festival and late confession

The Festival Day had arrived. For several days leading up to it, the atmosphere at school had become more lively. Every class was busy preparing for the big event, from decorating classrooms and organizing art performances to selecting class representatives for the inter-class farewell event. Among all these preparations, one thing dominated Banri's mind the most: the lingering feelings he had about Alya and Arata.

That morning, during the class meeting, the homeroom teacher announced that the class representative would be chosen through a simple vote. As expected, among the nominated names, Arata secured the most votes. A faint smile appeared on Arata's face when the announcement was made.

"Arata, you've been chosen as our class representative!" the teacher said proudly.

Arata only gave a short nod, but his serious expression showed that he understood the responsibility he had just taken on.

After the selection was over, the class representatives immediately gathered in the multipurpose room to discuss the event concepts they would present at the school festival. Arata, having just been appointed as class representative, attended the meeting with a calm and focused demeanor.

The room was filled with representatives from other classes, each bringing ideas and proposals to make their event as interesting as possible. The festival committee leader, a student from the neighboring class, started the discussion in a loud voice.

"Alright, everyone! The festival is only a few weeks away, so we need to decide on our class event concepts as soon as possible. We can't have overlapping themes with other classes, so make sure your ideas are unique and capable of drawing attention!"

One by one, the representatives proposed their ideas. Some wanted to create a fantasy-themed café, others suggested a theater performance, and some even planned a haunted house. The discussion grew lively as different opinions clashed.

When it was Arata's turn, he stood up and spoke firmly, "Our class is still considering a few options, but we want something that involves everyone and leaves a strong impression. One idea we've been thinking about is an 'Escape Room.' The concept is simple—visitors enter a room filled with puzzles that they must solve within a time limit. It will test teamwork while also providing a fun experience."

Some students began whispering among themselves; the idea seemed quite intriguing. The festival committee leader nodded while taking notes. "An Escape Room, huh? That's a great concept. But make sure you can manage it properly, including the puzzles and a reasonable time limit."

Arata nodded. "We'll discuss it further in class and work out the details."

After every class had submitted their event ideas, the meeting concluded. Arata walked out of the room, his mind still occupied with various possibilities for their class event. However, amidst his responsibilities as class representative, something else continued to trouble him—feelings he had long kept to himself for someone who now felt further away than ever.

Meanwhile, Banri, waiting in the classroom, quietly observed Arata from a distance. He saw how Alya smiled warmly as she greeted Arata, who had just returned from the meeting. There was something in Alya's gaze that made Banri even more certain—Alya liked Arata, not him.

But Banri brushed those thoughts aside. He had already made his decision. He would give Alya the letter on the festival day, no matter what.

After the meeting, the class worked even harder to prepare their Escape Room. Arata, as the class representative, took the lead in various preparations. He coordinated task assignments, supervised the decorations, and ensured the puzzles were challenging yet enjoyable.

Banri, on the other hand, did not get too involved in the decision-making process. He preferred to help with decorations, avoiding too much interaction with Arata and Alya. However, every time he saw Alya laughing with Arata while discussing festival preparations, his heart grew heavier.

During one of their busy moments, Alya approached Banri and asked, "You haven't been talking much lately. Is something bothering you?"

Banri gave a small smile. "No, I'm just busy with preparations," he replied, trying to sound casual.

Alya looked unconvinced, as if she wanted to ask more, but in the end, she just nodded. "Alright, if you need any help, just let me know."

Banri nodded, but deep down, he knew there was nothing Alya could do. His feelings had grown too deep, and there was only one way to express them—the letter.

Days passed quickly, and the festival preparations were nearing completion. Each class worked on perfecting their booths, setting up decorations, and ensuring everything went according to plan.

In their class, the excitement grew. The Escape Room was finally taking shape—the puzzles were set, and the props were neatly arranged.

Arata, as the class representative, went around ensuring all tasks were completed on time. He frequently discussed with classmates to finalize the game scenarios, set up a reservation system, and make sure there were no technical issues on the big day.

Occasionally, Alya approached him to offer suggestions or help with any details that needed extra attention. Banri, watching from afar, remained silent. He saw how comfortable Alya seemed while talking to Arata, further confirming one thing—Alya's feelings.

Yet, Banri stuck to his decision. No matter what happened, he would give her the letter.

