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[-Continuation-]
[Location - Soubu High(:school)]
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[Hachiman's POV]
Then our focus shifted quickly to the task at hand.
As we were still in the middle of our patrol duty, Yukinoshita's sharp gaze swept over the various classrooms, paying close attention.
??Abruptly, her steps stopped, her brow twitching as she fixed on one classroom.
"…That class. What they're doing is different from what's written on their application." She remarked, her tone dripping with disapproval.
I followed her line of sight to the wall of the third-year class 3-B, where the sign board was designed with cave-like ornaments and written on it with an Indiana Jones-like font: [Train Trolley].
"If I remember correctly, they were supposed to do [Display a diorama with ornaments inside using a slowly moving trolley], right?"
"Yes. But that obviously is not what they are doing." I agreed, my own scowl deepening as I noticed the difference between their original idea and the current setup.
Yukinoshita took out a nicely folded pamphlet of the Cultural Festival from her breast pocket and held it to confirm for sure.
After that, we both perked our ears, and what leaked out from the inside of the room were screaming voices.
And then came the intense clickety-clack sounds.
"It's obviously a roller coaster..." I muttered, realization dawning as I shook my head in disbelief.
"Did they abruptly change their focus midway? Quite the opportunists."
Yukinoshita's expression intensified, her lips pressing into a thin line of displeasure. As the vice-chairwoman, she clearly wouldn't allow such a blatant deviation from the approved plans to slide.
Without introduction, she strode toward the classroom entrance, calling out in a stern voice that brooked no debate.
"Is the representative present? This isn't what was written on the application." The instant the words left her lips, there was a noticeable change in the group of students within.
When they realized that their plan had been discovered, the complexions of the students in class 3-B paled, and they realized their scheme had been uncovered.
?..!!!Panic flashed across their faces, eyes darting furtively from one another to the uncompromising figure of Yukinoshita silhouetted in the doorway.
Damn, even girls were part of it? I thought it was only a boy's thing to do something so stupid like this.
"Crap!" - "We got found out already!"
"A-Anyway, get her in there! Let's smooth it over with force!" Suggested a random boy, his voice tinged with desperation.
The buzzing grew more intense, and before I could process what was happening, a group of senior girls had grabbed Yukinoshita's arms, dragging her bodily into the trolley.
"H-Hey!" As she struggled against their grip, Yukinoshita shot me a seeking look.
Without hesitation, I stepped forward, placing myself between her and the unruly mob.
"We are pla–!" My words were cut short as rough hands seized me from behind.
"…Is that part of the planning committee too?"
"He has an armband!"
"Throw him in there!"
The uncivilized male seniors wasted no time in manhandling me, and I found myself forcibly dragged into the chaotic scene within the classroom.
Angry protests rose in my throat, but I had to choke them back as an unwelcome sensation registered.
Hey! Who was that? Who was the one that touched my butt just now!?
The inside of the class was designed like the interior of a cave. It was considerably elaborate, with minerals lit up by LEDs, crystal skulls, rocks made from Styrofoam, and strings laid out all over with bats flying around.
Under different circumstances, I might have appreciated the impressive craftsmanship.
But those were quickly put out of my mind as I was pushed roughly into what looked like a trolley made out of a basket cart that had been elaborately adorned to go with the cave theme.
Hey! Really, who was that!? Who's the one that's been rubbing my butt!?
With a final, forceful shove, we crashed fully into the trolley.
The impact caused Yukinoshita and me to be forced into the trolley, and we almost fell on top of each other.
With my last stand of resistance, I was somehow able to avoid crashing into Yukinoshita, but we were put into a cramped position.
My heart thundered in my chest, intensely aware of Yukinoshita's proximity, the heat of her body searing through the thin barrier of our clothes.
…She's so close, she's so close. I like it!
Yukinoshita and I scooted over to opposite ends of the narrow trolley.
"Umm, thank you very much for taking our train trolley today. Please enjoy the mysterious underground world to your heart's content."
The trolley jerked into motion once the opening speech ended.
The course that was created from desks, long desks, sheets of iron, and plates on wooden boards rattled, and we moved at a fast pace. Our bodies could feel the trolley being jerked up and down in violent fluctuations.
This is pretty scary… On top of that, the feeling of anxiety from knowing it was actually people causing the motions was no joke…
?..?Suddenly, I could feel something on my blazer.
When I looked, Yukinoshita was squeezing the cuffs of my blazer.
With the violent rattling back and forth, occasionally going up and down, I started to understand the feeling of being washed in a laundry machine.
The trolley stopped, finally reaching the goal.
Yukinoshita kept her back pressed against the wall of the trolley, looking relieved.
"So how did you like your trip to the depths of the earth? Come by again anytime~"
When the senior of 3-B ended the trip with those final words, Yukinoshita and I started moving again.
We both looked at each other.
"...." - "...."
Yukinoshita quickly removed her hand from my blazer.
We then left the classroom as if being chased out. Since it was dark inside, the sunlight was bright.
"What do you think about our attraction!" The senior from Class 3-B ended the trip with those final words, his voice dripping with satisfaction at having successfully spooked his juniors.
It was wonderful. You could have said there was something like this. I would have even granted more budget to you guys. Anyway, thanks.
"...." Yukinoshita gave him a cold stare, looking somewhat disoriented. But her wobbling made that lose its intensity.
"There's nothing to think about, this is different from what's on your application…"
"It's only a little! We're just exercising our flexible judgment!" He replied with a dismissive wave.
That's called getting carried away…
"Well, it looks like a lot of people are enjoying it, so it's not a big deal. That is, as long as it's safe." I said, noticing the way my shirt had gotten rumpled during the scuffle.
Yukinoshita paused, clearly analyzing the situation carefully. After a moment, she spoke in a measured tone.
"I suppose this attraction can be permitted...for now." She held up a hand to quiet any early celebrations.
"However, you must write a supplemental application and submit it immediately. Outline the changes from your original proposal in detail. Additionally, provide thorough safety explanations and guidelines for riders. Have this posted prominently at the entrance and include it in an opening speech before patrons enter."
The student, who seemed to be the 3-B representative, was visibly deflated by the additional paperwork.
"Ehh...I guess, if it's just that." He mumbled, the enthusiasm draining from his voice.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Yukinoshita stated clearly with a slight bow.
As she turned to exit, however, her gaze flicked towards me, and her expression hardened.
With an upset furrow in her brow, she fired a pointed glare in my direction. Despite the bright sunlight streaming through the windows, I couldn't help but notice a faint redness coloring her cheeks.
"...Chairman." She began, her tone sharp and mad.
"You seemed much too supportive of this mess earlier. Don't tell me you had some hand in instigating this situation?"
I blinked, caught off guard by the implication.
"No, absolutely not." I countered, maybe a bit too strongly. "If I had, I would have brought you here way earlier."
Yukinoshita's frown grew, and her eyes narrowed in disapproval. "You're letting your vile thoughts run unchecked again, simply to prove your innocence."
Don't look down on me. You can stare at me all you want.
Finally, Yukinoshita broke first, letting out a tiny huff of annoyance as she abruptly turned on her heel and strode away without another word.
I watched Yukinoshita's departure, unable to pull my eyes away from the gentle sway of her hips as she strode down the hallway, her black hair spilling down her back like an inky waterfall.
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[To be continued…]
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