Boku no Gakuen Seikatsu wa Mada Hajimatta Bakari da!

Chapter 1 Meeting the 99% Perfect Girl on a Beautiful Afterschool Hour in April

A cherry blossom petal slowly fell across in front of me.

I, who was rushing, spontaneously stopped my steps, then looked at the direction the flower came from.

A cherry blossom petal suddenly floated past the tip of my nose, and just before it hit the ground, a strong spring breeze blew it upwards, disappearing as if sucked in by the dazzling blue sky. Maybe I could catch it if I stretched out my hand. But I had missed that momentary opportunity. I looked away from the sky and started walking again.

The path leading to the school's main gate is flanked by rows of cherry trees. And at the opening ceremony of the new school year, the cherry blossoms will bloom perfectly simultaneously.

However, the flower that had fully bloomed a week ago is now only a remnant. As if in a race, the flowers that were shorter in age began to fall. Even the most beautiful flower up there, if it touches the ground, it will be dirty and trampled by a sea of ​​people. What was once beautiful, will look dirty. Even so, it was quite impossible to walk while avoiding the flower petals that had already filled the ground. No meaning.

I continued walking towards the main gate of the school while trampling on the flower petals.

Spring, a new school year, the season for a new life to begin—however, I only advanced to the 2nd grade of high school. As usual, I only progressed from grade 1. As was the case from elementary to middle school, from middle school to high school, I couldn't expect any dramatic changes. That being said, I had managed to get through the spring, summer, fall, and winter of 1st grade on my own, and had also managed to carry on with this nature of my solitude perfectly. If this continues, I will definitely continue to do this smoothly until 3rd grade, and even until my graduation ceremony later.

This one year I continue to struggle to face the norms of the social environment to respect human relationships. In my heart, I always complained that friendship and love were just an advertising company conspiracy. Humans are born and die alone. I tried to think tough. So tough. Pretentiously exclusive. That's a great human attitude, that's what I keep telling myself. But I have to face reality soon.

Quick. What can I do, I have to admit it. Admit the fact that I have failed.

I had failed, but I couldn't bear to admit it, continued to be stubborn, and kept on waging a futile rebellion.

All right, I give up, whoever, give me a gift.

A gift package containing friends, girlfriends and perfect days.

I'm not aiming for the top position in the school caste. I just want to live a normal school life. And, I failed there. The reason is clear.

The reason is because I'm not in any club.

Hearing that maybe someone will reply,

"The club activities are indeed an important component. However, Going-Home Club can be friends too. Aren't you just not willing to admit your low communication skills and are instead scapegoating club activities?"

And perhaps that sentence would be said with a disappointed expression. By the way, that just sounded in my head. That voice inside my head must not understand anything.

My school is Yaoyorozu Gakuen Private School. When compared to other schools, club activities in this school play a very important role. The percentage of students participating in club and school committee activities exceeds 99.99%. Until there is a mention, "if you don't join the club then that person is not human". In fact, the percentage is even higher than the percentage of cell phone ownership among students.

It is true. Actually, in the beginning——around early April last year, things weren't as bad as they are now. Because at that time everyone was still in the Going-Home Club. So, they are still comfortable with the old habits when they were in their original middle school, or in their previous class at this high school. At that time, my classmates still invited me to observe the existing clubs, and friends who had joined the club also invited me to join their club.

However, I insisted on staying in the Going-Home Club.

Over time, people with the same club formed their own groups. While those who are not in the same club, start chatting with each other about their respective club activities. After Golden Week ended, all my classmates had joined a certain club and I became alone.

While recalling, the voice inside my head started to speak.

"When you just started school, you realized that 99.99% of students took part in club activities. Then why didn't you join the club at all?"

That statement is not wrong. Maybe that statement is not wrong according to people other than myself. However, I have reasons not to join the club.

I have a strong determination for it.

The reason is that I used to——

"Takahashi-kun!"

That's right, I used to be Takahashi-kun.

Uh? Wait a minute, that Takahashi is my surname. Not then, now I'm a Takahashi.

By the way, looks like I was called earlier. What is the voice inside my head calling me?

"Don't call that. After all, since I'm the voice inside your head, it means I'm Takahashi too."

Ah, that's right, yes. Then, why did I feel called, huh?

"Hallucinations maybe? Poor, so lonely your brain finally became..."

Noisy! You are, right, just a voice in my head, that means you are a hallucination too!

"That's true, but that means you have to be pitied twice as much."

"Noisy, even though you are only a voice in my head, but it hurts me."

"Ugh, Takahashi-kun?"

"Ah, even I, the voice inside the head heard too. A girl's voice, there's no mistaking it."

"Yeah, it's a girl. It's bad! The meeting inside my head has to stop first."

"Wait a minute. Calm down, O me"

"What the heck? A girl, you know! Which do you think is more important? A girl or the voice in my head?"

"Please, please, calm down myself. Calm down. Even though in this year, no girl has wanted to chat with me unless it has something to do with school matters. So there's no way my name was suddenly called out, right?"

"But, she called Takahashi. Takahashi is my surname."

"That's right. Takahashi. That's my name. The third most common surname in Japan. Me!"

"In that case, could it be..."

"Yes, definitely. If I hold back this rising feeling and then reply coolly 'Yes? Called earlier, huh?' and it turned out that there was another Takahashi-kun behind me who was waving, and approached her and said 'Waiting, huh?' 'Duhh, Takahashi-kun is old!' "Sorry, sorry. By the way, who was the person that was sculpted with an incoherent smile earlier? You know what?" 'No, I don't know you at all.' 'But he saw you you know?' "Don't be, amused ah. Let's go!" what will happen next?"

