Chapter 47: Spring Festival-Eve

Time flew by. It was the eve of the Spring Festival.

We only had morning classes today, but no one went home. Even those who weren’t in clubs were participating in class booths, and almost everyone else was busy with their club activities.

The final preparations for the festival were in full swing. Contractors and students worked together, checking tents, organizing cables and sound equipment. And the most important team… the stage crew.

I stood at a distance, watching the main stage being set up in the middle of the school grounds. The final rehearsals were underway, engineers testing the spotlights, student council members doing last-minute checks.

And Aya.

The head of the planning committee, the one in charge of the entire festival, was flawless. She discussed details with the other student council members, her gaze constantly scanning the stage, ensuring everything was perfect.

She’d even put on makeup today and was wearing a pristine white dress, her appearance so perfect, so polished, she looked like a celebrity. And that made her seem… distant.

‘…’ I blinked, watching her from afar. Until yesterday, I’d felt comfortable approaching her, but… today, there was a distance between us.

We’d had a day off for a public holiday, and I’d returned her uniform that morning, but that was it. It had suddenly become difficult to be near her.

‘Why…?’ I replayed the events of yesterday in my mind.

The hug.

The warmth of her body.

The gentle touch of her hand on my head.

And her words.

“I feel at ease when you’re with me, Rina.”

Was it because of that? It had become difficult to meet her gaze. And seeing her so busy near the stage, I hesitated to approach her, afraid of being a distraction.

‘It’s okay, just act normal.’ I told myself, but my feet remained rooted to the spot. ‘I just want to… tell her to do her best…’

Just then…

“Rina~ there you are!” A familiar voice called out, and a familiar arm slung itself around my shoulders. It was Mizuki, in her usual uniform, unlike Aya in her elegant dress.

“What are you doing here all alone?”

Startled, I forced a smile. “Just… preparations…?” It was a weak excuse, and Mizuki wasn’t fooled. She tilted her head, studying me intently. “Preparations? Alone? Do you have a solo booth or something~?”

I was speechless. It was unnatural for me to be standing here alone. Mizuki was perceptive and had been observing Aya and me closely lately. She’d probably already noticed my deliberate distancing.

I looked away, mumbling, “Everyone seemed busy, so I didn’t want to be in the way…”

“Hmm~? Are you slacking off~?” She continued to eye me suspiciously, her gaze turning increasingly playful.

‘I’m not getting out of this…’

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “So~ did something happen between you and Aya-ring?”

“…!!” I instinctively avoided her gaze, but it was too late.

“Ooh~ suspicious reaction~” she teased, studying my face intently. “Something did happen between you and Aya-ring~?”

“N-No! Nothing happened!!”

“Then why is your face so red~?”

“M-Mizuki!!” I waved my hands frantically, but she’d already made up her mind. She giggled, patting my shoulder.

“Haha~ Rina, you’re so cute~”

“I’m telling you, nothing happened!!” I insisted, but Mizuki just laughed and pulled me along.

“Come on, let’s go find our seats!”

“O-Okay…!” I let her drag me away. But I couldn’t resist one last glance at Aya, still busy giving directions near the stage. And then… she looked at me. Our eyes met briefly.

“…” My heart skipped a beat. Her blue eyes were fixed on me.

We didn’t exchange any words, but in that brief moment, I felt… seen. And that was enough to make my breath catch in my throat.

“Let’s go~!” Mizuki tugged at my arm, and I quickly turned away, hurrying after her.

‘I can’t… hide anymore…’

The Spring Festival’s pre-celebration was about to begin.

****

I stood with Mizuki, slightly apart from the crowd, the massive stage dominating the school grounds. We were in what could be considered the VIP section, with a clear view of the stage.

The music, the lights… it was exhilarating, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

The pre-celebration began.

Aya, in a pristine white dress, took the stage, her presence commanding, as if she were the master of ceremonies. Her silver hair and blue eyes shimmered under the stage lights. But tonight, her role wasn’t that of the protagonist; it was that of the host.

“Hello everyone, I’m Yukikawa Aya, first-year, and head of the planning committee. I’m sure you’ve all been waiting! Let’s begin the Takamari Spring Festival pre-celebration!”

Stage fireworks erupted, followed by fireworks in the sky, a spectacular display for the students and the local residents who had come to watch.

“We have a very special guest here tonight to give a congratulatory speech: Nakamura-san, a member of the House of Representatives!”

Nakamura-san, the politician we’d met yesterday, took the stage. “It’s an honor to be invited to this wonderful Spring Festival pre-celebration.” His speech, filled with standard political platitudes, felt… appropriate for the occasion.

Next, the chairman of the Takamari Academy board, Mizuki’s grandfather, took the stage. Despite his age, he held himself with an air of dignity and grace. “I’m delighted to see the festival our students have planned and prepared come to life. I hope this spring brings all your dreams to fruition. Enjoy the festivities.” His speech, calm and dignified, drew gasps of admiration from the students.

Finally, the student council president took the stage, officially opening the festival. But my gaze remained fixed on the edge of the stage, where Aya stood, calmly and efficiently managing the proceedings.

‘…She’s perfect.’ She seemed born for this role.

“It’s finally starting,” Mizuki murmured, watching Aya, and I nodded, sighing softly.

“It was a lot of work.”

And then, Mizuki suddenly turned to me, her voice low. “Rina… do you like Aya?”

“…!” Her blunt question rendered me speechless. The music, the cheering students, the glittering lights… everything seemed to fade away as I stared at Mizuki, frozen. She was smiling, but her eyes were serious. She was asking a genuine question.

‘Do I… like Aya?’ My mind went blank.

“A-Aya is… well…!” I coughed awkwardly, looking away towards the stage, where Aya was still calmly hosting the ceremony. Seeing her, my heart ached.

Mizuki raised an eyebrow. “Hmm~ that’s a vague answer.”

“I-It’s not like that…!”

Mizuki’s smile widened as she leaned closer, and I instinctively leaned away. “Mizuki… I…”

But Mizuki just chuckled softly. “You don’t have to answer, Rina. I know.”

“…?”

“Aya has always been a lonely person. You’re the only friend she’s ever been this close to.”

I couldn’t respond. Mizuki, as if she didn’t need my answer, grinned. “So…”

Just then, a roar of applause erupted from the crowd as Aya concluded the opening ceremony and left the stage. I instinctively watched her.

‘…I do care about Aya…’

But whether it was simple affection or… something more… I didn’t know yet.

Mizuki studied my expression, then whispered, “Do you… love Aya, Rina?”

I stared at her, startled, and she patted my shoulder, her usual playful smile returning. Even amidst the cheering crowd, her voice was clear. “If you do, I’ll support you with all my might.” And with a grin, she walked towards Aya, who was coming down from the stage.

My mind was still a confused jumble of emotions. But seeing Aya… my heart skipped a beat.