CH#216

#216

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“Change brass band performance and chorus of Kikyo Jogakuin?”

After school on a Thursday near the weekend.
President asks back, like a tree spirit, the proposal told to her by the other side in the joint discussion about the festival held in the student guidance office.

No wonder.

Until the other day, the talks had only been a mere formality with no progress.

The proposal, put forward at this time with a deadline looming, was met with an unintentional reaction on our part.

“Yes, how about we hold the performance and chorus at your school, as it has been held in the school gymnasium in previous years?”

Our gazes meet for a moment with Sera, who smiles good-naturally and expresses her opinion matter-of-factually.

What comes to mind in my brain is our private exchange before we entered this room.

I am sure that a similar scene is floating in the brain of Sera, who is now speaking as if nothing has happened.

As if to drown it out, she removes her gaze and faces President again.

“As I said, wouldn’t it be natural for the two schools to come together in one place? Of course, as far as the movement of pupils from our school is concerned, there shouldn’t be any problem.” 

“…”

President also looked thoughtful as Sera folded her hands on the desk and leaned forward to speak.

It is natural to feel a sense of discomfort with a completely changed opponent whose facial expressions and words are not hesitant.

The form was presented at the same time as the draft, and it generally outlined the stage decorations and necessary supplies.

The items to be used for the performance and chorus are all things that a school would have, such as a general stand, music stand and chairs, which our high school also has.

Indeed, Kikyo Jogakuin is a cultural festival with no stalls.
Because the events are mainly cultural choruses and performances, it would be possible to hold them in one place if they were jointly organized.

And if, as Sera said, it is held at Sakuranaoka High School, it will be easier for us because we don’t have to think about transportation.

“The other day you said you wanted to use the main hall at Kikyo Jogakuin, didn’t you?”

“If we are going to hold a joint event, there is no point in stubbornly insisting on an idea that was rejected last time, so…”

Sera said.

The conversation had taken a turnaround or two, and to be honest, the situation was becoming incomprehensible.

The other party had only repeated vague responses, words and deeds and had denied our proposal, so we could not hide our bewilderment at the sudden offer.

The reason why I am able to calmly judge the current situation is because I asked Sera beforehand what the purpose of the joint project was.

But that’s because I know in advance about the advantages she’ll offer, but the presidents are different.

Seeing the President’s reaction, Sera is probably gloating on the inside.

She really has a bad character.

Was it because she was made painfully aware of the difference in talent, or was it because her admiration had changed in the wrong direction, that this approach turned her mindset into a twisted one that was okay as long as she was satisfied? 

Either way, if you look at it one way and superficially, I don’t even want to agree with it.

“Let me ask you one question. Is it safe to assume that the fact that you didn’t offer these conditions from the start means something?”

President asked.
Sera immediately nodded and took the conversation to the main topic.

“Yes, I would like to explain the advantages that our school can present in conjunction with the joint event. First of all…”

As Sera explained to me earlier, she explains the advantages of Sakuranaoka Gakuen in holding a joint cultural festival.

The increase in budget, the lending of the grounds, the collaboration of club activities, and the use of the city hall…

A number of convenient topics were raised for Sakuranaoka Gakuen, which had previously been negative about participating. 

Miura reacts to the budget increase, while Koizumi’s expression turns even more serious at the mention of the city hall and community activities.

Hino-kun reacted well like …Hino-kun.

No, he didn’t change his expression in particular, he just watched the conversation process and to be honest, he felt very alienated.

In his case, it is natural because what is required of him is not his intelligence but his body, so he is not an active player.

I don’t know why but I felt a mysterious healing effect from the sight of him sitting with his mouth wide open.

While the conversation is changing from the cultural festival to the benefits of each other afterwards, Shizuku tilts her body slightly to the right and brings her mouth close to my ear. 

A slight flowery aroma tickles my nostrils, and in a room with no unnecessary noise, even her breath could be heard.

“Did you have a talk with Sera-san?”

Shizuku mutters next to me as I was sitting at the end of the table.
Next to her, Kirasaka also turns her attention to us.

The situation progressed before I had time to share the information with the two of them.

They probably couldn’t ask even if they wanted to.
I nodded a little to relieve them, and muttered in a voice loud enough not to interrupt the discussion. 

“We got to talk …President and Sera are closer to each other than I expected. It just seems to have taken a turn for the worse.”

 

“A turn for the worse?”

Kirasaka tilts her head curiously.
Her fine, black hair shines against the light from the window. 

