A Silent Voice: My First Kiss Was with Nishimiya Shouko

Chapter 294 294: Ayumi’s Thoughtful Scheme

"Miyamura, will you be holding a signing event on the release day next Thursday?" Nishikata raised his hand and asked curiously.

"I haven't thought about it at all—neither pre-signing nor on-site signing," Akira shook his head, refusing without hesitation.

"Pre-signing means signing over a thousand copies, and on-site signing is an unknown number. I'm afraid my hand would be ruined… and honestly, it's troublesome.

Besides, I haven't even planned to show my face anytime soon."

The second volume of Anohana and several of Akira's upcoming "healing" novels were still set to be released, but he had no intention of revealing his identity—he feared being recognized by overzealous fans on the street.

"Then that means our signed books will become limited editions!" Ayumi said, her eyes lighting up. Stroking her chin thoughtfully, she added, "Wouldn't that also mean they could be resold for a good price? Earn a little profit from the signature?"

Akira looked at her, speechless. "Class Monitor, don't even think about that. Once you post it online, who's going to believe it's genuine?"

"…Fair point."

"Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we head out now?"

At that moment, Shouko came downstairs, wearing a soft blue yukata. Just as she was about to join the conversation, Ayumi suddenly stood up and grabbed her hand.

"Let's go, let's go, let's go now!" Ayumi beamed, looking back at Akira. "Miyamura, can I borrow Shouko for a bit?"

Akira didn't answer, but his silence was enough for Ayumi. She took it as agreement and pulled the bewildered Shouko outside, calling, "Grandpa, Grandma, I'm going out!"

Takagi and Nishikata quickly followed after them. Akira, trailing behind, made sure to close the door before leaving.

The salty sea breeze from the beach mixed with the smoky aroma of grilled squid. Vendors had already hung red lanterns, their light flickering against the night sky. Plastic stools scraped across the concrete ground, and little girls in yukatas chased one another, holding apple candies as sand fell from their slippers.

"Isn't it lively?" Ayumi led them toward the entrance of the temporary festival street and stopped to take in the view.

Nishikata glanced at the takoyaki stand—crowded with sweaty customers as the vendor's spatula danced so quickly it left afterimages—and he unconsciously nodded.

"Then let's split into pairs!" Ayumi declared with a grin. "Miyamura, you're with me and Shouko-chan. Nishikata, you're with Takagi-chan. How about that?"

"Ah…?" Nishikata blinked, unsure if that arrangement was intentional.

"No problem!"

Before he could protest, Takagi cheerfully raised her hand and agreed.

"Ah?" Nishikata's surprised gaze landed on her, but Takagi only turned her head and playfully winked, causing his face to flush bright red as he quickly looked away.

"Good! Then it's settled!" Ayumi clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention back. "Let's meet back here at nine o'clock."

After getting nods from Nishikata and Takagi, Ayumi took Shouko's hand and disappeared into the crowd. "Miyamura, make sure you keep up!"

"…Got it," Akira sighed, giving Nishikata a sympathetic "good luck" look before hurrying after them. He understood exactly what Ayumi was trying to do.

——

"Nishikata, what did Miyamura's look just now mean?" Takagi leaned closer, pretending to ask innocently.

"Ah!?" Nishikata nearly jumped, his ears turning red. "N-Nothing! Miyamura just… had some dust in his eye, that's all."

"Oh, I see." Takagi smiled softly and didn't question it further, her expression unreadable. Then she extended her hand toward him.

"Then, for the next hour… please take good care of me, Nishikata."

As she spoke, she winked.

Nishikata swallowed hard, the sound echoing loudly in the midst of the festival's hum. His face burned hotter with every second that passed. Just as he was about to take her hand, Takagi's expression shifted—her eyes lighting up.

"Look, there are barely any people at that grilled squid stand! Let's start there!" she said brightly, darting two steps away.

Her sudden movement left Nishikata frozen mid-gesture, his hand hanging awkwardly in front of a nearby vendor—who looked up with a teasing grin.

"…"

Blushing furiously, Nishikata quickly retracted his hand, forced an awkward smile, and hurried after Takagi.

As she passed him, he caught a glimpse of her mischievous smile… but maybe, just maybe, he was imagining it.

——

"You two are ten minutes late—you'll have to be punished!" Ayumi said, pointing dramatically at the pair as they emerged from the crowd.

"Sorry, sorry," Takagi clasped her hands together and bowed. "As compensation, Ayumi-chan, I'll treat you to takoyaki."

She took a bag from Nishikata's hand, pulling out three servings and handing them to Akira and the two little shrine maidens beside Ayumi.

Ayumi accepted without hesitation. "Then I'll forgive you—reluctantly."

As the three girls began bickering again, Akira quietly stepped aside and joined Nishikata.

"So," he asked casually, "any progress in the past hour and a half?"

Nishikata shook his head almost violently. "N-No! Nothing happened! We just… walked around and played some festival games!"

Akira eyed the crimson tips of his ears and sighed. "Right. I totally believe you."

"Miyamura, Nishikata, hurry up! We're heading to the Test of Courage now!" Ayumi called out from ahead.

Akira patted Nishikata's shoulder and followed the others without another word.

"Miyamura, I swear—nothing really happened!" Nishikata's voice echoed from behind, but Akira only nodded absentmindedly.

They soon arrived at the registration area for the Test of Courage. The entrance was marked by faded red fabric strips fluttering in the wind, with two pale paper lanterns hanging crookedly from wooden poles.

Pine branches smoldered in a tin bucket for mosquito repellent, their smoky scent mingling with the sweetness of popcorn. Faint, eerie screams drifted through the air.

Old talismans fluttered along the path, and fake cobwebs glistened like dew in the lantern light. The torii at the entrance was makeshift—its paint peeling, wood gray and worn.

"We're here! You go register," Ayumi said with a grin. "I'll wait for you at the exit and see which pair comes out first!"

With that, she waved cheerfully to Shouko and the others, then spun around and walked off—leaving no room for protest.

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Merry Christmas Everyone!