April 14th, Monday.
A week had passed since the first day of school. I would've loved to brag about getting closer to the prettiest girl in class, but that's unfortunately not what happened.
Shirase's friendliness towards me never changed. We chat on LINE about our interests and send funny memes to each other every other day or so, but things aren't the same at school. She would never try to start a conversation with me unless it was absolutely necessary. It was a sudden switch-up for someone who said I was interesting.
Why would a girl like her suddenly give me the cold shoulder?
Well, instead of overthinking it and having an emotional breakdown, let's think about this logically.
On the second day, rumors immediately made the rounds. Omiya Maki and Shirase Yumina were two of the biggest names for freshmen. Even the seniors were checking them out. Of course, each class has its own group of attractive students. For example, I heard that a girl who came all the way from Kobe earned the admiration of many boys for her looks and elegant demeanor. There was also a guy from Kougyoku who didn't look too attractive in middle school but became insanely handsome after a glow-up. Talk about a successful high school debut.
All of that among other stuff regarding the upper years.
Anyway, Maki's relationship with Gotou became well-known, and it broke the hearts of both boys and girls. Shirase, however, was a mystery to everyone. Many students were saying that she was hanging out with a certain guy on the first day. Of course, it didn't take long before my name was in the mix. A lot of my acquaintances from Fujitama asked if I was the lucky guy, and I said yes because I had no reason to deny it.
The guys who had their eyes on Shirase started giving Katsuhira Kazuomi funny looks, but they were immediately met with a confusing observation. Shirase was friendly with every other guy in class and she was mostly hanging out with Motokawa and Koyasu. Meanwhile, we never interact outside of classes.
As a result, the rumors around us slowly dissipated, and by Friday, three students— one of them a second-year— had confessed their 'feelings' for Shirase.
They were rejected, of course... but it got me thinking. If she wanted to use me as a deterrent against confessions, why would she treat me like air whenever class discussions are over?
There was only one conclusion that I could think of: She was testing me again.
"Alright, we're here! I'll be going on ahead of you guys since I have morning practice. See you later, Kei-chan, Kazu-chan!"
Hiro ran off without a care in the world.
"I wish I had that much energy in the morning," said Keisuke. "I can't count how many times I've felt tired just by watching him."
"You say that, but Hiro and I feel the same way when we watch you read through your study materials."
"Skill issue."
"Back at you, nerd."
"You studied harder than me back in elementary, so you're the original nerd."
Inside the Sekihou building, I dropped by his classroom before going to mine.
"Oh, 'morning, Kazehara. And you're here again, Katsuhira. What's up?"
A bunch of his classmates greeted us. Well, they were our former schoolmates so it wasn't anything new.
"Sup," I replied. "I'm just here to hang out for a bit like usual. I hope I'm not bothering you guys."
"Morning to you too," Keisuke greeted them back as he sat on his chair with a groan. "Ugh, finally."
"Dude, you sound like an old man with horrible back pain."
"Shut up. Unlike you or Hiro, I rarely do morning jogs, especially during school days."
"Well, we don't do morning study sessions like you do."
"Different strokes for different folks," Keisuke said (in English).
"Wow, that's a pretty appropriate use for that proverb. Good job." I applauded softly.
"I feel like I'm starting to get the gist of how different English is from Japanese... and how similar they are sometimes."
"You'll get used to it," I shrugged.
"Haha, do teach me more." Keisuke grinned before turning to ask me. "By the way, how's it going with Shirase-san?"
"What do you mean?"
"You guys seemed to hit it off on the first day, but you never mentioned her again after that. I haven't seen you guys hanging out either."
"Ahh, that. Well, you've heard about the rumors, right? Shirase probably wanted to avoid it from getting out of control, so she refrained from getting too close to a guy like me."
"You sound like you had no idea. If that was her plan, then she could've told you."
"I'm just guessing, you know? Maybe she's had enough of me during the first day and decided I was a boring weirdo."
"Haha, you gotta be kidding. A weirdo, sure. But I'd rather call you annoying than boring."
"I'll take that as a compliment, you little shit."
"And so?" He suddenly turned serious. "Do you like her?"
"Hah? What kind of question is that...?"
"You haven't gotten over Omiya. Got it."
"Fucking nerd! Can I not be a single guy who doesn't have a crush on anyone?!"
"You're a sleazy guy who treats real life like a galge, so I thought you'd switch targets as soon as another potential heroine comes around. Shirase-san was the most popular girl in Kougyoku Middle, so I thought you were just doing the same thing you did in middle school with Omiya. I can totally imagine you going for the most popular girl in any school if they happen to be your classmate."
"You're tearing me to shreds, man. How can you slander me like this?!"
"Oh, please. We both know I'm not slandering anyone," he shrugged with a smug look on his face.
