Profile Character:
Shin Asumi
Hair colour: Red with dark green highlight
Eyes colour: Blue
Height: 170 cm
BWH: XX-60-89 cm
Date of Birth: 7 December 20XX
Shin Akari
Hair colour: Green with red highlight
Eyes colour: red
Height: 167 cm
BWH: XX-55-87 cm
Date of Birth: 7 December 20XX
23rd of July,
It's been a month since the Comifes event. The middle days of July are eagerly awaited by most high schoolers, especially at our school.
"…School Festival…huh…" I sighed.
"What is it, Yukito? You don't like the school festival?" Shuuta asked.
"Um… I like the festival, but… the people in it…"
"The people in it? Ah, the student council?" Shuuta guessed.
While we were talking, Hinata approached us.
"What are you both talking about?" she asked.
"School festival," Shuuta replied.
"…"
"Yukito-kun? What's wrong?" Hinata pressed.
"Ah, it's nothing…"
"Don't mind him, Futaba-san. He's just annoyed by the student council's rules from last year," Shuuta explained.
"Oh, the 'rules,' huh…" Hinata nodded, understandingly. She knew exactly what I was talking about. The student council's rules had caused quite a stir.
[Flashback to Last Year]
"We're going to have the best guy and the best girl of the year!!" the previous student council president announced with enthusiasm.
"YUKITO! YUKITO! YUKITO!" most of my classmates chanted my name, their voices echoing through the hallways.
AHHHH, THAT WAS SO EMBARRASSING, FOR GOD'S SAKE!
[Present Day]
I shook my head, trying to dispel the memory. Shuuta and Hinata exchanged glances, both trying to stifle their laughter.
"Don't worry, Yukito. This year, we'll make our own fun," Shuuta said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
Hinata smiled softly. "Yeah, let's just enjoy it together. Who knows? It might be different this time."
Their optimism was infectious, and despite my lingering doubts, I found myself smiling back. Maybe this year's festival would be different. Maybe this time, I could actually enjoy it without the student council's interference.
And maybe, just maybe, I could finally make some memories worth cherishing.
As we continued our conversation, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. We headed to our own seat, where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Today was the day we would decide on our class theme for this year's school festival.
Our homeroom teacher, Ms. Asakura, entered the room, clapping her hands to get our attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. It's time to discuss our theme for the school festival."
The room quieted down as Ms. Asakura continued, "I want everyone to pitch in ideas, and we'll vote on the best one. Remember, this is a team effort."
Hands shot up around the room as students eagerly shared their ideas.
"How about a haunted house?" one student suggested.
"We could do a café!" another chimed in.
"What about a cosplay photo booth?" someone else added.
Ms. Asakura nodded approvingly. "These are all great ideas. Let's write them down on the board."
As the suggestions kept coming, Shuuta, who was sitting in front of the class, turned around and whispered to me, "Got any ideas, Yukito?"
I shrugged. "Not really. What about you?"
"I was thinking maybe a Japanese tea house. It could be relaxing and unique," Shuuta said thoughtfully.
Hinata, who was sitting next to me at the back of the class, turned towards us. "Are you sure it's a good idea? Wouldn't it cost money to rent a costume?"
Ms. Tanaka noticed our little group chatting and called on us. "Yukito, Shuuta, Hinata, do you have any suggestions?"
Shuuta raised his hand. "How about a Shuuta raised his hand. "How about a Japanese tea house?"
The class murmured, some of them agrees and some of the don't. Ms. Tanaka smiled. "That's a wonderful suggestion, Shuuta. But we need to take a vote after I received all the suggestion from this class?"
After a few more minutes of discussion, Ms. Asakura clapped her hands again. "Alright, it's time to vote. Please write down your preferred theme on a piece of paper, and we'll tally the votes."
We all scribbled down our choices and passed the papers forward. Ms. Asakura collected them and began counting. The room was filled with anticipation.
Finally, she looked up with a smile. "It's decided! This year, our class will create a Japanese tea house for the school festival!"
