quick confirmation on what we were going to do, I explained the plans to the rest on what will be executed, as well as countermeasures. Although there wasn’t a need for some grand concerted effort by us, there was still the need to make some small preparations.

After I concluded my explanation, Meguri-senpai sighed and then stared at me.

“…Ah, what?”

Having her stare at me like that, I couldn’t help but ask. Meguri-senpai shook her head slowly.

“It’s nothing really… Hikigaya-kun, you really are the worst.”

Then, a mischievous smile formed on her lips.

X X X

As we readied for the next meeting, other things aroused that needed preparations. The entire committee had already fallen into disarray. If the executive committee were not of one mind, then the Sports Festival would be an impossibility.

The topic for the meeting on the next day was going to be focused on the main events.

There were two big problems.

The first was related to the Chibasen costumes. There was a need to find out a way to cut the cost and workload. I had more or less discussed this issue over mail with Zaimokuza. After school, before the meeting begins, I quickly took action. If not, that person would’ve gone home. Evening comes quick for loners, or as the others say, “As swift as the Shimakaze” [5].

[5: One of the catchphrase of the Shimakaze, from Kancolle. (速きこと島風の如し) Shimakaze is a chaser built in 1943.

Apparently, has the highest evasion and speed amongst chaser-class in the game.]

In order to talk with her, I started motioning myself towards her seat. She had just finished packing up her things, and was just about to leave. Each time she listlessly took a step forward, her blue hair flowed along with her movements. The hairband that she had on was also hand-made.

Just like always, she appeared to be physically exhausted. She was looking at the classroom door, her eyes narrowed making her appear as though she was unhappy with something.

Although I had approached her stealthily without making a sound, my mind was blank as to how to actually talk to her.

“…”

What? Did you think that I should approach her with a loud, “Ah!”? Maybe, but that would be gross… We had not reached the level where I could just casually say, “Yo!” But saying, “Umm,” “Hey,” and “Errr,” were probably fine. However, this made one appear like they didn’t bother to remember the other’s name. However, directly calling out, “Kawasaki” was somewhat risky as well. That is because, I wasn’t really sure whether Kawasaki was indeed her name. Also, “Saki” (崎) may also be read as “Zaki.” What a bother. Can someone give this kanji a singular reading already?

As I was deep in thought, an “Umu” escaped from my mouth. Due to that, Kawasaki noticed my presence.

“…Hyaa!”

Upon seeing me, Kawasaki let out a surprised but short wail, and took a few steps back. Her eyes were round as though they had just seen a ninja. Her expression had the words, “Ninja!? Why is there a ninja here!?” written all over it. Aren’t you a little too surprised…?

Kawasaki seemed to be embarrassed at her own action, and stared at me with her face flushed red.

“…What’s the matter?”

“Ah, nothing.”

I can’t say anything if you are going to stare at me like that. Come to think of it, this person was actually quite scary… Although she could be quite a nice girl if we go by her reaction just now. As I convince myself with such thoughts, I searched for something to say.

“Are you going back?”

Hearing my question, Kawasaki looked surprised. Then, she turned her back and replied in a small voice.

“…Y-yes.”

“Really?”

“…Y-Yup.”

As she replied to me, she fiddled about with her cuff, but did not look at me. However, she didn’t stop herself midway and just walk off, but continued standing there in silence.

How should I continue? Why do I feel that there is no way to continue this conversation?!

How did people normally lead the other person to the main topic…? Since we don’t normally communicate, I’m stuck here in hesitation. What is up with this mood…?

Continuing on with the silence is not an option, so I said those pointless things like “Are you going back?” and “Really?” Come to think of it, it was really quite disgusting. Kawasaki seemed to be more considerate of me, and shot me a glance and spoke.

“D-do you have something to ask?”

“Ah, yes. Do you have some free time later?”

Thank goodness Kawasaki had asked me if I had something to ask. If not, I would never have been able to state my request so easily. Finally, we can enter the main topic.

Hearing my question, Kawasaki thought for a bit then turned her face away again. Then, she replied in a barely audible voice.

