Chapter 96: Beautiful Girl, Before the School Festival

With the school festival happening tomorrow, the entire campus was rushing through the final stages of preparation. Classrooms planning to open cafés were busy finishing their decorations, while those running food stalls were deep in their last-minute prep for the big day.

Since our class was performing a play, we weren’t opening our classroom to the public. Instead, it served mainly as a storage space—and, for the boys at least, as a makeshift dressing room. The girls got to use a proper changing room.

The gymnasium stage had a packed schedule, with various clubs and several classes—including ours—lined up to perform. Our play was slotted for 3 p.m. on both the first and second day of the festival.

But just because our performance was at 3 p.m. didn’t mean we had free time otherwise. We were expected to spend the entire morning doing PR by walking around holding signs. In costume. Advertising the show’s title and time slot. We needed to gather as big an audience as possible.

…And apparently, I’d completely forgotten, but the gym was also hosting a beauty pageant.

On the second day at 11 a.m., each contestant would get a short interview, and the results would be announced at 2 p.m.

And yes, I was participating in that too… I vaguely remembered taking a photo around the time festival prep got hectic, but honestly, I hadn’t been thinking about it at all. I’d been way too absorbed in rehearsals.

That photo was probably already posted on the festival homepage. The idea was that people could look through the entries beforehand… but I never imagined my picture would end up on the internet! How could they do this!? Okay—I did sign something beforehand, but still!

Well… whatever. I shouldn’t stress about it. It’s not like I’m going to win. Those kinds of awards go to actual beautiful, model-type girls—like Yoshino-san. Someone small and unimpressive like me isn’t even competing in the same arena. It’s a little sad, saying it myself.

Sure, if by some miracle I did win and the announcement led straight into our class play, the timing would be perfect and great for promotion… but things never work out that conveniently.

On my way back from the restroom, I walked down the hallway toward our classroom, and the once plain corridor had transformed into a colorful festival of decorations. Classes hosting exhibits had brightened up their doors and walls dramatically.

We had no regular classes today—everything was dedicated to preparations. But that didn’t mean we had time to spare. Everyone was working at a near-frantic pace. In just a short time, the classrooms and hallways had been reborn. I loved the atmosphere right before a festival—it was one of my favorite things.

Our class was finishing the final checks on the stage props, and after that, we were scheduled to have a rehearsal.

When I opened the classroom door, Moeka-chan immediately called out to me.

“ Ayumi-chan!”

“What’s up?”

“Um, so! I got the costume from Aika—so I want you to try it on, like, right now!”

“Whoa! Aika-chan actually made it herself? That’s amazing!”

“Heheh! Aika’s really good at this!”

“I see. Should I change in the dressing room?”

“Yup yup♪ Then I’ll help you get changed!”

“Eh…?”

Just like that, Moeka-chan grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the dressing room.

“Um, I feel like I can probably change on my own…”

“Nope! No way! It’s actually pretty complicated!”

“Eeeeh…”

The outfit she took out was a light-blue dress overflowing with frills, paired with navy pumps and white stockings. Something out of a fairytale—almost like I was about to step into Wonderland. But I was supposed to be playing a village girl, wasn’t I? Would an ordinary citizen really own something this cute?

Still… it was just a high school play. It wasn’t medieval Europe or anything, so maybe it was fine?

“Okay, first you put on the stockings, and then the petticoat—”

It was surprisingly elaborate. I had no idea how to put anything on. I practically became Moeka-chan’s dress-up doll, following her instructions step by step. I never imagined getting into costume would be this much work…

By the time we somehow finished, I felt a bit constricted. Ugh, we even had to wear something like a corset. This was supposed to be a village girl, right? It felt more like noblewoman-level equipment. It wasn’t too tight, but since I wasn’t used to it, the strange sensation was overwhelming.

When I muttered that aloud, Moeka-chan reassured me that “it’s a play, so the costume just needs to be flashy and eye-catching.”

“All right♪ Next up—makeup!”

Smiling, she took out her makeup kit.

There wasn’t a mirror in the dressing room, so I had no idea what kind of face she was giving me, but it wasn’t like I could do it better myself. I let her do whatever she wanted.

After a while, she finally seemed satisfied and broke into a proud grin.

“With this much cuteness, I’m sure Ryoji-kun will be thrilled♪”

“—Wha!? Wh-why is Ryoji suddenly part of this!?”

