Facing Tomorrow

"Facing Tomorrow" (前を向いて) is a short story from Melon Books' store privilege for volume 5 of 2nd Year arc of You-Zitsu light novel series, together with other three short stories.

Summary
Since the school was over for the day, they, who were made aware of the fact that Kiyotaka was dating Kei, were still shocked. As she walked alongside Kiyotaka, Haruka detoured to quickly grab something from a convenience store. As she walked out, having grabbed a croquette, she noticed that Kiyotaka, who was waiting outside, looked a bit surprised to see what she was eating. She explains that she was talking to Sakura during lunch and wasn't able to eat, and added that she couldn't resist eating now.

Haruka then remembered how shocked she felt when she learnt of the fact that Kiyotaka was dating Kei. Even though she knew that people were free to love whomever they wanted and that cases of mutual love were rare, she still hoped that one day, Kiyotaka and her friend would get to be together.

She now wanted to find out more details about their relationship, but even before she could eat half of her croquette, Kiyotaka asked if she could help him with something, and if possible, get Sakura to help as well. He informs her that one of the events they are going to hold at the cultural festival has been decided and adds that since they didn't want any information leaked, only he, Suzune, and the ones planning the event knew about it. He informed her that the selected event was a maid café.

Haruka was surprised that Suzune had agreed to such an event, but Kiyotaka explains that she was probably looking for the best option that provided them with the best opportunities, and that she was indifferent to all the proposals. Haruka asks what he needs after learning the reason for the event, and Kiyotaka asks if she and Sakura can help with the cafe. She had a feeling it would be something like that as soon as she heard the words "maid café," but she thought it was a good opportunity for Sakura.

Haruka confesses that if he had asked her before revealing his relationship with Karuizawa, she could have said yes without hesitation, but now there was no guarantee that Sakura would be able to smile during the school festival. However, Haruka knew that Airi would have to accept the truth sooner or later, and replied that she would inform Airi about it when she has calmed down.

In addition, Haruka tells him that just because she had Karuizawa as her opponent didn't mean that Sakura was going to give up, since no matter how lovestruck he was, it could end. In the end, Haruka thought that Airi still had a chance, since there was still a year and a half left for her, and it wouldn't matter if she could face tomorrow and win in the end.