Chapter 3 | September 2^nd

 

The next day.

My turn came up right away after being appointed as dispatched staff.

“Let’s get you used to it first.”

The order from Jūjōji-san, who called me after school, was a simple one.

“I think that’s the best place to start, after all. I’d like you to get a real feel for what the cultural festival committee is like. Sorry for the trouble, though.”

“Got it. But man, I’m nervous. I thought I was prepared for this, but still…”

“Nervous? Why’s that?”

There’s no real “why” or “how” about it.

According to my prior knowledge, the relationship between the student council and the cultural festival committee is kinda like the one between the army and the navy. Both are working for the good of the academy, sure, but there’s territorial awareness, rivalry, competition—and if they ever ran into each other at the officers’ canteen, it’d definitely turn into a fistfight.

In fact, up until now, the two groups had operated on a principle of non-interference. They didn’t know what the other was up to on a daily basis, what they were thinking, or how they were moving. Or rather, they didn’t care to know, didn’t want to know, and had this unspoken vibe of “What’s the point of knowing anyway?” that had naturally built up over time.

And now, here I am, heading into that kind of department all by myself.

I don’t think they’ll take my life or anything, but my abs tensing up on their own? Yeah, can’t really help that, can I?

“You’re overthinking it, you know.”

Jūjōji-san said with a little giggle. Seeing her—who’s usually so timid and fidgety—laugh like that really brings out her natural charm and makes her super cute.

“It’s not like we’re at war or anything. Besides, we’re the ones who asked you to come help us out, Akito-san. And us committee members are just regular students of the academy too. We’re able to live our school lives thanks to the student council, so we’re grateful for you all—we’d never harbor any ill will.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Totally.”

I said that, but I was still kinda skeptical. In the end, though, my worries turned out to be baseless.

When I went to the cultural festival committee’s hangout to introduce myself, I was greeted with thunderous applause. Everyone came up to shake my hand one by one, treating me like some hero of the People’s Liberation Army had just descended. Some were even on the verge of tears as they practically worshipped me—it was so over-the-top I wanted to call them out for hamming it up, but it did totally melt away my nerves, that’s for sure.

“You’re seriously our savior.”

Jūjōji-san said with a straight face.

“The whole Liliana Festival’s progress was stalled, and we didn’t have any quick fixes. Everyone was racking their brains over it. So when you came to help, Akito-san, everyone was genuinely thrilled. Oh, thank goodness. Now I can finally relax a bit.”

Whoa, whoa.

Don’t put that much pressure on me.

I mean, if some ace-level student council member had come to help, that’d be one thing—but it’s just me. I’m not exactly clued in on all the academy’s ins and outs, and with my main duties, I can’t even go all-in on this support gig. I’m kinda a lackluster reinforcement here.

Anyway, the meeting started that day, and I decided to sit quietly at the edge of the table, watching the lively exchange of opinions among the committee members.

Budget adjustments, picking and dropping event ideas, current known issues, overall progress updates—tons of topics were brought up and hashed out.

“So, how was it?”

After the two-hour meeting, Jūjōji-san peeked up at me with those big eyes of hers.

“Hmm, well…”

I thought for a moment before answering.

“With the main event just a month away, it does feel a bit stalled, yeah. If we don’t pour in the gas and floor it, we might not make it in time. Especially if we’re aiming for the best Liliana Festival ever.”

“That’s exactly it…”

Jūjōji-san’s eyes got teary.

“Everyone on the committee’s working so hard, but there’s still so much we’re falling short on. It’s tough because the bar’s set so high, and we just can’t do much about the lack of time and manpower… Sorry, sorry…”

“Okay, then how about this? Let’s list out every single problem we’ve got and then figure out solutions from there. Fill me in on any details I don’t know about too, as much as you can. We might find a lead, and there could be stuff the student council can help with.”

And so, another two hours passed.

In a corner of the academy, Jūjōji-san and I talked about all sorts of things. Not just Liliana Festival stuff, but student council matters, dorm life, schoolwork, summer break, favorite novels, and even this great tea shop she knows.

“…Phew. That was really productive.”

By the time the sun had fully set and most of the students lingering for club activities had gone home…

Jūjōji-san stretched big and let out a satisfied sigh.

