Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 228: A Request from the Student Council.

A Request from the Student Council.

Having somehow survived the ordeal of my classmates and friends publicly exposing just how soft-hearted I can be, the reporting session was finally winding down.

Since I hadn’t yet brought up the student council, I decided to speak to the three of them before I forgot.

Me: “Hanako-san, Toudou-san, Hayato—got a moment?”

Hanako: “What is it?”

Toudou: “Something on your mind, Takanashi-kun?”

Hayato: “Need some advice?”

Me: “Yeah, it’s about the student council.”

The moment I mentioned “student council,” the three of them looked even more puzzled.

I couldn’t exactly state the real reason in front of Sara-san, so for now, I decided to simply float the idea of asking for their cooperation.

It’d be a huge help if they agreed…

Me: “With the third-years stepping down, we need to bring in more members. Sara-san is taking over as president, and we’re forming a new structure. I was hoping you three might consider helping out as officers.”

Nishikawa: “Oh? So Sara’s becoming the president?”

Natsumi: “Now that you mention it, Daichi did say he wasn’t going to run. So it’s officially her, huh?”

Ah… I hadn’t explained that part yet.

Realizing I’d skipped over a crucial detail, I quickly backtracked to give them a brief explanation.

Me: “Since no one ran against her, Sara-san’s taking over as president. But with three third-years, including the current president, graduating, we need to bring in new members for the transition.”

Nishikawa: “Well, I doubt anyone would want to go up against Sara for student council president. Still, making her president… that’s a bold move… I see. So that’s what this is about.”

It seemed Nishikawa-san had figured out the reason I was asking them to help before I even said it aloud. She nodded in understanding and looked at me again.

Hanako: “…Ah, I get it now. Makes sense. That explains a lot.”

Apparently Hanako-san had caught on as well. Good thing I threw in that “new structure” bit—seems it paid off. Toudou-san and Hayato didn’t appear to have caught on yet, but I needed to keep the conversation moving.

Hanako: “By the way, if Sara-san’s the president, who’s going to be vice president?”

Me: “That would be me. Though we’re still waiting on the general assembly’s approval.”

Nishikawa: “…Wait, the two of you? President and vice president? That’s not just blurring personal and professional lines…”

I knew someone would say that the moment I revealed I’d be the vice president. But while you could call it a conflict of interest, it’s not like I’d make selfish requests and Sara-san would blindly approve them. At most, maybe we’d seem a bit too familiar, but it wouldn’t interfere with operations—or so I believe.

Sara: “How rude. Even if I’m close with Kazunari-san, it hasn’t affected our student council duties in any way.”

Everyone: “……………”

What was this… lukewarm silence?

I felt like they were silently thinking, “These two are hopeless.”

But really, I don’t remember causing any actual problems… I think.

Me: “S-So… what do you think?”

Hanako: “Well… Honestly, I’m not sure how much help I’d be, but with this group, it might actually be kind of fun. Since it’s you asking, Takanashi-kun, I’m not against it. But I’ll need to check with my parents first—my daily schedule will change.”

To my relief, Hanako-san responded positively. It made sense—switching from the go-home club would definitely affect her routine, and she had just transferred in. Of course she’d want to talk to her parents.

Me: “Thanks, Hanako-san. But don’t force yourself, okay?”

Hanako: “I know.”

Toudou: “I’ll ask my parents too. If I start coming home later, I need to talk it over with them.”

Hayato: “I’ve got club activities most days, but if it’s just helping when I have free time, I’m in. And if Toudou-san ends up staying late, I’ll walk her home.”

Classic Hayato. Whether he’s helping with the student council or going to practice, he’s out late either way. So he probably figured it was a good time to support—and maybe impress—Toudou-san. And if it eases her concerns, all the better.

Hanako: “Hmm… then I…”

Glancing my way, Hanako-san looked like she was expecting the same offer.

Right… If it gets late, I should take responsibility and see her home. Especially with the days getting darker earlier—it’d be wrong to let her walk alone.

…Though, in truth, Sara-san takes top priority for me—

Sara: “Why don’t the three of us walk home together? Hanako-san lives near the shopping district, so we can drop her off and do our shopping after. That should work just fine.”

