The school buzzed with energy that morning. Bright lanterns hung in the hallways, classrooms had been transformed into cafés and game stalls, and the scent of takoyaki and cotton candy drifted through the air.
The sisters walked in together, wearing matching yukata their mother had helped them pick out.
Mika spun dramatically, sleeves flaring. "Behold! I am now a festival goddess! Bow before me!"
Nari flicked her forehead. "You look like a clown."
Sayo adjusted her obi with a calm smile. "This festival is a chance to learn about tradition. We should visit as many classrooms as possible."
Yua tugged nervously at her sleeves, whispering, "…There are so many people…"
Their homeroom teacher waved them over. "Girls! Don't forget, each of you has a duty today!"
Mika's face dropped. "Wait… duty?"
---
The Café Assignment
Sayo had been assigned to the classroom café. She moved gracefully between tables, serving tea and sweets with a calm smile that impressed even the teachers.
"Your tea, please enjoy," she said politely.
Mika peeked in, whispering to Nari, "Look at her, she's like a real waitress!"
"Don't distract her," Nari muttered. But she couldn't hide a small smile as they watched Sayo bow and charm the guests.
---
The Haunted House
Meanwhile, Nari had been put in charge of scaring visitors in the haunted house.
She stood in a corner wearing a ghost mask, her arms crossed.
"This is so dumb," she muttered.
But when a group of younger students walked in, she jumped out with a growl.
"WAAAAAHHHH!" they screamed, running out instantly.
Nari blinked. Then smirked. "…Okay. Maybe this isn't so bad."
---
Mika's 'Duty'
Mika was supposed to help with the goldfish scooping stall.
"Supposed to," being the key words.
Instead of calmly handing out paper scoops, she was shouting, "COME ONE, COME ALL! WIN A FISH OR GET SPLASHED!" and accidentally spilled half a bucket of water on herself.
Her teacher groaned. "Mika, please… just… sit down."
---
Yua's Surprise Talent
Yua had been placed in the art exhibition room, where students displayed their drawings. At first, she hid her sketchbook under the table, too shy to show it.
But one of her friends peeked and gasped. "Yua, these are amazing! You should hang them up!"
Reluctantly, she did. Soon a small crowd gathered, admiring her delicate drawings of animals, flowers, and even her sisters.
Yua's cheeks glowed pink as she whispered, "…Thank you…" when someone complimented her.
---
The Food Stalls
When their duties ended, the sisters roamed the stalls together.
Mika's mouth was stuffed with cotton candy. "I regret nothing!"
Nari was busy winning at the ring toss, piling up small prizes.
Sayo carefully sampled takoyaki, noting the flavors.
And Yua held a candied apple almost as big as her head, nibbling happily.
---
The Stage Show
As the day closed, students gathered for the final stage performances. Music, dances, and comedy acts filled the evening air.
The sisters sat together in the crowd, tails brushing, their lanterns glowing faintly in the twilight.
Mika grinned. "This was awesome. We should totally do this every year!"
Nari shrugged, hiding her smile. "…It wasn't bad."
Sayo nodded. "It showed everyone's strengths."
Yua hugged her sketchbook, whispering, "…I felt… like I belonged."
The fireworks lit up the night sky above the school, painting their first cultural festival into a memory they'd never forget.