Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

After dropping off Senpai at her home, Kanade returned to his place to change into his school uniform. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for a proper shower or to wash his hair.

"Morning, Hachiman."

On the winding stone path leading to the school, Kanade happened to run into Hachiman Hikigaya and his ever-cheerful companion, Yui Yuigahama.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Kanade asked with a sly grin.

"You already are. Now leave," Hikigaya muttered, his tone exasperated.

The sunny, popular types and the brooding loners were natural opposites. If Kanade really cared, he'd avoid public interaction altogether. Not that it mattered—Kanade wouldn't listen anyway.

"Geez, Hikki, don't be like that! Good morning, Kanade-kun!" Yui beamed.

"Good morning, Yuigahama-san." Kanade smiled.

"How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun or meaningful?"

"You mean like revel in youthful exuberance while others look on enviously, or star in a dramatic love comedy? Nah, I spent the entire weekend with my sister!"

Kanade chuckled, then mimicked a familiar tone:

"If Komachi were here, she'd probably say something like, 'Wow, that was so gross, Onii-chan, but I'll let it slide since you're thinking of Komachi. So Komachi gives you high marks!'"

Running into Hachiman first thing in the morning really was a stroke of luck.

"Man, I haven't seen Komachi in ages. I could use some little-sister energy!" Yui said brightly.

"Don't even think about doing anything to someone else's sister, or I'll curse you. I mean it," Hachiman warned.

"Ha, worth it."

Seizing an opportunity, Kanade snatched the coffee from Hachiman's hand and dashed off.

"Thanks for the drink! I skipped breakfast!"

"Wait, that's the sweet one!"

"I know. Bye!"

"…" Hachiman sighed, too unmotivated to chase him down for a petty squabble.

"Oh, right. I forgot to tell him something..." Hachiman muttered, pulling out his phone to send Kanade a message.

It felt a bit like "collaborating with the enemy," but hey—he and Kanade were closer friends, after all.

"What's the message about, Hikki?"

"Nothing that concerns you, and you wouldn't get it anyway."

"Hikki, you meanie! You're such a dummy!"

"Geez, what's with the sudden outburst?"

Though Hachiman wouldn't admit it, he too was enjoying his youth—albeit in his own cynical way.

Kanade swapped out his shoes, set down his bag, and headed straight for the Student Council Room.

The previous day, he'd sent a message to all council members, asking them to gather in the room. He had something important to say.

Taking a deep breath, Kanade pushed open the door.

Under the weight of everyone's stares, he bowed deeply.

"I owe all of you a sincere apology... I'm very sorry!"

"Because of my selfishness, I tried to avoid my responsibilities as Student Council President."

"I thought shirking my duties would bring me peace, but it only made me more anxious and unsettled."

"Fear, unease... so many negative emotions overwhelmed me. I went back on my word and decided to return—to come back to the Student Council and work with everyone again."

"I know I've been an unfit president, and it's only natural if you hold resentment toward me. But even so… I hope this council can continue as before. Please!"

Avoidance was not the answer; honesty was the true path to resolution. Kanade had abandoned his selfish desires and was now driven by the genuine wish to work alongside the council members.

"…"

The silence that followed felt suffocating. Unease, dread, and anticipation tangled together, threatening to swallow him whole.

"President."

A single voice shattered Kanade's spiraling thoughts. He looked up abruptly.

Yu Ishigami and Miyuki Shirogane were busy discussing work progress, while Chika Fujiwara pretended to organize her notes. None of them seemed particularly moved by his speech.

Only Kaguya Shinomiya stood by his side, extending a hand of kindness.

"Welcome back, President."

"…Yes, I'm back," Kanade murmured, his voice trembling. His eyes stung, and he felt an overwhelming urge to let it all out.

As soon as he finished speaking, the room erupted in cheers. Confetti filled the air, colorful balloons popped, and the quiet council room burst into life.

"What's all this?" Kanade blinked in surprise.

"I'll explain, I'll explain!" Chika waved her hand excitedly. "This was all my idea! After we got your message, we decided to give you a surprise!"

"I blew up the balloons," Shirogane said, nodding.

"I set up the streamers," Ishigami added sheepishly.

"And I… was in charge of welcoming you back," Kaguya said softly, her cheeks tinged pink, likely from the atmosphere.

Her right hand, still faintly warm from holding his, twitched slightly. Maybe she wouldn't wash that hand for the rest of the day.

"As I said, President, we're all looking forward to seeing you back in action, leading us again."

No one wanted Kanade to resume his role as President more than Kaguya.

As the daughter of the esteemed Shinomiya family, her social interactions were tightly controlled. Even her friendship with Chika had been pre-approved by her family.

Feelings like love and affection were luxuries she couldn't afford. If she acted on such emotions, she would inevitably have to part ways with him.

The only solution was to defeat him, conquer him, and make him hers. Only then could their paths truly align.

To achieve that, the Student Council had to continue existing. Here, she could set aside social hierarchies and interact with him as an equal—or even admire him from afar.

President… meeting you was truly a blessing. If only we could stay like this forever…

"To celebrate the President's return, let's play a game!" Chika chirped, rushing to Kanade's side and wrapping her arm around his.

"Come on, President! I brought a new board game!"

Yu and Miyuki exchanged glances, silently agreeing to tidy up the table.

Meanwhile, Kaguya remained frozen in place, staring at her hand, now devoid of warmth.

She glanced at Chika, who was clinging to Kanade with her, uh, "assets," on full display.

Her expression remained serene.

Chika Fujiwara… Maybe I should have her neutered after all.