Chapter 3
Here’s chapter 3 of Saitou’s route! Translation of this chapter was done by shizuumi and yuugs, with proofreading by KittenSparkles, kuririn, yuugs, and dei-hime. Enjoy!
Time flew by, and soon enough it was already October. As the season gradually began to feel cooler, our winter uniforms came out. But midterms were approaching again, and you could feel that the whole school was on edge...
Things were different from the first term, when people weren't ready at all. You could tell that everyone was able to prepare well in advance. Then, as we overcame that huge ordeal, the next thing that awaited us was...
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, those of you who actually read the school calendar for public events will know this already..."
At the beginning of morning homeroom, Harada-sensei began to write 'Today's Agenda' at the edge of the blackboard in big letters. After he finished writing, he turned back this way, and smacked his hands on his lectern with a thud.
Sanosuke Harada: "The cultural festival's at the end of this month. Every year, for the Hakuo Academy Cultural Festival, it's customary for classes to judge other classes’ programs by voting for their favorite. After considering several of the best picks, the class who snatches an uncontested, overall win will receive a wonderful prize."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A wonderful...prize?"
Classmate A: "No way, is it a million dollars? Or a trip to Hawaii!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "C'mon, now... Get your head out of the clouds. Last year's prizes were discount coupons for the school cafeteria for the whole class. In all likelihood, they'll be the same this year."
Classmate A: "...Discount coupons for the cafeteria… I dunno how happy I should be about this..."
Classmate B: "It'd be weird if people wanted them that much, that's for sure..."
Everyone's shoulders dropped simultaneously after receiving such a let-down. You could tell just by looking that everyone was disappointed. Despite our low spirits, though, there was one within our ranks who felt entirely the opposite.
??? : "...Discount coupons? For the cafeteria...?"
His chair screeched with a clatter, and he bounded to his feet without a second thought.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Hey, you guys... This is one fight we can't afford to lose."
Classmate A: "What're you getting so fired up for...? What's gotten into you, Ibuki?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You moron! The cultural festival, that's what! The cultural festival! It's a once-in-a-year chance for us to bond as a class! This event is more than key! It's vital! Don't say it's annoying, meaningless, or whatever — get your head in the game!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I couldn't quite put my finger on it. What he was saying wasn't wrong, but it felt like he was kind of a bit...intense...
Harada-sensei looked amused, watching the state of the class.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, it's good if you’ve got the motivation for it. And you'll have me teaching for first period, so you're just in luck." He checked the time with a glance, then looked around at all of us as he spoke. "You guys wanna decide on a program right away? It'll also give us more time to get ready if we decide earlier."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I'm all for it! I plan on leading the charge! The more time we get, the better!"
Classmate A: "The man reeks of desperation, but I'm in favor, too. Not just for class stuff. It seems fun as well."
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright, then it's decided. Well, I'm gonna head back to the staff room for a bit. Think about what you wanna do while I'm gone."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A program for the cultural festival, huh..."
While I started to think about the cultural festival, I opened up my notebook to brainstorm.
Then first period came. Although we carried out another discussion on what program we should do for the cultural festival...
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, not that these are bad ideas… But none of them are a shoe-in, really."
It was a shame, but Harada-sensei was right. A drama performance, a café, an exhibition booth… There were a lot of proposals that seemed interesting, but it would've been difficult to say that any one of them could guarantee us a win for sure…
The discussion continued, and time marched on.
But then, Ibuki-kun abruptly stood up. His eyes swept across the rowdy classroom, and he made a decisive announcement:
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "There's only one answer... Our class program will be a maid café!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "A-A maid café...?"
He didn't care how bewildered we were, utterly serious as he mustered the courage to deliver a fervent speech.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Listen up. If people are gonna vote for us, then we gotta have something original that no other class has. Having said that, doing something too novel isn't good either. Your average visitor is gonna have a vote, so having something they'll be well-acquainted with is key."
Chizuru Yukimura: "And that'd be a café...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "To be fair, you'll be able to use the break room for other things if you did a café."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yes. And more than that...! Our class has a secret weapon! The most powerful, original thing that no other class in this academy has—!" Taking a deep breath, Ibuki-kun’s eyes suddenly flew wide open. "The only female student in this academy: Chizuru Yukimura!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" I couldn't even express my surprise. I looked up at Ibuki-kun in a daze.