"Shut it!"
It was your typical guy talk, but Keisuke was just trying to lighten things up after I told him about my conversations with Gotou and Maki during the first day.
Still, I hope nobody actually heard what we were talking about...
"Kazehara Keisuke-kun, can I have some of your time?" A female voice called out to him.
"Ah, Kanagawa-san, good morning. I'll be there in a bit."
"Life is hard for you, isn't it, Class Rep?" I teased. "That tone and twitchy smile— she even called your full name. Kanagawa-san must be pissed."
"Probably. I dipped out to play in the arcade with you guys last Friday, remember?"
"Are you sure it's alright to make her wait? Even I can feel the pressure from here."
"It'll be fine. It's only been a week, so I'm sure it's nothing too important."
He's as calm as ever. Kanagawa-san was the top student in our year with Keisuke closely coming in second based on the entrance exam. That's most likely why they were chosen as the class representatives for this particular class. As someone who'd been consistently competing for the top spot, this kind of pressure was nothing to Keisuke.
"You're quite the scoundrel despite your looks."
"Stop stereotyping my glasses. Your grades weren't that different from mine until a while ago," he replied with a deadpan expression.
"You're a member of the Prep Class, and you're the Class Rep too? How about I make you my tutor, Kazehara-sensei?"
Keisuke started jabbing at me with an irritated look on his face.
After teasing Keisuke for a couple of minutes, I finally decided to go back to my classroom.
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The school went normally as it usually does. I absent-mindedly listened to the teachers, had lunch with Akiyama and the others, and chatted with some of my other classmates including Gotou and Maki.
Yep, another normal school day had finished.
"Yo, Katsuhira! You coming with us?" asked Murase.
"Nah, not today. I have something to do after school," I replied while fiddling with my phone.
"Aight, see ya!"
"See ya!"
I waited until a certain someone left the classroom before writing on a certain piece of paper. And then I left after I finished.
"Yumina, see you tomorrow!"
"Bye-bye, Tsucchi, Akane!"
As I continued walking, I heard Shirase and her friends saying their goodbyes at the shoe locker area. I didn't want to just watch them like a creep, so I approached them when I got near.
"Yo, Shirase-san," I called out. "Oh, Motokawa-san and Koyasu-san, are you guys about to go home?"
"Katsuhira-kun, hey there!"
"We were just about to. How about you?"
They greeted me with a smile.
"Well, I wanted to talk to Shirase-san about something. I hope I'm not interrupting you guys."
"Oh, no, not at all," said Shirase.
"Yep, we were really just about to leave. We'll go ahead now. See you guys tomorrow!"
"Bye-bye!"
Shirase and I waved our hands at them until they turned around.
"Heya~, Katsuhira-kun. So, what did you want to talk about with me?" Her tone was as energetic as usual, but I could feel her anticipation.
Unfortunately, she won't get her supposed answer.
"If you're expecting me to ask why you're ignoring me in school, then I'm afraid you're wrong."
Her smile turned stiff. I was right on the mark.
"You're always on point, aren't you~?"
"You weren't exactly subtle about it," I shrugged. "It's a mystery to me, but I'm sure you have your reasons."
"Hmm, is that so?" she pondered with a probing gaze. "Aren't you going complain, or at least ask?"
"Don't get me wrong. I still think of you as a friend. I'm not going to be offended unless you're shunning me for no reason because I know you do. And besides, it's not like I'm entitled to your attention nor am I looking for it. I'll talk to you when I want."
I know we got along really well on the first day, but don't think you've got me wrapped around your finger just because you're a little cute.
"Hehe, such a perfectly mature answer."
"Others would call it boring." I took out a piece of paper from my pocket and handed it to her. "Well then, I wanted to talk to you about this."
"A club application form... for the literature club? You want to join us?"
"Yep. I actually wanted to stay in the 'go home club', but Aihara-sensei heavily recommended that I join a real one.
There were other students who didn't join any club, so I wonder why Aihara-sensei was particularly set on me.
"I thought I'd approach you for help." I could've directly submitted my application form to the literature club's adviser or president, but that would take away my opportunity to talk to Shirase.
"Oho, I see. But... you'll be disappointed, you know?"
"Why...?"
"We don't have Hina Arina." (1)
"Like hell, I'm looking for a poisonous rose!"
"Ahaha, I knew you'd get what I was talking about."
"You know I'm just an average light novel junkie like you."
"Then I guess we're club comrades. Ah, but don't worry. There are a couple of others who are just like us."
"Ohh, so they wouldn't mind if I'm not that well-versed with Dazai and his fondness of sugarcoated nuts?"
"Hehe, Makeine, huh?" she giggled. "Anyway, we'd be glad to have you. I'm one of the only two first-years who joined, after all. As it turns out, the literature club isn't too popular in Kougyoku High."
