1.6
It was Friday. I came to a place I don't usually visit in order to meet a certain student.
After knocking, I opened the door to the student council room, and for a moment, Nagumo Miyabi looked surprised.
There were no students or teachers in sight other than Nagumo, and it seemed that he was all alone today, just as I had been informed by Asahina.
Even for him, my arrival must have been unexpected. I wondered if he’d been watching me just a few minutes ago as I could see his cell phone in his left hand.
I'm sure I was an unwelcome visitor, but he didn’t turn me away and, instead, urged me to come in.
“Excuse me.”
The door leading into the room closed with a slam, and a moment of silence passed between the two of us.
“I waited for you because Nazuna insisted on giving you some time, but I’m not going to assume anything. So, are you here for the student council or for me?”
“I have no business with the student council. I'm here to talk to President Nagumo personally.”
After saying that, he sat back deeper in his chair and placed the cell phone he held in his hand on the desk.
“Well, in that case, I can only commend you for showing your face in front of me. Don’t you think so, Ayanokōuji?”
“I think you're referring to the sports festival, but isn't being sick a legitimate right that’s accepted as a reason for absence?”
“Don't give me that shit, man. I saw you at Keyaki Mall the next day and you looked fine.”
“I got better in a day.”
“That's a blatant lie.”
“It might be true.”
It was a bit of a play on words, but Nagumo seemed to realize that further pursuit was pointless.
“Truth or lie, I don’t really care anymore. Anyway, let me hear your reason for coming here.”
His troublesome attitude must’ve come from the bottom of his heart. He doesn’t even try to hide the fact that he wants to quickly end the discussion. However, such a transparent attitude is also evidence that he is hiding his true feelings.
“May I sit down? I think it's going to be a bit long.”
“You told me before you had no business with me, the student council president. If I wanted to, I could choose to have no business with you too, right?”
As the head of the student council, Nagumo was prepared to listen, even to someone he didn’t like. If he doesn’t want to, he won’t listen to anything. Well, it's only natural.
“If you won't listen to me, I'll leave.”
If Nagumo, as an individual, was too lazy to even converse with me, I had no choice.
However, I don't believe that’s the case. If his interest in me completely vanished, that would be a different story, but deep down, I believe the spark is still there.
In other words, he’ll never refuse. It’s precisely because I’m certain of this that I also took time out of my precious day to visit this place.
After a few moments of silence, Nagumo instructed me to sit down.
I moved my chair and sat down so that we could face each other head-on.
“Sorry, I don't have anything to drink.”
“No problem.”
I could tell by the way he was looking at me that he won’t be apologizing for anything else. I guess the only thought he had was, “Why did you come here after all this time?”
“I had no idea that the 3rd year Class A would do a pre-opening. It's normal to think of it as a disadvantage to expose the class’s exhibit to the public.”
“I'm also getting stories up here that some stupid class had their event exposed.”
“That's an earful, isn't it? I heard Ryūen visited the student council president Nagumo as well.”
“He was pressing me to bet tens of millions of points with him.”
“I heard you refused.”
“Yeah, well, the game with you is over and so is my school life. As a result, I don’t give a shit about the cultural festival. So, there’s no need for me to give out any instructions. They can go and make memories during their final moments in high school.”
So he switched to such a stance, where all the information regarding his class’s booth is open as he enjoys a normal cultural festival like any other school.
Whether they win first place or twelfth, the third-year Class A remains on top. Nagumo probably doesn’t care whether those in Class B and below are complaining.
“But tens of millions? There won’t be enough, even if he’ll gather it together from his class.”
Ryūen’s class, which has high income but heavily spends, doesn’t have lined pockets.
“That guy told me he would give me the right to expel any student I wanted, even himself.”
Ryūen was going to use the students themselves as collateral for the funds he couldn't provide.
“Last year I would’ve taken him up on that offer. I’d be dealing with a separate year, but it would’ve been interesting if we were playing for expulsion.”
Nagumo remarked he already lost his enthusiasm and interest in the school.
“If you want to compete with me, you can do whatever you want.”
“I understand your personal thoughts. But aren't there many students who won't agree?”
