### Chapter 14: Music Festival 2
Guests started trickling in around seven, and Hanako found herself guiding them to their seats, answering questions, and making sure everyone was comfortable. Within an hour, the hall filled up, the hum of conversations growing louder as more people arrived. The festive decorations, combined with the excitement of the crowd of the students from other years created an electric atmosphere.
Hanako had been busy directing the late arrivals when she heard from a colleague that the judges and her grandfather had arrived. Curiosity piqued. She knew the judges from what others said and even searched photos of them. However, she was curious as to how they looked in person.
Kyupa, Meimei, and Amduscias. Their names were whispered in reverence among the guests and students alike. These judges were titans in the musical world of the Netherworld. Amduscias, in particular, carried a legacy as a former member of the 13 Crowns.
When she arrived at the hall, it was buzzing with activity. Kyupa and Meimei were already seated, their presence commanding respect and admiration from the crowd. However, Amduscias was conspicuously absent, leaving her puzzled. Scanning the room, she spotted Sullivan mingling with the guests.
"Principal!" Hanako called out, making her way toward him. Sullivan beamed, his face lighting up with a warm smile as he saw her. Just as she was about to ask him about the missing judge, she was enveloped in a bear hug.
"Principa–!" she managed to gasp as she was lifted up off the ground.
"Oh, where were you?!" Sullivan exclaimed, his voice booming with affection. "You left so early I didn't get to see you! I even made breakfast for you and Iruma-kun but..." His voice trailed off as Hanako tried to extricate herself from the grip, embarrassed by the public display of affection. Guests were watching, some giggling at the sight.
"Grandpa, please," Hanako whispered urgently, finally managing to free herself. "There are guests watching."
Sullivan laughed heartily, finally setting her down. "Where is the other judge? Aren't they all supposed to be here?"
"Poro-chan is around. Don't worry about it," Sullivan replied with a dismissive wave.
Hanako frowned, about to respond when she noticed the last guest entering, with... Kalego? Kalego looked distinctly annoyed, his expression a mix of irritation and resignation.
"Kalego-kun helped distract him a bit," Sullivan explained, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Amduscias is quite fond of Kalego."
Her eyes widened in surprise as Amduscias, a tall and imposing figure exuding authority, entered the hall with Kalego slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The contrast between Kalego's annoyed expression and Amduscias's contented demeanour was almost comical. After setting Kalego down, Amduscias's gaze locked on her, and he quickly approached.
"This is...?" he asked, his eyes scrutinising her intently.
"My granddaughter," Sullivan confirmed with a proud smile.
"Welcome," Hanako greeted with her arm across her chest and a bow, doing her best to maintain her composure with the intense stare. "It's an honour to meet you, Amduscias-sama."
"A pleasure to meet you," Amduscias responded, his tone formal but curious.
"Isn't she adorable?!" Sullivan exclaimed, wrapping Hanako in another bear hug. He launched into a monologue about her virtues, oblivious to her growing embarrassment.
"Grandpa—!" Hanako protested, trying to free herself from his enthusiastic grip, again.
Amduscias observed the scene with a raised eyebrow, his eyes landing on her clothes. "Hmm, you are a teacher at Babyls."
"Yes, yes," Sullivan placed his hand on his cheek, laughing as he finally released her. "My granddaughter is a teacher. I'm so proud of her."
Hanako reddened at the praise and quickly smoothed out her clothes. "Yes, I am a teacher at Babyls," she said, taking a deep breath and trying to regain her composure. "Thank you for being here, Amduscias-sama."
Amduscias nodded, his stern expression softening slightly. "I am looking forward to witnessing their talents. I have high expectations."
With the pleasantries exchanged, Sullivan guided Amduscias to his seat. Hanako couldn't help but glance back at Kalego, who was standing with his arms crossed, a scowl on his face. There was brief eye contact with each other and Kalego gave a small nod of acknowledgement, his annoyance at being manhandled by Amduscias still evident.
The hall was now filled with an air of anticipation. With everything in place, the festival was ready to begin.
~~~
"With a score of 666, victory in this year's music festival goes to the Misfit Class!!!"
The announcement echoed through the hall, and in an instant, the atmosphere exploded with excitement. The roar of cheers and applause was deafening. Hanako, unable to contain her elation, jumped for joy. She was so proud of them.
