Hashima Hikaru chose the yakiniku restaurant where they had previously dined together as the location for their meeting. The space was large and had private rooms that were relatively soundproof, making it suitable for discussing more important matters without worrying about other students overhearing.
While the young man stood at the counter informing the staff about his reservation, everyone who had followed him began to whisper among themselves in the back.
"Ichinose, do you know what Hashima is planning to do today?" Ando asked, holding onto Ichinose Nanami's arm curiously.
"I don't know. Hashima didn't tell me."
The pink-haired girl shook her head lightly. Although she was puzzled, Hashima had previously told her he wouldn't conceal any plans from her. Wasn't calling everyone here the best proof of that?
"That guy actually keeping secrets from all of us—so unfriendly!" said Shibata, who considered himself Hashima's best friend, showing his dissatisfaction and pretending to be angry.
"Well, we're all here now, so let's wait and see what Hashima has planned. No need to rush, Shibata," Kanzaki Ryuji said calmly, looking at the young man standing there.
"Yes, let's just wait."
After a few minutes, everyone was led by a server into a private room that could accommodate more than eight people. They each selected their seats.
In this regard, everyone tacitly left the two adjacent center seats for Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Nanami. Once everyone was seated and the server left to fetch the yakiniku, the young man finally spoke.
"Now, let me explain the purpose of today's gathering."
Hashima Hikaru cleared his throat and scanned everyone's faces with a serious expression.
"You all should know about the school's student council, right?"
"I know! I've heard the student council has impressive authority. Weren't the seniors from the student council who organized our opening ceremony?" Shibata responded quickly. His social circle was wide, so he knew many things about the school.
"That's right. Over these two months, I'm sure everyone has gained a deeper understanding of this school, such as the various rules or the competition between classes."
"But the student council of this school is currently a blank for us, or rather, we can't truly understand the specific work procedures and the scope of authority the student council holds."
"As a key organization for student autonomy, if we can join the student council, it will definitely give our class more advantages."
"Is this the plan Hashima wants to discuss today?" Ichinose Nanami leaned against Hashima Hikaru's shoulder, staring intently at the serious young man. Whenever he discussed plans or strategies for serving the class, she could feel her heartbeat uncontrollably accelerating.
"Are you suggesting we join the student council?" Kanzaki Ryuji's attitude wasn't very optimistic. "But I've heard that some first-year students have applied, but they were all rejected."
"Is the student council that difficult to enter? Are there many levels of evaluation?"
"I'm not too sure. It seems the student council hasn't started recruiting first-year students yet. Most of the members are second and third-year seniors."
"What should we do then?"
Everyone refocused their attention on Hashima Hikaru, who had raised this topic, waiting to hear his thoughts.
"Indeed, the purpose of my invitation today is for the student council."
Hashima Hikaru paused, then smiled lightly and said, "But don't worry about how difficult it is to join the student council, because I've already secured two guaranteed spots."
"What?"
"Guaranteed spots!?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed, including Ichinose Nanami's.
"What does 'guaranteed' mean? Has Hashima already established a connection with the student council?" Ichinose Nanami's tone was somewhat hurried, her beautiful eyes fixed on the young man's face.
"Yeah, Hashima, have you already formed a partnership with someone from the student council?" Shibata's face was filled with disbelief, and the others looked similar.
Although everyone acknowledged the young man's abilities as a core figure in the class, what he had just said truly surprised them.
"More or less. I have some private interactions with Horikita, the student council president."
Hashima Hikaru nodded slightly, then showed everyone the contacts page on his phone. Everyone looked at the name "Horikita" written there, the shock in their eyes growing even more intense.
"Th-that's amazing... To actually become friends with the third-year student council president?" Ando Sayo let out an exclamation of surprise. Her social network was also considerable, but it was limited to first-year students. She couldn't establish any relationships with the seniors.
"Yeah, this is too incredible. How did Hashima get to know President Horikita?"
"Was it during the hearing last time?" Ichinose Nanami recalled the previous hearing where they had schemed against Ryuuen alongside Ibuki Mio. Since she hadn't gone with them, she didn't know what had happened.
"Of course not, but that's not the focus today."
Hashima Hikaru didn't want to explain the situation with Horikita Suzune to them, so he directly changed the subject: "In any case, I obtained two spots from President Horikita that guarantee entry into the student council, and I've decided to select from among you for these two spots."
"Eh?"
"You're choosing from among us, Hashima? You don't want to join the student council yourself?"
"Yeah, if you joined, you could definitely do more things to help the class."
Everyone's reactions were exactly as Hashima Hikaru had anticipated. He definitely did not plan to join the student council directly, as he needed to manage his time. There were too many things he needed to handle.
If he joined the student council, he would have to attend activities after school, which would seriously compress his free time.
"What are your thoughts, Hashima?"
Ichinose Nanami took a deep breath, her bright eyes filled with confusion. After hearing his statement, her ideal scenario was actually for her and him to join the student council together, which would allow them to spend more time together.
"It's not that I don't want to go, but I believe Ichinose and I need to divide our responsibilities."
Hashima Hikaru smiled and explained to everyone, "Perhaps you're all thinking that if we have these two spots, it might be best for me and Ichinose to join the student council together."
Everyone indeed thought this way, so they all gazed at the young man's face, waiting to hear his reasoning.
"But have you considered another issue? Student council activities can be lengthy. If there's a particularly busy period, you might have to stay late to finish."
"I'm not afraid of being tired, but I think either Ichinose or I should join, while the other should remain on standby in the class to prevent any unforeseen incidents."
"What if we're both busy in the student council and suddenly encounter a major problem?" Hashima's tone was sincere as he persuaded, "Like the previous fighting incident in Class C, which was later proven to be a false accusation from Class D. What if they target us next?"
"Having someone remain in the class would allow for immediate handling of such situations, rather than having to rush back from the student council. The council is full of seniors, and if it involves class secrets, we can't directly explain. What if we have tasks assigned by the seniors? How would we prioritize?"
"This could lead to many problems. Can everyone understand my concerns?"
After his final question, everyone fell silent.
These words made sense. After all, everyone present was quite active and influential in the class, and they knew that the main pillars of Class A were Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Nanami.
If both of them went to the student council after school, and something happened when they couldn't be found immediately, it would indeed be troublesome.
"That makes sense. I agree with Hashima's reasoning."
"Yeah, if neither of you is around and something really happens, the class might become chaotic."
Ando Sayo thought about it and realized it was indeed the case.
"What about Ichinose's thoughts?" Hashima Hikaru turned his head and softly asked the pink-haired girl beside him.
After hearing his explanation, Ichinose Nanami also pondered this hypothetical situation. She found his reasoning to be comprehensive, ensuring that no problems would arise within the class.
"I agree with Hashima's consideration. If that's the case, I'll go to the student council, and Hashima can stay in the class."
"Are you sure? Maybe I should go instead?" Hashima Hikaru deliberately probed, though he already knew the answer. For matters like this, Ichinose Nanami would definitely step forward without hesitation. The young man now understood her personality very well.
"No, Hashima would do better staying in the class than I would. I believe in your abilities!" The girl's tone was firm as she spoke word by word.
"Alright, we've decided on our first spot. Now, let's choose the second person."