Sobu University's Culture Festival finally kicked off amidst much anticipation.
In the early morning, the campus was adorned with colorful flags, and members of various clubs were busy setting up their venues. The air was filled with the rubbery scent of balloons and the sweet aroma of popcorn.
However, the student council office was heavy with a solemn atmosphere, a stark contrast to the lively hustle and bustle outside.
Kaguya Shinomiya stood by the window, her fingertips unconsciously tapping the window frame, a rare hint of anxiety on her delicate face. She wore the ornate student council uniform, its bow tie meticulously tied, yet it couldn't hide the worry in her brows.
"Are you sure you can't reach them?" she asked without turning around, her voice laced with suppressed anger.
The student council officer next to her was drenched in sweat, holding his phone. "I've called over a dozen times, but it just rings without an answer. Traffic police just reported that a few students from the Music Club were in a car accident on their way here. They're currently at the hospital and definitely won't make it for the opening performance."
"Useless!" Kaguya reprimanded in a low voice. Although she knew it wasn't the officer's fault, the program list had been posted a week ago, and the first act of the opening performance was the Music Club's chorus. With only half an hour until showtime, there was no time to change the program.
The Culture Festival was crucial for Sobu University, not only affecting the school's reputation but also involving subsequent funding applications. As the student council vice president, she would never allow any mishaps, but the current situation put her in a dilemma.
"President, how about we temporarily cancel this program and replace it with a speech segment?" the officer cautiously suggested.
"No," Kaguya immediately rejected. "The program list has already been distributed to every guest; a last-minute cancellation would make the school lose face."
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Go contact other clubs again and see if there's any program that can fill in immediately."
The officer quickly left to carry out the order, leaving Kaguya alone in the office. She irritably pulled open a drawer, which contained the detailed program list. Her finger traced the first item—'Uchiage Hanabi,' performed by the Music Club Chorus. This classic song by Bakuya was her personal choice for the opening number, with its beautiful melody and youthful energy, and she hadn't expected such an accident to occur.
Kaguya closed her eyes, her mind racing for a solution, but she couldn't find a suitable way out.
Just then, the office door was gently pushed open, and Okabara Kyogumichi poked his head in. "Excuse me, does the student council still need help? Chitanda-san said you might need some extra hands."
He was wearing a simple white shirt and black pants today, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing strong wrists. His hair was neatly styled, making him look even fresher and sharper than usual.
Kaguya was momentarily stunned when she saw him, then remembered this student who had performed excellently in the Shadow Box incident. She suppressed her irritation, her tone returning to its usual cool composure. "Is that Okabara-san? We have indeed encountered a bit of trouble."
She briefly explained the Music Club members' car accident and pointed to the program list on the table. "Now, with only twenty-five minutes until showtime, we can't find a program to fill in immediately."
Kyogumichi walked to the table, picked up the program list, and glanced at it. When he saw that the first program was 'Uchiage Hanabi,' his eyes flickered slightly. He was very familiar with this song; he remembered both the melody and the lyrics clearly.
"I can sing this song..." he looked up, his gaze clear and firm, "If you don't mind, I can fill in."
Kaguya's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting him to make such a suggestion. "You can sing 'Uchiage Hanabi'? But it needs accompaniment..."
"I remember the school's broadcasting station has the instrumental track for this song," he recalled. "And I can sing a cappella; the effect should still be good."
The officer rushed back at this moment, his face dejected. "President, I've asked several clubs, but none of them have a program ready to go immediately..." He paused when he saw him. "Who is this?"
"He is Okabara Kyogumichi, and he's willing to temporarily fill in for the Music Club's program," Kaguya decided immediately, telling the officer. "Go to the broadcasting station at once and get the instrumental track for 'Uchiage Hanabi,' then notify the sound crew to get ready. Okabara-san, come with me to change into a performance outfit."
He nodded and followed Kaguya out of the office. The corridor was already packed with excited students, who made way when they saw Kaguya, curiously scrutinizing him beside her.
"How's your vocal condition?" Kaguya asked as she walked quickly.
"It should be fine," he said confidently. "My vocal range is sufficient, and I've sung this song before."