Classmate A: "I kinda get it... We use the fact she's the only girl in the academy and appeal to the other guys."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "How about it? Isn't it the perfect plan?!"
Ibuki-kun was full of determination, and it seemed to inspire the rest of my classmates, who were now completely on board with the idea.
...Save me, who was a key part of this plan, and whose thoughts on it were being ignored.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh, um, Ibuki-kun...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright, now, settle down. If you're going to get anyone on board with this, it'll be her and what she thinks about it."
I wasn’t totally on board just yet, and Harada-sensei turned his attention to me, perhaps to see if I would be convinced.
Sanosuke Harada: "Yukimura, what do you think about all this? If this maid café is going to happen, serving customers will basically be your job. That'll be no small responsibility."
I thought…
[I had to do it]
[Could I even do it...?]
Honestly, using me as a selling point to get votes was unthinkable to me. I did feel really uneasy about it, but… It looked like everyone wanted to see this through. If that was the case, then I had no other choice!
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-If my work will help everyone… Then I'll do it!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright. Then it's final: this class's program is going to be a maid café."
Harada-sensei looked over the class and continued, "Listen well, you lot. You got Yukimura invested in this as well, now. Aim for victory, and give it your best shot!"
Everyone in class: "Yeah!!"
Everyone pumped up their fists with excited grins on their faces. Seeing everyone like that, I felt even more determined to give it my all.
Once we decided on a plan, everything afterwards went swimmingly. The cultural festival would be at the end of the month. With our class activity decided, we had to go all-out on preparations right away.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Looks like things are gonna get busy around here..." There was plenty to get ready for the cultural festival. ‘I hope it'll be a fun one…’ With thoughts like that at the back of my mind, suddenly, as I was leaving the school—
???: "You filthy mongrel!"
I heard a booming voice coming from the middle of the school courtyard. Surprised, I looked to see what was going on… Then, I saw Ibuki-kun and a man with a demonic-looking scowl.
???: "I come all the way to your school, and you can't even arrange a single plan for them to come greet me?!"
(CG GET! \\ (ʘ言ʘ╬))
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "H-How was I supposed to know...?! You just didn't tell me anything...!" Ibuki-kun was half-desperate with his rebuttal. "Besides the fact you showed up all of a sudden, expecting them to come out and greet you properly when you do is too unreasonable—"
???: "I don't want to hear your cheek, you mutt! And why am I the one who has to take their needs into consideration?! You useless piece of trash!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Owowowowow!!"
The man didn't just stop at verbal harassment, but went so far as to squeeze Ibuki-kun's head tight. The situation unfolding before my eyes overwhelmed me with surprise for a brief moment. After I came back to my senses, I hurried to stop them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "E-Excuse me—!"
???: "Don't, Yukimura."
Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder.
Toshizou Hijikata: "This doesn't concern you."
I looked up to see Hijikata-sensei, his expression positively stormy.
Isami Kondou: "......" Looking a little tense beside him was Kondou-sensei.
The two teachers rushed over and quickly forced their way between Ibuki-kun and the man.
Isami Kondou: "Welcome! Thank you for coming all the way over here! What business brings you here today, Serizawa-san?"
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..."
Isami Kondou: "...Ah, pardon, how rude of me. It won't do for us to stand around and talk like this. Please, let's speak in our reception office. I have the perfect tea from my hometown that I could bring out for you..." Kondou-sensei was remarkably courteous while dealing with the man.
Kamo Serizawa: "So my reception has finally arrived, then. However… I'm in the midst of doling out some discipline. Wait a bit."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Serizawa-san..." Just before the man could turn to Ibuki-kun again, Hijikata-sensei stood in his way with a severe expression. "You'll startle the other students if you have an outburst by the entrance here." Hijikata-sensei threw me a glance, while I stood behind him. He went on, "You have your standing to think of, so consider whether this is the time or place to do this."
Kamo Serizawa: "You wish to meddle in my obedience training, Hijikata?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I’m not interested in picking on your parenting methods. It's just that this is the sort of conversation you should be having at home."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Huh...!?" Ibuki-kun let out a small cry from how he'd been quietly forsaken.
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..."
