Several minutes later.

"Onoda-kun, I’m certain Asahi told you about the package already." Kaoru-san started.

We were now outside the Administration Building. When she arrived earlier, their meeting was quickly settled. After all, they had already agreed about the surprise concert, they needed to sign a few documents to finalize things.

Now, Kaoru-san and I were walking towards the school gymnasium. The lunch break was almost over but I already had an excuse to skip the afternoon classes if I needed to. Besides, I also messaged my girls regarding this.

"The package. Right, Chisato-nee-san’s surprise package for me."

"It’s quite big so I’ll just deliver it to your house later. But if you want to take a look now..." Kaoru-san gestured toward the car she used to drive here. The parking lot was near the building, after all.

"I’ll take the surprise for later," I said, matching Kaoru-san’s stride as we walked past the school and club building. "Right now, I’m doing my job to help you pick out the best spot for the concert." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Kaoru-san glanced sideways at me. "You’re not just saying that because you don’t want to carry heavy equipment, are you?"

I grinned. "Would I do that? Where’s the heavy equipment to lift if the whole point of today’s visit is just scouting the stage and dressing room?"

Kaoru-san let out a short, amused huff, her professional demeanor cracking just enough to clear the air between us.

"Fair point. But don’t think you can’t escape from carrying the actual gear when the time comes anyway. Tomorrow, right?"

"Right." My lips curled up.

We continued walking toward the gymnasium.

Students were still scattered around the school but most of them were already rushing back.

When they caught sight of us, we drew some curious gazes. Kaoru-san, in her sharp business attire, stood out among the sea of uniforms.

Luckily, they had no idea who she was exactly. As a talent manager, she’s the type who won’t show her face on TV, after all. Although there were a few unavoidable times when she could be seen standing next to Yue.

Still, I believe it’ll be another topic of gossip when I return later. I’m just that popular now. Whoever is seen with me will be put in the spotlight. I guess, except for the girls from my class. They had already exhausted all the topics they could talk about.

Anyway, I guided Kaoru-san to the gymnasium. We entered through the front door, where we could quickly see the stage at the far end.

The place was naturally not cleared of any lingering equipment from the sports clubs practicing there. Still, it was enough for Kaoru-san to inspect the viability of the venue.

Since there would also be some contests prepared, the stage at the far end was already partially set up for the cultural festival, with folding chairs and microphone stands waiting to be arranged.

I hadn’t been following that one. I mean, I’m already too occupied. The only thing I knew about the event that would be played here was that it was a talent contest. It encompassed those who want to sing, dance or act.

None of the teachers close to me had any involvement in it. Maybe only Hayashi-sensei, who was overseeing the entire school, would have some involvement.

As for the Student Council of Shizu, apart from the budget that would be allotted to the clubs jointly organizing that contest, they also couldn’t be bothered with it as long as they followed the rules.

Kaoru-san scanned the space, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she walked the perimeter. I followed a step behind, watching her assess sightlines, acoustics, and potential backstage access.

“This could work,” she murmured, stopping near the stage’s left wing. “The ceiling height is decent for lighting rigs, and the side doors give good flow for crew and talent. But we’ll need to check the electrical outlets and sound dampening. Yue’s set isn’t exactly quiet.”

We spent the next twenty minutes walking through the space in more detail. I pointed out the best spots for speaker placement, the emergency exits that could double as discreet entry points, and the storage room nearby that could serve as a temporary green room if needed. Kaoru-san took notes on her tablet, occasionally asking sharp questions about security, crowd flow, and how the school usually handled large events.

“The school’s AV club can handle most of the technical side if we give them the specs early. But I have no dealings with them. As for the dressing room, we can just clear one of the unused rooms on the left wing. It’s not luxurious, but it’s private and has mirrors and decent lighting.” I said once Kaoru-san decided she had already seen enough.

Kaoru-san turned to me with a small, approving smile. “Good. But one thing, Onoda-kun.This place is too open, isn’t it? It’ll be hard to hide that there’s going to be a surprise performance.”

"Indeed. There’s another possible venue though. Wanna check that one out too, Kaoru-san?"

Right. The Theater House could be used as well. Just that, its capacity was less than the gymnasium. The good thing is that its backstage is more secure, and with only the Theater Club and Drama Club residing there, there were still plenty of unused clubrooms at the back that could be transformed into a dressing room.

Furthermore, Marika now holds the highest authority on the Theater Club, even if she’s not the Club President. Then there’s also my Misaki, the darling of the Drama Club. Talking to Tsuchiya-san, the Club President, will be easy.

"Sure." Kaoru-san nodded, slipping her tablet back into her bag with a decisive click. “Lead the way, Onoda-kun. If the Theater House offers better privacy and flow for Yue’s entrance, we should check it thoroughly. The gymnasium is good for capacity, but secrecy is more important for a surprise performance.”

That’s right. As for how to draw the crowd? It’ll be easy to use the internet for it. One post will quickly spread and it won’t take long to fill the venue once it happens. After all, Yue is a superstar now. Or rather, she’s a superstar for me even if she’s still just seen as a rising singer in that industry.

I gestured toward the side exit of the gymnasium, the afternoon sunlight slanting through the open doors and painting long golden streaks across the polished floor.

“This way. It’s not far. I bet you’ve already seen it. The Theater House is one of three main attractions of the school apart from the gymnasium and the library. The aesthetic was also quite good. It has less foot traffic so it’ll be easier to control who comes and goes.”

We stepped out into the warm air. At this point, no students could be seen wandering outside anymore. The bell for the next period had already rang, after all.

Kaoru-san walked beside me with a professional stride. She glanced sideways at me once, a faint curve touching her lips. I guess she’s pleased with my guidance?

“You really have this school mapped out, don’t you? Stage locations, backstage routes, and even which clubs occupy which rooms. It’s impressive for a first-year.”

I shrugged, keeping my tone light. “I’ve been running around a lot lately as part of the Student Council and the Disciplinary Committee. Helps to know the layout when you’re juggling too many things at once.”