Chapter 51: Spring Festival- His confession

The main event of the first day of the Spring Festival.

Five teams competed fiercely, the school grounds buzzing with excitement, cheers erupting from every corner. And Aya, on stage, was the perfect MC. The screen displayed the game’s progress and each team’s current position in real time.

‘…In the novel, the protagonist helped with the commentary…’

I looked towards the stage from my position near the quiz mission booth. Aya was calmly and efficiently managing the proceedings, showing no signs of fatigue, unlike the Aya in the novel.

The fragile Aya, always on the verge of collapse… that Aya didn’t exist in this world.

‘Should I just… let Aya handle everything?’ She was perfect.

“…Hmm…” Come to think of it, in the novel, the protagonist and Aya had grown closer during the Spring Festival, working together. It was the moment the protagonist had finally broken through Aya’s seemingly impenetrable defenses, capturing her heart, the beginning of their one-on-one pure love romantic comedy. And me…?

‘Wait… me…?’

Was my only obstacle… my gender? Well, that was a pretty significant obstacle.

Right. I was still struggling with my own identity, my feelings still a confused jumble, like an adolescent just entering puberty. It was difficult to be honest with myself, especially when it came to Aya.

What would I do if Aya’s feelings for me continued to grow? She always had a plan, but she never told me what it was.

‘Well, it’ll work out somehow.’ My only choice, for now, was to remain a “harmless friend.” I couldn’t suddenly confess and try to “win” Aya’s heart. I’d seen how she reacted to that…

This ambiguous distance between us… it was comfortable, safe.

I returned my focus to the game. I was in charge of the quiz mission booth, the easiest booth to manage, with clear-cut answers and little room for disputes.

‘Wait… is this also part of Aya’s plan?’ Had she assigned me to this booth, with its straightforward questions, because I was always so indecisive?

‘Ah…’ I facepalmed. I understood now. She’d assigned booths based on everyone’s personalities.

Aya’s planning… was impeccable. I confirmed that Team 2 had solved the final quiz question and picked up the microphone.

“Team 2 wins! Please proceed to the dice roll!”

“Woohoo!”
“Ah… we lost again.”
“Are we even going to win?”

The main event was nearing its end. The second-year class representatives, on stage, were engaged in a fierce, anime-esque battle of wills.

And finally… Team 2 reached the central tower first.

[Team 2 has rung the Bell of Takamari!]

“No… I lost…” The Violet Knight dramatically fell to his knees, his gaze fixed on the sky.

‘Does he think he’s an RPG protagonist…?’

Meanwhile, the class representative of Team 2, striking a triumphant pose, let out a whoop of victory, the school grounds echoing with cheers.

And then, the award ceremony. Aya, as expected, announced the prize.

[The winning team, Team 2, will receive a generous cash prize!]
[And the teams who completed the Sponsor Missions will also receive additional rewards!]

‘How generous… is this prize…?’

[- Total prize: 20 million yen -]

“…Wow.” I blinked, doing a double-take. ‘Even for an elite school… 200 million won…?!’

As expected of Takamari Academy. If this were a novel, I’d be thinking, ‘The author’s just showing off their wealth again,’ but this was real life, and it was… unbelievable.

After the award ceremony, upbeat music filled the air, the students still buzzing with excitement. Aya, having flawlessly concluded her MC duties, came down from the stage.

And I… walked towards her. I wouldn’t overthink things anymore. I’d use that energy to support Aya.

****

The evening atmosphere at Takamari Academy was different from the daytime. Even though we’d enjoyed the night market and the pre-festival celebration yesterday, this felt… different. The school grounds, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun and twinkling lights, were still filled with festive energy.

I sat on a bench near the student council booth, finally having a moment to catch my breath after running around all day helping with the festival operations.

“Haa… Takamari Academy’s festival is something else,” I sighed, looking up at the sunset. I hadn’t even had a chance to talk to Aya and Mizuki properly. The evening events were still a while away, so I decided to take a break.

