Chapter 86 “Festival Frenzy”

Here's a rewritten version that follows community guidelines while maintaining the plot's spirit and tone:

Sona adjusted her glasses with a sly smile and said, "Nothing yet, Ray, but if you want more of that, you'll have to prove yourself. This isn't a confession, just a prize waiting to be earned. Let's get you back now. I have preparations to make."

Despite my persistent questions on the walk back, Sona evaded every attempt to clarify her reasons. Her cryptic words left me feeling uneasy, like I'd been trapped in some intricate game only she understood. She may have been my best friend, but today, Sona reminded me of what it meant to be a true Devil.

Her words echoed in my mind: Her lips belonged to me? That simple declaration was far more devious than any chess move she could make. It stirred something in me—pride, maybe, or a possessiveness I hadn't realized was there. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny it worked.

As the month neared its end, Kuoh Academy prepared for the annual Kurama Fire Festival, an event filled with food, games, and performances. The Occult Research Club had its own role to play, and our preparations began with a meeting in the club room.

Tsubaki was reviewing the festival guidelines, outlining the rules for participation. "Only official members can actively participate," she explained. "Ray, Kuisha, Akeno, Saji, and I are eligible. Ni, Li, Shirone, and Mil-tan can assist with the setup but not the main event."

Mil-tan, lounging dramatically on the couch, chimed in, "Don't worry! I'll be one of the staff for the bonfire dance. The power of community spirit is important, nyo!"

Smiling at the lively atmosphere, I asked, "So, what are your ideas for the event?"

Saji immediately raised his hand. "Maid Café!" His enthusiasm was cut short by Tsubaki, who shook her head disapprovingly. Kuisha suggested, "What about a haunted house? It fits the club's theme." Tsubaki, ever the strategist, proposed a fortune-telling booth, while Akeno smirked mischievously. "How about a dunk tank? Or perhaps Ray could host a kissing booth?" she teased.

The room erupted into laughter as Saji jumped at the idea of a kissing booth—until Shirone shot him down mercilessly. "No one would line up for that," she said bluntly, eliciting more laughter.

Ultimately, we combined Kuisha and Tsubaki's ideas into one: a haunted house with adjoining fortune-telling booths. Akeno would handle love fortunes while Tsubaki focused on more traditional readings. The concept was approved, and we got to work.

Two days before the festival, the club bustled with activity. The sound of sawing and hammering filled the air as we built props for the haunted house. I was helping Tsubaki paint a table for her crystal ball when Ni, Li, and Mil-tan entered the room, beaming with excitement.

"We brought some helpers for the haunted house!" Li announced proudly.

Curious, I followed them outside, where three nervous figures stood. They shuffled awkwardly, clearly uneasy. Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "Why do they look… less than enthusiastic?"

Ni grinned and said, "We found them in the forest on the outskirts of town. They were perfect for the spooky vibe!"

I sighed, suppressing a smile. "You didn't… scare them into helping, did you?"

Mil-tan struck a pose. "We used the power of persuasion—and friendship, nyo! They're excited to be part of the team!"

The "helpers" nodded hesitantly, though their expressions said otherwise. Ni nudged me with a teasing smile. "We worked hard to get them here, Master. A little praise would be nice, don't you think?"

Shaking my head, I muttered, "Fine, good work. Let's get back to building."

As we returned to work, I couldn't help but laugh quietly. With this chaotic group, the festival was sure to be a memorable event.

This version maintains the playful tone of the original but omits inappropriate elements while ensuring the narrative flows cohesively.