Harem Of The Oshika Clan - H042 Orientation and Club Introductions

H042 Orientation and Club Introductions

For my second day at Meshi Academy, Manaka-san drove me in her car. Even though she’s the next head of the Washiha family, a grandchild branch of the Oshika clan, is it okay to have her as my driver? It’s just for this week, so maybe it’s fine.

Arriving at school, I thanked Manaka-san and got out, heading to the classroom… but I got lost right away. I couldn’t find the entrance. Not wanting to be late, I gave up quickly, pulled out my phone, and used the campus map to navigate to the classroom.

I’ll need the map for a while until I get used to this place.

In the classroom, a few girls were already there. Youko said she’d ride the Oshika family bus, so she’d arrive later.

“Oshika-kun, good morning.”

Three girls came to my seat, one greeting me.

“Good morning. Uh…”

It’s only the second day, and I couldn’t recall the girl’s name.

“I’m Ama Inori. Can I ask you something, Oshika-kun?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

My wording was off, but they didn’t seem to mind.

“Is your ‘Oshika’ the same as the Oshika Group?”

“Yeah, it is.”

No need to hide it, so I nodded.

“I knew it! So, can you get your grades boosted even if you do poorly?”

Another girl spoke, not Inori.

“No way, I wouldn’t do that. I’d get in trouble.”

“But Meshi Academy is part of the Oshika Group, right? It seems like anything an Oshika family member wants would happen.”

The third girl seemed to think the same. No way.

“If I did that, I’d be the worst student. An Oshika being a failure at an Oshika Group school would be too embarrassing.”

“True, looking good on paper but being a failure isn’t great for appearances.”

Inori giggled.

I was slightly worried about being shunned as an Oshika, but that was baseless. With many Oshika clan students here, one main family member doesn’t change much.

More students arrived, including Youko, who joined our circle naturally. Surrounded by four girls, I spent the time until class started.

At morning homeroom, our teacher, Rumi-sensei, announced the day’s schedule. No classes today due to various events; they start tomorrow. We’re to study quietly during free time.

“Akira-kun and Youko-san, go to the auditorium after homeroom.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

As transferees, Youko and I will be separate from the class for orientation today. I wonder what it involves.

After homeroom, Youko and I headed to the auditorium. Despite yesterday’s opening ceremony there, I nearly got lost again.

My memory was fuzzy, but Youko remembered the way, so we didn’t get lost. I looked uncool, but Youko’s seen me clumsy since we were kids, so it’s no big deal.

Orientation was with third-years. They sat in rows, and Youko and I took seats on the side.

Soon, everyone gathered, and a teacher began explaining.

At Meshi Academy, third-years choose their courses. I’d heard about electives but thought it was just arts or sciences, like my old school.

Here, you pick individual classes, with recommended patterns for each year, like arts or sciences, to help students choose. I’m not confident I could pick without guidance.

Course selection is due this week, with only mandatory classes scheduled. Events like this orientation fill the gaps, and clubs are recruiting new members.

Orientation ended in less than a period.

“Akira, which classes are you taking? Science track?”

Youko asked.

“Engineering courses, and maybe economics or business classes.”

“Hmm. Because you’re the Oshika head?”

“Yeah. I don’t know if I’ll do that work, but I want to be prepared.”

Even if my role is just producing heirs, ignoring the group’s operations feels wrong.

“What about you, Youko? Not much time to decide.”

“Can I talk it over with you tonight?”

“Sure, but I might not have great advice.”

“That’s fine. Talking helps me sort my thoughts.”

“Okay then.”

This has happened before—Youko talks through problems and solves them herself before I say much.

If it helps her, I’ll listen anytime, like always.

After orientation, third-years left, but Youko and I stayed. Soon, fourth-years (high school first-year equivalents) entered for club introductions.

Club members, mostly from sports clubs, presented their activities.

Meshi Academy’s middle division clubs are split into two types:

1. 1. Clubs separated by first-to-third years and fourth-to-sixth years.

1. 1. Clubs where all years (first to sixth) participate together.

The first type, mostly sports clubs, splits due to separate middle and high school athletic federations.

Most cultural clubs are the second type, though external events may be separate.

Honestly, I’m not planning to join a club. The transfer exam was tough, and keeping up with classes will be hard. I want to use after-school time for studying at the mansion.

I wonder about Youko and Runa. They’re working as maids at the mansion, so I’ll ask later.

“Akira, where are you eating lunch? Bento?”

“First cafeteria.”

Lunchtime came after morning club introductions. I answered Youko without hesitation.

“First cafeteria? The second’s closer. Why there?”

“No reason, just felt like it.”

I have a reason but don’t want to tell even Youko, my longtime friend. She’d laugh. Not preparing a reason was a mistake; she might see through me.

But Youko didn’t pry.

“Hmm? Can I come?”

“Sure.”

Afternoon club introductions, mostly cultural clubs, are in the gym, so we didn’t return to class. Youko and I went to the first cafeteria.

It wasn’t empty but had fewer people. It’s near the university division, and since the semester just started, fewer students are around.

The second cafeteria is closer to the middle division, but some middle schoolers eat here, so it won’t seem odd if I keep coming.

We chose set meals, sat at an empty table, and ate together.

“…What’s up?”

“Hm? What?”

I shifted my gaze, which had been wandering, to Youko.

“You’ve been looking around. Not something, but someone?”

“Not really. It’s a new place, so I’m just curious.”

“Really?”

Did she catch me? Staring around while eating is obvious. I’ll be more discreet next time.

It’s my first time here, so I’ll pass it off as curiosity.

After lunch, we went to the gym for more club introductions with first-years.

Most first-years were already there. A teacher guided Youko and me to our seats. Once everyone arrived, the gym doors closed, and introductions began.

I’m not keen on joining, but a robotics club might tempt me. No such club, though. The Mechanical Workshop Club is close, but I’m unsure. With academics a concern, I’ll decide after a month of classes.

“Onii-chan.”

As introductions ended and I headed back to class, Runa spotted me, leaving the first-year group to call out.

“Runa, you were around? I didn’t see you, but you were close.”

Answering, I stared at my cute sister. It’s my first time seeing her in Meshi Academy’s uniform. Compared to others, Runa’s adorable.

“Onii-chan, joining a club?”

“On hold for now. I’m worried about grades, so I’ll think about it if I can keep up.”

“Yeah, me too. I need to work, or I’ll get kicked out of the mansion.”

“Same here. Scholarships cover tuition, but not living expenses.”

As expected, Runa and Youko will focus on their maid jobs for now. The future’s unclear, though.

Talking, the three of us left the gym.

I put clubs on hold, but I didn’t expect what happened later. Truth is stranger than fiction, as they say. Maybe I should’ve seen it coming, but that’s a story for later.

The second day at Meshi Academy ended like this.