Chapter 28: Weekend, just the two of us on a date?! (3)

The server left, and the table was adorned with a steaming steak, its surface glistening, and a perfectly plated lobster. Herbs, mashed potatoes, and an unidentifiable sauce decorated the edges of the plate, a feast for the eyes.

‘This is… a bit much, isn’t it?’ I hesitated momentarily, but I wasn’t one to refuse a free meal.

‘It’s rude to not enjoy something someone bought for you!’ I reassured myself, picking up my fork.

A brief silence settled between us as the server arranged the dishes. I broke the awkward silence. “Right, we were talking about the festival.”

Aya tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze meeting mine. “Yes, we were.”

“Do you have any ideas?” I asked, focusing on the food in front of me.

Aya cut a piece of steak and placed it on her plate. “The usual… and something to attract more visitors. I haven’t finalized anything yet.”

Her voice was calm, but knowing Aya, she wouldn’t just be brainstorming ideas; she’d already have a detailed plan.

‘She must have already thought of a lot of things.’

Remembering Aya’s actions in the novel, I decided to take the initiative. “You’re thinking about the budget first, aren’t you?”

“Well… yes,” she replied, her eyes widening slightly in surprise.

“The amount of funding each club receives from their families varies greatly. And the school’s budget is always limited, which has always been a problem.”

“Did Tachibana-senpai tell you that?” Aya asked, her gaze filled with surprise.

“I’m the treasurer now, so I know these things!” I said, puffing out my chest proudly.

Aya smiled gently and tilted her head. “That’s true. It’s always been an issue for our academy.” She paused, lost in thought.
“How about we provide additional funding for clubs with limited budgets?”, I said

“Huh?”, Aya raised an eyebrow
“Not official funding, but using the student council’s operating budget.”

“That’ll cause problems. Using the operating budget to fund clubs will be controversial. And the student council’s budget isn’t that large, considering the size of the academy,” Aya acknowledged my concerns, but there was a hint of interest in her voice.

“So, to maintain fairness, how about making the clubs partially responsible for securing the additional funding?”

“Partially responsible?”

“Yeah. For example, when clubs submit their festival proposals, the student council can help those with limited budgets find sponsors through local businesses or our alumni network. With the academy’s reputation, I’m sure we can find willing sponsors.”

Aya frowned slightly. “Sponsorships… wouldn’t that create an even bigger gap between the clubs?”

“That’s why the student council would act as a liaison, connecting clubs with potential sponsors. Not just giving preferential treatment to certain clubs, but promoting their proposals and ensuring a fair process.”

Aya nodded slowly, processing my suggestion. “So, the clubs would have to demonstrate their planning abilities, and the student council would be responsible for securing external resources.”

“Exactly! And the school will approve. Connecting with local businesses and the community will enhance the academy’s image.”

Aya rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought. “Of course, securing external sponsorships isn’t that simple. If the sponsors don’t align with the academy’s image, it could cause problems.”

“Then the student council can review the proposals and the potential sponsors, ensuring they meet the academy’s standards. We can recommend suitable sponsors for each club.”

Aya’s thoughtful expression turned into a smile. “I like it. Combining sponsorships with the existing funding system could solve the budget problem.”

“Right? Popular clubs will have an easier time attracting sponsors, and that can encourage other clubs to participate.”

Aya looked at me, a satisfied smile on her face. “Okay, let’s refine this idea and discuss it with Tachibana-senpai and Hiiragi-senpai.”

I blushed at her praise, smiling awkwardly. “Hehe… it was just an idea.”

‘Actually, it was from the novel…’ I thought, breathing a sigh of relief.

I looked at the steak in front of me. Just like the perfectly cooked steak, with its juicy interior and crispy exterior, I wanted to perform my role flawlessly. And I knew how to secure those sponsorships.

It was the treasurer’s job, after all. I had to believe in myself. The protagonist in the novel, despite being from a seemingly ordinary middle-class family (though secretly from a branch of a noble family), had managed to secure sponsorships. So, I had a good chance of succeeding as well.

And Aya… she was watching me, her gaze steady and reassuring. The silent trust in her eyes gave me strength.

‘If Aya believes in me, I have to believe in myself too.’

I took a deep breath, steeling my resolve.

****

After finishing our meal, we left the restaurant and strolled down Shirasaki Street, a bustling shopping district lined with various stores. A gentle spring breeze rustled the cherry blossom trees, sending petals swirling around us as we walked side by side.

“Did you enjoy the meal? Were you satisfied?” Aya asked.

“Yes, it was delicious! But… wasn’t it too expensive? Aya, are you sure you’re okay?”

“It’s fine~ don’t worry about it.”

“Still… thank you,” I replied shyly, lowering my gaze. Looking directly at Aya was too overwhelming. She was my ideal type, after all.

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go, Rina?”

“No, not really… I’m happy to go wherever you want.”

Aya thought for a moment, then pointed towards a park in the distance. “How about that park? We can take a walk and chat.”

“…Okay!”

Entering the park, filled with blooming cherry blossom trees, felt like stepping into a pink wonderland. Petals swirled in the gentle breeze, creating miniature tornadoes, as we walked, bathed in the warm spring sunlight.

“Rina, do you want some ice cream?”

“Sure!”

“Let’s go!”

We stopped at a street vendor’s cart. The friendly middle-aged man smiled and handed Aya two vanilla ice cream cones.

“I’ll get this!” I insisted.

“It’s okay!”

“No, I’m paying! You bought me lunch, so I’m buying dessert!” I said firmly, handing the vendor the money.

The vendor chuckled. “You two are such a lovely couple.”

“Ah, thank you!”

“Have a nice day!”

We walked towards a bench under a cherry blossom tree, ice cream in hand. Mine was already starting to melt. I took a bite, the sweet, creamy flavor melting on my tongue.

I’d been full just moments ago, but the ice cream seemed to satisfy a different kind of hunger. I’d never believed the saying about girls having two stomachs… but now, I was starting to understand.

As we sat on the bench, enjoying our ice cream, a pleasant sense of fullness settled over me. I stretched, leaning back against the bench. “Ah~ today is perfect. The weather is great, the food was delicious…”

Aya smiled softly. “Really? I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

I glanced at Aya, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight, her beauty captivating. “You always seem so relaxed, Aya. I’m not used to such leisurely moments…”

My past life as a repeat student had been a constant struggle, and this life had been a whirlwind of events.

“That’s because you think too much, Rina. Sometimes, it’s okay to just relax and not think about anything.”

I nodded, leaning slightly towards Aya. “Now that you mention it… I am a bit tired.”

And with that, I closed my eyes, resting my head against Aya’s shoulder. It had started as a playful gesture, but the warmth of the sun and the faint warmth of Aya’s body lulled me into a peaceful slumber.

‘I feel like I’ve fallen asleep like this before, with Aya…’ The memory surfaced as my consciousness faded. Just like then, being with Aya made me feel safe and secure.

****

‘Rina… leaning on me so easily…’

As Rina’s soft, even breathing filled the air, Aya looked down at her. Her slightly flushed cheeks, her relaxed expression, so different from her usual guarded demeanor… she looked so lovely.

‘What am I going to do with you, you enigmatic girl?’ Aya sighed inwardly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She hoped no one could see how flustered she was. With Rina sleeping peacefully against her shoulder, she felt a sense of calm she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“Rina, you really are… cute,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Carefully adjusting her position, she gently shifted Rina’s head onto her lap. In the quiet park, surrounded by falling cherry blossom petals, Aya savored the moment.