Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 240: The Student General Assembly.

The Student General Assembly.

The day of the student assembly,

The entire student body had gathered in the gymnasium. Meanwhile, the student council members, including myself, were waiting backstage near the podium. As this assembly was to be conducted solely by the student council, we were the only ones there.

Curious about the atmosphere, I peeked out from behind the curtain. The sheer number of students reminded me just how many people we would soon be addressing. I had known this, of course, but facing it in reality made my nerves spike.

A glance around revealed that I wasn’t the only one feeling anxious. In fact, Toudou-san seemed even more nervous than I was. Our seniors were doing their best to encourage and reassure her.

“Are you holding up, Takanashi-kun?”

“Y-Yeah… somehow.”

“I felt the same way my first time. Once you’re up there, it’s not as bad as you expect.”

Even I had been noticed for my obvious nerves, and the male seniors kept chatting with me, helping to distract me. Honestly, that alone helped calm me down a little—I was grateful.

The flow of the event was straightforward: the current president would give a farewell address and then hand over duties to the new president, Sara-san. Afterward, Sara-san would introduce the incoming officers to the students. If the students approved, each officer would proceed with their reports. As vice president, I didn’t have a specific report, but I was expected to deliver a brief speech.

That meant I had two major moments: receiving approval as vice president and giving a short speech. Just thinking about it was enough to make my nerves skyrocket again. If, by some miracle, I didn’t get approved… well, the embarrassment might just keep me from ever showing my face at school again—no exaggeration.

Though if that happened, I’m sure Sara-san would be furious with me.

Just as my nerves threatened to spiral further, something warm and comforting enveloped me—a gentle force pulled my head close, cradling it with care. Of course, I knew exactly who it was. Leaning into her, I allowed my body to relax.

“Fufu… Let’s just stay like this for a while. Take your time and calm your heart. You’re okay—everything will be fine.”

Wrapped in kindness and happiness, she gently stroked my head, soothing my anxiety with every touch. Sara-san’s affectionate care—sweeter than any paradise.

It made me happy, of course, but I remembered she had been reviewing her speech just moments ago. If I had caused her to stop for my sake, then I couldn’t help but feel guilty…

“I—I’m sorry, Sara-san. I didn’t mean to trouble y—Mmph!?”

“Saying something like that is… a no-no, Kazunari-san.”

Sara-san silenced me with her “secret technique”—gently pressing something sweet and soft over my lips. Just like that, I was rendered speechless.

She’s right, though. If our roles were reversed, I would never think of her as a burden. Of course I’d prioritize her.

Having come to terms with her feelings, I let myself fully melt into her comfort. Sara-san must’ve been glad that I accepted her affection so honestly—she let out a soft, happy laugh.

“Just stay relaxed like that and calm yourself slowly… Good boy, good boy.”

Her hand gently continued stroking my hair. The sense of peace it brought was beyond words. Before I even realized it, most of my nervousness had faded away.

“…Ahh, I’m so jealous… I mean, seriously.”

“Yeah… just once, I’d love to have Satsukawa-san pamper me like that.”

“What’s going on?”

Hanako-san, who had been speaking with one of the outgoing seniors, returned to us. She too would soon be up for student approval as part of the new council. And yet… she seemed entirely unfazed. It was admirable, but it made my own nervousness stand out all the more.

“You okay, Kazunari?”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine.”

Even as I responded while nestled in Sara-san’s embrace, I knew how unconvincing it must’ve sounded. Still, what else could I say?

“Um, Satsukawa-san, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we should get going.”

The outgoing president approached, clearly in a bit of a hurry.

Ah—when did the start time creep up on us? I had been so blissfully relaxed that I didn’t notice how close we were.

Any more indulgence would truly start becoming a burden on Sara-san. Still, thanks to her, I felt remarkably composed.

“Sara-san, I’m really okay now. Thank you so much.”

I made a point to convey my readiness with a slightly firmer tone. She seemed convinced, slowly releasing me with a touch of reluctance. From the look on her face, she might’ve wanted to stay like that a little longer too.

“Kazunari-san, I will always be by your side. So go out there and do your best.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Satisfied by my response, she gave a small nod and walked onto the stage with the president. I watched her go, then took a moment to check in with myself. Yeah… I think I’ve got this.

