[Vol 2] The Cheeky Junior Gal Becomes Too Cute When She Gets Attached to Me Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - The Student Council Members

 

“President, happy New Year.”

After school. Just as I was unlocking the student council room, someone spoke to me from the side.

“Oh, happy New Year.”

Pushing open the door, the two of us entered the room.

Kawana Matsuri. A first-year student and the student council treasurer.

She’s in the same class as Monaka and the top student in her grade. I personally invited her to become the treasurer, but it took a lot of effort to get her to agree.

She turned out to be even more capable than I’d imagined, and she also has a good sense for design. At this point, she’s an indispensable member of the student council. Honestly, she’s so competent I might not even be needed anymore.

As I watched Kawana place her backpack on the long desk, something caught my attention.

“...Why are you wearing a scarf?”

“...Ah—”

Kawana flinched, gripping the scarf wrapped around her neck with both hands. It was the blue checkered scarf I’d given her as a Christmas present.

Even though the student council room is on a different floor from our classroom, you don’t have to go outside to get here. Sure, the hallway’s a little chilly, but not enough to need that much protection from the cold.

Even I just carried my coat draped over my arm.

“I–It was just cold, that’s all.”

“Really...? Guess you’re sensitive to the cold.”

Kawana hurriedly removed the scarf, neatly folded it, and placed it inside her backpack.

“Yes. Please install heaters in the hallway.”

“If only we had the budget for that...”

Well, that’s not happening. We could try submitting a proposal as the student council, but it probably wouldn’t go through anyway.

Not that I really see the need for it, to begin with.

“Still, I’m glad to see you’re actually using it.”

“It just happened to match my needs, that’s all.”

“So basically, my gift choice was perfect. As expected of me—I totally get what girls like.”

“Don’t act all smug over such a generic present.”

That hit hard. I mean, I did just Google “best Christmas gifts” after all...

That said, Monaka also used hers, so I guess all that worrying paid off.

Especially since I’d been worried Kawana might not like it.

“...Sorry.”

“Ah—”

Honestly, it’s lame for the gift-giver to keep acting like they deserve credit for it.

When I apologized, reflecting on it, Kawana’s eyes darted around nervously.

“No, um, but I really did appreciate it. It was perfect timing since I actually wanted a scarf. So... I was happy.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yes. As expected of the president.”

“Kawana...!”

Maybe she thought she’d said too much, because she started desperately trying to cover for it.

I hadn’t even taken it seriously, but being praised still feels nice. Plus, seeing her flustered like that is kind of amusing.

“Whoa, Senpai’s grinning from getting praised by Matsurin.”

Before I knew it, Ooba Monaka had walked into the student council room.

And the first thing out of her mouth was something rude.

“Don’t say things that make me sound bad. You’re making it sound like I’m some guy who wants attention from his juniors.”

“You kinda are though.”

Yeah, I do want attention.

Even after becoming student council president, no one really treats me like anything special... Not that I took the position for that reason, of course.

“Happy New Year, Matsurin~”

“Happy New Year, Monaka-san.”

“I missed you during winter break~”

“I had to visit my family and attend cram school... B-But, I wanted to see you too.”

“Matsurin...!”

Kawana said, her cheeks turning red. It was an expression she’d never shown me before.

Wait... why do they both look happier than when they see me?

Feeling slightly left out, I watched the two of them chat.

This was a scene I could never have imagined back when they first met.

Ooba Monaka and Kawana Matsuri. They’re in the same class, but apparently, they barely interacted before. Kawana even disliked Monaka at first. That opinion wasn’t entirely baseless either—it was partly prejudice, but mostly accurate.

Monaka is, well, a gal through and through. For a serious girl like Kawana, that kind of person would be hard to deal with.

That’s why, at first, she protested against Monaka—an outsider—constantly hanging out in the student council room.

But after some time and effort, they managed to understand each other, and now they’re close enough to be called friends.

As someone who wanted his juniors to get along, I’m honestly happy about that.

“Monaka-san, the president’s smiling at us again.”