The room erupted in both cheers and disappointment. Even I couldn't help but feel something was wrong with this idea. Shuuta turned around and grinned at us, giving a thumbs up.
"This is going to be awesome!" Shuuta exclaimed.
"This guy…"
Hinata, however, didn't look as enthusiastic. She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
During lunch break, we gathered around our usual spot.
"You know, Yukito, we should think about how to make our tea house stand out," Shuuta said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Hinata frowned. "Wait a minute, Shuuta. Have you thought about the costs? Renting yukatas, buying the tea sets, and decorating the classroom—it's all going to add up. How do you plan on funding all this?"
Shuuta paused, his enthusiasm dampened slightly. "Well, I figured we could pool some money together and maybe ask for donations or hold a small fundraiser."
Hinata shook her head. "It's not that simple. We need to have a proper budget. Plus, what if we can't get enough costumes or decorations in time?"
"Hinata's right," I said, siding with her. "We need to think this through. How about we come up with a plan to raise funds and look into cheaper alternatives for decorations and costumes?"
Shuuta sighed but nodded. "You're right. I got a bit carried away. But, what about your part time place, Yukito? Can't they help us?"
…
"It's not that easy, you idiot" I said in a disappointing tone.
Hinata smiled, her usual stern expression softening. "I'll help with the budget and find out the costs. If we plan carefully, we can make this work."
Shuuta grinned. "Whoa, really? Look Yukito, you got yourself a nice girlfriend here."
…
"Whatever…"
While thinking about funds, I realize that the student council are not on their move right now.
…
That's weird.
…
Suddenly, I heard a footstep walking towards us.
…
*Gulp*
I look behind me and there was this girl…
…
"Shin Asumi-san…"
"Good day to the three of you" She said while giving me a smile.
This girl… she is the winner of the last year, 'Best girl of this school'.
"Hello, Asumi-san," Shuuta greeted her, his usual friendly self.
Hinata crossed her arms, eyeing Asumi cautiously. "What brings you here?"
Asumi's smile didn't waver. "I heard about your tea house idea and thought I'd offer some advice. After all, as the student council president, it's my job to help ensure all class projects run smoothly."
"Advice?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"Well," Asumi began, "I know a few places where you can rent yukatas and tea sets at a discounted rate. Plus, the student council has some funds allocated for supporting class projects. If you present a solid plan, we might be able to help with the budget."
Hinata still looked skeptical. "Why the sudden interest in helping us?"
Asumi chuckled softly. "It's my job, Futaba-san. And besides, I think your tea house idea is charming. It would add a touch of elegance to the festival."
I exchanged a glance with Shuuta and Hinata. This could be exactly the break we needed.
"Thank you, Asumi-san," I said sincerely. "We'd appreciate any help you can provide."
Asumi nodded. "Great! Let's meet after school and go over your plans in detail. I'll see you then Yukito-san."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving us with a renewed sense of hope. Well, at least it was for me and Shuuta but not for Hinata.
Hinata sighed. "What's with that girl...!" she seems annoyed.
As we continued to plan, the anticipation for our meeting with Shin Asumi grew. After school, the three of us headed to the student council room, where Asumi awaited us with a warm smile.
"Welcome," she greeted. "Please, have a seat."
We took our seats across from her, the room filled with an air of professionalism that was slightly intimidating.
"Asumi-san," Shuuta began, "thank you for agreeing to help us."
She nodded, her expression serious. "It's my pleasure. Let's start by going over your current plan."
We laid out our ideas, including the traditional decorations, yukatas, and tea sets. Asumi listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes.
"Your concept is excellent," she said after we finished. "However, there are a few areas we need to address. First, the budget. I can allocate some funds from the student council's budget, but you'll still need to raise a portion yourselves. And I need a proposal for it."
Hinata leaned forward. "Do you have any suggestions on how we can raise the remaining funds?"
Asumi smiled. "There are several options and the key is to get the whole class involved."
I glanced at Hinata, who seemed up to Asumi's suggestions. "We use our own money..."
