"Everyone, today we'll show all the effort we've put in until now. I'm confident this play will be a success!" — Ryuichi, the director, said.
"Yeah!" — Everyone strongly affirmed.
Today is our culture festival. I'm really excited to visit all the stalls and attractions that each classroom made. At the same time, I'm nervous since I've never played a big role in a theatrical play.
"Since our play will start later, until then everyone is free to visit all the stalls. But please, don't forget to appear on time." — Ayame-san announced.
As everyone started heading out to enjoy the culture festival, I couldn't help but admire all the work we've done until now. There was another group that took the role of support and organization. They worked on the scenery, our costumes, and asked for permission to use the auditorium.
"Are you nervous?" — Ayame-san asked.
"I'd be lying if I said no."
"It's okay. To tell the truth, I'm feeling nervous too."
Actually, there's another reason to be nervous now.
"Ayame-san, how about we hang out together?"
"That would be great. Should I call Satou-san and Tachibana-san?"
"It seems they went somewhere... I was thinking just about us two."
"..."
"Ayame-san?" — Oh god, I hope she doesn't refuse.
"If it's o-okay with you, gladly." — She quickly turned her face.
Then both of us started wandering around the school.
♦♦♦ Haunted House ♦♦♦
"This is really spooky." — I admitted.
"If you want, you can hold my hand." — Ayame-san said.
It's really tempting to hold her hand. But my pride is at stake, so this won't happen... unless...
"Don't worry. Instead, feel free to grab my arm whenever you want."
"Fufu~ such a gentleman, but you don't need to force yourself."
"Haha... come on, don't be shy."
PSSST
"Did someone pass behind us?" — I asked.
"I... I think the sound is a recording, and they used some kind of item to make us think someone passed behind us."
"Are you sure you're okay?" — I offered my hand.
"Wha— what are you talking about? Tomoki-kun, you're really stubborn today." — She was totally scared.
It seems I need to take the lead and—
PSST, PSST
A giant cockroach, about two meters tall, was standing behind us.
"HOLY SHI—! You guys went too far! Ayame-san, you win! Let's get out of here!"
"..." — Don't tell me.
"Excuse me."
"Eh!? Wait—"
I just pulled her as fast as possible through the exit.
"Couldn't they have just made a normal gore scene? That thing should be illegal."
"Tomoki-kun, you were really scared. You can still hold my hand if you want." — She just pretended she hadn't frozen earlier.
Ayame-san really wanted to show that she's brave.
♦♦♦ Reversed Butler Café ♦♦♦
"It looks like the last butler café I went to with my sister."
"Though all the butlers are girls. What do you think?"
"Honestly? Normal, I guess?"
We had already made our order, so one of the butlers brought the meal.
"Here's your meal, let me cast a spell on it."
"Wait a minute, you're not a girl." — I said.
"Tomoki-kun? Is something wrong?" — Ayame-san asked.
"Sorry, it's just that I thought only the girls would be the butlers. I just got surprised, that's all."
"Then, if you'll excuse me... MOE—"
"Wait! Wait! Please, you don't need to do this."
"Oh! So you two aren't into this... I'm glad. I'm not used to doing this. Though since everyone's doing their best, I guess I need to try... MOE—"
"No! I mean... don't worry about it. You don't need to force yourself to keep doing this... like, forever."
"Really? Then master and mistress, enjoy your meal."
So the butler bowed his head and left us.
"Tomoki-kun, do you perhaps not like this?"
"I just feel embarrassed watching them do this spell... or curse."
"Fufu~ I'm kind of curious how you would do the spell... actually, if you ever became a butler again, I'd ask you to do it."
"Then I'd resign the job."
♦♦♦ Reading Fortune ♦♦♦
"It seems we have a couple here. What a rare sight. Welcome to our humble shop."
"Shouta-senpai!?" — Both me and Ayame-san said.
"Not here — right now, I'm the Prophet." — said the Prophet.
"So... could you read our future?" — I asked.
"Sure. Then both of you, tell me your full name and birthdate." — asked the Prophet.
"Morikawa Tomoki, December 10."
"Edomae Ayame, October 09."
It seems in a few months it'll be Ayame-san's birthday. I need to note this down later.
"With the power granted to me, these cards will tell me your future."
So he started to shuffle his cards and drew one.
