So, I'd like to see if it'll work in our show. What do you think?

O-Okay...? Limbo in a bamboo forest...? Yes, I agree that it goes with this particular scene, but it's also starting to turn into some sort of comedic skit...

What?! Look at the time!

Our lunch break's almost over!

Yes, we should start heading back.

If I remember correctly, next is...

A long homeroom.

All classes will be having a discussion about the school trip.

Oh, you already know what's going to happen?

Heh heh heh! I am a class representative after all! The teachers told me the other day about how we'd be doing this soon!

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

Still, the school trip...

I hope this discussion doesn't take too long.

I thought you'd be looking forward to it more.

Well...

I am in the sense that we get to go somewhere that we normally don't...

But people don't usually like it when I try to put on a show during a school trip. I've even been scolded before for just making a few props in the hotel.

I had a feeling in the back of my mind, but you really are a creature of habit...

I appreciate the fact that you love putting on shows wherever and whenever, but why not try doing something else for a change?

You only get one chance in life as a high schooler to go on this trip! It's like a one-night-only performance!

Hmm...

Like a one-night-only performance...

Precisely! So, I think you should enjoy this trip as—

What?!

Rui, we need to go now or we're going to be late!

Okay.

(Still...)

(Enjoying the school trip...

I did have fun when I participated in the sports festival...)

(But I'm less sure about this.)

That concludes our overview.

(Ah, three days and two nights in Kyoto...)

(Days one and three involve sightseeing with our groups, while we have day two to ourselves. That seems fairly standard...)

We will now be forming our groups. We're free to choose whoever, but we're limited to groups of four.

(Groups of four...)

(Based on the explanation we just heard, we'll be doing most things with our groupmates, including sleeping in the same room.)

(Which means...)

Alright, we're all set!

Yeah, the gang's all here!

Can't we have a group of five...?

Or could we split into a two and a three? Oh, wanna ask the class rep to see if we can have a group of five?

(Everyone already seems to know who they want to group with...)

(I've been able to talk to more of my classmates since the sports festival, but I'm not sure who'd want me in their group for this trip...)

Hey, uh... Kamishiro, do you have a minute?

Hm?

Oh, you're...

It's Miyake!

I helped with the equipment during the sports festival... But enough of that. I'm here to ask...

Do you wanna join our group?

What?

W-Wait, uhh...! I'm sorry!

I know I probably seem like a complete stranger to you.

No, it's not that...

But... Why me?

Actually, I've been meaning to chat with you for a while now.

With me...?

Yeah, 'cause I like gadgets and stuff too.

The drones you make are so cool.

But I sorta never got the opportunity until now, you know? That's why I thought I should take this chance to get to know you better.

Also, there are two others already besides me. Hayashi and Taniyama are their names, over there by the wall. You'd be our fourth!

Ah, are you talking about those two...?

Hey, he's looking this way...

I guess Miyake's having trouble getting Kamishiro to join us...

Does this mean he needs backup?!

If so, I'll go help!

They certainly seem like a fun bunch.

H-Haha. Sorry, I know this is all happening really suddenly... It's also probably pretty obvious that I'm not exactly the outgoing type, so... I-If you don't want to join us, we'll understand!

But it would be nice to have you in our group, Kamishiro...!

No, I appreciate the invitation.

Which is why I'd be more than happy to join.

R-Really...?!

Thanks so much!!

Hey, guys!

Kamishiro said he'd join!

(I didn't think that anyone would invite me...)

(Hehe...

This feels so strange for some reason.)

Ah, Rui!

Is your class all finished?

Hello, Tsukasa. Thank you for waiting. Now, let's head over to the Wonder Stage and...

Hm?

Where's Nene?

Oh, she just sent me a message saying that we should go on ahead without her because her teacher asked for her help with something.

More importantly, how did that discussion go with your class? In our class, we decided our groups already...

Yes, so did we.

To my surprise, a classmate asked me to join his group. He said he wanted to take this opportunity to get to know me better.

Wh-What?! Really?!

Hm? Why so surprised...?

N-No, it's just...!

You're apparently known as the “Explosive Mad Scientist” to some people, so I wasn't sure if anyone would invite you into their group...

Oh, that's not a very nice nickname...

I'm just a humble director.

Um, I'm not sure a “humble director” would run so many experiments at school that end in explosions...

Still, Rui, congratulations!

I hope you and your new friends have a fun trip!

I don't want to raise my expectations too high, but I am sort of looking forward to spending time with them.

Yes, excellent!

Oh, also.

Do you already have plans for the second day? We're free to do whatever we like.

The second day?

No, not yet...

Ah, then!

Why don't we do some sightseeing together?

We're free to mingle with students from other classes, and there's something I'd like to see with you.

With me?

Yes, it's called the “Hyakki Yako Parade”, as in “Night Parade of One Hundred Spirits”. It takes place somewhere a little way away from downtown... Oh, this website has a good explanation.

You get to watch as people walk in a parade while dressed as monsters and spirits from folklore!

Interesting... “All are free to participate and dress up.” Yes, this does sound like fun.

See what I mean?! The costumes some of these people make are unbelievable! Professional designers also usually take part, so I'm sure you'll find some inspiration for our shows!

Hehe...

It's usually me that people have pegged as the show enthusiast, but your fanaticism for shows also seems to know no bounds.

Anyway, I would very much like to see this parade.

Wonderful!

Then, we'll go see this during day two!

There's also somewhere else that I'm hoping to visit! We'll need to go there before the parade if we can!

Oh, where?

None other than the Kiyomizu Stage!

Well, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is part of a World Heritage Site after all... But why are you so interested in it...?

Don't tell me it's because it has “Stage” in the name...

That's exactly right!

It is the duty of a future star such as myself to stand on the biggest stages in the world!

I'd expect no less from you.

Exactly!

Hah hah hah!

(Still...)

(Sightseeing with classmates I don't normally interact with, and seeing that parade with Tsukasa...)

(This school trip is looking to be more fun than I was initially expecting.)

Hmm...

Students who wish to do the tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple are supposed to gather here, right, Airi?

Yeah, this should be the right place.

It's nice how our school's okay with us joining tours and stuff with students from different classes.

Hehe. I agree.

And I'm so glad this trip doesn't conflict with work or anything. So, let's try to have as much fun as we... Huh?

Oh... Hello, Hinomori, Momoi.

Are you two here for the Kiyomizu-dera Temple tour?

Yes, we are!

I'm so glad to see you here, Asahina.

But you're all by yourself.

Did your friends choose something else?

Yes, they went for traditional crafts...

Unfortunately, that group reached full capacity, so I decided to drop out. Also, I feel that I should see Kiyomizu-dera Temple at least once during my life.

Oh, I see.

I know...!

Why don't we go sightseeing together as a group? What do you think, Airi?

Yeah! How does that sound, Asahina?

Then, if you don't mind having me.

Of course!

The three of us going on a trip together.

I couldn't be happier!

This school trip is going to be so wonderful!