087. Is This Really Okay to Say in Public?

"Join the student council, Iino Miko, and use your talents as an inspector. Judge whether our student council is qualified and correct..."

Natsukawa Kanade had indeed said these words to Iino Miko. His intention was genuine—a way to bring her into the fold, foster camaraderie, and gradually break down the barriers between her and the rest of the student council. But reality, as it often does, decided to take a sharp turn.

From the very next day, Iino Miko seemed to have completely misinterpreted his invitation. It wasn't subtle. Whenever there was a free moment outside of class, she appeared by his side. Whether it was during breaks or transitions, she hovered nearby, notepad and pen in hand, diligently scribbling as if documenting the minutiae of his life.

At first, Kanade thought she might just be overenthusiastic about her new role, but as time passed, her actions veered into uncharted territory. Observing him with a sharp, judgmental gaze, she began peppering him with personal questions. The girl wasn't merely fulfilling the role of an inspector; she was tracking him like an undercover journalist on the hunt for a scandal.

If this wasn't chaos, what was?

The fact that she didn't extend the same attention to Shinomiya Kaguya or Fujiwara Chika only made things worse. Why him? Was it because he was approachable? Did she think he'd tolerate her antics because she was his junior?

I'll show her who she's dealing with!

"President, are you alright? You seem tired. Should we head to the student council room for a break?" Iino Miko asked, her tone tinged with what seemed to be genuine concern.

Kanade turned to her, expressionless, the weariness in his eyes barely concealed. She gazed back, her own face calm and innocent, completely unaware of the storm she was brewing.

Before he could respond, a nearby group of students caught his attention. Their whispers floated toward him, and his sharp ears picked up every word.

"Did you see that? Kaguya-sama isn't with the president today!"

"Instead, there's this petite girl following him around."

"That's Iino Miko, right? I heard the president helped her during the elections."

"Wait, could it be... she fell for the president after that?!"

"A classic case of hero worship! I'd fall for the president too if he saved me! Honestly, I'd marry him on the spot."

"But isn't this, like, cheating? Poor Kaguya-sama! She probably doesn't even know."

"Oh no, is this the beginning of a tragic love triangle? I can't take it!"

Kanade's temple throbbed. A love triangle? With who? I haven't even started dating anyone!

"Shut up! My Kaguya-sama would never lose to a freshman!"

"Exactly! She's ten times more beautiful, not to mention way more elegant. I bet if Kaguya-sama even raised her hand, the president would come running like an obedient puppy!"

Kanade clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling dangerously close to the surface. The students around him seemed to have far too much free time, spinning wild fantasies as though they were extras in a shoujo drama.

Do these people not have homework? Are they not afraid of failing their exams?

The absurdity of their remarks made him want to explode, but he managed to hold it together long enough to escape to the student council room. Once there, he resolved to have a proper conversation with Iino Miko about her behavior.

What he didn't expect was to find someone already in the room.

"Good afternoon, President," Shinomiya Kaguya greeted him, her posture immaculate as she sat on the sofa like a noblewoman.

"Kaguya? I thought you had club activities today?" Kanade asked, surprised.

"Yes, well, the club advisor decided to give everyone a rare day off. So, no activities today," Kaguya replied, smiling gracefully.

Kanade's instincts told him something was off. Kaguya Shinomiya rarely deviated from her routine, and this excuse felt... too convenient.

In truth, Kaguya had feigned a headache to skip club activities. She'd been restless since the previous evening, her thoughts consumed by rumors she'd overheard. Unable to focus, she had come here to confirm things for herself—and to reclaim her rightful place by the president's side.

But her plans to have Kanade all to herself were thwarted the moment she saw the petite figure trailing behind him.

Still, Kaguya convinced herself this wasn't a big deal. After all, Miko was the same girl who had boldly declared just days ago, "You and the president are a perfect match! You should even get married right away!"

Surely, someone like her wouldn't dare disrupt Kaguya's carefully laid plans, right?

"What kind of tea would you like to drink, President?" Kaguya asked with a graceful smile as Kanade settled into his chair. Rising from the sofa, she strode over to the cupboard and began preparing the tea set.

"Anything's fine. I'm not picky," Kanade replied, shaking his head as he picked up a stack of funding reports from various clubs.

"I see," Kaguya nodded, her composure as perfect as ever. She turned her attention to Iino Miko, who was awkwardly perched on the edge of the sofa. "What about you, Iino-san?"

"N-no, thank you. Just pretend I'm not here, Senior Shinomiya," Miko stammered, shrinking back slightly.

Kaguya's sharp eyes softened for a moment. How considerate! This junior was practically giving her permission to monopolize Kanade's attention. What a God-sent opportunity!

With newfound confidence, Kaguya brewed a fragrant cup of tea, carefully placing it before Kanade.

"The president seems to prefer a more bitter taste?" she inquired, her tone light yet probing.

"Hmm... that's about right," Kanade murmured, his eyes scanning the reports. This kind of casual conversation while working was routine for him, and he answered without much thought.

"In other words," Kaguya continued smoothly, "you prefer a refreshing simplicity over overly sweet entanglements, correct?"

"Exactly," Kanade replied absentmindedly, flipping through another page.

Kaguya's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, the president must be the type who prefers boxer briefs, then?"

"Huh?"

Kanade froze mid-turn, the words sinking in like a pebble dropped into a still pond. His brain replayed the statement, trying to comprehend the sudden leap in logic.

"Wait, what?! That doesn't even make sense!" His voice rose an octave as he stared at her, bewildered.

Kaguya tilted her head, her expression as serene as a cherry blossom in spring.

Kanade clenched the report in his hand. Boxers? Briefs?

What kind of twisted conversational detour is this?!

For a brief moment, silence fell over the room. Iino Miko sat rigid on the sofa, her face a mixture of confusion and secondhand embarrassment. Kanade, meanwhile, mentally debated if he'd been thrown into some strange variety show.

"Shinomiya..." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's not exactly something to discuss in public."

There was no doubt about it—Shinomiya Kaguya was up to something.