001. You Win, I Lose

Notes-This is a translation, if you like it, please review and give good ratings and power stones, original title

决定摆烂后,却开始受人欢迎 Author: 丶冰霜千雨

if you don't like it kindly ignore, don't bother to comment and review and go back to enjoying your life, not everyone will like everything, i understand that. Good luck and those who stayed, enjoy reading....

Story starts.....

"Sorry, I'm not ready for a relationship yet..."

"Sorry, Kanade, I'm not interested in dating right now..."

"Natsukawa-kun, you're a great guy, but..."

"..."

Natsukawa Kanade opened his eyes, staring silently at the familiar ceiling.

He had lost count of how many times he'd had dreams like this. At first, the faces of the girls rejecting his confessions were distinct and sharp, but over time, they began to blur.

Was it because he had let go and moved on? Of course not. It was simply because repeating the same experience day after day had numbed him.

Like eating the same piece of bread every morning—not because you enjoy it, but because it's become a bodily need.

"Today should be the last day... Time really flies, huh?"

After a moment of clarity, Kanade finally reached out to silence the alarm clock that had been ringing incessantly, then began his daily routine of dressing and washing up.

The sky outside was just beginning to lighten. A faint beam of sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting a frosty glow across his bedspread.

The sight reminded Kanade of a famous Tang dynasty poem. The atmosphere was similar, though this was morning, not night.

"I really do want to go back..." he muttered under his breath.

But just as he had no idea why dozing off in class had transported him to this world, he also had no clue how to return to his own.

No cheat powers, no guidance, no goals, no missions—almost as if some deity had played a minor prank, dropping him into this unfamiliar world without rhyme or reason.

Kanade, being an avid reader of light novels, had once fantasized that he was sent here with a purpose. Yet as time passed, he realized:

This world was almost indistinguishable from his original one. There were no villains trying to destroy the world, no tragedies awaiting his intervention. The only distinctive feature was the appearance of girls from anime—flesh-and-blood versions of two-dimensional characters standing right before his eyes.

Yukinoshita Yukino, Shinomiya Kaguya, Kasumigaoka Utaha... One by one, these "waifus" emerged from fiction, speaking to him as real people.

Of course, he was ecstatic.

Who wouldn't be thrilled to meet the girl of their dreams, especially one who shouldn't even "exist"?

Naturally, Kanade treated them as his goals and motivation in this world.

Recalling plots, devising strategies, closing the distance, and initiating his "conquest."

He discarded his lifelong habits and personality, forcing himself to act like an unfamiliar version of "the ideal male lead" to get closer to the heroines.

Kanade wasn't untalented, but achieving the level needed to win the hearts of these heroines was far beyond his natural abilities. Thus, he relentlessly practiced—until he became the "perfect candidate."

The journey wasn't easy.

Cooking, music, tea ceremony, shared interests... Every day, he devoted a third of his time to learning these skills, all to ensure his interactions with the heroines would bear fruit.

Initially, everything went according to plan. Relationships deepened; he became their friend, confidant, even a best friend.

More than friends, but not quite lovers.

It seemed like one final push was all it would take to achieve his dream and secure the romance he longed for.

Kanade believed this wholeheartedly.

But reality proved otherwise.

When he orchestrated the perfect date and hoped for a happy ending, the heroine coldly rejected him.

Lighthearted words, flimsy excuses—none of it made sense to Kanade. No matter how much he tried to bridge the gap, all he met was increasing distance.

What went wrong? What was missing? He couldn't fathom it. Maybe he confessed too soon? Should he have built more rapport?

Regardless of the reasons, his first love ended in failure.

But Kanade refused to accept defeat. He wouldn't give up so easily.

Fortunately, this world had plenty of heroines. Even if his first attempt ended in disappointment, there was always a second... and a third...

Transforming regret into determination, Kanade threw himself into his next pursuit.

The same steps, different methods. Initially, things seemed promising again. Yet the outcome remained unchanged: rejection.

Why? Why was this happening?

Undeterred, Kanade embarked on a third attempt... a fourth... a fifth...

But each time, the result was the same—no.

Not an immediate "no," but rejection after bonds had deepened and emotions had seemingly warmed.

Ah... So this is how it is. He wasn't their male lead after all.

No matter how well he imitated the ideal, no matter how genuine his feelings, an imitation could never replace the real thing.

The truth, a gaping void, had finally consumed his world, shrouding it in a suffocating gloom.

At least it would all end today. From now on, he would be himself—no more façades, no more personas.

"Good morning, President."

"Morning."

Walking down the hallway, greeted by countless classmates, Kanade couldn't help but feel a twinge of irony.

Student Council President. Not just any president, but the leader of Shuchiin Academy—a prestigious institution for the elite. With its seamless educational path from kindergarten to university, becoming its president practically guaranteed a golden future.

Building connections with the powerful and influential? A breeze.

Getting into a world-class university? Effortless.

Everything Kanade could ever desire was within his grasp, as easy as reaching out.

And yet, none of it interested him. His decision to run for president had been driven by a singular goal: to win over Shinomiya Kaguya.

The heiress of a 200-trillion-yen empire, a genius who excelled at everything she attempted.

And once, the girl Kanade believed might share his life forever.

But she didn't see him that way.

Unlike the image Kanade had in his mind, this world's Kaguya had never shown him the slightest hint of affection.

Whether it was begrudgingly admitting defeat in a bet or dutifully fulfilling her promise to join the student council, Kaguya remained professional and distant.

Even when Kanade lowered his guard, opening up entirely, she showed no warmth—only an endless cycle of rivalry and cold indifference.

He was tired.

And so, today, he decided to end it.

With an impassive expression but resolute heart, Kanade pushed open the doors to the student council room.

Facing the gazes of his peers, he spoke clearly:

"Kaguya, you win. I lose."