Chapter 24 – Is There Any Point to a Training Camp?

The only thing more depressing than a Thursday is a Monday.

After enjoying a relaxing weekend, school—a place utterly devoid of youthful bliss—begins.

Hinami, on the other hand, had been in high spirits since the morning.

She was humming to herself while reading Empire.

The latest volume, which she bought yesterday.

She must have finished it yesterday, so this is probably her second read-through.

“Is that your second time reading it?”

“It’s my sixth.”

That’s way beyond what I imagined.

Doesn’t she get tired of reading it so many times in such a short period? I usually make sure to take a break for a while after my third read-through.

“Have you read it yet, Akira-kun?”

“Yeah, I finished it yesterday.”

After that, Hinami and I exchanged our thoughts on the latest volume.

The final scene, in particular, was a shocker.

Just as our conversation was getting lively, I happened to glance at the seat behind me.

The seat belonging to Japan’s otaku representative.

If only Shinichi were here, our discussion would have been even more exciting.

“What happened to Nanba-kun?”

“He’s apparently got a fever.”

“But Nanba-kun was at Animate yesterday too, wasn’t he?”

“Apparently, since he usually spends his Sundays cooped up at home, forcing himself to go outside caused his immune system to have a total meltdown.”

It sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.

It seems his body has zero tolerance for going out on a Sunday.

The only reason I knew this was because he’d contacted me last night. Not that I ever check my phone, so I didn’t actually see it until this morning.

I sent him a generic “Hope you feel better soon” and left it at that.

“Hey, what are you guys talking about?”

As we were wallowing in a “poor Shinichi” mood, a familiar voice called out to us.

It was Chifuyu.

I was suddenly reminded of Saturday, when I’d caught her on a date with her current boyfriend, Shigure-kun. Shigure-kun smelled amazing, and his body was soft, almost like a girl’s.

Goes to show how different handsome guys are.

“We’re talking about something you wouldn’t understand, Chifuyu.”

“I’m perfectly capable of understanding, you know.”

“Hasebe-san, do you know Empire?” Hinami asked, leaning forward in her seat with an interested look on her face.

We are, for better or worse, in the same club. I’d like for us to get along.

“W-Well, I know the name, at least.”

“Who’s your favorite character?”

“Umm… Prince Shoutoku?”

She doesn’t know a single thing about it. She didn’t have to put on a brave face like that.

“Prince Shoutoku isn’t in it.”

“Manga is so complicated.”

You just haven’t read it.

Still, though…

“Why are you trying to butt into a conversation you don’t understand?”

“Because… we’re in the same club.”

Oh, right. Because we’re in the same club.

“Besides… there’s something I have to tell you.”

What’s this about?

“The Go-Home Club is getting a new member.”

“Huh?”

“I’m saying someone wants to join the Go-Home Club.”

Hinami and I exchanged a look.

My sister would never approve… but I’m the president, so it should be fine, right?

“So, this person who wants to join the Go-Home Club is…”

I had a feeling I already knew.

“Her name is Shiromizu Shigure…”

　＊＊＊

Saturday.

Shortly after Akira had his run-in with Shigure.

“Sorry, sorry, it took me a while to find a change machine.”

“Even so, weren’t you gone for a long time?”

“Not at all. You know I have no sense of direction, right?” Shigure said, flashing a smile so refreshing it seemed to carry the scent of mint.

A group of high school girls nearby let out a collective squeal.

In her masculine attire, Shigure passed perfectly for a handsome high school boy.

She inserted a 500-yen coin into the machine, and the crane game began. It was a game where you could win a U-Melody plushie.

This was, of course, not to win a present for Chifuyu, but purely because she wanted one for herself. Shigure had a serious weakness for U-Melody. Her target was Kuroko-chan.

“With my skills, I can get it in three tries.”

“No way.”

“Oh, yes. I have a good feeling about today. Besides, I just had a… fateful encounter.”

“A fateful encounter?” Chifuyu asked, tilting her head, her round eyes wide with curiosity.

“Alright, I’ve decided! If I can win Kuroko-chan in three tries or less, I’ll join the Go-Home Club.”

“Eh?”

“I’ve been on the fence about it for a while. You’re in it, Chifuyu, and besides… Akira-kun is the president, you know?”

　＊＊＊

After morning homeroom ended, Matsumaru-sensei, looking unusually cheerful, came at me with a tackle.

Her very mature chest slammed into my stomach.

“What do you want?”

“You could sound a little more excited! A beautiful teacher like me just threw herself at you, you know?”

“I’ll sue you for sexual harassment.”

“Oh, come on. What’s a little fun between you and me, Akira-kun?”

All I am is the victim of her constant, annoying pestering.

“So, what’s the main reason you’re here?”

“This weekend, from Friday after school until Sunday afternoon, we’re having a training camp. Make sure you let the other club members know.”

“A training camp?”

“I’ve already booked the inn, so there’s no changing it. And make sure you get to know the new member, okay?”

“How did you—”

“The paperwork was finalized this morning. I’m sure your sister will be thrilled.”

Matsumaru-sensei clearly doesn’t understand my sister at all.

But, well, Shigure-kun is Chifuyu’s boyfriend, so maybe it won’t be a problem. More importantly, a training camp.

A training camp for the Go-Home Club.

Seimei High is probably the first school in the world to attempt something so nonsensical. What an honor.