The Neighboring Aarya-san who Sometimes Acts Affectionate and Murmuring in Russian - Volume 5 - Chapter 7.1

CHAPTER 7

Guilty. Straight to jail.

“All right, everyone! Shall we begin?!”

Once he got a good look at each member gathered in the room after school that day, the school festival committee president commenced their first meeting. The committee consisted of each student council member, the former student council president and vice president, two representatives from each class, the captains of each school club, and the presidents of the disciplinary committee, the school cleanup committee, and the health committee.

The disciplinary committee would patrol the school during the festival and keep an eye on students during the preparation period, the cleanup committee would handle decorating the entire school, and the health committee would help people who got hurt during the festival and handle emergencies. Each group needed to work together as a team, which was why everyone had gathered there today. Furthermore, each class had their own attraction for the festival, so the core members who would be busiest on the day of the festival were these three committees and the student council. One school festival committee member representing each class oversaw their attraction while their partner helped other members of the school festival committee. Of course, all members of the committee were given breaks throughout the day, so even though there were a decent number of members, the committee was never going to feel overstaffed.

“The school festival will be held over a two-day period this year as well. The first day will only be open to students from our school, but the second day is open to the public. As always, there will be students who cut loose the morning of the second day and get a little too carried away, so please be careful, everyone.”

The meeting was progressing smoothly thanks to the experienced former student council president, and everyone was giving him their full attention, suggesting that they truly believed in him.

“Sometimes, students offer luxurious prizes at their attractions on the second day, which isn’t really that big of a deal. But in the past, we have also had issues with female students suddenly wearing clothing that’s twenty percent more revealing on the second day while running cafés, so we need to make sure to keep everyone in line this year so that doesn’t happen again.”

“President! Is it okay if guys wear more revealing clothing on the second day?!”

“Hmm… Just don’t be disgusting.”

“Does that mean it’s okay?!”

“Only if you’re built like Touya.”

“Me?!”

“I mean, check this out. You’re shredded.”

The group erupted with laughter as the former student council president teased the current one. Masachika and the others smiled as well, since it wasn’t often that they saw Touya teased like a little brother. Well, there was one person who wasn’t amused, though.

“Stop right there! These muscles aren’t for show! I didn’t personally train Touya for your entertainment!”

“C-come on, Chisaki. Relax.”

“If you really want to see them, then you’re going to have to defeat me first!”

“I’d rather not die today.”

“I wish someone loved me as much as she loves Touya.”

“You too? Now I’ve got the former vice president of the student council giving me a hard time…”

The meeting progressed amicably until the very end. Everyone briefly introduced themselves, exchanged information, and was given a specific role for the committee. The only exceptions were members of the student council, since their roles were related to their work in the student council, so nothing was fundamentally going to change for Masachika and the others.

“As usual, each of you will be given two tickets: one for your guardian and one for whomever else. Any questions or concerns?”

“I know this isn’t anything new, but I can’t believe we’re still using physical tickets. Is there any way we can go digital?”

“We definitely do not have the time to do that!”

“Ha-ha! Figured… But I feel like paper tickets like this would be easy to counterfeit.”

“I really doubt someone wants to invite so many friends that they’re willing to counterfeit a ticket. Every year, students who want to invite more people seem to always ask friends for their extra ticket anyway.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Here, Kuze.”

While Masachika was half-listening to them talk, Maria, who was sitting next to him, handed him the sample of the admission ticket that was being passed around.

“Oh, thanks.”

He stole a quick glance at Maria’s face while thanking her in a whisper, but she appeared to be her ordinary self and didn’t seem to care about what had happened during lunch at all… What happened between them during summer break didn’t seem to be on her mind, either.

She seriously never changes, does she?

Maria had taken her own advice by acting as if nothing had happened between them at the park, which Masachika really appreciated…but seeing how normal she was acting was starting to make him worry somewhat that her confession was nothing more than a dream.

“…? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…”

“Oh! Were you…?”

Her face suddenly lit up with realization, and she cupped the side of her mouth and leaned closer toward Masachika’s ear.

“Were you daydreaming about what you saw during lunch today?”

“…?!”

“You’re such a perv. ♪”

Her bashful giggling tickled Masachika’s ear, sending a chill down his spine.

Wait. Since when did Masha become such a tease? Are those horns growing out of her head?!

The little angel who was always standing on his shoulder had transformed into a little devil, sending Masachika spiraling into a world of confusion.

“From now on, whenever you’re tired, you can come to me. I’ll take care of you.”

Hold up. So is she an angel? …Or is she a demon trying to tempt me to sin? Ah! Is she a demon in angel’s clothing?!

