Heartbeats and Illusions

"Shinomiya, you win. I admit defeat."

For the first time, Natsukawa Kanade showed indifference toward the girl in front of him—someone he once cherished deeply.

It wasn't that he had become heartless, but if he softened his stance now, he knew he would likely be the one hurt in the end.

Better to let go—not as the "male lead" who orbited around them but as an ordinary bystander, watching their stories unfold into romantic conclusions.

"Give up?... What does the President mean by this?"

The girl's voice broke the silence. She was extraordinarily beautiful, standing straight with her hands gracefully folded in front of her. Her silky black hair cascaded down her back, framing a dignified and elegant figure. Her skin was alabaster smooth, her features delicate and flawless. And her crimson eyes? They locked onto Kanade with an intensity that suggested he was the only thing in her world.

Shinomiya Kaguya.

A girl of undeniable charm and someone Kanade had gone to great lengths to recruit as his vice president.

Even now, as her gaze pierced through him, Kanade found himself staring back. It was as though he wished to etch this final moment—the last beautiful image of her—into his memory.

"I'm sorry, Shinomiya... and everyone else. Due to personal reasons, I will be resigning as the student council president," he said, turning his gaze to the other members of the student council. His tone carried a trace of apology.

Kanade didn't directly answer Kaguya's question. But he believed that with her intelligence, she would understand his meaning.

The Shuchiin Academy student council held considerable autonomy, with its president elected by popular vote. Once elected, the president had the privilege of appointing members to the council.

Shinomiya Kaguya. Shirogane Miyuki. Ishigami Yuu. And Fujiwara Chika.

With the exception of Fujiwara, who had all but forced her way into the council by clinging to Kaguya, Kanade had personally invited every member.

Perhaps it was out of guilt for disrupting the narrative he loved, or maybe it was admiration for the characters themselves, but Kanade had methodically gathered the original council lineup—like collecting trading cards.

But maybe that was where it all went wrong.

Because of Shirogane Miyuki's presence, no matter how well Kanade played the role, he could never outshine the original "protagonist."

People always prefer the real thing over an imitation.

"I've already submitted my resignation to the principal. If all goes as planned, it should be finalized today. I've left detailed notes about the handover process to ensure a smooth transition for the next president," Kanade explained, addressing the group as a whole.

Then, his gaze settled on Shirogane.

"As for the next president... Honestly, I hope it's you, Shirogane."

Kanade made no attempt to conceal his thoughts.

From the day he became president, they had all worked together. While they weren't deeply acquainted with one another, everyone's capabilities were evident. Even though Kanade was stepping down for personal reasons, he didn't intend to leave the council in disarray.

Selecting a competent successor, passing on relevant knowledge, and arranging follow-ups were all responsibilities he intended to fulfill.

Shirogane Miyuki, despite being a rival in matters of the heart, was someone Kanade deeply respected for his abilities.

"I'm sorry, Shinomiya. While you've won against me, that's all you've achieved. You haven't won entirely—because Shirogane is still in the game."

Kaguya's competitive spirit flared as Kanade spoke. The countless battles of wit and strategy between them—some overt, others subtle—were mostly initiated by her.

Kanade, never one for confrontation, had often gone along with her provocations simply because it pleased her.

Once, twice, thrice... He had long since lost count of their skirmishes. What began as exciting challenges had, over time, become wearisome.

There was no end in sight—no tangible goal to work toward. Even the most tedious tasks had progress bars, but love? Love was an endless maze without a guide.

But maybe, just maybe, a "dead end" was its own kind of exit.

"Shinomiya, I know you've always harbored dissatisfaction toward me, ever since the grade competition. But I'm afraid you won't have the chance to defeat me anymore," Kanade continued.

"That said, I've found you a worthy opponent."

His gaze shifted to Shirogane.

"Shirogane, I'll write you a recommendation letter for the upcoming election. But after that, you're on your own for canvassing and speeches."

Kanade smiled faintly, his expression calm but tinged with bittersweetness.

He had worked tirelessly to become student council president, climbing to the top of Shuchiin Academy's rigorous social hierarchy. It wasn't an easy feat, but he wanted Shirogane to experience that journey firsthand.

And, perhaps, Shinomiya Kaguya would be the ultimate test.

"I'm sorry, Shinomiya. While you're more than capable of leading, my personal preference lies with Shirogane. If you're dissatisfied, all you need to do is beat him in the election. Then I'll admit my mistake and recognize you as the most suitable candidate."

The dynamic between Kaguya and Shirogane hadn't progressed as it had in the original narrative—thanks to Kanade's interference.

Still, Kanade had noticed something.

Kaguya often stole glances at Shirogane, her gaze lingering with a peculiar intensity.

Was it attraction?

Kanade couldn't be sure. But it was more than he'd ever seen her direct toward him.

While his own efforts were met with indifference and hostility, Kaguya's attention toward Shirogane suggested a budding interest.

Kanade felt his defenses break once more.

But he was used to it now.

Letting go no longer hurt as much as it once did.

From this moment onward, they would walk separate paths. Their stories would unfold without him.

And that was okay.