The long-awaited Sakura High Festival had finally arrived. The campus, usually calm and studious, had transformed into a dazzling wonderland of colors, music, and laughter. Streamers danced from balconies, hand-painted banners fluttered across the courtyard, and the air was alive with the scent of sweet snacks and sizzling street food.
Students in bright uniforms darted through the halls, some wearing handmade costumes, others calling out to visitors to check out their class attractions. Every corner buzzed with excitement. The usually strict teachers, too, couldn't help but smile at the chaos.
At the far end of the courtyard, a large, beautifully decorated area shimmered with soft cosmic lights — the Cosmic S.T.A.R. Club's Mini Planetarium Café. The club had outdone themselves. The ceiling was covered with glowing stars, and the tables gleamed under a curtain of tiny twinkling lights. Every few minutes, the café dimmed slightly as projections of constellations glided across the walls, giving the illusion of being surrounded by the vastness of space.
Beru, wearing the café's new uniform — a delicate black and white maid dress with subtle shimmering threads that reflected faint starlight — moved gracefully between tables, her smile radiant. Haruto, in his sharp barista outfit, worked behind the counter with Souta and Tadao, serving steaming cups of coffee and beautifully decorated desserts.
"Wow, Beru, you're attracting half the school here," Souta teased, carrying a tray of galaxy-themed parfaits.
Beru flushed, adjusting her headband. "Stop it, Souta! They're just curious about our theme."
Luna chuckled from her seat by the projector controls. "It's the ambience, not just the charm. People can't resist the stars."
Their café was thriving, laughter and chatter filling the air. But across the courtyard, another attraction was drawing an even larger crowd — the Science and Technology Club.
Their section was all chrome and lights, humming with machinery. Posters boasted slogans like "The Future Belongs to Innovation!" and "Where Dreams Meet Reality!" In the center of their booth stood an enormous humanoid robot — sleek, tall, and glowing with neon blue energy lines.
Students gasped and cheered as the robot waved, danced, and even spoke in a smooth, human-like voice. "Welcome to the future! I am AURA, the next step in human evolution!"
The crowd erupted in applause. Cameras flashed. Even teachers gathered, impressed by the technological marvel.
Luna frowned slightly. "So that's their secret weapon," she murmured.
Tadao crossed his arms. "They really went all out."
Moments later, Saya Morizono — the Sakura Queen herself — stepped forward in the Science Club's custom lab coat, her confident smile gleaming under the lights. "Thank you all for visiting the Science and Technology Club! We've poured months into this project — we hope you enjoy our vision for the future!"
Her eyes flicked briefly toward Haruto, a knowing smirk curling at the corner of her lips.
The subtle tension rippled through the Cosmic S.T.A.R. team.
Soon after, the Science Club members came strolling toward the planetarium café, led by Saya and her vice-captain, a smug-looking boy named Renji.
"Quite the setup you have here," Renji said mockingly, scanning the café. "Very… dreamy. I guess you guys are aiming for 'cute' points instead of real innovation."
Beru's smile faltered. Luna's expression tightened, but she stayed calm. "Dreams are a kind of innovation too," she said smoothly. "You just have to know where to look."
Saya tilted her head. "Still, when you see what we've accomplished, your little lights and paper stars might seem a bit… childish."
Haruto, who had been silently polishing a cup, finally spoke. His tone was calm but sharp. "Maybe. But not everyone dreams of wires and steel, Saya. Some of us dream of the sky."
The air tensed. Souta and Tadao moved closer behind him, ready to back their leader.
Saya's smile didn't waver, but her eyes darkened slightly. "We'll see whose dream shines brighter, Haruto."
With that, she turned, her group striding away toward their robot as the crowd's applause echoed again.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the café. Then Souta slammed a spoon down dramatically. "Oh, it's on!" he shouted. "They think they can outshine us? Just wait till tonight!"
Luna sighed but smiled faintly. "I suppose it's time we reveal our own secret weapon."
Beru blinked. "You mean…?"
Luna nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "The Steller Arch's 'Celestial Harmony' concert."
The others stared in disbelief.
Luna confirmed. "They'll perform tonight for us—just after sunset."
Beru's eyes sparkled. "Luna… you're incredible!"
Souta whooped, spinning around in joy. "Ha! Take that, Science Club! They've got wires—we've got stars!"
The group threw themselves into preparation. Haruto coordinated lighting effects while Luna finalized stage arrangements. Tadao managed sound systems, and Beru and Souta worked on decorations and drinks for the night crowd.
As afternoon melted into golden evening, the school glowed with festival energy. Students from all classes bustled between stalls, laughter echoing under the painted sky. The Science Club's robot continued to wow audiences, its movements growing more elaborate by the hour.
But the Cosmic S.T.A.R. Café held its ground — the soothing music, the cozy lighting, and Beru's warm presence drew a steady stream of visitors.
Finally, as the sun began to dip behind the buildings, Haruto glanced toward the sky. "It's almost time," he said quietly.
The others gathered at the base of the rooftop stairs. Luna checked her phone, then smiled. "They're here."
A convoy of sleek black cars pulled up at the school gate. Students gasped, murmurs spreading like wildfire. "Is that—wait—are those the Steller arch members?!"
The famous performers stepped out, dressed elegantly, greeted warmly by Luna. Cameras flashed, students squealed, and even the principal rushed out to welcome them.
Within an hour, the rooftop stage was ready — bathed in soft blue light, the sky glittering above. The performers stood center stage, and when the first note echoed through the speakers, the entire festival froze in awe.
The music wasn't just a performance — it was an experience. The stage projections danced with constellations and galaxies, intertwining light and sound into a cosmic symphony. Haruto, standing beside Beru in the crowd, watched her eyes shimmer as the starlight reflected in them.
Beru whispered softly, "It's beautiful… it feels like the stars are singing."
Haruto smiled. "They are — and tonight, you're one of them."
The Science Club members stood in stunned silence nearby. Saya's expression softened, her confident smirk fading into something more vulnerable. The glow from the stage illuminated Haruto's group — their faces radiant, united, and full of quiet pride.
As the final song reached its crescendo, tiny lights floated across the sky — glowing drones releasing trails of silver sparkles, mimicking falling stars. The crowd gasped in wonder.
And when the last note faded, the festival erupted in cheers and applause so loud it seemed to shake the night itself.
Beru turned to Haruto, smiling through tears. "We did it," she whispered.
He nodded, eyes soft. "Yeah… together."
Luna stood behind them, arms crossed, watching the sky. Souta laughed, throwing his hands up, while Tadao just smiled quietly, satisfaction glowing in his calm eyes.
Above them, the stars shimmered brighter than ever — as if blessing the night, the dreamers, and the bonds that had carried them through it all.
And so, under the moonlit sky, the Cosmic S.T.A.R. Club had their victory — not through competition or pride, but through heart, unity, and the unshakable brilliance of their shared dream.
---
To be continued...