Episode 291: School Festival Day

The late summer heat had vanished before I even noticed.

The temperature, once comfortable, was gradually becoming cooler in the mornings.

The winter uniforms I thought were still a bit early started to feel right for the morning and evening air, and the flowerbeds I always tend to were now full of autumn flowers.

Today was the day we welcomed that deep autumn feeling.

Blessed with clear autumn skies, it was the perfect start to a festival day.

Yes, today marks the start of the main autumn event.

The school festival is beginning!!

When it comes to standard autumn events, I usually picture a culture festival and a sports festival, but I wonder when sports festivals started being held earlier in the season?

Well, that doesn’t really have anything to do with today.

Anyway, that day has finally arrived.

A massive event for the whole school, spanning today and tomorrow.

Since we didn’t have anything like this in middle school, I’m vibrating with excitement, or maybe I should just say I’m looking forward to the festival.

Especially over the last two or three days, seeing the decorations around the school and the sculptures at the gate made me realize I was even more hyped than I thought.

And right now, Sara-san is in the middle of making our lunch.

Because the portions are large, it seems to be taking longer than usual.

Of course, that’s because today’s lunch is a「everyone bring a dish」affair, and I think Sara-san is looking forward to it as well. I can tell because I can hear her humming a happy tune.

「Sara-san, how is the lunch com…」

「Kazunari-san, say ahhh♪」

When I spoke to her, Sara-san gently picked up a piece of fried chicken from a plate and held it out to my lips.

Well, I won’t hold back.

Chomp. Munch, munch…

Haa… it’s delicious, way too delicious!!

「Fufu, thank you.」

「Wait, did I say that out loud?」

「No, I can tell just by looking at your face.」

「I, I see…」

Man… I’m pretty simple, aren’t I?

But Sara-san says she likes that about me. So I don’t mind being this way.

「I’ll be done in just a moment, so I am sorry, but please wait a little longer.」

「No need to rush. We still have time.」

「Fufu… thank you. Here, say ahhh again♪」

And with a smile, Sara-san once again gently picked up my favorite, a piece of tamagoyaki, and held it to my mouth.

Chomp. Munch, munch…

Aaaah, so good.

Yeah, I can’t wait for lunch today!!

「Morning, you two!!」

「Morning.」

When we arrived at the usual convenience store, Natsumi-senpai and Hanako-san were there to greet us with smiles.

The two of them looked even happier than usual, like they were buzzing with excitement, their smiles probably about twenty percent brighter.

Plus, their bags were larger than usual, and Hanako-san in particular looked like she was struggling a bit.

「Hanako-san, your bag is huge, are you okay? I can carry it if you want?」

「No. I really want to carry this myself, so I’ll just take the thought. Thanks, Kazunari.」

「I see.」

Hanako-san flicked a glance at her bag and wore a happy smile.

If she says so herself, I won’t force the issue.

But the fact that she really wanted to carry it herself made me a little curious.

「My lunch for today is in here. I’ve been practicing my cooking all this time, and I finally made a proper bento. So I really want to carry this myself.」

「Right. If that’s the case…」

I see, it’s because she put so much effort into it. That makes sense. I won’t say anything uncool then.

「It’s the first bento your Big sister ever made. I want Kazunari to eat it.」

「Yeah, thanks.」

I’d already talked to Sara-san about this. Since it’s a potluck style, it’s only natural to try a bit of everything, and Sara-san understands that much.

Besides, Sara-san smiled and told me she was happy I consulted her first.

So, it’s fine.

「Also, I want to try… doing the ‘ahhh’ thing.」

「Eh!?」

When she said that while blushing and looking up at me… wh-what do I do?

But knowing she’s looking forward to it, I can’t just flat-out refuse. Besides, I don’t exactly hate the idea.

「…That’s rare.」

「…What is?」

「…Well, usually you’d jump in and say ‘Kazunari-san is mine.’」

「…I have no intention of being a woman who binds him like that. Besides, our relationship isn’t that shallow anymore.」

「…So confident.」

「Fufu, we are engaged, after all♪」

「…Yeah, yeah, thanks for the feast.」

「…Is that a no?」

Hanako-san stared intently into my eyes, cutely pleading… I mean, this is unfair.

When I looked over at Sara-san, she was just smiling at me, and it almost felt like she was saying「It’s okay with me.」

Right, I’ll just have to make it up to Sara-san another way.

「O-Okay.」

「I’m happy. I’ll tell the Wife myself, so you don’t have to worry.」

「…Ah.」

I see, she noticed after all.

Well, it shouldn’t be a surprise coming from Hanako-san, and it’s not like I’m shocked at this point.

「It is fine with me. Do not worry.」

「Really?」

「Yes. It seems Kazunari-san is going to make it up to me anyway♪」

「Eh…」

And of course, Sara-san noticed too.

Seriously, what is with these two?

