"Whoa, there are more people here than I expected."
Hirata and I meet after school and head to the gymnasium for the club fair, revealing what might generously be called 'organized chaos'.
Nearly all of the students assembled here are freshmen. There are about a hundred people waiting around. We claim a patch of floor near the back and wait for the fair to begin. While waiting, we glance over the pamphlet that students receives upon entering the gymnasium. The pamphlet contains detailed information about club activities.
I let out a low whistle. "Damn, they really went all out. This looks less like a club fair and more like a Black Friday sale for extracurriculars."
Hirata smiles warmly. "It's lively, isn't it? A bit overwhelming, perhaps, but it's great to see so many people interested in joining clubs. The variety is impressive. And I've heard the soccer club has some nationally ranked players; It should be really competitive."
I glance at the colorful booths around us, each representing a unique club, and then turn back to Hirata, who's calmly surveying the scene.
"The facilities are also high quality. Look, they even have oxygen capsules. This school really injects money into the clubs, huh? Wonder if they're secretly laundering cash in here. Haha that would be quite troubling."
Hirata chuckles softly. "They certainly do invest a lot in student activities. It's quite impressive."
He pauses, then leans in. "Shiroi-kun, can I ask you something?"
"A question?" I reply, curious.
Hirata nods, fidgeting slightly. "Yeah, I was just wondering... have you ever played soccer? Like at an academy or something like that." He asks nervously.
"What's the interrogation for? Does it matter whether I have previous experience if I wanna join?" I raise an eyebrow.
Hirata shakes his head quickly. "No, not at all! Just curious. It's completely fine if you haven't. We just have to manage expectations if it's really a competitive club."
"The hell you mean 'Manage expectations'?"
"They'll likely prioritize experience, especially during matches." Hirata pauses, choosing his words with his usual care.
"I just don't want you to be disappointed if things don't go your way right away, remember that consistency and practice are also as important as talent and experience." He adds.
I consider his words, a thoughtful expression on my face.
Ah. The recruitment pitch. Typical.
I know how these things work. The veterans get priority, the newbies fetch balls, and everyone pretends it's 'fair'.
And he's worried about me being disappointed. I think, forming an amused smirk.
As expected from prince charming. How considerate of him.
"Yeah, I get it. Bench-warming duty. Not exactly glamorous, but could be interesting. I'll see what happens. Worst case scenario I'll just work my ass off on improving. No problem." I say aloud, shrugging nonchalantly.
Training? Please. What nonsense I'm saying? I don't think I'd be able to put in that amount of effort. Anyway, at least I'll calm Hirata with those words.
"That's the spirit, Shiroi-kun!" Hirata beams, his sincerity radiating like a miniature sun.
"I'm here to help you. If you need any advice or help with your soccer skills, just let me know, okay?"
"Thanks, Hirata. I appreciate that."
I respond at his smile with a curt nod before we both make our way towards the soccer club booth. As we approach, the booth is adorned with some flashy banners boasting the club's numerous achievements, tables, and other decorative ornaments and such, also there are some people gathered around.
"Thank you all for waiting, first-year students. We will now begin the club fair. A representative from each club will explain their function. My name is Tachibana, the student council secretary and the club fair's organizer. It's nice to meet you all."
After the greeting from Tachibana, the club representatives are lining up on the stage of the gym. The array of these specimens is diverse, including everything from burly athletes in judo uniforms to students dressed in beautiful kimonos.
I'm curious whether students can join more than one club—and if so, what the upper limit might be. Judging by the number of third-year representatives gathered in the gym, there's clearly a wide variety of clubs available. Since each club only needs a minimum of three members to form, and assuming roughly 30–40% of our 160 freshmen students choose not to join any club, that still leaves about 100–110 undecided students who could be recruited.
A small, quiet club catering to focused activities could easily thrive on those numbers. However, such a modest pool might struggle to support a sports team, which typically requires a larger, more active membership.
