It had been two days since Togami started taking a break from the student council.
The remaining members continued with the administrative tasks at hand. Even though the president was absent, we could not let the other work fall behind.
Nonetheless, the main concern was the issue with the Occult Research Club.
The situation had been conveyed to Arisu, who had been absent on the day they visited the clubroom.
“What do you think, Arisu?” (Takaki)
When asked for her opinion, Arisu held her head in her hands.
“From a rules standpoint, I think we have no choice but to take away their clubroom…but it feels so wrong! Objectively speaking, we look like the bad guys!” (Arisu)
“Yeah, I know.” (Takaki)
“It’s like the kind of story where the main character will end up taking us down in the end!” (Arisu)
“That doesn’t sound good.” (Takaki)
If possible, I’d prefer to handle this peacefully. Unfortunately, I have the perfect face for playing the role of the villain.
After pondering for a while, Arisu came up with an idea.
“Yeah, what about getting them into a similar cultural club? If we look around, we might find a club that matches their wavelength.” (Arisu)
That was certainly something to consider.
However, judging by those two’s behavior, it would likely be difficult. There was no guarantee they could stay connected without the Occult Research Club as their place.
“This is just my personal opinion, but for those two, that might be difficult.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai, who was there during the confrontation with the Occult Research Club, seemed to share the same opinion.
“Senpai, what do you think we should do?” (Arisu)
“I’d like to help them if possible, but… as it stands, there’s no reason to keep the Occult Research Club going. (Misuzu)
“That’s true.” (Arisu)
The problem was that the Occult Research Club wasn’t officially recognized as either a club or a society. Even the student council couldn’t allocate a place for unrecognized clubs. For now, the situation with the Occult Research Club hit a dead end.
Feeling anxious, I glanced at the empty seat where that usually clumsy someone should be sitting.
“Togami is absent again today?” (Takaki)
“Sashiki-sensei said it’s due to a cold.” (Misuzu)
Of course, it was possible that she did actually catch a cold.
However, I couldn’t bring myself to believe that considering the timing.
I recalled Togami’s demeanor when he listened to Dougenzaka’s story.
Unable to sit still any longer, I grabbed my backpack and stood up.
“Sorry, but I’m leaving early today.” (Takaki)
“Oh, then I’ll go too—” (Arisu)
I heard Arisu’s voice from behind, but I turned around and stopped her.
“Arisu, you still have work left from the day you took off, don’t you?” (Takaki)
“Tch, you caught me…” (Arisu)
◆
“Haha, I didn’t expect you, Gujou-san, to come visit me.” (Nadeshiko)
“From the looks of it, you’ll be able to come to school tomorrow?” (Takaki)
“Well, yes.” (Nadeshiko)
Having left the student council early, I arrived at Togami’s apartment.
When I pressed the room number I remembered, Togami readily unlocked the door for me. At least I wasn’t being rejected.
Togami’s place was much tidier than the last time I visited. The large number of accumulated plastic bottles had been properly disposed of this time.
I sat at the living room table, facing Togami.
Togami was dressed in the same loose loungewear as when we ran into each other in front of the convenience store. Everything else about her appearance was as usual, but she seemed a bit thinner.
“You’re taking a break not because of your health, right?” (Takaki)
“…Yes.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami nodded.
Her expression was somber, and it was clear she had been troubled ever since then.
“Arisu and Hourai-senpai were worried about you too.” (Takaki)
At those words, Togami’s face contorted as if something had pierced her.
“Ugh, I’m sorry… As the student council president, I’ve been slacking off for two days. I’m worth less than some random key on a keyboard…” (Nadeshiko)
“Hey, those keys probably have a use. We just don’t know it.” (Takaki)
“Then, I feel like I’m as useless as a bass player in a band…” (Nadeshiko)
“There’s no need to be so negative. Also, you should apologize to all the bassists out there.” (Takaki)
After all, while it’s true that the bass can be hard to distinguish when listening through a phone speaker, you can actually hear it quite clearly with headphones.
