The award acceptance procedure was straightforward.
Step onto the stage, take a photo with the principal while holding the trophy, then listen to the judges' comments.
"The entire piece was divided into three parts: the first was a gentle, calm intro like autumn rain, the second was a stormy interlude, as if standing bare in cold rain, sending shivers down the spine…"
"The final part was a spring rain reviving everything, serving as the coda, bringing a bright, uplifting rhythm that stirred emotions, fully embodying the theme of transformation and growth…"
"I've never heard this piece before, and I don't know what the Service Club is—but after listening, its touch and warmth left me no choice but to give a perfect score."
The five judges didn't hold back their praise. Even the judge who deducted points lauded it enthusiastically, each one outdoing the other in interpreting its meaning. Apparently, the two points deducted were only because Yuu didn't wear a suit and out of concern he might get too arrogant.
Standing on the stage under everyone's attention, Yuu answered their questions fluently, his confident and calm demeanor earning even more praise from the group, almost making him think they were deliberately hyping him up to set him up for a fall.
"By the way, how long have you been learning piano?" one judge asked.
Without thinking, Yuu replied with a calm expression:
"Quite a while. As we all know, learning piano is a heavy task. I've gone through countless days and nights…"
Being an adult meant being able to lie without changing your expression at events like this.
The complicated Q&A session finally ended. The host then asked him to give a speech before preparing to leave the stage.
After the usual polite thanks, Yuu got straight to the point.
"The core concept of our club, the Service Club, is to help those in need, guiding them toward healthy and proper growth, like a yorozuya (general store) that doesn't charge fees or personally solve clients' problems—"
"If you're confused about your future or facing issues you can't resolve, we welcome all students to visit our clubroom for consultation."
"Of course, words without proof can't guarantee anything. No matter how passionately we explain our concept, it won't convince everyone to trust our abilities or openly share their concerns with us…"
Looking at the crowd below, Yuu gave a slight smile.
Instantly, his clear, gentle voice spread through the auditorium via the microphone.
"So, during the Club Festival, the Service Club will hold a Challenge Event, challenging other clubs as our Club Exhibition Activity this time!"
"…"
The crowd fell silent, as if stunned, then erupted into a clamor, the orderly rows turning chaotic.
Some couldn't believe it, doubting their ears; others were ready but couldn't help frowning.
After all, the person saying these words stood on a higher stage, looking at them with calm confidence—
"Sounds a bit complicated? Let me make it simpler."
Yuu said calmly, "I hope the clubs with challenge booths this year will show their best and accept my challenge—I want to beat you at your own game."
His attitude wasn't arrogant, his words even polite, like a challenger respectfully presenting a letter of challenge.
Even so, many students' faces soured, glaring at him fiercely.
Someone—whether shouting "so arrogant" or "who do you think you are"—sparked a wave of rejection that crashed over Yuu, who had just been praised. The atmosphere grew tense, prompting teachers below to stand and maintain order.
"This isn't just to prove our club has the strength to handle various issues, so you can confidently seek our help."
"It's also to make this year's Autumn Club Festival hotter, more intense, more powerful, leaving deep and special memories for everyone, unlike previous years."
As for the excuse Yuu used to deal with the school, few were still listening.
As the panicked host looked left and right, trying to control the chaos but unsure where to start, Yuu turned, handed the microphone back, and, with a nonchalant expression, prepared to leave the stage.
"If you dare, come at me!"
Suddenly, he heard someone shout, likely an enthusiastic young man from a sports club.
Yuu thought for a moment, then snatched the microphone back from the host.
"Around eleven o'clock, I'll start the challenge activities with the Culinary Research Club. Those who want to watch, come by."
He looked at his challenger, the corners of his lips slowly curving upward.
Taking a deep breath, his voice carried a captivating allure, low and serious, drowning out the auditorium's noise:
"I won't keep you waiting long. I'll be there soon."
With that, Yuu gracefully handed back the microphone and strode into the backstage shadows.
"…"
For some reason, a strange silence enveloped the auditorium. Everyone exchanged glances, the faint hostility dissipating inexplicably.
Yuu: {To avoid trouble, I won't return to class. Let's meet directly at the clubroom.}
Yui: {Yuu-kun, are you okay? It felt like you were a big shot getting bullied…}
Yukino: {Specifically, that's accurate, Yuigahama-san. But more precisely, like a sewer rat being hunted by everyone.}
Yuu: {Great, I've decided to tweak the plan. Yukinoshita will start each challenge. If she loses, I'll step in. Let's see who laughs last.}
Yukino: "…"
"Tenkuji-kun, your childishness matches your skill level… I must admit, that's truly regrettable."
