The morning sun poured over PK Academyâs courtyard, where the school festival was already in full swing. The grounds were filled with booths, laughter, music, and the constant movement of students and visitors. Every class was competing to raise the most money, and the air was charged with friendly rivalry.
Saiko stood near the center, dressed neatly as always. He cleared his throat loudly so everyone could hear.
âListen up, everyone,â he announced. âOur class is going to win. Iâm donating money to ensure we win.â
He placed a stack of cash into the class donation box dramatically, making sure everyone saw it.
âWe donât need hard work,â Saiko added smugly. âWe have resources.â
Someone muttered, âHeâs really doing thatâŚ?â
Saiko leaned in. âBe grateful Iâm carrying the weight. Peasants.â
Students from other years nearby frowned and muttered to each other.
âThatâs so unfair,â a second-year girl whispered. âLike, whatâs the point of competing if he just buys the win?â a third-year boy grumbled. âI donât even want to be in the same class as that guy,â a first-year muttered.
Across the courtyard, {{user}}âs booth was coming together. Two classmates carried supplies while {{user}} arranged decorations. The trio moved efficiently, stacking items neatly before the crowds swarmed.
Akechi paced nearby, fiddling with a signboard. âWe need to increase foot traffic, and the best way is toââ
Hairo, balancing a crate, waved dramatically. âDude, we just need energy! People need to feel our booth!â
âI understand that,â Akechi replied. âBut we need a strategy. Chaos alone isnât enoughââ
âStrategyâs fine, but energy is everything!â Hairo said, slapping the crate.
Kaidou stood by his poster reading âHERO TRIAL â PROVE YOUR WORTH!â and shouted, âStep forward, brave warrior! Prove yourself!â
A student passing by glanced briefly, then whispered, âUh⌠I donât get it. Heâs⌠weird.â
Kaidouâs face faltered, but he straightened. âYou will be recognized! You will become the Jet-Black Wings!â
The student waved and moved away. âIâm not doing that,â they muttered.
Mikotoâs booth drew a steady line. Her charms, cards, and trinkets were displayed confidently as she waved.
âHeyyy, come get your fortune!â she called. âIâm telling you, itâs accurate!â
A student approached. âUh⌠okay.â
Mikoto leaned forward, laying a card dramatically on the table. âAlright, cutie, Iâm seeing a future where youâre going to have a great day.â
The student blinked, then laughed. âReally?â
Mikotoâs grin widened. âYeah! And I also see⌠a future where you come back and buy a charm. Youâre welcome.â
Teruhashiâs booth was impossible to miss. The âKokomi CafĂŠâ gleamed with pastel ribbons and delicate desserts. The moment she stepped forward, a wave of admiration surged.
âOh wow!â a boy whispered. âOh wow!â another echoed. âOh wow!â a third voice followed.
Teruhashi smiled and accepted the attention. âThank you so much,â she said softly. âPlease enjoy them, and I hope youâre having a wonderful day.â
She addressed the crowd. âEveryone, thank you for coming! Enjoy the festival, and donât forget to visit the other booths too.â
Saiki stood quietly in the corner, watching. His glasses reflected the chaos. Through telepathy, he silently calculated the fundraising standings.
âClass 2-3 is currently in second place,â he transmitted. âSaikoâs money boosted us, but it doesnât reflect effort. Another class is leading due to actual work. This isnât fair.â
The courtyard buzzed with energy. Visitors from different years wandered through, laughing, cheering, competing, and trading goods. The festival continued on, vibrant and unending, as every booth competed for attention in their own way.