I decided to start over and asked directly.
“What do you want to do about the Occult Research Club?” (Takaki)
Faced with the straightforward question, Togami pondered deeply.
“As the student council president… the Occult Research Club’s occupation of the room cannot be permitted. Therefore, yes. I will initiate the formal procedure to collect and vacate the room’s belongings at tomorrow’s student council meeting.” (Nadeshiko)
Her answer was emotionless.
However, that wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
“Not as the student council president, but as Togami Nadeshiko, what do you want to do?” (Takaki)
“That is…” (Nadeshiko)
Togami was at a loss for words.
Her gaze wandered as if trying to escape, but eventually returned to my face. Then, as if resigned, she squeezed out her voice.
“As for my personal feelings… I don’t want to remove the Occult Research Club. I’d like to keep the clubroom as it is. But… if I did that, I wouldn’t be a proper student council president.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami bit her lip tightly as if enduring something.
With a self-deprecating smile, she confessed.
“I’m scared. I want to be the perfect student council president, but my heart is leading me to the wrong answer. The thought that everyone might lose faith in me makes my stomach feel heavy. I can’t come to a conclusion.” (Nadeshiko)
The discrepancy between the perfect answer as a student council president and Togami’s personal answer was her dilemma.
After a moment of thought, I quietly spoke.
“What’s correct for the student council is to remove the Occult Research Club’s clubroom according to the regulations.” (Takaki)
“…So you think so too, Gujou-san?” (Nadeshiko)
Togami’s gaze quickly fell.
If she aimed to be perfect, the continuation of the Occult Research Club couldn’t be allowed.
But that didn’t mean she couldn’t choose a different path.
“Hey, Togami. Does it have to be wrong?” (Takaki)
“Huh?” (Nadeshiko)
Togami looked taken aback, her expression blank.
“Sure, helping the Occult Research Club might be a mistake from the perspective of the student council. But there’s no rule that says that everything we do must be strictly correct.” (Takaki)
“Well, that might be true.” (Nadeshiko)
“You said in your speech that you wanted to create a student council that stands by the students.” (Takaki)
“Ah…” (Nadeshiko)
In the first place, if Togami only wanted to fulfill the role of a student council president, there would have been no need to set up something extra like a suggestion box. Just carrying out the status quo would be enough.
But Togami created the suggestion box because she wanted to. It was probably inconvenient and inefficient, but it was no different from why I wanted to support her.
From the beginning, Togami had been trying to grasp something more important than just fulfilling her duties.
“Between removing the Occult Research Club and trying to help them, which approach would be more in tune with the students? I think Togami would understand that.” (Takaki)
Togami clenched her fists tightly as if reflecting on my words.
Then she looked up and stared at me. The anxious expression from earlier was no longer on her face.
“Gujou-san.” (Nadeshiko)
“What is it?” (Takaki)
“I said that I wanted to create a student council that stands by the students. I think removing the Occult Research Club as it is would be the same as ignoring the voice of Dougenzaka-san from that day.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami’s eyes were filled with determination.
“I will prevent the dissolution of the Occult Research Club. Of course, this is if they request it.” (Nadeshiko)
With that, Togami extended her hand toward me.
“Gujou-san, will you help me?” (Takaki)
“Yeah. That was the promise, wasn’t it?” (Nadeshiko)
I took Togami’s smiling hand and nodded, meeting her gaze.
◆
“The student council will work to preserve the Occult Research Club.” (Nadeshiko)
The next afternoon, in the student council room.
Togami declared boldly in front of the student council members. Gone was the weak demeanor from yesterday; she looked as perfect and confident as usual, even if it was just a facade.
At first, Arisu and Hourai-senpai seemed surprised, but their expressions gradually turned to joy.