Asumi clapped her hands together. "Perfect. Now, about the yukatas and tea sets, I know a rental shop that offers discounts for school events. I'll provide you with their contact information."
She handed us a business card, and I felt a wave of relief. Things were finally coming together.
"Thank you, Asumi-san," I said. "Your help means a lot to us."
She smiled warmly. "I'm happy to assist. Let's make this school festival one to remember."
…
"That's right, Asumi-san." Before we leave, I have some question for her.
"What is it?"
"This year… is it the same as last year…?" I said while gulping.
"…" She looked at me with a smile. Her beautiful blue eyes almost hypnotize me to fall into her.
"We'll see" She said with a smile on her face.
…
This is bad…
Over the next few weeks, our class raised some funds into the idead of renting a costume and decorating our class. thanks to Hinata's meticulous organization We raised more than enough money to cover the remaining costs.
One afternoon, as we were setting up decorations in our classroom, Hinata turned to me, her expression softer than usual. "You know, Yukito, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually enjoying this."
I chuckled. "Yeah, it's been a lot of work, but it's also been fun. And I think the tea house is going to be amazing."
She nodded, her usual stern demeanor melting away for a moment. "Thanks for always being so supportive, even when I was skeptical."
I smiled at her. "Well, I am your boyfriend and besides, your practicality kept us grounded."
As the festival day approached, the excitement in the air was palpable. Our classroom transformed into a beautiful traditional Japanese tea house, complete with delicate paper lanterns, elegant calligraphy scrolls, and meticulously arranged tea sets. The sight of our hard work coming to fruition filled me with pride.
The morning of the festival, we dressed in our rented yukatas. Hinata, and I stood at the entrance, getting ready to open up our class.
"Senpai!!!!" a familiar voice can be heard calling for me and Hinata.
"Suzune? What are you doing here?"
"Me? I'm here to take a loot at senpai's class." She said with a huge smile on her face.
"Do what you want…but don't stare at me too long…"
"Ara, Yukito-senpai, what's with that shy attitude?" She grins.
"Come on Suzune, don't bother Yukito-kun" Hinata said.
"Alright…." Suzuen said with a disappointing tone, I can still see her grinning on me.
…
"This brat…"
After taking a selfie with Hinata, Suzune walked away as she promised to visit us later with her friends.
…
"Here we go," I said, grinning from ear to ear. "Let's make this the best tea house ever."
Hinata nodded, a rare smile playing on her lips. "I'm ready."
As the festival began, students and teachers alike were drawn to our tea house. They admired the decorations, enjoyed the traditional tea ceremony we had painstakingly practiced, and complimented us on the serene atmosphere we had created.
At one point, Asumi herself visited. She looked around, her eyes shining with approval. "You've done an incredible job," she said. "I'm truly impressed."
"Thank you, Asumi-san," I replied, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "We couldn't have done it without your help."
She smiled. "I'm glad I could assist. Enjoy the rest of the festival."
And after that, at some point Suzune and her friends went and visit us. They chatted with the girl in our class and Hinata welcome them because they were in the same circle… I meant the 'Gal' Circle.
As the day went on, the tea house remained a popular attraction. Hinata, Shuuta, and others worked seamlessly together, serving tea and chatting with visitors. The hard work, the late nights, and the meticulous planning had all paid off.
As the festival drew to a close, we gathered in our transformed classroom, exhausted but exhilarated. Shuuta and the others collapsed into a chair, grinning. "We did it, guys. We really did it."
Hinata nodded. "Yeah, we did. And it was worth every bit of effort."
As the festival reached its peak, with the last remnants of daylight fading, an unexpected visitor arrived at our tea house—my sister, Yumi.
"Big bro!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she spotted me behind the counter.
I grinned and rushed over to greet her. "Yumi! What are you doing here?"
She shrugged, looking a bit shy. "I wanted to see how your class's tea house turned out. And I brought some friends with me."
Behind her stood a group of her classmates, all looking curious as they surveyed our decorations and sipped on their tea.
