Chapter 25:

Arts Festival Day

Four Seasons With You


With Ayumi's arrival on the council, everyone straightened their backs, wore serious expressions, and listened attentively to the announcement of their President.

She delegated all of the tasks efficiently without changing the schedule and she was able to manage every slot with the other representatives from each grade level. Now that they have an alignment of support from the other students, Ayumi could finally start processing each event and implement them accordingly.

And then after a week of preparation, the Arts Festival finally began.

***

"Welcome, please take this..."

"Ah, thank you."

"Here you go, enjoy our finest events this day!"

Today is Arts Festival Day.

And it's also the start of Ayumi's competition with Algion to see which school garnered the most amount of income and popularity in one single day. I was able to turn the disadvantage around with a fluke but I'm glad I talked to them first before deciding anything.

For some reason though, they're actually pretty easy to persuade. I thought they would give me some conditions that are probably impossible to do but everyone accepted my plea wholeheartedly.

I like the Arts Festival. But I don't think I would be able to like this year's event. That's because instead of enjoying the exhibit, I was forced to stand in front of the entrance gate to greet and give the guest some brochure that includes a map and a timeline of schedules that will be executed for today.

"Welcome, please take this..."

"Thanks!"

There were also a few volunteers on my opposite side and they were doing the same job. Apparently, Kylee is the one who suggested that the committee members should go patrol around and secure the entrance while greeting the guests.

I hate this a lot... I don't want to waste my time here.

I heaved a sigh and looked at the time. I already spent two hours standing in this place without any rest. Well, it's not like I can't do anything about it. If I feel tired, I'll just swap with someone and tell them that Kylee ordered it.

But still... I should be enjoying this beautiful day with Autumn. Walking around together, looking at the exhibits...

I daydreamed again. Imagining me and Autumn walking together while enjoying the festival is pretty wholesome and I would love to experience that.

Unfortunately, even Autumn didn't have that much time. Our class has set up two art exhibits and so my classmates have their schedules full with entertaining the guests. Naturally, Autumn is also there decorating and showcasing their arts so I can't really invite her.

Hmm, if only someone can do her job...

"Hey, dimwit... It's time for a switch." while I was thinking, Kylee suddenly appeared in front of me and poked my forehead.

"Is that really how you should act to someone who gave their all?" I asked while rubbing it.

"You were the one who incited all of these. You don't have the right to complain.." Kylee grinned.

"Fair enough. But still, to think that everyone managed to turn things around in such a short time... Haha, this is quite funny."

I looked around the campus and there are certainly a lot of events for today. The campus was bustling with stalls, exhibits, and even some companies that are advertising their products. More and more guests visit the place and I could hear a few people calling their other families.

"I don't know what you did but thanks to that, Fuyumi was able to get back on her tracks..."

"Me? I didn't do anything."

"Liar. You certainly did something behind the scenes to get all of this done in a short amount of time." Kylee narrowed her eyes.

I harrumphed. "Maybe..."

"Hah, never mind. Anyway, just get out of here and take a break. I heard that our class is almost done..."I turned to Kylee and she winked at me.

I suppose she's implying that Autumn and the others will finally have their break. If that's the case then...

"I got it! Thanks, Kylee!" I immediately made an exit and entered the campus.

I decided to check the other stalls first while waiting for break time. Standing for a few hours made me hungry so I bought some hotdogs from the side.

I figured I should eat on somewhere that has fresh air so I strolled through the 2nd building near the garden but as soon as I reached the place, I spotted a familiar woman in the corner.

She also spotted me and waved. "Hey! Natsu...!"

No no no no no no... this is bad! I need to get out of here!

I tried to play dumb by averting my eyes but as I was about to turn around, my arm instantly got locked.

"Got you...!" Miss Yvette clung to my left arm tightly with a lovely smile on her face.

"Hah, you should stop clinging to me so suddenly. And what are you even doing in here?" I asked with a sharp tone.

"That's rude! You were the one who forced me to do this that's why I'm here, I'd say I deserve some praise~" she tightened her grip while pressing her chest to my elbow. I could already feel my arm sinking to her melons so I averted my eyes and waved my head.

