(Oh no, is this another one where I’ll have to write a ton of suggestions on the blackboard…?)
As Haruya grimaced, Rin stuck out her tongue and smiled at him.
…How coy.
Even though he knew it was an act, she was still cute.
Turning back to face the classmates, she took charge and stirred up the class.
The lonely expression she had shown earlier had completely disappeared.
The executive committee’s regular meeting proceeded smoothly.
Yudai Kogure led as the leader, with Rin Kohinata as the vice-leader, guiding the proceedings.
The committee members shared information about the current situation in each class and exchanged opinions.
For example, classes running food stalls had to report to the school about hygiene measures, so the committee discussed how to persuade the school administration. They also negotiated to ensure that each class’s activities didn’t overlap too much.
The committee members seemed to be highly motivated and persistent students, as they were still actively exchanging opinions.
Amidst this, a gyaru-like student—Sayuki Kawada—spoke up loudly.
“Sorry, but… Kohinata, was it? I’d like to hear the vice-leader’s opinion too. What do you think?”
They were currently discussing how to manage the budget for classes running crepe and candied fruit stalls, and how to address hygiene concerns.
Sayuki had noticed that Rin had been quietly observing, prompting her to speak up.
(Well, I’ve just been nodding along like a robot too… It’s not easy to jump in when everyone’s so fired up and talking.)
Feeling sympathy for Rin, Haruya watched as she hesitantly began to speak.
“Um, well… I mostly agree with the suggestions about using canned fruits or substituting whipped cream for fresh cream, but I think using frozen fruits might be another option. If we buy in bulk, we could keep costs down, and frozen fruits should meet hygiene standards too.”
“I see. As long as you’re thinking it through—”
Sayuki relaxed her expression and uncrossed her legs.
Seeing this, Rin let out a small sigh of relief.
Haruya noticed that Rin seemed much more reserved in the executive committee setting.
When leading discussions in class, she had seemed more assertive and in control… but here in the committee meeting, she showed none of that.
Feeling this disconnect, Haruya continued to listen to the lively discussion.
Suddenly, the leader, Yudai Kogure, said something that caught his attention.
“Is anyone interested in being the ‘record keeper’?”
Record keeper.
The main job would be behind-the-scenes work like taking photos on the day of the event… a completely backstage role.
Haruya had been hoping to volunteer for this position, which he had noticed earlier.
He was the first to raise his hand.
“Akasaki-kun… thank you for volunteering.”
Receiving a refreshing smile, Haruya’s selection was confirmed.
No one else had volunteered for the position.
“However, I and everyone else would be happier if you could show this kind of initiative more often.”
The leader was probably referring to how quickly Haruya had raised his hand for the record keeper position.
The other committee members chuckled at this comment.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Haruya turned his face away.
Still directing his refreshing smile at Haruya, the leader continued.
“Well then, let’s decide on the other positions—”
And so, the process of assigning roles continued.
After deciding on the positions, the next step was to choose leaders within each group.
Now, everyone was standing up to gather with others in the same position.
Who else was in charge of recording?
Haruya had no idea who else was in the record keeper group.
After all, there were many people, and he barely remembered the faces or names of the other committee members.
He was hardly aware of who was doing what.
Besides Haruya, there were three others in the record keeper group.
They all seemed to have ended up here after not getting their preferred positions.
Their expressions showed a hint of dissatisfaction.
“Akasaki-kun… we’ve talked it over, and we think it would be best if you became the leader of the record keepers.”
“…Huh?”
Haruya couldn’t help but let out a surprised sound.
“Well, Akasaki-kun, you seemed the most enthusiastic about being a record keeper, raising your hand first and all…”
“………..”
The other two nodded vigorously behind the speaker.
(No, this is exactly when I need you guys to be more proactive. Being the leader… man, this is really troublesome.)
Despite thinking this, the atmosphere didn’t allow for any objections.
Sighing internally, Haruya reluctantly nodded.
And so, Haruya was appointed as the leader of the record keepers.
(I’m not happy about this at all.)
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
After the class’s after-school meeting and the executive committee’s regular meeting, it was already getting dark outside.
“It’s so hot, isn’t it, Akasaki-kun? I really think you should cut that fringe of yours.”
As Haruya was about to head home alone in the sweltering heat, he heard a familiar voice beside him.
He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
“Kohinata-san, huh?”
“I just heard a really annoyed reaction, but maybe I’m imagining things?”
“You’re not imagining it.”
Their paths home must overlap for a while.
Rin walked half a step behind Haruya, trying to start a conversation.
“Haha. You’re about the only one who reacts so negatively when I talk to, Akasaki-kun.”
“Are you teasing me?”
“Yep, I’m teasing you.”
“Oh, I’m so happy Kohinata-san is talking to me.”
“That was such a monotone! And you’re walking really fast too!”
Haruya couldn’t get too involved with her to avoid revealing his identity as the “café waiter.”
Besides, even though it was getting dark, he found it troublesome to think about someone seeing them walking together.
…He didn’t want any more strange rumors spreading.
Unaware of Haruya’s concerns, Rin innocently trotted up to him and continued.
“Akasaki-kun, isn’t the executive committee work tough?”
He could sense the hesitation in her voice.
Ah, she must be feeling responsible.
“You became the leader of the record keepers today, and you’re working hard as the class secretary too… I was wondering if the committee work is too much for you.”
Haruya couldn’t help but chuckle at her belated concern and strange consideration.
“You got that right.”
“I’m sorry. If it’s really that bad, I’ll try to help out as much as I can—”
“But you’re working much harder than I am, Kohinata-san.”
Their words overlapped.
Rin looked confused at Haruya’s statement. “Huh?”
Haruya replied straightforwardly,
“Well, you’re the vice-leader, and you’re in charge of all the proceedings in class too.”
then
Rin laughed amusedly and retorted,
“But that’s because I want to do those things! Akasaki-kun, you’re kind in the strangest ways.”
[Is she really doing all that because she wants to?]
She giggled and chuckled.
While her attitude seemed like the usual Rin Kohinata, Haruya, who had seen her in the executive committee, felt something was off.
But even so, there wasn’t much Haruya could do right now.
“If you ever feel troubled, don’t hesitate to let me know.”
That was about all he could offer in response.
“…!”
Rin caught her breath.
Then, she slowly opened her mouth.
“Whoa, are you suddenly hitting on me!? You, Akasaki-kun. Well, I guess what you just said did kind of strike a chord… That side of you is really—”
Taking a deep breath, Rin continued with her small mouth pursed.
“—really nice, I think. Hehe.”
Haruya had expected her to say either “I like you” or “I like that.”
His heart wasn’t prepared for either response.
Though he tried not to show it in his expression or attitude, Rin put on an exaggerated mischievous smile.
“You totally thought I was going to say I liked you just now, didn’t you, Akasaki-kun?”
“……………”
Knowing he’d lose if he said anything, Haruya hurriedly walked on in silence.
“Hey, don’t run away…”
Feeling she might have gone too far, Rin stuck out her tongue a little.
In her heart, she sent words of gratitude towards Haruya’s back.
(Thank you. I’ll accept your feelings, at least.)
The next morning, Haruya arrived at the classroom early.
The faint sound of cicadas could be heard through the classroom window.
He had come to school early because he wanted some quiet time alone in the classroom after being so busy for the past few days.
The fact that he hadn’t slept well last night might have also influenced his decision.
Maybe he had been more affected by Kohinata-san’s teasing than he thought.
Probably not. Definitely not.
Sometimes people just decide to go to school early on a whim.
To enjoy a brief moment of comfort and luxury alone…
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