(Date: 7 days before presentation - Monday, Location: Classroom, Hallway Balcony)
The bell signaling the end of the morning classes rang, but the atmosphere in Room 2-A felt even more tense than usual. Mr. Satoru had just officially announced the schedule for the final science project presentations next week, along with a detailed scoring rubric, emphasizing the phrase "creativity based on tangible scientific principles and a deep understanding of the presented topic" as if to stifle someone's extreme imagination and raise expectations even higher.
Most students began to look worried; some even started whispering in groups about the harshness of the scoring criteria. I, as usual, was staring out the window. Soft sunlight touched the side of my face, but if one looked closely, my fingertips were tapping lightly on the desk, a sign that I, too, was deep in thought and feeling the pressure. Lumine Komori, meanwhile, remained still and calm, focused on her old notebook. But the way she lightly bit her lower lip indicated she wasn't as relaxed as she appeared. After the day she had vented her feelings at the coffee shop, I felt we had grown slightly closer, but a certain wall around her heart still stood tall.
During lunch break, while other students rushed to the cafeteria or gathered to chat, I noticed Lumine standing alone on the hallway balcony. She was looking up at the blue sky with a distant gaze, much like mine usually was. I hesitated for a moment, then a certain feeling pushed me to walk over to her.
"It's close now, isn't it?" I said softly, standing beside her. I meant the presentation day, just a few days away.
Lumine turned to look at me slightly, her golden-brown hair swaying in the breeze. "Mm," she replied briefly, but her voice held a trace of anxiety.
We stood in silence for a long moment, looking at the cityscape stretching out below. The silence wasn't as awkward as when we first met; it was a silence in which each of us sensed the anxiety and expectations weighing on the other's heart.
"Maybe… the outcome isn't as important as whether we've tried our best," Lumine said softly, as if musing to herself rather than speaking to me, though she discreetly glanced at my reaction.
I looked at the side of Lumine's face, illuminated by the afternoon sun. "You've been trying your best all along, haven't you, Komori-san? Especially with this." My voice was a little gentler than usual. I knew this project meant a lot to her, not just for the grade.
Lumine didn't reply immediately, but I saw a faint smile appear at the corner of her mouth, a smile that looked both grateful and sorrowful at the same time. I felt an urge to say something to comfort or encourage her, but the many words got stuck in my throat, unable to be formed.
(Date: 5 days before presentation - Wednesday, Location: Science Club Room)
Giggles and strange noises emanated from the Science Club room, which had now become the de facto "secret base" for Zeno Kazuma and Takumi Yoshida. Takumi was holding his head, watching Zeno tinker with a "Remote Brainwave Detector for Finding Disguised Aliens" (which looked like an old helmet with broken TV antennas and blinking multi-colored lights wrapped in aluminum foil) instead of helping him review the unfinished presentation slides.
"Can you be serious for a bit, Zeno! The presentation is in a few days! Is your alien detector going to get us extra points?!" Takumi grumbled, but still continued to sketch a "Circuit Diagram of the Alien Detector (Takumi's Version)" in his notebook with a deadpan expression.
"Chill out, Takumi! This is profound scientific experimentation! If we can prove that aliens are disguised as students or teachers in our school, it'll be a huge discovery! Our project will be a massive hit! We might even get on NHK news!" Zeno said, his eyes sparkling.
Suddenly, the Science Club room door opened. Mr. Satoru walked in with a neutral expression, but his eyes behind the glasses glinted with knowingness. "Kazuma, up to something 'creative' again? Or are you perhaps communicating with extraterrestrial beings with that device?"
Zeno flinched slightly, quickly hiding the "Alien Detector" behind his back. "No, sir! I was just... reviewing Einstein's special theory of relativity! It's very complicated, sir! Especially the part about time dilation!"
Mr. Satoru raised an eyebrow. "I caught a glimpse of something that looked more like a foil hat with blinking lights than a physics textbook," he said, looking around the room littered with Zeno's electronic scraps and bizarre inventions. "I know you have talent, Kazuma. Don't let your playfulness overshadow your true potential. This week is your last chance to show everyone what a genius like you can do. I hope to see something more… 'sensible' than hunting for aliens in school."
After Mr. Satoru left, Zeno let out a huge sigh, looked at the "Alien Detector" in his hand, and mumbled, "Aw, man... I was so close to meeting alien friends." But then, his gaze suddenly turned serious. He looked at Takumi and grinned widely. "Alright, my friend! It's time for a genius like me to get serious! Let's make a presentation so spectacular that Mr. Satoru's jaw will drop! Prepare for the 'Theory of Wormholes and Inter-Universal Travel Powered by Seaweed Flavored Potato Chips,' upgraded version!"
Takumi could only shake his head in exasperation but couldn't help but chuckle. He knew well that when this Zeno got serious, the whole world might be stunned (or perhaps just Class 2-A, which would have to deal with his chaos). "Just don't accidentally press a self-destruct button during the presentation," Takumi said deadpan.
