Vol. 2 — Chapter 10: The Upcoming School Event
The next morning started like any other.
Yuto walked into class, half-awake, sat in his chair, and pulled out his notebook.
Then—CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Teacher Uehara entered with a big smile on her face. That was never a good sign.
"Good morning, everyone!" she said cheerfully.
"Good morning…" the class replied in tired voices.
"I have an announcement! It's almost time for our school's Cultural Festival!"
Yuto blinked.
Around the room, a few students sat up straighter. Some groaned.
"The event is in three weeks," Uehara continued. "And our class needs to decide what we'll be doing!"
Murmurs filled the classroom.
"A café again?" one student asked.
"Nooo, that's boring!"
"Let's do a haunted house!"
"Or a play! We haven't done a play yet!"
Yuto looked around, unsure what to suggest.
Yuna leaned over to him. "What do you think?"
"M-Me?"
"Yeah. Any ideas?"
Yuto thought for a second. "Maybe something simple… like a photo booth or a game booth?"
Yuna smiled. "I like that."
Daiki suddenly stood up. "Let's vote!"
Souta added, "Yeah! Everyone write down their ideas, and we'll decide!"
After a few minutes of chaos, the winning idea was...
A Maid & Butler Café.
Half the class cheered. The other half went red in the face.
"What kind of class is this!?" someone shouted.
Uehara laughed. "Well, well. Looks like we'll be serving food in style this year!"
Yuto just stared blankly at the chalkboard.
Yuna looked at him and giggled.
"Don't worry. You'll look cute in a butler outfit."
Yuto nearly fell out of his chair.
"W-Wait, I didn't say I was joining!!"
"You have to!" Souta said, clapping his back. "Everyone has to help!"
Yuto groaned. "This is gonna be a disaster…"
---
Later that day, during lunch break, the class was already planning things.
Students were assigning tasks: decorations, food, uniforms, promotion.
Some were excited. Others, like Yuto, were just trying to survive.
"I can help with flyers," Yuna said. "And maybe take care of decorations too."
"I'll do design stuff!" Rika added. She had slowly started talking to Yuto again, though still not like before.
Ren, as expected, volunteered for the least involved role.
"I'll watch the money," he said.
Daiki laughed. "That's super dangerous. You'll just buy snacks!"
"Exactly," Ren replied with a serious face.
Yuto sighed. He hadn't signed up for anything yet.
Then, Teacher Uehara handed out a paper with roles.
"Everyone, sign up where you can help!" she said.
Yuna nudged Yuto. "Come on. Pick something."
He stared at the sheet.
He really didn't want to wear a butler outfit.
But then he glanced at Yuna, who was already writing her name under Decoration & Welcome Booth.
Then, without fully thinking, Yuto wrote his name under Server (Butler).
Daiki peeked over his shoulder. "OHHH!? You're doing it?!"
"Shhh!!" Yuto hissed.
Souta joined in. "You'll look good! Just imagine it. Fancy uniform, tea tray, Yuna-chan beside you—"
"Shut up!!" Yuto's face turned red.
Yuna looked back. "You signed up?"
Yuto scratched his neck. "Y-Yeah…"
Yuna smiled. "I'm glad."
That made Yuto's heart skip again.
---
After school, Yuto stayed behind to help clean again. While sweeping, Rika walked up beside him.
"You really joined the café group?" she asked, half-teasing.
"I was pressured…" he replied.
"I see." She smiled a little. "You're getting braver."
Yuto blinked. "Huh?"
"Before, you'd just stay quiet and let others decide. Now… you're choosing stuff."
He paused. "I guess… maybe."
Rika looked at him for a moment longer, then said, "If you ever feel lost, just ask for help. Okay?"
Yuto nodded. "Thanks, Rika."
She gave a small nod and walked off.
He stood there a moment, thinking.
Things really are changing…
---
That night, Yuto laid in bed, staring at the ceiling.
A school festival, a café, and… being a butler?
This is not where I thought the school year would go.
He smiled a little.
But somewhere deep in his chest… he felt excited.
End of Chapter 10.