章 959: Pre-Wedding Parade

Shortly, Shinichi returned to the second-year class B.

As a special booth rarely seen at high school festivals, despite mere curiosity, many tourists watched couples inside take wedding photos and witness wedding scenes inside a cardboard church.

The main services of the booth were divided into three types: couple experience, masked experience, and solo experience.

The couple experience literally allowed you to take wedding photos and experience the wedding ceremony.

The masked experience was quite peculiar; applicants could wait to be matched, and if successfully matched, they could wear masks and headgear like Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Pokémon, Minotaur, etc., to take wedding photos. The single service staff would then go directly, ensuring that customers could leave with an unforgettable experience without causing emotional disputes.

As for the solo experience, it was just a photo of someone wearing a wedding dress or suit, which relatively few people chose. If the guest brought their own cushion, it was not impossible to marry someone who was not a real person, but the standard was too high, and it was unlikely for anyone to bear it.

Overall, the current class was very lively, with many customers even queuing.

Shinichi was prepared for this.

He had asked Kashima to vacate one of the two wedding spots in the class for his own use, which meant he had secretly booked the spot. No matter how many people were there, they wouldn't be able to disrupt his plans.

Asking for Kashima's help was the last and most important thing, even though she always complained to him about being treated as free labor, she never disappointed him.

Every time he thought about this, there would always be a ripple in Shinichi's heart, his chest feeling warm, and a thought would come to mind.

"If I start my own business in the future, I really hope to have someone like Kashima-san!"

If possible, it would be best to unite the entire Thorn Club. Then if given time, even if he didn't rely on the Shijo family, he might be able to surpass the Shinomiya family and save Hayasaka Ai with his own strength.

Unfortunately, Kashima was a standard wealthy woman and didn't need to work for other companies, let alone rich families in the Thorn Club.

Wiping his drool greedily and pushing aside these thoughts, Shinichi entered the classroom.

Behind the door was a billing counter. The staff explained the billing items to customers with a pair of gloomy fish-like eyes. After escorting a group of customers, he picked up a business card on the table and looked very excited to learn. He didn't want to waste time.

With a smile on his lips, Shinichi stepped forward and knocked on the table.

"Sorry, you have a guest."

"Masked or alone..." The other party reflexively replied. When he looked up and saw that it was Shinichi, he sighed weakly.

"It's you."

"It's me, I am myself, do you have an opinion?"

Regardless of Fuutarou's usual bad attitude, Shinichi said with a smile, "Customers come first, be careful if I complain to you."

"You're not a guest. You're like the local emperor." Fuutarou waved his hand disdainfully, "Everyone is waiting for you inside. Come on in."

He half-closed his eyes, a teasing smile on his face.

"Although it's just my guess... You don't want to bring many girls here to experience wedding activities, right?"

"Your guess is quite accurate." Slightly surprised, Shinichi raised his eyebrows calmly, "Are you jealous?"

"Ha! How could I be? On the contrary, I want to congratulate you." Leaning back in his chair with an arrogant attitude, Fuutarou crossed his arms over his chest, and his smile became even crazier.

"After you've exhausted yourself with a bunch of girls and have no energy to study, second rank... No, even first rank will belong to me!"

"Gahahahahahaha!"

The standard villain laughter came out of his grinning mouth, completely ignoring the strange glances around him.

Shinichi patted Fuutarou's shoulder sympathetically.

"It's midday, don't keep dreaming unrealistically like that... My score is now tied with first rank, just you? There still seems to be a difference of dozens of points."

"Gu..."

Stung in the heart by this fact, Fuutarou stopped laughing. He gritted his teeth, snorted, and huffed.

"Just wait and see, I'll definitely surpass you in the next mock exam!"

"..."

That was clearly just a very ordinary sentence, but Shinichi was stunned at the moment.

Like a reflection underwater gradually becoming clearer, fragments of memories faintly surfaced.

He seemed to have said the same thing half a year ago?

[Such an unpleasant gap... Just wait and see, I'll definitely surpass you in this exam! Then just eat the dust behind me!]

At that time, he and Fuutarou weren't friends yet.

At that time, he was still a nerd who could only read.

At that time, he didn't know those girls with different personalities.

At that time, his heart was still closed off because of events in his previous life, and he was reluctant to openly accept others' kindness.

Awkward, lacking courage, easily impulsive, with a strong sense of shame, often confused, fragile yet determined.

At that time, Shinichi was like a boy seen everywhere, walking on the road of youth.

Then more and more people appeared in his life and advanced with him.

Even so, Shinichi was still a youth, but he had been through a confusing youth journey and embarked on a difficult and dangerous path full of surprises.

He remained himself, growing into a different person.

Perhaps in another world, more selves had reached happiness and a complete ending?

Nevertheless.

Whether it's falling in love with someone, deciding to remain single, or finding smarter ways to live harmoniously with everyone...

Whatever the outcome, as long as they exist, it will be the most beautiful world for Shinichi.

So—

He was delighted to come to this world and meet them.

"What's wrong? Why are you so absent-minded?"

"..."

Fuutarou's voice brought him back to reality. Shinichi half-turned and took a slight breath.

"...Nothing, I just wanted to know, how is your tutoring student? Did Totsuka's grades improve?"

After missing the only chance to tease him enthusiastically, Fuutarou leaned back and lifted the corner of his mouth victoriously.

"Of course, how could they not improve when I take action?"

Shinichi glanced sideways.

"Oh? So you took action against him?"

"In that case... Hey!"

Fuutarou's face reddened, and he gritted his teeth angrily while slapping his hand on the table.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Totsuka is a guy!"

"But he's prettier than most girls."

