"Shinomiya, you win. I admit defeat."
For the first time, Natsukawa Kanade showed indifference toward the girl he once loved with all his heart.
It wasn't that he lacked emotion. But if he softened now, he knew he'd be the one hurt later.
So he chose to let her go. Not as the "male protagonist" he once tried to be for her, but as a mere spectator, witness to her romantic ending.
"Give up? What does the president mean by that...?"
The first to respond was a girl of imposing beauty. Upright, hands folded over her abdomen, she radiated dignity. Her black hair fell like silk, her skin was snow-white, her features delicate, and her crimson eyes held Kanade's figure with unwavering focus.
Kaguya Shinomiya—the girl who dazzled him, the one Kanade had invited by every means possible to become his vice president.
In that moment, Kaguya's eyes held only Kanade, and he looked only at her, as if trying to etch that final scene into memory.
"I'm sorry, Shinomiya... and everyone. For personal reasons, I'll be stepping down as student council president."
Facing his gathered colleagues, Kanade spoke with a calm, almost resigned tone.
He didn't answer Kaguya's question directly, but trusted that she, with her intelligence, would understand what he left unsaid.
Shuchiin Academy's student council enjoyed great autonomy. The president was elected by popular vote and had the authority to appoint its members.
Kaguya Shinomiya, Miyuki Shirogane, Yu Ishigami... and Chika Fujiwara.
Except for Chika, who cried and made a scene to join the council alongside Kaguya, the others were personally invited by Kanade.
Perhaps out of guilt. Perhaps admiration. But Kanade assembled the original cast of the council like collecting cards from a beloved game.
And maybe that was the mistake.
Because of Shirogane Miyuki's existence, no matter how well he imitated, Kanade could never win the "Shirogane Imitation Contest." People always prefer the real thing.
Like the serene and ever-correct Yukinoshita...
"I've already submitted my resignation to the principal. If nothing unexpected happens, a decision will be made today. I've documented everything for the transition. The new president should be able to adapt if they follow the procedures."
"But that's just for the others. As for you... honestly, I hope the next president is you, Shirogane."
Kanade didn't hide his thoughts.
They'd worked together for a long time. Though not close, they acknowledged each other's abilities. And while Kanade was stepping down for personal reasons, he wouldn't do so irresponsibly.
He had to choose a successor, pass on experience, delegate tasks. Regardless of the next president's personality, action was required.
In love, Shirogane was his rival. But in real life, he was a capable collaborator and a reliable friend.
Besides, Kanade had selfish reasons: to compensate Shirogane for having stolen the role of "male protagonist."
"I'm sorry, Shinomiya. Though you won, you only defeated me. You haven't won completely. At least Shirogane hasn't lost yet."
Kaguya had a fierce competitive spirit. Aside from the initial bet provoked by Kanade, nearly all subsequent confrontations were initiated by her.
Though Kanade disliked competition, his heroine demanded it. So he could only play along.
Once, twice, three times... he'd lost count of how many times they clashed. At first, he enjoyed it, but over time, he grew numb.
No future. No ending.
Even the dullest tasks have a progress bar. But love is a maze without signs. You can choose the starting point, but you don't know if you're heading toward an exit... or a dead end.
And what if that dead end is also an exit?
Even if it sounds like a coward's excuse—so what? If you want to escape pain, just run.
"Shinomiya, I know you've always been dissatisfied with me since that presentation contest. But I'm afraid you won't get another chance."
"Of course, I've found a worthy opponent for you."
After gazing deeply at his former heroine, Kanade turned to Shirogane Miyuki.
"I'll write you a letter of recommendation for the election. But after that, you'll have to campaign and give the speeches on your own."
As a fellow student at the same academy, Kanade had fought to reach the top. He had connections, yes, but if he simply helped Shirogane rise, it would be a waste of talent.
Though the original story destined Shirogane for that position, that wasn't the issue.
No matter how generous a person is, they don't hand everything to a rival out of admiration—unless they have a very peculiar hobby.
And Kanade didn't. In fact, he was making things difficult on purpose.
He knew how much effort it took to reach the presidency, and he wanted Shirogane to experience it too. This time, with Kaguya Shinomiya as his toughest opponent.
"I'm sorry, Shinomiya. Though you're capable and more than qualified, I personally prefer Shirogane."
"Of course, if you disagree, just defeat him. Then I'll admit I was wrong and that you're the right one."
Because of Kanade's interference, the relationship between Kaguya and Shirogane hadn't developed like in the original work. But he noticed it.
Kaguya often looked at him, unconsciously, with a strange expression.
Maybe that's what draws you in?
Kanade couldn't describe that look, but he recognized it.
He'd had many chances to interact with her, but she never looked at him that way. Always calm. As if he were a stranger.
As if he had nothing to do with her.
And in daily life, the indifference and hostility he received broke him once again.
Fortunately, he was used to it. This time, it didn't take long to let go.
From now on, they probably wouldn't have any connection. Like everything that once belonged to his past.