「Well, it’s a special occasion, so why not? I made a good bento too, and I’ve been practicing since that time. I might not beat Sara, but I’ve got a decent amount of confidence.」

「There is no need to compare, is there? Everyone is different, and everyone has their own preferences when it comes to food. Right, Kazunari-san?」

「Yeah. In my case, Sara-san’s food is the absolute standard, so there’s no point in comparing anyway.」

「Fufu… Kazunari-san♪」

It wasn’t even about comparing. To begin with, Sara-san’s food is just at the top of the list for me.

It’s not like a restaurant or a shop, so I have no intention of comparing her bento with Hanako-san’s or Natsumi-senpai’s.

「…These two are hopeless.」

「…I’m just happy if Kazunari eats mine, so I don’t care.」

「…Ah, is that so?」

I’m looking forward to everyone’s bentos, and today and tomorrow really feel like they’re going to be fun.

We haven’t even reached the school yet, but the excitement won’t stop!

We passed through the gate with the massive school festival sign, glanced at the headquarters tent, and headed for the classroom.

Even though homeroom hadn’t started yet, classes and clubs were already busy setting up their stalls everywhere, showing just how much everyone was looking forward to the festival.

Our class was the same. Menu signs and waiting chairs were already being prepped at the entrance. It’s still a bit early, though.

I totally get the feeling, though.

Rattle, rattle, rattle…

「Morning.」

「Morning!」

「Yo!」

When we entered the classroom, several people were already in costume… they’d already finished changing!?

The girls were dressed as maid cafe waitresses and the boys were in butler outfits with bow ties and black suits, just like you see on TV or the internet, and they were all busy taking photos with their phones.

Hey now, homeroom is about to start. Don’t blame me if the teacher gets mad.

「Morning, Takanashi-kun! How is it? Does this look good on me!?」

「Eh!? Ah, yeah, I think it looks good.」

One of them struck a pose and gave me a mysterious appeal for no reason.

Well… I guess she looks cute enough, but that’s all I can say.

「Hmm, at times like this, you should say something a bit more charming.」

「Takanashi-kun has Satsukawa-senpai, so girls like us don’t stand a chance, right?」

「True. If Satsukawa-senpai wore a maid outfit, Takanashi-kun would be singing her praises.」

「No way. Forget praises, a whole army of guys would swarm the place and it’d be a disaster.」

They were just carrying on the conversation without me.

More importantly, Sara-san in a maid outfit… no, it’s not like I have a specific interest in maid cafes or anything.

So it’s not like I have a maid fetish.

But… it might be nice… really nice.

Pinch.

「Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!?」

Hanako-san, who was next to me, suddenly pinched the back of my hand!?

「Kazunari… you’re fantasizing.」

「Hanako-san, that hurts, it really hurts!?」

After I protested the pain twice, Hanako-san finally loosened her grip.

I wasn’t exaggerating, it actually hurt.

「Sorry… I overdid it.」

With a bit of a dejected look, Hanako-san lifted my hand. She started gently stroking the pinched area with her finger as if to soothe it.

Now it just felt a little ticklish.

「Pain, pain, go away…」

For some reason, she started blowing「phew, phew」on the spot to cool it down, rubbing it gently with her finger over and over.

That felt strange in a way that wasn’t just ticklish, something I can’t quite describe… something that made me feel a bit flustered.

「…Whoaaa.」

「…Gulp.」

「…Hanasaki-san is just as intense as Satsukawa-senpai.」

「…Damn, why is it always Takanashi!?」

「…He’s got Satsukawa-senpai already, right!? And now Hanasaki-san too, always, always, always…」

「Do you like maid outfits, Kazunari?」

「N-No, not particularly.」

「If you like them, should your Big sister wear one for you?」

「WHAAAT!?」

Hanako-san in a maid outfit… not bad.

I feel like Hanako-san could pull off the gothic lolita look, so it would probably suit her in that sense.

But I don’t want anyone to misunderstand. I definitely don’t have that kind of fetish.

Yeah, not at all.

It was important, so I said it twice.

「Hanasaki-san!! If you don’t mind, please wear a maid outfit!!」

「If Hanasaki-san did it, the number of customers would definitely skyrocket!!」

「…A flat-chested, twin-tailed, tsundere loli maid… the karma is just too deep.」

Misunderstanding something, the boys all swarmed Hanako-san.

「I only plan on showing it to Kazunari. Save your sleep-talking for when you’re in bed, you idiots.」

「「「 DAMN IIIIIIIIT!!!!!! 」」」

And then they all hung their heads while stomping their feet… what are they, children?

Still, how should I put it, I feel like I’ve been thinking the same thing lately… seriously…

「H-H-Hanasaki-san’s maid outfit…」

「Yamakawa… if you don’t want her to hate you, keep your mouth shut.」

Seriously… it’s another peaceful day.

After morning homeroom ended, my classmates officially began setting up the stall, having waited for this moment.

They used black curtains to separate the kitchen from the floor, rearranged the desks, and set up the tables.

They set up the portable gas stoves, prepped a simple sink for washing up… wait, I can’t just stand here and watch.

