⌒Joyful⌒ 3

The next morning. En route to school

Shinobu: Hehe. ‘Tis a happy coincidence that our arrival at school matcheth up, Hiiro-kun ♪

Hiiro: Yes. And I would like to take advantage of this opportunity... well, not quite.

But there is something I would like to ask you. Is that okay?

Shinobu: What is it? If ‘tis something thou thinkest I can answer, then please ask away ♪

Hiiro: Then... here it is: what does the “Easter” part of “Easter Fest” actually mean?

Shinobu: ......

Umm, uh...? Hiiro-kun, might it be that thou hast been listening to us discuss Easter without understanding it?

Hiiro: I looked through Anzu-san’s documents, so I understand the general idea. It’s a spring festival of some sort.

But it is a word I’ve never heard before, from a culture I’ve never been exposed to. I wanted to know more about it before the day of the Easter Fest.

Shinobu: Now that I think of it, when we spake with Anzu-dono in the cafeteria, thou didst mention that thou wert unfamiliar with the words we were using.

But now that thou hast asked me, I know not if I could explain what Easter is very well, either...

The Japanese term we use means “resurrection festival,” but I am unsure why ‘tis called that...^[1]

And as for why it calls to mind rabbits and eggs, I know not that, either.

Hiiro: Do you think there are books about it in the library? Or should I try asking someone who knows more?

Shinobu: Someone who knows more... hmm. Mayhap Kagehira-dono would know something, as he participated in last year’s Easter Night?

I shall contact him to see if we may discuss the matter after school. Grab my phone and... text him that... there ♪

Hiiro: —That is all the context. We wanted to ask you more about Easter.

Mika: Ahaha, I ain’t no expert on it, but I did do a li’l bit of studyin’ when Easter Night was goin’ on.

So I’m real tickled y’all asked me about it. I’s so excited I even borrowed a book on it ♪

Hiiro: Oh, so the library did have materials on the subject. Thank you for getting them for us, Kagehira-senpai.

Mika: Don’t mention it ♪ Oh yeah, is Hinata-kun comin’ around at all?

Shinobu: Alas, but it seems that Hinata-kun has work this afternoon... He asked me to tell him what we discussed, however.

It seemeth that he will just barely make it to today’s practice, too.

Mika: Aw, man, I sure hope he’s here for practice. But ‘til then let’s figure out what Easter’s all about.

Hiiro: Yes. Just as I changed after learning the etiquette of the city, to gain knowledge will affect how one behaves.

Shinobu: If we can apply that knowledge to our shuffle unit, then all the better! ♪

Mika: Then first I wanna look at this here book...

Says here that Easter’s a holiday for the resurrection. And by “resurrection” they mean—

Hiiro: So Easter is a holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ, which is why the Japanese word for it means “resurrection festival.” It furthermore coincides with the celebration of spring’s arrival...

The description also mentioned symbolism pertaining to life and resurrection, as well as fertility and strong lineages.

It was a surprising discovery to me that the hopes and desires that people use festivals to express are the same even across different countries and cultures.

Shinobu: I too understand better why rabbits and eggs are used as motifs. I’m satisfied now ♪

Mika: Yeah, for sure~ Those symbols are used near everywhere. I remember seein’ a buncha Easter eggs used for decoration on the stage at Easter Night, too.

Oh, speakin’ of eggs, I took a gig painting the plastic shells for the chocolate eggs they was sellin’ at the event.

We used paint an’ masking tape to make ‘em all colorful. It was suuuch a fun gig... ♪^[2]

I doubt I’d be able to do something like that this time, even if they did put up a job for it...

But if there’s a chance to paint anything at the Easter Fest, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be there.

Shinobu: I would certainly love to join that, as well!

I noticed an Easter egg decorated with a frog among the images earlier. I felt connected to it in a way... ♪

Hiiro: Looking back through the documents, it seems as if there are various events planned during this festival.

So I’m sure there will be a painting workshop, too. It would be fun to try it all together.

Mika: I’ll say. I wanna paint some eggs with all y’all. Maybe we could put in a request or somethin’...

Shinobu: By the by, Kagehira-dono, what didst thou paint last year?

Mika: Oh, umm. I used some tape with skulls on it...

Oh!

Hiiro: ? What’s wrong?

Mika: I just noticed the clock on the wall. We gotta head back to Starmony Hall and change or we’ll be late to practice...!

Shinobu: Ack! Thou art right. We should hurry back...!

Hiiro: Sorry. I only wanted to learn more about Easter, but now I’ve put strain on both of you.

Shinobu: Nay, nay. ‘Twas a great opportunity for me to learn about it, too ♪

Mika: Me too. I’m all in the Easter spirit now thanks to that, so I’m even more motivated ♪

Shinobu: I was able only to imitate Hibiki-dono at our last practice and could hardly keep up. Today I shall work even harder at it!

Hiiro: I also feel more passionate about the Easter Fest. I wonder what Wataru-senpai will teach us today.