What kind of club can't even recruit a single damn member?

That existential question was gnawing away at me all day like a mosquito bite in summer—small, irritating, and impossible to ignore.

Lunch break had come and gone in a blink, and the last few afternoon classes were mercifully short. Before I knew it, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day.

But oddly enough… no one in class made a move to leave.

Instead, one by one, my classmates turned their heads like synchronized pigeons, all locking their curious gazes on me—the mysterious transfer student in the last row.

And then they'd glance at the door.

…What, are you guys watching a drama series?

Was yesterday's "Shiraishi Lisa Rejects the Handsome Transfer Student" episode not enough? You want a sequel now?!

"Ginjo-san, the student council president wants to see you."

As if on cue, Lisa Shiraishi stepped into the classroom, and every pair of eyes around me instantly lit up with a perverse kind of excitement—as if the heroine had just entered the scene to spice up the plot.

And Shiraishi Lisa, as usual… looked like she had walked straight out of a magazine.

Tall. Slender. The curve of her hips visible even beneath that modest uniform. Snow-white skin, flawless like porcelain. A face so refined it made the cover of my fantasies multiple times. With a single motion, she adjusted her glasses with those dainty fingers of hers—like a goddess toying with mortal hearts.

Snow Flower—the untouchable beauty of the campus.

She glanced at me and said only three words: "Come with me."

Then turned and walked off without any hesitation or emotion.

I followed her out, leaving a classroom full of spectators practically crying in disappointment.

Sorry guys, no juicy drama today.

Although, judging by their expressions, I could already imagine tomorrow's rumor mill spinning like a hurricane.

"Ginjo-san, do you have a swimsuit with you?"

That was the first thing out of her mouth once we reached the hallway.

"…What?"

My brain short-circuited for a moment.

"There's no swimming class today," I said carefully.

"It's alright. I prepared one for you. Please change into it later."

Completely deadpan dialogues.

"…President Shiraishi, can I ask why you want me in a swimsuit?"

"And for the record, what club am I supposedly joining here?"

"Also, what exactly do you expect me to do to recruit people?"

I shot out questions like rapid fire. In my defense, I think any sane guy would be confused if a bombshell senpai randomly invited him to strip down.

"Just follow me. The swimsuit is over there. Please change first."

She gestured toward the pool.

I looked at her, looked at the swimsuit, then looked at the imaginary prize screen in my head.

[System Reward: 40,000 Yen]

Yeah, that was enough to shut me up.

I grabbed the suit and went to change.

About ten minutes later, I emerged from the locker room—still confused but mostly dressed.

Black swim trunks hugged my hips, courtesy of Lisa-senpai. I wore my own black tank top on top, because walking shirtless across school grounds was a boldness I hadn't unlocked yet.

The afternoon sun warmed my skin. Though it was still spring, the air wasn't too chilly. Honestly, the sunlight felt kind of nice against my exposed skin.

"Follow me."

Senpai didn't even turn to check if I was behind her. She just walked with the confidence of a queen heading to her coronation.

I trailed after her as we made our way around the back of the school building—toward a large open courtyard buzzing with energy.

It was… an event.

Booths lined the area like a street festival. Students bustled about, handing out flyers, shouting club slogans, and showing off their talents.

It hit me then—this was the club recruitment fair.

Every club that wanted new members had a booth set up. That explained the noise and colorful chaos.

We pushed through the crowd until we reached the very center.

"This is our booth," Lisa said.

I looked around.

There was… a single table.

And one oversized promotional sign.

That's it.

"…Is it just the two of us?" I asked slowly, glancing at the other booths packed with energetic students.

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

"To be precise, I am currently the only member of the club. You're just here to help me recruit."

…I walked over to the sign, curious what kind of club was down so bad it needed me as bait.

My eyes scanned the header.

『Welcome to the Women's Water Polo Club!』

"…Water polo?!" I blurted out.

An Olympic-level sport I'd only ever seen in passing—and usually flipped past on TV in favor of anime or baseball.

"No wonder no one's joining…"

I turned to her again. "President Shiraishi, this is your club?"

"Yes. I founded it myself. After submitting a petition and several proposals, the school finally approved it. But if we fail to recruit any new members today… it'll be disbanded."

"I'm a senior now. This is my last chance."

That answer… carried a surprising weight.

For someone so graceful and cold, she sounded almost… passionate.

"But still, why water polo? Of all things?"

"If you like swimming, join the swim club. If you like team sports, there's basketball. Why this?"

"Because I find it fascinating," she answered softly.

"I first saw it on TV last year. The splashes… the tactics… the raw physicality. It's a sport that combines strength and grace."

Her eyes sparkled for a moment. But her enthusiasm, sadly, wasn't contagious.

Because the next thing she said shattered me.

"So, Ginjo-san. Please stand beside the sign."

"…Okay?"

"And take off your tank top."

"Excuse me?!"

"Just wear your swimsuit," she said casually. "If you can, please do a few push-ups. That way your chest and shoulders will look more defined."

So I was summoned… to be a living advertisement board?!

Maybe she heard about the hot sophomore transfer student and thought: "Yes, he'll be my sex appeal strategy."

This woman… was cunning.

But I remembered the reward.

[System Reward: 40,000 Yen. Equivalent to 10 part-time shifts.]

That sealed the deal.

"…Fine, fine," I muttered.

I took off the tank top, laid down, and started doing push-ups like a reluctant male model.

"Please, Ginjo-kun."

"If this works, I promise I'll repay you someday."

She sounded… surprisingly sincere.

I gritted my teeth and kept going.

Soon enough, I noticed a change in the atmosphere.

The other booths… were quieting down.

Voices started whispering.

"…Hey, is that the transfer student? Takuya Ginjo?"

"Yeah, that's him! The guy who rejected President Shiraishi yesterday!"

"What are they doing together? Wait, what club is this?!"

"Water polo…? Isn't that like, polo but in a pool?"

"Who cares? Look at that body! And he's in nothing but swim trunks?!"

The crowd thickened. Female students fanned themselves. Boys looked awkwardly jealous. A few teachers passed by and immediately pretended not to see.

Lisa Shiraishi stood beside me, arms crossed like she expected this all along.

I, on the other hand, was dying inside.

"Hey, President… Is this really how you recruit club members?!"

And she—still cool, still elegant—just adjusted her glasses and smiled.