I Will Inspire Your Insipid Days - Volume 1 Chapter 3.7

Gazing

I realized that Natsume-san and Komachi-san got along unexpectedly well. Thinking about it, Natsume-san sees things differently to begin with. Therefore, the words she uses often don’t align with others, resulting in her struggling to communicate effectively.

At least, that’s how I interpreted it.

On the other hand, Komachi-san never denies others. By not negating them, anyone can talk to her about anything. That’s why she’s able to adapt and expand her social circle in a unique environment filled with distinctive students, and why she can talk with Natsume-san.

In a way, it was a conclusion that made sense.

But──the more I thought about it, the more I became confused.

Why does Natsume-san continue to live with me?

Because I’m convenient? Because I take care of her daily needs?

Focusing on it only brings up more questions.

Are the “high school life” experiences she seeks still unfulfilled?

When I went to check on Satsuki-san’s whereabouts and found her, as expected, enjoying her blissful moment with a cigarette in her mouth. She was squatting in the smoking area, exhaling purple smoke.

She seemed less like a teacher than one might expect.

I briefly explained the events, including introducing Komachi-san to Natsume-san and their collaboration, to which Satsuki-san sighed in relief.

“Well, that kid isn’t the type to boast about it.”

Satsuki-san, relieved.

“Actually, she thanked me directly. Despite many creators lacking common social decorum, she’s exceptionally well-mannered. I wasn’t used to it and couldn’t respond as coolly as I wanted.”

“What were you planning to say?”

“I intended to say that it’s only natural for a teacher to take care of their students.”

So she couldn’t deliver her catchphrase… I felt a bit sorry for her as I reported the subsequent events. Perhaps it was unnecessary since she had heard directly from Komachi-san, but I felt it was my responsibility to explain, as I was the one who brought them together.

The fact that Komachi-san didn’t show any disgust towards Natsume-san’s uninhibited nature and was able to converse with her normally.

And lastly,

“Natsume-san asked Komachi-san to ‘become a director’… what does that mean?”

I concluded with a question.

Satsuki-san, while lighting a new cigarette, answered nonchalantly.

“That’s because ‘Natsume’ wants to attempt a project she’s never handled before and needed a competent intermediary. Using the grand hall means she’ll need people for sound, lighting orders, and backstage work if using music or video. That’s what a director does. It sounds good, doesn’t it? Kimie Komachi is the perfect fit. It’ll be beneficial for her too.”

“Do you think so from your perspective?”

“It’s Natsume Tachibana’s way of caring, isn’t it? She got into Shumonzaka wanting to create something, but didn’t know what to make. The root of Kimie Komachi’s worry lies there. So, by bringing her on as a co-creator with ‘Natsume’, it’s like planting a sense of self-affirmation, I guess.”

“…Does Natsume-san really think that far?”

“I don’t know. The thoughts of a genius are beyond us mortals. That’s what makes them geniuses.”

Is that how it is? If a teacher at Shumonzaka says so, then it must be.

“That’s nothing but an overly positive interpretation!”

Satsuki-san laughed heartily.

And then, a question popped into my mind.

“──So, what exactly is Natsume-san planning to create?”

As I muttered, Satsuki-san’s smile vanished instantly.

Without uttering a word, she stared at me as if she saw something unbelievable.

“What…what?”

“No, huh? What do you mean?”

“What do you mean, ‘what’? I have no clue…”

To my question, Satsuki-san revealed a shocking fact.

“The application form for the Harvest Festival that Tachibana Natsume submitted had your name written in the co-creator section.”

“────Eh?”

My mind went blank.

“…So”

Somehow, I managed to craft a voice from the back of my throat.

“That can’t be right, right? I’m totally different──”

“Ah, right. The application form I received from Yonon listed ‘Planned Venue: Dance Stage’ and ‘Title: Dance Performance (Japanese Dance)’.”

I definitely filled it out. I double-checked it before submitting. I don’t forget what I’ve seen once. So there can be no mistake.

“But, Natsume Tachibana’s application form clearly had your name, and by that point, your application was overridden.”

