The morning sky was bright as I strolled down the school corridor. Ugh... Another long day... This club festival... I'm not really excited about it. Even though all the students seem to be having fun... Why can't I? I'd rather take a nap in class... But if I do, Mapple will definitely scold me.
Oh… who's running down the hallway? Haha, they look so panicked… Wait, isn't that Mapple?
"Hey, Mapple…" I called out. What is she doing over there? She looks like she's in a rush.
Mapple turned around, her face lighting up when she spotted me.
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"Lemon! Hey! I've been looking for you everywhere!" She hurried over, her hair lifting slightly with the breeze.
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"Oh? How's the drama club doing at the festival?"
"Is the event fun?" Honestly, I was curious about the event, though I was more curious about how they were surviving without me. Yeah… I guess nothing's changed. Ah, Lemon… you really don't matter at all.
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Mapple frowned a little and quickly walked closer, concern clear in her eyes. "Lemon! What are you doing here?! I was really worried. Where have you been?"
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I scratched my head, trying to come up with an excuse. "Eh… you know, I was just… well, you know…"
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Mapple sighed deeply, clearly expecting that response. "I knew you'd just be lazing around! Lemon, you can't keep doing this. The club festival is a great chance for you to try something new!" She grabbed my wrist and pulled me. "Come on, let's go!"
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"Wait, wait, wait! What is this, Mapple?" I tried to pull my hand back, but her strength… wow, she's strong. We're the same height, maybe not but why is she this strong?
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"I'm not listening to any excuses. Let's go check out the festival!" Mapple said firmly, her cheerful expression shifting into something more serious. I knew there was no point in resisting… she's doing this for me, after all. I guess I should be thankful… right?
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Ugh... fine, whatever. I gave in as she dragged me out of the hallway, past several classrooms, and eventually to the school field. Stalls from various clubs were lined up, decorated with colorful posters and filled with excited students trying to catch people's attention… they're really working hard on this…
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"Look! The basketball club is showing off their skills. Pretty cool, huh?"
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Basketball? No thanks. I'm way too lazy to run around. Me, Lemon, playing basketball? That would be like being possessed by the spirit of a pro athlete… hey, wait, I think I've heard that plot somewhere before…
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"How about the music club, Lemon? You like music, don't you?"
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Liking music and being able to play music are two different things, Mapple...
"Hmmm… yeah, it's not bad. But… it's kinda too noisy for me..." Ugh, I know Mapple's trying hard, but I really don't have any talent for joining a club… If this keeps up, all her efforts will go to waste. Should I… just pick a random club?
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"Lemon, come on, take this seriously. There are tons of clubs you could try. Look, there's the chess club, or maybe the art club?"
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Whoa… chess, huh? Sitting all day without having to move much… sounds like a great plan. Wait, not having to move? Being able to relax? Is this… is this a sign from the heavens? I don't know how to play chess, but… I could learn, right? (For some reason, I feel a stabbing pain in my heart.)
"Hey, Mapple… I think I found—"
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"Come on, Lemon! Let's check out the other clubs! I bet you'll find something more interesting over there!"
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"Whoa, wait a minute… I haven't even—" Oh no, why is she so strong… Chess club, please don't be full yet…
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In front of us, a group of students dressed in theater costumes were practicing their lines with intense enthusiasm. One of them even had a toy sword, jumping around with excitement. Ah, of course… the drama club.
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"This is the drama club!" Mapple said proudly. "You know, we're preparing for a big performance at the fall festival. You have to come watch, Lemon!"
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Why are you so proud? You've been trying to brag this whole time, haven't you…
I just nodded. "Yeah… sure… I guess…" That is, if I don't fall asleep.
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"Come on, lemon, i know that you not into that kind of stuff…"
Mapple glared at me. " but I'm serious, Lemon. You have to watch this time!"
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"a-alrigth mapple dont worry about it… I won't miss the event, I promise," Ugh, now I've made a promise. I'll feel guilty if I don't show up.
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Mapple laughed softly. "I know, that's why I'm here to make sure you don't bail." She finally let go of my wrist and gave me a soft pat on the back. "Come on, Lemon, at least try to find one club that interests you. I'm sure there's one that's a perfect fit."
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Mapple… I don't know why she tries so hard for me… I…
Do I need a reason to help a friend?
Mapple…
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Some clubs seemed interesting, though most of them... yeah, they don't really fit my lazy lifestyle. But maybe… just maybe… I could try something different this time.
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"Alright, Mapple. I'll give it a try," At least… I won't let your efforts go to waste, Mapple… Even just a little… I want to repay your kindness.
But… can I? I'm just an ordinary person… not capable of much… What could I possibly give you, Mapple?
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"Hey, Lemon, why are you daydreaming? Let's keep going! There are more clubs you haven't seen yet." Mapple smiled widely and gently pushed me towards the other stands we hadn't visited. Sigh… Well, I guess this is more fun than lying around all day… Maybe this second chance isn't so bad after all…
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"Hey, Lemon… how about joining the student council? I heard if you join, you don't need to be in a club…"
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"Student council? No… just hearing that makes my soul tremble…"