Of course, even with 480 students total, the administration might still enforce a 'one club per student' rule to keep participation balanced. Until we know their policy, though, it's worth exploring every possible combination of memberships to see what makes sense.
"Let's see what flavor of institutionalized suffering we have today." I mutter, scanning the stage with a detached, almost clinical gaze.
Hirata and I wait for the soccer club representative to appear. As we wait, we watch the presentations of the different clubs, like archery, judo and...
Tea ceremony? What's that for? They just plan to sit around drinking tea and chatting? What's the point of that? Sounds like the biggest waste of time. I'd rather join a club that actually does something, like even the archery club is a better way to spend time than drinking tea and blabbering on.
Beside me, Hirata radiates an almost unsettling level of enthusiasm, his eyes wide with genuine interest.
"I can't wait to see the soccer club presentation!" Hirata finally chirps, his voice brimming with almost childlike eagerness.
How can anyone be this excited about clubs?
"Of course, you are," I reply, my tone dry. "Because nothing says 'exciting' like watching a bunch of sweaty guys chase a ball around a field for an hour and then—"
Speaking of the devil. A voice booms through the gymnasium, mercifully cutting me off.
"Yo! What's up, everyone? My name's Hayama, and I'm the vice-captain of the team. We're not just about kicking a ball around—though we do that exceptionally well. We're about camaraderie, strategy, pushing your limits, and, let's be real, looking damn good in those uniforms." He winks at the audience, eliciting a few giggles from the girls in the crowd.
"We've got a tight-knit group of players, from seasoned veterans to promising rookies. So, whether you're a pro or you've never touched a soccer ball in your life, come check us out. We promise you won't regret it. Unless you're afraid of a little competition." He grins, a predatory glint in his eye.
Vice-captain? Why the captain is not here?
The soccer club rep finishes his overly enthusiastic spiel with a bow that looks like he's trying to touch his toes. Right then, another third-year senpai takes his place at the stage to talk about the tennis club. It looks like they are introducing all the clubs one by one.
This one is girl with a tennis racket and...
!!
Holy Olympian thighs, Batman!
"Welcome to the tennis club booth. My name is Nakano, and I'm the tennis team—" She greets with a warm smile, standing tall and confident.
My eyes, drawn like moths to a flame (or, in this case, a perfectly sculpted quadriceps), linger a moment too long. I snap my gaze back to Hirata, my face feeling suspiciously warm. Focus, Shiroi, focus. Thighs like that could smash your face, but right now, you're on a different kind of mission.
Hirata, bless his oblivious heart, is completely unfazed. He nudges me, his expression all business. "Should we approach Hayama-senpai now?"
I tear my gaze away from Nakano-senpai. The way her ponytail sways is set to distract hormonal teenagers. Then exhale sharply.
Man, what a bummer. I won't get to feast my eyes on her sexy curves.
"Yeah, let's go," I mutter, sighing with wistful resignation.
With a nod of agreement, we step up to the booth and approach Hayama. The friendly vice-captain gives us a welcoming smile. As we turn to leave, though, I can't resist one last glance over my shoulder. Nakano catches my eye and—winks?
God damn it! This definitely complicates things.
As we're navigating the throng of overeager club recruiters, a senpai practically shoves a pamphlet into our hands.
"Thank you very much." Hirata gives a polite smile at the senpai.
I read the pamphlet and it's from the theater club. I grin with some joke in my mind to throw.
"I'd bet my entire month's points that Koenji thinks he's the next Shakespeare. Can you imagine him delivering Hamlet's soliloquy? 'To be or not to be...' More like, 'To be adored or not to be adored... that is the question.'" I grin, picturing the scene and already chuckling.
Hirata, however, doesn't share my amusement. He smiles politely. "Koenji-kun certainly has a... unique presence. But you never know, Shiroi-kun. Perhaps he will surprise us all with what role that allows him to shine."