(Date: 3 days before presentation - Friday, Location: Basketball Court)
On the basketball court after school, Mikase Ozuki was trying her best to rehearse the project presentation script with Ken Arisawa, but Ken's attention seemed to be more on the basketball than the script in his hand.
"Ken-kun! Pay attention! This part is important! We need to explain Quantum Entanglement to the judges! Not just dribble the ball between your legs!" Mikase said, her voice starting to lose patience.
Ken dribbled the ball between his legs. "It's hard, Mikase! All these weird words! The judges will fall asleep if I talk like that! It'd be easier for me to explain gravity with a slam dunk."
"It's not funny, Ken!" Mikase raised her voice, her patience finally snapping. "Aren't you going to take this seriously at all! I've been doing everything for this project – researching, making slides, writing the script, but you never care about anything! Or do you think I can do it all alone?!"
Ken froze when he saw Mikase angry, her face flushed red, tears welling in her eyes. He had never seen her like this before. Mikase was usually calm and rational. "Hey! I... I'm trying, but I'm really not good at this! I'm not as academic as you!"
"I don't need you to be like me!" Mikase shouted back, tears streaming. "I just want to see you try! Try for our team! Or have you never noticed how I've been trying to help you all along! With studies, with homework!" The last words slipped out unintentionally, surprising both Ken and Mikase herself.
Ken was stunned by her words. "Trying... for me?" He looked at Mikase, who was quickly wiping away her tears. Guilt and confusion washed over him. He never knew Mikase felt so much pressure and had such expectations of him. More importantly, he never knew how his actions affected her feelings so deeply.
"I... I'm sorry, Mikase," Ken said, his voice softer. "I didn't mean to make you feel so bad. I... I was an idiot for not noticing anything." He put the basketball down and walked towards her. "I promise... I'll try harder. I won't disappoint you again."
Mikase looked at Ken steadily, tears still on her cheeks, but her gaze softened. "Really..."
"Really," Ken nodded firmly. "For our team... and for you too."
After that day, Ken practiced the presentation script like never before. He might not have memorized it as perfectly as Mikase, but his effort and sincerity shone through, impressing Mikase. And maybe… a feeling more than just teamwork was beginning to form in someone's heart.
(Date: 2 days before presentation - Saturday, Location: Cat Cafe, Zeno's House (Attic))
I suggested an idea that surprised Lumine. "Want to work on the project at that new cat cafe near the station, Komori-san? I heard the atmosphere is nice. Maybe we'll get some new ideas. Or at least… relax a bit." Truthfully, I just saw that Lumine had looked stressed for days, and I wanted to see her smile, even if I wouldn't admit it out loud.
Lumine hesitated for a moment. She wasn't one to frequent such places. But seeing the expectant (though hidden beneath indifference) look in my eyes, she nodded. "Okay... I guess."
Himari, who happened to pass by and overhear, her eyes widened. "Eh! A cat cafe! Sounds fun! Can I come too, Lumine, Leo-kun?"
Iris, who was with her, frowned slightly. "Why go to a place like that? It's a waste of study time."
"Come on, Iris-chan! A change of scenery would be good! The project will flow smoothly!" Himari coaxed.
Finally, Iris relented (or perhaps couldn't stand Himari's pestering) and reluctantly agreed to go.
The atmosphere in the cat cafe was completely different from the library we were used to. The soft purrs of the cats and the softness of their fur made Lumine, who usually appeared so stoic, visibly relax. When a chubby calico cat jumped onto her lap with a nonchalant air, Lumine instinctively petted it gently. A rare, faint smile appeared on her face. I secretly watched that scene, and my heart skipped a beat. This was another side of Lumine I had never seen, and I liked it very much. Himari seemed to be having a blast playing with every cat in the cafe. As for Iris, though initially impassive, she eventually found herself gently petting a white Persian cat that came to nuzzle her.
We talked very little about the project; most of the time was spent playing with the cats. I awkwardly tried to use a feather wand to play with a cat, and one of them missed and pawed my face. Lumine saw it and let out a soft, bright, and sincere laugh that made me smile along. Himari laughed out loud, while Iris covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
"I never thought… being with them would feel this good," Lumine said while stroking an orange cat that was purring contentedly on her lap.
"Sometimes we need something simple that doesn't require much thought," I smiled. "Especially during stressful times like these."
Lumine looked up at me for a moment, her dark brown eyes holding a sparkle I couldn't decipher. "Thank you… Tsukino-kun, for inviting me."
Although the project didn't progress much that day, spending relaxing time together and seeing different sides of each other made the unexplainable feelings between the four of us begin to clarify, little by little.
Meanwhile, Takumi went to Zeno's house to rush their work but found Zeno wearing strange headphones and trying to "converse" with a neighbor's dog that was barking loudly at the fence, using a "Dog-Talker 9000 Translator, Upgraded Model."
