Fujiwara Chika is eccentric, impulsive, with a wild imagination. She throws herself enthusiastically into whatever interests her, but abandons it without regret once she loses interest. She's naturally free—like a lark singing her joyful life without ever tiring.
The complete opposite of Shinomiya Kaguya.
How long have they known each other?
Probably since fourth grade. Kaguya found her sitting at the piano, looking tired, and casually said, "If you don't want to play the piano, then don't."
What was she thinking at that moment?
That Fujiwara was insulting art? That she used criticism as a shield? That she envied her freedom? She doesn't remember clearly.
What she didn't expect was that, after saying that, Fujiwara stopped playing the piano… and started pestering her every day.
"Kaguya-chan, let's eat together!"
"Kaguya-chan, let's walk home together!"
"Kaguya-chan, let's be friends!"
Every day. Until Kaguya couldn't take it anymore and proposed a game: if she lost, she'd become her friend.
And she lost.
Did she really lose? To someone so scatterbrained? Did she cheat? Did she let her win?
She doesn't remember. She only remembers Fujiwara being overjoyed. Because she'd won her first friend.
Now they're in high school. And Kaguya still has only one friend: Fujiwara Chika.
She thought they'd be friends for life… until she saw Fujiwara eating like a pet, devouring the president's lunchbox.
Where's your elegance? Your restraint? Are you a reincarnated hungry ghost? Get off my presidential lunchbox, humanoid beast!
Even if you died tomorrow, I wouldn't save you.
Kaguya watched her pick side dishes with a smile. But her eyes held no warmth.
"Kaguya-chan, try this, it's super delicious!"
Fujiwara offered her half a hamburger.
"Ah~~~"
"Even if you say that… it's delicious!"
Kaguya's eyes lit up. She became a food enthusiast.
"Right? Room-temperature hamburgers concentrate all the flavor. It's amazing!"
Fujiwara spoke like a gourmet critic.
Kanade looked at Kaguya's luxurious bento, prepared by expert chefs.
He thought it was sad that it was overshadowed by ordinary ingredients.
But now he was sure: Kaguya and Fujiwara were so used to delicacies that they valued homemade food more.
Kanade barely ate. Just a few bites of rice and what Kaguya offered him.
All his effort ended up in the stomachs of the two girls.
"Well, I'm full!"
Fujiwara patted her belly, satisfied.
"Hmm…"
Kaguya was content too. Though she wouldn't admit it, this time Fujiwara deserved forgiveness.
But the president hadn't eaten much. It was her turn to act.
"President, I'm sorry for eating all your sides. If you don't mind, please have mine…"
She handed him her chopsticks.
She'd already used them. She did it on purpose.
Her goal was to kiss him! President, this time you'll be stunned!
"I can't. I don't have much appetite."
Kanade shook his head.
Sharp truths hit him.
It would be a lie to say he could still eat.
The fact that he hadn't collapsed showed his emotional strength.
"Why is this happening…?"
Kaguya looked disappointed.
Fujiwara glanced at her, then at Kanade flipping through documents, and said seriously:
"President, it's wrong to be so picky with food! Even if the chef from Kaguya's family makes terrible meals, we can't waste them!"
Kaguya: "...!"
Kanade: "...?"
What is that? Shy about eating? Unpleasant? Are you sure you're talking to him and not Kaguya?
"Fujiwara… are you talking about me?"
Kanade asked, confused.
He knew Fujiwara was weird, but not this weird.
Is it because of Kaguya?
He looked at her. She seemed a bit down. He understood.
"Actually, being picky with food is a bad habit… Shinomiya, if you don't mind…"
"Of course not! Please enjoy it, President."
Kaguya perked up.
Kanade nodded, took her lunchbox, and began to eat.
For him, he'd lost his appetite because he knew Kaguya didn't like him, but Shirogane.
For Kaguya, she probably felt guilty for leaving him without food.
She doesn't accept help without reason. But if there's an exchange, she feels comfortable.
That's good.
A world where no one gets hurt is complete.
"Oh right, Kaguya-chan, tell me your story quickly. Who's the person you care about?"
"That doesn't matter."
Kaguya didn't turn around. She was busy admiring the president's elegant posture as he ate.
"What do you mean it doesn't matter?! It's the first boy you care about! I want to know!"
"That… ah, my nephew."
Kaguya kept watching Kanade, as if trying to memorize every one of his movements.
He's so cute. He tries hard to walk. Even when he falls, he doesn't cry. He looks at me with a smile…
"That doesn't count!"
"Why not? I care about him."
"Ugh… doesn't count!"
"You're annoying…"
The two girls kept talking.
Kanade couldn't join the conversation.
Eating became painful.
Hearing Kaguya's superficial explanation, he felt…
his stomach hurt.