In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

Shiromaru then explained, "That's right. Although Touma never submitted an application to the student council to establish a club, when the school allocated this classroom to her, it still entered the relevant information into the student council's management file and included it in the club category. This makes it easier for us to manage it uniformly in the future."

“I see.” Yuan Qianye nodded to show that he understood. “Even so, it is admirable that the president can be so hands-on and responsible in everything he does. He is someone we should all learn from.”

He has an exceptional charm; even when he speaks politely, just looking into his eyes gives you a sense of sincerity, which is very pleasing.

"Yuan, you flatter me. This is just the duty of a student council member, and it has nothing to do with whether or not you are the president."

As Shiroi Koun finished speaking, the two passersby beside her, A and B, unconsciously straightened their backs.

The president continued, "Actually, it wasn't like this in previous years. Usually, the clubs that wanted to perform would send someone to the student council to pick up the application forms, fill them out, and return them. Then the student council would arrange and allocate the performances and coordinate the appearance times for each program. But this year's school festival is a bit different, so I wanted to explain it to the person in charge of each club in person."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Yuan Qianye asked.

School festivals are nothing more than a collective celebration where students entertain themselves and have fun; there's not much room for variation.

He was talking to three student council members when he suddenly heard Kazusa next to him make a very soft "tsk" sound.

The precious lunch break that the two of them had just had was wasted by being disturbed for no reason, and it was no wonder she was getting impatient, since she didn't know how long it would last.

"Well, Kazusa has a very important piano competition to attend in less than two weeks. It's very important for her, so her practice time is very tight. Let's not disturb her for now and go outside to talk."

Yuan Qianye explained it this way, and gestured for the group to walk out of the second music classroom together.

Almost the instant the door closed, a burst of stirring piano music came from inside the room.

As if to prove his words, Kazusa's fingertips fell quickly and heavily on the piano keys.

If you're going to play it, fine, but why did you have to play the third movement of Beethoven's "Farewell"?

Playing this piece at this moment, combined with its title, is practically like issuing a direct order to leave.

Fortunately, the two student council members, A and B, looked blank and seemed to know nothing about the piano.

President Shiromai seemed to know a little, but her expression at the moment only showed amazement and appreciation, and she didn't seem to think much about it.

"Gen and Touma are really close. I thought you would be closer to Yukinoshita."

Snapping out of his reverie from the music, Shirowari, with his hands behind his back, said with a smile.

"This should be the first time I've met the president, right? Why do you say that?"

"It is indeed our first meeting, but I do have some basic knowledge of you, Minamoto-kun, through my senior who has now graduated from this school and was also the previous student council president, Yukinoshita Haruno."

"Oh--"

Upon hearing this name, Yuan Qianye was no longer surprised.

What follows is the main topic we were discussing earlier.

"The student council received the news from the principal some time ago that the education committee that manages all schools issued a guideline this year, hoping that our school can, in addition to being open to the public as usual, formally invite certain special groups to come to the school to participate in the event and provide them with some benefits when the school festival begins."

"Excuse me, what exactly are these 'special groups'?"

"Children's welfare homes, nursing homes, people with disabilities... that's about it."

These are all groups in society that need more care.

Yuan Qianye nodded to indicate that she understood and gestured for her to continue.

"Actually, it's not just our school; many high schools in Tokyo have received similar guidance. School festivals shouldn't just be a celebration for students; people of different ages and backgrounds should participate and share the joy. I think this is a great idea, so I was thinking that if possible, I hope everyone can participate as much as possible, both to showcase themselves and to give back to the community."

President Shiromai narrowed his eyes and said these words with a sweet smile.

In her eyes, Yuan Qianye showed no impurities, only pure kindness; he was undoubtedly a good child.

From her perspective, it's not hard to understand.

As she just explained, although Kazusa operates outside the normal rules of the school, she is essentially a one-woman army and can be considered one of the many clubs on campus.

This uniqueness caught Shiroma's attention. Without needing to conduct any in-depth investigation, he only needed to enter the name "Touma Kazusa" into the internet search bar and press enter to learn about her remarkable achievements in the field of piano.

However, although she understood that President Shiromaki meant well and that what he did was a good deed out of his duty, she still considered Kazusa's personality.

Despite her cold exterior and warm heart, it would be a shame to ask her to go on stage and perform for everyone...

Looking at the application form in his hand, Yuan Qianye didn't have much hope.

Even so, he did not return the application form directly.

"I understand. I will convey all of your words to her, Commander."

"Yes, please, Gen-kun. Also, this is actually a good opportunity for Touma-kun as well."

"Who is the president?"

“Interpersonal relationships.” Shiromaru leaned closer and lowered his voice: “Touma-san is in Class I, right? Actually, Ide-san, who recently joined the student council and is in a general affairs position, is also a first-year student in Class I…”

"President, his name is Ide," a passerby next to him whispered, correcting him.

"Huh?" Shiromaru turned his head slightly to look at him, his face showing a puzzled expression as if asking for confirmation, "Is that so?"

Seeing the two people beside her nod in unison, a blush rose on her face.

Gen Chiya silently labeled the president as "naturally naive".

Incidentally, the first three tags are "the little braids are kind of cute", "seems to be innocent", and "looks like someone who's easy to bully".

