Chapter 34

Months of hard work—and not-so-subtle flirting—flew by until the cultural festival arrived. Students, family, and friends filled the school and its grounds with a variety of stalls and attractions as they enjoyed themselves, with cheer and laughter permeating the air.

I can't believe he left the confession in there. Izumi watched as people crowded around the display computer set up for their game.

A few of the people whispered and giggled about the characters being part of the game dev club.

"Hey, doesn't that cheerleader look familiar?"

"It's probably someone in the class."

Really should've changed them, too. We might get into trouble for it.

One of them snickered. "I know why the lovebirds put it in there. That's one way to get revenge, I suppose."

"I wonder how many of these tarot cards are in here."

Izumi held onto her flushed face. L-lovebirds? That's how they see us?

Someone came up behind her and familiar fingers clasped hers.

"Hey." Kuruma smiled down at her. "Taku said everything's stable, so we can go check out the other attractions while he stays here."

"Oh, but where do we go? I never paid attention to the other ones."

"Let's just see." He pulled her along. "Shiori and Yanagi should be wandering around together, too."

"Is this really just the game dev club, or is it meant to bring couples together?" another student asked as they left.

"There's a haunted house." Kuruma motioned to the classroom across the way.

Grumble.

"You know what? I think it's best to start with the food stalls or the cafe," Kuruma suggested as Izumi held onto her stomach.

Outside, they went from food stall to food stall, picking up takoyaki, crepes, fried chicken, and strawberry shaved ice.

Should I really be eating this much?

"Full already, or do you want more? Don't be shy." Kuruma craned his neck to look around for different foods.

"Kuruma, Izumi!" Yanagi waved as he approached them, dragging Shiori, who looked ready for a nap, by their clasped hands. "They have a setup with so many costumes to choose from to take photos in. What do you say we get a photo taken?"

"I already said no," Shiori grumbled.

"But get this, they have baseball uniforms, a purple cloak, a pink manager jacket, and... a beat-up suit of armour that looks like the one you added to the game as a power-up. We can totally have one for our game!" His grip on Shiori's hand tightened. "Please." He pouted.

"Ah, we can't say no when you give us that look." Kuruma laughed. "Besides, that armour is cool. I hope it's not as heavy as it looks."

"Yes, let's go."

"Ugh," Shiori groaned as he dragged her along.

"It won't be that bad," Izumi whispered to her. "Besides, look how happy your boyfriend is."

"Stop calling him that."

"Isn't that what he is?"

Shiori grumbled and shrugged.

Yanagi threw the purple cloak over her.

"Ack!"

"They even have an orb." He held it up to her.

"Great..."

They changed into their costumes, and Yanagi leaned over to whisper to Kuruma before the boys stole the two seats in the middle.

"Kuruma in the armour I get, but you couldn't let one of us sit?"

"Nope." Yanagi snickered.

The girls stood beside them as they waited to take the picture.

"In three, two, one..."

Yanagi pulled on Shiori's hand, while Kuruma pulled on Izumi's, pulling their girls into their laps, their arms around their waists.

Click.

Izumi giggled and gave Kuruma a peck, as Shiori flicked Yanagi's forehead.

"Here you go, guys. It turned out great." The photographer handed them their picture.

What an epic school year.

THE END