Party or an excuse?"
Corridor.
While he was walking behind her, On the corridor.
He thought, finally I managed to enter the club successfully. sigh..., That was the tough ride, I am never going to act out of my character again.
Reze thinks in her mind Hmm.. She steal glances on him at the back, and thought, It's too cumbersome to introduce him to all the club members and show him around... And with what just happened. A surges of memories flood in through her head, she exhaled I'll just make someone else do the work. She got her phone out of her Jean's pocket.
She'd whatsApp, A new member has joined our club today, who is free now to come to the practice rooms?
•••
A replie came from Mami, I am free" Senpai
I am nearby "So, I'll be there in a minute.
•••
Another one message pop up. Me, me i am free too, senpai, Yui repiled.
She thinks in her mind, I mean it's great, But why did she replied so quickly? Yui this girl is she...?
She thought doesn't matter, follow me I've called someone, So, i can introduce you to everyone in the club. Oh, ok, he said. As quietly follows behind her.
———
Club room.
Senkai, I've was waiting alone at the Club room. It felt like she left me here on purpose ah... Just how long. A door nob voice comes again click, as she came back a person followed behind her.
Yui, say hello, he joined us through the special entry, that I didn't even knew existed. He is a first year his name is Yoshimura Senkai. He was surprised as he said, Yuigahama Yui. What are you doing here?" I didn't knew you were in my college.
She says It's nice to meet you again, I didn't knew either! what major are you in? He asked. A Sophomore in Media and Commnication, what about you? architecture. she says oh you are smarter, and here I thought your grades were bad than mine. Hey what have you took me for. She chuckled and asked what about keisuke is he here too?"—
Reze, She coughed, you both seems to know each other?
Yui Said, I mean we are frie—. We were just in a same highschool, He cutted her word. Awkward she said. laughing gently, you didn't change did you, you've and yuki are were always like that hitoribochii (loner), Than there was always me at club room mending your fights.
Yui continued her voice slow, looking at it now, we are again in a same club...
I've looked at Reze face that looked bit annoyed. her trying to find words to join in conversation, But couldn't able to, she looked a bit irritated, and I smirked without even realizing realizing it.
Reze noticed the smirk, and it annoyed her more than she expected. She crossed her arms, leaned over a table clearing her throat a little louder than necessary.
"So," she said, forcing a composed tone, "since introductions are done—Yui, could you show Senkai around the practice rooms? I still need to talk to Mami about the schedule."
Yui blinked, surprised, then smiled brightly. "Eh? Sure! Leave it to me. "She turned toward him "Come on, Senkai. I'll give you the grand tour."
He glanced at Reze for a brief second. Their eyes met. Something unreadable passed between them maybe a curiosity, challenge, or a hint of regret, Then he looked away.
"Alright," I said simply.
———
Outside of the club room, corridor.
As they walked out, Yui leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You've changed," she said teasingly. "You don't look as gloomy as before. "Hmph. People grow," he replied. "Unlike you, Still chaty and noisy."
Hey! That's rude," she laughed. "But you're right. It's kinda nostalgic, isn't it? Behind them, she stood frozen for a moment longer than she should have. Her nails dug slightly into her palms.
they really are close, she thought. As Mami entered the room then, waving. "Senpai, you've called me. Reze snapped back to reality. "Ah—yes. Sorry. Let's have a talk.
———
Meanwhile, Yui pushed open the practice room door. The space was wide, mirrors lining one wall, equipment neatly stacked in corners.
"This is where we spend most of our time," she said. "Reze-senpai is strict, but she's reliable, He nodded, hands in his pockets. "She seems… serious, and Unexpected."
Yui tilted her head, studying him. "You noticed too, huh? She's been acting quite strange since a while ago. "Strange?" She smiled, a little mischievously. "Well, you'll figure it out your self."
I didn't reply, but mine thoughts wandered back to Reze—the way she avoided mine gaze, the stiffness in her voice.
This club, I thought, might turn out to be more troublesome than I imagined. And somewhere down the corridor, Reze felt an inexplicable unease settle in her chest, like the calm before something unavoidable.
———
Yoshimura House—
A week, later...
He was at his house, chilling at a couch, eating a bowl full of Chips, Yui messaged him, we get together regularly on Fridays "So, come and say hello to everyone. I thought, Last Friday they took a break because of the play.
Since it's a theater and flim club, I thought they'd explore and discuss about the flims, plays, movies, theatre ect, But..., as his sister Cella came out of a bathroom with the wet hair's, from behind of the couch she try's to steal the potato chips from his bowl, he hit at her hand reaching, without even looking up.
