(Hachiman POV)
"...Seriously, how did it end up like this?"
Ladies and gentlemen, how have you been spending your autumn? Have you been eating too much? Have you been exercising too much and getting stiff muscles? Or perhaps you've been reading too many books and newspapers and your eyesight is getting worse?
I am Hikigaya Hachiman, the trainer of Team Polaris, who fits none of those categories. And I honestly, truly want to know how things turned out this way.
Okay, listen. A while back, Air Groove told me about the "Autumn Twinkle Series Fan Thanksgiving Festival." At the time, I was swamped with training schedules and coordinating overseas adjustments, so I didn't have the bandwidth to deal with it. So, I gave them the green light and said, "I'll approve whatever, so you guys decide."
And the result... is this.
[Polaris Cafe Stars of Eight]
So, apparently, we're opening a cafe?
I was like, "Eh, seriously? We're really doing this?" Moreover, it seems they got approval from everyone (except Arrow, who is currently abroad), so I'm the only one who was out of the loop. And to top it off, I've been shrewdly included as one of the "stars."
No... why me?
"The interior is mostly finished," Air Groove stated, checking her clipboard. "We've gathered some high-quality tableware, too. The only thing left is... the costumes. Fuji, what is the status on your end?"
"No problems here," Fuji replied smoothly. "They're arriving tomorrow."
"The ingredients needed for the menu have been delivered properly, too," Rice added. "I just checked them with Maurice-san, so it's all good."
"We counted everything!" Maurice reported enthusiastically.
"Mm. Excellent. All that remains is..."
No, wait, this is way too advanced... It's progressed to a point where I can't even object anymore. Wait, I'm just the backstage staff, right? Rice just mentioned ingredients for the menu, so that means I'm behind the scenes, right? I am just a stagehand, right?
"This is where we stand for now..." Air Groove turned to me. "Hachiman, we proceeded with most of this ourselves, but we want your perspective. Is there anything else we need?"
I can't exactly say "No" now, can I...?
"Let's see..." I scratched my head. "I feel a bit bad adding to the workload now, but how about handmade goods from you guys? For example, something using your ear decorations or race uniforms as a motif... You know, we happen to have a master resin artisan named Rice Shower on our team, don't we?"
"E-Ehh!?" Rice squeaked.
"I see," Mr. C.B. mused. "So we make something related to us and sell it?"
"Yeah. Just making food and drinks for them is a bit bland, isn't it? We could raise the menu prices slightly and make it so that if they order a specific item, they can choose a favorite good from the selection. Though, if we do that, it might be a bit unfair to Ardan since she just debuted."
"No, please do not worry about such things," Ardan said with a graceful smile. "I am sure it will be a fun festival regardless."
"Hmm... If we do that, I will have to add a bit to the proposal documents, but it is certainly a good idea," Air Groove nodded, convinced. "It would definitely be more enjoyable for the fans who come to visit. Rice, can I ask you to be our resin instructor?"
"B-But... I wonder if Rice can do it..."
"No, you can do it," I said firmly. "You were able to make something this impressive, after all. You'll be fine."
"Ah! You're wearing it..." Rice's eyes widened.
"Well, yeah."
It's infinitely better than those tacky accessories you find lying around in shops, you know?
"Un! Okay! Rice will try!" she beamed.
"That helps. In that case, I will go add this to the application. I want everyone else to proceed with whatever tasks they can do now."
With that, Air Groove headed off toward the academy building. Is there anything else left to do? Ah, making the signboard? The only thing at the entrance right now is that hanging thing with the shop name.
"...By the way, where is Bakushin O?"
"Bakushin O-senpai went to go on patrol with Bamboo-senpai for some reason..." Maurice answered, tilting her head. "I wonder why she went with Bamboo-senpai from the Disciplinary Committee?"
"Well, it's probably that," I sighed. "Because she's a bit of a foolish Class Rep."
"Ahaha..."
"So, Fuji," I turned to her. "Am I cooking in the back?"
"If possible, I'd like to ask you to. Of course, I won't make you do it the whole time, okay? I intend for you to take breaks too. It is the Grand Thanksgiving Festival, after all."
"That said, I haven't really participated in these things much. Last year, my head was full of your Kikuka-sho."
"That's exactly why we should enjoy it to the fullest this year," Fuji smiled. "Including all the times you didn't participate before, right?"
"...Enjoy it, huh? I guess so..."
Besides, I don't have any good memories of school festivals in my own past. I'm an old guy—not just an adult, but an arasa (around thirty) pushing middle age—but maybe experiencing one properly now isn't such a bad idea.
"Alright then, I'll make the signboard. If we write some stuff on a marker stand, it should look pretty decent."
"Oh, that sounds good♪" C.B. clapped her hands. "Then let's draw the Big Dipper! And write the shop title right there!"
"If we also write down the recommended menu items and the goods, it will serve as good advertising," Ardan added.
"Then, if we get a marker stand and some fluorescent markers, we can start working. I'll look for markers in the academy, so could you go find a stand, Hachiman-san? I doubt the academy has one of those lying around."
"That's the plan. Maurice, Ardan, can you come with me?"
"Of course!"
"Yes, let us go."
Heh.
I feel like I'm getting excited, which isn't like me at all. But it can't be helped.
It is a festival, after all.
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