The morning after the festival carried a sweetness in the air — the kind that comes after laughter, exhaustion, and memories that refuse to fade. Sakura High felt different that day; the halls buzzed not with the usual chatter, but with pride. Posters still fluttered on walls, streamers clung stubbornly to corners, and faint traces of confetti danced across the courtyard in the soft autumn breeze.
Students gathered in the main auditorium, their energy filling the place with an almost electric anticipation. Teachers took their seats on the side rows, smiling at the liveliness that had returned to the school after weeks of tireless preparation.
On stage, Principal Hayashi adjusted his glasses and tapped the microphone. "Good morning, everyone. Yesterday's festival was nothing short of spectacular. Each of you worked hard to bring Sakura High to life — and we couldn't be prouder."
Applause thundered through the hall. Haruto glanced sideways at his clubmates — Luna sitting composed and elegant, Souta grinning from ear to ear, Tadao relaxed but alert, and Beru, her eyes still glowing from the joy of last night's success. Even now, she wore a quiet smile that made Haruto's heart feel lighter.
The principal continued, announcing the list of outstanding clubs. "The Art and Literature Club has been recognized for their breathtaking gallery exhibition and has been invited to collaborate with a local art museum." Applause followed.
"The Science and Technology Club," he said, pausing with a proud nod, "displayed extraordinary innovation with their AI project. Thanks to their hard work, they have been granted a visit to the Yokohama Advanced Robotics and AI Research Center, one of Japan's top institutes."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Saya, seated among her clubmates, smiled proudly — but when her gaze brushed across the rows to find Haruto and Beru, there was a flicker of softness there. Beru noticed it too and smiled faintly back. The rivalry between the two clubs had burned bright, but perhaps, deep down, mutual respect had replaced the tension.
Principal Hayashi raised his hand for silence. "And now," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes, "the moment we've all been waiting for — the overall winner of this year's Sakura High School Festival."
A hush fell across the hall. Even Souta stopped fidgeting. Beru's fingers curled nervously in her lap. Luna simply smiled, her calm unwavering — though even she couldn't completely hide her excitement.
"The winner, for creativity, teamwork, and unforgettable presentation..." the principal paused dramatically, drawing in the anticipation, "...goes to the Cosmic S.T.A.R Club!"
The explosion of applause that followed nearly shook the auditorium.
Souta leapt up, pumping his fist in the air. "We did it! We actually did it!"
Beru covered her mouth, eyes glistening. Luna exhaled a small laugh, one hand pressed elegantly to her chest, while Tadao chuckled under his breath. Haruto, for once, looked openly happy, his calm composure breaking into a wide, heartfelt grin.
The principal continued, "Your mini planetarium café not only captured the imagination of visitors but brought science, art, and emotion together in a way that reminded us why festivals exist — to inspire and connect. Congratulations!"
Beru could barely breathe as the applause continued. Luna nudged her forward. "Go on," she whispered. "You should take the certificate with Haruto."
They walked up together — Haruto and Beru side by side — to the stage. Cameras flashed. The principal handed them the framed award, the words "First Place – Cosmic S.T.A.R Club" gleaming in silver. Beru's hands trembled as she accepted it.
"Thank you," she said softly into the microphone, her voice gentle but sure. "We just wanted to make something everyone could enjoy — to make people smile when they looked up at the stars. I guess... that's what we achieved."
Her words were met with another wave of cheers.
Haruto added with his usual cool tone, "It wasn't easy, but everyone gave their best. This victory belongs to the whole school."
After the ceremony ended, the club regrouped outside the hall. Souta was practically glowing. "Can you believe it? First place! We actually beat the science and tech guys! I feel like a celebrity already!"
Luna smirked. "You're already loud enough to qualify for one."
Tadao adjusted his glasses, the corners of his lips curving. "Let's just say... we reached the stars — quite literally."
Beru laughed softly, her eyes turning to Haruto. "Thank you, Haruto. For everything."
He shrugged lightly, a teasing smile playing at his lips. "Didn't I tell you? We'd make something unforgettable."
Her heart warmed. "You were right," she said. "And I'm glad I was part of it with you."
The group spent the morning celebrating, surrounded by classmates who came to congratulate them. Even members of the Science and Tech Club stopped by — Saya among them.
"You guys did great," Saya said sincerely, her tone void of rivalry. "That concert last night was... incredible."
Luna bowed slightly. "Thank you, Saya. Your project was remarkable too."
Saya smiled, a bit shyly. "Well, next year, we'll take that trophy back."
Souta grinned. "You'll have to fight for it — we're aiming for a two-year streak!"
Everyone laughed, the tension from before dissolving into easy camaraderie.
By afternoon, the celebrations continued in the clubroom. The room had returned to its usual charm — stacks of astronomy books, star charts, and now the glimmering trophy proudly displayed on the shelf.
As Beru set down plates of snacks, a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in!" Luna called out.
Two unfamiliar faces peeked in — a boy and a girl from Class 1-C. The boy had spiky auburn hair and carried an air of shy enthusiasm; the girl beside him had short silver hair and bright eyes that sparkled with curiosity.
"Um, excuse us," the boy said nervously. "We... wanted to ask if we could join the Cosmic S.T.A.R Club?"
Beru blinked in surprise. "Join us?"
The girl nodded eagerly. "We saw your café yesterday! It was magical — the lights, the constellations, the music... it felt like being in another world! We realized... this is the kind of thing we want to do too!"
Luna clasped her hands together, clearly delighted. "That's wonderful to hear! What are your names?"
"I'm Ren Ito," said the boy, bowing quickly. "And this is Aira Minazuki."
Aira waved shyly. "We promise we'll work hard!"
Souta leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Well, well, looks like the stars are multiplying."
Beru giggled. "We'd be happy to have you both! Right, everyone?"
A unanimous "Yes!" echoed around the room. Haruto offered the newcomers a nod. "Welcome to the team."
Tadao pushed a spare chair toward them. "Grab a seat — initiation rule number one: you can't join unless you eat Luna's snacks first."
Luna gave him a mock glare, but her laughter followed. "Rule number two — no mocking my snacks!"
The two new members laughed, instantly at ease. Soon, the room was alive with chatter again — plans for the next project, jokes about Souta's dramatic festival speeches, and Ren trying to explain how his science grades didn't actually disqualify him from loving astronomy.
Beru watched the warmth unfold around her. The sound of laughter, the sight of her friends' smiling faces, the soft light filtering through the windows — it all felt surreal.
When the laughter quieted, Luna raised her cup of tea. "To the Cosmic S.T.A.R Club," she said. "May our light never fade — and may our bonds keep us shining."
Everyone lifted their drinks in agreement. "To the Cosmic S.T.A.R Club!"
Haruto met Beru's gaze as they clinked cups. There was pride in his eyes — and something softer, something that needed no words.
As the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue across the clubroom, Beru leaned back against the window sill. "Do you think next year will be even crazier?" she asked with a small smile.
Haruto chuckled. "If it's with all of you... I'm sure of it."
The day faded into the quiet of evening, laughter echoing like starlight through the corridors of Sakura High — a promise of new adventures, new dreams, and friendships that would continue to glow, no matter how far the horizon stretched.
---
To be continued...