“If you’re still nervous, Kazunari, I could hold you instead, you know? Big sister style.”

Hanako-san, who had been standing beside me, suddenly made that unexpected suggestion.

Her… holding me?

The mental image nearly formed in my head before I quickly shook it off.

“W-What!? ‘Big sister style’!?”

“I—I’m fine, Hanako-san. Really.”

“Aw, too bad.”

…She was serious. She waited until Sara-san left before saying it, so maybe she was being considerate in her own way?

Well… at least she was just worried about me. I can’t really fault her for that.

***

At last, the student assembly began. On stage, the president was delivering his retirement speech. After that would come the handover to the new president—Sara-san—followed by her inaugural address, and then… my turn.

“…The reason I was able to carry through until the end was thanks to the support of my fellow officers and all of you who worked with us. I’m deeply grateful. Thank you very much. I ask for your continued support going forward. That concludes my address.”

Clap clap…

Clap clap clap clap!!!

Like ripples spreading across water, applause swept through the student body, resonating throughout the gymnasium. The president smiled, a look of clear satisfaction on his face—as though to say, I did what I came to do.

After the applause settled, the outgoing seniors were briefly introduced and gave short remarks. Then, it was time.

“And now, allow me to introduce your new student council president… Satsukawa Sara!”

Her name rang out, and thunderous applause erupted across the gym. Mixed in were cries of “Satsukawa-saaan!” and “Sara-chaaan!” from various corners—honestly, pretty obnoxious.

Do they think she’s an idol or something?

Sara-san, however, didn’t flinch. Not even a twitch of the eyebrow. Her gaze remained firmly forward as she exchanged greetings with the outgoing president and gracefully took her place at the podium.

…I’ll never forget how she looked at that moment.

Composed. Commanding. Her gaze, sharper than I’d ever seen. The way she stood—confident, resolute—radiated such strength that it felt almost divine. She was a completely different person from the Sara-san I knew.

I’d never seen this side of her before. Maybe she was like this when we first entered school, but I hadn’t had the composure to notice back then.

“Satsukawa-senpai… she’s like a different person.”

Toudou-san, watching from the wings like me, murmured in awe. Clearly, she had never seen this side either.

“Yeah… I don’t remember ever seeing her like this.”

“The way she acts around you is totally different.”

“Maybe… that’s the version she shows the world. You know, her ‘public face’?”

Hanako-san’s words struck a chord. I think I understood what she meant. That commanding presence… was something Sara-san deliberately cultivated. A persona she once wore to stay untouchable—to remain solitary. That, too, was a part of who she is.

“…I’d like to take this opportunity to express my respect and gratitude to the outgoing president and the seniors who dedicated themselves to this council…”

As we watched, the inaugural address continued.

And I… I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

“…The success of this student council will rely heavily on the cooperation of every student here. We, the officers, will do everything in our power…”

Even if it was a role she played, even if she wasn’t particularly fond of it, that presence was still a part of Sara-san. And because I had accepted all of her—every side of her—I felt a sense of duty to witness this moment and etch it into my memory.

“…That concludes my inaugural speech. I look forward to working with all of you.”

Clap clap clap clap!!!

Applause once again shook the gymnasium. This time, no one yelled or disrupted the mood. Perhaps they were overwhelmed by her presence—just as I was.

“Takanashi-kun, you’re up next.”

“!?”

Still trembling with emotion, I had completely forgotten that my turn was next.

Toudou-san’s voice snapped me back to reality, and I quickly took a deep breath to refocus. Okay. I’ve got this.

“Kazunari, do your best! Your big sister’s cheering for you!”

Hanako-san squeezed my hand. It was small and delicate, but radiated warmth and kindness.

“G-Good luck, Takanashi-kun!!”

“Thanks, both of you!”

With their encouragement at my back, I stepped behind the curtain… just as Sara-san turned her gaze toward me.

I met her eyes and gave a subtle nod—I’m okay. She seemed to understand, her dignified expression softening into a smile.

“Takanashi Kazunari-san, please come forward.”

And with that, I stepped out onto the stage.