The Literature Club wasn't bad.
That was Reiji's first impression after spending his first real meeting sitting in silence while the others discussed different books and writing topics.
The problem wasn't the club. The problem was the person sitting two seats away from him.
Sena.
She hadn't spoken a word to him since their encounter outside the clubroom, but Reiji could feel her annoyance radiating in waves.
She acted as if he were some kind of nuisance she had to tolerate.
Not that Reiji cared.
He had no intention of arguing with her over something as trivial as a club.
Still, the situation felt ironic.
Even though he had joined for reasons beyond his control, part of him knew that if Aoi were in this club, he wouldn't have minded at all.
But instead, he was stuck with Sena.
—
After the meeting, Reiji made his way down the hallway, walking at his usual unhurried pace.
The day had been long, and he was ready to head home—until an all-too-familiar voice called out behind him.
"Oi."
Reiji stopped.
He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
Sena stepped in front of him, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"We need to talk."
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "About?"
She narrowed her eyes. "The club."
He exhaled quietly. "I didn't ask to be there, just like you didn't."
Sena scoffed. "That's not the problem. The problem is that we have to work together now."
Reiji remained silent.
"I don't want you messing things up," she continued. "So do whatever you have to do, but don't drag me into anything unnecessary."
Reiji gave her a flat look. "You're acting like I signed up just to bother you."
She crossed her arms. "Who knows? Maybe you did."
Reiji let out a short sigh, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Look, I'm not interested in causing problems. I'll do my part, and you do yours. Simple."
Sena studied him for a moment, then clicked her tongue. "Fine."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Reiji watched her go before shaking his head slightly.
This was going to be a pain.
—
When Reiji arrived home, the familiar warmth of the house settled over him.
"Welcome back!" a cheerful voice greeted him.
His five-year-old brother, Haruto, ran up to him, practically bouncing with energy.
Reiji ruffled the kid's hair. "Hey."
From the living room, his older sister, Misaki, peeked out. "Took you long enough. Dinner's almost ready."
She was three years older than him, but sometimes it felt like more.
Reiji took off his shoes and stepped inside. The scent of home-cooked food filled the air, reminding him that he hadn't eaten much since lunch.
"Did anything interesting happen today?" Misaki asked as he sat down.
Reiji thought for a moment before answering. "Not really."
He didn't feel like explaining the whole club situation—especially not how he somehow ended up stuck with Sena.
Misaki smirked. "You hesitated. That means something did happen."
Reiji sighed. "It's nothing."
She shrugged. "If you say so."
Haruto, meanwhile, was already busy talking about his day, filling the room with his endless chatter.
Reiji leaned back slightly, letting the familiar routine wash over him.
For all the complications at school, home was… normal.
And he was fine with that.
For now.
—