"Then, Akira, you can't peek."
Shouko turned her back, pen in hand, and carefully wrote on the ema the shrine maiden had given her.
"…," Akira sighed but didn't try to sneak a glance.
"Okay. Thank you, Miss Shrine Maiden."
"Hehe, you're welcome."
The maiden chuckled, taking the ema back and waving the two off. "Alright, that's all. Take care, you two."
"Bye-bye."
"Mm."
They said their farewells and left, while the maiden stood watching until their figures disappeared, then slowly returned to the inner hall, ema in hand. A line of handwritten words glimmered faintly on its surface.
Later, she returned to the garden—she had forgotten the broom.
"What did you write on it?" Akira asked curiously as they walked down the hillside.
Shouko squeezed his hand, shaking her head. "It won't come true if I tell you. When it does come true, I'll let you know."
Akira, dissatisfied, gently pinched her cheek but didn't press further. Fine. One day, I'll sneak a look.
"Let's head home. It's almost noon—we can rest a bit, then catch a movie this afternoon," he suggested.
"Okay!" she agreed happily.
"Let's invite Yuzuru too. She went out with friends this morning; she should be free by then."
"Good idea."
On the way home, they happened to meet Yuzuru, returning with Hachiko trotting beside her.
If you asked why Yuzuru brought the dog along everywhere, she'd say: Don't underestimate our bond!
After lunch, Shouko peeked into the living room. "Yuzuru, want to join us for a movie?"
Yuzuru, lounging with her head on Hachiko's belly, waved her off. "No thanks. If I stay outside any longer, I'll dry up."
She didn't understand why anyone would choose sweating in the sun over air conditioning and TV.
"Really not going?"
"Nope. You and Akira go have fun." She turned her attention back to the screen.
"Alright." Shouko didn't push further. After saying goodbye to Nishimiya Kei, she changed shoes at the entryway.
The door clicked shut.
"Yuzuru's not coming?" Akira asked, peeling an orange and offering half to Shouko.
She nodded. "She probably thinks it's too hot outside."
"…I'm starting to feel the same," he admitted. "Maybe we should just watch at home. Besides, you don't wear sunscreen—careful you don't get tanned."
"Would you dislike me if I did?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"Of course not."
She laughed softly. "Then that's that."
From the sofa, Miyamura Shizuka chimed in, "There's a new bottle of sunscreen in my room. Take it with you. And if my fair, lovely Shouko gets tanned, I'll feel bad."
"Thank you, Aunt Shizuka." Shouko hurried off to fetch it. The quality was obvious from the scent and packaging—definitely not cheap.
"I'll help you put it on," she said, squeezing lotion into her hands.
Akira sat obediently. He hadn't planned on using sunscreen, but if Shouko wanted to apply it, he wouldn't refuse.
When she finished, she insisted on applying it herself rather than letting him return the favor.
"Mom, we're going to the movies—want to come?" Akira asked.
"Nope. Too hot." Shizuka waved without looking away from her drama.
"Then we're off."
"Bye-bye, Auntie!"
"Take care on the road, and Akira, watch out for Shouko."
"Got it!"
The door clicked shut behind them.
The streets were lined with maple leaves, crimson and gold, swept into ripples by the sharp November wind.
"Dong, dong, dong—!"
The bell marked the end of first period. Akira pulled his gaze back from the window, planning a ten-minute nap before the next class.
But the chance slipped away.
"Clap, clap, clap!"
The teacher at the podium—Nobe—tapped the blackboard. "Quiet down, everyone. I have an announcement, though most of you probably already know."
The room hushed.
"In one week—Thursday and Friday—the school will hold its Festival. Two days long. I won't decide what our class does. You'll discuss and vote. Once you've chosen, the Class Monitor will report to me."
Excitement broke instantly.
"A school festival!"
"I told you it'd be right after Culture Day!"
"Our class should totally do a maid café!"
"Go run one at your own house—we're doing a stage play!"
Nobe smirked faintly, shouldered her book, and walked out as the noise escalated.
Akira gave up on napping. Too loud.
"What do you think our class will do?" Shouko leaned close so her voice could be heard.
Before he could answer—
Clap!
A sharp slapping sound silenced the room. All eyes turned toward the podium.
Atsuya Ayumi stood there, right hand red from striking the desk.
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