The days fly by. It is Friday, November 12th, the day before the festival. After school has arrived.　

All classes have been quietly preparing for the festival. Today after school is the day of the rehearsal led by the student council.

This will be an important test for tomorrow's competition. 　

All classmates except for a few started moving at once to prepare for the test.

There will be four presentations in total for Horikita's class. 　

The first is the well-known maid cafe shop, where the main sales are tea, coffee, and other drinks.

Then there is the photo shoot with the maids.

The latter is particularly time-efficient and has a high unit price, so if a large number of people want to work there, it will be a great source of income. 　

The second and third are outdoor stalls selling powdered food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, etc.) and stalls selling Western-style pasta and bread. 　

In addition to generating sales from the stalls, orders are also taken at the maid café.

When an order is placed, a student in charge of transportation goes to the stall and delivers it to the customer. 　

In order to make use of the originality of the maid cafe, a limited food menu is also available, which is a slight variation on the existing menu sold at the stalls. 　

The fourth and final event is an outdoor quiz competition for children, which was hastily added with the extra budget.

"Hasebe and the others, you didn't force them to come?"

As Haruka and Akito and the others left the classroom, Maezono followed behind them.

"We should take this as a good opportunity to test whether 35 people, not including Koenji-kun and Hasebe and the other two, can run the race without any problems."

However, it was not only the three of them who were not cooperating.

In the past few weeks, Kushida had hardly interfered with the performances at the festival, and had gone home immediately without helping out after school. 　

She was aware that she would be in charge of serving the customers as a maid at the festival, and she had already given Horikita several ideas for the production.

Some of the ideas were adopted, although they were minor elements.

However, she did not participate in any practice sessions with the other maids.

"I'd like to do a final check-up for tomorrow's performance, and I'd also like to practice my movements for the day. ...... Do you think you'll have time today?" 　

Sato asked, trying not to sound too guarded. 　

Kushida , who had just gotten up from her seat, stopped and turned around.

"I'm sorry, Sato-san. I have something I can't miss after school." 　

This was not the first time she had said this line.

"I've been getting refusals like that from you for a long time now...... Are you seriously not going to help me?"

The atmosphere was becoming tense, and Horikita was about to leave, but Yosuke, who was standing nearby, stopped her as if he had anticipated the situation.

I don't know which is the right answer.

However, it is impossible to create a smooth atmosphere if you interfere in everything.

There are times when things have to be resolved by only the parties involved. 　

It can be said that this behavior is out of character for Yosuke, who usually shows more care and attention than anyone else.....

Perhaps it is because Yosuke felt that it was a bad move for Horikita to unnecessarily show her classmates how to treat Kushida specially.

Of course, Horikita understood this. 　

There is dilemma that they're trying to help out, but they cannot just leave them alone.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I'm not going to drag you down."

"But you haven't practiced even a little, have you? I can't trust you with the important role of a maid." 　

The best way to practice today is to take advantage of the bst practice sessions available. 　

Sato has been reluctant to participate so far, but now it looks like she won't back down. 　

But Kushida was not inclined to budge.

"Do you want to remove me? I don't think there's any other decent candidates available."

It was a merciless remark, but it was a sound argument. 　

Even if it is just about Kushida's appearance, a student who hasn't been practicing the role of a maid would not able to fill in that role.

"I'll see you tomorrow at the festival. Bye-bye." 　

Her tone of voice is the same as that of the gentle Kushida, but her actions could be taken as cold. She refused Sato's proposal until the very end and left the classroom. 　

Is it simply that she does not want to spend time with classmates who know her true nature? Or does she have something he really can't miss? 　

It was clear that the atmosphere in the classroom had deteriorated, but that could not be helped.

"Hey, Horikita-san. I'm going to the be there at the cafe tomorrow, but I think we should leave Kushida-san out of it after all..."

Matsushita, unable to bear the sight of Sato's downcast and frustrated face, went directly to Horikita for advice.

"I know what you want to say, but I have no intention of leaving her out of the cafe at the moment."

"But she's definitely lying about having things to do."　

Indeed, there are many inexplicable aspects to Kushida's recent behavior.

It can't be helped that she has kept her distance from many people since the unanimous special examination, but her uncooperative attitude has been conspicuous.

"I think that may be the case. I don't know why she doesn't participate in practice."

" But if that's the case, then... "

"But there's no need to worry. She is thinking about the festival and the maid cafe in her own way."

"I believe in Kushida."

"Well, you don't really have a choice but to believe."

Matsushita was not convinced, but nodded her head and followed Sato's lead. 　

Perhaps because she was one of the founding members, Matsushita was willing to make various efforts.

Although it is true that Kushida's absence from practice is an unsettling factor, Horikita's expression shows no signs of impatience.

In fact, she seemed to be showing confidence backed by something.

That is probably why Matsushita took a gamble and backed down.

She does not appear to be asking for help, wewill have to wait and see.

PART 1

Special Building, 1st floor, stall number "Special 02". 　

Students will be decorating this space, which is normally used as an empty classroom. 　

The girls will be doing most of the work, while the boys will be assisting them. 　