"Heh, what was that? I think I just saw you blushed!" I supposed Yvette noticed my expression.

"You got it wrong! It's just hot. Anyways, I'm sorry for the sudden request. I'm really glad that you were here..." I smiled and patted her head. I noticed Rodney and Lance glaring at me so I stopped it after two seconds.

Yvette got speechless for a while as she turned red. But then she giggled again. "Hee hee..."

"So umm... how's the situation?" I asked.

"Well, turns out, there were a lot of companies looking for some platform to advertise right now so I brought several of them. They were all willing to sponsor our school event so I signed their contract and decided to let them in. I conferred with Father first, of course. Most of them are Art companies who sell good stuff so they're perfect with the theme." Yvette reported proudly as she snuggled.

"Wow..." I got speechless. I never would've thought that Yvette could pull such a feat in a week. She's really a business-minded person.

"What do you think? Pretty surprising, right? Well, I suppose it's because of your help that I became more productive with work." she winked.

"Y-Yeah, I could definitely see that..." I made a wry smile.

"Oh yes, are you free right now?"

"Yes, why?"

"I'm also on break, shall we look around together?" 

Yvette was definitely on fire today. She wore a nice dress that is very fitting for social and work so I feel a bit embarrassed. I supposed she's inviting me to join her but...

"Hah, fine..."

"Really? Haha, this is great!" Yvette cheered merrily.

"I get that you're happy but can you please stop clinging to me?"

"Nope! Not happening. Well then, let's go!"

At this point, people will think Yvette and I are dating! Oh well, I suppose I can grant her this much considering her huge help.

And so I used my free time accompanying Yvette. We pretty much just looked around and tried lots of things. I admit that I enjoyed it as well. And seeing Yvette acting like a child while painting definitely struck my heart.

She was just a gloomy mature woman a few weeks ago but now she's acting lively and cheerful.

I smiled while watching her.

"W-What is it?" Yvette noticed me.

"Nothing, I'm just happy that you're enjoying it..."

"..." Yvette turned red and averted her eyes, she then tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear while sneaking glances at me.

As for the reason why she did that. I don't know...

After trying all of the fun stuff, we finally arrived back at the park. Yvette got a lot of prizes from the art games she participated in.

"Let me take that, Yve..." Rodney and Lance appeared to help her carry it.

"Ah, thank you..."

"Did you have fun?" I asked.

"Mmm! It's definitely a win for me."

"Well then, I guess I should excuse myself now..." I tried to leave but Yvette grabbed my hand.

"Eh? You're already leaving? We still have some time, you know...?" she acted like a cute girlfriend who hasn't had her fun yet but unfortunately, I have something else to do.

"I'm sorry, Miss Yvette. I need to help our class after this so umm..." when I told her that, she slowly let go of my hand and got sad.

"I understand..."

"Right, I'll see you next time then."

"...Next time I see you, I definitely won't let you go..."

I couldn't hear her last words but I felt chills run down my spine.

***

It's almost eleven so I decided to enter the main building where the auditorium is.

There's one more girl who's been ringing me a few times now so I immediately head through backstage but when I opened the door...

"Angelica, are you here—?"

"Fuweh?!"

Angelica stood there with nothing but her underwear. She was in the middle of changing her costume but I was able to gain access to seeing her slender frame partnered with that silky smooth skin and big plumpy—

"GET OUT!"

"AHHH!"

Multiple props and materials smacked through my face as Angelica tossed them. I quickly closed the door to shield myself but I can still hear some loud thuds.

"S-Sorry! I didn't know you were changing!"

"You should've knocked first, jerk!"

"Sorry! I'm really sorry!"

After a few minutes, Angelica finally gave me permission to enter the room.

She is currently wearing her costume for the theatre act that most of the students prepared. The Theatre performance is actually the main highlight of this year's Arts Festival as it will feature a lot of rising artists and performers to give importance to different crafts.

