The upperclassmen onstage were still enthusiastically introducing their clubs. Nearly every club had someone saying things like, "Beginners are welcome!"
But according to Suzune Horikita, the claim that beginners were welcome was a lie. The real goal was to recruit more members and secure more funding from the school.
"That's an awfully cynical way of looking at it."
Toru Hasegawa couldn't help but comment.
They were only high school students, yet Suzune had such a cynical outlook. What kind of environment had she grown up in?
Though, there was also a weirdo next to her with a big, fat zero sitting on top of his head...
"Recruit as many members as possible to increase the club's budget, then turn them into ghost members. Isn't that ideal? That's how cleverly society works~"
"Why is it that after hearing you say that, I've already started to hate society?"
"I feel the same way."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka chimed in.
Did you really feel that way?
The thought crossed Toru's mind.
Sakayanagi Arisu watched Ayanokoji with an enigmatic smile, but he simply ignored her undisguised gaze.
"That's just how society is."
Even Kamuro Masumi joined the conversation. She let out an exaggerated sigh, as if society had already given her a beating.
Then Suzune's body suddenly jolted, as though she'd seen something unbelievable.
"What's wrong?"
Toru was puzzled by Suzune's strange reaction. He followed her gaze, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Yet she didn't answer his question. From that moment on, her attention seemed to have been completely captured by something onstage.
She stared intently at the stage.
"Who knows? Maybe she spotted someone she knows."
Kamuro sounded unconcerned.
"Is there a club you want to join?" Toru asked. For now, it was probably better not to keep trying to talk to Suzune.
"No. I never intended to come here in the first place."
"Then you can join the Art Club," Sakayanagi suddenly ordered.
"Huh? I'm not interested in painting. There's no way I'm joining a club like that!"
"Would you rather join the Tea Ceremony Club?"
"Please, let me join the Art Club!"
Toru stared speechlessly as Kamuro performed an instant about-face.
Compared to an overly niche club like the Tea Ceremony Club, the Art Club had suddenly become acceptable.
"Um... do you have something on her?"
Ayanokoji asked, seemingly concerned for Kamuro.
Kamuro seemed a little irritated as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "No!"
She clearly did.
Ayanokoji was now certain from her expression and body language that Sakayanagi had something on her, especially after that bizarre exchange just now.
Sakayanagi Arisu... She'd made her move that quickly?
"What about you? Is there a club you want to join?"
Kamuro, unwilling to dwell on the subject, turned to Toru.
"Since the Game Club plan is out, there isn't a club I particularly want to join for now."
"...For now?"
After being influenced by Sakayanagi that morning, Kamuro had learned to pick up on the important details.
"Well... that's a secret for now."
Toru gave her a mysterious smile.
But Sakayanagi turned to Kamuro and said,
"What Toru means is that if a cute girl he likes joins a club, he'll join it too."
"Ugh! What a sleazebag!"
"Hey! Don't assume you know what I'm thinking! And how does that make me a sleazebag?"
Toru protested. Sakayanagi had hit a little too close to the truth, but of course he wasn't about to admit it.
He'd finally worked up the courage to take the first step toward pursuing love. He couldn't let it die before it had even begun!
"What about you, Ayanokoji? Is there a club you want to join?"
Toru and Kamuro had already been asked. Suzune wasn't talking to anyone, and Toru couldn't be bothered to ask Sakayanagi what she wanted. That left Ayanokoji.
"Me? I'm in the Going Home Club~"
"Pfft."
Sakayanagi burst out laughing at Ayanokoji's answer, though Toru couldn't for the life of him figure out what was funny about it...
"I'm a recluse," Ayanokoji added. As he said it, he stared right at Sakayanagi, who met his gaze without hesitation.
"Do you think those two have something going on?" Toru whispered as he sidled up to Kamuro. Even so, the others heard him.
"Stay away from me." Kamuro edged several steps away, looking disgusted. "And why would you ask me something like that?"
"Wasn't that what you teased me about earlier?" Toru was indignant. He pointed at Ayanokoji, then at Sakayanagi. "Look at the way those two were gazing at each other just now. Their eyes were practically locked together!"
"Will you shut up already?"
Kamuro also thought it was a little strange, but some things were better left unasked.
She rolled her eyes at Toru, who could only close his mouth with a wounded look.
Heavens knew, he was completely innocent in all this.
Still, Kamuro was probably still upset about his earlier behavior, so Toru accepted it without complaint.
Just then, strange noises suddenly came from all around them.
"Good luck!"
"It's okay to peek at your notes!"
"Ahahahaha—!"
Only one person remained onstage: a man around 180 centimeters tall. He wore a pair of sleek glasses and had neat, black hair.
< src="https://e1.kuangxiangit./uplos/chaptersnew/964/264132/250326/1742993058-100434764-113156672.jpg" alt='Manabu Horikita'>
Standing before the microphone, he calmly surveyed the first-years.
Faced with the many voices cheering him on or mocking him, he simply stood onstage without saying a word.
Toru finally understood that this was the person Suzune had been staring at all along.
After all, he was the only one left onstage.
As time passed, the relaxed atmosphere in the First Gymnasium took a sudden turn. In an instant, the place became tense and silent.
Usually, this was the sort of moment when you were supposed to follow the crowd.
If this had happened a day ago, Toru would have done just that. But now, he had a different idea.
He had a feeling this was the perfect opportunity—a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
So he shouted,
"Everyone, eyes on me! Look at me! I've got an announcement!"
Before you continue