When I read the heart of the never-smiling princess, for some reason she had already fallen head over heels in love for me. - v1 Chapter 19

Chapter 19: The Princess, cries.

“A brilliant idea…”

“Woah! As expected of the president!”

“I see, so you weren’t just going to listen without saying a word,”

While Jiro and Hoshino said with sparkling eyes, Saeki’s tense expression relaxed.

Perhaps it was premature to be so relieved, everyone. As expected, when Minami-san announced her idea, the faces of the three were filled with astonishment. I was the only one who managed to keep my expression unchanged.

“Are you a fool?! That’s completely out of the question!”

“I think it’s a good idea.”

“No, no, no, absolutely not! I’ll die if we do that!”

“Well, I think it’s going to be interesting, but it seems a tough call for just us three girls.”

“Exactly, the burden on the girls is just too big! At least limit it so that boys deal with boys and girls with girls!”

“If we do that, we will put a heavy burden solely on Jiro-san.”

“Ah,” Hoshino murmured as if realizing something. Everyone except Minami-san turned their gazes toward me.

“So it’s an idea based on having four people. I see.”

Responding to the prickly tone was Minami-san.

“Don’t say it like that, Nozomi. He will also be taking photos for the school newsletter.”

“So we should just accept the burden? Doesn’t it matter if Hoshino and I don’t want to?”

“You don’t want to do that?”

“Absolutely not! Why should we go and be touched by boys the first thing in the morning?”

Muuu, Minami-san, deep in thought, placed her hand on her chin. It seemed she had stumbled in an unexpected obstruction, but in reality, it was just Minami-san’s perspective that far off. Frankly, I understood Saeki’s point better.

However, the idea itself wasn’t the problem. It was actually a good direction and could be implemented with some adjustments. The main issue was that I couldn’t participate. As Saeki had pointed out before, the only burden was the fact that I cannot participate in that idea.

Minami-san still said I was necessary and didn’t want me to do things I couldn’t. Her kindness was unchanged this time as well. But I personally don’t think it is fine as it was.

“Anyway, since I can’t agree, this idea is off the table. Reconsider.”

“…Yes, you’re right. It was immature of me not to consider your feelings. Let’s think about it a bit more.”

“But if I say I can do it, won’t that solve the problem?”

Once again, everyone’s gaze focused on me. Especially Minami-san, who had a stern look similar to the one she had during the entrance ceremony.

“Can you really do it, Takaki?”

“It’s just about fifteen minutes, right? If I endure a little, and I can just back out if it gets tough.”

“Denied.”

Minami-san flatly denied. It wasn’t unexpected, so I wasn’t surprised.

“As I said before, I don’t intend to force anyone to endure. If this idea makes someone uncomfortable, it’s fine to just scrap it.”

“You said you’d consider proactive suggestions didn’t you. Isn’t this the time for that—”

“Rejected.”

“At least consider—”

“Rejected.”

There was no room for negotiation. Looking at her stubbornness instead sparked a rebellious spirit in me.

“Listen here, Minami-san. Truly, given it might be a tough job for me, but I don’t want to be a burden to everyone. I don’t want to be the baggage.”

I tried to sound cool, but Minami-san remained expressionless and tight-lipped, not listening at all. She was being overly protective, as usual.

…Fine, have your way. But that wasn’t all I had to say.

“There’s another reason for this. I’d rather take it on myself than have the boys touch Minami-san proactively.”

“Nyaa oh—!”

Minami-san made a strange sound, looking up at the ceiling, She suppressed her mouth with her hand as her face and ears reddening and trembled slightly.

“What happened, Minami!?” When Saeki panics, startled by the reaction. Minami-san replied, “Nothing at all,” calmly and regained her composure.

However, I could tell, she was trying really hard to just pretend her calmness. The proof being, her face and ears were completely flushed red.

“Takaki, that’s so cool!” Jiro teased, making me shake my head quickly.

“I’m not only worried about Minami-san but also Saeki and Hoshino.”

“Having you worried about me doesn’t make me happy at all,”

Saeki, you always have an extra comment ready, see, a blushing Hoshino looks a lot adorable instead.

“So then, what do you think about it? Jiro and I will handle the boys, while the three of you can manage the girls. With more female students all in all, it balances out. perfectly”

“But…”

“I won’t get involved with everyone, and if it’s too much for me, I’ll say so. If you still find it difficult, you can assess after a trial run as well.”

I looked Minami-san straight in the eyes as I spoke. Minami-san seemed to waver, as her gaze flickered.

“If he insists that much, isn’t it okay? The one in question says he’ll do it.”

“Moreover president! Even if Takaki backs out for a bit, I’ve got two hands with me!”

“Jiro, do you mean, if necessity arises, you’ll use both your hands?”

“Exactly!”

The three of them argued upon whatever they wanted to and made a fuss altogether… Minami-san, who had been hesitating until now, finally let out a big sigh.

“…Fine, I understand. But if your health deteriorates, say so immediately, we’ll all cover for you after that.”

I nodded, “Thanks, everyone,” and bowed my head.

—

The greeting campaign was initiated by teachers wanting to sharpen up students after coming back from the weekends. Thus, the student council’s greeting campaign was held once a week on Monday mornings.

Previously the student councils had merely followed orders like a microcosm of societal constructs. But this term’s student council aimed to change that.

On Monday, we gathered at the appointed time and stood in a line at the school gate. Usually, we had to stand to the side so as not to obstruct the students getting in, but today we were aligned along the gate.

Standing in a way that blocked the path on forcibly had a purpose. The approaching students looked at us suspiciously, that is when Jiro unfurled the banner.

The banner read “High Five or Greeting to Enter – Campaign Week” in large letters.

Minami-san, standing in the center of the line, addressed the students who stopped in front of the gate with a cool demeanor.

“The student council is conducting a trial ‘High Five or Greeting to Enter – Campaign.’ Everyone, please either greet us or give a high five to pass through the school gate.”