“…Yes, I do.”

Oh, then that’s great. With all her work commitments, cram school, and going home, I was a little worried how she would reply since she seemed so busy.

However, the next request for her was a little simpler. Yet, because of how heavy her responsibility would be, I could not use a light-hearted tone to ask her either. I wanted to ask her in a more sincere tone than usual, thus I coughed once before asking.

“…Clothes, can you help me to make it?”

Then, we lapsed into a really long silence. It felt as though time had stopped altogether.

Kawasaki’s mouth was wide open. She blinked several time. After a few seconds, it seemed like she finally understood what I was trying to say.

“….Ah? I-I make? Y-your clothes? W-what is happening…?”

She seemed to have slipped into a state of confusion, and continued waving her hands about, at a loss of what to do.

Was what I said not clear enough? I had wanted to explain in detail after she had understood what I was saying. Anyway, I added on to what I was saying earlier.

“No, not my clothes. It’s for use in one of the events for the Sports Festival. You don’t need to make them for all of the events. You could just tell me how to make it if you want.”

“…Oh, the Sports Festival. For a moment, I thought…”

Kawasaki sighed deeply. It seemed like she was now somewhat relived.

“…Come to think of it, you are part of the committee or something, right?”

Her previous look of anxiety was gone, and was replaced by her usual listless one. She had said it with a tone of utter disinterest. Eh, the committee don’t really publicize themselves. I had thought that, other than the ones already involved, no one else would really know about it.

“Do you know of it too?”

I asked, and Kawasaki answered me in a jaded tone.

“I heard it from Taishi.”

Seems like everything about me came from Komachi. A sister’s power at spreading information was really scary. Furthermore, the fact that something that should’ve been between brother and sister could reach someone like the Kawasaki siblings was also scary. Why do you have to talk about this sort of boring topic to others?

“As expected of a bro-con…”

I shuddered as I said it. Kawasaki who had been looking away from me, suddenly turned and stared at me.

“I’m gonna whack you.”

“S-sorry.”

Faced with that low-tone and her sharp yet furious flare, I couldn’t help but apologize immediately. It was really scary how this person became so serious when it came to topics regarding her brother. The point is that her bro-con look was really scary.

Kawasaki shrugged her shoulders in surprise, and with a flick of her hand, brushed away the hair that had fallen on her shoulders.

“Committee, huh… I didn’t think you would do that sort of troublesome thing.”

“It’s a club activity.”

“Oh…”

I sighed as I replied her and Kawasaki gave a non-committal response in return. Then, all conversation ceased. As though unable to stand the silence, she began to fiddle about with her hair restlessly. Then, as she looked at her finger, she continued to speak in her normal tired voice.

“…Just that reason?”

“Eh? There’s no others.”

I didn’t give it much thought and replied immediately. Hearing my answer, she closed her eyes for a while.

“Is that so…”

Her reply sounded even more lackluster than before. However, I was kind of curious as to why she would ask me such a question.

“Why do you ask?”

“No, it’s nothing. I just don’t understand.”

That was natural. There was no way one could understand others. Kawasaki, who correctly recognized this, had the right to comment on it. The most important thing is, it will be trouble once others do understand. I couldn’t accept other’s concern and understanding when no one knew the answer. In the first place, I hadn’t asked for others’ understanding or answers at all.

Noticing that Kawasaki was using some really strange questions to change the topic, I forcibly brought it back to my original topic again.

“Ah, about the clothes.”

“It’s okay. Not much of an issue. I don’t work now anyway, so I am quite free.”

This time, it was Kawasaki who replied immediately.

“Really? Then, that would be a great help… Come to the meeting room one hour from now.”

Upon hearing my words, Kawasaki opened her eyes widely in surprise.

“Wait, today?”

“Um, yea. I thought you were free?”

“That is true, but… Ah, whatever, I get it.”

Kawasaki began to suppress her increasingly agitated voice, sighed, and reluctantly accepted my request. Was it too much to ask for a favor of her today out of the blue? However, we didn’t have much time. Although I am very sorry, I do hope you can still come and help out.

