Since the rare natural phenomenon of spring snow had passed, two days later the snow had already managed to dissolve, leaving behind slush. During these days at school, Ryou began to perfect his active dedication to spending time with new acquaintances. Akiko immediately noticed a difference in their conversations – he began to answer her questions more and a small spark of intimacy, albeit a friendly one, was felt. Tomoyuki also saw them, but not too often, only occasionally.
Yumiko, on the other hand, remained taciturn and quiet, and her life had only just begun to return to normal. However, she had a significant problem that she wanted to solve, but didn't know how. After a serious conversation with Masumi on the further outcome of the literary circle, nothing was known, as the damsel had driven herself into a stupor. She just didn't know who to call.
When the big break rang in the school, Ryou and Yumiko agreed to go with Akiko to eat on the roof. Luckily for the students at the school, the roof was open for public use for all residents, and she set herself the task of relaxing the students during outdoor recess.
Sitting on one of the benches, the three couples began to eat lunch. Akiko crossed her legs and flaunted her gorgeous pink hair so that Ryou, who sat in the middle of the two girls, could see her beauty.
Ryou did bother to notice and thoughtlessly asked her why Akiko dyed her hair that color.
"To be honest," Akiko closed in, not expecting him to ask such a harsh question, "it's my look, yes. It makes me feel freer in front of people and more honest with myself."
"I see. Thank you for answer."
"Have you, Yumiko-chan, dyed your hair?" wondered the damsel.
"As a matter of fact, no."
"Really? The roots of your hair are dark, but the main color… has a slight brown vibe to it, or something."
"I don't know what could cause that."
"Then you have a rare situation! Who knows, maybe one of your ancestors was European looking."
"Maybe so. I haven't inquired about my ancestors."
Looking more clearly at the color of her hair, Ryou also ascertained the young lady's words. He hadn't noticed before that her hair reeked of auburn.
***
Yumiko, despite her unhurriedness, could not get the club situation out of her mind. She sincerely wanted the club to remain open, but she was struck by the fact that for the sake of the club she was required to call new members.
For the circle to continue to exist and be supported by the institution, there had to be at least five people officially present. Masumi repeated these words mentally over and over again, trying to find a solution.
At this point, she walked mindlessly down the hallway and toward the club's office. Without noticing the presence of the tall guy walking behind her, she was startled when she was touched on the shoulder.
"What are you so scared about?"
"Woah! Glenn-kun, don't scare me like that!"
"I had no such intentions. Are you worried about something?"
Yumiko calmed her gaze and came to her senses. "Just wondering. What are you doing here?"
"Tomoyuki met me and we said hello. Then I noticed you."
"I see. Still, I wonder at your equanimity. Where did your adaptation to stressful situations come from, Glenn-kun?"
"Hmm? I don't know. Maybe I'm what you say I am from birth."
But even Glenn was smiling through his anxiety. You shouldn't blame him for that, for everyone does. Glenn was only aware of what made him immune to difficult situations that put pressure on the psyche, but he didn't dare tell Yumiko.
"I see… Look, Glenn-kun, I've got a problem. Remember, Masumi-sensei came to me the other day. Well, she said that my circle was on the verge of closing."
"I remember. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know what I'm going to do to save the club from closing. I think I'm at a point of no return that I can't get out of."
"Since you think so, maybe."
Glenn thought Yumiko was seriously mistaken in her words, and her assumptions were nothing more than avoiding responsibility when faced with a serious problem. He decided to help her take the first step.
"You're wrong, Yumiko-chan, if you think you can't handle it."
"I don't think… It's hard for me to find acquaintances, and then there's the request to enter the club."
"Sometimes, if you look at the difficulty from the inside, you'll find that solving it is easy."
"I don't think I can handle it," Yumiko said, continuing to doubt her own abilities, causing her to drive herself further and further into the abyss with negative perceptions.
"I don't believe what you say."
Yumiko responded with nothing and seemed unsure. She added that she didn't know anyone who could take her up on her offer to join the boring literary circle. Then Glenn answered her peacefully to look around her. As she looked at Glenn's face, looking open and friendly, Yumiko realized what he meant by his words, and it was like it hit her.
"I don't know how to get people's attention so they join the club. We're talking about certain people, aren't we…?"
"Then call me into the club," Glenn replied in a gentle tone, "And you'll find out by practicing on me."
Yumiko was surprised at what her friend had said, for the man who had instantly left the club, after inviting her through her teacher, suggested that she invite him back. Though Glenn hid it, Yumiko was sure in her thoughts that Glenn had been a member of the club before.
But now she had no time for reflection.
"Glenn-kun…" the embarrassed girl said slowly, and took a pause to get over her shyness for a moment. "I realize that I'm a taciturn person and sometimes I'm hard to talk to, but... Regardless, I'm glad to have met people with whom I had the opportunity to have conversations... So, could you…"
Glenn, with a slight smile on his face, waited for the question to be completed by the trembling and lowered head Yumiko.
"Join the li-literary k-club…?" the girl finished, realizing that she was undeniably an apathetic girl who could barely get away with asking a man to join an innocuous club.
She had reason to feel uncomfortable in these situations. By an obvious sign of unsociability, she hadn't asked anyone for a favor before, the requests were also difficult for her.
"Be cool, we're friends." Glenn's face reflected calmness and kindness.
Yumiko, coming to her senses, gently teased that Glenn was still looking at her like a child.
"Hurry, now we have to find the others."
"Thank you, Glenn-kun," she replied, sweetly.
Glenn only felt that Yumiko needed more reassurance when it came to the subject of entering society. He sincerely understood the girl's feelings when she told him about the existence of the possibility of covering her club.
A calm and thoughtful Tomoyuki watched the whole scene from a corner. It was obvious from his eyes that he was scrutinizing the misdeeds of his new acquaintances. For some reason, he wished to be kept abreast of all the events surrounding Yumiko's fledgling social circle.