"Come in, we'll follow the process step by step."
The Art Club Leader breezed ahead, ignoring the tiny gestures exchanged between the two first-years.
Akira and Shouko followed close behind.
"Leader, did some new juniors join?"
A voice rose from the back of the room. A girl with a black high ponytail didn't even look up from her palette as the three entered.
"Hmm…"
The Leader scanned the empty room. "why are you the only one here? Where are the others?"
"Naruko-sensei called them out," the girl answered, finally turning her emerald eyes toward them. "Not sure what for."
Her gaze lingered not on the Leader but on the two standing just behind her.
Akira noticed immediately—her striking green pupils were unusual, almost gemlike.
"Let me introduce you. This is your second-year senior—"
"My name is Miyagi Yuki," the girl interrupted gently with a smile. She stood, bowed slightly, and said, "Please take care of me."
"I'm Nishimiya Shouko. Please take care of me, senpai."
"I'm Miyamura Akira. I also ask for your guidance, senpai."
Both bowed respectfully.
In Japanese schools, these gestures weren't optional—hierarchy mattered. Juniors owed seniors a proper introduction, even if it felt a little stiff.
…What a troublesome culture, Akira thought.
"Joining the Art Club means we're all one family. There's nothing troublesome about it," Miyagi replied warmly, waving off his formality. "If you ever need help with art or even academics, just ask me… well, as long as I'm not busy."
"Yuki, they haven't passed the entrance test yet," the Leader reminded.
"…Entrance test?" Miyagi blinked, then straightened, pretending to look serious. "Yes, of course. We have one. Should I leave so I don't disturb?"
The Leader stopped her with a hand. "No need. Just a few minutes."
"Didn't you say it was just some questions, senpai? Why does it sound like an exam?" Shouko asked nervously.
Miyagi noticed her unease and reassured her. "It really is only a few questions. Don't worry."
"Come, sit." The Leader dragged a chair into place and gestured.
Miyagi returned to her paints, though her eyes flicked back curiously now and then.
"Let's go, Shouko."
Akira took her hand, pressing his thumb against her palm to distract her nerves.
"Mhm…" Shouko squeezed back lightly and let him lead her to the chair.
Both seniors caught the gesture but didn't comment. Couples weren't allowed officially, but it wasn't exactly rare either.
The Leader crossed her legs, coughed lightly, and put on a serious face.
"You two—answer honestly whatever I ask."
"…Why does this feel like a police interrogation?" Akira muttered inwardly.
After their nods, she began:
"Why do you want to join the Art Club?"
"I want to become a light novel illustrator," Shouko answered without hesitation.
The Leader nodded approvingly before shifting her gaze toward Akira.
"…Because I love drawing. And I'd like to study at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in the future," he said smoothly.
Shouko blinked, immediately recognizing the perfunctory tone. Not a single honest word in that answer.
The Leader, however, was impressed he even knew about the Vienna Academy.
The questioning continued for a few minutes—basic drawing experience, knowledge of techniques. It quickly became clear neither of them had any foundation at all.
Miyagi Yuki smiled and volunteered. "I can guide them in the basics. It won't be a problem."
"Alright, last question."
"Huh? Already?" Shouko glanced at the wall clock.
"Want me to add a few more?" The Leader's grin widened.
Shouko quickly shook her head.
"…Are you two a couple?" she asked suddenly, leaning in with a mischievous glint.
"We will be in the future."
"Not yet…"
Both answered at the same time, then looked at each other and quickly glanced away.
Shouko's ears turned bright red. Admitting this in front of strangers was mortifying. If it had been Ayumi or Takagi, she would have said boldly: He's mine.
Akira, on the other hand, stayed calm, merely noting how adorable her flushed ears looked.
The Leader coughed again. "Then what's your relationship now?"
"…Childhood sweethearts," Shouko admitted.
"Leader, how exactly does this question relate to the Art Club?" Akira sighed, tugging lightly on Shoko's red ear.
"Hehe…" The Leader laughed awkwardly, waving her hand. "Alright, that's enough. Your applications are approved. Just come to the Art Club after school tomorrow. Pay your miscellaneous fees to Naruko-sensei, and I'll guide you then. No welcome parties, just introductions."
"Understood." Shouko swatted his hand away, smiling. "Thank you, Leader, Miyagi-senpai. See you tomorrow."
"See you."
"Bye-bye."
They waved their goodbyes, then Shouko laced her fingers with Akira's and left the Art Club together.
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