Part-2 Ch-02 Ep-01

I pick up the stack of documents piled to the left in front of me. With a quick snap-snap of the stapler, I bind them together into a booklet, then place it onto the stack on the right. I simply repeat the same motion over and over again.

I do not mind simple, repetitive work.

Without thinking too deeply, I pick up the papers and staple them one set at a time. The sharp sound of the stapler echoes through the narrow room.

Today, after school, I am in the student council room, helping prepare handouts for the upcoming ball game tournament that will be distributed by the committee.

“Ichinose-san… right? Sorry, isn’t this boring for you?”

The boy sitting across from me, who is doing the same task, speaks up. He seems to be the student council president.

I missed his self-introduction earlier, so I honestly do not know his name, but my first impression is that he is soft-spoken and kind.

He is not very tall, and his face is youthful. If you put a wig on him and had him wear a skirt, he could probably pass as quite a cute cross-dresser.

Put less kindly, he gives off a slightly effeminate impression.

“It’s totally fine. I actually like this kind of simple work. Besides, I was free today, so I just came along with Mari on my own.”

When I answer like that, he looks a little relieved and smiles.

“That helps.”

We continue making the booklets together in silence. Today, Mari said she had to help with preparations for the ball game tournament in the student council room after school, so I tagged along.

It seems they are creating handouts to distribute at the next physical education committee meeting.

I thought that would not normally fall under Mari’s responsibility, but she explained, “The student council members have lessons and other commitments today, so they’re short on people,” which surprised me. It really was just a matter of lending a hand.

Even though she had not been particularly enthusiastic about it, she was not only involved in her committee duties but was also gradually getting closer to the student council members.

“…Should I help with something too? You’re short on people, right?”

Normally, she would tell me to go home first, so I asked while half-expecting to be turned down again. The real reason was that I wanted to spend even a little more time with Mari after school.

“Hm… Well, then, maybe you can come with me to the student council room.”

When Mari hesitated briefly, which was unusual for her, and then said that, I felt genuinely happy. More than being told it was fine to go home, I was glad that we could spend just a bit more time together.

And now here I am, in the student council room, alone with the president, silently assembling booklets. Mari, who brought me here, was taken to the copy room by another student council member.

There are still handouts that need printing, and it seems they bundle them there to a certain extent before bringing them over here as needed.

I wish I could help with the same task as Mari, but since I came as an extra hand, I cannot make such a selfish request, so I restrain myself.

“Nagase-san is a really nice person, isn’t she?”

Hearing Mari’s last name suddenly, I jerk my head up. The boy across from me is looking over with a gentle smile. His hands continue working steadily, so it seems he is simply making casual conversation.

“Nagase-san has been talking with us in the student council since the very first day the committee started. Whenever there’s a meeting, she helps with preparations or cleanup. Like today.”

As he says that, he holds up a freshly stapled booklet.

“Ah, yeah. She does things like that. She doesn’t get shy around people, and she often talks with students from other classes. I see it too.”

“I knew it.”

We keep smiling and chatting as we work.

“I’m the student council president, but I’m not very assertive, and I’m not the type who stands out. I really envy bright people like Nagase-san.”

“Really? She has her own worries too, though.”

“Eh, really?”

I clearly remember how, early in the new semester, she seemed dissatisfied about becoming a physical education committee member. But now, she appears to have settled into it quite a bit. After finishing all the booklets, I stare down at my palms.

--I wonder if we’ll be able to hold hands on the way home today too.

That is honestly the main reason I want us to go home together so badly.

“I’m back~”

“I’m back~ Ah, thank you both! Wow, you’re already finished!”

The timing is perfect as Mari and the other student council member return. It seems they finished their work as well, judging by the stack of printed materials in their hands.

“Yeah, this should be enough. We’ll take care of the rest, so you two can head home. Really, thank you.”

Taking the president’s words at face value, we tidy up our immediate area and prepare to leave.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. If anything comes up again, just let me know. Well then, Goteiin-kun and everyone, good work today.”

From Mari’s words, I finally learn the student council president’s name.

“Heh, that’s quite an impressive name.”

The words slip out before I can stop them.

“Hey, I introduced myself earlier.”

“I missed it…”

“Haha. So Ichinose-san really didn’t hear my name after all. We were alone together this whole time, and you never called me by name, so I figured that was probably the case.”

He laughs as he says it, not seeming upset, but I feel like I should apologize properly.

“Sorry. I didn’t listen carefully. Um, I’m Ichinose… but you already know that…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Then let me introduce myself again. --My name is Godaiin Takumi. At our school, the third-years retire early, so the second-years take over as student council president. I’ve been nervous every day since I took the position. I’d be glad if you could help out again sometime.”

With that, Godaiin-kun waves goodbye to us with his gentle smile as we leave the room.