Shinomiya Residence.
In Kaguya Shinomiya's bedroom, mistress and maid were once again locked in debate.
"Hayasaka, do you think I'd bother the president if I called him now?"
Kaguya clutched her phone with both hands, her expression tense as she looked at Hayasaka Ai.
"Miss, you've asked that five times already. My answer hasn't changed: you won't bother him."
"But if the president is sick and resting, wouldn't I wake him up? What if he thinks I'm being inconsiderate?"
"…"
Hayasaka didn't respond this time.
In theory, it was possible. But based on what she knew of Natsukawa Kanade, his sudden absence might be a tactic to draw Kaguya's attention and create an opening to get closer.
Even if she thought that, Hayasaka Ai had to maintain her role as the loyal maid.
"Don't worry, Miss. From what I understand, the president keeps a fairly regular schedule. Around this time, he's usually eating. Your call won't disturb him. It might even improve his appetite…"
"You mean, because I'm so beautiful, I'll make him hungry? Oh, Ai'ai, you really know how to flatter!"
"As long as you're happy…"
Though she meant to reassure her, Hayasaka couldn't help but think her young lady was a bit too narcissistic.
Maybe the comment worked, because Kaguya finally dialed the number.
"President?"
After two rings, the call connected.
"Shinomiya?"
Kanade's voice came through the phone. It was slightly hoarse, which only made it more striking to Kaguya.
"Good evening, Mr. President…"
"Good evening. What can I do for you?"
Even sick, his voice remained firm and dignified. The kind of voice that had defeated Kaguya Shinomiya countless times.
"It's nothing. Just… as a fellow council member, I was a little concerned about your health."
"I see. Thank you for your concern. I'm fine. I'll probably be back at school tomorrow."
Kaguya felt relieved. And thrilled.
I'll see him tomorrow! Maybe he'll still be a little sick! He'll look so adorable!
Lost in her thoughts, she forgot she was still on the call.
"Shinomiya? Are you still there?"
"I'm here! I'm here!"
Kaguya snapped back to reality, but her composure was already gone. She looked at Hayasaka like a puppy begging for help.
"Say: 'Are you free tomorrow at noon?'"
Hayasaka gestured, and Kaguya understood.
"President, are you free tomorrow at noon?"
Before finishing, Kaguya clutched the phone with a flushed face, unable to say more.
"Tomorrow at noon? Mmm…"
"Hm? What's that sound?"
"Ahem… it's nothing. I'm just eating."
Kanade coughed lightly, as if something had caught in his throat.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"Well, nothing important… Just a few official matters I wanted to discuss with the president."
"Uh… I recall I've already resigned…"
"That doesn't matter! In my opinion, you're still the most qualified person for the role!"
Since Kanade resigned, Kaguya hadn't stopped thinking about it.
Why did he do it?
Resigning wasn't a big deal. Someone like him would shine anywhere. But what hurt most was… he'd chosen another successor! And it wasn't her! It was that Shirogane Miyuki!
Outrageous! What's so special about Shirogane? Why does the president think I'm not better than him?
And not just that. She always felt Kanade treated Shirogane differently. He personally invited him to be general manager, supported him in everything.
So unfair!
Did he resign because he was disappointed in the council?
Of course not! Everyone's talented. I just… just…
Even after thinking it through, Kanade still couldn't explain it clearly.
Resigning just because he didn't like a girl on the council… could that be considered honorable?
It wasn't even about glory. It was such a childish decision, it was hard to justify.
He hadn't separated public from private, and chose to escape because of his emotions. How could he continue working with everyone under those conditions?
Maybe after talking with Kato, he'd stop thinking about it. But it was unlikely he'd go back. He knew it himself: I, who once chose to run away, am no longer qualified to be the president everyone trusts.
"It's fine. The president doesn't need to say anything. Just know that everyone—including me, of course—believes you're the most suitable candidate. We hope you'll return to the student council."
"Even though I haven't seen what the president is doing now with my own eyes, from your tone I can tell you must be very lonely and helpless, right?"
A strict and majestic president was handsome, yes.
But one who acted coy and asked for a hug would be even more adorable!
Kaguya felt that if she could see him right now, she'd stroke his head with a smile and gently hug him to comfort him.
Hmm… I really want to fly to him right now!
As if reading her thoughts, Hayasaka Ai responded firmly:
"That's impossible, Miss Kaguya! Please don't assign me impossible tasks!"
"Thank you, Shinomiya…"
Kanade's voice was a little low, but then it grew firm.
"I understand. I'll consider this matter carefully. As for your invitation tomorrow… I'll wait and see."
"Really? Great! Ahem… I meant to say it's a deal."
"Alright, it's settled. Anything else?"
"No, no. I wish you sweet dreams, President."
"Sleep well too, Shinomiya."
After exchanging a few more words, they hung up.
"See, Hayasaka? As soon as I called, the president said he'd reconsider! Now he can keep leading us!"
"Hello, hello, hello, Miss, you're amazing," Hayasaka Ai read flatly.
Inside, she was criticizing her young lady.
The president only said he'd think about it. How can you assume he's already back? This wasn't a rescue—it was emotional manipulation!
But it didn't matter. As long as Kaguya was happy, she could go back to enjoying her bubble bath and relaxing videos.
"Hayasaka! Hurry and come up with a strategy! Tomorrow I'm going to prove to the president that I'm more capable than that Shirogane!"
Hayasaka Ai: "…"
Can you be more ambitious? Why are you so stubborn?
And couldn't you protect her a little more? You're going to lose her! No doubt!
Now that she thought about it, she remembered seeing Natsukawa Kanade talking to two girls at the entrance of his classroom yesterday…
"What? That happened? We didn't see him all day and he was with other girls! That's completely forbidden!"
"Miss, don't worry. Maybe I was mistaken. You must trust the president. Only you are in his heart."
Though it sounded like she was fueling the fire, Hayasaka Ai wasn't lying.
Assuming, of course, that Kanade was still interested in Kaguya Shinomiya.
"You're right… But just in case, Hayasaka, investigate those two shameless girls. At the very least, I need to know who's eyeing the president's seat!"
"Understood."
Hayasaka Ai accepted without hesitation.
After all, she could do it tomorrow without sacrificing her rest. In fact…
She glanced at Kaguya, who was now frowning, and thought: Who's the one who won't be sleeping tonight?