Acting on Curiosity Can Sometimes Invite Misfortune

After school, Ju Ji and Horikita found a suitable time to head to the gymnasium.

Incidentally, the atmosphere in Class D during class had been exceptionally good. Everyone was earnestly fulfilling their agreement. Atmosphere is truly a terrifying thing; even Sudo, who had refused to participate at the time, didn't sleep in class under such a study environment. It seems there is no need to worry too much about him.

Small talk aside, back to the main topic.

Inside the gymnasium, it seemed that most of the people present were first-year students. Nearly a hundred people were waiting on-site. In other words, most were quite interested in club activities.

Ju Ji and Horikita stood in a slightly rear position, waiting for the designated moment to arrive. At the same time, they read through the pamphlet containing club descriptions.

It was filled with common clubs; there were many competitive types like the track and field club, baseball club, and ballet club. Regardless of which club it was, the level seemed very high. Some even had national-level athletes among them.

"It's amazing. The pamphlet says the club facilities at this school are even better than those at prestigious schools of the same level. But it seems there are no clubs like an anime club."

"What is it? Are you interested in 2D culture?"

Ju Ji seemed to see disdain in Horikita's eyes. People in society generally have prejudices against 2D culture, believing it to be something bad. It seems Horikita's perception is the same.

"No, just a little interested, don't mind it."

"Is that so? But it really is [that way], isn't it? It's hard for those without club experience to join sports clubs. Making your high school debut, you'd only be a permanent substitute anyway. Therefore, I don't think you'd be able to find any interest in it."

Horikita was right. In this school, sports clubs train with the goal of reaching the national tournament; those without experience simply cannot keep up with the pace.

"Everyone, first-year students, sorry to keep you waiting. Next, the club representatives will begin the club recruitment orientation. I am Tachibana, the secretary of the student council, and I will be serving as the moderator for this orientation. Please treat me well."

After the moderator, Tachibana, finished speaking, the club representatives lined up on the gymnasium stage.

The club representatives were diverse. From a senior who looked very strong wearing a judo uniform to a senior wearing a beautiful kimono, there was quite a variety, but the female seniors were definitely more pleasing to the eye. Coming here this time was definitely the right choice.

"My name is Hashigaki, and I serve as the captain of the archery club. I think many students have the impression that archery is old-fashioned and plain. But it is very interesting and a sport worth pursuing. We welcome beginner students, so please, by all means, join our club."

The female student on stage wearing an archery uniform began the club introduction. Even the tight archery uniform could not hide the graceful figure of the senior.

"I'm thinking about whether to join the archery club. With such a beautiful senior by my side, I would surely spend a wonderful three years."

"No, if you're holding that kind of thought, it's best not to go. You'll only become a tool for them to collect club fees from. And that's a third-year senior, she'll be graduating soon. Perhaps by then, only rough-looking men will be left."

"No, archery sounds like a very elegant sport, maybe many girls will join."

"There will probably be more lecherous men who have the same thoughts as you joining."

Although the senior from the archery club was indeed beautiful, the sport of archery was truly not suitable for Ju Ji. Therefore, he was just saying it; he wouldn't actually join, as it wouldn't bring him any benefits. He was a loyal member of the going-home club.

When he saw the seniors taking turns introducing themselves, Horikita's body suddenly trembled violently. She stared at the direction of the stage with a pale face. She must have seen her brother, Horikita Manabu.

Her expression at this moment was far too complex; was it surprise? Cowering? Or perhaps joy? She might have come to this school to follow in her brother's footsteps, but being assigned to Class D must have made her unable to face him. Yet, in her situation, she still came to this orientation. It was enough to show how much she liked her brother.

"What's wrong, Horikita? Did you see a club you like?"

Perhaps she was already immersed in her own world, as Horikita did not respond to Ju Ji's question. So, Ju Ji quieted down and continued to listen to the club orientation.

The subsequent introductions were very dull. If there was any surprise, it was learning that a minimum of three people are needed to start a new club—what a simple condition. If one were to start a going-home club, I wonder if it would be accepted. Probably not.

Whenever the clubs rotated their introductions, the first-year students would discuss with the friends next to them. By the time he noticed, the gymnasium had fallen into a noisy environment. Originally, Ju Ji was one of them, but Horikita was now in a statue-like state.

Perhaps inviting Horikita to come along was a mistake from the start. However, in this situation, if I were to play a prank on Horikita, what kind of reaction would she have?

Filled with anticipation for the unknown, Ju Ji extended his evil hands toward Horikita's waist. Near the human waist, there is a spot that, if touched even lightly, would cause the person to receive a huge stimulus. Especially for someone sensitive, it was the perfect place for a prank.

"Ah~... Shi~nomiya~!"

Although he had anticipated that Horikita would have a reaction, Ju Ji did not expect her to make such a cute sound and shout out loud.

The originally noisy gymnasium fell silent due to this unexpected situation, as if everyone was looking for who had made that sound.

"Everyone, please don't mind it, it seems a small accident occurred. Let's continue with the club orientation."

Fortunately, Tachibana from the student council stepped in to smooth things over, and the club orientation continued. As for Ju Ji, he was given a beating by the embarrassed and angry Horikita because of this incident.

Hmm, it's better to play fewer jokes like this in the future. Feeling the pain on his body, Ju Ji solidified this thought in his heart.

This incident was just a small interlude. From the teachers acting as supervisors to the club representatives, none showed any annoyance at the noisy first-year students and continued their explanations.

In order to recruit members as much as possible, perhaps they were also quite desperate.

After the orientation ended, the seniors left the stage in order and headed to the area where simple tables were displayed. After the orientation, they would likely be accepting club applications there.

In the end, only one person remained, and everyone's gaze was focused on that person. And Horikita's gaze had been fixed on that one person for a while now...