469: In the Dark

After school at Sobu High.

A chilly breeze blew in through the cracks of the window that had not been closed tightly.

The clubroom was very quiet, with only the sound of pages of novels being turned regularly.

Today, just like always, the Service Club was peaceful. This kind of quiet, cool season was just right for Yukino.

The quiet made reading more efficient, and the cooler temperature kept people from feeling sleepy, allowing one's attention to stay focused on the words on the page.

At this time, with the black tea that she had brought from home specifically for the club, the fragrant aroma filling the room, and hand-made cookies available when hungry, there was nothing more enjoyable than this scene.

Afterwards, Yui and Iroha arrived, and they spent some time passing the after-school hours together before heading home as the sky darkened.

Today was supposed to be like that.

But today, the door of the Service Club was unexpectedly knocked on.

Yukino looked up at the door.

It couldn't be the other two members of the Service Club—they would just come in directly.

It also couldn't be Hiratsuka-sensei, who had a flawless attitude toward work but was overly familiar with Yukino, and never had the sense to knock.

After ruling out these possibilities, it could only be another student seeking help from the Service Club.

It had been a while.

"Come in."

Closing her book, Yukino responded with a cool voice.

"Sorry to bother you~"

A girl with braided hair, speaking gently, smiled as she walked in.

"President..."

Yukino recognized the visitor.

Shiromeguri Meguri, a third-year student one grade above her, and also the student council president at Sobu High.

Previously, with the help of Hiratsuka-sensei, the Service Club had assisted the student council with the school's anniversary events, providing some advice. 

That's how they became acquainted.

Of course, the closeness between them seemed to be a one-sided idea from Shiromeguri Meguri.

Whenever they met at school, Shiromeguri Meguri would enthusiastically wave and greet Yukino, who would only respond with a slight nod as was her habit. 

She was naturally like this, and it seemed Shiromeguri Meguri had seen through it, so she didn't mind.

"It's been a while, Yukinoshita-san."

"It's been a while, President. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Yukino placed the closed novel on the desk, skipping the usual pleasantries and directly asking.

Shiromeguri Meguri chuckled, finding Yukinoshita's straightforwardness refreshing.

"Actually, during the last school anniversary, I saw Yukinoshita-san's abilities and wanted to ask for your help again with something for the student council."

She extended her hands in front of her chest, smiling even more widely, her eyes narrowing with the smile.

Yukino nodded, indicating that she understood.

She stood up and gestured for Shiromeguri Meguri to sit down and talk, while she moved to the other side to prepare a cup of hot tea for her guest.

Since it was a request, there was no reason to refuse.

Helping those in need to the best of her ability—that was the original purpose of the Service Club.

"Wow, it smells great, thank you."

"You're welcome. So, what exactly is your request, President?"

Yukino tucked her long hair behind her ear as she sat down again.

Shiromeguri Meguri cradled the cup of tea with both hands and replied,

"I'm a third-year student, and this is my final year at Sobu High. 

The upcoming sports festival, which will be led by the student council, will be the last event I can prepare for everyone. 

I want this sports festival to be different from any of the past ones. I want everyone to come together and create an atmosphere hotter than any event we've had before."

As she said this, Shiromeguri Meguri's eyes sparkled, and her words revealed the determination in her heart.

"I see."

Yukino nodded slightly, her expression showing understanding.

"So, your request is to host a grand sports festival, one that will leave no regrets, while also ensuring the students enjoy themselves, right?"

"Yes, yes."

Shiromeguri Meguri nodded eagerly.

"Although there are many ideas being thrown around within the student council, none of them have satisfied me. That's why I want to borrow the strength of the Service Club."

"However, a sports festival is different from the school anniversary or the cultural festival. 

To put it bluntly, it's a celebration for a small portion of the students. 

The students in the athletic clubs may be fired up, but most people won't be interested or may not have the confidence to participate. In the end, they'll just be cheering from the sidelines."

Yukino thought for a moment.

The nature of a sports festival meant it wouldn't easily excite the majority of the students, unlike other school events.

And she understood this well because she, herself, was one of those who had no interest in participating in the sports competition.

She excelled in academics with no pressure, but when it came to physical activities, she lacked confidence.

Her older sister, however, did not have such a weakness, which had always been a source of inner frustration for Yukino.

"Ha... huff..."

Shiromeguri Meguri blew on the hot tea and took a small sip, then cupped her face with a contented smile.

"Well, because of this consideration, I came to seek the help of the Service Club."

The implication being, if the problem could be easily solved, she wouldn't have come asking for help.

Yukino didn't hesitate and nodded in agreement.

"I understand. The Service Club will do its best to help."

"Great! The sports festival is in half a month, so please take care of it, Yukinoshita-san."

Shiromeguri Meguri set her cup down and eagerly reached out to shake Yukino's hand, giving it a gentle shake.

Yukinoshita's hand was cool, so she could distinctly feel the warmth from Shirogane's palm.

"Now, without further delay, let me briefly explain the situation for this year's sports festival."

Shiromeguri Meguri finally released Yukino's hand, and Yukinoshita let out a small sigh of relief, as she wasn't used to physical contact with others.

The first sentence that came from Shiromeguri Meguri made Yukino feel uneasy.

"This year's sports festival will be different from previous years. The scale has expanded; it's not just limited to our school."

"What does that mean?"

"Collaboration... hmm, that doesn't sound quite right..."

Shiromeguri Meguri placed her finger on her chin, thinking for the right words.

"To be precise, it's a collaborative event between high schools. This year's sports festival will be co-hosted with other schools."

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