"Today, we'll begin a discussion on how to improve the relationship between boys and girls at Sakurazai Academy. Representing the boys will be Morikawa Tomoki, and for the girls, President Shirakawa Miyuki." - said the current vice-president of the student council.
Today is the day to see how my plan, that I proposed when I helped Ryuichi for the first time, will work. It really takes me back now.
"Starting with the boys' side, Morikawa-san, please."
"Thank you. Now everyone, as you already know, men usually don't feel comfortable talking with women. And that stays true in general for us. Especially when a girl starts the conversation, even if it's just to have a small talk."
Everyone in the auditorium became unsettled, including boys too.
"As you said, Morikawa-san, this is something we're already aware of, and we struggle to convey that we only want to talk or try to be friendly. Do you have any idea how to overcome that?" - said president Shirakawa.
Everyone in the auditorium stayed in silence.
Honestly, I don't have any expertise in this area. All I can do is explain how a quiet guy like me started becoming more sociable. I just need to remember how my childhood friend treated me back then.
"I think it's patience. After all, unlike girls who usually talk and interact with others and even with strangers, boys are more reclusive, even if they have friends. That's why it'll take time to make him comfortable to interact with others."
"That makes sense. To boys, girls might feel like strangers—even classmates. Is that why you suggested we share our concerns openly?"
"Yes. I wanted guys to understand that girls have their own struggles too."
Some of the boys nodded slightly in agreement.
"I see... Then I suppose it's our turn to share. As you know, we often view boys in a positive light, and many of us try to start a connection. But we're afraid—afraid of being disliked or criticized for our efforts."
Usually, it would be us men having this kind of trouble when interacting with women. To be fair, I don't know a way to make the other side start like you. Not to mention with all the problems centered on the gender-skewed ratio, my common sense can't be applied easily.
But I need to answer, and I don't have all the time to think about it.
Then how should I answer that...
[Just say it! Come on, whatever comes to mind!] ... You're right. That's what I learned from you.
I took a deep breath and started talking.
"Don't mind then!" - I said with confidence and with a smile.
Everyone in the auditorium was wide-eyed.
"Excuse me, Morikawa-san, but it's not something that easy to solve. We need to interact with men. Actually, we want to learn how we could have a healthy relationship with men."
I could hear one of the boys commenting loudly and arrogantly - "How funny, women want to have healthy relationships, we all know what you really want." - making the discussion awkward. Either way, it doesn't matter.
"Yeah, I'm aware. That's why I want to ask, what will you do if the guy you have interest in refuses to talk to you? Or if the guy you like is not that great as you thought? Would you still try to interact with him even if it's uncomfortable for you?" - I said, looking directly into the president's eyes.
"That's why we try hard to interact with them even if we could suffer some nasty rumors afterward. Do you think it's easy to start a conversation with men?" - said the president firmly but losing a bit of composure.
"That's why, president, don't mind. I mean it. Why bother thinking if a person will like you or not?" - Then I looked to everyone. - "Seriously, if the person you talk to doesn't pay attention to you, then you should do the same. It's not like you really need their acknowledgment or something. And if that person starts talking behind your back, then it's a good thing you distanced yourself from them."
Everyone in the auditorium was speechless, including the boy who made the comment earlier.
"You're aware that if even women start disliking men, humanity will end, right?" - said the president while grinning.
"I know about our current situation. It's not a laughing matter. However, just take a moment to forget about humanity or whatever other people think about it, and focus on yourself—on your feelings. You all need to value yourselves more."
It seemed everyone in the auditorium was lively talking with each other.
"I see... Well, I don't have anything to say." - said the president.
"Me neither." - I replied.
"It seems the discussion is over. If anyone from the auditorium wants to talk, please raise your hand."
"..." - Nobody raised their hand.
Well... I'm actually glad because I just want to end this.
"Then, Morikawa-san and President, thank you for sharing your time to talk about such an important topic. Now, the discussion is over."
Now I can finally take a break.
"Hey Tomoki, good work! Amazing speech, by the way."
"Thanks, Ryuichi. Not only for the compliment, but for the help you gave me."
"I should be the one thanking you. So, have you decided which club you'll join?"
"Still not. Maybe I should consult a teacher... and what about you?"
"I joined the literature club. They're all good people, though I'm the only guy. Why don't you join us?"
"No thanks."
While we were talking about my plan on joining a club, the president approached us.
"Good work, Morikawa-san. As always, you never cease to impress me.."
"You too, president. I hope I was able to help somehow."
"Not only did you help us, I think you made a big change in the school. Don't you agree, Satou-san?"
"Yes, I think so too. Especially from the boys' side. That's why, Tomoki, you should be careful now."
"I agree with Satou-san."
"Why?" - I asked but already guessed the problem.
"Now the boys think you just want to hang out with girls. I tried to explain to them, but it's really difficult" - said Ryuichi while scratching his head.
"Morikawa-san, you're aware that what you said favored the girls' side more than the boys', right? Even if you were subtle." - Asked the president.
Just as I expected, since I basically told them to not mind what boys think. It's not a surprise to be seen this way.
However, I'm kind of worried now since everyone who attends this school is way more wealthy than me. I guess I was careless.
"Yes, president, I'm aware. But I don't think what I said is wrong."
"As expected of you. No matter what, you're always fearless." - Ryuichi said, though I don't know if it was a compliment or sarcasm.
"You're a really interesting person, Morikawa-san." - said the president with a gentle smile. It caught me by surprise.
"Then how exactly should I be careful? Will they try something on me?"
Ryuichi and the president looked at each other and then said - "Don't mind."
"Huh!? Just that?" - I was surprised.
"I don't think there's a person who's brave enough to mess with you." - Ryuichi said.
"You don't need to worry about it. I mean she's your—" While the president was explaining, someone appeared.
"Tomoki-kun, good work! Here... your throat must be dry after such a long discussion."
"Thank you, Ayame-san! I'm actually thirsty... (glub)... (glub)... It really hit the spot!"
While I was drinking the cold water that Ayame-san gave me, Ryuichi and the president were whispering, and I couldn't hear them well.
"Does he know about Edomae? I mean, it's kind of obvious why nobody will try something on him." - President, Shirakawa Miyuki.
"I think he knows about her company unless he's a caveman. But if I have to guess, he's just not aware of its influence inside this school." - Satou Ryuichi.
"If you explain to him, he'll realize."
"Believe me, I tried, but he only understands half the meaning."
"..."
"..."
"It must be tough for you."