Yamanaka Sawako fled in a panic, Ritsu was knocked out on the spot, and before long the clubroom fell silent once again.
A faint blush still lingered on Mio's face. Feeling guilty and embarrassed, she didn't dare look in Sato's direction. Instead, she forced herself to remain calm and stared at the doorway, muttering loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear.
"Did someone come?"
Although it was an obvious attempt to change the subject, it worked perfectly on the Light Music Club members.
Everyone looked toward the door with hopeful expressions. Even Ritsu, who was still lying on the floor after being knocked down, raised her head while remaining sprawled out.
In the quiet room, even the slightest sound became greatly amplified. Although the newcomer seemed to be deliberately walking softly, the footsteps gradually became clear in a clubroom so silent that even a pin dropping could be heard.
Suddenly, a head peeked around the wide-open doorway.
The reason it was described as just a head was because its owner looked incredibly adorable. The way she cautiously peeked around the corner resembled a timid little cat quietly poking its head out.
The moment she stuck her head in and saw all those pairs of eyes staring at her, she froze in confusion, her little face filled with bewilderment.
Who am I?
Where am I?
Why are they all looking at me?!
...
Nakano Azusa rubbed the shoulder that someone had bumped into earlier. Her small brows knit together slightly as she felt a dull ache.
She turned to look down the staircase, her face full of confusion.
Who was that person?
Was it a teacher?
If it was, then why did she look like she was... running for her life?
She quietly wondered to herself before turning to look at the Light Music Club's open door.
The door was wide open. After pursing her lips, she gathered her courage and quietly walked over.
It should be fine if I just take a quick look, right?
At least, that had been her plan.
But the moment she peeked inside, she was met with countless pairs of eyes fixed directly on her. Those gazes looked like the glowing green eyes of starving wolves.
There was even one person lying flat on the floor, staring at her with shining eyes as though entering hunting mode.
"Eek!"
She froze on the spot, and the three great questions of life instantly popped into her mind.
Soon afterward, she saw the only boy in the room walking toward her with a gentle smile.
"Welcome. Are you here to join the club?"
His warm smile made people feel at ease, like the comforting sunshine of a winter day.
Nakano Azusa didn't even hear what he said after that. She only knew that she had become absorbed in that gentle smile. After he spoke a few more words, she foolishly followed him inside, sat down, found herself surrounded by snacks and black tea, and before she knew it, she was encircled by a group of people...
When she finally came back to her senses and looked at the smiling upperclassmen surrounding her, the three great questions of life surfaced once again.
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What am I doing?
...
Standing outside the crowd, Sato quietly let out a sigh of relief.
At last, someone had come.
Although he'd sacrificed a bit of his good looks along the way, the result was still worth it.
The unfamiliar girl was completely surrounded as the curious Kotobuki Tsumugi and the others bombarded her with questions.
"What's your name?"
"N... Nakano Azusa!"
"Nakano Azusa, what a cute name!"
"Th-thank you!"
"Here, have some snacks. Mugi-Mugi brought all of these from home. They're all delicious. I'm sure you'll love them!"
"Yui! Don't assume everyone is like you!"
"They really are delicious!"
Mio: "..."
It... it actually worked?!
She stared at the scene in astonishment before gradually becoming dejected.
Could this be another adorable foodie who couldn't play an instrument?
Forget it. As long as someone came, that's enough.
Comforting herself like that, Mio looked at the underclassman enjoying the snacks.
Once she calmed down, she realized the new girl was actually very cute.
She was small in stature, with brown eyes. At first glance, her long hair that reached down to her hips looked black, but upon closer inspection it was actually a dark purplish color. It was tied into twin ponytails that fell naturally at her sides. Her cheeks were slightly baby-faced, and she seemed to have an adorably airheaded personality.
Thinking about it that way...
Having a junior really was wonderful!
A sparkle appeared in Mio's eyes.
Under the enthusiastic hospitality of the Light Music Club members, Nakano Azusa ended up enjoying a hearty meal of snacks.
She had originally intended to refuse.
Unfortunately, everything was just too delicious.
So it wasn't her fault. If anyone was to blame, it was the snacks for being so irresistibly tasty. No matter how hard she tried to resist, she simply couldn't stop eating.
"So? Are you full? If not, there's still more!"
"Th... thank you. I'm full!"
Nakano Azusa answered shyly, her face turning slightly red.
No matter how you looked at it, eating snacks until you were full was a little strange.
Besides, she had only planned to stop by for a look. She still hadn't completely decided whether to join, but after eating so much of their food, she felt even more embarrassed to refuse.
"Your name is Nakano Azusa, right?"
Ritsu stroked her chin as she curiously examined Azusa.
"Yes, senpai!"
Nakano Azusa quickly stood up and answered nervously.
At that moment, Sato walked over carrying a cup of black tea. After taking a small sip, he smiled and gestured for Nakano Azusa to sit down.
"Don't be nervous. Just relax."
"Okay, senpai!"
Although she answered that way, Nakano Azusa remained standing stiffly as she responded.
Seeing the obvious nervousness on her face, Sato shook his head with an amused smile before continuing,
"My name is Nohara Sato, and I'm the vice president of the Light Music Club."
"I'd like to ask if you play any instruments. Of course, if you don't, that's not a problem. Everyone here will help you."
Nakano Azusa stood nervously and replied,
"I can play a little guitar."
"Guitar? Just like you, Sato!"
Ritsu looked at Sato in surprise.
Sato glanced at her.
"What's so surprising about that? Lots of people learn guitar."
Then he turned back to Nakano Azusa.
"If it's okay with you, could you play something for us?"
"Yes!"
"Come with me."
Sato led Nakano Azusa over to the performance area before handing her his own guitar.
"Try this one."
Nakano Azusa nodded and accepted the guitar.
Then she suddenly froze, staring blankly at the instrument in her hands.
This guitar looks really expensive!