Ichinose Wants to Invite

I lay slumped on the desk, listening to the chatter of my classmates around me.

It sounded like the club recruitment event was coming up soon, though nothing had been officially confirmed yet.

But maybe precisely because there was no formal notice or document, the topic kept gaining momentum.

The buzz probably wouldn't die down until the recruitment event was over.

I scrolled through my mobile terminal, where each club's projects and regulations were listed.

The homepage featured school-sponsored clubs—things like the News Department, Art Troupe, Soccer Club, Go Club, and so on. They didn't just organize on-campus competitions and events; they could also represent the school in national and international tournaments.

These clubs, fully backed by the school, had an exceptionally high overall standard.

Next came the academic clubs. I just skimmed through them and swiped past.

Then there were the interest clubs organized by students themselves—Tea Ceremony Club, Archery Club, Calligraphy Club, Photography Club, and the like.

Although the school delegated authority to the students, it wasn't a hands-off, let-them-fend-for-themselves attitude.

They could apply to their supervising teacher for activity funding and venue space, and the rules weren't too strict.

If I were to join a club, I'd definitely pick from the interest clubs.

Tetsuya, no question, was going to the Soccer Club.

Ryota thought for a moment and said he hadn't decided yet.

As for me, I felt like I should look around first before making a choice.

I was about to turn off the mobile terminal and put it in my pocket, ready for the next class, when a message notification interrupted me.

Ever since that day she asked for my contact info, I'd been getting messages from her occasionally.

I tried to keep my replies warm and enthusiastic.

But somehow, chatting like this online, sharing daily life—it still felt a bit awkward.

Can feelings really be conveyed through a screen?

Are these her true thoughts?

Or is it just pure friendship, or something?

"A friend invited me to walk around campus after school. Can I invite you to come along?"

It seemed like, aside from the Zelkova Shopping Center, there were a lot of places I hadn't been to yet.

Ryota had invited me to the library, but I hadn't checked out any other venues besides that.

I tried typing a reply on the keyboard, wrote something, then deleted it.

"Is it inconvenient? Even though we're all Class D students, we've only just met. Don't worry about it being awkward."

"With me here, I definitely won't leave Hajima-kun out~"

She attached a cute emoji sticker.

It seemed like she'd seen my read receipt but hadn't gotten a clear answer, so she was worried I might be hesitant.

"Then I'll trouble you after school."

"Okay~ I'll wait for you at the door of Class B then."

"Seisuke, we're going to check out the Soccer Club's training and facilities. Come with us."

As soon as school ended, Tetsuya was already excited, ready to scout out the Soccer Club in person.

"Your muscles feel pretty firm. If you're interested in sports, having a buddy in the club would be great."

He reached over and groped my arm, commenting as he did.

"Sorry, today might... not work out."

"Hey, how come every time I ask you, you already have plans?"

"Maybe your luck isn't so good?"

Tetsuya rubbed his chin, thinking, while eyeing me suspiciously.

He opened his mouth as if to say more, but Ryota grabbed him and dragged him out of the classroom.

"I wasn't even done talking—why are you pulling me away?"

"Leave early, come back early."

"It wouldn't kill us to take a few more minutes, would it? At least let me finish that one sentence."

"Wouldn't it?"

Ryota gave him a meaningful look.

Though a bit unconvinced, Tetsuya still let Ryota drag him out.

I listened to their noisy bickering as they left.

It seemed like Kushida-san was planning to come to our class to find me. I lay sideways on the desk, watching the girls nearby chatting.

It's already after school, isn't it?

Most of the students in the class had left, but a few girls led by Ichinose were still sitting in a circle, laughing and messing around.

I could only catch a glimpse of Ichinose's slightly reddened ears and her back.

It seemed I had been staring too long and got caught.

Yume Kobashi patted Ichinose on the shoulder, then gestured in my direction.

Ichinose turned around a bit shyly to glance at me, then quickly turned back.

Amakura clenched her fist, as if cheering Ichinose on.

What were they planning? Forgive me, but I couldn't guess the next part at all.

Ichinose tilted her head again to steal a glance at me, lightly biting her lower lip.

I gave her a smile in response, and saw Ichinose stand up.

It seemed...

A small brown head suddenly popped into my field of vision.

"Hajima-kun! Sorry to keep you waiting~"

Kushida Kikyo crouched beside me, resting her chin on her hand, as if trying to mimic my posture.

"A little tired, huh..."

Her cute eyes blinked, as if deeply apologetic for being late.

"A bit, so I was just resting here."

I straightened up slightly and saw Ichinose sit back down.

"Sorry... I got held up by a little something."

Please forgive me.

She pressed her hands together in a pleading gesture.

With that hint of a spoiled tone, who could stay in a bad mood?

Kushida looked around the room, as if just casually scanning.

But she clearly paused for a moment when her gaze landed on Ichinose's group.

"Let's go, then~"

I nodded.