"Several weeks passed since that afternoon at the coffee shop. The awkwardness between Lumine and me seemed to lessen considerably. Her opening up that day lowered the invisible wall between us. Our conversations weren't limited to the project anymore. Even small talk or short questions felt different; I could sense a change in the way her eyes looked at me, and perhaps... in my own gaze as well. But as winter was about to pass and the warmth of early spring began to creep in, the pressure from the upcoming final science project presentation intensified like a shadow. A seemingly ordinary Monday morning in Class 2-A was shrouded in a new wave of tension when the bell rang, accompanied by Mr. Satoru's decree..."
(Date: 7 days before presentation - Monday, Location: Classroom, Hallway Balcony)
The bell signaling the end of morning classes rang, but instead of relief, Room 2-A was enveloped in a fresh wave of tension. Mr. Satoru had just officially announced the schedule for the final science project presentations next week, along with detailed scoring rubrics that felt like a bomb assembly manual. The phrase he emphasized with a calm yet powerful tone, "creativity based on tangible scientific principles and a deep understanding of the presented topic," pierced everyone's ears. It felt like a decree raising expectations sky-high, seemingly intended to extinguish someone's wild imagination in the process.
Most students began to look worried; whispers about the harsh criteria started in clusters. I, as usual, was staring out the window. Soft sunlight touched my face, but inwardly, it wasn't calm. The pressure was building silently. My fingertips tapped lightly on the desk, a subconscious sign of my racing thoughts. Would the project, which seemed to be going well, be good enough for Mr. Satoru's standards? Lumine Komori, at the next desk, maintained her calm demeanor, focused on her old notebook. But I noticed her lightly biting her lower lip unconsciously, her shoulders looking slightly tense. After the day she had vented at the coffee shop, we had exchanged a few more brief, non-project related conversations, but a certain invisible wall still stood between us, and my own attitude probably didn't help tear it down much.
During lunch break, while others rushed to the cafeteria or gathered to stress about the project, my eyes caught Lumine standing alone on the hallway balcony. She was looking up at the blue sky with a distant gaze, much like mine often was. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should approach or leave her alone, but finally decided to walk over. Maybe a change of scenery would help clear our heads.
"It's close now, isn't it?" I said in my usual flat tone, standing beside her, maintaining a comfortable distance.
Lumine flinched slightly, turning to look at me. Her golden-brown hair swayed in the breeze. "Mm... time flies, doesn't it," she replied briefly, her voice laced with undisguised anxiety.
We stood in silence for a long moment, looking at the cityscape below. It wasn't an awkward silence, but I didn't feel particularly inclined to say anything either. We were each lost in our own thoughts.
"Maybe… the outcome isn't as important as whether we've tried our best," Lumine said softly, almost as if comforting herself, but she discreetly glanced at me, seemingly waiting for a response.
I looked straight ahead, not meeting her eyes. "Well, we just have to do the best we can. Everyone knows Mr. Satoru has high standards," I replied flatly, offering no particular empathy or encouragement. Silence fell again. Lumine looked down slightly. I saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes before she schooled her expression back to neutral. "You're right... We have to try," she said softly, before excusing herself to go back to the classroom, leaving me standing alone, silently watching her retreating figure.
(Date: 5 days before presentation - Wednesday, Location: Science Club Room)
Strange noises emanated from the Science Club room. Takumi was massaging his temples, watching Zeno wearing the "Alien Brainwave Detector V.7.3 Alpha" (a helmet with TV antennas and blinking lights) trying to tune into something, instead of focusing on the presentation slides Takumi had outlined.
"Can you stop playing around and get serious, Zeno! It's only five days away! Or do you think finding aliens will get us extra credit?" Takumi grumbled wearily, but still continued sketching a complex circuit diagram.
"This isn't playing, Takumi! It's the pursuit of great truth! If we really find one! It'll revolutionize science!" Zeno insisted earnestly about his nonsensical quest.
Suddenly, Mr. Satoru opened the door. His expression was neutral, but his eyes glinted knowingly. "Kazuma... experimenting with something 'cutting-edge' again, I presume." He eyed the device on Zeno's head. "I trust that in this final week, you two will focus your time on reviewing the content and scientific principles relevant to your actual project, not searching for extraterrestrial life." He warned them before leaving.
Zeno sighed dramatically but seemed unfazed by the alien hunt setback. He then announced he would start working seriously on their presentation about wormholes powered by potato chips, making Takumi just shake his head in resignation but comply by opening his laptop. "Just don't blow anything up," he warned dryly.
(Date: 3 days before presentation - Friday, Location: Basketball Court)
On the basketball court after school, Mikase stood with her hands on her hips, watching Ken accurately shoot hoops. But when she called him over to rehearse the presentation script, Ken made a bored face and started dribbling the ball playfully.
"Ken-kun! Will you please pay attention! We only have a few days left! I prepared this script for you, why won't you even try reading it!" Mikase started to sound exasperated.
"But it's boring, Mikase! All these weird words! Who can remember them! Practicing basketball is way more fun," Ken replied carelessly.
