Mission: Recruitment

It was club introduction day. Voices echoed through the hallways coming from every direction. The sun stood high in the sky, casting warm spring light through the windows. Takeshi stood in the first-floor hallway, confronted by a scene that felt weird to him. Small booths lined the walls, decked out with posters, photos, and colorful flyers. First-years were the main targets, though a few undecided second-years might be swayed too.

The school had everything from art clubs to martial arts. Some teachers stood beside them, playing along.

Clubs, huh? I never understood why anyone would join one...

With afternoon classes canceled, teachers were free to support their clubs or take care of other school-related tasks. Takeshi, however, leaned against a wall with his hands in his pockets, listening to the excited commotion. More like furniture than faculty. He closed his eyes to focus on the sounds.

"...Shogi Club! We train your mind and your brain! Stop by! Every new member gets free snacks!"

The shogi club had set up a board to teach newcomers the basics.

"...We're competing in the district league this year! Want to be part of a success story? Then come join the basketball club!" shouted a tall student in a jersey.

Voices filled the air. Students, and sometimes even teachers. The hallway felt more like a chaotic market than part of a school.

Sensory overload. How is anyone supposed to decide like this?

He opened his eyes and searched the crowd for someone he recognized. He spotted a few of his students already dressed in training gear, swarming the freshmen.

Feels like psychological warfare. Propaganda to sell your own agenda while only showing the good sides. Advertising is deception. Nothing more.

Flyers were handed out to anyone who passed. You could tell the students had put their hearts into it.

Ugh, now I remember why I never joined a club. They think it builds team spirit, but when things get tough, everyone just looks out for themselves. Real bonds are forged when your life depends on it. Your back on the wall, the comrades will stand up for you. Even risking their life.

Sports clubs always won popularity contests and crowds gathered around their booths, leaving others deserted. At the far end of the hall sat the literature club, mostly ignored. Unlike the other clubs, no one was trying to recruit new members. A single girl sat there, absorbed in a book. She looked like a third-year, with dark brown hair and a lilac headband.

Takeshi decided to walk over. He wasn’t quite sure why. Maybe pity. Maybe just old habits.

A heavy, dark cloth was draped over the tables. Stacked on top were books and a small handwritten sign with club information. The girl didn’t seem to notice him.

Dazai, Mishima, Enchi, Kafka, Camus... Yeah, not exactly popular picks.

“Good selection,” Takeshi said, casually picking up a book and turning it over.

“Huh?! I-I'm so sorry! I didn’t even notice you... Um, you're Katou-sensei, right?” she stammered, nearly dropping her book.

Should I have announced myself? Maybe next time I’ll bring trumpets.

“It’s fine. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Ah! No! You didn’t… I wasn’t paying attention, so it’s my fault. Uh, do you... know these books?”

“Of course. That’s why I said it was a good selection.”

“I think so too, but… unfortunately... not everyone agrees.”

She slumped a little in her chair, her expression turning downcast.

Why the sad face? Lack of recognition? Unnecessary.

“Not everyone can handle heavy literature. Especially if you start with the densest stuff. It’s like running a marathon without training.”

“Hm... maybe you’re right.”

“Are you the only member?” he asked, returning the book with care.

“For now, yes. The others graduated, so I need to recruit new members or the club will be disbanded...”

She loved the club and books even more, but clearly struggled with people.

Takeshi sighed, as if forcing himself.

“Okay, listen.”

“Eh?! W-What is it?”

““These books need to go. They’re great, but right now, they repel people more effectively than scarecrows. You won’t get anyone like this. Bring something lighter. Light novels, fun and easy to read. Save these for later,” he said in a firm, commanding tone, almost like an order.

“Uh... O-Okay. If you say so...”

Why so intimidated? Did I say something wrong?

“Good. Go now.”

“Y-Yes, sir!” she stammered, clutching the books and hurrying off.

It took maybe five minutes or so before she returned with a new stack.

“Katou-sensei... I-Is this better?” she asked, out of breath.

“Mhm. This will make recruiting easier. Lay them out. And no more reading until you're done. No one will approach you unless they have your full attention.”

“Got it! I will!”

Takeshi’s stance relaxed slightly. At least now, she had a chance.

“Oh, and one more thing... As long as it’s important to you.