Many boys might faint in agony at this behavior which is contrary to her usual calm one.

“That’s someone who lost sight of her vision of beating President as long as she is satisfied…”

I don’t think Sera changed because she wanted to be like that.
In truth, she would have wanted to beat her in studies, which she considered herself to be better at than anything else.

But the barriers were so high that she gave up trying.
It was probably just at that time that a joint cultural festival was proposed.

She might be able to take advantage and defeat Hiiragi Akane.

The conditions for victory or defeat are opaque, only the evaluation of others, without regard to behavior or other factors.

 

The overwhelming difference in talent, where a person with talent in studies can still not win, has turned it into a distorted way of thinking.

Is this one of the agonies of a gifted person?

To me, who has nothing, Sera looks like a great enough student, but …I looked at her with a gaze akin to sympathy… 

Sera notices this gaze and her expression clouds over for a moment.
However, she returns her gaze to President as if nothing happened.

“Those conditions you mentioned regarding this joint, they have already been communicated to the teachers of our school, haven’t they?”

Preisdent looks up from the documents and asks Sera.
Sera immediately nods in reply to that question.

 

“Of course, the teacher in charge should have already spoken to them.”

Sera replies, and everyone falls silent.

If this condition is communicated to the faculty members of the school, there will be no reason to refuse the joint project.

No, the option of refusing shouldn’t even be an option anymore, considering the future relationships.
Rather, they may have created a situation in which Kikyo Jogakuin has the advantage.

Koizumi and the others quietly waited for President’s reaction.
For better or worse, the student council of Sakuranaoka Academy is dependent on Hiiragi Akane.

They rely on her judgement to decide the direction of things.

There is a need to change this situation before she leaves the student council in the future, but at present she is the only person they can rely on. 

Neither Shizuku nor Kirasaka can speak out about the decisions of the student council.

That is why everyone is conscious of President’s every move.

“…If that’s the case, then the joint proposal will definitely be finalized.”

“Thank you.”

 

Sera smiles and thanks President for her words with a sigh.
As the scenario unfolded, her expression was so cheerful that even I could tell what she was thinking.

“Well then…”

“However, we refuse to allow you to perform at our school.”

Just as Sera began to proceed with the discussion to carry out things according to her own scenario, President announced.
Sera, who naturally would not have expected a denial, was astonished and kept her mouth shut.

“If I had to choose a venue other than Kikyo Jogakuin for the performance, I would choose the City Hall.”

<Changed ‘Municipal Hall’ to ‘City Hall’>

President took out a map of the town from the material and circled the shopping arcade, the City hall and Sakuranaoka Gakuen in red. 

The three buildings, arranged in a straight line, are equally spaced and within easy walking distance of each other.

“If you want to showcase the quality of Kikyo Jogakuin’s brass band and chorus, the City Hall is the best place to do it, not the school. And for the visitors, too. The mayor has even approached us himself about making it a town event, so I’m sure we’ll get the permission.”

“…”

“The Sakura Festival would be open to the public at 11am and I’ve been told that the Kikyo Festival usually starts at 10am, so I think that would be the best time to hold it, wouldn’t it?”

The best suggestion was put forward at the most inopportune time to Sera, who was trying to get the conversation flowing. 

This brings her back down from her elated position.

“I shall contact…”

Sera’s throat-stifled voice is heard, and she drops down from her floating position.
I am sure that she wanted to bring the situation to an advantage at once in the current situation.

Unconsciously or not, President suppressed it.

I heard Sera’s story before the talks, but I still wasn’t convinced.
I was not able to convince her to win by her own strength, even though she is proud of her studies, which she is good at.

There were words I said to Yuuto before.
I told him that you are the only one who thinks the event is fun.

It’s just self-satisfaction, that’s what I told him.
I felt similar, although not the same for Sera.

This is her self-satisfaction.
I’m not a person who could be so nice as to step into someone else’s high school without permission and let them bask in the afterglow of a self-satisfying victory.

If Sera is concerned about winning, then she should create a place where victory and defeat are linked.

She should make it clear who wins and who loses.

“May I…?”

“Hmm? What is it Shinra?”

President immediately spoke to me as I raised my hand modestly.
Eyes were drawn to me by students from both schools.

I got up from my seat and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

“…Would you like to set up a stall with the student councils of both of our schools? Then the students of Kikyo Jogakuin can come to our school and enjoy the cultural festival even after their own performance is over.”

