A brief and pleasant silence ensured.
Both being Student Council presidents, they could communicate and understand each other in certain situations without using any words.
"There'll still be a long year ahead of you. Be sure to spend your remaining school life on something that will satisfy you."
Advice from his senpai. And in those words, he showed that he didn't care about Nagumo running wild anymore.
In other words, he'd given Nagumo permission to do whatever he liked now.
"Mhmm. After you're gone, in that short period where I'll be the senpai, I'll do whatever it takes. I'll turn this school into a meritocracy based on one's abilities. Because I'm prepared and determined to accomplish it."
Horkita's brother accepted his speech openly, nodding his head.
"You said you regretted not being a year older. I kind of feel the same.
Not being able to see what you'll do to this school is a pity. If I could witness what you'll create up close, I'll surely gain a better understanding of you."
"I won't be so sure of that. I don't think I'll be compatible with senpai."
One who followed school rules and regulations, and one that wanted to destroy them
Since their ideologies were utterly different, a confrontation between them is inevitable.
"Also, it won't matter if you can't see it yourself. Don't you have a sister in the 1st year?"
With that said, Nagumo's line of sight seemed to focus on next to where I was, a bit further from the rest of the people-and started staring at straight at Horikita.
Although it was only a slight change, Horikita's body language became a bit more nervous.
"As long as your sister is here, she can help me spread the word to you."
Once both graduations, the siblings will inevitably meet once again sooner or later.
What he meant was that in the future, Horikita's brother would still know what Nagumo would have done at the school."
"Perhaps."
With that said, Horikita's brother and Nagumo's strong handshake finally ended, and their hands separated.
"Thank you very much." "Likewise."
The former student council president, Horikita, and the current student council president, Nagumo.
A heavy curtain fell on the unexpectedly gentle atmosphere.
Perhaps because he didn't want to bother the other students, Nagumo immediately distanced himself with Horikita's brother. Although the combo of the two student council presidents was exciting, it might make it a bit difficult for the other students to approach.
Nagumo instead walked towards Horikita, who was observing from a
distance.
As a fellow student of Class 2A, Asahina Nazuna was also there with him.
The other student council members had probably left to see off the other graduates.
"Did you hear what I just said? Please enjoy what I will do next year. I remember your name was-"
"Horik-Suzune."
Horikita's voice was nervous.
If it were the usual Horikita, she wouldn't have been shaken up like this.
This was probably the result of hearing the conversation between him and her brother.
Nagumo seemed to enjoy her reaction and looked back.
The one in Nagumo's line of sight was, needless to say, former student council president Horikita.
Ignoring the risks, he had continually challenged different opponents.
And now, he was surrounded by his underclassmen, accepting their gift of a graduation bouquet.
"Suzune, your brother is a truly amazing person. You should be proud of being his sister."
After the word of praise, he once again directed his gaze onto Horikita Suzune.
"Yes. I am proud of that."
Faced once more with the eyes that had turned their attention back to her,
Horikita forcibly replied.
"If you have anything you want to ask me, I'll answer it. Because I'm in a good mood today.."
"Then I won't hold back."
Horikita then asked Nagumo a question. "Don't you regret it?"
"Regret?"
"Because I don't see any hints of regrets in your eyes."
This should be referring to the handshake and the dialogue between those two people just now.
Nagumo seemed genuinely happy for the elder Horikita graduating from Class A.
However, their relationship couldn't be described as simply a relationship between two student council presidents.
Nagumo persistently attacked Horikita, in the hopes of dragging him down from Class A.
Horikita would obviously have a sense of hostility towards Nagumo who did those things to her brother.
Because of this, she was confused by the honest praise given by Nagumo towards the elder Horikita.
Nagumo's painstaking attacks have been securely defended against.
"I don't think I can beat Horikita-senpai that easily. He's pretty much an
invincible opponent, right?" "Well… That's true."
"So you fully admit you lost to Horikita-senpai."
Miyabi gently cast his eyes towards the interjecting Asahina. "Lost? Why do you say I lost, Nazuma?
"Hmm? Horikita-senpai graduated from Class A, so doesn't that mean you lost?"
Asahina didn't need to answer the question with another question, but that was how she replied.
As for what she said, Nagumo immediately pointed out the holes in them. "Indeed, if you only look at the outcome, I have not prevented senpai
from graduating from Class A. But what does that have to do with losing?"
"Won't that be considered as losing…? At least that's what I think, am I wrong?"
Asahina looked towards Horikita, who was standing beside her, for confirmation.
Horikita did not answer and instead listened to Nagumo's justification.
"I certainly wanted to challenge him to a fight. However, it wasn't for the sake of finding out who would win and lose. Even if Horikita-senpai really did fall to Class B, my fundamental evaluation of him wouldn't have changed. That person's strengths cannot be determined by the position his class is in."