“No one can complain to me, ’cause if they do, their Class A status will no longer be guaranteed. When the festival gets closer, I, or rather the student council, will make a not-so-bad proposal. A little help for a class that’s struggling to win.”
“I see. You've thought about it a lot, haven't you?
“Well, I'm the student council president, after all.” After giving a model answer, Nagumo exhaled a sigh and urged, “Come on, tell me what you came here for.”
“All I want is to have a conversation with the student council president. That's all.”
“I don't exactly believe that.”
“You don't believe me? I'm actually a little surprised with my own actions. Until now, I've been trying to keep my distance from Student Council President Nagumo.”
“I know that very well.”
However, he probably didn't understand the root of why.
“Do you know why?”
“I don't know. I’m sure it’s not because you’re scared of my ability.”
“Unlike the previous student council president, Horikita Manabu, Student Council President Nagumo attracts the eyes of those around him. It's also because you’re a little too dazzling for a shady person like me to face.”
“Sure. But that’s just a front, isn't it?”
Nagumo lightly dismissed the pretense of respect and urged me to reveal my true intentions.
“I wasn't interested.”
It's a bit of a stretch, but that’s what I said. I'm going to speak my mind. While recognizing a certain level of ability, it’s all I could say.
That's why I didn't think I needed to get involved in whatever Nagumo was doing.
“If someone else said what I just heard from your mouth, I might’ve gotten angry.”
“I didn’t realize it was rude.”
“Nah, you don't need to apologize. If you feel that way, that's your business. I'm the one who made you speak your mind,” Nagumo stated, but he quickly added, “But still, if it wasn't you who said that, I'm sure I would’ve changed their mind right away.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to entrap the speaker into taking interest, regardless of what they wished for. With Nagumo's power, that wouldn’t be hard to do.
“Soon your term as student council president will be over, and Student Council President Nagumo will remain in Class A and graduate. I thought that would be fine. Until just the other day.”
“You think otherwise now?”
“I had a change of heart. I felt that I could face you directly, and that's why I'm here.”
There’s no need for checks and balances, feigned flattery, false joy or anger. It’s better for the future to say what’s on my mind. I told Nagumo, who was waiting for me to continue explaining the main reason I came here today.
“I have a proposal for President Nagumo. Can I make a challenge to the student council president this time?”
Making such a statement probably never crossed Nagumo’s mind.
“I’m not sold, this isn’t like you.”
A change of heart, such an answer was not enough to convince Nagumo.
“I don't know when exactly this change of heart came, but it's too late. You ran away from the last chance I gave you at the sports festival. If I may borrow words from your true feelings, you weren't interested. Isn't that right?”
“That's correct. I know it's a convenient story.”
“Yeah, you're right. After having given up three opportunities, and now being asked to play a game on the grounds of a change of heart, there’s no way I can honestly say yes.”
Nagumo didn’t change his position and continued to show no restraint.
“And, get this, it’s the same as what you said earlier about the sports festival. You said you were sick the whole time. I've decided that's an obvious lie. Besides, don't tell me you've forgotten about what happened on the island.”
“Then, would you like to replicate what happened on the island? This time, in the opposite position?”
If Nagumo could smack me in the gut here, I could apologize for my behavior. However, I didn’t think that would be enough to convince the opposing party.
Not when the other party is Nagumo Miyabi.
“You aren’t funny Ayanokōji. It wouldn’t ever be the same knockout. There’s a huge difference in value between you and me.”
Naturally, there was no room for a discussion of the proposal. It was obvious that there was at least that much of a difference between Ayanokōji Kiyotaka and Nagumo Miyabi, at least in this school. One was an ordinary student in the 2nd year Class B, while the other was the leader of the 3rd year Class A and the student council president.
The difference between what we’re capable of was so great that even a comparison was unacceptable.
“Well, I'm going to shelve it because there's no point in getting into it now. Understand this, Ayanokōji. I'm allowed to challenge you to a fight, but you're not allowed to challenge me to a fight.”