“Oh no, Senpai’s got that look. Watching younger girls is totally his hobby.”

“Yes, I heard that’s the reason he became the student council president.”

“Wait, seriously? That’s awful.”

Monaka and Kawana leaned close together, whispering nonsense between themselves.

“Please don’t spread that rumor... I’ll be socially ruined.”

It’s absolutely not true, but the fact that it sounds slightly believable makes it worse.

At this rate, if anyone saw this scene, no amount of denial would convince them otherwise.

“Did you two go to the shrine for New Year’s?”

“Yup! I even prayed for Matsurin’s happiness!”

“What did you pray for?”

“Uh, well...”

Monaka trailed off and glanced at me.

I knew exactly what she prayed for, but I kept a poker face and pretended not to.

There’s no way I could admit that I overheard it. That’d just make things awkward.

“...Let me guess, something about food?”

“That’s right! I prayed that I could eat lots of delicious food! With the power of the gods, I won’t even get fat!”

“That’s a pretty convenient wish.”

Don’t drag Kawana into your weird prayers.

Then again, Kawana’s petite, so maybe she should eat more... No, wait, that’s definitely something I shouldn’t say out loud.

“That’s actually a lovely wish.”

Kawana smiled sweetly at Monaka’s clumsy excuse.

“Right? Let’s go eat together sometime! Senpai’s treat!”

“Yes, please. But I’d prefer it to be just the two of us.”

“Then we’ll just take his money.”

“That sounds perfect.”

So I’m getting left out and robbed. Looks like my part-time savings won’t last long...

Still, if my juniors can get along by teasing me, I don’t mind being the punching bag. ...Wait, what’s a student council president supposed to do again?

Even so, I felt a bit of relief that life after winter break was still peaceful and fun. Not that I expected anything to change—but you never know what could happen in life.

“Oh, right.”

Kawana, who had been chatting with Monaka, suddenly turned to me as if she’d remembered something.

“The executive committee will be starting up soon, won’t it?”

“Yeah. Once the new term begins, things will get busy. We’ve got the graduation ceremony and the general assembly coming up, too. Normally, preparations start around this time of year.”

Unlike the quiet end of the year, there’s a ton of work waiting for us once January hits.

No way I can handle all of it on my own.

“I already called the other officers, so they should be arriving soon.”

I said that, glancing toward the door of the student council room.

And right then—

“Good work, everyone~”

“Heya~!”

Just as the door opened, two students walked in.

The vice president and the secretary—our remaining student council officers.

“Sorry we’re late! I stopped by my club first before coming.”

“No problem. Thanks for managing both light music club and student council duties.”

“I’ll do my best to come as often as I can!”

The one who said that with a wink, hands pressed together, was the student council vice president—Kataseyama Rui.

She naturally sat down beside me and crossed her legs.

Her wavy black hair was distinctive, and the way she spoke had this fluffy, laid-back tone to it.

Despite her easygoing vibe, she was quite capable—serving as both the student council vice president and the light music club president.

Kataseyama was a second-year like me, and we’d been working together as student council officers since last year. We’d never been in the same class, but we were comfortable enough around each other.

“The student council room really feels relaxing, huh? Especially with Masachika here.”

“...What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You seem like the type who’d handle anything that happens. Even if a knife-wielding maniac came in, I’d feel safe.”

“That’s definitely impossible!”

Even in imagination, I could only see myself losing. Actually, no—there’s no way I’d even be able to face someone like that. I’m not bad at sports, but I’ve got no martial arts experience whatsoever.

If anyone here could take on a violent intruder, it’d probably be the other guy in the room.

“I get what she means! Masachika’s got that ‘you’re safe if he’s around’ vibe!”

The one giving me a thumbs-up was Tateishi Hayato, a first-year and the student council secretary—one of my adorable juniors.

He was tall and lean, with long hair tied back in a single ponytail behind his head.

He was the very definition of a younger male junior—cheerful, over-the-top, and almost excessively humble, which made him fun to be around. Incidentally, he was also in the light music club with Kataseyama.

“Honestly, I kinda joined the student council because of you, Masachika.”

