Heartbeats and Illusions

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the student council room. It was the kind of day that should have been perfect for Kaguya Shinomiya, vice president of the student council and wielder of an intellect sharp enough to rival the gods themselves. Yet, her mood was anything but sunny.

First, she'd lost an opportunity to press her advantage against the president, Natsukawa Kanade. Then, as if fate itself sought to test her patience, a first-year schoolgirl—a bold and audacious one at that—had appeared out of nowhere, practically draping herself over Kanade with shameless flattery.

The audacity!

She had only been away from Kanade for one evening—just one—and the world had already turned upside down. "A rival? A first-year, of all people?! The world moves too fast!"

Kaguya's expression remained composed as she placed a freshly brewed cup of tea on Kanade's desk. "President," she began, her tone casual but carrying an undercurrent of sharp inquiry, "I heard you met with a first-year candidate yesterday? Is there any concern... in terms of public opinion, I mean?"

Despite her carefully crafted demeanor, Kaguya's mind raced. "Who is she? What did she say? What did he say?!"

Kanade blinked, surprised by how quickly word had spread. "It got out already?" he asked, genuinely astonished. He hadn't anticipated the News Department's efficiency. "Do those reporters ever sleep?"

Kaguya's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. "It's not a coincidence..." she muttered, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "Would you like me to handle it?"

Her words carried the weight of someone who would absolutely take matters into her own hands—whether by diplomacy or by sheer force. After all, who did this first-year think she was, daring to compete with seniors for the president's attention?

And the News Department? Their gall to publish such ambiguous and provocative photos! If they had any sense, they'd focus on the wholesome, heartwarming daily interactions between her and Kanade.

Fortunately, Kaguya knew better than to doubt Kanade's loyalty. He wouldn't stray. This had to be some elaborate strategy of his—a ploy to assess the competition firsthand. That was it!

Kanade shook his head, brushing off her suggestion. "No need. Let it be. A little attention on the election won't hurt," he said, taking a measured sip of tea. The rich aroma calmed his nerves, and he exhaled softly, letting the fatigue of endless paperwork drift away.

Kaguya watched him closely. He seemed unbothered, even... pleased? "Why does he look so calm? Is he secretly enjoying this?"

Kanade set the teacup down. "It's almost time..."

"Huh? Time for what?" Kaguya asked, but before she could press further, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

"Knock knock..."

Just like yesterday.

"Come in," Kanade called.

The door creaked open, and in stepped the very subject of this morning's intrigue—Isshiki Iroha, radiating confidence as if she owned the room.

Kaguya's eyes narrowed. "Her."

Kanade rose from his seat with his usual calm authority. "Allow me to introduce Isshiki Iroha, one of the candidates for this term's election. She'll be assisting us as a temporary non-staff member of the student council this week. Please welcome her."

The other council members clapped politely, their enthusiasm tempered but cordial. Kaguya, however, stood frozen.

"Wait. What?"

Before she could process her disbelief, her best friend, Fujiwara Chika, leapt from her seat and bounded toward Isshiki with the energy of a thousand suns.

"Aya-chan, welcome to the student council!" Chika exclaimed, rubbing her cheek against Isshiki's in an overly affectionate display.

"Senior Chika, long time no see!" Isshiki replied, matching Chika's enthusiasm.

The rest of the council watched the interaction with smiles, clearly charmed by the cheerful display of camaraderie. All except Kaguya.

Kaguya's eye twitched. "Not only are you trying to take the president, but now you're stealing Chika too?! This is unforgivable!"

As Kaguya mentally plotted Isshiki's divine retribution, the younger girl disengaged from Chika and approached her at an eager trot.

"Vice President Shinomiya, I've always admired you!" Isshiki declared, her voice dripping with sincerity. "I'm so excited to work with you. I'll do my best to become the president's right-hand, just like you!"

Kaguya blinked, her internal fury dissipating like steam from a kettle.

"Did she just... call me the president's right-hand? Does she see me as his trusted ally? Is she acknowledging my bond with Kanade?! (Wait, did she even imply that we're a perfect match?!)"

Her mind swirled with newfound joy. "What a delightful girl! Such taste! Such insight!"

Kanade's calm voice broke her reverie. "Isshiki is quite capable but needs guidance. Could you help her get up to speed, Shinomiya?"

"Of course!" Kaguya answered, perhaps a little too quickly.

For so long, she had fought alone within the council. Hayasaka couldn't join, Chika was... Chika, Ishigami avoided her, and Kanade was her rival in love. But now, a loyal ally had appeared—a junior who admired her, sought her guidance, and recognized her brilliance.

For the first time in a long while, Kaguya felt a flicker of hope.

If she could mold this first-year into a loyal ally, perhaps she could tip the scales back in her favor.

Thus began her grand plan: every day, she patiently guided Iroha through the intricacies of student council duties. She took great care to mentor her, gently building camaraderie, all the while subtly singing praises of the president. The intent was clear—cultivate loyalty, align their goals, and create an unshakable ally in her silent campaign for Natsukawa's favor.

It should have been a perfect strategy.

"Isshiki, hand me the file on the desk," Kaguya requested with a practiced air of authority.

"Got it!" Iroha responded, all smiles as she effortlessly retrieved the document.

Moments later, Fujiwara was tugging at her sleeve. "Iroha-chan! Let's go have lunch together!"

Even Natsukawa himself chimed in. "Isshiki, could you update the data from yesterday's meeting?"

Kaguya froze. Why was everyone so... enchanted with her? The duties that once made her indispensable were now being delegated to this junior!

She clenched her fists under the table, her mind swirling with unwelcome thoughts. She had trained Iroha to be helpful, yes, but this was excessive. There was an insidious feeling creeping into her heart—a fear of being replaced.

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T/n rant:

Wow guys, an increment of 5 stones from yesterday's! I'm flattered.

You would think that with how lengthy these chapters are and my uploading 2 of them per day would make people appreciate my efforts but oh well, sometimes in life, you gotta set yourself up for disappointment.

Still, to my Patreons and my top fans, you guys are the best. I started this jurney mid last year, this book hasn't been around for long yet it's top fans overwhelmed the other books making it to my highest contributors of stones and comments. Thank you very much!!!