Club Hunting

"So?" Sakuno asked.

"So what?" I asked back.

"What do you think?"

"Uninterested."

He let out a sigh. "Bro... We're never gonna find a suitable club at this rate."

"Is it supposed to be my fault that none of them are suitable?"

"I'm gonna murder you."

"You're welcome to try."

Sakuno and I wandered around the courtyard for the past hour, checking out all the different stalls. From what I could tell, nothing had changed since my last visit. My mindset remains the same—unimpressed and indifferent.

"Hey, how about this one?" Sakuno asked.

I peered over to see a stall decorated with lanterns and origami. I remember seeing this one and brushing it aside. 

"Culture club, huh...?" I mumbled.

"If you think about it, this might be just what we need."

"What do you mean?"

"What do we know about the normal world? Literally nothing, right? This club might help us understand the culture around here. Y'know. The norms and standards, how to fit in, and things that are considered average by everyday people."

"Huh, Sakuno speaking facts? Never thought I'd see the day."

"Screw. You."

"Hi! Are you two interested... in..."

We both glanced sideways and spotted a girl with striking blue eyes fixed on us, her gaze intense and unblinking. Her black hair was neatly pulled into a ponytail, but her bangs and wavy strands framed her face with a casual elegance.

Her astounded exterior caused an unsettling shiver to crawl up my spine. Why is she looking at us like that?

"This... has been happening quite a bit today," Sakuno chuckled. "Hello there. Is something the matter?"

"A-ah! Excuse me!" she bowed her head and exclaimed. "I'm sorry for staring like that! I just... have never seen you two before."

"That's okay," I said. "We're pretty new to the area, so it's likely that this is our first encounter. Anyway, how can we help you?"

The girl took a deep breath before she began speaking in a soft and well-mannered tone.

"Let me formally introduce myself," she smiled. "I'm Shiro Saki, a representative of the culture club. If you want to learn more about the culture of ways of Japan, then this is the club for you!"

"Hm... I guess it's an option," I said.

"If you don't mind my asking, could I have your names?"

"Tsuki."

"Tsuki. What a beautiful name. And yours?"

"Saku," he grinned. "But I go by Sakuno."

"Tsuki and Sakuno... Those are such nice names. Are you two perhaps related?"

"Nah, but we come from the same place and have known each other for a very long time. You could call us brothers!"

"No, you absolutely can not," I muttered.

"Eh?! Why not?!"

"Pft... Hehe," Shiro giggled. "I can tell you two are very close to each other."

I’ve been at this school for a decent stretch now—seven months to be exact. In that time, a few people have tried to strike up conversations or introduce themselves, but true to my nature, I shut them down.

My assassin’s instincts often dictate my decisions, and forging friendships or relationships has always seemed like a liability. But now, with Sakuno around, things feel a little different. This girl is the first person I’ve actually made an effort to introduce myself to. Well, aside from Taiyori, though I wouldn’t quite call our clash a proper introduction.

"Well, if you guys are okay with it, I can show you around," Shiro offered.

"Oho! Now that sounds enticing," Sakuno grinned. "What do you think, Tsuki?"

"It's okay," I said. "You don't need to do that. We're just gonna take a look around and see what interests us. Although... I've already done that, and nothing interests me."

"That's okay!" Shiro smiled. "There are a lot of clubs in this school. If we walk around long enough, we'll most definitely find something that you'll like. And who knows? Maybe if all of them fail to impress you, then you could come with me to the culture club!"

"That won't happen, so don't bother yourself."

Just like that, Shiro's newfound confidence immediately shattered. "Ah... I see. M-maybe I was being too... presumptuous. Sorry..."

"...Look what you did..." Sakuno muttered.

Why does everything I do or say seem to invite a negative response? It’s as if I can’t catch a break. After a few moments, guilt began to settle in. I was right—no matter how hard I try, I don’t think I’ll ever truly fit into this so-called normal world.

"Perhaps I misworded that," I sighed, catching her attention. "All I meant was that I figured you wouldn't want to trouble yourself with a pair of strangers. If you don't mind, we'd love to have you with us."

Her eyes lit up just as quickly as when they fell. "R-really?"

"I don't see why not. Besides, Sakuno just transferred here today. It'd be nice for someone more familiar with the school to show us around."

"Oh! Great! Ah... Um... Then let's start over there, then we'll make our way around the courtyard!"

She dashed ahead, seemingly excited about the mere opportunity to show us around. She then turned around and waved at us to follow her with a smile.

"Bro, I think she likes you," Sakuno smirked jokingly.

"Shut up," I sighed as I walked ahead.

For the next half-hour, Shiro walked us through the courtyard one last time, going into depth about what each club represents and what they do. Honestly, it does make some of them slightly more interesting, but nonetheless, I remain unconvinced.

"And this is the swimming club," Shiro said as we stopped in front of the stall. "Although it might not look like they do much, they actually go to national competitions and stuff like that."

"Oho! Very interesting," Sakuno nodded his head. "What do you think, Tsuki?"

"Uninterested," I said.

"Tch, that's what you said about the past couple of clubs that Miss Shiro so graciously took the time to show us."

"It's okay!" Shiro reassured me. "We still have a bit left. Maybe we'll find something soon."

"I highly doubt it," I sighed. "Trust me. My list of interests is extremely thin."

"Um... How about the student council? Apart from being in the culture club, I'm also on the board of the student council. If you run and win, then we could be in the club together."

Just the thought of being in a position of leadership was sickening on its own. I can't see myself standing in front of a large group and publicly speaking. On the other hand, Shiro seems like a confident girl. I'd imagine she would fit in right at home. Me, though...

"I don't think Tsuki here would survive being in student council," Sakuno chuckled. "He keeps to himself like no other. I think he might be the quietest guy in the world."

"No disagreements there," I said.

"Hm... This is kind of difficult," Shiro mumbled.

"I told you."

"But I'm sure we'll find something soon enough if we keep at it. Let's give it a little bit more time. Who knows? Maybe you'll get some inspiration from something random."

"Hah, I doubt that as well. What about you, Shiro? What made you want to join the student council?"

"Oh. I don't know. I guess it's because my friends and I were running for positions, but only I made it. I was going to leave, but they wanted me to stay, and that's where I'm at now."

"Do you like it?"

"Um... It's alright. It's fun to plan activities and projects, especially with other people. It's just that... I'm not yet used to all the attention. It's a bit overwhelming."

"Is that so...? I suppose we're left with only one option. Sakuno, what do you think about joining the culture club?"

"I'm game for whatever you choose," he chuckled.

"Then, we've completed the mission."

"Great!" Shiro cheered. "Let's go back to the culture club stall, and I'll give you guys the application form."

I tilted my head up and let out a weary sigh. I’m in school now. I need to keep reminding myself of that until it’s drilled into my head. Immediate threats don’t lurk here like they do in the underworld. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to let my guard down. Just a little.