Chapter 395: The Scales of Victory

"I originally thought you could only come up with weird stuff, but now I see I was wrong."

Onodera took the prop handed over by Rinji and Hayasaka, looking slightly surprised.

"I just saw President Shirogane come out with a terrified look on his face—he was clearly really shaken."

"Huh? I thought it was Shinomiya who got scared."

"Shinomiya-senpai seemed fine. Probably didn't get too spooked," Onodera replied. "Do you two want to go again?"

"Let's pass. We still have other places to visit."

"Alright then."

After returning all the props to the haunted house, Rinji and Hayasaka left.

Earlier, when Shirogane had a breakdown in the haunted house, things nearly spiraled out of control. Luckily, Rinji had quickly retrieved the spider, preventing Shirogane from fully passing out.

Still, the fact that he groped Kaguya during that time was undeniable. She had to bite his hand to wake him up.

Anyway, this incident brought the two closer together, which made Rinji and Hayasaka feel more at ease as they left.

"Where to next?"

"Let's just wander around."

The two strolled through various booths along the hallways.

There were food stalls, game booths—plenty of fun places.

Free from other obligations, the two enjoyed themselves.

Hayasaka had fully immersed herself in the festival atmosphere, enjoying her time with Rinji.

A smile appeared on her face.

It was probably the happiest day she'd had in a long time—so happy she wished it could last forever.

But that was impossible.

Hayasaka knew Rinji had a girlfriend.

Even though she used certain tricks to stay at his house from Friday to Sunday, and successfully invited him to hang out with her at the festival, some things couldn't be changed.

Facts were facts.

After the festival ended, Rinji would still be Karura's boyfriend. Her relationship with him would return to what it had always been.

Hayasaka had spent a long time trying to make up for past mistakes, but nothing had really changed.

'Maybe… it's time to give up?'

"What's wrong, Hayasaka?"

Rinji, walking beside her, asked.

"Your face suddenly looked a little pale. Are you sick?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Really?"

Rinji reached out and touched her forehead.

"Hmm… looks fine. If you need to rest, we can—"

"It's okay, let's keep going."

Hayasaka shook her head.

Even if she was already thinking of backing out, she still felt it was too early to give up now.

At least struggle a little longer.

That afternoon, the two visited many places, ate lots of snacks, and played many games.

After making a full loop around the school building, they found a corner to rest in.

"That was a pretty fun afternoon."

"Yeah."

Rinji couldn't help but smile.

There was a time when he wished he and Hayasaka could hang out like this, maybe even go traveling together.

But now...

"Hey, you two over there~"

Suddenly, a girl's voice called out, deliberately lowered.

Hayasaka and Rinji turned to look in the direction of the sound and saw a two-meter-tall tent had been set up by the hallway.

On it were the words: "The Witch's Hut."

"...When was that tent put up?"

"Looks like it was always there."

They both eyed it suspiciously. Then a voice called out again from inside.

"You two with the golden hair~ Yeah, I'm talking to you."

"…"

Now it was clear they were being called, so Rinji pulled back the curtain and stepped inside. Hayasaka followed.

Inside was dimly lit.

A table stood in front of them, with a crystal ball and tarot cards on it. Across from them sat a black-haired girl with a stunning figure, eyes half-closed and smiling warmly at them.

Atenbo Yume, a third-year student, member of the student union, and president of the Occult Research Club.

"So it's you. Why'd you call us over?"

"Nothing big. I was just interested in you two." Yume smiled as she squinted her eyes. "I can do a little fortune-telling for you."

"Hah, you think I'd believe in—"

Rinji was about to protest when he suddenly shut his mouth.

He clearly remembered how this girl had once told him he had "bad luck with women" and would be surrounded by them.

Back then, he had no girlfriend and didn't believe it. But after getting one, girls really did start gathering around him more and more.

With a slight sigh, Rinji sat down in front of her.

"Fine. Let's hear it, just for fun."

"Alright."

Yume smiled as she picked up the tarot cards and began laying them out. Hayasaka also sat down next to Rinji.

"Are you and Hayasaka-san a couple?"

"No."

"Then it must be a friends-with-benefits thing."

"Don't spout nonsense."

"Are you using protection properly?"

"Are you messing with me?" Rinji's forehead twitched in irritation.

"Just kidding." Yume chuckled. "Just from a bit of observation, I can tell you two aren't a couple yet."

"Tch."

"Takamine-kun, you need to be careful."

Yume held up the tarot cards.

"You might be getting involved with some mysterious beings soon."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Hard to say. Could be ghosts, could be monsters. But I think it's more likely to be something divine."

"What kind of nonsense is that?"

"Oh right, the person you've been searching for will also surface soon." She smiled. "That's a good omen."

"...Anyway, thanks."

Not wanting to hear more of her ramblings, Rinji stood up.

Seeing him exit the tent, Hayasaka quickly got up to follow.

"Hayasaka-san, please wait a moment."

"Hmm? What is it, senpai?" Hayasaka turned back, looking curious.

She knew the girl, but in front of others still kept up her usual act.

"You don't need to keep pretending anymore."

Yume picked up another tarot card from the side, still smiling.

"You already have powerful protection, don't you?"

"…"

"Let me give you a word of advice before you go."

Yume stood up, and her eyes—usually closed—opened, staring directly at Hayasaka.

"Wh-What is it?"

"December 21st, the final day of the festival—tomorrow," said Yume. "That day is your destined turning point with Takamine-kun."

"Eh?"

"You need to break the chains he's placed on himself. Only then…"

"Only then…"

"Will the scales of victory tip in your favor."