The Art Club and the Light Music Club

The final bell of the day finally rang, signaling the end of school and the start of the much-anticipated time of freedom—after school. The last period of the day often seemed to drag on endlessly, with students frequently glancing up at the clock, willing the hands to move faster.

But no matter how many times they checked, the hands always seemed to be stuck, far from the time when they could leave. That's why, when the final bell rang, there were always a few small cheers of relief and joy.

The English teacher, who had been aware of the students' eagerness to leave, didn't push the lesson further. Having taught for nearly six years, she understood the students' restlessness all too well. Fortunately for them, she was in a good mood today, so she decided not to keep them longer. After quickly going over a key point, she ended the class right on time.

As soon as the teacher left, Yui Yuigahama, who had been dozing off at her desk, sprang to life as if she had been recharged.

"Finally, it's time to go home!"

Yui, who had managed to sleep through most of the English class, had an uncanny ability to wake up right when the bell rang.

"Yuigahama-san really does love to sleep," Yukinoshita Yukino, Yui's desk mate, couldn't help but remark.

Throughout the day, which consisted of six periods—four in the morning and two in the afternoon—Yui had managed to sleep through almost three of them.

"Make sure you do your homework tonight. Don't let reading your novels make you forget about it again," said Megumi Kato, who was packing up her bag and getting ready to head to the library.

"Ehehe, I promise I'll do my homework today," Yui laughed sheepishly, recalling how she had forgotten to do it this morning.

"Oh, right! Yukino, Izumi-san, Kato-san, how about we go to that new cake shop in Chiba after school? I heard their cakes are really good," Yui suggested enthusiastically.

"I'd love to, but I think you forgot that I have club activities today. I'm in the art club, so I won't be able to leave school until much later. We'll have to go another time," Izumi Kotomi replied.

"Oh, right! I almost forgot you're in the art club, Izumi-san," Yui remembered, then turned to the others. "What about you, Yukino, Kato-san?"

Yukino shook her head. "My sister is coming home today, so I need to head back early."

Having been turned down twice, Yui's hopes now rested on Megumi Kato, and she asked with a glimmer of hope, "Kato-san, what about you?"

"Huh? Me?" Megumi looked at Yui, noticing the slight hint of disappointment in her expression, and then smiled softly. "Sure, let's go together."

"Thank you! Alright, Kato-san, let's go!" Yui exclaimed, happily grabbing Megumi's hands. It was clear that she was thrilled to have a friend to go with her to the cake shop.

Is she really this excited about having someone to go to the cake shop with? Yui doesn't seem like the type who would struggle to find someone to go with, Kotomi thought to herself as she watched the exchange.

However, she couldn't help but recall that Megumi had mentioned yesterday that she would wait for her in the library while Kotomi attended her art club activities, and then they would walk home together...

Maybe she just changed her mind, Kotomi reasoned. But the thought of not walking home with Megumi today left her feeling a little bitter for some reason.

[Oh? Jealous, are we?] the God-Level Heroine System chimed in, perfectly timing its interruption.

"Huh? Jealous? Why would I be jealous over something like this?" Kotomi denied, trying to convince herself as much as the system.

[Sure, sure. Whatever you say,] the system responded knowingly.

Just as Kotomi was about to stand up and head to the art club, she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. She turned around instinctively, meeting Megumi's eyes. The moment their eyes met, Megumi gave her a reassuring smile that somehow put Kotomi's heart at ease.

Before Kotomi could say anything, Megumi released her grip, picked up her bag, and left the classroom with Yui.

???

Kotomi stood there, completely bewildered, with three big question marks hovering over her head.

Little Kotomi, do you have a lot of questions right now?

Kotomi wasn't sure how long she stood there in a daze until Yukino, who was about to leave the classroom, gently tapped her on the shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Izumi-san, we're the only ones left in the classroom. Are you going to the art club? You only have about ten minutes before the activities start," Yukino reminded her.

"Oh! I almost forgot. Thanks, Yukino-san!"

"You're welcome."

The two left the classroom, heading off in different directions.

The art club was located in the art classroom on the fourth floor of Sobu High School. Conveniently, the light music club was right next door.

Before entering a room, especially in Japan, it's customary to announce oneself to any seniors present. However, in a place like the art club, where a quiet environment is crucial for creativity, remaining silent was a form of respect. So, Kotomi quietly pushed open the door and slipped inside, planning to introduce herself to everyone after the activities ended.

As soon as she stepped inside, the distinct smell of oil paint and turpentine hit her nose—a strong, somewhat nostalgic scent that wasn't exactly pleasant but wasn't unpleasant either.

Because she had been delayed in the classroom, the other club members had already arrived when Kotomi entered the art room.

The club's advisor wasn't present, which wasn't surprising. Advisors typically only showed up when necessary, often just to check in or fulfill official duties.

As Kotomi took in the scene before her, she realized something surprising.

The art club was made up entirely of girls!