“Yeah, yeah, this is definitely a better feeling. Much better than being the bad guy!” (Arisu)
“Indeed. I also welcome this decision if it’s available. But what will you do?” (Misuzu)
When asked, Togami nodded with confidence.
“We must dissolve the Occult Research Club because that’s our job as the student council. But, the main problem lies within the fact that we don’t have any justifiable reason to keep the Occult Research Club going.” (Nadeshiko)
“Yeah, it’s like bureaucratic red tape1 or something.” (Arisu)
Togami smiled at Arisu, who pouted with dissatisfaction and then said firmly.
“Therefore, we just need to make keeping the Occult Research Club going part of our job.” (Nadeshiko)
Yes, this was the conclusion we reached yesterday.
“Huh, what do you mean?” (Arisu)
“…I see, I think I get it.” (Misuzu)
Arisu seemed to be struggling to understand the situation, and Hourai-senpai appeared to have grasped the meaning.
I turned to Arisu and explained.
“We’ll have them submit a request to the suggestion box asking to officially recognize the Occult Research Club as a formal club. By doing so, we can act in accordance with the student council’s regulations to keep the Occult Research Club going.” (Takaki)
The student council regulations at Reishuu High include a clause stating, “The student council shall do its utmost to fulfill its promises, within the limits of the law and school rules.”
In other words, by accepting the request submitted to the suggestion box, which was established as part of a public promise, the student council can initiate the necessary groundwork to support the Occult Research Club.
“Huh? But didn’t the Cultural Club Union also make a request to the suggestion box? Wouldn’t that conflict with our request?” (Arisu)
“In that case, it’s fine.” (Takaki)
I accessed the student council’s shared server on my smartphone and opened the file in the ‘Suggestion Box’ folder.
“Listen, the request from the Cultural Clubs Union was to ‘expel the Occult Research Club, which is unjustly occupying a room in the old club building.’ In other words, if the Occult Research Club becomes an official club, it won’t be considered an unjust occupation anymore.” (Takaki)
If the premise is eliminated, the request itself becomes invalid.
Besides, Ushizawa, who made the request, also said they would prefer to avoid conflict if possible. They’re unlikely to be angry with the student council’s actions.
Seeing the practicality of the plan, Arisu also began to show an excited expression.
“Nice, it feels very protagonist-like!” (Arisu)
“Looks like the plan is set. So, let’s start by having them send the request to the suggestion box.” (Takaki)
“I’ve already spoken to Dougenzaka-san. I met her in the infirmary during lunch break and told her to send a request to the suggestion box once she had made up her mind.” (Nadeshiko)
“Ah! Look at this!” (Arisu)
Just then, a DM arrived on the student council’s SNS account.
The message read as follows.
“I’m Dougenzaka from Class 1-A. Please recognize the Occult Research Club as an official club and allow us to keep our clubroom. Thank you.” (Dougenzaka)
After confirming the content, Togami nodded.
“Then, let’s get to work.” (Nadeshiko)
By the passageway next to the tennis courts, Togami and I were speaking with a familiar face.
“I see, someone who might lend their name to the club.” (Sena)
Listening to Togami, Sena, whom we had met during the love consultation request, spoke. Sena was wearing a light blue training outfit, having briefly stepped out of tennis practice.
To apply for the establishment of a new club, at least five members are required. This means the Occult Research Club needs three more members in addition to Houjou and Dougenzaka.
Even if it’s just lending their names, we need to gather the necessary number of people. That’s why we reached out to Sena, who we had ties with. At this point, we need all the help we can get.
“I’ll see if I can find anyone, but don’t get your hopes up too high, okay?” (Sena)
“Thanks, I really appreciate it.” (Takaki)
Fortunately, Sena readily agreed to help.
When I bowed my head slightly, Sena waved her hand cheerfully, indicating it was no big deal.
“Don’t worry about it. I also wanted to apologize for spilling orange juice on you back then.” (Sena)
Oh right, that did happen.
