NOVEL WEB Chapter 22:
Joining the Student Council (2)
As I looked at the student council membership application that Moon Soorin was handing me, my mind filled with various thoughts.
‘Why is she here?’ was my initial thought, swiftly followed by ‘How much more drama will this stir up?’
“President, what brought you all the way here?”
Given the crowded surroundings, I used the title “President” to address her. Since she referred to me as her junior, I figured she would understand.
“You said you’d consider it yesterday. Have you made up your mind?”
Kim Yeonghan made it clear this morning that a recommendation from a current council member was required for joining. That’s why Moon Soorin sought me out. To top it off, the student council president herself came in person.
Well, I can’t really turn her down now, can I?
“You really shouldn’t have come directly to me like this… What were you thinking?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t plan on being so forward, but I just wanted to see your face. Hehe.”This wasn’t the usual Moon Soorin I knew. In the game, she was always cautious and careful by nature. Maybe it’s because she had to deal with the stalker and relentless paparazzi.
Perhaps meeting me before those incidents changed her perspective, and the paparazzi weren’t as intense at that point.
In the original game, Lee Hoyeon and Moon Soorin only met after the incident had already occurred.
That’s why, no matter how much Lee Hoyeon might like her, Moon Soorin could only approach slowly, worrying about what kind of pictures would be taken, what rumors would spread. Those were her primary concerns.
But in my case, she met me too soon. That’s why she’s openly expressing her feelings and approaching me without holding back.
★ Heroine Status Window
[Moon Soorin]
[Affection: 38]
[Lust: 17]
[Appetite: 30]
[Fatigue: 40]
When we first met, her affection level was at 20, but it almost doubled without any significant interaction. That’s the proof.
This sudden increase is kind of overwhelming, to be honest. Who knows how things will unfold?
“Haah… Alright, got it. Joining seems like the natural choice.”
“Awesome. Let’s meet at the student council after classes.”
“Sure, see you later.”
Moon Soorin left the classroom, wearing a big smile. After she was gone, the other students silently glanced at me. I could see the girls whispering and giggling, trying to be discreet.
Ah, they’re probably getting all riled up. Well, I’ve definitely pulled all the aggro. I’m already dreading what kind of posts will pop up on EveryDay.
In the end, I shrugged it off, and redirected my focus to my paper, acting like nothing had happened.
***
After morning and afternoon classes were over, there’s a place I wanted to visit before going to the student council.
The student council wasn’t going anywhere, but Lucy would escape to the dormitory. Since I needed to join her group of friends, I approached her.
“Lucy, I heard you’re starting a new club?”
“Huh? Who told you? I only mentioned it to Lumi so far… Did she tell you?”
“Oh, no. I happened to overhear you and Lumi talking earlier.”
“Hmm. So, are you interested too?”
“Yeah. It’s always great to have more friends, right?”
Well, that was a lie. Other than Lumi and Lucy, I had no intention of interacting with anyone else in the club.
“But aren’t you joining the student council? Wouldn’t it be hard to participate in our club activities?”
“Think about it the other way around. Having connections in the student council could actually work in our favor, don’t you think?”
“Ooh!”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Accepted! You’re in! Now that we have at least three members—me, you, and Lumi—we just need to find an advisor. I’ll take care of that.”
“Okay. See you later, then.”
Lucy grabbed her bag and hurried out, clearly in high spirits.
“I should make my way to the student council.”
Even though I’ve spent more than 15 years in school, I had never imagined myself being a part of the student council.
“You really get to experience a lot of things in Sex Academy, huh.”
Victoria Academy had a separate building for club activities, a towering structure with 17 floors. The student council occupied the top floor.
The walls of the club building were adorned with banners promoting various clubs.
“Magic Research Club, Tea Ceremony Club, Insect Collecting Club… There’s something for everyone.”
There were plenty of clubs that seemed completely unrelated to Victoria Academy.
I hopped into the elevator and ascended to the 17th floor.
Ding-dong.
As the door opened, I was greeted by the sight of the student council room, restrooms, and a lounge area.
Without much thought, I pushed open the door to the student council room and stepped inside. I could just grab anyone and announce, “I’ve come to meet the student council president~” or something like that.
At first glance, the student council room resembled a corporate office.
Each desk had hologram computers, and three people were there furiously typing away, their eyes bloodshot as if they had been at it for more than just a day or two.
