Epilogue

……

It’s almost time, Azekawa-san. When Muneuji calls you, please proceed to the center.

Suuuuure are more school broadcasting cameras than usual.

The students probably requested it. There were a lot of curious onlookers flocking together whenever they’d change classrooms.

So basically… there’s a lotta cameras around ‘cuz they wanna give out that sweet fansa to those who couldn’t get in the gym and hype ‘em up?!

I see. I’ll try to be as attentive as possible.

Don’t.. overdo it… But, break a leg, Azekawa-san… I’m sure.. you’ll do great…

…Thank you, Kinugawa-sama.

(I’ve already written the letter prior. All that’s left now is to read it on stage.)

(There are no issues with the operation of my joints, yet my body’s movements are stiffer than usual.)

(This feeling must be “tension”.)

“…Now then, to conclude today’s Asu High Student For a Day Experience Event, we would like to have HAMA’s 11th Ward Mayor—Azekawa Kinari-san, read a letter addressed to all of our students.”

“Azekawa-san, please come up on stage.”

…Yes.

……

(Kaguya-sama and everyone from Day2 is watching over me.)

(Today’s performance may not involve singing… But for my letter to reach those listening, I must use my voice.)

(With all the grains of sand I’ve accumulated in my heart up until this moment… I wish to read this with everything that I’ve got.)

“My name is Azekawa Kinari, and I have undergone what a day is like in your school. Firstly, I’d like to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart for this valuable experience.”

“Truthfully, the energy from everyone’s morning greetings overwhelmed me. I could not at all predict what sort of events might transpire today.”

“The more time I spent with everyone here, I’ve come to realize that each person and their interactions with others are the foundation of every moment and atmosphere in this school.”

“The students call out to one other sometimes with a smile on their lips, sometimes with furrowed brows. In each and every place, there exists something that cannot be measured.”

“Enveloped by all these students’ overflowing energy, similar to that of a vortex, my own body temperature seems to have risen by a few degrees, too… Such is the sensation I felt.”

“I’ve yet to grasp the words to describe this feeling. But… what I am sure of is that this is the origin of “learning” there is to have at school.”

“What I have experienced today has become my treasure. I’ll be sure to carefully preserve the memories deep in my heart.”

“And for when I have grown and am able to append my own interpretations to this log…”

“I think I’ll write another letter… addressed to you.”

…And this one is from chemistry class, when you were answering an equation.

It seems I hadn’t realized that this photo was taken.

It is a right enjoyed by members of the photography club. The photographer had kept fervently rambling on about how it was their best shot.

This one… is from art class.

Ah, I remember. It’s the commemorative photo taken with the paired up students, holding the final output of each other’s portraits.

Your partner for this activity has become an Ev3ns fan. The day after the event, all of his personal items had undergone complete overhaul—to those of your image color.

Furthermore, he has declared the portrait you’ve drawn as his family heirloom.

To think that he’d cherish it that much… I’m truly grateful. It would be an honor to reunite at one of our concerts someday.

Ah, it’ll go on forever should I show you each and every photo. It’s 10GB worth of data, so please wait a moment while I transfer them to you.

…I have prepared some tea, if you’d like.

Then, pardon me.

Hoh! A tea leaf is standing up¹. Then, this cup is yours, Azekawa-san.

Are you sure? I appreciate it.

……

Hm? Why are you gazing at it so attentively?

Nothing of the sort. I just took a photo to remember it by.

I see.

Thank you for the drink.

*sighs*

The gyokuro tea leaves that Kaguya-sama enjoys are of very high quality. A gentle bitter taste, succeeded by a slight sweetness… It’s delicious.

I’m glad that it is up to your tastes. The pack has just been opened, so it’s quite fragrant.

Yes. …It’s calming.

…………

Would you mind indulging me on a potentially impolite question?

What is it?

How does your body process what you drank moments ago?

It is released into the atmosphere after being converted to water vapor.

My, is that so…?! I’d been speculating about it for the longest time.

Having been classmates twice in both mahorova Gymnasium and Asu High, it’s as if I’ve learned more and more about you, Azekawa-san.

Even now, I’ve yet again learned something new. I couldn’t be happier.

I’ve also learned many new things from this school experience. Not just about school itself, but about you, too.

About me?

I have observed that you do not like losing, Kaguya-sama. Both in surprise tests and paper sumo.

Fu…haha! Do forgive me, for I let my childishness get the better of me during our time at the gymnasium.

Please don’t worry. It was a pleasant use of my time.

This… might sound silly, but would you mind listening to this matter as we talk?

…Yes?

The other day, I had a dream that you transformed into a rocket and launched into space, taking me with you.

I transformed into…

I’m sorry, may I request you to repeat that?

I had a dream that you transformed into a rocket and launched into space, taking me with you.

I transformed into… a rocket.

Yes, you did. Since having that dream, my thoughts began to wander each time I saw you—curious if you had any other transformed appearances.

You don’t need to share if it’s classified information, but… Azekawa-san, is it truly possible for you to turn yourself into a rocket?

……

It’s likely possible.

It may be difficult with my current body, but should my core part be mounted up on a rocket, only then would it be possible.

Really, now…!

For when the day Azekawa-san transforms into a rocket arrives, please, allow me to be your pilot.

But, if you were to be the pilot, Kaguya-sama, I would require myself to have a robotic arm.

Why is that?

If conflict regarding spatial navigation arises, it must be resolved with paper sumo as the method.

Yes, that is true. This means that we may need a sizable budget.

I shall then simulate the resource and development costs for this rocket transformation. Raito will surely be more than happy to invest in this project.

Alright, then shall we discuss the details? First of all, the engine must be a cutting-edge technology detonation-type engine——

(I pray that a peaceful time like this could go on forever…)

(This… is the idea that was generated² within me.)

(Wouldn’t you say that it’s fair to say that I understood now? …After all, surely you³ felt this way too, did you not?)