“Sorry, I will thank you the next time.”

“…I don’t need that.”

Although this was one of the rare times that I had said something so sincerely, Kawasaki turned her face away.

X X X

Kawasaki said that she would spend some time by herself before making her way there, so she parted ways with me. I walked towards the meeting room ready to begin the meeting. The important members of today’s meeting are nearly all gathered there already.

The chairman, Sagami, Meguri-senpai, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama, as well as the student council members.

The important topic for discussion today would be to choose the captains for the [Botaoshi] event.

Regarding this matter, the white team had already decided that Hayama would be the most suitable candidate. Though there was still the need to negotiate with him over this, Hayama Hayato was a person who would always help those in need. He would not refuse those who had asked a favor of him. Proof of these could be found during that time when we organized that pointless judo meet, the Cultural Festival, and this time too during the persuasion of Sagami to take up the role of chairman.

That means the problem that was left is to decide the captain for the red team.

Regarding this matter, there was a need to get that person’s help.

Enter, Ebina Hina, full-time adviser.

“Haro haro.”

As she made her meaningless greetings to everyone, she sauntered nonchalantly into the meeting room.

“Hina, yahallo!”

Yuigahama waved her hand lightly in greeting, and Ebina took a chair nearby to sit down. Meguri-senpai began speaking to her with a tone of gratitude.

“Sorry for specially calling you here.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. We are going to decide the captains for the [Botaoshi] event today, right?”

Ebina smiled at Meguri-senpai as she answered. Then, Yukinoshita’s gaze shifted to Ebina and quickly entered the main topic.

“Yes. Everyone is fine with Hayama Hayato as the captain for the white team right? If that’s the case, then we can formally send him a request.”

As Yukinoshita asked around for confirmation, Ebina nodded her head.

“Oh, isn’t that great? But, I am not sure whether Hayama-kun will want to be the captain.”

“H-Hayama-kun isn’t?”

It was something unexpected coming from Sagami, and to that, Ebina smiled vaguely in response.

“Yes… Well, I think that he will definitely do it. But, we still need to ask him formally.”

“If it’s Hayama, he will definitely do it.”

Hearing my words, Ebina’s eyes sparkled and she leaned her body forward. Her mouth continuously sucking in the drool that kept pouring out from her mouth.

“Oya, such confidence…”

“It’s not what you think…”

With a half disgusted, half surprised look, I completely denied her words. Yes, it’s definitely not what she thinks. Rather, it would be more accurate to say that it was the complete opposite.

I felt that, that Hayama Hayato was one of those people who would want to settle everything amicably. That was probably why he had learned that mysterious skill known as “The Zone.”

That is to say, he was someone who avoided trouble at all costs. That’s why he would probably accept.

However, there was no need to explain this to Ebina. I’ve always felt that those sparkling eyes of hers were scary.

Hence I decided to just repeat what Hayama had said the last time, to put an end to this topic.

“He said that he would help out if we needed assistance. That’s why he would probably come.”

Hearing my words, Yukinoshita nodded her head.

“Seems like you’ve already gotten him to commit to it.”

Hey, the way you put it makes it sound seriously terrible. Why do you make me out to be someone who has just deceived Hayama?

However, Yukinoshita didn’t give me time to correct her and instead swiftly moved along to the next topic.

“That’s easily settled then. Yuigahama-san, could you contact him now?”

“Ok.”

With that, she quickly whipped out her mobile phone and began typing a text. As long as we have this hotline, it was more or less set in stone that Hayama would become the white team’s captain.

Up to this point, everything was as I had expected.

The problem was the other captain.

Yukinoshita had folded her arms once more, her eyes staring at the table. On the table was a list of names for the white and red teams created by the student council.

As she scrutinized the list carefully, she mumbled, “Next, would be the candidate for the red team…”

I shot her a brief glance and replied, “Well, because we are going to be facing off against him, we need someone that is like Hayama to be the captain.”

This was an event that was participated by all the boys in this school. It was better to have the captain be someone that was both famous and whom everyone wanted to become. Hayama definitely fits this role very well. Finding a second person that is like this will be very difficult.

