(Un) Fortunately the Yandere is Not After Me

Pressure

After all these days campaigning, the candidates for the student council president position were about to do the most important bit. To make a speech in front of the entire school to try and make one last ditch effort to garner the votes over the rest. Given his prior experience, Arata had no memory of the last one that led to Misei winning. So the boy had no clue on what would be considered one that would mobilize the school to rally behind the candidate.

At the moment, he was backstage with everyone who was running. They were all off in their separate groups, mentally preparing all the notes to make, as well as getting emotionally ready to speak to a large crowd. There were hundreds of students out there, sitting in their chairs for this event to begin. Most of them most likely were only present because it was required and that they weren't going to pay heavy attention to the words spoken. Not that the fact relieved any of the tension he felt in this area.

There was one person Arata was most worried for. That being the quiet little girl known as Yuki. She could hardly form a proper sentence when chatting with just one stranger. How can she handle talking to a crowd of this size? While looking over to her, she was getting coached by her cousin, Yogi. So at least there was a support system in place. Maybe he wouldn't have to be concerned about her.

"I hope you're doing fine." Misao came up to him, now finished getting herself and Misei ready for their speeches. This wasn't the first time they had done something like this, so it was no challenge. "There's going to be a lot riding on this."

"I should be asking you all that." He responded. "After all, I'm only here because I'm the one person still a part of the student council. Offically speaking, of course." If he wasn't going to continue his involvement, then he'd be sitting with the rest of their friends. Considering everyone he knew, Matsu and Hifumi would probably be sitting next to him. "So it looks like Misei's going up first because she's the incumbent?"

"Yes, then it'll be Ichiri, Yuki, then finally that Gun girl." This manner was set up in order of the when each girl applied for the race. It seemed fair enough. "After that, it'll be the turn of us running for vice president."

"Good thing there's no one running against me." He chuckled, relieved with the one thing that went his way. "So I won't have to make my own speech."

"That is fortunate for you." She replied. "But, have you considered who will be taking one of you current position? That is still your plan, correct?"

"Yeah, I'm still thinking it over." At this rate, he most likely was going to choose one of the people who were running that would inevitably lose. But out of everyone he knew, who should he pick? There was going to be some level of bias, and of course, that wouldn't be fair to the students. They deserve leadership that they could get behind, not someone chosen just because one boy liked them.

Now it was time for things to get started. Misei took a deep breath and took her first steps onto the stage, making her way to the podium. The entire school quieted down as she commanded their respect. This cool beauty was one that made every person in the room enamored with her presence. In this moment, Arata was certain she had already won this contest before uttering a single word.

"Welcome everybody." She bowed her head, grateful for this opportunity. "I thank everyone who came here today to listen to myself, and the many others who wish to chance to lead our school..." Her words droned on his head as Arata turned to look back on the others. Their reactions to this would confirm to him his suspicion on who the victor would ultimately be.

Ichiri didn't seem fazed by it, so she still had tons of arrogance within her. Her partner, Yurime, did seem more apprehensive, but that was already present before this whole debacle went down. Syari Gun also appeared to not change her poker face in the midst of this. The competition here was certainly a lot more resilient than he was expecting.