「Kazunari, it’s time to head to the student council room.」

「Right, let’s go.」

Prompted by Hanako-san, I gathered my things and prepared to leave the classroom.

Since I wouldn’t be coming back here until the day was over, all my luggage was headed to the student council room.

「Well then, we’re off. Good luck with the stall!」

「Yeah! We’ll pull in the sales and make the wrap-up party something special!」

「Nice, I’m fired up now!!」

「Takanashi and Hanasaki-san, you can make it to the wrap-up party, right?」

「I think… we should be able to.」

「Me too.」

To be honest, I didn’t know how things would end, but I still wanted to participate at least a little. Since I couldn’t help with the stall at all, it would be lonely not to have any memories of the festival with my classmates.

「Good luck with the student council work, both of you!」

「We’re counting on you, Vice President!」

「Yeah!」

「We’re off.」

I nodded at my classmates’ encouragement and stood up, and Hanako-san gently took my hand as usual, leading the way out.

Alright, it’s almost time for the doors to open.

I’m vibrating with excitement and really looking forward to it… but even so, I have to stay sharp as part of the student council!!

「Good morning!」

「Good morning…」

「「 Good morning! 」」

When we entered the student council room, not everyone was there yet. Sara-san and the former president hadn’t arrived.

But preparations had already begun. A whiteboard with everyone’s assigned time schedules was ready, and the check sheets had been distributed.

「I’m sure everyone will be here soon.」

While we were talking about that, the members arrived one by one.

「Morning.」

「Good morning, everyone.」

Once the former president and Sara-san arrived, we immediately started the meeting… or rather, all the decisions had been made, so we just started the final confirmation.

Our main job in the student council is patrolling. Then there’s handling guests at the headquarters tent, providing information, and standing by in case anything happens. Those are the primary tasks.

We checked the time schedule for who would be doing what and when, and did a final check of the points to keep in mind.

「Man, having so many people this time is a huge help.」

「I’m grateful that all the seniors joined in. This way we can actually get some free time.」

「Well, patrols are basically the same as free time anyway. You just enjoy yourselves while checking the interior under the guise of work.」

「Ehehe, I know it’s work, but I’m still so excited.」

「True. But while it’s fine for now, we should probably pay attention to the key points while we’re working so we can get used to it for next year. Especially since we have more breathing room thanks to the seniors helping out.」

I wanted to get caught up in the mood too…

But the fact that things were easier because the seniors were here meant that, conversely, it would be harder next year if things didn’t go the same way.

There was no guarantee the current second-years would all help out next year just because they weren’t struggling with their future paths like this year’s third-years.

So I thought we should act with next year in mind, at least in our awareness, so we wouldn’t be in trouble when the time came.

「………」

「Hmm? What is it?」

「No, I just thought Takanashi-kun is right. You’re already thinking about next year, aren’t you?」

「Well, you know…」

「Ehehe, I really respect how serious you are, Takanashi-kun. I think it’s wonderful.」

「Wah!?」

I knew Todo-san was just complimenting me normally, but being told I’m wonderful with such an innocent smile… forget me, any other guy would probably get the wrong idea instantly.

But I guess the fact that she can give a compliment like that so honestly is proof that the「Angel of Purity」isn’t just a title.

「Big sister knows exactly how much of a good boy Kazunari is.」

「Fufu… I’m the one who knows that best. I am his fiancée, after all.」

「No, um…」

We were just having a meeting, why did it turn into a conversation about me?

I’m happy to be praised, but this is a bit too much.

「…Gaaaah, a close orthodox beauty, a loli Big sister who dotes on him, and a perfect, breathtakingly beautiful fiancée…」

「…Don’t say it… don’t say it… ugh.」

「Um, sorry for interrupting the fun, but it’s about time.」

「Yes. Everyone…」

Prompted by the former president’s somewhat apologetic voice, Sara-san tightened the atmosphere.

After drawing everyone’s attention, she slowly cast her gaze over everyone… then looked at me last and gave a small smile.

Man… this is embarrassing…

「Everyone… the day has finally arrived. Starting today, for the next two days, we face our first big stage under this new system. We expect it to be a demanding two days, but we have prepared thoroughly for this moment. We have also carefully considered our response to any expected situations. So it will be fine. We can certainly achieve this together. And… let us make sure to enjoy ourselves within that. If the entire student body is to enjoy themselves, then that applies to us as well. Well then, everyone, I look forward to working with you.」

「「「 WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU!!! 」」」

The fact that Sara-san gave such a rousing speech was one thing, but the weight of her telling everyone to「enjoy themselves」was something else entirely.

The response was the uniform look of surprise on the faces of the seniors who knew the old Sara-san.

But that was just proof of how much Sara-san had grown. Even if someone called it self-conceit, Sara-san had changed for the better because she met me.

Thinking that made me happy.

Alright, here we go.

Thanks to Sara-san, I’m feeling even more fired up!

Let’s give it our all for these next two days!