Chapter 53: Cultural Festival Day One (A Blessing Kiss)

When we returned from the clubroom to the event venue, everyone was waiting for us.

When Hisui apologized, she was met with a variety of positive responses—people saying things like “you must’ve been frustrated,” or “that was close,” or “the match was moving.”

Things were starting to get a little too chaotic, so Sota took charge and declared the beginning of the awards ceremony.

"Thank you all for coming to the Hirayama High School Wiso Club Tournament! All matches have concluded safely. Since time is limited, we’ll now begin the award ceremony."

After pausing briefly for the crowd to settle down, Sota continued.

"And the honorable winner of the tournament is… Pro Tanabe!"

The moment his name was called, the venue erupted in cheers and applause.

"I'm happy—I wanted to win ever since I saw the prizes online."

So… I guess that means I’ll be going on a date with Pro Tanabe tomorrow?

He’s a top-tier pro player admired by all Wiso fans. I don’t dislike the idea, really. Actually, I could even consider it a bit of a privilege. Maybe I could get a Wiso match in with him during the date?

…Even the kiss on the cheek wouldn’t be that bad. It’s better than having to do it with someone I don’t know at all. And Pro Tanabe has a reputation for being a gentleman.

"Now then, which prize would you like to choose?"

"I’ll take the Asu-nyan figure, please."

Without hesitation, Pro Tanabe made his choice—a figure of Asu-nyan, a character from a school anime that was popular some years ago. Sota had donated it as a prize; it was something he’d bought a long time ago and had kept in the box on display in his room. I remember him mentioning that it was a limited-edition piece with a bit of a collector's premium.

Come to think of it, Pro Tanabe did publicly declare himself a passionate Asu-nyan fan.

…Wait, why was I assuming I’d be picked as the prize?

That’s some serious self-centeredness.

While Pro Tanabe was receiving his prize, I clapped along with everyone else—internally writhing in silent embarrassment.

"Next up, the runner-up is our very own Wiso Club member, Kamishiro Hisui!"

Amidst the cheers and applause, Hisui happily walked over to stand beside Sota.

She looked more pleased than usual. Hisui rarely shows her emotions on the surface, so to others she might’ve just seemed a bit cheery—but I, who’ve known her for years, could tell this was her at her most elated. It was a rare and adorable sight to see that side of her.

"Thank you very much!"

She gave a small wave in response to the cheering.

"So then, what prize would you like?"

"I want a date with Alice!"

Hisui answered without missing a beat.

"Got it. Alice, come on up."

Relieved, I walked over to the podium.

Urged by Hisui, I took her hand and stood beside her.

"And now the prize is awarded! So yeah, the two of you should just go on a casual date for about two hours tomorrow. That’s it!"

"Congratulations, Hisui!"

"Thanks."

Thunderous applause was directed at Hisui. Just standing beside her made me feel a little proud too.

I could feel the air around us shift into one of warm, affectionate support, like people watching something wholesome.

"...What about the blessing kiss?"

In the middle of that, Hisui asked me.

"Eh—do we really have to…?"

I thought it wouldn’t count since we’re both girls.

"Yeah, I want you to."

Compared to doing it with a guy, this was a million times easier. And it was part of the agreement—so I couldn't just skip it. But even so, I wasn’t mentally prepared…

"I could do it to you instead, if you’d prefer?"

"Th-then let’s do that…"

Maybe receiving is easier than giving. —That’s what I thought at the time, naively.

"Alright, I’ll take a photo then."

"...You’re actually taking a picture of this?"

"We’ll use it as a club activity record. Since it’s between girls, I think it’ll make a very sweet image."

Suzuka stood with her digital camera in hand. Now that I think about it, she also took photos during Pro Tanabe’s award scene. Somehow, I always imagined her butler Ando-san would be the one doing it, but Suzuka really is an odd lady—as usual.

"Then, whenever you're ready, please go ahead, yes? If it's too short it's hard to get a good picture, so make it a bit longer, if you would."

Holding up her digital camera, Suzuka spoke with a light, playful tone.

Honestly, I just wanted it over with.

"Okay, here I go."

On my left side, Hisui leaned in, reaching across with her left hand to gently cup my right cheek and jaw. Her other hand pressed against the side of my head. I could feel the weight of her palm, securing me in place.

Her face drew closer, and then I felt it—soft and warm—pressing against my cheek.

She was so close I could hear her breathing. The warmth of her fingertips, the pressure of her lips—everything about her touch sank into my skin.

…Isn't this way too long?

Right as the thought crossed my mind, a strange sensation touched my cheek, and I couldn’t help but let out a startled sound.

"Hya—!?"

Something wet and soft slipped out from between Hisui's lips and flicked teasingly across my cheek.

"Wa—ah…! H-Hisui, stop…!"

I-It tickles!

Her tongue, pointed and deliberate, slid back and forth over my cheek. Her hot breath hit my skin, and I tried to pull away—but her grip on my head was unyielding.

Everyone was watching…

『…Mmm…ah…』

Alicia’s voice trembled in my head, unable to contain herself anymore. Her moan echoed through me.

I clenched my eyes shut and pressed my hand to my mouth to stifle any strange noises from slipping out.

Hisui’s tongue moved with a slow, slithering motion. I could feel the moisture spreading over my skin. My whole body shivered with each stroke.

I had no idea how long it lasted.

Eventually, Hisui’s face pulled back.

Between her slightly parted lips, her glistening red tongue could be seen—still connected to my cheek by a thin string of saliva.

"…Thanks for the meal."

She whispered into my ear, then calmly straightened herself as if nothing had happened.

I, on the other hand, had completely lost strength in my legs. I couldn’t stand properly. Hisui supported me without saying a word.

"H-Hey, Hisui… I’m fine, really!"

"It’s okay. Don’t worry."

I barely had the strength to argue. Hisui helped me back to the corner of the classroom. The playful mood from earlier had vanished. Now, the guys who had been gathered around were visibly uncomfortable. I didn’t think I was imagining it—many of them were slightly hunched over.

"…I don’t think we can use this photo for the activity log."

Suzuka, her face red, lowered her eyes to the camera and muttered.