CH 79

The peaceful time of summer break for students passed by in the blink of an eye, and the new semester arrived.

After finishing the opening ceremony in the lingering heat, the next day came.

The classes for the new semester have already begun, and during our lunch break session, some classmates wear weary expressions.

As usual, I sit across from Yukio at our desks, eating lunch and engaging in small talk.

In the second half of summer break, as promised, I went to buy a mug cup with Yukio. I vividly remember Yukio excitedly picking out a cup with a dolphin character similar to the one Rei and I used.

"By the way, how's your bass practicing?" (Yukio)

"Bass practicing? Umm... about that." (Rintaro)

"Huh? Is it not in good progress?" (Yukio)

"No, it's not that. I practice every day without fail, and I'm getting better――――I think. but I haven't practiced with the other two even once, so I can't really say." (Rintaro)

"I see... I'm not familiar with instruments, but it seems like it's quite difficult to harmonize with others." (Yukio)

I'm not a particularly cooperative person, and in terms of skills, I'm still a beginner who has been playing for less than a month.

To be honest, I've been anxious for about a week now, and there have been times when I didn't know what to do because my growth seemed to be slowing down.

"Right now, it's like this, but as the performance approaches, we're planning to rent a studio for practice, so I'm not too worried." (Rintaro)

"Heh, I see. I'm looking forward to seeing you play the bass, Rintaro. Do your best." (Yukio)

"Yeah, I'll do everything I can." (Rintaro)

I touch my fingertips, which have become hardened from pressing down on the strings all this time.

It makes me a little bit proud that I can be so engrossed in something other than household chores.

"Hmm...... Anyway, what's the afternoon class today?" (Rintaro)

"It's to decide what we're going to put on for the school festival. It's only a month left after all." (Yukio)

Our school has a lot of students, so the school festival itself is quite large.

Every class puts in all their efforts, and there are even new students who chose this school because they wanted to experience and participate in our school festival.

"Rintaro, did you properly put away the mug cup we bought the other day?" (Yukio)

"Of course. I washed it and put it away neatly for when you came." (Rintaro)

"Well, that's good then. Yeah." (Yukio)

As he says that, Yukio has a satisfied expression on his face.

In the second half of summer break, as promised, I went to buy a mug cup with Yukio. I vividly remember Yukio excitedly picking out a cup with a dolphin character similar to the one Rei and I used.

"By the way, how's your bass practicing?" (Yukio)

"Bass practicing? Umm... about that." (Rintaro)

"Huh? Is it not in good progress?" (Yukio)

"No, it's not that. I practice every day without fail, and I'm getting better――――I think. but I haven't practiced with the other two even once, so I can't really say." (Rintaro)

"I see... I'm not familiar with instruments, but it seems like it's quite difficult to harmonize with others." (Yukio)

I'm not a particularly cooperative person, and in terms of skills, I'm still a beginner who has been playing for less than a month.

To be honest, I've been anxious for about a week now, and there have been times when I didn't know what to do because my growth seemed to be slowing down.

"Right now, it's like this, but as the performance approaches, we're planning to rent a studio for practice, so I'm not too worried." (Rintaro)

"Heh, I see. I'm looking forward to seeing you play the bass, Rintaro. Do your best." (Yukio)

"Yeah, I'll do everything I can." (Rintaro)

I touch my fingertips, which have become hardened from pressing down on the strings all this time.

It makes me a little bit proud that I can be so engrossed in something other than household chores.

"Hmm...... Anyway, what's the afternoon class today?" (Rintaro)

"It's to decide what we're going to put on for the school festival. It's only a month left after all." (Yukio)

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Our school has a lot of students, so the school festival itself is quite large.

Every class puts in all their efforts, and there are even new students who chose this school because they wanted to experience and participate in our school festival.

I release my hand from the strings and lean back against the couch.

It has already been three days since I went on a date with Mia.

Our agreement was to spend time as temporary lovers until Rei returns.

And that agreement ends today.

