#not really..

He glanced to the side, where [Y/N]’s seat was empty.

They weren’t late—they never were.

They had a habit of arriving right before the bell rang, something Kazuha had noticed far too well, a detail Heizou never lets him forget

“KAZUHAAAA” Speaking of Heizou…

Heizou’s singsong voice interrupted his thoughts as he plopped down into the seat in front of him. “You look awfully serious for someone who’s composing haikus… instead of actual festival plans.”

Kazuha sighed, closing his notebook. “Well, good morning to you too, Heizou. I look serious because I am thinking of actual ideas for the meeting. Unlike some people…”

“Oh? But I DO take it seriously,” Heizou replied, crossing his arms dramatically. “So, are you planning to contribute to today’s meeting or just cause trouble like usual?” Kazuha asked, with a raise of his eyebrows. “Trouble? ME?? I'm offended Kazu...” Heizou grinned, pulling a small kit out of his bag. Inside were what looked like harmless props—fake bugs, disappearing ink, and something that suspiciously resembles a whoopee cushion. “You can’t be serious”

“But I am!” Heizou’s grin widened but before he can continue, the classroom door swung open, and Yoimiya bounced in with her energy immediately lighting up the space. “HEIZOUU!!” she called out, her voice brimming with excitement. “Ahh! And good morning, Kazuha!” “Good morning, Yoimiya,” Kazuha said politely. 

Her energy was almost overwhelming… this early in the day, he thought.

Yoimiya grabbed a chair, spun it around and sat on it. “Soooo what’s the topic today?? Something… festival-y? Oh and Heizou! Did you bring the stuff?”

Heizou held up the kid proudly. “Right here.”

“GREAT! We’ve got work to do.. Kazuha! You’re not gonna ban this idea right?? Imagine the laughs it’ll get!!”

Kazuha pinched the bridge of his nose. “As class president, I am obligated to encourage ideas that foster collaboration and creativity… not chaos.”

“Chaos is creativity.” Yoimiya quickly argued.

Before the conversation could escalate, Tomo and Shinobu entered the room together, their voices a calm counterpoint to Yoimiya’s. Shinobu carried a stack of papers neatly clipped together, her no-nonsense expressions contrasting sharply with Tomo’s easygoing smile.

“Kazuha.” Shinobu said with a curt nod. “Good morning. We’ll need to finalize the budget after today’s meeting.” “Of course,” Kazuha replied, returning her nod. “Morning!” Tomo chimed in, sliding into the seat beside Heizou. “What’s all this talk about chaos? Are we planning a festival or a disaster?” “Both.” Heizou and Yoimiya said in unison.

Shinobu sighed, shaking her head. “Let's just try to stay on task today, alright? Mr. Takahashi is expecting us to make actual progress.” “Don’t worry, Shinobu!” Tomo said, grinning. “We’ve got this under control… probably.” Kazuha exhaled, letting the chatter wash over him. It was shaping up to be a lively  day.

As the classroom began to fill with students, the usual buzz of the early morning was suddenly interrupted by a booming voice.. “YOO!!! IT’S FESTIVAL TIME, BABYY!!” 

The door swings open with dramatic force, revealing Itto’s beaming face. His energy is enough to make even the sleepiest students groan.

The surprising part wasn’t his grand entrance…

It was that he was on time.

“Itto… you’re actually here before the bell??” Yoimiya asked, voice tinged with disbelief

“Is it snowing.. Or did Itto actually make it to class on time!?” Heizou quipped, earning chuckles from the surrounding students. “Well, that's a surprise… ” murmurs Shinobu, glancing over at Tomo with a raised eyebrow. “Miracles do happen,” Tomo replies wryly, shaking his head with an amused chuckle as Itto’s boisterous laugh echoes around the room.

“Laugh all you want Heizou, but this year’s festival is gonna be epic thanks to yours truly!” Itto declared as he strides confidently inside the room, dramatically twirling before taking his seat.

