The Photography Club room was tucked away in the quieter wing of Shibuya High's main building, its windows offering a perfect view of the courtyard below. Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating the various cameras and photography equipment neatly arranged on shelves.
"Suzuki-senpai?" I called out, sliding open the door with Segawa nervously fidgeting behind me. For once, he wasn't striking any dramatic poses.
Suzuki Akane looked up from her desk where she'd been reviewing what appeared to be contact sheets. Her short black hair was held back by silver clips, and her intense gaze behind red-framed glasses suggested she wasn't someone who suffered fools gladly.
"Shirogane-san?" She seemed surprised to see me. Her eyes narrowed when they landed on Segawa. "And Segawa-kun."
"I was hoping we could discuss Segawa's application to the club," I began diplomatically. "I understand there were some concerns about his technical proficiency—"
"There's nothing to discuss," Suzuki cut in, turning back to her contact sheets. "The Photography Club maintains certain standards. This isn't a place for people to take random snapshots of their toys."
I felt Segawa tense behind me. "They're not toys, they're historical replicas of—"
"Segawa," I warned quietly, before addressing Suzuki again. "He's willing to take proper lessons. To learn the fundamentals."
"Is that so?" Suzuki's tone was skeptical. She pulled out a folder and spread several photos across her desk. "These were his submission photos. Look at them yourself, Shirogane-san. Completely out of focus, horrible composition, and what even is this?" She held up a heavily filtered photo of what appeared to be Segawa's figure of Admiral Yi posed dramatically in front of his bedroom curtains.
Something in her dismissive tone made my patience snap. "And what exactly makes you the absolute authority on artistic merit?"
Suzuki's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Yes, his technical skills need work. Yes, his current photos are... unconventional. But I see someone with genuine passion and a unique perspective. Isn't that worth nurturing rather than dismissing?"
"This isn't some rehabilitation center, Shirogane-san. We're preparing for the prefectural competition—"
"And having someone who sees the world differently might actually benefit your club," I interrupted, my voice taking on an edge I hadn't intended. "Unless you're more interested in creating a collection of perfectly identical, technically proficient but soulless images?"
The room fell silent. Even Segawa, who usually had some historical battle reference ready for any situation, seemed stunned by my outburst.
Suzuki stood slowly, her chair scraping against the floor. "You're really pushing this, aren't you? Why do you care so much about his application?"
I met her gaze steadily. "Because everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. Even if their first attempts aren't perfect."
Suzuki sighed deeply, removing her glasses to massage the bridge of her nose. "You're still the same as ever, Rei. Always championing the odd ones out."
The sudden use of my given name made me pause. Behind me, I could sense Segawa's confusion at the shift in atmosphere.
"You could have mentioned that you knew Suzuki-senpai," he whispered, a bit too loudly.
"Would it have made a difference?" I shrugged, feeling some of my earlier anger dissipate. "Besides, she's not exactly advertising our friendship."
"Because you're exhausting," Suzuki – no, Akane – said, but there was a hint of fondness in her voice. "Fine. I'll accept the application, but on three conditions."
She turned to Segawa, who immediately straightened up, barely containing what I assumed was another Admiral Yi reference.
"First, you'll take basic photography classes with me every Tuesday and Thursday after school. No excuses, no historical reenactments during lessons."
"I shall approach these lessons with the same dedication the Admiral showed in studying naval warfare!" Segawa declared, unable to help himself.
Akane shot me a long-suffering look. I shrugged apologetically.
"Second," she continued, pointedly ignoring his outburst, "you'll assist the second-years with equipment maintenance and organization. Maybe handling real cameras instead of just your phone will teach you something about proper photography."
"And third?" I asked, knowing Akane well enough to expect something challenging.
A small smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Third, you'll enter the upcoming prefectural competition's newcomer category. If you're going to be part of this club, you need to prove you can apply what you learn. And Shirogane..."
"Yes?"
"Since you're so convinced of his potential, you'll help him prepare for it. Consider it payment for making me cave in to your moral arguments again."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Segawa beat me to it.
"Just as Admiral Yi turned fishermen into naval warriors, you shall help transform me into a true artist!" He bowed deeply, his voice thick with emotion. "I accept these conditions with the utmost honor!"
"Right," Akane said dryly, putting her glasses back on. "Club meetings are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Don't be late, and please..." she glanced at his gakuran jacket, which he'd modified with historical-looking insignias, "try to dress normally."
As we left the club room, Segawa was practically bouncing with excitement, already planning what historical scenes he could recreate with proper photography techniques. I hung back a moment at the doorway.
"Thank you, Akane."
She waved dismissively, but I caught her small smile. "Just make sure your admiral-in-training doesn't blow up any of our equipment. Those cameras cost more than his entire collection of historical figures."
"No promises," I said, sliding the door shut as she groaned.
Walking down the hallway, watching Segawa gesture animatedly about his plans, I wondered if I'd just made a huge mistake. But then again, as Akane had said, I'd always had a soft spot for the odd ones out.
Maybe because, not so long ago, I'd been one myself.