Principal Takashi Kawada stood beneath the glowing festival lanterns, a single spotlight catching the silver streaks in his hair.
He gripped the microphone with a smile, but Saki could see the excitement flickering across his face.
"Welcome, everyone, to a brand-new school year!"
The garden erupted with applause and cheers, the sound sparkling like the lights strung above.
Takashi raised a hand for quiet.
"I won't keep you long. Just like last year, it's time to choose your clubs for the year ahead."
A soft wave of whispers rippled through the crowd.
Which clubs are performing this time? students murmured to one another.
"Our clubs include Art, Music, Soccer, Basketball, Travel, Drama, and Dance," Takashi continued, his voice carrying easily through the night air.
Many students already knew their choices; their faces glowed with eager anticipation.
But Saki's mind swirled with uncertainty.
Which one… should I join?
Takashi went on, his words measured but warm.
"Each club has its own booth. Pick up forms from the three you're interested in and submit them to the vice principal when you're ready."
A few students grinned to each other—tonight the principal wasn't giving one of his famously long speeches.
"Before you decide," he added, eyes twinkling, "each club will perform a short presentation."
Saki's heart leapt.
Presentations… that means…
Her breath caught as realization dawned.
Hiroki. Backstage. He's with the music club.
I-is he going to play that special song… on stage?
Takashi's smile widened.
"This year," he announced, "each club will also give an off-campus performance—a chance to show our city the talent of Sendai High!"
A fresh surge of applause rolled through the garden.
Without missing a beat, Takashi gestured grandly toward the stage.
"Let's begin! Please welcome our Music Club for the first performance of the night!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Lights dimmed, then flared in soft blues and golds as the curtains parted.
Saki's pulse quickened, every beat loud in her ears.
The festival garden, alive with color and sound, suddenly felt like the world's most intimate stage.
Hiroki… will you really play the song meant only for me?
"Get ready for the performances," Yusuke said, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes.
"I'm sure this year's will be amazing."
Saki turned to him with a small, polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Y-yeah… I'm really excited," she replied, voice trembling slightly.
Her fingers intertwined between her knees as she faced the stage again, heart thudding faster and faster.
The stage lights brightened in a gentle glow.
Hiroki stood at the microphone, adjusting the strings of his guitar one by one.
Beside him, Miyuki settled onto the drum stool, tapping her sticks together in a quiet rhythm.
Other club members finished their own preparations, the buzz of anticipation spreading through the crowd.
Saki's gaze locked on Hiroki, excitement shimmering like starlight in her eyes.
Miyuki clicked her drumsticks—clack, clack.
And then…the music began.
A smooth rhythm poured into the night.
Hiroki's clear voice floated across the school garden, carrying a warmth that made every student pause.
Heads began to nod with the beat; feet tapped along almost unconsciously.
Each strum of Hiroki's guitar sent a ripple through Saki's chest.
Every strike of Miyuki's drums made her skin prickle with electricity.
Midway through the melody, Hiroki lifted his gaze to her.
It was a glance that seemed to ask, "Do you like my song?"—quiet, yet filled with meaning.
Saki held her breath, her eyes answering before words could.
The final crash of the drums rang out.
Then silence… followed by a wave of thunderous applause.
"Encore! One more!" students shouted, their voices echoing under the strings of festival lights.
Principal Takashi stepped forward, taking the microphone.
"Everyone, remember the other clubs need their turn as well," he reminded gently.
A few disappointed groans rose, but the crowd eventually relented.
"You can hear them again at the next big event," Takashi added with a reassuring smile.
The music club began to pack up their instruments and leave the stage.
But Saki remained still among the cheering students, her thoughts swirling.
The song had been beautiful—captivating, even.
And yet…something was missing.
This isn't the special song, she realized.
Hiroki's promised melody still hid behind a curtain of mystery, and the longing inside her only grew stronger.
> As the garden lights shimmered in the evening breeze, Saki made a quiet vow to herself:
"One day… I will hear that special song."
Yusuke turned toward Saki after the performance,
a faint trace of jealousy flickering in his eyes.
"I think the song they played was pretty basic," he said, lips curling slightly.
"If I tried a little, I could write something like that myself."
Saki raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her voice.
"Oh really? Then why weren't you up there?
Don't tell me… you're a new transfer just like me?"
Yusuke's expression tightened for a moment.
"I don't bother with pointless things like that," he muttered.
Saki let out a soft laugh, teasing.
"Right, of course. Good point," she said with a mischievous grin.
"So, what will you bother with this year?
Or are you planning to stay clubless again?"
Yusuke looked away, a faint blush on his cheeks as he tried to stay confident.
"I'm joining the Travel Club," he finally admitted.
"The club with the least work," Saki added, laughing.
Yusuke gave a crooked, almost fake smile.
"Ha… maybe."
At that moment, Principal Takashi's voice boomed across the garden:
"Next on stage—the Art Club!"
Spotlights lit the display as canvases, clay sculptures, and colorful stone paintings came into view.
Takashi continued,
"The Art Club will exhibit their creations throughout the year.
Let's give them a big round of applause!"
The crowd clapped enthusiastically.
Yusuke shrugged, unimpressed.
"At least I'm not messing around with unnecessary paint," he said dryly.
Saki giggled.
"Can you even draw a straight line?" she teased.
Yusuke shot her a glance and smirked.
"Well, we'll see what you choose, Saki," he replied,
deciding to keep quiet after that.
Next, students from the soccer and basketball clubs stepped forward,
announcing proudly that they'd compete in upcoming tournaments.
A dancer from the newly formed Dance Club followed with a bright smile:
"This is our first year, but we believe we can put on an amazing stage performance!"
Then a representative from the Travel Club took the mic:
"This year, we'll plan school trips and help organize performances
for both the Music and Dance Clubs."
Finally, Principal Takashi returned to center stage.
"My dear students, these are this year's clubs.
Please think carefully and choose the ones that suit you best."
Students began to rise, some already certain, others still debating.
Yusuke leaned toward Saki and whispered,
"I'm going to grab a Travel Club form before the line gets long."
Saki nodded lightly, giving a small approving smile.
As he started walking away, Yusuke added,
"I'll come back and help you after I'm done."
Under the garden lights that flickered softly in the evening breeze,
Saki watched him go—her heart caught between this easy new friendship
and the deepening mystery of Hiroki's special song that still lingered in her mind.