Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 241: Student General Assembly — Adjourned.

Student General Assembly — Adjourned.

The moment my name was called—

As I stepped up onto the stage, I heard it—small, yet unmistakable murmurs, primarily from a group of male students in the audience.

What was that about?

If it was simply because they didn’t know who I was, I could understand. I wasn’t an official member of the student council—I was more like an assistant. My presence had always been low-key. That much was true.

But this… this felt different.

“Ahem… Takanashi Kazunari-san, please come forward.”

Sara-san almost slipped into her usual tone when calling my name and quickly corrected herself.

Just before the assembly, we had a meeting—well, with Uesaka… let’s just say ‘the former president’ for ease—where she had been explicitly warned not to blur the lines between personal and professional matters while on stage. In other words: don’t get too cozy. Sara-san had clearly been annoyed by the remark—probably because she felt it was unnecessary.

The spot Sara-san had designated for me to stand was right beside her at the podium. Without stopping, I walked straight up to the place indicated—right next to her—and looked forward with determination…

…And froze.

My body trembled uncontrollably. What… what was this overwhelming sensation?

Standing before the entire student body—

I knew this would happen. I had prepared myself. I’d been encouraged. I’d psyched myself up.

And yet—

I hadn’t understood what it truly meant to be the center of attention for such a large crowd.

Everywhere I looked—eyes, eyes, and more eyes… watching me. Some with curiosity. Some with skepticism. Some as though I were part of a spectacle.

It was only now, standing here, that I truly realized what it must have been like for Sara-san. She had endured this kind of scrutiny all along—yet always stood tall, composed.

That realization brought back a flood of images. I wondered—could her “other self,” the persona she sometimes projected, be something she’d developed to help her cope with exactly this?

Unlike me, who was only getting a taste of curiosity, Sara-san had always been the subject of intense attention. Especially from the boys—many of whom surely looked at her in ways she despised.

A mask of solitude. Of strength. Of unwavering independence. Maybe it wasn’t just a façade—but a shield.

I felt it then—something deeper than nervousness. An overwhelming pressure. My mind began to blank out. In this state…

Grip.

!?

A hand gently reached for mine, out of view below the podium—Sara-san’s.

From that touch came warmth… affection… strength. It was as if her very soul was telling me: I’m right here. You’re not alone.

Sara-san remained perfectly composed, facing forward. Not even a twitch of her brow. But the warmth flowing from her hand grounded me.

Pull yourself together. Didn’t someone once say, “Everyone’s just… potatoes”?

That silly quote sparked a smile in me.

I looked up again, steadier now. I wasn’t afraid anymore. Not of the crowd. Not of their stares.

Because Sara-san was right beside me.

The warmth in her hand gave me limitless courage.

I gently tightened my grip, and she seemed to understand that I had regained my composure.

“We will now begin introductions for the new student council officers. After each introduction, if you approve, please show your support with a round of applause.”

With that, Sara-san began introducing me, the new vice president. If all went well, I’d be formally appointed by her and then give a short inaugural speech.

“Takanashi Kazunari-san joined the student council mid-term through a special arrangement. Some of you may know him from the sports festival, where he provided commentary alongside the former president, Uesaka-san. While he held no formal title, he served as my personal aide and supported various activities behind the scenes.”

And with that, Sara-san began what could only be described as a full-blown tribute.

She detailed everything I’d done—how much I’d helped her, supported her, backed her efforts.

The praise was so glowing it made me blush.

But I also noticed murmurs spreading among some of the students. Likely a reaction to Sara-san’s words.

“I personally, as well as the former president Uesaka-san, strongly endorsed his appointment. For someone assisting the president in such a critical role, there could be no one more fitting. I humbly ask for your approval.”

With a look of complete satisfaction, Sara-san concluded her introduction.

What would happen next—?

Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap!

To my relief, applause began immediately.

More than I had expected. Scanning the crowd, I saw scattered groups clapping—especially from my own class. A lot of them were girls. Probably members of Natsumi-senpai’s and Hayato’s fan clubs.

And then I saw someone rise to their feet mid-applause—

It was Hayato.

Right after him—Natsumi-senpai.

One by one, more students—mostly girls—stood up. That’s my class over there… and it’s spreading.

Soon, the entire room was filled with applause.

Whether it was for me or for Sara-san’s passionate speech, I couldn’t say. But either way, this applause meant they had acknowledged me as the new vice president.

Sara-san gave my hand a soft squeeze.

She was just as happy about this moment as I was.

From the stage, Hayato gave me a discreet thumbs-up.

Seriously, that guy is too cool…

Sara-san waited for the applause to die down before returning to the mic.

“Thank you. With your applause, Takanashi Kazunari has been officially approved as vice president. We will now proceed with his inaugural address.”

Sara-san stepped aside, and I took her place at the center.

But she didn’t let go of my hand.

I glanced at her, and she gave me the faintest, playful smirk—something only I, standing this close, would have noticed. But thanks to that, I wasn’t nervous anymore.

