PART ONE, CHAPTER THREE: "MISREPRESENTATION"
-THE GOLDEN BOY & THE INNER CITY-
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"Alright, I'm doing roll call. Say, uh... really, say anything at all if you're here."
The teacher who stood at the front of the classroom was a handsome man that looked well into his late-twenties. He had a slightly smug look on his face, and his hair was dyed a dark purple colour. Unbefitting of a teacher in my opinion, but such wasn't my business. According to what the teacher had put on the blackboard, his name was Hiroto Hasegawa.
That would be... Mr. Hasegawa, then? Very well.
"Kozue Kotobuki?" He called.
"Present."
More importantly, I was in the same class as Yamashina. If it wasn't obvious, I got her name right that time. She made a point of correcting me between the verbal beating sent my way before class started. It was really quite an admirable skill. Learning it would be nice. No, I'm getting sidetracked. It's too early for that.
"Yoshida Yamashina?"
"Present."
This was my mistake, I should have seen this turn of events coming. Yamashina had scored second place, so ending up in the same class as her made sense. Honestly, I could've likely guessed quite a few of my classmates just from the placement test results. Then there was the biggest problem.
My test score had to have been a fluke, I couldn't think of anything else. There's no way I'd be able to fool these people. I wasn't academically challenged, but this was a special class for special people. While the oh-so-exalted Satou Shibuya couldn't be called anything less than the ideal human specimen, such praise didn't extend to my academic prowess.
"Iori Ikuzawa?"
"Here."
What to do, what to do? I could think of many ways to slip out of this situation, though many of them had to be discarded. As I'd tossed aside my bad apple life, using any of the skills I'd acquired at that time for acts of questionable morality was a no-go.
"Junko Shiranui? No? Okay. Satou Shibuya?"
Honestly, how irritating. It's as I thought—
"Youth is such a hassle." I sighed.
Mr. Hasegawa chuckled. "Well, I can't deny that."
"Eh?" I blinked. "Ah... I mean, I'm here. Or rather, it's obvious that I'm here. I'm certainly sitting here, so stating otherwise would be blatantly false. I've been here from the start as well, so I can confirm that I'm not just arriving. That's... probably the case? Hm? Wait..."
"No way, did you actually manage to confuse yourself? How funny! What an interesting person!" Mr. Hasegawa snickered. "That's a top scorer, I suppose. Someone like that would have to be of distinguishable character."
Heat gathered in my face. "Ah, er..."
My fellow students were quick to comment. An assortment of whispers filled the room, few of which I could decipher. I'd been hoping for a more gentle introduction to the world of high society academics, but it seemed that such was impossible. There was nothing I could do but sigh.
I glanced past the person next to me (Ikuzawa, I think) and towards Yamashina. She was, as expected, staring back at me. I couldn't quite read her expression, but there was some sort of gleam in her eyes. I wonder, what was this strange feeling of dread?
"Honestly, what a frustrating girl." I whispered.
Mr. Hasegawa quieted the class after a minute or two, after which he continued down his list of students. I didn't hear the name Genjou Gekkouhara, so the day could still be salvaged. After all, there was now one less problem to worry about.
It was as I considered my plan of action that Mr. Hasegawa moved back to the front of the classroom. He patted down his vest, loosened his tie, then cleared his throat. Next he scratched his chin and, after doing so, glanced out at the students present.
"Now then, let's have a discussion about the nature of this school." He said.
Resting my elbows on the desk, I felt a sense of disappointment wash over me. I suppose it made sense to start on this note. Still, such a blatant attempt to explain felt rather trite. There was no flare to it, you see? Or rather, no charm.
The corners of Mr. Hasegawa's mouth upturned. "Does anyone have any ideas? I know most of you have your own unique interpretations, but it feels like a good idea to ask. You know," he glanced towards this side of the classroom, "In case some aren't taking this seriously."
Oh, great and powerful teacher, even I know the answer! Pick me!
Mr. Hasegawa smiled. "Yamashina, care to share your thoughts?"
Tch.
Yamashina cleared her throat. "I'm not sure if you desire an in-depth answer so, for now, I will give the basic outline. Kawagusa General Academy is a school that serves as a training facility for those possessing supernatural abilities."
"Close enough. You covered most of the core idea, but you left out one crucial detail." Mr. Hasegawa nodded. "Kawagusa General Academy is not simply a training facility. If anything, it's closer to a cram school for those leaving in two months time."