Zeno: "I'm testing the 'Dog-Talker 9000 Translator'! Just now, Borky said, 'My master is so handsome and intelligent! I wish to lick his face to show my respect!' See! Amazing technology!"
Takumi (looking at the dog, which was baring its teeth and about to pounce on the fence): "I think it's more likely cursing you out, Zeno. Like, 'You weird-faced human, get away from my house now, or I'll rip your pants!'"
Suddenly, the dog barked loudly again, and Zeno's translator spoke in a synthesized voice: "Oh... esteemed one, I sense a great cosmic energy emanating from you! Are you the chosen one to save the universe from the alien cockroach race?!" This made Takumi almost choke on his saliva. The two then worked on improving their slides and preparing equipment for their "unique" presentation in Zeno's cluttered attic, filled with his inventions.
(Date: 1 day before presentation - Sunday, Location: Public Park, Public Library)
Mikase arranged to meet Ken for a final presentation rehearsal at a park near her house. The shady and open atmosphere was thought to help Ken relax and concentrate better than rehearsing in the stuffy classroom.
Ken looked visibly more relaxed in the open space. He started to remember his lines more fluently and could naturally inject his own personality into the presentation, such as using easy-to-understand language or making comparisons that teenagers would find interesting, making his presentation lively and not boring.
While they were rehearsing, a group of children playing in the park gradually gathered to watch with interest. Ken, who was usually quite shy when speaking in front of strangers, surprisingly managed to talk and explain what they were presenting (which was about black holes and the distortion of spacetime) to the group of children in simple language and with an entertaining demeanor. The children giggled and asked questions enthusiastically. Mikase watched this with surprise and admiration. She had never seen Ken in this light before.
"Looks like you've found your presentation style, Ken-kun," Mikase smiled sincerely when Ken returned after the children had dispersed.
Ken scratched his head shyly. "Well... when people are actually listening, I just feel like talking and explaining. I don't know how it happened."
"It was great," Mikase said. "I think the judges will love it."
They continued rehearsing in a much better atmosphere. Mikase started allowing Ken more freedom to insert jokes or his personality into the script, and Ken showed his effort and determination fully, making Mikase feel more confident in him.
Meanwhile, Lumine and I met at the public library to review the content and presentation script one last, final time. The atmosphere became serious again, but there was an understanding and a certain warmth permeating between us.
I noticed Lumine still had traces of fatigue on her face, but her eyes looked more determined and calm than yesterday. "Yesterday... you seemed to have fun at the cat cafe," I tried to make small talk.
Lumine looked up from her pile of documents, a faint, sincere smile on her face. "Mm... it was a new experience. Thanks again, Tsukino-kun, for inviting me that day. It helped me... feel much better."
As we were reviewing the last slide I had designed, which featured a vibrant nebula against the darkness of space, along with a quote about the infinite possibilities of the universe, Lumine stared at it for a long time.
"It's... very beautiful, Tsukino-kun," she said softly.
I felt my cheeks flush slightly at the unexpected compliment. "Well... I tried to make it convey the concept of our 'parallel worlds and infinite possibilities.'"
When everything seemed to be in order, we both started packing up, preparing to go home. But before I could say goodbye, Lumine stood still, looking directly at me, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions I couldn't read.
"Tsukino-kun..." Her voice trembled slightly, noticeably. "Tomorrow... no matter what the presentation result is... I... I want you to know that... all these past months... working with you... it meant a lot to me."
I felt like a gentle electric current ran through my body. I was stunned by her unexpected words. "Komori-san..."
Lumine quickly continued, afraid she would lose her courage if she stopped. "I know I might seem cold or quiet, and sometimes I might look like I'm carrying everything alone, but... I've seen your dedication and effort all along, Tsukino-kun. And... I admire it very much." Her cheeks began to turn a visible shade of red. "I... I might not be the best project partner for everyone, but you... you made me feel that... maybe I'm not always alone in this world. Thank you... thank you for being patient with me, and for being by my side all this time."
Before I could gather my wits and find any words to reply, Lumine quickly grabbed her bag and said in a still trembling voice, "Then... I'll see you tomorrow! Good luck!" Then she turned and walked away quickly, leaving me standing there with overwhelming feelings in my heart. Her words from moments ago still echoed in my ears, like a stone dropped into a still pond in my heart, creating ripples of feelings I had never consciously realized before… feelings I had for the girl named Lumine Komori.
I raised my hand to touch my left chest. My heart was beating unusually fast. "Komori-san..." I murmured to myself softly. "You... you mean a lot to me too." But those words probably floated in the air, unheard by anyone but myself... and the feelings that were about to overflow from the heart of this reserved young man.
Tomorrow would be the decisive day. And no matter the outcome, I knew only that the journey with her had changed something in me forever…