My grin falters. "You're no fun, Hirata," I mutter, slumping my shoulders in mock disappointment.
Christ, this guy is like a walking, talking morality manual. It's exhausting. Just once I'd kill to hear him say 'Yeah, that rich bastard's insufferable.'
We both make our way towards the soccer club booth. As we approach, the booth is adorned with soccer banners and a few people are already gathered around, inquiring and signing up. We step up to the booth, where the third-year representative with a mop of unruly brown hair and a perpetually tired expression leans against the table, feigning an air of effortless cool. He looks like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Welcome, kohais! Ready to be a soccer star... or whatever? Sign here and grab a free t-shirt! But try not to stain it too badly." he drawls, offering us a weary smile.
"It's amazing that they give everyone a chance, senpai! Will there be rigorous training?"
Hirata vibrates with the enthusiasm usually reserved for lottery winners.
"Sure! If you want it. But don't stress, eh... soccer is about fun! We have a strong team with potential to go far. Are you two interested in joining?"
I glance at Hirata, who gives me an encouraging nod.
Seriously? He's buying this guy's act? He has lower standards of 'charisma' than me.
I stifle a sigh and reply, "Yeah, we're interested."
The senpai's smile widens as he hears my response.
"Great! Welcome aboard," he says, a bit too quickly.
"Soccer is a fantastic sport, and our team has put a lot of time and effort into building a strong and dedicated group. Now, about club fees..."
He launches into a monotone recitation of club rules, training schedules, and the team's achievements so far. He also makes sure to inform us about the club fees, and the minimum attendance requirement to maintain their membership.
"So when we'll start training?" I ask, rubbing the back of my neck with a carefully crafted expression of mild interest.
"Tomorrow" Hayama replies, his grin unwavering. My hand freezes mid-neck-rub. That single word hangs in the air like a death sentence.
Tomorrow. As in, not never. As in, actual physical exertion during my prime napping hours!
"Tomorrow? That's so soon!" I raise my eyebrows in surprise. He chuckles at my response.
"Yeah, I know, right? Spontaneous, exciting—that's how we roll in the soccer club. Besides, who wants to wait around when you can be out on the field, kicking a ball and scoring goals?" He claps me on the shoulder, his enthusiasm bordering on aggressive.
Oh hell nah...
I exchange a quick glance with Hirata, who's stifling a laugh. Traitor.
"Come on over here. We'll go over the details and get you signed up." With a bright smile, Hayama motions for us to follow him to a nearby table.
We follow him to the table, where a few other interested students are already gathered, waiting to join the soccer club.
Taking a glance around, I notice that every time one club finishes and the next shows up, the first-year students talks among themselves about what they think, and that the gymnasiums' atmosphere is rather lively. Each club's representatives, including their supervising instructors, are continuing to explain their organizations to the unruly first-year students without a hint of displeasure. Guess they're really desperate for more members, even if it's just one more person joining.
Eventually, just as the senpais finish their explanations, they walk off the stage and head toward some plain tables that are set up, just like Hayama did now to sign up the students who are interested joining their clubs, obviously. In other words, a reception area designed to accept new members.
However, there is still one person in the center of the stage. And everyone focuses their attention over the attention-seeker standing there.
He is around 5'7 feet tall which isn't very imposing. He also has a slender body, sleek black hair, sharp glasses, and a piercing, calculating look. Standing in front of the microphone, he calmly looks around at the first-year students. I can't help but snicker at how he looks like a walking Moai statue. What the fuck is he doing?
Maybe he's too scared to open his mouth, or perhaps he's just a lousy public speaker who can't even put together a decent sentence.
My smirk curdles. There's an itch between my shoulder blades: that primal urge to poke something that refuses to react.
Then, I cup my hands around my mouth. "Oi, Cock face! Did you forget to bring your notecards or something~?" I boom without much care nor restrain in my voice. Just the right amount of chaos I need to make an interesting interaction.
