“It’s time to announce the new event!”
Three days after Fujishima spontaneously decided to create a new school event, she stood at the front of Classroom 3-E during lunch, scribbling away on the chalkboard. The fact that every single student was present for this spoke volumes to Fujishima’s natural charisma.
Tanaka-sensei & Hirata-sensei’s Happy Wedding Bouquet Toss: COUPLES’ BATTLE ROYALE!
“I’m a little concerned about the part in all caps,” Taichi retorted under his breath.
“Man, I can’t believe Tanaka actually got Hirata Ryouko-sensei to marry him!” he heard Watase exclaim behind him. “I mean, yeah, we were all worried about what would happen if the two of them ever had an awkward public breakup, but if she said yes, then I gotta give him props... Wait!” He looked up suddenly. “Wasn’t it the CRC who spread that paparazzi photo that got them to confess their love in the first place?”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
“So in a way, it’s thanks to you guys that they’re getting married... Wait, was that too low-energy? I mean, uh, wow! You guys are like, totally Cupid and stuff!”
“Dude, settle down. We need to be listening.”
Meanwhile, Fujishima had written out all the rules of the event on the chalkboard.
“I’ll explain all the little details on the big day, and we’re planning to pass out flyers to everyone, but for now...”
RULES
Elimination free-for-all! Last one standing wins!
Entrants must compete in pairs (any gender)
Each pair starts with one fake flower—battle to earn more
Battles can be anything as long as all participants agree
Winning pair takes all flowers from losing pair
The pair that gathers the most flowers within the time limit WINS!
“So it’s a battle royale... but in pairs?”
“And this is supposed to celebrate our teachers’ wedding how exactly?”
“I have no idea how she’s planning to involve the whole school in this...”
While the rest of their classmates were still discussing amongst themselves, Himeko took the initiative to ask Fujishima directly:
“Are you sure you can get enough people to participate in this?”
“Oh dear. That’s what you’re worried about?”
“Can you blame me? I mean, without participants, you won’t have much of an event. Nobody’s going to want to take part in some weird game they don’t understand.”
“Normally that would be true, yes... but what if I told you the winners would receive a special prize sanctioned by the principal and the school board?” Fujishima asked.
There was a meaningful pause as the room stirred to life.
“And what if that special prize was incredibly valuable to everyone here?”
“...What kind of prize are we talking about?”
“Well, you see,” Fujishima began, “the prize is...”
There was another, more meaningful pause. Interest was at an all-time high.
“...the right to represent Yamaboshi High School by recording a wedding speech to be played at the reception!”
The word reception echoed and faded into silence. For a while, no one said a word.
“Uhh... I mean, I’m not opposed to it, but...”
“How is that ‘incredibly valuable’?”
As the class voiced their confusion, Fujishima waggled a scolding finger at them.
“That’s not all. You’ll earn the right to give an opening speech at the Culture Festival, too.”
“...Uhhhhh...”
“I’m sure some people would enjoy speaking to a huge crowd, but...”
The enthusiasm for this event was rapidly deflating, and it was starting to look like no one was going to sign up.
“Oh, for crying out loud. Do I have to hit you over the head with it? The pair who wins this tournament will earn the title of ‘Student Representative’ for the rest of the year. You know, like a formal position.”
“So what?” Himeko snapped impatiently.
“The Student Representative title is school-sanctioned. That means it’ll go on your permanent record. And that means you can list it on your college applications. Can you guess what will happen from there?”
Fujishima slammed her hand against the chalkboard like a passionate orator.
“Why, it’ll boost your appeal as if you were the student council president! Especially if you’re trying to get in on a recommendation!”
“Ooh.”
“That’s...”
“Actually...”
“Kind of awesome...?”
At last, the mood in the room started to turn hopeful.
“If you’re applying the old-fashioned way, it may not help you much... but it certainly couldn’t hurt, don’t you think? You’ll be able to list both your club activities and a lofty position as Student Representative. If I were a college recruiter, I’d love to see that.”
“Ooooh...” the class murmured.
“Now mind you, getting into a good college isn’t the end-all, be-all. But you may as well try to get the most out of your life, because it’s harsh out there in the real world!”
“Yeah!” the crowd cheered.
“Not only can you compete against your peers in a fun and exciting school event, but you stand to gain a boon for your permanent record, and you can use the pair rule as an excuse to team up with your crush!”
Suddenly, this Battle Royale didn’t seem to have any downsides anymore. There were still a lot of questions left unanswered, but... it seemed like a good prospect...
“Now doesn’t this sound like the best thing ever?!”
“YEAH!”
Now the class was completely on board.
“Now then, everyone! If you’re going to take part, you might as well try to win! Your fellow classmates are your friends, yes, but they’ll be playing for keeps. And this event is meant to hone your competitive spirit in preparation for the entrance exams.”
Some things could only be gained by those with the ambition to seek them.
“Your task: to fight and to win. In the Battle Royale, victory is everything! Carve these words into your soul, and it might just lead you to real friendship and true love!”
“YEAH!!!”
The cheers of Classroom 3-E were so loud, they drowned out the five-minute bell signaling the end of lunch.
“Oh boy... If everyone’s pumped to do this thing, then maybe I should, too!”
As Taichi clapped, he could feel his heart racing with excitement. Sure, part of it was probably peer pressure, but we’ll ignore that for now.
“Listen up, Yaegashi,” Watase called. His expression was strangely tense. “I’ve just decided: It’s time for me to resolve that unfinished business of mine. I’m gonna shoot my shot, and I’m gonna score!”
“Wh-What are you talking about?”
“I’m gonna pair up with Fujishima-san, and we’re gonna win the tournament.”
“Are you sure she’ll want to pair with you? You haven’t even spoken to her about it.”
“...And when we win, I’m gonna man up and make a total ass of myself by asking her out. Because I know that’s what you’d do in my shoes.”
“So you’re saying I always make an ass of myself...? Also, I really don’t think it’s going to be that easy to win...”
“Love is never easy, dumbo! And for the record, this’ll be my first time making the first move!”
“You know, I always suspected, but... you don’t actually have game with girls, huh?”
“Sh-Shut up, man!”
“So that’s why it’s taken you this long to act on your feelings...”
“Don’t judge me, Yaegashi! I’m not a coward, alright?!”
And so a new story began. As for the protagonist, well, it was 99 percent safe to say it was Fujishima Maiko.