Kaguya was very light, likely weighing just around 100 pounds. Even so, for Kanade Natsukawa, carrying her on his back through every single challenge was out of the question. He would definitely need to take breaks along the way.
"Are you okay, President? If it's too much, maybe we should just give up?" Kaguya Shinomiya asked with concern.
After completing another courage test while carrying her, Kanade collapsed onto a pile of rocks to rest, his exhaustion evident as he took a long break to recover.
"..." Hearing Kaguya's words of worry, Kanade remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I think I can keep going…"
Now it was his turn to push himself.
When the sheltered and oblivious Kaguya spoke those fateful words—"If it's too much…"—Kanade felt like there was no turning back. Something deep within him surged with renewed determination.
Did she not understand the power of a boy's pride? There was no way he could admit defeat now.
"Besides, the last checkpoint should be coming up next. The staff at the last stop said it's just a casual walk along a path—nothing too physically demanding. But even if it's another full-blown chase, I can handle it!" Kanade declared.
"..."
Kaguya didn't respond, but her smile grew as she nodded approvingly.
The President was already at his most attractive when he was serious, but when he tried to act cool like this, it was beyond adorable!
If only I had brought a camera! Kaguya thought, lamenting the missed opportunity to capture this side of him forever.
Noticing the beads of sweat on Kanade's forehead, Kaguya pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to him.
"President, please use this."
Kanade glanced at the handkerchief but shook his head. "No need. I can just wipe it off with my hand."
Despite having lived here for so long, he still couldn't get used to carrying handkerchiefs or other such items. To him, they felt a bit "unmanly." Normally, he would just wash up at a sink, and if that wasn't possible, he'd settle for wiping his face with his hands.
"Are you rejecting me, President?" Kaguya asked softly, her tone delicate, almost as if she had been hurt.
"No, not at all!" Kanade waved his hands frantically. "I just didn't want to dirty your handkerchief…"
"But isn't that the purpose of a handkerchief? If you never use it, doesn't it lose its meaning? Wouldn't that be too sad for it?" Kaguya tilted her head, genuinely puzzled.
"..."
That's the focus here? Kanade was utterly lost.
It seemed like boys and girls really did focus on different things, but in their case, had their roles reversed? Kaguya should have been the one worried about sharing a handkerchief, right? Yet somehow, he had ended up playing the part of the overly concerned "girl."
"Fine. I'll use it." Kanade relented, taking the handkerchief.
Continuing to refuse would make him seem petty, and since Kaguya didn't mind, he figured he should act a bit more generously.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead and face, Kanade finally felt the sticky discomfort fade.
But that wasn't all.
Thanks to Kaguya's careful handling, the handkerchief carried a faint, familiar fragrance—Kaguya's own scent. Even after using it, the aroma lingered, surrounding him like an invisible cloud.
It was as if Kaguya were still perched on his back, softly exhaling near his ear…
"..."
"President?"
"I'm here! Just thinking about the next checkpoint!" Kanade quickly snapped out of it, rushing to explain that he was focusing on practical matters, not daydreaming.
"Anyway! I've rested enough. Let's finish this in one go!"
Without waiting for Kaguya's reply, he crouched down again, ready to carry her. "Come on, Kaguya. Let's wrap this up."
"Uh… okay…" Kaguya mumbled, climbing onto his back.
She had briefly considered taking the handkerchief back to cherish it, but Kanade had unceremoniously stuffed it into his pocket.
He must really like what I gave him! Kaguya thought, feeling a burst of joy.
Heh, the day I completely win him over must be right around the corner!
Still, Kaguya reminded herself not to get carried away. This was the critical moment. She needed to remain calm and composed, avoiding any missteps that might expose her true feelings.
You can do this, Kaguya Shinomiya! You're the best!
With newfound resolve, Kaguya settled onto Kanade's back once more. This time, she felt more composed, her earlier nervousness replaced with a sense of ease.
Even the pleasant scent emanating from Kanade didn't distract her as it had before. The repeated exposure seemed to have dulled her sensitivity, allowing her to fully enjoy the moment without losing focus.
See? Hugging, piggybacking, holding hands—what's the big deal? Kaguya thought.
At first, it had been thrilling, but now it felt so… ordinary. She was already growing used to it.
Why, even if Kanade turned to her right now with a gentle smile and asked if they could spend their lives together, she wouldn't be flustered. She'd simply tease him, saying something like: "Oh my, President, do you really like me that much? I'm surprised!"
"If that's the case, why don't you tell me just how much you like me? Be sincere, or I won't believe you!"
But then again, should she hesitate a little before agreeing? Everyone said girls who were too easy to date often weren't cherished. And what if Kanade found her boring after they started dating?
Ugh, I can't even ask Hayasaka for advice. No one likes her either…
"President, I have a question," Kaguya suddenly said, breaking her train of thought.
"Hmm? What is it?"
"How many kids would you like to have?"
"...???"