Heartbeats and Illusions

Shinomiya Residence.

It was still Kaguya Shinomiya's bedroom.

The master and servant once again engaged in a heated discussion.

"Hayasaka, do you think it would disturb the president if I called him now?"

At this moment, Kaguya Shinomiya clutched her phone with both hands, looking nervously at Hayasaka.

"(￣皿￣＃) Miss, you've asked the same thing five times already, and my answer remains the same—it won't disturb him."

"But... but what if the president is resting due to his illness? If I call and wake him up, won't he think I'm immature?"

"..." Hayasaka Ai fell silent.

Theoretically, there was indeed a possibility as her young lady mentioned. However, based on her investigation and understanding of Natsukawa Kanade, the president's sudden absence this time might just as well be a deliberate ploy to attract the young lady's attention—possibly to take the opportunity to advance their relationship.

Either way, it didn't matter much to Hayasaka Ai. If Kaguya were disliked by Natsukawa Kanade, what did that have to do with her? And if this was part of some calculated strategy by Kanade, wasn't that even better?

After all, Natsukawa Kanade was clearly infatuated with Kaguya. He wouldn't get angry over a phone call. These two awkward lovebirds should just get it over with already and create their little world! That way, they wouldn't disturb her precious sleep anymore.

Despite her internal musings, Hayasaka Ai outwardly maintained her professional demeanor as a maid.

"Don't worry, Miss. As far as I know, President Natsukawa has an extremely regular routine. Around this time, he's likely eating or preparing a meal. Your call won't bother him—it might even improve his appetite."

"You mean to say that my beauty will stimulate the president's appetite? Hayasaka, you're getting better at flattery!"

"..." Hayasaka Ai's expression remained blank. "As long as you're happy, Miss."

Although her goal was indeed to make Kaguya think this way, Hayasaka couldn't help but mentally complain. Isn't this woman a bit too narcissistic?

Perhaps the compliment worked because Shinomiya Kaguya finally stopped hesitating. With determination, she dialed the number saved under "?President?"

"Ding…"

The phone rang twice before it connected.

"Shinomiya?" Natsukawa Kanade's distinct voice came through the receiver, slightly hoarse yet magnetic.

The sound hit Shinomiya Kaguya like a bolt of electricity.

Limited Edition: Sickly President Voice!

"Good evening, President…" Kaguya greeted, trying to steady her voice.

"Good evening. What can I do for you?"

Even in his weakened state, his tone remained majestic and commanding—truly befitting the man who had bested Shinomiya Kaguya so many times!

"It's nothing serious," Kaguya began, "I was just... concerned about the president's health as a fellow member of the student council."

"I see. Thank you for your concern. I'm fine. I'll probably return to school tomorrow."

"..."

Kaguya Shinomiya felt a wave of relief, followed by a flutter of excitement.

I'll see the president again tomorrow! Maybe he'll still have that 'sickly' charm! He'll definitely look adorable like that!

Lost in her own fantasies, Kaguya forgot she was still on the phone.

"Shinomiya? Are you still there?"

"..."

"Shinomiya?"

"Ah! I'm here! I'm here!" Kaguya quickly snapped out of her reverie. Her usual composure, however, was nowhere to be found. In her flustered state, she shot a pleading look at Hayasaka Ai, as though silently crying for help.

...Cute!

Hayasaka Ai's heart practically skipped a beat. If only she could take a picture of this moment to treasure forever!

Unfortunately, the situation didn't allow for that.

"Ask him if he's free tomorrow at noon," Hayasaka whispered, mouthing the words slowly for Kaguya to follow.

"President, are you free tomorrow at noon?" Kaguya asked, her face flushing red as she spoke.

Her heart raced. I actually said it! This is the first time I've initiated an invitation!

"What a memorable moment," Kaguya thought to herself, cheeks burning.

"Tomorrow at noon? Hmm…"

A strange sound came from Kanade's end of the line.

"Hmm? What was that sound?"

"Ahem… nothing. I'm just eating," Kanade replied, coughing lightly as if he'd choked on something.

"So, what's the occasion for tomorrow at noon?" he asked.

"It's nothing major… just some official business I'd like to discuss with the president," Kaguya said, trying her best to sound nonchalant.

"Official business, huh? But didn't I already resign?"

"That's irrelevant! In my heart, the president is still the most suitable person for the position!" Kaguya declared, her tone firm and resolute.

Ever since Natsukawa Kanade announced his resignation, Shinomiya Kaguya had been unable to shake the lingering unease. The question that haunted her thoughts was straightforward yet maddeningly elusive: why? What reason could possibly compel the president—someone so capable and admired—to step down from his role?

Resigning from the student council, in and of itself, wasn't catastrophic. After all, a remarkable individual like Kanade would undoubtedly thrive wherever he went. His brilliance and charisma ensured he would shine in any setting. But what truly vexed Kaguya was that Kanade, in resigning, had chosen to name his successor—and it wasn't her.

