TIME TO STEP UP
*Yawn…* Seriously, I went to bed early last night—why am I still so damn tired?
*"Don't you have any club activities, Fuyuki asked.
*"Nope, clubless,"* I replied.
*"Seriously, better find one. The second test is coming up."*
*"Aye, sir,"* I muttered, scanning the floor.
*"Dropped something I asked?"*
*"Yeah… not sure if it's here."*
*"What is it? Maybe I can help with the search."*
*"Just my lucky charm. Don't worry about it."*
They left after someone found it for her in the hallway.
*Club activities…* That explains why Tuesdays and Wednesdays are free after first period.
*Screech—* The sound of a chair adjusting.
Might as well use the time to drop off the vice president's package at the student council office.
*Knock, Knock.*
*"Come in,"* she called.
*"Good morning, Vice President. Sorry for the delay."* I handed her the package.
*"No problem,"* she said, *"but that's not the only thing you're delaying."*
*"I'll join a club this week!"*
*"Make it before today's closing time."*
*"Eh? Isn't that too fast?"*
*"I gave you a list. You should've done your homework by now."*
*"Okay, ma'am. Also… I like the author."*
*"Oh? To what level?"*
*"My favorite, I guess."*
*"Then I'd better see your club approval form tomorrow morning."*
I left the office looking like a wreck. *Gotta check that list before closing time—my future's on the line.*
*"DON'T KNOW HOW TO REPLY TO MESSAGES?!"* A furious voice cut through the air.
*"Chisato! Sorry, I've been busy with part-time work and club hunting!"*
*"Reply faster next time,"* she said, suddenly sweet.
She stepped closer, grabbing my hand. At first, I thought nothing of it… but she held on way too long.
*"Uh… what are you doing?"*
*"Just recharging,"* she said with a smile.
She left a few minutes later. I turned my head slowly, sighing.
*Women. Complicated choices. I wanted a relationship—ended up with a third nemesis instead.*
With only minutes left before school ended, I skimmed the club options:
- **Science Club** (asked for my grades and a fee—pass).
- **Chess Club** (same issue).
- **Photography Club** (nah, cameras aren't my thing anymore).
- **Literature Club** (last hope).
I finally found the Literature Club's room—*damn, I'm late*—but the place gave off eerie vibes. A *"Notice of Dismissal"* hung on the door.
*Not my problem. If it shuts down, at least I tried.*
I pushed open the scruffy door.
*"Good after—"*
The vice president stood inside, arranging books, an armband labeling her as the club leader.
*Wrong place.* I tried to back out.
*"Welcome to the Literature Club, Hananoi-san,"* she said.
*Damn. I'm cooked.*