Chapter 2: Selling Point – Part 1
After school as always, in the usual clubroom.
Mao was idling her time away; Megumi was busying herself with tea making; s.h.i.+on was having a battle over the net; Kirara was eating meat. Watching all of these girls was Kyouya, who was presently in the middle thinking about something.
It was something Yokomizo had said during lunch break.
Yokomizo was the boy who sat behind Kyouya in cla.s.s, and his friend since middle school. During lunch break they’d sit face to face and accompany each other in eating the uninteresting contents of their lunch boxes. Yokomizo’s lunch always consisted of dried plum and onigiri and every day when eating he’d scowl at his food… wait, this doesn’t really matter.
What Yokomizo said to Kyouya was: “There are only girls in your club? My condolences.”
When Kyouya tried asking him what he meant with condolences, Yokomizo only nodded his head and said: “I know, man. I know.” Somehow he ended up being pitied by his friend, even though he didn’t really understand why. Perhaps it had something to do with him coming from a big matrilinear family line and having several sisters both older and younger than him.
I’ll show him. Kyouya thought.
There’s no need to feel sympathetic about me being in this club.
“President.”
Kyouya called out to the girl who’d been doing nothing but playing with her hair.
“What do you think are your positive traits?”
“What’s with that question all of a sudden?”
“You know, like your selling points.”
“Don’t go putting me for sale!”
Mao said, looking at her hair.
“I’m not really trying to.”
Kyouya laughed and explained the situation to her.
“Blah, blah, etc, etc…”
“I see. so you want to show this suspiciously close friend of yours what it is that you admire so much about your wonderful senior.”
“I deny that first part, but the second part is more or less on on the mark.”
Mao solemnly nodded. “Alright, I don’t see why not.” And so she calmly started talking.
“Let’s see, my positive traits… first of all, my kindness.”
“Oh yeah, like how you bite me so much, right?”
“Of course! I bite you gently don’t I?”
“Why do you even have to bite me?”
“What’s wrong with me biting you?”
“Err…”
Being asked that question with such a serious face actually made Kyouya uncertain. He could say “Normally people don’t just bite others,” but Mao wasn’t normal to begin with so that wasn’t really a proper answer.
“Never mind that. I just don’t really think you give out a kind image. If I had to say anything I’d go with… strict? Let’s just go with that to play it safe. I don’t see any other way.”
“I’m kind to my juniors aren’t I? Here I am putting up with your rude question after all.”
“Eh? Was it rude? Why?”
“You really are rude aren’t you?”
“Eh? Eh?”
“Let’s see, what else? Tell your dear friend how I am modest, refined and ladylike.”
“What’s refined about a lady who relies on intimidation?”
“Also, I have perseverance and a n.o.ble character. Quite appropriate for my position as president.”
“That’s not even close to you anymore. Ah! Ouch! Ouch! Please stop with the biting!”
After Mao let go of his arm, they continued the conversation.
“The worst part about you is how you approach people already enquiring them. And what’s worse, asking them personal questions. Your rudeness knows no bounds.”
“Really? I just thought it would be faster to do things that way.”
“What do you think of me then?”
She said, squinting her eyes and staring at him, or rather, pouting at him.
“Umm… You’re obstinate and stubborn, but I guess you could also say you’re determined instead. From that perspective it’s actually a positive trait, right?”
“R-really? You think so?”
“You have a short stature and a weak const.i.tution, but you’re super energetic so you always use up your batteries too quick and end up taking a nap on the sofa.”
“I-is that supposed to be a positive or a negative trait?”
“And please don’t bite me for saying this, but it’s really cute how you have the appearence of a little kid.”
“Cute… that is… you mean… was that a compliment?”
“You could say that.”
“G-good. I’ll let you off the hook without a bite this time then.”
Seeing Mao’s awkward smile, Kyouya decided what he would tell Yokomizu.
The president is energetic and obstinate, likes to bite people, and is generally a weirdo, but she also has a very cute side to her, you know? Perfect.
“You see, the president…“
CHARACTER PROFILE:
s.h.i.+nomiya Kyouya – Part 1
Aka Kyoro. A peaceful defeatist.
He won’t try to oppose that which he can’t win against (the president).
Surprisingly skillful. Not particularly bad at any subject or sport. (Not particularly good at any either.)
It’s generally understood at the GJ-Club that it’s Kyouya’s job to entertain the president when she’s bored.