Getting Closer (2)

Chapter 94: S2 Episode 1 - Getting Closer (2)

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October 31 (Halloween), the second day of the St. Marie fair

"Happy Halloween!"

People were all lined up at the academy's large black gates as students dressed up in costumes welcomed them into the fair.

"Welcome to St. Marie Academy!"

"Each class has the student's creations on display. Please take a look at the results of our daily devotion."

"Welcome to Sweets Paradise!"

Not only was it Halloween, but it was the day where classes would display the props that they worked hard on to the public. 2-A's "Candy House" would be put on display for people to see. In the back of my mind, I felt proud of my classmates for putting much effort to represent 2-A.

"Uwaa! A chocolate castle!"

"Amazing!"

"Mama, look, it's a candy house!"

"I want to eat it!"

We'd glanced at all of the attractions and activities going on at the fair. I could see people enjoying their time at our academy's fair and I couldn't help but put on a small smile. For their happiness, I was willing to give it my all to put on a good service.

We arrived at our Pumpkin Cake stall and began getting everything ready for today. Hanabusa and I helped Kashino and Andou ready 50 plates for the start of the day. We worked at a speedy pace while still managing to produce beautiful desserts. We could see that this was definitely a dish meant for Halloween.

As we took our places, the two boys in the back would continue doing what they were doing (with the help of Fraise), and Hanabusa and Cafe would be directing their attention towards gathering customers.

"Students participating in the Grand Prix are currently selling confections in the Central Plaza. Please purchase up-front with your meal ticket at each booth please!" A voice rang through the speaker located in the plaza.

It was finally the start of the second day.

As we opened up, I could see a large line forming in front of our Pumpkin Cakeshop and I could also see that Team Tennouji had a large line from across us. It was hard to see who had a bigger line but I knew that our teams would waste no effort to serve our guests.

As if knowing that he would be of no help serving customers, Hanabusa quickly went to the back to help out Andou and Kashino. Fraise, Chocolat, Caramel, and Cafe would work with them to pump out the dishes.

'All right. Let's do this.'

The customers outside were forming a blob and it couldn't even be seen as a line at our shop. But regardless, it didn't matter if there was a line or not. We had to sell our pumpkin cakes no matter what.

"Ah, it's Michiko Keiko! We're supporting you and your team!"

"I haven't had any but I can already tell the cakes will be great!"

"Finally, I waited in line yesterday but I couldn't get any. I definitely will today!"

The crowd was chattering in front of me so it was hard to hear each word audibly.

"Hello and welcome to our Pumpkin Cakeshop! How many would you like?" I said to each customer that came next.

I could see their looks filled with anticipation as I opened up. Quickly, they began ordering by the masses and the 50 pumpkin cakes that everyone had prepared together beforehand, were already sold out in 10 minutes.

"Can I get 4?"

"Let me have 5!"

"3 please!"

"2 for me!"

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As orders kept coming in, my team in the back were efficiently putting out our pumpkin cakes quickly and beautifully. It was hard to tell how many people I'd served and how many of our pumpkin cakes were sold.

"Wow, this is delicious!"

"Amazing, as expected!"

"Drawing on the pumpkin faces with edible ink is such a fun activity!"

"I like how everything goes well together! Splendid!"

I served every customer equally and respectfully and each one of them had expressed the support they had for Team Michiko. I felt moved by their smiles as they brought up how they'd watched us on the live broadcast during the 2nd round. They mentioned how we turned the tables with our Chocolate Blooming Flower dessert when everyone was sure that Team Natsuki would win. I was surprised that anyone had watched it and immediately decided to support us because of it.

I had no idea how much time had passed but something unexpected grabbed my attention. As our Pumpkin Cakes were selling fast, I noticed that Team Tennouji's Egg Tarts were, too. I figured that we may tie up again today but a blaring noise rang through the plaza.

*DING DONG!*

It was the intercom on the speaker!

"The current standing results for the Grand Prix 3rd round have changed!" The speaker announced and I stopped whatever I was doing for a split second.

'The results have… changed?!'

"As requested by the academy's chairman and school board, there will be no more sharing of 1st place! The new message is as follows: The team that can keep themselves in 1st place will be granted admission as a finalist in the final round! Right now, the two teams that are leading this round will have to have sold out all of their desserts the fastest to be granted admission as a finalist! You will not have to participate in the semi-finals!"

After that alarming news, I could feel my face harden in all seriousness. Maybe it was worry and uncertainty that I felt.

I looked at Team Tennouji's shop that was across from ours, and both I and Tennouji Mari exchanged glances from afar; my bright blue eyes locking with her honey gold eyes.

Her usual serious and calm expression was for once showing signs of nervousness after hearing the announcement.

Both of our expressions declared something when we looked at each other. We were both willing to battle for 1st place. If we could do so, we would be guaranteed as a finalist in the Grand Prix.

Our teams could both be closer to winning the Grand Prix if we achieved 1st place and—We'd both be closer to our dreams…