Veni, vidi, vici

“I did? How?” Tanaka asks.

“You just said it right now. I bet this is how the love interest felt when things didn’t go their way.”

“I still don’t follow.”

“Remember what that club leader said earlier. About how the club rejected hundreds of potential applicants. Why do you think that is?”

“I guess their presentation was done poorly.”

“But, why? It doesn’t make sense that everyone's presentation has gone that poorly, there has to be more.”

“Do you think maybe their presentations were too shallow then?”

“That’s what I think. Remember that the club leader is interested in an in-depth analysis. I don’t think an objective review, or even trying to analyze the author’s intention, is what she’s looking for. Tell me Tanaka, how did you feel about today?”

“Like I was one of the main characters. Wait a minute.”

“Bingo. So did I. During this whole time I was feeling excited, and nervous. I hate to admit it, but it really felt like I was a part of the manga. Creating characters that feel realistic, it’s no wonder why this manga shines.”

“I see! Let’s prepare our presentation at lunchtime tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

The next day we spent all of lunch preparing for the presentation. Then once the final bell rang we headed straight towards the club room. There, we presented our review of the manga, emphasizing how real the characters feel. After about ten minutes, the club leader's phone went off.

“Time,” she said.

That was quick.

"Hmmm, interesting. You know, it feels like you two got a deeper understanding of these characters. It's almost as if you actually put yourselves into their shoes. I’m impressed."

“So does that mean?” Tanaka asks.

“Veni, vidi, vici,” the club leader responds.

"Huh?" We both said.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” Dachi and Saori shout.

“To celebrate this occasion, I prepared some tea and cake,” Saori said.

“Not so fast,” the club leader raised her hand. “First introductions are in order.”

“Sure I’ll begin. Hello, my name is Saori Hashimoto, a second-year and vice president. Even though I’m your senior you are free to just call me Saori.”

“Well, I’ll go next then. I’m Dachi Yamazaki, a first year in class 1-A. I’m cool with you guys calling me Dachi. Usually, I’m forced to take whatever club role those two don’t want to do.”

“And finally, the best for last. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m the supreme leader of this humble club. Feel free to refer to me as your President or Prez, nothing else.”

Saori begins to nudge Prez’s arm. “Midori, don’t be rude.”

She sighs, “Fine, I'm going to only say this once, so listen up. My government name is Midori Ichinose. I too, am a second year in Saori's class. Like before, I prefer to only be referred to as President or Prez, so commit it to memory. You two introduce yourselves as well.”

“Oh, then I’m Rika Tanaka. A first year in class 1E. I’m so excited to be here!”

“I guess I’m next. My name is Kazuma Ito, a first year in class 1-A. Hi.”

"Well now that we’re all properly acquainted with, let there be cake,” Prez said.

The cake was pretty good. I still can’t believe it’s homemade. Saori-senpai has some serious talents. I wish I could learn from her one day. Looking over at Tanaka, I can see her laughing and giggling with the others. I'm glad she’s enjoying herself.

Prez begins to clear her throat. “Ahem. Now that everyone has had their fill of delicious nourishment, feel free to spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. That would be all.”

“Hmm, I’m surprised there are no icebreakers,” I said under my breath.

“Ito,” said Prez. “I don’t know if you recognize it but this is an anime and manga appreciation club. By just joining this club, I can figure out your interest. Besides, icebreakers are pointless anyways. How many interesting facts about your classmates do you remember?”

“Uh, none.”

“Exactly. So no need for your sarcastic comments. You’re in a club that has unlimited access to all the light novels, mangas, and anime you need. Enjoy it.”

With that, we all left to do different things. Tanaka and Sayori-senpai seem to be reading some shounen manga from the new HOP magazine. While Prez looks like she’s reading some light novel. As for me, I've been catching up on the mangas Tanaka shared earlier. Until I was approached by Dachi.

“Hey Kazu, do you want to watch this new isekai that came out?”