Then the bell rings, everyone quickly quiets down, turning toward the front.

As if on cue, Mr. Takahashi walks in, his expression calm but purposeful. He raises his hand to silence the last few lingering whispers. “Alright, class, let’s get to work.”

His voice was steady and his manner was at a no-nonsense despite his usual friendly and joking disposition.  “This will be a critical week for our school festival preparations. Let's make sure we leave a lasting impression, not only on the school but on each other.” Kazuha, who has been sitting quietly at his desk, exchanges a short glance with [Y/N], who had just arrived and sat at their seat beside him. A brief flutter in his chest, he felt a rush of warmth but he’s quick to push the feeling down. 

He takes a breath and then nods at Mr. Takahashi, who motions for him to take the lead as he left the class, presumably to a meeting with other teachers.

With ease, Kazuha steps forward, standing in front of the class, his expression calm. The murmurs died down once again as he opened the discussion

“This year’s festival,” Kazuha begins, his tone steady but carrying an unmistakable earnestness, “is more than just a chance to impress. It’s an opportunity for us to build something that we can all be proud of—something that now only showcases our talents, but also our unity. Let's make it meaningful!”

The brainstorming session begins almost immediately, the room coming alive with enthusiasm. “I’ve got the perfect idea!” Yoimiya burst out, hand shooting up as she was practically bouncing in her seat. “A mystery maze with tons of surprises!”

Kazuha raised an eyebrow, tapping his pen. “What kind of surprises?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone. Without missing a beat, Yoimiya whipped a water gun out of her bag and aimed it at Heizou. “Like this one!” she grinned, shooting a stream of water directly at him.

Heizou’s eyes widened just in time to feel the cold spray. “What the-” he sputtered, jumping out of his seat, shirt completely soaked. “Yoimiya you menace!” Heizou said, while wiping his face with a dramatic flair. 

The class erupted into laughter, some clutching their stomachs from the unexpected prank.

“You’ve got to be kidding me..” Heizou mutters, trying to wring out his shirt. “You traitor.”

Yoimiya simply grins wider, clearly fazed. “Hey, it's all in the name of fun! What better way to get people talking than a little mystery..! And some water…”

“I guess that’s one way to keep us on our toes..” Heizou said, shaking his head in amusement. “But don’t think I’ll let this slide! Me and my prank kit will be waiting for you to fall in our little trap..!” Yoimiya rolled her eyes while she giggled, clearly still pleased with herself. “See?? It’ll be filled with all kinds of surprises!!"

Kazuha sighed, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. “I’m not sure ‘surprise’ is the word I would use..” He raised his eyebrows, trying to keep a straight face as he glanced at Heizou, who was now half-drenched in water.

Though, Yoimiya’s enthusiasm doesn't seem to be the only thing that’s booming in the room..

Before anyone can add anything else, Itto, who had been sitting quietly with his arms crossed, suddenly slams his hand down on the desk with a loud

BANG!

..Drawing everyone’s attention.

“HOLDD ON A SECOND!!” Itto’s voice rang out.

“We NEED something way more INTENSE THAN THIS. Forget water balloons, I’m talking about a real test of strength!” He sits up straight, his usual grin wide as ever. “How about a strength competition? Arm-wrestling, boulder-lifting contests—let’s see who got the power to win!!”

Shinobu, who had been absentmindedly taking notes on the topic, finally looks up, her gaze sharp. “Uh, we’re supposed to be showcasing creativity, not strength.” she points out dryly, clearly not impressed by Itto’s suggestion. “If we’re doing a festival, there’s no need to make it into a gym session..”

But Itto’s determination remained undeterred, his grin only growing wider “Pfft, who said we can’t have both?” he counters, completely ignoring Shinobu’s criticism. “Strength and creativity go hand in hand! You gotta have the power to be creative!! Plus, I’m the one who’s gonna win anywaaays, so you guys better prepare!!” He flexes his muscles dramatically for emphasis,  earning a few chuckles from the class.

