The day after Bai Li-kun, Sakurajima Mai, and Asia finished their evil spirit extermination.
Bai Li-kun woke up to his phone alarm.
He left his bed and walked to the washroom.
Mai was inside, styling her hair, meticulously combing her already smooth strands.
"Bai Li-kun, good morning."
"Good morning. I heard movement in the kitchen; could it be..."
"Asia is making breakfast."
And so, after a simple wash-up, the two went to the dining room to enjoy the meal.
While helping to clean up after eating, Mai said somewhat shyly,
"Asia-chan, I feel like I've turned you into a maid. It's okay if you don't want to do these things."
"Please don't say that, Mai-senpai. I really enjoy doing these things; when I was at the church, I often helped out at elderly people's homes, and I felt very fulfilled afterward."
"If you dislike it, remember to speak up."
"En!"
After tidying up, Bai Li-kun and Sakurajima Mai prepared to go to school.
Asia, on the other hand, said she planned to explore the vicinity to get familiar with the surroundings.
After reminding her to be careful, Bai Li-kun went to the entrance to change his shoes.
That's when he noticed Mai and Asia whispering to each other.
The girls seemed to mention the term "reverse bunny girl."
That's quite a charming outfit.
Who will wear it in the future?
With this question in mind, Bai Li-kun bid farewell to Aixi and walked to school with Sakurajima Mai, who had caught up.
As usual, the two were about to part ways on the first floor.
Sakurajima Mai called out to Bai Li-kun at this moment,
"I always feel like it's difficult for us to meet at school."
"That's true."
"How about we start a club too?"
"I don't think there's any point."
"Bai Li-kun, think about it. After starting a club, we might hear some rumors, receive some requests. Then we won't have to ask Rias and her friends; we can find and eliminate evil spirits ourselves."
After hearing Sakurajima Mai's words, Bai Li-kun pondered for a moment.
"Start a club related to the supernatural?"
"Yes, only then can we hear corresponding rumors and receive corresponding requests."
"En..."
Bai Li-kun thought of the Occult Research Club at Kuoh Academy, where Rias was.
Since thinking of a name was troublesome, he might as well just modify it and create a Mysterious Research Society.
"Perhaps we can go ask a teacher at noon? Although third-year students rarely participate in club activities recently."
Sakurajima Mai is a third-year student, about to face college entrance exams.
Fortunately, there are many ways for universities to recruit students in Japan, and Sakurajima Mai's grades are excellent, so there's no need to worry too much.
"Indeed, it's rare, unless it's someone with the ability to enter national competitions, but the teachers haven't stopped it, have they?"
"Then let's go ask together after noon."
"Okay."
Sakurajima Mai waved goodbye and walked towards her classroom.
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Time flew by.
Noon quickly arrived.
Bai Li-kun and Mai contacted each other via text message and agreed to meet on the second floor of the school building.
"..."
As soon as they met, a question mark appeared on Sakurajima Mai's face, and she remained silent.
Bai Li-kun, standing in front of her, leaned closer.
"Is there something strange on my face, Mai-senpai?"
"And this student is...?"
Sakurajima Mai only glanced at Bai Li-kun, then fixed her gaze on another person.
Chihaya Anon, this was the third party, the person who made Mai confused.
She was holding the bento box that was originally meant for Bai Li-kun.
"I'm Chihaya Anon, a first-year student. Nice to meet you, Sakurajima-senpai!"
"You know me?"
"The school sometimes publishes academic rankings, and I often see third-year Sakurajima-senpai at the top; and just now, Bai Li-senpai said Mai's name, so I immediately thought of it."
"Chihaya-san, you and Bai Li-kun..."
"It's a long story, our story~"
Chihaya Anon looked as if she was about to reminisce slowly.
Seeing this, Bai Li-kun gave a brief explanation before Sakurajima Mai could press further.
He left the band, helped MyGO introduce a live house, and Ain made bento for Bai Li-kun as compensation.
"I see, but I still don't quite understand why Chihaya-san came along."
"Sakurajima-senpai should also know that Bai Li-senpai used to be in a band, right?"
"I heard him and his band play during a school event not long ago."
"So, if his performance was that amazing, why did he suddenly quit the band? That's why when I heard Bai Li-senpai was going to Teacher Kirisu to apply for a new club, I couldn't help but be incredibly curious!"
Chihaya Ain was a person of action.
She didn't want to miss this event.
What exactly made Bai Li give up music?
Chihaya Ain was very curious!
"Bai Li-kun has a junior who cares a lot about him."
"She followed me on her own."
Bai Li was a bit helpless.
He had been pestered by Chihaya Ain until he agreed to let her come along.
"Forget it, let's go. We can't waste lunch break."
"Okay."
Sakurajima Mai knew the whole story, so she didn't dwell on it.
The three of them arrived at the office together.
Some teachers had gone to lunch, while others remained.
Kirisu Mafuyu, whom Bai Li was looking for, hadn't left yet.
"Excuse me, Teacher Kirisu."
"Bai Li, and… a third-year and a first-year?"
Kirisu Mafuyu didn't quite understand the combination in front of her.
Hiratsuka Shizuka, who was drinking coffee at the next desk, turned to look at the scene.
"What's wrong? A romantic conflict between the three of you? Coming to the teacher for mediation?"
"My feelings are fine, and our relationship isn't like that. However, I will learn from Teacher Hiratsuka's experience with relationships with the opposite sex. I will take it seriously."
"You brat."
Hiratsuka Shizuka, who was still single, raised an eyebrow, feeling like she had been teased.
Interrupting their conversation, Kirisu Mafuyu asked curiously,
"So, why are you here to see me? Coming with students from other grades, it's not about textbook problems, is it?"
"Mai-senpai and I want to establish a club."
"A club?"
"Yes, the name is Mysterious Research Society."
"I don't quite understand, what do you plan to research?"
"All kinds of supernatural events."
Bai Li's explanation was quite straightforward.
Chihaya Ain, to one side, showed a subtle expression, realizing that her senior liked this kind of element.
"Although the school encourages students to form clubs, they are not necessarily approved. And recently, there are almost no empty clubrooms, even the old school building is full."
Kirisu Mafuyu did not deny her student's hobby, but she didn't think it would be successfully established.
At this, Hiratsuka Shizuka interjected again,
"I know a place that's empty."
It's just… "Clubs with few members are unlikely to be approved."
"Then can I join?"
Chihaya Ain suddenly spoke up.
"Huh?"
Mai looked over.
She had originally intended to form a club with just two people, and now a junior had appeared.
The two of them met each other's gaze at this moment, as if there was some kind of competition…