Stick with it. There’s nothing wrong with loving something. Even if most people don’t get it.”

She looked at him with wide eyes, like he’d said something completely unexpected. And then, a smile spread across her face, not fake or forced, but genuine. Maybe Takeshi hit a nerve or something. But she really looked grateful.

“Okay!” she bowed, sunlight glinting off her hair.

He turned to leave, but before he got far, he heard two boys behind him.

“Whoa! Check it out!”

“That’s the new volume of the light novel you wanted to read, right?”

“Yeah, man! They read that in the literature club? I thought it was all boring stuff. Um... do you have room for new members?”

Mission accomplished.

Hands in his pockets, Takeshi was heading for a drink when he heard footsteps. He immediately recognized the pattern.

Rhythm, pitch, vibration... There’s only one person who walks like that... Maki-sensei...

“Oh, Katou-sensei! Looking at clubs, too? I saw you at the literature booth. Interested after all?” Shizuka asked, half-hiding her mouth as she adjusted her jacket.

Is she spying on me? And she still doesn’t wear laces... maybe that’s for the best. No need to feed the clumsy-curse.

“No. Just offering some support.”

She watches me like she’s uncovered a secret. If only she knew how wrong she was.

“Really? I just talked to the cooking club. They’re unveiling a new curry recipe. You can try it in two hours. I’m excited!”

She’s like a kid waiting for her birthday.

“And earlier, I played a match with the Shogi club. Ah... I lost in just a few moves, even though I had a good feeling. In the end, I didn’t even know what was happening.”

“Shogi? I’d rather command people than pieces.”

“Uwah... That sounds... kind of creepy.”

“Either way. Not my thing.”

War is more complicated than a board and a few pieces. It doesn’t follow rules.

“I see... That’s a shame.”

She looks disappointed. Just because I don’t like Shogi? Strange person...

She didn’t stay down for long and her tone changed as she looked for a new topic.

“So, what were you doing at the literature club?”

Shizuka tapped a finger to her chin, thinking.

“Nothing special. Just gave a little advice.”

“Eeeh~? I’m surprised! I didn’t think you were the type for club stuff. So, you finally gave in, huh?”

A playful smirk danced on her lips.

“Like I said. Just a tip. That’s all,” he replied, brushing off her teasing remark.

“I am a teacher, not a babysitter,” Shizuka said, mimicking Takeshi’s voice.

He shot her an annoyed side glance, unsure what to say.

Shizuka fidgeted with her blazer, clearly searching for words. Minutes passed as they walked down the hallway.

“Um, Katou-sensei? W-What’s your favorite food?” she asked, nervously. She didn’t want to pry too much in his private life.

“Hm... I don’t care much about food. It’s just fuel for the body. That’s enough.”

“Wow... That’s impressively... clinical,” she said with a forced laugh.

“Curry’s my favorite! I love traditional home-cooked meals. They feel... grounded. And if the flavor’s just right, especially if the meat’s so tender it melts in your mouth...” Her eyes sparkled like the midday sun.

Now that’s passion for food.

“But I shouldn’t eat too much. Otherwise, I’ll be back on a diet.” She looked a bit down.

Takeshi glanced at her for a moment.

“Why? You don’t look like you need one.”

“E-Eh?! U-Um... T-That... That’s... I mean...”

She laughed awkwardly, unable to finish her sentence.

“Uhm… th-thank you? I guess… I mean… I don’t know...”

A soft blush colored her cheeks. She brought a hand to her mouth, her voice soft and unsteady. She turned halfway around as if trying to hide. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her blazer.

She must’ve misunderstood. It was just an objective observation. This reaction... doesn’t make sense.

“So... do you have any hobbies? Besides teaching, I mean.”

Shizuka laughed softly, but her eyes held genuine curiosity.

“Archery and photography.”

I have no clue about either, but I’ll improvise if I must...

Takeshi kept it short. The more you say, the easier it is to slip up.

“Huh, really? I wouldn’t have guessed... Do you enjoy it?”

“Oh yeah? Then what would you guess?” he asked, slightly provocative.

“U-Um, well... That’s kinda hard to say, hehe...” She smiled awkwardly.

“It’s fine. I know what you mean. To answer your question: Yes, I enjoy it.”

“I see... So, like, landscapes? Flowers? Stuff like that?”

“Sometimes.”

