NOVEL NEXT Chapter 702: The Tension Before the Announcement
Chapter 702: The Tension Before the Announcement
Main Auditorium, Yukihime High School, Elffire City...
It was a normal school day at Yukihime High School. The students arrived early for their morning classes, studied diligently under their teachers, and enjoyed their lunch breaks with the usual chatter and laughter. But as the day wore on, an undercurrent of anticipation began to ripple through the hallways. The tension was almost palpable, like a current running through the air, as everyone knew what was coming after the final bell.
As soon as classes ended, the school seemed to awaken from its routine, the regular hum of activity replaced by a buzz of excitement and anxiety. Students streamed out of classrooms, their footsteps quick and purposeful as they made their way to the main auditorium. The announcement of the final rankings from the first-ever Yukihime High School Club Festival was imminent, and no one wanted to miss it.
The auditorium quickly filled with students, the noise level rising as friends greeted each other, speculating on the outcome. In the midst of the crowd, the members of the
participating clubs clustered together, their faces a mix of hope, nervousness, and determination.
In one corner of the auditorium, the Delicious Food Fan Club gathered around their president, Olly. A confident third-year student with a passion for all things culinary, Olly stood with his arms crossed, surveying his club members with a reassuring smile.
"We did everything we could," Olly said, his voice calm and steady. "Our booth was packed from morning till night, and our dishes were a hit. No matter what happens, I'm proud of all of you."
The club members nodded, their expressions a mix of pride and anxiety. They had worked so hard over the past two days, preparing and serving an array of dishes that showcased their skills, that they still felt the aftereffects of over-drafting their bodies. But it wasn't just about the food-it was about the prize. The top-ranked club would receive a total makeover of their facilities, a dream that had driven the Delicious Food Fan Club to push themselves harder than ever.
"Do you think we did enough to take the top spot?" one of the members asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Olly's smile widened, his confidence unwavering. "We were second after the first day, just behind the Love Nature Club. It's going to be close, but I believe in our work. We gave it our all, and that's what matters."
Meanwhile, across the auditorium, the members of the Love Nature Club were huddled together, their faces lit with a mixture of excitement and nerves. The club had taken a bold approach to the festival, transforming their Forest Observatory into a haunted house during the day, and during the night they even transformed part of the school forest into a Haunted Forest. The concept had drawn crowds in droves, and the adrenaline-fueled thrills they offered had made their booth one of the most popular attractions.
"I still can't believe we were in first place after the first day," one of the members said, her voice full of awe.
"Yeah, but we can't get too comfortable," another member chimed in, glancing around at the other clubs. "The Delicious Food Fan Club was right behind us, and they were killing it with those desserts. I heard that they are obsessed with winning the championship prize. We have to hope that our haunted forest did well enough last night to keep us on top."
"Yeah, it seems like the kitchen over at their club is old and barely handles their projects." Another one commented.
The club president, a quiet but determined student named Natsuki, nodded thoughtfully. She had been the driving force behind the club's ambitious attraction, spending weeks planning and organizing every detail. Now, as they awaited the results, she felt a mixture of pride and
nervousness.
"Whatever happens, we showed everyone what our club is capable of," Natsuki said softly. "We took a risk, and it paid off. Even if we don't win, we've proven that we can create something amazing together."
Not far from the Love Nature Club, the Board Game Club was gathered in a tight circle, their expressions a mix of hope and anxiety. Their club had set up real-life-size board game arenas, where participants could engage in oversized versions of classic games like chess and snakes-and-ladders. The spectacle had drawn in crowds, with students eagerly watching and cheering as their friends navigated the giant game boards.
"This has been the most fun I've ever had at a school event," one of the members said, grinning widely. "I mean, who knew people would get so into a life-sized game of Adventure Board Game?"
The club president, a second-year student named Kenji, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it was amazing to see everyone getting so involved. And our sales from the game entry fees were pretty strong, too. We were fourth after the first day, so we've got a good shot at making the top three."
"But do you think we can move up?" another member asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. "The Martial Arts Club had that awesome tournament, and they were in third place yesterday."
Kenji shrugged, though his expression remained optimistic. "It's hard to say. But I think we did really well. The important thing is that we had fun and made the festival better for everyone who participated."
As the minutes ticked by, the noise in the auditorium grew louder, the anticipation building to a fever pitch. The members of each club exchanged glances, their hearts pounding as they waited for the student council to take the stage.
At the front of the auditorium, the members of the student council were preparing for the announcement. Vivian, the student council president, stood with her fellow council members, her expression calm and composed. She knew the weight of the moment-the first-ever club festival had been a massive undertaking, and the results would set a precedent for future events.
Behind her, Aurora, the vice president, was organizing the final rankings, her sharp eyes scanning the list for any discrepancies. She had been instrumental in overseeing the festival, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and fairly.
"Everything's ready," Aurora said, handing Vivian the final rankings. "It's time."
Vivian took the paper, her heart steady despite the excitement around her. She glanced at her fellow council members, each of them nodding in silent support. Then, with a deep breath, she stepped forward onto the stage.
As soon as she appeared, the noise in the auditorium began to subside, the students gradually falling silent as all eyes turned to the stage. Vivian stood before them, the final rankings held in her hands, and for a moment, she simply looked out at the crowd, taking in the sea of
expectant faces.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Vivian began, her voice clear and confident. "First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for your incredible efforts over the past two days. The first-ever Yukihime High School Club Festival has been a resounding success, and that's because of the hard work and creativity you all brought to the table."
There was a ripple of applause, the students cheering for their peers and themselves. Vivian waited for the noise to die down before continuing.
"I know you're all eager to hear the final results, so I won't keep you waiting any longer. The rankings you're about to hear are the culmination of your efforts over the two days of the festival, based on the total amount of sales each club made. The top ten and top three clubs will receive special rewards from the student council, and of course, the top-ranked club will receive the grand prize-a complete appliance and structure makeover."
A hush fell over the auditorium as Vivian paused, the tension thick in the air. She unfolded the paper in her hands, her eyes scanning the final list one last time before she spoke.
"And now, without further ado..."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Vivian prepared to announce the results. In the crowd,
the members of the Delicious Food Fan Club, the Love Nature Club, the Board Game Club, the Anime Chibi Club, and all the other participating clubs waited with bated breath, their hearts pounding in their chests.
This was the moment they had all been waiting for.