Heartbeats and Illusions

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Natsukawa Kanade called out, jogging toward Kato Megumi, who stood patiently near the school's rooftop entrance.

Yesterday, Kanade had impulsively suggested they have lunch together. The idea had come naturally in the moment, the atmosphere between them warm and easy. But when the school day began, reality set in—finding a private spot to share a meal with Kato was far more challenging than he had anticipated.

As the student council president, Kanade knew his every move was scrutinized. A public lunch with Kato could easily spark rumors. Worse, the attention might disturb Kato, who preferred peace and quiet over the bustling chatter of curious classmates.

To sidestep such trouble, Kanade had rushed to the dean of studies right after class to borrow the key to the rooftop. His position as a responsible student and student council president came with certain privileges, making it easy to secure the key under the pretext of "inspecting the rooftop for safety hazards."

Fortunately, Kato didn't seem bothered by his slight delay. She offered him a small smile as she shook her head. "No, I just got here too."

Kanade nodded, scanning their surroundings to ensure no one was nearby before unlocking the door.

The rooftop opened to a wide, azure sky that seemed to stretch endlessly. The crisp, clear air brought a sense of tranquility, the kind that could only be found in secluded places like this. Although the rooftop was typically off-limits, it was well-maintained, and the two quickly found a clean bench to sit on.

As Kanade settled beside her, he noticed Kato's gaze flicking toward him.

"You seem nervous, Natsukawa-kun," she observed with a tilt of her head. "Are you afraid of being caught sneaking up here?"

Her playful tone caught him off guard. Before he could reply, she added, "Or… am I causing trouble for you?"

"No, of course not," Kanade replied immediately, shaking his head.

The truth was, spending time with Kato was anything but trouble. He had invited her because he enjoyed her company. She had a calming presence that made him feel at ease, a rarity in his busy life.

"I may sound full of myself," Kanade admitted, "but I attract a lot of attention. If someone saw me having lunch with you, rumors would start flying in no time."

"Rumors…" Kato echoed, nodding thoughtfully.

"It wouldn't bother me," Kanade continued. "I'm used to being the subject of gossip. But you… I imagine you'd find it annoying if people misunderstood."

Kato's response was unexpected. "It wouldn't bother me either," she said simply.

Kanade blinked. "Really?"

She shrugged lightly, her voice steady. "Not many people know me, so even if someone saw us, they'd forget about it in seconds."

Her words hit Kanade like a quiet revelation. It was true—Kato's presence was so unassuming that people often overlooked her entirely. Even if she stood directly in front of them, they might struggle to recall her face later.

Kanade frowned slightly. "Next time, we'll find a better spot. Somewhere less…" he gestured vaguely, "…sneaky. I don't want it to seem disrespectful."

"It's fine," Kato replied, shaking her head. Her shoulder-length hair caught the breeze, giving her an almost ethereal quality. "The scenery here is lovely. I don't mind."

Kanade smiled. "You're right. Sometimes I come here alone to clear my mind. Just sitting quietly and watching the world below is surprisingly refreshing."

As he spoke, he handed Kato a bento he had prepared. She accepted it with a polite nod and, in return, offered him a bottle of tea.

"This is?" Kanade asked curiously.

"Oolong tea," Kato explained. "It's from a friend of my father. We have so much at home, it's impossible to finish it all. I thought you might like some."

Kanade chuckled softly. "Well, I'd be honored to refuse," he said, taking a sip.

The rich aroma filled his senses, the tea's complex flavor unfolding with each sip. Unlike the bottled versions sold in supermarkets, this freshly brewed oolong tea was slightly bitter at first, but a delicate sweetness soon followed, lingering on his tongue.

"It's delicious," Kanade said sincerely. "Thank you, Kato."

Kato's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm glad you like it."

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out another canister of tea and handed it to him.

"This is for you," she said. "Take it home and enjoy it."

Kanade hesitated. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Don't worry about it," Kato reassured him. "My dad doesn't even like it. It would go to waste if no one drinks it."

Reluctantly, Kanade accepted the gift. "Alright," he said, though he still felt a pang of guilt.

The tea wasn't particularly expensive, but the thought behind it was genuine. Compared to the simple bento he had prepared, her gesture felt disproportionately generous.

"If you feel bad about it," Kato added, her voice light and teasing, "you can treat me to dessert next time."

Kanade blinked at her, surprised.

"There's this new dessert I've been wanting to try," she continued. "It looks delicious, but my allowance is pretty limited…"

He narrowed his eyes at her, feigning suspicion. "So, this is your plan? Trading tea for desserts? Kato, I didn't realize you were such a schemer."

Kato's cheeks flushed a light pink. She turned her head away, pouting slightly.