I glanced towards the golden-haired girl, where I found her taking note of... something. No, was she writing down Mr. Hasegawa's words? This was just an introduction. I wonder, why was she taking this so seriously?
"Yamashina," Mr. Hasegawa wiped his name off of the blackboard. He then he turned to us once more. "In regards to your notion of a supernatural ability, would you be so kind as to give an example? Nothing too flashy, please."
Yamashina nodded. She placed her pencil down, arose from her seat, and held her hand out towards the teacher. I saw her sneak a cursory glance in this direction, as if she wanted me in particular to observe this show of power.
Very well, you have my attention.
"Don't disappoint me," I murmured.
Bzzt.
With a snap of her fingers, the girl's hand crackled with light blue electricity. It came to life, tracing miniscule fishbone arcs through the surrounding air. The blue glow seemed to intensify and weaken at random intervals, with each bolt striking some sort of invisible wall if it went too far.
The girl winced a bit. She closed her hand into a fist.
In response, the electrical surge fizzled out. This occured over a period of five or so seconds, after which she reopened her hand. I was positive that this was only the tip of a very large iceberg. It was clear that Yamashina could do far more with this power if she wanted to.
Her ability was fairly interesting, I suppose. If my guesswork about Yamashina being a non-human was correct then, given her ability, was she... perhaps a Raiju? Considering her hair color and personality, that would make the most sense.
Mr. Hasegawa began to clap, and the rest of the class followed suit.
The golden-haired girl nodded, returning to her seat. The display itself hadn't been very amazing from a visual standpoint, but I suppose that was for safety reasons. From a technical standpoint, it was nothing to scoff at. She'd maintained control of her ability very well.
"I'll give it a passing grade." I whispered.
Mr. Hasegawa cleared his throat. "And so, that's how it is. All of you possess supernatural abilities, and Kawagusa General Academy will be teaching you how to utilize them based on your career path. I suspect, however, that most of you will be joining military activities."
I frowned. "So it's like that."
"Military activities" was the more proper term used to describe "demonslaying."
Demon activity heightened in summer, when they formed swarms in search of food. In this case, food meant carbon-based life. This was apparently because Demons sustained themselves on the resources that most life processed to make use of abilities: reiki, mana, and chi.
Let's get back on topic. I had no interest in demonslaying, but Shizuka did. This was why I knew so much about the subject. I wasn't keen on my sister putting herself in harm's way, but it was her own choice. As the younger of us twins, all I could do was support her decision.
Enough about that though.
In the end, class flew by. I listened to the teacher drone on about responsible ability use and the rules of conflict. No using one's abilities to bring harm to oneself or others. Any ability users discovered acting out poorly written light novel battles would be punished. When there were 20 minutes left in class, the teacher changed the subject.
"Ah, one more thing." Mr. Hasegawa said. "I know it's a bit sudden, but I want to pick a class representative today. You know, to get it out of the way. Most of you will be going into military activities though, so it doesn't really matter who gets the position."
Almost instantly, Yamashina's hand shot up. I'd expected this outcome and had already started putting my belongings away. It was as I closed my bag (I didn't get my old bag back, I had to buy a new one of lower quality) that I heard a voice to my right.
"Why not Shibuya?"
I quickly turned towards the person who'd spoken. Black hair, dark eyes, and glasses. This person's name was... Iori Ikuzawa, yes? Wait, that's besides the point. I wonder, who did this beanstalk think he was? Did he really want to die that badly?
No, I should calm down.
"I don't think I'd make a good representative." I responded, my tone disinterested. "I won't say that my character is lacking, or even that I couldn't handle it. No, suggesting such would be foolish. I'll simply state that I feel no passion for the position. It means nothing to me."
Chatter came in from all around.
"I guess I could see that guy as a class rep..."
"Really? Doesn't he sound a bit off?"
"He got 100% though, didn't he?"
"Shibuya hasn't really said no, has he?" Mr. Hasegawa mumbled.
Didn't I make my stance clear?
Yamashina almost certainly stared at me, so I didn't look in her direction. Something about accidentally locking eyes with her again seemed like it'd be irritating. I hadn't really figured out the cause of this yet, but I wagered it was an innate character trait of hers. No, maybe that was part of Yamashina's power?!