And it just so happened that Angelica is the main star for today's shows. She is accompanied by lots of her followers and friends. And since she's popular on social media, when they advertised that Angelica is going to perform in our school, lots of fans and some other scouting agents visited our school.

"Woah, you look really nice in that..." I complimented her costume.

It's definitely a top-tier dress, like those you've seen in Disney movies.

"T-Thank you..." Angelica bashfully replied.

"I'm sorry for earlier. I just wanted to see you because I'm worried about your condition. I kinda forced this on you so..."

"Mhmm... It's fine. If it is for the sake of the council, then I'm happy to help." Angelica smiled. "But... you're going to watch me, right?"

She keeps sneaking glances at me so I chuckled. I definitely know what she wants.

"I was just planning on doing that..."

"Really?"

"Yep, that's why I came here. I look absolutely forward to your performance, Angelica..."

"Angie."

"Huh?"

"Call me Angie... I know that it's weird for me to ask this but can I also call you Nathan?" Angelica has that look of an angel when she asked for permission.

"Sure. It's not weird at all, Angie." I winked at her and then she started hyperventilating as she turned around.

"A-Are you okay?"

"It's nothing! Anyway, I'm gonna prepare now! Make sure to watch me! See you later, N-N-Natsu...!" Angie fled from the room.

There's definitely something wrong with the girls I meet today... Oh well.

After meeting Angie, I headed straight into the entrance of the Auditorium. But as soon as I entered, the woman I was looking for finally appeared right in front of me.

"Oh, Natsu! Are you here to watch the play as well?"

"A-Autumn..." my body froze in an instant. I definitely didn't expect her to be in here but...

"We still have some time before the next batch so I'm thinking of watching this," she added.

"U-Umm, Autumn!"

"Hmm?"

"If you'd like, can we watch it together? Just the two of us!" I know that I'm being assertive but I will not absolutely waste this chance.

Autumn stared at me, flabbergasted. But then she smiled. "Sure, I'd love that."

My heart pumped so fast that I feel like I'm in a burst of euphoria. I quickly followed Autumn and took her hand while traversing the auditorium. It's actually hard to see where we are going because the lights are off. The play is about to start.

The play ran for about an hour and it was absolutely stunning. Each actor and actress displayed so much emotion that it gave the audience some sort of distinct feelings. I could sense Autumn crying at how beautifully the executed the musicality of it as well.

Not to mention Angie's phenomenal performance. She's definitely the star of this show.

When the play ended, all of the cast stood in an array in the center of the stage and they all bowed. The audience gave them an everlasting clap and standing ovation.

When Angie spotted me clapping, she waved in my direction with a cheerful expression. I also waved and it seems like Autumn noticed it.

"Do you know her? The main actress?" she asked.

"Ah yes, we've met a few times during my time in council. She's definitely a huge help for us."

After that, the auditorium lights turned on and people are starting to leave one by one. I stand up from my seat and faced Autumn with a serious expression.

"Hey, Autumn..."

"Hmm?"

"I have something important to tell you, can I ask you to accompany me to the rooftop after this?"

She paused for a while. I mentally prepared myself in case she declines but then...

"Okay, sure..."

I calmed myself down.

Now that I have her attention, It's time to go back to where we left off.

This is my only chance, it's now or never...

***

At the same time.

While Nathan was fighting for his love with Autumn, Ayumi finally finished most of her task and was able to take a break. She stretched her arms and heaved a sigh of relief. No one knows what festered her to act lively all of a sudden but Ayumi was undoubtedly joyful and active.

"Good work, President."

"Good work!"

Secretary Sarah and Treasurer Nigel both greeted her recent success from finish all of the reports.

"I guess we're on track. Thanks, both of you." Ayumi smiled.

Sarah and Nigel blinked twice to see if they were still in reality. The President smiled...?! That was their question. Ayumi is always expressionless whenever she interacts with everyone in the council so most students couldn't really muster the courage to talk to her but time, it's new.

Nigel and Sarah blushed when they were complimented by Ayumi. Both of them are wondering why their serious President suddenly changed her persona but then Ayumi's next question finally answered theirs.

