Epilogue - Now, Only At This Moment

"After tallying the results, the Excellence Award goes to the girls'

kendo club's performance."

"Ohhhh!"

"Well, that seems fair."

"Their swordplay was so powerful..."

"Sumire-senpai was amazing..."

"And the Special Award goes to the joint project of Class 1-D and

Class 1-F and their Maid Cafe."

"...Ah, I see."

"Oh, what's with this overwhelming first place... Even though it was

a joint effort, they completely dominated."

"Ah, the President didn't go?"

"Well, that was.... how should I put it... you know."

"I felt like we caught a glimpse of the terrifying nature of the idol

industry..."

As the school festival came to an end with each class and club

focused on cleaning up, the Festival Executive Committee held its final

meeting. Alisa had finished her duties as the Treasurer and was attending

the meeting, but honestly, she was mostly tuning out.

(Haaaah... Why did I do something like that...)

She remembered what she had done to Masachika after his

showdown with Yuusho. Driven by emotions she couldn't quite understand

herself, she had done something truly incomprehensible. Now, looking back

after going through the committee's work, all she felt was regret.

(What was I even doing... clinging onto him like that, biting him, and

even kissing him... I just don't understand anymore.)

At that time, all Alisa wanted was for Masachika to look only at her,

and for her to be the only one looking at Masachika. She found it frustrating

how Masachika could act so nonchalant about it all... And before she

knew it, she had done those things.

(Ah.... I wonder if I'm actually a possessive person...)

Alisa didn't intend to deny that Masachika was a special person to

her. Aside from her childhood, he was her first friend, her partner in the

election campaign, and someone comparable to that of a wizard who

showed her various worlds. Alisa probably thought of Masachika as even

more special than he thought of her.

(So, I wonder...)

Does Masachika also seek the same level of "specialness" from her?

Was that the true nature of this possessiveness...? But honestly, all of these

emotions are so new to her that she didn't understand them well.

(I'm really a beginner when it comes to interpersonal

relationships...)

Through her band activities, Alisa gained more friends and improved

her social skills to some extent, but that also made her realize that she still

had a lot to learn. She was still not good at naturally putting on a friendly

smile, didn't know what to say when speaking, and couldn't gauge the

appropriate distance one should have with others...

(Well.... but what I did was just too much.)

No matter how she tried to justify it, biting him out of nowhere was

just nonsensical. She was not a dog. It was an outrageous act that couldn't

be defended with excuses like lack of experience or clumsiness.

(Ah, why did I do something like that.... But Yuki-san did the same

thing before, right? She gave him bite marks.... And seeing that, I felt this

overwhelming urge to do the same...)

She glanced at Yuki, who was watching the progress of the meeting

with a composed expression, and then at the adjacent Masachika next to

her. And seeing the adhesive plaster hiding the bite marks, Alisa felt

incredibly sorry.

(Ah, this is the worst.... I have to apologize later... But how do I

apologize...)

Even though she didn't even understand why she bit him herself, she

was at a loss on how she was going to explain her actions while offering an

apology. Maybe she should let him bite her back using the principle of "an

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." ...No, that would just make the

situation even more incomprehensible.

(Ugh.... I just want to disappear. Someone, please help me...)

Just as she was inwardly lamenting the perplexing problem, the

Chairperson of the Executive Committee stood up.

"Alright! Well, today we had various troubles, but thanks to

everyone's cooperation, there weren't any serious injuries, and we managed

to get through without getting lectured by the higher-ups in the Raikokai! We

made it through somehow! Thank you all!"

Saying that, the Chairperson bowed along with the Vice-Chairperson

and smiled confidently.

"Good job, everyone, after a whole month of hard work! Now, enjoy

the after-party to your heart's content! Oh, but those who still have work to

do, take it easy, okay?"

Finally, eliciting a bit of laughter, the Chairperson spread their arms

wide.

"Now, let's finish with one final cheer! Join me, everyone!"

In response to the cue, everyone stood up. They held their hands out

in front in unison, and the Chairperson set the rhythm.

"Iyoooo!"

Clap!!!

The sound of clapping hands echoed multiple times, and the 66th

Seirei Gakuen School Festival came to a close with the dissolution of the

Executive Committee.