Interestingly, the girls are by far the best at this type of decoration. 　

I think it's safe to say that Horikita is in charge of the set-up. 　

On the second floor of the special classroom, in the back of the classroom, preparations for the concept café were steadily underway. 　

Unlike our maid café, the concept of the Ryuuen's class is "Japanese-style dress." cafe.

The food and beverages, such as Japanese sweets and tea, are completely different. 　

While preparations were underway, we found something that stood out from the crowd. 　

There was a girl sitting on a chair reading a book while wearing a Japanese kimono, which is the concept of the event.

"..... Hello." 　

When Hiyori notices me, she lifts up her book and for some reason hides the part of her face that is her gaze.

"It's been a long time. You haven't been in the library lately, have you?"

"I have been in the library. It's just that I've changed my hours a bit." 　

I thought it was strange that a bookworm like her disappeared from the library, but it turns out that they just changed the time of day they arrive.

"I see you'll be working as a waitress too."

"I'm an accountant. I'm not very good at interacting with people. I'm not very good at moving around, and I've practiced carrying meals on a tray, but it didn't work out."

In short, she's not very good at anything in general. 　

But if you can handle things smoothly as a cashier, that's fine.

"Ibuki-san will be joining us, by the way."

"Ibuki? I never thought she would wear this kind of costume."

"I heard that she and Ryuuen-kun had a competition to be exempted from helping at the festival, and she lost." 　

She smiled a little as if he was remembering that time.

"Where is this Ibuki who lost that competiton?"

"I heard that Ibuki is not participating today. Ibuki said she would never wear the dress except for the actual event." 　

I can understand that feeling, but I hope she can serve her customers well when I go out on the spot. 　

I'm sure Ryuuen will be able to deal with this situation in a flexible manner. 　

I would have liked to have seen Ryuuen, the owner of the store, but he was nowhere to be seen. 

Did they leave the preparation for the day before to other students?

"Ryuen-kun went to see how Class A was doing"

"Class A?"

"He didn't know what kind of presentation they were going to do yet."　

Indeed, the details of the performance for Sakayanagi's class were not known until the day before the festival. 　

It is not surprising that they wanted to find out what they were going to do.

Since all classes will be participating in the pre-opening event the day before the festival, it is certain that they will be making preparations for their stalls at some point.

After I finished talking with Hiyori, I decided to look for Sakayanagi's class.

"Ayanokoji-kun."

"Hm?"

"Ryuuen-kun and his classmates went up to the third floor, so I thought maybe that's where Sakyanagi-san would be."

"I see. That saves time." 　

Hiyori looked as if she wanted to say something else, but Hiyori immediately shook her head left and right.

Three second-year classes were concentrated in the special building, each at a different level.

She looked like she had something else to say, but Hiyori immediately shook her head.

"I'll visit the library again, and I hope you'll come too."

"Yes, I will." 　

I raised my hand to say goodbye and walked up to the third floor. 　

The third floor of the special building is the furthest from the school gate and is considered to be the most difficult for people to reach.

There were three classrooms available for stalls, but until the other day, they were not very popular and had no tenants.

"I didn't think that Sakayanagi's class would rent the entire space."　

Since the building is currently on the exclusive floor, students from the 2nd year class A roam the hallways on the 3rd floor as they please. 　

At first glance, it is difficult to imagine what kind of performance they are planning.

There were several cardboard boxes scattered about, with no sign of their removal, and the students were still in their school uniforms.

Since you can't cook with things like lighters indoors, that line disappears as well.
"Were you surprised by the unexpected?" 　

Hashimoto, who was probably watching the students coming up the stairs, approached and asked.

"What are you doing?"

"Can't you see what I'm doing?" 　

Hashimoto laughed quietly, as if he thought it was funny that I did not understand.

"Well, that's understandable. But I can't give you a gentle answer."

He probably prepared for the event the day before, but he had no intention of disclosing the information to the public. 　

As if to symbolize this, a notice is posted on the stairs leading up to this floor: "Due to a problem, the second year class A presentation will not take place today."

"That's what it means. I'm sorry you went to all this trouble, but we're going to have to ask you to take it back." 　

If I persisted, I'll never know the details of their presentation.

"It looks like Ryuuen is about to go home, too." 　

Ryuuen came out of the back classroom and walked toward us with his hands in his pockets.
He looked at me and Hashimoto lightly, and then turned to go downstairs.

"Or are you going to do the same as him and take a closer look even though you know it's useless?"

"I'm going back."

"That's hard work. I'll have to wait and see what happens. "

I was sent off by Hashimoto from that place, and I took my foot on the stairs to go back to the maid cafe without any success.

I was on the second floor when I noticed that Ryuuen had turned away and stopped.

I turned my head to look at him, but he turned his gaze to the upper floor. 　

Ryuuen saw this and raised the corners of his mouth slightly before opening his mouth.

"Tell Suzune that it will be our class that wins tomorrow."

"The Japanese costumes cost more than the maids' clothes, didn't they? If you're going to challenge us to a match at a concept café, it would have been fine if you went with the same theme as us."

"It's simply my taste." 　

