My Story of Falling for the Class President

Chapter 7: That Guy from the Class Next Door

After the Christmas party ended and the new year began, the new semester started with a seat change, and I was separated from Kashii-san, which was really disappointing. But we started talking occasionally.

Nothing particularly special happened, and I became a 6th grader.

Right after the new semester started, we had to choose a class representative, and unbelievably, I was chosen.

According to the school's policy, the class representative changes every semester, and there's a rule that once you've been a representative, you don't do it again. Since this started from 3rd grade, most of the people suited for the role had already done it, and finally, it was my turn.

Since I'm basically a loner, I lacked communication skills and struggled a lot.

It was the same for the girls, but Kashii-san supported me.

On my side, Acchan helped me out too, and though the first semester was tough with the sports festival and school trip, I somehow managed to get through it. I swore I'd never be a class representative again, though...

And then, my brother was born! I already have a little sister two years younger, but she's cheeky and sharp-tongued, so my brother is adorable.

Since there's a big age gap, he's even cuter!

In club activities, the summer tournament in 6th grade was the last one for the soccer club. I somehow managed to play in the match, but the stars were Acchan and Sotomachi-kun.

I was satisfied just to play on the same field, regardless of the result.

In the third round, the score was tied 1-1, dragging into overtime, and even then, it wasn't settled, so we lost in a penalty shootout.

I felt frustrated but thought it couldn't be helped, but on the bus ride back, Sotomachi-kun started grumbling at a teammate who missed a penalty kick.

Sotomachi-kun is the commander of this team, a regular since 5th grade, so I get why he's frustrated. He's usually a gentle, popular guy, so this was rare. I thought he must be really upset, but it was going too far, so I couldn't help but interject.

'Blaming someone over and over for the same mistake! What are you, a mille-feuille?'

The atmosphere was so bad that my joke didn't land at all, but the grumbling stopped. Acchan was laughing hysterically. Don't laugh when the mood is this bad, Acchan!

Sotomachi-kun regained his usual gentleness and apologized for going too far, but the look he gave me was super scary.

Well, since this marks my retirement from the soccer club, I thought I wouldn't have much to do with Sotomachi-kun until middle school.

A little after that, during a joint class with the year group, I saw a timid kid from Sotomachi-kun's class being bullied by him and his popular friends around him.

Even though it was someone from another class, I couldn't just watch, so I ended up speaking out.

'Ganging up on someone like this... if this were Blackbeard Crisis, they'd pop out, you know?'

This one got a pretty good laugh. Sotomachi-kun was glaring at me intensely, super scary.

Apparently, this kind of teasing is common in the class next door, and I felt fed up.

Sotomachi-kun is handsome, smart, and a gentle, popular guy. But something felt off. I thought he's not as kind as he seems.

Did my jab somehow upset him?

The next day, when I passed Sotomachi-kun in the hallway, he muttered under his breath.

'You're so annoying, acting all tough when you can't do anything without Atsuki around.'

More than what he said, his eyes were terrifying.

Also, at the fall marathon event, I managed to place 3rd in my year. I kept up my running even after retiring from club activities, so I had some confidence, but 3rd place was better than expected.

Kashii-san cheered for me right before the goal and praised me a lot after I finished.

By the way, Acchan got 1st place. Seriously, a legendary feat.

And as the end of the year approached, I started wondering if we'd have another Christmas party this year. I couldn't help but look forward to it.

The food at Kashii-san's house is delicious, and I'd love to talk a lot with Kashii-san again. That's what I was thinking.

In early December, Acchan suddenly said to me.

'Sho, I...'

What is it? He's hesitating. This isn't like Acchan at all.

'Due to my parents' circumstances, I'm transferring schools after the closing ceremony of the second semester...'

???

'Sorry, I don't quite understand what you're saying...'

Acchan repeated the same thing again. I understood the meaning, but my mind couldn't catch up.

The farewell day was two weeks later.

——————————————

Right before the goal at the marathon event.

'Go, Tachibana-kun! Just a little more!'

(Kashii-san!)

I passed one person right before the goal and managed to finish.

I later learned that the person I passed right before the goal was Sotomachi-kun.

He glared at me again.