It wasn't until she walked out of the house under the respectful farewell of the main residence's butler and got into the car that Kaguya felt like she was in a dream.
"Ogiwara-san spoke on my behalf, and Father agreed?"
Hayasaka Ai fastened her seatbelt, then sat beside her while pulling on her own belt. "Yes."
Kaguya wasn't completely unfamiliar with Akira, but after being under her father's absolute pressure for so long, it still felt unbelievable.
She wanted to ask more, but then saw Hayasaka Ai tilt her phone screen toward her, with a line of text typed out:
[We'll talk about the rest after we get out.]
Understanding the message, Kaguya fell silent and instead called the student council president, secretary, and treasurer, who were already at the venue, to let them know she would be able to come.
Hayasaka Ai glanced at her lady's face, which was unable to hide her excitement and anticipation, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
She had indeed felt conflicted earlier, but upon seeing that expression and sensing her own guilt slightly fade, that conflict eased a bit.
Whether meaningful or not, making a significant sacrifice often brings psychological comfort to those who feel guilty.
Otherwise, the saying "moved by one's own actions" wouldn't exist.
Moreover, this sacrifice did have real meaning—it wasn't just about self-satisfaction.
Naturally, anyone qualified to be a driver for the Shinomiya family would not be ordinary.
Under the strict command of the head of the household not to be late, the car drove both swiftly and steadily.
Yet, upon approaching the fireworks venue, they were still caught in a traffic jam caused by road restrictions.
In situations like this, unless the Shinomiya family caused a major commotion, there was little they could do.
"Let's get out here, milady. We'll take a bike the rest of the way."
Hayasaka Ai unbuckled her seatbelt, got out of the car, and took a folding mountain bike out of the trunk.
Standard bicycles are quite large and wouldn't allow the trunk to close. For the Shinomiya family, such an unsightly arrangement would never be permitted.
"Eh? But I don't know how to ride…"
"That's why there's only one bike. Hop on."
Since there was no rear seat, Hayasaka Ai patted the support bar at the front as she said that.
A butler from the car ahead got out hesitantly, trying to object. "In that case, the other security personnel won't be able to follow, and it's not exactly dignified…"
Hayasaka Ai answered the call from the main residence and firmly responded, "Since it's been decided that she will go, then as the Shinomiya family's young lady, she must not be late.
Even if her arrival is a bit unsightly, it's better than breaking her promise. Besides, I'll have her dismount before the appointed location."
She stressed the words "must not be late."
The butler had no response and could only step aside to let them pass.
It was Kaguya's first time on a mountain bike like this. Once seated, she tensed up completely.
Hayasaka Ai nudged her leg to adjust her posture into one that wouldn't interfere with pedaling.
Then she stepped hard on the pedals and skillfully wove through the crowd, speeding along the pedestrian walkway.
This speed made it impossible for the Shinomiya family's security team to keep up.
"You can relax a little, milady."
"Ugh… Hayasaka, my butt hurts…"
"Bear with it. This is the only option right now."
Hayasaka Ai slowed down slightly. Thanks to the bike's decent shock absorption, what was really bothering Kaguya was mostly her own body weight.
After a short while, she began to get used to this strange mode of transportation and shifted her position slightly to make herself more comfortable.
Finally finding an opportunity, she asked, "Is it because Aoyama-san is training here? But even so, we should find a way to properly repay him."
She was clearly referring to Akira's help.
Hayasaka Ai kept her eyes on the road, avoiding the crowd while answering,
"Aoyama-san is the reason Ogiwara-san was willing to accept the request. But making a successful request—or rather, a deal—always comes at a cost."
"How much was it? Did you pay for it, Hayasaka?"
"Ogiwara-san didn't ask for money."
"Then what was the price…"
"To go see the fireworks with him. That's also why I'm here."
This strange price left Kaguya stunned. "Eh—eh? Wait! What kind of price is that?! No! If you don't want to, Hayasaka—"
Hayasaka Ai sighed slightly and cut her off. "I'm perfectly willing, milady. A chance to watch the fireworks with Ogiwara-san isn't something just anyone can get."
"But still…"
"And besides, Ogiwara-san is very handsome."
"…."
Kaguya stared with wide eyes for a moment, then turned her head away in disappointment.
"Hayasaka, when did you become such a shallow woman who only cares about looks?"
Hayasaka Ai scoffed and retorted, "If the president were ugly, would you still like him?"
"That's a meaningless hypothetical!"
"Alright then, I admit it. I really am a shallow woman."
Kaguya fell silent for a moment.
Then she spoke in a quiet voice, "Hayasaka, if you really don't want to, let's just go back."
Hayasaka Ai smiled slightly. "What, you don't want to watch the big, grand fireworks with the president?"
"I do. I really do," Kaguya said earnestly. "But if my happiness comes at the cost of your suffering, I'd rather give it up."
Hayasaka Ai sighed with a touch of emotion.
"Ha… You finally know how to appreciate me, milady. That makes me happy. But unfortunately, you picked the wrong moment."
"The wrong moment?"
"I mean, please don't get in my way tonight."
"Wha—! Hayasaka! I was seriously worried about you!"
"Hold on tight, we're speeding up again."
"Aaaaah it hurts, it hurts! Hayasaka, you're definitely doing this on purpose—!"
Amid the girl's wails, Hayasaka Ai brought Kaguya to the area near the agreed meeting spot.
With a loud bang, the first beautiful firework burst open in the sky.
"See that? The president and the others are over there." Hayasaka Ai let go of the handlebars and pointed into the crowd.
"Go on, they're all waiting for you. Fireworks look best when you're standing with the people you care about."
Kaguya was briefly dazed by the beauty of the fireworks but quickly came to her senses thanks to Hayasaka Ai's reminder.
That's right. Fireworks this beautiful are even more meaningful when shared with someone you like.
With Hayasaka Ai's guidance, she spotted the other student council members.
She jumped off the bike, held her sore butt, glared at Hayasaka Ai with teary eyes, and ran over toward them.
Watching her lady joyfully reunite with her friends, Hayasaka Ai wheeled the bike into the crowd, found a place to lock it, and then pulled out her phone to open a location email she had received earlier.
Be happy, milady.
With that wish in her heart, Hayasaka Ai lowered her head and walked into the hotel.
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