4th of August,
The second day of School Festival was the talented people choose to perform whether they sing or they perform their talent on stage and for our class it has been chosen a person, and that person is Hinata.
We were sitting on the school rooftop.
"You're going to sing today?"
"Y-yeah…" Hinata said as she looks down.
She must be nervous.
…
I realized that my hand was moving without my consent, and I pat her head gently. I try to smile as I speak, "I'll be cheering for you."
"Yukito…"
"Come on, you are the popular girl in this school, many people will also be cheering for you."
The look down face she wore now turn into annoying face like. She gives me a bump on my shoulder.
"Don't just casually say that you idiot!" She said.
"Ouch! What's wrong with that?"
"It's embarrassing!!"
…
"Oho, our gal here is embarrassing huh…? I smile slyly.
"*Pout* Really? You're going to tease me now?"
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry." I smiled without realizing.
…
The time had finally come for Hinata to step onto the stage. She glanced at me with a pout on her face, her eyes filled with determination.
"It's a code, huh?" I said with a low voice.
I gave her a reassuring pat on the head. "You got this, Hinata," I said with a smile.
A light sparkled in her eyes as she smiled back at me. "Yeah, I got this. I'm going now, Yukito."
With that, she walked confidently to the stage. The audience was captivated by her beauty and the elegance of her costume, a masterpiece created by Mizuha-san.
*Flashback*
"Mizuha-san, you made this costume?" I asked, holding the garment and inspecting it closely.
"Hehe, you see, back in the day, I was one of the popular girls at school," she said proudly, a glint of nostalgia in her eyes.
"Still no boyfriend, though," I teased.
*POW!*
"OUCH!"
She punched me!
"That hurt," I complained, rubbing the spot where she hit me.
"You deserved it, dumbass," she retorted.
*Present*
"Yo, is that Futaba-san?!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"It is her!!" another shouted.
A murmur of excitement spread through the audience as they recognized Hinata. As expected from a top-class gal, she had everyone's attention.
"Ehem," Hinata cleared her throat.
The crowd fell silent, eagerly awaiting her performance...
And then,
The wind is getting colder
We're wrapped in our uniforms
Just like the leaves turning colors
Our hearts are also changing
In the sunset sky
Memories of our youth
Bitter yet sweet days
I won't forget them
In the autumn breeze
We laughed together, you and I
The scenery seen from the classroom window
Is etched in my heart even now
With hearts pounding, towards the future
Embracing this moment
The path we walked together
Will always shines
After-school on the playground
Your smile saved me
We talked about worries and dreams at night
The stars were watching over us
During the time of cherry blossoms
We couldn't see the view
But with the arrival of autumn
It appears vividly
In the autumn breeze
We laughed together, you and I
The scenery seen from the classroom window
Is etched in my heart even now
With hearts pounding, towards the future
Embracing this moment
The path we walked together
Will always shine Even as time passes, it doesn't change
The brilliance of those days
The autumn wind carries
A nostalgic melody
In the autumn breeze
We laughed together, you and I
The scenery seen from the classroom window
Is etched in my heart even now
With hearts pounding, towards the future
Embracing this moment
The path we walked together
Will always shines
Autumn youth, you and I
Forever with this song
I won't forget that season
It's engraved in my heart
…
I clap my hands, giving her a heartfelt applause for the performance. As the sound of my clapping echoes through the hall, others join in, creating a wave of applause. Hinata is drenched in sweat, not from stress but from the intensity of her performance. Her face lights up with a smile when she hears the applause, and then her eyes meet mine. She gives me a proud smile.
The MC steps onto the stage, clapping for Hinata as well. She then begins the interview, "So, Futaba Hinata-san, that was a spectacular performance. What are your thoughts on it?"
Hinata hesitates for a moment, "Actually, I wasn't very confident in my performance or the choreography..."
"And how did you become so confident just now?" the MC presses.
Hinata glances at me and says, "Someone I love was supporting me, and I had to give him my best."
The MC is taken aback, "Wha?! You have someone? Is it the person rumored?!"
Hinata simply smiles in response. The crowd erupts into a frenzy, shouting, "WHO IS THAT GUY?!" and "THAT LUCKY BASTARD!!!"
I gulp and take a step back, trying to fade into the background. But then, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around and see Shuuta standing there, giving me a reassuring nod.
"Where are you headed, dude? The show isn't over yet."
"I'm going backstage," I replied.
"Oho, after Futaba-san, huh? Alright, see ya," he said, letting me go.
I dashed towards the backstage area.
I waited for Hinata to appear. And then, I heard her voice.
"Yuu-kii-too-!!" Hinata called out as she ran towards me, wrapping me in a hug.
"Great job out there, Hinata," I said, returning her hug.
"Did you see my performance?" she asked, looking up at me with eager eyes.
I nodded and gave her a warm smile.
"Let's head back to the classroom. We still have time to enjoy the festival," I said, taking her hand.
"Yeah, let's go," she agreed, smiling brightly.
