Honami Student Council

The initial chaos of the school year gradually settled, and Kōdo Ikusei High School began to move into its daily rhythm.

Under the leadership of their class representative, Ichinose Honami, Class B was methodically advancing various tasks: establishing a class communication group, forming preliminary study groups, and collecting opinions on club activities... everything appeared positive and united.

Toudou Shizuka, like a patient fisherman, was quietly casting his net in the seemingly calm waters of Class B. He deliberately engineered natural interactions with Shiranami Chihiro.

When Shiranami struggled with a large stack of paper interest surveys that needed data entry, he would "happen" to pass by and naturally take half of them.

When Kanzaki Ryuji needed to quickly find data on the participation numbers for a certain type of club over the years, he would "inadvertently" point out a hidden query path on the equipment.

During group discussions on information gathering directions, he would offer some framework suggestions, making it easier for Shiranami to compile the information afterward.

These actions were small, natural, and unobtrusive, yet they precisely met Shiranami Chihiro's work needs. She would always nod slightly, softly say, "Thank you, Toudou-kun," and then bury herself back in her notebook and tablet.

Toudou Shizuka could clearly see the number representing Shiranami Chihiro's favorability on his system interface slowly and steadily climbing.

[Shiranami Chihiro Favorability +1 (Thanks for sharing the workload). Current: 15 (Neutral).]

[Shiranami Chihiro Favorability +2 (Recognizes information processing efficiency). Current: 17 (Neutral).]

[Shiranami Chihiro Favorability +1 (Appreciates clear thinking). Current: 18 (Neutral) -> Target 40 (Approaching).]

Meanwhile, Kanzaki Ryuji's favorability was also steadily increasing. Toudou Shizuka's information sensitivity and organization, along with his consistent cooperation with class affairs and his non-assertive attitude, earned the recognition of the rational vice-representative.

[Kanzaki Ryuji Favorability +2 (Continued recognition of collaborative value and pragmatic attitude). Current: 24 (Neutral) -> Target 45 (Recognized).]

Ichinose Honami, in particular, regarded Toudou Shizuka as a capable supporter for class information work. Whenever she had new discoveries or doubts, she habitually asked for his opinion.

[Ichinose Honami Favorability +1 (Continued trust). Current: 26 (Friendly) -> Target 50 (Familiar).]

It was amidst this daily accumulation that a piece of news, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, caused quite a stir in Class B—the student council was recruiting new members.

The announcement was posted in a prominent location in the teaching building, worded officially and attractively: "Recruiting outstanding new students eager to serve all teachers and students, and to hone their excellent leadership and execution skills to join various departments of the student council!"

"The student council!" Kobashi Yume exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the announcement. "That sounds amazing! Honami-chan, you're definitely going to sign up, right? You're so outstanding, you'll definitely get in!"

Ichinose Honami stood before the announcement, a gentle smile on her face, but her eyes were exceptionally bright, filled with determination. "Yes! I want to give it a try. If I can join the student council, not only can I train myself, but I can also better secure information and resources for our Class B." Her A-Rank Charisma made her words incredibly infectious, and the surrounding classmates nodded in support.

[Target: Ichinose Honami (Refresh)]

Charisma (Affinity Type): A-Rank (Active, Clear Objective)

Team Cohesion Building: A-Rank (Active, Linked to Class Interests)

[Motivation for Student Council Candidacy: 90% for class service and information acquisition, 10% for personal development] - System Analysis.

Toudou Shizuka stood slightly behind the crowd, looking at Ichinose's energetic profile, and understood. Fragments of memories from his past life flashed back: about the student council, about the seemingly gentle yet strong-handed student council president, Horikita Manabu... He remembered clearly that Horikita Manabu, in his first year, would absolutely not truly accept any new students into the core group. The student council recruitment was more of a means of observation and screening, perhaps even the beginning of some kind of "test." Ichinose's A-Rank Affinity and sense of responsibility naturally made her want to take on more and benefit the class. This pure intention, however, would likely collide with the student council president's invisible wall.

Toudou Shizuka did not speak to dissuade her. Firstly, it was inappropriate. Secondly, perhaps this... was also an opportunity? An opportunity to delve deeper into Ichinose's inner circle and significantly increase her favorability? He needed to wait for the right moment.

In the following days, Ichinose Honami began her campaign journey. She meticulously prepared her resume, organized her experiences and achievements as a leader in junior high, and emphasized her service-oriented mindset and determination to secure benefits for the class. Kanzaki Ryuji and Shiranami Chihiro also assisted her in compiling some supporting data. Everyone in Class B placed high hopes on her.

Toudou Shizuka continued at his own pace. He used [Thought Acceleration] to efficiently complete his coursework. Half of his remaining energy was used to assist with class information work (mainly providing convenience for Shiranami), while the other half was spent immersed in the [Campus Store] and forums on his personal device, researching point expenditures and potential information sources, all while quietly accumulating Simulation Points (Current: 70 points), aiming for the 100-point [Deep Sleep (Basic)].

Finally, the day for the interview results to be announced arrived. After the afternoon classes, Ichinose Honami went alone to the student council office to collect her results. The classmates of Class B, especially Kobashi Yume, Kanzaki, and Shiranami, waited expectantly in the classroom.

Time ticked by, and the atmosphere gradually shifted from anticipation to a subtle tension. When the classroom door was pushed open and Ichinose Honami walked in, everyone sensed something was amiss. Her face still held a gentle smile, but it was noticeably strained, like a thin veil of forced composure that couldn't hide the deep disappointment and confusion in her eyes. Her steps were also not as light and energetic as usual, but carried an imperceptible heaviness.

"Class rep, how did it go?" Kobashi Yume was the first to rush forward, asking eagerly.

Ichinose Honami took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm, but the sense of disappointment still came through in the slight tremor. "Um... the results are out. Unfortunately, this time... I wasn't selected." She tried to say this with a light tone, but her forced composure made it even more heartbreaking.

"What? How could that be?"

"Honami-chan, you're so outstanding!"

"Is there a mistake?"

The classroom erupted instantly, filled with disbelief and voices protesting on her behalf. Kanzaki Ryuji frowned deeply, while Shiranami Chihiro looked at Ichinose with concern.

Ichinose waved her hand, signaling for everyone to quiet down, her smile becoming even more forced. "It's okay, maybe my preparation wasn't sufficient, or the senior students had more comprehensive considerations. Don't worry about me, I'm fine." Her A-Rank Emotional Management allowed her to maintain basic dignity in front of everyone, but the blow of rejection and the confusion, Toudou Shizuka could clearly sense.

[Target: Ichinose Honami (Status Refresh)]

Emotional Management (Frustrated): B-Rank (Striving to maintain appearances)

Self-Doubt (Mild): C-Rank (Developing)

[Favorability: 26 (Friendly)] - Fluctuating intensely at this moment, requiring positive feedback.