“We covered a lot today, huh, Akito-san? I think I managed to fill you in pretty well on the committee’s situation, and personally, I’m super happy with how this first day went.”

“We did kinda veer off-topic a bunch, though.”

“That’s fine too! If we only talked about work and stressed over it nonstop, we’d just burn out and end up less efficient anyway.”

Niko niko.

Niko niko.

She’s smiling so genuinely, like she’s truly content. Her expression even seems brighter somehow.

“Let’s call it a day here. Looking forward to tomorrow too, Akito-san!”

 

◆◆◆

 

“—You’re late! Way too late, Onii-chan!”

When I got back to the dorm late at night, Akiko immediately latched onto me.

“What’s the big idea, not coming back until this hour? Ignoring your adorable little sister and breaking curfew is a serious crime, you know!?”

“…Was there even a curfew at this dorm?”

“Whether there was or wasn’t isn’t the point! According to Article 3, Clause 2 of the Himenokōji family’s ‘Adorable Little Sister Law,’ if Onii-chan leaves me unattended for over three hours without permission, he’s subject to a penalty of five kisses a day! This is basic stuff for anyone bearing the Himenokōji name—it’s common sense, an unwritten rule!”

“Don’t go spouting fake rules like they’re real.”

In the dorm’s cafeteria-slash-meeting room, it wasn’t just Akiko—everyone was there. Were they all waiting for me? If so, I’m both grateful and sorry about it.

“Well, I’ll let you off without a penalty just for today.”

Akiko had been fuming, but she seemed to cool off quick.

“Let’s get to dinner already. We all waited here believing Onii-chan would come back soon!”

“…Huh? Wait, what do you mean?”

“Dinner, I said! And tonight, I was the main chef. I went all out with stamina-boosting dishes to give you a real energy kick. First up, tonkatsu, right? Then eel kabayaki, garlic beef stir-fry, whole fried garlic, garlic salad, garlic chips, and garlic rice—”

“That’s less ‘stamina-focused’ and more ‘garlic-focused.’ If I ate all that, I wouldn’t be able to show my face tomorrow—wait, hold on.”

I hate to say it, but I had to come clean.

Bowing my head, I said,

“Sorry. I already ate out.”

“…?”

Akiko tilted her head, still smiling.

“Ate out, you say?”

“Yeah, with Jūjōji-san—you know, the cultural festival committee chair. She invited me, and I couldn’t say no. We had dinner.”

“…………? ?”

“Seriously, I’m sorry. I should’ve texted you, but I just couldn’t find the right moment.”

“……………………”

“And I ended up eating a ton because she kept insisting. I could maybe handle something light, but heavy stamina food’s a bit much right now. Really sorry.”

“…………………………”

My little sister stayed silent, still smiling.

She wobbled back to her seat.

Then she flopped face-first onto the table with a thud.

“Hey, Akiko-san?”

“I don’t know.”

Still face-down,

“I don’t know, I don’t care anymore. I hate you, Onii-chan.”

“Yeah, I’m really sorry.”

“I worked so hard on it. I put my heart into it, gave it my all, thought about nutrition balance, and wanted you to eat it even if I had to wait until midnight. That was my only reason to keep going. I wanted to eat with you, so I held off even though I was starving, just sipping water to cope.”

“I messed up. I’ll make it up to you someh—”

“I lined up all this stamina food to boost your energy, get you all fired up, and finally have you sneak into my room tonight for a passionate evening! How are you gonna take responsibility for ruining my earnest, carefully laid plans, Onii-chan!?”

“…If you didn’t have those ulterior motives, I’d actually try to make it up to you. But that last bit kinda cancels it all out, doesn’t it?”

“By the way, ‘fired up’ doesn’t mean Ginbei-san or anything.”

“I’ll take that quip as a sign you’ve still got some leeway.”

This isn’t fake crying—it’s fake face-planting.

Trying to fish for sympathy with such a cheap, shameless act… I’m disappointed in you, little sister.

“Alright, that’s enough, you two.”

The president stepped in at just the right moment.

“What’s done is done, and whining about it won’t help. Let’s take it as a lesson for the future and let this one slide. You cool with that, Himenokōji Akito?”

