[Saki puts her hand on her chin, lost in thought.]
Should I join a club…?
If I don't… I can't even tell Yusuke, "I didn't choose"…
Hmmm…
Just then, Saki noticed Hiroki slowly walking toward her.
Her chest fluttered uncontrollably.
She wanted to ask about the special song—but the timing didn't feel right.
Hiroki stopped right beside her.
Saki stood quickly, clasped her hands together, and said, her voice tinged with excitement:
"Congratulations, Hiroki! You really shone on stage!"
Hiroki's gaze was heavy, carrying an invisible weight.
His voice was softer, almost fragile.
"Thank you," he said quietly, eyes flicking down for a brief moment.
[Something's bothering him…] Saki thought, sensing the hidden sadness.
He took a slow, steady breath.
Then, with serious eyes, he asked:
"Can I ask you something?"
Saki blinked, surprised, stepping back slightly.
"Of course… is something wrong? You look troubled," she asked gently.
Hiroki continued, voice low but earnest:
"I'm fine… but you know, this year the Music Club's performance venue will be chosen by the Travel Club.
Would you… join the Travel Club… for me?"
Saki's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening.
For him…?
"B-but… why?" she stammered.
"Would you do this… for me?" he asked again, his tone almost pleading.
Seeing Hiroki's fragile expression, Saki felt her emotions swell.
I can't say no… not when he looks like this.
"Okay… I'll do it. For you," she whispered, finally giving in.
Hiroki's lips curved into a faint, gentle smile—but the sadness in his eyes lingered.
Saki's chest warmed; she returned a soft smile.
Just as she was about to ask why, Hiroki spoke again:
"I need to pack my things. Take the form and fill it out.
I'll be waiting for you in the classroom."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, his figure slowly fading from view.
[Saki watches him leave, heart still racing…]
Why does he look so sad?
I have to do this… for him.
Saki stood frozen for a moment, lost in thought.
Alright… I've decided. I'll join the Travel Club.
As she walked toward the booth, she noticed Yusuke holding his form, already filled out.
He was walking toward her.
Could it be… Yusuke chose the Travel Club too?
The thought of feeling a little jealous of him made her heart flutter secretly.
"Have you decided which club to join?" Yusuke asked.
"I think I'll go with the Travel Club," Saki said, closing her eyes, putting her hands in her pockets, and smiling faintly.
Yusuke smirked teasingly.
"So… you thought it wouldn't be fun without Yusuke, huh, Saki?"
Saki pouted sweetly.
"I just thought it would be nice if I knew someone in the club."
Yusuke laughed softly.
"Or maybe you just chose the easiest club so you wouldn't embarrass yourself."
Saki responded with a small smile, almost playful:
"You can think what you like, but… the Travel Club caught my attention more."
"Alright then, as you say," Yusuke said.
They walked toward the booth together and picked up a form.
"Yes, milady, you may place it on the table and fill it out," Yusuke said, bowing lightly.
Saki replied sweetly, "Very well, sir," and placed the form on the table.
"How am I supposed to fill this out?" she asked.
Yusuke tilted his head with a teasing smile:
"Did I hear a lady's request for help? What do you need, milady?"
Saki giggled:
"I just need a pen to fill out the form."
Yusuke handed her a pen with a playful bow:
"Here you go—a pen worthy of you.
If you like, I can fill it out for you too."
Saki laughed softly, placing her hand gently on her lips:
"And why such courtesy, sir?"
Yusuke winked:
"Because a lady like you joining our club calls for fireworks!"
Saki smiled warmly, her tone gentle:
"Don't worry. I'll come to the club."
Saki began filling out the form.
It asked questions like, "Why do you want to join this club?" and "What will you contribute to the club?"
Yusuke picked up the form and asked:
"So… what will you write for the other two clubs?"
Saki shrugged, thinking for a moment:
"I don't know… what do you think?"
"Art and Dance, maybe?" Yusuke suggested.
"I'm not interested in those… what else could it be?" Saki replied.
"Maybe Theater or Basketball," Yusuke added.
Saki pursed her lips:
"Hmmm… those won't work either," she said.
"Then fill out Football too. But I'm sure you'll get into Travel," Yusuke said with a small laugh.
Saki smiled softly:
"So… I should just pick anything except Music, right?"
Seeing that Saki had understood his point, Yusuke couldn't help but smile.
"Alright… I won't write Music, but if you write Dance, that works," Saki said.
"Don't worry, just pick two clubs randomly—except Music, you'll definitely get into Travel," Yusuke added.
Saki asked curiously:
"How do you know that?"
"Don't worry… just make Travel your first choice," Yusuke replied casually.
Saki nodded lightly:
"Okay…"
"Since I'll get in anyway, I'll make 2nd Music and 3rd Art," she decided.
Yusuke raised his eyebrows:
"No Music? Are you sure?"
"No, like I said, I want to join a club where I know someone," Saki replied.
Yusuke's mood dropped slightly:
"Alright then…"
"I'm going to go fill out the other forms," Yusuke said.
Saki giggled softly:
"You were being so polite earlier… what happened?"
"You picked Travel as your first choice, my work here is done," Yusuke said with a laugh.
Saki laughed too, and they said their goodbyes.
Saki took the Music and Art forms but, since she didn't have a pen, she decided to fill them out in the classroom.
After all, Hiroki was already waiting for her there.
Saki walked toward the classroom with quick, excited steps.
As she neared the door, the sound of a guitar grew clearer.
Could this be a part of Hiroki's special song?