“Liar. You said before that you joined because Kataseyama’s beautiful, didn’t you, Hayato?”

“Wha—don’t say that out loud!”

Kataseyama and Hayato were senior and junior not only in the student council but also in the light music club. She’s the one who invited him, apparently. Despite his flippant way of speaking, he’s actually a surprisingly earnest guy.

At my words, Kataseyama chuckled softly.

“Sorry, you know? I just prefer older guys.”

“Because of you, I got rejected before I even confessed!”

He said it like I’d betrayed him, but honestly, he’s the one who keeps saying that stuff himself in front of her, so it’s his own fault.

This back-and-forth had already happened several times. At this point, it was basically a tradition.

“Anyway…”

Hayato narrowed his eyes and looked toward Monaka.

Monaka, who’d been sitting quietly like a borrowed cat, had Kawana’s arms wrapped around her from behind. She flinched when she felt Hayato’s gaze.

She’d been silent ever since Hayato and Kataseyama came in.

“You’re Ooba Monaka-chan, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

Hayato’s question made Monaka nod hesitantly.

In this room filled with student council members, she was the only outsider. She probably knew that and was afraid we’d tell her to leave.

Kawana also looked at Hayato nervously.

Both he and Kataseyama must’ve noticed Monaka’s presence the moment they entered, yet they hadn’t mentioned it until now.

That silence felt ominous, as if they’d intentionally been ignoring her…

“Hey, she’s—”

Unable to stand the heavy atmosphere, I opened my mouth to explain.

But before I could finish, Hayato suddenly clutched his chest and hunched over.

“Ugh…”

“Eh, wh-what’s wrong? Hayato-kun?”

“I’m… so happy…! I can’t believe the Ooba Monaka-chan is right here, this close to me…!”

His unexpected outburst froze everyone except him.

I thought he was about to criticize her for being in the student council room, but… what the heck?

“...You know Monaka?”

“Of course I do! We’re not in the same class, but there’s no way I wouldn’t know a girl this cute!”

“R-Right.”

His answer overlapped with mine. He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and I couldn’t help but nod along.

“C-Cute…”

“Huh? I thought you only had eyes for me?”

Monaka blushed at the sudden compliment, while Kataseyama gave a teasing smile.

“W-Well, my number one is still Rui-senpai, of course!”

“Hmm. So if I turn you down, you’ll just move on to another girl, huh?”

“No way! I’ll stay loyal forever!”

Hayato frantically tried to explain himself.

She’s totally just messing with him… Poor guy, he’s completely wrapped around her finger.

Well, he probably knows that and plays along anyway. Not sure how serious he really is, though.

“Ugh, you’re the worst…”

Kawana muttered, clearly disgusted by Hayato’s words.

“Of course, you’re cute too, Matsuri-chan.”

“I don’t feel flattered at all hearing that from you, Tateishi-san.”

Hayato… you’re brave trying to flirt with Kawana. That’s basically suicide.

Not that I can talk—she’s always been cold to me too.

“So basically, you’ll flirt with any girl?”

“Rui-senpai!? That’s not true at all~!”

“Aww, and here I was thinking you were kinda cute, Hayato.”

“You were!?”

“But I think I’ve changed my mind now.”

“Nooo…”

With a dramatic “Gah!” Hayato crumbled to the floor.

What a noisy guy… Actually, he might get along well with Monaka.

After teasing him for a bit, Kataseyama finally turned her gaze toward Monaka.

“I heard from Masachika. Thanks for helping out, okay?”

“Ah! N-No, I’m sorry!”

“Fufu, what a weird reaction.”

Overwhelmed by Kataseyama’s big-sister aura, Monaka was completely stiff with nervousness.

Apparently, she did know how to use polite speech—at least when it came to upperclassmen. Or maybe it was just because it was Kataseyama.

...It’s not like I lack authority or anything, right?

“It’s amazing you’re helping even though you’re not an officer. I feel bad for not showing up more often myself.”

Kataseyama seemed to be speaking kindly to Monaka.