Sara-san’s suggestion was exactly the answer to the dilemma I’d been struggling with. I’d need to thank her later for picking up on it. Though it made me wonder how she knew where Hanako-san lived… Still, if she says it’s fine—

Hanako: “W-Wait! I was just kidding! I mean, I don’t mind walking home by myse—”

Me: “No. I’m not letting you walk home alone after dark. I’ll walk you back. Always.”

Even though they hadn’t officially agreed to help yet, I figured solving these worries in advance might make the decision easier. It was better to reassure them now.

Hanako: “Ugh… o-okay…”

She suddenly looked down, murmuring something under her breath. But when she looked back up, her usual expression had returned.

Hanako: “A-Anyway, I’ll talk to my parents.”

Toudou: “Me too.”

Hayato: “Same here. I’ll help whenever I can.”

Me: “Thanks, all of you. I’m counting on you.”

Now all that was left was to wait for their final answers. I could only hope for the best.

And while we were still on the student council topic, I remembered something else I needed to tell Nishikawa-san personally.

Me: “Nishikawa-san, I have something to say to you, too.”

Nishikawa: “Oh? To me?”

Me: “It’s about you and your father. Thanks to both of you, Masami-san finally approved everything. I’m truly grateful.”

Nishikawa: “T-Takanashi-san, I appreciate the sentiment, but please, lift your head!”

My sincere bow seemed to catch her off guard. When I finally straightened up, she looked visibly relieved.

Me: “Honestly, I was really saved by that. So…”

Nishikawa: “It’s only natural to help a friend. But please stop—if you get too serious, I’ll get embarrassed!”

And that wasn’t just modesty—her cheeks turned a visible red. I couldn’t help but stare, which only made her turn away in embarrassment.

To ease the tension, I decided to shift the subject back to the president.

Me: “Oh right, the president asked me to give you his regards.”

Nishikawa: “The president? …Ah, you mean Uesaka-san?”

Uesaka… yeah, I think that was his last name. We always just called him “President,” so I forgot. I did remember his first name, Daichi, because Natsumi-senpai called him that.

When I looked toward Natsumi-senpai, she nodded as if to confirm.

Me: “Yeah, he said if I was seeing you today, to give you his regards.”

Nishikawa: “I see. Then please tell him I appreciated his support as well.”

It seemed like they had at least some familiarity with each other.

Though judging from her reaction, perhaps they were only acquaintances.

Natsumi: “Huh, I didn’t know Daichi and Eririn knew each other that well.”

Nishikawa: “We crossed paths during committee meetings. Sometimes, if our timing matched, we’d walk partway home together… that’s about it.”

Natsumi: “…Walking home together? I’ve never heard about that… Daichi~”

She mumbled something under her breath and gave a mischievous smile—the kind she wore when scheming. When I glanced at Yuji, he was watching her with a wry grin.

Me: “Got it. I’ll tell him. He also said there were others hoping to see you again.”

Nishikawa: “Really? That’s nice to hear.”

Watching Nishikawa-san smile made me realize something—if we invited her to the school festival, she might reunite with some old friends or familiar faces from before she transferred.

Me: “Hey, would you like to come to the school festival?”

Sara: “That sounds wonderful. If Eri joins us, it’ll be even more fun.”

Toudou: “Wow, Nishikawa-san’s coming?”

Nishikawa: “I’ll check my schedule.”

Though she didn’t give a definitive answer, she looked pleased—like the invitation genuinely made her happy. And it seemed I wasn’t the only one thinking this could be fun with everyone together.

Natsumi: “How about you, Tachikawa-san? Tachibana-kun’s already said he’s coming.”

Me: “Wait, seriously? Yuji?”

I’d planned to invite him myself, but hearing it from Natsumi-senpai caught me off guard. Yuji gave a sheepish nod.

Yuji: “Yeah, I’m going to cheer on Natsumi-san’s match. I’ll visit your class too, of course.”

Tachikawa: “If Nishikawa-san and Tachibana-kun are going, I don’t want to be left out. I’ll clear my schedule.”

Toudou: “I’ll show you around!”

Hanako: “So this is turning into a full-on support group for Sara-san’s beauty pageant…”

Hearing that, Sara-san let out a deep sigh. She didn’t seem thrilled about the idea of having a crowd at a contest she wasn’t enthusiastic about entering. I was definitely going, of course—not just to support her, but to be there in case anything went wrong. If need be, I was ready to pull her out by force.

Sara: “There’s nothing interesting about me being there. I have no intention of doing anything.”

Hanako: “…That alone might be entertaining.”