“Would you like me to ask Yuu-kun too?” (Sena)
“Yuu-kun… Ah, you mean your childhood friend Tachibana-san, right?” (Nadeshiko)
“Yeah, exactly. He’s in the Shogi Club, so he might have connections with someone who can help.” (Sena)
That would be great. It’s always beneficial to have connections within the cultural clubs.
The new clubroom building, where the Shogi Club is located, isn’t far from the tennis court area. Tachibana arrived within a few minutes of Sena’s call.
“…Is this about what happened last time?” (Tachibana)
As soon as Tachibana saw me, he muttered with a pale face. I have no idea why he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket, but I hoped he’d put it away quickly.
“It’s not that. Sena, explain it to him.” (Takaki)
“They’re looking for people to join the Occult Research Club. They’re short on members and might get disbanded.” (Sena)
After hearing Sena’s explanation, Tachibana calmed down.
“Oh, so that’s what it’s about. I’ve never heard of the Occult Research Club, but I’ll try asking a few people.” (Tachibana)
“Thank you very much, Tachibana-san.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami bowed politely, causing Tachibana to become flustered.
“N-Nono! It’s really not that big of a deal, no need to thank me…” (Tachibana)
At that moment, Sena stepped in with a cheerful smile plastered on her face and said to Tachibana.
“Yuu-kun? Don’t you need to get back to your club quickly?” (Sena)
“Huh? Our club isn’t that strict… Hey, don’t poke my stomach with the racket. Okay, okay, I’m going.” (Tachibana)
Feeling the unusual pressure from Sena, Tachibana turned on his heel to leave.
Sena called out to his retreating back.
“Ah, and don’t forget about our study session at your place, Yuu-kun!” (Sena)
“Yeah, yeah, I haven’t forgotten. See you later.” (Tachibana)
“Okay, see you!” (Sena)
With that, Tachibana headed back to the new clubroom building, while Sena returned to the tennis court.
Watching the two leave, Togami covered her mouth with her hand, blushing slightly as she muttered.
“Could it be that those two… are making progress?” (Nadeshiko)
“It’s possible.” (Takaki)
At the very least, Tachibana’s place is clean enough for a study session.
The next day, Togami and I met with Dougenzaka in a secluded hallway of the classroom building.
“Here. This is a list of people who might be willing to lend their names.” (Nadeshiko)
We had reached out to our contacts and compiled a list of students who likely wouldn’t have any objections to joining the Occult Research Club. All that was left was to approach these students and see if they were willing to join.
“Wow, um, thank you so much…” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka took the paper, which was tucked inside a clear file, looking a bit overwhelmed.
She immediately began examining the names on the list, falling silent as if lost in thought.
“Are you okay?” (Takaki)
Of course, what concerned me was whether Dougenzaka could handle the recruitment herself.
She seemed capable of talking to familiar people, but approaching those she had no prior relationship with would likely be a burden for her.
“I understand you wanted the list, so here it is. But if you’d like, we could help with reaching out to them.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami offered her assistance in concern, but Dougenzaka shook her head vigorously.
“No, no! If you went that far, I’d feel guilty… And besides, this is the Occult Research Club’s problem. You’ve already done more than enough for us.” (Dougenzaka)
Her tone was hesitant, but her determination was clear.
“I see. Is it okay for you to not tell Houjou-san?” (Nadeshiko)
“Yes. He’s done everything for me up to now… I need to handle this much myself.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka glanced at the list.
“Oh, this person is from our class… Sorry, I have something I need to do.” (Dougenzaka)
With that, she hurried off with quick and light steps.
Togami and I tailed her without hesitation. It felt like watching a fledgling bird leaving the nest—like protective parents observing their young.
Dougenzaka, looking around suspiciously, entered the first-year classroom. The surrounding students paid her little attention.
Togami and I, peering through the window, stood out far more. Some students noticed me and looked startled, but I chose to ignore them for now.
