Chapter 429: Gradually Deteriorating Attitude

Just yesterday, because of what happened on the final night of the Hoshin Festival, after a mental courtroom deliberation, the "Ice Kaguya" personality became the dominant one.

Kaguya had been using this personality since elementary school. It was also the version of her that the surrounding students were most familiar with.

From elementary through the first year of high school, she always maintained that cold and distant demeanor. Back in high school, she was even dubbed "The Ice Princess Kaguya."

With her stunning looks and identity as the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, she was like a noble princess sealed in ice. Students admired her, but were also terrified of her. They didn't dare to get close.

This personality only began to shift after she met Shirogane.

But now, "Ice Kaguya" had reemerged.

"I just spoke to the President. He looks like he didn't sleep at all last night. Seems like he's been stressed out because of you."

Rinji looked at the girl in front of him—Kaguya, who had now let her hair down and whose gaze had grown cold.

"Ai stayed over at my place last night. She mentioned your condition. And now that I've seen you today… you've definitely changed."

"Really? I think I'm perfectly normal right now."

Kaguya casually flipped her long hair over her shoulder, her voice cold as ice.

"Did you come here just to tell me that I've changed?"

"It's mainly about you and the President… though I don't know the full details, you really have changed."

"Oh?"

Kaguya's expression turned somewhat playful. She rested her chin on her hand and looked at Rinji across from her with elegance.

"In what way have I changed, exactly?"

"Your face is even more annoying than before."

"..."

"I didn't notice it that much in the past, but seeing your current expression just reminds me of that snotty Shinomiya brat from four years ago. You look like someone attending a funeral tomorrow."

"I didn't expect any praise from you anyway, but do you really have to insult me the moment you walk into school?"

"Sorry, sorry. It's just that your face reminds me too much of your father and your brother. Makes me curious what would happen if I shot you in the head."

Rinji said with a grin.

Kaguya could tell immediately.

Ever since the Ice Kaguya persona took over, Rinji's attitude toward her had plummeted dramatically.

"As fellow members of the student council, shouldn't you at least treat me like a person?"

"Please try to understand, Shinomiya. Normally when I see anyone from your family, I treat them like shit. I mean, the Shinomiya agents who dared to investigate Tokyo? They disappeared without a trace," Rinji said. "You should feel lucky I still consider you human."

"..."

"All right, I'll cut to the chase. What are you going to do about the President? Ever since you had your breakdown, he's been a mess every time I visit."

"Whatever's going on between me and Shirogane is our business. Are you sure you want to meddle in someone else's relationship drama?" Kaguya asked flatly.

"…If you put it like that, things get a bit more complicated."

"Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly."

"Then just say what you want to say, no need to hold back." Kaguya smiled.

"Okay, I'll say it."

"Go ahead."

"I took a whole damn morning out of my schedule to deal with your crap, and you have the nerve to play coy with me?"

"..."

"I thought everything would be resolved and you two would live happily ever after once the festival was over. Then the very next day, you pull this nonsense? Is there a hole in your head?"

"Your attitude really has gotten worse."

Kaguya let out a sigh.

As Ice Kaguya, she actually appreciated Rinji the most—and had a fairly high opinion of him. But ironically, this was the version of her that he disliked the most.

"There are some things that just can't be explained, even if I try."

"If you don't explain it, I can't help. So what's the actual problem?" Rinji said irritably. "If it's that bastard Gan'an refusing to let you date the President, then don't worry. I'm not going to kill him for now, but breaking a few limbs? That's on the table."

"Don't say something so terrifying. Nothing like that is happening between the president and me."

Kaguya shook her head.

"The reason I didn't say anything about this was because I wanted Shirogane to notice it himself."

"...Fine, how pretentious."

There was no way Rinji could understand what was going on in Kaguya's mind.

All he knew was that they'd spent a whole month putting together a plan to help Shirogane and Kaguya get together, using a lot of manpower and resources in the process.

Trying to understand a girl's heart really was difficult for Rinji.

"Anyway, it seems like you gained quite a bit from this Hoshin Festival too, Rinji-kun." Kaguya smiled. "You even managed to steal Hayasaka from my side."

"You've got some nerve saying that. It's not like you're paying her salary."

Rinji laughed.

"Besides, working for the Shinomiya family has been hell for Ai. Your main family has always treated her like a tool. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe more of your main family should die. Might as well wipe them all out."

"..."

Rinji's attitude toward Kaguya was visibly deteriorating. If they kept talking like this, they might really go from friends to enemies.

"Forget it. Your business isn't mine to worry about."

Apparently not wanting to look at Kaguya any longer, Rinji stood up from the sofa.

"You and the president can figure it out yourselves. I've got other things this afternoon, so I won't be at school. Don't go doing anything stupid."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

As Rinji walked out of the classroom, Kaguya followed behind him.

After hesitating for a moment, she asked the question she'd been holding in.

"Rinji-kun, there's something I want to ask you."

"Hm?"

"You and... Hayasaka... You've kissed, haven't you?"

The usually icy Kaguya suddenly held a hand in front of her face, seemingly trying to hide her blushing cheeks.

"Yeah."

Rinji admitted it straightforwardly.

"Can I ask... who initiated it?"

"Is that really important?"

"It is to me."

"I did."

"...Huh?"

"Is that so weird?"

"No... thank you for answering."

After Rinji left, Kaguya lowered her head and muttered to herself.

"Even someone like Rinji-kun, who's emotionally tone-deaf, took the initiative to kiss... What kind of trick did Hayasaka use? Maybe I should just go ask her directly."