There has been a report about students loitering after school hours, specifically those who don't partake in club activities. This is clearly reflected in some of their grades and is decreasing our school's reputation and high-quality standards. What are your thoughts on the matter? asked Hitomi as she crossed her legs while seated in a chair in the student council room.
"Well, we could always put in place disciplinary measures for anyone who gets below a score of four hundred or an average of eighty. This would not only mitigate the number of students who waste time but also promote more studying to meet the required exam scores, thus solving the issue indirectly," said a boy on the council.
"That would be a great solution, but you haven't taken into account the student-athletes. Remember, they are representing our school and spending most of their time training and practicing. Wouldn't it be unfair for them, who have less time for studies, to be placed under the same academic regulations as those who loiter or don't partake in club activities?" asked the head of the disciplinary committee.
"That's true. However, it would also be unfair if both athletes and non-athletes had different grade requirements because, in the end, they attend the same classes and learn the same things. Getting good grades is all up to time management. So I agree with both of your views, and I have decided that I'll work with this method but at a lower average of seventy-five, which will make it easier to meet for everyone. Does that work for you guys?" asked Hitomi.
"Yes, President," replied the two members who attended the meeting.
"Okay, good. On to the next issue—" Before Hitomi could finish her statement, she was interrupted by the door to the council room opening as their vice president, Takahashi Sachiko, entered.
"Good afternoon. I'm so sorry for being late. I was held back in class taking notes. Did I miss anything?" asked Sachiko, concerned.
"We didn't do much. We practically just started," said Hitomi.
"Oh, I see. Then that's really good to hear. By the way, were you successful with the task I gave you a while back when you first joined the council?" asked Hitomi.
What does she mean by a task? Wait, does she mean getting Tetsuo to join the student council? Sachiko asked herself.
"Judging by your expression, I would say that you haven't asked him yet or, at the very least, were unsuccessful."
"Can you two please step out for a bit? I'd like to have a talk with our vice president," said Hitomi.
"Yes, President," said both members as they left the room and shut the door behind them, giving Sachiko and Hitomi a private space to discuss the matter.
"Those two boys have been contributing greatly to the school's cause, devoting time and effort to solving concerns of students and their parents. I'm glad that our previous president scouted them. They are clearly making the difference this school needs," said Hitomi.
"Yes, you're right. They sure do take their work seriously."
"Now then, why do you think Tetsuo doesn't want to join the student council?"
"Well, I honestly think that there is no real reason. He's just genuinely not interested in this kind of thing. I've tried to convince him to join on multiple occasions. However, ninety percent of the time, I didn't even get a response. It's hard to believe, but we've never had a proper conversation since the beginning of the semester. He also ignores me. If I may also add, he's now a part of the basketball team, which will make it impossible to sway him now," said Sachiko.
"I see. I have been saving an important position for Tetsuo Kawaguchi in the council, but we need that spot to be filled soon, or a lot of issues may arise. So here's what—we need him to serve this school to its full potential, so this will be the last time I ask you to convince him to join. Try any means necessary to do so."
"Should I go now or another time?"
"Yes, go ahead. He should be at training right now, which will make it a whole lot easier to deal with and achieve our desired results."
"I'll be right back," said Sachiko as she headed to the court.
"Tetsuo, catch!" shouted Yukio as he passed Tetsuo the ball.
Tetsuo caught the ball and assumed a triple-threat position. Being denied the space to drive, Tetsuo faked a three-pointer, causing Hayato to react and jump.
Crap, he got by me, Hayato thought to himself.
Tetsuo passed the ball to Takahiro, who went up for a layup, but he was immediately blocked by Liam.
Damn, this guy is like a wall. I can't score on him, Takahiro thought to himself.
After receiving the ball, Yukio immediately passed it back to Tetsuo, who was quickly double-teamed by Noboru and Hayato.
Tetsuo then attacked both of them to the right, and they attempted to use the out-of-bounds line to trap him. Utilizing his agility, Tetsuo immediately spun out of the trap they had set, leaving him wide open. He then drove to the rim and went up for a layup. However, Liam, who was way taller and larger than he was, jumped into the air and attempted to block him.
Sensing the danger, Tetsuo calmly passed the ball to Yukio, who shot a post shot that swished.
"Nice work, everyone! That was some sharp dribbling and proper usage of your eyesight, Tetsuo. Very impressive," said Nanaho.
So I am right. They are in the middle of training now, huh? thought Sachiko to herself.
"Nice passing, Tetsuo!" shouted Harumi, who was spectating from the staircase.
"Nice shot, Yukio-senpai!" said a first-year girl.
"They are so cool! I get goosebumps watching them play."
"What's with these girls? And how can she boldly call Tetsuo by his first name?" Sachiko muttered with a hint of jealousy.
"Alright, let's resume playing once more," said Nanaho.