After replying with words that could be taken either seriously or jokingly, Ryuuen started to walk away.

I went back to the maid coffee shop without paying attention to Hashimoto's presence from the upper floor.

PART 2

Surprisingly, many male Studi from other classes rushed to the restaurant right after it opened. 　
Many onlookers were more interested in catching a glimpse of the girls in costumes rather than eating, which was fine with us. 

It would be a good experience for the maids who were not used to being noticed.

Even Matsushita, who is usually calm, was a little stiff and nervous in her movements.

Sato's sharpness was much worse than in practice.

Immediately afterwards, the sound of plastic bouncing on the floor is heard throughout the classroom.

The reason was that Mii-chan slipped on a tray with a glass of water in it.

The heavy, air-splitting incident left the students frozen in place.

Matsushita was the one who immediately made a move.

"I am terribly sorry." 　

After gently patting Mii-chan on the shoulder with a cool tone and calm response, she instructed her to fetch a fresh glass of water.

She then brought a rag and began cleaning the floor.

She then got a rag and began to sweep the floor.

"You're very good, Matsushita-san. I can't believe it's your first time."

Even Horikita, who was standing by and watching, was impressed by Matsushita's outstanding moves.

"Horikita, are you going to participate as a maid tomorrow?"

"I'm basically an advertising person. I'll serve customers as needed, but.....I honestly don't feel confident about it."　

Unlike usual, Horikita answered somewhat timidly.

"Well, I don't think anyone thinks you're very good at smiling." 　

I'm sure she's not anxious to serve, but it's hard to offer a smile.

"You've got a lot on your plate, I'll give you that."

"I think our work here is almost done by today." 　

It's like 90% preparation and 10% the actual event, so all we have to do tomorrow is administrative work.

"Maybe I'll make you work on the stalls too."

"Don't give someone roles just because of your personal grievances." 　

Horikita was making a nasty remark, but since she was not serious, she quickly backed down.

"For the time being, Matsushita-san seems to be fine as long as she makes an effort to be at the cafe."

"Are you going to watch their performance?"

"I want to see for myself what kind of entertainment they're going to put on."

"Take your time."　

In the meantime, I worked on creating a space for tomorrow's waiting room. 　

About an hour later, Horikita returned to the maid cafe.

"I'm back. How are things going?"

"There were a few minor mistakes, but things have calmed down and we're all getting used to each other."

"This is good preparation in advanced."

"Without this rehearsal, it might have been a bit of a nightmare." 　

We realized that practicing without a person and actually inviting a third-party customer to the event are completely different. 　

Matsushita, who had been working at full capacity since the store opened, rounded up and came in to take her place.

"Good job Matsushita-san, you've done an outstanding job."

"Thanks. Everyone's movements are getting better, so we should be able to welcome tomorrow in good shape." 　

Matsushita said this, but her expression was a little stiff.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I'm wondering if there's potential sabotaging going on, I'm a little concerned about."

"Sabotage?"

"Ryuuen-kun's class came to the maid café, right? I was worried that they would bring Ishizaki-kun and the others and say that there were bugs in their cups....." 　

Horikita and I exchanged glances for a moment, then immediately turned our attention back to Matsushita.

"Don't worry about it. It is not in their best interest to interfere with us in this rehearsal. Besides, the students are not allowed to be guests at the performance, so they can't use the same techniques." 　

To Horikita's explanation, I added a supplementary explanation.

"With so many eyes on us, Ryuuen wouldn't be so careless. There is no need to worry." 　

Matsushita's smile returned to her face after being told by both of us at the same time that there was nothing to worry about.

"It's a different kind of reassurance when two people say it." 　

She was feeling a bit tired, but she was relieved and patted her chest.

"You should take a break too"

"I think I'll do that." 　

Matsushita walked out and left the classroom with a slight wobble.

"Did you notice that?"

"Hm?"

"No, it's nothing."

Perhaps because it was just a minor stumble, Horikita did not seem to notice anything in particular. 　

I hope that was just my imagination.

"So, what did you think of the other classes? What did they present?"

"I don't know if the festival will be held again next year, but I learned a lot."

Horikita took a look at the completed room and touched it to check its condition.

"It looks fine. In about an hour, the cleanup will start, so I think you should take another look at it."

"I'll do just that."

With permission, they decide to walk around the entire school.

Kei appeared as if she had been waiting for this moment and hugged me.

"Let's go together."

"You're not gonna leave me even if I were to say no. "

"I can't leave you."

"You're free to come with me, but you must remember we're here for a reconnaissance."

"Yes yes~"

While Horikita responded seriously, Kei was quite carefree throughout the conversation. 　

Well, this kind of opportunity is rare.

In fact, even from the maid coffee shop, most of the others seemed to be enjoying the cultural festival in a normal way.

PART 3

Some of the first and third-year classes had many stalls that resembled typical festival stalls.

Some of the interactive elements included target practice, ring toss, or dropping marbles on a handmade platform to win prizes with multiple goals written on them.

The similarities in the entertainment spread out to create a festival-like atmosphere.

"Oh, it's Yukimura-kun and his friends!" 　

