The day after the assembly, the school was abuzz with speculation about the administration's decision. Ryo, Aiko, and Haruka tried to focus on their classes, but their minds were occupied with thoughts of the garden and the potential outcomes.
During lunch, they gathered in the courtyard, their usual spot. Haruka spread out a blanket, and they sat down with their bento boxes.
"I wonder when we'll hear anything," Haruka said, picking at her food.
"Hopefully soon," Aiko replied. "The waiting is the hardest part."
Just then, the school's head custodian, Mr. Tanaka, approached them. He was an older man with a kind face and a twinkle in his eye. The students had always liked him for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help.
"Good afternoon," he greeted them with a smile. "I heard about your efforts to save the garden. I wanted to thank you personally."
Ryo looked up, surprised. "Mr. Takane, you knew about the garden?"
Mr. Takane nodded, sitting down on the edge of the blanket. "Oh yes, I've been here for many years. That garden has always been a special place. I used to help the students who tended it long before any of you were here."
Haruka's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing. Do you have any stories you can share?"
Mr. Takane chuckled. "Oh, plenty. But there's one in particular that might interest you." He pulled out an old, weathered notebook from his pocket and handed it to Aiko. "This belonged to one of the students who first created the garden. He was passionate about it and kept detailed notes about the plants and their care."
Aiko carefully opened the notebook, revealing pages filled with sketches, notes, and even pressed flowers. "This is incredible," she said, her voice filled with awe. "Why are you giving this to us?"
Mr. Takane smiled warmly. "Because I believe you can use it to show the administration just how important this garden is. It's not just a patch of land; it's a piece of history and a labor of love."
Ryo looked at the notebook with renewed determination. "Thank you, Mr. Takane. This could be exactly what we need."
As Mr. Takane stood to leave, he patted Ryo on the shoulder. "Good luck, all of you. I'm rooting for you."
With the notebook in their possession, the trio felt a surge of hope. They spent the rest of the afternoon going through its contents, marveling at the dedication and care the original gardeners had put into their work. The notebook was a testament to the garden's significance, filled with personal anecdotes and detailed observations.
That evening, they gathered at Ryo's house to formulate their plan. Aiko carefully transcribed key excerpts from the notebook, while Haruka scanned the sketches and pressed flowers. Ryo worked on organizing their presentation, ensuring they could make a compelling case.
"We need to show them that this garden isn't just a space; it's a legacy," Aiko said, her eyes shining with conviction.
The next day, they requested another meeting with the student council, this time armed with the notebook and their newfound evidence. As they presented their findings, the council members were visibly moved by the personal stories and the historical significance of the garden.
"This notebook tells a story of passion and dedication," Aiko said, holding it up for everyone to see. "We can't let that be erased."
The council president nodded, looking thoughtful. "This certainly adds a new dimension to the discussion. We'll bring this to the principal immediately."
As they left the meeting, Ryo turned to Aiko and Haruka, a grin spreading across his face. "I think we've done it."
Haruka smiled, her eyes bright with excitement. "I hope so. This garden deserves to be saved."
Aiko squeezed Ryo's hand, feeling a rush of gratitude and affection. "No matter what happens, we've done our best. And we did it together."
With their spirits high and their resolve stronger than ever, Ryo, Aiko, and Haruka awaited the administration's final decision, ready to face whatever came next, united in their shared mission.