Asahina still did not seem to understand what Nagumo was talking about.
"Still don't understand? Then I'll ask you this. Did this incident lower your evaluation of me? I'm still a student of Class A as well as the student council president. Is there anything about me which shows that I'm a failure?"
"No, but…"
"You can't distinguish who wins and who loses in a conflict of people in separate grades."
It wasn't hard to understand what he wanted to say.
But, even knowing that he couldn't directly confront him, Nagumo continued to challenge Horikita.
"I just wanted his approval… his recognition. That's why I've been continuously attacking senpai.
Judging from how Horikita Manabu looked at Nagumo, he definitely acknowledged his strength.
No, I should say that he had recognised Nagumo's strength from the very beginning.
He just couldn't accept the way Nagumo handled things.
Maybe Nagumo wanted Horikita to acknowledge his method of solving problems.
"That felt like a young girl proclaiming her love."
"Maybe. I've already inquired about what Horikita-senpai will do in the future, and I will chase after him."
There wasn't a hint of remorse or regret in Nagumo's expression.
Was he purely enjoying the contest with Horikita to the very end?
"Even after graduation? Really? Even the path you take in life has to be the same as Horikita-senpai?"
"Yes. At least that's the current me's objective." "Ah~ You really do like Horikita-senpai."
"I don't have any rivals in the second year, and of course, none in the first year as well. I only have one thing left to do in this school. That is, to directly transform the structure of the school, and make this boring school more interesting."
Half of Nagumo Miyabi's time as student council president had already passed.
However, to this day, nothing new had been implemented.
After Horikita graduated and Nagumo became a third-year, he would finally start to take action.
As for what would happen in the future, it was still impossible to predict. "Speaking of which, this year, I still haven't been able to evaluate you,
Ayanokouji."
Nagumo's attention finally turned to me.
Coming from the look in his eyes, it seems that I was "boring" compared to the Horikita siblings
"There's nothing about me worth investigating."
Because of the fact that I had Horikita-senpai's attention, Nagumo felt that
there might be an underlying connection between us.
However, because it might just be a coincidence, it still wasn't enough interest Nagumo.
Seeing that he still had this sort of attitude towards me, there was no reason to provoke him.
"But this coming April, even if you don't want to, you'll still have the answer. After this school becomes a true meritocracy, you're going to have to fight even if you don't want to."
With the graduation of Horikita's brother, the school will be entirely under the control of Nagumo.
It was hard to say how much of an influence the student council had over the school itself, but considering how confident Nagumo was, there'll definitely be a notable difference at the school next year.
"So you're saying that the competition between students won't just be limited to class warfare?"
Horikita raised a question, seemingly worried about what Nagumo said. "If you're able to implement it, then it wouldn't be too bad, but it
wouldn't be possible anyway. The school won't allow it."
Nagumo shrugged and sighed.
"But I can change the school's system which can allow me to gain more power so I can easily change the school itself. Excellent students staying at the top classes is something that should be a given, right?"
To this point, Horikita neither agreed or disagreed, instead listening to it quietly.
"Other than that, I've also proposed to the school to mix up the students from 1st year to 3rd year in certain exams. If the school allows it, fighting against you wouldn't be impossible."
Of course, from Nagumo's point of view, I'm not considered to be anyone important.
But even so, I feel like he is instinctively measuring my strength right now.
"Ah, looks like it's time to leave, huh? Don't you want to say goodbye to some of the upperclassmen? They'll be going soon."
"Yes. We can chat whenever we want in the coming year."
And so Nagumo and Asahina walked towards the 3rd years and away from Horikita.
"Haa…. it's a pain to talk with that person." "He's the student council president, after all."
Although there was only a difference of a year, it seemed like he was way out of reach.
"I'm going back. I've done everything that I should've."
In the end, she seemed to have given up on trying to speak with her brother.
"Can you do that? He's leaving school tomorrow." "That… you didn't need to tell me that…."
Faced with this dilemma, Horkita retreated.
Forcibly stopping her wasn't an option, so I chose to just watch her while she left.
"Are you going to go back?"
"Ah, I still want to stay here for a while." "Oh…Then I'll see you later."
Although Horikita was curious about what I was doing, she still turned her back on me and went back to the dorm.
I decided to take a look at the situation with Horokita Manabu and the other 3rd years.
I wasn't particularly interested.
If I had to tell you, I just wanted to engrave this scene into my eyes.
At the same time, I couldn't help but imagine what I would be like in 2 years, but it was impossible to see that now.
The atmosphere was pleasant for a short period of time, but then they started to leave one by one.
After the elder Horikita said goodbye to everyone, he noticed me and came over.
"You're still here?"
