CH 9

Chapter-9

Childhood Friend and Committee Decision (2)

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The air was tense. Normally, the atmosphere wouldn't be this bad just because the candidates were running against each other. But this time, the situation is different.

Two beautiful girls were glaring at each other, and sparks were flying between them. Everyone was watching with bated breath to see what would happen next.

In the midst of this indescribable atmosphere, it was Kotoba who opened her mouth first. She gave Ichijo a look that was clearly hostile.

".....I have no intention of backing down here."

However, Ichijo was not intimidated by Kotoba's gaze and replied to her words in a dignified manner. This attitude baffled not only the other students but also the teacher.

"Let's see... Both of you, calm down for a moment. Let's play rock-paper-scissors to decide! Okay!"

In order to improve the increasingly tense atmosphere, Matsue-sensei, who had a tight smile on her face, intervened between the two.

Perhaps because of the presence of the teacher, the atmosphere eased a little. However, the situation did not last long.

"I wonder if it's a good idea to propose such a luck-based idea in a high school, where all the best students gather."

Ichijo rejected the teacher's idea with a smile, then the teacher asked in a dissatisfied tone.

"Well, Ichijo-san, if you're going to reject someone's opinion, I think it's common sense to come up with an alternative."

Matsue-sensei spoke to her in an admonishing voice. However, Ichijo Asuka waved away the teacher's kindness with a merciless verbal attack.

"Do you really think that I was denying the idea without preparing an alternative? How can you be so shallow in your position as a teacher? Of course I thought about it."

When Ichijo said this, Matsue-sensei frowned and urged for an explanation.

"What I'm proposing is not a far-fetched idea. Rather, it is the most obvious solution to this situation. Yes, a vote. I have prepared a piece of paper on which you can write the names of either of us to vote for."

Ichijo said confidently. What she said was certainly correct. But at the same time, it was also unfair. Ichijo is the representative of the new students, and she stands out quite a bit. Everyone knows that she is a good-looking, intelligent girl.

On the other hand, what about Kotoba? It's obvious to anyone who sees her that she's a beautiful girl, and she's equal to Ichijo in that respect. But other than that, there is no way that anyone other than me here can know if she is intelligent or not.

Ichijo, the representative of the first-year students, is clearly excellent, and Kotoba, whose information is limited to visuals.

If we didn't know anything about the two of them, who would we vote for? Most of us would probably vote for Ichijo.

In other words, the representative of the new students, Ichijo Asuka, knew what she was doing and had planned for it.

"Sure, if it's just a vote, it'll be decided quietly and quickly. Does anyone have any objections?"

The teacher, perhaps persuaded by Ichijo's persuasiveness, completely affirmed her idea. There was an air of approval among the students as well.

In the midst of all this, Kotoba was alone and downcast. I don't know what expression she has on her face right now. But if you've been with her for a long time, you can pretty much guess.

I've given up. I don't think she'll be able to be on the committee with me. I'm sure she's frustrated. And feeling empty.

I never want to see her sad face. I can't allow her to get hurt. That's what I thought━

━I raised my hand in a straight line.

The teachers and students gave me a puzzled look. Kotoba, who had been downcast just now, was also stunned.

"Sasaki-san, do you have any objections?"

The teacher asks me, puzzled. Perhaps overwhelmed by Ichijo's aura and persuasiveness. Everyone had forgotten something that was all too obvious.

I asked the teacher in a clear voice.

"Sensei, Ichijo too. Aren't you forgetting one very important thing about voting?"

I speak as openly and clearly as I can.

"If we just vote, that's unfair. How about we have two of the candidates make a speech?"

A faint but powerful ray of light shone down on the all-black scene.