"I want to die. If I were the Demon Lord, I would destroy the world and then return myself to nothingness."

"Demon King...? Takahashi-kun... right?"

"Wait a minute, I'm having a meeting inside of me. Sorry, I'll see you later, okay——"

I reflexively turned towards the voice that was calling me, and at that moment I was stunned. The wind was blowing hard and the cherry blossom petals were twirling up like a paper storm.

️*

When our eyes met, my breath stopped.

At the end of the view, stood a girl with her back to a cherry tree that had lost its petals by the wind. With a clichéd parable, she is like the appearance of the sakura itself.

She was wearing the Yaoyorozu school uniform, but I never saw her, at all. And the shiny school badge on the chest of her uniform indicated that she was in 2nd grade, just like me.

Her hair was straight black, slightly longer than her shoulders. Her face was small, her big eyes flashed with determination. Her straight nose, and lips that were pale pink like cherry blossoms lined up nicely on her face.

Her posture is not fat, nor too thin. Really looks like a healthy girl. The uniform has not been modified either, and it is its simplicity that makes it attractive.

The girl, just stood there, doing nothing, with her eye-catching charm. The girl was unobtrusive, she looked fresh and clean like a fragrant flower.

Such a beautiful girl is standing with her back to the falling cherry trees.

This model-like landscape is suitable for use in comic magazines, or in school entry guide pamphlets, as a "School Life Picture". Not only in the eyes of fellow students, maybe even in the eyes of adults, she is a perfect and ideal high school student.

It was the girl who had perfect looks that called my name. And that too not in media like comics, dramas, or games, but in reality, right before my eyes.

If 100 students were faced with this situation, 99 of them would surely fall in love. And, my common sense even unconsciously almost fell to the bottom of the abyss of love. However, I who grew up in solitude during these years, have an excessive suspicion and distrust of human existence, and that feeling stops my feet when I am right in front of the abyss of love. Then, with my intuition, I thought.

This girl, is suspicious.

️*

"Takahashi-kun, from class 2-3... right?"

The sentence was said while looking into my eyes. I don't know how many times she called me.

Indeed, I am Takahashi. And Takahashi from class 2-3, I'm the only one. In other words, the Takahashi that the girl was referring to was really me. Therefore, the worst possibility that she had the wrong person, was gone. However, the girl also doesn't seem to know my face very well. That's why she asked, what grade am I from.

"Hmm, my name is Satou from class 2-7 of the General Department. Actually I want to ask Takahashi-kun for help... may I?"

The girl called Satou, glanced up to notice my expression.

Being asked for help by a girl as beautiful as this is every man's dream. I will try to fulfill her request.

However, something seems odd. She's suspicious. It's like acting or made up. She was indeed beautiful, but something seemed to be wrong.

At this moment, the doubts arise not by common sense but by instinct.

I watched her carefully, and at that moment I remembered something.

Yes, yes, that's right, maybe...

Last year, when I entered school, I remember, I was handed the book 'Welcome to Yaoyorozu School, Handbook of School Life' by the student council. Precisely in Chapter 27 entitled 'Beware of Sweet Seduction'.

Chapter 27 Part ~Hallucinations Called Popularity, Beware of Sweet Seduction~☆

Prior to this chapter, the book contains about club activities. From the book, I understood that in this school, students who didn't join the club or student council were treated a bit lower than trash.

Then, new students are expected to join a club. And what if there is no desired club? There must have been disciples who were trembling with fear because they didn't want to be seen as inferior to trash.

Don't worry! The school has all kinds of clubs, so you're sure to find the right club. The seniors are certainly waiting for you to join! But beware! Among them there are also clubs that take advantage of the innocence of new students.

You won't be able to tell the scary Scam Club apart from any other club in an instant. But there are a few things you need to know so you can tell the club apart. In this chapter you will study examples of existing cases as well as learn how to distinguish a Scam Club.

Scam Clubs usually target people who are alone for recruiting. Male students who look weak will often be targeted. They usually say something like this: "A lot of popular students do it"; "This is fun!"; "If you want to stop, you can stop"; "Good for diet too"; etc. With sweet seduction like that you are trying to be recruited. Then, most likely, a beautiful girl will join in tempting you to join such a club. The girls tickle your pride and alertness with her eloquence. Then, pulling your hand to lead you to the club room.

"Could this be the so-called Popularity Period! Spring has come!"

The pathetic lamb who misunderstood would definitely think that way. And unconsciously he showed his lewd expression outright. Then, as soon as he reached the clubroom, the door was locked from behind.

"Yes! The lewd scene will begin! High school level is different from middle school!"

You're free to think that way, but if something's that interesting, don't bother, I'll jump right in.

But:

First, the 'Punch Perm' Hair.

Second, Macho Men.

Third, Macho Men with 'Punch Perm' hair.

Fourth, Minotaur.

(Note: Punch Perm is a men's small curly hairstyle in Japan that is popular among yakuza, thugs, motorcycle gangs, drivers, and so on)

One of the four monsters will be waiting for you. Worst case, everything is waiting for you.