Even at Hijikata-sensei's silence, pregnant with anger, the man didn't particularly look like he was inclined to let up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Uum… May I ask who this man is?" I asked the question diffidently, and Kondou-sensei clapped his hands together.
Isami Kondou: "Ohh, that's right. This is the first time you'll have met him. This is Kamo Serizawa. Serizawa-san is the chairman of the Hakuo Academy board, and works as the academy's PTA president as well."
Toshizou Hijikata: "He's also Ibuki's foster parent."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh...!" That's when I realized that this was the person Ibuki-kun was often grumbling about.
Kamo Serizawa: "So you're Chizuru Yukimura..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You know about me?"
Kamo Serizawa: "You're the only girl in this academy, are you not? You say that as if I wouldn't know you on sight. I'd heard whispers about the girl who even Hijikata permitted in our school, but..." He looked at me from head to toe with scrutiny, as if he were appraising my value.
I resisted the urge to shrink back and stood straight as he fixed his gaze on me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please allow me to introduce myself once more. I'm Chizuru Yukimura. I'm in the same class as Ibuki-kun, and he's always been a great help to me."
Serizawa-san stared at me for a moment...
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..." He let out what I think was a snort, then walked towards the front entrance. With a nod from Kondou-sensei, Serizawa-san shortly headed towards the school building.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...You just have to step in, no matter how troublesome it is."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh...?"
Having muttered that under his breath, Hijikata-sensei took a step forward to follow after Serizawa-san… Then, as if he'd just remembered something, he turned back this way.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura. That reply you gave just now wasn't half bad. I thought you would've said something about Ibuki then, but... You held yourself back. Well done."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, I didn't really do anything..." There were definitely a lot of questions I wanted to ask Serizawa-san about… But it definitely wasn't the time for me to bring that up. I felt a smile coming on, and Hijikata-sensei hurried back to the school building.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Phew..." After Hijikata-sensei and the others had left, I felt a sweat coming on belatedly. It seemed like the tension had finally cleared up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you okay?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yeah. It's just the same old, same old..." He let out a sigh, like he'd given up a little. "But don't worry about me. Just think of how you can make the cultural festival a success. Alright? My lunches, my fate, and my everything are riding on that."
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right. Got it..."
He said it with such seriousness, I gave him a stiff nod. All I’d been thinking of was how to make it fun for everyone, but… The cultural festival seemed to bring its own troubles...
It was time to start preparing for the cultural festival. Classes were shortened, and after school people would work on preparations. In Class 1-1 too, the whole class would stay late of their own volition and put overtime into getting the maid café ready.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Alright, done!"
I was in charge of making the small props. Most of the work was detailed embroidery. I’d never really noticed before, but the decorations in a café needed a particular kind of fabric.
The tablecloths for all the desks.
The curtain separating the kitchen area from the customer area...
And the maid outfit: the biggest obstacle.
Knowing I was facing such a formidable opponent, I gave a light sigh and decided to give my hands a break.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Whew... I've been at it for a while now. I should take a little break..."
I went out to the hallway to clear my head, and found that the whole building was bustling and lively. People rushed around with cans of paint or hammered nails into things. With just a quick look around the hallway, it looked like every class was busy. The way the school building was getting decorated bit by bit for the festival was kind of exciting to see… I craned my neck, looking all around while walking...
Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai said that Class 2-1 was doing a food stand in the courtyard, I was pretty sure.
Saitou-senpai was in Class 2-2. I wanted to ask what their program was going to be...
I also heard that the gymnasium was being hired out for exclusive use by someone with a lot of leverage...
Speaking of which, I wondered where Harada-sensei would be. Maybe in the staff room? I expected that the other teachers would be with their own classes.
Now, where should I visit?
[Stay inside the school building]
[Head to the courtyard]
[How about the gymnasium...?]
I decided to take a look around the school building. ‘I wonder where I should go?’
[Look around the classrooms]
[Look for Harada-sensei]
Shortly after… As I went where the second-year classrooms were, a booming voice resounded from somewhere nearby.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "No, no, no! You couldn't even scare a kid with this!"
Hajime Saitou: "Then, should I make the sound effect start one or two seconds earlier?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "No, if you want to get the sound effect and blow a puff of air over people's feet at the same time, there'll be a gap in the timings, then."
‘Wasn't that...?’
