"So that means Kushida can't continue being class representative this month, right?" another girl chimed in immediately, with a faint trace of hostility in her tone.
"This time, it should be Hirata's turn!" Several girls who supported Hirata took the opportunity to echo her.
Although Kushida Kikyou was known as the "little angel" of the class, Hirata Yosuke's gentle, dependable nature had attracted plenty of admirers too.
Some of the girls had voted for him in the previous election, and naturally, they weren't about to let this opportunity pass them by.
"Well... I really don't mind. Anyone can be class representative..." Hirata Yosuke gave them a gentle smile, trying to defuse the tension.
"No, that won't do!" Kushida Kikyou lowered her head slightly, then lifted it again with an understanding smile. "Since our homeroom teacher said so, we should be fair about it. Besides... honestly, I've been a little uneasy about being class representative all the time."
She paused, then suggested brightly, "How about we decide based on who attends the study sessions this time?"
"Sounds good!"
"Then I'll go to Hirata's study session!"
"I choose Kushida's study session!"
The class quickly split into two camps, each choosing a side.
Kushida Kikyou clapped her hands lightly at the podium. "Anyway, the most important thing now is preparing for midterms! Hirata and I will each be holding study sessions after school. Anyone who isn't confident in their studies—"
Her gaze casually swept across the back of the classroom, lingering for a moment on Shimizu Akira.
"Especially those who failed their exams. It's not compulsory, but you should try to come three or four times a week! Shimizu!"
(So I'm on the "failed" list too, huh?)
The realization hit him belatedly, and he tugged at the corner of his mouth. Being called