99. Then, the resolute cultural festival. (3)

October 17th, Saturday.

Tsukasa Jingūji woke up early and went downstairs for breakfast.

“Huh? Wearing your uniform? Are you going to school?”

Her mother placed a fried egg onto Tsukasa’s plate as the toaster in the kitchen chimed softly.

“Yeah, it’s for the cultural festival,” Tsukasa replied.

“Ah… it’s already that time of year,” her mother said.

Then, Yūko Jingūji looked seriously at Tsukasa and asked, “So, how does this concern my aloof son?”

That was a question Tsukasa could only answer silently in his heart.

After finishing breakfast, Tsukasa slung on his backpack and left home, heading straight to Kamizakura High School.

Although it was the weekend, the school was as lively as usual with the cultural festival approaching.

At the school gate, several first-year students were decorating the entrance. Upon seeing Tsukasa, they all greeted him enthusiastically.

“Good morning, Senior Jingūji.”

“Oh, good morning, Hongo, Kino.”

These two boys were first-year cultural festival committee members. Tsukasa wasn’t particularly close to them but had assigned them some tasks.

So far, Tsukasa’s demeanor did not match the notorious playboy reputation circulating about him, which sparked curiosity among many first-year students.

Especially after joining the festival committee, many first-year girls clamored to add him on LINE, using the festival work as an excuse.

Tsukasa rejected them all, insisting on face-to-face communication or group chats as a shield.

Entering the meeting room, Tsukasa immediately spotted Hoshino Morihino deep in work, issuing instructions while typing nonstop.

Nearby, Sakuraoji Sakura was also working on the school website alongside two other members of the publicity team.

Tsukasa didn’t know anything about website creation. He glanced over and noticed that Sakura, who was equally clueless about web design, played the role of director, giving orders.

Though Sakura lacked technical skills, she had a keen eye for aesthetics. As the only girl in the publicity group, her sense of style was crucial.

After greeting acquaintances in the room, Tsukasa went to the equipment room, scanned the promotional drawings into the computer, and sent them to Gotanda from the publicity team.

Additionally, the publicity team needed to create a huge promotional poster to be displayed at the school gate.

In short, the more artists there were, the better. This task was entrusted to the art club, who were currently rushing the illustrations.

—

Around noon, everyone gathered for another meeting. Afterward, Hoshino Morihino returned to the student council room to review all the performance applications submitted by every class.

She promptly nipped in the bud any program that seemed borderline inappropriate.

The cultural festival was not only a celebration for current students but was also open to the public, including parents and prospective middle school students planning to apply to Kamizakura High.

Leaving a bad impression would have serious consequences.

After the meeting, Sakuraoji voluntarily invited Hoshino and Tsukasa to lunch. The school cafeteria was closed on weekends, so they ate bread bought outside.

The three of them rested under a tree in the courtyard.

“Tsukasa, could you please visit Yō Yō later? She’s running into some trouble,” Hoshino said, nibbling on her bread while texting Yō Yō on her phone.

Technically, cell phone use was banned on campus, but since today was the weekend, the rules were relaxed—or perhaps Hoshino was just flexible by nature.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Hmm… a bit of a problem over the stage usage during the festival. Some disputes broke out between clubs,” Hoshino’s expression grew subtle.

“Is it the drama club?”

“You guessed it. You can’t fool you, Tsukasa. I used to be a member of the drama club, so if I tried to mediate, people might think I’m biased.”

“I understand.”

“Please, handle it carefully and avoid any conflicts.”

“Don’t worry, I got it.”

Relieved by Tsukasa’s assurance, Hoshino finally relaxed.

Tsukasa quickly finished his bread, contacted Yō Yō, and headed toward the club building.

Once his silhouette disappeared, Hoshino suddenly asked, “So, what do you think?”

“About what, senpai?”

“About Tsukasa — don’t you find him incredibly reliable now?”

Sakuraoji quietly chewed on her bread, calmly folding the empty packaging into a square and sipping her green tea.

Then she sighed contentedly and looked at Hoshino.

“…Reliable? There’s no such thing as a reliable playboy.”

Hoshino blinked in surprise before bursting into amused laughter.

—

“Hey, senpai.”

“What’s up? Sakura, the playboy’s admirer.”

“Please don’t tease me. It’s really embarrassing.”

“Alright, alright, sorry. So, what did you want to discuss?”

Sakuraoji hesitated briefly, clasping her hands tightly on her lap, her voice tinged with nervousness as if seeking courage through the call.

“I want to talk to you about something important.”

“Oh? Life advice? I love guiding juniors, leave it to me.”

“But before that, I have a question I want you to answer honestly.”

“What is it?”

“Senpai, what do you really think of Tsukasa?”

“I’m not asking if you like him. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s clear you treat him differently.”

“Is that so important?”

“For me, yes. Or rather, it’s crucial for a decision I’m about to make.”

Sakuraoji seemed serious. After thinking for a while, Hoshino replied lightly:

“There’s no special reason. He once freed me from a cage, so I want to do something for him.

“I want to help him live a normal high school life and try to correct his twisted thoughts and character.

“That way, I won’t owe him anything.”

“I’m the type who can’t sleep well if I owe people.”

Sakuraoji fell silent, gazing into Hoshino’s eyes before suddenly smiling.

“Senpai, I think you’re lying.”

Hoshino met Sakuraoji’s gaze quietly and smiled back.

—End of chapter—