First, I sent my senpai home and then changed back into my school uniform. It was a shame I didn't have time—otherwise, I could've showered and washed my hair.
"Good morning, Hachiman."
On the winding path of blue stone, I ran into the dead-eyed boy and Yuigahama, who followed him with a sweet smile.
Doesn't it bother you?
"You're already bothering me, so please leave," Hikigaya pursed his lips.
The lazy, disheveled boy and the cheerful Yuigahama were incompatible by nature. If you really want to help him, don't approach him in public!
But there's no point in saying that—this guy won't listen.
"Seriously, Hachiman, you can't talk to the president like that," Yuigahama interjected. "Good morning, Natsukawa-kun."
"Good morning, Yuigahama-san," Natsukawa Kanade replied.
How was your weekend? Did you do anything meaningful?
You mean something like basking in others' envy or starring in a chaotic rom-com? I spent the whole weekend with my sister.
"If Komachi were here, she'd definitely say something like, 'Ugh, my brother's comments were gross, but he was thinking of Komachi, so he gets a high score in Komachi's heart!'" Natsukawa Kanade smiled, feeling genuinely happy.
I'm lucky that the first familiar face I saw this morning was Hachiman.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Komachi in a while. I really want to recharge with some little sister energy."
What are you planning to do to someone else's sister? Damn it. I really could.
"Haha, if that's the case, I've got nothing to lose."
Taking advantage of Hikigaya Hachiman's lack of vigilance, Natsukawa Kanade snatched the coffee from his hand and ran off.
"Thanks! I missed breakfast."
"Hey, that's sweet!"
"I know, bye!"
…
Hikigaya wanted to chase after him, but he wasn't about to engage in a high-speed, passionate footrace across campus this early in the morning, so he could only grumble bitterly to himself.
"Oh, right, there's something I forgot to tell him…"
Hikigaya pulled out his phone, typed a message, and sent it to Natsukawa Kanade.
Though this action might be considered "collaborating with the enemy," who could blame him for having a better relationship with that guy?
"What's up, Hachiman?"
"It's got nothing to do with you, and you wouldn't get it even if I told you."
"What? You're such an idiot, Hachiman! You're the idiot!"
"Whoa! What was that all of a sudden…?"
Of course, Hikigaya was enjoying his youth too—he just didn't want to admit it.
I changed into my indoor shoes, dropped off my bag, and headed straight to the student council room.
Yesterday, Natsukawa Kanade had sent a message to all the student council members, asking them to gather in the council room because he had something to say.
"Huh…"
After taking a deep breath, Natsukawa Kanade slowly opened the door to the student council room.
Then, under everyone's gaze, he bowed his head.
"Everyone, I want to sincerely apologize to you… I'm really sorry!"
In the past, because of my own selfish desires, I chose to run away from my duties as student council president.
I thought it would bring me peace, but it didn't. On the contrary, I became even more anxious.
Panic, anxiety… all kinds of negative emotions overwhelmed me, so I changed my mind and wanted to return—to come back to the student council and work with all of you again…
I know I'm not a qualified president, and it's understandable if you resent me. But even so… I still hope this council can continue as before! Please!
Choosing to run away isn't responsible. Being honest is the real relief. Letting go of selfish desires for the sake of others and wanting to stay with everyone in the student council—that's his true wish now.
…
Unease, apprehension, the relief of speaking his mind, the fear of ridicule—all these complex emotions swirled in Natsukawa Kanade's heart, growing in the silence. Eventually, they swelled, nearly consuming him…
"President."
A respectful title suddenly pulled Natsukawa Kanade back to reality. He looked up at everyone in the student council.
Ishigami Yu and Shirogane Miyuki were discussing their work progress, while Fujiwara Chika pretended to organize her notes. It seemed no one cared about what he had said.
Only Kaguya Shinomiya stood beside him and gently extended her hand.
"Welcome back, President."
"Yes, I'm back," his eyes stung, and he wanted to let it all out.
As soon as he spoke, the entire student council erupted in cheers, followed by flying streamers and popping balloons. The once-silent student council room burst into astonishing vitality again.
"This is…"
Natsukawa Kanade was a little surprised.
"Let me say something!" Chika Fujiwara quickly raised her hand. "This was my idea! Ever since we got the president's message, we decided to surprise him!"
"I blew up the balloons," Shirogane Miyuki nodded.
"I arranged the ribbons," Ishigami Yu scratched his head.
"And I was in charge of welcoming the president."
Kaguya Shinomiya's cheeks flushed slightly, as if the atmosphere had gotten to her.
She looked at her right hand, still joined with Natsukawa Kanade's, and thought she might not wash it all day.
"As I said, Mr. President, we're all counting on you to recover and continue leading us."
No one hopes more than Kaguya Shinomiya that Natsukawa Kanade will return as student council president.
No matter how shy she is about expressing her feelings in front of others, Kaguya Shinomiya has to admit she wants to get closer to Natsukawa Kanade.
Because of her status as the daughter of the Shinomiya Group, she couldn't choose who to associate with. Even her lifelong friend, Fujiwara Chika, had to get family permission to interact with her.
Love? Those feelings were too luxurious for her. If that were her goal, she would definitely separate from the president. Only by defeating him and absorbing him—making him hers—could she extend her future…
That's why the student council must exist. Only here can she ignore class restrictions, have conversations and interactions on equal footing with those she cares about, and even… admire them.
Ah, President, it's so wonderful to have met you… If possible, I really want to be with you forever…
"To celebrate the president's return, let's play together! I brought a new board game today! President, come on!"
The cheerful Fujiwara Chika trotted over to Natsukawa Kanade, wrapped her arm around him, and pulled him toward the sofa.
Ishigami and Shirogane exchanged glances, then silently began clearing the table.
Only Shinomiya Kaguya stood there, dazed, feeling the warmth in her palm slowly fade as she watched Fujiwara Chika seducing the president with her usual calm expression…
Fujiwara Chika… it'd be better to toss you into Tokyo Bay…