Kaguya glanced at him sideways. The boy's profile was exceptionally clear in the corridor lighting, his jawline smooth and distinct, and there was no hint of nervousness in his eyes, only composure and confidence. For some reason, she suddenly felt that this decision might be the right one.
[Character: Kaguya Shinomiya] [Bond Progress:10% → 12% (Triggered Event: Taking Responsibility in a Crisis)] [Event Evaluation:Your courage in stepping up at a critical moment has earned you another point of her recognition.]
Arriving at the student council's spare costume room, Kaguya took out a white performance shirt and a black bow tie from the wardrobe. "This will have to do; the size should be about right."
He took the clothes, went into the changing room, and quickly put them on. When he emerged, Kaguya's eyes lit up—the simple white shirt, worn by him, had an indescribable fresh, youthful charm. The bow tie was tied perfectly at the collar, accentuating his long neck, giving him a clean and upright demeanor.
"Good," Kaguya nodded in satisfaction, then handed him a small mirror and hair gel. "Just tidy up your hair a bit."
He briefly styled his hair, revealing a clean forehead, making him look even more energetic.
Just then, the officer ran back, panting. "President, I got the instrumental track! The sound crew is also ready!"
"Excellent," Kaguya glanced at her watch. "Ten minutes until showtime, Okabara-san, are you ready?"
"Anytime," his voice was calm and steady.
The three hurried towards the auditorium backstage, encountering many anxious teachers and students along the way. When they learned of the last-minute change in performers, they all showed expressions of surprise and worry.
At the backstage entrance, Chitanda Eru was waiting anxiously, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. "Okabara-san, are you really going on stage?"
"Yes," he smiled at her. "Don't worry, it'll be fine."
She nodded vigorously. "I believe in you!"
[Character: Chitanda Eru] [Bond Progress:15% → 18% (Triggered Event: Unconditional Trust)] [Event Evaluation:Your composure before the stage has made her trust you even more; this bond deepens through silent support.]
The stage manager rushed over. "President Shinomiya, three minutes until showtime! Is the performer ready?"
Kaguya patted his shoulder, her tone carrying a hint of encouragement. "Go for it; don't disgrace Sobu University."
He took a deep breath and followed the stage manager backstage. The glow of the spotlights faintly shone through the curtain, and the audience's chatter gradually quieted. He stood behind the curtain, clearly hearing the announcer's voice.
"Next up, please welcome Okabara Kyogumichi to bring us the opening performance—'Uchiage Hanabi'!"
As the curtain slowly opened, he walked to the center of the stage, and the spotlight instantly shone on him. He bowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over the packed audience, and saw the encouraging eyes of Kaguya and Chitanda Eru.
The prelude of the accompaniment slowly began, a familiar piano melody, gentle and healing. He closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and as the melody entered the verse, he opened his mouth, and his clear singing voice echoed through the auditorium.
His voice was clean, with the unique clarity of youth, perfectly interpreting the youthful flutter in the song. The audience was stunned, clearly not expecting this last-minute performer to sing so well.
Kaguya stood below the stage, watching the boy bathed in the spotlight, a hint of surprise and admiration flashing in her eyes. His stage presence was very steady; although he had no dance moves and simply stood there quietly singing, there was an inexplicable attraction that made people unable to help but be moved by his singing and demeanor.
Chitanda Eru applauded vigorously, her eyes sparkling, a proud smile on her face. The surrounding audience was also gradually captivated by the singing, gently swaying their bodies to the rhythm.
When the last note fell, there was a brief silence in the auditorium, followed by thunderous applause and cheers. He bowed again, a relaxed smile on his face.
As he walked off the stage, Kaguya came up to him, a rare smile on her face. "Well done, Okabara-san. I didn't expect you to not only be brave but also sing so beautifully."
"Just lucky, I happened to know this song," he said modestly.
"Anyway, we owe you a lot this time," Kaguya's tone was much more sincere. "As a reward, you can make one reasonable request to the student council at any time during the Culture Festival."
He smiled. "Then I'll have to think about it carefully."
Watching the boy's retreating figure, the smile on Kaguya's lips lingered for a long time. She looked down at the program list in her hand and gently wrote "Okabara Kyogumichi" in the performer column for 'Uchiage Hanabi'.
The curtain of the Culture Festival, with such an unexpected interlude, was perfectly raised.