Shinpachi Nagakura: "How about we put the mirror here? If we angle it just like this..."
Hajime Saitou: "I see, then the visitors won’t be able to see us. We'll be able to jump out and surprise them with this."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Nagakura-sensei. Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai, too. You look like you're working hard."
Nagakura-sensei was in charge of class 2-2, the class Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai were in. I bowed with a quick bob of my head, and the three of them readily came out to greet me.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun. I was wondering who it was."
Hajime Saitou: "How is your class doing? Are preparations going well?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, we're all working together for them. I'm just taking a little break right now..." I glanced aside to 2-2's front door. There was a blackout curtain decorated with a number of trinkets which gave off an eerie vibe.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Is your class going to be a haunted house?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yeah, we're still in the design stage."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "We're trying to make something that'll scare the pants offa people on the day of. I'll be expecting to see you there!"
Hajime Saitou: "I'd be pleased to see you when our haunted house is complete."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sure, of course!" I wasn't really good with scary stuff… But seeing them working so hard on this made me want to steel myself and come see it. I had to make sure our class worked hard, too...! "It looks like this'll be a great cultural festival."
Hajime Saitou: "Yeah, I think so, too," Saitou-senpai responded to me while nodding. "The cultural festival will turn out well with everyone's cooperation."
Susumu Yamazaki: "We want to do our part in order to make this festival a good one, too. What do you think is most important for ensuring that the festival is a success?
‘Something important to ensure the festival’s success…? I wonder.’
[Upholding order]
[Watching out for injuries]
[Keeping an eye on money]
Loads of people were going to come in from outside the school, plus the interior would be all dolled-up, so the thing that we'd have to make sure of might've been to...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Upholding order...right?"
Hajime Saitou: "I agree. It is important that we keep the order within the school, so as to not give any of the many people who will visit a bad impression. I'll be keeping watch on the day as a member of the disciplinary committee so that I may help in making the festival a success."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Having your class display to deal with on top of your committee work... You must be awfully busy, Saitou-senpai."
Hajime Saitou: "O-Oh, no, not in the least! I can alternate between the disciplinary committee work and the program work fine. I'll absolutely have free time… So, please, don't worry!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay. ...Then, good luck with your class program and your committee work!"
Hearing how hard Saitou-senpai was working, I had to work harder myself… I swore to myself I would.
When I got back to my classroom, I spotted my classmates making a sign for the maid café. I needed to do my part, too.
As I was thinking that, I suddenly heard a voice from behind me:
???: "Mhm... That's some fine craftsmanship, there."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Kondou-sensei."
Isami Kondou: "Hey there, Yukimura. Looks like your class is exceptionally motivated for this culture festival."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. We all decided we'd do our best to win."
Isami Kondou: "I see, I see." Hearing what I said, Kondou-sensei nodded with a happy-looking smile. "The truth is, the PTA president, Serizawa-san, pays for the expenses of the cultural festival prize every year."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh? Serizawa-san does...?"
I thought of the impression I had of him when I accidentally met him the other day… This kind of came as a surprise.
Isami Kondou: "He'll pay for the prize for this year's winning class as well. Make sure you all work at it, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "We will do! Thank you for the support!"
Isami Kondou: "Every class is getting interesting-looking events ready... I can't wait to see how this year's cultural festival goes."
Looking happy from how much effort the students were putting in, Kondou-sensei walked off with a smile on his face. I also wanted to do my very best.
And then… The day of the cultural festival had finally arrived.
In the classroom ―which had been completely transformed into a café― everyone waited restlessly for the event to open.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you alright? You're looking a little pale."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I'm fine. Just trembling with excitement." He went on, "...Up until today I did everything I possibly could to prepare, but I wonder if it was enough..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It will be fine."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You can't guarantee that..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, we’re all in this together, and I don't think there is a single other class that has worked as hard as we have. So I'm sure that things will go smoothly."
Classmate A: "That's right… It's just like Yukimura-san says!"
Classmate B: "We've all been doing our best for today. Our interior decorations are just as good as any other class, and we have a cute maid!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I see... I guess you're right!" Ibuki-kun looked to have broken through his gloom, and he suddenly raised his fist and looked at all of us. "Let's go seize our victory! You guys ready!?"
Whole class: "YEEEEAAAHHH!"
