002. Resolving to Let Go

"Shinomiya, you win. I surrender."

For the first time, Natsukawa Kanade revealed a dispassionate expression as he faced the girl he had once loved so deeply.

It wasn't that he was being heartless—it was just that if he softened now, it would only lead to more pain for himself in the future.

So, it was better to let go. Not as their "protagonist," orbiting their lives, but as an ordinary bystander, witnessing their eventual happy endings from afar.

"Surrender?... President, what do you mean by that?"

The first to respond was a girl of stunning beauty. Her hands clasped neatly in front of her abdomen, she stood straight and poised, with silky black hair cascading down her back like satin. Her flawless white skin, delicate features, and crimson eyes that seemed to hold Kanade's reflection—all combined to make Shinomiya Kaguya an impossibly captivating presence.

Kaguya Shinomiya, a girl of unparalleled charm, was the one Kanade had poured so much effort into recruiting as his vice president.

At this moment, just as Kaguya's gaze focused solely on him, Kanade's attention was entirely fixed on her—as if he were trying to imprint this final, beautiful scene into his memory.

"I'm sorry, Shinomiya... and everyone else. For personal reasons, I've decided to resign as student council president."

Kanade scanned the student council room, his eyes briefly meeting those of his colleagues. He spoke with a hint of apology in his voice.

He didn't answer Kaguya's question directly, but he assumed that, with her sharp intellect, she would understand his meaning.

At Shuchiin Academy, the student council had significant autonomy, and its president was elected by the student body. The president also had the authority to appoint any student to the council.

Kaguya Shinomiya, Miyuki Shirogane, Yuu Ishigami... and Chika Fujiwara.

With the exception of Chika, who had insisted on joining to stay close to Kaguya, Kanade had personally sought out and invited all the other members.

Perhaps that was part of the problem.

Because of Miyuki Shirogane's presence, no matter how closely Kanade tried to emulate him, he could never win in the competition to be the "ideal protagonist."

Most people prefer the genuine article over an imitation, just as they admire Yukinoshita Yukino for her calm and composed authenticity.

"I've already submitted my resignation to the principal. If all goes well, it should be approved today. I've also prepared detailed notes for the handover, so the next president should be able to transition into the role smoothly."

"But as for the next president..." Kanade paused, his gaze landing on Miyuki Shirogane. "Honestly, I hope it will be you, Shirogane."

Kanade made no attempt to hide his thoughts.

Since becoming student council president, they had worked together long enough to understand each other's capabilities. While Kanade was stepping down for personal reasons, he wasn't about to shirk his responsibilities entirely.

Selecting a suitable successor, passing on knowledge, ensuring a smooth transition—Kanade believed these were part of his duty, no matter who took over.

In the realm of romance, Miyuki Shirogane was undoubtedly his rival, his adversary. But in real life, he was a capable subordinate and a trustworthy friend.

Of course, Kanade's decision wasn't entirely selfless. It was also, in part, an apology—a way to compensate Shirogane for stealing his "protagonist" role.

"Sorry, Shinomiya. While you may have won against me, you haven't achieved total victory. After all, Shirogane hasn't lost yet."

Kaguya's competitive spirit had always been strong. From the very beginning, it was Kanade who had provoked her with a wager, sparking the rivalry between them. Ever since, the battles between them—open or subtle—had always been initiated by Kaguya.

Kanade, not being one to enjoy conflict, only played along because it was what his "heroine" desired.

Once. Twice. Three times... Kanade had lost count of the number of clashes he'd had with Kaguya. What started as a thrilling challenge had eventually dulled into monotony.

There was no future in sight. No end to the road.

Even the most tedious tasks have a progress bar, yet love was like a labyrinth without any indicators. You could choose your starting point, but once you stepped inside, you never knew whether you were heading toward a dead end or the exit.

Then again, perhaps even a "dead end" could be considered an exit.

Call it an excuse for the weak if you like. If it truly freed you from pain, why not embrace it?

"Shinomiya, I know you've always been unwilling to accept me. From the very first academic contest, it's been the same. But after today, you won't have any more chances to compete with me."

"Of course, I've found you a good rival to replace me."

Kanade glanced deeply at the girl who had once been his heroine before shifting his gaze to Miyuki Shirogane.

"Shirogane, for the next election, I'll write you a recommendation letter. But the rest—campaigning, speeches—you'll have to handle yourself."

As a transfer student from a mixed background, Kanade had fought tooth and nail to reach the pinnacle of Shuchiin Academy. His connections were vast, but he wasn't about to waste them just to help Miyuki Shirogane secure the presidency.

Besides, while the original storyline demonstrated Shirogane's competence for the role, that wasn't the issue here.

No matter how magnanimous someone might be, few would go all-out to help a romantic rival, unless they had some peculiar tendencies.

Kanade certainly didn't have such inclinations. If anything, he was deliberately making things harder for Shirogane.

After all, Kanade had invested tremendous effort to become president. It was only fair that Shirogane experience the same struggle—and face the ultimate challenge: Kaguya Shinomiya.

"Apologies, Shinomiya. While you're undoubtedly capable and more than qualified to be president, I personally favor Shirogane."

"If you disagree, then beat him. If you manage that, I'll admit I was wrong, and that you're the best fit for the role."

Kanade's involvement had drastically altered the original dynamics between Kaguya and Shirogane. Their feelings for each other hadn't progressed as they had in the original timeline.

Even so, Kanade could sense something—Kaguya's gaze would often drift to Shirogane, lingering with an inexplicable look.

Was that attraction?

Kanade couldn't quite put it into words, but he believed it was as he suspected.

Although he had more opportunities to interact with Kaguya, she had never once looked at him with anything resembling fondness. Her gaze was always calm, as if he were a stranger of no consequence.

Yet in their daily lives, they clashed incessantly.

When genuine feelings were met with cold indifference, Kanade was inevitably broken.

Still, he had grown used to it. It didn't take him long to make his decision: to let go.

From now on, they would likely become strangers, just like everyone else from his past.