Originally, Rei's absence was estimated to be about a week, but it seems that her work finished smoothly, and she will be coming back this evening.

Since that date, if asked if I had done anything special with Mia, I would answer no.

At most, I just helped her with her summer homework, if it counted?

Honestly, I'm glad that I didn't have to do anything more embarrassing than that.

However――――

(Why do I...... feel so awkward?)

Until yesterday, I was with Mia, and from today, I will be with Rei. I feel a sense of guilt, as if I'm switching between women, and with that thought my mood is not good.

(And, why do I have to be so restless?)

That's right. It's not like I'm dating anyone, so I should just think of it as hanging out with a friend.

――――Even if I convince myself with that, my heart is still clouded.

"What did we do last year?" (Rintaro)

"You forgot? We had a food stall. There was a disagreement about whether to have a takoyaki or yakisoba at the festival, so we ended up having both." (Yukio)

"Oh yeah, there was." (Rintaro)

I'm starting to remember.

We opened four different stalls in the classroom: yakisoba, takoyaki, cotton candy, and shaved ice.

"Last year was quite successful, but I wonder how it will be this year." (Yukio)

"Well, as long as we don't choose the wrong theme, there shouldn't be any failures." (Rintaro)

"Yeah, that's true. Our class has a lot of serious people after all." (Yukio)

As the start of a big event approaches, there is a slightly restless atmosphere in the classroom.

It's evidence that many people are looking forward to it.

Time passes, and it's after school.

As we sit at our desks waiting, our homeroom teacher, Harukawa Yuri-sensei, enters the classroom.

After we finish the greetings, Harukawa-sensei clears her throat and begins to speak.

"Well, this season has come again. Let's decide on the theme for our long-awaited school festival!" (Harukawa-sensei)

"""OOOOH!"""

Cheers rise from the enthusiastic classmates.

I hope we don't end up with a troublesome theme, looking up at this high tension.

"Yes, yes, it seems like everyone is motivated. Before we get into a serious meeting, shall we decide on the school festival committee member first?" (Harukawa-sensei)

"""......"""

"Hey, hey, stop blatantly lowering the tension." (Harukawa-sensei)

Well, that position is the most bothersome after all. I can understand why everyone's tension drops.

To be honest, as long as I can avoid being a committee member, it's fine with me, no matter what the performance is.

"You have...... a point. Then I'll think of something else." (Rei)

"Hey, I feel like you're gaining more rights to casually make me listen to what you say, aren't you?" (Rintaro)

"It's just your imagination." (Rei)

"That's unreasonable......" (Rintaro)

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What a lass, she leaves no room for carelessness or vulnerability.

(Well, it's fine.)

It seems I still can't resist Rei's pleas after all.

And by being asked like this, the guilt I felt before fades away.

I have to admit that, even my own mind is simple.

"Are you going to take a break from work for a while?" (Rintaro)

"Yup. I have a lot of free time in my schedule. Since students must be struggling with summer vacation assignments, I was given extra time off." (Rei)

"And what about your idol activities? Are you taking a break too?" (Rintaro)

"Something like that." (Rei)

So, from today onwards, I'll be able to cook for Rei almost every day.

"Hmm... Since work has settled down, I'll make a feast today." (Rintaro)

"Is that okay?" (Rei)

"Thanks to your hard work, I can live in this apartment, so doing this is no sweat." (Rintaro)

I knew Rei would come back, so I bought the ingredients properly.

This should be enough to make a slightly luxurious meal.

"Sigh...... Well, for the time being, anyone who wants to be a committee member is fine." (Harukawa-sensei)

Harukawa-sensei calls out to us so.

What follows is a probing among classmates.

Gazes filled with the wish for someone to do it are flying around the classroom.

"......I knew it would come to this, makes Sensei a little sad. Well! I understand the feeling though!" (Harukawa-sensei)

Sensei sympathizes that this task is bothersome.

"But if we leave it like this, nothing will be decided. Should we try the usual recommendation method next? Is there anyone who can be entrusted with this?" (Harukawa-sensei)

And so it begins.

