Today marked Taki's final day as the president of the art club. He attended the last club meeting, knowing that he would be graduating next week. Prior to the meeting, Taki gathered his fellow club members, Hiroshi, Honoka, and Mizuha, to discuss selecting his successor as the next president.
"Who do you think would be the best fit for the next president?" Taki inquired, looking at his friends.
"Hmm... I believe Mizuha should take on the role," Honoka suggested. "She secured second place in a previous competition."
"I'm not sure if I'm prepared for that responsibility," Mizuha responded, feeling uncertain.
"Then who would you suggest?" Taki asked, seeking their opinions.
"Hiroshi," Mizuha suggested. "He joined the club before me and possesses leadership skills similar to yours."
"I concur with Mizuha," Honoka agreed, supporting the idea.
After a thorough discussion, Hiroshi was appointed as the new president of the art club.
"So, it's decided, Hiroshi. You are the new president," Taki exclaimed, announcing the decision.
"Thank you, Taki-senpai," Hiroshi gratefully replied. Taki took the opportunity to ask Hiroshi about his objectives after becoming the new club president.
"I want to lead this club with good leadership skills, just like you did," Hiroshi said, determined.
"Don't worry. The club will achieve even greater accomplishments than before," Taki assured him, giving his vote of confidence.
As the meeting continued, Taki revealed a flyer to his friends. Mizuha's curiosity was piqued, and she asked about it. "What is that flyer?" she inquired. Taki explained that it was a flyer for an upcoming drawing competition.
"It’s a flyer for an upcoming drawing competition," he said. "It’s going to be held in the spring, after you guys start your new school year session." Taki showed them the flyer, brimming with excitement about the opportunity to participate.
"Wow! This looks exciting!" Mizuha exclaimed, her interest ignited.
Honoka shared her enthusiasm for joining the competition as well. "Yeah, we should all join! It’ll be so much fun," she suggested.
Hiroshi agreed, "Definitely! We can all showcase our talents and have a great time together."
Mizuha, remembering a past incident where she was mocked, felt a surge of determination to work harder and win the upcoming competition. "I remember when that girl mocked me before a competition. It made me so angry. But now, I’m even more determined to win this one," she shared with conviction.
Honoka chimed in, "Oh, I still remember that incident too. How dare she underestimate you, Mizuha, right in front of me? It made me so angry too. I felt like I wanted to punch her in the face back then. It was such a shock to find out that she ended up winning first place in the competition. But this time, I have no doubt that you will surpass her and become the winner."
Hiroshi comforted her, saying, "Yes that right, don't let that girl words get to you, Mizuha. You're amazing, and we all know it. We count on you, Mizuha."
"Thanks, guys. We’ll all do our best!" Mizuha said, bolstered by her friends' support.
As the day drew to a close, it marked the last meeting for the art club that year. Taki expressed his gratitude to Mizuha, Hiroshi, and Honoka for making it a memorable year for him.
"I've enjoyed being in this club together with you guys," Taki said, bowing his head to them. "I've learned a lot from all of you."
Mizuha, Hiroshi, and Honoka reciprocated by bowing their heads, expressing their appreciation for Taki's leadership. "Taki-senpai, we just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for us," Mizuha said sincerely.
“You’ve been an amazing leader, and we’re grateful for all your hard work," Hiroshi added, acknowledging Taki's contributions.
Honoka chimed in, “We all pooled our money together and got you something to show our appreciation."
Taki was taken aback by the gesture. “Oh, you didn’t have to do that," he said, touched by their thoughtfulness.
Mizuha handed Taki the present. “It’s just a small token of our gratitude," she explained.
Taki opened the present and became emotional. “This is… this is so thoughtful. Thank you so much," he expressed, overcome with gratitude.
“We’re glad you like it," Hiroshi said warmly.
“You deserve it, Taki-senpai," Honoka added, emphasizing their sentiments.
Taki, moved by their heartfelt gift, teared up. “I don’t know what to say. I’m just so happy. Thank you, all of you. This means a lot to me," he said, pausing for a moment. “For the last time. Thank you."
Taki's appreciation was evident, and his friends were touched by his response. As the emotions settled, everyone left the clubroom to go home. At the school gate, Mizuha noticed Hikaru waving his hand to her.
Taki, noticing her gaze, suddenly said, "He is there, Mizuha. Your beloved boyfriend is waiting for you." Mizuha waved back at Taki, Honoka, and Hiroshi, saying, "Then, goodbye senpai. See you," as she approached Hikaru. Hiroshi also took his leave, saying, "Then I should go home as well. See you, senpai."
Only Taki and Honoka remained. Taki remarked, "They're gone, huh?" Suddenly, Honoka clung to his arm and said, "Yes, so can we go home too, senpai?" Taki replied, "Yeah, let's go, Honoka. I'll walk you home." Taki and Honoka were actually dating, but they kept their relationship hidden from Mizuha and Hiroshi to avoid any potential embarrassment.
A week passed, and graduation day finally arrived. Taki graduated from high school, but his relationship with Honoka continued as he entered college.
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