Maria’s whispers sweetly numbed his mind until only the stupidest of thoughts could survive. When he was poked in the ribs on his opposite side, he finally returned to reality. When he glanced over, he realized Alisa had been coldly glaring at him out of the corner of her eye.

Maria smirked slightly, then leaned back in her seat away from Masachika.

Sigh… It has been a while since I felt like I was being stabbed with an icicle.

Alisa’s sideways gaze was so piercing that he almost mentally checked out. Was she upset because Maria got too close? Or was she still mad about what happened during their lunch break? Most likely both.

Incidentally, when Masachika woke up after the incident, he found himself in the infirmary at the end of fifth period. However, it would be difficult to prove whether it was Alisa’s mystery attack or merely the fact that he was sleep-deprived that caused him to be passed out like a log for so long.

Two admission tickets… I’m not going to be able to use one. Actually, I’m not going to use either of them, since I’m not going to bring my guardian with me. I guess I’ll give the spare one to Takeshi this year, too, if he wants it.

Masachika focused on his extra tickets to avoid Alisa’s gaze while he passed the sample to her next…but that was when he was suddenly struck with a divine revelation.

Hold up. Couldn’t I use this…to invite her?

After finally spotting a glimpse of a possible solution to the issue that had been bothering him these past few days, Masachika immediately gave the idea his undivided attention.

“…?”

Alisa curiously tilted her head, wondering what her frowning partner was suddenly deep in thought about, but Masachika was too focused to even notice her stares, and he continued to be lost in thought until the meeting was about to wrap up.

“Oh, right. As always, very important people from the First Light Committee will be coming on the second day in the afternoon, so…Touya, Chisaki, good luck.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, right. Thanks.”

“I think that just about does it. Does anyone have anything they want to say? …Okay, then. Make sure to submit your written proposal before the next meeting! Also, we need a theme for the festival as well, so give it some thought in the meantime, too! Good work, everyone! See you all next meeting!”

Everyone thanked the committee president after the first meeting finally came to an end.

That was a lot more relaxed than I thought it would be.

Alisa was honestly expecting there to be a little more tension during the meeting, so she couldn’t help but sigh in relief as she watched each representative, captain, and president merrily walk out the door.

“Kuze, Suou, long time no see.”

“Oh, K-Kaji… Long time no see, I guess?”

“Giggle. Even though we see each other at school from time to time, I suppose it has been a while since we have actually talked like this.”

Masachika and Yuki were chatting with a mild-mannered male student wearing glasses. They seemed to know a lot of people there, most likely thanks to being the student council president and vice president in middle school.

“Oh, allow me to introduce you to my new partner. This is Ayano Kimishima.”

“Oh, right. Let me introduce you to my new partner, too. Alisa Kujou.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you…”

“Call me Kaji. I’m the president of the disciplinary committee… I knew you two had new partners, but meeting them for the first time feels kind of weird. Oh, of course, I don’t mean that in a bad way.”

“Ha-ha-ha. Yeah, I bet.”

Kaji glanced at Alisa for a brief second before his focus immediately returned to Masachika and Yuki. Although the three continued their conversation, Alisa didn’t have the communication skills to jump in, so all she could do was simply watch them in silence. Unsurprisingly, it had been like this ever since the meeting had started. All Alisa could do was watch her partner casually strike up conversation with these strangers as some sort of dark, burning emotion only grew stronger inside her.

I… I hate this.

The vague, frustrating emotion made her frown. While it was an emotion she wasn’t used to, Alisa had a hunch about what it could be: possessiveness.

I don’t want you getting along with others like this. I want you to care about me more than anyone else. I always put you first, so I want to be your first priority, too.

It was an extremely egocentric, selfish emotion, and even she knew it was an unwarranted response. After all, the fact of the matter was that Masachika and Alisa were nothing more than friends. Alisa was being needy, and Masachika was probably acting how people would normally treat friends…

But still…! Would it kill him to give me a bit of special treatment?! We even went on a d-date together, and I k-k-kissed him, too! He even saw me in my underwear!! We’re going to have to get married now!!

But even then, Alisa had to face reality whether she wanted to or not. She was nothing more than one of Masachika’s many friends. Even though they may have been partners for the election, Alisa was not as special to him as he was to her. If Masachika had a special relationship with anyone, it was with Yuki. At least, that was how most saw it.

“…!”

The instant Alisa came to that conclusion, she bit her lip. She had noticed that everyone who had been talking to Masachika and Yuki thought it was strange that they weren’t partners in the election this year, which was perhaps a testament to how everyone felt they were an unbeatable duo and that their relationship was special. After all, even Sayaka had once screamed about how they were the ideal pair with tears in her eyes.