And then, after that little pep talk, we heard the chime that signaled the start of the cultural festival…
Classmate A: "The cake set is done!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right!"
Classmate B: "Miss Maid, come guide your newest customer to their seat!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes, right away!"
I was overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar customers, but I was still trying my best. Still, the number of customers kept increasing, and in a blink of an eye things were really busy!
Chizuru Yukimura: "Welcome! ...No wait, I mean: Welcome, master!"
The line never seemed to get any shorter, which meant the advertisements we had done worked really well. I had heard that the others had put up posters around that read "We have a maid!" or something… Because of that, I suppose that everyone had high expectations of our class, even before the festival began...
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, what should I do? If it keeps up like this...!"
We couldn't keep up with seating or orders any more. During the rush, a new figure appeared in the classroom doorway.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Welcome back, master!"
Hajime Saitou: "......" Facing me from the classroom entrance was Saitou-senpai, who was standing stock still.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Saitou-senpai! Thank you so much for coming!" I was happy he came, and gave him a grin.
But Saitou-senpai stayed frozen, not moving an inch.
Hajime Saitou: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Saitou-senpai?"
Hajime Saitou: !!
He looked like he'd returned to his senses, his face tinged scarlet for some reason.
Hajime Saitou: "Yukimura... I'd just like to ask you one thing."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sure."
Hajime Saitou: "Are... all the maid café workers dressed like that...?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes, in a sense. But this outfit is for girls, and I'm the only girl here, so… calling it a café with a maid in it rather than a maid café would be more accurate..."
In reality, '(A) Maid (is in this) Café' was in fact written on the display board in small letters. But having to explain it again embarrassed me. I was starting to get used to wearing the maid outfit and having everyone looking at me… But it felt different when it was Saitou-senpai in front of me. Just a little. Or more like, I couldn't help but be self-conscious about it, no matter how I tried...!
I could feel my face going red. It was like his shyness was contagious. At that moment, I heard an exasperated voice beside us.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Hey, you two. You're blocking the way, standing at the entrance. Hurry up and lead him to his seat."
Chizuru Yukimura: "! S-Sorry, Ibuki-kun. I'm sorry for making you wait, Saitou-senpai...!"
Hajime Saitou: "No, it's okay..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'll show you to your seat right away then. If you'll come this way―"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Crap! Yukimura! A bunch of customers are coming...!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What?!"
Just as I was showing Saitou-senpai to his seat, a flood of customers came into the classroom through the entrance.
Hajime Saitou: "...That doesn't look good."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I'll handle it!" I gave him a small bow before standing to face the large crowd of customers.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Welcome home, Master!"
[Minigame Victory]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, good work!"
We had managed to weather through the busiest time for the café unscathed. When my determination was shot and I felt ready to give up, Saitou-senpai's support became a huge source of strength for me.
Hajime Saitou: "You've a fine caf― I mean, you have a fine class, Yukimura," Saitou-senpai said with a gentle smile as I put down an empty plate. He continued, "I think the meals were well done, too. I have a feeling that you’ve really out-done yourselves."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much!"
Hajime Saitou: "...Also... When I saw you today, it made me think." He went a little red, and spoke carefully, as if he found it difficult to speak. "That...uh, you were different than usual today, so to speak. ...That was, um, really special. I thought that, for...some reason..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "By that, do you mean my uniform...?"
Hajime Saitou: "No, well...there's that, obviously, but it wasn't just that...!" Was he trying to give me a compliment, by chance...?
Hajime Saitou: "......"
...It felt awkward, though. If he was giving me a compliment, I'd be over the moon...
As my face grew red, reflecting his awkwardness, Saitou-senpai spoke.
Hajime Saitou: "If you happen to have the time, I'd like you to come see my class. Then… I thought we could take a look around the cultural festival, if possible. ...What do you think?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sure, if we have time...!" I responded with a big nod at the unexpected invitation.
And then, after I saw him out of the café… I led customers to their seats with an even bigger smile.
I had to put more and more work in to make time for going around the cultural festival with Saitou-senpai...!
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yukimura, wanna take a break?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Would that be alright?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "...For a bit. It'd be a big problem if our maid café lost its maid."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Got it. I'll hurry back later. Thanks!" I looked down at my own maid outfit, and got a little worried… But I only had a short break, without any time to change.