One way to survive is to defeat monsters, collect EXP (Experience Points), and collect a lot of Gold, but unfortunately the target of the recruiters is certain, namely adventurers whose level looks low. So, it's better not to have to put up a pointless fight. After all, the targets were indeed people with low life EXP. And we can't run because it's an event fight.

Then, you will be forced to sign an entry form. After that, you will be notified of various harmful habits, such as being employed as a subordinate, or as a membership rule you are required to buy a luxurious feather mattress, or buy a painting of dolphins bearing Lassen's signature in katakana, or be told to exercise muscles with a macho male muscle building tool. Either way, when you walk into the clubroom, you're guaranteed to be completely disarmed. Surrender to the manly.

In order to deal with the Scam Club's seduction, it was important to firmly reject it from the start. Even if you're constantly urged, it's fine as long as you don't enter the clubroom. As wild as a thug, they wouldn't hurt a stubborn student on a busy street.

As for those of you who have already been disarmed, wipe your tears, and calmly and immediately report to the Disciplinary Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee will be happy to entertain you. Regarding the Disciplinary Committee, you can refer to the manual for Chapter 37, "Even a Fool Gets It! Structuring the Disciplinary Committee."

Inwardly, I closed the handbook slowly. I ignored the warnings in the book and chose not to join any club. Then, now I was treated less than trash. In other words, what is written in the book is true.

That is, this beautiful girl....

Right, no more. This kid is a member of the Punch & Perm Secret Society.

"Actually, I wanted to talk about..."

"A beautiful girl like you doesn't need to talk to this trash-like me!"

I shouted. It's important to do this from the start.

The girl named Satou stepped back.

"...Hmm, I... was praised? ...Thank you."

She stammered. Looks like my reaction was wrong.

What do I praise her for? Besides, I'm feeling a little hurt.

"Leave that alone. Takahashi-kun, may I..."

With a smile, the girl returned the topic. However, I can't be carried away by her smile.

"I already know who you really are. You are, the Scam Club, right?"

I tried to respond harshly.

"Scam Club?"

"Get into the gaps in the hearts of the new students who are still indecisive. You're planning to disarm us all, right? I won't let you!"

"Disarm?"

"Yes, for example hair or money, and so on."

"Don't worry, I won't disarm you. My hands aren't that strong."

"Even if you don't have the power, there must be people behind you who have the power for it, right? That's what the handbook says."

"Sorry, but I don't understand what you're saying. Please calm down and listen. Just listening is okay too."

"Just hear?"

In the handbook, it would be okay, if not to come to her clubroom.

"Okay, just listen, okay? Then, what?"

Then, unexpected words came out from Satou-san's mouth.

"It's you, Takahashi-kun, who 6 years ago became the ace pitcher in the Junior Baseball Team '3rd Street City Boys' right?"

When Satou-san said that, in my head vividly those glorious days. Victory, and failed days....

"——Why is that...!"

The spring breeze blew past the space between me and Satou-san.

"It's true, yes."

Satou-san whispered while looking me straight in the eye.

Yes that's right. Indeed, when I was in elementary school, I was an ace pitcher and clean up hitter on the '3rd Street City Boys' Junior Baseball Team. For me that is a very long time ago even though it's only been 6 years. It wouldn't be strange if my teammates or opposing teams at that time, people who knew about my past, were in this school. However, 6 years have passed, so why now....

While confused, I noticed Satou-san's expression. After being noticed, she wasn't just beautiful. She has very sincere eyes. I am stupid. I'm an idiot. A girl who had eyes as sincere as this couldn't possibly be a member of the Scam Club. And she also shouldn't be a member of any occult or multi-level marketing group. I already know the true form.

That's right, the clue was right in front of my eyes.

Sakura, April, the season of the start of a new life, where students are busy with recruiting new club members.

Club members recruiting were not only the Scam Club.

That's right, that girl heard about my former glory from nowhere. She was the manager of the baseball club who came to sign me. It's better than the short-haired men who recruit the female managers who do it. The results will be much different.

Chasing the ball while being watched by such a beautiful manager——such youth isn't bad. At first glance, I imagined such a scene. However, no matter how beautiful the manager asked me to do, my determination remained steadfast.

I have reasons that prevent me from joining the club.

"That former ace Takahashi-kun... right?"

Satou-san repeated the question just to be sure.

"...it's true, though. But, that's in the past. The current me can't take you to Koshien. I won't be joining the Baseball Club."

I said as if ignoring her, then turned my back to the girl.

If I look at those sincere eyes over and over again, my resolve may waver.

In order to get rid of any lingering feelings, I started running towards the world outside the school, but....

"Wait, Takahashi-kun! You're the ace striker of the 'Father Kickers' Junior Football Team, right?"

Before I could hit the ground, my feet stopped.

It's true, really. Indeed I am the ace of the 'Father Kickers' team.

I turned to face Satou-san slowly.

Satou-san is looking at me with her sincere eyes.

Oh I see. Maybe she also doubles as the manager of the Football Club. If you refuse to join the Baseball Club, try signing up for the Football Club. Really hard worker, huh. Not only beautiful, but also hardworking, her eyes are sincere. Her heart must be beautiful too.

While being encouraged by such a beautiful manager, accompanied by reliable team members, running around the field. That kind of youth isn't bad either.

But not. I can't join the Football Club either. It's not a matter of being fussy about ball games, but from that day on, I swore never to touch the ball again.

"...there were times indeed. But, that's past. I can't take you to the National Stadium. I can't shake your heart's goal."

"Takahashi-kun...."