◇

"Alya"

As Alisa was about to leave the conference room, she was called out

from behind, causing her to flinch. She turned slightly to look over her

shoulder and responded indifferently to Masachika, who called out to her.

"What is it?"

"Oh~ Do you have time later? There's something I want you to

accompany me for..."

Alisa hesitated at Masachika's offer. To be honest, she didn't have

any particular plans. She had thought about helping with tidying up the

classroom if there was still work left. Now that the committee work was over,

there was nothing else she needed to do. However, she realized that it

would be pointless to honestly convey that.

They had been working together, after all. Masachika would probably

already be aware that Alisa didn't have any plans for later. Instead of lying

and feeling downhearted, it would be better to apologize here and settle

things gracefully. With that judgment, Alisa nodded slightly over her

shoulder.

"Well, sure."

"That's great. Will you come with me then?"

Following Masachika, Alisa left the conference room. As they walked

through the dimly lit corridor, Alisa stared at Masachika's back, thinking

about how to broach the subject.

(Sorry for biting you so suddenly... But wait, how can I even explain

my actions?)

Alisa racked her brain for some reason, even if it was an excuse.

But the first thing that came to mind was the impromptu showdown

Masachika had held. However, Alisa had already received an explanation

from Masachika himself regarding the circumstances afterward. Hearing the

details that were only disclosed to the Student Council officers and the

Executive Committee members, she didn't feel like bringing it up again

now... No, that was a problem even before that.

(My anger itself was unreasonable...)

There was no reason or logic behind it. Alisa had acted selfishly and

taken such actions.

(Really, it was foolish...)

No matter how close they got physically, it didn't mean their hearts

were getting closer. Even if she used her feminine charm to bring out his

genuine expressions, it didn't mean she could draw out his true feelings.

From the time they met until now, nothing had changed. Masachika

remained a presence that was close yet distant to Alisa.

(Someday... Masachika-kun will drift away from my side.)

Masachika could do anything on his own and go anywhere. When

that time comes, Masachika would follow his heart and go somewhere else.

And... Alisa, who cannot fly so freely, surely wouldn't be able to go along

with him.

(Oh no.... I feel like crying.)

Suddenly, her chest trembled, and Alisa blinked. At that moment,

Masachika stopped.

"Hmm? This place..."

Ignoring Alisa, who tilted her head to confirm their destination,

Masachika opened the door.

"Come in."

And as instructed, Alisa stepped into the handcraft club room, where

a familiar female student was waiting.

"Oh, you came, Kuze-san."

"Sorry for asking you a favor, Slit-paisen."

"No problem at all. But you'll owe me a lot now, right?"

"If I become the Vice President, I'll repay you twice as much."

"Hahaha! I'd definitely want the both of you to win then~"

As the two exchanged friendly words, Alisa looked at them with a

somewhat complex expression. Then the female student's gaze turned

toward Alisa.

"So, shall we begin, Kujou-san?"

"Eh. W─What?"

"Well, anyway, come over here."

"Huh?"

With a sense of confusion, she glanced at Masachika, but he only

urged her with his gaze. And before she knew it, Alisa was led into the

adjacent storage room where they took photos yesterday.

"Um....?"

"Alright, then change into that over there."

"Eh?"

When Alisa looked at where the female student was pointing, she

saw a pure white dress adorned on a mannequin in the space by the

window that they had used yesterday.

"Well, go ahead and change quickly. It should fit, but if it doesn't, we'll

adjust it in a hurry. Ah, and here are the shoes."

"Eh, um, w-what is this?"

"Well~ come on~!"

Ignoring her question, Slit-Paisen cheerfully urged Alisa to change

into the dress without giving her a chance to understand what was

happening.

"Perfect! The size is just right! As expected of me. Kuze-san, I'm

done over here."

Celebrating her accomplishment with a triumphant pose, Slit-Paisen

quickly left the room.

"....What should I do?"

Left alone in the storage room, Alisa felt uncomfortable and fidgeted.

However, she was soon called by Masachika, and after checking her own

attire, she left the storage room.

"Oh.... It suits you very well. You look beautiful."

As Masachika said that with a smile, Alisa was amazed by his attire.

Even in the dimly lit room, his knight's outfit, predominantly white and blue,

was dazzling. With his hair slightly styled and smoothed, Masachika

chuckled at Alisa's speechless reaction.

