Class President Election
A class president is the representative of the class, a leader who guides their fellow students. Naturally, it requires leadership along with skills in handling various tasks and communication. Sometimes it even demands courage to clash with other class reps or teachers. But the Soeun I knew had none of those qualities. Baek Hara, who had put her in the same group, surely knew that too. Yet there wasn't the slightest hesitation in her recommendation.
"A class president should probably be the most capable person in the class, right? In that regard, Soeun, who took first place in the entire grade, is the perfect candidate."
Having the top student as class president... It made sense on a common level, and the other students seemed to agree. Probably only I suspected something was off. Excluding Baek Hara's clique, I was the only one in the class close to Soeun.
"Indeed, it's a long-standing tradition in every class for the highest scorer to take the role."
Seemingly oblivious to the situation, our homeroom teacher soon turned to Soeun. "What do you think, Soeun? Will you run for class president like Hara suggested?"
"I..."
Soeun trailed off, glancing nervously at the other students. Among them, Baek Hara watched her most intently, her face beaming with an innocent smile.
"Don't worry, Soeun. You can do it~"
The words seemed harmless on the surface. But Soeun trembled as if sensing some subtle pressure, unable to muster a proper rebuttal. She just bowed her head in reluctant acceptance.
"Y-Yes... I'll run, then..."
"Great. So Kim Cheolsu and Yoo Soeun are our candidates... Anyone want to nominate someone else? If not, we'll vote between these two."
Damn, she'd committed to it. With her own words sealing the deal, it would be way too meddlesome for me to step in and argue she wasn't suited.
If things went like this, that girl risked becoming class president or vice president, dancing to Baek Hara's tune. How could I stop it...?
"I'll nominate someone too."
Raising my hand with the perfect solution in mind, I drew all eyes to me.
"Oh? You're recommending another candidate when you're already one yourself?"
"Well, since I've been nominated, I'd like to win, but if there's someone even better suited, I should yield the spot."
"Hmm, fair enough. So, who do you nominate?"
"I..."
My gaze swept to one spot. There sat the leader of the biggest clique in class—the one who drew the most attention by far.
"I nominate Baek Hara for class president."
"Me?"
Did she really not see it coming? Baek Hara and everyone else looked half-stunned as I laid out plausible reasons why she fit the role.
"She's incredibly sociable. In just one week, she's made friends with more people than anyone. If she takes the position and sets a good example, it'll inspire the others too."
"Hmm, true. Communication is key for a class president. What about you, Hara? Will you run on Cheolsu's recommendation?"
Convinced by my words, the teacher turned to her. Baek Hara frowned briefly, but with everyone watching, outright refusing wasn't easy. She'd tried to trap someone else and fallen into her own pit.
"Well, I'm not totally confident, but out of respect for the nomination, I suppose I'll give it a shot."
"Perfect. Now we have three candidates: Hara, Cheolsu, and Soeun. Come up front and share your aspirations as class president."
Reluctantly agreeing, Baek Hara joined Soeun and me at the front. As the teacher prepared the election, she sidled up and whispered.
"Hey, are we friends or something? Nominating me out of nowhere is pretty confusing."
Her face smiled, but her voice dripped irritation. She clearly hated this turn.
Sensing my plan had worked, I played it cool. "Sorry if it's a hassle. I just thought you'd shine as president since you already stand out so much."
"I do love attention, but this is sudden and awkward~ Especially when you're running too—adding a rival? Makes me think you've got some shady motives."
Pot calling the kettle black. She'd nominated Soeun for shady reasons herself.
"If you didn't want it, just say no. No one's forcing you to run."
"As if I could. Refusing with everyone watching would be mortifying."
Yet she'd pushed a timid girl into it anyway. Soeun, now staring at the floor in tension, had only agreed because refusing felt awkward.
"Anyway, since I'm in, I'll try to win. Being president comes with perks~"
She brushed it off like it was no big deal. Just as I was confirming what a schemer she was, the teacher called the candidates forward—the election prep was ready.
"Candidates, come up one by one and share your vision briefly."
"Sure~ I'll go first~"
Despite her earlier reluctance, Baek Hara stepped up eagerly. Bathed in an almost radiant glow, she captivated everyone as she began her speech.
"Hi everyone~ I'm Baek Hara, your friend! This is my first time running, so I'm a bit nervous, but if elected, I'll do my best to support our class life~!"
"Especially since this school has all sorts of events every year. As president, I'll make sure our class steals the show over everyone else. That's the best way to enjoy the festivals, right~?"
Her speech focused on school events, drawing keen interest—eyes lit up toward her. Satisfied, she stepped down.
Even unwillingly dragged in, she seemed genuine about it. As a fellow candidate, I might have to step up my game. Clearing my throat, I took her place and addressed them.
"I'm Kim Cheolsu, nominated for class president. My parents named me to always strive forward. True to that, I've worked hard, and it's paid off—friends here saw my potential and recommended me."
"It might sound arrogant, but I see it as proof I'm suited to lead. The friends who know me endorse me, and with a chance to show more people, I believe they'll all recognize me too."
"Sticking to that ideal, I declare here: If elected, I'll strive to be a leader who never betrays your trust."
I bowed, ending my speech. A few students looked impressed; the teacher clapped lightly, clearly approving.
"Not bad for something thrown together. He'd make a great president."
Good, I'd scored points with the teacher. But elections are by student vote, not teacher. Nothing was decided yet—especially with that one girl I didn't want winning.
"Last up is Soeun, right?"
"Y-Yes..."
Soeun stepped forward quietly, drawing all eyes. Her mouth opened slowly.
"I, um..."
She couldn't say much. Even at the entrance ceremony as student rep, she'd barely spoken. No way she could lead as president.
"P-Please take care of me."
True to form, she offered no real vision and wrapped up. The class deflated; the teacher clapped to rally them.
"Speeches done—time to vote. Write your choice on the papers. This is your rep for the next year, so choose wisely."
Right, not just a popularity contest. The winner shapes the class vibe.
"That's the last vote?"
As tension built waiting for the end, the teacher announced results. The blackboard revealed the tallies—predictable, acceptable to all.
"Baek Hara takes first, Kim Cheolsu second."
Of course. Even in a serious high school election, votes go to the most popular. Obscure kids get left out. Hara, the class center, first; me, somewhat noticeable, second—natural.
"Hara is class president, Cheolsu vice president. Soeun... Don't be too down. Work hard, and you might get a shot next time."
Down? Nonsense. For Soeun, unused to the spotlight, not winning was a relief.
At least we'd avoided the worst—her as president. Sure, as someone aiming for it, falling short stung, but...
"Hehe, this is hilarious."
As I felt a twinge of disappointment, Baek Hara approached, giggling. Her tone carried a teasing edge aimed at me.
"Your speech seemed serious about winning, but you lost to the candidate you nominated. Straight out of a variety show—bittersweet comedy. Don't you think it's funny?"
Victory high or mocking my failure? Either way, cheap provocation. I shrugged it off casually.
"Not a huge loss. Vice president has perks too."
"Oh~ Really content with second again? After runner-up grades, now vice prez—maybe you're just a natural number two~"
"..."
"Aw, why the face? Just kidding~"
It grated more than a joke. As I kept my cool, she smirked and dropped a loaded line.
"Anyway, separate from that~ Nominating me means you'll put up with whatever I do as president, right?"
"...What do you mean?"
"What could I mean~? Hehe~"
She flashed an innocent grin and returned to her seat. I watched her go, speechless, then headed back to mine, accepting the results.
I didn't know what her smile meant.
But dimly, I felt responsible for making her president. And whatever came next.