This time the peeping tom, stanched the whole bowl of his hand, before he do anything she was gone whossed. Her room locked, Hey! He shouted, than he sigh...
He continued in his thought, Mami–Senpai said the meeting are exactly not meant for that purposes.
He reminced a moment with Mami, sitting at a chair in the clubroom, ?? No, she said, we just get together to hang out and drink... What do you mean by discussion And debate it's not a political club? Huh??
So, as it's turns out the meeting's don't really have to do anything with the club or theatre...
They only hold meetings as an excuse to have drinking parties. "Great".
And somehow it turned out be us freshmans welcome party too.
———
P&M Club. / theatre and flim club.
The day of the party...
Hello, it's Nice to meet You!! My name is Yoshimura Senkai a new member!! I look forward to your kind Coorporation! He give a default greating in Japan.
As kakashi Said through, Who the fu*k is he?
He tilted his head as Mayama said, Who the hell is that guy. Hanabi say's Oh, the guy from the last time. she had leaned onto the Mami shoulder, Hi– Mami said.
I looked around the room, Reze sitting at the computer chair, her legs rested on Rya thighs, she waved her hand, Oh–come here– her sweet voice hit me. She wore a casual white colored one sided shoulder cut top and a blue jeans.
I' hesitated for half a second, then walked over as she beckoned him closer. The music was low, conversations overlapping, laughter spilling carelessly across the room, the noise hitting him at once— Before he could properly take it in, Reze noticed him."Oh—there you are," she said.
Hey, Mayama." He looked up from his phone. "Yeah?" She pointed at Senkai with her eye brows. "Can you take him for a bit? Let him meet the male seniors get him introduced. I've got my hands full here." Mayama raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "So I'm the babysitter now?"
"Just do it," she replied flatly.
Senkai nodded politely. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yoshimura Senkai, first year. "Relax," Mayama said, standing up and slinging an arm loosely around his shoulders. "I'm Mayama, third year.
Come on, I'll introduce you before Kakashi starts interrogating you." They moved toward the louder side of the room. One by one, Mayama pointed them out. "That loud guy is Kakashi—don't mind the mouth. Hanabi's usually quieter, but don't let that fool you. And the one there pretending not to listen? Is Ron.
"So you're the special entry kid," Kakashi said, squinting at him. "You any good? "At what?" Senkai asked honestly. Kakashi laughed. "Fair enough."
The tension eased quickly. Someone handed him a drink, someone else asked his major, and before he knew it, he was actually talking—listening more than speaking, but still included.
He thought, all the male seniors were friendly, from what I saw last time, the relationship between the president and the vice president doesn't seem to be that good...
Reze clapped her hands again. "Alright! Change of plans, She says Hey, Mami i feel like eating Barbecue today let's go to a BBQ restaurant.
Senpai didn't we eat there last Thursday as well. Come on that was the Afterparty of welcome play, and today is the welcome day. She wave her hand through her laptop monitor, and who does there homework during a meeting,
Mami sigh...
Reze said, don't dilly–dally for too long, or we leave without you. Ah i don't care either Way... she said lazily. If we leave without you you've get upset again. Huh? when did I get upset, Mami said?
A month ago i went drinking without you and you became so sulky later.
Mami in hurry replied, that's cuz when I'll wanted to go for a drink you went home, and when you wanted to go somedays later, I said "no, but you still went ahead without me!
Senkai He looked at their bickering and thought in his mind, Now that I see clearly, I think Reze just like to have some fun with her and tease her.
Hanabi said, looking at the Juniors, Don't worry they are like that all the time.
Mayama followed yeah.
Seems so... Senkai said....
———
Come on let's go together it's be my treat, Reze said. Let's go guys— I be talking you all out for the meat let's go... kakashi shout's yeah Reze is treating us tonight get ready boys...
Why does it feel like that He want to empty my pocket, Reze thought in her mind. She says okay, what do you guys want? Pork belly? Hanabi says slamming the table again and again beef! Beef!, Reze says Hanabi you are crossing the line— pork belly sound's fine—
Senna says, Senpai I want to eat Sushi!— Well it can't be helped if it's free food and alcohol she thought in her mind, Totally ignoring what reze did just a few days ago.
Yui and others shouted thanks senpai, Senkai on the side busy messaging to his overprotective sister that he be home late due to the Club activities.
———
At the BBQ, restaurant.