"I thought a few freshmen from the Preparatory Class would join, but I guess not."
Shirase turned away from me in an upbeat manner.
"Now then, let's find Katamine-sensei so you can turn in your application!"
Shirase and I started walking together. She seemed excited, but I guess that's just the usual her.
When we reached the counselor's office, a woman who looked to be in her twenties greeted us with an uninterested stare.
"Hm, Shirase? What are you doing here? And who are you?" she asked.
Long, black hair, sharp eyes, and a coat... This was Katamine Yuuko-sensei. If only she was a smoker, then it would've been perfect!
"Good afternoon, Katamine-sensei. This is Katsuhira Kazuomi-kun from my class. He said he wants to join the literature club."
"Hmm..." For some reason, I was being stared at like a rare animal. "Good work, Shirase. Leave us."
"Okay. See you, Katsuhira-kun!" Shirase left with an enthusiastic look on her face.
She was probably going to the clubroom now.
I couldn't even look at her retreating figure because it felt like something bad would happen if I didn't keep my eyes on Katamine-sensei. She didn't seem imposing from afar, but the pressure was insane now that I was in front of her.
"You're the third one," she said.
"Pardon...?"
"You're the third first-year who'd applied for the literature club— among the boys, at least."
"Okay...?" I glanced at the door that Shirase went through and pieced it together. I couldn't help but heave a sigh. "Ohh... I see, so that's how it is."
So the literature club was popular... but for all the wrong reasons.
"Hehh, you immediately got what I meant by that?"
"Well, it's Shirase-san, after all."
"So you're saying you're not the same as the other boys?"
"No, I won't deny it. Part of why I wanted to join the literature club is to get closer to Shirase-san."
"Do you think being honest will help you in this situation?"
"At the very least, it's a better choice than lying."
"Good answer, but as the literature club's adviser, I don't want unnecessary things disrupting club activities. I'm saying this for your sake as well. The current third-year members have had their fair share of unpleasant experiences regarding this kind of thing in the past. They're quite protective of Shirase and pleaded that I prevent any guys with ulterior motives from joining."
"I'm surprised you're able to do that."
"I told you, this isn't the first time. It's the whole reason why I was assigned as the literature club's adviser. Technically, we can't deny any student from joining any club, so we used slots as an excuse to reject unwanted applications."
"I see..." In other words, if a sleazy guy wanted to join, all Sensei would have to do is tell them that the club has reached full capacity and will not accept newcomers. Of course, it's all made up. Sly, but efficient.
"Of course, we'd need the principal's permission to use such a tactic. Thankfully, he's on our side."
She's not the school's guidance counselor for nothing. The principal and the literature club members have full trust in her judgment.
"But why are you telling me this? I assume you're not looking at my application with favorable eyes."
"Interesting," Katamine-sensei smirked. "You're right. I'm not done assessing you just yet, but it's okay to have some confidence. Shirase brought you here herself. If she saw you as a potential nuisance, she would've used the same excuse and told you that the club was full right from the get-go."
"But I did admit that I have ulterior motives. Shirase-san's judgment... was wrong," I replied, averting my eyes.
For some reason, I'm starting to speak against myself.
Idiot... Why am I trying to sabotage my own chances of joining?
"You're quite the lost cause," she said.
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry, I thought you were playing smart with me, but I guess not." Katamine-sensei shook her head in dismay. "Anyway, I know you don't think Shirase is completely clueless about your motives. She may be a bundle of energy, but behind that is a very clever girl. I'm sure you've noticed that."
Indeed, I have— maybe even before you, Sensei.
"I'm... not sure I understand."
"Oh, okay. Now you're trying to play smart? I won't pry, but you should at least admit that."
"You misunderstand, Sensei. She's one of the most popular girls in school, so it's natural for her to be on guard against most guys, even with how outgoing she is. That, I understand," I sighed. "That's why I didn't really notice anything. I just thought that was the bare minimum requirement for her current lifestyle to be sustainable."
"I see. So that was your impression of her from the start."
"I guess so."
A mask is something that everyone is sure to wear. Some are as thin as veils— so thin that you can see through them... while some are thicker and more opaque than others with layers upon layers to completely cover the true face behind them.
I'd love to talk about this kind of stuff, but it's making me remember some unpleasant memories. It's better to get this over with.
"We're getting off-topic, Sensei... Can I join the literature club or not? I don't mind if you reject my application, but I would like to go home early. My little sister should be alone in the house right now."
"No, you're free to join. That was already set in stone the moment Shirase brought you here."
"Wait, what, really?"
"Yes."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
"W-Wow, Shirase's got some pull."
It also meant that this woman was just playing around with me the whole time.
