087. Is That Something You Can Say Out Loud?

"Join the student council, Miko Iino. Fully utilize your talents as an observer and judge for yourself whether our council is qualified and just…"

These were the words Kanade Natsukawa had spoken to Miko Iino. His intent was for her to integrate into the student council, gradually building trust and rapport with its members.

What he didn't anticipate was her wildly different interpretation of his invitation.

For an entire day, aside from mandatory class time, Miko seemed to appear wherever he was. Anytime something occurred, she'd whip out a notebook and start scribbling, giving the impression of a diligent secretary.

If it ended there, it wouldn't be so bad—a proper secretary was a welcome addition to the student council. But Miko hadn't abandoned her original role. Even as she recorded notes, she scrutinized Kanade with an evaluating gaze, as if she were a private investigator. She even seemed interested in his personal life.

This had gone beyond fulfilling her observer role—it was borderline stalking. Why didn't she shadow Kaguya Shinomiya or Chika Fujiwara instead? Did she think he was an easy target because he wouldn't lose his temper with a junior?

He absolutely could lose his temper. She'd see it if this kept up.

"President, are you feeling unwell? You look tired. Would you like to rest?" Miko asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Kanade turned his head silently to look at her, only to be met with her earnest expression.

"Alright, let's take a break in the student council room," he finally relented, though his mind churned with frustration.

It was clear that Miko wasn't self-aware. She didn't seem to grasp the trouble her actions were causing him. Worse, passersby had started whispering:

"Unbelievable! Kaguya-sama isn't with the President today!"

"Instead, it's a petite underclassman!"

"I heard her name is Miko Iino. The President helped her during the election."

"Could it be… she fell for him because he saved her?"

"As a first-year, that totally makes sense. If the President rescued me like that, I'd gladly have his children right now!"

"Isn't this basically cheating? Poor Kaguya-sama—she doesn't even know!"

"Could this be a tragic love triangle? Oh, I can't take it!"

"Why? I was here first! Whether it's meeting the President or working with him…"

"Silence! My Kaguya-sama would never utter such weak words! She'd fight back with dignity!"

"That's right! The 'Kaguya x Kanade faction' will never surrender! A mere first-year can't compare to Kaguya-sama's beauty. With just one gesture from her, the President would come running like a loyal dog!"

"..."

Kanade couldn't believe what he was hearing. Normally, Kaguya or solitude occupied his side. Now that Miko had taken that spot, upperclassmen had noticed, and rumors had exploded.

One student even had the audacity to ask him outright if he and Kaguya had broken up.

We were never even dating! Kanade wanted to shout.

Clearly, some students at Shuchiin Academy had too much free time. They weren't afraid of spreading rumors, even in his presence, and they didn't seem to fear his reaction.

Was his "serious and stern" persona not intimidating enough? Maybe his face was just naturally non-threatening.

Kanade barely held it together as he walked to the student council room. Once inside, he planned to have a serious conversation with Miko.

But he hadn't expected someone else to already be there.

"Good afternoon, President."

Sitting gracefully on the sofa, exuding her usual elegance, was Kaguya Shinomiya.

"Kaguya? No club activities today?" Kanade asked, surprised.

"No, the club president decided to give everyone a rare day off," Kaguya replied with a serene smile, lying through her teeth.

In reality, she'd been too preoccupied to focus on club activities. She had taken the day off to come to the student council room, hoping for a private moment with Kanade. She hadn't anticipated him bringing a "shadow" along.

Still, the situation wasn't hopeless. Miko had, after all, once declared in Kaguya's presence that "you and the President are a perfect match! You should just get married already!" Surely Miko wouldn't interfere.

"Would you like some tea, President?" Kaguya asked as Kanade sat down.

"Anything is fine. I'm not picky." Kanade shook his head, already absorbed in reviewing budget reports submitted by various clubs.

"I understand." Kaguya nodded before turning to Miko. "What about you, Iino-san?"

"Oh, no need for me! Pretend I'm not even here, Shinomiya-senpai," Miko replied, shrinking slightly into the couch.

Kaguya's smile grew. What a considerate junior, she thought. By saying she's invisible, she's essentially giving me free rein. What a fortuitous opportunity!

Buoyed by her good mood, Kaguya prepared a cup of pu-erh tea and placed it on Kanade's desk.

"The President seems to prefer bitter flavors?"

"Yes, that's about right," Kanade replied absentmindedly, continuing his work. Casual conversations like this had become second nature to him, requiring little thought.

"So, compared to cloying sweetness, you prefer the refreshing touch of bitterness?"

"Exactly."

"...In that case, you must be the type to prefer boxer briefs over other styles of underwear?"

"Of course, I…"

Kanade froze mid-sentence.

Boxer briefs? Underwear?

What in the world is this conversation?!

He turned sharply toward Kaguya, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.

"Is that something you can just say out loud?"

Kaguya Shinomiya, what on earth is wrong with you?!