The situation unfolded just as Yukino had anticipated. Although both student councils put in a lot of effort, the progress on what Shiromeguri Meguri hoped for was exceptionally slow.
While there had been some progress, it was only a handful of cases, like a few boxes of mineral water from the store, a full set of manga from a bookstore, and discount coupons from a cake shop—things that were hardly presentable.
This wasn't sponsorship at all; it felt more like a dismissive form of charity.
The grand promises made during the discussion at the family restaurant seemed to lose their motivational power after facing harsh reality and receiving cold or mocking responses from various businesses.
What had initially been hopeful words now weighed heavily on everyone, like a large stone pressing down on their chests.
Both student councils urgently met again at the civic hall, but the mood was low.
This was the first real difficulty they had encountered in organizing this event, and so far, there were no signs that they could overcome it.
However, as the saying goes, "Though it's shameful, avoidance is useful."
If they couldn't solve the problem itself, perhaps they could solve the problem by dealing with the person who raised it.
In other words, persuade them.
"This is inevitable.
"After all, we are students."
"At least we've tried. Although the result isn't ideal, this unforgettable experience can still be considered a valuable life lesson."
Being waved away impatiently or mocked mercilessly—these experiences of being looked down upon certainly served as an early lesson for the students on the harsh and unforgiving reality of society.
Finally, the president of the Hojou student council found a suitable moment to speak to Shiromeguri Meguri, who looked somewhat disappointed, saying:
"I can understand that you want to do something good for the students, but clearly, your proposal has exceeded what we're capable of.
As much as I hate to say it, we have other work to focus on, and we can't continue wasting time on something that's impossible. What do you think?"
He tried to explain it in a gentle tone and looked at Shiromeguri Meguri for her thoughts.
At Sobu High, the other students all turned to look at Shiromeguri Meguri.
They all roughly understood that Shiromeguri Meguri wanted to create an unforgettable event for everyone in her last time as student council president.
However, as the student council president said, the proposal was great, but as students, they were indeed powerless.
And the other student council president didn't reject Shiromeguri Meguri's proposal immediately.
Instead, after realizing it was completely unfeasible, they had honestly explained the situation and said they couldn't waste any more time on it. That was as much as they could do.
"I see. This is inevitable," Shiromeguri Meguri said with a soft, yet melancholy smile.
She could accept the truth, but still, a sense of sadness lingered in her heart.
"Shiromeguri-senpai..."
Yui looked at her with a worried expression, gently placing her hand on hers.
"I'm fine, Yui-san," Shiromeguri Meguri said, lightly patting her on the head.
Across the table, Chisato, holding his coffee and sipping without any tension, watched as the two seemed to have metaphorical lilies blooming above their heads.
The next moment, Shiromeguri Meguri stood up, slightly bent forward.
"I'm sorry that you've all had to work so hard because of me. Let's forget my previous suggestion. Let's return to the original plan and focus on preparing for the upcoming event."
Anyone could see that beneath Shiromeguri Meguri's disappointed expression was a growing sense of regret and unwillingness.
But it couldn't be helped. Life, as it moves forward, is full of regrets and uncertainties.
In other words, it's precisely because there are regrets that it's called youth.
If everything went exactly as we wished, perhaps that would only happen in dreams.
Chisato, watching the group return to the lively and positive atmosphere after overcoming the impossible challenges, yawned lazily.
So, with that, there probably wouldn't be any more meetings for further discussions.
After all, the major points had already been finalized, and all that remained was to wait for the sports festival to begin.
Then, after that, the next big holiday would be Christmas, followed by New Year's...
Christmas would be a great opportunity, a holiday with a wonderful atmosphere. He could invite Utaha, Eriri, and Hitori to join, and deepen their relationships.
After New Year's, it will be winter break.
He was kind of thinking about Kazusa, but unless his mother-in-law gave her permission, he couldn't just go find her on his own.
Maybe he should ask her after all?
Just for a simple meeting, maybe share a meal together... that should be acceptable, right?
Throughout this meeting, Chisato had remained in his seat, with little presence, waiting until the meeting ended.
Oh, and he drank two cups of hot coffee and finished the candy on the table.
It's said that once a couple gets together, they gradually influence each other's habits and personalities.
Chisato felt like he'd probably been influenced by Kazusa, the sugar fiend.
…
"Senpai, you really are just here to make up the numbers, aren't you?"
After the meeting ended, Iroha, bending slightly and leaning forward, said this as she looked at Chisato.
Since their conversation a few days ago, she had clearly changed.
She no longer spoke to Chisato in that overly sweet, coquettish tone, nor did she make the same gestures of getting too close.
She behaved more appropriately and in line with the dynamic of a normal senior-junior relationship.
Chisato was quite pleased with this. It seemed his words had truly reached Iroha, and this was a good thing, both for her and for himself.
"Yeah, I'm pretty free, so they roped me in to help."
Like last time, after the meeting, Chisato walked with the three from the service club toward the tram station, casually chatting about what had been discussed in the meeting.
But today was a bit different. Yui and Iroha had no intention of visiting Yukinoshita's house afterward.
After waving goodbye, the two of them took a different tram.
This created a situation where Chisato was left alone with Yukino.
Summer break had passed a few months ago, and this situation felt a bit nostalgic.
The two stood side by side at the tram station, with just enough space between them for one more person to stand.
The distance was neither too far nor too close, creating a subtle atmosphere, but at least it was a comfortable distance for both of them.
Without the presence of Yui and Iroha, who usually acted as lubricants in their conversations, the two of them didn't have much to talk about.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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