Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 85

Chapter 85: The Housen Cultural Festival 2024

Walking down the streets, I couldn’t help but enjoy the fresh air that carried the cold winds. The sun was shining brightly, but the lingering cold reminded me that winter was on its way. My breath puffed out in little clouds as I murmured to myself,

“Today is the day.”

The anticipation in the air was clearly visible. From a distance, I could already see the enormous banner hanging at the college entrance: “Housen Cultural Festival 2024” written in bold, colorful letters.

“That’s big,” I muttered under my breath, my pace calm and casual. Around me, other students were just as awestruck.

Music played faintly in the background, a rhythmic beat that echoed through the streets and added life to the festive atmosphere. Groups of students pointed at various decorations—vivid fountains dyed in different colors, an intricate archway of balloons, and statues with lots of fairy lights.

The festival had begun in full swing, and it was hard to miss the cosplaying students who added another layer of excitement. Some dressed as characters from popular anime, others from fantasy games. The girls, in particular, were stunning. Their bold and eye-catching outfits turned heads left and right.

I overheard snippets of conversation as I passed groups of guys.

“Did you hear? They’re going to have a pole dance event later.”

“No way!”

“I’m definitely not missing that.”

I smirked to myself. Pole dance, huh? Something to look forward to.

As I neared the gates, I spotted Lily walking in with her friends. She looked beautiful as always, her confident laughter carrying over the crowd. Though the sight of her made me smile, I didn’t call out. She was in her own group, and I didn’t want to intrude.

Stepping through the gates, the full magnitude of the preparations hit me. The campus looked completely different than usual, every corner alive with decorations, posters, and a vibrant mix of colors. Students were buzzing around, carrying props, setting up booths, or putting finishing touches on their displays.

“I should meet up with my team members in the cafeteria,” I said to myself. Turning left at the edge of the hall, I nearly walked straight into someone.

“Oh, sorry!” I apologized quickly, taking a step back.

The person I had nearly bumped into was Maya. Her sharp eyes glanced up at me, and her expression softened slightly. “It’s fine. I wasn’t looking either.”

I nodded. “Heading to the cafeteria too?”

“Yes,” she replied curtly, adjusting her shoulder bag.

“Then let’s walk together,” I offered.

She shrugged lightly, and we began walking side by side. Maya had an air of quiet sophistication about her. Dressed in an all-black outfit, her shirt had two buttons undone, revealing just enough cleavage to make her look mature yet alluring.

“So,” I ventured, “nervous about today?”

She glanced at me briefly. “Why do you ask?”

“You’re awfully quiet.”

She let out a soft sigh. “I don’t like too much noise. That’s all.”

“Fair enough,” I said with a grin, respecting her reserved nature.

As we walked further, the sound of heels clicking caught my attention. Natasha emerged from the washroom ahead of us, adjusting her glasses and her short one-piece dress.

“Natasha!” I called out, waving.

She jolted at the sound of her name but quickly composed herself. Turning toward us, she straightened her glasses and offered a polite smile. “Good morning, both of you.”

“Heading to the cafeteria?” I asked.

She nodded.

“Great, we’re heading there too,” I said. “Gotta meet up with Claire and Zayn.”

As we walked together, I couldn’t help but ask Natasha, “So, how was the art competition? Did you submit that drawing you worked on?”

Her cheeks flushed a light pink as she glanced down, fiddling with her glasses. “Yes… I won first prize. They will post on the college gallery tomorrow as well.”

Maya and I congratulated her in unison. I added with a smirk, “Well, of course, you won. That night, we worked so hard—how could you not?”

Natasha’s blush deepened, and she stammered, “Y-Yes…”

Maya raised an eyebrow, curious. “You helped her?”

“In a lot of ways,” I said with a knowing glance at Natasha, who was now fumbling with her words, clearly flustered.

“Let’s focus on the festival, shall we?” Natasha blurted out, her voice higher-pitched than usual.

I chuckled softly but didn’t push her further.

When we reached the cafeteria, the festive energy was infectious. Claire greeted us with her usual exuberance, giving me a high five as we approached. Zayn waved from the table he had saved for us.

“Alright!” Claire said cheerfully. “The gang’s all here. Let’s go!”

But just as we were about to leave, the music that had been playing suddenly stopped. A voice crackled over the speakers.

“Attention, all students. Please make your way to the auditorium for the opening ceremony. The principal will be giving a speech to officially commence the Housen Cultural Festival.”

The buzz of chatter grew louder as students began heading toward the auditorium in groups.

Inside the grand auditorium, the decorations were equally stunning. The stage was adorned with vibrant flowers and banners, while the seats quickly filled with excited students.

Our group managed to snag a spot near the center. As we waited for the event to begin, my eyes wandered to the stage.

There, standing front and center, was Gamma. She was handing flowers to the principal and other guests of honor, her posture elegant and commanding.

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath. “She’s at the center of everything, isn’t she?”

Maya glanced at me but said nothing, her expression unreadable.

Beside Gamma, Alpha stood with her usual group of friends. Her confidence radiated even from a distance, making her impossible to ignore.

The principal took the stage, his voice booming through the auditorium as he welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of the cultural festival and how these 3 days will be our precious memory.

“And now,” he concluded, his voice filled with pride, “let us commence this year’s Housen Cultural Festival!”

Gamma stepped forward, her hands gripping the ropes that held the massive curtain. With a dramatic flourish, she pulled them aside, revealing the bustling festival grounds beyond.

The students erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the auditorium.

The festival had officially begun.