Reluctantly, Satou-san whispered my name.

No! If I stare at her any longer, my resolve will waver. The iron determination to no longer join the club!

"Wait, Takahashi-kun! You're that legendary young sumo wrestler called Nekodamashi Master right?"

(note: Nekodamashi is one of the unofficial Sumo techniques, where at the signal the match starts, the sumo wrestler will clapping his hands in front of the opponent's face. The opponent will close his eyes and give the sumo an advantage)

I, who was with my back to Satou-san, stopped for the third time because of those words.

Why, even that he knew.

Indeed, I master 33 types of Nekodamashi and I am Takahashi who holds the Yokozuna Junior title nicknamed 'Department Store Nekodamashi'. Turns out he is the manager of the Sumo Club. I guess that's a bit too much, not only is the club sport popular like baseball and football, but she's also the manager of a club that girls like Sumo avoid too. Instead, I was impressed.

I'm sure she's not the girl who approached me to be my boyfriend. She must be a girl who sincerely wants to cheer up boys who are working out. This girl must have a pure heart.

I don't mean to offend this girl's pure heart, but, once not still not.

"There are days where I wear mawashi. However, back then I was just an elementary school kid who thought I could do something with Nekodamashi. I couldn't possibly do high school sumo with this physique. That's why I couldn't take you to the Kokugikan... uh, the National High School Sumo Competition was held there, right? To be clear, I no longer want to use mawashi la—"

Satou-san interrupted my unfinished words.

"Takahashi-kun who used to be a young genius painter, and a young genius rocker, right!"

What does it mean? So, Art Club and Music Club too.... not only sports club but also culture club manager? Isn't she exaggerating?

"Yeah, that's true, but I didn't just reject the sports club. Neither did the cultural club. I won't join the club again. I made an oath that day. That's why..."

"With Rakugo's work entitled 'Scary! Due to the side effects of drugs, cake manjuu can speak', you make the entire building fall into a whirlpool of laughter. You are Takahashi-kun, the young genius Rakugo, right!"

"Even you know about that too....but, I've put down my fan, you know."

"You are genius Kishi, and genius curry maker, and genius boxer, and genius rapper, and very famous blogger, and master of Ayatori, and a fantasista in Origami, and demon lord in Kabaddi, and emperor in Curling, and sorcerer in the piano, and the magician in Backgammon, and the legendary train lover, and the queer fortune teller, and doesn't like celery, and is still a virgin, who has a flashy personality and lacks communication skills, so you don't have friends or girlfriends, and then you don't even admit it. even blame the school's tradition to calm down. You are that pathetic Takahashi-kun, right!"

"...don't expect me to admit everything even if you mention it in a good rhythm."

"Eh? Anything wrong?"

"For the last part I have a hard time admitting it. But yeah, until the middle it was Takahashi. Yes, that's right, I am the young genius, Takahashi!"

"Hmm, strange, huh.... when all the information should be correct..."

Satou-san tilted her head slightly.

Forget whether the last part was true or not, but it's true, I used to be a genius in various fields.

However, since entering this school, I've never talked about it to anyone, nor has anyone ever mentioned it. Then, how could this girl know?

"Hmm, who was that? Satou-san? Who are you really? My stalker?"

"Sorry I wanted to ask, if the 'virgin' part is true?"

"You were never taught by your father, were you not allowed to answer the question 'are you a virgin'?"

"Yup. Maybe because my father is not a virgin...."

"If he's really a father, he shouldn't be… so, who are you really?"

"Hmm, my name is Satou from class 2-7 of the General Department."

"And my name is Takahashi from class 2-3 of the General Department. Nice to meet you... ugh, isn't it! Why do you know about my past?"

I glared at Satou-san sharply.

If you look closely, she is indeed beautiful, but it turns out that those sincere eyes are just the effect of the sun's rays. Now I feel the evil impression in her eyes. I better not deal with her. I must reject it emphatically once again.

"It doesn't matter what club manager you are, I don't want to join any club."

"Takahashi-kun, really didn't join any club?"

"Yes!"

"After this you will walk alone?"

"...yes! Is something wrong?"

I screamed with all my might. Satou-san flinched and backed away a little. Her eyes clouded, and I felt a little guilty.

But I don't want to deal with the club anymore. I don't want to have the same experience as that time.

"I have no intention of joining any club. And you also said such cruel things to me casually. Well——"

When I was about to leave that place.

Suddenly, Satou-san caught my hand, gripping it gently with her palm.

"——"

My hand felt the warmth of her slender fingers.

When I came to my senses, Satou-san's face was already near mine.

The eyes that I thought were evil turned out to be just an optical illusion, they were, they were really sincere.

Satou-san just looked into my eyes, without saying anything.

However, those gazes spoke more than words.

Her warmth, slowly melted the ice hardened in my heart.

I've decided. Determined.

--Live for Love. And, pretend to forget the past, and this time achieve the perfect school life!

"I... have decided not to join the club anymore."

"...yes."

"But, if you really need me, I thought maybe I'll try it one more time. Baseball Club too, Football Club too, Sumo Club too, Judo Club too, Railway Research Group too, Rakugo Research Group too, Curry Club too, anything's fine. If you want, the Scam Club can. Punch Perm is fine too. If you really need me, I'll join any club!"

"Hmm, no need. Takahashi-kun doesn't need to join any club."

"Eh?"

"I mean, don't join."

"Hah?"

I feel strength in both of Satou-san's hands that are holding mine.

