"Now, listen carefully to the first question!"
Wielding the microphone with authority, Host Tanaka dramatically pointed to the large silver screen behind him. Bold text appeared in shining letters:
"What is your partner's favorite thing?"
"This is just a warm-up question! Please write your answers on the tablets in front of you."
"Remember, the tablet cameras are connected directly to the big screen behind you, so no whispering!"
On stage, while most contestants confidently typed away, Kirino Kousaka hesitated, her face twisted in frustration.
Seizing the moment, Host Tanaka eagerly brought the microphone to his lips, clearly enjoying Kirino's struggle.
"Oh! Contestant #2, Kirino Kousaka, seems completely lost! It appears she doesn't know much about her boyfriend's preferences!"
Raising his hand theatrically, Tanaka riled up the crowd. "Let's reveal the answers! Countdown!"
"5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0!"
"Reveal the answers on the big screen!"
"Contestant #1: Haruka Kasugano's answer: 'Sora's favorite is Haruka. My favorite is Sora.'"
"Contestant #1: Sora Kasugano's answer: 'Haruka's favorite is Sora. My favorite is Haruka.'"
"Ohhh! Truly a perfect couple! No hesitation—each wrote the other's name!"
"Congratulations on passing!"
"Now, onto Contestant #2!"
"Kyosuke Kousaka's answer: 'Kirino's favorite is sister-themed games. My favorite is Kirino.'"
"Kirino Kousaka's answer: 'Kyosuke's favorite is reading manga. My favorite is sister-themed games.'"
"Oops!"
Host Tanaka dramatically clutched the microphone. "Elimination! Contestant #2 is out on the very first question!"
"Let's give them a warm round of applause as they depart."
Turning to Kyosuke, he added smugly, "And if I may suggest... consider finding a less difficult girlfriend!"
Waving off the grumbling Kyosuke dragging a fuming Kirino away, Tanaka composed himself.
"Next up, Contestant #3: Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya!"
"Everyone, let's cheer!"
A group of dedicated fans in the audience erupted, hoisting signs with elaborate fan art of Miyuki and Kaguya.
Among the roaring cheers, Gabriel sat on the ground, playing her handheld console with one hand while covering her ear with the other. Sighing, she briefly pulled out the apocalypse horn, reconsidered, and stuffed it back into her bag.
"Humans sure are noisy," she muttered, using Satania and Vignette as makeshift noise blockers.
Meanwhile, Chika Fujiwara enthusiastically cheered for Kaguya and Miyuki, while Yu Ishigami waved a massive banner with all his strength.
From the shadows, Ai Hayasaka discreetly lowered her glowing phone and whispered, "This is all I can do for you, Miss Kaguya."
"Excellent enthusiasm, everyone! Let's reveal Contestant #3's answers!"
"Miyuki Shirogane's answer: 'Kaguya's favorite is me. My favorite is Kaguya.'"
"Kaguya Shinomiya's answer: 'Miyuki's favorite is Kaguya. My favorite is Miyuki.'"
"Perfect match!"
Tanaka triumphantly shouted, "What a flawless pair! Their answers were perfectly in sync!"
"Let's celebrate!"
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Colorful confetti and flower petals rained down from above.
Blushing deeply, Kaguya felt her vision blur as Tanaka enthusiastically declared their victory. Clutching her chest as her heart pounded, she looked lovingly toward Miyuki.
"President... my heart feels so warm... like it's on fire."
"Kaguya."
Blushing furiously, Miyuki gathered his courage under Chika's animated encouragement.
"Just call me Miyuki... I want you to."
"M-Miyuki..."
Kaguya whispered his name, feeling the world spin.
Thud!
She collapsed into Miyuki's arms.
"Kaguya! What's wrong?!" he cried.
Clutching his shirt, Kaguya murmured softly, "I... entrust my future to you."
"W-What?!"
Eyes wide, Miyuki stared, hardly believing his ears.
"Could you say that again? Please?"
"Ugh..."
Annoyed by his hesitation, Kaguya puffed her cheeks and stood shakily, snatching the microphone from Tanaka.
"I SAID—"
Taking a deep breath, she pointed at Miyuki and shouted:
"Miyuki, you are mine, now and forever! Got that?!"
Turning her head shyly, she added softly, "I... am also yours... forever."
"Kaguya!"
Overwhelmed, Miyuki embraced her tightly.
Looking deeply into her eyes, he declared, "I will always be yours, and you will always be mine!"
Blushing, Kaguya gently rested her head against his chest.
"Kiss her!"
Chika waved her arms excitedly.
"President, kiss Kaguya!"
Miyuki, trembling, cupped Kaguya's face as her eyes sparkled with warmth.
Swallowing hard, he whispered, "Kaguya... may I?"
"Mm."
Closing her eyes, she softly answered, "As you wish."
Slowly, Miyuki leaned in as the spotlight framed their tender moment.
"Whoa!"
Cheering loudly, Chika dashed onto the stage, hugging them both while sobbing joyfully.
"This is perfect! You'll be happy forever—I'll make sure of it!"
Even Ishigami joined, offering a supportive smile.
Looking around at his friends, Miyuki's heart swelled with gratitude.
Ruri Gokou approached, handing him a camera.
"I captured it all," she said with a smile.
"Thank you, Ruri! Thank you so much!"
But suddenly, his eyes widened.
"Kaguya... she... fainted again!"
Holding her close, Miyuki shouted desperately:
"Kaguya! Stay with me!!!"