Heartbeats and Illusions

"Come to think of it, this year's forest school is about to start. I'm really looking forward to it," Fujiwara Chika chirped, her legs swinging playfully as she perched on the armrest of the sofa. Her lively tone filled the student council room with an air of excitement.

The forest school was a highly anticipated annual tradition, where students immersed themselves in nature while learning life skills like cooking and teamwork. It was a rare chance for the elite students of Shuchiin Academy to step out of their comfort zones, fostering camaraderie and personal growth. The event typically lasted several days and included activities like bonfire parties, self-prepared meals, and even late-night ghost stories to test their courage.

"It won't be any different from last year," Kaguya Shinomiya said dismissively as she poured tea into delicate porcelain cups. Her movements were precise, each gesture reflecting her aristocratic upbringing. "It's just a change of scenery. Perhaps a bonfire party at most... nothing extraordinary."

Though outwardly indifferent, Kaguya couldn't deny a flicker of disappointment. The rigid class-based grouping meant she wouldn't get to spend much time with him. The idea of Natsukawa Kanade enjoying the forest school without her stirred an inexplicable frustration in her chest.

"Eh? So Kaguya-chan doesn't like this kind of event? I think it's fun!" Chika exclaimed, tilting her head. "It's a shame we're stuck with our own classes. Wouldn't it be great if we could mix and match? I'd love to hang out with Kaguya-chan and the President together!"

Her innocent remark ignited a flurry of thoughts in Kaguya's mind. Mix and match, you say? That simple suggestion held infinite possibilities. If class divisions were relaxed, wouldn't that be the perfect chance to team up with Kanade? They could cook together, explore the woods, and perhaps, just perhaps, share a quiet moment under the stars at the bonfire party.

No! This isn't just a fleeting thought—this is an opportunity!

"Come to think of it," Kaguya began, her tone soft yet deliberate, "I've heard some students feel that strictly using classes as units stifles interaction with friends from other classes. It wouldn't hurt for the school to consider a more flexible approach... perhaps something organized by grade level?"

Her suggestion was veiled in pragmatism, but every word was calculated. Changing the grouping system wasn't just a logistical improvement—it was her golden ticket to spending more time with Kanade.

"What do you think, President?" she asked, her crimson eyes locking onto Natsukawa Kanade with a practiced look of innocence. "Wouldn't it make sense to organize it by grade instead?"

Kanade, seated at his desk with an expression that blended curiosity and mild exasperation at Chika's antics, tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, organizing by grade does sound more flexible, but it could be harder to manage so many students at once," he said. His voice was calm yet authoritative, the kind that made Kaguya's heart flutter despite herself.

"That's easy to address!" Kaguya leaned forward slightly, her excitement slipping through her composed demeanor. "We could delegate responsibilities to class committees for day-to-day management and have them report back to the student council. That way, we maintain control without micromanaging every detail."

Her enthusiasm was contagious. Even Kanade couldn't help but smile at her well-thought-out suggestion. "That could work. And we could use the last couple of days for school-wide activities like a test of courage or a bonfire party."

"A test of courage!" Chika clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling with delight. "That sounds amazing! Imagine wandering through the forest at night with nothing but a flashlight. So romantic!" She punctuated her words with a dramatic swoon.

Kanade chuckled softly. "I'm not sure how romantic it'll be when everyone's screaming their heads off."

Ignoring Chika's theatrics, Kaguya pressed on. "To encourage participation, we could introduce a reward and punishment system. Classes with the best orderliness could earn prizes, while those failing to meet expectations might face penalties. It would instill a sense of responsibility while keeping things lively."

Kanade nodded, impressed. "That's a solid plan. I'll propose it at the next council meeting. If the school agrees, we can make the forest school even better this year."

Kaguya's lips curved into a small, victorious smile. She had planted the seed of her plan, and it was already taking root. Her mind buzzed with the possibilities. Soon, she could walk alongside Kanade under the canopy of stars, their footsteps crunching softly against the forest floor. It was a perfect setup for a fairytale moment—just her and the President, away from the distractions of the world.

