Over the next few days, my life proceeded to be a pure mix of hell. Not only is it difficult to chase Sudo around all day without being blatantly visible, but inviting Ichinose in the classroom, especially during lunch break, is super awkward. It is like trying to stop a burning candle with your hands.
Just thinking of my attempts makes me feel eerily similar to the rabbit that lost to the turtle. Or else, why would such a proud and cute animal live in a burrow? It is absolutely because of embarrassment.
On the third day of school, during lunch break, I tried inviting her, and then suddenly, many girls started glaring at me. Are you kidding me? It is not like I am confessing to her?!
And when I tried to say it was serious, they said: "Why can't you tell us then?" What do I say to that? We will need to manipulate the class atmosphere like a classic manipulator for results. Like I can say that and show my face to my sister. Arghh!
The second time I attempted was after a few days. I thought they must have forgotten my attempt. Instead, this time, they were all like, "You still have the face to come here." I even retorted with a "It is none of your business." I still cannot believe what they said next. "Seems like we were too lenient back then." What do you mean by lenient? Did I do something? Why did I have to come to a high school, Maki-chan? Did you know this would happen?
The most ridiculous thing was that Ichinose never even saw these things happen. What would happen if I actually succeed in initiating the needed conversation with her, but they just glare daggers at me during the whole thing? Will I get bullied? No, no, no, there is no way, right? I have no way to know... Damn! What kind of vacation is this monstrous...
No wonder boys feel blessed talking to the most popular girls in private. After all, after experiencing this, private conversations feel so blissful.
Anyway, Souta, you cannot just give up. As someone who took down corporations, the least you can do is not give up.
I will definitely succeed this time. But of course, today is Sunday.
Wait! Isn't today the student council interviews? Ichinose also applied for the student council position. So, she would most likely be there without those troublesome girls surrounding her. Let's hope for the best that I will succeed in talking to her this time.
Wait a minute, talking is not the main problem. The main thing is for her to agree. Arghh! Just thinking about those moments is making him dumb. No wonder high school boys stop thinking. Dealing with popular high school girls is annoying, because reading people like them means looking at them, which quickly leads to a social death in the name of 'crush'...
Realizing my thoughts will have no end, I decide to get ready. Take a bath, make breakfast, eat breakfast, and wear my school uniform to go to the location of the interview...
x-x-x
After I reached the place of the interview, I realized that I was too optimistic. Not only are there many class B students here, making it difficult to invite her once more, but she also has trouble barely standing.
Her face, her posture. This is beyond mere exhaustion. "Ichinose-san, are you okay?" I asked, concerned.
"It's okay. Nothing to worry about."
"If I don't worry, then sensei will literally crush me."
"Don't joke about something like that! Shikakoi-kun."
It is not a joke, Ichinose-san. You are just way too naive.
"Please take a seat, at the very least. Standing will not solve anything."
"I am fine."
I had the urge to use my finger to teach her that she is very prone to falling, but resisted it. Not only can she get hurt, but it will also be the death of my social life.
It's not like I can talk about the plan with her in this condition. So, I just stood nearby. If she were to fall over, there must be someone to take her to the nurse's office.
Soon, Ichinose's turn came; she barely managed to get into the room and collapsed at the door. All I could do was silently carry her to the nurse's office as if nothing had happened.
But apparently, if no one was the problem from my own class, the president himself becomes the problem. What an ill fate I have!
"You do not seem to have an interview here. Why were you here?" His tone was icy cold. Reminding me of my own operating style.
"I had my reasons. But it does not matter. I will take my leave."
"You do not seem very nervous about this?"
"Why would I be? Not like we have anything to do with each other."
I am not nervous, I am frustrated. How can he say such absurd things with such a straight face? Does he not feel ashamed? Does he really think he is that scary?
"5 pm today, meet me in the council office."
"I am going to get going... Wait what?!" As I said this, he was already calling in the next interviewer.
Wait a minute, it is strange for the president himself to be conducting the interviews; isn't that the subordinate's job? Or is there a problem with choosing a weak candidate? It would make sense, whenever I needed someone actually competent, I would install someone whom I can myself guarantee will work well.
Maybe he actually needs help, but cannot show it publicly. That would be the only reason he would be conducting the interviews personally.
But then again, hiring a second-year student would be much better, so why would he specifically look for a first-year student to join the council? Unless the second-years are the threat. Maybe I am reading too much into it. It might also be possible that the creme of the crop students have already been chosen in the second year students.
Before I knew it, I was already in front of the nurse's office. After knocking three times and hearing a "come in", I came in.
"Hoshinomiya-sensei. Ichinose-san collapsed before the interview. Please look if falling has led to some injuries."
I said, as I laid her onto a mattress.
"I see, thank you for this, Shikakoi-kun."
"No worries, sensei."
"But why were you near the interview place?"
"I wanted to talk about something with Ichinose-san, but when I reached there, I realized that was not possible today."
"Do you know why she collapsed?" Sensei asked.
Why would you ask me? Isn't it your job to figure it out?
"I think it must be because she pulled an all-nighter."
"I thought so too. Anyways, you are free to go. Thanks again for your help, Shikakoi."
"No need to worry about it, sensei!" I said as I took my leave.
As I went back to my dorm and went to sleep, I thought of the fact that I had to meet with Manabu-senpai at 5 pm. I can't help but dread what is going to happen.