“…Did I come to the wrong place?”
I turned around and double-checked. It wasn’t the student council room; it was the general student council area.
Hold on a moment, aren’t they the same thing?
“What brings you here?”
Lost in my thoughts for a moment at the entrance, a female student who appeared to be a member of the student council approached me.
“I came to meet the student council president. I received a recommendation from the student council to join.”
“Ah, you must be Hoyeon, right? You certainly make a good impression.”
“Huh? Oh, thank you.”
“President~ Hoyeon is here.”
“Just a moment!”
A commotion could be heard from the door labeled “Student Council President’s Office.”
After a couple of minutes, Moon Soorin, neatly dressed in her school uniform, emerged from the student council president’s office.
“Sorry for the wait. Come on in”
I followed her into the student council president’s office. The space was impeccably organized, leaving no room for nitpicking.
Moon Soorin personally brewed coffee and handed it to me.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
I took a sip, appreciating the fact that it wasn’t some bland instant coffee like what Professor Im Sol would serve.
“We’re waiting for one more person, so please wait for a bit.”
One more person? That’s a bit unexpected.
I get that Moon Soorin wants me on the student council, but why the need for another member? Wait, maybe she’s not picking me because she likes me?
As that thought crossed my mind, my cheeks suddenly turned into ripe tomatoes.
“Hoyeon, what’s up? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No… I just had an embarrassing thought all of a sudden.”
“Oh my, is it because you’re in my personal room?”
Seeing Moon Soorin’s mischievous smile, I felt instantly at ease. Her smile was unmistakably one filled with fondness. It’s clear she had a liking for me.
Well, I guess I’ll have to wait and see who this other person is.
“By the way, I heard you’ve been getting along with Professor Im Sol lately.”
“Huh? How did you know?”
“I mean, she’s quite famous. You must be the first student to enter her private research lab.”
“Ah…”
Seems like news about my little showdown with the Magic Research Club at Mado Hall has already spread like wildfire. Rumors do spread quickly.
“Be careful, Hoyeon. Professor Im Sol is a beauty with brains. She has quite the fan club, so someone might start seeing you as competition.”
“Well, the same goes for you, President. Isn’t it risky having a chat with you?”
“Hm? Oh you cheeky thing, teasing your Noona like that… Hehe.”
Perfect. That banter must’ve earned me some bonus points for sure. If I keep racking up points like this, I might just conquer her heart soon. But life isn’t always that simple. I need to stay on my toes.
“President, the guest has arrived.”
Just as the voice of the executive who showed me in earlier broke our conversation, the timing couldn’t have been worse. What a shame.
“Yes, let her in.”
Creak.
The door swung open, revealing a fair-skinned blonde woman walking in. I couldn’t help but be taken aback. It was Alice, the top-ranking freshman.
★ Heroine Status Window
[Alice]
[Affection: 16]
[Lust: 20]
[Appetite: 30]
[Fatigue: 50]
What’s she doing here? Why is she here?
Alice had zero ties to the student council. No matter which path you choose in the game, she never even comes close.
Alice greeted Moon Soorin as if disregarding the concerns in my mind.
“Hello, President. I’m Alice from Class A, first year.”
Then she casually plopped down in the seat next to me. Well, there was only one seat available anyway.
“Welcome, Alice. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No, thank you. By the way, is Hoyeon also joining the PR department?”
“Yes, that’s correct. I think the two of you would be a great fit for handling the publicity.”
“Okay. I understand.”
Hold on a second, ladies! You’re moving too fast here. PR department? What’s that? I actually wanted to join the disciplinary committee…
“Um, excuse me, President. Why the PR department?”
“Have you been sitting here without listening at all?”
Alice glanced at me, more confused than annoyed.
Wait, is this really my fault?!
“Oh, sorry. I must’ve forgotten to mention it earlier, Hoyeon.”
And what about the disciplinary committee… Ahh, it’s not the first time I’ve been subjected to this kind of absurdity. I might as well just go along with it.
“The PR department is a newly established division for promoting Victoria Academy. It will handle everything from smaller-scale student council promotions to representing Victoria Academy as ambassadors for external promotions.”
“And I’m supposed to take on such a big role? I’ve never done anything remotely close to that before.”
“Don’t worry, Junior. You’ve got what it takes.”
“…?”
What the fuck does that even mean?!
