Cherreads

Chapter 97 - Chapter 97

Class F's main activity for the school festival was a wedding dress experience, while Class A opted for a classic maid café. However, Class B's event took things in a completely different direction. Whoever came up with this idea must have had a wild sense of humor—it was sumo wrestling. Just picturing the scene of students wrapped in mawashi, pushing and shoving each other, was enough to make anyone do a double take.

Beyond the class events, various clubs were also setting up booths and attractions, hoping to recruit new members with similar interests. The entire school buzzed with excitement, and Nozomi was just relieved that he wasn't in Class B—otherwise, he might have been forced to participate in sumo. That would've been a disaster.

After Kawasaki Saki left the rooftop, Sumireko arrived. Nozomi didn't say much, simply reaching out and pulling her into a comforting embrace. She took a deep breath, her previously tense expression softening as she relaxed in his arms.

"Nozomi, I took the day off today, so I won't be going to the library. I asked the student council to handle it temporarily, but I still need to be there tomorrow."

"That's fine. I'll go with you."

He gave her a reassuring squeeze before adding with a smirk, "And if you run into Yasuo and those two big-breasted beauties, don't worry. I'll be right there."

Sumireko gave him an exasperated look, rolling her eyes at the way he referred to Sakurahara Momo and Kusami Runa. Still, being held by him made her feel more at ease. The last thing she wanted was to see Yasuo Hazuki again—just thinking about him and that suffocating atmosphere made her uneasy.

"Nozomi, I feel like I won't be able to avoid him this time. Yasuo will definitely try to talk to me. How do you plan on handling him?"

"What else? I'll make sure he understands the feelings of Sakurahara-senpai and Kusami Runa."

"Are you sure he'll believe you?"

"If he doesn't, he'll end up losing both of them at the same time." Nozomi smirked. "Sumireko, not everyone has the guts to embrace their greed and take responsibility for it like I do."

Sumireko sighed. "Fine. I'll leave it to you. I just don't want to see him. If you can make him give up on me entirely, that'd be ideal."

After spending some time together, Nozomi returned to the classroom. The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by a truly bizarre sight.

Totsuka Saika, the pretty-boy athlete who could pass for a girl, was pleading with Hikigaya Hachiman.

"Hachiman, would you come with me to the wedding dress experience?"

Hachiman froze, his face twisting in sheer horror.

You're a guy! Are you seriously asking me this?!

"Uh… isn't that a bit much, Totsuka?" he stammered.

Totsuka put on an adorably pitiful expression. "It's not okay…?"

Hachiman's cheeks turned slightly pink. "W-Well, I mean… it's not impossible…"

Nozomi nearly choked.

Hachiman, are you actually considering it?!

Impressive. If it were Nozomi, he would've shut that down instantly. There was no way he was getting roped into some BL scenario.

But speaking of BL, Ebina Hina was watching the scene unfold with stars in her eyes, clearly enjoying the homoerotic undertones. Then, to Nozomi's horror, her gaze shifted to him and Hayama Hayato.

"Hey, Yumiko," she said excitedly. "What do you think? Wouldn't it be amazing if Hayama-kun and Nozomi took wedding photos together?"

"Shut up, Hina! Don't even joke about that!" Miura Yumiko snapped, quickly covering Ebina's mouth and throwing an awkward glance at Nozomi and Hayama.

Nozomi was speechless. He wanted to grab Ebina, sit her on his lap, and deliver a good spanking.

Why was she always fantasizing about him and Hayama?!

Maybe she just didn't understand how good it was to be into guys?

For the sake of her future, maybe Nozomi had a duty to re-educate her.

Meanwhile, Hayama, caught in the crossfire of the conversation, smiled awkwardly. "Uh, I'm not planning on participating in the wedding dress shoot. I was thinking of being the MC instead."

That made sense. He was one of the most popular guys in school. If he actually took photos with a girl, the rumor mill would explode. Besides, Yumiko wasn't into him anymore, which made things even more complicated.

