(Cultural Festival: Day One — Friday)
Neither of the students could contain their excitement. It was the first day of Seiryu High's cultural festival. And every class had their own special theme.
My class—class 2A— did a "Retro cafe", class 2B did a haunted house, class 2C did theatre and class 2D did a photo booth.
They were all very exciting, I couldn't wait to explore all of them. And to kick off the festival, Ayaka, Noa and some other cute girls would perform a live concert on stage.
Apparently, Hinata's supposed to be among them but she turned them down. And as usual, the boys enjoyed it more than the girls did, because it was Ayaka who was performing.
After the concert, the festival mainly began and Hinata and I got to work. People were interested in our cafe—ofcourse they'd be, boys love seeing girls in cute outfits—so we were very busy.
Asahi stopped by to see if everything was alright.
Kiyomi: Oh, Asahi.
Asahi: Just came to see how everything going.
Kiyomi: Everything's great, the people are really loving the café.
Then Hinata came out of the kitchen—attending to customers— and Asahi couldn't take his eyes off her. Then I suddenly remembered, he liked Hinata so he didn't drop by to check on us, but to see Hinata. And Hinata has been teasing me about Akio so now it's time to give her a taste of her own medicine.
Asahi: Okay. I suppose I should leave, right now since you're busy.
Kiyomi: No, don't go. Since you came all the way here, why don't you have some tea.
Asahi: No, it's fine–
Kiyomi:(Interrupting) No, it's not. You've been busy and tired, working and planning for this event, so how about you just sit back and relax. Take it as a sign of my appreciation.
Asahi: Fine. I'll be at table 5.
Kiyomi: Okay, just wait minute and I'll serve you the tea right away.
With that, I got into the and saw Hinata who was very busy and gave her the order.
Kiyomi: Some guy at table 5 is requesting for a cup of tea.
Hinata:(Exhausted) I'm really busy right now.
Kiyomi: Don't worry about it, I'll do the chores for you. Just go attend to the customers.
Hinata:(Groans) Uhh...okay.
Hinata prepared the tea while Kiyomi did her chores. When the tea was ready, she went to serve the tea. And to her surprise, when she saw him, she froze. But when glanced at her, their eyes met and she was forced to move.
She nervously walked to the table and poured the tea into a tea cup as her face flushed red.
He took it and had a sip.
Asahi:(Nervously) The tea is…nice. Very refreshing.
Hinata:(Blushing)T-thanks (She said, trying not to make eye contact).
She couldn't even speak properly, but I'm sure that in her mind, she must be jumping up and down.
Hinata's brain: Oh My God! He said the tea was nice! Yayyyyyyyy!!
The silence hung in the air but their minds said a lot. I arrived at the scene, trying to spice things up.
Kiyomi: I see that Hinata has already served you. How was the tea?
Asahi: It was amazing.
Kiyomi: Of course, Hinata's tea is the best. I could drink it anytime of the day.
Asahi: That's nice to hear. Um… Hinata (then she gasped slightly after hearing her name from his lips)… would you mind to follow me to the haunted house.
When I saw her face, I wondered "Could her face get any reder?" And she proved me wrong.
Then I leaned to her ear.
Kiyomi:(Whispers) Say something.
Then she flinched and I giggled.
Hinata:(Nervous) Umm...
Kiyomi:(Giggling) I guess I'll leave you two to it.
And I left them alone, but I secretly watched from afar.
Hinata:(Nervous) S-sure. When do we go?
Asahi:(Nervous) What do you think about now?
Hinata:(Nervous) Okay.
Those lovebirds, they could barely look eachother in the eye.
Hinata:(Nervous) I'll… I'll go get changed into my uniform.
Asahi:(Nervous)Okay, I'll be waiting.
And Hinata left to go get changed. When she left, Asahi breathe of relief.
Asahi:(Sighs) I thought she would reject me.
After some minutes, Hinata came into the café neatly dressed in her uniform with her styled in a different but cute way.
And I went to approach them.
Kiyomi: I see you're about leaving.
Asahi: Yes. Kiyomi can you please cover up for Hinata (then she gasped again) while we're gone.
Kiyomi: Of course. What are friends for?
Asahi: Thanks alot. Come on, let's go (he stretched for his hand)
And she took his hand and he grabbed it tightly.
Asahi: Goodbye.
Kiyomi: Bye, have fun!
As they were about to enter the "haunted house", Hinata's temperature changed. Her palms became cold and sweaty and she had goosebumps. Luckily, Asahi realised just in time.
Asahi: Your hands are cold. Are you okay? Or you're just scared?
