Are You Here to Apply to Be My Boyfriend?

Hikigaya stood there, dumbfounded, as he processed the words coming from the student council president, Horikita Manabu. The fact that this intimidating figure was paying so much attention to him made him feel both terrified and confused.

But what shocked him the most was Horikita's final remark.

"Wait... You think I'm the best candidate to join the student council? No, no, no! I didn't even attend an interview!"

Hikigaya frantically denied the idea. How could this "god-tier weirdo" believe he was the most suitable freshman to join the student council? Shouldn't they be asking Ayanokoji, Takeyoshi, or maybe someone like Katsuragi or Ichinose? What does any of this have to do with a completely average high school student like me?

"Who said you didn't attend an interview?" Horikita Manabu interrupted Hikigaya's internal panic without skipping a beat, pulling out a registration form. "You applied for the interview that day, didn't you?"

"But that was just signing up… Wait…!"

Hikigaya froze in place as all the disjointed clues suddenly clicked together, forming a picture that made him want to laugh bitterly.

Did… did I already complete the interview just by signing up?!

While Hikigaya was absorbing this absurd realization, Horikita Manabu quietly observed him. The student council president's calm, calculating gaze rested on the freshman in front of him as he spoke again.

"Everything I said earlier was my honest opinion. I didn't make this decision lightly. I considered many factors, even reviewing your middle school record, before deciding you're fit to join the student council. Otherwise, I would've rejected all the freshman applicants outright."

"W-Wait, are you serious?"

Hikigaya couldn't believe how far Horikita was willing to go. Sure, he wasn't anything special, but students like Katsuragi Kouhei and Ichinose Honami? Those two were undeniably exceptional, with strong leadership qualities to match.

Was Horikita really dissatisfied with all of them?

"Some of them may pass the character test," Horikita replied, his eyes never wavering from Hikigaya, "but their abilities and personalities have certain flaws. If they join the council, they'd quickly be influenced by external forces and lose their way."

He paused, his gaze sharp as he continued, "In contrast, while your talents may not stand out in every area, your strongest asset is your personality. Someone like you, who instinctively opposes this school's meritocratic ideals, won't be easily swayed by those external forces. That's why I chose you."

"...'External forces?'"

Hikigaya's confusion deepened as he picked up on Horikita's cryptic words. But the student council president seemed in no hurry to explain, instead shaking his head and moving on.

"In any case, since you submitted your application and I, as president, have the final say, there's no reason to question this further. From today onward, Hikigaya, you are officially a member of the student council."

"This… fine."

Faced with Horikita's unyielding authority, Hikigaya had no choice but to reluctantly bow to the pressure.

"For now, you'll take on the most basic role of handling miscellaneous tasks. I can't let you stand out too much just yet. But if you perform well, I'll consider promoting you to treasurer or secretary."

Completely ignoring Hikigaya's thoughts, Horikita had already mapped out his future. Hikigaya couldn't help but feel utterly detached from reality—before he knew it, he had somehow become a member of the student council. His feelings were a chaotic mix of disbelief and resignation.

"Is this really okay?" Hikigaya asked in a final attempt at protest. "There are clearly more capable people than me. Why not choose them?"

"Whether they're capable or not means nothing in this school," Horikita responded calmly, locking eyes with him. For a brief moment, Hikigaya saw something flicker in the president's gaze—an unspoken complexity, perhaps even frustration.

"Only the final outcome determines success or failure. Remember that, Hikigaya. It's something you'll need to keep in mind for the rest of your time here."

With that, Horikita signaled the end of the conversation. He made it clear he had no interest in discussing the matter further.

Hikigaya stood frozen, unsure whether to stay or leave. Deep down, he had never wanted to join the student council. It only promised more trouble, something he'd rather avoid.

But then again, trouble in this school was unavoidable, and having the student council as a shield might not be the worst thing.

The only issue now was… what would Horikita Suzune think once she found out?

Would she be so jealous she'd want to kill me? …Nah, probably not.

Leaving the student council office, Hikigaya headed to the campus store and bought a drink. Since they didn't carry Chiba's signature MAX Coffee, he grabbed something else as a substitute.

The moment he opened the can, the overwhelming bitterness hit him, contorting his face in displeasure. There's no replacing MAX Coffee, he thought, forcing down the drink with a grimace.

As he gulped it down, his mind raced back to the conversation with Horikita. One thing became clear: the bond between Horikita Manabu and his sister, Horikita Suzune, was stronger than he had initially thought.

It was obvious now that Suzune's aloofness toward class activities was a reflection of her not yet understanding this school's unique nature. Once she did, she would surely take action.

And when that time came, Hikigaya knew exactly how to push her in the right direction.

He let out a sigh of relief. With the issue of Class D's leadership settled, all that was left was to wait for the inevitable conflicts to surface and handle them as they came.

As he tossed the empty coffee can into the trash, Hikigaya was about to head back to the dorms when a familiar figure caught his eye.

A golden ponytail swayed gently, the school uniform accentuating her pale skin.

It didn't take long for Hikigaya to recognize her—Karuizawa Kei.

Seeing her walking alone, Hikigaya quickly scanned the area. No sign of Hirata or anyone else from her class.

With quiet steps, Hikigaya approached cautiously.

"Karuizawa-san, I came to return your lunchbox."

"…"

His words clearly startled her, as she turned toward him with a look of surprise. Her wariness was apparent—probably because most students had already retired to the dorms by now.

Then, Karuizawa seemed to come to some kind of realization.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed her delicate features before she spoke directly, her voice carrying an air of apology. "Sorry, you're a nice guy and all, but I already have a boyfriend. I can't accept your feelings."

"What?"

Hikigaya stood there, utterly baffled by her response.

Was this… a rejection?

Embarrassment surged through him as he felt his personal history growing darker by the second. But then, it hit him.

Wait, I wasn't here to confess! I was just returning a lunchbox! How did this turn into an application for being her boyfriend?!