#323
Just as today is a unique day, tomorrow will also be unique.
Yesterday, and even this moment, in life, are all unique and will never be repeated.
Time doesn’t repeat itself.
Time cannot be rewound.
People must constantly make choices, always choosing the best move they can think of at any given moment, if they want to seize the future they desire.
That’s why it’s important to consider the best move for today.
After concluding the meeting with Kirasaka’s father and obtaining his cooperation, I immediately began to take action towards the next step.
Time is limited.
Even the seemingly trivial moments of everyday life are precious, and we must not waste even an hour.
We started late, and our group is small.
Among the few contacts listed on my phone, the first one I found was the student council president, Koizumi. I contacted him first to arrange an appointment for a conversation with the kindergarten principal the following day.
I’ve already briefed him on the outline.
This time, it’s easier for the conversation to proceed smoothly if we act as the school student council rather than individuals. The guise is as student council members, but in reality, we’re acting as members of the organizing committee.
Both titles can be effectively utilized.
Next, I contacted Shizuku.
Many high school boys like children, however, high school girls should like them even more. Likewise, there are more female nursery teachers. So, it’s better off girls handling the task.
I walked through the twilight shopping street while talking to her on the phone. I parted ways with Kirasaka in front of the company. She said it’s not a problem because she’ll be picked up by the company.
I was enveloped in the hustle and bustle of the shopping street, alone. The familiar bustle of the shopping street brought me back to reality from the otherworldly place I was in just now, giving me a sense of security.
So, the bustle wasn’t unpleasant at all; rather, I was more concerned about the sound of my loafers, which I hadn’t worn in a long time, echoing on the cobblestones.
The phone against my ear rang a few times, and after it stopped, a voice that I had been hearing for over ten years echoed.
“Good evening, Minato-kun.”
“…Good evening, Shizuku.”
Perhaps because I left most of the after-school activities to her, or perhaps because we didn’t have many opportunities to talk, her voice sounded slightly cheerful.
The next day, as student council members, Koizumi and the other five, along with Kirasaka, Yuuto, and Nakayama, a total of nine people, visited the kindergarten after school.
The kindergarten occasionally borrows the schoolyard of Sakuranaoka Academy for its events, which are held as an annual tradition. Events with many visitors, such as sports festivals and bazaars, would be somewhat difficult to hold on the small grounds of the kindergarten.
On days when kindergarten events are held on holidays, sports club activities are mainly held outside the school for matches. Indoor club activities are kept light, and most of the day is spent watching the adorable children for relaxation.
Teachers and staff naturally work on those days and work closely with the kindergarten to ensure that no problems arise. However, it is the student council and students who are in direct contact. Under the guise of volunteering, they assist with tasks such as program progression, starting races, and carrying flags for rankings.
The role of deepening friendship with the other party has been traditionally fulfilled by the student council president, so it seems that Koizumi occasionally contacts the principal.
This is information that would never come to light in ordinary school life. There would be few students interested in it.
Our student council also does such things…that’s about it.
The bazaar was held in November last year. The sports festival was held in June to avoid the summer heat. Normally, after the sports festival, communication would continue until the next event, but this time is different.
This time, as part of the usual communication, I asked separately if it would be possible to set aside time for another conversation, and surprisingly, it was easily agreed upon.
The fact that it had been many years and that the former student council president, Hiiragi, Akane had shown a cooperative attitude seemed to have worked in our favour.
The children seem to like President and sometimes ask their principal to ‘have one-chan come play’, making unreasonable requests.
Every time, that person somehow found time to come and visit. Neither Koizumi nor Miura knew about it. It was an unexpected aspect that I learned during the process of advancing this conversation.
The children have already gone home by bus, and only the staff remains.
It was a meeting attended by the kindergarten principal, the grade-level head, and many nursery teachers who listened intently.
Among them, Shizuku explained the contents of this year’s farewell party and expressed the desire to have the children participate.
She provided concise information without revealing too much unnecessary detail.
“―― With that in mind, we would like to create a farewell party. We understand that it may be inconvenient for you due to this sudden request, but would you be willing to cooperate?”
“If the children would be delighted, just like with former President Hiiragi, we will be more than happy to help even more than before, so please, we humbly ask for your cooperation.”
Shizuku and Koizumi both spoke, bowing their heads. We followed suit and bowed our heads together.
After a moment of looking down, we slowly raised our gazes, only to see the principal wearing a troubled expression. The nursery teachers who had been listening to the conversation expressed their thoughts, which weren’t negative.
They mentioned that it sounded interesting and that since it’s not something they experience often, it might be a good idea. Naturally, the principal likely shared similar thoughts, but there must be some concerns, perhaps about explaining it to the parents.
