EMTL: Dexter
FTL(Hardest Part): Kayl
TLC/Editor: Alisa
Proofreader/Final Editor: G-string
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Once the lively commotion settled, everyone in Class 2-5, who seemed to have motivated, returned to their own tasks in preparation for the actual event.
From the looks of it, the construction of both major and minor props had progressed significantly, as snippets of the fairytale world peeked from various corners of the classroom. The sight of Kura-T in sky blue colors darting around was somewhat comical and surreal, inadvertently hinting at the approaching school festival.
Haru, Kazuki, Kaito, and Kenta, under the guidance of Nazuna and the literature club members responsible for the script, had delved into the practice of their roles. Meanwhile, Yuuko, Nanase, and I were on our way to the dressing room for a fitting session, which had already been completed early.
Notably, Yua joined us instead of the girls who actually create the costumes. As there might be a need to assist with changing into dresses or taking measurements by touching the body, Yua, who had occasionally lent a hand with the work, would be a more comfortable companion for Yuuko and Nanase.
We stepped into the costume room after a long time. It was a large space like other special classrooms, featuring neatly arranged tables for group work. In a corner, a seemingly age-worn mannequin stood forlornly, and several well-used sewing machines lined the wall.
The distinctive scent of the special classrooms, shared by places like the music room, art room, biology lab, and the cooking room, filled the air. It wasn’t objectively a pleasant smell—likely a mixture of long-embedded paint, chemicals, and remnants of dishes prepared during practical lessons. But I strangely didn’t dislike it.
For instance, when I someday looked back on my high school days as an adult, even if the details of classes had completely faded away, the air of these special classrooms would instantly evoke nostalgia in me.
While I was lost in such thoughts, Yua, who was quietly making preparations, spoke up. “Alright, let’s get started. First, Saku-kun’s costume.”
“Sure thing.” I answered lightly.
Yua handed me a large paper bag. “You should be able to put it on by yourself, probably…”
Now that she mentioned it, I hadn’t been informed about what the costume would be. While the image of a prince naturally led to thoughts of a cape and a crown, I checked the contents.
“…Huh, seriously?”
When I involuntarily uttered my surprise, Yua tilted her head curiously.
“Sorry, I didn’t consult you about it. Did you dislike it, by any chance?”
“I don’t dislike it, but…”
“Saku-kun, with your style, I think it’ll suit you.”
“Not exactly…”
“It’s fine, don’t worry.”
Well, whatever, I shrugged my shoulders. “Since everyone prepared it for me, I’ll try it on for now.”
“Yes!” Yua, whose face lit up, swiftly took out a piece of black fabric. “I’ll use this to cover the window on the door, so wait a moment.”
“Looks like you’re well-prepared.”
The dressing room, being on the first floor, naturally had its fair share of foot traffic. Even though we closed the curtains, it still made me wonder if there was enough privacy for Yuuko and Nanase to change comfortably.
Once the four of us worked together to finish the preparation, Yua spoke up, “We’re going to step outside for a bit. Let us know when you’re done changing, okay?”
“I’ll finish quickly, so you don’t need to go that far.”
“Really?”
“It’s too late to worry about it now unless you mind.”
While saying this, I quickly took off my blazer and began unbuttoning my shirt, leaving me in just a tank top. As I put my hand on my belt, I turned around on a whim.
Yua appeared accustomed to this, Yuuko seemed slightly embarrassed, and Nanase observed me carefully—each of them staring intently at me in a row.
“Uh, sorry, but could you step outside for a bit?”
After I finished changing, I poked my head out of the dressing room door. “Done.”
Yua, Yuuko, and Nanase entered one by one, each of them freezing momentarily. After a while, Yua gently lowered the corners of her eyes.
“Just as I thought, it suits you really well.”
Yuuko followed with a soft smile, “Saku, you look like a real prince.”
Nanase, seemingly without any hidden implications, tilted her head. “Yeah, it’s wonderful, Chitose.”
Their genuine compliments made me feel awkward, and I scratched my head. “It kinda feels like I’m a host or something, doesn’t it?”
The costume prepared for The Prince was, to put it simply, a white tuxedo. Since I usually wore casual and comfortable clothes, this formal outfit felt a bit off. Even though it wasn’t much different from a blazer, being entirely in white felt somewhat itchy.
Yua chuckled. “The costume team insisted. They thought it’d be better not to make the prince and princess look too cosplay-like.”
“Is that so?”
“Is the size okay?”
In response to her words, I lightly moved my arms and legs. “Yeah, seems fine.”
Yua nodded contentedly. “Alright, Saku-kun, could you wait outside for a bit this time?”
“Got it. Should I keep the costume on?”
“Yes, please. I want to check the balance when you’re all together. Changing into Yuuko-chan’s and Yuzuki-chan’s costumes might take a bit longer, though.”
“Understood. I’ll kill time somewhere around here.”
*
I grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the nearby vending machine and headed to the courtyard. I was initially in the mood for coffee, but I figured that could turn disastrous if I accidentally spilled it on the costume.
Sitting on a nearby bench, I quenched my thirst, finally feeling at ease. The square pool, surrounded by the school building and covered walkways, was bathed in the pleasant autumn sun, adorned with clouds resembling sardines swimming. I lightly tugged my shirt’s collar, allowing the cool breeze to sneak in.
I thought I’d stand out in this outfit, but everywhere I looked, various students in vibrant Kura-Ts ran around, members from tea ceremony and koto clubs in yukatas crisscrossed paths, and the juggling club practiced in colorful stage costumes. The whole school buzzed with a festive atmosphere.
