Chapter 85: School festival

Sure! Here's the translation of the chapter, along with some additional elements based on the suggestions I made:

And so, after that "introduction," Kai decided to play along with Hina's act of being strangers.

He stood up from his seat and, with a smile, offered his hand to Hina, who took it for a handshake.

"I'm Kai Suzuki, but just call me Kai. I hate formalities between classmates," he said as they shook hands.

Hina's grip was strangely too firm, but Kai seemed not to notice.

He only felt the circulation in his hand stop for a moment.

Afterward, Principal Kurosawa began to explain why this year's school festival was going to be particularly important, more than in previous years.

The two students turned back toward the principal, trying to focus on what she was saying.

This year was going to be different, both in its format and events. The school needed great publicity, and so they had decided to put everything into this student festival, where each student was free to show a part of themselves and contribute.

In previous years, the festival was a much simpler affair. It was little more than a presentation where students and club members displayed their projects.

Kai had always been called the "organizer" for his ability to manage everything well behind the scenes. Without any particularly time-consuming hobbies, he would stay late at school with other students to ensure that everything was aligned perfectly.

"I'm pleased that you two already seem to get along," Principal Kurosawa said in a formal tone, smiling at the two young people in front of her, completely unaware of the events that had befallen them.

"First of all, you should know that this year the school is aiming high. Especially after the recent unfortunate incidents in the abandoned wing. The school, together with some charitable organizations, has decided to restore that old, neglected part to deliver a blow to the criminals and put an end to the unfounded rumors," the principal said, her voice almost filled with pride.

The moment Kai heard about the abandoned school wing, memories came rushing back vividly.

The horrible images of everything his eyes had witnessed resurfaced in his mind like a flash.

It seemed as though he was about to get lost in his thoughts until a small pinch on his back from Hina brought him back to reality.

As soon as he felt Hina's touch, his eyes met hers and then quickly darted back to the principal.

Hina was paying close attention, her eyes were open wide and locked on Principal Kurosawa, as though she were recording every single word and detail in her mind.

"This girl is totally out of this world... I wonder why she had chosen me to be his boyfriend..." Kai thought for a second.

"Yes, Principal Kurosawa... it truly is a shame about what happened recently, and I'm certain the school will prove itself above such foolish rumors," Hina said in a very polite and formal tone.

"I'm glad we see eye to eye, Ishikawa. That's precisely why I personally chose you to help organize this event. You're the top student at the school, and I know exactly what your teachers say about you. They've told me how much you care about this school and everything else. So I'm confident you'll do an excellent job," the principal said, with a hopeful tone.

"Top student?"Kai thought, surprised.

He didn't know Hina was the best in the entire school.

But then again, Kai had never paid much attention to anyone else's achievements.

He never looked at others' names, nor did he care to.

He lived in a solitary world, as if he were isolated from everyone around him.

He wasn't aware of school gossip or rumors.

He never cared.

His routine was school-home-friends.

A loop.

An infinte, normal and almost infernal loop, where one day you'll wake up and find that you're in your 90's.

"Thank you for your kind words, Principal. I'm honored that you selected me to help organize such an important event," Hina replied, bowing politely.

Principal Kurosawa stood up from her seat and turned her gaze toward Kai.

"Suzuki-kun," the principal said, calling his attention.

"Yes, Principal Kurosawa?" Kai responded.

"You and Ishikawa will be responsible for organizing everything necessary to ensure this festival runs smoothly. I'm expecting the best from both of you," the principal said, her tone direct and serious.

It seemed like she had incredibly high expectations, and it also seemed like she wouldn't tolerate failure or hesitation.

In other words, neither Kai nor Hina could back out of the roles they were given.

"Yes, Principal. Thank you for trusting me," Kai replied, though his voice carried a hint of unease.

In his heart, he wasn't sure he was up to the task. But he also knew this would take up a lot of his time.

Kai had to deal with a gang of criminals, protect his friends, and shield Hina from both the police and Yuki Nakamura.

He knew peaceful sleep was no longer an option.

Then, the principal began explaining that the festival would be divided into three stages and would last several days, unlike previous years when it was just a one-day event.