The children cannot be moved outside the kindergarten without approval.
Even though it’s a nearby high school and safer than going on their daily walks, permission would still be necessary to take the children out. The request would be for the senior class children.
In terms of numbers, it would be possible to contact them via phone or circular notice. It would be necessary to prepare formalities, such as sending the children home with a letter for their parents to read.
Preparation is essential.
Therefore, I have already made preparations.
If we can gather elements that make it difficult to refuse, the conversation might proceed more smoothly.
“…?”
I nudged Shizuku, who was sitting next to me, several times with my hand hidden on the desk. Now would be the best timing.
“If you could consider it positively, we thought it might take some time to prepare documents for explaining to the parents. So, we’ve prepared a provisional draft here, although it’s brief.”
Shizuku took out a document from the folder she had brought. It contained a simplified version of what we had discussed with the principal.
It addressed concerns about safety during transportation and the duration of the children’s restraint. Since the farewell party would take place on a weekday, there was no need to worry about inconveniencing the parents on their day off.
In addition to the explanation that everything would proceed as usual, there was an added sentence.
“Under the full cooperation of Mr. Kirasaka Reiya, Representative of the Kirasaka Conglomerate, the farewell party will be held.”
I deliberately emphasized this sentence to ensure it caught the eye, perhaps even more than the content of the farewell party itself.
There is no adult in this town who doesn’t know the name of the Kirasaka Conglomerate and Kirasaka Reiya. When Nakayama, who prepared the document, was instructed by me to include this sentence, she looked worried.
It’s natural since it’s forbidden to include a company’s name without permission.
However, it’s not a lie.
Although the discussion with the director was about providing funds for the preparation, it can be interpreted as them supporting our activities wholeheartedly.
What I wanted from the director was consent and cooperation. The consent to change the gifts due to insufficient budget to meet the desired content.
The fact that he would cooperate even as individuals.
Even though high school students are seen as children by adults, persuasive power is lacking no matter how intelligently they articulate their words.
Just by having a sentence that indicates someone with achievements, persuasive power, and speaking ability is cooperating, some worries can be alleviated.
The principal, a well-built woman, changed her troubled expression to a smile that seemed like the children would like it, and spoke up.
“After all the preparation you’ve done for us, refusing now would be disrespectful to all the cooperation you’ve shown so far. I’ll explain to the parents and get their consent by the end of today, and we’ll notify them through the nursery’s newsletter.”
Upon hearing those words, Shizuku beamed like a flower, and Koizumi looked genuinely relieved. Miura and the others also sighed in relief and patted their shoulders slowly.
―― With this, the current problem is temporarily resolved. It took some time, but finally, the basic preparations are in place, and now we just need to bring it to fruition.
After exchanging pleasantries, the principal informed us that she would confirm the parents’ reactions before contacting us immediately. We decided to wait for the response and then headed back to the school together.
As we walked down the short path, Miura sighed in exasperation.
“Seriously, the student council already has enough work, and now they’re adding more. I feel sorry for Shinra for having to deal with this.”
“…Well, we did increase the opportunities to meet outside of school, even on days off, so let’s call it even.”
“W-Well, I guess that’s… fine.”
Miura said, not entirely convinced, but seeing her softened expression, I felt relieved. Koizumi chuckled, and the others joined in, amused by Miura’s endearing reaction. We’ve overcome one hurdle, so it’s no wonder that a calm atmosphere prevails.
Amidst this, someone’s phone rang. It wasn’t mine; everyone checked their own phones, and Shiraishi raised her voice.
“It’s mine. Hello, this is Shiraishi speaking.”
Stopping in her tracks, she put the phone to her ear and started the call. Considering we all came here together, it would be best for us to wait for her to finish.
As we waited a short distance away to avoid our voices interfering with her call, Shiraishi’s conversation took an unexpected turn.
“What? Are you serious now!? W-Wait a minute… We’ve already progressed with various things. Just hold on, I’ll be right back.”
Ending the call with a tone of urgency, Shiraishi rushed over to us.
With a complex expression of anxiety, uncertainty, and a hint of suspicion on her face, she apologized as she spoke.
“The second-year students from the soccer and baseball teams, as well as the girls’ volleyball team, are demanding to delete the videos they submitted… and they’ve sent us a message to come to the sewing room immediately.”
“…Really, now?”
…What a hassle.
No, it’s seriously a hassle.
Not only me, but Shizuku and Kirasaka also let out a deep sigh. Why now, and for what reason? I pondered these questions alone for a moment, but somehow, I felt like I understood the reason, even if just vaguely.
BrutalBot Tl 