Kaguya was surprisingly light—almost weightless against his back. She probably didn't even weigh a hundred pounds. But even with her delicate frame, Natsukawa Kanade knew carrying her through the entire course without stopping was unrealistic. At some point, he'd have to rest.
"President, are you okay? If it's too much, maybe we should just give up?" Kaguya Shinomiya asked, her voice tinged with worry.
After completing another section of the Test of Courage while carrying her, Natsukawa Kanade finally collapsed onto a rocky outcrop, panting. His limbs felt like lead, his lungs burned, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears. He needed a break.
"..." He remained silent for a moment, staring at the ground, before shaking his head. "I think I can still keep going..."
Now it was his turn to push himself beyond his limits.
Especially after hearing the usually proud and competitive Kaguya say, "No."
That single word hit him harder than any exhaustion. There was no way he could accept that. Something deep inside him roared in defiance, flooding his body with a second wind. His pride as a man wouldn't let him back down now.
"Besides," he continued, forcing a grin despite the sweat dripping down his face, "the level supervisor said the next challenge is the last one. It's just a simple walk along a path—no running, no physical obstacles. Even if it turns into a full-on chase scene again, I'll carry you through it without fail!"
Kaguya blinked in surprise before a small, knowing smile spread across her lips.
The president is the most handsome when he's serious, but a showoff president is unexpectedly adorable, too...!
She regretted not bringing a camera. This moment deserved to be immortalized.
Seeing the thin sheen of sweat on his forehead, she quietly pulled out a handkerchief and held it out to him.
"President, here. Use this."
Kanade glanced at the handkerchief before shaking his head. "Nah, I'll just wipe it off with my hand."
Even after spending years at this school, there were some things he still wasn't used to—like carrying a handkerchief around. It felt... unmanly. Normally, he'd just wash his face or wipe his hands on his pants. Simple. Efficient.
"President..." Kaguya's voice dropped to a whisper, sounding oddly fragile. "Do you... dislike me?"
"Huh?! No way!" Kanade waved his hands frantically, panicking at her sudden change in tone. "I just— I mean— I don't want to dirty your handkerchief, that's all!"
"But handkerchiefs are meant to get dirty, aren't they?" Kaguya tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with innocent confusion. "If it never gets used, doesn't it lose its purpose? That would be too sad."
"..."
Wait... was that the point?
Why does it feel like I'm the one overthinking things? Aren't guys usually the ones who don't care about this stuff? Shouldn't Kaguya be more concerned about sharing a handkerchief?
In the end, refusing any further would just make things awkward. With a reluctant sigh, he took the handkerchief from her hand.
"Fine, I'll use it."
Wiping away the sweat trickling down his forehead and neck, he finally felt refreshed. But then, something unexpected happened.
A soft, lingering fragrance clung to the handkerchief—a delicate, flowery scent that was distinctly Kaguya's. Even after using it, the scent didn't fade. If anything, it seemed to wrap around him, lingering faintly in the air.
It was almost like Kaguya was still resting against his back, whispering in his ear...
"..."
"President?"
"I— I'm here! I was just... thinking about the next level!" Kanade blurted out, his voice a bit too loud, as if trying to clear his thoughts.
"Uh-huh." Kaguya's smile was filled with amusement. "The next level, huh?"
"Yes! We've rested enough. Let's finish this challenge in one go!"
Without giving her a chance to object, he crouched down and motioned for her to get on his back again.
"Come on, Kaguya. Let's end this with a bang."
"Uh... um..." For a brief moment, Miss Shinomiya seemed flustered, but then she nodded meekly.
She had originally planned to retrieve her handkerchief and keep it as a memento, but before she could reach for it, Kanade had already tucked it into his pocket—completely unaware of its sentimental value.
Kaguya stared at his pocket, her expression complicated.
That's... mine, though...
Should I ask for it back?
No... the president has it now...
Maybe I should just let him keep it.
Does he really like the gift she gave him that much?!
Shinomiya Kaguya felt an uncontrollable surge of delight bubbling within her.
Hmph, at this rate, the day when she finally captures the president's heart is just around the corner!
However, the closer one gets to victory, the more composed they must remain. She couldn't afford to let excitement cloud her judgment. Acting too hastily might expose her intentions and alert the ever-perceptive Natsukawa Kanade.
Yes, patience is key. Steady progress wins the race. Keep going, Shinomiya Kaguya! You're the best!
With renewed determination, Miss Kaguya once again rested against Natsukawa Kanade's back. Unlike earlier, she no longer felt the chaotic thumping of her heart like a startled deer caught in the headlights. This time, she was composed. Experienced.
Gone were the flustered thoughts that had once plagued her. She no longer needed to rely on the "safe posture" to keep her mind from spiraling out of control. Instead, she could appreciate the pleasant scent lingering on the president without becoming overwhelmed by it. Was this the result of prolonged exposure? Had she developed an immunity?
In other words, she had reached a level where she could handle being this close to the president with a completely normal, logical mindset!
Hugging, piggyback rides, hand-holding—ah, it seems like all of these things aren't such a big deal anymore. Sure, she was flustered at first, but now? Now it's just routine.
In fact, if the president were to suddenly ask her, in that soft, gentle voice of his, if she wanted to date him for the rest of their lives, she wouldn't even panic. Instead, she'd tease him right back with an amused smirk, saying something like:
"Oh? So the president likes me that much? How unexpected."
And then she'd cross her arms and raise a brow. "In that case, why don't you tell me exactly how much you like me? Be sincere, or I won't believe it."
Yes, yes, this was perfect. Playful, confident, in control.
But then again… Should she play hard to get? Everyone always says that girls who agree too easily are less treasured. And what if—what if, after they start dating, the president gets bored of her? Would he lose interest? That would be a disaster!
Ugh, this is why love is such a hassle!
She wanted to consult Ai about this, but that was pointless. It wasn't like anyone liked Ai, so what would she know about romance?
...
"President, let me ask you a question."
"Hm? What is it?"
"How many children do you want?"
"…???"