Yes, we are the tokyo university, theatre club... "Yes, you are correct. Oh you don't accept groups?
Ah... you are busy, yes... That's alright—
Senpai they are too busy too accept groups—Mami said.
Rya, welp.
Rya say's, Oye.. Reze she turned over to her, let's go to the restaurant close to the station one, huh, "No. Why, Rya said, Reze said "you know why, don't make me repeat myself. Her expression looked annoyed.
He looked at her annoyed face like there some secret hidden in that BBQ place, Mayama He suggests, I mean we can go to the close fried chicken place. it's all right senpai, I like fried chicken too, hanabi said. Reze says I am not interested one least bit as to you whether like the chicken or not. "So this is how we ended up at the fried chicken place. I really wasn't curious but seems like Hanabi senpai likes chicken too.
———
The fried Chicken Restaurant.
The sound of the bear glasses clunk together, cheers to the another to week of hard work–
I am getting Drunk," Hanabi shouted drunk, Asuza laughed and give a look of lol, Glass mugs clunked together, foam sloshing over the rims as laughter broke out around the table. The fried chicken arrived in chaotic waves—baskets stacked too high, steam rising, the smell rich and sinful. Reze watched in mild horror as plates emptied faster than they were set down.
They're eating like this is the last supper, she thought, taking a slow sip of her drink. Her eyes turns over to senkai, hey newbie Rina said, here Drink it, pouring a whole full glass of 90 percent alcohol vodka in cup, before Reze intervene hey—. He Chug down the whole cup, here I'm done.
Oh.. Look at this guy he drinks so well, you're kinda cute come and drink with us at our table, tachibana Rui said. Before Senkai could properly react, someone tugged his sleeve and he was half-pulled toward another table, cheers erupting as another can was cracked open.
When Rui pulled him onto her table, senkai sat awkward, Nice to meet you all seniors, I've greeted them, as Rui said come on not all are your senior meet our first year Ace Senna yukohama, I've looked at her and thought isn't she the other heroin I saw in play that day.
Even when she is eating she looks so cute, quietly I thought. Hello! You're the freshmen too Senna right, I'm the new member Yoshimura senkai I hope we get along. Nice to meet you too, she replied.
You performed very well at the play that day, it really was awesome, and i've didn't knew that day exactly, I hit the wrong spot of hers in that moment, Oh... She said, i don't know what part of that you found amazing, but thanks anyway, she said coldly.
Ah "no I Just was really was impressed by your acting. Did i say something wrong? He thought.
Than He remember the scene she performed, wasn't that great of a scene, I mean she got sexually harassed in the role, but I thought her acting was awesome cuz, women's usually gets afraid of taking roles like that, and she nailed it.
But Little did I know, she never knew what was about to happen to her during the play. Or I would have never ask her that, that day.
Rui senpai coughed, easing the tension and awkwardness come on you both are the fresh talents of our club you guys should get along... Let's have drink and make up here as she pour drink for both of us...
———
The club members had fully dissolved into noise now—laughter spilling over itself, chairs scraping, voices rising and falling in uneven waves.
Reze clicked her tongue softly.
Idiots…
She watched him from her seat, chin resting against her knuckles, eyes following the way he handled himself—too calm, too steady for someone who had just downed a glass of near-pure vodka. Not bragging. Not showing off. Just… there.
That annoyed her.
"Hey,"Yoshimura Senkai come here and play with me she pated the empty place besides her and crooked a finger lazily,
Senkai hesitated for half a second, then excused himself with a polite nod and walked over. Reze shifted slightly in her chair, patting the empty space beside her with careless confidence.
Polite He said, Senpai thanks for the dinner, are you doing well? The food was very filling! What are you saying are you drunk? She said. Rya smirked realizing the sacasum, Than all of a sudden the reminder of the note came to her that she'd wrote Senior and junior.
Reze, Ah that's what happening Huh, She coughed, Anyways sit down there no one next to me— have a drink with me.
Hm... —Sure I've said after long thinking.
Rya goes, Yay, give me sec I pour you a glass, ok he replied, cheers as the glasses clink softly, a dull chime lost beneath the noise of the people, restaurant. Reze took a sip first, slower than usual, her shoulders loosening as the alcohol settled in. He followed.
Rya watched them with an amused grin. "Wow, look at you two. Like a couple already."
"Don't go with your wild assumptions," Reze replied. She shot Rya a warning look, but it lacked its usual sharpness. Her cheeks were faintly flushed now, the alcohol beginning to
soften her edges.
