Chapter 3 - Marimo and Kouhei
The entrance ceremony ended without a hitch, and I was finally released from the podium.
What left a lasting impression was the dignified speech by the new student representative, Saeki Karin, and the moment the principal, who had been smiling contentedly, noticed me inside the podium and shuddered.
Then, I rehydrated and loosened my stiff body with thorough stretching.
I must note that the inside of the podium is not meant for people to stay in for long periods.
As I was gathering stretch power in my calves, a classmate passed by.
"Hey, Kirishima. What are you doing?"
"Yo. Mogi and Takahashi. As you can see, I'm preparing for the opening ceremony."
"Why are you stretching for the opening ceremony?"
Mogi, who always comes back with such common-sense retorts, loves Napolitan pasta.
"It's great, isn't it? Being in the same student council as that Kamino-san. Phew, I'm jealous!"
Takahashi, who talks like a failed dubbing of a Western movie, naturally loves hamburgers.
"But Kirishima, aren't you nervous being around such a model student girl? She's your childhood friend, right? And since you were aware. If it were me, it'd be tough to be with the school's top genius every day."
"Ah... Well, yeah, there's a sense of tension, or rather, a sense of urgency. I do have my thoughts."
Especially when Marimo goes into her silly mode, it makes my stomach hurt from the tension.
"But man, you! You get to see that angelic smile every day!? Phew, God really plays favorites, huh? Just because she's an angel, doesn't mean you should give her two or three more gifts! Phew!"
"Is that how you see it?"
Indeed, I'd like to have tea with God someday and ask about the circumstances that led to housing a genius thinker and a silly thinker together.
And Takahashi, do you die if you don't say "phew" regularly?
After a bit of laughter, they left.
Then, I started stretching again.
Of course, I didn't forget my Pocari Sweat.
"Now, the student council president."
"Yes!"
Prompted by the vice-principal, Marimo stepped onto the stage.
"Happy New Year, everyone! ...Oops, that sounds like New Year's, hehe, sorry!"
"Ha ha ha!""Good job, president!""Cute! Keep it up!"
Currently, it's the middle of the opening ceremony.
The student council president, who had to give speeches at both the morning entrance ceremony and the afternoon opening ceremony, is busy.
Still, that Marimo, first with a light gag, then capturing the hearts of all the students that were closed off by the principal's seemingly endless talk, she has an unchanged ability to win people over.
And the principal, who must be feeling bad about her popularity, is smiling contentedly again.
You always make that face when a cute girl talks, don't you?
"So, let's work energetically this year too! And next is..."
"The introduction of exchange students."
"Oh, right, right. Thanks, Kou-chan."
Marimo's charisma is something I acknowledge, but she still has her risky moments.
Supporting her in those scenes is my duty as the vice president.
For that, I'll choose any place, any means.
That's my style.
Indeed, I'm once again lurking inside the podium.
Marimo is amazing, but I think it's okay to praise me too.
Isn't it incredible that I've been hiding inside the podium for so long without anyone noticing?
Ah, I made eye contact with the principal.
It's the second time, so please stop making that face like you've had cold water thrown on your heart.
I don't want to be here either.
"Here we had Julia Wee from Seattle, US! Let's give her a round of applause, everyone!! And another exchange student from England, Seth, uh, Seck"
"Whoa, wait a sec!!"
"Sethck!"
What Marimo tried to introduce was "Sethsk Advarge."
And now, what she almost said.
I won't say it, but it's not a word the charismatic student council president should utter.
I had guessed that if there was going to be a slip-up showing her silly side, it would be around this Sethsk guy, and it seems I was right.
Only God knows about my fine play of slapping Marimo's thigh to stop her.
"Hey! After Seth, it's 'sk,' not 'ck'!!"
"Oh, right. Haha, sorry. You saved me."
"Just continue. Sethsk was about to be called and got stopped short, look at him, he's already got a homesick expression."
"Right!"
Marimo cleared her throat and corrected her course.
"This is Sethsk Advarge from England! They say English food isn't great, but I like it! However, our school cafeteria's food is also excellent, so please compare it with your hometown's taste! Everyone, please be friendly with both of them!"
As usual, her recovery is perfect.
And so, we somehow got through the opening ceremony and headed to our new class.
Being in the same class as Marimo again, I can't help but feel it's God's mischievous will.
It's on purpose, isn't it? Hey, God.
After school.
I collapse on the sofa in the student council room.
I'm exhausted.
As exhausted as a jersey mistakenly thrown into a dryer.
Yet—
"Sorry for today too, Kou-chan. But you really helped me out. Thanks!"
"It's not like I did it for you. I just did my job."
"But I'm really happy, so thank you! Hehe."
Seeing that smile, a good percentage of my fatigue is depreciated, which shows how shallow I am as a person.
"Ow. My back hurts."
"Ugh, I'm sorry for making you do this for me. Hey, should I give you a kiss?"
"What!? ——Ouch!"
The damage from bending my body for so long isn't depreciated.
Because Marimo said something so absurd, I hurt my back.
"Hehe. Kou-chan, your face is all red! It's obviously a joke. Haha!"
"...Grr."
Can someone get me the Vanterin from the shelf over there?
[TL Note: Vanterin » Vantelin is a brand of joint and muscle support products]