He should understand that I didn't fit well into that kind of atmosphere. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Yes."
I didn't talk to any other of the third years, that much would be obvious to even a bystander standing far away.
"This may be the last time I'll speak to you. When are you going to leave?"
I decided to hurry and inquired about the most important thing first.
Because if he was going to leave the school immediately after this, I had to tell Horikita.
"Noon on the 31st. I'm taking the 12:30 Bus."
So a week later. Although it wasn't today, there wasn't a lot of time left. "Looks like Suzune went back."
"The culmination of your 3 years in the school. She engraved that into her memory and then left."
We both glanced in the direction of the dormitory. Of course, Horikita was already long gone. "Really?"
I couldn't read his emotions from the expression on his face.
But if the two of them didn't do anything, this situation could end without having them meet even once.
I didn't think she would be this afraid of this…
"If possible, please pass on this message to Suzune. I will be waiting for her at noon on the 31st near the main entrance.
"Isn't it better for you to tell her yourself? Even if you go now, there's still time."
It would be simpler if they both just had the intention of meeting up. Horikita might rush here immediately if he did.
"Even so, she may not be very open to that. That's why I hope you're able to convey the message to her."
"It may be counterproductive. If I tell her, she may not come." This was because of her stubborn attitude.
"If that's the case, then it's Suzune's own choice." "Can you really leave it to me?"
After I repeatedly warned him about this, Horikita answered without hesitation.
"Yes, I'll leave it to you."
Well, there's no reason to refuse. As long as I'm not the one taking responsibility for this.
Besides, if Horikita was to hear about this, she would most likely agree to come to see him off.
After all, their relationship was gradually getting better.
"I wanted to talk to you more, but I have an appointment afterwards."
It seems that many of his underclassmen had invited him for a gathering. Today, he just wanted to forget about the matter relating to his sister, and
spend time as an ordinary student.
"Besides, you're not one to engage in long meaningless conversations, right?"
"That's true."
No matter how much his popularity declined, the previous student council president would be still present in social gatherings and situations.
"If possible, on the 31st, I hope you come to see me off." "I'm not good at speaking in front of others."
"Don't worry. I don't plan to call anyone else over other than you and Suzune.
Since it wouldn't be a problem, I gently nodded and agreed. "Sorry."
Leaving behind that one word, Horikita Manabu left.
Once he left, I had nothing to do, because he was the only third year I talked to.
I guess I'll go back then.
"Ayanokouji-kun. If possible, can we head back together?" Suddenly, Hirata spoke to me.
Just now, I saw that he was talking to a bunch of third years away from where I was.
"You're done settling things already?"
"Yes, although the graduation ceremony was today, many of the upperclassmen will stay on campus for a few more days. I heard that some underclassmen are holding a farewell party for them."
Since it was Hirata, he should've received several invitations to these occasions.
The third-year students could stay until the 5th of April at most.
Of course, students who planned to leave earlier were also allowed to leave.
Because their time left was limited, they were preparing for their school life to end.
And because I had no reason to refuse him, I returned to the dormitory along with Hirata.
Part 7
I was walking with Hirata, and after walking past the convenience store, Hirata glanced at me.
Then, as if nothing happened, he faced forwards again.
Hirata had repeated this action several times in the past few minutes.
It was as if Hirata was waiting for an opportunity to start a conversation. Soon after, Hirata made up his mind and started to speak.
"Actually-Ayanokouji-kun, I want to talk to you." Hirata hesitantly said.
For a moment, I thought he was going to speak about the end of year exam, but he did not give me that sort of feeling.
"Is there anything you wanted to discuss?"
"Yeah… Well, I really want to talk about this with you." After thinking a little, Hirata admitted that.
"Well, I'm not sure if I'll be of any help, but I'll do my best." Having Hirata depend on me for a change didn't feel too bad.
It's just that I couldn't predict what the topic of the discussion would be.
Although he was depressed when Yamauchi dropped out, that matter had already been resolved.
Even if there were certain feelings he wasn't able to let go of, it wasn't worth consulting me.
That matter should have been resolved to the extent that the rest of the problems would fix itself.
"You might find this unexpected of me…" Starting with this sentence, Hirata continued.
"I, just, it feels like I can't be bothered with relationships and love anymore…I'm not sure about myself."
That was an unexpected start.
I didn't think that Hirata would come to me to talk about love. "You're not sure?"
Let's clear some stuff up first. I pressed him to continue.
"I think I might have never have liked a girl in my life…" Hirata confessed, embarrassed.
"So you're saying that you've never dated a girl before?" "Other than the agreement with Karuizawa, never." Maybe this isn't so unexpected, but it's still surprising.
Hirata treated boys and girls equally, so I would have thought he experienced love at least once or twice in his life.
Although you couldn't really count the relationship between Hirata and Kei.
