He truly savored that peculiar vanity—the feeling of being uniquely special.
Seeing the scene, the boy could only frown slightly.
"Uh... that's how it is. I've pretty much finished what I had to say..."
After the headmaster, the principal's speech was finally wrapping up: "Now, the student council has important announcements. Everyone, please stay. So..."
The moment had finally arrived!
After the principal stepped down from the podium, Student Council President Wang Yun appeared, followed by Yao Staryan.
"Good morning, everyone. I know you're all tired, but please bear with me a little longer. I have an announcement to make."
As Wang Yun finished, the boy beside us suddenly realized something and turned to us: "This... isn't it about the same secret you mentioned?"
"Uh... probably. Just stay quiet and listen for now," Wu Qian mumbled.
"Ahem. We're past the halfway point of the first semester, and Christmas is approaching."
Wang Yun paused briefly; murmurs already rippled through the crowd below.
"The Christmas event is set for December 25th. This year's activities will differ slightly from last year's. We apologize for the sudden change, but we ask for your full cooperation."
She then turned to Yao Staryan: "For the details, I'll hand it over to Yao Staryan, the event coordinator for Christmas. Please take it away, Yao Staryan."
After Wang Yun stepped back, Yao Staryan approached the mic.
"Huh? Did I see that right? It's Yao Staryan! She actually took this job?" the boy beside me gaped.
He seemed unaware she'd also organized last year's school festival.
"By the way, Gale Splendor is also part of the Christmas event team," I added.
"I know that. Last year's festival was similar," he replied.
"It's just a special favor Wang Yun asked of her."
As we chatted, Yao Staryan cleared her throat softly and began speaking into the mic, holding the script Wang Yun had prepared.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Yao Staryan, the one the president mentioned..."
"We all know you!" someone called out.
"Oh? Thank you," she responded.
"No problem!"
The atmosphere grew livelier than expected—though not from excitement about Christmas.
"Ahem. Now, let me explain the Christmas event details. Please listen carefully."
Once the crowd quieted slightly, she continued:
"First, this year's event units have changed from class-based to club-based. Consequently, each club's activities will expand in scale. Using the gym stage is perfectly fine, and with the larger scale, performances will be even more spectacular."
"Whoa~!"
Hearing about the grander stage, many students cheered spontaneously.
"Clubs have already submitted their projects and estimated manpower to the student council. We're coordinating with them now. Also, anyone who volunteers—no matter what you want to do—can apply to designated council members starting today. By the way, like last year, we're co-hosting with the discipline committee. External visitors are welcome too. Let's make this event so dazzling that outsiders realize our activities shine beyond just the school festival."
Students on the field froze in shock. Some had already been recruited by clubs, so Yao Staryan's words held no surprises for them.
But her offer for additional volunteers meant more chances to perform on that grand stage—a rare opportunity for these almost-adults.
Wang Yun, noticing the lukewarm reaction, frowned and signaled Yao Staryan with her eyes.
"What's this flat response? Don't you want a joyful Christmas event that makes others envious?"
After Yao Staryan's blunt remark, excitement exploded across the field like a festival.
Cheers, screams, and all sorts of noise filled the air. Only then did Wang Yun nod in satisfaction.
"Plus, this year's event has another perk! The top club—based on visitor counts—and its helpers will win a super luxurious prize: all-you-can-eat BBQ coupons!"
Yao Staryan added.
But the crowd's excitement turned restless.
"What? Is that the only reward?" someone shouted.
"Huh? Isn't that enough?" Yao Staryan asked, blinking in confusion. "What reward do you want, then?"
As if on cue, laughter erupted below, followed by a loud voice:
"Then, go on a date with me!"
"Eh?"
"W-what?"
"Whoa, that guy's bold!" I gasped.
Wu Qian stayed calm beside me.
Yao Staryan froze in shock. Seizing the moment, Wang Yun snatched the mic from her.
"A date? Sure! Something as small as a date? Easy, easy!"
Wang Yun replied casually. Yao Staryan flushed crimson, whispering urgently to her—but without the mic, their words were lost.
Whatever Wang Yun said, Yao Staryan reluctantly fell silent.
The boys in the crowd instantly roared with excitement.
"Don't forget your promise, President!" the same voice called again.
"Of course not! But Staryan can't date all of you. Her body wouldn't handle it."