An interview was also held on the following fall day, in which the development of a plan for the Cultural Festival was the main topic of discussion. The report, which Yumiko had been writing all evening, announced specific tasks for the assistants from each department. The president of the student council announced the start of the first phase of their work, in which each member pledged to figure in the development of the plan. The heads demanded each person's opinion for the sake of agreement.

After the meeting was over, as Yumiko was about to leave, Haru, who had been chosen as the leader of the study-and-entertainment branch, approached her. Friendly, asking the girl to go with the head and the other leaders to the café, he left her no chance to refuse. Yumiko understood that everyone was in excitement over the festival at the moment, and she herself had reason to worry, for she had a major responsibility. Calling in a low voice to the waiting members of the literary club, the maiden awkwardly asked the guys to go without her. Before leaving, Ryou glanced over at Yumiko's interaction with Haru, and retreated after the others.

The sky was shrouded in gray clouds, preceding the imminent precipitation. The color of the sunny autumn was now and then thwarted before the colorless weather, destroying the stability in the climate. It was one thing when the sun shone for a whole week and the following week thick clouds rose, but this month the weather alternated sharply day after day. People began to dress warmer - in jackets, windbreakers, and other outerwear. Walking into the cafe, Yumiko and her four colleagues sat down at an empty table and asked only for coffee.

"In truth," Haru measured a wary glance at the others, "I want to ask you... what do you think about the festival?"

Haru was looking for reassurance that their team could handle the big event. No one was sure, but they were left believing in their own abilities. "We can do it," they kept saying to themselves, "But how?" they soon came to think. The president lightly and briefly recounted the plans that had been discussed today and yesterday, to which Haru replied:

"I understand everything, but...will we be able to accomplish everything in the plan? Do we have enough time... and spirit?" he muttered uncertainly, trailing off burdening them to show their true emotions on the matter. Everyone's faces seemed agitated.

"Of course, we have a great responsibility..." lowered Tsubasa's eyes, "...And even the teachers have placed all hopes on us high school students. But despite the fear of failing, we have to make it. That's what I move, because it's my duty..." her voice wavered periodically.

The extreme anxiety of those who aren't part of the student council who haven't participated in such events before was understandable due to lack of experience.

"We can't give up," said Natsuki, who understood the feelings of Haru, Kaneko, and Yumiko. "Don't forget-we're all on the same boat, so let's help each other. The organization of our team will erase all doubt, rest assured!"

"Yes, that's why we should start as early as possible and get everything ready in the right plan," Yumiko spoke up. "From next week the plan should take effect and take a major role in our lives until November. The second phase ought to begin next week," the modest woman barely overcame her uncertainty with courage, setting the pace for the rest of the boys, making her succumb to her leadership. Her words came out sincerely, and hopefully without error.

Agreeing with each other, they considered the importance of having all factors and every action voiced in the reports. Haru decided to help Yumiko with her paperwork, and the president and deputy and Kaneko took over the rest, including inviting extra hands.

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"I'm sorry, Sato-san, for burdening you with paperwork," Natsuki said as they were about to leave the café. "I still think you've taken on an unfair amount."

"Don't worry, Inoue-san," Yumiko shook her head amicably. "I can handle the paperwork and working out the plan."

"I'm helping Sato-san, too, after all!" optimistically connected Haru, revealing a wide and radiant smile. "Sato-san, it's a pleasure to work with you. Let's work hard!" he chuckled proudly, charming Yumiko with his openness. Inspired, the girl sloppily nodded her head.

Before going outside, Yumiko warmly wrapped herself in a sleek scarf by the door, covering herself up to her nose and ears. That way, she shielded herself from the cold and unwanted cold.

From the next meeting, the heads began to work diligently and developed a precise plan to prepare for the start of the festival. Haru chose to assume the position of paddler, lending his confidence to the team in every way possible. As an exception, everyone agreed to participate in the last meeting of the week on Saturday afternoon. On this chilly meeting day, the students came in loose, warm clothing. When the heads and leaders announced the end of the first phase of preparation, victory clapping and thanksgiving reigned in the office. Yumiko was as embarrassed as a tomato as she looked at her literary circle friends clapping faster than the rest of the crowd. The girl was lucky enough to detect the solemnity written all over their faces.

As Saturday's meeting came to an end, the literary club walked lightly through the area and found a walking park. As they strolled through the park, they sat on one of the benches by the path and chatted. Glenn and Tomoyuki stood looking at the two lovely girlfriends. Truth be told, the social circle of the five became the boys themselves, and without even noticing it, they began to spend more time together, adjusting to each other. The grayish tone of autumn was thickening, leaving behind a sharp aftertaste of chill and gradually approaching frostiness. Hoarfrost managed to settle on the trees of the neighborhood overnight. The boys were ready for the next work week to bring themselves in for the benefit of common interests and responsibilities.

The boys wore dark and long trenchcoats, and Tomoyuki walked around in a khaki jacket. Akiko glanced blankly at the meek Glenn, whose dark eyes spoke of submission. The boy was speechless, remaining the center of attention. Such was his enigmatic personality. Ryou, on the other hand, caught a glimpse of Yumiko lowering her eyelashes. It seemed as if the maiden had not heard her friends talking.

"What is it, Yumiko-chan?" called out softly to Ryou, but Yumiko's pensive look did not change. Calling her name again, the brown-eyed woman responded. "You really didn't hear me call you?" the boy wondered, and Yumiko silently shook her head.

"Something seems to be bothering you," Glenn leaned toward the maiden.

"Oh, it's nothing," the maiden tried to cheer up in a tired voice. "Nothing to worry about at all."

"You look tired. You should get some sleep."

"Yes, Glenn-kun, I do sleep. Really, you needn't worry."

The boys knew how intensely Yumiko participated in job interviews and did paperwork at home. Also, the girl was always lugging around a few dozen documents every day, which soon became a mountain. Yumiko was unusually hard at work on the upcoming festival. According to her early words, she needed these documents to describe in writing all the stages of preparation and the plan itself as a whole.

Ryou, looking at her cheek, noticed a small bruise that wasn't visible without looking closely, and worriedly informed her of it. Yumiko was surprised and soon answered comfortingly that she had bruised herself in the house when she was tired about to go to bed and had fallen.

"Think about your health and sleep more, Yumiko-chan," the boys cared, which made Yumiko giggle happily. Everyone except Akiko, who stared intently at the brown-eyed girl's cheek, She knew by the bruise that Yumiko had lied to the boys. It wasn't a bruise at all from the fall, but from the occasional hard slap on the cheek. The girl was distraught.

On Sunday, the organizers took a break.