After a long day of hard work, most of the preparations were finished. The students began packing up and preparing to head home, but the classroom remained filled with small discussions. Some students checked their Escape Room props, while others tidied up the remaining decorations.

Banri sat in the corner of the classroom, staring at the paper in his hands. A letter he had rewritten multiple times, making sure every word sincerely expressed his feelings. He had decided to give it to Alya tomorrow, but his emotions were still in turmoil.

On the other side of the classroom, Arata stood with Alya, discussing the final details that needed review. Alya looked excited, smiling every time Arata responded to her ideas. Banri lowered his head. He couldn't let doubt consume him now.

As he was about to slip the letter into his pocket, Arata suddenly approached him.

"Banri, still here?" he asked casually.

Banri turned and nodded. "Yeah, just checking the decorations."

Arata pulled up a chair beside him and sat down. "Tomorrow's going to be crowded. Looks like our Escape Room will be popular."

Banri only nodded, not saying much.

Arata observed him for a moment before asking, "Are you okay?"

Banri gave a small smile. "Why do you ask?"

Arata shrugged. "I don't know, I just feel like you've been distant lately."

Banri didn't answer right away. He knew that if he was honest now, it would only make things more complicated. So, he simply said, "I'm fine. Maybe I'm just tired."

Arata didn't press further. He just gave a small smile and patted Banri's shoulder before returning to Alya.

Banri let out a quiet sigh.

"Tomorrow, everything will change," he thought.

The morning of the festival arrived with great excitement. The school was filled with festive decorations, the sound of music playing from various corners, and the tempting aroma of food from the culinary stalls. Students wore costumes according to their class themes, while visitors—especially students from other schools—wandered around, enjoying the energetic atmosphere. Colorful banners fluttered on poles, and balloons adorned the ceiling of the hallways, creating an atmosphere completely different from usual.

In their class, the Escape Room immediately drew attention. A line of participants began to form at the entrance—some looked excited, while others were busy discussing strategies to solve the challenges inside. Arata and Alya were busy organizing the participant list, ensuring each group entered in turn and that all the equipment functioned properly. Occasionally, they exchanged brief words to solve any arising issues, sharing a smile when they found the right solution.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Banri was occupied with his task. He double-checked the puzzles, ensured the trapdoor mechanism worked, and verified that all props were set according to the scenario. His hands moved, but his mind was not entirely present.

The letter was still in his pocket.

Each time he felt the paper inside his pocket, his chest grew tighter. This was the day he had been waiting for, yet at the same time, the day he feared the most.

When break time arrived, Banri finally saw the opportunity he had been seeking since morning. Alya had just finished writing down the next participants and stepped out of the classroom for some fresh air.

Without hesitation, Banri stood up and immediately approached her.

"Alya, can you come with me for a moment?" he asked with a serious tone.

Alya turned, slightly surprised by his expression. "Eh? What's wrong?"

"Just for a moment," Banri replied, trying to keep his voice calm.

Alya looked at him for a few seconds as if considering something, but she finally nodded. "Alright."

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes from afar observed them with a questioning gaze—Arata.

On the School Rooftop

Alya followed Banri up the stairs to the school rooftop. The place was quiet since most students were enjoying the festival below. A gentle breeze blew, carrying faint sounds from the lively festival.

Banri stopped near the railing, staring at the blue sky before finally turning to face Alya. With nervous hands, he reached into his pocket, clutching a slightly crumpled white envelope that he had been holding since morning.

"Alya..." Banri took a deep breath, then handed her the letter.

Alya looked at the letter in confusion. "What is this?" she asked, her voice soft yet hesitant.

Banri gave a small smile. "I've wanted to say this for a long time... but I didn't know the right way. So I wrote it in a letter."

Alya looked at Banri, then at the envelope in her hands. Slowly, she opened it and began to read its contents.

Inside, Banri poured out all his feelings—how he had admired Alya for so long, the little moments they had shared, and the emotions he had kept in silence.

As Alya read, Banri continued in a low voice, "I like you, Alya."

Alya froze. Her heart trembled as she read the words written on the paper, but not out of happiness—rather, out of confusion. She had never expected Banri to have feelings for her.

However, before she could respond, a loud noise came from the rooftop door.

BANG!

The door swung open, revealing Arata standing there with a shocked expression and wide eyes. He looked like he had just been about to enter but had accidentally witnessed everything.

Banri and Alya both turned to face him.

