110 "Eriri's Invitation"

"Um... for the courage test later, would you like to team up with me?" Eriri asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with nervousness.

It was her first time trying to invite Natsukawa Kanade for something that wasn't work-related—just a casual, playful activity. She couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Kanade probably didn't know, but it was rumored that every year after these school camping trips, many sweet couples were born. Especially with the double "legendary buffs" of the courage test and the bonfire dance, it seemed like the perfect chance for something magical to happen.

If she could complete these events with Kanade, she'd surely win! There was no way she was letting this opportunity slip by. It was time to take the initiative!

"The courage test…" Kanade mused for a moment before replying gently, "I don't see why not. But because of student council duties, I might need to join the last group."

Kanade couldn't help but notice Eriri's uncharacteristic lack of her usual tsundere remarks. That only made her intentions clearer—she'd even set aside her trademark attitude, which meant this was genuinely important to her.

Though he wasn't sure why she chose him specifically, Kanade figured that Eriri didn't have many close friends, and that thought made her seem pitiable. He couldn't find it in his heart to refuse.

"Great! I mean… it's a deal, then." Eriri's small fangs gleamed in the sunlight as she flashed him a radiant smile.

"Mm, it's a deal," Kanade replied with a small smile of his own.

Eriri's expressions were always vivid and charming, but he had to admit this cheerful one suited her best. Her usual pouty or angry faces were cute, too—especially the twintail "spinning storm" moments, which gave off an oddly tempting "bully me" vibe—but this smile was something else.

As they walked and chatted, they soon reached Eriri's class area. Along the way, several classmates greeted Kanade, their gazes curious when they noticed Eriri accompanying him.

"Morning, Prez! Thanks for escorting our precious Eriri back safely," a cheerful girl teased, stepping forward with a mischievous grin.

Kanade glanced at Eriri and noticed her cheeks were flushed, though she didn't seem embarrassed or uncomfortable—just flustered. He figured out why immediately.

"It's nothing. Eriri's a good friend, after all, so this was no trouble at all."

Though Kanade hadn't been around her much recently, he knew Eriri's social circle was likely limited due to her particular quirks and her secret double life as an illustrator. Finding a friend as patient and understanding as Katou was already rare. While Kanade worried she might not have others like that, he reasoned that having a few decent acquaintances was enough to avoid isolation.

Given Shuchiin's high standards, outright bullying was unlikely—he was probably overthinking things.

However, his casual reply seemed to shock the other girl. "Eriri? That bold?!" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Eriri blinked, confused. "Bold about what?"

She couldn't understand what the girl meant. Was it because she'd invited Kanade to the courage test? But she hadn't told anyone about that, so how could they possibly know?

"N-Nothing!" the girl stammered, waving her hands awkwardly. Internally, though, she thought this was going to be entertaining. After all, Kanade only addressed Kaguya as "Shinomiya," so for him to casually call Eriri by her first name?

What a scandal!

"Oh… okay," Eriri replied innocently, dismissing her confusion. She wasn't close to this girl, anyway—just an acquaintance.

Kanade, as usual, didn't read too much into it. His thoughts briefly wandered to how Mahiru had also asked him to use her first name earlier. But introspection wasn't his strong suit.

"By the way, where's Shinomiya?" he asked, scanning the room.

"Ah, Kaguya-sama is, um, supervising everyone in the 'kitchen' area," the girl replied with a noticeable shift in her demeanor. The teasing smile was replaced with what seemed like reverence.

Kanade raised an eyebrow. A fan of hers?

Even if she was, that didn't concern him. "Thanks for letting me know," he said, nodding before turning to Eriri. "I'll leave you here. See you later."

"Mm!" Eriri nodded back, watching him walk away.

After he left, the other girl sidled up to Eriri with a warm—though slightly unsettling—smile.

"Good work, Eriri. Let's take the firewood together."

"Ah… okay…" Eriri agreed, but she couldn't shake a strange chill. Though the girl's words were kind, her gaze was sharp, almost predatory. It felt like being a summer cicada watched by someone who already knew it wouldn't live long.

What did I do?!

Meanwhile, Kanade arrived at the "kitchen" area and spotted Kaguya Shinomiya, who was intently watching her classmates cook. She seemed deeply engrossed, nodding occasionally as though appreciating a fine piece of art.

Kanade decided not to disturb her right away and instead observed quietly.

"Ah, so this step comes first…" Kaguya muttered to herself, completely unaware of his presence. She seemed to be studying the process intently, though the students' cooking methods didn't seem particularly skilled.

Is she learning to cook by watching others? Kanade speculated.

"Cooking isn't that hard. I think you should try it yourself," he said softly, breaking the silence.

Though his voice wasn't loud, it startled Kaguya.

"!" She turned quickly, her breath catching as she saw Kanade standing close by.

Even after two days apart, the sight of him was just as striking. His clean-cut appearance and familiar shampoo scent made her heart flutter.

"Good morning, President," she greeted, quickly regaining her composure.

Her previously flustered demeanor was replaced with calm elegance, but the slight pink on her cheeks betrayed her lingering emotions.

The faint warmth of his breath brushed against her face as he stood nearby, making her feel dizzy.

"President, this is sudden, but… could I ask you to accompany me for a bit?"

"Hm?"

Notes-Read advances chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished uploading the whole series in patreon, a total of 274 chapters you can find it in the collections, thanks for supporting me and special thanks to all the patrons for joining