Gift Wrap part 1

"What club?"

Maybe it was the typical light novel atmosphere that distracted me from what Tachibana had said.

"The Paper Club."

No, she really said that.

"Wait, paper is something already... useless."

"Well, Tachibana, I'll leave it to you."

That's what I heard before Professor Hideoyama left the room. Damn broccoli, what did you get me into this time?

"So you're the new member, huh? Koji."

Now that I think about it, I didn't really notice who the other girl in the classroom was, I was distracted by my interaction with Tachibana. But if it's Aimi Sato, from my class.

"Sato, could you not use my first name so casually, it's kind of embarrassing."

"Hmmm, you always act the same, Koji."

"I really don't understand where you get your confidence when I've only seen you a couple of times in my life."

I glanced at Tachibana and could tell she was surprised by my interaction with Sato.

"I see you two already know each other."

I wanted to respond, but Sato stole my words.

"Koji and I have a bit of history together."

"We don't know each other at all, we just go to the same class."

"Koji should punch you for daring to say things like that."

We stared at each other intensely, ready to start a round with no time limit, but we heard Tachibana laugh and I was captivated by that image, Sato looked truly captivated by it.

"It seems this club will become more fun now that there's one more member with us, Aimi."

Aimi went from that intense aura to being calm and somewhat embarrassed.

"You-you're right, Ryuko."

But the doubt was still swirling in my head.

"Tachibana, excuse me, but... what is the Paper Club?"

The atmosphere in the room became serious again, Tachibana sat on the edge of the desk as the evening moon collided with her long pink hair, shining so elegantly while the gentle wind caressed it.

"What we do is..."

Suddenly, the classroom door opened and a girl entered.

"Hello, good afternoon, is this the Paper Club? I was told you can help me. So please, I have a request for you."

Now I was just confused, I looked at Sato and her expression turned serious and she turned to look at Tachibana, I did the same. But Tachibana had a dazzling smile full of excitement.

"Take a seat and tell us about your request. The Paper Club will gladly attend to you."

It's clear that this isn't the first time she's said that phrase and it's not something bad or like how you're used to being greeted in stores. You feel a real intention behind those words.

"In fact, our new member would love to personally take your request."

It feels like a whole professional service of whatever this Paper Club is, wait, I'm the new member...

"EEEEEEH?!"