“If you’re willing to let it go, I’d be thrilled. Sorry about all this.”

“Can’t be helped. We didn’t check in either and just waited on our own. It’s a two-way street—no biggie.”

“Then it’s time for a binge!”

Akiko sprang up from her face-plant.

“We already made extra, and now Onii-chan’s portion’s leftover too! Let’s turn tonight into a big cleanup feast! Come on, everyone, eat up! Eat and blow off all your daily frustrations!”

No one objected to her logic, shaky as it was.

The prepared menu was quickly laid out on the table. Maybe because everyone was starving, the massive spread started disappearing into stomachs in no time.

With everyone focused on eating, there wasn’t much chatter.

And yet here I was, partly responsible for this mess, sitting at the table with a full stomach, just sipping tea with nothing to do—honestly, it’s not the comfiest spot to be in. Yep.

“Um, by the way, everyone…”

Maybe she couldn’t stand watching anymore, because Arisa spoke up to smooth things over.

“What are you all doing for the festival? Since I’m not a high schooler like you all, I can only imagine what happens at the Liliana Festival. So I’d be really happy if you could tell me!”

“Yeah, sure…”

The president said, munching on a garlic-stuffed bell pepper.

“Might as well talk about it now. The thing we student council folks got roped into doing for the festival.”

“The committee chair asked you to take it on, right, President-neesama?”

“Yep. It’s a hassle, no doubt, but we couldn’t exactly say no.”

“But Arisa thinks it’s actually kinda nice this way. Because I really want to see everyone I live with shine out there. On the day of the Liliana Festival, I’ll definitely make time to come watch. If you all weren’t really involved, I’d feel a little lonely.”

“Well, each student council member’s got stuff going on with their own classes too. It’s not like we weren’t gonna participate at all.”

While patting Arisa’s head,

“Not to toot our own horn, but this year’s student council’s pretty popular. If we all join in—especially leading the charge with a big event—it’s basically a guaranteed win for the Liliana Festival. The only question is how much we can pull off with the time we’ve got.”

“I’ve got no issues here.”

Nasuhara-san said, cutting into a garlic hamburger.

“After all, I’ve got my trump card: ‘Ana and Akkī.’ Our comedy duo’s already whipped up a storm of laughs before. A live show from us will outshine any other event as the festival’s main attraction.”

“Yeah, can’t argue with that.”

Scratching her chin,

“I didn’t see it live myself, but it sounds like your surprise gig with Himenokōji Akito went pretty darn well.”

“Fufu. Naturally.”

“I got sick of you showing me the footage, but I gotta admit it was solid work. Pulling off that kind of banter with barely any prep? That’s impressive as heck.”

“Fufu. You can praise me more, you know.”

“Well, since it’s your pet project, I’ve got my suspicions you stuffed the crowd with plants. It went a little too smoothly, don’t you think?”

“Oh? I’ve no idea what you mean.”

“Whatever. Your duo’s a proven asset, that’s a fact. With a track record and a safe bet like that, it’s a lock for a student council-produced event. Green light’s on.”

“Fufu, leave it to me. Akkī and I will sweep the Liliana Festival and build a launchpad to go national. And of course, we’ll play up the husband-and-wife comedy angle to the hilt.”

“Hold up a sec.”

That’s when Ginbei cut in with a cold stare.

“I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, Nasuhara-kun, but you keep slipping in some concerning remarks. The comedy bit with Akito’s fine, but calling it ‘husband-and-wife’ is a bit problematic, don’t you think? It’s obviously baseless, and there’s no chance of it happening in the future either. But as Akito’s potential lover and best friend, I can’t just let that slide.”

“Oh my. I’d say it’s your remarks I can’t let slide, Gin-gin. Akkī and I might just be a ‘promising rookie duo’ for now, but we’re guaranteed to become a ‘couple with a promised future.’ Calling it husband-and-wife comedy is only natural—no one’s permission is required. Not even my dear Gin-gin gets to complain about that.”

“Pretty bold there, Nasuhara-kun. Just the other day, you were hiding your feelings for Akito, acting all timid like a mouse under a cat’s glare. But the second you get an opening, you flip the script? That’s questionable.”

