When the Student Council members gathered together.
In the crowd on the sports field, Hayasaka Ai observed the scene without any expression.
She watched Fujiwara Chika throw herself into Sakurai Saki's arms, loudly proclaiming how fast and amazing she had been during the relay race. Sakurai Saki, as usual, stroked her head, praising her.
It was clearly the same scene as before. So why did she feel so miserable?
Though Hayasaka Ai was dating Sakurai Saki, she couldn't openly appear by his side. The close ties between the Student Council members and him made it difficult for Ai-chan to interject into their conversations. They could only talk and communicate in private.
But—
We're already dating. We're boyfriend and girlfriend. So why do we still have to be so cautious?
Unwilling. Extremely unwilling.
She had won the confession war for Sakurai Saki—defeating Fujiwara Secretary. So why did she feel worse than if she had lost?
On weekends, she had to take care of Kaguya Shinomiya. On weekdays, she had to take care of Kaguya Shinomiya. Even during events like the Sports Festival, she couldn't be with Sakurai Saki.
… But who could she blame for all of this?
Thinking carefully, who else could she blame besides her timid self?
Hayasaka Ai was jealous of Fujiwara Chika. She could live innocently and carefree, without having to think about interpersonal relationships. She simply lived and could gain everyone's affection—and Sakurai Saki's favor.
Why? Why did she have to go to such lengths to get close to Sakurai Saki, while Chika didn't have to do anything? If it weren't for that proactive move, she wouldn't even have secured the girlfriend position now.
Hayasaka Ai glanced at Kaguya Shinomiya, and a flame of jealousy ignited within her as well. This person was very pitiful, but even so, living in a cage, she could at least live the life she wanted and have a wonderful youth. She even had a romantic interest—and as her attendant, Hayasaka Ai would help her conceal it…
If only everything would disappear. If only the person I liked remained in the world…
Hayasaka Ai lowered her head, dark thoughts emerging in her mind.
A few seconds later, she felt her thoughts were somewhat laughable. How could this world fulfill her wishes? She was just a small attendant of the Shinomiya family. Even though her parents were high-ranking executives of the Shinomiya Group, the Hayasaka family was merely a bloodline that had been defeated by the Shinomiya family in the past, then taken notice of and absorbed. Under such circumstances, how much freedom could the Hayasaka family have?
Moreover, she couldn't abandon Kaguya Shinomiya. This was the most crucial point. If Hayasaka Ai resigned and left Kaguya Shinomiya, she certainly could—but how would the new attendant treat Kaguya? Would they, like herself, help Kaguya conceal information and care for her meticulously?
Kaguya Shinomiya only had herself left. She only had herself to fully trust. Until she found a new reliance, Hayasaka Ai didn't want to leave her.
If only everything could disappear.
Hayasaka Ai wished again.
She didn't dare to look at the Student Council members. She knew that was not a place she could go.
Ai-chan didn't dare to come over, nor did she dare to look at the Student Council members much.
Sakurai Saki, however, had noticed Hayasaka Ai very early on. She had been constantly looking in their direction for a while. Since he hadn't deliberately looked for his girlfriend all day, this was the first time Sakurai Saki had seen her. Mainly, his mother had been too clingy, giving him no chance.
Now, his mother had returned home early, leaving him free time.
He noticed Ai-chan kept her head down, seemingly unhappy.
It seemed he had neglected her.
But thankfully, it wasn't too late. Even now.
"Excuse me, everyone. I have something to attend to." Sakurai Saki said, then quickly left.
The Student Council members probably guessed the reason. Shirogane Miyuki knew. Fujiwara Chika also knew. Kaguya Shinomiya, needless to say, was the most aware. Only Ishigami Yu was kept in the dark. To this day, he still thought Sakurai Saki was dating Fujiwara Chika.
"What's wrong?" Sakurai Saki walked to his class's line, where Hayasaka Ai was spacing out at the edge.
He asked, but Hayasaka Ai didn't answer. Sakurai Saki helplessly reached out and pinched her cheek. Only then did Ai-chan snap out of it.
Hayasaka Ai's eyes widened. "Sakura-chan! Why are you here?! Oh, right! Did you see Miko trip and fall earlier while walking? It was super funny!"
"...Where have you been hiding today?" Sakurai Saki ignored her pretense.
Then he took her hand, preparing to lead her away from the sports field.
"Wait, Sakura-chan, why are you holding my hand? The competition isn't over yet!"
Sakurai Saki didn't answer. He pulled Hayasaka Ai, disregarding her resistance.
"You're not yourself today!" Sakurai Saki was a little angry.
"What's wrong with me?" Hayasaka Ai asked.
They arrived at the bottom of the school building—a deserted spot.
Sakurai Saki released her hand, his voice cold. "Everything is wrong."
"I'm always like this!" Hayasaka Ai smiled.
"Can you drop the act?" Sakurai Saki frowned. "I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? Do you have to put on this act even in front of me?!"
Hayasaka Ai was silent.
Seeing her lower her head and say nothing, Sakurai Saki grew even angrier.
"Hayasaka Ai, tell me now." His voice was tight. "Do you want to continue dating?"
Since the start of the school year, this was the first time Hayasaka Ai had treated him with such pretense in private. And she had said several such things in a row. Wasn't this treating him like an outsider?
"...I." Ai-chan's eyes felt a little sore.
She didn't know why Sakurai Saki was angry.
"I wanted to announce our relationship, but you said no." Sakurai Saki gritted his teeth. "I really don't understand why you refused. Is dating me such a disgusting thing? You work every day after school—what are you doing that keeps you so busy? Inviting you out on weekends is like inviting a god."
He paused, the words coming out raw.
"Show me any couple who's been dating for almost two months and has only gone on one date."
After Sakurai Saki finished speaking, he noticed Ai-chan's shoulders begin to tremble.
A few tears fell to the ground.
"Do you want to break up with me?" Ai-chan looked up, tears welling in her eyes.
"If I wanted to break up with you, I wouldn't have agreed to your confession in the first place." Sakurai Saki sighed, then took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.
His girlfriend was a crybaby.
"I didn't want to be so drastic." His voice softened. "But you've been hiding things from me. So I have no choice."
Sakurai Saki issued a "crime notice"—pre-announcement.
"What are you going to do?" Hayasaka Ai rubbed her reddened eyes.
As long as he didn't break up with her, that was all that mattered.
Sakurai Saki spoke casually, as if he were about to go get a drink.
"I'm going to confess to you over the broadcast. In front of all the Shuchiin Academy students. In five minutes."
Hayasaka Ai stood rooted to the spot upon hearing this. She was no longer able to think.
Sakurai Saki rested his right hand on his chin, thinking. "Speaking of which, the last time you confessed to me, I don't think I gave a clear answer. This time, consider it making up for it."
He met her eyes.
"Ai-chan, don't repeat my mistakes."
Sakurai-kun finished speaking and left, giving Hayasaka Ai no time to react.
Ai-chan clutched her head. There was too much information—she couldn't process it all
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