The Service Club door opened, and Yukino shot him that cold remark.
Yuu looked up from his phone, giving her a lazy glance.
"Yukinoshita, if you admire me, just say it. I don't mind having a fan like you."
Crossing her arms, Yukino looked down on him. "I mind. Talented but immoral people aren't within my scope of admiration."
As if recalling something amusing, Yuu couldn't help but laugh.
He suddenly asked, "Hey, how was my performance?"
"…"
Realizing his intent, the black-haired girl firmly shut her mouth.
But she didn't back down, her mocking gaze scanning his slender, elegant porcelain-like figure from top to bottom, her smile feigning innocence.
"Well? Madam President, who hates lying. I've worked hard for the club until now. Give me an honest evaluation from your heart."
"…"
Her white teeth bit her cherry lips, her small fists clenched at her sides, her tense skin as if suppressing anger, her eyes glaring sharply at him.
But after a brief silence, Yukino spoke honestly:
"…Objectively, it was beautiful to hear."
Psychologically, saying that meant bowing her head and admitting defeat.
Like a defeated female knight, Yukino's head dipped slightly, her body trembling faintly, the roots of her ears, visible through her black hair, flushed red with embarrassment.
"How humiliating…"
"What's humiliating? It's just your pride being too high, unable to face reality."
Yuu waved casually, ignoring Yukino's inexplicable silence, turning to Yuigahama, who was used to sitting in her spot, waiting for their bickering to end.
"How's the situation in the auditorium? Don't tell me people are actually shouting to take me down?"
"At first, yeah…" As if recalling something, Yuigahama looked at him oddly, her hand unconsciously touching her small ear.
"But after your last line, those voices died down, and the energy wasn't as strong… It seems a lot of people are genuinely looking forward to your challenges."
Yuu blinked. "Really? Are students' brains broken these days?"
"What! It's clearly you who—"
Before Yuigahama could finish, the classroom door, closed by Yukino earlier, suddenly burst open with a bang.
"Great job, my student! Those words on stage really fired me up!"
"Sensei, how many times have I told you to knock first…"
Under Yukino's displeased glare, Hiratsuka strode in, laughing heartily with one hand on her hip.
"Don't sweat the small stuff! Honestly, past club festivals were so monotonous, I was almost bored to death. Thank goodness you stirred things up this year, making it way more exciting! Nice, nice~"
Yukino: "The source of the chaos is clearly you, Sensei…"
Yuigahama: "I feel like I didn't do anything…"
Yuu: "Who said to leave it all to you? And you still dare call me your student…"
Hiratsuka waved her large hand, as if reciting a famous quote, then shouted boldly:
"I'm your teacher, that's all you need to know!"
"…Ugh, fine."
The three Service Club members were too tired to comment, sitting in their usual seats, sighing in unison.
Hiratsuka, as always, didn't care—habits are that powerful.
Facing their resigned looks, she grabbed a metal chair from the wall, sitting casually in front of the podium.
Her long legs, clad in black dress pants, crossed, her wide-toed leather shoes swinging.
"Next up is the challenge event, right? Don't panic, I'm here to cheer you on before the battle—"
Whether as payback for interrupting Yuigahama earlier, Hiratsuka was cut off mid-sentence by a voice from outside.
"Haha, so you're here~"
Accompanied by cheerful laughter, a young woman who looked like a college student—mature and beautiful—poked her head through the door, waving her small hand with a smile.
"Yahallo, how's everyone doing~"
With an undeniable presence, she stepped into the Service Club room, naturally becoming the center of attention.
"You two over there, nice to meet you—I'm Yukinoshita Haruno, Yukinon's older sister~"
"Gosh, introducing myself in front of my little sister and Shizu-chan feels a bit embarrassing."
Despite her words, Haruno showed no trace of embarrassment.
She gracefully brushed the hair by her ear, standing tall in front of the long table.
Her gaze shifted from Yukino to Yuigahama, then slowly to Yuu, who had looked back down at his phone.
The young woman narrowed her eyes, her smile seeming brighter—or perhaps more meaningful.
"Though it's a bit sudden, I look forward to working with you, Service Club kids~"