With an “Unnn,” Ebina began to think and then, energetically punched the air and shouted, “Yes!” She covered her spectacles, and in-between coarse breathing sounds, began to speak.

“Hikitani-kun is very balanced! A balance between attacking and taking it!”

Ha. Ha. Ha. Nothing of that sort. I laughed dryly in my heart. Let’s ignore Ebina for now.

“Is there anyone that is like Hayama?”

I didn’t really understand the situation in my school. Or rather, I had no interest in it. Therefore, I looked at Yuigahama, who seems to have the biggest grasp of such things. With an “Hmmm,” she began to think.

“Someone that stands out… Tobe?”

“I think it’s more fitting to call him an eyesore.”

A swift rebuke came from Yukinoshita. My, that was really harsh.

Although Tobe did hang out with people who were absolute trash, I didn’t think he was really such a bad guy. I mean, he did become my scapegoat. (Forced to)

However, there was no way that Hayama and Tobe were on the same level. Furthermore, it was also written on the list that Tobe was on the white team too. Damn, guess I can’t use him after all.

Other people from the red team…

As I continued to scroll through the list, I discovered a familiar name. Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. He did stand out, but in such a bad way that there was probably no one else like him. Other than Zaimokuza, there was probably only Superstar man who was like that [6].

[6: From the show, To the max! Lucky Man. He’s a superman, but has no actual abilities besides being eye-catching.]

However, there were just too many things that Zaimokuza was lacking when compared to Hayama. The most important being common sense. Hence, Zaimokuza was eliminated. If I could, I would also want to eliminate him from my memories.

I continued scanning through the list, having been unable to find a suitable candidate. Sagami, who was also looking at the list, spoke, “Senpai. Can we get a third-year to be the captain?”

Upon hearing her question, Meguri-senpai shook her head slightly.

“Um, I don’t think so, cause my year’s students are all really docile… It’s not easy at all to find someone like Hayama.”

If we considered Hayama’s outstanding qualities, that was certainly believable. From his handsome features, good personality, athletic ability, and popularity, it made one wonder how on earth could someone like him even exist in this world.

Hayama was probably one of those kind that you meet once every ten years. He’s an outstanding talent, unlike those Beaujolais nouveau that is produced each year. Even if we were to ignore the existence of Hayama, one could not dismiss the strengths of his abilities.

If the third-years didn’t have someone like that, then we could only turn our hopes to the first-years. But they weren’t really well-known in school too, so we could only eliminate them from our list of possible choices.

As I mumbled to myself whether there were really no more viable plans, Yuigahama suddenly clapped her hands, seemingly having thought of something.

“Ah, Hayama is the captain of the soccer club right? Why don’t we pick the captain of some club from the Red team? That way, it will become something like a face-off between two captains. Wouldn’t it be more exciting that way?”

“Face-off between two captains…”

Oh. As long as one had a certain concept in mind, then it would make it okay to choose someone who originally wasn’t really fit for that role. We are going to use people’s titles to find a suitable candidate now, huh?

As expected from Yuigahama. Seems like she wasn’t just a bitch after all. It seemed like she was also good at thinking up plans for her own fun, or to liven things up.

Yukinoshita nodded her head in admiration and picked up a pen.

“That sounds good. The captains that are on the Red team are…”

“Track and field, ping-pong and tennis…”

As Meguri-senpai nodded her head, she began singling out names from the details written in the remarks column.

“Someone amongst these people who is like Hayama…”

As Sagami mumbled to herself, she continued looking through the list. She too, was searching for a suitable name. Before long, Yuigahama began to speak.

“Ah, Saika-chan is on the Red team too.”

“T-Totsuka?!”

I began to quiver uncontrollably upon hearing that name. Ignoring my reaction, Ebina voiced her support too.

“Ah, I see now. Totsuka-san was once Hayama’s partner during the Cultural Festival. I don’t think it’s a bad coupling.”

What coupling are you talking about? I oppose that entirely.

