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The sunlight poured softly into the room, casting a gentle glow on the quiet Service Club.
Kiyoa sat slouched in his chair, his head tilted back, half-asleep as usual. His hands rested in his pockets, his face expressionless. On the other side of the room, Yukine sat with her legs crossed, calmly flipping through the pages of a thick novel. The only sound in the room was the turning of pages and the occasional creak of Kiyoa's chair.
Then, without warning—click.
The clubroom door creaked open.
A girl peeked her head in, her long hair bouncing as she scanned the room with a bright, curious look. "Excuse me," she said with a cheerful smile. "Is this the Service Club?"
Both Kiyoa and Yukine turned to look at her.
Yukine closed her book halfway and answered in her usual calm, flat tone. "Yes. This is the Service Club. How can we help you?"
The girl's face lit up. "Oh, thank goodness!" she said. "I thought I walked into the wrong room again."
Yukine blinked slowly and folded her arms. "Please get to the point."
The girl giggled and pointed to herself. "Sorry, sorry! I'm actually here because... I'm your newest member!"
Kiyoa raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
She stepped inside and gave a peace sign. "My name's Hinari Asune, nice to meet you! I joined the Service Club because I want to help people!"
Kiyoa gave her a slow look and sighed.
"Oh! Also, the teacher told me to give you this." Hinari walked over and handed a sealed folder to Yukine.
Yukine took it, opened it quietly, and read the note inside. Her expression grew colder with every line.
> Hinari Asune will be joining the Service Club. If you refuse, you know what will happen.
She exhaled through her nose, gripped the folder tightly, and muttered, "Fine. You can join."
"Yay!" Hinari cheered, doing a little jump. "Ah, but you haven't told me your names yet!"
Yukine turned away and returned to her book, ignoring her.
Hinari tilted her head. "Eh?"
Kiyoa sighed. "Her name is Yukine Shirahane."
"Yukine Shirahane..." Hinari repeated with a grin. "Pretty name!"
Then she turned to Kiyoa. "Wait a minute... I didn't know you were part of this club too!"
Kiyoa furrowed his brows. "Really now."
Knock knock.
A polite knock at the door made everyone pause.
"Come in," Yukine said with a soft sigh.
The door opened slowly, and a boy stepped in, bowing slightly.
"Sorry to interrupt," he said. "But is this the Service Club?"
"Yes, it is," Yukine replied.
The boy looked relieved. "Thank you. My name is Haruto Kurogane, and I need help... serious help."
Yukine nodded. "That's what the club is for."
Kiyoa rested his chin on his hand and looked away, uninterested.
Hinari clapped her hands together, beaming. "Yay! Our first mission! Go on, Haruto—what's your problem?"
Haruto stepped forward, his face completely serious. Then he shouted:
"Please help me convince my little brother that he's a boy and not a girl!"
The room fell completely silent.
Yukine blinked, then furrowed her brows.
Hinari's smile slowly dropped. "Huh?"
Kiyoa opened one eye. "…Next time, knock harder."
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