Macho Man Doesn't want a Slice-of-Life

His sudden decision wasn't all that surprising. His approval rating had always been at the bottom. Even quitting to save face was understandable, so the students didn't pay much attention to him.

After he decided to withdraw, Rinji specifically ordered him to direct all his supporters to vote for Shirogane Miyuki. It was obvious that Hongo's support came from having broad social connections.

If the people he pulled in cast their votes for Shirogane, the chances of winning would be even more solid.

Of course, if he refused to cooperate, Rinji had already made the consequences clear to him.

Africa or the Middle East—pick one.

Left with no choice, Hongo could only comply.

This student council election had turned into a collective operation by the 67th student council members.

Ishigami was in charge of preparing Shirogane's academic presentation slides. Fujiwara took on wide-scale publicity. Rinji and Kaguya worked behind the scenes to control various election forces and eliminate unfavorable factors.

Ishigami and Fujiwara were out in the open. Rinji and Shinomiya operated from the shadows. With this two-pronged strategy, Shirogane's chances of winning had risen significantly.

Shirogane and Fujiwara were both in Class 2-B. With two days to go before the official speech, there were still campaign matters to discuss.

"Shirogane's approval rating is incredibly high right now. As a transfer student trying to be re-elected, it should be impossible."

"Yeah, so we absolutely can't get complacent," Shirogane replied.

'Amazing. I'm so strong. With this kind of support, it's a guaranteed win.'

Though thrilled inside, he added, "Actually, I thought the same thing during the last election. And I'm sure some students think that way too."

Transfer students were the most disliked group in Shuchiin Academy, a school with an integrated curriculum from elementary to high school. They were referred to as "Impure" students, and the school's culture discriminated against them.

Much like European nobles looking down on commoners of impure blood.

There were definitely people who didn't want to see Shirogane become student council president.

"I remember a third-year once publicly made anti-transfer student remarks. I thought he'd rally a group to oppose you," Fujiwara said with a frown.

"'Once'? What about now?"

"Apparently, he suddenly dropped out yesterday. His family moved abroad?"

"Abroad?"

"Yeah, to Syria, I think."

"...That's an odd choice of country."

"I don't know why they left, but the problem still exists in Shuchiin," Fujiwara said seriously. "If we want to tackle it, we need to think carefully about who gives your support speech."

"Support speech, huh..."

A support speech is given right before a candidate's main speech. It highlights their achievements and character to win over more votes—crucial and sometimes decisive.

Fujiwara suddenly smiled.

"But you're lucky. Right in front of you is someone with enough leadership and the power to silence opposition..."

"Rinji?"

"...Someone who can also win over the hearts of the 'pure' students..."

"I get it. So only Shinomiya then?"

Fujiwara looked devastated. "I've decided not to vote for you anymore."

Shirogane: "...Is that really how you see yourself? If so, I sincerely apologize."

---

At the door of Class 2-A, Shirogane stood there, hesitant.

He came to ask Shinomiya to deliver the support speech, but now that he was here, he wavered.

'Why hesitate? It's just a simple request. Just walk in… but, in what capacity am I walking in? What will the others think… No. This is too embarrassing.'

Shirogane backed down.

'Maybe… I'll just ask Rinji instead. When it comes to leadership and silencing opposition, Rinji's way better than Shinomiya. It'd be perfect if he gave the speech.'

He was already trying to rationalize backing out.

Going to another class to find Shinomiya was unbearably embarrassing.

While he was lost in thought, a bubbly voice called out behind him.

"President~ What brings you to our class?"

Turning around, Shirogane saw a blonde girl with a side ponytail and a bright smile.

Manicured nails, a necklace, and a school skirt obviously altered to be shorter.

She was the perfect example of a gyaru-type JK—someone the discipline committee would scold on sight.

Hayasaka Ai (gyaru mode).

"Ah, I'm here to see… Shinomiya," Shirogane blurted out.

"Ok~"

Hayasaka gave an OK sign with her fingers, turned toward the classroom, and shouted loud enough for everyone to hear, "Shinomiya! The president's here to see you! He's got something really important to say!"

"!!"

"!?"

Shirogane was stunned.

The entire class turned to look at him, then at the equally shocked Shinomiya.

"The president's never come to our class before."

"Is it student council business?"

"But didn't the student council already disband?"

"Eh~ Is it a secret between those two?"

As students whispered, Shinomiya shyly walked over, voice barely audible.

"Pre… President, the important thing is…?"

"Oh, right."

Shirogane finally remembered why he came. "I want to talk about what comes next for us."

"!!!!!!"

Everyone around lit up with shock.

Shinomiya blushed furiously.

'The president... wants to talk about our future together…'

That wasn't it.

Shirogane meant to discuss post-election plans and invite her to deliver the support speech.

But he didn't say the whole sentence.

To the others—and to Shinomiya—it sounded like…

A confession.