“No, Totsuka is a no-go…”

I barely managed to say all that in a collected voice. Yuigahama didn’t seem to understand.

“Why not?”

Is there even a need for a reason? It gives me goosebumps to think how Totsuka would become the target of so many guys. Oi, who decided these groupings anyway? The Sorting Hat? What if Totsuka gets into any form of danger? Don’t tell me that it will all be resolved if one shouts Gryffindor.

However, it will be really gross if I say all that out loud. You could perhaps say that, the fact that I even thought of this meant that I’d already lost.

Hence, I need to think of another reason.

“J-just think about it a little. What if Totsuka gets hurt? The tennis club is quite weak physically.”

If Totsuka gets injured during this “Botaoshi” event and is unable to attend club activities as a result, I would have no choice but to join the Tennis club to take responsibility… Hey, wait, that doesn’t sound that bad. Instead of just fifteen love, falling in love was a possibility that could arise. Ah, no way? No way, right?

As these bits and pieces swam about in my head, Meguri-senpai looked at me with a wry smile.

“Hikigaya-kun, when you put it that way, it sounds as though you are making the same excuse as them all.”

“Oh, right…”

Is it? Did I just act on my emotions? Though I am usually calm and collected, do my thinking abilities drop to Haruka and Yukko’s equivalent whenever it concerns Totsuka? Totsuka was one scary guy.

However, arguments based on emotions alone would never have any logic to it. Not even 1/3 of it would reach the others. That’s what the ED of Rurouni Kenshin said anyway [7]. In other words, it would reach the other party as long as you have three times the love. Ah, that’s so logical! I am a genius!

[7: The ED in question is 「1/3の純情な感情」. The line in it being「壊れるほど愛しても 1/3も伝わらない」]

…Idiot. As I reflected on my actions, Yuigahama spoke in a dumbfounded tone.

“You worry too much. Totsuka-chan is a guy.”

“Also, so as to prevent something like that from happening, we are currently implementing stricter rules, so as to enhance everyone’s safety.”

What Yukinoshita said was correct. However, there was a chance that there might be someone who would flout the rules. I am still worried… Unable to suppress my emotions anymore, I spoke against my will.

“But, it’s not guaranteed.”

“H-Hikigaya-kun? Seriously…?”

Meguri-senpai puffed out her cheeks and chided me. Somehow that had a most pleasant feel to it. As I was calmed down by Meguri-senpai’s Meguri-effect (Primary effect: Healing and relaxation, as well as an Onee-san buff), Ebina-san said something that sealed the deal for me.

“The captain is someone who is protected by everyone in the group. There’s no need to be so worried, right?”

…Protect? I protect Totsuka? I am Totsuka’s knight? I see. Not bad. This way, it’s totally alright. Then let’s do it! I want to give this idea a “Like!”

“Ah, that is true…”

Yukinoshita acknowledged this point somewhat reluctantly, and, as she arranged the sheaf of papers, began to make her conclusions.

“Then we will make a request for Totsuka-kun.”

“Support!”

Yuigahama smoothly gave her support. The others didn’t seem to oppose it either. A round of applause was even heard.

In the midst of their clapping, I could hear the sound of the door knocking.

It seemed that Kawasaki had arrived at the scheduled timing.

What’s next on the agenda would be to decide on how we were going to go about making the costumes for the Chibasen based off of Kawasaki’s ideas. Then we were more or less finished with the main events.

Just like this, the preparations are complete.

Next, would be the time for our retaliation.

Chapter 3

[At last, the final meeting begins to dance.]

After a few days, the Sports Festival committee called for a meeting once more. This was probably going to be the last meeting of the Sports Committee, and the final chance for us to change the course of anything if we needed to. Due to time constraints, if we were unable to get everyone’s support on the main events then it was going to be a very difficult task to make it a reality.

Furthermore, if the executive committee were to yield at this time, the others would no longer listen to us anymore.

This was the critical moment, a do-or-die situation as one might call it. [8]

[8: Actual kanji is 天王山. Refers to site of the crucial Battle of Yamazaki in 1582.]

Just as we were preparing for the meeting ahead, Hiratsuka-sensei was the first to show up.