“Those words? Right back at you.”

“And another thing I’ve been meaning to bring up. I poured my heart into confessing to him, and you just rode my coattails to confess too? What’s that about? I can’t stop you, but a little restraint would’ve been nice. That move was downright dirty, I’ve gotta say.”

“Dirty? Perish the thought. Call it seizing the moment.”

“No way. I can’t give you that one, not by a long shot.”

“If anything, Gin-gin, I’d like to call you out.”

“Me? For what?”

“You kept quiet for six whole years, didn’t you? Then you suddenly make a move out of nowhere—I’d like you to think about how that feels for me, who’s been patiently waiting for my chance. It totally threw off my calculations.”

“Patiently waiting? I can’t buy that… I figured you were in the same boat as me, Nasuhara-kun. If I hadn’t made a move, you wouldn’t have said a peep either, right?”

“If we’re pointing fingers, didn’t you only confess because Akkī pushed you into it, Gin-gin? Shoving the blame on me doesn’t add up—”

“Hey, hey, hold it right there.”

The president cut in with an exasperated look.

“Save that talk for later. This isn’t the vibe for it… So, Gin-gin.”

“What?”

“You started this mess, so it’s on you to get us back on track. What’s your take on what the student council should do for the festival?”

“…I don’t agree that I’m the only one responsible here.”

Ginbei puffed out her cheeks with a puku, but she must’ve realized arguing was pointless too.

After a few seconds of crossing her arms and thinking,

“How about this… What if the student council hosts a cooking class and a business seminar combo?”

“Cooking and business? That’s a wild mix.”

“It’s just me combining my strengths. I’ll take the flak for it being a cheap idea.”

Shrugging her shoulders,

“That said, there’s no shame in playing to your strengths. And since this came up so suddenly, we don’t have time to polish a fancy plan. Just like Nasuhara-kun suggested comedy, it makes sense to go with something proven and reliable. So that’s my straightforward pitch.”

“Fair enough. It checks out.”

“Cooking and business might not seem related at first, but with some creativity, you can spark all kinds of reactions. It’s literally about how you ‘cook’ it—plating alone can change everything. So, look forward to it. It’ll need a lot of help, but I’ve got some ideas. I think it’ll liven up the festival.”

“Oh? Sounds like you’re pretty confident. Alright, I’ll bite—get pumped and make it happen for the Liliana Festival.”

The president nodded, satisfied, then shifted her gaze.

“Next up, Himenokōji Akiko. Got any ideas?”

“Ufufu. Finally, my time to shine.”

My little sister stood up, looking like she’d been waiting for this.

“Nasuhara-san and Ginbei-san are playing it too safe—it’s kinda boring, honestly. I get that time’s tight, but we’ve gotta go big. Going big is how you move forward. Clinging to the status quo just leads to stagnation… To boost the student council’s rep and make this a Liliana Festival for the history books, we need a bold, progressive strategy!”

“Whoa, big talk! But you’ve got a point.”

“Right? Right?”

“As the student council, if we’re taking this on, we’ve gotta launch a massive firework and make a statement. Playing it safe’s important, but pulling off an unprecedented, jaw-dropping event’s a key goal too.”

“Exactly! As expected of the president!”

“I’ve had high hopes for your talents for a while, and it looks like you’re finally waking up. Keep this up, and I might just nominate you for next year’s president, Himenokōji Akiko.”

“Oh no, you’re embarrassing me! But sure, rest easy—I’ll make the president’s dream come true with my idea!”

“Kakkakka! That’s the student council secretary I picked!”

The president laughed heartily, clearly in high spirits.

“So? What’s your idea specifically?”

“Yes! My event for the Liliana Festival is… ‘A Love Nest Exhibit by Onii-chan and Me’! A fabulous plan to recreate the ultimate lovey-dovey life of the world’s best couple—me and Onii-chan—in an ideal room set up in a corner of the academy for all the guests to see! And the highlight? A surprise reenactment of our nightly escapades right in front of the audience, showing off this and that! How’s that for a miraculous idea!? This pretty much locks in my spot as next year’s president, right!?”

“Time to check into a hospital, kid.”

“She shot me down with a deadpan face!?”