Shinichi had seen the other party's photo, answering more confidently.

Unable to refute this statement at all, Fuutarou's momentum suddenly weakened, and he twirled his bangs with his fingers, showing a very disgusting and deviant expression.

"It's just that, even if that's the case... Then, it's impossible, or at least it shouldn't be..."

Sighing with relief, Shinichi added fuel to the fire.

"As far as I know, there's a guy named Hikigaya Hachiman who has a temperament very similar to yours. He seems to be interested in Totsuka. Their relationship is quite good. He's been considering whether to confess to him recently..."

As he spoke, he quietly apologized to his soulmate, but it seemed harmless to mention it. Hachiman has been suffering from a love triangle lately, seeming very tired and wanting to propose to Totsuka.

However, on the Internet, Hikigaya Hachiman did say that, but in reality, he doesn't know.

The only thing that's certain is one thing.

Totsuka Saika is truly a sinless child.

"Hey, are you lying to me? Someone really wants to attack my tutor's student?!"

Hearing that, Fuutarou's expression slightly changed, and he was too lazy to hide the unease in his eyes, standing up and staring at Shinichi intently.

Shinichi recoiled in disgust, waved his hand, turned around, and walked into the classroom.

"Believe it or not, it's up to you. It's almost the third year of high school. If you don't take care of it properly, your youth will fly by before you know it~"

"You have the tone of a middle-aged man..."

Ignoring Fuutarou's issues, Shinichi walked into the bustling crowd and quickly found Kashima.

Kashima was directing work at the location, as if she were the class leader, when in fact it was Shinichi. After all, 80% of the class were members of the Thorn Club.

As a trio that often performed together, Chono and Inomori weren't by her side; they must have gone for some reason.

"Yo, I'm here."

"Hm?"

With her palm pressed against her smooth cheek, Kashima turned, and when she saw Shinichi, a gentle smile graced her lips.

"You're here..." With a sigh, Kashima looked at him dissatisfied.

"Is this the last time? After this incident, I won't let you boss me around anymore. The Thorn Club will truly become an ordinary fan support club."

Shinichi nodded and smiled. "Don't worry, it's our agreement."

Seeing his unwavering expression, Kashima also slowly curved her lips, her eyes softening slightly, and she looked at him with a thin smile.

"That's good."

Without giving him a chance to scrutinize his expression carefully, she pressed the hidden earphone under her hair, and her expression turned serious.

"Allow me to report on the progress to you."

"All targets are under surveillance to ensure that there are no disruptions to your 'confession.'"

"The costumes are ready in various sizes, the photographer is ready, and the venue is prepared. Everything is ready and set to start planning."

"Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

Shinichi asked with a smile.

"Of course not. I trust you'll do the job."

Kashima replied with a gentle smile.

"Although that wasn't my intention, thank you for your praise."

"It hatred is so great... Um, even if you help scoundrels do something like this, it's impossible for a normal person not to harbor hatred."

"Hmph, glad you understand." Turning her face away, Kashima pouted slightly and complained softly, "Princess Furuhashi is one of them, so I feel sorry for her."

"Sorry, sorry, next time I'll treat you to dinner."

"No, having dinner with you privately is the only way I'll truly feel sorry for Princess Furuhashi."

Shinichi said hesitantly, "Then I'll treat you and all the Thorn Club members to dinner?"

"A man's words can't be refused!" Her expression suddenly changed. Kashima nodded contentedly and winked twice mischievously.

"I'll let you know the specific time and location. Remember to come and pay? Don't worry, it can be an ordinary family restaurant."

"Just think of me as a common wallet..."

Shinichi could only smile bitterly. Even though he was willing to do it, he still felt a little pain.

"Okay, don't mention these small things for now."

Kashima took out a fan from her pocket and directed its tip towards the back of the classroom.

"Let's change, your clothes are ready."

"Yes."

There are two places for wedding photography, one in front and one in the back. Shinichi booked the one in the back.

Although not very spacious, the chapel made of painted thick cardboard was equipped with all the essential equipment, well-decorated flowers, a tall cross, a wooden platform with a standing priest behind, and the much-needed red carpet.

Next to the church location was a dressing room. Shinichi entered and found a tuxedo that suited him.

Rental.

Not because he didn't have money. He was a little short of money, so he saved as much as he could. He especially wanted to keep the custom-made tuxedo until his wedding day, so the ceremony would be perfect.

Most importantly, he used all his money to make custom-made wedding dresses for the girls. Thanks to some successful investments, more than half of the assets he finally saved disappeared, and he almost returned to his pre-liberation state overnight.

There's no choice; that's the price of having a harem.

"A sweet burden~"

With a slight sigh, Shinichi closed the dressing room door and began to change clothes.

Shortly after, he came out and combed his hair towards Kashima, who was waiting outside the door.

"How is it, should be alright?"

"..."

Kashima looked him up and down, nodded expressionlessly, quickly opened her fan, covering most of her face, and spoke casually.

"Pretty good. It's true that people want a golden suit."

"Thanks for the compliment. I think I'm handsome too."

Shinichi pulled the collar of his shirt in front of the full-length mirror, looked at himself in the mirror, and smiled confidently without shame.

"Alright, Kashima-san, help me call the first 'bride.'"

Shinichi turned to look, only to find that Kashima had already turned her back, gently fanning her face, and responded nonchalantly.

"Um, I understand. You can look for the makeup artist now."

"...Oh."

Although he was slightly surprised by her reaction, Shinichi thought about getting married later, so he didn't pay too much attention to it and went to look for the most skilled makeup artist in the class as Kashima had said.

To perfect this confession, he didn't overlook any small details.