Over these three days, there would be performances, presentations, musical acts, and much more.

Managing clubs, extracurricular projects, and people would be difficult but not impossible.

Perhaps Hina's calculating and almost perfect mind would indeed save the day.

"Understood, Principal. I promise you that from today onward, we will work diligently," Hina replied with a slight bow.

Kai followed her gesture, bowing his head in turn.

"I can see that you're both very responsible young people. Good and diligent," the principal said, her tone softening into something almost maternal, as if she were speaking to her own children.

"You may go now. Everything is written on those papers I gave Kai," she added.

After that, Hina and Kai exited the office, but not before politely saying, "Excuse us."

As soon as Kai and Hina left the principal's office, gently closing the door behind them, Hina turned towards him with a mischievous smile.

Her eyes sparkled with a secret amusement as she looked at him.

"Well then," she said teasingly, "looks like we'll be working together, Su-zu-ki-kun. Which means we'll be spending a looot more time together." Her words were playful, almost as if she was daring Kai to react.

Kai, though surprised by the sudden teasing, didn't lose his composure.

He could feel the warmth rising in his cheeks, but he tried to hide his embarrassment with a calm smile.

"Yeah, I guess we'll be seeing each other much more often, i guess," he replied, attempting to sound casual.

But beneath that facade, there was a growing worry.

More time with Hina meant more things to worry about and less freedom.

But, at least, he knew that Hina wouldn't hurt anyone if she was with him.

And yet, the more Hina smiled at him, the more conflicted he felt.

A part of him was happy about this forced closeness, but the other couldn't ignore the dangers that surrounded them.

He had to tell her about Haruto.

If the criminal was there, even the school festival could turn into a bloody massacre.

So, he thought that the first thing he had to do, was going to the rooftop with Hina.

She would've been able to say if that Haruto was the same person who kidnapped Yuna and shot a police officer in the leg with no Hesitation.

But that probably was a wrong move.

Kai didn't think that bringing Hina to him would've confirmed his suspects.

"There's something I need to show you," Kai said with a flash of determination in his eyes, trying to mask his rising anxiety.

Hina looked at him curiously, waiting for more explanation.

But Kai didn't say anything else.

He simply turned and started walking towards the stairs leading up to the rooftop, and she followed him without question.

That enigmatic smile still played on her lips, as if she was convinced Kai was trying to surprise her with something romantic.

As they climbed, Kai's heart raced. Haruto had to still be there.

He had to be.

Yet, part of him knew that bringing Hina up there was a risky move.

If the schoolboy Haruto was truly involved in something dark, Kai didn't want to expose her to any danger.

When they finally reached the rooftop, Kai pushed the door open with force and stepped through, holding his breath.

He scanned the area, desperately looking for that familiar figure.

But the rooftop was empty.

No sign of Haruto. Only the wind rustling through the potted plants and the distant sounds of the school below them.

Kai stopped, his heart sinking.

Hina followed behind, still convinced he was trying to surprise her.

"This is a cute spot," she said with a smile, looking around. "I didn't know you wanted to take me somewhere so romantic. This surely brings some memories, right?"

Kai, for a moment, stared at her in confusion, almost disoriented by her words.

Romantic? That was the last thing on his mind.

"People come here to confess their love... or to dump their partner, but I know that you would never do something like that, right?" Hina said, with a mischievous tone of voice, while looking at Kai, who had a strange look on his face.

But then he realized Hina had misunderstood his intentions.

He wasn't looking for a moment of tenderness or peace.

"Hina…" he said, his voice uncertain, turning fully towards her. He couldn't delay it any longer. Now that they were alone, this was the right time to talk about Haruto.

"Hina, I need to tell you something very... important." he began, his gaze finally serious and focused on her.

"Oh, Kai. Don't make me worried, you silly!" Hina said with a small chuckle.

"Hina... I..." Kai tried to say, but he took another look around to see if nobody was there.

"Well.. It seems like you're trying to say something bigger than you, right?" Hina said, trying to calm her boyfriend.

Kai seemed nervous, and he was unsure if he had to tell Hina about Haruto or not...

But...