His name popping up out of nowhere made my heart jump, and I let out a weird noise.

“Oh? Am I wrong? Ayumi-chan, you always have your best smile when you’re with Ryoji-kun, so I just assumed that’s how it is.”

“Ehhh!? T-that’s not it! I mean, Ryoji and I haven’t…”

Haven’t… what?

That thought surfaced briefly, but with just the two of us in the dressing room, I couldn’t find an answer.

“Hehehe—I see! Well, don’t worry! Look how cute you are!”

“That’s not—wait, ah…”

Moeka-chan handed me a small hand mirror, and the reflection staring back was… me, but not me. The makeup was thick—well, for a play—but it gave me a surprisingly clean, elegant air.

I’d thought it when Yoshino-san did my makeup too… makeup is amazing. It doesn’t change your face, but it makes you feel a little reborn.

…Would Ryoji be happy if he saw this? Would he call me cute?

—Ugh, why does Ryoji keep popping into my head!? It’s because Moeka-chan says weird things.

“See? Ayumi-chan, you look so happy. You’re grinning!”

“I—I am not!”

“All righty♪ Let’s go show everyone the new and improved Ayumi-chan—well, you were already cute before. So let’s go show everyone the cutest Ayumi-chan in the universe!”

“That’s way too big a jump!!”

Even so… I was a little excited. What would Ryoji say when he saw me like this?

Maybe I should start learning makeup too—just a thought.

I was thinking something lighthearted like that when suddenly, my chest tightened with a sharp jolt.

Is it really okay to stay like this?
Something inside me whispered that question.

What do you mean, “like this”?
I asked back—but no answer came.

I know. About Ryoji. About Aoi-kun.

All I ever do is think about myself. I never take the initiative; I just let the world around me change while I stay still.

I want to be praised, to be cherished. Even though I don’t do anything to earn it, some part of me still longs for it.

Maybe that was fine back when I first became a girl. But now… I’m pretty sure that’s not enough anymore.

I think about Aoi-kun.

What do I really feel about him…?

I think about Ryoji.

What do I want to do?

If I keep doing nothing, maybe nothing will change. Maybe I could just drift along in this lukewarm comfort forever.

But I doubt that’s what I truly want. And it would be disrespectful to them, too.

What do I want…?

“Okay, we’re heeere!”

Lost in thought, I’d somehow ended up right in front of the classroom.

Before I could brace myself, Moeka-chan pushed the door open with full force.

“Look, look! It’s Ayumi-chan in costume!”

She even made sure everyone’s gaze went straight to me.

“Whoa!” “So cute!” “Let’s take pictures later!” “I wanna take her home!”

Sounds like everyone likes it. Thank goodness.

“Ayumi-chan, it really suits you. You look absolutely adorable. Honestly, I wish you’d wear that outfit all the time.”

That was Sakurako-chan.

It was sweet of her to say, though wearing this forever would be a bit much. I gave her a wry smile.

Mixed in with the crowd, Ryoji was looking at me too. What did he think? He wouldn’t say it was weird… right?

While I was wondering about that, I noticed Sakurako-chan studying me.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hmm, well, just a little something.”

Before I could ask what she meant, she clapped her hands lightly.

“Oh, right! Ayumi-chan, could you go make some copies of these flyers? Take Tagawa-kun with you, okay?”

“Eh? With Ryoji?”

"Yup. Pleeease? There are a lot, so I want you two to handle it."

And just like that, we’re practically nudged out of the classroom.

Even if there are a lot of sheets, they’re still just paper. I feel like one person could manage… but whatever.

Ryoji and I walk down the hallway together. The copiers are either in the library, the resource room, or the faculty office. We can’t really use the one in the office, and the resource room is usually locked. The library copier is normally only for library patrons, but during festival season they make an exception. So we head toward the library.

Earlier, when I went from the changing room to the classroom, I hadn’t noticed anyone staring at me—probably because I was lost in thought. But now that I’m walking like this, I’m acutely aware of the eyes on me.

"S-So, um… Ryoji, aren’t you wearing a costume?"

I bring up a topic—any topic—to hide my embarrassment.

"Yeah. Once we finish the stage props. After that, I guess. Honestly, it’s a little embarrassing."

"And you’re always telling people to wear maid outfits or whatever…"

"Ayumi’s different. I’m me."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

His absurd logic leaves me speechless.

"Anyway…"

"Hm?"

