Wake up, wash up, get dressed on time. Live life seriously, treat each day as new, and don't shy away from difficult confusion.
The beauty of the world is infinite. Even if love isn't always present, never forget to respect your routine. That's the principle of cooking: love is just the seasoning that enhances the flavor.
Natsukawa Kanade understood this well. That's why he never abandoned his serious attitude toward life.
"Good morning, Natsukawa-san."
"Morning."
He responded kindly to his classmates' greetings.
"Huh? I feel like Natsukawa-san's in a good mood today. Did something happy happen?"
Huh? Why would she say that? Kanade felt puzzled. He was just following his routine. Why did he seem so cheerful?
"How to put it… your smile looks more genuine. You don't seem so serious and unapproachable anymore. Could it be…?"
"Speaking of which, yesterday's math homework was brutal. Took me forever to finish…"
"Ah, right! Math homework! I haven't done it yet!"
The girl dashed off to her group.
"Mahi-chan! Let me copy your homework! Class is about to start!"
"Again? Do it yourself for once."
"I can't! Math is impossible!"
"You just need to pay attention…"
While they chatted, Kanade drifted into thought.
Real? Handsome? Could he be described that way?
Maybe before meeting the heroines. But since then, he'd rarely been himself.
A loveless loser, a helpful friend, an enthusiastic fan… he'd played so many roles he nearly forgot who he was.
When was the last time he acted like himself?
That serious, reserved character… oh, right. The dedicated guy who works hard for the girl he likes and doesn't get distracted by others.
After all, his heroine was Kaguya Shinomiya, an ordinary girl.
He'd embodied that role until yesterday. But today, he'd thrown it all away. Did he have the potential to be a playboy?
It didn't matter. Even if he did, he could forgive himself now.
…
The morning passed quickly. Few classes, lots of focus.
Kanade stretched several times in his seat to ease the fatigue.
It was lunchtime. Only a few groups remained with their bentos, chatting cheerfully. The atmosphere lifted his spirits.
Before, he used to go to the student council at this hour, share his bento, and enjoy time with the others. His intention was to get closer to Kaguya, but most of the time, his food ended up in Fujiwara Chika's stomach.
Plus, she did absurd things that sabotaged him. He wasn't sure if it was intentional or just clumsy.
The pink octopus head carried at least half the blame for that relationship's failure.
"Natsukawa, someone's looking for you."
"I'll be right there. Thanks."
He thanked the girl who passed the message.
Who would be looking for him now? He was curious.
It didn't take long to see: Eriri.
Sawamura Spencer Eriri, half British, half Japanese. Blonde hair, fair skin, an adorable fang that sparkled in the light.
Privately, a chaotic illustrator. Publicly, a refined young lady.
Small, cute, popular. Though her tsundere personality kept her from romantic success, Kanade had appreciated her deeply.
But that was the past. He wouldn't interfere in her life for love anymore.
"Is something wrong, Sawamura-san?"
He almost said "Eriri." It was hard to hold back.
There were lots of people around. If he used an intimate tone, it could be misunderstood.
"Ha!"
Eriri flinched. She lifted her head like a startled ostrich. Her voice trembled.
"Ko-Ko… Hello, Natsukawa!"
"You mispronounced my name," Kanade said, resigned.
Seeing her nervousness, he couldn't help but laugh.
Time had passed, and she still hadn't gotten over the rejection. There was no reason to feel guilty. He'd already moved on.
"Is something wrong? Could it be…"
If he thought about it, what could he help her with? Maybe her manuscript. Not much else.
If it were Kasumigaoka Utaha, he could help with materials or errands. But with Eriri, nothing came to mind.
"That…?" Eriri froze. Then, realizing what he was implying, she blushed.
"No, not that! It's… well…"
She'd thought about inviting him to lunch. Yesterday, Kato told her Kanade was single again. She couldn't sleep from the excitement.
She wanted to seize the opportunity. But seeing him now, she couldn't say a single complete sentence.
Damn it! It's that fat girl in black stockings' fault! If she hadn't said "invite him in person to show sincerity," she would've messaged him on Line already.
But now, face to face, she couldn't say anything.
While Eriri drowned in anxiety, Kanade scanned the surroundings.
More people gathered, whispering about the ambiguous scene. He couldn't let it continue.
"If there's nothing else…"
"You're as useless as ever, you blonde-haired loser."