Instead, the mantle had been passed to Shirogane Miyuki.

The audacity! Kaguya's lips tightened into a thin line as the thought simmered in her mind. What's so special about Shirogane Miyuki?

Her internal monologue grew increasingly heated. Why had Kanade bypassed her, someone whose talents were unquestionably superior? What could he possibly see in Miyuki that she didn't possess?

It wasn't just this decision that fueled her resentment. Looking back, Kaguya couldn't help but notice how Natsukawa Kanade had always seemed to favor Miyuki. From the very beginning, he had personally invited Miyuki to join the student council as the general affairs manager. Beyond that, he'd shown him special attention on numerous occasions—gestures that Kaguya couldn't help but envy.

"Why would the president resign? Is he disappointed with the student council?" she wondered aloud, her tone bitter yet curious.

Kanade's voice echoed faintly in her mind, laden with hesitation. "Of course not! Everyone in the council is talented and capable. It's just that... I…"

Even now, Kaguya couldn't discern the true depth of his reasons. The real answer was buried beneath layers of doubt and insecurity that even Kanade himself found difficult to articulate.

The truth was simple yet complicated: Kanade's resignation stemmed from something deeply personal, almost painfully so. A certain girl in the council had unintentionally touched his heart, but that same connection made his position unbearable. Rather than confront his feelings and risk emotional turmoil, Kanade had chosen the cowardly path of avoidance.

It wasn't a decision he felt proud of. On the contrary, it gnawed at him. Could someone so entangled in personal emotions truly be fit to lead? He had concluded that his inability to separate private matters from public responsibilities rendered him unworthy of the trust placed in him as president.

This decision weighed heavily on his shoulders, and even after taking the step to resign, the burden hadn't lifted.

"President, it's okay. You don't have to explain yourself," Kaguya's voice carried a mix of warmth and firmness. "What's important is that we—your team—believe in you. Everyone knows you are the most suitable leader for the council. We hope you'll reconsider and return to your rightful place."

Her words struck a chord, even though she couldn't see Kanade's expression through the phone. She could imagine it, though—his gaze downcast, his posture slightly slumped, a hint of loneliness softening his usual confidence.

In that moment, a tender image formed in Kaguya's mind. She imagined herself standing before Kanade, gently patting his head with a warm smile. Then, without hesitation, she would wrap her arms around him, offering the comfort he so desperately needed.

He would be so adorable like that.

Caught up in her own fantasy, Kaguya's cheeks flushed slightly. She almost wanted to fly to his side immediately.

Her reverie was interrupted by the sharp, disapproving look from Hayasaka Ai, her ever-loyal maid. Miss Kaguya, please don't give me impossible tasks again!

Kanade's voice, though hesitant, held a glimmer of determination. "Thank you, Shinomiya. I understand how you feel, and I'll think carefully about what you've said. As for tomorrow's invitation... I'll be there."

Kaguya's heart leaped with excitement. "Really? That's wonderful—" She caught herself and cleared her throat, trying to sound composed. "I mean, that's good to hear. It's settled, then."

"It's settled," Kanade confirmed softly. "Anything else?"

"No, that's all for now. Have a good night, President."

"Good night, Shinomiya."

As the call ended, Kaguya turned triumphantly to Hayasaka. "Did you hear that? The president is already reconsidering his decision! It's only a matter of time before he reclaims his position."

"Ah, yes, Miss. Truly remarkable," Hayasaka replied in her usual deadpan tone, though her inner thoughts were far less enthusiastic. Miss Kaguya, he said he'd think about it, not that he'd already decided! Your confidence is truly unmatched.

But Kaguya was not one to leave matters to chance. "Hayasaka! We need to draft a strategy for tomorrow. This is my chance to prove my worth to the president—show him I'm leagues ahead of that Shirogane Miyuki!"

Hayasaka sighed internally. So stubborn… Can't you aim for something more meaningful than just one-upping someone else? But aloud, she replied with her characteristic calm, "Understood, Miss."

"Good. Let's get started!"

Just as Kaguya began outlining her plans, Hayasaka interjected casually, "By the way, I heard that the president was spotted talking to two girls near his classroom yesterday."

"What?!" Kaguya's face darkened instantly. "The president hasn't been seen all day, yet he's been meeting other girls? This cannot stand!"

"Miss, please calm down. I might have been mistaken. Besides, you're the only one in his heart," Hayasaka said, adding fuel to the fire while keeping her tone deceptively placating.

"You're right... But just in case, investigate those two girls! I want to know who's trying to covet my position!"

"Understood," Hayasaka replied, her voice hiding her amusement. Ah, at least this can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I can still enjoy some well-deserved rest. But Miss Kaguya? I wonder if you'll even be able to sleep at all.