The recommendation for the school festival committee member is nothing more than the selection of a sacrificial lamb.

Once recommended here, it goes without saying that it's difficult to refuse.

And because everyone understands that, it's also difficult to betray their friends.

――――That being said.

And also, it's only natural that no one will speak up in this situation.

".......Sigh. Last year, you guys decided quite easily." (Harukawa-sensei)

That was because we didn't understand the harshness of being on the school festival committee.

By now, the freshmen must have decided easily.

And the serious one who unintentionally became the sacrifice will bear the brunt.

"Well, there's no helping it. Then...... how about you, Kakihara-kun? I think you're quite suited for it." (Harukawa-sensei)

"Eh, m-me...?" (Yuusuke)

Everyone's gaze turns towards Kakihara.

It seems that this year's sacrifice has been decided.

"I-if it's Kakihara, we can trust it on him with peace of mind!"

"Yeah! He's the perfect person for it!"

"I've always thought he was dependable!"

Everyone starts raising their voices all at once.

Kakihara has already been completely locked on.

Of course, even if someone were put in this situation, they would unhesitatingly refuse. At least, that's what I would do.

However, due to Kakihara's personality――――

"......I-I understand! I will live up to everyone's expectations!" (Yuusuke)

"""OOOHH!"""

――――This is how it turned out.

Seeing me choking up at the "couple" part, Mia giggles again in amusement.

Phew, I guess I'm finally getting back on the right track now.

I follow Mia's lead.

Eventually, we arrive at a large game center in front of the train station, where there is a lot of noise.

"A game center, huh?" (Rintaro)

"Yes. To be honest, I've never been to one by myself, nor have I been with Rei or Kanon, so I was a bit curious about it. Are you familiar with this place?" (Mia)

"No, I've only been here a few times." (Rintaro)

"Is that so?" (Mia)

"I'm not good with big noises...... see, there are all kinds of sound effects and music mixed in, right? That's why I never came here voluntarily." (Rintaro)

I've never been in those places because I'm underage, but I am not comfortable with places like pachinko parlors and such, more so than at a game center.

Maybe that's why I'm less interested in such places.

"Ah ....., then maybe you're not very interested in...... it?" (Mia)

"I'm not. It's not like I'm allergic to it, nor hate it. As long as it's with you, I'll go anywhere today." (Rintaro)

"......If so, then I'll take your word for it." (Mia)

Mia looks a little apologetic as she makes her way into the game center.

That was a mistake, I reflect to myself.

I feel bad for both Mia and the game center for showing a lack of enthusiasm in front of the store when we got there.

If I was going to tell her that I wasn't good at it, I should have said so more clearly.

On top of that, if I could have said I didn't want to go there, I would have been able to go to another place without getting into a strange situation――――.

As if it had been planned in advance, Kakihara is chosen to be the school festival committee member.

But, to put it this way, there is no doubt that he is the most qualified person for it.

He is recognized by everyone as an honor student, and he does not belong to any clubs or committees, so he doesn't have to juggle multiple responsibilities.

In terms of logic alone, there's no one more suited for the role.

"Alright! So Kakihara-kun is decided as the committee member! Class representative Nikaido-san, please support Kakihara-kun from now on." (Harukawa-sensei)

"Yes... understood." (Azusa)

When Nikaido is requested so, I can see Kakihara making a small victory pose in the corner of my vision.

(I see...... Kakihara, you're surprisingly a tactician.)

The school festival committee usually consists of one person from each class, but it is customary for class representatives to assist in some way. 

The reason it is described as 'customary' is because it is not officially mandated as part of the system.

At least in the class overseen by Harukawa-sensei, this is how the system works.

The class representative must prioritize assisting the school festival committee over the regular duties, which inevitably increases their time together.

However, this situation can be seen as the best preparation for the festival.

While it may not be commendable for personal interests to be involved in the committee's work, I don't mind at all.

He's taking care of our troubles for the sake of his own romantic pursuits.

Rather, I believe there should be some kind of reward for his efforts.