Kei was the first to point out that Keisei, Akito, and the other boys were busily preparing for the event.

They had practiced grilling food in their dormitories, so they seemed to be doing it very well.

We should try not to interrupt them by talking to them.

"Wanna try the ring toss?"

"Let's do it! Oh, that stuffed animal is kind of cute. I want that one."

Referring the student who had already participated in it, Kei raised her voice and pointed.
The colorful bear was an adorable prize.

Unfortunately, the ring toss was just a demo. Even if the ring toss was successful, the students would not receive any prizes.

Although the Student Council will provide a budget, the number of prizes is limited. 　

If the students were to take the prizes home today, it will be difficult to replenish the prizes for the actual event.

On the other hand, the target shooting game that 1st year class B was showing off seemed to have prizes in the form of sweets, which you could receive if you succeeded. 　

The prizes ranged from 10 points for the cheapest one to 200 points for the most expensive one. 　
In practice, there would probably be more than just sweets, but this would allow for a test that would not be different from the real thing.

"Kiyotaka, try it!" 　

I was urged to do so, and my back was pushed lightly in front of a table with five shooting guns. 　
I was simply interested in target practice, so I was willing to give it a try. 　

Five bullets are given per try. 　

It seems to be a type of toy called a cork gun, which fills with cork and fires.

Each gun on the table seems to be more massive than I expected.

The bullets, however, are distorted in shape, and it is doubtful that they can be shot with precision.

I have never held a gun in my hands since I was born. 　

I have a vague image of what I saw in movies and dramas, but I was unsure if they were really true or not.

So, in my imagination, I grabbed the gun in the middle of the room and held it up.

"Aim for the most expensive one." 　

In order to get the highest candy packet, you have to shoot down a large weight. 　

How difficult will it really be...

Let's give it a try for now. The first shot was fired with a cheer from Kei. 　

With a light "pop," the cork bullet was fired and approached the weight I had set my sights on. 　

However, the bullet passed through a few centimeters to the left of the weight without a second thought. 　

Aiming at the target, the bullet should have hit the target with pinpoint accuracy, but the trajectory was completely different. 　

The next step was to shift the muzzle a few centimeters to the right and fire a second shot.

The trajectory was supposed to be perfectly corrected, but it passed right overhead and missed the target this time.

"This is difficult...."　

As I was making my third shot, other students started to join in. 　

I decided to watch the other students and try to correct the trajectory further.

However, the students who were firing their guns were struggling to find their aim, just as I did.
One of the students fired a bullet that hit the weight from the first shot.

The weight did not fall over, but he succeeded in pushing it backwards.

Continued observation reveals that it is not a matter of skill, but rather the individual differences in the performance of these seemingly identical guns. 　

The millimeter-by-millimeter differences in the manufacturing process and the quality of the cork of the bullet itself. 　

The combination of these various factors results in an unexpected trajectory with every shot.

It is a very interesting mechanism, and at the same time, one understands the difficulty of hitting and missing the target. 　

As a result, only the last shot hit the weight that he had originally aimed at, but it was not an easy target to hit, and his first target shooting ended in a terrible defeat.

However, the gun's own tendencies were evident. 　

Now it's just a matter of predicting the trajectory of the bullet when it fires, based on the shape of the cork, and trying again.

But then I noticed a sign that said, "Only one challenge per person today," and decided against it.

"Ha. Even the great Ayanokoji isn't good at shooting?" 　

As I put my gun back, Hosen came out from behind the stall, laughing.

The main feature of Hosen's first year class D stalls were specialized in "games."

"I didn't expect you to perform like this. "　

The adults were returning to their childlike innocence, enthusiastically winning trivial prizes at target practice and ring tossing.

"When I was a kid, I used to make a lot of money at these stalls, working alongside the adults." 　
What kind of childhood was that...?

"I wanted to do more serious gambling, but unfortunately, I was turned down by the rigid school system. But target shooting or not, it's the same thing as gambling. This kind of gambling is designed so that the bookie can win. It's a one-time festival, and there's no way you can be careful if you're getting ripped off like that." 　

He took a lighter and placed it on the rack, then came over to this side and picked up the second gun from the far left.

The bullet from the rifle flies straighter than expected and strikes the lighter. 　

The lighter was shaken, but showed no sign of collapse.

"If they don't take the limited prizes, it won't be a problem."

"But that won't keep the customers coming back for more?"

"We should just add some value to the paper-thin prizes and stop bouncing them around."
If the prizes are not attractive, adults may not be attracted to them.....

Hosen seems to have a plan.

A participation prize peeks out from a basket.

They had prepared a large number of photos of students, both male and female, using a printing press, and laminated them into a variety of handmade prizes.

"The students were given the opportunity to show off their memories of participating in the festival as adults."

The fact that so many politicians participate in the festival may be seen as a kind of charity or community activity.

If you announce that you have received photos of the students, it will add to the positive public image of the event.

After parting ways with the surprisingly thoughtful Hosen, I returned to Kei, who was waiting for me.

"I couldn't do it."

When I told her this, she poked me in the stomach with her elbow, smiling happily.

"You look pretty happy even though I didn't get any prizes."

