Epilogue

The Arts Festival ended without a hitch and the SASMNHS won the regional acknowledgment because of its high-quality executions. Naturally, that also means that Ayumi won the bet with Algion and he was forced to drop down from his position while sobbing.

Ayumi didn't even bother consoling him, she treated him like trash after all that bravado. But all of this wouldn't happen without Nathan's help. He gathered all of the people he helped during his time on the council and merged all of their power to make the Arts Festival successful.

The students were also happy about the events and even the outside customers reported that the festival this year is phenomenal.

However, that doesn't mean it's over...

It was another day for the Student Council and they're now discussing the upcoming event for the Autumn Season.

"Well, it seems like we've garnered a lot this year. Everyone, thank you so much for helping me. Without you, we wouldn't be able to achieve a new record." Ayumi bowed down to everyone and smiled.

Every member cheered, seeing that Ayumi finally recognized them.

Nathan also cheered and bumped fists with Joseph and the others. When he stared at Ayumi, she winked at him and he felt embarrassed.

"Now that we're done with Spring, it's finally time to plan our event for Autumn. Do you guys have any suggestions?" Ayumi started the briefing.

Most of them declared that it's better to have some training camp or some kind of field trip in the woods. Sarah and Kylee noted all of that and thus they began their voting session.

***

After the meeting, Ayumi asked Nathan to eat lunch with her together at the school's rooftop. As for why she did that... Well, only the two of them know.

"How's it...?" Ayumi asked nervously.

"Mmm..." Nathan chewed it graciously. It's enough evidence that he really wants to evaluate it seriously without any influence.

"It's..." Nathan gulped. "Delicious!"

Ayumi's eyes popped out with sparkles as she smiled. "Yes! I did it! It's great, right? I did it correctly, right!?"

"Y-Yes..." Ayumi has been stretching Nathan's collar as she pulls him forward.

"Wah~ I can't believe it! I finally did it! I know how to cook now..."

No one would've expected Ayumi's expression to be like this. This vulnerable and cute side of her is only exclusive to the man she loves.

The reason why Ayumi invited Nathan to eat lunch with her is that she wanted him to try her cooking for the first time. Ayumi had been working hard to learn how to cook and this is the result.

"I'm quite surprised. You managed to perfect this recipe in just a month and you made it even better..." Nathan tried the other food as well and all of them tastes delicious.

"Hee hee~ It's all thanks to you, Natsu." Ayumi bashfully leaned toward the railing.

In truth, Ayumi also intended to soothe Nathan's heart after that failed confession. That's why she's doing her best to make Nathan forget about it.

She now wants him to focus only on her.

"I've been wondering for a while, why did you choose the rooftop? We could've just eaten at the cafeteria table." Nathan asked.

"Oh, um... Well, I thought you could relax more if we eat here..." Ayumi blushed as she answered.

"Let me guess, you heard that from Haru?"

"Y-Yes..."

"I see. Thank you so much, Ayumi..." Nathan smiled as he pats her head.

"Ngh..." Ayumi could feel her chest bursting with excitement and pleasure right now.

Nathan wasn't dense enough to not see right through what Ayumi was intending to do. He knows that she's doing this to ease his heartbreak. Well, it's more like a disappointment for himself.

After that wholesome moment, Ayumi asked a question. "So what are you going to do now, Natsu?"

"Let's see..."

Now that Nathan's goal for this year was shattered, there's literally no need for him to continue pursuing Autumn any further. He'll start living as an ordinary student next week without any plans. He'll just continue to study until he graduates.

But... considering that he'd lived an unordinary life, Nathan wasn't really fond of just staying in his comfort zone.

Although he claims that he doesn't want any attention or that he didn't want to be a part of any organization, he still desires an unimaginable life that will rile his heart.

That's why...

"If I told you that I want to join the Student Council, would you accept me?" Nathan asked Ayumi outright.

"Eh...? But, why? I thought you didn't want to?"

Of course, she would be surprised.

Nathan didn't exactly plan to join the council. He only joined as a temporary member because of Ayumi's injury. He actually wanted to leave because he wants to spend time with Autumn but now that his confession was rejected...

"Why do you want to join?"

"It's because I want to spend my four seasons with you..."

"—!"

There's no need for him to incline toward that mindset anymore.

If he's on the council, he'll be able to nurture and guide Ayumi while helping a lot of students.

For Nathan, that's the only way for him to enjoy the remaining season without Autumn.

"I see..." Ayumi smiled deeply. She placed her hand on top of his and looked straight at him. "If that's your decision, then I'll gladly accept you."

"Thank you for accepting me... I guess I'm reliable now, huh?" he giggled.

"Just so you know, I'm going to assign you a lot of tasks so you better be ready!"

"Yes yes..."

With the new semester starting, the Student Council is now ready to take on the next challenge for this upcoming Autumn.

And within that time, Ayumi has to find the chance to confess to Nathan.

As for how is she going to do that...

Well, we may have to wait for the next story.