The Student Council. Although I became part of it even back in middle school for Haruko and now for Shizu, I never considered myself as someone who would be up for it.

I am someone who prefers not being in the spotlight after all.

Despite what I was doing these days that couldnt be called as being low-key, becoming a President of the Student Council never crossed my mind.

However, at this moment, Shizu was asking me seriously and shes waiting for me to say yes.

With her mask off, the Shizu next to me looked adorable, to say the least, that I was hesitating to say no.

Her round yellow eyes were shining like a bright sun and her curved up lips that was a sign of her anticipation.

Are you serious about that question?

Of course, she is. However, I had to ask just in case shes just jesting.

I rarely utter a joke, Ruki. What do you think?

I see. Then thats impossible for me. Youre aware of how I act. Do I look like I have the makings of a President like you?

Actually, you do. The first skill a Student Council President like me should possess is his or her management skills. Looking at how you are managing your time with your numerous girls, Id say youre up for it. Shizu smirked as if shes making fun of me.

Time-management and management skills are different from each other, you know?

And then the next skill is ones ability to settle a problem. You did well showing that earlier. Shizu continued. Her smirk remained and with her words this time, I concluded that shes making fun of me.

This girl Should I let her have her fun?

Its rare to see her smirking and smiling like this anyway. Then Ill make that sacrifice to be her source of entertainment.

You mean when I put that guy down? Was that settling a problem? I acted as if Im having difficulty taking in her words and that made the girl truly elated as she giggled adorably beside me.

The situation would have escalated if you didn't. Besides, you made him escape being kicked by me had he gone through with what he aimed to do.

Yeah right. She was scared enough to shake even after we left the vicinity of that place. How will she kick him if I am not there?

Ah. Well, its possible. She can do it reflexively.

I guess I have to ask her if she also wants to learn some self-defense techniques from me.

Shizu wouldnt be in that clean-up drive but I could ask Nami to take her with her.

Then thats settling a problem through violence. I dont think that will account for that ability.

Although I was humoring her, this girl was probably half-serious about what she asked of me.

Thats not all. You are decisive and have good observation and conversation skills. You can certainly deceive the whole student body with your glib tongue that even I fell victim to.

This time, Shizu pulled me by my shoulders to look at her. With her arms slipping to the back of my neck, our eyes naturally locked gazes to each other.

Deceive the whole student body. Is that what you did?

What do you think? Isnt my mask flawless? Shizu showed a rare smug expression as she covered her face with her hands while only showing her eyes.

It certainly is. Good thing I managed to take that off and see my Shizus bare face.

Lowering my head to a level with hers, I grabbed this golden opportunity to kiss her.

I was already tempted ever since earlier but because of how I dont want her to be uncomfortable, I restrained myself.

Although shes not really expecting me to make this move, Shizu bit my lips for a bit before fully accepting it.

With our eyes slowly closing to fully savor it, I slipped my arms to her back and pulled her closer.

However, before our situation turned even more intimate, Shizu broke away from me.

Who are you calling your Shizu? Shameless guy, dont take advantage of this situation.

Naturally, its you. I love my Shizu but too bad shes too stubborn that she doesnt want to acknowledge it.

Cure yourself from being a womanizer first then youll see me acknowledging it in a heartbeat. Shizu smiled bitterly. But then again, thats impossible, right? Why didnt I meet you before you became like this?

I hate to say it but if you did meet me before I turned like this I would not be the same Ruki you got to know. I would probably become someone like Ogawa. Too devoted to my first love. I would never think about anyone but her. I know Im doing her wrong and Im continuing to do so but shes actually being supportive of me. Im despicable, right? That's why the true best path you can take is to reject me

Shizu returned her gaze and after a long silent look, she lightly slapped my possibly sullen and bitter face. Following that, she brushed away what I said with her next words.

Alright lets stop talking about our relationship as we both know we're going to continue being stubborn about it. Honestly, Im finding contentment with our current situation. Were basically already lovers but without that label. Just by being this close to you, I can feel it. Your affection towards me.

Perhaps my face remained sullen, she repeated her light slap before gently caressing my cheek.

This Monday, I tried to make a situation where I can fulfill what I want to happen between us even if its too limited. But you rejected it I thought about it these past few days and I I concluded that I will also eventually not become too happy about that situation. Thats why Ruki cant we stay like this?

If youre content with this then thats for the best rather than pushing our ideals to each other. However, when the time comes, I still want you to join me, us in what will happen in the future.

Shizu stopped her hand and gently shook her head. I cant promise that, Ruki. Not now. You have to do your best in changing your mind and I will do the same. You have at least two years before I graduate from this school.

After saying that, Shizu pulled my head towards her and initiated a kiss.

This time, she didnt break away and even took the lead from me. With both of her hands cupping my cheeks, Shizu completely put me at her mercy.

Its not like I would stop her but the girls hold on me was as if I could vanish at any moment.

I guess with this, we somehow reached a consensus. To continue being like this.

Being lovers without the label. We might not take that step to become official but were both aware of our affection for each other.

In the end, its still somewhat the same, she wanted me to do my best to change her mind so when the time comes to actually build that future, she would be aboard it and she would also do her best to change my mind about her. About becoming devoted to her.