Akiko reeled in shock at the president’s cold, half-lidded stare.

Well, par for the course. It’s so predictable it’s almost comforting to watch.

“For now, we’ll put the Himenokōji sister on probation.”

The president reset the mood and continued,

“Next up’s the big bro. You’re on.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Don’t ‘me?’ me. Acting like you’re not involved won’t fly here. You’re a legit student council member too, so step up with a sharp idea when it counts.”

“Well, yeah, what you’re saying makes sense, but…”

“What, you wanna say you should get a pass ’cause you’re helping the festival committee?”

“Uh, yeah. Pretty much.”

“That’s a no-go.”

The president slapped her forehead with her palm.

“Nasuhara and Gin-gin pitched in, and even Himenokōji Akiko threw out something—bonkers as it was. You being the only one empty-handed ain’t cool. Not cool at all. No matter the circumstances, teamwork’s gotta come first, I say. Especially since we’re all living under the same roof.”

“That’s a fair point… But, uh, doesn’t that mean you haven’t pitched anything either, President?”

“I’m exempt. I’m the one reviewing your ideas, approving them, and making sure they actually happen, right? I’m working overtime here.”

“True, but…”

I’m losing ground here.

Sure, I’ve been dispatched to the festival committee, but it’s only been one day. And it’s not like I’ve done anything concrete yet. Does this mean I’ve gotta step up with a real plan too?

But hold on a sec.

I’m not saying it out loud, but I’ve got work—manuscripts to write. I barely scraped by the last deadline, and that was a tightrope walk. Jinno-san even came to our summer camp to collect my draft, looking so worn out I could hardly bear to watch. “Please, Sensei, I’m begging you this time! For real, please!” she’d pleaded through tears. After that, I can’t exactly push the next deadline again.

What I’m getting at is, I’m already juggling tasks up to my limit, so please spare me anything more—that’s my sob story here, but…

“That’s where I swoop in to save the day!”

My little sister suddenly bounced back.

With her eyes sparkling, shaking off the shock of the president’s rejection,

“The only one who can rescue my struggling Onii-chan from this pinch is me, the world’s strongest little sister, Himenokōji Akiko! Come on, everyone, feel free to welcome your hero with a big round of applause! Go ahead, bring it on!”

“…………” (←President)

“…………” (←Nasuhara-san)

“…………” (←Ginbei)

“…………” (←Me)

“…………” (←Even Arisa)

“A total shutout across the board!?”

Akiko took the hit hard.

“Hey, hasn’t everyone been treating me kinda harsh lately!? And fine, I get the others, but even Onii-chan ignoring me—what’s up with that!? I’m reaching out to support you here!”

“No, uh… I get that, but…”

Lately, it feels like my sister’s character has gone completely off the rails. Even I—just for a split second, mind you—sometimes feel like I can’t keep up. Or maybe I don’t.

“Well, you know, how do I put this… Grow up a little, Akiko?”

“Don’t look at me with that pitying, gentle smile! It hurts!”

“But come on, your brocon tendencies have been ramping up lately, and it’s getting to where no one can follow. Back when we first reunited, you still had some restraint and grace—where’d that go, huh?”

“That’s fine! Being a brocon’s my personality!”

“Yours is starting to feel toxic.”

“That’s awful! It’s not that bad—poison can be medicine depending on how you use it! Don’t just focus on the downsides; give me credit for the good stuff too! A devoted, straightforward, single-minded sister deserves more love!”

“I’d love to dote on you, but you get carried away too fast. Dotting turns into spoiling with you.”

“What’s wrong with spoiling!? I’m a delicate flower that’ll wilt if Onii-chan doesn’t give me at least five hours of attention a day! So pamper me more! Please care for me!”

My little sister flailed and threw a tantrum.

Well, with everyone’s eyes turning cold, playtime’s over.

“So? What’s this idea of yours, Akiko? You said you’d save me from this pinch.”

“Glad you asked! Yep, I’ve got a brilliant idea.”

“Brilliant, huh…”

“Hey! That face says you don’t believe me, Onii-chan!”

“Well, yeah. You’ve got a track record—mostly a negative one.”