Tachikawa: “Sara-senpai really is uncompromising.”

Natsumi: “She’s gotten a bit better, but her attitude toward guys who aren’t Takanashi-kun hasn’t changed.”

Of course, I’m glad to hear that—but I know full well Sara’s approach could be misunderstood. As she steps into the role of student council president, people around her—myself included—will need to support her properly.

Which is why I really hope Hanako and the others will join the student council…

With the debriefing session concluded, we were to head home in two separate vehicles. Yuji and Ms. Tachikawa would be riding back with Ms. Nishikawa, while the rest of us would split up between two other cars.

“Good work today~~”

“See you soon~”

“Good night.”

As we all exchanged farewells and began heading toward our assigned vehicles—

Hanako: “Sorry, but could I talk to Satsukawa-san for a moment?”

Hanako-san suddenly said this, most likely intending to bring up the topic she had mentioned before. Judging by her tone and expression, even Sara-san seemed to realize it was something serious.

Me: “Sara-san, would you mind hearing Hanako-san out?”

With a gentle nod at my request, Sara-san encouraged Hanako-san to get into the car they had been reassigned to, and they departed together.

After watching them leave, the rest of us got into the boxy van that Ms. Nishikawa had hastily arranged for us.

Toudou: “I wonder what Hanako-san wants to talk to Satsukawa-senpai about…”

I’m sure we were all wondering the same thing. Even as Toudou-san voiced it aloud, she likely already had a hunch—it probably had something to do with me.

Natsumi: “She’ll tell us eventually… I’m sure.”

I hoped Natsumi-senpai was right—and I wasn’t alone in that. We all must’ve been thinking the same.

After that, conversation faded. In the silence of the car, only an unfamiliar piece of classical music played softly in the background.

***

“Here you go, Kazunari-san. Come closer…”

Lying on her futon, Sara-san opened her arms with a warm smile, just like always, and welcomed me into her embrace. As I gently nestled into her arms, she wrapped them around my back, pulling me tightly against her chest.

Since it was Sara-san who had asked for this, I knew I didn’t need to hold back—but even so, I couldn’t help but feel she had framed it this way precisely so I wouldn’t feel guilty. Of course, there’s no doubt that she genuinely enjoyed it too—so perhaps it’s just me overthinking.

As she gently stroked my head, I decided to bring up the conversation about Hanako-san.

Me: “Sara-san, about this weekend…”

Sara: “Yes, I’ve already heard from Hanako-san. Please, don’t worry about me—just listen to what she has to say.”

So they had talked during the ride. Before I could even finish, she had already given me her blessing.

Thanks to that, I’d finally be able to talk to Hanako-san and ask about… that—especially the part where she called me “big brother.”

Sara: “Kazunari-san, I honestly hate to say this, but… please be kind to Hanako-san that day. Listen to her carefully.”

Her hand, which had been stroking my hair, paused—then she pulled me closer, gently pressing my face against her chest.

I don’t know exactly what’s driving Sara-san to say this, but I could sense that, deep down, she wasn’t feeling completely okay about it.

Sara: “If it’s something small, please just accept it. Just for that one day. But don’t let it go any further… if you fall for her, I… I’ll cry…”

Though she said it with a light tone, it was obvious that her feelings were genuine. Of course, I would never do anything to make Sara-san cry. Hanako-san is important to me—but only as a dear friend.

Still, hearing Sara-san say that made me worry about what was going to happen on that day… but I told myself it would be fine.

Me: “If you say something like ‘I’d never forgive you for cheating on me, even in death’… it’s kind of a shock, you know… mmmph—”

Trying to lighten the mood with a little joke, I opened my mouth—only to be silenced as Sara-san gently (I won’t say how exactly) pressed against me to quiet me down.

Lately, it seems she’s been using this delightful method to hush me more and more often.

Sara: “Fufu… I’m sorry. Then… please accept this as my apology.”

Chu…

Lifting her upper body slightly, she leaned in and softly kissed me on the cheek. Then, wrapping her arms around me again, she pulled me close as we lay down together.

Sara: “Now then, let’s get some rest.”

Me: “Yeah, let’s.”

Being held in Sara-san’s embrace, gently stroked and comforted, drowsiness quickly overtook me. The plans for tomorrow… and the week ahead… all floated through my mind without ever quite settling, and soon enough, I drifted off into sleep.