The Story Of How I, A Gloomy Guy, Ended Up Surrounded By the Top-Tier Beautiful Girls In Class After A Seat Change - Chapter 196-197

Chapter 196: The Student Council Election Has Already Begun

When the curry was finished, I brought it to the table with a salad bowl, and Rui and I ate dinner alone.

“So, what did you mean by everything being resolved?” Rui asked.

Rui took a bite of curry, then brought the conversation back.

I had already made up with Himesaki, so it was okay to talk about it.

“Hey, Rui. Actually,” I said.

I told Rui everything about the incident with Himesaki.

Rui listened to my story without changing her expression.

“…I see. Himesaki did something like that,” Rui said.

“Well, it’s resolved now, and Himesaki’s goal was me, so please forgive her,” I said.

“But if Ryota-kun was her goal… that makes it even harder to forgive,” Rui said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Because Ryota-kun… you’re the one who will be vice president in my student council. I can’t let her have you ♡,” Rui said.

Rui softened her lips and spoke slyly.

Well, I was the one who said I wanted to be vice president, so there’s no way I’d back out now.

“By the way, did you already know about Himesaki?” I asked.

“Of course. Among this year’s first-years, she stands out as beautiful, and the teachers said her grades match my level from my first year,” Rui said.

Was Himesaki really that amazing?

I thought I was better than her since she didn’t even know about ‘dosukebe’, but… well, she’s a returnee, so her mind is sharp.

“And… she’ll definitely run in the student council election,” Rui said.

Rui’s eyes changed instantly.

I knew the student council election was very important to Rui, who always aimed for perfection, but her face changed when this topic came up.

“First-years have the right to run for student council president, but they rarely do. I was asked to run in my first year, but I was too busy with club activities, so I declined,” Rui said.

“Oh, then maybe Himesaki won’t run either?” I asked.

“No. With her popularity and reputation, plus not being in any clubs, it’s possible,” Rui said.

Come to think of it, Himesaki was in the go-home club… but I wondered.

With her personality, competing with Rui seemed unlikely.

“As far as I know, there’s already an atmosphere in the school pushing her as my only rival candidate,” Rui said.

“No way, seriously?” I said.

“The candidacy period starts next week, and I don’t know what will happen, but… I plan to register first to keep her in check. If she still runs… I’ll fight her with everything I’ve got,” Rui said.

Rui’s eyes were completely serious.

Himesaki and Rui, a first-year and a second-year, both had top-class fame and popularity.

If they clashed in the student council election starting next week, things would get intense…

—

Chapter 197: Election Talk and Lewd Talk

When the week started, the school buzzed with talk about the student council president election.

Even though no one knew who would run, Kuroki Rui stood at the center of the chatter.

“Rui’s gonna win, right? Even if she ran last year, everyone thought she’d win for sure,” a boy said.

“Yeah. Last year, the track team had a big moment, so she didn’t run. But this year’s her last shot at president, so she’s in,” another replied.

“No one else is even gonna try, right?” a third asked.

“They’d just embarrass themselves,” someone laughed.

I glanced at my light novel but listened to the conversation from Yamato Hino and his popular guy friends.

Even though Rui hadn’t announced her candidacy, everyone felt she’d dominate.

The candidacy period ran from Monday to Thursday, four days total. After that, candidates campaigned for a week. The election happened the next Friday at the all-school morning assembly.

It was a tight, hectic schedule. But since few people usually ran, the school probably didn’t want to drag it out. At this competitive school, most students with enough popularity to win aimed for top universities without needing recommendation letters. The “student council president” title wasn’t necessary. Plus, it came with extra work during events.

Still, this year’s election had a standout: a nationwide top-ranked genius who cared deeply about the president title.

On the “Natsuhama High School Bulletin Board,” started by seniors in the early internet days, the election always sparked talk. But this year, with Rui’s win almost certain, it lacked excitement. No surprise there.

“Ugh, election this, election that. Everyone’s so worked up, and they’re not even running,” Yuria Ichinose said, resting her chin on her hand, sounding bored.

“Of course, Yuria! Rui-chan’s gonna be president!” Airi Miyama chirped.

“Oh, Airi. I haven’t decided to run yet. Others might step up, and I’m not thinking it’s an easy win,” Rui said humbly.

But I bet the words “sure win” floated in her mind.

It wasn’t arrogance—it was fact. Rui worked tirelessly to be perfect. In an election judging overall ability, no one matched Kuroki Rui, track star and nationwide top scorer.

If Rui ran alone, it’d just be a formality vote.

“So, who’s Rui picking as her recommender?” Yuria asked.

Right, candidates usually needed a recommender to campaign with them.

“I’m asking a third-year, the former track team captain,” Rui answered.

“What? Airi and I can’t do it?” Airi pouted.

“We’d suck at speaking. Plus, Rui wants third-year votes, right?” Yuria said.

“Hehe, something like that,” Rui admitted.

Smart move, Rui. Always thorough.

But… she promised me vice president, yet I’m not her recommender?

“You just thought, ‘Why not me?’ didn’t you, Ryota-kun?” Rui teased.

“W-What?! No way!” I stammered.

I pretended to read my novel, but Rui threw the question at me. She always read my mind.

“Ryota’d be great! Airi wants to see Ryota in a dress again!” Airi giggled.

“What do you think a recommender is? And I’m never cross-dressing again,” I shot back.

“Ryota? No way. He’d mumble from nerves,” Yuria added.

I wanted to argue, but Yuria was right. During the culture festival play, I had classmates around for support. But campaigning? Supporting Kuroki Rui alone? That pressure and responsibility were too much for me.

Still… if I’m gonna be vice president, I’d have to handle that much.

“Hehe, take your time, Ryota-kun,” Rui said softly.

“Stop reading my mind!” I snapped.