"I was able to see Kiyotaka's cuteness. I'm super satisfied with that."

"What's exactly was cute about that?"

"I was glad that it wasn't like in a cartoon where you just decide to do it all at once. I realized once again that you can't do everything."

That's true.

My methods are based on experience.

Unless I have something I can use from my past experience, there is no guarantee that I will do well at my first target shooting, whether it's with a toy or not.

"Was that supposed to be cute I feel like I'm supposed to look cool for a boyfriend."

"I've seen enough of that side from you."　

She didn't blame me, but rather, her emotions were pleased that I didn't win the prize.

While walking around to see if there were any other interesting acts, we found Ishizaki.

"Hello, Ayanokoji!"

"This setup looks pretty unusual."

"Right? It was me and Albert's idea to put on this show."

"Really, how did a disciple like you get permission from Ryuuen when you couldn't even set up a birthday party?"

Kei stares at Ishizaki with suspicious eyes.

"I wanted to make it happen... I did exactly what you told me to do and got my ass kicked...."

I felt a pressure in my abdominal area as if I was remembering that time.

Me and Ryuuen just so happened to have the same birthday on October 20th.

Ishizaki tried planning a birthday party before.

However, in order to make it happen, he needed to persuade Kei, and the condition she gave him was that Ryuuen must apologize directly to her for what he did on the rooftop and bow down to him.

Kei's harsh conditions were, of course, not accepted by Ryuuen.

"But next year I'll get my revenge! You'll just have to wait and see!"

All that was provided to us was a desk and cardboard boxes.

The fact that there were disposable chopsticks and cups on the table gave the impression of that we we are eating and drinking...

"What is this?"

"This will be fun. Have a look."

Ishizaki instructs Albert to take out some tools from a cardboard box. 　

The two items are a bag of protein and a bag of citric acid.

Both are familiar to people who take them during muscle training.

"This is a chocolate-flavored protein. Just take a quick lick." 　

Ishizaki prepares two small, bite-size paper cups of his chocolate-flavored protein.

"I don't want it."

Kei refuses to drink it as soon as she is served.

"Oh don't say that It's just protein."

"I've never had protein before, and I don't even want to drink it. I have no intention of becoming a muscle-bound person." 　

Albert stepped forward and muttered in English:

"You can' t build muscle just by drinking protein shakes"

"Eh, what?"

"Don't worry about it. You can't build muscle just by drinking protein shakes. That's right. Since we're here, why don't you two give it a try?" 　

To be honest, I was a little curious to see what Ishizaki would do. 　

I took the initiative, grabbed the paper cup, and drank the protein.

I'm sure the manufacturer is different from what I used to drink, but the taste reminds me a little of the old days.

"Well, I'll drink it for you, but..."

On the other hand, Kei, who was drinking protein for the first time, frowned as if it didn't taste good.

"Is it bad? Well, it's not so bad, right?"

"It's not bad, but I don't know if I'd want to drink it."

"So, you're going to have to cleanse your palate." 　

Once we have finished drinking the water, we were given a glass of water to rinse out our mouths.

By the time we had finished drinking it, Ishizaki was ready for his next move.

"Next is this right here."　

He then prepared another paper cup with a citric acid drink.

"Well, this is citric acid."

"Maybe you'll like this better." 　

They mutter their impressions of the citric acid to each other.

"Well, that's the last one. The two you just drank don't taste bad, do they?"

"I didn't like the protein."

"Well that's fine Karuizawa. How about you Ayanokoji?"

"I liked it. It wasn't bad at all." 　

Hearing that, Ishizaki laughed happily.

"However, if you add citric acid to this chocolate-flavored protein, you get a mysterious taste." 　
He handed me the protein mixture and held it close to his mouth.

It seems like this is killing two birds with one stone, since you're mixing up two proteins that are good for you...

"Now, I want you both to take a drink at the same time."

"I'm kind of scared."

"Well, let's drink." 　

We tipped our paper cups in unison and poured it down the back of our throats.

The moment I put it in my mouth, however, the taste spreading from the surface of my tongue made me stiffen unintentionally.

"Bleghhh!?"

Kei, who was screaming next to me, spit it out unintentionally right then and there.

Then she made a strong complaint with a heaving, spitting up gesture.

"This tastes like that!? Eww!"

I remember this taste too.

The acid that rises from your stomach when your fist is punched hard into your abdomen during a martial arts lesson, and when you reverse the food you're digesting. 　

The smell and taste that spreads into your mouth. It was something close to that.

"Ha-ha-ha! 　 That's funny! 　 That's funny!"

"That's not funny! Water! Give me water! 　

Kei pushed aside Ishizaki, who was laughing with a stomachache, and drank straight from the plastic water bottle.

".....This is indeed a mystery drink."

"Even Ayanokoji, who is usually calm, is a little put off by it." 　

Not only was the water not tasty, but it didn't even taste like food. 　

The tension suddenly plummeted.

"I'm going to surprise my customers with this tomorrow. For 500 points a drink, I'll give you this magical experience."

"...I don't know how Ryuuen allowed this."　

I'm more surprised about that.