I faced the mic.

Even if I still had a long way to go, I would stand proudly beside her—and become the kind of man who could easily rise to any challenge.

This was my first step.

“Good day, everyone. I’m Takanashi Kazunari, your new student council vice president. I’ll do my utmost in this role, and I ask for your support. Normally, I suppose I should share some lofty goals or ideals here—but there’s just one thing I truly want to say.”

I hadn’t come to make flowery promises or offer vague enthusiasm. As vice president—and as Sara-san’s partner—I wanted to say only what mattered.

And that was this:

“My role is to support and stand in for the president. That goes without saying, and I’ll give it my all. But in the end, what we truly need—is your cooperation. No matter how well we plan or prepare, the ones who bring our ideas to life… are all of you. Your actions and support determine the success of our efforts. Each of you is the strength behind the student council—and behind our president. So please, let’s work together to support her and build something amazing!”

Clapclapclapclapclap!!!

I’d misjudged the timing and couldn’t finish my sentence—but it didn’t matter.

Unlike before, this wasn’t a slow ripple of polite applause. This time, it surged forward—like a wave. The way it had for Sara-san.

Whether it was for me, or in agreement with what I’d said, I wasn’t sure. But either way, it meant they understood. They supported us.

Sara-san gently tightened her grip again.

She was happy, too.

Hayato flashed me another thumbs-up from the crowd.

What a guy…

Sara-san waited for the applause to settle once more.

“Thank you. With your approval, the new student council has now been officially inaugurated.”

This time, Sara-san stepped aside, and I moved to the center.
But she didn’t let go of my hand.

When I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, I caught a faintly mischievous smile on her lips. It was so subtle that only someone standing this close would even notice it.
Still, thanks to that, I was able to deliver my speech without being overwhelmed by nerves.

I fixed my gaze forward and stepped up to the microphone.

Even if I’m not enough just yet, if I’m going to stand beside Sara-san, I need to be the kind of man who can overcome something like this with ease.
This is the first step toward becoming that person.

“Once again, my name is Takanashi Kazunari, and I’ve assumed the role of student council vice president. I’ll give it everything I have, so please support me.
Normally, I suppose I should share my goals or express my enthusiasm for the role here. But there’s only one thing I really want to say.”

I never had any intention of rattling off superficial goals or offering hollow enthusiasm.
As the vice president, as someone standing behind Sara-san, I just want to express what truly matters.

There’s only one thing I want to say!

“My role is to support and represent the president—that much is obvious, and I’ll give it my all.
But what truly makes the difference, in the end, is your cooperation.
Because no matter how much we plan, how much we prepare—
In the end, it’s all of you who must carry it out.
Your actions, your cooperation—that’s what gives strength to the president and to us, the executive committee.
Each and every one of you is the power behind us… and behind our president.

So please, together, let’s support the student council—and our president—with everything we’ve got!!! Tha—”

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!

I must have misjudged the timing—
I didn’t even get to finish my sentence.

But… that’s okay.

This wasn’t like earlier, when the applause rippled outward from a few polite claps.
This time, the applause surged in like a wave—just like it did for Sara-san.
Everyone was clapping from the very beginning.
I could feel that, clear as day.

More than applause for me, I think they were responding to what I said.
And that’s perfectly fine.
Whether it’s me they acknowledge or my words, true recognition will come later.

As long as I act for Sara-san’s sake, that means I’m acting for the president’s sake… and for the student council.
If that path leads to being truly accepted down the line, then that’s more than I could ask for.
If I can support Sara-san and be of use to the council, then honestly, what more could I want?

After my greeting ended and I took my seat, the introduction of the new officers began.

Sara-san called their names, and Hanako-san and Toudou-san stepped onto the stage.

The appearance of these “dual angels” sparked a different kind of buzz from the students—but there was no issue at all.

Hanako-san, who was introduced first, gave her self-introduction in her usual calm and composed manner.
Her confident demeanor—combined with the gap between her appearance and her poise—seemed to make a strong impression.
She was accepted without any problems.

In contrast, Toudou-san was clearly overcome with nerves and looked flustered from start to finish.

“M-m-my name is Tou—Toudou Marina!! I-I look forward to working w-with you all!!”

She tripped over her words at the end and looked like she might burst into tears—but oddly enough, that seemed to work in her favor.
Some students even cheered for her, and by the end, she received a hearty round of applause.

And so, the new student council structure was officially launched.
Under our leadership, the general assembly moved on to the next agenda.

We covered upcoming events, the budget report, and various pre-prepared topics.
Any necessary matters were brought up for approval.

But, just as the former president had warned me in advance, the “discussion” wasn’t really a discussion at all.
A few students voiced their opinions, but for the most part, it was just one report after another, received with polite silence.
A literal “reporting session.”

I found that a little disappointing—but at the same time, I couldn’t say I didn’t understand.