Essentially, people are reluctant to visit a cultural festival they have no connection to, but if their own student council has a stall, they should all be able to come without hesitation.

 

This will attract visitors, and a lively cultural festival should make a good impression on junior high school students.

Shizuku and Kirasaka nodded their heads in agreement with my opinion, and Koizumi and the others did not react badly either.

President also seemed to be thinking about something, but the fact that no negative opinions were expressed seemed to indicate that there was no problem.

 

The only thing that could be said to be wrong is that the girl facing me was giving me a sharp look.

I raise the corner of my mouth at her and said.

“…A battle of sales might not be such a bad idea.”

I’m not motivated by the festival.
I just don’t like being taken advantage of.

And I hate it even more when people think it’s a one-sided victory.

Shizuku and Kirasaka know very well that I am not a person who would voluntarily make such a statement.

The student council officers, including the president, must have come to understand this in no small measure either.

That Shinra rather dislikes this kind of event.

 

The look that was directed at me seemed to be filled with a sense of probing the intent of my words.

“Don’t you like it? This kind of competition.”

“…Good, I’ll get permission here as well regarding the City hall and the stalls.”

The Thursday talks came to an end with Sera’s quietly muttered words.
As the students on the other side left the room one after another, I looked at Sera, who was the last to leave, before returning a gaze to the room.

There, the student council, Shizuku, Kirasaka and others were standing as if demanding an explanation.

I hope they won’t get …angry, but how do I explain it to them?

Again, I decided to sit down in my seat, and I decided to accept the stares directed at me from all of them and give an explanation, including the remarks and the circumstances regarding Sera.

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<TL> ; As you can see, I haven’t been getting much time lately and this’ll continue till a week or two in the next month, so please bear with the slow updates till then.

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CH#215

#215

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<TL> : Yep, I completely forgot about this… tehe

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A bus with the Kikyo school emblem discreetly displayed on the door was parked in the visitors’ parking lot today.
There are already no students in the vehicle, and only the driver sat on the driver’s seat, looking bored.

Passing in front of it, I headed for the first vending machine that came into view.

 

I had seen the bus arriving from the student council office, and was on my way towards it to greet them when I caught a glimpse of the other person buying a drink from a vending machine.

The distance between us was not too far, and the other person could see me.
I was a little surprised, but I waited for her without running away.

 

“Hello…”

 

“Did Onii-san go out of his way to greet me and help me with the joint project?”

 

Sera, the student body president of Kikyo Jogakuin, crossed her arms and said slyly.

Let’s not mention the Oshiruko* hidden behind those crossed arms.

 <TL: Oshiruko is a sweet-flavored dish made from red bean paste cooked with water, sugar and glutinous rice cakes (Found this on the internet…)>

 

I have preferences, and Oshiruko is delicious!

I brushed off the sarcastic greeting and bought a cup of milk tea for myself as well.

 

“I’m sure it’s a hassle to go to another school everyday after school…”

 

“It’s a natural thing for me to do since I brought up this proposal.”

 

A thud and a slightly grating sound echoed throughout the area, and I picked up the can that came out and asked a question.

However, a model answer came back to me, which I thought was similar to Shiraishi’s, to which I indicated a nearby bench with my hand.

 

I opened the can and sat down on the edge of that bench, and Sera also shyly opened the Oshiruko that she hid with her arm and sat down.

The silence while we quenched our thirst with our drinks is drowned out by the clamor of the club’s activities.

From the outside, do we look like a couple enjoying their youth?

 

No, it is even possible that they do not see me because their attention would be taken away by the out of place uniform which was an alien scene, here in our school.

I’m going to cut the Minato nonsense series of “This is misdirection” and get down to business.

 

“…Have you been an acquaintance of President …for a long time?”

 

“…”

 

I mutter with a sip of my drink in my mouth.}
Even with a sideways glance, I could see Sera’s hands stiffen as she was sitting next to me.

The can is slightly warped and a gaze is directed at me that contains a different meaning than the eyes that were directed at me just a moment ago.

 

As when we first met, they were black eyes like emptiness, devoid of any emotion.

At that time, I dared to choose the word “acquaintance,” although I sensed from every word that President had also met Sera for the first time.

In order to make it easier to understand how this person, Sera, perceives the relationship between President and herself.

However, we live in a small town.

 

There are two high schools in town, but it is a small, almost rural town that cannot be said to be prosperous.

It would not be surprising if they had a chance to get to know each other before high school.

 

Moreover, when you are the student body president of two schools, you are bound to see the other’s name, even if you don’t want to.

