Chapter 120 – Next President

After leaving the large pool, Ichinose anxiously grabbed the sleeve of Yukio's sun-protective shirt: "Yukio-kun, you, you need to be careful of Nagumo-senpai, he, he might not be joking."

"During the sports festival, Nagumo-senpai will really come looking for trouble with your class." Not sure if it was nervousness or too much worry, the usually calm Ichinose was speaking somewhat haltingly.

"?" Yukio looked at Ichinose curiously: "I know that. Isn't it natural for anyone who's been humiliated in public to seek revenge?"

"In that situation, it's impossible for Nagumo to do nothing. I never thought he was joking; he's definitely going to make a move during the sports festival."

Ichinose felt a bit dizzy herself for saying something so obvious. Anyone with a bit of sense would understand Nagumo would seek revenge later. Her concern had muddled her thoughts, making her speaking tangled.

Realizing this, Ichinose's cheeks flushed with a slightly embarrassed but quickly recovered with a sunny smile, no longer rushing to say anything. Instead, she took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.

In her mind, the one who made the first move, or rather, the first kick, was Yukio, followed by Nagumo's threat of the sports festival.

After analyzing calmly, Ichinose got to the point: "May I ask, Yukio-kun, why, why did you step on him?"

It was a bit difficult for Ichinose to bring up the act of stepping on someone. Hearing this, Ryuen and Kushida perked up their ears, curious to hear why Yukio would initiate an attack on Nagumo.

Facing Ichinose's question, Yukio didn't look at Ichinose's chest, which was heaving due to her deep breaths.

He didn't offer a superficial response or look for excuses but spoke the truth: "Because sooner or later, I would have clashed with that Nagumo."

"The purpose of Horikita-senpai inviting me to join the Student Council was to push me to become the next president, inevitably leading to irreconcilable conflicts of interest with Nagumo."

"So I wanted to test him, see what he was made of, and well, that was it."

If someone else had asked, Yukio might have given a dismissive excuse. For instance, if Ishizaki had asked, Yukio would probably say Nagumo was just too annoying, and stepping on him felt justified.

But when Ichinose asked, Yukio couldn't be superficial in his response, especially since she was the only other first-year student besides him to join the Student Council. There might come a time when he would need her support within the Student Council.

So, instead of keeping her in the dark, it was better to be upfront from the start.

"Assume the presidency for the next Student Council?!" Ichinose exclaimed in surprise, looking at Yukio in amazement.

She had struggled so hard, her applications repeatedly rejected by President Horikita, only managing to get an assessment opportunity and succeed with Nagumo's intervention, and that was just for menial tasks within the Student Council.

And here was Yukio, not only personally invited by the president but also chosen directly to be groomed as the next president? The disparity between people seemed a bit too wide, didn't it?

Not just Ichinose, but everyone listening was internally bewildered. 

Kushida sneakily glanced at Yukio. Seemingly calm, but inwardly, her mind raced with thoughts. If Yukio became the next president, could he let her join too?

Joining the Student Council would mean more interactions with upperclassmen and school authorities, right? Earning the trust of the entire first-year wasn't enough; if she could also gain the trust of upperclassmen and the authorities, then inform them of the dirt...

Just the thought nearly overwhelmed Kushida with her twisted emotions, full of hopes for the future. As for Shiranami, Kobashi, and Ishizaki, they simply admired Yukio's capabilities.

Not dwelling on the surprise for too long, Ichinose quickly regained her composure, her eyes lively: "Then congratulations, Yukio-kun, I'll be cheering for you."

After saying this, she cutely raised her little fist and waved it, a definite gesture of encouragement, making Yukio smile: "Alright, I'll take your good wishes."

"If I really become the president, I'll kick Nagumo out, free up a spot, and let you be the vice president."

"Wh-what?" Ichinose, who had only intended to offer congratulations, was suddenly taken aback, not expecting the conversation to take this turn. She immediately waved her hands: "No, no, I couldn't, how could I?"

"The Student Council deals with many affairs involving various aspects. I'm still learning. Just this summer, with many clubs participating in competitions, I've already been overwhelmed."

"How could someone as unqualified as me take the position of vice president directly? I appreciate Yukio-kun's regard, but I still feel that I'm not capable enough for such a role…"

"Right!" As she spoke, Ichinose suddenly had a bright idea, turning to look at Ryuen, who was enjoying the show: "I think Ryuen-kun would be up to the task."

"Ryuen-kun is already Yukio-kun's right-hand man, and his capabilities are exceptional, something we've all witnessed. I believe there shouldn't be any problems!"

"?" Ryuen, who was just watching the drama unfold, didn't expect to get dragged into this. What did this have to do with him? But then, 'the Student Council, huh? That sounded interesting.'

With this thought, Ryuen glanced at Yukio, curious about the Student Council's connections with the school authorities and the extent of power they could wield.

Yukio, of course, took care of his own: "Don't worry, we can have two vice presidents. Even if Ryuen doesn't want to come, I'll pull him in to help manage things."

"After all, I have no intention of solving so many of the school's daily matters for them, working for free."

"?" Hearing this, Ryuen rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Oh, so Yukio gets to decide not to work for free for the school, but he can? Where's the logic in that?

'So, I'm just a worker? No, Yukio didn't even mention a salary. So, it's just labor for free?' Ryuen couldn't be bothered to comment.

Kushida was practically bursting with impatience. Initially, when Ichinose mentioned Ryuen, she felt a flicker of excitement, thinking that if Ryuen could join the Student Council and even become vice president, then why not her, with her talent for socializing and making connections?

Kushida always craved and enjoyed feeling superior, almost as if it was her way of maintaining mental and emotional health in her everyday life.

After all their discussion, whether it was Ichinose being modest or Ryuen's eye roll, the whole conversation felt like a grand Versailles-style dialogue.

Yet, nobody mentioned her, leaving Kushida anxious and somewhat suffocated.

***

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