Chika Fujiwara's suggestion was certainly tempting, but Kanade Natsukawa found it far too embarrassing to accept. Thus, he firmly rejected the idea.
"Thanks for the meal," he said politely—not to Chika but to Toyomi Fujiwara, the one who had cooked the dinner.
"I'll be heading back now," Kanade declared.
Being dragged to the Fujiwara household for no apparent reason, then being labeled as a potential "live-in son-in-law," wasn't something anyone would enjoy. At least, Kanade didn't. His thoughts were now consumed with how exhausting this entire ordeal had been and whether he should start keeping his distance from Chika to avoid further misunderstandings with her family.
"What? You're leaving already? Stay and chat with me a little longer!" Chika whined, her disappointment evident.
Perhaps because it was her first time having a boy her age visit their home, she'd been brimming with excitement all evening, peppering him with endless questions even as he ate.
"This is such a rare opportunity! Let's stay up all night for a girls' talk session!"
"If you want to be crazy, do it without me," Kanade replied bluntly.
He had school the next day, and skipping his first day as the new student council president would be completely irresponsible.
"Hmm…" Chika pouted, visibly displeased.
Maybe it was because they were in her home, but she seemed more forthright than usual. Normally, the president wasn't so forthcoming in answering her questions, and she still had so many things she wanted to ask him! She didn't want him to leave so soon.
"It's late anyway. Why not just stay the night?" Chika suggested cheerfully.
"Could you at least consider my gender for once?" Kanade sighed deeply.
This girl truly had no filter—whatever crossed her mind came straight out of her mouth, without the slightest bit of thought behind it.
"Having a boy sleep over at a girl's house would cause all kinds of gossip! Besides, wouldn't your parents object?" Kanade pointed out.
And more importantly—he had a sinking feeling that staying over might lead to something disastrous.
"Oh, it's fine! No one will know anyway," Chika dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. "My parents don't live here. It's just me, Moeha, and Toyomi."
"…"
That's even worse!
Three young women, one teenage boy—this was practically the setup for a questionable plot. Especially when Kanade noticed that the bodyguards stationed at the gate showed no intention of entering the premises. He couldn't help but internally complain about Chika's great-grandfather.
How could he leave me alone with his three precious great-granddaughters? What if, ten months from now, he suddenly has three new great-great-granddaughters to worry about?
"Listen, Fujiwara…"
"Me or Moeha?" Chika tilted her head, confused.
"...Chika. Listen carefully." Kanade took a deep breath, grabbing her by the shoulders and enunciating each word. "For the record, I am a perfectly normal teenage boy! Don't underestimate me!"
Chika froze for a moment, then her face flushed bright red as she stammered, "T-Talking about stuff like that… even if you tell me, I can't help you with it! You idiot President!"
"…"
She's an idiot. She's definitely an idiot. Kanade groaned inwardly. That wasn't what he meant at all! He wasn't asking for her "help." He was trying to warn her that he might be a threat!
Though, to be fair, attacking this airhead would indeed be a crime. Still, she should at least be a little more cautious around him!
"I'm heading home," Kanade declared, realizing any further conversation was pointless.
"But… there probably aren't any trains running now," Chika reminded him. "If you walk, it'll take at least half an hour. Isn't that too dangerous to do alone?"
"I'm not a girl. It's not dangerous for me," Kanade retorted.
Frankly, staying here felt far riskier. Between Chika, who had clearly "awakened" to something recently, and her unpredictable sister Moeha, his innocence might not survive the night!
"President, don't be so full of yourself! Look at this." Chika shoved her phone in his face, displaying a news article.
A Serial Perv Strikes Again in Beika Town!
Reports indicate a towering woman approximately eight feet tall has been targeting male high school students late at night. With nearly 20 victims to date, authorities are urging teenage boys to avoid traveling alone at night…
"…"
Did you Photoshop this? Kanade's mind reeled. Why is an urban legend like Hachishakusama showing up in real life? And why is she targeting high school boys?!
Despite his suspicions, the article seemed legitimate. He scrutinized the image on her phone for signs of tampering but found none. Clicking the link led to an actual news site with a detailed report.
"...I was too careless. Lady Chika, I humbly beg for your hospitality tonight. I will be forever grateful."
There was no way he was risking his purity against an eight-foot-tall pervert.
"Excellent! No time to waste—go take a bath, President! Tonight, we're going to have a long, heartfelt talk!" Chika cheered.
"Not too late, though," Kanade warned.
He still had to wake up early the next day for his official duties, so he couldn't afford to stay up chatting all night.
Honestly, he had no idea why Chika was suddenly so curious about his personal history. Sure, he had once pursued a few girls, but was that really worth losing sleep over?
Chika was just… unique. Her boundless curiosity about romantic gossip was almost obsessive.
Kanade didn't mind answering some questions—after all, he did consider her a friend. But when Chika teased him with that mischievous grin about his failed attempts at romance, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming urge to tug her cheeks in retaliation.