And there was another problem—if he did take photos with a girl, Yukinoshita Haruno would probably hear about it. That woman was unpredictable. Hayama figured he was better off avoiding unnecessary trouble.

As Hayama committed to being the MC, Nozomi felt something off.

Wait… does that mean he'll be the one giving his blessing when I take wedding photos with Yumiko?

That's… kinda hilarious.

Yumiko used to have a thing for Hayama, but now, she seemed more interested in Nozomi. The guy must've been feeling at least a little bitter, even if he didn't show it.

"No way, Hayato," Tobe Kakeru protested. "You're taking the MC role? That's my job, isn't it?"

Hayama chuckled. "You wanna switch? Be my guest."

Tobe deflated instantly. "Uh, never mind. You can keep it."

Nozomi smirked, watching the exchange unfold.

Hayama was just trying to act cool about it, but Nozomi could tell—he wasn't exactly thrilled about this whole thing. Yumiko, who had once been completely devoted to him, was now showing clear interest in Nozomi instead. That had to sting a little.

The class buzzed with anticipation. The boys, despite their eagerness, were too nervous to ask the girls themselves, instead waiting for the girls to invite them.

Because, let's be honest—if a guy got rejected, the embarrassment would be unbearable.

Hachiman, on the other hand, was starting to feel like he might've actually dodged a bullet.

At least Totsuka Saika had saved him from the embarrassment of being completely ignored. Though, the fact that his "date" was a guy... well, as long as he was cute, who cares? Right?

Meanwhile, the other boys in the class were about to regret their decisions. They had willingly paid for the wedding dress experience, only to realize that none of them would get the chance to take a photo with the "waifu" of their dreams. What a scam!

Time flew by, and soon it was the afternoon.

Led by the student council, Hazuki Yasuo entered the festival grounds alongside the ever-radiant Sakurahara Momo and the elegant Kusami Runa. The entire campus of Sobu High was bustling with excitement as every class showcased their chosen activities.

Unsurprisingly, Class A's maid café was drawing in a massive crowd. Even some of the girls eagerly joined in, slipping into maid outfits to experience the charm firsthand.

Sakurahara Momo and Kusami Runa exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Maid outfits… Should we give it a shot?" Kusamizuki mused.

"Why not? I bet we'd look absolutely adorable," Momo giggled, tugging Kusami Runa toward the changing area.

Meanwhile, Class B's sumo wrestling event was... well, let's just say it wasn't faring quite as well. Two burly men, drenched in sweat, pushing and grappling against each other—it was a sight to behold, but one that most people wished they could unsee. Unsurprisingly, the crowd wasn't exactly lining up to watch. Whoever suggested this idea must have had some peculiar tastes.

Elsewhere, Class J, where Yukinoshita Yukino belonged, had opted for a more refined activity—a painting exhibition. It exuded an air of sophistication, appealing to the more artistically inclined students.

In contrast, a third-year gaming club had set up an area showcasing consoles and manga, offering students a rare opportunity to indulge in video games freely. Naturally, it became an instant hit among gaming enthusiasts.

Hazuki Yasuo turned to Sakurahara Momo and Kusami Runa, noticing how fixated they were on the maid café. With a charming smile, he teased, "Cherry-senpai, Tsukimi, why don't you try it out too?"

(Cherry is Momo's nickname, Tsukimi is Runa's and Pansy is Sumireko's)

Momo smirked playfully. "Since our dear 'Hose' wants to see us in maid outfits, let's go change, shall we?" she said, pulling Kusami Runa along without hesitation.

Hazuki chuckled, pleased with himself. But just as he was about to follow them inside, his eyes landed on a vision of beauty that left him utterly stunned.

A girl in a white wedding dress was gracefully making her way to the wedding experience venue. Her every movement exuded elegance, her radiant smile dazzling all who laid eyes on her.

"Sanshokuin Sumireko…?!" Hazuki muttered in disbelief.

