For the love of the game
Tracing Yumi Kajiki's passion for Mahjong
Chapter 3
The hustle and bustle that occurred on my first day of school had set the foundation of what my experience at Tsuruga Academy was like during the first month. Each day, I was met with questions regarding myself such as "What do you do in your free time?", and "What was it like to live in Tokyo?". I never voiced it out, but I found all this prodding to be somewhat bothersome and intrusive. Fortunately, my classmates have taken into heart Kanbara's suggestion and showed some restraint by only asking a few questions each day.
As much as I appreciated their consideration and efforts to be polite, I found it difficult to do so when I'm consistently grilled for answers every single day. I let out a small sigh, before I looked up from my desk and brought a small polite smile to my face, whilst attempting to answer their questions. In situations such as these, it's best to be polite and genial, that way the likelihood of a misunderstanding or a malicious rumour spreading would be unlikely.
After the first month of school, the novelty of having a transfer student in class has started to wane. I understood that this outcome was to be expected sooner or later, so I wasn't too surprised by it. In fact, I was more astonished by the revelation that the flighty girl Kanbara was nominated to become our class representative, and won. Being class representative meant that you are supposed to be a responsible role model for other students. It's true that Kanbara's social skills are commendable, but other than that, she doesn't have any other noteworthy traits that would make her an ideal candidate for class representative. Though I suppose being approachable to both students and teachers is a good start.
As the days went by, fewer and fewer students would come up to talk to me during lunch or after school. Walking down the hallway uninterrupted became easier. I was able to blend in with the crowd, my presence didn't cause a stir or draw attention in my class anymore.
I was pleased to have some semblance of peace and tranquility in my school, which helped me focus on my priorities: academics. This calm atmosphere remained for about a month, until one day it was broken by one message.
"Ah Kajiki-san, just the person I was looking for. Our homeroom teacher would like to see you after school today." Kanbara nonchalantly stated while I was halfway through opening the classroom door, more than ready to head straight home.
I didn't even need to turn around to know who said it, since that quiet but distinct "Wahaha" laugh came shortly afterward.
"What is it about?" I curtly asked. It didn't take long for the rest of my classmates to start whispering amongst each other. They're definitely asking if anyone knew anything that might have caused me to be sent to the faculty office.
With my back still facing towards everyone else, I gritted my teeth, trying my best to remain calm. This is why I don't like unnecessary attention, it causes nothing but trouble.
"Well... I sort of forgot to ask why." Kanbara sheepishly replied whilst scratching the back of her head. "As class representative this was brought to my attention, so I think it's important enough that you should go and figure out whatever it is they want sorted out."
Remaining where I stood, I turned my head and gave a sideways glance at Kanbara. "Right. I'll be there soon." From my facial expression, to the tone of my voice, I took extra care in making sure that any signs of annoyance weren't visible.
As I walked down the hallway leading to the faculty office, numerous thoughts went through my head. Why am I suddenly being called by my homeroom teacher to go the faculty office? Have I done something recently that was against the rules? Or is there a nasty rumour being spread around the school about me that I'm unaware of?
I continued asking myself these questions until I found myself standing in front of the faculty office's door. I won't find the answers I'm looking for by staying out here in the hallway. I took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves, and to mentally prepare myself for the worst case scenario.
After knocking on the door, I was promptly greeted by my homeroom teacher.
"Thank you for coming on such a short notice Kajiki-san. Have a seat." My homeroom teacher made a gesture towards the chair beside her desk.
"How are you adjusting to your new school?" My teacher casually asked after I've settled into my seat.
"I'm still trying to get used to the school's layout, but I believe my transition would have been rougher if I had transferred during the middle of the semester."
"I'm glad to hear that." My teacher smiled. "I was worried that you would find Tsuruga Academy to be too old-fashioned in comparison to the school you've attended in Tokyo."
The cordial tone of the conversation helped relieve some of the tension in my body as my shoulders began to relax, and I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding. Once the feeling of relief has passed, one question still lingered in my head. If I'm not in trouble, then why am I here?
My teacher brought out a file with my name on it, glanced at it and continued. "I noticed that during these past two months you've excelled in virtually every subject." Her smile was replaced by a look of concern. "I'm impressed, however, your lack of involvement in any kind of extracurricular activity at school has been brought to my attention."
"Participating in a club is an optional choice, therefore I decided not to join any of the clubs." The best way to clear any misunderstanding is to voice out the rationale behind my actions, and hope that both parties come to a mutual understanding. "I figured that since I am doing well with my studies, minor details such as not being affiliated with any club wouldn't be an issue."
"It's true that the opposite scenario is not only more common, but a more pressing issue for both students and teachers." My teacher crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and lightly nodded.
"I'm not entirely sure what your previous school's policy was in regards to extracurricular activities, but I can tell you from my personal experience, academics alone can only take you so far in life." My teacher brought up her right hand at eye level and made a "stop" gesture, silently telling me not to interrupt her. "In Tsuruga Academy, we highly encourage students to pursue non-academic endeavors in order to build character. You may noticed that this academy is not a specialty school. It neither has the wealth or prestige that other schools rely on, therefore we believe in promoting students that are well-rounded and capable of adapting to a society that is constantly changing. That is the philosophy of Tsuruga Academy."
"So... in other words, you want students to be a jack-of-all-trades, but masters of none?"
"Yes, that is one way to say it, albeit bluntly." My teacher placed a hand on her chin. "Overall, you are technically not breaking any rules by not participating in a club, but I want you to consider joining one, and being engaged in activities other than studying. Whichever club you will join is your choice. I'm not going to force you into a club that you are not even remotely interested in."
After moments of hesitation, I finally replied and gave a light bow. "I'll give it some thought. Thank you."
If all I have to do is to join a club, then it should be an easy task.
"I'm glad to hear that Kajiki-san." My teacher smiled and placed my files back in a nearby file cabinet. "You never know, you might even find something that you can be passionate about."
"I hope so." I replied, my voice tinged with apprehension and uncertainty.
Author's Notes: Yumi is finally starting to get a hang of her new school. However, she can't stay comfortable for long as she finds out that Tsuruga Academy isn't satisfied with bookworm students who excel in academics, but have zero involvement in extracurricular activities. Also, Kanbara continues to surprise Yumi, which I find very amusing to write.