“How’s the situation?”

“How…”

“Hmm? That answer isn’t exactly precise…”

My reply gave rise to Hiratsuka-sensei’s doubt. However, there was no way I could give a satisfactory answer regarding the current situation right now.

“Hah, there’s nothing I can do this time, so umm…“

It was as I said, there was nothing much that I could do during this meeting. Maybe it’s better to say that doing nothing was my job. What a dream job…

Hiratsuka-sensei seemed to have sensed something from my vague answer. She surveyed the meeting room, her gaze falling on the rest of the members.

“Is that so? Does that mean that I should ask Yukinoshita and Yuigahama?”

“No, they have the same thoughts as me. They are not very clear about the situation either.”

“Hmmm. How did this happen?”

That’s right. The three of us will not do anything this time. What we needed to do was already done. The one who needs to bear the brunt of it all was someone else. No, that person should’ve taken up that position right from the very beginning. I peered at that person who was seated far away from me. That person, who was at this moment, checking through sheets of paper.

“This time we will leave it to ‘Miss’ Chairman.”

“Oh…”

Hiratsuka-sensei narrowed her eyes, staring hard at the main character this time, Sagami Minami, with what appeared to be a trace of excitement.

If we weren’t able to sufficiently demonstrate Sagami’s traits as a committee chairman this time, then there would probably be no further salvation for this entire committee. If we were just talking about subduing the helpers, then we, or rather Yukinoshita, would have no problem doing that. However, doing so would not erase the negative feelings that they have against Sagami. Since we already decided against letting Sagami quit, and our actions were largely based on this, we have no choice but to let Sagami do it, no matter how much unease we felt.

Sagami doing it herself is the only way anyone, including Sagami, would reverse their opinions of her.

Simply put, this was a bad gamble. The stakes were insanely high. People who were not delicate, arrogant, who only thought about themselves, who were nervous and terrible when it came to the big stage, were probably not suited at all to be chairman.

But, even so, for the sake of the Volunteer Club being able to complete two requests, we have no choice but to do this. In order to raise the success rate a little higher, we had to make some preparations. What we did was different. What was left was to take a look at how it all plays out… Talk about unease…

“What exactly are you planning to do…? Well, let me take a look at your skills then.”

She said so in a happy tone as she smiled, and walked to her designated seat. She sat down, and the meeting would soon begin.

I too returned to my seat.

The executive committee members were seated right in front of me.

Seated beside me was Yuigahama. Yukinoshita, however, was seated near the center of the U-shape table. Sagami, was seated right in the middle of that. Beside her was Meguri-senpai. Further away, the student council members were seated there. Before the meeting began, I glanced at Yukinoshita.

“It’s about time.”

“Yes.”

Yukinoshita, who had been looking over the information on the papers this whole time, suddenly raised her head to confirm the time. I looked at the time too as I spoke.

“Well, all the important things will be brought up by you. Careful to keep calm.”

“Mhm.”

Yukinoshita gave a very short reply. Actually, there was no need to tell her that. The times that Yukinoshita could not keep her calm were totally rare. It was the same during the Cultural Festival, as well as the previous meetings. I know that for this time too, she would handle the situation appropriately. Still, I continued to speak.

“In the end, we are still at an advantageous position. There’s no need to answer honestly to their doubts. The more important part is to not let them see you acting up.”

Hearing my detailed explanation, Yukinoshita looked at me unhappily.

“Are you talking to someone else?”

“Yup.”

I gave a wry smile towards that very Yukinoshita-like answer. Obviously, that was not meant for Yukinoshita. Rather, it was meant for that Miss-Chairman who was already so stiff that she couldn’t move. During today’s meeting, there was a need to have Sagami adopt an unyielding stance today to fight back the anti-Sagami sentiments. Hence, in a very out-of-character manner, I chose a roundabout way to inform her. I mean, normally, she wouldn’t want to talk to me, right…?

However, even like this, she probably couldn’t hear it.

Originally, she was already deaf to my voice. Up until now, she had been stubbornly ignoring me. I thought it was kind of impossible for her to suddenly listen to me, especially for today.