"By the way, Sarah. Have you seen Nathan?"

"Nathan? O-Oh, you mean that volunteer from the committee..."

"Yes. Do you know where he is?"

"I apologize but we don't really know. But I heard Kylee saying that the committee is patrolling the campus so he must be strolling around." Nigel answered.

"Oh, is that so...?" Ayumi hung her head.

Nigel and Sarah looked at each other and grinned.

"Why are you looking for him, President?"

"Wait, hold up. Are the President and Nathan dating?!"

All council members snapped when they heard it. Everyone stopped doing their work and stared directly at Ayumi.

"H-Huh?! W-What are you two talking about?! It's nothing like that... I just want to thank him for the help... Yep, mhmm, I just want to thank him... nothing else..."

Ayumi was fidgeting, both of her eyes strangely averted. Nigel and Sarah could see her cheeks reddening as they pressurized her.

Impossible! Someone was able to tame President's cold heart?! 

"Heh... I doubt that..." Sarah grinned.

"That reaction... there's no way, right...?" VP Joseph asked.

"No... that's definitely it... we're not dreaming..."

"You're all wrong! Hah...! Anyway, I'll just go find him myself! Everyone, go back to work!"

Everyone followed Ayumi with their gaze as she left the council room. They looked at each other and smiled.

"To think that our President was capable of feeling that way... I thought she didn't have any interest in romance but..."

"I guess that Nathan guy is the one who changed her. I'm actually quite curious about those two. Ever since Nathan joined the committee, President is always staying around and hanging out with him."

VP Joseph made a salute including the boy's representative.

"What are you doing here?" Nigel scorned.

"We're paying respect to Nathan. He's a monster..."

***

Ayumi strolled around the campus.

There's no way, right? There's absolutely no way! Is this actually love? Am I in love with him? W-What am I going to do? How should I act when I meet him?

Every time Ayumi thinks of Nathan, her heart beats fast. Every time she talks to him, it feels like her world was peaceful and quiet. And every time he comes over to take care of her, she founds herself comfortable even though it's a guy, not her older sister.

It's weird... I thought I was incapable of feeling something like this but now...

Her heart couldn't take it. Nathan is the only man that understood her. She couldn't even fathom that they'd met each other in an extreme way.

I wonder if he likes somebody already...? I've seen him with a few girls but it didn't seem like he's interested in them...

While she was thinking that, she spotted Haru in the hallway.

"You... You're Nathan's best friend, right?"

"A-Ah! President Ayumi? Y-Yes..." Haru got startled.

"S-Sorry for surprising you..."

"Ah no no no, it's fine! So umm, can I help you?"

"I was looking for him but it looks like he's not in your class. Do you know where he is?" Ayumi asked intently. Haru could sense something based on her tone so he answered seriously.

"I haven't seen him, but he's usually hanging around on the rooftop during his free time. Maybe you can find him there..."

"The school's rooftop? He's there?" Ayumi was a bit stunned.

"Yes. Whenever Natsu is tired, he usually spends his time on the rooftop."

"I see, thank you..."

"You're welcome."

Ayumi then continued to walk upstairs. Haru didn't know the real reason but he suspected that he did something again that caught Ayumi's attention.

I don't know what you did this time, bro... but good luck!

Ayumi went to the 4th floor. She occasionally got some invitations but she declined all of them. She's more interested in talking with Nathan rather than trying out the stalls.

When she turned left, she finally found the stairs leading to the school's rooftop. She noticed that the door was slightly opened so she went up. Normally, students are not allowed on the rooftop but they're not in class today so it's an exception.

Ayumi peeked through the slight gap first and then found Nathan standing.

That's him... 

She tried to open the door to meet him but then suddenly...

"I like you. Will you go out with me?"

An audible sentence reverberated around the rooftop.

When the door opened halfway in, Ayumi finally saw the person standing right next to Nathan.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she covered her mouth with her hand.

There's no denying it.

Ayumi witnessed Nathan's confession to Autumn.