He wasn't mistaken. It was her—the girl who had occupied his thoughts for so long. But before he could approach her, he noticed something that shattered his momentary bliss.

Sumireko wasn't alone.

With a serene smile, she intertwined her fingers with those of a tall, handsome boy—Hozuki Nozomi.

A microphone was picked up, and a familiar voice rang out. "Miss Sanshokuin, do you take Mr. Hozuki as your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish and stand by each other forever?"

Hayama Hayato, serving as the MC, had momentarily faltered at the sheer beauty of the girl in front of him. But being the professional that he was, he quickly recovered and delivered his lines with a charming smile.

"I do."

The words left Sumireko's lips effortlessly as she gazed at Nozomi, her expression filled with warmth and happiness.

The audience erupted into chaos.

"Oh my god!"

"Wait, who is she?! Is she really from our school?!"

"Sumireko-chan, marry me instead!!"

Hozuki Nozomi, however, was less than thrilled. He sighed, rubbing his temples as he endured the endless stream of admirers screaming Sumireko's name.

Seeing the chaos she had caused, Sumireko stuck out her tongue at him playfully.

With a smirk, Nozomi didn't hesitate. He scooped her up bridal-style and disappeared backstage before the crowd could get any wilder.

That day, Nozomi was undoubtedly the biggest winner of the festival's wedding dress experience.

Miura Yumiko, Ebina Hina, Yuigahama Yui, Kawasaki Saki, Sanshokuin Sumireko, Shiina Mahiru, and even Yukinoshita Yukino had all invited him to participate in the wedding shoot.

At this rate, if he stayed any longer, he'd probably get lynched.

It was a shame that Senior Mai had a commercial shoot; otherwise, the jealousy levels would have been off the charts.

Among all the participants, Kawasaki Saki in a wedding dress was nothing short of breathtaking. The moment she stepped out, the entire class fell silent, utterly captivated.

Tobe Kakeru, however, wasn't so thrilled. His eyes twitched as he watched Nozomi, his expression filled with frustration.

Meanwhile, Hazuki Yasuo, who had been left dazed after witnessing Sumireko's wedding shoot, finally snapped out of it. He charged backstage, desperate to find her.

But she was already gone.

Frantic, he turned to Hayama Hayato. "Hey, do you know which class Sanshokuin is from?!"

Hayama shrugged. "Sorry, no clue."

It wasn't surprising. He rarely went to the library, and back when Sumireko still wore long skirts and pigtails, she hadn't exactly stood out.

Yasuo's expression darkened. He had finally seen her again, only to lose sight of her immediately.

Sensing his frustration, Hayama offered a kind smile. "Do you know her? If you want, I can ask around for you."

Yasuo's eyes lit up, and he enthusiastically grabbed Hayama's hand. "Thank you! I'm Yasuo Hazuki, the student council secretary of Toshobu High. You can call me Hazuki, or just 'Hose' if you want. And you?"

"Oh, I'm Hayama Hayato. You can call me Hayato, or just Hayama."

The two "central air conditioners" exchanged polite smiles.

But...

As Yasuo continued holding Hayama's hand with a look of pure excitement, Hayama's smile twitched.

Uh… dude, I get that you're happy, but you don't need to hold my hand for this long, right?

Meanwhile, Ebina Hina, who had been eavesdropping nearby, was practically foaming at the mouth. Her nose was bleeding at an alarming rate.

Kawasaki Saki, watching from the side, scowled in frustration. "Seriously, what is wrong with you people…?"

****************

The term "mawashi" (まわし) refers to a traditional Japanese garment, specifically a loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers. It is a belt-like piece of fabric that is wrapped around the waist and tied in place, providing support and modesty during matches. The mawashi is an essential part of a sumo wrestler's attire and is often made of cotton or silk, with various colors and designs.

Attached is Totsuka Ayake(He's there for clarification), followed by Momo and Runa. I couldn't find good images

More Chapters