I cleared my throat. "Can I just say that—"
"Maybe we should take a vote then?" said Mr. Hasegawa.
"A vote?" I frowned.
That might actually work in my favor. Yes, let's do that. Yamashina was pretty, so voting for her was natural. The thought process was rude, no doubt, but I didn't think I was incorrect at the time. Even I'd have picked the more attractive alternative if given a choice.
"Very well, I'll allow it." I responded.
A plan took form in my head. This was actually quite good. It gave me a chance to look good, and it also meant that Yamashina would be able to "defeat" me fair and square. Or at least, as fair and square as a vote can be. Furthermore, I wouldn't count it as an actual defeat.
Who knew, perhaps that girl would stop glaring at me. From that point on, we could simply be mutual acquaintances who infrequently spoke with each other. Perhaps I'd ask our class representative for help with something, and I bet she'd gladly oblige.
Mr. Hasegawa hastily scribbled both my and Yamashina's names on the board in white chalk. He then produced a small box, most likely for collecting ballots.
"Then, shall we start the vote?" Mr. Hasegawa smirked.
My plan was perfect.
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-S0008-
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My plan was flawed.
Mr. Hasegawa pulled another slip out of the box and read the name aloud.
"Shibuya..."
How did it wind up like this? What sort of sick and twisted joke was this? Could it be that I, Satou Shibuya, had miscalculated? Did I rely too heavily on the prejudices of mankind to pick a pretty girl over one such as myself? Did I underestimate my own all-encompassing charisma?!
"Shibuya, Shibuya, Shibuya, Yamashina, Shibuya..."
My patron deity seemed to be doubling down on punishment today.
"Yamashina, Shibuya, Yamashina, Shibuya..."
No, perhaps it wasn't too late to deny the class representative position. I truly held no interest in the prospect, so there shouldn't be any problems stating this. Ah, but I was already winning. My pride wouldn't allow me to blatantly throw in the towel!
"Shibuya and, finally..." Mr. Hasegawa paused. "Shibuya."
Honestly, what is wrong with these people?!
I glanced towards Ikuzawa, the genesis of this problem. His bored expression as he doodled in his notebook was enough to fill me with profound distaste. I didn't know this person, perhaps he was with Genjou? Was this some advanced delinquent technique that I'd yet to grasp?
Yamashina quietly sat at her desk, looking as respectful as ever. While she didn't seem to be releasing any form of bloodthirst, I knew she was probably seething with the wrath of... what's the name of a lightning god, I wonder? Ah, yes.
That girl was probably seething with the wrath of Nikola Tesla.
"Perfect," I murmured, stifling small amounts of laughter.
"And so, our class representative will be Shibuya." said Mr. Hasegawa. "I doubt there would be, but I'll ask anyway for fairness sake. Are there any objections?"
Surprisingly, Yamashina didn't raise her hand.
It seems the task of dealing with this mess has fallen to me! In your stead, Yamashina, I will sabotage my own position as class representative. Be grateful, it's not often that one such as myself goes out of their way to relinquish positions of power! I quickly raised my hand, a new idea fresh in mind. This plan could be salvaged!
"Hm?" Mr. Hasegawa turned to me. "Shoot."
Even if the ashes of my castle fell from the heavens, I could still sculpt them to form a new stronghold. It'd simply take a bit of guts, no small amount of talent, and the determination to see things through to the end. I rose from my seat and, after clearing my throat, spoke.
"Yamashina is better suited to this position."
Mr. Hasegawa tilted his head. "You don't want to be the class representative?"
"That's not what I meant." I stated, blatantly defying my earlier stance. Now I rapidly gestured with my hands, as if trying to convey some form of idea. "I think Yamasawa might be able to handle it better than I myself. Only by a bit though. Not too much. You'd need a ruler to gauge it."
I didn't look over at Yamashina as I spoke, partially because I was afraid I'd reflexively berate her. More importantly, I'd accidentally gotten her name wrong again. Regardless, this was a done deal now. I could respectfully pass on being the class representative.
This was Satou Shibuya's ultimate socialization technique. My super move, if you would. By passing on a position of power, I disregarded all responsibilities. This wasn't the first time I'd used my super move, so its power was already honed. None could stop it.
The teacher blinked. "Then why don't the both of you do it?"
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
—An unexpected counter?!
"Mister, surely you jest." I stood my ground.