Hirata, ever the bastion of moral uprightness, shoots me a look of disapproval. But he stays quiet nevertheless.
Oh, relax, Hirata. A little public humiliation never hurt anyone. Besides, it's for the sake of entertainment. Purely anthropological research, of course.
A ripple of nervous laughter spreads through the crowd. A few brave souls join in, egging on the silent figure on stage.
"Do your best!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The room fills with chuckles, but the guy on stage doesn't even flinch. He's not even looking at me, I got completely and utterly ignored, as if I'm just a fool unworthy of paying attention.
A flicker of annoyance—something akin to irritation prickles at my skin. How peculiar. My smirk twists into a frown. I do not tolerate being ignored.
The laughter in the gymnasium swells, then gradually dies down, replaced by a confused murmur. The boy on stage remains motionless, his expression unchanged.
"What's with this guy?" I mutter, my earlier amusement replaced by a growing unease.
The gymnasium buzzes with people talking, yet the boy on the stage still doesn't move. He is simply standing there, quiet and motionless, staring fixedly at the crowd. The relaxed atmosphere gradually changes, and things take an unexpected turn. It is as if some chemical reaction takes place. An unbelievably tense, quiet mood grips the entire gymnasium.
Even though no orders were given, the silence is so terrible that it seems to have gagged everyone. Not a single student looks able to open their mouth. The silence continues for about thirty seconds or so...
Then, after what feels like an eternity. The student starts his speech, slowly scanning the crowd.
"I'm the student council president. My name is Horikita Manabu," he says.
"The student council is looking to recruit potential candidates among the first-year students to replace the graduating third years. Although no special qualifications are required for candidacy, we humbly ask that those considering application not be involved in other club activities. We generally do not accept students involved elsewhere."
Horikita speaks in a soft tone, but the tension around us is so thick it feels like you could cut it with a knife. He managed to silence over a hundred new students in this spacious gymnasium. Of course, it's not his position as student council president what granted him this deference. That was simply his power. His presence dominates everyone around him.
"Furthermore, we in the student council do not wish to appoint anyone who possesses a naive outlook. Not only would such a person not be elected, he or she would sully the sanctity of this school. It is the student council's right and duty to enforce and amend the rules, but the school expects more than that. We gladly welcome those of you who understand this."
A cold sweat runs down my back as his gaze seems to strip away all my flaws.
He didn't pause even once during his eloquent speech. Immediately after finishing, he steps off the stage and leaves the gym. None of the first-year students can utter a single word as we watch him go. We don't know what will happen if we try to talk. Everyone in the room shares the same thought, apparently.
"Thank you all for coming. The club fair has ended. We will now open the reception area to anyone interested in signing up. Also, registration will be open until the end of April, so if any student wishes to join at a later date, we ask that you please bring the application form directly to the club you wish to join."
Thanks to the laid-back organizer, the tension in the air dissipates. Afterward, the third-year students who introduced their respective clubs are taking applications as if nothing happened.
I turn to Hirata and exclaim, my voice slightly shaky. "That was... intense. Did you hear everything he said about the student council?"
Hirata nods, still processing what just happened. His expression is thoughtful, as if he's trying to put the pieces together.
"Yeah... he definitely had a way of commanding the attention of the room. It was like he was in complete control of the atmosphere."
He pauses and turns his gaze towards the soccer booth.
"Anyway, we should probably go ahead and sign up for the soccer club, right? I'm pretty sure I saw Hayama-senpai over there."
"You're right. Let's go." I nod in response.
Leaving the topic of the student council behind, we walk up to the soccer club booth, where Hayama stands.
"Hey, I was wondering when you guys would show up. I thought you might back out," he says with a chuckle.
"Back out? No, nothing like that."
"Awesome! Glad to have you on board. Come on, let's get you signed up."