The Shuchiin Academy Student Council wielded considerable influence, even over long-established traditions like the forest school. While the activity was a fixed part of the school calendar, the council's involvement in planning and enhancing such events wasn't entirely uncommon. As long as their suggestions were well-structured and didn't completely overturn expectations, the administration rarely objected.

After a spirited discussion, the council finalized their proposals. The framework for the revamped forest school was set: a blend of traditional class-based activities for order and new group-oriented events for greater flexibility.

"Great! This way, I can stay with Kaguya-chan forever!" Fujiwara Chika exclaimed, throwing her arms around Kaguya Shinomiya and nuzzling her cheek with fervent affection.

"Hmm..." Kaguya's expression remained stoic, but her thoughts painted a different story. Her goal had always been to get closer to Natsukawa Kanade, not to be smothered by this overly affectionate big-breasted cow!

Ugh, if only I didn't have to maintain my image, Kaguya lamented internally. I would've shoved her off ages ago—preferably with a well-aimed slap to her chest. Big-breasted aliens like her are my mortal enemies!

Kaguya barely managed to keep her composure. A strained smile tugged at her lips as she subtly tried to free herself from Chika's overly enthusiastic grip.

"Don't get too excited just yet," Kanade interjected, his calm tone cutting through the chaos. "While it's nice to spend time with friends, for us in the student council, this means extra work. We won't exactly have the luxury of enjoying the activities like everyone else."

Chika's face fell, her earlier excitement dimming. "Eh?! But as long as we finish our duties, we'll still have some free time, right?"

"Of course," Kanade replied, a sly grin forming. "As long as you handle your responsibilities well, you can do whatever you want. But don't think I'll make it easy for you."

"President, you're being mean again!" Chika pouted, glaring at him with mock offense. Her exaggerated expression only made her look more ridiculous. "Do you enjoy ruining my happiness?"

Kanade raised an eyebrow, a sharp # mark practically visible on his forehead. Why do I even bother being reasonable with this idiot?

Before he could retort, the door to the student council room creaked open. Iino Miko, their diligent first-year member, stepped inside, her ever-serious demeanor contrasting starkly with the ongoing antics.

"The president is being sour again," Miko remarked flatly, her gaze piercing Kanade like a judge scrutinizing a criminal.

Kanade's shoulders tensed. "It's not what you think!" he protested, his voice carrying a tinge of desperation. "I'm not sour or shy, okay?"

Fueled by a mix of indignation and self-preservation, Kanade doubled down, his words spilling out in rapid succession. He wasn't about to let Chika or Miko paint him as some awkward, socially inept president. After all, appearances mattered, especially when dealing with three unpredictable girls who seemed hellbent on embarrassing him.

To redirect the conversation—and reclaim his dignity—Kanade turned to Miko. "Iino-san, since you're here, let's talk responsibilities. As a first-year, you'll be handling the coordination for the freshmen during the forest school. Consider it practice for when you eventually become student council president."

Miko blinked, taken aback by the sudden assignment. "Wait, me? I just joined the council. I'm probably not as capable as—" She paused, her gaze darting toward the mention of Ishigami. A brief flicker of doubt crossed her face before she straightened her back, determination overtaking her hesitation. "No, forget I said that. I'll do it!"

"Good." Kanade nodded approvingly. "I'll also assign Ishigami to assist you. Use him however you see fit. Think of him as... a resource at your disposal."

Miko hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Are you sure about Ishigami? He doesn't exactly exude reliability."

Kanade couldn't suppress a grin. "You're not wrong, but he'll manage. Besides, it's not like I have many options. You're the only two freshmen in the council, so you'll have to make do."

He chuckled at the memory of Ishigami and Chika's self-proclaimed "alliance," which often felt more like a conspiracy against him. Assigning Ishigami to Miko's supervision felt like poetic justice—and a small revenge for the headaches those two constantly gave him.

"Fine," Miko replied with a reluctant nod. "But if he slacks off, don't expect me to go easy on him."

Kanade smirked, his confidence unwavering. "That's the spirit. Now, let's make this forest school unforgettable—for all the right reasons."