I’m not proud of it, but I’ve never done any influencer activities in my life. I’ve always just been holed up in my room playing games. I really don’t have much confidence.
“Ugh, are you really that clueless?”
“Haha, I think he is. Relax, Alice.”
These two… Maybe my dumbfounded expression was too obvious, as Alice started teasing me.
“Among the male freshmen, it’s you. Among the female freshmen, it’s me. That’s why we were chosen for promoting Victoria Academy. Do you get it now?”
Among the females, it’s Alice.
Among the males, it’s me, Hoyeon.
The task is publicity. From smaller-scale student council promotions to representing the academy externally…
Ah, now it makes sense. She literally chose me because I’m easy on the eyes! So that’s why she said I’ve got what it takes.
In Victoria Academy’s promotion, it’s not about being eloquent or talented. It’s all about hot people flaunting their abilities for the sake of promotion itself.
Lumi and Lucy were also popular among the freshmen, and they’re gorgeous, but I guess Alice, who’s got the looks and the brains, got chosen.
“Uh, I understand.”
But hell with you! You think I’ve been blessed with good looks my whole life, so I can relate to this?! Nope, I didn’t grow up surrounded by compliments about my appearance like you did!
“I might not say this eloquently, but just a picture of you standing still would have a better effect than most models. So don’t worry.”
“Yes, President.”
“Yes.”
As I replied, I felt so embarrassed, but Alice seemed completely unfazed by it all.
Is this just another day in her world?
“Anyway, since today is a gathering of people who will be working together, let’s greet the student council members. Make sure you exchange some pleasantries with them.”
After that, we mingled with the student council members.
“Whoa, the newbies from the PR department are gorgeous.”
“Pleasure to meet you~”
“It’s a shame that the Vice President is absent because of guild business.”
Honestly, the student council didn’t have many important characters. The girls were pretty average, and the guys were forgettable. But there was one person worth noting: Vice President Shin Dongmin. He’s someone to keep an eye on.
He was the villain in the Moon Soorin route and had a crush on her.
At the moment, he doesn’t show any signs of hostility yet, so I guess it’s okay… but I still need to be cautious.
Until the stalking incident in the Moon Soorin route happens, I don’t have to worry. Luckily, I still have plenty of time until that point.
And for some reason, the person who called himself the president of the general club saw me, made a weird face, and disappeared in a hurry, saying something urgent came up.
For a moment, my mind flashed back to what happened to me with the Fishing Club, but I barely even knew him, so it’s probably nothing.
Then I was guided to what they called the PR room.
“I set up this room specifically for the PR department since there are some formalities to follow…”
Inside, there were two desks. Plus, there were flashy lights that didn’t quite match the student council vibe, holographic computers, a restroom, and even a bed.
It was better than the studio apartment I used to live in before I got transported here.
“You probably won’t be doing any paperwork or anything like that. The other student council members will handle that stuff. Just focus on external activities.”
“Got it.”
She really did pick me as a face model, huh? But isn’t this risky?
Isn’t it a problem to hire people based solely on their looks without giving them any actual work?
I don’t know. I’ll figure it out somehow.
“You don’t have to come every day or anything. Let’s just communicate when there’s a promotional task for you. I still have some work to do, so feel free to relax and go back. How about having a chat? You’ll be working together from now on.”
Moon Soorin winked at me from an angle that Alice couldn’t see, then left the room.
As she left, an awkward silence hung between me and Alice. She sat down at her spot and fiddled with something, while I stood there quietly.
“Now what?”
Alice didn’t seem to have any intention of speaking first.
Should I initiate the conversation?
———————-
[Subquest received]
[The Start of an Insider: Conversation First]
[Alice is a very picky character]
[Engage in a conversation that aligns with her interests for at least 30 minutes!]
[Reward: Slightly increase Alice’s affection. Random stat +1]
———————-
Just as I was contemplating, a quest appeared.
I guess I have no choice but to strike up a conversation.
It’s a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m confident in my social skills. I can definitely have an interesting conversation. I’ll be fine.
No matter what, Alice is a heroine. Being labeled as such means that she’s destined to fall under the protagonist’s thumb.
***
TL’s Note: The original translation for “Insider” is 인싸[In-ssa]. It’s a type of person who gets along with lots of people, follows all the trends, and works/participates with passion within the group that they belong to. The slang is derived from 인사이더 which means “insider” thus the translation “Insider.” Yeah, I decided to keep it as is.
***