" He said do whatever you want with your points. We'll do something else tomorrow." 　

I see.

So Ishizaki is going to do it alone in the extra space that is rented by his class.

That would require minimal expenditure, and it would not be surprising if about 10 guests were curious about the experience.

"Ugh, what could have been a fun date turned into a disaster..."

After that, Kei continued to look at Ishizaki with resentment until she left. 　

Their relationship that seemed to have improved a little might be back to square one. 　

After finishing the tour, Kei and I returned to the maid coffee shop while genuinely enjoying several performances.

The classrooms were overflowing with students, who seemed to be enjoying talking to the maids in their own way.

For those students who occasionally strayed from the moral line and persistently acted up, Sudo intervened to force them to leave the room.

He played a very effective role in taking care of troublemakers.

Whether they have a scary face, students, regardless of whether they are junior or senior, have no choice but to leave quietly when they are exposed to Sudo's demands.

The two-hour cultural festival simulation soon comes to an end. 　

We discussed with Horikita if we need to make any changes to the personnel for the real event tomorrow.

As Sudo and the other boys started cleaning up, Onodera appeared.

"I wish I could have seen some of the maids' clothes."　

Onodera, who had been working at an outdoor stall, made a regretful noise upon her return.
"You wanted to see the maids?"

"I don't mind. I like pretty things too. Besides, I'm not the kind of person who looks good in a maid's outfit..... and I have fat legs."

"You can't tell if something looks good on me or not until you try it on."

".....and I'm not sure I'd fit into the limited clothing available."

Onodera replied with a wry smile thought it was impossible for her.

Because of her commitment to swimming, Onodera has a well-developed body, with broader shoulders and legs than most girls.

If she had to get a maid's outfit that fits her size, it would inevitably have to be exclusive to Onodera.

Sudo crouched down and brought his gaze up to Onodera's thighs.

"Wait, Sudo-kun!"

"You have the good legs of a well-trained athlete. Well, they certainly don't look like a maid's legs...."

He placed his finger on his chin and said exactly what he was thinking.

"Hey, this is embarrassing!"

Onodera blushed and ran out of the classroom like a hare.

"What's with that her? ...... She didn't have to run away." 　

Watching them interact, I could sense a clear change in Onodera up close. 　

It seems that between the sports festival and today, Onodera has developed a strong liking for Sudo.

However, Sudo has never seemed to have noticed, perhaps because he has never been able to see her interest in her, or perhaps he has never sensed her presence. 　

It would be nice if both arrows were facing each other, but as it stands now, their relationship is just one-way street for both.

I have not learned much about love, but I do know that it is basically standard practice to keep a warm eye on them in situations like this.

However, that is why my curiosity and urge to see the result of a different pattern comes over me.

If you go against the rules, will they fail as a couple or not?

"Don't you understand? Why did Onodera behave the way she did?

"Hm? I don't get why she did."

"Onodera has the same feelings for you that you have for Horikita."

"What?" 　

Because of the roundabout way Sato said it, Sudo didn't immediately understand. 　

But Sudo is not so bird-brained that he can't understand what he's saying.

"Huh? Onodera is... in love with me?"

"Yeah."

"No, no, no, that's not true."

He seems to have thought about it seriously but denies that there is no way that could be the case. This is also a natural reaction. 　

No one can see the truth of what is in the other person's mind.

"Onodera may not have been interested in you at first, but recently Sudo has shown remarkable growth. It wouldn't be surprising if she became aware of the opposite sex, would it?" 　

Gradually, Sudo's face turned grim as he began to reorganize his thoughts.

"What does ...... that have to do with her meaning she likes me?"

"Of course, there is no guarantee. If you want to know the truth, it might be important to observe Onodera carefully and try to understand her."

"But.. that can't be...."

I know what's going on even if he doesn't say it out loud. 　

Right now, Sudo's feelings are strongly directed toward Horikita. 　

That's why I want them to see how my unnecessary comments will change things. 　

Will he move closer to Horikita, or will he sway toward Onodera? 　

Or will it change to a third party that I never expected?

"No. I'm a little confused. I'm going to cool off while I go see the food stalls." 　

He went to think it over before giving an answer.

"Kiyotaka-kun, I wonder if that was right to do."

Yosuke, who was standing by ready to go, seemed to have overheard my conversation.

"Maybe you shouldn't have intervened with them."

"Is that so? I'm sorry if that was careless of me"

I apologized to Yosuke with a blank expression on my face. 　

A little while later, the rehearsal of the festival came to an end.

"Good work, everyone. That's all for today. If there are any reassignments for tomorrow's performance, I will call you from my cell phone by 9:00 p.m." 　

After cleaning up and sweeping, all preparations for tomorrow's performance were complete. 　

The students have already started heading home for tomorrow's festival.

The only two people left in the classroom were me and Horikita.

"When I think about it, it doesn't feel right for me to be a maid, no matter how many times I think about it."

"It's not that I don't want to do it, but it would be nice to have more people, wouldn't it? It would have been easier if your girlfriend had cooperated."

"I'm sorry, but it's out of my jurisdiction. I'll leave that for Kei to decide."　

