Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

Without Shinomiya Kaguya's assistance, Natsukawa Kanade found handling his duties noticeably more troublesome. Everything had to be sorted and checked by himself.

But it wasn't entirely a bad thing. At the very least, he didn't have to distract himself by contemplating whether to confess the truth about his intentions toward Kaguya.

Strictly speaking, he hadn't shown any obvious signs of courting her, nor had he confessed his feelings. In fact, "competing head-on" might be a more accurate description of their dynamic. Judging from Kaguya's attitude toward him, she likely regarded him as a worthy rival.

This meant that the so-called "romance" between them never existed in the first place, so there was no need to worry about it. Revealing his thoughts to her recklessly could jeopardize their current relationship.

It was better to maintain the status quo—no need to force anything, just let things take their course.

Tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, Kanade frowned in thought as he held two lists of candidates for this year's election.

"Iino Miko, Isshiki Iroha…"

Both were first-year students.

When it came to student council elections, third-years were traditionally uninvolved, as they had more pressing matters like preparing for university. Meanwhile, second-years, intimidated by Kanade's longstanding reputation and solid network, wouldn't risk challenging him.

That left the first-years—bold and inexperienced, unafraid of the metaphorical tiger in front of them.

Having yet to fully experience his leadership style, they likely thought they could compete with him for the presidency.

One was Iino Miko, with about 15% support, and the other, Isshiki Iroha, boasted around 30%.

Frankly, Kanade hadn't expected either of them to garner such high support. He had previously dismissed Kaguya's various suggestions about countermeasures, but now it seemed he might need to take some action.

Individually, neither posed a threat. But if their forces combined…

It wasn't impossible.

Kanade didn't know much about Iino Miko or Isshiki Iroha beyond their roles as part of the "main cast" in the original story. He lacked detailed intelligence on them. Perhaps they were stubbornly independent and wouldn't consider teaming up, but he couldn't rule out the possibility.

Why? Because he understood his precarious situation. Even now, many staunch "pure academy" students wanted to dethrone him, a "mixed academy" president. Their abilities alone weren't enough, but if they allied with a well-supported "pure academy" leader, the resulting momentum could be overwhelming.

The Shinomiya Corporation's influence deterred some opposition, but not everyone could be restrained. Moreover, given his current relationship with Kaguya, the outcome was unpredictable.

Losing wasn't an option. If he stepped down, it would be on his own terms.

"What measures should I take…"

A crisp knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," Kanade called, assuming it was Kaguya, perhaps recovered and ready to discuss strategy.

To his surprise, it was a girl he had never met before.

She looked somewhat familiar…

"Good day, Senpai! I'm Isshiki Iroha, here to pay you a visit!"

"…?"

Kanade hadn't foreseen such a scenario.

In the midst of an election for leadership, one candidate secretly meeting with the outgoing president?

Wouldn't this explode as the headline for Shuchiin's morning news?

— Shock! Amidst the election, a first-year candidate secretly meets with the outgoing student council president in the council room! Is it a bold coup or a shady collusion? Stay tuned!

The journalism club had likely already drafted a similar piece. Their instincts were sharper than a hound's nose.

Still, gossip of this nature wouldn't significantly affect the candidates' approval ratings. At most, it would spark greater attention, fueling the election's fervor.

"Hello, Isshiki-san," Kanade greeted, setting aside the blank sheet he'd been holding and slipping it under a pile of documents. Maintaining a composed demeanor was crucial—retreating before the battle began wasn't an option.

"You're one of this term's candidates, correct? What brings you to the student council room?"

If she was here to inspect the workspace she might inherit, it would be absurdly arrogant—someone like that wouldn't have garnered such high support. It also wasn't likely she came to pry into his personal affairs; such efforts could be delegated to others.

The remaining possibility was…

"To visit you, Senpai!" she declared cheerfully.

"…Huh?" Kanade was stunned. He hadn't anticipated her being so straightforward, bluntly stating her purpose.

Was she unconcerned? Overly confident? Or did she have some hidden agenda?

"Isshiki-san, I must remind you that this is a sensitive period…"

"Oh, that doesn't matter. I came to see you personally!" Isshiki chirped, bounding over to Kanade's desk. She clasped her hands behind her back and smiled up at him with an innocent, radiant expression.

"Senpai, do you have time? Would you take a walk with me?"

"…?"

This level of cheerfulness, this masterful use of youthful charm… She was definitely up to something!

If Kaguya were here, her imposing senior aura could likely repel this little devil. But with Kanade alone, his only recourse was…

"Sorry, I have work to do. I don't have the time…"

"That's fine! I'll just wait here until you're done. I'll be good and won't cause any trouble."

With that, Isshiki plopped herself onto a sofa and made herself comfortable.

"…Suit yourself," Kanade replied curtly, deciding to ignore her.

From his experience with energetic juniors, she wouldn't last long. Despite her confident words, she'd probably grow impatient soon enough.

Returning to his work, Kanade focused on his tasks.

…

…

Time passed quietly. By the time Kanade looked up again, the sky outside had darkened.

Stretching to ease his stiff muscles, he suddenly remembered Isshiki Iroha. She had been waiting on the sofa earlier…

Scanning the room, he found it empty.

He scoffed lightly.

Of course. A girl like her wouldn't have the patience to wait so long—unlike Kaguya, who…

"Senpai, were you looking for me?"

"!"

Startled, Kanade turned to find Isshiki standing behind him, head tilted slightly, her face alight with a mischievous grin.

"…!"