Also, it may be inevitable that they will be the subject of comparisons.

 

Although this may only be an example, the name Sera was always listed a little below the president’s name in the mock exam that I received from Kirasaka.

It may be a leap of faith, but the rumor that Sera dropped out of Sakuranaoka Gakuen may have started as a rumor that was spread in the wrong direction by people who came to know the results of the mock test.

 

If we think of it that way, the rumor of the disagreement between President and Sera can be predicted in the same way.

It is only a prediction, and I do not believe that my thoughts are correct.

But, at least I did not come to the conclusion that the two were not connected in the slightest.

So I waited for Sera to open her mouth.

 

“That’s very abrupt, why are you asking me that question now?”

 

“I heard a little story from my sister. …I’m just curious. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine.”

 

I answered without meeting her gaze, just looking ahead.
The only thing this person and I have in common is the existence of Kaede.

 

There was a fear that Sera’s impression of Kaede might change, but the other party has used a similar approach once.

 

This type of person is the type that values what’s in front of them.
She would not make assumptions about human nature based on stories and rumors.

In fact, the fact that she pointed out the difference between rumor and reality when she saw me is the best proof of this.

Then, it is a groundless fear that my words will change Kaede’s impression of me.

It would only lower my reputation for her, but it would have little negative effect on Kaede.

 

“I can guess what you would’ve heard …I don’t think someone like you is the type to believe rumors.”　

 

The words she uttered were mixed with a reaction that gave me a glimpse of an unexpected side of her.
As if to correct him, I replied without stopping the flow.

 

“I’m sure that in nine out of ten times, there are false rumors being spread. …However, this time I don’t believe that the rumors are rootless.”

 

A chilly breeze blew, and my hair ruffled over my eyes.

The time before the meeting is only a few minutes away, and the conversation continues while I check the time on the large clock mounted on the wall of the school building.

 

“President doesn’t like to lie, and I think this is the first time she’s met you face to face, but it looks like you’re different.”

 

“…”

 

The answer to my question was silence.

The gaze was removed, and the clamor of the surroundings became small and inaudible, as if it were a lie.

The whole place was enveloped in silence, as if the surroundings were a sign.

 

“I guess the best way to describe it would be …a one-sided one-sided longing.”

 

The smile on her face was as if she was reminiscing about her past.

Her smile, which I didn’t understand and memories that dredged up are unique to her, gave me a glimpse of a different side of her than the impression I had of her.

 

“They say hard work never betrays you. That’s one aspect that is true. People who put in a lot of time will develop the academic skills they need. And for the first time in my life, the confidence I thought I had in myself was completely shattered.”

 

Sera herself was probably aware that she was better than others when it came to studying.

That is probably why she had confidence and the feeling of not wanting to lose was stronger than the others.

 

Akane Hiiragi was the student of the same grade who appeared in front of her.

If only they had been in different grades, they would not have been compared, and they would not have had to compete in the same arena.

 

“That person has achieved a lot in individual competitions, …so even if I spent all my time studying, I wouldn’t be able to beat them. It wouldn’t be any different if it started out as rivalry and turned into admiration.”

 

“…Well, I hear similar stories all the time.”

 

You know, the ones that often come up when you watch TV, etc., about past episodes of celebrities.
I know, but I never thought I would actually hear it in person.

 

“I came to Sakuranaoka Gakuen with the slight hope that she might remember my existence and my name, even though I had never won against her.”

 

She stood up from the bench, and despite her words, her tone contained no negative emotion.
She sounded easygoing and even somewhat positive.

After placing a can of Oshiruko into the bin next to the vending machine, Sera dropped her gaze and turned around to face me.

I did the same, downing the contents of the can in one gulp, then I tossed the empty can back in.

 

The uniform was neatly arranged in accordance with the regulations, and the neatly dressed uniform made me think of her as serious and strict, but she may have a surprisingly positive and cheerful personality. As I was thinking this, I looked back at her and all I saw were dark eyes and distorted corners of her mouth.

 

“Hiiragi’s reaction of not knowing me at all and being uninterested made me feel like I was being gutted.”

 

“…”

 

Yes, she’s a scary person.

I’m pretty sure of it.

 

This one is a scary guy in a different sense than Kirasaka.

I feel a sense of relief that it was President, not me, who has been admired by someone so troublesome. Sera’s expression quickly returns to a tightened one.

 

“I am used to losing, so this time I will win.”