The playful banter catches Yoimiya’s attention, and she leans back in her chair, raising an eyebrow. “Really? A Strength competition?” She crosses her arms, her expression turning smug. “My mystery maze would get waaaaaaaaaaaay more attention than your ‘muscle festival’! People don’t come for boulders and arm-wrestling. They come for surprises!”

Itto snorts, clearly unamused. “A maze? Are you kidding? That's your idea of entertainment?” He leans back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest as if to mock Yoimiya. “Naaaah, mine’s gonna be the main event! Everyone’s gonna want to see who’s the strongest!! Not who can navigate some over-complicated maze..”

Yoimiya rolls her eyes dramatically, flicking a lock of hair out of her face. “Strongest huh? Suuuuree, because everyone just loves seeing a bunch of sweaty guys trying to lift rocks..”

She gives him a  teasing, almost mocking smile. “Maybee, we’ll have a rock-lifting station for your fans after MY MAZE STEALS THE SHOW.”

Itto’s jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing. “You’re really underestimating me… People love seeing power on display! You think they’ll care about running around a maze, getting wet for fun? Think again!”

The argument between Yoimiya and Itto soon escalates.. With both clearly unwilling to back down. The class watches with mixed expressions, some enjoying the back-and-forths, others just shaking their head..

Kazuha, who has been observing quietly, clears his throat, effectively cutting through the growing tension. “Alright.. Alright, both ideas do have merit, but let’s try to hear a few other suggestions before we start getting too carried away,” he suggests, his voice calm yet carrying an authoritative edge.

The room falls into a brief yet awkward silence as everyone looks at Kazuha then to someone who had been seated near the door..

Ayaka, who hadn’t been paying as much attention… until now. The sudden rise in eyes looking at her had caught her off guard. She blinks, her face flushing pink with surprise at the attention now on her.

“Oh! Uh..” she stammers, clearly embarrassed. “Maybe.. We could have a tea booth of sorts? A place to relax and refresh, something more peaceful in the middle of all the excitement?” Her voice soft as she tries to put forward her idea.

Shinobu perked up, nodding. “I like that idea. It’d be perfect for people who need a break from all the excitement. We could even decorate it with fairy lights or plants.”

Itto groaned dramatically, throwing his hands up. “BORINGG!!” A study corner at a festival?? Why not just hand out pillows and call it a nap room?

Before he could continue, Shinobu smacked the back of his head with a book “Be quiet, Itto. Not everyone’s looking for chaos and noise.”

Itto rubbed the back of his idea, pouting. “Fine… fine, but if most of the students end up sleeping, don't say I didn't warn you!”

The class erupted into laughter once more, now each voice vying to be heard over the other quickly turning the classroom into chaos.

And amid everything, Kazuha stood quietly, listening to the lively exchange as fingers absentmindedly traced his notebook. He watched as Yoimiya waved her water gun around, showering Heizou again in a sudden burst of water, Itto jumping in with the same usual booming voice to pitch his idea. Shinobu, exasperated but amused while Ayaka and Kirara watched everything quietly..

Kazuha’s mind wandered, he glanced in your direction. You were watching the others argue, a faint smile tugging at your lips as if the sherry absurdity of it all amused you.

Kazuha’s gaze lingered for a moment longer than intended, and a memory surfaced—a conversation you’d had not long ago. You had spoken about your hobby of doing art.

The memory of your enthusiasm stirred something in him, and before he could overthink, an idea formed.

He cleared his throat, hoping to catch the class’s attention. “What about an art gallery?“ He said, his voice steady but carrying just enough weight to momentarily cut through.

The room quieted as heads turned in his direction, and Kazuha felt his pulse quicken. Despite his serene exterior, he was suddenly aware of the weight of their gazes—and yours.

“We could create a space where students can showcase their creativity,” he continued, keeping his tone steady. “Paintings, photography, crafts, even poetry! It could be something that encourages people to express themselves“

The silence that followed his suggestion stretched uncomfortably long.

