Heartbeats and Illusions

Natsukawa Kanade had carefully prepared for his departure from the student council. Over the past few days, he had meticulously wrapped up his responsibilities, ensuring a seamless transition for his successor. His agenda today was simple: formally announce his resignation and, for one last time, indulge in the fleeting moments shared with his heroine.

Of course, he also intended to bid farewell to his friends, though they seemed puzzled by his decision. Both Shirogane and Ishigami had subtly probed for answers, only to be met with vague responses. His heroine, Shinomiya Kaguya, remained silent, her usual stoicism making it impossible to discern her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Fujiwara Chika, ever the ray of chaotic optimism, had recovered from her initial shock. She immediately produced a board game, cheerfully suggesting they all play together. This had long been a student council tradition, and Natsukawa Kanade didn't have the heart to refuse.

But this time was different. No longer needing to decipher Kaguya's enigmatic expressions or seek her approval, Kanade allowed himself to fully enjoy the moment.

"Looks like I've won again," he declared with a triumphant grin, sweeping the final chip from the board.

"Whaaat?! Did you cheat, President? I demand a rematch!" Chika pouted theatrically, her indignation only heightening her charm.

"Shut up, stupid senpai," Ishigami deadpanned. "You're just mad because your cheating didn't work."

Chika gasped in mock betrayal. "Ishigami, you traitor!"

Kanade chuckled softly and raised a hand to calm them. "Let's wrap it up here. It's getting late."

As everyone began to file out of the room, he noticed Kaguya lingering behind.

"Kaguya-chan, let's go too—" Chika began but was cut off by Ishigami, who wisely ushered her out, leaving Kanade and Kaguya alone.

Kanade turned to her, maintaining a calm expression. "What's wrong, Shinomiya?"

"..."

The silence stretched between them. Kanade waited, accustomed to her reticence, though the tension in the room felt heavier than usual.

"If there's nothing else—"

"Is there a reason?"

Kanade blinked, caught off guard by her sudden question. "Reason for what?"

"For your resignation."

For a moment, he was tempted to deflect, to conjure some plausible excuse. But standing before the girl who had once occupied every corner of his heart, he couldn't bring himself to lie.

"Everyone has their secrets, don't they?" He forced a small smile. "It's best if you don't dwell on it too much, Shinomiya."

Deep down, Kanade knew the truth. He couldn't face the thought of staying in the same space, day after day, with someone who didn't return his feelings. It was a quiet escape—a way to preserve what little remained of his dignity.

"..."

"Goodbye, Kaguya," he said softly. For the first time, he called her by name—and he knew it would also be the last.

The school day ended as a light drizzle began to fall, painting the world in a melancholic haze.

"Good thing I brought an umbrella today," Kanade muttered to himself.

Preparing for rainy days had once been part of his calculated plans to share tender moments with his heroine. The umbrella he carried was always just big enough for two, and he would time his appearances perfectly to coincide with hers. Back then, he had believed in the magic of such encounters.

Now, he couldn't help but chuckle at his own naivety.

As he stepped outside, a soft, melodic voice called out to him.

"Natsukawa-san?"

He turned to see Shiina Mahiru standing at the school entrance. Her long, flaxen hair shimmered in the dim light, and her delicate features radiated an almost ethereal beauty. She was a vision—an angel who seemed untouched by the dreariness of the rain.

Mahiru was no stranger to Kanade. She had been his first heroine—the girl who had inspired his initial attempts at romance. Their story, however, had ended in quiet heartbreak.

"Good afternoon, Shiina-san," Kanade greeted her with a polite smile.

Mahiru seemed hesitant, as if debating whether to speak. She glanced outside, where the rain was steadily picking up. Kanade followed her gaze and quickly deduced the situation.

"You didn't bring an umbrella, did you?" he asked.

Mahiru shook her head, looking sheepish.

"Here, take mine." Kanade held out his umbrella without hesitation.

Mahiru blinked, startled by the offer. "No, I can't—what about you?"

"I'll manage," he replied. "There's a spare in the student council room."

"But—"

"Don't worry about it." He pressed the umbrella into her hands with a gentle smile.

Before she could protest further, Kanade turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the rain.

For a long moment, Mahiru remained where she was, clutching the umbrella tightly.

"You're still as stubborn as ever," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the rain.

Once, such an encounter would have led to them walking home together, sharing quiet laughter beneath the umbrella. But those days were gone.

Kanade had changed—no longer the shy, invisible boy who had relied on her kindness. Now, he stood tall as the student council president, a model of success and independence.

And yet, as the rain continued to fall, Mahiru couldn't help but wonder if, somewhere beneath that confident exterior, the boy she had once known still lingered.