I…

After hearing that Alisa was teaming up with Masachika, countless people had said to her, “Why him?” and “He’s not good enough for you.” But Alisa knew the truth, and everyone here knew as well. It wasn’t that Masachika wasn’t good enough for Alisa. She wasn’t good enough for him.

I—I…

Alisa was overcome with a sense of helplessness and frustration while her competitive side simultaneously reared its head.

I’ve made up my mind.

She had to change, for her pride wouldn’t allow her to simply sit back while Masachika carried her through the election.

I’m going to show them…!

At that moment, Alisa secretly vowed to herself that she was going to prove to everyone that she was fit to be his partner.

“Oh my.”

Two days later, after finishing up her business in the teachers’ room, Alisa was heading back to the student council room when she ran into a certain female student waiting in front of the door.

“Alisa Kujou, yes? I believe this is our first time speaking.”

Alisa thought back to the school festival meeting as she stood before an older student with honey-colored hair tied into two spiral-curled pigtails that jiggled as she spoke.

“Nice to meet you… You’re…the captain of the girls’ kendo club, right?”

“Oh, my apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sumire Kiryuuin. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“…!”

Alisa had heard the name before, straight from Masachika’s mouth a few months back…

“You were one of the people who ran for student council vice president in middle school…weren’t you?”

“Oh? You must have heard that from Kuze.”

“I did.”

“Great. That should save us some time. Yes, I was once a rival of Suou’s and Kuze’s in the past.”

Her fluffy spiral pigtails bounced as she proudly puffed out her chest. Although somewhat overwhelmed by her behavior, Alisa thought back to what Masachika told her.

The Kiryuuin duo, Sumire and Yuushou, were cousins only one year apart. They were a unique pair, with Yuushou being the son of the CEO of Kiryuuin Group and Sumire being the daughter of the vice president, which probably influenced their decision to have Yuushou run for student council president with Sumire as his partner, despite her being older and in a grade above him. Incidentally, these two used to be the most popular candidates among female voters in the entire school.

“I heard you actually dropped out of the student council presidential race when you lost a debate against Sayaka.”

“Yes, and that is exactly why I am extremely interested in getting to know the woman who defeated her in a debate.”

Sumire smirked faintly as if she were judging Alisa based on her reaction, but Alisa boldly looked her right back in the eye. A few seconds passed before Sumire eventually let out a soft chuckle and looked away.

“However, I suppose that can wait until another time, since we’re both extremely busy individuals. There is work to do,” she added, holding out a written proposal for the festival. Sumire then knocked on the door to the student council room and walked inside.

“I apologize for the intrusion.”

Masachika, who just happened to still be there, looked up with a quizzical expression on his face.

“Oh. Hey, Violet.”

“It’s Sumire!” she protested sharply without missing a beat. Alisa blinked a few times, wondering where the composed girl from a few seconds ago went.

“Sigh. Unbelievable. Is that really the first thing you wish to say to me?”

As Sumire huffed and gave him an earful, Alisa slipped over to his side and whispered to Masachika:

“Hey, uh… Who’s Violet?”

“Hmm? Oh, her real name’s Violet. It’s written with the kanji for sumire, but it’s pronounced Violet.”

“…Oh, that’s…”

That’s quite the name, she thought. Although Alisa had heard that Sumire also grew up abroad and that she had at least one non-Japanese parent, this unique name and spelling still took Alisa by surprise. But even then…

“I don’t think you should call her that if it bothers her.”

“Oh… About that…”

Masachika awkwardly pressed his lips together, then focused on Sumire, prompting Alisa to do the same.

“Calling me that sounds far too…intimate…as though we’re best friends…”

Although Sumire continued to complain, she seemed to be bashfully blushing, which took Alisa by complete surprise, making her jaw drop.

“She actually really likes her name.”

“Oh…”

“And I’m sure she’d love it if you started calling her Violet, too, Alya.”

“I would definitely not!” denied Sumire swiftly. She brushed her curls back and glared. “Listen, the only ones who are allowed to call me by that name are those I trust! It is not something that simply anyone can call me!”

“My bad, Vio.”

“Stop that! Shortening it makes me sound like some sort of pre-evolved creature!”

“So Vio evolves into Violet… Interesting…”

Sumire scowled at Masachika, who was messing with her in his way, but she was hardly threatening at all.

“Sigh. You never change, do you?”

After sighing in resignation at her unfazed schoolmate, Sumire placed her written proposal on the table before him.

“This is the girls’ kendo club’s proposal.”

“Thanks. Wait… Is this…?”