So I rushed out of the classroom looking like that...
Saitou-senpai's class, class 2-2, was a haunted house.
A shriek resounded from within the classroom on occasion, and sitting at the entrance were Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai.
Susumu Yamazaki: "...I heard that people were flooding the first-year maid café, but I didn't expect to see this..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Umm..." Opening my mouth to speak, I ended up looking down at my own outfit. ‘I should've changed after all…’ I changed the topic, seeing as I'd be embarrassed no matter what. "Uh, are you two handling admittance for the haunted house?"
Hajime Saitou: "My shift's already ended, but our class is fairly popular. I also didn't have any prior arrangements either, so I decided to help Yamazaki."
Yamazaki-senpai nodded at that.
Susumu Yamazaki: "The customer traffic's already calmed down, so I can handle this by myself. Why don't you go back to your break, Saitou-kun?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh! If that's the case, um… Won't you walk around the cultural festival with me, Saitou-senpai? As long as you're okay with it."
Hajime Saitou: "...Of course. I said I would earlier, after all." Even while blushing slightly, Saitou-senpai spoke up clearly.
Susumu Yamazaki: "So, Yukimura-kun."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "You came all this way. Why not give our haunted house a try?"
At Yamazaki-senpai's suggestion, I...
[Entered the haunted house]
[Didn't enter the haunted house]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm interested in the program your class organized, and I definitely want to go in, no question! But… won't you find your own class' program boring, Saitou-senpai...?"
Hearing what I said, Saitou-senpai smiled kindly at me.
Hajime Saitou: "No, not at all. Entering it from a customer's perspective will be different to having seen it in the middle of being built. Besides, personally, I'd like nothing more than to let you see the fruits of our labor."
As we stared at each other, both smiling, Yamazaki-senpai cleared his throat with a cough, and explained the rules to us.
Susumu Yamazaki: "So... As you advance along the set path in the haunted house, you’ll find an altar with a bronze mirror in the middle of it..." It seems that the goal was to take a picture of the altar with a cell phone so you could get a free prize at the end.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right. Let's give this a shot!"
We quickly opened the door to the haunted house.
The inside of the classroom was dark, lit with a blacklight that made the room give off a faint purple light. I could somehow hear eerie background music, and the screams of another customer on occasion. I knew these were all man-made, but I still felt chills down my spine.
Chizuru Yukimura: "You guys did this really well..."
Hajime Saitou: "Yeah. This is my first time going in since it was completed, though… The atmosphere turned out surprisingly well."
I walked side by side with Saitou-senpai as we talked. Just then...
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Ah!?"
The blacklights suddenly went out, and our surroundings turned pitch black. It was so dark, I couldn't even see Saitou-senpai very well as he stood beside me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Saitou-senpai...?!"
Hajime Saitou: "This is weird... I didn't hear about this part. It's likely an accident or something. ...Are you alright, Yukimura? You might hurt yourself if you move around too much. Stay still."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay..." I could hear his voice in the dark, and even though I knew he couldn't see, I nodded in response.
But...
Child A: "Ahhhh!"
Child B: "Wahhhh!"
Were they panicking at the sudden darkness? I heard the sound of kids running around, their screeches and shrieks growing louder.
Chizuru Yukimura: "―Kyaa!?"
‘The shrieks are coming closerー’ As soon as the thought crossed my mind, something collided into me from behind with a thud.
Hajime Saitou: "Yukimura?!"
In the instant I lost my footing and collapsed, it seemed like Saitou-senpai had made a move to protect me.
I say it 'seemed like' it, because obviously I couldn't see him at all. I couldn't tell up from down at that point, and I desperately planted my hands somewhere on the ground so I could stand up...
After I was sure I could get up, the blacklights switched on again.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru ＆ Saitou: !!!
I felt a different kind of shock to when I had fallen, and my breath caught in my throat.
His face was so close. Saitou-senpai's face was so near me, if I dropped my head just a little further, we'd end up touching. I was overwhelmed with surprise, my body petrified. I couldn't hear a thing that was being said. I thought Saitou-senpai must've felt the same way as I did.
Even in the poor lighting, we could tell how red we'd each gotten, and stared at each other...