"You two have the highest scores, so—"
"So?"
"Well," he shrugged, "It'll probably work out."
How irresponsible! Mr. Hasegawa, chaining that counter into his own technique! This waterflea! This insect! This worm! This rat! This pig! I was about to recite these statements aloud, but another person interrupted my mental tirade.
"I object to this." Yamashina calmly stated such.
"Eh?" Mr. Hasegawa tilted his head. "Why? Everyone wins in the end if we follow this tree of logic. That's the best outcome, right? Everyone gets what they want, right? Teamwork should be encouraged, right?"
"I have made a decision, Mr. Hasegawa. Even disregarding this, I definitely couldn't work alongside Shibuya. His disposition is... I don't know how to describe it, but something about him irks me."
How rude!
"Well, let's forget Shibuya's, erm... personality quirks for now, Yamashina. Shibuya is Shibuya, and that can't be helped. Barring that, you mentioned some sort of decision. May I ask what that decision is?" asked Mr. Hasegawa, perhaps genuinely curious.
"This person," Yamashina tossed a sidelong glance in my direction, "I wish to compete with them. Furthermore, I will defeat them fair and square. This is rather difficult to do if we are sharing the position of class representative so, unfortunately, I stand by my refusal."
That wasn't at all the answer I'd expected. I thought it'd be something along the lines of "Because I can't accept that person," or something of that nature. If Yamashina's answer wasn't grounds to make my escape, I'm not sure what was. It wasn't running though, it was a strategic withdrawl.
I quietly packed my things. I'd leave it to Yamashina, she could sort things out.
"You're not entirely correct." Mr. Hasegawa smirked. "Sharing the class representative spot is a good way to start, you know? All you've got to do his show him up."
That'd never work. If my understanding of Yamashina's character was accurate, she's an unreasonable and pig-headed person. It's only natural that she'd deny such a thing—
"I suppose you're right." Yamashina mumbled.
Oh.
"Then it's settled," said Mr. Hasegawa.
And apparently that was that.
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-S0009-
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The next couple of classes passed rather uneventfully.
Nothing physical; such classes would get started on the second or third day. In the meantime, we sat in the gym and listened to a teacher ramble on about the rules of using the gymnasium. They were more or less inline with what I'd expected.
Now it was lunch time.
I was en route to where Shizuka and I would meet up. It was only natural for me to eat with her. After all, I had to establish dominance and scare away all filth who would dare attempt to court her. Only a man of high calibur was deserving of my sister! Such was besides the point though.
Shizuka had suggested meeting outside the first year building, and I didn't have much room to complain. I didn't know the school very well myself, so this would work in my favour. It wouldn't do to look like a fool, especially when coming to meet my coolest sister.
When I'd finally exited the building, I immediately found my sister. What's more—
"...Hm?" I blinked.
She had a friend! How great to see my unlucky sibling conversing with another female student like a normal human being. She was, after all, a human being. Less than normal perhaps, especially given our rather potent abilities, but whatever. This made sense.
The person she spoke to looked familiar, but I couldn't really place it. That was happening a lot lately, though in this case it wasn't very strong. Certainly not as strong as the feeling I'd gotten after seeing Yamashina, or that trendsetter... er, Minakami.
As I was contemplating whether or not to approach, Shizuka glanced in my direction. She lifted a hand and waved me over. Naturally, since one couldn't say no to her, I quickly approached.
"So? How did classes go?" Shizuka asked. There was a pause. "Actually, don't answer that. I'm more curious about something else, something far more important."
"Hm?"
"What happened to your hair? It definitely looks good..." She murmured this with a nod, after which she paused. As if having realized something, her tone turned panicked. "Or rather, it doesn't suit someone like you at all! You should like, change it before too many people see you? I think?!"
"How rude! I think it looks quite good. Minakami said..." A beat passed. "Or rather, I was informed that someone else held the same opinion! Could it be that sister dearest's fashion sense is lacking? How unexpected! I trusted you, you know?"
"W-wait, I was just... at that time it seemed like a good idea since... man, I don't care anymore!" My sister whined. She motioned to the girl standing a foot or so away. "Kotobuki, help me change the subject. I can't take this anymore."
The first thing I noticed was that the girl looked quite pretty. She wasn't a first year either, I could tell from the silvery badge proudly worn on her puffed out chest. Yes, I'd snuck a glance at her chest. I was discreet about it though, so fear not.
