The rain continued its steady patter on the umbrella, a soft drumbeat that seemed to match Yui's thundering heart. Mika's arm around her waist was casual, but to Yui it felt like fire—warm and impossible to ignore.
They walked slowly through the rain-soaked sidewalk, puddles forming in uneven patches around their feet. Mika's shoulder was damp, her hair sticking slightly to her cheek. Still, she looked as relaxed as ever.
"Hey," Mika said suddenly, breaking the silence, "You're really warm."
"I-I am not," Yui muttered, cheeks bright red.
"You're like a space heater in human form."
Yui shrunk even further into the umbrella, trying to hide behind the snack bag.
When they reached the school gates, the announcement board caught their attention—colorful flyers plastered everywhere.
"CULTURE FESTIVAL SIGN-UPS! GET INVOLVED!"
"Oh no…" Yui whispered.
Mika raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Yui stared at the list pinned on the board. "I didn't mean to sign up for anything! I thought it was a survey, but..."
Her eyes landed on her name written neatly under 'Main Cafe – Host Team'.
Mika blinked, then burst out laughing. "Host Team?! Yui, you? That's the boldest thing I've ever seen."
"I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Yui nearly wailed. "I thought it was just feedback for last year's event!"
"You mean to tell me you accidentally joined the most attention-heavy group in the whole festival?"
Yui was seconds from melting into the ground.
Mika grinned like a cat. "Guess I better sign up too."
"W-What?! No! That'll make it worse!"
"Nope. You clearly need a chaperone."
---
The next day, preparations began in full swing. The class buzzed with excitement—decorations, rehearsals, ideas bouncing back and forth.
Yui sat frozen at her desk, eyes locked on the schedule board.
"Yui-chan!" Class Rep Rika approached with a clipboard. "We're so glad you joined the host team! You'll be great."
"Rika, I didn't actually—"
"And Mika's joining too?" Rika added brightly. "The two of you will definitely attract a crowd!"
Mika, sitting backwards in her chair, gave a little wave.
Yui nearly cried.
---
After school — Host Team Orientation
Yui stood at the front of the room with four other unlucky volunteers. One girl looked thrilled, another looked like she'd faint. The Host Team was a mix of boys and girls this year.
"We'll be doing table service, short scripted dialogues, and polite greetings," the supervising teacher explained.
Yui's hands trembled.
Mika? Completely unfazed. She leaned over, whispering, "Bet I get more tips."
Yui hissed under her breath, "This isn't a competition!"
"It is now."
---
The Practice Begins
Yui's uniform for the event was… elegant. Too elegant. A tailored navy vest over a crisp white blouse, a little ribbon tie, and a soft pleated skirt. It made her look like a character straight out of a romance manga.
Mika whistled when she saw her.
"You—You're dressed too!" Yui stammered.
Mika adjusted her own vest casually. "Yeah, but you look like you walked off a butler café photoshoot."
Yui turned crimson.
"Practice scene," the supervisor called. "Let's try some sample greetings. Yui-san, Mika-san—you're up first."
Yui froze.
Mika nudged her forward. "Let's make it memorable."
They stood across from each other as if customers had entered. Mika put on a smile that was just a little too smooth.
"Welcome to Class 3-B's café," Mika said softly, taking Yui's hand in hers. "Will you be needing a table for two, or… just one heart?"
The entire room screamed.
Yui nearly combusted.
---
Later that evening
Yui collapsed onto the rooftop, groaning into her arms.
"I'm going to die. I'll actually die of secondhand embarrassment. They'll have to bury me in my uniform."
Mika chuckled, sitting beside her. "You did great."
"I didn't even say a word!"
"Exactly. That's what made it so cute."
Yui peeked at her from under her arms. "You're horrible."
Mika leaned back on her elbows, staring up at the early evening sky. "Maybe. But if I'm horrible, you're the one who signed up for this."
"I told you I didn't mean to."
"But you didn't un-sign, did you?"
Yui was silent.
Mika looked over. "You're braver than you think."
The rain from yesterday had left the air clean, the sky glowing in soft pastels. The festival was only a few days away—and with it, a whirlwind of new chaos.
But for now, on the rooftop, it was just the two of them. Close enough to hear each other's breath, yet far enough for hearts to wonder what came next.