It seems Sato and the others including myself approached Kei, but she refused to wear the maid's uniform.

I haven't heard the reason for this, but it's probably because she didn't want to do something that would involve changing clothes, rather than because it would be troublesome or because she wasn't suited for customer service. 　

Not everyone understands Kei's reasons for her body scars and her past.

"I'm just kidding. It's not something you should be forced to wear. If you don't want to wear it, it won't make a good impression on tomorrow's customers."

"Have a look at this. I made some adjustments based on today's simulation."

I handed the notebook to Horikita for a final confirmation.

"Thank you. I don't think there will be any problems with the schedule you've put together." 　

Horikita looks up from the notebook.

All festival participants are required to report to their homeroom teachers and take an hour break before the end of the festival.

During this break, it is forbidden to help with performances, and workers must be coordinated regardless of whether they are busy or not.

PART 4

In the middle of the pathway leading to the Keyaki Mall, a man and a woman were facing each other. 　

The preliminary practice for the cultural festival had already started and there were no other students to be seen around the area.

"We can finally talk, Yagami."

"I didn't expect them to barge in on us while we were preparing for the festival."

"If you didn't do that, you would've been caught. It looks like you've avoided it."

Even after they made contact, Yagami did not want to discuss the situation on the spot and forced Kushida to move to this location.

"It was just a coincidence that we couldn't meet. I'm sorry, it just so happened that I visited my room several times while I you were away." 　

Neither of them lost their smiles as they continued their dialogue. 　

If someone were to witness the scene, they would only see them chatting amiably.

"I was using the answering machine, but you didn't respond, Yagami."

"I didn't respond? Why would I do such a thing? There must be some kind of misunderstanding."

"There's no misunderstanding." 　

Kushida, frustrated by Yagami's inability to grasp the reality of the situation as if he were trying to catch a cloud, takes a step forward herself.

"You cut me off because I was no longer useful, is that it?"

Yagami expected Kushida to expel Horikita and Ayanokouji from the school in the unanimous special examination.　

Since the Yagami did not respond to the request, and communication with the company ceased, it is not surprising that Kushida made such a judgment.

"Do you remember when I contacted you the night after the unanimous special exam?"

"Yes, of course I remember." 　

The night of the day the exam ended. 　

Yagami made a phone call and learned from Kushida that Horikita and Ayanokoji had not been expelled. 　

Shortly after that, the phone line was disconnected, and Tadashi had not been able to talk to Yagami since then.

Shortly after that, the phone went dead, and Kushida had not been able to talk to Yagami since then.

"I'll be honest with you thought that you hated me. That's why I haven't had the courage to face you lately, and I think I may have been unconsciously avoiding you."

"Stop it. It can't be helped if you lie to me now, can it?" 　

After knowing a part of their true nature, pretending to be a junior who likes them only gives them the chills.

"I apologize for that. Now, would you please tell me the circumstances of that day again?"

Kushida is beginning to understand. The first-year student in front of him was just having fun playing with her. 　

He knew the whole story of the unanimous special exam, but he wanted to know the deeper details.

"No answer."

"Why not? At least I know that Kushida-senpai has taken action to have one of them expelled. As a result, Sakura-senpai expelled instead of you, Kushida-senpai. What I want to know is the details."

"I didn't do anything on that special exam, so Sakura-san, who placed last in the OAA rankings, was inevitably cut. That's all."

Details about the unanimous exam have not been leaked to the public.

Therefore, Yagami wanted to know the details. 　

She tries to push on with the story as if Sakura Airi was chosen due to her lack of ability. 　

However, Yagami kept smiling and gently placed his hand on Kushida's shoulder.

"I think it's important not to lie."

"Lie...?"

"After the unanimous special exam, Kushida-senpai's behavior routine has changed drastically. Although you seem to be getting along well with the other students in your class, I have already learned from my investigation that you have distanced yourself from your classmates. In short, the unanimous special examination has exposed you to more than a certain amount of your true nature." 　

Externally, Kushida is smiling at her classmates as she does on the outside. However, there are limits to what she can do now that her classmates are more distant than before. She used to hang out with a small group of girls two or three times a week, but that number has dropped to zero.

"I don't know what you are talking about. I still get along with my classmates as usual." 　

She implies that Yagami just happened to miss the times that she hangs out with her classmates.
Kushida tries to push it off, but Yagami keeps smiling.

"Trying to hide it is futile. Your classmates knew everything about your past. And it was definitely Ayanokoji-senpai who pushed you into this corner." 　

Yagami spoke eloquently, as if he had actually witnessed Kushida and the others fight in class.
The fact that Ayanokoji was mentioned instead of Horikita's name was an anomaly to her.

"That's just your selfish imagination. It doesn't match what happened at all."

"You are free to deceive yourself, but what on Earth did you want from me? I have to help out at the festival, so I'd like to get back as soon as possible."

"I'm tired of hanging out with you, Yagami-kun"

"Getting tired of me...?"

"I'm tired of being your friend. I just wanted to say that today." 　

Kushida suddenly offered to end her relationship with Yagami.