They had worked hard, Hanako thought, her eyes misting as she watched the Misfit Class on stage. The students were beaming, their faces alight with triumph and joy, their laughter ringing out like a beautiful symphony. Canons of confetti shot out, showering the hall in a cascade of colourful paper, while the screams and cheers for the Misfits reverberated loudly through the air.
"Opera-san! Iruma's class won!" Hanako exclaimed, her voice trembling with happiness as she grabbed Opera into a hug. Opera's cat ears perked up, and a small smile graced their face as they wrapped their arms around Hanako, steadying her in their embrace.
"Yes, Hanako-sama. Iruma-sama's class won." Opera's tail wagged gently from side to side, a subtle but unmistakable sign of their own joy. Hanako laughed, the sound filled with pure, unfiltered delight, as they swung from side to side in their hug.
Her eyes softened as they found her brother, Iruma, amidst the joyful chaos on stage. He was being joyfully mobbed by his schoolmates and friends, his face a mixture of shock and happiness. Hanako's heart swelled with pride and love. She remembered those early days, when Iruma had been terrified and reluctant to attend school. She remembered the fear in his eyes, a mirror of her own as they navigated the unfamiliar and often dangerous world of demons.
Now, standing there, she marvelled at the transformation. Iruma had found his place, his confidence, and his friends. The timid boy who once clung to her for reassurance was now a beacon of light and strength, surrounded by peers who admired and supported him.
"Are you crying, Hanako-sama?"
"No!" Hanako buried her face into Opera's shoulder. "I'm not!"
"Are you sure?" Opera patted her back, their voice gentle and teasing.
"I'm just happy for him," Hanako muttered into Opera's shoulder, her voice muffled but filled with emotion.
Opera chuckled softly, their arms tightening around Hanako in a comforting embrace. "It's okay to cry, Hanako-sama. Tears of joy are a beautiful thing."
Hanako sniffled, a small, embarrassed laugh escaping her lips. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, lifting her head to wipe away the tears. "I'm just so proud of him. Of all of them."
All she felt was happiness as she observed the students. As the confetti continued to fall and the cheers continued to ring out, Hanako allowed herself to fully absorb the moment.
~~~
"Ehhh?!" Hanako stared at the badge in disbelief. "He??" The Rank He (5) badge on Iruma's collar shines under the lights, reflecting her astonishment.
After the conclusion of the Music Festival, the teachers had guided the crowds of students and families out of the school. As the crowd of people lessened and thinned out, she headed to The Royal One classroom to meet the class. They were having their own class celebration after the music festival.
"I was surprised as well..." Iruma laughed awkwardly, scratching his chin. His expression was a mix of pride and bewilderment, clearly still processing the unexpected promotion.
Hanako shook off her initial shock and let out a huff before breaking into a wide grin. She ruffled her brother's hair affectionately, messing it up even more. "Rank He, huh?" she said, her voice filled with pride and affection.
"Yeah," Iruma replied, his eyes sparkling, looking down on the badge on his collar as he touched it. "I still can't believe it..."
As she looked around, Hanako noticed the other Misfits had gathered around, their faces alight with excitement and pride. Asmodeus and Clara were especially animated, their energy infectious as they congratulated Iruma.
"Hana-sensei!" Clara exclaimed, bouncing over with her usual exuberance. "Did you see? Iruma-chi's rank went up! It's so amazing!"
"I did see, Clara," Hanako replied with a smile, her heart warmed by Clara's enthusiasm.
Asmodeus stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination. "Iruma-sama's achievement is a testament to his hard work and natural talent," he declared, his voice filled with admiration. "He inspires us all to reach for greatness."
Hanako giggled as Asmodeus went on, his adoration for Iruma evident in every word. "But," she gently cut off Asmodeus' rambling, "You all did an incredible job. You should be very proud." She patted Asmodeus and Clara's heads affectionately, their reactions making her laugh.
Both Asmodeus and Clara blushed at the affection, their faces turning a delightful shade of pink. Hanako's laughter was filled with warmth and pride for her students.
"Eh! I also want a head pat!" Gaap raised his hand, looking determined.
"What? Me too!" Lied chimed in, his voice tinged with jealousy. "Kalego-sensei barely praises us."
