The clock ticked resonantly in Ms. Sasaki's classroom, breaking the silence like the first droplet of rain after a long drought. She looked down at her wristwatch, then up at her students, a mix of fatigue and excitement reflected in their eyes. "Okay, time's up!" she declared, gathering the midterm papers with a satisfied nod. "Good job, everyone! Take some rest, and after this, we'll discuss the school festival."
A buzz of chatter erupted as students shifted in their seats—some still worn out from their exams, while others brimmed with anticipation for the upcoming festival. Ms. Sasaki smiled indulgently, "Osakada, you can lead the discussion now."
Tomoka stood up, her smile brightening the room. "Alright, everyone! As you've heard, we'll have the school festival soon. I want to discuss two things we need to do. The first is our usual classroom activity, and the second is the performance in the gym, which is compulsory for all third-year students."
Tomoka asked again, "now what should we do for our classroom? Any ideas?"
Murmurs flowed through the room like a gentle stream, bubbling with ideas. "Mini cinema!" shouted one. "Café!" suggested another. "Haunted house!" Someone else piped in. When they voted, it was clear—a café was the overwhelming choice.
"Should we do a themed café?" Tomoka asked, feeling the energy building.
"Yes!" came the chorus of voices.
"What about wearing kimono?" chimed in one enthusiastic classmate. "I think everyone has one."
"That's a good idea," Tomoka agreed. "Now, what should our menu be?"
"Maybe something simple," someone interjected. "Let's do sandwiches, omelets, curry rice, and hamburgers. For drinks, we can have coffee, tea, and cold beverages."
"Okay, that's settled," Tomoka said, her head nodding. "Now, about the performance… maybe we could wear kimono too? It'll save us time and budget."
"Yes!" the class erupted again. "How about a short drama?"
Excited whispers filled the air until Akari, her eyes sparkling, lifted her hand high. "Can I write the story? I've wanted to bring something to life for so long," she exclaimed.
"Absolutely! What plot do you have in mind?" Tomoka encouraged.
"I want to write something about a samurai saving a princess," Akari said, her voice passionate.
"That sounds interesting!" Tomoka replied, scanning the room for volunteers. "Anyone interested in the lead roles?" Silence blanketed the group.
Finally, Horio stood up. "If no one wants to, I'll do it!"
Tomoka raised an eyebrow, smiling wryly. "Not you, please."
"Why not?" Horio asked, crossing his arms defiantly. Everyone laughed.
"I think Kachiro would be much better—look at him, he's cute," someone teases. Kachiro, flustered, waved his hands. "Thanks, but I can't, I'm too busy with the tennis club."
Horio rolled his eyes, eyeing Ryoma. "What about Echizen? He's good-looking and popular."
"Can Echizen even act? He looks stoic," someone snickered. All eyes turned to Ryoma, who was buried deep in his notes.
Sakuno tapped his arm gently. "Ryoma-kun, everyone is waiting for your opinion."
He looked up, caught off guard. "What?"
Tomoka sighed dramatically. "Ryoma-sama, give some attention please! We're discussing the performance, and we think you'd be perfect for the male lead."
"I won't do it," Ryoma stated flatly, returning to his notes.
Tomoka leaned in, mischief glittering in her eyes. "Are you sure? Because Sakuno will take the female lead."
Sakuno's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. "Me?!"
"Oh, too bad! Sakuno will have some intimate scenes with other guys," Tomoka teased, cutting off her sentence when Ryoma interrupted, rising to his feet.
"I'll do it," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Laughter erupted from the class, a ripple of amusement mixing with surprise.
"Works every time," Tomoka quipped to herself, satisfied with her management of the situation. "Okay, that's settled then. Akari, I'll let you pick the supporting roles."
"Leave it to me!" Akari announced, her heart racing with inspiration.
The next day, Akari stood nervously at her desks, her heart fluttering with excitement. The day before, she had poured her soul into writing a script that held more than mere words; it embodied her dreams, her fears, and her first taste of love. She was hoping everyone will like her script.
"Hey guys! I finished this!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out with an infectious enthusiasm as she handed Ryoma and Sakuno their copies.
Sakuno's eyes sparkled as she took the script, "Amazing, Akari-chan! You finished it in just one night?"
