My Story of Falling for the Class President

Chapter 12: Adversity Awaits

On the third day, I faced the same teasing and harassment as yesterday, and after school, club activities started today.

Boys have to join one of the four clubs—soccer, baseball, table tennis, or kendo—and just like in elementary school, I chose soccer.

Thinking back now, I feel I could have chosen a different club. Since Acchan isn't here, I don't have any particular attachment.

By the way, Kousuke joined the table tennis club. He was in the baseball club before, but he wanted to try table tennis.

The popular guys in the soccer club are followers of the guy from another town, and since they're the ones harassing me, club activities are far from a source of comfort.

Some of the people I've been in clubs with since way back have turned against me, others stay neutral, and reactions vary, but I just do the training without saying a word except for shouting during drills.

I'd heard that club activities get tough in middle school, but they're so tough that I feel it's better just because no one messes with me during them.

The daily post-club running practice is exhausting, but since I don't have to think about anything, running feels good.

The next day, a new variation was added to the usual harassment.

Every time I did something or said something, they laughed. It was surprisingly tough.

At first, I wondered if I'd messed up or said something wrong, but I quickly realized they were laughing at everything.

Feelings of embarrassment from being laughed at, wondering why it's me, and anger welled up inside.

All sorts of emotions swirled around in a mess.

Koishi and the other popular guys are the main ones doing it, but I could see out of the corner of my eye that the guy from another town was laughing the most gleefully.

If I react, they laugh even more, throwing comments like, "Why are you getting so serious—! Sorry♪" or "Come on, hit back!"

This went on for days, and they kept coming at me without getting bored, even though I didn't react. Being in the classroom was painful, club activities were painful, and mentally, it was really getting to me—I didn't want to go to school.

After school, before waiting for Kousuke, I remembered something and went to the classroom, only to see Kashii-san and one of the popular guys outside.

I didn't really want to see that, so I tried to leave right away, but their conversation reached my ears.

'Why do the boys mess with Tachibana-kun so much?'

"Well, it's nothing... just for fun, you know? We're just playing around."

'Is it fun? Laughing at someone or being laughed at.'

"It's just how boys are! Kashii-san, if you're up for it, wanna walk home together?"

'I see, I guess I don't get how boys are. But please, try to get along with everyone, okay? And sorry, I'm going home with Obata-chan... see you tomorrow, alright?'

I sensed someone coming my way, but since I couldn't escape, I pretended not to notice and entered the classroom.

The popular guy smirked, while Kashii-san looked a bit troubled as she glanced at me.

I pretended to grab something I forgot and quickly left the classroom.

Kashii-san must have noticed the harassment toward me. Well, she's an observant girl.

Maybe she's even doing something behind the scenes to support me or resolve the harassment.

Kashii-san is really a good person. In comparison, I'm so weak.

If only I were stronger, smarter, or more charismatic.

I went home feeling self-loathing.

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At the Tachibana family home, we have a rule to always talk about our day during dinner.

'So yeah, things aren't going so well as class president.'

I ended up venting a bit to my family, though I toned it down.

My little sister got angry when she heard that.

'Older brother, your class sucks—! Listening to this makes me so mad, those jerks!'

'Nozomi-chan, we're eating, so don't keep saying stuff like that—!'

Sho felt a little relieved that his little sister got angry on his behalf.