“Wow... Um, would it... be okay if I saw them? Sometime?”

Guess I’ll have to buy a camera first… What a pain.

Takeshi gave her a questioning look.

“O-Only if you don’t mind! I mean… I just really like flowers, so I thought…”

She avoided his eyes, shrinking into herself like she wanted to disappear. Takeshi considered it for a moment.

“Maybe someday.”

“Mhm! Then it’s settled.”

Shizuka smiled brightly. Pure, honest joy.

So, I agreed after all? I thought I kept it vague...

“You know, Katou-sensei… I really love flowers. That’s why I like taking pictures of them. They’re so calm… gentle, and yet they endure wind and rain.”

Maybe it really means something to her.

“Flowers wilt and die eventually.”

“Jeez! You’re such a downer sometimes!” Shizuka puffed out her cheeks and gave an exaggerated pout.

“That’s exactly why you capture them. In a photo. So their beauty won’t fade,” he said softly.

Her eyes widened. Then, finally whispered:

“That’s... a surprisingly beautiful thought.”

That got deep. Not what I was going for, but whatever.

In the entrance area, some students were getting ready to leave, others chatted in small groups, and a few stood by the door, fiddling with their phones. Outside, the blazing midday sun shone down, casting shadows of the sports club booths on the ground. It was just as lively as inside. The warm breeze slid through his fingers, carrying snippets of conversations and laughter from all around.

Inside, it had been basketball. Out here, it was soccer and track and field. This school really had a lot to offer...

“Oh, Katou-sensei… and Maki-sensei!”

A boy ran up from the side, calling out to them in a familiar voice. Akio Isobe, the model student from class 2-3.

“Are you checking out the clubs?” he asked kindly.

“Mhm, since we’re new, we wanted to get a good overview. Isn’t that right, Katou-sensei?” Shizuka looked at Takeshi with wide eyes.

“Honestly, I was just killing time,” he replied dryly. Shizuka looked slightly thrown off.

“At least pretend to be interested...” she whispered teasingly and nudged him with her elbow.

“Haha! You two seem to get along well,” Akio commented slyly. “Have you already decided which club you want to supervise?”

“Mmh! I’d love to supervise the cooking club!”

Her enthusiasm was impossible to miss. Her eyes were shining brighter than the midday sun. A stark contrast to Takeshi, arms crossed, indifferent as ever.

“Not interested.”

“That’s a real shame! We could use a substitute teacher for our judo club. You seem athletic, so I was hoping…”

Smooth delivery. Polished smile. The picture-perfect honor student. But everyone has a weak spot… even you.

“As I said, not interested.”

“Oh, come on, Katou-sensei, a young and ambitious student is asking for your help. How can you say no?”

Shizuka leaned forward to catch a glimpse of his face, a cheeky smile tugging at her lips as she held back a giggle.

Urgh… She’s exhausting…

“Believe me, Isobe-san, I’m not the kind of coach you’d want.”

“Ah… I see… I guess that can’t be helped.”

Again, with that perfect smile. It’s almost tiring...

“W-Wait! Isobe-san, you can’t give up so easily! Every teacher has to supervise a club!”

“Says who?” There was a sharpness in his tone, almost confrontational.

“W-Well… um… all the other teachers do it… so I thought… it must be required…”

“Just because everyone else does it, I’m supposed to as well? No thanks.” He shifted his gaze towards Akio. “Try running 10 kilometers with 20 kilos strapped to your back. Then the real training starts.”

“Isn’t that… a little over the top?” Shizuka frowned.

“Not in the slightest. If you train for combat, you must be able to overpower an opponent at any time. Even at midnight.”

“Oh man… you’re really weird, Katou-sensei…”

Shizuka pressed a hand to her forehead, clearly trying not to take him too seriously. Akio watched them, a puzzled smile on his face.

“It’s alright, Maki-sensei. Katou-sensei is welcome anytime if he changes his mind. I think I’d better head back to the others anyway. I’m sure they could use my help.”

“Ah! Of course, we didn’t mean to hold you up. Best of luck!”

Shizuka bowed slightly, and Akio promptly rejoined the others. He heard Shizuka sigh beside him.

“I really can’t figure you out…”

No need to sigh...

“You’re not the first.”

I ended up talking more than usual today. Feels... strange.