But I couldn’t tell what she was really thinking. When it came to conversations between girls—especially with Kataseyama—you could never tell what was genuine.

“N-No, if anything, I’ve just been getting in the way…”

“Oh? So you’re admitting you’ve been a nuisance?”

“Senpai’s the one who insisted I stay!”

“I don’t recall saying that…”

Monaka also seemed to be choosing her words carefully around Kataseyama.

I really wished they’d stop making the atmosphere so tense… Even Hayato had gone quiet now.

“Monaka-san was actually quite helpful, Vice President.”

Kawana, who was being hugged from behind by Monaka, spoke softly as if to defend her.

At first, Kawana had treated Monaka coldly, but she seemed to have come to recognize her now.

“I’m not doubting her, you know~”

“Is that so.”

“Yeah. If Kawana-chan says so, then it must be true.”

I’d called everyone together right after the new year, and thankfully, the atmosphere wasn’t bad at all.

Kataseyama Rui, the vice president, and Tateishi Hayato, the secretary—both would be helping with various events as student council officers.

I really didn’t want any drama this early in the year…

As I sighed in relief, Kataseyama narrowed her eyes at me.

“Masachika.”

“...What is it?”

“You’re not planning to just keep using this girl for odd jobs, are you?”

Her tone carried a quiet anger—and it was directed at me.

Guess I relaxed too soon.

Just like Kawana had once criticized Monaka’s involvement, it seemed Kataseyama also wasn’t thrilled about her being here.

And honestly, I understood why.

Student council officers, even if chosen through a simple confidence vote, were still elected positions. There was responsibility and pride that came with the role.

Monaka, on the other hand, wasn’t an officer. The difference in standing was obvious.

“If needed, that’s the plan.”

I met Kataseyama’s eyes squarely as I said it.

Monaka and Kawana both pressed their lips together, anxiously watching the exchange.

“You’re not happy with that, Kataseyama?”

“...Aren’t you misunderstanding something?”

She suddenly softened her expression, letting out a faint smile.

“I’m not saying we should kick Monaka-chan out, you know?”

“You’re not?”

“Geez, do you think I’m that kind of mean girl?”

She said it teasingly, but then her expression shifted again, her gaze sharpening on me.

“I’m angry at you, Masachika.”

“At me?”

“Wow, you really don’t get it?”

“What are you talking about?”

“We do all this tedious work because we’re student council officers, right?”

It sounded like wordplay, but her point was clear.

“You’re the one who always said this, remember? That being a student council officer comes with responsibilities and work—but in return, you get benefits like reputation and influence. So are you planning to give Monaka only the work part?”

“...Ah.”

Her words made me realize it instantly.

She was right—it was something I’d said myself. The reason I took on the bothersome job of student council president was to get a recommendation for university… for the reputation and the little privileges that came with it.

Doing the job without any benefit just wasn’t worth it. Well, maybe some student council members out there would hate hearing that, but…

At least for me, that’s how I’d always seen it.

That’s why I’d only asked Monaka to help with minor tasks or things not directly tied to the student council, like the Christmas event.

“I’m fine with it. Really, I am!”

“That’s not the point, though. Right, Masachika? How long do you plan to just take advantage of her kindness?”

“I’m doing it because I want to!” Monaka protested, but Kataseyama’s anger wasn’t directed at her—it was at me.

I’d been letting Monaka help because she wanted to, relying on her over and over… and even now, I’d planned to keep doing it.

She’d become such a regular presence in the student council room that I’d stopped even thinking about it. How pathetic.

“You’re right… I need to reflect on that.”

“See?”

Kataseyama Rui was the vice president, technically under my authority. But only because she was balancing it with club duties.

In fact, the previous president, Kuzuhara-senpai, had originally recommended her to take his place.

The only reason I became president was because I volunteered—and because she declined the role.

If we’re talking pure ability… she’d probably make a better president than me. I’m not being modest; that’s just the truth. That’s how much I trusted her.

And honestly, I was grateful she called me out.

“So… are you saying I shouldn’t be here anymore?”