Still, as I stretched my legs, a faint sense of loneliness crept in with the approaching festival. It wouldn’t be long before this place returned to its usual deserted courtyard.
Glancing at my feet, I involuntary chuckled. Me wearing a tuxedo with indoor shoes—this had to be once-in-a-lifetime experience in the cultural festival.
There were moments we could never relive, like practicing the cheer squad dance, memorizing lines for the play, playing the role of a prince, and perhaps…
Waiting nervously for fellow classmates to change into their customes—moments like these.
Lost in thought, I heard a familiar voice. “Senpai!?”
“Kureha.” I turned to see her running towards me.
“What’s up? Are you finally quitting school to become a host, Senpai?”
“Thanks for that much-awaited jab. Finally, someone who understands.”
I tapped the bench next to me. Kureha took a seat, leaving just the right amount of space. “Kidding. Is that your cultural festival costume, by any chance?”
“Ah, so you knew.”
“Yes! Yuuko-san said you’re doing Snow White.”
I nodded. “I’m waiting for Yuuko and Nanase to finish their fittings.”
“But,” Kureha stared at me intently. “You seem like a pretty frivolous prince.”
“Leave me be.”
“You’re adapting the original, right? What’s the title?”
“Snow White, Dark Cloud Princess, and the Indecisive Prince.”
After I said that, she burst into laughter beside me. While holding her stomach in pain, she spoke, “That means Dark Cloud Princess is Yuzuki-san, and the Indecisive Prince is you, Senpai?”
“By the way, the characters match our personalities.”
“Ah, I’d like to see that.”
I didn’t expect that reaction, so I stole a glance at her profile.
Kureha leaned against the bench, seemingly carefree, but her eyes gazing into the distant sky betrayed a hint of unease and loneliness. She used to be so excited during the cheer squad practice.
I always assumed that everyone would naturally gather in the front row to watch the play we were all part of without needing explicit invitations.
“What’s up? Not coming to watch?” I inquired.
Kureha dropped her gaze to the ground. Her expression hidden by her hair. “Of course, I’d love to come if I can.”
“That sounds like a line from someone who won’t actually show up.”
Her tone still carried that uncertainty and a touch of loneliness, making her seem more fragile than usual. Trying to lighten the mood, I asked, “Worried your class act will overlap?”
Finally, Kureha looked up with a bright expression. “No, my class’s act is before you, Senpai!”
The fleeting vulnerability seemed to vanish, and she returned to her usual lively manner. Maybe it was just my imagination, or perhaps the girl in front of me, too, was grappling with a tinge of sentimentality as the festival approached.
I relaxed my shoulders and opened my mouth. “So, a stage performance?”
“More like a participatory stage event, I guess?”
“Interesting. What’s it about?”
“It’s something like an old TV show segment that used to be popular. The details are a surprise until the day. Senpai, you must come!”
“Is that an order?”
“The audience will be so pumped if Senpai joins the stage!”
“I’ll be getting back on stage right after that.”
“Just use it as an opportunity to promote the play. People will probably stay in the gymnasium afterward.”
Well, there was no reason to refuse. I had already planned to support Kureha, Asu-nee, and the rest of cheer squad’s members in their performances
I sighed softly, shrugging my shoulders. “Alright, I’ll let everyone know.”
“Yes! I hope everyone can come together if possible!”
“Yeah, yeah, got it,” I replied casually.
Suddenly, Kureha fixed me with a serious gaze. “Senpai, it’s a promise, okay?”
“Don’t make it sound so grand.”
“I really want you to promise.”
“Fine. I promise. I’ll definitely come watch.”
“Yes! Thank you so much!”
“Almost forgot.” I handed her a note that I had stuffed into my pocket along with some changes when I had just left the dressing room.
Kureha looked puzzled as she accepted it. “Senpai, when did you start liking me?”
“It’s definitely not a love letter.”
She smiled and unfolded the paper that had been neatly folded into quarters. “Eh, is this…?” Her eyes widened in surprise.
The note contained details like my shoulder width, height, and waist – essentially, measurements needed for making clothes.
“Yua measured me for the drama costumes.”
Aside from the play, each of us was responsible for making our own costumes for the cheering squad as well. Originally, I intended to ask Yua, but during last month’s training camp, Kureha volunteered to make me one. Anticipating that Kureha might require the details soon, Yua thoughtfully jotted it down.
Well, I didn’t expect to run into her again so soon. I simply grabbed some change, and the note ended up coming along inadvertently.
Realizing there was no response, I looked to the side.
“Again, I’m a bit late…” Kureha, softly gripping the note with both hands, muttered as if talking to herself.
“Kureha…?”
“No, it’s nothing.” Kureha neatly folded the memo paper and put it in her pocket with a playful grin. “I was planning to measure you thoroughly when I visited your place.”
“Please spare me.”
When I sighed exaggeratedly, Kureha chuckled and said, “Just kidding. I’ll do my best making your costume, Senpai!”
“Sorry for the trouble. I appreciate your help.”
Right at that moment, Yua peered in from the dressing room. “Saku-kun, and Kureha-chan…?”
It seemed Yua was done helping Yuuko and Nanase change. I stood up from the bench and suggested, “Why don’t you join us and see their costumes?”
Kureha hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook her head. “No, I’ll save the surprise for the actual performance.”
“Fair enough.”
Her statement sounded a bit inconsistent with the previous one. However, there was no need for me to delve deeper into explanations or excuses at this point.
To Kureha, who was waving at Yua with an innocent smile, I opened my mouth once again;
“If you can make it, come, Kouhai.”
“I’ll try, Senpai.”
The two of us exchanged glances, then shared a spontaneous laugh at just the right distance.
Plebian Translation 