You're the Only One Fit for the Student Council!

As soon as classes ended, Hikigaya left the classroom, heading straight for the student council office. Along the way, he adjusted his demeanor, carefully molding himself into the image of a desperate student who had missed his chance.

By the time he reached the office door, Hikigaya felt he had perfected the role. He pushed the door open and, with a dramatic plea, began his performance.

"Please! Just give me one more chance! I know I missed the interview, but I really want to join the student council. I'll do anything to help!"

Hikigaya was sure his performance was spot on, capturing the raw emotions of a student devastated by his failure to make the cut.

Unfortunately, the person watching him didn't seem impressed.

Standing in the center of the room, Manabu Horikita adjusted his glasses, his expression cold and analytical, as if silently judging Hikigaya's overacting.

Immediately, Hikigaya felt a surge of embarrassment wash over him.

"So... uh... are you the only one here?" he asked, trying to salvage the situation.

"Yes. The interviews ended earlier today. Everyone else is busy organizing the documents. I'm the only one left."

"I... see..."

Hikigaya wanted to cry. If only he had known Horikita was alone, he never would have put on such a ridiculous act. Now he could only wish for a time machine to go back and punch himself for his stupidity.

As Hikigaya stood there, regretting every second of his life choices, Manabu Horikita's sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through him. For a brief moment, Hikigaya felt as if the student council president could see everything about him—every secret, every hidden intention.

Hikigaya couldn't help but replay the moment in his head, cringing at his own pitiful attempt at acting.

The atmosphere in the room had turned awkward in an instant.

"So, you're from Class D, right? Hikigaya, isn't it?" Horikita Manabu spoke slowly, emphasizing the words "Class D" with a subtle but noticeable condescension. "What brings you to the student council?"

"Well, I..." Hikigaya was almost moved to tears. He hadn't expected Horikita to give him an easy way out. If the president had followed up on his previous, terrible performance, Hikigaya would've considered dropping out and never showing his face at this school again.

"Actually, it's not a big deal." Hikigaya scratched his head, now calm, his tone steady as if he hadn't just embarrassed himself. "As a first-year student who's recently joined the school, I feel it's my duty, out of a sense of responsibility and honor, to report some issues regarding my class to you, President."

Horikita's eyebrow twitched slightly. He hadn't anticipated Hikigaya's audacity. Just moments ago, the boy had practically begged to be part of the student council, and now, in the blink of an eye, he'd transformed into someone who looked proud of snitching, as if it were a badge of honor.

But Horikita didn't call him out on it. He simply asked in a calm, measured tone, "What exactly do you want to report?"

"It's about Class D," Hikigaya said, his expression shifting into a pained grimace, as if the weight of his words was too much to bear. "Since the start of the term, the students in Class D have been lacking in both unity and discipline. We've already violated countless school rules, and there's not even a shred of proper student conduct. In class, no one pays attention, and outside of it, they run wild. It's disgraceful."

"I see." Horikita remained composed, nodding along without agreeing or disagreeing, clearly waiting for Hikigaya to continue.

Hikigaya hesitated, second-guessing his over-the-top performance. But he pressed on, determined to see this through. "Class D's behavior isn't just affecting the class as a whole—it's hurting each individual student. I've personally been harassed enough to come to you, after all. Even my classmate, Horikita Suzune, who sits behind me, has complained to me several times about it."

As soon as he said that, Hikigaya focused intently on Horikita, studying his every move, trying to gauge his reaction. He was looking for any clue that would reveal the true relationship between the president and Suzune.

But Horikita Manabu was a master of self-control. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his face. Every detail—from his expression to his posture—remained perfectly neutral, revealing nothing.

Looks like I won't be getting anything out of him, Hikigaya thought, sighing inwardly. Trying to crack the student council president was way out of his league.

Maybe I should just go ask Chabashira-sensei instead. Better to get the homeroom teacher on my side than keep embarrassing myself here.

Just as Hikigaya was preparing to make a graceful exit, Horikita's voice cut through his thoughts. "Suzune is my sister. That's what you wanted to know, right?"

Hikigaya froze, caught completely off guard. Horikita had seen right through him.

"I wasn't deliberately keeping it a secret," Horikita continued, his tone surprisingly candid. "But this school is full of dangers. I don't want Suzune to get involved in unnecessary trouble, which is why I've maintained a distant, indifferent attitude toward her. It's for her own protection."

Hikigaya blinked. 

Wait, hold on. This guy... he's a sister complex?

The thought left him speechless, but his mind was racing with confusion. He hadn't managed to pry any useful information out of Horikita, yet the president had just handed over a critical piece of information on a silver platter. Why?

"You don't need to doubt my intentions, Hikigaya." Horikita's calm, level gaze fixed on him. "You'll be part of the student council soon enough. Trust is something we'll have to build."

Hikigaya stared at him, taken aback by the sudden shift. "Part of the student council?"

"Yes," Horikita nodded, his words taking Hikigaya by surprise. "While I may be the current president, the student council isn't entirely under my control. Furthermore, I'll be graduating in a year, and I won't have any influence over the school's direction after that."

"To ensure that the school maintains its stability after I leave, I need to leave behind capable people. That's why I've been looking to recruit new members from the first-year students."

Horikita adjusted his glasses, his eyes locking onto Hikigaya. "Unfortunately, most of the candidates either lack the necessary skill or have questionable morals. I had almost given up on finding anyone suitable... until I saw you at the freshman registration."

Hikigaya felt a chill run down his spine as Horikita continued, "Based on the information I've gathered, you have both the capability and the character I'm looking for. You're the ideal candidate for the student council."