“No.”

“It’s called, The Time I Should Have Been Isekai Into a Magical World, but Instead I Have Become Truck-kun, Who Wants Revenge. It’s adapted from a popular light novel.”

“I can see that by the title alone. Still, I’m not interested. Anime is pretty childish. I'd rather just watch something live-action instead.”

“Oh really,” Dachi smiles. “Hey, Prez!” He shouts. "Kazu just said anime is childish, and he prefers live-action.”

“He said what?” She walks towards me, “Childish huh,” she said softly. “Listen, Ito, I am going to give you a pass. After all, I understand your family doesn’t produce animated movies. I strongly believe ignorance is something that can be overcome, with a bit of education. But don’t you ever disrespect animation again. The people in animation put their hearts and soul into their projects. Childish or not there’s no need to be dismissive of the medium. In this club we appreciate all Japanese creative mediums, animation included. Therefore, listen up everyone, for the rest of the afternoon, we will all be watching the isekai anime that Ito insulted.”

“Oooh, anime screening! I’ll grab some popcorn. Rika do you mind grabbing the beanbag chairs over there.” Saori says.

“Sure,” said Tanaka.

“Thanks, Kazu,” said Dachi.

I sighed, “You did this on purpose, didn’t you.”

“Not exactly, but I really wanted to watch this anime with someone, and well Senpai and Prez weren’t interested in it. I’m glad you still act like you're too cool for anime. It’s nice to see how some things haven’t changed.”

“Whatever.”

“I got the beanbag chairs! Tanaka shouts. “But it doesn’t look like there’s enough for everyone.”

“Then I call sharing with Saori,” said Prez.

Since there are only three beanbags, I bet Tanaka and I will end up sharing one. Watching a movie together, huh? Well if we sit far enough I guess it couldn't hurt to try some romantic moves like stretching my arm around her shoulder, holding her hand during a scary scene, sharing a popcorn bucket, or cutting a hole in the popcorn bucket bottom so when she reaches down-- Wait, wait, wait! What am I thinking? I'm definitely not doing that or any of those moves. At most, I should just ask if she wants to sit next to me, and that's it.

But before I could ask her, Dachi tapped me on the shoulder.

“So Kazu, want to sit together?”

“No.”

“Fine, I'll go ask Rika-tan then.”

What?

“Hey Rika-tan, want to sit together?” He asks.

“Um, well,” she turned towards me, but I just waved my hands. “Oh, okay,” she says.

After we all sat down, the anime started to play. But, it was kind of difficult to focus. Dachi wouldn’t try anything funny, would he? What if he tries that “popcorn” trick? I shook my head. No, there’s no way he would try something like that. I remember him not being that kind of guy. But, then again, people can change. It has been years since I last saw him. What if he's a creep now? Huh, did they just whisper in each other's ears? What could they be saying? If only I was a little bit closer. Eh, why am I getting all flustered anyway? I mean the whole point of this arrangement was to help us become better partners. If she falls for him, then that’s a good thing, right?

“Kazuma-kun!” It’s Tanaka. “Do you want to join us? You look a bit lonely.”

“Um, no I’m…”

“Dude, just bring your beanbag down here. There’s enough room for three,” Dachi said.

“Alright.”

With the two of our beanbags connected, the three of us were able to watch the anime. In the end, I never did any of those moves. Surprisingly, the anime itself wasn’t that bad. It also looks like Tanaka really enjoyed it as well.

Once the club finished, Tanaka and I waited for our drivers by the school gate.

“So what do you think of the club,” I asked.

Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “I love it! Thanks for joining this club with me.”

“Well, if it wasn’t for your suggestion, about the carnival date, we wouldn’t have got in. Nice one!”

“Really? I’m glad. Tee-hee.”

Sigh, looks like we’re going to be stuck with the Jp_lit ☆ A club for a little while. Well, at least it was kind of fun.