At the end-of-day homeroom, Mori-sensei stood at the front of the classroom, his arms crossed and his tone simmering with irritation.

"The deadline for student president applications is Friday, and guess what? We still don't have a single candidate," he announced.

The classroom responded with a wave of murmurs. A few students exchanged looks, some simply stared at their desks, bored and uninterested.

Kanta raised his hand lazily, not bothering to fully sit up. "Wait, didn't we already have an election before spring break?"

Mori-sensei shook his head. "No, because nobody ran. They had to postpone it to next Friday. Still no candidates. The third-years are all selfish, only worrying about their entrance exams. Nobody wants to take on the student council work."

Kanta frowned, tilting his head. "What does the student council even do, anyway? I've never seen them do anything."

Mori-sensei snorted, crossing his arms. "They don't do jack shit. Just some pointless events every once in a while. But those selfish bastards think it's actual hard work."

"So it's basically a scam?"

"Exactly!" Mori-sensei jabbed a finger in Kanta's direction, looking almost proud to have found someone who agreed with him. “It’s a glorified scam. But someone still has to do it.”

Then he turned his gaze to Kim, who was sitting quietly at his desk. "Why don’t you run, Kim? They even lifted the third-year requirement. You could show those fools you can be the top student and the president."

Kim blinked, clearly caught off guard. He quickly shook his head. "No, sensei, I'm not sure I'm suitable for the role."

Mori-sensei frowned, his eyes narrowing. "If not you, then who"

Kim shook his head again, more firmly. "No, sensei, I'm afraid I really can't."

Before Mori-sensei could argue further, Kanta slapped his desk, leaning forward with a determined look. "I'll run for president!"

The entire class went silent for a moment, then burst into laughter. A few students clapped, some shook their heads, while others exchanged glances. The surprise at Kanta's sudden enthusiasm was evident.

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Mori-sensei, however, looked genuinely thrilled. "Good! Excellent! You run, Kanta, and show them how it’s done. Hell, I’ll even throw in extra credit for anyone who votes for you!"

This was met with cheers and more laughter. Some students pounded their desks in support. Mori-sensei continued to rant about all the ridiculous things going on at the school—absurd club activities, pointless assemblies, an overwhelming amount of homework—until the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the day.

As the students started packing up, Kanta walked over to Kim's desk, his expression exaggeratedly serious. He clasped his hands together in an exaggerated gesture of pleading.

"Kim, I need you to be my vice president." He declared.

Kim froze, wide-eyed. "Whoa, Kanta, stop that! You're making a scene," he said, flushing as he glanced around. Lada and Tanya, who were still at their desks, exchanged curious looks, clearly intrigued by what was happening.

"I'm not going anywhere until you say yes." Kanta insisted.

Kim shook his head, his voice soft. "No, having me as your VP would just hurt your campaign."

Kanta lowered his hands, frowning. "How could having the top of the class as my running mate possibly hurt my campaign?"

Kim hesitated, his gaze dropping to his desk. His voice grew even quieter. "Because nobody wants someone with the last name Kim as their president, or vice president... or even as a fellow citizen, to be honest."

Kanta blinked, his grin vanishing. For a moment, he looked genuinely taken aback. "Kim, that’s bullshit. You’re just as much a part of this as anyone else."

Kim gave a weak smile, trying to sound casual. "It’s just how it is, Kanta. People don’t really see me as one of them."

Kanta's expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto Kim's. "Look, Kim. Screw what they think. If they can't see past your last name, then they're idiots. You belong here just as much as anyone else. Run, win, and shove it down their throats."

Kim sighed, shaking his head. "I appreciate it, Kanta, but I'm really not sure this is the right thing for me..."

"No buts." Kanta said, giving Kim a pat on the shoulder. "Besides, I need someone to make me look good."

Lada chuckled from behind them, drawing Kanta and Kim's attention. "That's true." Tanya, beside her, nodded along quietly.

Kanta turned to them with a smirk. "Hey, how about you two join my cabinet?"

Lada returned the smirk. "Sure, why not. Someone has to keep you in line."

While Tanya politely shook her head. "Thank you, Kanta, but I'll have to pass on an official role. I'll still help however I can."

Kanta clapped a hand on Kim's shoulder. "So, what do you say? Let's do this together."

Kim paused for a moment, looking at Kanta's hopeful grin, before finally nodding, a small but genuine smile forming. "Alright, I’ll do it. But only because you’re hopeless without me."

Kanta beamed. "That's the spirit! And if anyone's got a problem with it, they can shove it up their ass."

Kim smiled, shaking his head. "Just don’t get us both expelled, okay?"

Kanta laughed, leaning back in his chair. "No promises."