The sky was blue, the grass was green, and her mood was perfectly content.
Though she had her share of buried worries and often carried pressures beyond what someone her age should bear, none of that mattered right now. Natsume-san was currently in a somewhat distracted state, but she figured it would pass soon enough.
Her hand rested on the edge of the suitcase, helping to push the heavy-looking luggage along. Her gaze, however, was fixed on the woman walking about a meter ahead of her.
Most visitors carried simple travel backpacks—after all, nearly everything one needed could be found in Academy City.
Yet this lady had brought a whole suitcase packed full, which struck Natsume-san as a little puzzling.
Smooth, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends curling into soft waves.
To shield herself from the day's harsh UV rays, she wore a white wide-brimmed hat and a pale yellow sundress.
Her bangs were trimmed neatly, just level with her eyebrows.
Along with the faint, gentle smile on her face, it gave her an air that felt like a breath of spring.
Just like Natsume-san, this lady preferred to keep her bangs trimmed short and tidy whenever they started to block her view.
But Natsume-san had to be a bit more careful—after all, Tokiwadai students were supposed to get their hair styled at designated salons.
Not that the rule was strictly enforced.
Even so, Natsume-san always went to the official salon—mostly because it was free for Tokiwadai students.
"This time, I brought some tools with me. I'm going to make you some lovely clothes, Sonoko-chan."
As if sensing Natsume-san's curiosity, the young woman named Natsume Tomoyo smiled even more tenderly, the curve of her lips softening further.
"But our school doesn't allow us to wear anything else."
The girl with the round bun hairstyle thought of her school's rather peculiar rules and pouted slightly.
It wasn't just during school hours—even after class and during breaks, Tokiwadai students were expected to wear their uniforms.
Natsume-san hadn't found a good way around that rule yet, unless she decided not to go back to the dorm at all.
"Maybe you could wear them in secret. Everyone understands—girls your age want to dress up sometimes."
"But if you wear your hair in a bun, it might be a bit tricky to match with certain outfits, so…"
A thoughtful expression crossed the woman's face, followed by a hint of concern.
"No, I don't like complicated hairstyles."
Already guessing what her guardian was thinking, Natsume-san shook her head firmly.
Aside from short hair, her current bun was the simplest style she'd found—the result of careful consideration and the best solution she'd come up with.
"I see."
"Ah, I know just the outfit for you, Sonoko-chan."
As if struck by inspiration, Tomoyo-san smiled gently.
A princess-style dress would suit a bun perfectly. Or maybe a magical princess theme, with a wand and a slightly modified dress…
Her expression shifted briefly at the thought, but she quickly returned to her usual gentle composure.
"Fine, but remember—I'll be really busy during the Daihaseisai. I can't spend too much time helping with clothes."
"You know I'm one of Tokiwadai's ace competitors, right? I'll be needed everywhere—I'm even in the front row of the athlete procession tomorrow."
Spouting a few exaggerated claims, Natsume-san swung her arms a little awkwardly and squinted up at her ever-serious guardian.
"I understand. I'll be sure to record every moment."
Natsume-san's words seemed to have an unexpected effect. The lady maintained her lovely smile and gave her phone a little wave.
"You don't have to go through all that trouble. The opening ceremony and the games will be broadcasted on TV anyway."
Natsume-san paused, a bit taken aback.
Aside from tourists and family members, media personnel had flocked to Academy City—practically every major news outlet from around the world was here.
But the mention of live broadcasts reminded her of something.
As the Eighth Level 5 in Academy City, tomorrow's coverage would definitely raise her profile. After all, there was only one Natsume Sonoko at Tokiwadai Middle School.
At least appearing on TV wasn't as attention-grabbing as being one of the oath-takers.
Shokuhou-senpai's popularity would probably skyrocket tomorrow.
Then again, Shokuhou-senpai was likely the least concerned about being bothered by attention.
The same went for her temporary partner, that guy, Sogiita Gunha.
In a way, the two of them were making their formal idol debut—about to be recognized by all of Academy City, and possibly the world.
Even so, the TV broadcast was going to be a hassle, and Natsume-san hated hassles. Not to mention all the spectators with their cameras and recording devices.
She could just about tolerate the enthusiasm and stares from everyone in the School Garden and the dorm, but if that expanded to the whole of Academy City—or worse, beyond—it would seriously bother her.
Natsume-san didn't want to have to turn invisible every time she went out.
Among Tokiwadai's three Level 5s, Natsume-san had the least prepared mindset—she was nowhere ready to become a student representative.
She valued her personal space and cared a lot about what others thought.
Otherwise, she wouldn't still be so hung up on that rumor-spreading website.
Maybe she should wear a mask tomorrow? But non-competition items weren't allowed.
Well then, she could just bend the light around her a little—make it impossible for any camera to get a clear shot.
Sure, it would also affect how people saw her in person, but that was just normal light refraction. Nothing to do with her.
And even if it did—she wasn't about to admit it.
It wouldn't hurt anyone. Just a form of self-protection from a certain complicated twelve-year-old girl.
Having quickly landed on a good idea, Natsume-san's expression softened with relief.
"But the TV broadcast is for everyone. I only want to film you, Sonoko-chan."
Tomoyo-san's voice was earnest.
"That's not the point… Actually, it's because tomorrow, no camera will be able to film me clearly anyway."
After a moment's hesitation, Natsume-san explained her worries to the woman in front of her, along with the solution she'd just thought of.
Deep down, she had plenty of other troubles, but she didn't know how to explain them all, nor did she want those close to her to worry too much.
"What a shame. But I support your decision, Sonoko-chan. Always."
Coming to a stop, Tomoyo-san gently pinched the cheek of the girl with the round bun.
"In that case, my phone is fully charged. Let's start recording right now." The woman's voice was as gentle and elegant as ever.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.