Isshiki Iroha wants me to take responsibility?

The endless cycle of the youth life was to follow the example your predecessors leave you. It was in our nature as human beings to follow those we admire, whether it'd be our parents and/or sempai's. In that sense, loners were the only original people left on earth as they have no one to follow. They are a solitary species that form themselves in isolation therefore, they are truly themselves and set their own examples. They also don't associate with anyone so their examples are never followed.

"Senpaaiiii!"

That is if you're the lucky few.

"Stop slacking off Senpai! It makes me look bad!"

"Ok ok, makes you look bad? What am I, your pet or something?"

"Well you do act like one, like all obedient and all, like a labrador!"

Wuahhh the student council are starting to stare! Isshiki please stop, less people get the wrong idea!

"Yes yes, I'll get to work."

The student council president sits up proud of her success, fluffy flaxen hair following her movements in a bouncy puff of strands. Unkempt school uniform that looks slightly too large for her small size.

"Ya knoowww, you're not setting a good example for us first years! Especially so for us that's actually in the council!"

Ehhh, why am I being reprimanded by my junior? I do what I want dammit. Ahh well, she does have a point, I did promise I'll help her considering it's my fault she is the student council president to prevent the service clu-my club going into disarray. The results were worth the sacrifice, as the circle of capitalism goes. Someone wins, someone else loses. It's only fair if I help her to deal with circumstances I thrown her into to fix my own.

As agreed, I got back to work un-eagerly typing away on the laptop. Like Dracula needed blood to live, I need some MAX coffee to continue my personal hell of working hard.

After a few fine minutes of stretching and cracking my bones, I stand up in preparation for the journey.

"Just gonna go to the vending machine...I need to refresh myself."

It was just polite to ask for permission from those with higher authority. Of course, even if she did say no I would've just slacked off even more as consequence for her actions.

I have to look after my own well-being too!

"Ahh ok Senpai, but make it quick will yoouuu?"

Whats with dragging out the words? It won't change anything even if I took it slow.

With a simple nod, I make my way past the other council members and exit the room. I'll liberate you from the vending machine MAX! After a transaction of mutual benefit between the vending machine and me, I make my way back to my hellish duties.

Stepping into the room, there was a mysterious absence. Isshiki Iroha was gone. Huh? Where did she go?

Never-mind, don't mind me...I'll just sit here and sip on my coffee, occasionally typing away on a report. With the exception of a few conversations between members, the room was much quieter then I thought. It makes me wonder how loud me and Iroha are most of the time.

Suddenly, the girl in pink specs with dark tied up hair next to me scares me.

"In case you're wondering, your girlfriend's gone with layara-san to check on the progress with Shizuka-sensei."

Woah woah wait? What exactly gave off the relationship vibes? Does everyone in this room think that? Does Isshiki know? Am I the root of some inside joke here or something? It wouldn't be the first time...

Or the second time.

Startled I reply

"She's- she's not my girlfriend. I just help her out sometimes."

I look around the room and find the many members looking in our direction. This brings back bad memories of middle school...where to boost the excitement of their everyday lives, they pried into other people's private lives to talk about.

They'd have great careers as paparazzi.

Source: me.

The girl in glasses doesn't seem to be buying it even though it's the truth. I swear it is.

"Huh? Oh so you're her friend then?"

"N-no, I just help her out when she needs it. That's all."

"Rigghtt. Ok well I suppose that makes just enough sense."

I hear signs of...disappointment? At-least, from the members...I much prefer the silence.

"Sorry for bothering you Hikitani-san"

Who's Hikitani again? Stop getting my name wrong! Actually on better thought, stop guessing things about me!

I pretend to get back to work though I was still trying to find my balance after that question knocked me down...figuratively of-course.

What made her or them think that? We're just a first year and second year joining forces to defeat the opposition that was called work.

The door was forced open. Speak of the devil, she Iroha returned with a new-found hesitant look in her eyes and slightly pollen cheeks with a classmate from her year in tow.

"Hmm, hey."
"Y-yo."
She returned to her seat with no change in routine, only now it felt more conscious. More conscious?

The next 10 minutes was pure silence between us, all other noise from the members just seemed non-existent in comparison.

Finishing the last sentence, I click the save image triumphantly and breathe a sigh of relief. Now I can get out of here...

"I'm done, can I go now?"

"Huh? OK sure..." she replies startled.

I give her a questioning look for a few seconds. She knew I did, she tries her best to distract herself with the laptop. Just so you know...I'm adept at that behavior aswell Iroha. I'll just take my leave before things get too awkward.

Heading back home, I think things through. It was...certainly possible they asked her the same thing. The natural reaction would probably be embarrassment. After all, having people talk about your special bond with someone could be humiliating considering who they are. Her being the student council president just means she's higher on the list for people to talk about.

I get to thinking...How many knew of Hayama's rejection of her feelings? Or just her feelings for Hayama in general? After all, me and her wouldn't be in the same room unless it was a hostage situation or something. Even then, I'd probably use her as bait to high-tail it out of there. Chivalry truly is dead! We was only tied together due to circumstances and my sense of honor. She technically saved the service club so I need to play my part in atleast making it easier for her.

I'll talk to her tomorrow. Clear things up I guess...If I can.