-282- A little compensation

"Confront Nagumo?"

Nanaya Hori halted his steps.

Ichinose Honami also stopped, maintaining eye contact with him without wavering.

Hori could see the glimmer of determination in Honami's eyes, captivating him and making him feel drawn towards her.

An unusual feeling rose within Hori's heart.

Being stared at so directly by such a beautiful girl with an impeccable personality, any man would likely be easily ensnared by her charm.

Fortunately, Hori was no ordinary man. Despite feeling a strange emotion, he didn't avoid Honami's gaze and instead looked straight back at her.

Suddenly, Honami felt the same kind of emotion that Hori did.

Her eyes were very captivating, but Hori's gaze was something no ordinary high school girl could resist.

His calm, steady, deep, and slightly mysterious eyes had a powerful impact on a girl of Honami's age.

Unlike Hori, who had been tempered by countless trials and had a strong mindset, Honami was less experienced in matters of love.

As a result, while Hori felt only a slight disturbance, Honami felt overwhelmed, as if a storm was brewing within her.

Her face turned slightly red, and she averted her gaze.

But at that moment, Hori made a move that was unprecedented and not premeditated.

"Huh?"

Honami uttered a sound of surprise.

Seeing her turn away, Hori reached out, placed his hand on her cheek, and gently turned her head back to face him, meeting her eyes once more.

This action stunned both Hori and Honami, causing the latter's face to flush even more.

On the school avenue at dusk, a boy and a girl faced each other, with the boy's hand on the girl's face, their eyes locked together.

An ambiguous atmosphere enveloped the two, both of whom had never experienced love before.

Neither moved, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Just as Honami felt she could no longer endure it, Hori, finding the situation amusing, spoke up.

"Didn't you say Nagumo was your goal? Does it not matter if I deal with him?"

Honami's face remained red, but she no longer tried to avoid Hori's calm, heated gaze.

"Vice President Nagumo is indeed my goal."

Honami took a deep breath and sincerely addressed Hori.

"I won't say that Vice President Nagumo's actions are wrong, but I have my own beliefs."

And what were Honami's beliefs?

"I don't want the student council to turn this school into the kind of true meritocracy that Vice President Nagumo envisions. If that happens, students won't be able to enjoy their precious school life."

Honami continued.

"So, I want to do my best to prevent that."

This had always been Honami's approach.

In class competition, Honami wanted to lead Class B and graduate from Advanced Nurturing High School with her friendly classmates.

In the student council election, Honami wanted to represent the first-year students who were denied admission, so she worked hard to join the council.

She was always doing her best in everything she did.

Not out of ambition or ideals, but simply because she wanted to do what she could.

It was this attitude that earned Ichinose Honami the respect to lead Class B effectively.

Facing Nagumo's ambition, Ichinose Honami didn't deny it.

If no one could stand up to Nagumo, Ichinose Honami would accept that and quietly observe the changes in the school from within the student council.

But now, with Hori's ability to oppose Nagumo, Ichinose Honami wanted to seize the opportunity for the school.

Although Ichinose Honami was kind, she wasn't naive.

She simply wanted to do what she could.

Even if it was sometimes against her best interest or even a thankless task, if someone needed help, Ichinose Honami would try her best.

This was the way this good-natured girl lived.

However…

"I won't join the student council."

Hori's response was somewhat disappointing to Ichinose Honami.

But then, Hori's tone shifted.

"You said you wanted to be student council president, right? You've already joined the student council, haven't you? Then why don't you handle it?"

"Handle it?"

This statement needed no explanation.

"You mean… you want me to confront Vice President Nagumo myself?"

Ichinose Honami was completely taken aback.

She probably never considered this possibility because Nagumo was her goal.

But…

"Goals aren't meant to be chased; they're meant to be surpassed."

Hori calmly declared.

"Consider it a challenge to yourself and try to surpass Nagumo."

This statement deeply moved Ichinose Honami.

"Surpass… Vice President Nagumo…"

She whispered softly.

Then, Ichinose Honami spoke up.

"Can I really do it?"

This question received a strong and powerful response.

"Aren't I here to help?" Hori smirked. "I may not be interested in joining the student council, but since Nagumo has his eyes on me, I'll play along for a bit."

So that's how it was.

"I'll be your backup." Hori told Ichinose Honami. "If you need my help, just come find me. I'll help you."

This promise held more power than any other words.

Upon hearing this, Ichinose Honami's eyes brightened, and an unintentional smile appeared on her face.

"I don't have any compensation to offer you, though."

Ichinose Honami said playfully.

Seeing this side of Ichinose Honami made Hori's eyes sparkle a bit.

Feeling the soft and smooth texture of Honami's cheek under his hand and looking at her delicate face, Hori suddenly smiled.

"Then I'll take a little compensation now."

With that said…

"Mmm…!?"

Ichinose Honami's eyes widened in shock.

Hori leaned in and kissed Ichinose Honami's lips.

Ichinose Honami's mind went blank.