It would be troublesome if he really made Kato angry.

--------

As the school day ended, Natsukawa Kanade found himself summoned to the principal's office. By the time he stepped outside, the sky had already darkened, the fading hues of dusk casting long shadows across the school grounds.

"Student council president…" he murmured to himself, his thoughts tangled as he exhaled deeply.

The conversation with the principal had been unexpectedly heavy. The main topic? His recent decision to step down as student council president—a move the school neither agreed with nor encouraged.

The reason was straightforward: under Kanade's leadership, the student council had thrived. Teachers and students alike consistently praised their efficiency and professionalism, a marked improvement over previous years. The administration wasn't blind to this success.

While the full extent of Kanade's capabilities might not have been clear to everyone, the impact of his leadership was undeniable. He had fostered cohesion within the council, bringing together talented individuals and elevating the organization to new heights. Replacing him wasn't a risk the school was willing to take lightly.

Some might think this level of concern over a student council president was overblown, but Shuchiin Academy was no ordinary school. Its student council wielded influence that extended far beyond organizing festivals or managing attendance. From overseeing regulations to planning large-scale events like school trips, the council held authority over nearly all aspects of student life.

For an institution as prestigious as Shuchiin—an "aristocratic school" with a reputation to uphold—this structure was vital. The student council president wasn't merely a figurehead but a pivotal role. And for someone like Kanade, who wasn't a "purebred" Shuchiin student—having transferred in later rather than advancing from its elementary school—ascending to this position had been nothing short of remarkable.

Such an ascent was rare, if not unheard of, for transfer students. Most would have been dismissed outright, either due to prejudice or their inability to integrate fully into the school's deeply rooted hierarchy. Kanade's rise, however, was a product of relentless effort and a singular driving force: Shinomiya Kaguya.

Kaguya, the school's vice president and a scion of the powerful Shinomiya family, had initially been the object of Kanade's admiration—bordering on obsession. Back then, he had pursued her not just as a romantic interest but as a rival to surpass.

It had started with a single, audacious thought: if he could defeat her, he could stand on equal footing. If he could continuously challenge her, break through her unshakable composure, and force her to acknowledge him, then he might finally be seen—not as a nobody, but as someone worthy of her time.

What followed was a grueling period of endless competition. From academics to personal skills, no domain was off-limits. Whether it was mastering subjects he was weak in or excelling in areas where Kaguya shone, Kanade threw himself into the fray with tireless determination.

At first, his efforts were met with failure after failure. Kaguya was a prodigy, her skills polished and honed to near perfection. Yet, Kanade didn't falter. He worked harder, sleeping less than five hours a night, and slowly but surely began to close the gap.

Then, one day, it happened. He achieved a perfect score on an exam, surpassing Kaguya for the first time. From there, he began challenging her strengths, chipping away at her unshakable confidence. Finally, she acknowledged him—not just as a rival, but as someone to rely on.

Her recognition was the turning point. With Kaguya's support, Kanade ascended to the presidency of the student council, leading alongside her. Their partnership transformed the council into the efficient, respected body it was today.

But things hadn't ended the way he'd once dreamed. Despite their closeness, Kaguya had made it clear he wasn't her first choice as a romantic partner. While he had accepted this truth, it still stung.

For a time, Kanade had considered retreating—cutting ties with the council, with Kaguya, and with everyone else, all to protect his heart. But such an act would have been nothing less than cowardice, and he knew it.

He had already run away too many times in his life. Late at night, when the world was quiet, those memories would resurface, filling him with regret and self-recrimination.

Then came that rainy day, the day Kato Megumi's gentle words reached him.

"Why are you so afraid of living the way you want?" she had asked.

Her voice had pierced the fog of his doubt, her quiet sincerity giving him clarity. Why indeed? Why should he let his fears dictate his actions? Why should he let his past mistakes hold him back from the present?

And so, Kanade made a choice—a real choice. Not one born of obligation or expectation, but of his own will.

He would stop running. He would face his feelings, his responsibilities, and his future head-on. Not for anyone else's sake, but for his own.

Standing under the dimming sky, Kanade clenched his fists.

"I want to be everyone's friend," he thought resolutely. "I want to laugh with them, play with them, and live alongside them every day. I don't want to give up on that—not for anything."

His past had shaped him, yes, but it didn't have to define him. The person he wanted to be—the person he could be—was within his grasp.

And if the school wouldn't accept his resignation, then so be it. He would stay and continue to lead, not as the student council president others expected him to be, but as the Natsukawa Kanade he had chosen to become.

With that thought, a faint smile crossed his lips. The night might have fallen, but for Kanade, a new dawn was just beginning.