Almost at the same time,
Ooka Momiji — who was still wondering whether Kaisen was being serious or just teasing her earlier — froze when she saw Sonoko remove her signature headband.
The moment Sonoko's smooth brown hair fell loose over her shoulders, catching the afternoon light, the entire room seemed to still.
"So beautiful…" Momiji whispered, eyes wide.
Even Shinomiya Kaguya, who prided herself on composure, faltered for a heartbeat. She stared at Sonoko's unguarded expression — gentle yet confident — and finally murmured under her breath,
"…It's really beautiful."
Across the room, Fujiwara Chika reacted in the most predictable Chika way possible.
"Waaah! Sonoko-chan, you're soooo cute! Idol-tier kawaii! Like, sparkle-sparkle level!"
Before anyone could stop her, Chika rushed in, practically spinning Sonoko around.
Sonoko blinked rapidly, cheeks slightly pink. Among all the reactions — from Kaguya's quiet awe to Momiji's jealous admiration — the most confused person in the room was, in fact, Sonoko herself.
Am I really that beautiful? Isn't this a bit over the top?
But when she peeked into Chika's mirror, she gasped softly. Without the headband, her features looked softer, her eyes clearer — elegant yet confident.
"So… everyone really likes this look?" she asked hesitantly.
Her sense of beauty had always leaned bold and flashy. To her, simplicity felt unnatural. But when Kaisen's calm, approving eyes met hers, warmth bloomed in her chest.
"Since you like it," she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "I'll keep it off when we're alone. A little secret just for us."
Kaisen chuckled. "Deal. It suits you better than you think."
That faint smile set the room ablaze.
Momiji's eyes narrowed playfully as she clung to his arm, lips forming a pout.
"Hey! That's unfair, Kaisen! I was supposed to surprise you first, but Sonoko got ahead!"
Sonoko giggled. "Guess timing's everything, Momiji."
But the teasing soon deepened into rivalry.
Momiji crossed her arms, confidence flashing in her crimson eyes. "Even though I respect your feelings for Kaisen, Sonoko, I won't let you be the queen."
"Oh?" Sonoko's tone softened, but her smile didn't waver. "Guess that makes two of us."
Kaisen sighed good-naturedly as both girls pressed closer.
"You two… I treat everyone equally," he said gently. "There's no first or second. Titles like 'main wife' are just traditions — they don't mean anything to me."
Momiji nodded, but her voice stayed firm. "Even so, if you want your family's blessing, someone still has to earn that title. I intend to."
Sonoko fell silent. Her joy at finally being accepted by Kaisen faded as the weight of reality returned.
The Suzuki Zaibatsu was powerful — and public image mattered. Being "the second" wasn't something her family would accept easily, no matter her feelings.
If I want to stay by his side… I'll have to fight for it, she realized.
But before the thought could drown her, Kaisen reached out, resting a reassuring hand on hers.
"Don't worry too much," he said softly. "I'll handle it. Once I prove myself, no one will question our choices."
It wasn't arrogance — it was quiet conviction, the kind only someone who had fought alongside dragons could possess.
Kaisen wasn't just a student of Shuchi'in Academy. He was the Dragon Tamer chosen by the White Dragon of Teselia, Chosen Guardian of the Protector of the Sky and bonded with, his Water/Steel-type Delta Axew and his Ice/Dragon Fafninter—the first being a small yet fierce dragon whose fins shimmered like tempered steel.
The second his Initial a Stoic dragon wreathed in frost, its fur gleaming like frozen silver and its breath misting the air with cold.
And for Kaisen, every challenge was just another trial to overcome.
"Anyway," Sonoko said, forcing a small smile, "let's stop worrying for now. Kaisen, come with me after class — I want your help choosing a Shiny Beldum."
Kaisen looked apologetic. "I'd love to, but Mei's still sick. I promised to visit her."
At that very moment, inside Shinomiya Kaguya's mind, chaos reigned.
"Judge Kaguya presiding!" declared one inner voice.
"Confession Kaguya" screamed, "Do it now before Sonoko and Momiji monopolize him!"
"Tsundere Kaguya" stammered, "W-who cares if he looks at them! It's not like I like him or anything!"
"Devil Kaguya" smirked. "Strike now. A true empress never waits."
"Angel Kaguya" cried, "No! Dignity first!"
The mental courtroom devolved into pure anarchy. But at last, the gavel of "Judge Kaguya" slammed down. Verdict: Confess.
Outside, the real Kaguya took a deep breath, adjusted her posture, and approached Kaisen with regal grace.
Her long black hair gleamed under the late-afternoon sun. Her red eyes met his steadily as she rose slightly on her toes and declared:
"President… I like you. Also,— our family recently obtained a Dragon type Pokémon."
The room went silent.
Momiji blinked. "Wait… Dragon? If your family Obtained a Dragon type that only mean—"
Kaguya nodded slightly. "Yes. One of the 2 Ghost/Dragon Pokémon a Dragapult."
The mention alone drew collective awe. A Dragapult — the stealth dragon of Galar — rare, powerful, and intelligent beyond measure.
Kaguya continued, her voice steady but faintly trembling.
"He's… the only thing I've ever received from my late brother. But I want to share that strength — to stand beside you, Kaisen."
For Kaguya, Dragapult wasn't a weapon or a gift. It was her guardian, her link to family — and now, the symbol of her trust.
Kaisen's expression softened. He understood.
"Kaguya," he said quietly, "you should keep Dragapult. He's important to you."
But Kaguya's crimson eyes glinted sharply. "So you're rejecting me now?"
The air turned cold — Ice Kaguya had emerged. Her tone was calm, but her gaze pierced like a blade.
Before tension could rise further, Momiji stepped in with a knowing look.
"I think what Kaisen means," she said gently, "is that Dragapult suits you. A Ghost and Dragon — graceful, loyal, but fiercely protective. Like you, Kaguya."
Kaisen nodded. "Exactly. I can see the trail of dragons in the sky — I'll have no shortage of them. But you and Dragapult… you're a perfect match."
For a heartbeat, Kaguya froze. Then, as Kaisen reached out and patted her head softly, warmth spread across her face.
"President…" she whispered, her icy mask melting into a soft smile.
Fujiwara Chika, of course, ruined the perfect silence.
"President! You can see dragon trails in the sky, right? So those long cloud lines — are they like, dragon butts or something?"
Kaisen blinked. "…Their butts?"
Chika nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! You know, when dragons fly really fast, they leave, like, butt smoke!"
Kaisen groaned. "Chika… those are contrails. Air currents. Not— whatever you just said."
"Still!" Chika clasped her hands pleadingly. "Can you help me catch a Roaring Moon someday? Chika-chan really wants one~!"
Momiji sighed. "You really don't quit, huh?"
Kaguya facepalmed quietly, muttering, "This is why the Student Council can't have peace."
Sonoko just laughed. "Let her dream, it's cute."
Kaisen smiled, defeated. "Alright, alright. If fate allows it, we'll catch one together."
Chika jumped in joy, nearly tripping over Axew, who chirped happily at her feet.
And under the golden light spilling through the academy windows, their laughter mingled — soft, real, and alive.