We walked back to our classroom together, and I waited as Hinata changed her outfit. I too also put on my hoodie to cover my appearance.
A few moments later, she came out to meet me.
"Yukito," she called.
"Hinata… that yukata…"
When Hinata came out, she was wearing the same yukata she had worn yesterday.
"I was wondering if this still looks good on me," she said, her voice filled with a touch of uncertainty while she tied her hair.
"..." I couldn't find the words.
"Yukito?"
"It looks good..." I finally managed to say.
A smile lit up her face as she took my hand, leading me forward. "Let's go," she said, her enthusiasm infectious.
We walked down the bustling school hallway, surrounded by a vibrant array of food stands. Sukiyaki, Takoyaki, grilled wieners, and burgers—the air was filled with mouthwatering aromas.
"So... where do you want to go first?" I asked, trying to keep up with her excitement.
"Hmm... Takoyaki?" she suggested with a gleam in her eye.
We made our way to the Takoyaki stand, where Suzune was busy behind the counter. "Heyya senpai," she greeted us with a cheerful grin.
"Suzune, we came just like I said we would," I replied.
"Yeah, you did, senpai! And that performance was spectacular!" Suzune beamed.
"Haha, thanks," I said, feeling a bit bashful.
"So, Suzune, you're on duty?" I asked.
"Yep, it's my turn to watch the stands and make some Tako's," she confirmed.
"Heee... Right, we want to order some Takoyaki," I said.
"Right, two Takoyakis coming up!" She got to work, expertly preparing our order.
After a short wait, she handed us the steaming Takoyaki. We paid and thanked her. "Alright, thanks, Suzune," Hinata said.
"You're welcome, senpai," Suzune replied.
I looked at Hinata and said, "We're going to go now. See you later, Suzune."
"Ohooo, enjoy your date, Yukito-senpai, Hinata-senpai," she teased.
The two of us continued our date, savoring the Takoyaki as we strolled past other stands. Suddenly, something caught Hinata's eye.
"Hey, hey, Yukito, I want to go there," she said, pointing excitedly.
"There...?" I followed her gaze and saw she was pointing at a haunted house.
"Are you sure?" I asked, a bit skeptical.
"YEAH, I WANT TO GO THERE!!" Her enthusiasm was uncontainable.
"Alright then, let's try it," I agreed.
We paid the entrance fee and ventured into the haunted house, ready for whatever awaited us inside...
As we stepped into the haunted house, a chilling breeze swept through the dimly lit corridor, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Hinata clung to my arm, her excitement mingling with a hint of apprehension.
"Yukito, this is going to be so fun!" she whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.
We took a few cautious steps forward when suddenly, a ghostly figure popped out from the shadows with a loud "Boo!" Hinata let out a startled yelp and jumped behind me, clutching my arm even tighter.
"Nice try," I said, trying to sound brave, but my voice cracked a little.
The ghost figure sighed and pulled off its mask, revealing a bored-looking student. "You guys are no fun," he muttered before slinking back into the shadows.
We continued down the eerie corridor, the sounds of distant moans and creaking floorboards echoing around us. Just as we turned a corner, a skeleton sprang out from a hidden alcove, its bony hands reaching for us. Hinata screamed and jumped into my arms, knocking me off balance. We tumbled to the ground in a heap.
"I-I'm sorry!" Hinata stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"It's okay," I chuckled, helping her to her feet. "This place is pretty intense."
'THAT WAS CLOSE! I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO KISS'
We cautiously made our way through a series of rooms filled with cobwebs, fake blood, and eerie props. In one room, a vampire sat up in his coffin, dramatically flashing his plastic fangs at us. Hinata squealed and grabbed a nearby prop, a rubber chicken, and brandished it at the vampire.
"Back, foul creature!" she cried, waving the chicken threateningly.
The vampire burst into laughter, breaking character. "Nice one, senpai! You really scared me," he said between giggles.
Hinata's face turned bright red. "I-I thought it was a stake," she mumbled.
We finally reached the last room, which was pitch black except for a single flickering candle in the center. As we cautiously approached, the candle suddenly went out, plunging us into darkness.
"Yukito...?" Hinata's voice trembled.
"I'm here," I reassured her, reaching out to hold her hand.
Just then, the room was flooded with a bright, blinding light. When our eyes adjusted, we found ourselves is already on the outside of the haunted house.
As we exited the haunted house, Hinata turned to me with a smile, "That was so much fun! Thanks for accompanying me, Yukito."
"That's my job" I replied, smiling back. "Now, how about we go back to the class. We need some rest."
"Absolutely" She agreed.
Hand in hand, we walk into our classroom, having such feeling…
It can't be…
…
Upon arriving in the classroom, Hinata quickly changed into her usual outfit. Meanwhile, I took off my hoodie and put on my school blazer. We both settled into our seats, enjoying the moment of the festival.
...
I felt Hinata's head gently resting on my shoulder. When I glanced at her, I saw she had fallen asleep.
...
She must be exhausted.
That day was filled with unforgettable memories. I truly enjoyed every moment.