“Um… Haneda-san?” (Dougenzaka)
“Uh, Dougenzaka-san, right? Do you need something from me?” (Haneda)
Dougenzaka approached one of her female classmates, clutching the hem of her skirt tightly and her gaze darting around nervously.
“Um… are you in any clubs?” (Dougenzaka)
“I’m in two clubs, but why?” (Haneda)
“Well, if it’s okay, could you lend your name to the… to the Occult Research Club? Please!” (Dougenzaka)
With that, Dougenzaka bowed deeply.
The girl looked puzzled for a moment, but eventually seemed to understand, her expression softening.
“Oh, are you really in a hurry? It’s totally fine if it’s just for the name. I don’t really know anything about the occult, though.” (Haneda)
I couldn’t help but give a small fist pump. Glancing over, I saw Togami clapping her hands softly and even heard her murmur, “Well done!”
Noticing each other’s gestures, we exchanged smiles.
A week after Togami’s return to the student council.
A week after Togami returned to the student council, the four of us—me, Togami, Houjou, and Dougenzaka—gathered in the Occult Research Club’s room in the old club building.
“…And that’s the situation.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami explained the entire process in a logical and organized manner.
Dougenzaka glanced between our faces and fidgeted with her fingers.
Houjou sighed deeply.
“Did Dougenzaka handle the recruitment as well?” (Dougenzaka)
“Yes. The student council provided some assistance, but it was Dougenzaka who did the recruiting.” (Nadeshiko)
I nodded at Dougenzaka’s words.
“I did my best and managed to recruit three people.” (Dougenzaka)
“You’re not good at talking to others, are you?” (Houjou)
“I’m not good at talking to people other than you, senpai. I’m still scared of talking. But… it’s less scary than losing the Occult Research Club.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka clutched the hem of her clothes and looked up at Houjou with a pleading expression.
“…Why go to such lengths?” (Houjou)
“I don’t want the Occult Research Club to be shut down. Losing the clubroom would also be a problem. Because, for me, this is the only place where I belong. Isn’t it the same for you, senpai?” (Dougenzaka)
“Well, that’s true.” (Houjou)
“And…” (Dougenzaka)
“And?” (Houjou)
“More than anything, I don’t want to stop seeing you, Senpai.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka’s eyes held an unusually strong resolve.
Seeing this, Houjou’s gaze wavered in confusion.
Observing the exchange, Togami decided it was time to address the main issue.
“As the student council, we can approve the Occult Research Club as an official club. After that, it’s just a matter of having the club president, Houjou, give a speech at the Cultural Clubs Union’s emergency meeting. If we receive their approval as well, there wouldn’t be any problems.” (Nadeshiko)
When establishing a new club, approval from the relevant association is necessary—whether it’s the Sports Club Union for sports clubs or the Culture Club Union for cultural clubs. The student council alone cannot finalize the process.
In either case, a decision is made during an emergency meeting.
“I have to give a speech?” (Houjou)
“You only need to explain what kind of club the Occult Research Club is and what activities you typically engage in.” (Dougenzaka)
“But I don’t have the confidence to speak in such a setting…” (Houjou)
Houjou fell silent after saying this, but then his eyes met Dougenzaka’s, who was sitting beside him.
In the next moment, Houjou let out a small, resigned sigh.
“…You’re right. If Dougenzaka has worked hard, I can’t just back down. I need to do my part too.” (Houjou)
“Oh, thank you so much, senpai!” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka, smiling brightly, took Houjou’s hand and shook it vigorously.
◆
“…That concludes my speech regarding the establishment of the Occult Research Club. Thank you very much.” (Houjou)
Houjou gave a bow from the podium, and a sparse round of applause followed.
It wasn’t a perfect speech, but that wasn’t likely to be an issue.
A few days after persuading Houjou, a meeting was held at the new club building’s conference room in the afternoon.
To receive the approval of the Occult Research Club’s establishment, Houjou, as the club president, delivered his speech.