"This isn't funny, Ken!" Mikase's patience snapped. She threw the script onto the ground. "Aren't you going to take this seriously at all! I'm tired of doing everything myself! Do you just see me as someone who helps you with homework?!" Tears of frustration and exhaustion welled up in her eyes as she struggled to hold back sobs.
Ken was shocked to see Mikase angry and crying. He immediately stopped playing. "Hey! Mikase, I... I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry." He genuinely felt guilty. "I'm just... really not good at this stuff!"
"I'm not asking you to be good! I'm just asking you to 'try'! Can't you help out a little!" Mikase vented her frustration.
Ken stood silent for a moment, looking at the crying Mikase with unprecedented guilt. He put the ball down and walked towards her. "I'm really sorry, Mikase. I was wrong not to care." He spoke softly. "I promise... I'll try harder. I'll read this script right now." He picked up the script. "For our team... and... for you."
Mikase looked at Ken steadily, tears still streaming, but her gaze softened. "You promise..."
"Yeah, promise," Ken nodded firmly.
That incident became a turning point. Ken started practicing the script diligently. Although still stumbling, Mikase saw his effort and began to feel differently towards him.
(Date: 2 days before presentation - Saturday, Location: Cat Cafe)
I noticed Lumine looking particularly exhausted and stressed all week, so I suggested an idea. "Want to find somewhere quiet to work? I heard there's a new cat cafe near the station. The atmosphere might be nice. Maybe we can relax a bit." I spoke in my usual tone, showing no particular emotion, just thinking a change of scenery might be better than staying cooped up.
Lumine looked slightly surprised by my suggestion. She hesitated for a moment. "A cat cafe... Well... okay." Himari and Iris, who happened to be nearby, overheard. Himari immediately begged to tag along. Iris initially complained about wasting time but eventually gave in.
The atmosphere in the cat cafe was filled with cuteness and tranquility, quite different from what I expected. The soft purrs and fur of the cats seemed to genuinely relax Lumine. She sat quietly, letting a chubby calico cat nap on her lap. I saw a faint smile on her face as she gently stroked its head. Himari had a blast playing chase with the cats. Even Iris, while maintaining her composure, allowed a white Persian to rub against her leg.
We barely talked about the project. I tried playing with a cat, but didn't find it particularly amusing. Lumine chuckled softly when I dropped the feather wand. I merely glanced her way before focusing back on my coffee.
"I never thought… being with them would feel this good," Lumine murmured absently.
"Hmm, better than stressing over the project, I guess," I replied curtly, not looking at her.
Lumine looked up at me, her eyes slightly confused, before looking down at the cat on her lap. "Thank you... Tsukino-kun, for suggesting this," she said softly, almost inaudibly.
Although the project didn't progress, seeing Lumine relax a bit wasn't a complete waste of time, even if I didn't show any particular care or satisfaction.
(Meanwhile, Takumi went to Zeno's house to work but found Zeno trying to translate dog barks. They ended up working in the cluttered attic as usual.)
(Date: 1 day before presentation - Sunday, Location: Public Park, Public Library)
Mikase and Ken had their final rehearsal in a park. Ken performed much better, explaining complex topics to kids who gathered around, showing a natural flair that surprised and impressed Mikase. They seemed more in sync and confident.
Lumine and I met at the public library for a final review. The atmosphere was serious again. Lumine looked tired but determined.
"Yesterday... you seemed to have fun," I remarked, breaking the silence.
"Yes... it was a good experience. Thank you again," Lumine replied, trying to smile, but it seemed a bit forced when she remembered my indifferent attitude yesterday.
While reviewing the last slide I designed, Lumine stared at the vibrant nebula image.
"It's... nice, Tsukino-kun," she said softly.
"Hmm, just found an image that fits the theme," I replied flatly, showing no particular feeling about the compliment.
As we packed up, before I could say anything, Lumine stopped, looking directly at me, her eyes filled with hesitation and nervousness.
"Tsukino-kun..." Her voice trembled slightly. "Tomorrow... whatever the result... I... I just wanted to say... all this time... working with you... it was... okay." She spoke haltingly, seemingly unable to express her true feelings directly.
I stood listening silently, not responding, waiting for her to continue.
She took a deep breath. "I know I might seem hard to approach... but I... I saw that you worked hard too." Her cheeks started to turn red. "Even though... sometimes I wasn't sure what you were thinking... but you... were always there. Thank you... for the help." She seemed to be trying to convey something more, but couldn't bring herself to say it clearly.
I remained still, looking at her with a neutral expression, offering no reaction to her thanks or the feelings she seemed to be trying to convey. The silence stretched awkwardly between us. Lumine looked down, disappointment and a hint of pain flashing across her face, before quickly gathering her bag.
"Well... see you tomorrow then! Good luck with the exam... er... presentation!" She spoke quickly and turned, walking away rapidly, as if fleeing the situation.
I watched her retreating figure until she disappeared from view. A strange feeling stirred within me... Was it guilt? Or just confusion about her odd behavior? I shook my head, dismissing it, and walked home alone.
Tomorrow... whatever the outcome, I just needed to do my best. That's all that mattered.