"Wow, Aki-san, this place looks amazing!" one of Yumi's friends exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's like we stepped into a different time," another added.
Yumi blushed, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. "Um, yeah, my brother's class did a really good job."
I chuckled at her shyness, grateful for her support nonetheless. "Thanks, Yumi. I'm glad you could make it."
As Yumi and her friends settled in to enjoy the tea, I noticed another familiar face entering the tea house—It was Himeya-san she was accompanied by Haruka-san and… an unfamiliar face.
Himeya-san's presence caused a stir among the students, it must be the aura of adult…
I exchanged a surprised glance with Hinata.
Haruka-san approached us with a smile. "Yukito-kun, Hinata-san, thank you for inviting us to your school festival class."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, her gaze flickering between Himeya-san and Haruka-san. "Of course not, Haruka-san. We're honored to have you here."
Himeya-san, who had been observing our tea house with interest, turned to me with a dazzling smile. "Yukito-san, I must say, your class's tea house is quite impressive. I can see why it's been the talk of the festival."
"Where is she, dear?" the woman beside Himeya-san chuckled, her voice warm and familiar.
"She's on her duty probably," Himeya-san replied, his tone casual yet respectful.
…
In that moment, I realized I hadn't seen this woman before. Himeya-san turned to me with a smile.
"Ah, Yukito-san, let me introduce you to my wife, Shin Touka," he said, the pride evident in his voice.
"Nice to meet you, Touka-san," I replied, bowing lightly.
"Nice to meet you too, Yukito-kun," she said, her eyes twinkling with warmth. There was something oddly familiar about her, a nagging feeling that tugged at the edges of my memory.
Suddenly, Yumi's voice cut through the air, her excitement palpable. "Ah, Sensei...?" she exclaimed, spotting Haruka-san sitting at another table.
Haruka-san smiled warmly at Yumi. "Hello, Yumi-chan. It's nice to see you again."
As the bustling sounds of the festival subsided, a new surprise emerged. The door of our tea house swung open, revealing an unexpected duo— Asumi and the other girl who resemble her.
"Mom, dad and Aunt Haru. You guys came!" She said.
…
"Wait for me Onee-chan." a voice of a girl following her.
…
Wait…
…
Wait a minute… does that mean???
"Where have you two been Asumi, Akari?" Touka questioned with a warm smile.
"We're just doing our student council stuff, Mom," Akari replied, her voice laced with familiarity.
…
I was stunned. In that moment, the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place in my mind. Asumi, the president of the student council who had helped us earlier, and Akari, her younger sister.
"Sorry for not seeing you guys earlier." Asumi said.
"Hmm? Onee, this place… is this the one you're talking abou- Hmpphhh…" When Akari was about to finish her sentences, Asumi close Akari's mouth with her hand.
"Don't say it too loud, idiot."
…
Asumi shot me a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You looked exhausted, Yukito-san," she remarked, her tone teasing yet empathetic.
"Y-yeah," I stammered, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
She got this vibe that she knew that I know the situation right now is…
Himeya-san's voice broke through the moment.
"What is it dad?"
"Asumi, don't bother him, he's working."
…THANK YOU, HIMEYA-SAN.
Asumi relented, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Fine..."
…
Somehow… this situation… still puzzled me…
"It seems our daughter Asumi are bothering you, Yukito-san." Himeya-san said.
"D-dad!"
…
"I didn't know that you had daughters… Himeya-san."
"Well, Me and Touka are on our late 30's hahaha" He said as then continues to laugh to break the tension.
"Well, we do look similar, right?" Asumi said as she moves closer to her dad.
…
Himeya-san… you look young even after having 2 children that are on the same age as me…
After that event, time flew by like it's nothing. Himeya, Touka and Haruka-san said their goodbye to us after having a family moment with Asumi and Akari. Following by them, Yumi and her friends also said their goodbye and leave our class.
…
This time, finally I got time to take a rest. And it remarks the end of day 1 of the school festival.