"Oi, stop being so silent."

"Uh, well..."

"No, don't say anything. You don't have to! I'm making you dress up,

after all!"

After almost blurting out "You look cool," Alisa was stopped by

Masachika and swallowed her words. Instead, she asked the question she

had been holding onto for a while.

"What is all this, exactly?"

"Well, you see..."

Masachika awkwardly rested his hand on the back of his neck.

"We made a promise yesterday.... well, more accurately, it was a

while ago. To go around the school festival together."

"Ah..."

"No, I'm really sorry. We ran out of time in the end, and not only that,

I couldn't even watch the you guys' live performance.... It's only

understandable that you'd be angry, yeah."

Saying so, Masachika pointed to the adhesive plaster on his neck.

Alisa was overwhelmed by his consideration for her regrets and struggles,

and her heart tightened, realizing that there was no need to apologize. He

wasn't going to ask why she did such a thing. That was what Masachika

was telling her.

(Ah....)

Feeling touched by his kindness, Alisa felt like crying again. Whether

he noticed it or not, Masachika averted his gaze and spoke while looking

down diagonally.

"Well, anyway.... It ended up being during the evening festival after

all, but as Alya told me once, I thought I would properly invite you in my own

way."

After a light cough, Masachika knelt down where he was. Then, he

blinked a little and wore a faint smile.

"Just for now, allow me to treat you like a princess, okay?"

Saying so in a playful manner, Masachika gently extended his hand

to Alisa.

"Princess, may I have the honor of being your partner for the dance

at the evening festival?"

It was an invitation to the evening festival dance, accompanied by a

cheesy yet romantic gesture. Alisa's heart raced, and she couldn't help but

smile softly.

"Oh, come on, what's that.... Are you trying to imitate Kiryuinsenpai?"

"What's wrong with being the perfect gentleman?"

"What's your true intention?"

"Do you think I can do something like this seriously in a sober state?"

"Pfft, ahaha..."

Laughing at Masachika's honest words, Alisa felt joy spreading in her

chest.

Though it was mixed with jokes as usual, Masachika was looking

only at Alisa. He truly desired her from the bottom of his heart.

(Just for now.... Masachika-kun is truly my partner, isn't he?)

Coincidentally, at this moment, the two of them held the same

sentiment. Only for now, at this very moment.

Unaware that their feelings were overlapping, Alisa, with somewhat

theatrical gestures, placed her hand on top of Masachika's, following his

lead.

"Yes, please take care of me."

She said, smiling mischievously,

With that, she playfully smiled and at that moment, a faint shutter

sound could be heard. They turned towards the direction of the sound, and

Masachika frowned with a piercing gaze.

"Oi, Slit. Don't take pictures without permission."

"Don't shorten my name like that. It's a good memory, right? Look."

Saying so, Alisa looked at the screen of the smartphone that was

being held up, capturing the two of them holding hands with smiles on their

faces. Alisa shrunk her shoulders in embarrassment. Glancing quickly, she

noticed that Masachika was also looking at her. Their eyes met, but he

quickly averted them. Then, a voice expressing admiration reached their

ears.

"You two look great together. It's no surprise to see you exchange

passionate words on stage."

"....Huh?"

Furrowing her eyebrows upon hearing those words, Alisa turned

around to see Slit-Paisen, blinking in surprise.

"Huh? Don't tell me you haven't realized? It's a huge topic right now.

Apparently, Kujou-san said something like 'I believe in you' to Kuze-san on

stage."

"....Huh? Why──"

In a state of shock, Alisa's mind flashed back to that moment.

Masachika telling her to "trust me and wait for me" and Alisa

clenching her hands in front of her chest, responding with "I believe in you."

....While clenching her hands, in front of her chest.

In those hands was a microphone.

A microphone that happened to be switched-on.

"A-Ah... AAh..."

With a terrifying sense of foreboding, Alisa let out a voice that

trembled in shock. In response, the female student gave her a thumbs-up

with a smile.

"Like I said before, it's a huge topic right now. If you both go to the

schoolyard in those outfits, you'll undoubtedly be the main characters of the

evening festival!"

With that unwitting blow, Alisa's sense of shame reached its limit.

"N-No wayyyyy!!"

Her scream reverberated through the evening shadows of the club

building.