Arata said nothing. His eyes shifted between Banri, Alya, and the letter in Alya's hands. In an instant, his shocked expression changed into something harder to read—sadness, confusion, or perhaps something deeper.

The air on the rooftop fell silent, as if even the wind hesitated to blow.

Alya gripped the letter more tightly, her chest tightening. She wanted to say something, to explain, but the words wouldn't come out.

Banri could only remain silent, staring at Arata with feelings he couldn't describe.

After several seconds that felt unbearably long, Arata finally spoke. His voice was soft, almost a whisper.

"...Sorry for interrupting."

He lowered his head slightly, then turned to leave. His steps were quick, almost as if he was running away from something he didn't want to face.

Alya gasped. "Arata—!"

But Arata didn't stop. He continued walking down the stairs, leaving them alone on the rooftop.

Banri watched his friend's back as he disappeared. His heart sank, though he couldn't quite understand what emotion dominated him at that moment.

Alya, on the other hand, remained frozen in place. The letter in her hands now felt heavier, as if it carried a new burden in her heart.

Alya bit her lip, staring at the door that still trembled slightly after Arata had rushed through it. She wanted to chase after him, to say something—but she didn't know what to say.

Banri looked at Alya, then let out a slow sigh. "Alya…"

The girl didn't immediately respond. She remained fixated on the door, as if hoping Arata would return. But when she finally turned to face Banri, her expression was unreadable.

"I…" Her voice was faint. She looked at the letter in her hand, then back at Banri. "I… need time."

Banri nodded slowly. "I understand."

He had already anticipated this answer. Even though he had prepared himself for every possibility, hearing it directly from Alya still left a painful sting in his heart.

Alya stared at the letter with mixed emotions. She couldn't ignore Banri's feelings, couldn't pretend they didn't exist. But… her own heart was in turmoil.

"I'm sorry, Banri," she finally said. "I really need time to think about everything."

Banri forced a small smile, though it was bitter. "It's okay. I just wanted you to know how I feel."

Alya gripped the letter more tightly, then nodded.

After a moment of silence, Alya finally said, "I have to go."

Banri didn't stop her. He simply nodded and watched her back as she slowly walked away, leaving the rooftop with hesitant steps.

Now, only Banri remained. The wind blew softly, as if trying to calm the storm in his heart. He took a deep breath, staring at the clear sky above.

The festival was still ongoing below, filled with laughter and joy. But up here, where he had confessed his feelings, only silence remained.

---

Arata walked aimlessly, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. His steps were quick, almost like he was running away, though he didn't even know from what.

Eventually, he stopped near a small garden behind the school. The place was quiet, far from the festival's noise. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his heart still felt heavy.

"So this is how it ends..." he murmured softly.

He had held back his feelings for so long, thinking that as long as he stayed close to Alya, everything would be fine. But seeing Banri confess first made him realize something—he was too late.

Arata ran a hand over his face. He wasn't angry at Banri. Nor at Alya. But there was an ache he couldn't explain, as if something precious was slipping away from him.

The sound of footsteps approached. Arata turned and saw Alya standing there, slightly out of breath, as if she had been running.

"Alya...?"

The girl looked at him with an unreadable expression.

"You just left..." she whispered.

Arata averted his gaze. "Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you two."

Alya bit her lip. "You weren't disturbing..."

Silence. Only the faint sounds of the festival filled the air.

Arata finally gathered the courage to ask, "So, what's your answer to Banri?"

Alya hesitated. She gripped Banri's letter but kept her gaze locked on Arata.

"I haven't read it yet," she admitted. "But... I want to ask you something first."

Arata held his breath. "What is it?"

Alya looked at him intently as if searching for something in his eyes. Then, almost in a whisper, she asked,

"If... I told you I liked you, what would you say?"

Arata's eyes widened, his body instantly tensing. He had never expected Alya to say that.

Alya gave a small smile, but her eyes were filled with uncertainty. "I don't know what to say to Banri. I don't want to hurt him... but I also can't ignore my own feelings."

Arata remained silent. He could feel his heart pounding faster than usual.

Then, in a barely audible voice, he answered,

"Alya... I like you too."

Alya froze in place. She stared at Arata, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.

The evening breeze blew gently, carrying silence between them.

Elsewhere, Banri stood at a distance, watching the two from afar. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but from their expressions, he could already guess.

He gave a small smile—a smile filled with bitterness.

It seemed the answer was clear.