Alisa curiously followed Masachika’s gaze to see why he sounded so perplexed.

“A play…? Wow.”

Alisa raised an eyebrow at the kendo club’s unique proposal, but once she actually read it, she fell silent as well. It was apparently a sword-fighting play where female members of the club would dress like men and stylishly cross swords onstage. That much was fine, but there were numerous issues regarding safety that needed to be considered. Then again, that much was fine, too, for the moment. The real issue was…

“Many students in the girls’ kendo club are in the disciplinary committee as well, so we chose the perfect attraction, if you ask me.”

Sumire proudly puffed out her chest.

“Yeah… It’s a good idea.”

The proposal went into detail about how members of the disciplinary committee could patrol the school in their stage costume to promote the show.

“…I bet it’s going to be quite the sight.”

“Yeah… But, well, there are going to be tons of people cosplaying during the festival, so whatever… Anyway, I’ll make sure your proposal gets into the right hands, and we can discuss whether this is feasible during the next school festival meeting.”

“Very well. I am counting on you.”

After elegantly bowing by the door, Sumire glanced at Alisa, then retired from the student council room. Once she was out of sight, Masachika softly sighed.

“Phew. Yet another bizarre proposal.”

“Another?”

“Yeah, there’s actually one that I need to talk to you about,” revealed Masachika as he handed Alisa another proposal, which she immediately started to read with furrowed brows.

“…? A quiz competition?”

It was a written proposal submitted by the quiz research club stating that they wanted to set up a stage in the schoolyard to have a quiz competition between Alisa and Yuki.

“According to the captain of the quiz research club, it’s going to be a revolutionary event that integrates elements of the election into a good old trivia show. I have no idea what exactly that means, though.”

“Why, though? There’s no way the school festival committee is going to allow such a vague proposal.”

“They claim it would spoil the show if they delved into too many details, and they said they would only tell the student council president and the committee’s president and vice president exactly what they were planning in order to avoid either of you getting the chance to research or plan.”

“…What did Touya say?”

“He apparently said there weren’t any issues with the proposal itself and mentioned that it sounded fun to him.” Masachika shrugged and looked up at Alisa. “But it doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks. It’s not going to happen if you two don’t want to do it, Alya. So what do you want to do?”

“It’s fine by me,” she instantly replied, making his eyes widen.

“…Are you sure? Personally, I’m not too big of a fan having you two compete at such a bizarre event…”

“Oh? Because you’re afraid I’ll lose?”

“No, it’s not that…,” he replied somewhat vaguely before pausing to lower his gaze and think to himself for a few moments. “…Something like this happened during another election in the past. Sometimes people or groups who back a certain candidate try to come up with some sort of competition to set up their rival for failure.”

For example, the soccer club could play rough during PE and bully someone until they snapped in front of their classmates and looked like the bad guy. Or the flower arrangement club could hold a flower arrangement workshop under the guise of teaching beginners the art of arranging flowers, but then they could take any beginner’s poorly done arrangement and put it on display for everyone to see to embarrass them.

“That’s terrible…”

“It’s worse than terrible. It’s downright wicked. At any rate…there’s no guarantee this proposal isn’t a trap, either,” he concluded, waving the quiz research club’s proposal in hand. “For all we know, the quiz research club wants Yuki to win, and they already gave her the answer key.”

“That sounds a little far-fetched.”

“It’s not, though. It’s just as possible that another candidate running for student council president proposed the entire event to get rid of both you and Yuki. They might have even put together an impossibly hard quiz to get you two to resort to mudslinging.”

“…”

Alisa considered his suspicions for a few long moments, and after weighing the risk…she decided to do it.

“But Touya decided there weren’t any issues when they filled him in on the details, right?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“Then I’ll do it. Even if they are plotting something, they aren’t going to stop me from winning.”

Masachika blinked in disbelief in the presence of her increased confidence. Although he might have been suspicious, Alisa considered this proposal a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Being able to compete against Yuki head-on was a gift from the heavens, regardless of the circumstances, and she was going to get the opportunity to do so in front of countless students at the school festival.

If I can defeat her without relying on Masachika for help…then everyone will have to recognize that I’m good enough for him.

But regardless of how others felt, a win would still make her more confident, and that was all she needed. That was all she needed to—

I’ll be able to proudly stand by Masachika’s side.

A competitive flame kindled in her heart with that vow to herself. Meanwhile, Masachika narrowed his worried gaze at her before once again turning his focus to the proposal in hand.

“What are you plotting?”

“Well, that’s a rude way to start a conversation, bro.”

Those were the first words out of Masachika’s mouth when he got home and saw his sister relaxing on the couch as if she lived there.