"Co-hosting a sports festival..."
This kind of situation, as mentioned by Shiromeguri Meguri , is not unfamiliar between high
Schools.
For example, there are unified joint entrance exams held between schools, or students from different schools with similar interests often gather to form study groups, participate in social activities, or donate to welfare homes.
But hosting a sports festival together with another school is something Yukino has never heard of.
"Why such an arrangement this year?"
"Well, this was my idea," Shiromeguri Meguri replied, "After getting approval from the school leadership, I went to another school that holds its sports festival around the same time every year, visited their student council, and they were very interested in my proposal.
The school also gave its initial approval. So now, as long as we come up with a proper plan for the sports festival, it will smoothly proceed."
"...I see."
Yukino then recalled what Shiromeguri Meguri had said earlier.
— "I want everyone to unite against a common enemy."
Now it made sense.
Unlike the traditional sports festivals, where students are divided into red and white teams to compete against each other, this time it would be a school-vs-school competition, stirring their sense of honor and making them go all out as one team.
It was indeed a good idea to stir up everyone's competitive spirit.
But the key lies in the arrangements behind this event, and there were still many things to consider.
"President, which school are we hosting the sports festival with?"
"Oh, right, I forgot to mention that."
Shiromeguri Meguri lightly tapped her head, smiling as she answered,
"It's Houjou University Attached High School."
"..."
"Huh?"
After hearing the name of the school, Yukino fell into a brief moment of shock.
It was the school where that guy was.
"Hello, hello."
"We're here, Yukinoshita-senpai~"
The voice that snapped Yukino out of her daze came from Yui and Iroha, who had just walked in.
Shiromeguri Meguri greeted them with a smile.
Upon learning of the purpose of their visit and hearing the name of the school that would host the sports festival, both Yui and Iroha got excited.
The former was simply thrilled by how lovely it sounded, while the latter had some impure thoughts mixed in.
The atmosphere in the Service Club, usually quiet, became lively as the three girls huddled together and chattered away.
And because of their obvious excitement, the thoughts that occasionally flashed in Yukino's eyes went unnoticed by the others.
…
"I can't let you continue like this."
At Houjou University Attached High School, Fukube Satoshi looked at Chisato, who was holding a mop, and staring blankly at the empty seat where Kazusa, who had already gone through the withdrawal process, used to sit.
He helplessly put his hands on his hips.
"Touma has already left, Suzumiya, you need to move on."
Chisato had not told Fukube Satoshi about his situation with Kazusa.
Not that he was intentionally hiding it, but his circumstances were complicated, and there was no need to mention it.
"Yeah, yeah, I understand, class president."
Today, it was Chisato's turn for cleanup.
Fukube Satoshi followed him.
"I'm not the class president anymore."
"It's okay, in my heart, you'll always be the class president."
"You idiot, don't speak like I'm dead or something."
The two of them laughed and teased each other.
After finishing cleaning, they locked the classroom door and walked out of the school gates, heading to a nearby family restaurant.
Since Seika had agreed to take over as the band's manager, Chisato had been able to take a break from his previous busy state, and things had become much more relaxed.
The new manager, however, was somewhat strict. Not only did she reduce the band members' free time, but she also imposed strict requirements for study and practice every day.
In her words, this was for their own good and to be responsible to their parents.
From an objective point of view, Chisato could see the value in it, but it did mean that Hitori had been spending less time with him recently.
If it weren't for this, he wouldn't have been staring at the empty seat where Kazusa used to sit so often these days.
Seeing an empty spot really does make you miss someone.
"I wonder if Kazusa is thinking about me right now."
"...Hey, hey!"
Fukube Satoshi's voice pulled Chisato out of his thoughts.
"Ah?"
Fukube Satoshi complained, "How come you're not listening to me again?"
Chisato apologized, "Sorry, I suddenly remembered that Kazusa and I used to come to this restaurant together a lot."
"..."
"What's with that look?"
"To be honest, I always thought you were more of a playboy, not someone so devoted like you are now."
Chisato was momentarily speechless.
"...I'll just take that as a compliment."
Fukube Satoshi shrugged helplessly.
"Geez, you can't keep dwelling on the past. I have a suggestion. If your school life is a bit more fulfilling, you might not have time to think about the past."
"What do you mean?"
"The school is holding a sports festival soon." Chisato immediately frowned and refused,
"I'm not going to sweat it out with a bunch of guys, no thanks."
"Hey, it's supposed to be a positive and energetic campus event, why does it sound like something awful when you say it?"
After the complaint, Fukube Satoshi explained,
"I'm not asking you to participate in the sports festival. Think of it as a distraction for you. Also, it'll help me out, so come help the sports committee."
"Why are you still involved with the sports festival?"
"Because I'm the secretary of the student council now!"
Fukube Satoshi said each word slowly, a little annoyed,
"I've told you before, but it seems like you really don't take me seriously!"
"Don't be so mad, I apologize."
"I don't need your apology. Come and help me."
"So helping you as a distraction is just a side benefit. The real reason you want me to help is...?
"Are you coming or not?"
Chisato thought for a moment. Lately, he has been quite free.
Since Seika had ordered him not to show up at the band, the four members had been escaping their new manager's grasp to complain to him.
"Fine, if you're paying for this meal, I'll reluctantly consider it."
"Then it's settled."
Fukube Satoshi's plan was simple.
In his eyes, his friend Chisato was feeling down because of Kazusa's departure, so he thought he would use this chance to introduce him to a good girl during their time together.
Everything would be solved smoothly.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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