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“H-hey. Is it going to be alright?”
“Please be at ease. If it’s about negotiating with the academy, there’s no need to worry.”

I don’t need to use any of my trump cards. I just need to properly explain the current situation to the principal—how we’ll resolve it, the support we need, and how safe this will be. And when I did so, the principal easily gave his permission. He also asked about the upcoming date again.

“Damn worrywart.”
“Have you received permission?”
“It’s good to go.”

He energetically said that he’ll inform the teachers himself. Still, I wonder how the public perceives a principal who’s asking for love advice from a student about dating a faculty member. I’m pretty sure it’s not good.

“A teacher will likely direct me to the assembly area, so let’s discuss the changes to the event while there’s still time.”

If by any chance the choir club refuses, then I’m going to have to sing myself. I presented this plan with full understanding of the risk, so I don’t regret it. Though if that happens, Sherry will probably go wild.

“This should be enough for the general flow. I’ll leave the hammering out of details to those in charge.”

It should be fine to leave the rest to the professionals. I can only offer my share of ideas, my amateur opinions. Some were rejected and some accepted. I’ve had a lot of experience messing around with other fools. There’s really no telling what might end up being helpful in the future.

“Also, please lend me a copy of the lyrics and music. I will help as much as I can until the end. But if I am unneeded, I will stand aside.”

Whether I have to be the lead vocal or a backup vocal, I can’t start without knowing the songs first. Just then, I heard a voice calling for me. I turned around and saw a scary-looking Teacher Kondou beckoning me. I mean, I didn’t start the trouble this time around.

“Sorry, I need to leave.”

I’m sure the rest will be fine even without me. For the details, I can check before the night show starts. As for why it was Teacher Kondou and not the choir club’s adviser who came, I suspect it’s because of me. Additionally, Kotori’s homeroom teacher will probably make an appearance at some point.

“Don’t you know the meaning of self-restraint?”
“I wasn’t the main cause of this.”
“But you made it worse, right?”
“Yes.”

Hearing my candid answer, Teacher Kondou let out a loud sigh. If not for his role as a teacher, we might already be in a heated argument. After all, if I hadn’t “made it worse,” the final event would’ve been a colossal letdown, right? Isn’t that the exact outcome we should be avoiding on a field trip?

“The choir club members are in a panic. We’ve managed to contain the spread of information, but it’s only a matter of time before it leaks. You realize the magnitude of what you’ve done, don’t you?”
“Something warranting a forced exit, yes, after all this.”

It’s not just my problem; the whole academy is implicated. After acting like this, there’s no defending me. Moreover, I independently met and negotiated with the park management. Any way you slice it, it’s a serious issue.

“You were fully prepared to be sent home, weren’t you?”
“No, not at all.”

I was hoping things would resolve smoothly, but as it turns out, they took a turn for the worse. Hearing my response, Teacher Kondou’s face twisted into a grimace; his patience is nothing short of extraordinary. Any other teacher would’ve lost their cool by now.

“I’ve created the ultimate opportunity for making lasting memories.”
“Stop making memories the faculty would rather forget.”

After all, a single student spontaneously organized a large event on a whim. While I did secure the principal’s approval, there’s no predicting how the faculty might be held accountable if this flops. Should that happen, I’ll step up and take responsibility for the teachers.

“How did it end up like this?”
“The main cause undoubtedly lies with Fumidzuki’s father.”

Suppose Kotori hadn’t joined the parade; in that case, the mascot guy wouldn’t have known I was here. We might cross paths in the park in some other context, but it’s improbable. He wouldn’t have even considered finding me while dealing with the singer issue.

“You twelve families really are out of your minds.”
“I don’t think I should be grouped with them.”
“Don’t think you can disassociate yourself after creating this entire situation.”

Still, I’d like to think I’m one of the more reasonable ones among them. I don’t want to be lumped in with people who are wholly unhinged. I’m aware that to outsiders, the differences between us might appear negligible.

“So, did the choir club agree?”
“They were surprisingly receptive. An opportunity like this doesn’t come around often. They probably see it as a unique way to commemorate the trip.”
“Then let’s ramp up the pressure a bit. Let them feel the weight of responsibility.”
“You’re ruthless.”

It boils down to a matter of attitude. It’ll be problematic if they treat this like a game. This is a real, commercially-oriented project. If they fail, there will be consequences, and naturally, the students shouldn’t shoulder this type of blame—I’ll take it upon myself.

“It’s tricky finding the right balance. If pushed too hard, they’ll be too stressed. If not enough, they’ll be too relaxed.”
“It’s surprising you’re aware of this nuance.”

Don’t dwell on it. In this scenario, no amount of pressure would significantly change the outcome, as long as they understand what it means to perform in front of a large audience.

“I sincerely hope there won’t be any heckling.”

Once the audience realizes it’s not the usual performer but students on stage, they’re unlikely to be pleased. I won’t be surprised if some of the more passionate guests start jeering. It’s uncertain whether the choir club can withstand that sort of reaction.

“When that happens, I’ll have to step up.”

To shield others is also a form of protection. However, I must be prepared for any derision aimed at me. Some individuals might even start throwing objects. And there’s not much I can do about that.