Our class group gathered in front of the gym's stage, where a group of people was already stepping up.
"Thank you all for waiting, first-year students. We'll now begin the club fair. A representative from each club will explain their purpose. I'm Tachibana Akane, student council secretary and organizer of the club fair. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
With those words, the leader kicked off the event.
She's a medium-height girl with purple hair. Her angelic face might make you think she's a first-year like us, but obviously, she's not, right?
'Tachibana.'
The name reminds me of a friend. Though we parted on bad terms, I hope her and Akabane's first day went well too.
'I wonder what they'll be like in three years.'
As Tachibana announced, representatives from each club quickly lined up on stage, each briefly explaining what their club was about.
During their presentations, first-years chatted and shared their thoughts after each one.
Our class was no exception.
"Oh, they've got a calligraphy club too!"
"You into that?"
"Nah, just surprised me."
"So, you only need three people to start a new club? Isn't that a bit too lax?"
"They've got the budget, don't they?"
"Wow! Did you see the volleyball club rep?"
"Cool it, she's a senpai."
"So? Love knows no age!"
It's all over the place.
Me? I don't have much to say.
For one, as I expected, no club really grabbed me.
It was the same in middle school.
I'm not a "school spirit" type like Yukimura, but I just don't see the point in piling on extra responsibilities on top of my studies.
'Too bad there's no napping club…'
Could I start one?
Finally, the club reps finished their presentations. They left the stage and headed to an area with simple tables set up—probably for recruiting new members.
I'm about to leave, thinking the ceremony's over, when I notice a senpai still on the podium.
I'm not the only one who's noticed.
He looks well-built, medium height, with gray hair and square-framed glasses.
'One last club rep?'
I wonder.
But something tells me he's got something else to say.
So, with some anticipation, I wait for his next words.
'What's his deal?'
But the senpai doesn't speak. He just stands there like a statue, scanning the crowd of first-years.
"Do your best!"
"Forget your speech?"
"Ha, ha, ha!"
Intrigued by his silence, some of us start tossing comments, but he remains stoic, only intensifying his gaze.
As the crowd's amusement peaks, it dies down.
The senpai's apathetic expression shuts everyone up, creating a deathly silence.
Even without an order, the quiet is so heavy it feels like it's gagged us all.
Only then does he finally speak.
"I'm the student council president. My name is Horikita Manabu."
He says.
'Horikita?'
Instinctively, I scan our group for a classmate, but not finding her, I focus back on the senpai.
'Probably just a coincidence, like with Tachibana-senpai.'
"The student council is looking to recruit potential candidates from first-years to fill the spots left by graduating third-years. While no special qualifications are needed to apply, we recommend those considering it avoid joining clubs. We generally don't accept students involved elsewhere."
His tone is gentle but carries an undeniable authority.
'He reminds me of someone.'
"Furthermore, the student council doesn't want anyone with naive ideals. Not only would such a person not be selected, but they'd tarnish this school's sanctity. It's the council's right and duty to enforce and amend rules, but the school expects more. We'll welcome those of you who understand this."
Ending his speech, Horikita-senpai steps off the podium and leaves.
Even after the guru's gone, we struggle to catch our breath. It's like we were spellbound, unable to speak except to listen to his words.
"Thank you all for coming. The club fair is now over. We'll open the recruitment area for anyone interested in signing up. Also, registration stays open until the end of April, so if you want to join later, please bring the application form directly to the club you're interested in."
Tachibana-senpai's voice not only closes the ceremony but acts like a jolt, snapping us all out of it.
"So, Hasebe-chan, I'm off to sign up. What're you doing next?"
Sudō asks.
"Well, since no club caught my eye, I'll probably head back to my dorm or maybe check out the campus center."
I reply.
"Cool. See you tomorrow then."
"See ya, Sudō-kun."
With that, Sudō and I part ways—me heading to my dorm, him to join the basketball club.
"Hey, Hasebe-chan! Wait up!"
As I'm leaving the gym, almost out the door, a voice calls out.
I'm curious.
It's only been two days since school started, so hardly anyone should know my name. I know maybe two or three people who might, but this voice isn't one of them—it's a girl's, and the three I'm thinking of are all guys.
So, I turn toward the voice with some surprise.
'Oh, it's her.'
But the moment I see who it is, my surprise fades.
She's a cheerful-looking girl with beige hair.
She's a classmate who introduced herself on the first day as Kushida Kikyō.
You guessed it—she's one of the few whose full name I already remember.
And for good reason.
Not only is she a study group leader, but her introduction on the first day was unforgettable, even for someone like me.
'Miss "I want to be friends with everyone."'
She's the classic heart-of-gold girl—champion of orphans and the poor, all about brotherly love.
The kind of person who tends to make me uneasy.
Without overthinking, I stop to let her catch up. I don't want to come off as cold-hearted.
'She's not alone.'
She's with a tall boy with brown hair. He's pretty good-looking, but his laid-back gaze drags it down, giving him a slacker vibe.
"Thanks, Hasebe-chan."
Kushida, catching up, thanks me for waiting.
"No big deal. Something up?"
I ask.
"Nope! I saw you leaving the gym, and since we were heading out too, I thought it'd be nice to walk back together."
She replies.
'Total saint.'
"I hope that's okay."
Maybe taking my silence the wrong way, Kushida adds.
"Nah, of course not. I just didn't expect someone like you to approach me."
I play shy.
"Why not? I said I want to be friends with everyone. That includes you, Hasebe-chan!"
Kushida speaks with energy, flashing a dazzling smile.
'If I were a guy, I'd probably fall for her.'
"Ayanokōji-kun, you should say hi to Hasebe-chan."
Turning to the guy with her, she says.
'Ayanokōji…'
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