Miss upperclassman had light-blue hair, tied in a waist-length high side ponytail on the right. She seemed athletic, which was fairly consistent with the bamboo sword at her hip. Even so, she didn't look intimidating. If anything, she looked somewhat dazzling.
"This is the very pretty Kotobuki. How is it? Isn't she your kind of gal? I bet she's a little closer to my cute little brother's type than that Akasaka, hm? I'm joking, of course, but it might not be entirely false!"
Shizuka said this with crossed arms. Hastily scraped together pride was well apparent on her face. Could it be that she wanted to show off? Or rather, what did Akane Akasaka have to do with this?
Well, let's put that aside for now.
"Kozue Kotobuki?" I asked a question with an obvious answer.
"Kaede Kotobuki." Kotobuki shook her head. She completely disregarded Shizuka's comments, as though such foolishness was commonplace for her. "Kozue is my all too energetic younger brother. You shouldn't mix us up, especially considering our uh... differing personalities."
I nodded, having remembered her now. "You gave a speech for us first years, I think. I thought you seemed familiar, though now I know why. Rejoice, Kotobuki the elder. I won't say that you left a particularly deep impression but, all things considered, I didn't hate your speech."
Kotobuki the sister smirked. "Thanks."
"You misunderstand, that wasn't a compliment. Don't get ahead of yourself, prototype Kotobuki. I can't have people thinking that Satou Shibuya hands out compliments on a whim. It'd be a travesty, you know? A calamity, one might say. With that said, don't get the wrong idea."
"Yeah, yeah." She nodded.
"It's no use, Satou." Shizuka snickered. "I've already informed our very understanding upperclassman of your sour-sweet disposition. She won't get mad no matter how hard you try. How is it? It must be great having a sister to clear things up for you, huh?"
"You could've asked if you wanted to die that badly." I sighed.
"Come on, come on... woah, why the bloodthirst?!" Shizuka retreated back a step. "I was playing around. I didn't say anything weird, I just told her that you were somewhat difficult to get along with! She doesn't have the wrong idea or anything, okay?!
Honestly, how foolish.
"So?" I stopped exuding killing intent. "How'd you make friends with this one? Isn't she a second year? I won't say she's out of my precious sister's league, but it still seems a bit odd. Tell me more, sister dearest."
"Huh? Oh..." Shizuka frowned. "She approached me because she wanted to talk to you."
I gave Kotobuki my attention. "About?"
She grinned. "First, how about we eat?"
And so we did. Kaede Kotobuki showed us a nice place. It was a pretty little bench between the first year and second year buildings, beneath a fairly large tree. The tree prevented snow from collecting on the bench, which was quite convenient for the likes of us. I marked the location down in the back of my head- it seemed like a good place to bring a girl.
The instant Shizuka and I opened our lunches, Kotobuki spoke.
"Those look homemade." Interest was well apparent in her voice.
My sister smiled. "Because they are."
"You cook?"
Shizuka shook her head.
It was time to earn some affection points. I couldn't pass up an opportunity such as this. Even if Kotobuki wasn't an idol, I could at least think of her as dating material. Who knew, perhaps my standards would lower somewhere down the line. Let's see, let's see.
Kaede Shibuya, huh? The name lost its alliterative appeal. Still, it had a nice ring. I wasn't especially fond of children, but one would be fine... no, maybe two. It wouldn't do for one to be lonely, yes. Namewise, I'd prefer Saki if it were a girl. Perhaps Souta if it were a boy?
No, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
"I do the cooking," I stated.
Kotobuki crossed one leg over the other. "Not bad. I envy the woman you'll marry."
"Don't praise him too much, okay? My Satou is unexpectedly pure-hearted." Shizuka stuffed some food in her mouth. After a moment, she continued speaking. "Besides, this boy is still learning to cook. That's why it all tastes the same. Like rice, kind of."
"I'll master it someday." I averted my gaze. "...Also, who're you calling pure-hearted?"
"You." Shizuka said with a nod. "Also, try to master cooking by tomorrow."
"Sister dearest, that's impossible."
"And to think, you're always boasting!"
I noticed Kotobuki curiously staring at the two of us out of the corner of my eye. Her expression was two parts warm, and one part confused. I wonder, I wonder. What was it that had her making such a face at the two of us?
"You're very sibling-like." Kotobuki mumbled.
