"Is she a fellow student council member?"
Shiina Mahiru tried to sound indifferent, but the pressure on the spoon she held betrayed her unease.
It wasn't that she wanted to eavesdrop, but the room was small, and no matter where she sat, she could hear the conversation.
Besides, Kanade didn't seem to have any intention of keeping her out of it.
"Yes, Kaguya Shinomiya, vice president of the council," Natsukawa Kanade nodded. "I suppose she came about some difficult matter."
Mahiru felt relieved, but remembered Kanade had mentioned he'd resigned.
Did you really resign…?
"Eh…"
"Why…?" Noticing Kanade looking at her, Mahiru quickly explained, "Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious."
She didn't know much, but had heard some rumors. And now she wondered if he was really…
"There's no specific reason. Maybe… I'm just a little tired."
Kanade shook his head and said no more.
After a few days, he'd nearly moved past the shadow of his failed relationship. But every time someone learned about his resignation, they wanted to know more.
It's just a resignation. It's not that big a deal, right?
"Hmm…"
To Mahiru, whether he was the brilliant president or the boy hiding behind the scenes, both mattered. Both were him.
"Would you like some more?"
She lifted the bowl and offered it to Kanade.
Her cheeks were red. She thought about what she'd done earlier—interrupting his call and forcing her emotions into a bowl of food.
Now that she reflected on it, she felt embarrassed. Didn't she look like a jealous girl because he was talking to someone else?
"You've been hungry all day. Eat more…"
—Guwuwu…
The sound betrayed her again. The aroma of the porridge made her stomach protest.
How can you think about romance on an empty stomach?
"No, no, it's just…"
Faced with a more composed Kanade, Mahiru couldn't hide it.
She thought it would've been better to eat something before coming, but she was afraid of missing the moment he woke up.
"Don't look at me…"
She crouched on the floor, covering her face with her hands, completely flushed.
"Eh…"
Kanade turned his head, a bit awkward. He didn't know how to comfort her.
That expression moved him. Fortunately, he still had his reason intact.
"If you don't mind… shall we eat together?"
"…"
Mahiru lifted her head, eyes misty, and murmured softly:
"Hmm…"
…
After a day and night of rest, Kanade felt better.
"Greetings, President."
"Good morning, Mr. President."
"Morning."
As he walked, greetings came one after another, and he responded naturally.
Entering the classroom, he saw Mahiru with a dignified smile. Maybe it was an illusion, but she seemed more genuine and beautiful than before.
The illness had been a blessing in disguise. It had brought him closer to Mahiru, though not yet to the point of walking to school together.
It was something he'd never achieved before.
"Feeling better?"
The one who greeted him was Shirogane Miyuki, his classmate. He had dark circles and looked exhausted.
"I'm fine…"
Kanade wondered why Shirogane looked weaker than him. He seemed on the verge of collapse.
"I'm glad you're okay. I'm going to catch some sleep."
Shirogane nodded and headed to his seat.
He'd taken on nearly all presidential duties in Kanade's absence, trying to live up to expectations.
Except for a few important matters he consulted with Kaguya, he made all decisions himself.
Though the tasks were small, they were many. And to maintain his academic performance, he had to maximize his sleep.
His tone wasn't bad, but his trembling body showed how drained he was.
Was something going on in the council? Or just sleep deprivation?
Kanade was a bit confused. It was the first time he'd seen Shirogane so worn out.
He remembered that when he first took office, he was exhausted too. But over time, he adapted, improved his performance, and stopped looking like that.
The morning passed without pause. At lunch, Kanade grabbed his bento and went to meet Kaguya Shinomiya, as they'd agreed.
Naturally, he'd prepared it himself. Since Mahiru rejected him, he'd devoted himself to learning how to cook.
His taste had become demanding. He could no longer settle for nutritional supplements. To avoid going hungry, he had to learn.
When Mahiru found out last night, she stared at him with resentment, making Kanade feel guilty.
No matter how much you like others eating your food, you can't force it on them, right?
Favors were always hard to repay. Unless it was part of a strategy, Kanade avoided owing anyone.
"Good afternoon, Mr. President."
"Good afternoon, Shinomiya."
Kanade nodded. He was tired of the "President" title Kaguya insisted on using.
Girls like her were like that—full of their own ideas, doing whatever they pleased.
The meeting place was the student council room, which made Kaguya's "official business" excuse more believable.