Chapter 416: Intentions

"Are you sure it's okay to leave Shinomiya alone like that?"

"Don't worry about Kaguya-sama," said Hayasaka. "I believe she'll make up her mind. And honestly, it's time she stood on her own. If I keep hovering around, it'll only make her more dependent on me."

"...I see."

Night had fallen. Hayasaka and Rinji were walking along the slope near Shuchiin Academy.

Since she hadn't had time to change, Hayasaka was still in the maid outfit from the café.

"Rinji, you seemed really fired up earlier."

"It's been a while since I lost it like that."

He looked up at the night sky. The moon was hanging brightly overhead.

"It's just... today made me realize that my past cowardice led to consequences I couldn't take back. So what I said just now—maybe I was scolding Shinomiya, but in truth, I was really berating my own useless self."

Hayasaka couldn't think of a reply.

Though she had no evidence, something told her that what Rinji mentioned... had to do with her, too.

"Forget it, let's not talk about that anymore."

Rinji turned his gaze toward the school rooftop.

"It should be about time."

"Hm?"

"According to the president's plan, Shinomiya should be arriving on the rooftop now. This is their final battle—I just wanted to help set the mood for them."

Saying that, Rinji pulled out a remote control.

---

'President is leaving to study abroad. This is really my last chance.'

Kaguya stood in front of the bonfire logs, facing the entire school.

Dressed in archery attire, she held a lit arrow and took a deep breath.

Many students admired her for her focus and composure, not realizing her mind was full of chaos.

'And what was with Rinji-kun losing his temper like that? Escape? Me?'

She not only did it—she'd been running for an entire year.

Despite the inner turmoil, she raised the bow, nocked the arrow, drew it, and aimed at the logs.

'Where's the president right now? It's my big moment and he's not even here. Is he watching from somewhere, waiting to see my flustered reaction? So mean…'

She loosed the arrow.

The flaming arrow flew and landed on the logs.

With cheers from the crowd, the bonfire lit up, officially kicking off the festival.

Kaguya sighed softly.

She hadn't seen Shirogane all day, not even once.

"Ah! Look over there!!"

The bonfire's light illuminated the area, and someone pointed up in surprise.

Everyone turned their gaze upward—to the rooftop.

Originally, Shirogane had placed his handcrafted art piece on the roof: a dragon coiled around a giant pearl. But now, the pearl was gone.

"...Who's behind this prank?"

Then—whoosh—hundreds of cards fluttered down from the sky.

Kaguya picked up one.

It was made from special material, clearly prepared for the occasion. On the front was a single sentence:

"I, Arsène Lupin, have taken the Heart Offering."

"Arsène Lupin? Isn't that the one responsible for stealing all the heart-shaped balloons today? Who is this guy! Trying to ruin the last Hoshin Festival between me and the president..."

Kaguya frowned, then suddenly her eyes lit up.

"The balloons disappearing, Fujiwara chasing the culprit... and this paper's texture, the rooftop..."

Suddenly, it all clicked.

Without waiting another second, she dashed for the school building.

She quickly changed out of her archery uniform and into her usual school clothes and ran straight for the rooftop.

Clack!

Pushing open the door, Kaguya stepped into the starlit rooftop.

Standing there was Shirogane, wearing a top hat and cloak, waiting in the cold night breeze.

"President..."

"You made it, Shinomiya."

Seeing her arrive, Shirogane breathed a sigh of relief.

Then blushed from embarrassment—his outfit really was ridiculous.

But he soon regained composure.

Looking at the bonfire below, he smiled. "Nice view, right? You can see the whole festival from here."

"..."

"This is my last time attending the Hoshin Festival. At least let me enjoy it to the fullest."

"..."

Kaguya said nothing, clenching her skirt tightly.

'Why are you here, President? Did you know I'd come? Or is this a test?'

'Why mention studying abroad now of all times?'

'If I confess, how will he respond?'

"Since you're the first one to catch the phantom thief, you should get a reward," he said. "What do you want?"

'Of course I want the president to confess to me.'

She stared at him with teary eyes.

Her greatest fear was being rejected—and that was something she couldn't endure.

'If I confess, you might reject me… but if you confess, I'll definitely say yes!'

"... Shinomiya?"

Seeing the tears in her eyes, Shirogane panicked.

He quickly pulled out his phone.

"Don't misunderstand! I'm not playing with your feelings. I brought you here because I wanted to show you something."

He pressed a button.

Suddenly, machinery around the school activated.

All the students at the bonfire looked up—and gasped.

Countless heart-shaped balloons floated up into the sky above the school.

Staring at the scene, Kaguya stood frozen.

"Shinomiya… this is how I feel."

---

Far away, Rinji and Hayasaka also saw the balloons.

Hayasaka was still confused, but Rinji let out a laugh.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"It's time. Light it up."

Biu—

Boom!

A giant heart-shaped firework burst into the night sky over Shuchiin Academy.