To ensure a smooth transition, Natsukawa Kanade had already organized and resolved all pending student council matters days ago. His part was practically finished.
Today, he came only to announce his decision… and to spend one last moment with his heroine.
Not forgetting, of course, the friendships he'd built with the others.
Shirogane and Ishigami asked indirectly why he was resigning, but he dodged every question.
Kaguya Shinomiya remained silent, as usual. And that made it impossible for Kanade to read her thoughts.
The only one unaffected was the pink octopus. Though surprised at first, she quickly bounced back and pulled out a board game to lighten the mood.
It was a tradition in the council. So Kanade joined in gladly.
The difference this time was that he didn't have to worry about what his heroine thought. He just had to enjoy the game.
"Looks like I've won again," Kanade said, snatching the final piece from Fujiwara Chika with a relieved smile.
"Wow! How did the president win again? Did he cheat? Referee, I demand a rematch!"
Chika, who had survived until the end, thought she could win by cheating, but lost to Kanade once more.
"Shut up, stupid senior! If you keep talking, I'll expose your tricks."
Yu Ishigami shut down the commotion without hesitation, unfazed by Chika's drama.
"Let's stop here for today. It's getting late. Please return to class."
Seeing that Kanade had no intention of saying more, the others began to leave one by one. Only Kaguya remained still.
"Kaguya-chan, let's go too... wuwuwu…"
Well done, Ishigami.
Internally, Kanade praised him for steering Chika away, then turned to face his former heroine.
"What's wrong, Shinomiya?"
"…"
No dramatic scene. Just silence. A wordless gaze shared between them.
But Kanade was already used to those tense moments.
"If there's nothing important, then—"
"Any reason?"
"What?"
"Reason. Reason for resigning as president…"
"You're asking that now…?" Kanade paused. He'd expected her to say something more before this.
But of course, she was the cold and elegant "Ice Princess Kaguya." Getting straight to the point was her nature.
"Why do you think that?" he asked, but seeing Kaguya remain silent, he smiled with self-deprecation.
"We all have our secrets, right? Shinomiya-san, don't worry too much about the reasons."
He could've made up an excuse. But in front of the girl he'd loved, he couldn't lie without guilt.
Did she really have to force him to face a truth he didn't want to admit… just because she didn't love him?
Why break someone who's already broken?
That's why running away was best. Not talking about it gave his love one last breath.
"…"
"Well then… goodbye, Kaguya."
It was the first time he called her by name. And it would also be the last.
…
At the end of the day, the school emptied and a light drizzle began to fall outside.
Early summer rain was sticky and humid. It didn't cool—it only irritated.
"Luckily, I brought an umbrella," Kanade murmured.
It had become a habit. To create special encounters with heroines, he checked the forecast daily. On rainy days, he brought a medium-sized umbrella and waited.
Back then, the strategy seemed effective. Now, it just felt naïve.
But if anything was worth remembering… it was that: the angel crying in the rain.
Long, blonde hair, soft and radiant. Skin white as milk, a straight nose, captivating eyes, cherry lips. A divine beauty.
Even now, Kanade couldn't forget that girl. Like a perfect animation, crafted after studying thousands of materials and strategies. A scene impossible to erase.
It was a magical encounter. Unplanned. Just one glance… and he couldn't look away.
"Natsukawa… classmate?"
A clear, elegant voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Turning around, he saw a beautiful girl at the door. Red lips, white teeth, almond-shaped eyes beneath long lashes. A hint of doubt in her gaze.
Another unexpected meeting. Just as he was remembering the past.
He knew her well. Very well.
Shiina Mahiru, the "Angel-sama." Talented in both literature and martial arts. The perfect Yamato Nadeshiko. Petite, curvy, virtuous. And most importantly: she was his first heroine.
First love is like unripe fruit. Hard to savor, but leaves an eternal aftertaste.
"Good afternoon, Shiina-san."
"Um… good afternoon…"
Kanade sensed a bit of embarrassment in her. But honestly, he should be the one feeling ashamed. He was the one rejected.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
She didn't seem to be waiting for anyone. And she held nothing in her hands.
No umbrella? he thought.
"If you don't mind, you can use this," he offered.
Though their relationship had ended, it was hard to ignore the girl he once loved. Especially if she was single. No misunderstandings to fear.
"Huh? No, I didn't call out to you for that…"
A blush appeared on her face. Her bare hands fidgeted nervously.
"Of course I know," Kanade laughed. "You'd rather stand in the rain all night than accept my umbrella."
"Don't worry. Just treat it as a favor from a stranger. Or won't you even give me that small right?"
"Of course not! It's just that…"
I just wanted to ask because you look really tired.
She couldn't say it. So after hesitating, she said:
"Yes, that's right! I feel like if I take your umbrella, you won't be able to get home…"
"Don't worry about me. I can go to the council and grab another," Kanade said, gently handing her the umbrella.
Without giving her a chance to refuse, he turned and walked away.
The angel stood still, pursed her lips, and remained silent.
After a long pause, she sighed:
"You're still as stubborn as ever… we could still walk home together…"
Had it been before that incident, Kanade would've asked to share the umbrella. And she would've accepted.
But now…
The relationship would never be the same. He was no longer a lost, useless boy. He was the student council president. The top student at the academy.
He no longer needed to be cared for.