"President, try this."
"Ah… alright."
"And this… this too!"
"Eh…"
Kaguya Shinomiya was swapping luxurious dishes for ordinary homemade sides as if discovering a new world.
She had never tasted regular homemade food, so her curiosity was understandable. But wasn't she staring a bit too intently at someone else's lunchbox?
Natsukawa Kanade felt like Kaguya's drool was about to fall.
She had suggested finishing lunch before discussing council matters, and Kanade didn't object. But when he opened his lunchbox, he noticed Kaguya was drawn to it.
She completely ignored her own bento, prepared by famous chefs, and focused entirely on Kanade's homemade lunch.
He figured maybe Kaguya had never tried squid sausages or hamburger patties and thought they were special sides. So he offered to trade a few items.
He didn't do it to make her feel guilty, but the kind gesture left him uncomfortable for the rest of the meal.
French foie gras, blue lobster, Caspian caviar… gourmet ingredients began piling into his modest 1,500-yen lunchbox.
What had started as a friendly exchange now felt like an accidental scam.
Should I just give her the whole lunchbox? She seems to love it…
But if I do, I'll end up with her luxurious one.
Even if she doesn't notice, I won't feel at ease.
"Ahem… let's talk business first."
The chefs were truly skilled. The exquisite ingredients gave off a seductive aroma. To avoid temptation, Kanade had to distract her.
I trust your ability, Shinomiya. Is there anything you find difficult?
Intellectual, elegant, versatile—Kaguya Shinomiya was undoubtedly a talented woman.
Kanade didn't know all the effort she'd put in to become that way, but her capability was obvious.
Besides, she had once been his heroine.
Trusting someone you like is part of what makes a good match.
"Hmm!"
Kaguya was stunned.
She felt bad for not being able to keep eating the president's food, just as he covered his lunchbox. But then, he praised her.
Hehe… the president acknowledged me.
Her mood lifted instantly.
She felt like she was floating on soft clouds, surrounded by a warmth that nearly melted her.
"Shinomiya?"
"Ah! Yes! Of course!"
"Uh… for example?"
Kanade noticed Kaguya was distracted, but didn't have the energy to guess what she was thinking.
Girls' minds are complex. Better to buy a lottery ticket—at least there's a chance of winning.
"For example… being a good student council president! That's something I can't do!"
It was the start of the conversation she'd rehearsed with Hayasaka that morning.
For Kaguya, Kanade remaining president was crucial. Not just for the council, but because it was her only chance to spend time alone with him.
Being together like today had taken a lot of effort:
Hayasaka organizing the plan, teaching her how to invite him, watching the door, staying online to support her…
It's so hard to get a moment like this.
"Being a good president…?" Kanade was surprised.
To him, it seemed like a complex issue, but the outcome was simple.
Being student council president wasn't impossible.
Besides, during his absence, everything had gone smoothly.
Shirogane Miyuki had taken over without issue.
And as the original story's male lead, Shirogane was the natural president.
Kanade had only borrowed that role for a while.
Don't we have Shirogane? I think he can do it…
"No way!" Kaguya replied firmly. "Shirogane-san may be capable, but he's not more suitable than the president!"
The president is the president. There will never be another.
Ugh, how embarrassing to say that.
Won't he think I like him? Damn you, Hayasaka!
Kaguya had followed Hayasaka's script almost word for word.
Maybe that's why it sounded so sincere.
At the very least, Kanade was moved.
"Thank you for your recognition…"
He thanked me again! Xiao Ai is amazing!
Kaguya, lost in her emotions, didn't notice the mix of feelings in Kanade.
Never another? Is this recognition of my skills? Or of my uniqueness?
Kanade felt warmth in his chest.
And he remembered something he'd always ignored:
He had never confessed to Kaguya.
To the others—Mahiru, Yukinoshita—he'd confessed directly.
But with Kaguya, he never did.
She only tested him cautiously.
Maybe, because of his experience with Yukino, he assumed Kaguya didn't like him either.
So he gave up on her.
But what if she did…? What if Kaguya really liked him…?
"Kaguya, I have something to tell you…"
"Hmm? What is it, President?"
"Sorry, this might sound sudden, but I want to say it clearly…"
Kanade took a deep breath, clenched his fists. His body trembled with fear of the outcome.
"I…"
"Hello!"
The door burst open.
A pink head popped in with a goofy smile.
"President, Kaguya-chan! Do you know what I just saw? The piglets in the garden climbed a tree! And look at this!"
Fujiwara Chika held out her hands like offering a treasure.
In her palms, a hamster munched on melon seeds.
"It's Taro the hamster!"
Kanade: "…"
"Secretary Fujiwara, keeping animals from the nursery violates school rules. I suggest you return it immediately."
Kaguya glared coldly, like scolding a pet.
Damn Fujiwara. She interrupted my moment with the president. Unforgivable!
"Eh? No, I just found him. Let me play with him a little…"
Fujiwara clung to Kaguya's arm and acted playfully.
"Kaguya-chan, you changed your hairstyle! It looks great!"
"Ah… well, you noticed…"
Kaguya smiled faintly, then glanced at Kanade.
I'm glad someone noticed… but why didn't the president say anything first?
Kanade stayed silent, his mind full of thoughts.
People change hairstyles when their mood changes.
Did something happen in the past few days that affected Kaguya?
Aside from his resignation… no.
No, there's something else.
With the position vacant, Shirogane had stepped up.
His gaze, marked by exhaustion, showed determination.
Yes. If not for him, Kaguya might've fallen for Shirogane. Even if I tried to stop it, I'd only slow it down.
I couldn't win.
A copy doesn't replace the original.
I didn't even notice she changed her hair. I've already lost to Kaguya.
Now, Kanade was glad he hadn't confessed.
Otherwise, he would've humiliated himself and lost even the chance to stay in the council.
For the first time, Kanade began to appreciate Fujiwara Chika.
If she hadn't interrupted, he would've made another unforgivable mistake.