After the voting process, the majority was in favor of the establishment of the Occult Research Club. With this, the Occult Research Club was approved.
As applause echoed through the room, Houjou bowed once more.
As Houjou descended from the podium, Dougenzaka rushed up to him, tears glistening in her eyes.
“Senpai—!” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka called out in an unprecedentedly loud voice, hugging Houjou with enthusiasm.
Houjou who was being squeezed tightly, grumbled in an annoyed tone.
“It’s not like this is something anyone couldn’t do.” (Houjou)
As expected, Houjou wasn’t very good at showing his true feelings.
“Thank you for your hard work, Houjou-san.” (Nadeshiko)
When addressed by Togami, Houjou gave a small nod in response.
“Thank you too. The student council was a massive help.” (Houjou)
“Not at all. We were just doing our job.” (Nadeshiko)
“Looks like this year, the school will be in good hands.” (Houjou)
Houjou muttered, somewhat embarrassed.
Just as I was sinking into a reflective mood, Houjou suddenly began to look around anxiously. He quickly passed in front of us, heading towards the exit.
“W-What’s wrong, senpai?” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka asked in surprise, and Houjou, with a hand over his mouth, cast a vacant look in her direction.
“…I feel sick.” (Houjou)
“Senpai, hold on just a little longer! The restroom is this way!” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka pulled Houjou by the arm, and Houjou staggered off toward the exit. It seemed he still had a tendency to put on a brave front in public.
Watching them leave, Togami let out a sigh.
“With this, is everything settled?” (Nadeshiko)
“Seems like it.” (Takaki)
The Occult Research Club was officially recognized as a club, and permission to use the clubroom was granted.
As a penalty for using the room before the official establishment, the club would not receive any budget for the next year and would be assigned twice the number of cleaning duties compared to other cultural clubs.
Given that many of the club members were clearly just lending their names, such concessions were necessary to gain the support of the other cultural clubs. Fortunately, there were plenty of vacant classrooms available, so there were no objections to the club having a room.
As I reflected on the busy days we had just experienced, Togami quietly remarked.
“Helping the Occult Research Club was, from the perspective of the student council, the wrong decision, wasn’t it?” (Nadeshiko)
“Probably. It certainly compromised the fairness of the student council.” (Takaki)
If anything, the very existence of the Occult Research Club might not be considered right.
It felt like a place merely postponing the issues faced by North and Dougenzaka. North would graduate in six months, and what would happen afterward was uncertain.
“But I think it was good that we did it this way. I’m really glad we made this decision, even if it wasn’t the conventional one.” (Nadeshiko)
This feeling was something that the previous Togami, who had been fixated on being the perfect student council president, probably couldn’t understand.
“I was always anxious. I thought it had to be perfect, that if it wasn’t, it would all be meaningless.” (Nadeshiko)
“And now?” (Takaki)
“I’ve realized that even mistakes can have meaning. I understand now that following only the path of righteousness isn’t the only way. And…I’ve always been helped by you, Gujou-san.” (Nadeshiko)
“No, that’s not true. I was also helped by Togami.” (Takaki)
“Huh?” (Nadeshiko)
“If Togami hadn’t wanted to help the Occult Research Club, I wouldn’t have helped either. If the clubroom had been shut down, I would have regretted it.” (Takaki)
I finally understood what Sasaki-sensei had meant.
The reason Togami was deemed perfect for the role of student council president.
“So, thank you, Togami.” (Nadeshiko)
“Thank you too, Gujou-san.” (Takaki)
We looked at each other and shared a quiet smile.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Well, I feel like the author kinda rushed through towards the end, but at least this chapter wasn’t that long so I am in time to finish this series. All that’s left is the epilogue~
Also, there was no hint of romance at all between the main characters which is disappointing. I mean, aside from Arisu who wasn’t really hiding it that much. Maybe there’ll be something in the epilogue.