Chapter 18

“I have a question for Kuze-kun. If your goal is to raise the overall average, don’t you think you should present more concrete policies to achieve that?”

At my question, Kuze calmly picked up the mic and smiled.

“Of course, there should be other measures as well. But more importantly, I’ve heard that Izumi-san’s own grades are less than stellar. Do you really think someone with poor grades can inspire others to study harder?”

A counterattack. As expected, Kuze wasn’t someone who could be shaken easily.

“That’s exactly why it works,” I shot back. “Because her grades aren’t good, people will be moved when they see her trying her hardest. If Izumi-san holds a study session, I’m certain many students will join.”

“Isn’t that just wishful thinking? I believe those who stand above others should be model students themselves.”

“I believe Izumi-san is a model student. Not just because of grades, but because she throws herself wholeheartedly into school life. And that, I think, is exactly the kind of spirit our school should value.”

Kuze hesitated, thoughtful. His vision of the school was one polished, prestigious, and recognized from the outside. Yuina’s vision, however, was different: a school where students could truly enjoy themselves. If Yuina had tried to compete in Kuze’s field, she’d have stood no chance. But by showing an entirely different kind of ideal, her appeal shone all the more.

The contrast was clear, and we’d made that point to the students. Now it all came down to which vision they valued more, especially regarding the biggest divide: romance.

“If there are no further questions, we will now conclude the debate. Is that acceptable?”

Both Kuze and Yuina nodded.

“Then, this debate is officially over. Thank you for your efforts.”

And with that, the discussion ended. Judging from the reactions, Yuina had definitely gained more interest from the student body than before. If word of today spread among those who didn’t attend, then we’d be in a very strong position.

“Good work!”

Yuina leapt toward me, arms open. I quickly stopped her with a hand, smiling wryly.

“Good job. You spoke really well. No stuttering, no nerves at all.”

“I was nervous! Super nervous. But when I thought about not wanting to lose, I found the strength.”

In her exchange with Madame, I really thought Yuina came out on top. The audience’s reaction made that clear.

“So… you’re coming with me for an after party, right?”

“…Seriously?”

“Don’t make that face. I worked hard, so spoil me a little!”

And so, once again, I found myself roped into Yuina’s plans. She always found an excuse to invite me somewhere. Did she not have any other friends?

After leaving school, we walked together.

“So, where are we going?”

“I’m in the mood to sing my heart out!”

Karaoke, huh. Honestly, I wasn’t much of a fan. Singing in front of people wasn’t exactly my strong suit. But Yuina was practically glowing with excitement, so I decided to go along with it.

When we arrived, she hummed cheerfully as we checked in. I told the staff we’d take two hours, didn’t care about the machine type. As high schoolers, the student discount meant we got drinks and two hours for practically pocket change. Karaoke was a godsend for kids our age.

At the drink bar, Yuina poured herself Calpis, while I grabbed ginger ale. Inside the dim room, I adjusted the lights.

“Let’s make this interesting—how about a scoring battle? Loser has to do one thing the winner says.”

“…Fine by me.”

She wouldn’t suggest that unless she was confident.

“Then I’ll go first!”

Grinning, Yuina queued up a song. The intro started. An idol track, trendy and upbeat.

She stood, danced, and sang with the poise of a real idol. I couldn’t help but clap along with a tambourine as she twirled and hit the chorus with dazzling energy. At the finale, she struck a pose.

I found myself applauding before I realized it.

“That was amazing. Even the choreography was perfect.”

“I love singing and dancing together!”

The screen showed a score: 90 points. Yuina smirked proudly at me.

I picked an anime song and stood up—gotta stand to sing properly. As the melody started, I launched into it.

“…Eh?”

Yuina’s eyes widened in surprise as I belted through the verses, hitting the high notes in the chorus without faltering.

“Wha….you didn’t tell me you could sing like that!”

“I just don’t like singing in front of people.”

“So if you sang alone, you’d be even better? Unbelievable.”

Honestly, I wasn’t at my best. Nerves from Yuina watching threw me off slightly, but still…

The score: 96 points.

“So, I win.”

“Mghh… you should’ve warned me!”

Yuina pouted adorably. But a bet was a bet. I fully intended to collect my prize later.

“…I’ll think about what I want.”

“Okay~”

We kept singing, trading songs. Eventually, Yuina suggested a duet, and for the first time, I sang alongside someone else. Seeing her so cheerful made it surprisingly fun.

Two hours flew by, and we left with candy from the counter as parting gifts.

“Guess we should head home separately?”

“Ehh, just today, let’s go home together.”

“What if someone sees?”

“It’s late, no one’s around.”

She wasn’t wrong. I nodded, and we walked side by side.

On the way back, Yuina brought up the debate.

“When Madame suddenly raised her hand, I thought my heart would stop.”

“She wasn’t about to compromise there.”

Madame’s goal was to stop Kuze from having a girlfriend, hence the romance ban. But after today, she had clearly lost ground.

“Kuze-kun was so calm, though. No openings at all.”

“That’s why people think he’s perfect for president. Beating him won’t be easy.”

True, our performance today was strong, but Kuze still had the advantage. Many students cared about the school’s image. Those who’d already decided to vote for him weren’t likely to change.

“Still, Hotaka, you were cool too. You didn’t back down from Kuze at all.”

“…Don’t say that, it’s embarrassing.”

“Ohhh, you’re blushing. Let me see your blushing face!”

Yuina leaned in with that mischievous smile again. I quickly turned away and walked faster.

“Wait up!”

She ran after me, giggling.

But as we neared home, a strange feeling crept over me.

“…I feel like we’re being watched.”

“Huh? Really?”

Yuina didn’t notice a thing. But ever since we’d left karaoke, I’d felt it as if someone’s eyes were on us. Heavy, lingering.

“If it’s creepy, let’s just hurry inside.”

“…Yeah.”

We entered the house, and the sensation vanished. But unease still lingered. Who was following us and why?

“Yuina, be careful, alright?”

With her idol-level looks, the most likely explanation was simple: a stalker. I warned her to avoid walking home too late.

“Ehh, a stalker? No way, I don’t have one of those.”

She said it lightly, but I wasn’t so sure. Maybe she didn’t even realize her own cuteness.

And yet… if it really was a stalker, wouldn’t I be the one in danger? If the guy saw me as an obstacle, I could be the target instead. The thought sent a chill down my spine.

“…I’m going to bed.”

“Mm, good night.”

I skipped dinner, heading upstairs. Maybe it was all in my head. If the feeling vanished tomorrow, then fine. But if it didn’t… should I take action? Call the police? No, they wouldn’t do anything until a crime actually happened. Confront the stalker myself? Too dangerous. I’d be helpless if they had a weapon.

The unease coiled in my stomach. With the election, Yuina’s temptations, and now this. Problems just kept piling up.

As I lay in bed, I asked myself one thing:

If Yuina really was being stalked, could I protect her?

She might be my step-sister now, but she was still a girl I couldn’t bear to see hurt.

Turning over those thoughts again and again, it took me a long time to finally close my eyes and drift into uneasy sleep.