The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Sakura High, filling the classroom with a warm glow. Students chatted lazily, their voices echoing in the usual morning buzz, until the sliding door opened with a sharp thunk. Their homeroom teacher stepped in briskly, holding the attendance sheet.
"All right, everyone, settle down," she said, her voice calm but firm. The chatter immediately died down. She quickly went through the roll call, her pen tapping lightly against the register as she marked each present student.
Once finished, she looked up with a faint smile. "It's already been three months since the school year began. That means it's time for all of you to make a decision—each student must join a club. Participation in club activities is a part of your growth here at Sakura High."
Whispers filled the classroom instantly. Some students looked excited, others groaned.
At her desk, Beru Denzaki sat with her hands folded, listening intently. Right beside her, Luna Ayame leaned in with curiosity. "Beru, do you already know which club you're going to join?" she asked in a hushed tone.
Beru shook her head, her eyes flickering for a moment toward Haruto Azechi, who was casually twirling his pen and not paying much attention. Her heart gave its usual little squeeze—the same flutter it always did when she looked at him. If only he noticed me more… she thought wistfully.
During the break, their group gathered near the corridor windows. Souta Takanashi, Haruto's easygoing friend, was the first to bring it up. "So, what clubs are you guys thinking of joining?"
"I was considering the basketball club," Haruto said casually, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
Tadao Sakurada, quieter than the rest, adjusted his glasses and added, "I might join something less noisy… maybe the literature club."
Luna frowned. "But then we'd all be separated."
Beru perked up at that. "Then let's discuss it properly at lunch, on the rooftop."
And so, when lunchtime came, the group carried their bentos to the sunlit rooftop. The warm breeze tousled their hair as they sat in a circle.
"Okay," Souta began, "let's decide. What if we make our own club instead of joining existing ones?"
"That could work," Luna agreed, a spark of excitement in her eyes.
Haruto shrugged. "But what kind of club?"
Ideas started flying.
"Sports!" Souta said immediately.
"Cooking!" Luna countered.
"Reading circle," Tadao suggested quietly.
Each was met with some disagreement. Finally, Beru, who had been listening thoughtfully, lifted her head with determination.
"What about… an Astronomy Club?"
The others blinked.
Beru's cheeks colored faintly, but she continued. "We could observe stars from the rooftop, learn about constellations, and maybe even set up telescopes to look at the moon. It would be peaceful, but also exciting… and we'd get to spend time together under the same sky."
A hush followed her words, and slowly, smiles began to form.
"That… actually sounds nice," Luna admitted.
"Yeah, that could be fun," Souta nodded.
"Better than sitting in a library all day," Haruto said with a small grin, though he seemed secretly impressed by the thought.
With a rare smile, even Tadao agreed. "Astronomy sounds… beautiful."
The decision was made. That afternoon, the five of them handed in their application to their teacher. She raised her brows slightly.
"The first Astronomy Club, huh? That's quite unique," she said, handing them the approval slip. "But since it's new, you'll have to prepare everything yourselves. Equipment, materials, even how you'll run it—all of it. You'll receive club funds, but you'll need to manage carefully."
Excitement buzzed in their hearts as they left the office.
"Then let's go shopping for equipment this weekend," Luna suggested brightly.
"Deal," Souta said, punching the air.
Beru smiled to herself as she trailed beside Haruto. An Astronomy Club… maybe this is my chance to stay closer to him.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and with it, the start of something new. Their journey beneath the stars had just begun.
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To be continued...