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 24

Chapter 24 : The Princess is Pouting.

After leaving the baseball club’s room, we walked in a line. Suddenly, Hoshino called out to Minami-san, “Um, President.”

“Please call me Mi-chan, okay?”

“M-Mi-chan… I mean, why did you hide the fact that they were gambling?”

Minami-san stopped and turned back to face Hoshino. We all stopped, our gazes fixed on her.

Indeed, the matter was still lingering. Even if Hoshino hadn’t brought it up, someone else surely would have.

“Mi-Mi-chan-san, do you really think keeping quiet about this will help the baseball club? They might do it again.”

Hoshino’s gaze was earnest, just like when she questioned the significance of our greeting campaign. It was no longer surprising to see the fierce passion inside the usually shy Hoshino.

She had a firm sense of self. I’m sure Minami-san had seen that strength in her—perhaps that’s why she invited Hoshino to the student council. I respected her for it, and even Saeki was quietly listening.

“Mi-chan, I understand your concern. But what Ko-Kun pointed out is worth considering.”

“Manage the hate?” Saeki asked.

That was something I had mentioned when we discussed the surprise inspection.

“Right. If we wield our authority recklessly, eventually no one will listen to us. Such mistakes have been repeated throughout history.”

It was a strangely heartfelt statement. Knowing Minami-san, she must have had her share of struggles since middle school—handling important roles and facing challenges we couldn’t even fathom.

“It’s important to say what’s wrong when something is wrong and to administer punishment to prevent repeat offenses. But what’s crucial is to believe in them, Mi-chan.”

“Believe in them?”

“Believe that they’ll correct their behavior and forgive them the first time. It’s about trust.”

“…What if they betray that trust?”

“Then we deal with it then.”

Minami-san said it calmly, her words radiating a kind of broad-mindedness.

To be honest, I don’t really trust the notion of inherent goodness in people. Mistakes are bound to be repeated.

Hoshino, who seemed to share my skepticism, wore a complex expression. So, I stepped in to help.

“Hoshino, in this case, it’s more about trusting Minami-san rather than the baseball team.”

“Trust Mi-Mi-chan-san…?”

“I trust Minami-san. If she believes in something, I can believe in it too. Doesn’t that make sense?”

I don’t know the baseball team well enough to have confidence in them. But I can trust our leader, Minami-san, completely.

That’s why I support her judgment. Simple as that.

“Thank you, Ko-Kun.”

Minami-san said quietly. Her body swayed slightly as if doing a little dance.

“What’s wrong, Minami?” Saeki asked worriedly.

“Nothing at all,” Minami-san replied, reverting to her usual self. Even without reading her mind, I could tell she was just too happy to contain herself. But if she kept wriggling around with a blank expression, it was no wonder Saeki was concerned.

“…I see.” Hoshino nodded, her sternness gone. She seemed to have accepted the explanation.

“It’s all about perspective, right? If we think of it as the student council holding a trump card, it’s easier to bear, right?”

Okay, that’s not exactly what I meant.

Hoshino walked away, muttering to herself like a yakuza, “If they betray us, I’ll show them hell, heh heh heh,” with a dark smile on her face.

“Hoshino seems dangerous when she’s angry.”

“Yeah, I feel a deep darkness there.”

Jiro and Saeki exchanged uneasy looks as they followed her.

I deliberately delayed my steps, waiting for a certain presence to linger nearby.

“Well done today.”

“Yes.”

She replied curtly, her usual demeanor unchanged.

I had been worried, but it seemed unnecessary. Still, Minami-san was a master of poker faces, so I decided to probe a bit more.

“Minami-san, are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“The baseball club captain said some rude things. It must have made you mad.”

“Well, yes, a bit.”

She responded calmly. Maybe she really was okay. No need to read her mind.

Then, Minami-san leaned in closer, entering my ability’s range, and I flinched involuntarily.

“That’s a lie. I was a bit upset.”

‘…To think Ko-Kun believes I’m not bothered at all…’

Minami-san whispered as if sharing a secret. Her usual tone, but her inner voice emphasized her irritation.

Oh no, did I upset her?

But her subtle plea to be recognized for her true feelings was rather endearing.

‘Am I doomed to be seen as the unflinching princess?’

…Am I an idiot?

Making her feel down and then finding it cute was twisted.

“But it’s my duty as the student council president to face these things head-on. Don’t worry if it happens again.”

“Sorry, I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I can’t stand hearing people speak ill of you. I was fuming today.”

After saying it, my cheeks flushed, and I felt a strange restlessness.

I had said something incredibly embarrassing.

Triggered by her inner voice or not, it was so mortifying that I turned away from her.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Minami-san blinking in surprise.

‘Wait, did I just get confessed to?’

Definitely not.

Unable to deny it aloud, I stayed silent as she leaned in to peer into my downcast face.

“Still, please try to endure it. I don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s not trouble—”

“Then just praise me when I’ve done well.”

Now it was my turn to blink in surprise.

“Just praise?”

“That’s plenty.”

‘Ko-Kun’s praise is the ultimate reward, hehehe…’

Her choice of words over “reward” was peculiarly endearing.

“By the way, how did I do today? Was I good for holding back?”

“Yes, you were. You did great.”

“Thank you.”

She stuck out her tongue playfully. Such a small gesture, yet it was incredibly powerful coming from someone usually so stoic.

‘Ehehe, I’m so happy. I’m really glad I became the student council president.’

My heartbeat grew louder, almost drowning out her inner voice.

I felt my body sway.

“Um, Ko-Kun, why are you standing at attention like that?”

I snapped back to reality. Realizing I was reaching out towards her, I stopped myself just in time.

I was on the verge of losing control and almost hugged her…!