Of course, I quickly received the answer to my question. The new problem, however, was what she meant. Kotobuki's statement demanded some sort of explanation. We were siblings, so of course we'd be sibling-like. Or rather, wouldn't it be weirder if we didn't act like siblings?
"Why wouldn't we be sibling-like?" I asked.
"No reason, I guess. Was just making an observation." She responded. "I've got a brother, but we don't get along like the two of you. Er, don't get it twisted. I don't dislike my brother or anything, but we're not sickeningly close like you both. No offense."
Hm? How strange.
"Sickeningly? Pardon my asking... hold on." I produced a napkin and began wiping off my sister's mouth. It was a fairly heavy-handed show of affection, but my sister took it in stride. "Pardon my asking, Kotobuki archetype, but could it be that you and your brother don't get along?"
"A weirdly personal question to be asking someone you've just met. Shizuka told me you were like this, but I didn't think she was too serious." Kotobuki said this with a frown. "I don't dislike that blunt approach to things, but I can see how others might. You strike me as kind of a bulldozer."
How amusing.
"Bulldozer? And now the older Kotobuki is making increasingly personal quips about me." I mumbled this with a nod. "I'm impartial on the matter, so instead I'll parrot something I was told. What was it? I don't dislike that blunt approach to things, but I can see how others might. My, I'm so clever."
"There's no wit if you parrot it moments after me, underclassman." She snickered. "You oughta be careful. Never know when we upperclassmen will make your life a living hell. In fact, I'm kind of peckish. Feel like buying me some bread?"
"The infamous bread shuttle, is it? How amusing—"
"Let's get back on topic. The atmosphere between you two is getting a little too good, especially considering I'm still here." Shizuka interrupted. "What is it that you want from my foolish younger brother, Kotobuki? I'm curious, but I won't say it twice. That'd be childish, right?"
How rude, how rude!
"Right, right. Still, I wouldn't call him foolish." Kotobuki nodded. "After all—"
"Hm?" Shizuka tilted her head.
"He scored one-hundred percent, right?"
Hearing those words, a simple realization struck me.
If Kotobuki was a second year, and she presented the speech for the first years, then there was a fact I'd overlooked. Or rather, it was strange that I hadn't realized immediately after remembering her. I knew who this person was now, and what position they held.
"Huh? There's no way Satou got higher than twenty percent." Shizuka didn't look up from her food. "In no timeline exists a Satou capable of scoring one hundred percent. Even if there were an infinite number of timelines, Satou's test average would be around thirty percent."
You could at least consider it a possibility in this timeline, sister dearest!
"He's definitely the top scoring first year," said Kotobuki. She reclined in her seat and stared out at the gently falling snow. The blue-haired girl smiled. "He beat the score I received last year by one percent and thirty seconds."
Kaede Kotobuki easily established place on the academic foodchain. The exalted Satou Shibuya's affection points were at an all-time high! How did you do it, Kotobuki the oh-so-lovely? What's the trick to courting one such as myself? I'm curious, I'm curious!
Shizuka glanced over my direction. "...Did you cheat?"
"No."
It wasn't a lie because I didn't cheat, probably.
"Then that cramming worked!?"
"It's only natural that I score the highest." I responded. "Have you forgotten who I am? Anything less than the pinnacle of perfection is beneath me, sister dearest. If I can't even crush insects underfoot, I'm less a man and more a child!"
"We're both children, but besides that..." Shizuka frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Think fast, Satou of the Burning Heavens. What do you say to preserve your coolest sister's good mood? The fate of mankind is in your hands! It starts right here, right now, at this exact point in time!
"Because you're an important part of my life!" I proclaimed.
Here it is! My finishing move!
"That's not how that works!" Shizuka complained.
It was blocked!?
My sister looked as though she wanted to say something else, but Kotobuki quickly interjected. I could tell that this was merely a ploy to inject herself into a quickly escalating situation, almost like a sort of coolant. It seemed that this was Kotobuki's own sure-kill move.
"Well, I should probably get to why I asked for you," said Kotobuki.
Now then, I already knew where this is going. There's only one second year who would give a speech to the first years. It wasn't a matter of knowing who she was, it was a matter of being able to figure out her position through common sense.
"Shibuya," started Kotobuki.
After all—
"Would you visit the Student Council room after school?"
This person was likely the Student Council President.