Most students simply aren’t interested in the executive committee’s work, and very few are willing to stand up in front of everyone just to voice an opinion.
In fact, since students generally cooperate when we take initiative, there’s little reason for them to get involved beyond that.

If we want something more, we’ll need to change their mindset first.

“With that, we’ve reached the end of our general assembly agenda. If anyone has any questions or comments, please raise your hand now.”

Once Sara-san confirmed there were no further comments, she gave the closing statement.
I hadn’t expected a fiery debate, but still—it all ended surprisingly quickly.

“In that case, this year’s general assembly is now concluded.”

With a strong and dignified voice, Sara-san declared the meeting closed.

“Nice work out there!”

“We’re finally doneeeee!”

“I was so nervous!!”

Backstage, as soon as we were out of sight, everyone seemed to collapse, letting out all the tension they’d been holding in.
And honestly, I felt the same—
As soon as the pressure was gone, a wave of exhaustion crashed over me.

Even so, I didn’t collapse…
Because I had someone there holding me up.

Despite her own exhaustion, Sara-san put me first.
The moment I stepped backstage, she caught me in her arms.

“Kazunari-san… you did a wonderful job. Truly, your inauguration speech was outstanding.”

“No, if you hadn’t been there, Sara-san, I never could’ve—”

“No. Regardless of how you got there, the fact remains: you took action. That strength came from you, Kazunari-san. That’s what matters most.”

Sara-san… she’s always so gentle with me.

But from my perspective, I only found that courage because she was there, holding my hand on stage.
That’s what gave me the strength to move, to speak.
And yet, she still praises me.

“I didn’t notice at the time, but I can’t believe you two held hands on stage.”

Apparently, Hanako-san had noticed.
From her angle backstage, it must’ve been visible.
Which means… Toudou-san probably saw it too.

Sure enough, when I looked her way, she gave me a wry smile.

“Ahaha… honestly, I was too nervous to notice anything else.”

That’s fair. Given how tense she looked, I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t register anything around her.

“There’s nothing strange about me supporting Kazunari-san. That’s what a wife does for her husband, right? Isn’t that so… darling?”

“Y-y-yeah… that’s right… Sara.”

Ugh. I really need to get used to this.
But I still can’t help blushing.

Also, isn’t she getting more and more bold about saying these things in public…?

“…Wait, she’s basically his wife now…”

“…And he just casually called her by name…”

“………………”

“…Let’s leave those two alone for a while.”

“Also, I gotta say—Kazunari’s whole speech?
It was entirely for his ‘wife,’ and as his sister, I have complicated feelings about that.”

Of course Hanako-san would feel that way.
I deliberately focused on supporting Sara-san in my speech.

“But you know, considering it came right after Sara-san’s speech, and the whole room was already eager to support the new president, your timing was pretty spot on.
You didn’t plan it that way… right?”

The former president tried to smooth things over, but I had no ulterior motives at all.
It’s not like I had the composure to think that far ahead.

All I wanted to say was—
“You dumped all the responsibility on Sara-san.
The least you could do is support her.”

“I just had to say it.
Sara-san’s taking on the most difficult role—being student council president.
If nothing else, I wanted to ask everyone to support her.
Even if it wasn’t the ‘right’ thing to say in an inauguration speech… I couldn’t stay silent.”

…Gyuu…

Sara-san tightened her embrace around me.
I understood exactly what that meant.
She didn’t want me to say anything more.

“Kazunari-san, as long as you’re by my side, that’s all I need.
With you there, I can overcome anything.
I can keep going, no matter what comes our way.
If it’s the two of us… there’s nothing we can’t handle.”

As if gently reassuring me…

She spoke slowly, softly—
Hugging me close, stroking my hair, whispering…

“I’ll do my best too. Honestly, the vice president role is kind of… a convenient title.
It just gives me an excuse to be near you and help you openly.”

That’s the truth.
No matter how formal my speech sounded, my real motive is exactly that.

“My, Kazunari-san… I appreciate it, but you mustn’t say that in front of others, okay? Tsk tsk.”

She tapped my forehead with her finger—playfully scolding me, but not the least bit angry.
And then, smiling, she pulled me into another warm hug.

“Sorry, but I meant it, from the botto—mgh!”

“I did warn you.
And since you didn’t listen… this is your punishment.”

She silenced me with a kiss—her “punishment.” Whether she meant it that way or not, it felt more like a reward to me.

…Wait a second. Aren’t we forgetting something?

“…Hey, can someone do something about them?”

“…How long can those two keep flirting like that?”

“…They’ve completely forgotten we’re here…”

“…That Sara-san I saw on stage… was just an illusion…”

“Hanako-san…”

“Sigh… honestly, such a handful… Kazunari, that’s enough. Now go hug your big sister instead.”

“Wait, what?!”

And so, after getting scolded (for some reason, only me), I apologized to Sara-san—
She forgave me with a smile.

But from then on, everyone just started calling me “Vice President” with this weirdly formal tone…
And I got absolutely worked to the bone cleaning up afterward.