I've stayed quiet, eyes lowered to his glass. But I didn't deny it. didn't confirm it either.
And That, somehow, made it worse.
Reze noticed, She leaned back in on a sofa, one leg crossing over the other, her knee brushing his thigh beneath the table—accidental, she told herself. But she didn't move away. "So," are you good at drinking, she said lightly, swirling the ice in her glass, "you're getting along with everyone pretty well for a first-year."
I think so I survived drinking at both OT, MT, and "I'm just listening, "People's like to talk when they're drink. Hm... She smiled crookedly. But "That's dangerous."
"Why?" he asked.
Because people say things they shouldn't when they are drunk. She glanced at him sideways. And others hear things they weren't supposed to know. He met her gaze then—steady, and unreadable. "You're saying that from a experience?" Her smile faltered for half a second. "…Maybe."
Across the table, laughter erupted as Kakashi tried (and failed) to stack empty plates into a tower. Hanabi was already half-asleep, chin propped on her palm. The night was sinking deeper into that familiar, reckless warmth.
Reze reached for the bottle again. I'm not very good at drinking, but i'm talking it well today for somereason?
Rya caught her wrist. "Easy there, Girl. You're already smiling too much. "I always smile," Reze said, brushing her off.
"That's a lie," Rya laughed. "You only do when you're drunk or pretending."Reze scoffed—but didn't argue.
I've watched the exchange quietly. I've had seen her confident, commanding, sharp-tongued. But This version—slightly unbalanced, warmer, careless—felt more intimate than I've expected.
She turned back to him suddenly. "Why are you staring at me?"
"I'm not."You are," she insisted, leaning closer now, her voice lower. "you know, You look like you're trying to figure me out."
Why am I allowed to? he questioned.
She paused. Then she laughed—soft, genuine, almost vulnerable. "You're bold for someone who barely talks."Only when I'm drunk," he said. Her eyes widened a fraction. Then she smiled again—slow, dangerous. "See?" she murmured. "Alcohol really is honest."
She reached out, tugging lightly at his sleeve. "Stay here. Don't let Rui that bitch drag you around again."
"I wasn't planning to leave." He said.
That answer lingered between them longer than it should have.
Rya cleared her throat exaggeratedly. "Okay, okay, I'm going to pretend I don't see this tension before I throw up."She stood, grabbing her bag. "Bathroom break. Don't do anything scandalous while I'm gone."
Reze waved her off lazily. "You worry too much."
As soon as Rya disappeared, the space between them felt louder.
Reze exhaled, resting her elbow on the table, chin in her hand. Her gaze softened, unfocused for a moment. "You know," she said quietly, "you really shouldn't be here."
Senkai frowned. "Why?"
Because clubs like this…" She gestured vaguely around them. "They don't stay fun. People get attached. Hurt. Messy."
And what about you?" I've asked gently. "Are you messed up?"
She laughed again—but this time it didn't reach her eyes. "Very much."
Silence.
Without warning, she leaned forward—her forehead resting briefly against his shoulder.
Senkai stiffened, instinctively—but didn't pull away.
"I'm tired," she muttered. "So annoying."
Sometimes I can't figure out what Reze is thinking... I think that she might be trying to play me... But why me, Who only met her few weeks back... He thought.
He hesitated, then raised a hand, resting it lightly against her back—not pulling her closer, not pushing her away. Just there.
Than again, I've thought she doesn't seem like a mean person, she is probably rich though. "You drank too fast," he said slowly gently rubbing her back.
Mm." She shifted slightly, comfortable. "That's your fault."
My fault?" I've said.
You sat next to me." she continued.
He almost smiled, than said, People are going too see, you don't care, last time too they were talking, that you left with me after the party.
Everyone is busy with their own thing, "no one will care she said.—The restaurant buzzed on around them, unaware. In that small, shared pocket of warmth, Reze closed her eyes—just for a moment.
And Senkai realized something unsettling.
This wasn't flirting. This wasn't her trying to settle things between them. This was someone letting her guard down—and trusting the wrong person to see it.
Somewhere, far from the noise and laughter, the first crack had formed.
The moment didn't last.
Reze straightened slowly, as if she'd just realized where she was. Her forehead lifted from his shoulder, her expression blank for a heartbeat—then carefully rearranged into something lighter. "Tch," she muttered. "Look at me. Acting pathetic."
You're not," Senkai said before thinking.
She froze. "…Don't say things like that," she replied quietly. "It makes it harder to joke it off."...
———
To be continue...