Chapter 5 – The School Festival
The next morning, when Takumi, Tsubasa, Ayame, Itsuki, and Mizuki arrived at school, they found Haruto and Miyako already there, chatting by the window.
"Good morning!" Takumi greeted brightly.
"Good morning, Takumi, Tsubasa, Ayame, Itsuki, Mizuki," Haruto and Miyako replied in unison.
Takumi grinned. "The school festival is coming—I can't wait!"
Haruto nodded. "Yeah, it's going to be fun."
The whole group seemed to be in high spirits.
Just then, their teacher entered the classroom. "Alright, everyone. The festival is almost here. It's time to decide what our class will do. Any suggestions?"
Hands shot up, voices overlapping with excitement. Then one boy shouted, "How about a maid café?"
Takumi immediately jumped on the idea. "Yes! Maid café—I love it!"
He glanced toward the girls' side of the room. A few of them blushed under his gaze and quickly agreed, "Yes, let's do it!" Takumi's charm was hard to resist.
The decision was made, and preparations began at once. Later that day, Takumi called out, "Hey, everyone—let's go shopping for supplies. Haruto, Miyako, you're coming too."
"Alright," Haruto agreed, and Miyako nodded enthusiastically.
The group headed to the mall, chatting and laughing as they browsed. They bought decorations, tableware, and costumes. While they were picking out lace headbands, a girl approached them.
"Excuse me," she said politely. "Are you from Sakura High?"
Takumi turned. "Yes, we are. And you are…?"
She smiled. "I'm Sayo Amane from Kyōto International School. I just wanted to say hello—and maybe become friends, if you don't mind."
Takumi, ever the gentleman, returned her smile. "Nice to meet you, Sayo. Sure, you can join us. We're shopping for our school festival."
They introduced themselves one by one, and before long, Sayo was chatting comfortably with everyone. Takumi noticed how quickly she blended in, but decided not to think too much about it.
When they finished shopping, Takumi asked, "Will you come to our festival?"
Sayo looked regretful. "I'd love to, but I have work that day. How about this—let's go to the fireworks festival together instead?"
"Deal," Takumi said. They exchanged contacts before parting ways.
---
The Day of the Festival
The school grounds were alive with music, laughter, and the sweet aroma of festival food. Paper lanterns lined the walkways, fluttering in the warm breeze.
Inside Class 2-B's Maid Café, Ayame Hoshizora stood by the counter, her long silver hair tied with a neat black ribbon. The frilled maid uniform fit her perfectly, and her calm, refined smile made every customer's heart race.
"Welcome home, Master," she said softly, and a group of boys nearly dropped their menus.
Across the room, Itsuki Kazehara—with his snow-white hair and striking golden eyes—carried a tray of parfaits. Even in a plain waiter's outfit, his beauty was impossible to ignore. Girls from other classes peeked in through the door, whispering excitedly.
At the register, Takumi and Tsubasa handled payments. Takumi's golden hair caught the light, his smile dazzling enough to make half the café swoon. Tsubasa's deep purple hair and composed expression drew just as many glances. Meanwhile, Mizuki, with her bright orange ponytail, zipped between tables, her cheerful voice filling the air.
After hours of nonstop work, the last customers left. Ayame stretched, sighing with relief.
"You were amazing, Ayame," Itsuki said, handing her a cold drink. His smile was warm, his tone casual—but something in his gaze made her blush.
"Y-You too. All the girls couldn't take their eyes off you," she murmured.
He chuckled. "I only noticed one person looking."
Before Ayame could reply, Mizuki burst in. "Alright, lovebirds! The café's done—let's enjoy the festival!"
---
The group split up to explore. Takumi and Tsubasa were instantly swarmed by girls wanting photos, making Haruto roll his eyes. Miyako laughed and dragged him toward a ring toss booth.
Ayame and Itsuki strolled side by side, sharing taiyaki and stopping to watch a street magician. At the shooting game, Ayame missed every shot until Itsuki stepped behind her, guiding her hands.
"Like this," he whispered, his breath brushing her ear. She hit the target perfectly.
"See? Easy," he murmured.
Her silver hair caught the lantern light as she turned to him. The festival noise seemed to fade, their eyes locked. Slowly, they leaned closer—
"Hey! Where are you two?" Takumi's voice boomed across the street, breaking the moment. They quickly stepped back.
Rejoining the others, they began the walk home, laughing and chatting. Then a familiar voice called out, "Wait!"
It was Sayo Amane, slightly out of breath. "I thought I'd surprise you, but I'm late. Sorry!"
Takumi waved it off. "Don't worry. In fact—how about we all go for ramen?"
The idea was met with cheers. They crowded into a small ramen shop, bowls steaming in front of them, and enjoyed a warm, noisy dinner together.
When it was over, they said their goodbyes under the evening lights, each heading home with smiles on their faces.