Hinata:(Silently) Scared.
Asahi: You may feel terrified but if you can't handle it, tell me and we'll leave immediately. Okay?
Hinata:(Silently) Okay.
Asahi: And feel free to grab my arm if you are scared.
When the got there, they saw a lot of scary stuff and Hinata couldn't stop screaming, and for the first time ever, Asahi was enjoying it.
Afterwards…
Hinata:(Panting) I'm never going back there again.
Asahi: I heard the first years did a karaoke room.
Hinata:(Surprised) What? Let's go there now.
Lucky for Hinata, she spent the day exploring all the fun features of the festival but I still remained in the kitchen at the café. We were getting REALLY busy and we needed more hands, but luckily, I managed it till the end of the festival.
When I changed back into my uniform, I was so happy. I couldn't wait to get home to sleep.
We rounded up, did a little clean up and walked home.
Akio: How was the café, Kiyomi?
Kiyomi:(Exhausted) Very busy.
Akio: Wow. The café must've taken the life out of you.
Hinata: Look, I'm sorry for leaving you there to handle things out while I was having fun with Asahi.
Kiyomi:(Exhausted) No, it's okay. You deserved it. Besides, how did things go with you and Asahi.
Hinata: It was amazing. We went to a karaoke room.
Akio & Kiyomi:(Surprised) Karaoke room?!
Hinata: Yeah, the first years did that.
Akio: Woah.
After the long walk, I finally reached home. Today was a great day, but my day kind of felt incomplete because I didn't get to see Minato.
(Cultural Festival: Day Two — Saturday)
The air buzzed with excitement.
It was the second day of Seiryu High's cultural festival, and every corridor pulsed with color and laughter.
The smell of takoyaki, crepes, and grilled corn wafted through the hallways. Posters fluttered on the walls, and the sound of cheerful chatter filled every corner.
I stood behind the counter of my class's "Retro Café", wearing a frilly apron that felt just a little too pink for my taste.
Hinata had designed the uniforms, of course.
Hinata: Kiyomi, can you pass me the tray?
Kiyomi: Here (I said, sliding it across). You've already broken two plates today.
Hinata: Hey, that wasn't my fault! (She protested with a laugh). Akio distracted me!
Akio: You were the one calling my name,
(He shot back from the doorway, flashing his grin).
Their easy banter filled the room, and I even found myself smiling.
But just as I began to relax, my gaze drifted toward the corner of the classroom — to Minato, quietly serving tea at one of the tables.
He looked pale again.
Some days ago, I'd seen it — the coughs, the way he'd press his chest when he thought no one noticed.
Now, beneath the festive laughter, I noticed how tired he looked, how his hand trembled slightly as he lifted a teacup.
I wanted to go talk to him but I was busy.
After lunch, the entire class gathered to watch the cheerleading performance. Hinata, in her shining uniform, was electric — confident and radiant under the stage lights.
Akio stood near me, his arms crossed.
Akio: She's amazing.
Kiyomi: Yeah.
But I could feel his eyes shifting toward me more often than toward the stage.
After the performance, Asahi, Akio and I waited for Hinata to get changed. When she was done, Asahi approached her.
Asahi: Your performance was incredible.
Hinata: Thanks, although it took days for me to get the hang of it.
Asahi: But you crushed it.
Hinata: Thank you.
Kiyomi: Nice performance.
Akio: Absolutely amazing.
Hinata: Thanks.
Akio: Kiyomi, yesterday you were really tired and you were complaining about not having to explore the features of the festival. So, how about we go check out that haunted house?
Kiyomi: I wish I could go, but no.
Hinata: Don't worry, I've got you covered.
Kiyomi: I still don't think I can go. I don't want Hinata turning out the way I did.
Hinata: It's okay. I asked for assistance and a few girls offered to help, so you can go. Say yes.
Kiyomi: Okay, let's do this.
She went with Akio to the haunted house and she didn't even flinch
Kiyomi: That haunted house was a bummer. It wasn't even scary at all.
Akio: Talk about waste of time and efforts. Hey, let's go check out the food stalls. I heard the takoyaki stall is loosing to the pancake stall.
Kiyomi:(Surprised) What? No way?! It can't be possible. Let's go check it out now.
I kept exploring all the stalls and festival with Akio until the day was over.
The day was very fun and amazing, but still, it wasn't complete.
Not without Minato.
(Cultural Festival: Day Three — Sunday)
With today being the last day, it meant extra fun because people would want to savour the moments of Cultural festivals before it's over. And to kick off the festival, Akio and a group of boys did a live performance on stage. With the hot guys, the dance moves, the voice and the beat, the performance was amazing. Everyone loved it. It was the best way to begin the last day of the festival. As usual, after his performance, we praised him and congratulated him.