Akari beamed, her cheeks flushed with pride. "Yeah, I really like to write! This time, I can see what I write becoming real." Her excitement, however, was quickly overshadowed by uncertainty. She slumped slightly, tears threatening to well in her eyes. "Ugh, but the teacher won't approve the kissing scene."
Sakuno smiled awkwardly, her nose crinkling adorably. "I'm sure everything will be fine without it. Your story is still beautiful!"
As they began to read, the narrative unfolded: it told of a sole heir princess, always running from those who sought to sell her, only to find her salvation in the form of a gallant samurai. Suddenly, Sakuno's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Akari-chan, the ending is so sad!"
Those words tugged at Akari's heartstrings. "I know, right? But that's what makes the story interesting!" she replied, fighting back her own emotions.
"Good luck to you two. Let's practice later! I need to find someone for the support role," Akari said, her spirit lifting again.
Sakuno nodded, her gaze drifting to Ryoma, who returned her smile with a quiet confidence. The two shared a moment, a small universe of possibilities opening between them.
For few weeks, the class buzzed with enthusiasm and plans, each student diving into their tasks for the festival. They decorated their classroom, transforming it into a vibrant café, adorned with colorful banners and delicate origami. Others practiced lines, rehearsing their parts amid laughter and playful banter.
After practicing so many weeks, in the cozy warmth of Sakuno's room, Ryoma and Sakuno sat side by side, immersed in the script. They already remembered all their parts in the script.
That night, they decided to practice one more time to get ready for tomorrow's performance. They put aside their script, and Ryoma reached for her hands, enveloping them in his. Sakuno felt herself blush, heat rising to her cheeks, as their eyes caught each other's gaze.
"Princess, there's a village in the north that will keep you safe. We should go there," he said, his voice low and filled with conviction.
Sakuno was lost in the depths of his eyes, her mind faltering. Ryoma waiting for her, but her line hung in the air unspoken.
"Say your line, Sakuno," he gently urged, his playful demeanor sparking a rush of warmth in her.
Flustered, she stammered, "L-Let's try again. I was just thinking about something…"
He smirked, tightening his grip ever so slightly, leaning closer until the space between them felt charged with electricity.
At that moment, Ryoma stepped forward and said "what are you thinking?"urging her to retreat backward until her fall onto her bed caught him completely off guard. Sakuno lay there, blushing fiercely as he unexpectedly pinned her down, their faces mere inches apart.
"Or do you think of something else?" he teased, mischief dancing in his eyes.
"R-ryoma-kun, we can't! Grandma is downstairs!" She protested, though her heart raced desperately against the fluttering nerves in her stomach. She closed her eyes, waiting for something.
But instead of pressing on, Ryoma flicked her forehead playfully, eliciting a gasp from her. "I'm just joking, why are you closing your eyes?" he tried to supress his laughed.
Sakuno hit his chest, giggling despite herself. "You're such a tease!"
She hit him with her pillow playfully. Ryoma used his arm to protect himself, can't keep his laughter anymore.
The teasing was interrupted when Sumire opened the door, "What are you both up to?"
Hastily, Sakuno replied, "Look at him, Grandma! He's teasing me!"
Sumire chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Good grief, you two! Dinner is ready, come downstairs when you finish."
"Yes, Grandma!" Sakuno called back, laughter bubbling in her chest.
As soon as Sumire left, Ryoma saw his chance and darted for the door. "You're not going anywhere!" Sakuno chased after him, her laughter echoing through the room.
He grabbed the door handle but paused, turning back with a mischievous grin. "Wait! I forgot something."
"What is it?" she asked, puzzled.
Before she could process it, he leaned in and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Time itself seemed to freeze, and Sakuno's eyes widened in shock before she melted into the moment, closing her eyes, savoring the thrill.
When he pulled away, she blinked, flustered and bewildered. "You jerk!" she exclaimed, her heart racing madly.
He grinned, a glimmer of triumph in his gaze as they made their way downstairs together. Their hands unconsciously brushed against each other, the chemistry between them palpable and exhilarating.
In the savory aroma wafting up from the kitchen, they found comfort, the laughter of family mingling with the budding romance between them.