 

Her assurance exudes a confidence that is unwavering.
Neither evidence nor proof of victory was given, and neither victory nor defeat was clearly defined.

Before that, you are in the process of presenting the proposal to Sakuranaoka Gakuen, you know that, right?

She has no say in whether or not we will accept the joint cultural festival.

Even in such a situation, she was talking on the premise of competing, so she must have a certain amount of confidence in the meeting that is to follow.

 

“…First of all, you must consider if we’re even going to accept the proposal in the joint talks.”

 

“Of course, I have prepared a suitable card.”

 

Sera said and took out a notepad from her uniform’s chest pocket.

It is impossible to see from here whether there is enough written there for us to agree with it.

 

“The next thing is that the brass band has won many prizes in competitions and other events, and we would like to take advantage of the preferential treatment given to us by the municipal hall and other facilities to volunteer and carry out community activities together.”

 

Once she briefly explained that much, she looked at me for a moment as if she was trying to see what I had to say.

I made sure I didn’t say a word, and then her words continued.

 

“Therefore, it would not be a bad idea to make use of it when the school ground is a precious asset after school here with the club’s activities being involved…”

 

After speaking that much, she puts her notepad back in her pocket.

I don’t know if it’s all that she’s prepared for now, but it seems that she brought a good deal of conditions with her.

 

It is true that ours is mainly an athletic school and indoor club activities are not very active.

The grounds are always full of students in many club activities.

It is undeniable that we are in a situation where space is limited.
It would be attractive to rent it out or present a way to utilize it.

The talk of increasing the budget and actively cooperating with the local community also makes me feel that it would be a shame to reject the proposal in general, as it would include details that could be included in the students’ internal application.

 

The other side would probably want to focus on attracting new students, even if it means using the relationship between the two schools in the future.

Frankly speaking, the student cannot make the decision on this future.

Perhaps the other faculty member who accompanied them will bring up a similar story to Sudo-sensei and the others.

So as of today, they should make the joint project a definite plan.
Sera will also wait for this timing to present a concrete joint plan.　

 

Sera’s own motivation for the festival is a personal one, and even if it comes true, it will be a game of self-satisfaction.

I have no intention of approving or denying it.

 

I would like her to do as she pleases, but there is no way I can avoid taking advantage of that sentiment.

I just found out, just a few minutes ago, that there is an easy way to do this because this person is an emotional one on the inside.

 

“If we were to use that card to make the joint festival… a success, with your idea adopted, and the result is victory, then …you wanting some words of admiration are just an excuse.”

 

I’m going to show you a smile that is exactly the opposite one you started with, this time with a hint of mockery in it.

If this were Shizuku and the others, they would see through my mockery, but because she was from another school, she had a poker face.

 

I was waiting for her reaction, worrying that my expression might be blatant, but that worry was useless.

Immediately her expression changed to a grim one.

What Sera was saying was just a convenient way to clean up the reasons why she lost.

She must have been aware of it, but she must have been humiliated to have been pointed out by an ordinary student like me, and her voice was filled with anger that I had never felt before.

 

“I’m still your senior even if it’s by one year, so be careful what you say.”

 

“I’m sorry …,these are the only words that came to my mind.”

 

After taking the blame for her anger appropriately, I looked into Sera’s eyes.

But that was only for a short time, and Sera turned away as if to escape my gaze.

 

The direction of travel was the student guidance office, the wing where the room where this meeting will be held is located.

We must not end the conversation here.
A match is made with clear conditions for victory or defeat.

If you really want to beat Hiiragi Akane, you should make it a contest where the difference between the two is clear to the onlookers at the festival.

The most important thing is to make sure that Sera herself will not regret it later, just as our student council election did.

 

“Let’s have a match between the Student Council of Sakuranaoka Gakuen and the Student Council of Kikyo Jogakuin. …Winning is simple, let’s each set up a stall and compete on sales figures.”

 

The problem can be put to rest by the fact that it’s a festival after all, and the place is crowded with people who are trying to win or do something else.

I may get some criticism later from President, Miura, and others for bringing up the idea on my own, but I’ll take it in stride.

The worst that could happen is that Hino will be asked to share the responsibility as he was also a member of the group.

 

The most important thing to remember is that the festival is not a mere “Celebration”, it’s a “Festival” of youth and fun.

 

The moment Sera heard my words, she stopped walking.

I thought she was a person who tended to stick to the game, but …good, it seems that I was able to leave enough of an impression to stop her.

Today, for the first time in a real sense, my eyes and hers crossed.

 

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