His idea hung in the air, seemingly unnoticed as some exchanged hesitant glances. Kazuha’s calm demeanor didn’t waver, but a faint warmth crept up his neck. His fingers resumed their slow tracing along the edge of his notebook, grounding him as his thoughts swirled.

Did I misread the room? Was it too plain? He wondered, stealing a glance in your direction. To his dismay, you were looking at him, your expression contemplative.

Embarrassed, Kazuha quickly looked away, his hand stilling as he forced himself to remain composed. 

Finally the silence broke—not with acknowledgement, but with Itto’s voice reigniting the earlier debate.

“No way a maze is better than my strength competition” Itto barked, through the awkward atmosphere with his usual brashness.

“Your competition doesn’t even make sense” Yoimiya shot back, “Who’s going to want to watch people lift boulders for fun??”

“Lots of people!! EVERYONE loves boulders!”

“Name one person,” Shinobu said, smacking the back of his head again. “Other than you”

Kazuha slid onto the teacher’s chair, feeling the heat of embarrassment fade into a cooler more.. Detached resignation.

He glanced at you again, hoping for some sign that you’d at least considered his suggestion. But your attention was now focused on the escalating argument, leaving him to sit in quiet frustration.

The tension in the room grew as Yoimiya and Itto continued bickering, Heizou joining in with his dry remarks about logistics..

The conversation devolved into a chaotic back-and-forth, and no one seemed willing—or able—to bring it back on track. Kazuha thought about trying to interject again, but his earlier embarrassment held him back.

He folded his hand in his lap, his expression calm but his mind racing with thoughts of how he could have worded his suggestion better—or perhaps even better… kept quiet.

The air felt heavy, the awkwardness palpable despite the lively banter. 

Just as Kazuha was about to resign himself to sitting quietly for the rest of the meeting, the classroom door opened, and Ayato stepped in.

His entrance was sudden yet smooth, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room as he took in the scene—Yoimiya waving her water gun, Itto gesturing wildly, and Shinobu pinching the bridge of her nose in visible frustration. 

Despite having graduated from the school a year ago, Ayato often returned to assist with events, particularly festival planning, given his reputation for strategic thinking and refined tastes. His role as a special consultant for the Student Council made his appearances occasional yet impactful

With an almost imperceptible smile, Ayato clapped his hands once, the sound cutting cleanly through the noise

“Alright everyone,” he said in a firm yet calm voice, immediately commanding attention. “Let’s settle down. I see we have no shortage of creative ideas, but we seem to be lacking a clear direction.”

As Ayato entered and spoke, Ayaka froze mid-thought, her eyes widening in surprise. “Br- Brother?!” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper while she clasped her hands nervously.

Ayato smiled warmly at his sister, his calm demeanor putting her slightly at ease. “I was passing by on my way to check on the festival’s overall progress.. And heard quite the commotion,” he said, glancing around the room. “It seem you really are all overflowing ideas” Ayaka nodded, trying to compose herself. “Yes, we’ve been discussing potential themes. There are so many wonderful ideas but..” Her gaze dropped to the floor, her voice faltering slightly. “It’s a bit hard to decide.” “Then perhaps I can help,” Ayato said, his sharp gaze softening as he looked at her. “Ayaka you mentioned a relaxing booth earlier didn’t you?” “Ah yes!” Ayaka quickly responded followed by a nod.

“And Kazuha proposed an art gallery…”  As Ayato continued speaking, his eyes swept over the room, pausing momentarily on Kazuha and then on [Y/N]. 

It was subtle, but the faintest hint of a knowing smile tugged at his lips. 

His voice maintained its usual composure as he turned back to Kazuha. “An art gallery paired with tea, don’t you think it has a certain elegance to it? A perfect opportunity to showcase talents while offering a serene atmosphere.”

