A little past October, the transition to winter uniforms was completely finished.
The students were gathered in the gymnasium because the Student Council had something to discuss.
"I wonder what they're doing. It's such a pain being in the gym since morning."
"Maybe some brat did something stupid again and they're giving us a warning?"
"Hey, hey, Akito. Could you be talking about me?"
"Even if I wasn't, you definitely have something on your conscience, don't you?"
"............"
"Say something!"
When he went silent like that, I started getting genuinely worried that he actually did something.
"It's okay, Akky. I'm keeping a proper eye on Ryūya so he doesn't do anything stupid."
"I'm even less reassured with Neika around."
"Oh my, you have no faith in us."
"No. Because it's you guys, I trust that you've definitely messed something up."
"Ah, really? Ehehe, Akky trusts me."
"Nei, that's not something to be bashful about."
Ryūya gave Neika a light chop.
Yeah, Ryūya was right this time.
Just then, Yakushiji-senpai took the stage.
With a dignified expression and a flat chest. Her swaying ponytail looked like a topknot, making her look like a samurai.
"Ah, the Iron Lady."
"It's rare for her to come out from the very beginning."
True. Well, after the Sports Festival incident, I wouldn't be surprised by anything she does anymore.
『Ah—, ah—. Good morning, everyone. I am the Student Council President, Yakushiji Miori.』
Her beautiful voice was clear even through the microphone.
Riran, who admires Yakushiji-senpai, gazed at her with an entranced face.
『I have an announcement regarding the school festival, the Ginkgo Festival, which will be held at the end of this month.』
Ah, that's right, the Ginkgo Festival is at the end of this month.
Ginkgo High School's festival takes place over three days, from the last Thursday of October through Friday or Saturday.
Since outsiders come on Saturday, it's a fairly large-scale event. It's a school festival loved by the local community.
What kind of announcement is it...?
The other students seemed to be thinking the same thing, as a murmur spread through the crowd.
『Silence. This is to liven up the Ginkgo Festival. It is by no means anything bad.』
To liven up the Ginkgo Festival...?
『Every year, the Ginkgo Festival is held at the end of October. However, everyone, there is another event at the end of October, isn't there?』
An event at the end of October?
Hmm, was there something?
"I wonder what it is. Periodic tests?"
"*Gah!*"
"Riran. Don't deal damage to those two so nonchalantly."
Ryūya and Neika were on the verge of death.
Besides, periodic tests start next week. Are these two going to be okay?
『The event at the end of October... Yes, it's Halloween!』
...Halloween?
"Ah. The harvest festival where ancient Celts expressed gratitude for the year's harvest. A religious festival to ward off the evil spirits that appear at that time, right?"
"Akito, you're the only one who thinks like that!"
"Akky, aren't you unnecessarily knowledgeable?"
What are they saying? Knowing the origin of Halloween is the basics of basics. It's practically part of a compulsory education.
...No, in my case, it's just that I happened to look it up, and it's definitely not for reasons like chuunibyou or thinking it's cool, so please don't misunderstand (averts eyes).
But why the sudden topic of Halloween?
『I'm sure you quick-witted students have already figured it out. That's right... This year's Ginkgo Festival will be a Halloween collaboration, and dressing up as evil spirits will be mandatory!』
The students' reactions to this unexpected proposal were divided into three groups.
The high-energy extroverts.
The cynical-looking introverts who found it a hassle.
The serious group listening intently to Yakushiji-senpai's talk.
"Hey, hey, hey! What's this? That sounds super fun!"
"I want to do a really hardcore one!"
As expected of the two extroverts. They adapted instantly.
I'm more on the "it's a pain" side, though...
『Of course, there will be performances and stalls for each class and club. If you have costumes for those, you are welcome to wear them. However, when walking around the campus, you must wear at least one point of monster-like attire. Furthermore—』
As Yakushiji-senpai announced various planned events, even the cynical students gradually became interested.
『That is all! Please look forward to the Ginkgo Festival!』
『『『『YEAAAAAAH!!!!』』』』
In the end, all the students were hyped up.
As expected of someone called the Iron Lady, she's good at capturing people's hearts.