Compared to Rukia and Kanzaki, Hinamori's personality was much more popular within the Student Council—friendly, approachable, and sweet. The moment she stepped in late, all eyes naturally drifted toward her.
And when she sat right next to Shin—with Hisagi Shūhei even scooting over to make space—minds immediately began to stir with implications.
Hinamori herself seemed to realize how forward she'd been. Once seated, she glanced sideways at Shin, who was chatting animatedly with Vice President Kamitarō Gōgorō.
Gōgorō looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, subtly sliding away.
The Council included quite a few noble-born students, but friction between nobility and commoners was rare. There was no air of superiority. Gōgorō, as the most aristocratic among them, was respected not just for his lineage but for his attitude.
As for Shin—his accomplishments made it impossible for even nobles to look down on him.
Gōgorō had initially disapproved of Shin assigning Hisagi and Kanzaki to lead the Organization and Disciplinary Committees, respectively. But over time, he saw they were diligent, capable, and commanding respect through performance alone.
In short, the Student Council had a healthy, vibrant dynamic—made even stronger under the glow of warm sake and sizzling meat.
"Gōgorō-kun, you're the cornerstone of this Council!" Shin exclaimed, looping an arm around his shoulder again. "If you graduate this year, what'll we do without you? The whole Council will collapse!"
Gōgorō gave him a deadpan stare. This bastard just wants my money.
He was a year above Shin, guaranteed to graduate soon.
Shin had already begun considering his replacement as Vice President. He wanted Shūhei, but the higher-ups would likely reject a commoner—nobles wanted one of their own. And among them, he only trusted Gōgorō.
Once he was gone, who else could Shin so easily fleece for funds?
"You should flunk a year. Stay back for the good of the Council. It's our legacy!"
Gōgorō's face darkened. Flunk? Did this guy think the Kamitarō Clan could afford that kind of disgrace?
Then a new figure approached the table, cup in hand.
"President," said the voice, a little shy, "I'd like to toast to you. I really admire you."
Shin looked up. It was Kira Izuru.
Kira had joined the Council not long ago. Quiet and unassuming, he barely spoke up—so much so that most forgot he was even there.
By now, nearly everyone else had already toasted Shin. Kira must've felt pressure to follow suit.
Shin smiled politely. "Kira, I remember your entrance exam was pretty impressive. But after joining the Council, you've barely said a word."
Kira bowed slightly. "I'm still learning, Senpai. I'd rather watch and improve quietly."
"You'll be leading it someday, remember that."
They clinked cups. Shin had a high tolerance, but even he was starting to feel a little hazy after this many toasts. He exhaled and leaned back, letting himself relax.
"President."
A warm cup of tea appeared beside him, held out by Hinamori.
"Thanks, Momo," Shin said gratefully.
Someone called out teasingly, "Hey! Why's Hinamori taking such good care of the President?"
"Yeah, I'm drunk too! Anyone gonna offer me tea?"
The room erupted in laughter.
Leading the teasing was Seika Aoka.
Hinamori's cheeks flushed as she glared playfully. "Senpai!"
She glanced at Shin, watching for his reaction.
He simply shifted into a more comfortable seat. The room had no chairs—everyone sat kneeling or on cushions—but Shin had long since abandoned decorum and was sprawled lazily across his.
"As a junior, looking after the President is totally normal," Hinamori said defensively.
"Ohh?" Seika stood and approached with exaggerated ceremony. "President, allow me to serve you tea."
That sent the drunk crowd into hysterics.
Shin smiled lazily. "Seika, didn't you say you're aiming for the Fourth Division?"
"…Huh?"
"Well, guess we'll be working together a long time, won't we?"
Seika paled. "President, I was joking! Please forget I said anything!"
He backed off immediately, and the room booed in good fun.
Still, the teasing had laid something bare. Many looked at Hinamori—cute, charming—and thought, what a shame.
But then their eyes turned to Shin, surrounded by admiration, warmth, and reverence. And they all silently agreed—of course it'd be him.
Eventually, Shin excused himself and stepped outside.
All the food and drink had caught up with him.
Behind him, Kanzaki quietly slipped out as well. No one noticed—no one ever did.
Except Hinamori.
She watched Kanzaki's back with a flicker of concern.
Shin was just washing his hands when he heard approaching steps.
"Kanzaki?" he asked with a smirk. "You here for the bathroom too?"
She stood in the doorway, silent, gaze calm.
"…Something wrong?"
Her eyes shimmered slightly. She seemed to hesitate.
"You remember what you promised me, right?" she asked.
Shin blinked. "Huh?"
"You said if I performed in today's event, you'd grant me one wish."
"Oh. Right… yeah, I said that."
"…Then…"
He tilted his head. "What is it?"
She bit her lip, unsure. Her silence only made Shin more cautious—this wasn't going to be a minor request.
"…Shin."
"…?"
Laughter echoed faintly from the banquet hall. Here, in the quiet corridor, only Kanzaki's unsteady breath broke the stillness.
Shin hadn't tried to approach her romantically—not because he wasn't interested, but because she hadn't shown up in the system. In canon, she wasn't significant.
In fact, he remembered clearly: Kanzaki had died during their first Hollow purification exercise. She wasn't supposed to make it. That entire event had been orchestrated by Aizen, a test for Kira, Renji, and Hinamori.
But had she survived—her talents and discipline would've made her a seated officer.
Kanzaki had always respected him. Admired his strength, his clarity. She didn't chase, didn't beg. She simply supported him, quietly and loyally.
But maybe that was the problem.
Shin drew people in without meaning to. And she—feeling left behind—had finally cracked.
"…Shin."
Kanzaki smiled, suddenly and radiantly. A smile that melted her usual frosty exterior.
"I want to kiss you."
Shin didn't recoil. He just blinked, watching her. That smile suited her far better than her usual frown.
She waited for his reaction. Wanted to see him surprised—flustered at her boldness. At the confession she'd buried so long.
But he didn't flinch.
He already knew.
She bit her lip again. Panic started to rise.
And then—
"Momo? What are you doing here?"
A voice called from the hallway, shattering the silence.
"N-Nothing!"
Hurried steps retreated. Rukia's head popped briefly around the corner, saw them, and darted away.
Kanzaki froze. Her heart thundered. Her hands clenched at her sides.
She couldn't think. Couldn't breathe. She couldn't even see Shin clearly anymore.
She didn't notice him move.
Didn't see him step forward.
Until she felt his lips press gently to her forehead.
"…Consider your wish granted," he said softly. "Don't tell anyone."
And just like that, he was gone.
Back inside, he found Hinamori now sitting next to Rukia, head bowed.
He sat, smiling as the others dragged him into the next drinking game.
"Took you long enough, President!"
"We've been waiting!"
He laughed, letting the moment fade.
Kanzaki returned quietly later. Just like when she'd left, no one noticed.
Except Shūhei.
He saw her flushed face. Glanced at Shin. Then at Hinamori on the other side.
He sipped his drink slowly. Then gave a bitter little smile.
"…Unfair, Shin. Really unfair."
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For this week I will do more release depending on the power stones !
100 Power Stones = 1 chapter (in addition to the daily update)
So give stones if you want mooooar !