Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

At the Shinomiya estate, in Kaguya Shinomiya's bedroom, a heated debate between a mistress and her maid once again unfolded.

"Hayasaka, do you think it's okay if I call him now? What if I'm disturbing the President?"

Kaguya clutched her phone tightly, her face tense as she sought her maid's reassurance.

"(￣皿￣＃)... My lady, this is the fifth time you've asked me that, and my answer remains the same: you will not be disturbing him."

"But... but! What if he's resting because of his illness? If I wake him up, and he thinks I'm inconsiderate, what should I do?"

"..." Hayasaka chose not to respond this time.

Technically speaking, Kaguya's worry wasn't entirely unfounded—there was indeed a small chance that Kanade Natsukawa might be resting and would be irritated if woken.

But based on her observations of the ever-persistent President, Hayasaka suspected something else:

This entire "sick day" absence could be a deliberate ploy, a gambit to draw Kaguya's attention.

Still, whether it was a real illness or a strategic maneuver, it made little difference to Hayasaka. As long as it got these two overly stubborn people to finally progress their relationship, she would consider it a win.

"Lady Kaguya," she said, attempting to calm her mistress's nerves, "I assure you, the President has an exceptionally disciplined lifestyle. At this time of day, he's most likely either preparing a meal or eating one. Your call won't disturb him—in fact, it might even make his meal taste better."

"Oh? Are you saying my beauty is so enchanting that it could enhance his appetite? Hayasaka, you're so sweet with your words!"

"..." Hayasaka's expression didn't change. "Whatever you say, my lady."

Internally, however, she sighed. Does she have to be this vain?

Still, it seemed her flattery had worked. Kaguya, finally convinced, pulled up Kanade's contact on her phone and pressed "Call."

The phone rang twice before it was picked up.

"Kaguya?"

Kanade's distinctive voice came through, sounding slightly hoarse.

His voice... it's... Kaguya felt her heart skip a beat. This rare, limited-edition "sickly President" voice! How charming! But... what a shame I can't see him in person...

"G-good evening, President."

"Good evening. Is something the matter?"

Even in his weakened state, his tone carried that commanding presence she had come to admire so much.

"No, nothing in particular. I just... as a fellow member of the Student Council, I was a bit concerned about your health."

"Ah, I see. Thank you for your concern. I'm fine, though—I should be able to return to school tomorrow."

"..."

Hearing those words, Kaguya felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a surge of excitement.

Tomorrow! I'll see the President again tomorrow! And if he's still in his "sickly" state, he'll surely be even more adorable!

As she indulged in her fantasies, she completely forgot that the call was still ongoing.

"Kaguya? Are you still there?"

"...!"

"Hello? Kaguya?"

"I-I'm here! I'm here!" Kaguya snapped back to reality, her face flushing as she fumbled for words.

Desperate, she turned to Hayasaka for help, her eyes silently pleading.

Hayasaka, suppressing the urge to take a photo of her mistress's rare, flustered expression, quickly mouthed, "Ask him if he's free tomorrow for lunch."

Taking a deep breath, Kaguya followed the cue. "President, are you free tomorrow at lunch?"

Her voice trembled slightly, and as soon as the words left her mouth, she clutched the phone tightly, her cheeks burning.

I said it! I actually invited him! For the first time ever!

"Tomorrow at lunch? Hmm..."

There was a brief pause, followed by what sounded like coughing on the other end.

"Huh? What was that sound?"

"Cough, cough... Oh, it's nothing. I was just eating something."

"..."

For a moment, Kaguya froze, her imagination running wild. Was he eating something delicious? Or maybe he was thinking about me while eating? No, no, focus!

"Why do you ask, Kaguya? Do you need something?"

"N-not really... I just have some official business to discuss."

"...I thought I resigned as President."

"T-that's irrelevant! To me, you'll always be the rightful President!" Kaguya declared passionately.

Her tone carried an almost fervent sincerity. For her, Kanade was irreplaceable.

"Honestly, why did you decide to resign in the first place? Were you disappointed in the Student Council?"

"Of course not! Everyone's incredibly capable. I just... I..."

Kanade hesitated. How could he admit that he had resigned simply to distance himself from unrequited feelings? It would sound childish and unprofessional.

"Never mind, President," Kaguya said softly. "Just know that we all want you back, myself included. The Council isn't the same without you."

Her words carried a rare warmth, and Kanade could feel it even through the phone.

"Thank you, Kaguya. I'll give it some thought," he replied. "As for your invitation... I look forward to it."

"Really? Wonderful! I mean... ahem, it's settled, then."

"Indeed. Anything else?"

"No, that's all. Sweet dreams, President."

"Thank you. You too, Kaguya."

After a few more polite exchanges, the call ended.

"See that, Hayasaka? I've done it! The President will reconsider his resignation, and soon, he'll be back where he belongs!"

"Uh-huh, sure. Great job, my lady," Hayasaka replied dryly.

Didn't he just say he'd consider it? How did that turn into a done deal in your mind?

Still, she kept that thought to herself. If Kaguya was happy, Hayasaka could at least enjoy the peace—

"Hayasaka! Quickly, draft a strategy plan for tomorrow! I must outshine Shirogane and prove I'm the better choice for President!"

Hayasaka: "..."

And so much for peace.

Hayasaka sighed inwardly, lamenting her lack of escape routes. "Understood, Miss Kaguya. I'll get started immediately. Anything specific you'd like me to include in this 'strategy'?"

"Yes! Emphasize my unparalleled capabilities! I'll prove to the President once and for all that I am leagues ahead of Shirogane! No, scratch that—leagues ahead of everyone! And… maybe subtly remind him how much better we work together…"

As Kaguya spoke, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as though envisioning the perfect scene of triumph and confession.

"… Right. Of course. I'll also include a section titled 'How to Stop Overthinking and Actually Talk to People Like a Normal Person.'"

"Hayasaka!" Kaguya snapped, glaring daggers at her maid.

"I mean, 'How to Maximize the Impact of Your Charisma,'" Hayasaka corrected, her face impassive.

"That's better. Now, get to work!"

"Yes, Miss Kaguya."

As Hayasaka retreated to begin drafting the latest of what felt like endless "brilliant" plans for her mistress, she couldn't help but mutter under her breath:

"Seriously… you two are a match made in heaven. Just confess already. My sleep schedule can't handle this much longer."

Unbeknownst to her, Kaguya had already resumed daydreaming about her "meeting" with Kanade the next day.

"By the way, my lady, wasn't the President seen earlier this week speaking with two other girls outside their classroom?"

"…What?"

The pen in Hayasaka's hand froze. She turned her head just in time to see a dark cloud forming over Kaguya's expression.

"Are you saying that while I was losing sleep over his well-being, the President was gallivanting around with other women?"

"I only caught a glimpse; it might've been nothing. But if you're curious, I can investigate further—"

"No need." Kaguya's voice was cool and calm, but her sharp gaze spoke volumes. "Hayasaka, ensure that I'm dressed perfectly tomorrow. If there's even a shred of truth to your words, then I'll ensure that the President understands his folly."

Hayasaka suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, this wasn't about truth or folly—it was about Kaguya's growing jealousy, though the proud heiress would never admit it aloud.

"Yes, my lady," she replied obediently.

With that, Kaguya spun on her heel and disappeared into her private dressing room, presumably to pick out the perfect ensemble for tomorrow's "lunch meeting."

As Hayasaka returned to her desk and resumed working, she glanced at the clock and let out a sigh.

I really hope the President knows what he's doing. Because if he doesn't… I'll be the one paying for it.