Susumu Yamazaki: "Sorry, everyone! One of the children in attendance today got caught in the cords and accidentally twisted them! We're working to repair it right now, but is anyone hurt!?"
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
Hajime Saitou: "W-We're okay, no problems here!"
Before Yamazaki-senpai came running out of worry and could see us, we rushed to separate ourselves.
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Saitou-senpai, I'm so, so sorry!"
Hajime Saitou: "It's okay. There's no problem. You didn't mean to. I know that much… But, any more, and I would've―" he cut himself off. ".........I'm really sorry, Yukimura. Forget what happened just now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sure..." I nodded stiffly. But… With Saitou's face having been that close, how could I forget...
That wasn't possible. I'd never forget that.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Was it a guilty conscience from having lied to Yamazaki-senpai, or was it the effect from earlier...? I couldn't bring myself to look at Saitou-senpai.
After that, we walked around the haunted house, and went for the goal of taking a picture of the altar. I'd left my phone in my classroom, since my maid outfit didn't have any pockets… As a memento of the haunted house, Saitou-senpai promised me that the next time he sent me a message, he'd attach his photo as well.
Maybe it was because of the trouble we ran into earlier, but both of us started feeling a bit embarrassed...
But we still saw all sorts of things, going around the cultural festival thoroughly before going back.
Hajime Saitou: "...It was hanging out around the festival with you today. Thank you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Same here. I'll be able to look back on this fondly because I was with you."
Saitou-senpai looked bashful, but his smile reached his eyes. I grinned back at him as well.
He walked me back to my classroom after that, and my quite substantial break was over.
Seeing the café at full capacity when I returned, I knew it was time for me to get back to work again...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Haah..."
Very soon this long, long day would come to an end.
A chime sounded to signal the end of the festival, and all of the customers who had come from outside of the school headed home...
The evening sun shone through the classroom windows as we tidied up, waiting on the closing event of the school festival. We planned to wait to put the large, time-consuming decorations away another day, but… This was the only school-wide festival, so the amount of trash was much greater than usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: "All right… oh."
Carrying a garbage bag, I walked into the waste collection area behind the school, whereー
Susumu Yamazaki: "Shimada-san, can burnable garbage be left here?"
Kai Shimada: "Yes. Please don't forget to separate the cans, jars, and plastic bottles."
Shimada-sanー our excellent school janitorー was talking with Yamazaki-senpai, who had also come to throw out some trash.
The teachers all relied on and trusted Shimada-san a lot: he was the unsung hero of Hakuo Academy. When we first met I was shocked at the sheer size of him, but he is a very friendly, gentle sort of person. There were rumors that he absolutely adored sweets, and that's how he got so big, or something like that...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hello, Yamazaki-senpai. Shimada-san, please help with this garbage as well."
Kai Shimada: "Sure, Yukimura-kun. Thank you for your hard work."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Thanks. Did you come to throw trash away too?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. Even so, there really is so much today..."
Trash was piled up high in one corner of the area. Looking at the heap, Shimada-san let slip a small, wry smile.
Kai Shimada: "It's a sign that things were successful, I suppose. I've worked as a janitor here since the school was founded, but… This year's cultural festival was really very busy, huh?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, really?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yes. Even from my perspective, I think it was more exciting than the one last year."
When I turned to look at the school, it was dyed in the fading light of the late sunset, and the enthusiasm of the festival still lingered. But, as the sun vanished, little by little so did the electric atmosphere… As the loneliness weighed on my chest, a voice reached the rear yard.
Sanosuke Harada: "In other words, all that excitement means that this was the best one yet, right?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "That's exactly why us teachers had it so rough. ...That being said, the most important thing is that no big issues cropped up."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, it's Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sen...sei?"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
The two of them looked... different than I expected. For some reason Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sensei were both wearing aprons. Moreover, the design and colors of the aprons totally clashed with the image I had of those two. They were somehow kind of... cute.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Um... Those are some very unusual clothes for you two..."
Kai Shimada: "...May I ask why?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "... My class ran a takoyaki stand," he explained, looking indignant, "but we prepared way too many ingredients. The class was talking about eating them as soon as possible." Now that I thought about it, there were conspicuous stains of stuff like sauce and flower at the ends of his apron.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, you mean to say… You cooked it personally, Hijikata-sensei...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Yep. I got to see the rare sight of Hijikata-san’s face when he’s obsessively cooking takoyaki."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Shut up. ...Well, I couldn't just let the students do it," Hijikata-sensei gave a wry smile, and then suddenly looked behind him.