"Ah... Anyway, Ide is in the same class as Touma. During a casual chat, I heard from him about Kazusa's situation in the class. How should I put it, it seems that she doesn't have any close friends, and she just sleeps on her desk during her free time."

So I was thinking that if we could get her to perform on stage at this school festival and show her amazing and charming side, everyone would be attracted to her and want to be her friend. So, I'd appreciate it if you could persuade her! I'll be waiting for your good news from the student council!

After saying all this, Shiroki Surugi made a cheering gesture to Gen Chiyo, with both hands clenched into fists and arms stretched straight down.

Yuan Qianye felt a strange sense of nostalgia. In her memory, the last person to do this to her was the teacher in kindergarten who encouraged everyone by teaching them how to fold paper frogs.

"I can't guarantee it, but I will do my best."

"That's enough. We won't bother you any longer, so we'll take our leave now."

Cheng Huixun waved his hand gently.

This is how they said goodbye to the student council trio.

Yuan Qianye glanced at the application form in his hand, then turned and went back into the classroom.

After sitting quietly for a while, waiting for Kazusa to finish playing the current piece of music, Gen Chiyo briefly explained to her the purpose of President Shiromai's visit.

Somewhat surprisingly, after hearing his explanation, Kazusa did not refuse outright. Instead, she reached out and took the application form from his hand, looking thoughtful.

A moment later, she looked up and saw Yuan Qianye scrutinizing her. She swallowed back what she was about to say and instead feigned displeasure,

"What do you mean by staring at me like that? Do you think I'm such a heartless person?"

"No, no, this has nothing to do with whether you have a kind heart or not. I've always known that you're a very nice person, Kazusa. It's just a bit of a surprise. I thought you would find it troublesome and refuse outright."

The simple compliment, "You're a very nice person," made the usually easygoing Kazusa very happy, her little tail wagging in delight. But she still deliberately kept a straight face and said, "Do you think I'm such a person who hates trouble?"

Yuan Qianye nodded honestly: "Yes, you were already a little impatient after only exchanging a few words with them."

That's not something that can be conflated!

It's all because of you... and me...

never mind!

Do you think I should participate?

Kazusa waved the application form in her hand toward Chiya Minamoto.

Yuan Qianye spoke casually.

"It's up to you. Although this school festival is a little different from the past, you don't have to be coerced or kidnapped by the name of doing good deeds to do things you don't want to do. Just follow your heart."

"Follow your heart..."

“That’s right. I didn’t give the president a definitive answer on your behalf, so you don’t need to feel pressured.”

"I understand." Looking at Kazusa, who was with Chiyo, her mood suddenly improved for some reason, and she softly hummed, "I want to participate."

The school festival is scheduled to begin in a little over a month, while the piano competition, which has been in preparation for some time, will start in less than two weeks.

The timing is just right, allowing enough time to prepare, so there's no conflict.

Besides, since I've already decided to sign up...

His words would probably also...

"Is that so? It's a bit of a surprise, but it's great. President Shiromai will be very happy to hear Kazusa, who has won top prizes in many professional competitions, perform live. The audience at this school festival will also be in for a treat."

Gen Chiya gave a thumbs-up as encouragement.

"Good luck! If Aunt Yaozi can't be there in person, I'll record your entire performance from the audience, so she can be proud of you again, even though it hasn't been that long."

In his mind, Kazusa was certain to win the piano competition that was about to begin.

Unless she had an upset stomach before the match, or some other unforeseen event prevented her from performing at her best.

"What are you talking about?" Kazusa frowned, looking completely bewildered.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"Of course, you should come too."

“Me?” Yuan Qianye pointed to himself.

Kazusa nodded vigorously, crossed her arms, and said with an expression that seemed perfectly natural: "I'd feel embarrassed if I went on stage alone and had so many people staring at me at the same time. You come with me."

what?

Yuan Qianye couldn't hold back any longer, as if he had heard the funniest joke but was desperately trying to suppress it: "At the piano competition, I remember that only one contestant could compete at a time, and there were many audience members. Not only were there judges watching intently, but there were also TV stations filming and broadcasting. How come you didn't have any problems back then?"

“How can that be the same?” Kazusa said confidently: “Most of the audience at piano competitions are the contestants’ family members, friends and relatives, or people with musical knowledge. Everyone will pay attention to keeping quiet, and generally there will be no accidents. Even if a piece is played incorrectly, no one will have any extra reaction, and they will give polite applause at the end.”

The school festival is different because it's open to the public, and there will be all sorts of people in the audience. If I make a mistake during my performance and get boos from the audience, I'll be incredibly embarrassed. Considering that this might happen, it's fine if you share the pressure with me.”

"So, according to your logic, I'm your 'drenched chicken' partner who will be ridiculed along with you in case you embarrass yourself, right?"

"You could say that."

"Go ahead and deny it!"

"Anyway, I do intend to participate, and I've already shared my general thoughts. As for whether I will actually perform on stage, that decision is entirely up to you."

Kazusa slapped the application form directly onto Chiya Minamoto's chest.

What's the story behind this rather somber statement?

"Alright, I've said everything I needed to say. I'm going to practice the piano now."