Chapter Text
It was still quite surreal to me.
I had no idea how it had even happened but here I was, sat on the chair that was supposed to be that of the president of the student council. My position now exchanged with that of Hokobaru-senpai.
"Sakurai-kun, what am I supposed to do?"
Unfortunately, he didn't prove useful today as he had no idea either about how we were supposed to run this school now that the president was gone.
To be fair, I might have been projecting a little here, as I felt like I was far from ready to take on such a huge responsibility.
"Basori-san, president Hokobaru trusted you. I'm only doing the same. I'm sure that if you try your best, you can manage somehow. Don't worry, I'll be there to cover the areas in which you are lacking."
Quite the smooth talker he was. Still, I was very happy to have him by my side. God knows it would feel horrible if I didn't.
Things had been really different ever since Shikiya senpai and president Hokobaru graduated. It was like things were moving way too fast.
I'm a little afraid my incompetency will run this place to the ground but the president had faith in me.
Noticing the look on my face, Sakurai-kun offered words of reassurance.
"I think you have what it takes. You just need to believe more in yourself."
To disappoint Hokobaru-senpai would be to disappoint myself. I should hold my head high and try to manage however I can.
If there was one thing I learned from that guy, it was that everything is possible if you dedicate yourself to it.
"Ah, right!"
"What is it, Tiara-san?"
"I just got an idea."
How could I have forgotten? In those dire situations, I can always count on him!
I called his phone but didn't receive any response. I suppose this guy was busy. I could understand if he was, this literature club of his seemed like trouble after all.
******
I looked around everywhere in the classroom for that guy. He was nowhere to be found. Couldn't he have waited for me?
It was honestly a miracle that we ended up in the same classes for three years straight. It's kind of ironic in a way. Although, it was the first time all members of the literature club barring Riko shared the same class.
Time really flew by, we were already in the month of February, now third years at Tsuwabuki. Not to mention I didn't make any progress at all.
What progress? You might have asked.
Well...
"Oh, there you are, Yanami-san."
I couldn't believe this guy, I had already told him time and time again to wait for me before going there on his own.
"Nukumizu-kun, didn't I say to wait for me?"
"I stopped by Kaju's class to grab my lunch. Besides, isn't that just what I've been doing right now? I mean, I came back to wait for you in the first place."
Here I was, still with no boyfriend in sight, even in my last year of highschool.
"The world is a cruel place."
"What's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
"Think about it, Nukumizu-kun. Don't you think it's unfair that your beautiful Yanami has not received the graces of the god of love yet?"
He ignored me and started walking ahead.
"I'm going ahead."
"You're heartless, Nukumizu-kun! Can't you listen to me for once?!"
He sighed, pointing to the classroom. I followed the movement of his finger, noticing a lot of curious eyes looking at us.
Among those eyes, there were some I recognised all too well. I couldn't mistake those pink eyes and that massive bust for those of anyone else.
Taking notice of the fact he had already gotten far away, I quickly followed him.
Both of our steps were silent, none of us wanting to say anything. It had been like that for a while everytime we got some time alone now.
This awkward atmosphere had gradually sipped through every time we spent just the two of us. Even though we could put up a front when other people were involved, it quickly vanished as soon as it was just the two of us.
After all, I...
"..."
"..."
We continued to walk in silence, nobody wanting to say a single word. Only the sound of our steps were heard as we directed ourselves to the usual spot we shared together.
"Hm, Yanami-san?"
He finally spoke, breaking the awkward silence.
"You know, you've been awfully quiet lately. It's kind of making me feel awkward."
I decided to tell him the truth.
"Are you free this weekend, Nukumizu-kun?"
He seemed suspicious at first but gave me an answer in the end.
"Not really."
"I know that's a lie."
The look on his face was one I knew all too well, it screamed "how does she knows me so well?"
"Alright, you got me, I am. Why are you asking anyway?"
I looked at him straight in the eyes, closing the distance between us.
As our feet were almost touching, I carefully looked at his face, starting to blush a little.
"We should go on a date."
"Excuse me", he said blinking twice.
He didn't really know what to make of the situation, as I continued to stare intently into his eyes.
"We should go on a date."
"I heard you the first time, Yanami-san. You must be joking, right? I'm sure you're just searching excuses to eat at my leisure."
"I've never been more serious, Nukumizu-kun. Think about it, what better experience is there than the real deal? If I go on a date with Nukumizu-kun, I can prepare myself for when I have to go on a real one."
"The real deal? Do I really have to play along?"
"Come on, you just have to play the part of the boyfriend. It could be a good training exercise for you too."
"Yeah, that's a great idea! I want in too!"
We knew that voice all too well, the playful tone and the planning smile made it too obvious.
"Look what we have here, Prez and Yanami- Senpai making plans for a date. You two lovebirds are always doing your own thing."
"Who are you calling love birds?!"
We said, perfectly synchronised.