COTE: Horikita Is My Childhood Sweetheart

Chapter 134: Ichinose Honami, Advancing and Retreating with Rin

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"I joined the student council because President Horikita offered to protect me."

"Yes."

"But Horikita-san can only protect me until October. In October, he will resign as the student council president and leave the council to focus on preparing for graduation."

"..." Ichinose blinked.

Oh, that's right—how could she forget that the president was a senior high school student? He would graduate next year.

The same went for Akane. She would also resign from her position as secretary and leave the student council along with Horikita Manabu.

"Horikita-san told me that he would train me to the best of his ability so that I could take over his position as president."

"But we'll be joining the student council in May, and Horikita-san will leave the council in October. That means I have to prepare to become the president of the student council in just five months."

"Nagumo is the current vice president. Just based on his experience and seniority alone, he has enough qualifications to crush me completely."

"Even if I have the president's support, the chances of me becoming the president are very slim."

"If I fail to become the president and Nagumo takes over, I'll quit the student council altogether. I won't allow myself to be driven and bullied by him."

Rin looked seriously at Ichinose, who frowned slightly. "Because I don't know what the future holds, I want you to make your own decision."

"My personal suggestion is that you don't need to reject Nagumo's solicitation right now. You can wait until October and then decide based on the situation at that time."

That was the truth.

It would be best for Ichinose to delay her position until October.

By then, Horikita would have quit the student council, and a new president would take over. Whether it was Rin or Nagumo who became president, it wouldn't impact Ichinose, who had not yet taken a stand.

"No."

Ichinose shook her head gently and looked at Rin seriously. "My attitude is very clear. I stand with you."

"But I'm not sure I can become the president within five months. If that happens, Ichinose, you'll face difficulties and punishment in the student council," Rin said with some hesitation.

"No."

Sister, don't think that just because you're pretty and have a good figure, other boys won't bully you.

Some boys especially like to bully pretty girls like you!

Just when Rin was about to continue persuading Ichinose to reconsider, she spoke up again.

"If, at that time, you decide to quit the student council, then I will quit with you."

Rin looked at Ichinose in astonishment. The pink-haired girl's bright and clear eyes revealed her seriousness and determination without the slightest hesitation.

Ichinose was planning to stand together with Rin...

Rin, feeling a little moved, rubbed his nose and said, "Ichinose, you're being too risky. You've always wanted to train and improve yourself in the student council. If you quit, you won't get that opportunity."

"Ah, there are many ways to improve oneself, not just through the student council. Don't worry about me, matsuoka-san."

Ichinose smiled brightly at Rin and said, "Besides, I believe in you. I believe you'll become the president!"

"Ha." Rin let out a chuckle, as though laughing at himself. "I don't even have that much confidence. How come you're more confident in me than I am?"

"Or," Rin teased lightly, "Ichinose, why don't you become the president instead? If you're in charge, at least I'll have someone to protect me in the student council."

"Me? I can't do it." Ichinose shook her head.

"Why not? You said I could become the president, so you can too."

"…Matsuoka-san is so cunning. I can't refute what you said."

"Ha." Rin smiled and raised his honey strawberry juice. "Come on, let's congratulate ourselves in advance for becoming the president."

"Okay~"

Ichinose, with a smile on her face, also picked up her lemon tea and clinked cups with Rin.

"Cheers~"

---

Rin and Ichinose stayed at Mirai's drink shop for nearly half an hour. When it was time to leave, Rin paid the bill under Mirai's meaningful gaze.

"Matsuoka, tell me honestly, which girl do you want to be your girlfriend?" Mirai asked in a low voice.

Rin wore a subtle expression. "Boss, it's not just about me thinking about it. Even if I decide, they have to agree too."

"They'll agree," Mirai said with great certainty.

"You're that sure?"

"Of course. I'm a woman too, you know. I was young once, and I know very well how a girl acts when she likes a boy," Mirai said, her tone carrying a faint trace of melancholy.

This boss lady seems to have a lot of stories.

It's a pity she has a story and I don't have any wine.

There was alcohol in the drink shop, but Rin figured it was prepared for adults like Chabashira Sae. It was impossible for Mirai to sell it to underage students like him.

"Boss lady, it's time for us to go. See you next time."

"Take care."

Mirai watched Rin lead Ichinose away. She muttered softly to herself, "Don't bring other girls next time, or I'll beat you up."

Originally, Mirai had a very good impression of Rin. But after he brought Sakura and now Ichinose, her impression of him changed—from a "handsome little boy" to a "handsome little boy with the potential to be a scumbag."

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After leaving the cool and comfortable drink shop, Rin and Ichinose were immediately hit by a wave of heat.

"It's so hot. It's only early April, and it's already sweltering. I don't even want to imagine how hot July will be."

Complaining about the temperature, Ichinose opened her parasol. She walked over with her sleek legs wrapped in black stockings and adjusted the parasol to include Rin under its shade.

"Let me take it," Rin offered, reaching for the parasol.

"Okay, thank you for your help." Ichinose handed the parasol to Rin with a bright smile.

With her hands now free, Ichinose fanned her snow-white neck with her palms, letting out a small sigh of relief.

"Matsuoka-san, are we heading to the Keyaki Shopping Center now?"

"Yes. We'll spend some time there, and then I'll treat you to lunch. How does that sound?"

"Yeah!" Ichinose nodded enthusiastically, her smile growing even brighter at the idea of having lunch with Rin.

"We can have lunch together, but it wouldn't be right for you to pay for everything. Matsuoka-san, let's split the bill."

"AA? Can't I just treat you?"

"It's not that it's bad; I just don't want to take advantage of you. Splitting the bill is the fairest choice," Ichinose explained.

"Oh, so you took advantage of me this time," Rin said with a playful smile. "Next time, you can let me take advantage of you."

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