"Not joining. But, creating."

"Creating... you mean, creating a club?"

"Right, creating a new club. We will create a new club that can rule this school from behind the scenes by using your abundant talents in vain! Only you can, Takahashi-kun!"

I'm getting more and more clueless, Satou-san's eyes that I'm looking at closely are actually sincere or evil.

*

part 2

"I ordered a cup of Iced Coffee Latte, Takahashi-kun, do you want to drink something?"

"Then... I want a Coffee Blend."

"Shop manager, a cup of Iced Coffee Latte and Coffee Blend please."

After Satou-san ordered food at the bar, the bearded shop manager immediately turned his head and smiled and replied,

"Iced Coffee Latte and Coffee Blend, right, coming soon."

The manager bowed, and started making coffee.

Satou-san and I were planning to find a place to sit down and talk slowly, so we chose this place. There were no other guests in the shop apart from us, and this was arguably the best place for a chat.

The store manager seems to have chosen soothing jazz music to enhance the atmosphere, and melodious sounds fill the space within the store. It didn't take long for the drinks we ordered to be brought to the table.

"Sorry to keep you waiting so long. This is the Iced Coffee Latte that Miss Satou ordered, and this is the Coffee Blend."

Satou-san seems to have a good relationship with the shop manager. The shop manager even remembers her name clearly.

As soon as I picked up the cup, the unique aroma of coffee entered my nose.

"Don't look at me like this, I'm very picky about coffee."

After speaking, the moment the coffee is put into the mouth, an indescribably soft feeling spreads in the mouth, and the tongue is caressed with the hot freshness that slides down the throat. After the brown rush left, it left behind a hint of bitterness and a refreshing aroma. This bitterness does not make people feel bitter, but allows the tongue to fully enjoy the taste called bitterness.

"This…! This is delicious…! No, this is too good to drink!"

Not flattering, this is indeed the best coffee I've ever had. It also gave me the feeling of "Coffee is really such a drink!" It really opened my eyes.

There is an inexplicable urge to use something to express my current emotions.

"It's almost like coffee... coffee... like being in a coffee field in the vast expanse of Brazil!"

"It's just based on the script. It seems Takahashi-kun has no talent in this area."

"The coffee beans used in our shop use Colombian coffee beans."

Heartbroken, I lowered my head and took a sip of my coffee. Very tasty.

"Is it better to come here for a drink than to drink juice from the vending machine in the cafeteria?"

This was a cafe near the school—surprisingly, this was the classroom for club activities at the school.

"There is such a club… After all, since I don't know any information about the club at all, I don't even know how many clubs there are in the school."

Looking around the room, we're sitting at a wooden bar table, the sooty shelves with where the cups are arranged, and the antique-looking furniture all make up this upscale orthodox cafe.

However, there is no doubt that this is a cafe club classroom.

"Thank you for the compliment."

The bearded shop manager smiled after saying this, but he was not a member of the public, but a high school student.

The president of the cafe, and the third year business student, Raimu Raito-senpai.

All of the above was introduced to me by Satou-san just now.

"If it's convenient, please don't call me president or senior, please call me Master."

Due to his request, I also called him Master.

However, the level here is not just a simple cafe level. From the point of view of making coffee alone, the existence of such a master level coffee may also reflect the extraordinary level of community in this school. But on the other hand, maybe only the coffee shop is so strong.

"...Well, it's almost time to continue with the previous topic. What do you mean ask me to set up a new club?"

"Before that, I want to make one final confirmation, Takahashi-kun is a genius, right?"

"Right. It should be the same as your investigation. But what does my genius have to do with creating a club?"

Satou-san moistened her throat with Iced Coffee Latte before looking at me.

"I've been looking for someone to partner with during the year."

Partner. Literally translated as teammates, best friends, partners.

"Ah, so that's what you mean. I see."

I got it, I finally got it. After understanding the decisive implications, I came to an extraordinary conclusion.

"In other words, you want to have sex with me, don't you?"

"No."

Strictly rejected.

"What the hell is that? You don't want to drag me into a club, do you? Could it be that you want to form a cute group with me? By the way, which club are you from, Satou-san?"

"I didn't join the club."

"Huh…? That means Satou-san is also a Going-Home Club? Are you a lowly being like me?"

"No, I'm a committee member."+

Not participating in club activities would not be considered human—Although this was the school spirit that Yaoyorozu Gakuen adopted, there were also cases where not participating in the club would not be considered trash. Namely joining a more extraordinary group of humble and weak society.

—That is the student council and its various committees.

"Even though I know very little about it in general, I still know very little about the specific situation."

"Roughly, at the top of the student council is the student council executive department. Then there's the ethics committee, the financial management committee, the school celebration executive committee, and so on. I belong to one of these subordinate committees, the club activities management committee."

"Club activity management committee..."

No matter how you think about it, it is a committee that manages club activities.

"Let's get back to business, in order to realize my ambition, I need you, Takahashi-kun."

"Ambition?"

The word "Nobunaga" wasn't added up front to modify it, and I've never heard it myself. Moreover, hearing it from a girl in the same year was simply unimaginable.

"That's the only thing I want to say. As for me, I want to participate in the election of the next student council president."

"The student council president—so this is Satou-san's ambition?"

Turns out, just like her appearance, Satou-san seems to be the type of person with a strong desire for self-expression and a strong sense of entitlement.

"However, what does this ambition have to do with me? Do you want me to choose you?"

