Howdy! Teachers¹

I got an idea, Teach.

Couldn’t we just go on without him?

For all we know, he might’ve already gone home, and it’s not like we have any time to waste waiting for him. Time is money and stuff.

I don’t wanna be kept here past school hours; I have a private life to maintain. I’ll just tell Isotake what we talked about when I see him.

Hmmm, then I suppose we have no choice. Isotake-kun shall introduce himself at a later date.

Kaede-san, you may proceed.

O-Okay!

I’m Kaede, and I’m the chief at HAMA-18’s head travel agency, HAMA Tours.

Our company directs the entire HAMA tourism industry, and our main task is to put together novel tour packages for our guests.

We are currently searching for mayors to represent each ward of the city to help us with that project.

Mayors…?

(I’ve heard about it, but…what does that have to do with us…?)

Our president, HAMA’s Ward 0 mayor, has the ability to elect ward mayors.

He’s also close to the principal of Hama Asunaro High School and worked with him to select the members of this club as candidates for ward mayor.

!

(At least I hope so… Kafka…!)

Isn’t HAMA doing kinda bad as a tourism region though? I heard about it on the news.

Um! Yes, that’s correct…

(HAMA’s fallen so far that even high schoolers know about it…)

(But I made a promise to rebuild this city with Kafka and everyone else in the Morning Team, so I can’t let it end like this!)

If HAMA doesn’t see at least 20,000,000 visitors by the end of the year, it will no longer be considered a designated tourism region.

But that’s precisely why HAMA Tours was founded! We aim to attract visitors to the city, and the first tour that our Morning Team put on was a great success!

We want to return HAMA to its former glory⁠—no, we want to surpass that, and turn HAMA into a city of dreams!

Please, would you consider becoming friends with us and reviving HAMA?!

……

……

Well, I don’t. Why are we your “candidates”?

Um…

(Because Kafka told me so in his text message…)

What’s your vetting process like?

Ah, well… The details are set, but I haven’t been made aware of them yet.

Huh? Aren’t you the chief? You’re part of upper management, but you don’t even know what you’re doing?

…Yes, that’s true.

I’m not trying to complain or anything, but don’t you think you should be a little more prepared if you’re gonna present your project to us?

Because to me, it sounds like you’re either just doing your work sloppily, or you feel like you can cut corners ‘cuz you’re dealing with a bunch of high schoolers.

N-No, that’s…!

“That’s not it”? You haven’t said anything to prove me wrong.

The problem is that you have no idea what you’re talking about. And that means⁠—

*sigh* What are you, 12? You sound like a kid who can’t come up with any comebacks besides “your mom.”

What?

Hope you’re enjoying your little playground games.

HUH?!

(Is Nanamegi-kun…trying to defend me?)

I’m so sorry for being unprepared! I’ll make sure to bring all of the necessary material for tomorrow, so⁠—

*opens door* Sorry, I’m not interested.

Ah! Wait, please!

Huh…?!

*opens door*

Kinugawa-kun…!

*opens door* Aww, looks like everyone’s boycotting. I feel soooo bad for you.

But I’m leaving too.

If you want people to join you so badly, try asking guys who actually care.

Wai⁠—

D’AHHHH! I’m sorry, guys! I’m late as hell! Are you still talking? Frick, you are! I’m here!

(Huh? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before…)

(Ah…! I met him at the Landmark!)

Dude, I ran all the way here and now I’m tired as BALLS! Can I get some headpats? Or a hug or something?!

(Now I remember!)

I choose you! Bring it in!

Dude, don’t fuckin’ touch me! You’re WAY too close!

I’m not gonna comfort you just ‘cuz you were late! Even pet robots deserve hugs more than the likes of you!

Ohhh! That’s a creative comeback!

Nice one, Ushio! You’re a mean guy, but I know you got that artistic brain in you! I gotta write that one down in my Akuta Notes.

Huh?! W-What does that mean…?

I’m not blushing, and I am NOT embarrassed!

(The mood turned around… Is this boy the glue that holds everyone together?)

I remember you!

Hm? HUH?! Yo, it’s my ex-camera op!

Thank you for helping me find my friend that one day! A lot has happened since then, and now I’m working with my company to look for ward mayor candidates.

Mhm, mhm.

You’ll help revive HAMA with me, right?!

Huh? No.

Wh… Why not?!

Sorryyyy! I know it doesn’t look like it, but I got a lot on my plate, y’know. Livin’ life to the fullest and stuff.

Are you leaving? You ran all this way just to get here.

Getting here was the whole point, my friend. Alright, guys! Let’s bounce!

……

How are you feeling?

……A lot.

I see. Would you like to proceed?

I would. I’m gonna go all in!

(Th-Things are getting interesting…!)