Ayanokoji in Sobu High

CH 22

The cultural festival was just a month away, and the school building was buzzing with excitement and energy.

Starting today, students had permission to stay after school for festival preparations. Classrooms and hallways were filled with the clatter of equipment being moved, the sound of laughter, and the sight of students running around with snacks and drinks. The whole place had an air of chaotic enthusiasm.

Class 2-F was no exception, busy with preparations for our chosen event: a play. We had decided to put on a musical version of The Little Prince, the famous novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. However, the script we were using was entirely original, written by Ebina.

As we gathered for a read-through, one thing quickly became obvious—none of the girls in the class were going to act. It was clear that Ebina's script catered to her own tastes, which explained why the girls had no roles on stage.

Despite the strangeness of the concept, the idea was accepted in the end, thanks mostly to Tobe's passionate support for Ebina. His obvious affection for her had fueled his enthusiasm, but to be fair, he also made some good points. "It's something different, so it's going to be hilarious!" he argued, and somehow, the class ended up agreeing with him.

Personally, I didn't care what we were doing. My plan was to do the bare minimum and just help out the class.

Currently, Ebina was at the blackboard, distributing roles. She claimed the Director, Producer, and Screenwriter titles for herself, while Yuigahama and Miura took on the more creative roles of Production Assistant and Advertising, respectively.

The remaining staff positions would go to the other girls in class. However, a significant issue loomed ahead: given Ebina's intention of having an all-male cast, it was highly likely I would have to take on a role in the play.

Everything had seemed fine yesterday after the play was accepted, but now, unease rippled through the group. Maybe they had realized just how absurd this whole concept was.

"Uh, don't worry too much about the character sheets from last time. We're obviously not going with that," Hayama said, sensing the collective anxiety.

"Guess we'll have to roll with this, then." Ebina adjusted her glasses and began filling in the minor roles.

As my name remained unmentioned, my nervousness grew. With every name she wrote down, groans and gasps echoed around the classroom.

But the truly dreadful announcement came next.

The Little Prince: Hayama

Even Hayama froze, his face pale and expression blank, as if he were about to faint. In contrast, the girls erupted into excited shrieks from all corners of the room. It was the lead role, and casting Hayama was undoubtedly a brilliant marketing move.

With that settled, only one role remained.

I watched as Ebina's hand moved, forming the letters I dreaded to see...

The Narrator: Ayanakoji

"Huh? Are you serious?"

Ebina's expression morphed into one of shock. "Eh?! But Hayama x Ayanakoji fanzines are totally must-buys, you know?! Like, must-gay even! Hayama x Hikitani is even better, but Hikitani-kun's on the committee!"

"I can't. My acting would put everyone to sleep. If you want to attract a crowd, you should cast Saika as The Little Prince and Hayama as The Narrator," I suggested. Both were incredibly popular for different reasons, and Ebina had to know this.

"Do you really think I'm fit for this, Kiyotaka?" Saika asked, seeking confirmation instead of protesting.

"Absolutely. You'll be the perfect fit."