"Morikawa Tomoki, you're a free spirit who seeks new challenges. Your card, The Wheel of Fortune, tells me that you'll bring changes around yourself, but even so, there's already a fate set for you. However, only you can decide if it'll have a good or bad outcome."
Then he looked to Ayame-san.
"Edomae Ayame, your spirit seeks balance and harmony. Your card, The Lovers, tells me that you'll treasure the person you have interest in. But beware — if your emotions start to weigh on one side, your relationship will fall into disharmony and become one-sided love."
I'm really surprised — but not because of my fortune. Shouta-senpai really knows how to read and create this mysterious mood.
"This is how it is... so, do you like it?" — the Prophet asked.
"Shouta-san, you can't ask them directly, otherwise all the act you made so far will lose its impact... It's been a while, Morikawa-san, Edomae-san." — suddenly said the red-haired girl.
"I mean, I really want to know what both of them think about it. After all, they are my first guests, Kaoru-san."
Is it the same girl who was desperately trying to get Shouta-senpai's attention?
"Morikawa-san, thank you for convincing Shouta-san to give me another chance." — Kaoru-senpai bowed her head.
"It was nothing. I'm happy for you two."
"Thank you. But I guess we need to talk another time."
It seems there were people waiting for us to leave.
"Then we'll be leaving. Shouta-senpai, I really liked your prophecy. You really know how to set the mood." — I said.
And so Ayame-san and I started leaving the place, but to our surprise—
"So how about we... Morikawa."
"It's been a while, Senpai." — I slightly bowed my head.
Not only him, but his two girlfriends and Tachibana-san were with him too.
I don't know if I should interfere, because I'm sure if I do, Senpai and I will start a discussion in front of Shouta-senpai's classroom.
So I just stayed silent and let them pass. I hope Tachibana-san will at least try to seek our help if something happens.
Besides, right now I'm worried about one person.
"Ayame-san, are you okay? You've been quiet since your fortune was read."
"It's just... I was worried, you know. Do you think I'll bring misfortune to the person I like in the future?"
"You don't need to worry. It's just a fortune reading."
"Right..." — Ayame-san was still thinking about it.
"Look, if by any chance you bring misfortune, I'll be there to help you get rid of it."
"You mean it?"
"Yeah! And I'll bring Shouta-senpai to make some kind of ritual, just in case."
"Fu— Ahaha! Thanks, Tomoki-kun. I guess I overthought too much."
"That's okay. By the way, should we go to the auditorium?"
"There's still some time left, but I think it's better to be there already."
As soon as we decided to go to the auditorium to prepare for our play, a commotion happened in front of Shouta-senpai's classroom.
"You know what? You should just go see this imaginary boy you're always talking about!"
"He's not—!" — Tachibana-san almost spoke, but Senpai interrupted her.
"Yes, he is! You don't even know his name! A fateful encounter that made you all head over heels like in a fairy tale. You're such a clown. First you got dumped by that male scholarship student, right after that you came after me knowing that I already have girlfriends, and now that you found your 'fated person,' you treat me like I don't even exist." — Senpai said.
Now he crossed the line.
I can't keep listening to this. If he wants trouble, then I'll gladly give him another headache.
"Sorry!" — Tachibana-san suddenly apologized before I could get there.
"What!?" — Senpai said.
"As you said, I'm just a dreamy girl who keeps seeking something that maybe doesn't even exist. What I did for you isn't something I can be proud of. You're not at fault — I am. And because of that, it's better for us not to approach each other anymore. Not only for your sake, Senpai, but for your girlfriends too... that's why, I'm sorry." — Tachibana-san apologized again.
Everyone started whispering, especially about Tachibana-san's behavior.
(Oh, the one who got dumped by the male scholarship student. I forgot about that.) — some student.
(I bet she got dumped because she always switches boys whenever she sees an opportunity. Such a clown.) — another student.
But even with everyone talking behind Tachibana-san's back, she didn't react at all.
"Sigh~ no wonder you have almost the same grades as that friend of yours. Forget about romance — you're just a creepy girl who draws a bunch of guys to satisfy your own sick desires. I bet this person you're looking for is just one of your drawings. Advice as your senpai — you should spend more time studying than living in a fantasy."
All this time, Tachibana-san stayed composed.
But after that last line, she ran...
Yeah, she ran. I couldn't see well, after all, she covered her face... but I know she was crying.
Senpai, you better have treated your girlfriends well until now.
Because I'll make sure that even a therapist won't be able to help you anymore.