"The Shinomiya Family only has one daughter, which means whoever can become her lover will surely rise to prominence in the future."
Hayama Hayato leaned against the window frame, afternoon light catching the honeyed strands of his hair. The hallway smelled of floor wax and the faint drift of cherry blossoms from the courtyard below, petals scattering across the walkway like pink confetti.
"With the Shinomiya Zaibatsu supporting you from behind, even if you're a pig, you can still effortlessly climb to the position of a legislator and enter the center of national politics."
Hozuki Nozomi regarded him with a strange expression, arms folded across his chest.
"Why do you know so much about Kaguya Shinomiya?"
Hayama sighed deeply, his shoulders dropping with theatrical helplessness. His fingers drummed against the windowsill—a nervous habit he usually concealed better.
This guy has no idea how lucky he is. Two fiancées, the Yukinoshita backing, and now possibly the Shinomiya heiress sniffing around him too.
"I didn't want to know, but I'm now under the Shinomiya Family." He turned his gaze toward the courtyard, watching students mill about during the break. "My father, the legal advisor, was poached by the Shinomiya Family for a high price. Father hopes I can get close to Kaguya Shinomiya and build a good relationship with her."
Hearing this, Nozomi felt a flicker of sympathy for Yukino—and bewilderment at Hayama's approach.
"You want to build a good relationship with Kaguya Shinomiya, so why come to me? I'm not familiar with her."
"Because I think Kaguya Shinomiya transferred here because of you." Hayama's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I remember Kaguya Shinomiya was also present at the engagement banquet that night. Perhaps she's interested in you—a guy who juggles two relationships and still gets approval from Yukinoshita?"
The words carried a barb, but Hayama delivered them smoothly, like honey over broken glass.
"Also, let me tell you another piece of news." He straightened, tucking his hands into his blazer pockets. "Soubu High School has now accepted funding from the Shinomiya Zaibatsu and will be expanded. For the specific scale, please refer to Shuchiin Academy."
A noble school. Top-tier equipment, imported teaching materials, facilities that made public institutions look like storage closets.
As soon as Kaguya Shinomiya arrives, Soubu High School will transform from a public school into a private noble institution.
As expected—the ownership of the school would fall into the hands of the Shinomiya Family.
Nozomi's mouth twitched involuntarily. "Soubu High School is still expanding? When will it start?"
"Probably in the next few days. The school should be on holiday for a while, and the abandoned teaching buildings where the Club Activity Rooms were located will all be rebuilt."
Hayama watched Nozomi carefully, cataloging every micro-expression.
If Kaguya Shinomiya takes a liking to Hozuki Nozomi, can Haruno-nee still maintain her engagement with him? The Shinomiya Family would never allow their esteemed daughter to marry a philandering man, right?
A muscle in his jaw tightened at the thought.
"So, Hayama, you specifically came to warn me?" Nozomi tilted his head, suspicion coloring his tone. "Do you think Kaguya Shinomiya might be unfavorable to me? Why would you do that?"
Hayama Hayato had always been "everyone's" Hayama—the golden boy, the people-pleaser, the smile that never faltered. But shadows lurked beneath that perfect surface. Regarding Haruno-nee, Nozomi had essentially claimed the goddess Hayama had worshipped for over a decade.
To Nozomi's question, Hayama smiled—a genuine one this time, though tinged with something brittle.
"I just don't want Haruno-nee to be troubled because of you. The Shinomiya Family is not to be trifled with. I hope you consider Haruno-nee's feelings carefully before provoking Kaguya Shinomiya."
He stepped closer, his cologne mixing with the floral breeze—sandalwood and citrus, expensive and deliberate.
"Since you two are engaged, I naturally hope you can be well. Also, if you abandon Haruno-nee, I will not hesitate to act. Even if she doesn't like me, I still want to try until the last moment."
Nozomi rolled his eyes at Hayama's persistent fawning.
"You wish. I would never do something as low-class as abandoning my fiancée. Please continue to keep your blessings."
Hayama's expression shifted into one of quiet schadenfreude, but he said nothing more.
"So, Hayama, you and your father have both jumped ship to the Shinomiya Family now?"
"Yes. Although I am unwilling, I cannot resist."
Besides—the Shinomiya Family offered too much. Even my cheap little family's daughter fiancée unhesitatingly joined their ranks.
"Alright, I understand the situation. Anyway, thank you for the reminder, Hayama."