Monaka looked between us with teary eyes.

To begin with, her hanging around the student council room was never really proper. I couldn’t deny that it felt nice having her around—but we couldn’t just keep things like this forever. We were going to get busier soon.

Kataseyama was right. Student council activities should be carried out by the officers and the committee members.

Hayato looked a bit uncomfortable.

“Well… I mean, I think it’s fine if she comes when there’s no big event going on.”

“I… want Monaka-san to stay,” Kawana added softly.

My two juniors—brave enough to speak up during a discussion between their seniors. Good job, you two.

“I’m talking to Masachika right now.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

...Kataseyama-senpai was scary when she got serious.

Kawana especially seemed intimidated by her and shrank back immediately.

Upperclass girls really are scary… especially when dealing with other girls.

“Sorry, everyone. …And you too, Monaka. I wasn’t thinking this through.”

I’d just been making excuses, pretending it was fine because she came on her own.

But if we were going to involve her in future student council events, we needed a proper reason. Kataseyama was absolutely right.

...Then, an idea came to me.

I didn’t know if everyone would agree, but still.

“...How about making Monaka the general affairs officer?”

When I suggested that, both Monaka and Hayato tilted their heads in sync. “General affairs?”

In contrast, Kawana’s eyes widened as if she understood right away.

I glanced around at everyone and continued.

“Student council officers are usually chosen through elections. But there’s an exception written in the council regulations.”

As student council president, I’d read the rulebook thoroughly.

I didn’t remember the exact article or clause, but I knew the gist of it.

It included a section about council officer appointments.

“The general affairs officer can be appointed directly by the student council president.”

As I explained, Monaka and Hayato seemed to finally understand.

Monaka’s face brightened up.

“So you’re saying, you’ll use your authority to make me an official student council member?”

“Of course, I don’t intend to decide this on my own. I think it’s necessary for everyone here to agree.”

Technically, I could authorize it myself according to the regulations, but I had no intention of leaving behind any resentment.

If even one person opposed, I wouldn’t go through with the idea.

“I agree.”

The first to raise her hand was Kawana.

“Matsurin…!”

Monaka clung to Kawana even more, looking touched.

Kawana didn’t seem to dislike it either.

“Well, it’s not like I’m against it or anything, but…”

In contrast, Hayato’s reaction was rather lukewarm.

“Is it really necessary, though? That rule’s basically just there on paper — nobody actually uses it.”

“True, it’s practically obsolete, but since it still exists in the regulations, there’s no problem using it.”

“Yeah, but this kinda feels like you’re doing it for your own personal reasons, Masachika.”

Personal reasons… I couldn’t deny that.

I wanted Monaka to stay in the student council. That was how I genuinely felt, and it was true that I thought of the method only after that feeling came first.

“Well, I’m totally in favor of having more cute girls around, though!”

Hayato gave a thumbs-up to Monaka.

“Thanks, Hayato-kun!”

“Ugh, that smile’s blinding…! I’ll calm myself by looking at Masachika-kun.”

“I’ll look too~.”

These two really get along well…

I still couldn’t imagine Monaka ever being isolated in class. She once said it was because she kept to herself out of fear of prejudice. When she’s being her true self like this, she can clearly get along with others just fine.

I turned to the last person — Kataseyama.

“What about you, Kataseyama?”

“…If I said no, I’d look like the bad guy. If we’re giving Monaka-chan a position, I’ve got no reason to oppose it.”

I felt relieved seeing Kataseyama nod.

But then, as if she still had something on her mind, she looked at Monaka.

“Monaka-chan, do you actually want to be a general affairs officer?”

“I do! I was practically born to become one!”

Monaka answered instantly, with some bizarre declaration.

“I see. But, you know, being in charge of general affairs isn’t easy. Do you think you can handle it?”

“Eh? So you’re against it after all…?”

“Hmm, not exactly against it — just saying we can’t make someone an officer that easily.”

Kataseyama smiled mischievously and raised her index finger.

“So, how about we test you? To see if Monaka-chan is truly fit to be a student council officer.”