Right now, the most worried one is Sagami. All the rest of the preparations for the meeting were already complete.

There were over a thousand sheets of paper on the tables of student council members. This was something that had been prepared for today’s meeting. Without so much of a complaint, they had been printing it and moving it here. Just like that time during the Cultural Festival, we were under their care this time as well.

Next was the rough sketch of costumes that Kawasaki made in a rush.

During the meeting the day before after accepting several suggestions from Ebina-san and building upon the original designs from Zaimokuza, Kawasaki speedily finished a rough sketch.

I didn’t know whether this was some exceptional ability of hers, but Kawasaki was indeed amazing in this regard. Because apart from Taishi, who was two-years younger than her, Kawasaki also had two other younger siblings. Hence, she probably picked this up whilst taking care of her siblings. As I thought of how Kawasaki had to draw with a bothered look on her face as her siblings continuously badgered her, my serious face softened somewhat.

I checked through all the things that had been prepared, and quietly awaited the start of the meeting. The helpers slowly began to stream in. As though unsatisfied with the half-ass conclusion of last time, the people that came today were a fair number.

Although there were a few who still had not turned up, Meguri-senpai gave the go-ahead with a nod towards Sagami when she checked the time.

“…It’s time. Let the meeting commence.”

Sagami said it quite softly. And so, the last meeting begins.

X X X

The meeting first began with checks on everyone’s progress. Well, that may be so, but not much time had passed since the last meeting. Such that there was nothing special to report on, and the meeting progressed blandly.

Despite there being nothing particularly noteworthy to report, the behavior of the helpers were atrocious. Besides the volume when they spoke, there were some who were sprawled on the desks, playing with their phones. There were others who were sleeping, looking as idle as someone from a painting. Yet, this also showed what they thought of us. They didn’t even bother to keep up a façade. In fact, they may be doing this on purpose to show us up.

Their attitude accurately reflected their anti-executive committee attitude. Because they all adopted this attitude, it further strengthened their sense of unity. Although this was just a childish and malicious act of rebellion, its effects were surprisingly good. With Haruka and Yukko at the center of this open act of rebellion, the negative sentiments against us had only gotten stronger. As long as there was someone leading the charge, more people were bound to follow.

Something similar to this had happened before during the Cultural Festival. What was different from that time, was that the positions of Sagami, Haruka and Yukko were all different.

This time, because the executive committee and the helpers were quite clearly at war with each other, there was no need to create a common enemy. This point was different. The enemy already existed. What we needed to do now was to change it into a situation whereby they would fight amongst themselves.

Hence, another plan was needed this time.

The way that this meeting was going was exactly like the last time, and the present situation was just as bad.

As Sagami led the discussion, I was quite curious as to whether her voice could really reach everyone. I sort of felt that it would be better if the others couldn’t hear her. Anyway, Sagami continued to advance the meeting in indifference.

Then, as we were entering the next topic of discussion, she paused for a brief moment. With a cough, she silently swallowed her nervousness.

“Then, the next topic is about the main events, as we were discussing the last time.”

Upon hearing this, everyone present stopped their boisterous activities, and adopted an attentive stance. It was plain as day that this was the main topic for today.

To them, this was surely the largest attacking point.

Of course, it was the same to us.

Meguri-senpai looked at Sagami worriedly. Yuigahama’s hand, which were resting on the table, began to shiver uncontrollably, looking apparently uneasy.

As she bore the brunt of these warm looks, she continued on.

“Regarding the unresolved safety issues surrounding Chibasen, we will do it as we had just discussed the last time. We will mete out severe punishments for rule breakers, cooperate with the local fire-fighters, and establish a first-aid group.”

As Sagami was talking, Yukinoshita closed her eyes and straightened her back, quietly listening to her. Hiratsuka-sensei with her arms crossed, looked at Sagami sharply. However, her gaze also seemed to suggest that she was surprised, as though wondering what she was going to say next.

In the midst of this cold and sensitive mood, Sagami continued on.

