Chpater 142: Aya,declare

Was this really okay…? I was worried at first, but the teachers didn’t seem to mind. The photo had circulated among the students, creating a brief buzz, but it wasn’t a big deal.

I didn’t stumble or have any anxiety attacks during the ball preparations… Well, I tried not to.

Everything went smoothly. Even the clubs cooperated without any major conflicts. The novel also mentioned that the final event of the year went off without a hitch.

“It’s already the day of the ball?”

Time had flown by. I’d been so exhausted that I’d collapse onto my bed and fall asleep as soon as I got home. I couldn’t imagine how much more difficult it would have been if there had been problems. I made a resolution to exercise more this winter.

Finally, Christmas Eve arrived – the day of the ball. The hallways were decorated with a large Christmas tree and twinkling lights, and a thin layer of snow covered the ground outside.

“Wow… It’s beautiful.”

This was the last school event of the year… The romantic atmosphere made my heart flutter. Luxury cars lined the entrance, and people in elegant dresses and suits emerged, all prominent figures and alumni.

I stood there, in my dress, when—

“Rina!”
“Aya…!”

“Where were you? I was looking for you.”
“Sorry!”

I couldn’t just stand around admiring the scenery; I was a student council member!
Aya and I went backstage and continued with the preparations. The club performances began, and a banquet was held in the gymnasium.

Besides the performances, the ball was also an important networking opportunity for the students, especially the graduating seniors, to connect with prominent alumni.

Aya led me around, introducing me to various people.

“This is the president of Momo Pharmaceuticals.”
“Hello! I’m Kurosawa Rina, Aya’s friend.”
“Oh my~? The Trinity! I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I felt like I was at a debutante ball, straight out of a romance novel. I’d been reading a lot of those lately, and it made the whole thing feel surreal.

The atmosphere had shifted from romantic comedy to… historical romance? But since I was dating Aya, was it… a yuri historical romance?

‘Hmm…?!’

I shook my head, trying to focus, and continued to follow Aya, greeting people and making small talk. I thought I was doing well, but after a few introductions, my mind started to feel fuzzy.

[First, the welcome address and opening remarks.]
[Next, the club performances.]
[And then, the dinner party and social hour.]

I’d memorized the schedule, which Reina-senpai, acting as the emcee, announced, but… being in the middle of it all made my head spin.

‘This isn’t good…’

Was it the bright lights? The sea of elegant dresses? Or just my nerves? I felt dizzy and slightly nauseous.

“Rina, are you okay?”
“…Yeah, just a little dizzy.”

Aya looked at me with concern, but she continued to chat with the guests, completely at ease.

That’s what a true lady, a true member of high society, was like. Aya was born for this.

But I wasn’t.
The fast-paced, extravagant atmosphere of the Western-style ball was overwhelming. Despite all the preparations…

[Next, the main event of the ball, the social dance.]

I needed a break after this. I tried to focus on Reina-senpai’s announcement. Just this… just this, and then I’d rest backstage…

“Rina, can you dance?”

Aya held out her hand. I took a deep breath and nodded.

“Y-Yeah, I’m okay.”

I straightened up and took her hand. We’d practiced, even renting a studio, just for this moment.

“Don’t worry. I’ll lead.”

I looked up. The chandeliers sparkled like stars. The music started, a soft, gentle melody, and we began to dance.

I was nervous, but Aya led me expertly. We moved together gracefully, our bodies swaying to the music.

As the dance intensified, people cleared a space around us, as if the entire ballroom had become our stage.

“Aya… is this okay?”

“It’s fine. Just look at me, Rina.”

Aya pulled me closer. So close I could feel her breath on my skin, her blue eyes gazing into mine.

I surrendered to her lead, our feet gliding across the floor, our dresses swirling around us. I no longer noticed the other people in the room. It was just Aya and me.

The music reached its crescendo.

Aya dramatically dipped me back, and I closed my eyes, my breath catching in my throat. A soft touch on my lips.

A fleeting moment of happiness, followed by a wave of dizziness as we straightened up.

“Ah…?”

The room spun. My legs gave way, and I lost my balance.
“Rina…!” Aya’s voice, filled with concern, reached me just before I collapsed into her arms. The room blurred, a cacophony of worried voices, Aya’s anxious face…

Moments later, Aya helped me to a quiet area backstage. As the world around me quieted, my senses returned. Aya sat me down, handed me a glass of water, and gently rubbed my back.

“Rina, are you okay? Did I push you too hard?”

“I-I’m sorry, Aya… I think I was just… nervous…”

My breathing was ragged. I took a few sips of water, and my breathing returned to normal. Aya, her hand still clasped in mine, looked at me with concern.

“You should have told me if you were feeling dizzy. I didn’t mean to push you.”
“No, no… I didn’t realize. I think I just… relaxed too suddenly…”

Aya sighed in relief and gently caressed my cheek.

“I’m glad you’re okay now.”
“Yeah… thanks to you… Thank you, Aya.”

Then I remembered Aya kissing me on stage, in front of everyone.
Had that caused my collapse?
My face flushed, and I looked away. Aya smiled.

“Why are you embarrassed now?”
“Aya… we didn’t do that during practice…”

Aya squeezed my hand.

“I couldn’t help myself.”
“But now everyone knows…”
“So what?”

Aya had just made a public declaration to the entire elite social circle. That we were together, that we liked each other. We were backstage, but I wasn’t so oblivious that I couldn’t hear the whispers.

What were we going to do now? Would the conservative Japanese elite accept us?
Aya was a family heir… Was I really good enough for her?

Would I get slapped with a tonkatsu instead of a kimchi slap, like in a Korean drama…?

But right now, I needed to rest. I took the water and oxygen mask the paramedics offered, trying to calm down.