During lunch break, Sato was casually chatting with Saiki Kusuo and Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya).
Suddenly, Sato remembered that Kirito was something of a gaming expert and asked, "By the way, Kirigaya. Have you ever heard of Sword Art Online?"
"Sword Art Online?"
Kirito was clearly taken aback. He stared at Sato in shock. "You know about Sword Art Online?!"
Huh?
Sato was a bit surprised in return. "You've heard of it?"
Kirito nodded. "Yeah, I got an email about it last week. I looked it up online but couldn't find anything, so I assumed it was a scam."
Saying that, he stared wide-eyed at Sato. "Wait, don't tell me it's real?! They actually developed full-dive VR technology?!"
Realizing that Kirito was just as clueless, Sato sighed. Kirito had mistakenly assumed he knew more than he did.
"Nope."
Sato shook his head. "I got the same email last week. I thought you might have some insider info, being a top-tier gamer and all. But yeah… it's probably a scam."
The two exchanged glances, both feeling a bit let down.
Next to them, Saiki Kusuo's eyes flashed with a strange light. He glanced at them silently, as if pondering something.
After School — Light Music Club
When Sato opened the door to the clubroom, the Light Music girls weren't there yet. But Yukinoshita Yukino was already seated quietly in the corner.
Outside, cherry blossoms danced in the wind. A shaft of sunlight poured through the window, casting a golden glow on Yukino's fair face, it was a scene of serene beauty.
"Hello."
He glanced at her and offered a polite greeting.
Yukino lifted her head slightly and nodded, then returned to reading her book.
She was like the eternal snow on the peaks of a far-off mountain, or a snow lotus blooming alone in the cold. Distant, proud, and quietly dignified.
Sato had a good read on her personality by now, so he simply took a seat and began working on his homework.
Not long after, a cheerful voice rang out from the hallway.
Bang!
The door flew open, and Tainaka Ritsu burst in energetically.
"Yo! Nohara!"
She waved at Sato with a bright smile.
Then, spotting Yukino in the corner, she was reminded that their clubroom was now shared with the Service Club.
"Good afternoon, Yukinoshita-san!"
"Good afternoon."
After exchanging greetings, the Light Music Club girls gathered around Sato.
Just then, Sato finished his homework and slipped it into his school bag.
He glanced at Tsumugi, who was brewing tea for everyone, then asked, "So… when are we actually going to start club activities?"
Everyone froze as if struck by lightning.
"Haha… w-we'll bring our instruments this week! No need to rush, right?"
Ritsu awkwardly patted Sato on the shoulder, laughing to cover her embarrassment.
Sato didn't know what to say to that.
According to Kirito, other clubs were already preparing for national tournaments.
Clearly, this club was on the relaxed side.
Looking around, Sato concluded: Yep, this is a laid-back club… but maybe that's not so bad.
Some people chase greatness. Others savor moments of peace.
As Tsumugi placed tea and cakes in front of everyone, Ritsu suddenly clapped her hands with excitement.
"Oh right! We've got a new member joining the club!"
"A new member?!"
Mio and Tsumugi exchanged surprised glances, both smiling.
"Yup! I found out when I submitted Nohara's club application. Apparently, she already submitted hers too."
"What's her name?"
"Hmm…"
"…I think it was Hirasawa… Yui?"
Hirasawa Yui?
Judging by the name, it sounded like another girl. Sato thought to himself that the club was starting to feel a bit imbalanced.
The days were peaceful. Cherry blossoms were already beginning to fall as May approached.
Inside the Light Music Club, it felt like two different worlds, one of carefree warmth among the girls, and one of quiet solitude in Yukino's corner. And yet, it all blended together harmoniously.
"Yukinoshita-san, would you like some tea?"
Tsumugi approached Yukino with a freshly poured cup, speaking softly.
All eyes turned toward her. Yukino looked as if she'd resolved herself.
She politely declined with a shake of her head and replied coolly, "No, thank you."
Tsumugi blinked in surprise, then smiled and nodded.
But—
"What about a cookie, then?"
Seeing Tsumugi pop up again, Yukino was visibly stunned.
Her lips pressed together slightly, and a trace of inner conflict flashed across her face.
"…Thank you."
She ultimately accepted a cookie and whispered her thanks.
So she took it after all…
Yukino sighed inwardly.
Knock knock!
Just then, someone knocked on the clubroom door.
Whoosh!
Everyone looked at each other. Ritsu's eyes lit up.
"She's here!"
No need to ask who she was referring to.
Zoom!
Ritsu dashed to the door like a whirlwind. With her hand on the handle, she turned to the others dramatically.
"Ahem!"
Like a show host about to reveal the final answer, she cleared her throat and declared solemnly:
"Ladies and gentlemen…"
"Let's give a big round of applause for the fifth member of the Light Music Club!"
"Hira—"
"Sawa—"
"Yui!"
With Ritsu's booming voice, the door flew open and a startled girl stood outside, frozen in place.
Hirasawa Yui stared, wide-eyed. She thought she heard her name just now?
As she realized every pair of eyes inside the room was now on her, she panicked.
She bowed deeply. "I'm sorry for disturbing you…"
And turned to leave.
"Wait, what?!"
Ritsu rushed forward, shocked.
"Hold on, you're Hirasawa Yui, right?! Why are you leaving?!"
"Ritsu! You scared her!"
Mio stormed over, grabbed Ritsu, and apologized to Yui.
"Sorry, she's a bit… dense!"