A Pretty Girl Has Her First Kiss Stolen By an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 2.3

Wednesday, April 13

“We’re the Student Council Executive Committee!”

Together with four senior members, Kaede Wakamatsu jumped onto the stage in the gymnasium.

It was the club introduction event.

The new students were gathered in the gym, where representatives from different clubs took turns introducing their groups. Normally, third-year students handled the presentations, yet somehow, Kaede Wakamatsu had been dragged onto the stage as well. And not just anywhere—right in the center, ahead of the four seniors.

“The Student Council Executive Committee is in charge of planning and managing school events!”

“It’s a meaningful role that helps you grow as a person!”

“We work together in a fun and friendly environment!”

“You can join other clubs too, and we don’t take up too much of your time, so please consider joining!”

Despite standing in the center, Wakamatsu hadn’t said a word. As a result, she felt the intense stares of the new students.

“You’ll also get to work with this second-year senior here!”

The seniors gave Wakamatsu a little push from behind.

That action drew even more attention. Were the first-years surprised to learn she wasn’t a third-year but just a second-year student? Embarrassment washed over her.

“W-We’re looking forward to having you! Even if you’re just curious, feel free to stop by and hear more!”

She hurriedly delivered her assigned lines and quickly exited the stage.

Back in the Student Council room, she was handed a placard and an armband. A senior straightened her slightly messy uniform and secured the armband with the school emblem on her arm.

“Alright, time to start recruiting!”

Encouraged by her seniors, Wakamatsu stepped outside, holding a large placard that read “Student Council Executive Committee.”

When she reached the courtyard, she found many first-years who had finished the club orientation. There were students from the volleyball team, badminton team, soccer team, and baseball team. She wandered through the crowd, weaving between the different groups.

At first, she thought the loud and energetic sports clubs would drown her out, but surprisingly, some first-years approached her instead.

“You were on stage for the Executive Committee introduction, right?”

“Oh, yeah! That’s me!”

Thanks to her time on stage, some students had recognized her. Surrounded by a small group of first-years, she introduced herself.

“I’m Wakamatsu, a second-year.”

“Can we talk with you too, senpai?”

“Of course! Everyone works together, no matter the grade!”

“Is it okay if we don’t know much about event planning?”

“Of course! I’ll support you every step of the way!”

A few of the first-years let out small squeals of excitement.

Wait… Did I say something weird?

“How about coming to hear more? The club room is near the entrance of the cultural club building.”

“Where exactly is the cultural club building?”

Since they seemed interested, she guided them to the entrance herself. After they thanked her and waved goodbye, she returned to the courtyard.

More students than expected were willing to listen, which motivated her even more.

Some even asked, “Can we take a picture together?” or “Can we exchange LINE contacts?”—questions that had little to do with recruiting for the committee.

Even so, she continued her efforts, eventually guiding a solid number of students to the club room before wrapping up her recruiting.

Inside the school building, students from cultural clubs were also recruiting, carrying placards just like her.

On the fourth floor, where the first-years’ classrooms were located, about ten more students approached her. Just as she received a “Good job!” message from a senior, her recruitment efforts came to an end.

She removed the stiff armband and headed back to her classroom. Unlike the busy first-year floors, her floor was quiet, with no other students holding placards.

When she returned, she saw a familiar figure.

She approached to say something but noticed the person wasn’t moving.

Resting her head on her arms, face turned toward the courtyard—she was asleep.

“You’ll catch a cold sleeping here…”

Wakamatsu reached out but hesitated just before touching her shoulder.
“What’s wrong, Mizuhara…?”

Suddenly, Wakamatsu’s chest tightened.

There were traces of tears on Shizuku Mizuhara’s cheeks.

Gently, Wakamatsu wiped away the tears pooling near her eyes, staring down at her in shock.

“…Mmm.”

Perhaps sensing someone nearby, Mizuhara slowly opened her eyes.

“Huh…? Weren’t you in the courtyard just a little while ago?”

“Well, yeah, but that was like thirty minutes ago. Wait, you were watching?”

“…Just to kill time.”

“Oh, I see.”

Wakamatsu replied bluntly. Mizuhara quickly regained her composure and started packing up her things as if nothing had happened.

“Want to walk home together? I’m done recruiting for today.”

“Sorry… I want to go home alone today.”

“I see. Alright, then. See you tomorrow.”

Wakamatsu watched her leave, feeling unsure of what to do.

Just before stepping out into the hallway, Mizuhara suddenly turned back.

“Hey, Wakamatsu.”

“Hm?”

“Make me special. Quickly.”

“Huh?”

Leaving those words behind, she walked away.

What did she mean by “special”?

She had used that word once before.

Alone in the classroom, Wakamatsu thought about the meaning behind those words.