"Takahashi-kun has underestimated himself. Takahashi-kun has hundreds of votes, no, probably thousands of votes."

"Is that so?"

I pretended to be calm, but the emotion really caught my heart. People who want to become student council presidents are completely different. To be able to properly understand my value as a person.

"Takahashi-kun, what do you think is the hallmark of this school?"

About the characteristics, the first thing that comes to mind is that.

"It's very simple, a large number of students."

Yaoyorozu's private academy is very large, in short, very large. Although not exaggerating like 8 million students, it will evoke the feeling of "low birth rate is a lie!" to some extent.

(note: the kanji Yaoyorozu and 8 million are the same)

"Well that's basically true. Then, if the number of students increases, what will increase?"

"What do you mean...class? Classroom? Number of teachers?"

"But isn't that the same thing as a normal high school? What's so special about our school?"

"Personality..."

While thinking, I glanced across the room. At this moment, I thought of an answer to this question.

"Is it a club?"

"Correct answer."

Satou-san raised her index finger happily.

Compared to small and middle schools, the club activities of Yaoyorozu Gakuen were very diverse. When you think about it for a second, it makes sense. If the number of students is so large, the division of club types will be clearer, to achieve the same level of interest. Even unpopular interests can form groups.

For example, a school with a total of ten students would have a hard time even starting a baseball club. Because the sport of baseball requires at least nine members.

Then a school with 300 students will first form a baseball club and a football club. Assuming that half of 300 students are boys, 9 out of 150 students, or even 11, will play baseball or soccer. not hard; on the other hand, the Kabaddi association would not exist in the first place. Although a team only needs seven people, the standard is lower than a baseball team, but after all, kabaddi is an unpopular sport in Japan. Among 300 people, let alone people who have played kabaddi, need to find someone who is interested. Very difficult.

But in a school of 3,000 people—few high schools are this size, but college seems not uncommon—there may be kabaddi associations. Even if only one in three hundred people are interested in this, if the base is three thousand, they can form a team of ten people, that is the reason.

Then, the same thing applies in terms of facilities. The bigger the school, the more it can harness the power of economies of scale, even if the founder needs a swimming pool, computer classroom, gym, martial arts court, archery field, soundproof room, small theater, school vegetable garden, confessional room, confinement room, altar dark, etc. Clubs with special facilities also have adequate capabilities. In this way, students who need special facilities can be easily formed.

Based on the above, the activities of the Yaoyorozu Gakuen club are very colorful.

"But reasons like this also apply to other famous high schools, right?"

According to Satou-san, the next thing to mention are the characteristics of Yaoyorozu Gakuen.

Due to the large number of students, the Yaoyorozu Gakuen had set a very low threshold for creating a club. Take for example most schools, if you want to create a club, you have to do some pre-work first, most of the first is to create a fan club. In the stage of creating a fan club, there is a rule that a minimum of five people must be recruited. Once a club is established, it is only allowed to be upgraded to a club after obtaining certain achievements and being recognized.

However, at Yaoyorozu Gakuen, clubs can be founded at an unfathomable speed. And one person can create a club.

Therefore, in addition to being easy to create a new club, existing clubs can easily fall apart because of it. Therefore, in the Yaoyorozu Gakuen with tens of thousands of students, there are about four hundred clubs, large and small.

"That's what happened."

"The world becomes like this when I'm away from the club..."

"It's not that the world has changed, it's more like our school. And when I entered school, the number of clubs had already reached 400."

"Eh, so it's changed now?"

"There are now nearly 1,000 confirmed."

"Huh? In other words, did the number increase by 2.5 times in one year?"

Although I don't know whether the original 400 clubs' number is suitable for the number of students, it has increased by two or five times in just one year, which is not normal.

"This is all because of that idiot Ohanabatake…"

"Ohanabatake?"

"In short, there have been a lot of clubs in the past, but they have improved a lot this year."

"Satou-sensei, I have a question!"

"Takahashi-san, please speak."

Satou-san pointed at me with an Iced Caffe Latte straw.

"Satou-san said she wants to run for student council president, right? Why are you talking about the club? It has nothing to do with the club, right?"

"That is very important. Even in the election of politicians, although everyone promotes their own political views to build their image, at the same time, it is also necessary to gain support from companies or various groups i.e. human groups. Likewise with the election of student council president. In principle each student will choose a candidate according to his own wishes. In fact, whether the candidate can be selected and how much can they gain the Community's support. If an intelligent person were to aim for the student council president position, they would surely realize this fact and start preparing."

Mixed with some self-promotion, Satou-san explained to me the basis of the student council president election of Yoyorozu academy.

"That is, with a strong community to support you, you will get the key to making a profitable electoral war."

"That's right, it's very quick to understand. Then, in order to facilitate this work in secret, I chose a club activities management committee at the student council that could cross fields and interact with various clubs."

"Then what does this have to do with me?"

"After this, I first had to deal with various clubs. I wanted to take a ruthless approach to win over the old and cunning clubs to be my partner, but sometimes disputes inevitably arise. Because the other party also expects people to the person they support to become an ally. The student council president will be rewarded in the future, so he will be very careful in choosing the object of support. Right now, we need a talent that can show his superiority against any club. Then the genius who can do this is Takahashi-kun. It's none other than you!"

"I am a genius, so maybe something like this could be done…!"

"Yes, Takahashi-kun definitely can!"

"Then I have another question."

"What? Questions?"