"You're welcome." Hayama turned to leave, pausing at the corner. "I didn't do all this for you."
His footsteps faded down the hallway, leather soles clicking against polished tile.
Nozomi didn't dwell on it too much and returned to his seat in the classroom.
If Kaguya Shinomiya wants to come, let her come.
It's not a big deal.
The Yukinoshita now controlled the core of Virtual Reality Technology and held considerable international influence. Although their foundation wasn't as deep as the Shinomiya Family's centuries-old roots, Nozomi himself served as the Yukinoshita's greatest asset.
Furthermore—Frieren and Fern, and the brave Emilia were not to be trifled with either.
Supernatural powers, anyone?
No fear at all.
However, since Hayama had shared this intelligence, Nozomi decided to consult with those who mattered most.
[Service Club Room — Noon]
Nozomi intercepted Yuki Suo and Ayano Kimishima just as they were heading toward the Student Council's publicity department, their footsteps quick with purpose.
"Come with me," he said, and they followed without question.
The Service Club room smelled of old books and the lingering sweetness of Yukino's afternoon tea—Earl Grey today, its bergamot notes drifting through the warm air. Dust motes floated in the slanted light from the windows, and somewhere outside, the baseball team was running drills, their shouts distant and rhythmic.
Nozomi recounted what Hayama had told him.
"Yukino, Yuki—what do you think about Kaguya Shinomiya coming?"
Yukino Yukinoshita pressed her lips together, her brow furrowing in thought. Her fingers curled around her teacup, knuckles pale.
This is beyond my expertise. Sister would know how to handle zaibatsu politics, but I...
"Nozomi, I'm sorry—I don't have any thoughts on it. Unlike my sister, I've never dealt with zaibatsu matters, so I can't offer any relevant advice."
Yuki Suo's face crumpled.
"Oh no!" She clutched the fabric of her skirt, her voice rising with distress. "Kaguya Shinomiya... It's over! The position of Student Council President is now hers!"
Originally, the Student Council President was elected fairly. But now that public Soubu High School had become private—with the Shinomiya Family holding significant investment—Kaguya Shinomiya, as the heir, could legitimately claim the next presidency.
Who wouldn't want to curry favor with Kaguya Shinomiya? A single vote might earn them a fortune. Moreover, Kaguya Shinomiya possessed genuine capability—she was fully qualified for the position.
Looking at Yuki Suo's pouting face, her lower lip trembling, Nozomi reached out and patted her hair. The strands were silk-soft beneath his palm, carrying the faint scent of strawberry shampoo.
"Actually, Yuki, you're good in the publicity department too. Why do you insist on being president? Don't you get tired of endless work every day?"
His voice gentled. "I actually hope Yuki can be more relaxed and happier."
"Wuwuwu, Onii-chan is the best!"
Tears welled in Yuki Suo's eyes, threatening to spill.
He cares about me. He really cares about me more than some stupid title.
"Wasn't I doing it for Onii-chan? Onii-chan once said that a beautiful girl as Student Council President is the best."
Silence.
Yukino, Sanshokuin Sumireko, Asuna Yuuki, and Ayano—every girl in the room turned to fix Nozomi with identical expressions of disdain.
Nozomi awkwardly scratched his cheek, heat creeping up his neck. "Did I say that?"
"Of course you did!" Yuki gazed at him with watery eyes, her lashes clumped with unshed tears. "Oni-chan, Yuki remembers everything you say."
Something in Nozomi's chest tightened.
This girl had been working hard for him all along—sacrificing her free time, pushing herself through exhaustion, all because of some offhand comment he'd made. Her devotion was overwhelming, almost embarrassing in its purity.
He couldn't help but open his arms.
Yuki stepped into his embrace without hesitation, her small frame pressing against his chest. Her fingers curled into the back of his blazer, clutching the fabric like she was afraid he'd disappear. The warmth of her seeped through his shirt—soft curves, the flutter of her heartbeat against his ribs. She smelled of strawberries and something sweeter underneath, something uniquely her.
"Mmn..." A small, contented sound escaped her throat as she buried her face against his shoulder.
This is where I belong. Right here.
Nozomi's hand settled on the small of her back, feeling the gentle curve of her spine beneath his palm. Her hair tickled his chin, and he found himself lowering his head, his lips brushing against the crown of her head in a gesture that felt more instinctive than deliberate.