"I trust her ability to judge someone. I know you wanna get closer to her, but at least you're not a simple-minded idiot. I like the way our conversation went. That much is enough for me. Now, get out of here."
"A-Alright... Thank you, Sensei."
"Keep being smart, boy. It only takes one stupid mistake to break someone's trust." She gave me one last piece of advice before I opened the door.
I'm quite annoyed at how much she treats me like a kid, but her final words resonated with me a lot.
"Don't worry, Sensei. As young as I am, I think I know that better than most people."
Katamine-sensei looked slightly taken aback by my answer, and then she just smiled and shooed me away with a wave of her hand.
I got out of the counselor's office, but it's not like I know where the clubroom is...
I grabbed my phone and looked for a certain person's contact information. A ring could be from the other end.
"Hello, Katsuhira-kun?"
It's our first call.
"Ah, Shirase-san. Sorry, I thought you'd be too busy to notice a message, so I called instead. Katamine-sensei said I'm good to go. Where's the clubroom?"
"Oh, it's totally fine. The clubroom is on the second floor of the Yuuyake building near the east gate. I can come pick you up if you want."
"What? There's no need. I can go there myself."
"Alright, see you~!" And she immediately hung up.
The reddish rays of sunset infiltrated the darkening hallways of the Yuuyake building. I liked how it made me feel. It was relaxing yet melancholic at the same time.
I could hear the buzzing noises inside a classroom labeled 'Literature Club'. Someone opened the door for me not even a second after I knocked on it.
"Welcome! You're Katsuhira Kazuomi-kun, correct?" a bespectacled girl greeted.
"Yes, that would be me. I just joined the literature club today. Please take care of me," I bowed as a show of courtesy to my senior clubmates.
"Please feel at home! We're happy to get new members. I'm Komori Shinako, the president of the literature club." Komori-senpai led me inside with a warm smile. "I'll introduce you to our members. Have a seat."
Shirase grinningly patted the chair beside her.
"This is Orihara Jin, the vice president. He was the only guy in this club until you came, so please get along with him."
Orihara-senpai slightly raised his hand to greet me. I can immediately sense his reclusive personality just from that gesture.
"This is Akizuki Eri, the other third-year member."
"Hi~," she greeted.
So she's the Akizuki Eri I heard about. Katamine-sensei's words made sense now.
"This is Yamaguchi Saya-chan. She's the only second-year in the club."
"N-Nice to meet you." Meanwhile, Yamaguchi-senpai seemed more nervous than everyone else.
"You already know Yumina-chan, so I'll skip her."
"Komori-senpai, not fair!"
"Last but not least, there's Inoue Shizuku-chan, the other first-year besides you two."
The girl in question was reading a book. She gave me a side-eye, nodding her head a little bit before getting back to her own world.
Inoue was nice enough to acknowledge me, so I'll assume that it's just in her personality to act aloof. She's probably the type of person that gets misunderstood a lot.
"Welcome to the club, Katsuhira-kun. According to Yumina-chan, you're an otaku just like her. Is that true?" Komori-senpai asked.
"Yes, it's true. I'm embarrassed to admit, but I don't read a lot of books outside of manga and light novels."
"Oh, that's fine, that's fine~! Jin and Eri over there are the same," she laughed. "You've come to the right place if you just want to relax. We hold writing activities every now and then, but you don't have to worry about it most of the time."
"You have quite the collection in here, so maybe it's my chance to pick up a bunch of classical books," I said.
"That would be nice. We generally keep to ourselves in this club, but you're also free to chat." Komori-senpai took out a book from her bag. "You can leave whenever you want today, so just sit back and do some reading while you're here."
"Thank you, Senpai."
Komori-senpai proceeded to read her book. Orihara-senpai was reading his book as well while Akizuki-senpai bothered him from the side.
Meanwhile, Yamaguchi-senpai and Inoue were keeping to themselves like earlier. And of course, Shirase was sitting next to me with a smile on her face.
"I knew you'd pass Katamine-sensei's test," she said.
"She won't even admit it though. She said I was as good as accepted the moment you brought me in."
"Hihi~, you even saw through that."
Would you look at that? We're talking again in person.
Based on the way Shirase talks, unless she was a transcendental actress like Kurokawa Akane, this confirms that she didn't ignore me because of, well, me.
I was, in fact, being tested... again.
Seriously, people won't even notice they're being tested by others constantly. And before they know it, they'd have already failed.
I'm still curious about why she ignored me for a whole week, but I'll bring it up once I find the perfect opportunity.
For now, I'll try reading one of Natsume Souseki's books about a cat.
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Author's Notes:
1. Hina Arina is the main heroine of the light novel series "I Quit the Going-Home Club for a Girl with a Venomous Tongue". In the story, she's dubbed as the "Poisonous Rose".