"Akira, over here!"

As Akira stepped out of the gymnasium, he heard Shouko Nishimiya's voice.

Looking over, he spotted Shouko and Atsuya Ayumi waiting in the shade, Shoko waving energetically at him.

"Why aren't you heading back to class?" Akira asked as he walked over, puzzled.

"Waiting for Takagi-chan. She's right behind me, should be out any second."

True enough, Takagi exited the gym doors just as Shouko finished speaking, with Nishikata trailing behind her.

"Let's go, let's go, back to the classroom. This heat is killing me," Ayumi groaned, tugging at her collar to fan herself.

"Mind your image, Ayumi-chan!" Shouko scolded, raising a hand. "What if someone saw you like that?"

"It's fine, Shouko! It's just us." Ayumi laughed, grabbed her hand, then let go without repeating the gesture.

"…" Akira and Nishikata exchanged silent looks.

"Alright, let's go," Takagi urged with a soft chuckle, stepping out of the shade first.

Dong… dong… dong…

"That's all for today. Classes start officially tomorrow, so rein yourselves in."

On the podium, Nobe-sensei tapped her fingers lightly against the desk, then turned to leave.

"Oh, right." She stopped at the doorway, glancing back. "If you've applied to a club, remember to report it tomorrow."

With that, she left briskly. As soon as she was gone, the room filled with chatter.

Shouko zipped her bag and turned. "Takagi-chan, want to check out the club recruitment area with us?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Ayumi, who had darted over from the front row, raised her hand eagerly.

Last semester, she'd missed recruitment day because of the Chickenzilla exhibition, and afterward she didn't have anyone to go with. But this time—it was different!

"…But," Takagi's eyes flickered briefly toward Nishikata, who was still packing up beside her.

Catching it, Shouko waved her hands quickly. "No worries, if you've got something to do, we can go another time."

"Sorry," Takagi said softly, standing. "I'll get going now. Bye."

"Wait for me."

Nishikata, finally done, shouldered his bag and hurried after her. "See you tomorrow, you three. Bye!"

"Bye."

"See you."

Akira nodded. "See you tomorrow."

He could already guess why Sana had slipped out so quickly…

"Let's go too."

"Hmm… where was the recruitment area again? The field? Back gate?" Shouko tapped her forehead in thought.

"Neither," Akira said, shouldering his bag and gently ruffling her hair. "It's both sides of the main road."

The September sun blazed down on campus, where the recruitment stalls had transformed the main road into a festival of color and noise.

Sports clubs dominated the field, while cultural clubs spread along the corridors and beneath trees. Makeshift booths made of desks and boards formed rows of displays.

The clack of wooden swords rang from the Kendo Club, brass instruments blared from the Band Club, and the cheer squad shouted in rhythm—all blending into a lively roar.

New students clutched flyers, hesitant, while senpai pulled them into demos—swinging bats, trying instruments, signing forms.

A girl nicknamed "the girl with glasses" bent over her sketches at the Manga Club, though she kept sneaking glances at the neighboring Track and Field display.

Teachers monitored from a distance, smiling, reminding: "Keep the passage clear! Watch your step!"

"So lively!" Shouko exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Mhm!" Ayumi agreed, though her gaze had already locked on the Gourmet Club.

Akira gave the area one glance and pulled back. "Straight to the Art Club, or look around first?"

Since it was the second semester, there weren't as many students as in spring, but the atmosphere remained festive.

"Let's look first, no rush," Ayumi suggested.

Akira shrugged, glancing at Shouko.

"Mhm." She nodded, grabbed Ayumi's hand, and shot Akira a quick apologetic smile before pulling her along.

Akira followed behind, walking beside her but keeping his hands free. He knew the school was strict on "puppy love," and Shouko was too shy to hold hands openly.

The stalls were vibrant—hand-drawn posters stuck with magnets: Join us and create a legend! Sports teams hung faded trophies and certificates, cultural clubs plastered walls with photos and clippings.

Props spilled everywhere: wigs from the Drama Club, old cameras from Photography, pots of succulents from Horticulture.

The air carried a strange blend of caramel sweetness from the Science Club's cotton candy machine and the earthy bitterness of matcha from the Tea Ceremony Club.

Senpai in uniforms called out loudly:

"New students, free trial today only!"

"Youth only happens once—don't waste it!"

"Let's check the cultural clubs first!" Shouko shouted to Akira, afraid her voice would be swallowed by the noise.

"Mhm." He nodded, letting her and Ayumi take the lead.

They passed stalls until the Tea Ceremony Club came into view: tatami mats in the aisle, upperclassmen in kimono serving tea, lines of first-years waiting for matcha and wagashi.

Shouko and Ayumi's eyes lit up instantly.

Glancing around and seeing no teachers, Shouko boldly slipped her hand into Akira's, pulling him toward the line.

Akira eyed the twenty-odd students already queued. "…Really? For wagashi and tea? I'll buy some later."

"You don't get it, Akira," Shouko said, shaking her head.

"That's right, you don't get it," Ayumi echoed, mimicking her.

"…." Akira fought the urge to headbutt them both.

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