december 22nd was the date set for Toyosaki Academy's closing ceremony.
The closing ceremony was on the 22nd, and the winter break officially started on the 23rd. The schedule at private Toyosaki Academy was only two or three days different from other private high schools.
However, before the closing ceremony, Toyosaki Academy still had another matter to attend to—
The School Festival!
On that Wednesday, Aki Tomoya stayed behind because of the school festival.
The daytime was the open house, and he was busy with class matters.
And in the evening, which is commonly known as the school festival after-party, he couldn't just leave by himself either.
"After-Party."
Looking at the bonfire on the school grounds, with boys and girls dancing around it, Aki Tomoya sat on the edge of the field, having no interest in joining them.
The closing ceremony was the day after tomorrow. After the winter break, this year would be completely over.
He would enter the third year in April of next year, and then take the University entrance exam one year later.
"I wonder where Yoshihiko ran off to. It seems I can feel lonely too..."
In the bonfire, the bright flames blazed, and sparks floated above the flames like fireflies.
At the end of the school year, Aki Tomoya sat alone in the distance, watching the bonfire.
Kato Megumi was with the few friends she had in class, Kamigō Yoshihiko was dragged away to do manual labor. Among the trio preparing for exams, only Aki Tomoya seemed idle and was staying here alone.
Just as he was wondering when the after-party would finally end, a girl, encouraged by others, walked up to him.
"Aki-kun, aren't you joining?"
He didn't recognize the girl and couldn't even recall her name. She was probably from another class.
Aki Tomoya looked at her in confusion, then shook his head and replied, "I'm waiting for a friend."
Sitting here alone, Aki Tomoya only hoped that Kamigō Yoshihiko, who had been dragged away for manual labor, would return soon, or that the after-party would end quickly so they could start tidying up.
The girl who came to talk was a bit awkward, but after receiving encouragement from her friends, she nervously asked, "If you don't mind, do you want to join us?"
At this moment, Aki Tomoya's expression showed some surprise.
Without realizing it, had he become popular?
Invited to dance at the after-party?
Aki Tomoya looked at her in surprise, then subtly replied, "Thank you for inviting me, but I'm a bit busy right now."
Having rejected her like that, Aki Tomoya couldn't bear to look at her expression.
The girl's body trembled, and then she mumbled something incoherently, forcing a smile on her face.
Facing Aki Tomoya's lack of understanding, the somewhat disheartened girl returned to the embrace of her female friends.
Although Aki Tomoya felt a little guilty about this, it would have been more troublesome if he had agreed. It wouldn't be good to cause the other person unnecessary misunderstanding.
Thinking that staying here might be getting in the way, Aki Tomoya stood up and quietly left the field.
Walking into the quiet courtyard, Aki Tomoya found a place where he could see the firelight and sat down, enjoying a moment of peace.
"That's impressive, Aki Tomoya."
A familiar voice suddenly came from behind him.
Without turning around to confirm, Aki Tomoya recognized the owner of the voice.
"Eriri? Don't you need to stay with your friends?"
It had been a while since Aki Tomoya had seen Eriri much, but he knew what Eriri had been busy with recently through some people around them.
Eriri walked towards Aki Tomoya, meeting his gaze, then casually replied, "No need. I haven't really talked to them much these past few months anyway."
"It seems you've been really busy these past few months."
At this moment, Aki Tomoya couldn't help but recall what Hashima Iori had told him when they met again a few days ago, and also some of Kamigō Yoshihiko's minor complaints when they were studying together with Kato Megumi and others.
Aki Tomoya wasn't sure exactly how busy Eriri was, but even without paying attention, he heard from others that Eriri and Kasumigaoka Utaha were currently flourishing.
The effect of their combined efforts seemed to be quite good.
"Congratulations."
Thinking of this, Aki Tomoya casually offered a congratulatory remark.
Eriri heard the congratulations and asked with some surprise, "Did you read it?"
This question made Aki Tomoya feel a bit awkward. He helplessly shook his head, "Sorry, I just heard Hashima Iori mention it."
As for reading, Aki Tomoya wasn't reading light novels now. He simply didn't have the time.
If it weren't for the after-party today, he should be reviewing at Aomine Cram School, doing past papers, instead of waiting at school for the after-party to end and clean up.
"...That's right. You'll start taking mock exams next year, entering the third year."
A hint of regret flashed in Eriri's eyes, but she wasn't surprised.
The current Aki Tomoya had already officially retired from being an otaku. He was about to enter the third year and face college entrance exams. It would be strange if he, who needed to prepare for exams, had time to pay attention to that kind of thing.
He probably didn't even know the title of the work.
"A girl just invited you, right? Why didn't you accept?"
Eriri tried to change the subject, asking with a teasing tone.
Earlier on the field, even though a girl had gone over to invite Aki Tomoya to join the after-party dance, Aki Tomoya had directly refused.
Eriri had seen the look on the disheartened girl's face.
"Aren't you asking the obvious? Besides, I don't even know that girl's name, or which class she's in. I'm the one who's really troubled."
Aki Tomoya sighed after speaking.
Being suddenly invited by someone was surprising, but he couldn't just agree because of that.
Moreover, she was a complete stranger. He appreciated her intention, but it was truly troublesome.
"Having a convenient romance in the last year of third grade would be too luxurious, wouldn't it?"
Aki Tomoya said helplessly.
The next second, he looked at Eriri, and as if he had thought of something, he said, "Speaking of which, I thought you were always with that Senior. I'm surprised you have time to find me."
"It's just the after-party, what's there to be busy about? Besides, you're too pathetic being alone!"
Eriri explained with her arms crossed. From her words, it seemed she came over to take care of Aki Tomoya's feelings.
Hearing this, Aki Tomoya chuckled dryly, "Well, thank you very much then."
"So dismissive."
"Dismissive?"
"Extremely dismissive!"
The two chatted idly in the courtyard. The after-party was also nearing its end without them noticing.
Realizing the firelight was slowly starting to diminish, Aki Tomoya stood up, "I'm leaving first. Our class and another class are responsible for cleaning up."
After saying goodbye to Eriri, Aki Tomoya returned to the field and met up with his classmates, preparing to start the cleanup.
Eriri, who remained in the courtyard, looked quite relaxed.
"Kasumigaoka, have you decided whether or not to meet with Hongzaka Akane?"
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