"Mhm, I want one too..." Elizabetta pouted, her eyes wide and hopeful.
In the end, Hanako patted everyone's head and congratulated them, her heart swelling with pride and affection for each of them. They had all worked so hard, and their success was a collective triumph.
"You should praise them," Hanako teased Kalego with a smile as she finished patting the last student's head.
Kalego, who had been watching the scene, folded his arms and turned away with a huff. "No way," he grumbled.
As the party continued, Hanako watched them from afar, a sense of fulfilment washing over her. She and Kalego stood side by side, observing the lively celebration.
"They've really come a long way, haven't they?" Hanako said softly, a fond smile on her face.
Kalego huffed out, "I guess so."
Hanako watched them with amusement, occasionally snacking on some of the food while seeing them play games and having fun. The students had concocted a 'mystery' drink, a chaotic mix of different beverages and ingredients. Kalego was furious about it, and before Hanako could protest, he poured the entire concoction into Lied's mouth, causing an explosion of disgust and shock from the others. They even had Iruma and Purson dance using the mimicry wristbands, with Sabnock playing the piano, and everyone else cheering enthusiastically.
The students, meanwhile, huddled together, whispering and casting furtive glances toward their teachers. After a few moments, they broke apart with mischievous grins.
"Hana-sensei, Eggy-sensei!" Clara called out, bouncing over with excitement. "We've decided to play a game to celebrate!"
Hanako's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of game, Clara-chan?"
"It's a surprise!" Clara giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But you both have to play!"
Hanako glanced at Kalego, who looked distinctly unenthusiastic. "I am not playing," he began, but the students were already ushering them to the center of the room.
"The game is called 'Trust and Teamwork'!" Sabnock announced grandly.
Hanako smiled, though a bit confused she played along. "How does the game work?"
"It's simple," Jazz explained, stepping forward with a pair of red silk ribbons. "Each pair will have their hands tied together and must work together to complete a series of games. It's all about teamwork! And, we'll be deciding the teams with sticks. The same length means you're in the same team."
Kalego's eyes narrowed. "And I suppose you want us to participate?"
"Of course!" Iruma beamed, eyes sparkling directed towards Hanako. "It'll be fun!"
Hanako sighed but nodded, accepting her fate. She couldn't really refuse Iruma when he seemed excited. "Alright, let's do it."
Hanako and Kalego stood side by side, their wrists bound by the silk ribbon, feeling the warmth of each other's skin.
Kalego was already irritated. "What kind of game is this?"
A few students also tied together. Jazz and Allocer, Iruma and Asmodues, Clara and Elizabetta, Purson and Lied. Those were teams, the others decided to spectate.
"Thank Devi that we didn't get in the same team as Kalego-sensei," Lied let out a breath of relief.
"I know right," Jazz agreed with a nod.
"Oi," Kalego sent a murderous glare at the both of them.
"Now, now," Hanako intervened, patting Kalego's shoulder lightly.
Sabnock clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "The first task is simple, you must pass a ball between each other using only your tied hands. If you drop it, you have to start over."
Hanako and Kalego exchanged a look. "Alright, let's get this over with," Kalego muttered.
They managed the task with minimal bickering, though Kalego's grumbling was constant. Iruma and Asmodeus completed it with ease, and Clara and Elizabetta were a giggling mess, dropping the ball several times but laughing it off each time.
"The next task," Gaap announced, "is a bit trickier. You have to navigate an obstacle course."
Hanako's eyes widened, tilted her head. "Obstacle course...?"
Kalego's eyes narrowed at that.
The 'obstacle course' involved students attacking them as they tried to get from one point of the room to the other without getting caught in the attacks from the students. It also involved crawling under tables, hopping over chairs, and manoeuvring through a maze of desks. They stumbled and bickered, but Hanako found herself laughing despite the chaos.
Somehow, in the end, they were holding hands, fingers intertwined with each other so as not to pull on the ribbon that tied their wrists. Hanako's heart raced, and she could feel the warmth of Kalego's hand against hers.
"Eh, ah, sorry..." Hanako let go of Kalego's hand, her face tinged with redness.
Kalego, looking slightly less annoyed than before, huffed again but said nothing, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Just focus on the task," he muttered.