Unlike the other days, we decided to spend this day together—me, Akio, Hinata and Asahi. And today's evening event was very special.
First, we went to the Karaoke room and each sang, then we went to the food stalls, then the photo booth— to take some photos. We took photos separately and also in groups of 2 and also as a group. Afterwards, we heard that the drama at the theatre was crazy, so went there. And it was amazing.
After the show, Ayaka and Nao passed by, holding flyers for the final evening event:
"Closing Night – Lantern Lighting & Student Dance (Optional Yukata Allowed)."
I read it quietly. So that's what the "night of the festival" meant — not fireworks, but the soft glow of floating paper lanterns and music under the stars.
The sky blushed orange as the festival's last day drew to a close.
The school courtyard transformed into a sea of lights. Students, some in casual wear or light yukata, gathered around paper lanterns, writing their wishes before setting them afloat across the small pond.
Hinata stood with Asahi, talking and laughing softly.
The school festival glowed like a dream. Lanterns swayed gently from strings tied across the courtyard, scattering golden light over laughing students and bright stalls. The smell of takoyaki and sweet candied apples floated through the cool evening air, mingling with music from the main stage.
Everything seemed okay.
But everything wasn't okay.
Not with Minato.
Something felt off about him.
So strange.
I hadn't spoken to him properly since our argument two days ago, when he'd told me I was "too easily swayed by others." It stung—coming from him of all people. He was quiet, but I'd thought he understood me. Yet now, every time I looked his way, I found him lost in thought, avoiding my gaze.
Across the courtyard, Minato leaned against the railing near the shooting game. His classmates laughed nearby, but he stayed silent, his expression distant. Every so often, his eyes flicked toward Kiyomi, only to dart away again.
When everyone lit their lantern, the whole place lit up and matched the colour of the sky. Everyone looked up, their faces painted in reds and oranges. Akio went to light up his lantern, leaving me alone near the bridge behind the gym—a quieter place where the sound of the festival dulled to a soft hum.
That's when Minato appeared.
He didn't say anything at first. Just stood there, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Minato:You should be with your friends (He finally said).
I turned to him, my eyes uncertain.
Kiyomi:You too.
Silence stretched. The bright lantern lights reflecting on his wayfarer glasses and our reflections shimmering in the river below.
Minato:I didn't mean what I said…(He murmured). About you being easily swayed. It wasn't fair.
I crossed my arms, voice trembling.
Kiyomi:Then why did you say it? You think you can just disappear whenever you want, then come back like nothing happened?
Minato:I– (He looked down). I didn't want to drag you into my problems.
My frustration rose, mixing with something deeper—hurt, confusion, maybe even fear of losing the quiet bond they'd built.
Kiyomi:Minato, you always say such. But you don't even give me a chance to understand!
The air between us felt charged, like static before a storm.
Then, in the distance, we heard a sharp crash—someone shouting from the festival grounds.
We both turned quickly.
Kiyomi:That sounded like–
Without thinking, we ran towards the noise. But as we rounded the corner, my foot caught on a loose stone by the slope. I slipped forward–
Minato:(Concerned) Kiyomi!
Minato lunged, catching me by the wrist, but momentum pulled the both of us down. We tumbled into the shallow stream below the bridge with a splash.
The world went silent for a heartbeat—just the sound of water and our heavy breaths.
I blinked up at him, soaked and startled. Minato's hair dripped into his eyes as he hovered above me, his expression torn between panic and disbelief.
Then laughter echoed from the bridge.
Takeshi and Haruto.
Takeshi:Whoa, look at the lovebirds! Didn't know the festival had swimming events! (He shouted).
People started gathering, phones flashing. The scene looked… compromising. Minato quickly stood, helping me up, his face pale.
Kiyomi: It's not what it looks like!
I tried to say, but no one listened.
By the time a teacher arrived, the rumor had already begun spreading: Minato and Kiyomi snuck off together during the fireworks.
Monday morning, we were summoned to the faculty office.
When we left the office, the hallway felt unbearably long. Our punishment had been decided—two weeks of school cleaning duty together after classes.
I clutched her bag tightly, my eyes stinging. Kiyomi:(Angry) This is so unfair.
Minato glanced at me, guilt written all over his face.
Minato:You shouldn't have gotten dragged into this.
But when our eyes met, something unspoken passed between us—something understanding, fragile and heavy.
Because deep down, neither could deny it anymore.
Something had changed between us that night.
And it wasn't just the rumor.