The School Festival (2)
“Still, it’s really impressive.”
Even when I examined it closely, the craftsmanship was outstanding. The fact that he made it entirely from scratch was nothing short of amazing.
Tomoya might truly have a knack for artistic pursuits like design and craftsmanship.
By the way, it was my idea to suggest that Tomoya use the school festival as a trial run for Comiket, given the opportunity.
I remembered a conversation we had before summer vacation when Tomoya said,
“I’m planning to go to this year’s Winter Comiket as Char’s Zaku. With that, I won’t have to show my face. Now that I’m a high schooler, I really want to experience Comiket at least once.”
That memory suddenly resurfaced.
It was from more than five years ago from my perspective, back before I was transported to another world.
What stuck with me was that Tomoya, who was just as shy about standing out as I used to be, had said he wanted to try something bold. That memory remained vivid in my mind.
However, when I first suggested the idea, Tomoya hesitated.
“It’s not completely finished yet, and I don’t really want to stand out at school… You know, everyone here knows I’m an introvert. I don’t want them thinking I’m getting carried away.”
It was a reason I could relate to completely, having been an introvert myself.
One of the classic introvert truths is: (you never want your school acquaintances to see you doing otaku activities).
However—
“Shibata-kun, you’re going to cosplay as a robot? I’d love to see it! Come on, do it for the class! Please? Pretty please? Let’s make the festival amazing together!”
“Uh, well, if Hasumi-san insists that much… I guess I could give it a shot? But don’t get your hopes up too much, okay? It’s just homemade, so it’s not going to be perfect. I’ll try, though.”
“That’s totally fine! Alright, we’ll save a cosplay slot for you! I can’t wait to see it, Shibata-kun!”
“Uh, yeah.”
With Hasumin’s help, Tomoya happily agreed to the idea.
This was another introvert truth: (you can’t help but feel giddy when a cute girl asks you for a favor).
And, of course, what followed was: (setting low expectations upfront, only to go above and beyond, creating something extraordinary).
As a former introvert, I completely understood how Tomoya felt.
While reminiscing about that conversation, Robot Tomoya approached me during a lull in the crowd.
The moment he saw me, he exclaimed,
“Shuhei, thank you! It’s all thanks to you!”
Grinning with excitement, Tomoya shook my hand vigorously.
“Whoa, what’s this all about? What happened?”
“I never imagined I’d become this popular! Look at this—I’ve exchanged LINE contacts with so many classmates! And some of them are girls!”
Tomoya thrust his phone in front of me.
On the screen were the names of not only boys but also several girls.
“That’s great, isn’t it?”
“I even took pictures with some of the girls! I’ve never had this much fun at a school festival in my life. Thanks so much, Shuhei!”
“I’m glad you’re having fun, Tomoya, but can I ask you one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Doesn’t this just look like a picture of Char’s Zaku? Nobody can even tell it’s you.”
“That’s the best part, isn’t it? I get to stand out without standing out. It’s perfect!”
“Yeah, I suppose I get what you mean.”
Another introvert truth: (you want people to notice you, but you don’t actually want to stand out).
After all, if you were confident enough to show your face and looks without hesitation, you wouldn’t be an introvert in the first place.
Of course, this understanding came from my past self.
Now, I no longer feel embarrassed about anything I do.
Compared to the five grueling years I spent battling the Demon King, the embarrassment of standing out feels as trivial as a piece of paper being blown away in a typhoon.