Chapter 33: The Art Club's School Festival Task
The distance between the two of them was closer than ever before.
Feeling the warmth of Eriri's palm against his lips, Kaede was in a very pleasant mood. He made no extra movements, just gazing at Eriri.
As for Eriri, immediately after making the move to stop Kaede, she realized what she had done.
This was the first time she had been in such close proximity to a boy. Alongside her shyness, she felt extremely flustered.
If this were a manga, Eriri's eyes would probably be spinning right now, wouldn't they?
Seeing Eriri unable to meet his gaze, head lowered and flustered, yet still covering his mouth, Kaede knew this moment should only last a little while. It wouldn't be good if someone suddenly popped out and interrupted them.
Taking Eriri's hand away, Kaede said with a smile, "Alright, I apologize. I won't talk about that in school anymore."
"Hmph... T-that's more like it."
Putting her hands behind her back, Eriri puffed out her cheeks and said, "You definitely did that on purpose, didn't you?"
"Of course not. I genuinely was curious. After all, I went to the Winter Comiket at the end of last year, but I wasn't a huge fan of the theme of the doujinshi you released then."
As he spoke, Kaede resumed walking.
Eriri quickly followed suit, whispering beside him, "So, you're not actually my fan, are you? If you were my fan, you'd buy whatever theme I released."
"Those types of people are generally just perverts who are only looking to get off. After all, your doujinshi, Eriri, is certainly well-suited for use as a 'tool for release'."
"You—you actually discuss topics like this with a girl?"
"But Eriri, aren't you drawing enthusiastically too? You never miss the biannual doujin conventions, and each volume is better than the last."
"Ugh... stop talking about it! It's not like I wanted to draw; I was forced into it!"
"Who would believe that?"
"It's true!!! Why do you think I became a doujin artist? It was because my mom led me astray!"
"But if you didn't truly like it, how could you achieve your current skill level?"
"I... can't I just be a genius?"
Watching Eriri desperately search for excuses while refusing to admit the truth, Kaede secretly shook his head.
"Fine, fine, you're a genius."
"I feel like you're just humoring me."
"You caught me."
"Ahhh! You jerk!"
Eriri got angry and immediately swung her twin tails, whipping Kaede's arm repeatedly. However, these soft, weak attacks were little more than a tickle to Kaede, and they even made him feel happier.
Brawling like this, the two finally arrived at the Art Club.
Upon arrival, Eriri immediately calmed down to maintain her usual persona as a well-behaved young lady. After glaring at Kaede, she pushed open the Art Club door and walked inside.
Inside the Art Club, the President and Uchimaki Subaru had already arrived.
The President, who was lying on the sofa, raised a hand to greet them when he saw them enter, saying, "We're just missing Usami. Once she gets here, I have something to tell you all. It's an Art Club group activity."
"Another activity?"
Eriri sat down, curious after hearing this.
After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Usami arrived after finishing her cleaning duties, and the President began to talk about the upcoming matter.
"To be precise, it should be a task assigned by the school."
Sitting up from the sofa, the President said, "Here's the thing: this year is the school's 30th-anniversary celebration, and the school plans to hold it together with this year's Spring Sports Day, which is at the end of May. The school hopes our Art Club can participate by drawing some promotional posters and some art for setting up scenes. I assume everyone is fine with this?"
Everyone nodded. The school anniversary was a big deal, not to mention that it was being held alongside the sports day. Participating in such an event would surely give the Art Club a great sense of accomplishment.
Not only Kaede, Eriri, and Usami, but even Uchimaki Subaru was highly enthusiastic at this moment.
Looking at the President, he immediately asked, "Then, President, will we be allowed creative freedom?"
Although the President seemed lazy, he was actually quite shrewd. He immediately knew what Uchimaki Subaru was thinking and instantly raised both hands to form an "X", saying, "Don't even think about it. Everyone else can have creative freedom, but Uchimaki, you must carry out your task under Usami's supervision, or else you'll be banned from drawing your 2d waifu in the club room!"
"Ah! Fine..."
Kaede looked at the depressed Uchimaki Subaru and laughed, saying, "Uchimaki, you really are bold. Did you seriously want the entire faculty and student body to see your 2d waifu during the school anniversary and sports day?"
"Hehe, I just thought it would be interesting."
"..."
Everyone fell silent. Even Kaede could only praise the guy's courage. If it were Kaede, he would absolutely never do such a thing; it was too embarrassing.
Now that the matter was discussed, it was just a heads-up. There was still some time before they officially started the production. Although the Art Club had few members, their skills were good. Starting the drawing after Golden Week in May would give them two weeks, which was enough time.
Next, it was back to their regular club activities.
While setting up his easel, Kaede said, "Besides the school anniversary, there's also the sports day. I wonder if Toyosaki's sports day is traditional, or if they add some fun competitions."
"Fun competitions?" Usami excitedly looked at the President. "President, will there be obstacle courses like the ones often seen in manga, where you have to jump up and bite a piece of bread?"
The President, leaning on his hand and reading manga while lying on his side, said without moving his head, "There are definitely fun competitions, but biting bread is out of the question. At most, you might get a scavenger race or a three-legged race. Hmm... of course, it's also possible the Student Council will come up with some new events this year, especially since our newly appointed Student Council President has quite a few ideas."
"Oh! That sounds really interesting!"
Usami sat on her chair, happily swaying left and right. "I really wish the school anniversary would come soon!"
"Soon, soon, there's only one month left, but..." The President paused, then smiled and said, "But after Golden Week, you have Midterm Exams waiting for you. Don't forget that!"
"Mi... Midterm Exams?" Usami froze for a moment and said nervously, "Oh no, I really forgot about that. I need to study hard."
Kaede, however, was not worried at all; it was just an exam.
However, within his line of sight, he noticed Eriri sitting rigidly with a straight back, and the movements of the hand holding her paintbrush were not very fluid.
Well, there was one more person who was nervous.