The morning sun was bright, its golden rays beaming down on the school grounds. Colorful banners danced in the breeze, and the excited chatter of students and visitors filled the air. It was the first day of the Cultural Festival, and Class A-1 was bustling with anticipation.
Inside the classroom, now transformed into a quaint maid café, Izumi adjusted his butler outfit, feeling slightly embarrassed by the pristine white gloves and perfectly tailored black suit. His hair was neatly combed, giving him a polished appearance that felt unusual.
"Wow, Izumi, you clean up nice!" teased Yuki as she peeked in from the hallway, wearing a light apron over her casual clothes. "Almost looks like you're ready to sweep a princess off her feet."
Izumi blushed, fumbling with his tie. "I-It's just for the café... Nothing more!"
Marina walked in, wearing a classic maid outfit that complemented her elegance perfectly. The black and white fabric hugged her form gracefully, her long hair tied back with a lace headband. She moved with a natural poise that made her seem like she belonged in a high-class mansion rather than a high school festival.
Izumi's eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat. "M-Marina... You look..."
Marina tilted her head, her icy demeanor softened by a curious smile. "Is something wrong?"
"N-No! You just... look really good," Izumi admitted, his face turning red.
Marina's cheeks tinted pink, but she quickly regained her composure. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself. Very... princely."
Izumi nearly choked. "P-Princely? Me?"
"Focus, you two!" Niko shouted dramatically, bursting into the room. She was dressed in an elaborate magical girl cosplay, her twintails bouncing as she struck a pose. "The café is about to open, and we must give our customers the best service possible!"
Marina looked at Niko, slightly stunned. "Why are you dressed like that?"
Niko flipped her hair confidently. "As president of the anime club, it's my duty to inspire enthusiasm! Plus, it's free advertising for the cosplay event tomorrow!"
Marina shook her head with a chuckle. "You never fail to surprise me, Niko."
The doors opened, and the first wave of customers entered—students, teachers, and even some locals. The café immediately filled with excitement.
"Welcome, honored guests," Marina greeted, her voice composed and polite. "Please allow me to guide you to your seats."
Izumi followed her example, bowing slightly. "It's our pleasure to serve you today."
The customers, mostly male students, were mesmerized by Marina's charm. Her flawless etiquette and graceful movements captivated the room, and she maintained her cool demeanor despite the attention.
"SHE IS SO CHARMING!!" Every students said.
Izumi couldn't help but feel impressed. "She's incredible... It's like she was born for this."
Meanwhile, in the cooking club's booth, Anzu was furiously chopping vegetables, a scowl on her face. "Why am I stuck doing this?"
Yuki stood beside her, beaming with excitement. "Because you love me, remember?"
Anzu sighed, her cheeks flushing. "Yeah... Yeah, whatever. But why do we have to cook so much food?"
Yuki winked playfully. "It's a festival! And besides, your cooking is amazing. Everyone's going to love it!"
Anzu's frown softened. "Fine... But if we run out of ingredients, it's your fault!"
Back at the maid café, things were not going as smoothly as expected. Izumi struggled to keep up with orders, accidentally mixing up dishes.
"I-I'm so sorry!" Izumi apologized, bowing repeatedly. "I'll get your parfait right away!"
One of the customers sighed. "Man, this butler is hopeless..."
Marina noticed his flustered state and approached him. "Izumi, calm down. Take a deep breath. Focus on one order at a time."
He looked at her with a defeated expression. "I'm messing everything up..."
She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's your first time. Mistakes happen. Let's work together, alright?"
Izumi nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Right... Thanks, Marina."
As they began to find their rhythm, Ren entered the café with his usual smug grin. He glanced around, his eyes landing on Marina. "Well, well... Snow Princess in a maid outfit? Didn't expect that."
Marina's gaze turned icy. "Are you here to order something or to be a nuisance?"
Ren laughed, unfazed. "Just here to see how Class A-1 is doing. But I have to admit, you look... cute."
Marina's cheeks flushed ever so slightly. "Don't say things like that so casually."
Izumi's jaw tightened. "Ren... Are you here to cause trouble again?"
Ren smirked. "Relax, I'm just here to enjoy the festival. But if you insist... I'll take one parfait, served by the Snow Princess herself."
Marina rolled her eyes. "Fine. One parfait, coming up."
She gracefully prepared the parfait, her movements precise and elegant. When she served it to Ren, he leaned back with a satisfied grin. "Impressive. You really are full of surprises."
Marina's eyes narrowed. "Eat your parfait and go."
Everyone in the cafe were whispering themselves.
"I wonder what will happen now ?"
"Is ren here trouble himself again ?"
"Is there going to be another challenge?"
Izumi watched the exchange with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "Why does Ren keep bothering her?"
Niko appeared beside him, scribbling notes in a small notebook. "The rival approaches! Tension rises! Oh, this will make a great subplot for my next manga!"
Izumi sweat-dropped. "Niko... Are you writing a story about us?"
She winked mischievously. "Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be the hero of your own anime!"
The café gradually became busier, but with teamwork, Class A-1 managed to keep up with the orders. Marina's charm continued to draw in customers, and Izumi's nervousness turned into determination. They exchanged glances, silently encouraging each other.
Meanwhile, at the cooking booth, Anzu finally cracked a smile. "Alright, I'll admit... This is kind of fun."
Yuki hugged him from behind. "I knew you'd come around!"
Anzu's face turned red. "I-I'm only doing this because it's a school event! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Yuki giggled. "Whatever you say, Anzu~"
As the day continued, the café's atmosphere became livelier. Izumi and Marina with others served customers together, their synchronized movements showing how well they were beginning to understand each other.
Marina glanced at Izumi, her expression softening. "You've improved a lot since this morning."
He smiled, scratching the back of his head. "It's because you were there to help me."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the bustling world around them faded away. It was just the two of them, connected by an unspoken bond.
Niko's eyes sparkled as she continued to jot down notes. "Yes... Perfect romantic tension! This is gold!"
The sun began to set, and the first day of the Cultural Festival came to an end. Class A-1 gathered to clean up, their exhaustion mixed with satisfaction.
Marina approached Izumi, her usual cool demeanor softened by a smile. "You did well today."
Izumi grinned. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Marina looked away, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Well... You weren't too bad, for a first-timer."
They both laughed, the day's fatigue washing away in that shared moment.
Unbeknownst to them, a figure watched from afar. Ashford stood by his car, his expression thoughtful as he observed his daughter smiling freely beside Izumi.
"Huh... That's the boy who's been by her side," he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Interesting..."
The first day of the Cultural Festival had come to an end, but the story was far from over.
To be continued...