Arthur looked around and saw a girl with glasses deeply focused on a poetry book. When she lifted her head, she noticed Arthur staring at her. She only gave him a slight nod. Arthur wanted to ask her name, but Takashi looked at him and said:
"Let me introduce you to the members of the Literature Club."
1. Takashi Sato
Club President.
17 years old, serious, with round glasses.
Loves classic Japanese literature (Akutagawa, Dazai).
Kind, but has a responsible and protective air.
2. Haruki Yamamoto
Vice President.
16 years old, cheerful, a joker.
Prefers to write modern stories, closer to daily life and youth.
He keeps the atmosphere light.
3. Mika Fujimoto
Club Secretary.
16 years old, serious and studious.
Enjoys poetry (haiku and tanka).
She organizes meetings and keeps all members' writings.
4. Kenji Morita
Active member.
15 years old, shy, always drawing instead of writing.
More interested in manga than classical literature, but adds creative ideas.
5. Aiko Nishimura
New member, just like Arthur.
15 years old, curious, fond of foreign movies and writing film reviews.
Brings a modern touch to the club, talking about pop culture as well as literature.
Arthur looked at Takashi in surprise.
"I think you were too specific with everything."
"It's better this way, Arthur," Takashi replied, "now you'll know what to talk about with each member."
Arthur realized the girl he had seen earlier was Aiko Nishimura. Since nobody seemed to be paying her attention, he approached.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Arthur Tanaka."
Aiko, startled by his voice, looked at him angrily.
"Why are you shouting?"
"Well, I thought you wouldn't hear me, so I just spoke like I usually do."
Aiko rolled her eyes.
"Go read something, I'm busy with this poetry book."
Arthur noticed it was in English.
"You like English poetry?"
Aiko only nodded.
"It's good to know other cultures and see how they court each other."
Arthur looked puzzled at her words.
"Well, I'll let you keep reading." He stepped away, while Aiko glanced at him from the corner of her eye before returning to her book.
Arthur browsed the shelves of the club. Most books were in Japanese, but he also found some in English. Takashi came closer and noticed the one Arthur picked up.
"Shakespeare's Hamlet. I see you like tragic readings."
Arthur nodded.
"Like in life—I think tragedy brings us closer to truth, since not everything can be happiness. What's a life without tragedy? At least that's what I believe."
Takashi agreed.
"That's true, Arthur. Shakespeare always wanted to make us realize what matters most. Tragedy lies in losing what you worked so hard to gain. As they say in Romeo and Juliet, not every story has a happy ending."
Arthur shook his head.
"I believe Romeo and Juliet did have a happy ending. What they wanted most was to be together, and in the end, they achieved that—just in a different way."
Takashi looked at him with suspicion.
"I suppose, Arthur, that you're looking for a love like Romeo and Juliet?"
Arthur shook his head again.
"I long for love, but not one as tragic as theirs."
Takashi laughed.
"You're right, Arthur. Nobody wants to end up like Romeo for his Juliet."
"Anyway, I'll leave you with your book," Takashi said, taking a small one and sitting in a corner. The place was spacious and quiet, so Arthur took the chance to read Shakespeare. After finishing Hamlet, he reflected for a while, stunned, until Takashi spoke again.
"Want to walk together, Arthur?"
"Yes," Arthur replied, "but first let's get my friend Emiko. She's at the kendo club."
Takashi agreed, said goodbye to the Literature Club members, and left with Arthur. When they arrived at the kendo club, they saw a practice underway. Arthur noticed his friend training with another girl. Even through the helmet with a metal grill, he could tell it was Emiko.
In the heat of practice, Emiko noticed Arthur and tried to stop, but the other girl struck her hard with the bamboo sword split into four slats—or so Arthur saw. Emiko, stung by the blow, removed her helmet and shouted at the girl. The other also removed hers and gave a mocking smile.
"You think I'll stop just because you tell me to? Without discipline, you're no good at kendo."
Emiko glared.
"I told you to stop!"
"I never heard your voice, Emiko," the girl replied calmly.
"That's enough, Mika, this practice is over."
Emiko went to change, while Mika watched her leave, then noticed the blond man walking calmly. She approached Arthur.
"You must be the foreigner."
Arthur only nodded.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Arthur Tanaka Ford."
"Pleasure, Arthur. I'm Mika Fujimoto."
Before they could continue talking, Emiko came out of the changing room, furious.
"Let's go, Arthur!" She pulled him away. He quickly waved goodbye to Mika and followed Emiko. Takashi watched everything with a smile.
Mika turned to him.
"So, he's a new member of your club?"
Takashi nodded.
"I always thought you'd be fit for kendo, Takashi. Why didn't you ever try?"
"Honestly, Mika," Takashi replied, "I never liked fighting. In kendo you have to prove you're better than your opponent, and that's something I dislike. Why not prove instead that we're both good at different things? At least we'd still be good at something."
Mika scoffed.
"Oh, dear Takashi. When you start working, you'll see how cruel your coworkers can be."
Takashi shook his head.
"Goodbye, Mika."
She only watched as Takashi walked closer to Arthur and Emiko.
"Too soft," she muttered.
Arthur introduced Takashi to Emiko.
"The Literature Club, Arthur? Are you sure? There are better clubs—no offense, Takashi."
Takashi just smiled.
"Come on, Emiko, you can't say that in front of the club president."
Emiko laughed.
"Okay, I apologize."
"I don't think you mean it, Emiko," Arthur teased.
"Well then, sorry for the insult, Takashi."
He watched the two banter as the three of them walked to their respective homes.