"I've always felt that this topic was based on the premise that I would definitely agree, but what's in it for me?"

Satou-san's expression froze as soon as she was asked.

"...Hah?"

"So, what's the point of me helping Satou-san realize his ambition?"

A few seconds had passed—or more than ten seconds had passed. It was as if time had stopped between us. Only the melodious jazz melody seemed to dance and pass between us. This rhetoric works very well.

"Takahashi-kun, I don't like the modern mindset of 'What can I get from doing this? What can I get in return?'. The brilliance of youth isn't that kind of thing, right? I think there's also that kind of devotion to something. Things that only you can see."

Satou-san's eyes wandered, making shallow excuses.

"I also despise high-sounding talk of youth, love, enthusiasm, growth, etc., while agreeing with a way of thinking that one-sidedly squeezes out other people's financial and labor resources."

I drank the cold mixed coffee in one gulp. Wow, cold is good too. I will come again to the cafe next time.

"Then it's time for me to return. I think it's time to replay the period drama now."

I put down my glass and stood up.

"No, no, no! Wait a minute, please wait a moment!"

Satou-san grabbed my shirt and pulled me, and I had no choice but to sit down again.

"By the way, does Satou-san think you can get my help without paying anything?"

"Since no one has ever rejected me as long as it's the boy I asked for… then… then, I'll be your friend! Okay?"

Even though I heard her say she wanted to be my friend, I always felt the arrogant gaze of a god who looked down on the mortal world.

Even though she said this calmly, Satou-san was still looking at me with watery eyes. Seeing this extraordinary expression that stimulated the desire to protect, it was no lie that she had never been rejected by a boy. But I won't compromise on that either.

So, my battle is as follows.

Actually, I could have helped Satou-san, but I had nothing to do when I got home.

It must be said that I will help her without hesitation.

After all, I originally wanted to change the current situation of my lonely school life.

At this time, Satou-san appeared in front of me and asked me to help her.

How good things can happen.

Putting her personality aside first, her appearance was indeed very cute, and even though her personality was somewhat like that, she was definitely good at socializing. It's not impossible to make friends with her friends, so through Satou-san, maybe I can return to society, no, it's to return to school life.

But because of this, first of all, Satou-san should understand that she has to thank me, and she shouldn't feel that a genius like me is available everywhere.

Put a little more pressure on her to offer better terms. Increase my value and sell once the value reaches the limit. This was a negotiation technique invented by the genius Takahashi.

"Takahashi-kun, can you really help me…?"

"Well, I'm very busy too."

"I see… I see. Sorry for bothering you, goodbye."

Hah? Why?

"Master, the bill please."

"Ah!"

"What's wrong? Don't worry, I promise to invite you for coffee. I'll pay for the Coffee Blend."

Satou-san took out her wallet from her uniform pocket. After taking out the wallet, she took out a 500 yen coin and placed it on the bar.

"No, it's not like that! I don't know if you know too much about current affairs, or if you gave up too early..."

"But, wouldn't that cause trouble for you?"

I don't know where the tears in the corners of her eyes went, but Satou-san gave me an unusually indifferent look.

"No, it's a bit of a hassle, but it's not that I can't provide assistance according to the conditions. That's my opinion."

"You said you wanted to go home and watch that period drama, so why not? Did you watch it?"

"Is that so? Wrong, I also understand that Satou-san has faced a difficult situation, if you push me again, maybe I can change my mind?"

"No, it's okay. I think Takahashi-kun has been defeated in this one time high school life, and the remaining two years can only suffer in sorrow. It is clear that friendship and love have been reborn. A lifetime opportunity for treasure suddenly fell from the sky, but Takahashi-kun refused to stretch out his hand to pick it up. I want to say that I deliberately took: "If the other party comes close to me and lends a helping hand to me, then I will be helped by you.", No problem, but I won't ask for help yourself. This kind of eccentricity is cooler, and as a result, you can only wastefully lead a lonely life. That's also your personal freedom; Or when you look back on your high school life ten years later, you keep complaining to your bedroom wall "If only I wasn't so stubborn"; "Satou-san is so cute!"; "I heard the sound of the universe... I became o the chosen one...!", It's also a good choice to move forward steadily towards this future."

"Well, I don't think it's that great."

"I'm sorry for interfering with Takahashi-kun's solitary lifestyle. I can't even understand this way of life, but if Takahashi-kun thinks it's good, then so be it. Goodbye, though I don't think so. I'll talk about it again in this life, but just in case, I'll tell you about Takahashi-kun. Please delete all information from my classmates, please Takahashi-kun forget about me, and let us be strangers."

Satou-san greeted Master, patted her skirt, and got up and left.

"Ah, no, no, no, wait a minute, Satou-san!"

I tried desperately to stop her, and Satou-san turned around. However, her eyes revealed a terrifying chill.

"What's wrong? Who are you?"

"So fast! The memories are erased so fast!"

"What's with this pitiful voice? Are you underestimating me? It bothers me a lot."

"It's not like that… I'm sorry…"

"So who are you? I'll just listen to you and introduce yourself."

"My name is Takahashi, and I'm a genius."

"Oh~ then?"

"...If you don't like it, please be my friend."

"Eh... I don't want to..."

"No, no, no, no, no, no, what should I say, let's talk for a bit, shall we?"

"Then, is it good for me to be Takahashi-kun's friend?"