He leads us to a nearby table littered with application forms. I take one, my fingers tracing the crisp edges of the paper.
"Fill out this form with your personal information. We'll need your name, grade, and any relevant experience you may have." Hayama says, gesturing towards the forms with a casual flick of his wrist.
I look at the form and let out an exaggerated sigh, holding the pen theatrically.
"For relevant experience... Do the times I kicked an empty soda can on the way to school count? Because if so, I have a resume—" Before I can finish, Hirata jabs me discreetly but firmly in the ribs, interrupting me. I wince, the air whooshing out of my lungs.
The senpai leans forward, curious, "Something you wanted to share, Shiroi-kun?"
Hirata smiles naturally, as if nothing happened. "He's just excited to get started, Hayama-senpai! He says that even though he has no formal experience, he's ready to absorb knowledge like a sponge. Right, Shiroi-kun?"
I rub my side, forcing a smile, "Yeah, right... a sponge in a pineapple under the sea, maybe."
Hayama just laughs without understanding the sarcasm. "That's the spirit! Desire beats a fancy resume any day. Welcome to the club, guys!"
As we sign the forms, I glare at Hirata, who responds with an angelic smile and a whisper
"Sorry. But please don't screw this up before the first training session."
We start to fill out the forms, writing down our personal details and agreeing to the club's terms and conditions.
As we finish filling out the forms and hand them back to the seniors, the seniors take a moment to go through the forms and make sure everything is in order. After briefly discussing amongst themselves, Vice-captain senpai looks up at me and Hirata with a satisfied smile.
The seniors hand us our club ID cards and give a few more instructions about when and where the training sessions will take place.
"Thanks for having us on the team. We both look forward to train with the rest of the team."
We quickly express our thanks to the seniors, they return the smile and begins signing up the next student.
As we leave the booth, I glance at the flimsy piece of plastic they're calling a club ID card.
"Wow, did they really give us credentials? Very exclusive. I'm practically vibrating with belonging." I roll my eyes internally.
Hirata laughs softly as he puts his ID away. "Give them some credit, Shiroi-kun. Hayama-senpai seemed genuinely excited to have us on the team. Besides, teamwork builds character."
"Ugh, 'teamwork builds character.' You sound like a walking motivational poster. When was the last time you did something just for fun, huh?"
He thinks for a moment, tapping his chin and staring at the ceiling. "Well... yesterday I was decorating my room, It was relaxing."
I blink, then laugh reluctantly. "You're such a mess sometimes."
"Speaking of which... Did you notice that Horikita-senpai didn't even blink when you yelled at him? I thought he'd kick us out of the gym with just a raise of an eyebrow."
Hirata could you just stop discreetly scolding me?
I wave a dismissive hand. "That guy's a robot in a student suit. Not even worth provoking. Although..." I gulp, looking back at where Horikita went "...he's a little scary, isn't he? Like he knows everything about this place."
Hirata lowers his voice, with a serious tone. "That's why I'm telling you to be careful, Shiroi. The student council wields more influence than you think. If you want to survive here without making enemies, you have to watch your step. Do you understand my point?"
I interrupt, rolling my eyes. "Are you giving me a tutorial on 'How Not to Ruin Your Life in 10 Days'? Relax, geez."
Beep Hirata checks his phone as it vibrates, seeing that someone is calling him. He looks up at me with an apologetic expression. "Hey, sorry, I've got to take this call. I'll see you later, okay?"
"What?" I look at him with confusion because I was spacing out again.
Hirata repeats what he said, gesturing with his phone. "Sorry, it's an important call I need to take."
I raise my eyebrows for a moment but I agree. "Ah, sure... It was a good time, Hirata-kun. Take care."
"Likewise. See you later, Shiroi-kun."
With that, Hirata walks away and answers the phone call, disappearing into the crowd and leaving me alone. I take a moment to look around the gymnasium, observing the other students as they make their way out of the club fair.