Pretending to be lovers, all to protect Kei from being bullied.
But if he said he never liked a girl before…
"So you're saying that you've never liked a girl before? Even now?" "Yeah…"
Although one of his merits was the ability to treat everyone fairly, including the girls, this was still a bit unbelievable.
"Then what about the situation with Mii-chan?"
Mii-chan really hoped for progress with her relationship with Hirata, showing that she clearly had feelings for him.
"I can't see myself in a relationship with her, but I can't tell her that." Mii-chan said that she wanted to start with being friends.
After that, of course, she looked forward to the chance for them to develop into lovers.
But since Hirata didn't have that desire, it would be difficult for her to make any progress.
And there's no reason to avoid her, so dragging on like this wouldn't do her any good.
So that's the situation.
This was the source of Hirata's uncertainty that he wanted to discuss with
me.
"I think it's best to just say this directly to her. But I can see how that would be difficult."
To make her realise without hurting her was a difficult thing to accomplish.
"So we have contrasting views again. I kind of expected this." "Yeah.
It was because of Hirata's kindness that he was always involved with situations like this.
"But, that's just the situation now, and who knows what will change in the future?"
The feeling of love wasn't something you can control. It could quietly sprout at any time.
…At least that's what I think.
"Sure, I don't know if that's a possibility. But…"
However, Hirata didn't want his relationship with Mii-chan to progress any further.
In terms of Mii-chan's appearance as well as personality, there was nothing that Hirata could be dissatisfied about.
But of course, love wasn't just determined by those factors.
"I can assert to you that…I won't have those kinds of feelings, even in the future."
Although he wasn't entirely sure, Hirata still insisted on his answer. If that's the case, then I have only one thing left to say.
"It's better to tell her, because Mii-chan still has hope that her relationship with you can progress."
I looked into Hirata's eyes while I said this.
If the answer to that question was kept to himself, Mii-chan would keep waiting and waiting.
So, it would be better to clear things up as early as possible.
If Mii-chan continued to like Hirata even after that, then that would be her own choice.
But Hirata avoided my gaze. "Even…if, it would hurt her?"
"Having the answer but instead choosing to delay it would only cause more damage, right?"
I once again looked into Hirata's eyes and said.
After our eyes met, he quickly diverted his gaze elsewhere. "Yes, yes, right, that's right…"
He nodded two or three times as if he was admonishing himself. And then he came to a conclusion.
"Thanks for talking about this with me, Ayanokouji-kun. I have the
courage now to admit that in this situation, keeping this to myself to avoid hurting her is the same as running away. "
He seemed to have successfully found the answer.
"So are you able to explain your feelings to her clearly?"
"Although I don't know if this is the best way to go about doing this, I do understand that the other way would really hurt her. "
Hirata considered both approaches.
He was silent, with his thoughts being conveyed on his face.
Hirata understood that the second option would be better for Mii-chan, and so he was no longer conflicted.
If he were the old Hirata, he would be constantly worried about the situation, and would waste a lot of time in finding the answer.
He would be obsessed with the notion of "not hurting others", and would be lost inside the maze of his feelings and emotions.
After his worries had been resolved, Hirata still seemed like he had something to say.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Oh, err… from now on…Can I call you Kiyotaka-kun?" "Eh?"
I was wondering what he would say, but this turned out to be very unexpected
"Well, if it's okay with you, you can call me by my first name as well… is that fine?
Is this a step forward for our friendship?
My friendship with Hirata had progressed even further now, just like with Keisei, Akito, Haruki, and Airi.
"Why not, if you think it's okay."
Seeing how I agreed so willingly, Hirata smiled from the bottom of his heart.
"Really? Can I really?"
"You mean calling me by my first name? Don't you have experience with that sort of thing, Hira-Yosuke?
Although from my memory, Hirata generally used surnames to address both males and females, calling people by their first name wasn't an unusual thing to do.
"Well, before that happened, it wasn't rare for me to call people with their first name."
He was talking about that incident, during Hirata's middle school days when his friend was bullied, which led to his attempted suicide.
"Since then… I've always been afraid to get closer to people. I'll treat everyone equally, but I wouldn't get too close."
It had been 2 years since then, and it seemed like Hirata had only used surnames to address others.
Speaking of this, Hirata treated everyone in the class the same way.
This held true even when the whole class unanimously chose to drove out
Yamauchi from the class.
But it seems that yet again, he was able to break out of that shell.
Hirata's development was also quite significant, even compared to the other students who have also grown throughout the year.
"That's why I thank you… Kiyotaka-kun."
His gaze that was avoiding me from the start came back. That look conveyed all he was feeling at that moment.
"I'm flattered, really."
Although I got some sort of sappy feeling from all this, I still accepted it open-heartedly.