A day had passed since Nao had submitted her form. The previous night, she had set an early morning alarm to ensure a productive start to this pivotal day.
Beep, Beep, Beep!
As the alarm went off, Nao groggily reached over to turn it off.
"Ngh... What time is it?" she mumbled, stretching and yawning.
After a moment's hesitation, Nao's sleepy mind snapped to attention, the excitement from the form submission flooding her senses again.
"Today is the day! " she exclaimed, springing out of bed and basking in the warm morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. It was a crisp 6 a.m.
After tidying her room, Nao went to the communal bathhouse for a refreshing bath, setting a positive tone for the day. She dressed in a casual yet comfortable ensemble – a long black skirt paired, a soft white T-shirt tucked in, and practical sneakers. As she prepared, a swirl of nervousness and eager anticipation filled her. This was a big day for her and she wanted everything to go smoothly.
I have to nail my first impression! Nao thought, encouraging herself.
Following her morning routine, she proceeded to the cafeteria adjacent to the bathhouse, opting for a simple breakfast of grilled fish, rice, tamagoyaki, miso soup, and a soothing cup of hot tea. As she savored her meal, her mind raced with thoughts about the day's upcoming events.
First thing first, I should check out the art club, and then the kyudo club to ask about the schedule. She contemplates.
With a spring in her step, Nao approached the club buildings. Each footstep quickened, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity.
What awaited her behind those club doors? Would she discover her true passion among the art supplies and dedicated artists? Could the kyudo club offer a profound experience of mastering a traditional Japanese martial art? The question that weighed most on her mind was, would these clubs welcome her with open arms?
Come on, I can do this! She huffed.
The excitement and curiosity welled up inside her, pushing away the last remnants of her nervousness. With determination in her heart, Nao swung open the door to the art club room. The scent of paint and the soft hum of creativity greeted her.
Inside, a group of students was engrossed in their work, sketching, painting, and sculpting with intense concentration. Their eyes lifted as Nao entered, and they welcomed her with warm smiles.
A friendly senior girl with a smudge of paint on her cheek approached Nao.
"Hi there! Are you the recruit? I'm Aya Hoshino!" She asked a warm smile spread on her cheeks.
Nao nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. "Yes, I am. My name is Nao, Nao Ito." She responded.
The art club members introduced themselves, and Nao felt an immediate connection with the group. She spent the morning working on her first art project, guided by experienced members who were more than happy to offer tips and encouragement.
Time flew by as Nao lost herself in the world of colors and shapes. By the time lunch rolled around, she was surprised to find how quickly the morning had passed.
"Wow, I can't believe it's already lunchtime," Nao exclaimed.
One of the senior members smiled. "Time flies when you're doing something you love."
Nao couldn't agree more. With the promise to return for the next club meeting, she left the art club room with her unfinished piece, ready to explore the world of kyudo.
As she entered the kyudojo, she was met with a different atmosphere, it was exactly as she remembered. The room was serene, and the members practiced their archery with grace and precision. Nao watched in awe as they loosed their arrows with a sense of purpose that left no room for hesitation.
Nao who is in a trance, was abruptly interrupted by a male voice. "Nao-san, you're here! I thought you wouldn't join," he called out. She turned to see the source, and his eyes widened as a smile curved his lips.
"Minamoto-kun! " She exclaimed.
Excitement surged within her as she heard Yuto's voice, her friend who seemed pleasantly surprised by her presence.
"Of course, I'd join!" she replied with enthusiasm. Nao felt a sense of belonging, knowing that familiar faces like Yuto's were there.
Yuto grinned, his warm smile putting Nao at ease. "That's great to hear. You'll love it here. " He said.
Nao couldn't help but appreciate Minamoto's support and welcoming attitude. "I'm eager to be here," she replied.
The rest of the day flew by, with Nao immersing herself in the world of kyudo. The art club and Kyudo club both had much to offer, and she felt a growing sense of fulfillment as she pursued her passions.
As the sun began to set and the students wrapped up their club activities, Nao found herself reflecting on her eventful day. She had discovered two incredible clubs, met new people, and felt the thrill of following her interests.
On her way back to her dorm, Minamoto walked beside her. "Nao-san, are you interested in grabbing some dinner together at the cafeteria? " He suggested.
Nao smiled, appreciating his friendly gesture. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to!"
As the day came to a close, Nao and Yuto made their way to the bustling campus cafeteria. The aroma of various dishes filled the air, and students chatted and laughed at the tables.
They selected a cozy corner table and settled in. Nao looked at the array of food choices, her eyes widening with delight. "There are so many options. What do you recommend, Minamoto-kun?"
He grinned, showing a hint of enthusiasm. "The curry here is excellent. It's one of my favorites. But you can choose whatever you like; they make a mean teriyaki chicken as well."
Nao decided to go with Yuto's suggestion and ordered the curry.
"Wow, Minamoto-kun, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight.
"I'm delighted you like it," Yuto replied, a soft smile gracing his face.
Nao couldn't help but notice Yuto's dish, a succulent teriyaki chicken, which looked so delicious it made her mouth water.
"Why are you eyeing my food like that? Want to try some?" Yuto asked, noticing her longing gaze.
Caught off guard, Nao stammered, "C-can I?"
"Of course, here," he said, offering her a spoonful, though hesitant at first, she then accepted it with joy.
"Mm, this is delicious too!" Nao proclaimed she found Yuto's company easy to be around.
Eating dinner with Minamoto-kun was more filling than this morning's breakfast.
As expected eating with others is a different experience. She belief.
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, they finished their dinner and slowly made their way back to the dorms.
Nao turned to Minamoto with a sincere smile. "Thanks for dinner and for making me feel welcome today, Minamoto-kun."
He waved off her gratitude with a warm smile. "Anytime, Nao-san. You're a great addition to the club, and I look forward to seeing you again."
Filled with contentment and a deep sense of belonging, Nao returned to her dorm room. Her first club activities at the boarding school had been a whirlwind of excitement, exploration, and the beginnings of new friendships.
After enjoying a relaxing bath with Ema, Nao drifted off to sleep that night, fully aware that she had embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She eagerly looked forward to the experiences and opportunities that lay ahead in the coming days and years.
The next morning, as Nao awoke, she felt a rush of flustered emotions when she realized she had unknowingly shared an indirect kiss with Yuto.
"N-no way! I'm so embarrassed..." She thought aloud, and her face flushed red.