“I didn’t write it!”

“So, I thought maybe you changed your mind.”

“My intentions weren’t involved, so it should be invalid!”

“Even if you say so. The schedule is almost finalized, and the dance stage had few intended users anyway, so it was planned to be moved to another hall. Whether Yonon wants it or not, the stage has changed.”

“Then, at least another──”

“That’s why I’m saying the schedule is set.”

“Even so… I haven’t heard anything from Natsume-san about what to do…”

Hearing my argument, Satsuki-san pondered for a moment then──.

“Well, isn’t this where you need to give it your all?”

Standing up, she threw these words behind and left the smoking area, leaving me behind.

As for me, I was just standing there, confused by the unexpected turn of events.

What does this mean?

Me, a co-creator?

How did it come to this?

What’s going on?

What is Natsume-san thinking?

Normally, I’d rush back to my room to demand answers, but unfortunately, Komachi-san had made an appointment saying, “I have something I want to talk about. Please wait for me,” so I had to return to the classroom in my confused state.

“Thanks for waiting. Sorry for calling you out of the blue.”

“…Don’t mention it.”

Since she began visiting my room frequently, Komachi-san has spoken to me in a much more casual tone. Her answers flowed smoothly without any friction.

“If it’s a complicated matter, we can discuss it in the dorm as well. What can I do for you?”

My mind still felt foggy.

Nevertheless, Komachi-san’s lively voice slid into my thoughts.

“The change in the application for the Harvest Festival has been officially approved. It’s decided that you and Natsume-san will be co-creators. The title is ‘Director’.”

──”Komachi, become my director.”

Komachi-san had readily agreed to Natsume-san’s absurd request.

I’m not sure if I’m cut out for it──though she seemed unsure, this situation likely wouldn’t pose any problems. Except for the fact that I was included as a co-creator.

“I decide whether Komachi is suitable as a director or not, so don’t worry about it. What matters to me is whether you can do it, and I think Komachi can.”

With this response, which left it unclear whether it was meant to be reassuring or not, Komachi-san seemed to be somewhat satisfied for the time being.

“…Is that so, that’s good to hear.”

I responded for now.

“But, the main topic. About the performance, I thought we should coordinate our ideas with Yonon-san first.”

“…Coordinate?”

“Yes. The performance for the Harvest Festival. I’ve been entrusted by ‘Natsume’ with production control. As co-creators for the Harvest Festival, we need to align your skills with Natsume-san’s goals and materialize them into a product. I plan to speak with Natsume-san later without Yonon-san.”

“…Uh…yes.”

While my thoughts were dominated by confusion, Komachi-san continued.

“Communication, you know, even if you have thoughts in your heart, there are things you hesitate to say to the other person, or conversely, you might end up accepting something beyond your capability out of consideration for the other. But, in this kind of collaboration, that kind of spirit can sometimes get in the way.”

“Um, I… haven’t even…”

Seemingly reading the words that were supposed to follow “I can’t think,” Komachi-san understood with a “I see.”

“Then, let’s each do what we can individually. I’ll draw out what kind of production Natsume-san wants, so for now, just increase the number of hands.”

“Number of hands…?”

“Try to watch and remember as many dances as possible.”

After saying this, Komachi-san briskly left the classroom.

I needed to organize the situation.

Natsume-san had arbitrarily listed me as a co-creator.

But… in this academy, I’m merely a substitute for Hanabishi Kanon. While it’s true I’ve watched Kanon’s dancing under the same roof, I can imitate but not become identical.

If even a single drop of discomfort disappears… I feel like my very existence might vanish. But maybe, that’s alright.

I left the classroom and headed straight for the academy’s main gate.

If other students are “making something by moving their hands”… then I, who doesn’t know how to move my hands, must create something in my own way.

Suddenly, I stopped.

With my own way, to create something…

“…to create something.”

A vague sense of anxiety gradually took shape.

During the Harvest Festival, I’m supposed to create something in collaboration with “Natsume.”

But…how?