During lunch, Shoko from class 1D visits BB's classroom against her classmates' objections and aids by suggesting clubs based on personality and preferences. The BBs resist but vow to earn the students' trust by attending clubs. Seiya joins the Cooking Club as a taste tester. He surprises by eating an inedible meal. Shiryu joins the Debate Club, and Shun joins the Couture Club as the only male present. He sits at a table next to Chihiro, also from class 1D. Chihiro swaps a quick glance at Shun.
The weather for today is sunny and cloudy.
[April 17, Tuesday - week 3]
The BBs are enjoying their lunch in an empty classroom since yesterday. They gather to review the sheets Dr. Haruki gave them yesterday and see what clubs to choose. All clubs meet in a sperate building known as the Practice Building, where the gym (the same BBs attended once) also resides.
"Alright, time to choose a club!" Seiya says, "Except we need to find out which one."
Seiya slumps into his chair as the rest scratches their heads, trying to find a club to join, but the list is long, and most of them are sports clubs. Since they can't join sports clubs, they must join regular clubs, but the list is limited. Regular clubs are known as cultural clubs since these focus on activities.
"So many choices..." Hyoga sighs.
"I know what, but there aren't many regular ones too," Shiryu says.
"Let's keep trying. We'll come across something eventually," Shun says.
Seiya looks up to a student standing outside the open door.
"Can we help you?" Seiya asks.
"Hi! I can't help but overhear you're having problems," she says.
"Okay…?"
"You want to choose a club, so let me help."
"Who are you?" Seiya asks suspiciously.
The young redheaded girl with the short ponytail fidgets.
"I'm not here to do anything wrong! I just want to help out. Oh yeah! I'm Shoko Nagakawa from class 1D, the room next to you. You don't need to introduce yourselves. You're celebrities from the Galaxian Wars! I've been to every single fight of yours. Oh my gosh! You guys were awesome!"
"Thank you, but we're okay on our own—"
Seiya gets his mouth covered by Hyoga.
"Wait, Seiya! We shouldn't reject her."
"Exactly, we need to hear what she has to say," Shun adds.
"Can I sit somewhere?" Shoko asks.
"Of course, you can," Shiryu says.
Despite objections from her classmates, Shoko steps inside and sits with them.
"Thanks! I know lots of things about clubs, so ask me anything."
"Really? What club you're part of, Shoko-san?" Seiya asks.
"The Martial Arts Club."
"For reals?" Seiya's eyes widen.
"To be honest, you seem the type," Hyoga says.
"Aw, thanks! I'm one of the few girls, though."
"Okay, so which one of you needs help?"
"Okay, start with me." Seiya self-points. "What do you recommend?"
"Well, it comes down to preference and experience. Plus, when you join, you're expected to stay. So, no bailing out just because you don't like it or it's too difficult or something."
"None of us can't join sports clubs," Seiya says.
"How about this? Why not be a tester for the Cooking Club? I heard they're looking for one."
"A tester? What's that?"
"All you do is taste test food. That's all."
"Sounds easy and low effort. Alright, I'll join."
"What about me, Shoko-san?" Shun asks.
"You're pretty good-looking. Try the Couture Club. You can, like, model their outfits and stuff."
"That's simple enough. I'll do that." Shun nods.
"How about me? Any recommendations?" Shiryu asks.
"You seem smart, Shiryu-kun. You could try the Debate Club."
"Very well, I'll accept."
"And me?" Hyoga self-points.
"What do you want to do?" Shoko asks.
"How about a club that's not on the list?"
"This is difficult, but hear me out. This one time, I saw a group of kids going in and out of an empty club room. The last time I checked, it was yesterday. But take this with a grain of salt. Fake clubs happen, and they instantly end once they're discovered. Try if you can. I don't guarantee, though."
"I'll try anyway."
The bell rings, indicating lunch break has ended.
"I'll be going now." Shoko stands. "Good luck to you all."
"Thanks, Shoko-san!" Seiya waves a gesture. "You're a lifesaver."
Once the school day ends, the BBs head toward the Practice Building. They stand at the intersection of the first floor leading to hallways in different directions. The building itself has two floors.
"So this is where all clubs meet," Seiya says.
"We must separate at this point," Shun says.
"Is everyone ready?" Shiryu asks.
"This is deja vu," Hyoga says.
"Haha! You're right. Let's do this!"
The boys split up to attend the clubs Shoko recommends.
Seiya walks the path to the Home Economics room. He knocks on the door, and someone opens it.
"Hi! Is this the Cooking Club?" Seiya asks.
"Sorry, slots are full," a freshman says.
"But I hear you're looking for a taste tester."
"Alright, come in."
Seiya enters the Home Economics room, and murmurs from students rip right away, as expected due to his appearance. The male freshman escorts Seiya to his senpai, the club's leader.
"Senpai, this guy wants to be a tester."
"Really now? Testers never last too long here. Truth is, we're hesitant to have you. But wanting to be a tester means someone must've told you. Okay, if you can eat a dish and not faint, we'll keep you."
One of the members brings a random, indescribable, inedible dish. Despite the putrid smell, Seiya accepts the plate and eats it with all his might. He remains still, unflinching, to everyone's surprise.
"He ate all of it!" the freshman exclaims. "Maybe he's the one."
"Alright, you're in. What's your name again?" senpai asks.
"Pegasus Seiya!" Seiya fidgets.
"Right! Galaxian Wars! My name's Rindo, second year."
"My name's Ryudo, the same year as you." Ryudo bows.
"Our meetings are Monday through Thursday. Don't forget."
Seiya claps once. "Oh, thank you so much for letting me join!"
Meanwhile, Shun walks the other path leading to the Costume Room. He follows Shoko's advice and arrives at the door, knocking until someone opens it.
"Can I help you?" a female student asks.
"I'm looking for the Couture Club."
"You're in the right place. Come in."
Shun enters and sees he's the only male present.
"You look familiar," the female student says.
"I'm Andromeda Shun."
"I see! Galaxian Wars. You're a student too."
"Yes, I'm in class 1C."
Turning to the members, the female student introduces Shun right away. Murmurs rip again as expected but with a difference of awe and concern.
"My name is Kokiku, your second-year senpai leader of this club."
"Nice to meet you." Shun bows.
"Thank you! Sit wherever you like."
There are eight large tables with four side by side. The length has enough space to fit two people collaborating on a sewing project. Likewise, there are two sewing machines on each table, one for each person. There are also mannequins on the sides, some dressed up while others are not.
"I know we have reservations about letting a guy join, but Shun-san is a celebrity who's looks captivated us. I'm sure he'll be able to give us some insight if we let him."
He sits at an empty spot next to a pigtailed brunette, glancing at him for some reason.
"Chihiro Rise, 1D. Know it."
"Ah! Same class as Shoko-san."
"How do you know?"
"She came to ours and gave advice."
"Really now? I didn't know."
"Yes, we saw her standing outside, but she wasn't alone. Her classmates tried to hold her back. It has to do with us, of course. Nevertheless, she stepped inside and told us what clubs to join."
"This is interesting." Chihiro toys with her hair.
"It's nice to meet you, Chihiro-san."
"Same here. Truth be told, I never saw this so-called Galaxian Wars. But I saw your face in a newspaper article once. I think you were a shiny pink armor or something."
"That's definitely it."
"Hard to believe you're a celebrity with your looks. But hey, I think you'll fit here."
"Really? Like, I can try on costumes you make?"
"Sure! We can always use more models."
"But I want to learn how to sew and make my own costumes."
"That's good to hear. I'm looking forward to them."
To be continued...
The Shoko in this story is NOT from Saintia Sho.