Chapter 28: The Man Called Nagumo

As the self-proclaimed Vice President of the Student Council entered the room, Hikaru noticed that the purple-haired upperclassman holding a notebook—Tachibana Akane—visibly tensed.

Even Manabu, who remained seated, showed a slight reaction. It was subtle, but his sharp gaze locked onto Nagumo Miyabi as he approached.

"Why is everyone looking at me like that?" Nagumo spoke with a warm smile, his tone full of apparent sincerity. "As a member of the Student Council, it's only natural for me to step in and help out my adorable underclassmen, isn't it?"

With an air of confidence, he walked straight toward Ibuki.

"So, this junior here was bullied?"

"Vice President Nagumo, this case is already being handled by President Horikita," Tachibana interjected, her tone carrying a clear hostility. "The matter should be left in his hands."

"Oh, but why say it like that? Horikita-senpai already has plenty on his plate managing Student Council affairs. Wouldn't it be better for me to take care of this incident involving first-years?" Nagumo chuckled lightly. "That way, he can focus on more important matters."

"…But—"

Tachibana wanted to argue further, but Manabu stopped her with a look. The bespectacled president didn't seem bothered by Nagumo's intrusion. Instead, he turned his attention to Hikaru.

"Hikaru-kun, this is Nagumo Miyabi, a second-year student and the Vice President of the Student Council."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Nagumo-senpai."

Hikaru had been observing the situation since the moment Nagumo stepped into the room. After Manabu introduced him, he quickly bowed in greeting, displaying perfect etiquette, leaving no room for criticism.

Not only that, but he subtly tugged on Ibuki's sleeve, signaling her to do the same.

"…Nagumo-senpai, hello."

Caught off guard by Hikaru's cue, Ibuki hesitated for a second but still managed to respond cooperatively.

"Haha, such well-mannered juniors." Nagumo grinned in satisfaction before continuing, "Since you're here to file a complaint, I can handle it for you."

"This…"

Hikaru's expression wavered slightly—not out of fear of offending Nagumo but to gauge Manabu's reaction.

"We've already submitted the video to Horikita-senpai. Wouldn't it be better to let him decide?"

"Well then, I'd also like to hear what Horikita-senpai plans to do."

Nagumo didn't seem particularly bothered by Hikaru's attempt to defer. To him, a first-year student wasn't worth paying much attention to.

"If you're so eager to lighten my workload, Nagumo, then I'll leave this hearing in your hands," Manabu said, his tone calm as ever. He then turned to two Student Council members nearby.

"Go to Class 1-C and bring Ryuen Kakeru here."

Once the order was given, Manabu looked back at Nagumo, whose smile remained unchanged. "However, as the Vice President of the Student Council, I trust that you're well-versed in school regulations. Be sure to judge this case correctly—any misjudgment could damage the credibility of the Student Council."

"Of course, Horikita-senpai. Rest assured, I'll make the fairest and most impartial decision possible."

Nagumo accepted the task without hesitation, but as he turned toward Hikaru and Ibuki, his gaze briefly flickered with interest. It seemed he wanted to take a closer look at their phones.

"Nagumo-senpai, this is the video we recorded. It clearly captures Ryuen attacking Ibuki."

Hikaru timely handed over his phone, immediately shifting to an indignant tone.

"Ibuki did nothing wrong. She simply refused to vote for Ryuen as class representative. And yet, he resorted to violence to force her into submission. A male student attacking a female—it's disgraceful! Nagumo-senpai, please ensure that justice is served!"

"…Rest assured, I will make the most just decision."

Nagumo took the phone and carefully watched the entire video. As he did, a faint glimmer of doubt flashed across his eyes.

From a superficial glance, the footage indeed showed Ryuen aggressively attacking a girl. However, upon closer inspection, the girl's body movements and expressions seemed too composed. Despite the apparent danger, she appeared unfazed, as if she had no real fear of being struck.

No—this was staged.

Nagumo immediately recognized it as a setup.

A premeditated trap.

His gaze drifted back to Manabu, who was calmly reviewing documents on his desk, seemingly indifferent to everything happening around him.

So that's how it is. You want me to take the fall for this.

Nagumo's expression darkened for a brief moment, but he didn't reveal any outward reaction. He simply made a mental note of the situation.

"What's wrong, Nagumo? Are you saying you're incapable of handling this case?" Manabu finally looked up, his sharp gaze locking onto Nagumo. "If you have more pressing matters, I can always take over."

At those words, the Student Council members who had aligned themselves with Nagumo turned to watch him closely, eager to see how he would respond.

"Of course not. Since you've entrusted this task to me, Horikita-senpai, I'll see it through to the very end. Otherwise, it would be disgraceful for a Vice President to back down."

Regaining his usual composure, Nagumo's expression brimmed with confidence. Looking at Hikaru and Ibuki, he declared, "Rest assured, if Ryuen truly committed such a violent act on school grounds, I will make sure he receives the punishment he deserves."

"In that case, we'll leave it in your hands, Nagumo-senpai. We trust you to deliver a just verdict."

Hikaru swiftly bowed in gratitude, his expression humble and respectful. Even Ibuki, standing beside him, was momentarily taken aback.

In her mind, this pretty-boy was nothing more than a smooth-talking liar. Ever since she met him yesterday, not a single word from his mouth had sounded like the truth.

"Rest assured, I will deliver the fairest judgment," Nagumo declared, his gaze sharp and condescending. "However, during the review process, for the sake of fairness, I will also allow Ryuen to present his side of the story. You will need to argue against him."

"After all, if we falsely accuse someone innocent, that would be a grave mistake on my part."

The blond upperclassman scrutinized the first-year student before him. Hikaru had striking features, his face exuding an air of harmlessness, yet Nagumo could tell at a glance—this boy was the mastermind behind the entire scheme.

Hmph, this year's first-years are something else. Barely a few days into the school year, and they're already delivering such an entertaining spectacle?

"Understood. We will provide all the necessary information to ensure that Nagumo-senpai does not make a misjudgment," Hikaru replied with unwavering politeness, his demeanor filled with nothing but apparent admiration for the second-year student council vice president.

"Hah."

Seated nearby, Manabu observed Hikaru's display with quiet interest. Internally, he made another note regarding the first-year.

Highly intelligent, but incredibly thick-skinned. Should be approached with caution.