Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

After sending several texts to Shinomiya Kaguya with no reply, Kanade Natsukawa decided to visit her classroom in person.

On his way, he encountered an unexpected figure.

"…You're Hayasaka Ai, right?" Kanade asked hesitantly.

Standing before him was a blonde girl dressed in a trendy, gyaru style. She had approached him, saying she wanted to talk. His initial instinct was to refuse—he had business with Kaguya. But as he studied her, a thought struck him: this might be Kaguya's maid, Hayasaka Ai.

"Yes, that's me," Hayasaka confirmed with a nod, impressed that Kanade had recognized her despite her disguise.

"What's this about?" Kanade asked, puzzled.

Although he'd known Kaguya for some time, this was his first proper encounter with her maid. If Hayasaka was seeking him out, it had to be related to Kaguya. But why wouldn't Kaguya approach him directly?

"Can we speak somewhere more private?"

"…Alright." Kanade followed her to a quieter spot.

"Kaguya-sama hasn't been in great spirits lately," Hayasaka began, dropping her gyaru façade and adopting a more respectful tone. However, she kept her distance, as though she didn't want to get too close.

Kanade noticed but didn't comment, assuming it was just her being cautious. Her words, however, caught his attention.

"She's feeling down…"

He had noticed as much himself, but he wasn't sure what Hayasaka expected him to do about it. He responded instinctively.

"Maybe she should hang out with Fujiwara? I hear shopping with friends can lift someone's mood."

Hayasaka shot him a sharp look, barely hiding her irritation.

Oh, please. As if you're not the reason she's like this!

If she didn't know for a fact that Kanade was single, Hayasaka might have considered giving him a piece of her mind for being a two-timing jerk. How dare he play with her mistress's emotions like this?

"Kanade-sama, I hope you'll be more straightforward and… treat Kaguya-sama kindly. I'm counting on you," Hayasaka said with a slight bow, her tone sincere and respectful.

"Be more straightforward…" Kanade repeated, nodding slightly. He had to admit, his behavior toward Kaguya had been immature—constantly challenging her, teasing her, and pulling stunts to get her attention.

Looking back, he must have come across as a grade-schooler trying to impress a crush. It was embarrassing.

"…Alright, I'll keep that in mind," he said, his tone apologetic.

Kanade felt genuinely guilty. His clumsy attempts to connect with Kaguya had likely caused her distress, something he had never intended. He'd always thought she enjoyed their playful rivalry, but clearly, he'd misjudged.

"Please convey my apologies to her—or no, I'll apologize to her myself," he added, his voice tinged with remorse.

He was already planning to meet Kaguya, and now he had another reason. The only problem was whether she'd even agree to see him.

Hayasaka blinked, surprised by how readily Kanade had agreed.

Wait, isn't this the part where he makes some outrageous demand? Like asking for a date or something?

This didn't make sense.

"Kanade-sama… Is there really nothing else you want to say?" she asked cautiously.

Hayasaka had mentally prepared herself to endure whatever conditions he might impose—she'd even considered secretly recording their conversation to gather evidence of his misconduct.

But he wanted… nothing?

How was she supposed to stage a dramatic confrontation for Kaguya's benefit now?

"Uh, something else…" Kanade frowned, trying to think. Finally, he offered weakly, "Take care of your mistress?"

Hayasaka: "…"

That's it? That's all you've got? That's literally my job!

She had expected something more selfish, more revealing of his true intentions. At this rate, she couldn't even frame him as a playboy taking advantage of her mistress.

Are you even the same Casanova I thought you were? Where's the cunning manipulator?

Hayasaka was now questioning all her assumptions.

Does he not have any ulterior motives for Kaguya? But then why did he recognize me in disguise? Why did he confess to me that day? Could it be he gave up after I rejected him…?

That seemed plausible, but it also meant he might not pay much attention to Kaguya anymore.

If that was the case, then this wasn't some scheme to make Kaguya jealous or to draw Hayasaka out as a hidden rival. Maybe… he had genuinely taken an interest in Isshiki Iroha?

On the surface, this should have been a relief. If Kanade left her mistress alone, Kaguya wouldn't have to endure the emotional rollercoaster he'd been putting her through.

But the current state of affairs suggested otherwise. Kaguya was already so distressed, and if Kanade truly stopped paying her any attention, her misery might deepen into something far worse.

Wait… could Kanade have foreseen all this? Hayasaka's thoughts spiraled.

Is he leveraging my concern for Kaguya to force me into action?

No… This can't be him giving up. He's just making me take the initiative! That's diabolical!

This kind of person wasn't suitable for her mistress. Kaguya couldn't afford to be entangled with someone so dangerous. Hayasaka had to act—to protect Kaguya, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Hayasaka forced a calm expression. "Kanade-sama, are you free this weekend? I was thinking—"

"Sorry, I have plans this weekend," Kanade cut her off.

"…Huh?" Hayasaka was genuinely dumbfounded.

She'd practically spelled it out, and he said no?

"Yeah, I'm meeting up with some friends. If it's important, we can talk another time," Kanade added, shaking his head.

To be honest, he didn't see why he needed to meet with Hayasaka privately. They weren't friends, and unless it was about Kaguya, he didn't feel any obligation to humor her.

"…"

Hayasaka stared at him, finally realizing that he wasn't even trying to string her along. He wasn't leaving any openings—not even the token "next time" promise.

What is with this guy? Was everything I thought wrong?

No wonder Kaguya was so frustrated. Dealing with Kanade was like trying to read a closed book.

Who wouldn't be driven crazy by this?