And as I sat there, lost in thought… a voice startled me.

“Kurosawa-san, you’ve been working hard.”

A clear, gentle voice. I looked up.

“…Hiiragi-senpai?”

The Black-Haired Prince, Takamari Academy’s perfect gentleman. He lived up to his nickname, his appearance refined and elegant. And he was also the one who kept looking at me with those lingering, almost longing, eyes.

‘This atmosphere… is dangerous…’ He’d kept his distance since Aya had interrupted his… almost-confession at the convenience store. And now, he was approaching me. His dark, blue-tinged eyes were… captivating, almost mesmerizing.

But…

I didn’t like boys.

Perhaps it was the lingering influence of my past life as a male, but romance with boys was a definite no. I could appreciate him as a friend, but this… felt like a romantic overture.

I instinctively leaned away, and Hiiragi-senpai, sensing my hesitation, remained standing before me, his expression calm and composed.

“You seem busy. Taking a break?”

“Ah, yes. I finally have a moment to… catch my breath,” I replied, forcing a smile.

Hiiragi-senpai paused, then spoke, his voice low but clear. “…Rina.”

Ah, this… I instinctively sensed danger, a premonition of something… unpleasant. I glanced around, but Aya and Mizuki were too far away to notice.

“Yes?” I replied, meeting his gaze.

He smiled gently. “May I… approach you?”

This was definitely dangerous territory. I replied instantly, firmly, “No.”

“…I see.” He nodded and took a step back. “So, there’s only Yukikawa-san in your heart.” His voice was calm, almost… resigned. I remained silent, watching him, and then… I noticed the longing in his eyes, the same look I’d seen at the convenience store, was gone.

He smiled faintly, bowing his head slightly. “I expected that. But I wanted to hear it from you directly.” His voice was surprisingly calm, devoid of regret or bitterness, as if he’d known the answer all along. “It’s admirable to see someone so devoted to the person they love. So, keep being true to yourself.”

And with that, he turned and walked away. I stared after him, dumbfounded.

‘…He accepted it… so easily.’ In the novel, he’d confessed to Aya and been rejected in a similar fashion, retreating with a similar air of quiet resignation. I’d almost been… intimidated. But he was… a surprisingly decent guy.

****

Mizuki and Aya joined me after Hiiragi-senpai left. The student council’s main event for the Takamari Academy Spring Festival had officially concluded. Aya’s grand plan had been executed flawlessly, the various issues and conflicts resolved.

All that was left was…

‘Rest.’

It had been a hectic day. We finally had a moment to relax. We glanced around, then headed towards a quiet booth labeled “Starlight Cafe,” a peaceful haven amidst the bustling festival atmosphere.

“Haa~ it’s finally over~!” Mizuki exclaimed, collapsing onto a chair and stretching dramatically.

I sipped my tea, watching her, and Aya sat down quietly, also holding a cup of tea. It was a cafe run by the academy during the festival. While it had been crowded during the day, it was now nearing closing time, and the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed. We sat there, bathed in the warm glow of the lights, our gazes meeting.

“You all worked really hard today,” I said, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. The student council had been running nonstop, managing the academy’s main event.

Mizuki buried her face in her arms and mumbled, “I’m so exhausted. Being a first-year in the student council is brutal…”

“But you did great, Mizuki,” I reassured her.

“Yeah… but I think… I’ve been a bit too edgy lately, haven’t I?” she said, looking at us, her expression a mix of exhaustion and guilt. “Honestly… I think I’ve been too harsh.”

Aya looked at her, then said softly, “No, Mizuki. Everyone gets stressed when they’re busy. And you were a great help.” She smiled, adding, “Mizuki, thanks to you, the student council ran much more smoothly.”

Mizuki’s lips trembled slightly, then she smiled faintly. “…Thank you.”

And so, we sat there in comfortable silence, sipping our tea, the festive atmosphere outside a distant hum, this quiet corner a world of its own.