"Alright, last task!" Kerori announced, stepping forward with a playful grin. "Dance until I'm satisfied."
Hanako and Kalego exchanged another look, this time more amused than annoyed. "Dance?" Hanako asked, laughing.
They began a simple waltz, their movements stiff at first. But as the music played and Hanako led Kalego through the steps, their movements were stiff at first but gradually became more fluid as they got into the rhythm. Hanako couldn't help but smile, and even Kalego seemed to loosen up a bit. The students cheered them on, their laughter and applause filling the room.
Hanako couldn't help but smile widely as she glanced at Kalego. "We're not doing too bad, are we?"
Kalego sighed, though there was a hint of a contentment on his face. "I suppose not."
As the music ended, the students erupted in cheers, clapping and whistling. Hanako and Kalego untied the ribbon.
"That was... fun," Hanako admitted, there was a small blush on her cheeks.
Kalego nodded reluctantly, his eyes searching her face for something. "I guess so..."
Clara bounded over, her eyes shining. "You were amazing!"
Hanako laughed, her fingers still on Kalego's palm. "Thanks, Clara-chan."
Kalego grumbled but didn't pull his hand away immediately. "Alright, enough games. I'm tired of it."
"Ah, don't we have to go already?" Hanako said when her eyes turned to the clock on the wall. She then slips her hand off Kalego's, ignoring the missing warmth of his hand.
"Go? Where?" one of the students asked.
"Just because the music festival ended for you all, doesn't mean it is for the teachers," Kalego responded. Hanako sighed, thinking about the massive paperwork they will have.
"Ehh, Nee-san has to go?" Iruma pouted.
"Yep," Hanako ruffled his hair with a short laugh. "But, before I go, I'd like to ask..." She grabbed Iruma's shoulder and gave a thin cold smile. "What are you all trying to do?"
Kalego grabbed Lied and Purson by their collars. "Yes... I'd like to ask that as well." There was a threatening tone in his voice.
The Misfits kneeled on the floor, their eyes wide with fear as Kalego's Cerberus growled menacingly. Hanako folded her arms, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Well?" Kalego demanded, his voice like thunder. "Explain yourselves."
Gaap raised his hands in a placating gesture. "W-We just wanted to, uh, help you two get along better!" he stammered, glancing at the other Misfits for support.
"Yeah!" Clara chimed in, nodding vigorously. "We thought it would be nice if you were closer friends!"
Hanako raised an eyebrow, her scepticism evident. "Closer friends, huh?" she said, her tone dripping with doubt.
Asmodeus quickly picked up on the cue. "Of course! It's important for teachers to have a good relationship, right? For the sake of the students!"
Jazz nodded, adding, "We thought that if you two got along better, it would make classes more enjoyable for everyone."
Kalego's eyes narrowed, but he didn't press further. "Is that so?" he said, his voice still laced with suspicion. "And you thought tying us together and making us dance was the best way to do that?"
Purson, usually quiet, spoke up. "It was supposed to be fun."
Hanako's expression softened slightly. She looked over at Kalego, who was still scowling. "Well, I suppose your hearts were in the right place," she said, sighing.
Kalego huffed but didn't argue. "Fine. But next time, don't meddle in things that aren't your concern," he said, releasing his grip on Lied and Purson, Cerberus retreating back.
The Misfits exchanged relieved glances, nodding fervently. "Yes, Kalego-sensei!" they chorused.
Hanako gave them a final stern look before her expression softened into a gentle smile. "Alright, get up. And thank you for the thought, misguided as it was."
The Misfits stood, bowing slightly in gratitude. As they dispersed, Clara bounded over to Hanako. "So, are you and Kalego-sensei closer now?" she asked innocently.
Hanako chuckled, ruffling Clara's hair. "Maybe a little. But don't get any more funny ideas, okay?"
Clara giggled and nodded. "Okay, Hana-sensei!"
***
Note:
Music Festival is done, phew.
Edit: I am back!! My first trimester of uni is over and I finallyyyy have a break. I had written this a while back already but didn't know if I should post it. Then, my second half of the trimester started and bro i died. I forgot about this fanfic actually because there was no time to do anything other than studying. Pretty sure i have permanent eye bags now. Whoever is thinking of taking engineering, pls dont lol.
Anyway, hope you like this chapter!