"Well, since I'm a genius, I can display all kinds of talents. For example, suppose there is this beautiful girl's ambition to become the student council president of this academy. If this beautiful girl needs my talent, maybe I can help her."

"But there's no one like that. A beautiful girl who needs Takahashi-kun. Isn't that far-fetched?"

"There is such a person, it is you."

"...Well, you're Takahashi-kun? Can you sit there first?"

"Yes. I have to say, I've been seated."

I regained my posture in the chair.

"I told you to sit on your knees, on the floor."

"…as you ordered."

I got off the chair and knelt on the floor again. I glanced at the counter, only to see Master wiping the cup, looking at me with pleasure, and then quietly looking away. I finally learned what true hospitality is.

"Takahashi-kun, your final conclusion is that you can become my friend and help me?"

"Yes, please let me do my best."

I continued to kneel and stare at the person standing in front of me. Satou-san. She looked at me with cold eyes.

"Um... is Hashi-san here?"

"My name is Takahashi."

"Takahashi-kun, why did you look reluctant just now?"

"Ahh, that, how should I put it, it's just…"

"If you're going to say something ugly, if you take it easy, this time. I really want to completely erase my memory. Empty the recycle bin. If you don't want me to clear my memory, explain to me one by one."

If you delete it completely, it will be a hassle. I made up my mind, ready to reveal the truth.

"Well, that's a tactic."

"Tactics?"

"That is, I don't want to be treated as a lowly man responding to a pretty girl like Satou-san. If I agree directly, I always feel it. I will probably be treated as a simple man who obeys Satou-san's orders. My classmates saw it as a simple man who did as she said. It was said that this woman had been in his life all along. She is a sign that she is cute which makes me angry. So I thought of a way to give a little face and then refuse, if Satou-san keeps asking me, I will be able to put a posture of reluctance to accept the conditions at the right time. This way, the relationship between me and Satou-san is master and Satou-san is a vassal, and I can control future developments... So I want to try interpreting "I can't give up even if it's troublesome", Satou-san, who has a gentle nature even though she's helpless, but still given help, by a gentle playboy and a cool and wise boy genius named Takahashi. I just wanted to try. It was just a line like "Oh, I really can't do anything about Satou-san."."

I half gave up and poured out all my thoughts.

"Scum arrogance, shameful tactics, and this kind of opportunistic wishful thinking will cost you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?"

"…Sorry I haven't spoken to my classmates, especially girls, so I'm being a bit too arrogant."

"Well, I understand what Takahashi-kun means. Yes, he's a boy after all. There are always times when you want to look cool."

"I'm very grateful for your understanding."

"Then let me tell Takahashi-kun a good thing. To pretend to be cool and indifferent and considerate requires an innate talent. Even if people without talent just learn to imitate that, they will only become ruffians with an exaggerated awareness of victimization. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, I got it. 100% got it. Wow, I got it so fast."

"Your attitude is very annoying, don't be so arrogant."

"Ah, yes, sorry."

"However, why do you want to help me? I remember now, you just said that doing this wasn't good for you, right? You did say that? I'm sorry suppose I'm friends with Takahashi-kun and it won't benefit Takahashi-kun if you befriend me. I'm still shy too."

"No, I just realized it now, but it's actually really good for me. That means, Satou-san is an amazing, gentle, smart, and popular person. I thought that if I made friends with someone like that, maybe I could become a superior person, and maybe I'll grow in community."

"Lie."

"What?"

"I've always felt that way. You're lying, didn't I tell you to explain one by one?"

No, that cold stare again. I decided to pour out my sincerity 2.0 completely.

"To be honest, right now, I can feel the peerless charm on your face. Face! Face! Of course, including all your chest, waist, and buttocks. I thought you were perfect. At first I barely knew your personality when I first met, and the situation right now makes me feel a little pulled from your personality, but as long as your face looks cute, that's fine. Better to just put it aside if you have a cute personality or something. It doesn't matter. So it doesn't matter what's inside of you, I'm moved by charm of your appearance. Then, as a sophomore, if I could make friends with cute girls, I would win life. Even if there were a hundred stinky boy friends it wasn't as good as befriending pretty girls. In fact, as long as relationships were close enough to work out side by side, I am very grateful. I want to feel superior, I want to win the world, from the youth that I have left behind!"

I've poured so much that it doesn't matter. It has to be said that I wanted to go home early to re-watch "The Great Priestess of the Wild IV", and I really wanted to know the true face of the mysterious ronin in the preview of the final episode. After all, what I said earlier was too direct, and I would definitely be hated by her, ands he would definitely say something like "Sorry, please stop yourself, please.".

All right, hurry up and give me a good time!

I looked at Satou-san with a sinner mentality about to fall to the ground.

However, Satou-san's gaze is getting lower and lower.

She just knelt in front of me and held both my hands.

"Takahashi-kun, in other words, the two of us can become friends!"

"Ah? What's the logic?"

What happened to this person? Are there any brain abnormalities? After the conversation just now, is there any room for friendship? Even my self-hatred scale is increasing!

"Of course, you still don't want to?"

"Friendship is beautiful, this is the brilliance of youth!"

"Then the two of us will work together to achieve my ambition! Then you will have to pay for the coffee!"

Satou-san holds my hand tightly and smiles brightly.

Our conclusion, then, is that our hands are tightly connected.

The domination belongs entirely to Satou-san.

Although it always feels like something is wrong, the results are quite satisfying.

note: I just want to say that this novel is ridiculous.