“I understand, but that's exactly what you’re shelving. I'm right here in front of you right now, and I'm saying that I'm willing to fight Student Council President Nagumo. Can’t you agree with that?”
I intentionally cut my fingertips and dripped blood on the bloodthirsty wolf. But the wolf in front of me didn’t bite easily. He wasn’t defenselessly provocative as it had been in the past, rather, the wolf was very wary. If he had not thought of me as an enemy before, he already would’ve had his fangs at my fingertips. He may not have realized it, but that was the proof that he recognized me as an enemy.
“You really are strange. You don't show any sign of timidity when dealing with me. No, it's not only against me, but also against Horikita-senpai.”
Nagumo looked out the window as if remembering the days of Horikita Manabu.
His original desire was to fight the elder Horikita, not me. That goal was unattainable, but it was also true that there were no other alternatives.
“Oh, man. If I were to play a game with you, what would you do? It's almost the third semester of the school year, and we already passed the second semester’s halfway point. As you probably know by now, I gave all the power to my classmates to compete for sales at the school festival. I can't ask them to give it back now. On the other hand, even if I wait for the next special exam, there’s no guarantee that there will be a competition between all the grades.”
We could leave it to luck and wait, hoping that there would still be a battle between all grades. Not that such a thing couldn't be done, but it wouldn't be very realistic.
“Above all, you’re well aware of the difficulty of competing in earnest between different grades, as you and the former student council president know, don't you?”
Last year's sports festival, training camps, etc., Nagumo Miyabi was adamant about competing with Horikita Manabu. No matter what form it took, no matter how small the match was, he forced himself to do so, hoping to make it black and white. However, Manabu dodged Nagumo's provocations and didn’t involve everyone in the match.
“More than anyone else. How hard do you have to work to adjust? Because of you, not just this year, last year too, the match with Horikita-senpai didn't happen.”
In that sense, too, Nagumo was not pleased with me.
“Listen to what I'm about to tell you and think about whether a confrontation can be achieved.”
With that, Nagumo sat back deeper in his chair to correct his posture a bit. Though many of the special exams the school gave were unknown, we had several patterns to prepare for them. Because no matter what form the confrontation was introduced, there was always a method to execute. When I finished relaying everything, Nagumo remained silent and seemed to be deep in thought.
“I don't know if we can achieve a 100% perfect match, but I think this can become a reality.”
“That's true. But do you really think we can implement the plan you're talking about?”
“I’m sure Student Council President Nagumo can already envision the situation. I'm sure you've been observing them day in and day out, right? If that's the case, there's no way you don’t know the details.”
“I see. I was planning to shake you up at that time, but instead of getting upset, you decided to take advantage of it.”
“Will you accept my proposal or not?”
We spoke for quite a long time, even for me. But this conversational work is necessary in negotiations with Nagumo.
“I'd be happy to accept your proposal, but...” The reply was positive, but the words had other meanings. “But what’s your real purpose?”
“Can’t you believe it? I just want to compete with President Nagumo.”
“I don't believe it for a second.”
As if convinced, he replied without hesitance. I was somewhat pleased, but decided to wait for Nagumo's next words.
“Alright, tell me the main issue. I'll think about whether or not I'll accept the proposal after that.”
He let me cut to the other main topic without hesitation.
“I have a favor to ask of the Student Council President Nagumo.”
I gave an explanation based on the content of the request and its specific development. After listening, he sat back deeply in his chair, where he’d been sitting for a year.
“I understand what you’re telling me. But that's not a proposal based on your desire to compete with me. You brought up the idea of a match because you had no choice but to control what you wanted to happen. Am I right?”
“Half right, half wrong. It's also true that I myself changed my view of the Student Council President, and that's why I want to compete. However, I also feel that half of it is a hassle.”
“You're an honest guy.”
“That's why I want you to accept my proposal.”
“You're a joke. You asked for a match, and now you're being so brazen.”
“I won't deny that.”
“Do you think I'm going to play along with you and give you what you want?”
“If you refuse, that's the end of it. I will never fight the Student Council President again. Even if you use a classmate or someone in the same grade as me. Not even if you take someone hostage, I will thoroughly ignore them, and you.”
