The third day of the Cultural Festival dawned with a sense of anticipation in the air. Students bustled through the hallways, adding final touches to their displays and chatting excitedly about the closing ceremony. The atmosphere was electric, filled with both excitement and nervousness.
Izumi stood outside Class A-1, adjusting his butler outfit for the last time. He sighed in relief. "Finally... The last day."
Marina approached him, wearing her maid outfit with the same grace she showed on the previous days. Despite the demanding schedule, she looked as poised as ever. "Exhausted?" she asked, a playful smile gracing her lips.
Izumi ran a hand through his hair, laughing sheepishly. "A little. I never imagined working at a café could be this tiring."
Marina's eyes softened. "You did well after all. The customers were really pleased... even if they were mostly here to see you panic."
Izumi's face turned red. "W-Well... That's... Me of course."
Niko popped up behind them, her face beaming with excitement. "You guys were amazing! Our maid café was the talk of the festival!"
Izumi grinned, feeling a sense of pride. "Yeah, I heard the rumors. We really pulled it off."
Marina nodded. "All that's left is the closing ceremony. I heard they'll announce the winners of the competitions too."
Niko's eyes sparkled. "I can't wait! Let's go! We don't want to miss it!"
The trio made their way to the school's main hall, which was packed with students and teachers. Banners hung from the ceiling, and the stage was adorned with bright decorations. Excitement buzzed through the crowd.
Izumi glanced around, spotting familiar faces. Anzu and Yuki waved from the back, still wearing their cooking club aprons. Anzu looked utterly defeated.
Izumi waved back. "Hey! How did the Cooking Club do?"
Anzu sulked. "Don't even ask. I spent the whole festival washing dishes..."
Yuki giggled. "He was surprisingly good at it!"
Anzu's face turned red. "That's not the point!"
Niko laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Looks like everyone had their own challenges."
The principal stepped onto the stage, his voice booming through the microphone. "Attention, everyone! Thank you for making this year's Cultural Festival a grand success!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd, echoing through the hall.
The principal continued, "Now, it's time to announce the winners of the competitions and the best class project!"
Excitement surged through the students. Murmurs of speculation filled the air.
Marina stood calmly beside Izumi, her expression serene. "I wonder who'll win."
Izumi shrugged. "There were a lot of good entries. But... I kinda hope we get something for all that hard work."
Niko clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with determination. "We better win! I put my heart and soul into those costumes!"
The principal cleared his throat. "First, the winner of the Best Exhibit Award... Class C-2's Space House!"
The students of Class C-2 erupted into cheers, hugging each other in celebration.
Izumi smiled. "They did an amazing job. It was like being in space."
Marina nodded. "The atmosphere was perfect. They deserved it."
The principal continued, "Next, the Most Popular Attraction Award... Class A-3's Haunted House!"
Izumi's face turned pale. "T-They won?! B-But that was terrifying!"
Marina chuckled. "You were clinging to my arm the whole time."
Izumi's face turned red. "T-That's...!"
Niko burst out laughing. "You're hopeless, Izumi!"
Ren walked up to the stage, his face flushed with embarrassment as his classmates cheered loudly. He reluctantly accepted the award, glaring at his friends who were laughing behind him.
Ren grumbled, his voice low. "I'll never live this down..."
Izumi stifled a laugh. "He looks so embarrassed."
Marina's eyes sparkled with amusement. "That's what he gets for trying to scare us."
The principal raised his hand, quieting the crowd. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... The Best Class Project Award!"
Tension filled the hall. Students leaned forward, eyes fixed on the principal.
Izumi's heart raced. "Do you think...?"
Marina stayed calm, her gaze unwavering. "Let's wait and see."
The principal smiled warmly. "The Best Class Project Award goes to... Class A-1's Maid Café! Well~ that is my favourite too."
Izumi's jaw dropped. "W-We... We won?!"
Niko jumped up, cheering. "YES! WE DID IT!"
Marina clapped gracefully, her expression softening. "All that hard work paid off."
The students of Class A-1 rushed to the stage, their faces beaming with pride. Izumi stood there in shock, his heart pounding. "I... I can't believe it..."
Niko grabbed his arm, dragging him forward. "Come on! Don't just stand there!"
They accepted the award together, the applause echoing through the hall. Izumi glanced at Marina, who stood beside him, her eyes shimmering with joy.
For a moment, time seemed to stop. Amidst the cheers and excitement, he realized how much this victory meant—not just for the class, but for himself. It was proof of how far they'd come, how much they'd grown.
After the ceremony, the students gathered outside, congratulating each other and celebrating their achievements.
Niko waved the trophy in the air. "This is going in our classroom's trophy case! It's a symbol of our hard work!"
Izumi laughed. "You're really excited, huh?"
Niko grinned. "Of course! We did this together!"
Marina turned to Izumi, her voice gentle. "You did well, Izumi. You were the heart of the café."
Izumi's face turned red. "W-What are you saying all of a sudden?"
Marina's smile grew, a rare warmth in her expression. "You were the one who kept us going. I'm proud of you."
Izumi's heart skipped a beat. He looked away, scratching his head. "Y-You're giving me too much credit..."
Niko smirked, watching them closely. "Hmm... I smell romance..."
Izumi's face turned even redder. "I-It's not like that!"
Marina blinked, tilting her head. "Is there a problem?"
Niko laughed. "Oh, nothing... Nothing at all..." She pulled out her notebook, scribbling furiously. "This will be great inspiration for my next manga!"
Izumi groaned. "Not again..."
Marina watched Niko with amusement. "She really doesn't stop, does she?"
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the students continued to celebrate, their laughter echoing through the school grounds.
Izumi looked around, his heart swelling with gratitude. "This... This was the best festival ever."
Marina stood beside him, her voice soft. "Yes... It really was."
Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them. Without saying a word, they knew this was a memory they'd cherish forever.
Niko looked at them with a soft smile from behind muttered by herself. "All is going well, huh."
To be continued...