“Also, in order to reduce our cost, we have checked up on the Chibasen costumes. For the details, I would like everyone to please take a look at what’s just been distributed. As long as you have the ingredients, and follow the design blueprints, this event can be safely done. The process of making it can also be made simpler just by following it.”

With that, Sagami proceeded to display one of the printed sheets of paper that has the design blueprint of the Chibasen costumes.

It was a blueprint given by Kawasaki, and utilized materials which were thought to enhance safety. The entire costume was split into various parts and could be easily be pieced together in a stream-line process.

That way, even if someone was only mediocre in these areas, they could still make it. As long as each part of the costume had people dedicated to working on it, the costumes could be completed with high efficiency. From the production efficiency to its practical usage, everything had been well thought out. Such a design plan was really great.

I was a total stranger to costume design, but I still thought that her idea was great. Though, I wouldn’t know if the others thought the same as well.

Therefore, one mustn’t forget to include a disclaimer that ‘said design is merely for your perusal.’ This would permit one to make tons of changes to the design as they see fit. Does this mean that adding a disclaimer that ‘this is merely my opinion’ at the end of every sentence would be better? Wait, wouldn’t that mean that one could say whatever they want then?

When Sagami was done talking, Haruka and Yukko looked at each other. After seeking confirmation with one another, they nodded their heads lightly and raised their hands.

“This doesn’t sound like anything has changed from the previous time…”

“In the end, it’s still not a completely safe idea…”

I had long expected that they would say that. In fact, one could say that everything that Sagami has said up till now was merely a basis to bait these words out of them.

Hence, all the ruckus that the helpers were now causing after Haruka and Yukko, were all within expectations.

“The big meet is coming up soon…”

“Come to think of it, isn’t it a bit atrocious that the chairman is merely repeating what has been said before?”

“Yea! She just wants us to do work.”

However, this sort of thing that was purposely said so loudly would not easily dissipate. The unease within Sagami was clear as she shot several glances at Meguri-senpai and Yukinoshita to seek confirmation. No matter how many times we had briefed her beforehand, she was probably still a little afraid upon facing the sudden commotion now.

However, both Meguri-senpai and Yukinoshita nodded their heads, causing her to relax. Sagami trusted them, and waited there devoid of movement. She stood without saying a word, her gaze fixated, and her posture never changing. There was only the slight trembling of her hand that was clutching the sheet of printed paper.

Soon, most of the unhappiness seemed to have been vented out, and everyone became somewhat quieter. Looks of suspicion were cast upon the silent Sagami.

What was surprising was that no matter how noisy it was, once it began to quieten down, everyone would naturally shut their mouths. Everyone was looking at each other to confirm the mood.

After another brief moment, the whole meeting room was in complete silence. This was the moment that Sagami had been waiting for, so she began to speak.

“This at present is our best proposal. If you are still unsatisfied, and worry that something might happen…”

Just like we had discussed earlier, Sagami paused for just a while.

Then, she continued.

“You will hold yourself responsible for anything that happens should you attend the Sports Festival.”

The words that Sagami had just said didn’t seem at all easily comprehensible. The helpers were now making sounds of doubt in a scornful manner. On the other hand, Hiratsuka-sensei who was sitting at the corner looked completely dumbfounded.

“…That is to say, those who are currently unhappy with the proposal, can just not attend the Sports Festival?”

Hiratsuka-sensei asked this to ascertain the meaning behind Sagami’s words.

As though not quite expecting a question from a teacher, Sagami was unable to give an immediate reply. At this time, Yukinoshita swiftly replied.

“It’s not only Chibasen that something could happen. No matter which event it may be, something might happen. Hence, we feel that with lesser people, the lower the risk. We feel that this is a reasonable line of thought.”

“Ah, that’s true but…”

Ignoring Hiratsuka-sensei who seemed to be thinking of something, Sagami continued on. The most important part of this proposal had yet to be said.

“Also, outsiders are not allowed to attend the Sports Festival’s activities. This includes giving support and watching the events as well.”

The effects of these words were immediately shown. Owing to the simplicity of these w