Standing there was Nagakura-sensei, his cheeks stuffed full from the veritable mountain of takoyaki he was carrying. Munching loudly, he exclaimed:
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Wow! Can I really eat all this, Hijikata-san?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah. Consider it a reward for all your hard work. Eat up."
Sanosuke Harada: "...Oh, looks like someone else is joining in on our little break."
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
When I looked where Harada-sensei had glanced, I saw that Sannan-sensei had also appeared.
Keisuke Sannan: "Hehe… I am also helping myself to some takoyaki."
Behind Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sensei, Sannan-sensei was also snacking on some takoyaki.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "At any rate, today was a lot of work. My shoulders and stuff are stiff, and I'm totally worn out..." he munched away on his takoyaki snack.
Keisuke Sannan: "Well then... would you like to test this out?" Saying that, Sannan-sensei produced a small vial filled with a crimson liquid.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...? What's that?"
Keisuke Sannan: "It is an energy drink that I created. One sip will remedy any fatigue. Please drink it, if you like, Nagakura-kun."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Wow, that's amazing! Well then, thanks a bun--"
Susumu Yamazaki: "N-Nagakura-sensei! W-wait!"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Huh? What's wrong, Yamazaki?"
Keisuke Sannan: "...Is something the matter, Yamazaki?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "...N-no… It's nothing..."
Harada-sensei laughed lightly at their exchange, and then he reached his hand out to me.
Sanosuke Harada: "You should also eat some, if you're in the mood."
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-um... are you sure?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Of course. Welcome to our humble store, my lady. Allow me to show you to your seat."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...All right!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I swear... hey, Harada. Don't tease the kids like that."
I couldn't help feeling shy amongst this circle of friends...
The closing ceremony for the Hakuo Academy cultural festival was non-compulsory, taking place after the sun had set. Of course, almost everyone from my class chose to participate, but there were also those few who didn't.
And so, before the ceremony and the announcements of the victor, students from every class gathered to wait on the school grounds.
Isami Kondou: "Students of Hakuo Academy! Before the closing ceremony, let me officially announce the end of the school festival!" As Kondou-sensei stood on a stage with the school building in the background, Serizawa-san appeared. Kondou-sensei continued, "Thanks to all of your incredible efforts, this year's cultural festival has been a great success. Especially for certain classes things were more tense and exciting than they have ever been before! Now then, the PTA Chairman Serizawa-san will announce which class performed best!"
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..." Serizawa-san opened the paper he was holding, looking completely uninterested. "By virtue of gathering the most votes, this year's winning class is..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "...C'mon, please..." Ibuki-kun murmured hoarsely, and tightly clasped his hands together.
The rest of us from our class waited for the moment of the announcement with bated breath.
Kamo Serizawa: "Year 1, Class 1."
Chizuru Yukimura: "!!!"
Whole class: "YEEEES!!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "T-this isn't a dream, right!? Our class really did..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah! Our class really won!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "!!!" Ibuki-kun seemed unable to speak, and just struck a big victory pose instead. "With this, I'll be able to eat lunch like a normal person from now on! I've never even dreamed of this...!"
Kamo Serizawa: "............"
All of a sudden, Serizawa-san had materialized behind Ibuki-kun.
Kamo Serizawa: "...You just said ‘eat lunch like a normal person.’ Aren't you misunderstanding something?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Eh...!? But, we won didn't we? That means the school lunch discount ticket is ours, right?"
Kamo Serizawa: "I don't know where you heard such a rumor, but the championship prize for this year is not that. It's a class-wide pre-paid book card."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A pre-paid book card..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "H-how is that possible!? Why haven't I heard about it!?"
Kamo Serizawa: "How should I know? You're annoying! You must have purposefully misunderstood! Come!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ow ow ow ow!? P-please don't pull on that!"
In the end... many students were happy, but Ibuki-kun alone was so depressed it seemed he wouldn't recover…
With that, the school festival came to a close. Serving all those customers at the maid café had been tough, but it ended up being a fulfilling day. Thanks to everyone's hard work, I had no doubt in my mind that today would become a wonderful memory...