"Can you swear it? If you started reviewing two weeks ago, may you never get a boyfriend?"
Takamine thought it was a light oath. Judging from Shinomiya's usual disinterest in romance and men, he figured it was just a harmless counter. But—
Kaguya actually hesitated.
Usually, such oaths are superstition, empty threats, and people who don't believe in them make them without worry.
Kaguya knew this, yet in this moment, she hesitated.
She stole a glance at Shirogane Miyuki at his desk.
Right now, she couldn't make that vow.
Cold sweat ran down her face as she racked her brain for a way out.
This was harder than her daily mind games with Shirogane. Normally, their strategies led to mutual near-confessions, but Takamine's strike was a kill shot.
'If I don't vow, it's like admitting I secretly studied. Then the rumors will be that I deceived my classmates to maintain a fake image… My dignity would be gone. But if I do vow…'
She glanced at Shirogane again.
'There's no way I could vow something like that!!!!'
Whenever something involved him, she lost all calm.
Takamine watched her sweat silently, suspicion rising in his eyes.
'Is she actually worried about not getting a boyfriend? That can't be. She treats all the boys at school like bugs—right? But if she's hesitating… did she really review secretly?'
"Lady Shinomiya."
"Huh?"
"You didn't… really study at home, did you?"
"What nonsense are you spouting!?" Kaguya shouted, almost dropping her teacup. "How absurd! Why would I ever do such a thing!?"
"If you didn't, then why is swearing so hard?"
'Of course it's hard!!'
"It's not… that hard, really… it's just… meaningless, that's all."
"Yeah, it is meaningless."
Then she stood up.
"Eh?"
"This kind of bet that relies on someone else's misfortune is just too twisted! Takamine-kun, that's so dark of you!" Fujiwara Chika puffed up with anger. "And it's not even interesting. Let's change the stakes."
She hadn't even heard what they were betting on, but if it involved romance, she was always in the mix.
Kaguya: 'Thank goodness… as expected of Fujiwara!'
Takamine: 'Tch, this woman again.'
He crossed his legs and asked, "Then what do you want to bet on, Secretary Fujiwara?"
"Let me think…"
Fujiwara tapped her chin, then suddenly smiled.
"How about this—whoever loses has to confess to their crush!"
Kaguya & Takamine: 'Is this woman the devil!?!'
"Fujiwara… confessing is way too extreme," Kaguya said, sweating. "Besides, what if someone doesn't have a crush?"
"Oh… for once, I agree with you, Shinomiya-san," Takamine said, averting his gaze and trying to act cool. "It's against school regulations. High school romance is a serious issue…"
"Nonsense! If you like someone, you should be brave and express it! What's wrong with that?"
Kaguya & Takamine: 'Wrong on every level!'
Takamine wasn't really afraid—he hadn't reviewed anyway—but the word "confess" was a trauma trigger, making him forget he had a guaranteed win.
It's like standing before a high-stakes gamble: even if you're sure to win, fear creeps in.
Then Shirogane suddenly brightened and gave Fujiwara a discreet thumbs up. Pretending to be calm, he said, "Hmm, I think this proposal is pretty good."
But in his heart:
'Kaguya definitely reviewed. If this works and she confesses, I win…'
"Really, President?!"
Fujiwara beamed with joy.
"Of course, it's a great idea…"
"Then you should join too~"
"!!?"
Shirogane's smile froze.
Actually, everyone in the student council—except Fujiwara—had their expressions stiffen.
These three were all "confession-phobes."
Swearing didn't even matter anymore. Just deny it, and if needed, lie later.
But in that moment, all three of them lost their composure.
Takamine was the first to calm down. Thinking it through—he hadn't reviewed at all during the break. There was no way he'd lose. Vow? No problem.
"I'm fine with it. I'll swear," Takamine raised his hand.
"Eh!? Don't be rash!"
"Uh, Takamine… maybe think about it a bit?" Kaguya and Shirogane panicked. If he played along, they'd be dragged in too.
Then Fujiwara suddenly grabbed Takamine's shoulder.
"Huh? What now?"
"I'm so sorry, Takamine-kun," she said, eyes tearing up.
"What?"
"I forgot you've confessed and been rejected before. If you haven't gotten over that girl, this would mean confessing to her again. That's basically suicide!"
Stab!
Her words pierced Takamine's chest.
"I didn't think this through. I'm sorry for reopening your wounds…"
Stab!
Two strikes to the chest.
Takamine looked gloomy as he slowly walked toward the door.
"President, I want to go die for a bit. Excuse me."
"Oh, please don't actually die…"
Once he left, the bet dissolved on its own.
And Takamine swore never to visit the student council while Fujiwara was there again.