Chapter 382: To Friendship

Kei had sometimes imagined what it'd be like to walk around the school festival with Rinji.

Today, that wish had come true, just by chance.

The festive atmosphere was perfect for deepening bonds. Walking the festival together could definitely bring people closer.

As Moeha temporarily took over Kei's post so she could show Rinji around, her cheeks turned slightly red.

She was about to enjoy the festival with him.

Or so she thought...

"President, this cotton candy is pretty good."

"Yeah, not bad. Do we have this at our festival?"

"Doesn't seem like it."

"Too bad. Hey Rinji, try this candy apple, it's delicious."

"Ah~"

Kei: "..."

She had forgotten something crucial—Rinji hadn't come alone. Shirogane had brought him here, meaning she couldn't walk around with him by herself.

The result: Rinji and Shirogane happily tagged along behind Kei, fully enjoying the Middle school festival.

Many girls watched enviously as Kei walked with these two handsome senpai, unaware of her inner frustration.

Being a responsible person, Kei couldn't just kick her own brother out for her own sake.

"...Big bro, why did you insist on bringing Rinji-nii to our school's festival?" she asked.

"Because I won't be able to join him at our high school's festival," Shirogane replied. "I've got other stuff going on, and Rinji has to perform with Secretary Fujiwara. We probably won't even see each other."

"That's not really what I meant..."

She was wondering why both of them had to come to the Middle School Section. Couldn't just one have handled the scouting?

But then she seemed to realize something.

With a light sigh, she turned and stood in front of Rinji.

"Rinji-nii... Are you free the afternoon of the second day of the Hoshin Festival?"

"The second day?"

He thought back. On the first morning, he was scheduled to perform with Fujiwara. That afternoon, he'd promised to meet Hayasaka. The second day was mostly open.

"I'm free."

"Then, would you walk around with me during the Hoshin Festival?"

"Of course. I'm on the Culture Festival committee, after all. I know all the fun spots."

"Then it's a promise."

Kei smiled, checked the time on her phone, and said, "I better get back. Big bro, you take Rinji-nii around, and don't get lost."

"Relax, I'm not that bad with directions."

Kei ran off, leaving the two behind amid the bustling booths and visitors.

With nothing else planned, the two of them continued exploring.

---

"Phew, school festivals really do have a lot of stuff..."

"That's one of the charms of Japanese schools."

On the rooftop, Rinji leaned on the railing, watching the people below. Shirogane stood beside him, sipping a canned coffee.

After a sip, he smiled and said, "Kei probably wanted to walk around with you today. With me here, she probably felt awkward."

"It's her rebellious phase, I get it."

Rinji smiled.

"But she's still pretty mature, huh?"

"That's what I appreciate about her," Shirogane said, handing Rinji another can from his shoulder bag.

Rinji took it, popped it open, and smiled warmly.

"I'm only a first-year. I've got two more years of school left. Kei will be in high school by then too. I'll still have time with her. But you... not so much."

"Yeah."

There was no sadness in Shirogane's eyes, but a quiet sense of longing.

Soon he would be heading to Stanford University in the US. There would be no third year of high school for him. This Hoshin Festival would be his last.

He planned to confess his feelings to Kaguya during that festival. There would be no room for anything else.

That's why he invited Rinji to the middle school festival.

He said it was for scouting. In truth, it was just the two of them spending time together.

As the person Shirogane trusted most, Rinji deserved a proper festival memory too. Since the Hoshin Festival was already "claimed" by Kaguya, they'd use this one instead.

"High school life shouldn't be all about love. Friendship should be just as important."

Leaning on the railing, Shirogane swirled his coffee and listened to the noise of the festival below.

"At least today, we got to enjoy the festival together. That'll be a nice memory for our friendship."

"You say that like you're never coming back from America," Rinji said with a laugh.

"If I could, I'd want you and Shinomiya to come too. Maybe even Ishigami, Fujiwara, and Iino. But I know that's unlikely."

"Try asking Shinomiya. She might just go with you. But me? I'm not a fan of the US."

"Fair enough."

Shirogane turned, raised his can.

"This is the first and last time we'll enjoy a school festival together. Let's toast to that memory."

"Sure. But I'm not going to say some cheesy line like 'may your future be bright.' You've got me backing you, you'll be fine."

"Haha, then let's just toast to friendship."

"To friendship."

Clink.

Their cans bumped, and they downed the drinks in one go.