Kazuha, ever perceptive, caught the fleeting glance between Ayato and [Y/N]. For just a split second, your eyes seemed to brighten at the suggestion, lips curling into a smile of approval.

That subtle change, so simple yet so radiant, sent an unexpected twinge through Kazuha’s chest.

He averted his face, his hand brushing a strand of fair from his face in an attempt to steady himself. 

Why does it bother me? He wondered silently. It’s just Ayato being his usual self.. Right?

But the way Ayato’s words seemed to resonate with [Y/N], and the faint amusement lingering in his expression, unsettled Kazuha in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

“Indeed” Kazuha replied, his voice steady despite the slight tightness in his chest. “It’s an amazing idea, blending art and tea… I’m sure most of us would agree.” He glanced towards [Y/N], his tone carefully neutral, as if daring to confirm what he already suspected.

[Y/N] nodded enthusiastically.

Ayato chuckled softly, his gaze turning back to Kazuha, as if gauging his reaction. “I thought so. I’ve always believed the best ideas come from collaboration.”

He clasped his hands together. “And who better to bring the vision to life than talented individuals like you and [Y/N]?’

Kazuha’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at Ayato’s choice of words.

The former Student Council President had an effortless charm, one that clearly captivated everyone in the room—including [Y/N]. 

Meanwhile, Ayaka’s blush deepened at her brother’s encouragement, though she was still too flustered to notice the subtle undercurrents in the room. “Ah- Thank you Ayato..” she managed to say.

Ayato chuckled once more. “It's nothing, Ayaka. After all, a Kamisato should always strive to enrich the lives of others! I’m sure you’ll make it a memorable experience

Meanwhile, at the back of the room, the banter continued unabated.

“Though.. It’s still a mystery why you think boulder-lifting is creative, Itto.” Yoimiya teased with a sly grin. “What’s next? A rock stacking competition? An Okinabuto wrestling competition? Though I will admit, it’d be hilarious to watch you drop a rock on your foot.” “Hey! Don't diss the rocks nor my bugs!!” Itto shot back, puffing his chest out. “Plus, you’d be surprised how much skill it takes to stack boulders.” Heizou leaned back in his chair with a smirk. “It’s not really… the boulders we’re questing. It’s about your ability to stack anything without knocking it over.” “OH HOHO, that’s RICH coming from the guy who can’t even dodge a water gun!” Itto retorted, pointing at Heizou.

Shinobu, clearly at her wit’s end, sighed deeply and crossed her arms. “You’re all impossible.. Yoimiya, dont even think about shooting that things again.”

She then gave Itto a sharp look. “And you—stop encouraging her.” Yoimiya held up the water gun innocently and spun it in her hand, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Me? I would neveeeer…” “Oh not again..” Heizou muttered, sliding his chair further back as if anticipating another spray.

Itto laughed boisterously to which Shinobu shot back, “Close your mouth Itto.. not everyone has your brain-to-brawn ratio.” “Brain-to-brawn ratio..?? Is that supposed to be an insult or a compliment?” Itto scratched his head, visibly confused.

“It’s definitely an insult,” Heizou chimed smugly from… across the room.. Far, far away from Yoimiya.. Earning an exaggerated gasp from Itto.

As the laughter and teasing continued in the room, Ayato stepped closer to Kazuha, his tone low enough to not be overheard. “You should be careful, Kazuha,” he said with a teasing lilt. “If you don’t make your move soon, someone else might.” Kazuha turned towards Ayato sharply, his eyes betraying his usual composed expression. A flicker of surprise—and just a hint of jealousy. “I appreciate your advice Ayato,” he replied, his voice low but firm. “But some things are worth waiting for.” Ayato simply smiled, patting Kazuha’s shoulder before stepping back to address the class once more.

“Now then, let’s channel this lively energy into making the festival unforgettable, shall we?”

kazuha fanart made by @/Dilyakum_ on twt

TAGLIST: @danhenglovebot, @milkteeboba, @3amstoryreader