“I doubt it. If it's a random guy, you’d probably leave him for dead, but if it's Karuizawa Kei?”
Here Nagumo tried to sway me by mentioning Kei.
“It doesn’t matter who it is.”
Nagumo's smile disappeared as I answered immediately without hesitation.
“It doesn't sound like you’re bluffing. It seems like… you really mean it.”
“I'm not an omniscient and omnipotent god. I can't protect everyone 24/7, 365 days a year, whether it's Kei or my classmates. If the student council president, who has the most power in this school and the control of a large student body, wanted to do so, he could have someone expelled from school without my supervision.”
Of course, there was a risk of paying a significant price for the trouble, but I didn’t care.
“Whoever you expel, I won't make a move again.”
This was not a tactic.
It was pure sincerity, which was why Nagumo's smile naturally disappeared.
“If I want to fuck you over, which I deeply do, I have no choice but to accept your current proposal.”
“Of course, you can ignore it and graduate without hesitation.”
“But won't you be in trouble if I don't help you?”
“I've already made other plans.”
Yes, there was no need to go through the trouble of disclosing my story to Nagumo any more. But I mentioned half the reason earlier. The urge to fight him was the reason I wanted to have this discussion. Everything would be decided by his next response. It's the moment of final judgment, whether or not the match between us will take place.
“Okay, I'll take your word for it, Ayanokōji. My graduation from Class A is unassailable anyway. It's not a bad idea to end up playing with you.”
Nagumo didn’t think for a second that he was going to lose, he couldn’t even imagine it. This was the overwhelming confidence of a man who was always proud of winning.
“Thank you very much.”
“But are you sure you want to do this? If I do what you suggest, then... no matter how it turns out, people will be hurt.”
“Of course. Either way, the Student Council President Nagumo would’ve been involved.”
Nagumo reacted strongly to those words.
“You...”
As I was about to leave, Nagumo stood up and approached me.
“You knew?”
“Even though we were distanced, I observed the student council president. I had an idea of what you’d do after this.”
Even though he already declared he had no intention of fighting, this man always had his sights set on me. It was expected that he’d take action at the right time, before it was too late.
“So you're saying that it’s not only Karuizawa, but also Honami...”
“Like I said, it's the same no matter who it is. Whether it's Kei’s expulsion, toying with Ichinose, Horikita, or anyone else. It would be wise not to think you can sway me like that.”
Nagumo, who laughed snidely, quickly switched to a serious expression.
“I take back my comment about playing around. You are the only one that Horikita-senpai recognized. I've been able to make sure of that.”
“That's good to hear. Well then, I'll leave you here.”
“Yo.”
“What's up?”
“Man, I'll admit that you've got a real poker face. I also understand that you negotiated diligently to get me into your deal. So, let me hear your true feelings for once. Even if I was serious about getting Karuizawa to drop out of school, would you have stood by and watched?”
“For Kei, no, I don't think it's desirable to have a vacancy among my classmates, no matter who it was. I was going to resist as much as possible.”
“That's not an answer. The answer you're giving is to the likeness of classmates. What I'm saying is that I didn't feel any anxiety about the disappearance of Karuizawa, who’s very special to you.”
I looked back. Normally, the answer would be obvious. I’m just bluffing and trying to hide how I really feel from others. I was just going to say something along those lines. But I had a feeling that wasn’t the best answer for Nagumo.
“If she disappears, she's gone, and that's all there is to it. It is neither more nor less than that. In fact, it would’ve been a great help to me because you would’ve made the cleanup easier.”
“You have loose screws, Ayanokōji.”
This was the first time I saw Nagumo upset, or rather, muttering his opinion on something he didn’t quite understand.
“I'll call you later.”
I quietly closed the door and left the student council room.
Nagumo described me as crazy, but that's not true. I believe people who make wrong decisions based on their emotions are the ones with the bolts screwed on the wrong way.
It’s the same whether the other person is a stranger, a lover, or a family member.
When the time comes for you to fail and drop out, it’ll be the end of you.
The first priority is always to protect yourself.
That is the unshakable “solution.”
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