It’s unusual—Ryoji looks like he’s struggling to say something. He scratches his cheek a little.

"Ayumi, um… the costume looks really good on you."

Wh—why!? Why is he saying it so seriously!? He’s not teasing me like usual, and that just makes it ten times more embarrassing!

Heat rushes into my face, all the way to my ears.

"Ah… yeah. Thanks…"

I somehow manage to force the words out. I’m sure I’m bright red.

Still… so it does look good on me…

"Good. I’m glad."

"…Give me a second to breathe."

After seeing my face, Ryoji turns away and starts taking deep breaths—inhale, exhale.

Weirdo, I think, but I steady my own breathing too. He caught me completely off guard, and my heart is pounding. I want to cool my face down, but there’s this warm feeling in my chest, and my lips keep trying to curl up on their own.

It’s all because Moeka-chan put weird ideas in my head—that’s why this is happening.

…No. That’s not it.

This is—

The culture festival preparations and rehearsal went smoothly, and now all that’s left is the real thing.

I should sleep early for tomorrow, but I’m too wound up—part nerves, part excitement.

Me, playing the lead role… Back when I was a boy, I couldn’t have imagined it. And the fact that I can look forward to it now—that’s something, too.

"I wonder if anyone’s still awake?"

I open my smartphone messenger.

Oops—there are a few unread messages.

Moeka-chan and Sakurako-chan have been chatting, so I slip into the conversation.

"Hello… there."

My typing is slow as always, but that can’t be helped. Maybe the old button-style phone input would suit me better than flick typing.

『Whaaat, Ayumi-chan being awake this late? That’s rare!』

"Wow, you’re actually awake."

I usually go to bed pretty early. I tell them I’m too nervous to sleep tonight.

"It’s like an elementary schooler before a field trip. Just like Moeka."

"Hey, hey! Don’t lump me in like it’s nothing!"

Moeka protests, but… frustratingly, it’s true, so I can’t deny it.

"Anyway, how was it today?"

Sakurako completely ignores Moeka’s indignation and changes the subject.

"What do you mean?"

"You went to make copies with Tagawa-kun, right? I was wondering if anything happened."

So that forced pairing… that’s what they were after!? Why do Moeka and Sakurako love meddling so much?

Well, I’ll just say nothing happened.

"Ohhh? No way. Ayumi-chan, you kept glancing at Ryoji-kun and smiling after you got back, you know?"

"Really!? Moeka-chan, are you serious!?"

"Yup."

"Yup."

They didn’t need to answer in unison…

"Moeka’s right. That’s why I figured something good must’ve happened."

"That’s…"

"I want to hear it! Did he maybe confess to you or something…!?"

C-Confess!? I frantically deny Moeka’s message.

Why would it go in that direction!? It’s not like Ryoji and I are…

"Huh? Ayumi-chan, you don’t like Ryoji-kun?"

"Eh…?"

Moeka’s question makes me freeze.

"Maybe I misunderstood. If so, that was nosy of me. Sorry…"

"Ah…"

I have no idea how to respond.

"I don’t know."

That’s what I type.

Do I like Ryoji?

Of course I like him as a friend—my best friend. But Moeka doesn’t mean that.

She means liking him as a boy. As someone you date. Me and Ryoji… like that?

My face heats up again. I shove my face into my pillow to cool it down. The chill feels nice.

"I see. Well then, let me and Sakurako ask you a few questions. Just answer honestly, okay?"

I send back an OK. It’s embarrassing, but maybe this will help me sort out my feelings.

"Did it bother you when you thought someone might take Ryoji-kun away before?"

"Yeah."

"Did you want Tagawa-kun to compliment your costume?"

"...Yeah."

"Would you like it if you could go to and from school with Ryoji-kun?"

"Yeah."

"Do you feel uneasy when he’s not nearby?"

"Uh… maybe…"

"Is anything fun as long as you’re hanging out with Ryoji-kun?"

"Yeah."

They ask several more questions after that.

Once they stop, the chat falls silent.

Maybe they finished asking what they wanted. Or maybe they’re talking to each other separately.

As for me, answering each question forced me to face my feelings. I think I finally understand my own heart. It’s like I escaped a whirlpool I’d been stuck in.

No—more than that. I felt this way all along. So why didn’t I notice? Or… did I refuse to notice?

Yes. I—

My phone buzzes sharply in my hand.

I look at the screen. A push notification says I’ve received a message.

The sender is Aoi-kun.