"You want to end our relationship. I understand your feelings. Since the class has already found out about Kushida-senpai's past and your character, there is no point in pressing you to expel Horikita-senpai or Ayanokoji-senpai."

"I won't correct myself again. Interpret it however you want."

"You're an interesting person, aren't you, Kushida-senpai? What I just said was the truth. Besides, you yourself are beginning to think that it isn't okay to throw yourself into this environment. That's why you want to end this backward relationship with me and look forward to the future instead "

Look forward to the future. The words that he pointed out stayed in her mind and spread.

"Aside from Ayanokoji-senpai, have you made peace with Horikita-senpai?"

"I won't answer that either."

"From the looks of it, he was won over without a second thought. I'm a little disappointed, Kushida-senpai." 　

Kushida holds back the urge to retort, but anger wells up inside her. She still hates Horikita.

"I... I..."

"Oh, that's all right. You don't have to say any more. I'll be watching over."

His dismissive attitude lacked some of the politeness he had shown in the past.

This was a little creepy to Kushida, but she couldn't let him see her weakness here. 　

Rather, due to her repeated contact with such unusual people as Ayanokoji, Ryuuen, and Amasawa, she was clearly more tolerant of them than the average student.

She was surprised and felt a sense of realization while acting tough.

"I'm done with Yagami-kun. We have nothing to do with each other. Are we fine with that?"

"I'm sure you're worried that I'm going to go around exposing your past, right? That's why you came here to check on me while I'm giving you a warning, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's right. If you reveal the truth, rumors about me will run rampant in the school."

"If that's the case, will you please listen to what I have to say?"

"I'm not the only one who's vulnerable. I'm could go tell you everything about Yagami-kun on the spot. I'll tell them that you used me to get to try and get Ayanokoji and Horikita expelled from school, and that you're doing evil things like this." 　

He doesn't know if this is a threat or not. 　

Even so, if they use the weapons they have, this is the only way for Kushida to defend themselves.

"Did you just threaten me back? I will keep that in mind. Are we done?"

Whether or not it was working, Yagami cut the conversation short and walked away.

"I am the leader of the 1st year class B. I'm busy with many things for the festival, so please don't forget me."

"Don't forget, Yagami-kun. As long as you keep your promise, I will keep mine."

With a final smile, Yagami disappeared out of sight with a light step.

"I hope this is the end of it....." 　

At the same time that she holds such wishful thinking, she also feel that it will not end like this.
So what should she do? 　

Should she just sit back and wait, or should she try and take action?
"No. I can't stop Yagami."　

Up until now, she had challenged and lost to various opponents, including Horikita. 　 She had to abandon the naive notion that I could handle the situation on my own. 　

She's painfully aware that she is alone.

Even so, the situation changed drastically. 　

She prides herself on being a good reader of such things.

"Before I deal with him, I have other things to do."　

She knows that the problem that needs to be solved is more than just Yagami.　

She has no intention of returning to her gentle, honor student ways, but in order to maintain her strong position in the class, she must make a solid contribution. 　

Kushida knows how to survive.

PART 5

In the middle of the night, I received a phone call.

"It's very unusual for you to call me, Sakayanagi."

On the other end of the line, Sakayanagi lets out a little laugh.

- I'm sure that's the case. Do you have a few minutes to spare now? -

"If it's not convenient for you, I won't come out."

-I see. I'll get right to the point. I am sure that Ayanokoji-kun will be participating in the festival as a matter of course. My father is concerned about the possibility of people from the outside coming to bring you back.-

"I received a phone call from the board chairman a little while ago. He told me that I should consider taking time off from the festival this time as well, but I politely declined."

If it weren't for the fact that I had to give Sakayanagi a break, I probably would have participated in the last sports festival as well.

-Are you not afraid?.... No, that's a silly question. I'll change it a bit. Are you sure that the people involved won't move to take you back?-

In other words Sakayanagi was saying she doesn't see the point in putting myself in danger like that.

"It's simply a balance of the actual damage. If I they can get everything settled with the sports and the culture festival, then it's fine to take a break. But we have a school trip coming up. There is no guarantee that there will be no spectators at next year's festival too. It's easy to stay just in your shell, but it's the opportunities I lose by doing so that are more troublesome."

-So you want to experience what it is like to be a student in your remaining school days, even if just a little.- 　

She nodded her head in agreement, as if she was convinced.

"Besides, we have other objectives. I wouldn't want to waste it."

-If that is the case, I will not say anything further. I think it is best for you to act as you wish.- 　
Although I am concerned about the school festival, I didn't ask them about it.

Is she simply trying win the contest, or does she want to get rid of the competition? Or do they have another goal? 　

If I were to ask her, she might be able to answer, but that would be a different story.

The choice depends on the decision of class A. A third party has no right to decide whether it is right or wrong.

-However, you never know when unforeseen circumstances will arise. Even if the festival is successful, you never know what will happen next. If you have any problems, please feel free to consult with us at any time.-

"That's very kind of you."

-I won't let Ayanokoji-kun disappear until we have a rematch.-

"I'll do my best."

-I'll see you soon. Good night.- 　

Avoiding idle chatter, Sakayanagi ended the call with a mutter.