“This time’s different, I swear. It’s not some gag like before. Everyone else’ll agree too, not just you. It’s unexpected, it wouldn’t work without you, and it’s got solid potential.”

“Hmm. If that’s true, I’d be grateful and definitely wanna hear it.”

Wait, so all her over-the-top stuff before was just for laughs? If so, she might be sneakily clever… but I’ll shelve that thought for now.

“So? Stop teasing and tell me already.”

“Yes, sir! So, my idea is—”

Clapping her hands together and beaming with a niko-niko smile,

My little sister dropped something totally out of left field.

“Onii-chan, let’s hold a signing event!”

“A signing event? For who?”

“Shindō Kōichirō!”

“……………………”

I just stood there, dumbfounded.

Hold up, hold up. What’s she going on about?

“So, everyone, here’s the scoop. Onii-chan’s buddies with Shindō Kōichirō-sensei, the hottest young writer out there right now!”

Oblivious to my shock, Akiko kept grinning niko-niko.

“And not just casually either—if Onii-chan asks, I bet he’d totally do a signing event. The guy’s got insane momentum, and as far as I can remember, he’s never done one before. As a festival headliner, there’s no better idea!”

Whoa, whoa.

Sure, I make a living writing novels, and my pen name’s Shindō Kōichirō, right? Asking myself to do it would be a breeze—I mean, we’re on the same wavelength in my head. It’d take less than a tenth of a second. Instant communication, Mach speed.

But, uh…

Some musician or idol might pull a crowd, but a nobody writer showing up at a school festival? I’m not sure about that draw. And before that, who even knows a minor name like Shindō Kōichirō… Wait, more importantly, I’m keeping my identity under wraps! Telling me to do a signing event—and at St. Liliana Academy, my home turf, no less—is beyond reckless. It’s practically a death sentence! Hey, Akiko! What the heck are you saying!? This was supposed to be our little secret!

“Shindō Kōichirō, huh? Nice.”

And then—

The president let out an impressed hum.

“I haven’t read him myself, but I’ve heard he’s shaking up the literary world. Something about a provocative, boundary-pushing series on forbidden sibling love that’s made him a hit… Kakkakka, sounds familiar somehow. Makes sense why Himenokōji Akiko’s hyping him up.”

…No way.

She’s actually into it? Wait, the president knows about Shindō Kōichirō?

“Sounds intriguing. I’ve been hearing his name pop up lately too. If I recall, he’s a masked writer who barely shows up in the media, so this could totally work as a student council event headliner.”

“I’m on board too. Bringing in a trendy literary figure fits St. Liliana’s prestige. I’ve skimmed some of Shindō Kōichirō’s short stories myself, and I’d say he’s a talented up-and-comer. I’m curious how Akito got close to a guy like that, but we should use whatever we can right now.”

“Actually, Arisa’s heard of him too. One of my friends from when I studied abroad was a huge Shindō Kōichirō fan. If I could get his autograph for her, she’d be over the moon. So I’m all in for Akiko-neesama’s idea!”

…What!? Everyone else is on board too!?

And they all know about Shindō Kōichirō…! Wait, am I actually that famous without even realizing it!?

“Fufu. Looks like it’s settled.”

Akiko puffed up her nose proudly.

“Let’s have Onii-chan ask Shindō Kōichirō-sensei to come! The Liliana Festival’s known for secret VIP guests, but his name could outshine anyone else… This’ll hype up the festival for sure and keep the student council’s rep intact! Man, I did good!”

“Hold on, you’re acting like this was all your idea, but you’re still on probation, got it? Come up with your own pitch too.”

“Ehhh, no way~”

Akiko looked up at the sky as the president nailed her with that reminder.

Everyone chuckled at the sight, and the room filled with a warm vibe—but of course, I’m not feeling warm at all. Still, if you asked me for a better idea, I don’t have anything that’d top Akiko’s in terms of excitement.

“So, Onii-chan, counting on you, okay?”

My little sister grinned at me.

She even winked just for me, oozing ‘I did something awesome’ vibes. Even I can’t say I wasn’t a tiny bit annoyed, but she’s doing this out of pure goodwill, and it’s undeniably a solid idea.

Man, oh man.

Looks like this year’s festival’s gonna be a wild ride in more ways than one…