As I look around the class while standing behind Mr. Takanashi desk with Ayumi and Hana, I took a marker and started writing on the whiteboard.
Events:
- literature research
That was the one that came in my mind since I joined a literature club. It's not bad to have people knowing something that may pique their interest.
"Alright, any ideas?" I ask, turning to the class.
"Maybe we could have a sports event. There would probably be a lot of people joining. I can guarantee, and we sell tickets to raise money." Hana suggested.
I nodded, turning around to write "Sport Events" in the column.
"Any other suggestions?" I asked, looking around the room for any raised hands. Hikaru, sitting at the back, leaned forward in his seat.
"What about a food store?" We could make more money." he suggested.
I sighed, honestly, that suggestion was the dumbest thing I've ever heard for a festival suggestions. It would be so troublesome to get stocks, let alone enough budget Then, I got one from Hikaru's suggestion and wrote down on the whiteboard "Cooking".
"Any other suggestion? I asked. "One more would be great."
A girl from the middle row raised her hand. "How about a cafe booth?" she suggested.
"Good idea." I said. writing it onto the whiteboard. The list has only three suggestions on it which is enough. More than that, there would be chaos around the classroom picking what they want for the event, and I would be the one to settle them. Not really my style.
The discussion soon ended, and next Monday was the last day to discuss.
After school ended, I noticed a notification as I packed my things.
Hikaru:
Sorry, can't walk with you today. I got to help out my mother in the store, and this weekend I'm not going to free. Sorrryyy!!
I sigh, "Alright, work hard bro!" I replied.
Since Hikaru isn't free anymore, I was going to laze around the house, freeloading my parents and go watch TV or something. This idea was practically worse than an average normal student, but I didn't care. I have live my life this way, and I won't be changing it.
As I was walking down the stairs beside the art class, Ayumi called out to me. "Hey, wait, Haru!" she said.
I stopped in my track, turning to see Ayumi catching up to me. "Oh hey, what's up?" I asked.
Ayumi caught her breath, then smile softly. "I was wondering if you were heading home. Thought maybe we could talk about the festival plans... You know, before things become hectic.
"Ya sure. I mean, I was going home anyway." I said.
She nodded, then started walking alongside with me. We then stayed completely silent because there was nobody to strike up a conversation.
"So..." she began, "What do you think of the whole festival thing? I know you're the representative, but you aren't all that excited about it."
"No, you got it wrong, I am excited too! And besides, everyone voted for me including the teacher. So, it leaves me no choice to actually plan the festival." I said. Obviously, that was a lie. I don't really like festivals because there is nothing fun about it- at least for me.
Ayumi chuckled. "Yeah, I get that. But maybe it won't be so bad. Who knows, we might end up having fun."
"Maybe..."
"Hey, do you remember middle school?" I asked, the question suddenly popping into my head before I even realized I was saying it.
Ayumi glanced at me, surprised. "Yeah, I could still remember bits and pieces, I guess. Why?"
"Well, I remember you've always being surrounded by people. You were very popular back then."
Ayumi let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Popular? I don't know about that. It's true that I am surrounded by people, but I can't really call them as "friends" who could support me."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that. I'd always with her, and I thought that she is someone who had it all together. But hearing her made me realized I might not have known her as well as I thought.
We continued walking until we reached the main road leading out of school.
"So, for the festival... do you have any ideas?" she said.
"Honestly, not really. I was hoping we'd figure out something together. You're Vice Rep, right? Got any great ideas?"
"Well, I've been thinking we could do something simple and fun. Maybe we should choose the cafe booth."
I nodded, considering her suggestion. "Yeah, that could work. Next Monday I can talk it out with them for a simple one like yours."
"Thanks. And also, it doesn't have to be something crazy. Just something that people will go for joy."
"Yeah, I get that."
We stopped at the corner where Ayumi's home was opposite of mine. Before I could continue walking to my house, Ayumi called out. "Wait! I almost forgot... Can I have your number?
"Yeah, of course" I replied.
"And, are you free this Saturday?" she asked.
"Yeah, I am.
"Alright, I'll text you where to meet up later."
With that, Ayumi gave me a small wave and turned to head down her street, I stood there, looking at the sky, wondering what just happen? Did I just get reality checked?
I didn't let the thought gaslight me and so I turn around and walk down the streets.
I finally reached home. I opened the door with the greet of my parents and my sister watching TV as usual.
"Dinner is almost ready" my mom called out from the kitchen.
"Got it." I replied, heading upstairs. I went up my bedroom and dropped my bag on my chair. I sat on my bed, face looking down in a serious matter. Ayumi had asked me to hang out on Saturday. My heart was beating fast.
Wait... I thought deeply. Since Ayumi is asking me out, so it's Ayumi and I... alone? This might actually be a date? Every part of my body was telling me to be ready, to make it perfect.
"Haru, dinner's ready! Hurry down before it turns cold!" my mom yelled from downstair.
I calmed myself down, before heading to the dinner room. I needed to focus on having dinner with my family first, but afterward, I'd find the perfect clothes. As I remember the conversation with Ayumi about the festival, I thought to myself "maybe the festival wouldn't be so bad after all."