Ding!
The bell rang, and the students looked toward their instructor.
"I don't think we have much time left," the instructor glanced at his watch and shook his head. "See you next Sunday."
With that, he ended the session, and the students began to chatter, discussing what had just concluded.
In one corner, a group of students discussed the recent assignment, their faces etched with frustration.
'Senior Maya told us to go to the club today.'
Usually, our meetings are held on weekends, but today, Senior Maya told us to meet. This is unusual, considering she herself must be very busy.
'Why is Senior Maya calling us to meet today?'
I pondered the possible reasons. Perhaps it's about the upcoming events, changes to the club schedule, or maybe there are extra tasks. Either way, I decided to go and see.
'It's possible she will inform us about a trip.'
I thought, recalling the games. Although it's the History and Art Club, there are occasional trips, even though it sounds a bit strange.
Lost in thought, I felt someone beside me, and turning, I saw Sylvie walking next to me.
'Hmm?'
It was strange; I hadn't sensed her approaching. However, I quickly realized that Sylvie's aura allowed her to blend into crowds while making those around her feel comfortable.
'What an overpowered ability.'
I thought to myself. Her quiet demeanor and focused expression suggested she was also thinking about something.
"Hey," she smiled in greeting, seeing that I noticed her. "Do you know why Senior Maya called us in today?"
I initially wanted to talk about it but quickly dismissed the thought. It would seem strange if I knew about this in advance. So I shook my head. "Not really. It's unusual for her to change our meeting schedule; maybe there's something important to discuss or announce."
Sylvie nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. Hopefully, it's not another assignment; I'm fed up with mana formulas."
"It shouldn't be. Although she's enthusiastic, she wouldn't do that."
"...Hopefully."
I knew Sylvie was afraid of Senior Maya because she would try to run away every time she saw her, especially when Maya had snacks.
As Sylvie and I continued to talk, we headed toward the familiar club room. The hallway was especially quiet because it was lunchtime, and most students had already dispersed, each busy with their own things.
Just then, upon arriving at the club room, I felt a strange sensation, as if someone was staring at me. The feeling sent shivers down my spine.
Unconsciously, I took a step back, my body reacting instantly to the gaze. Soon, I realized who was staring at me.
'Damn it.'
I cursed inwardly, glancing out of the corner of my eye. There, I saw a guy sitting in a classroom, surrounded by a group of students, staring at me.
It was Trevor Phillips. He had been quiet for a while, but I had been wary of any schemes he might be plotting.
As I tensed from the sudden gaze, Sylvie noticed my reaction and followed my line of sight. She frowned in confusion. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I said; I couldn't tell Sylvie about it, and she wouldn't understand anyway.
"Alright, let's go in."
She said, stepping into the classroom. Our club didn't have a dedicated office right now, so Maya had asked us to go to an unused classroom.
As we entered the classroom, Senior Maya was by the window, finishing a conversation with another student.
"Ah, you're here."
......
Maya had been very busy lately, with her assignments and other matters piling up.
Just like the freshmen, the courses for sophomores and other grades had also undergone changes, and theirs were even more drastic.
However, despite her numerous busy affairs, she still made time for club activities. Although history and art seemed to have little to do with the hunter academy's curriculum, she always believed that providing opportunities for juniors to relax was very important.
This in itself was a difficult task, especially since she was also helping others prepare for practical exams.
Just when she felt she might be reaching her limit, a message from her patron brought a surprise.
"If you're willing, you can take a look at the historical site we've reserved for research."
The offer was like a much-needed breath of fresh air, allowing her to temporarily escape the pressure of studying. So, she decided to accept the invitation.
'We have nothing to lose anyway, and it's a good opportunity for a change of scenery.'
She wasn't entirely aware of the changes to the freshmen courses, but she thought a trip to a different place would be a good idea. It was also part of the club activities, and the advisors shouldn't object too much.
It was a win-win situation, and she decided to move forward with the plan. She messaged the club members and then smiled as she called them over.
"Ah, you're here." She saw two freshmen walk in as the door opened.
'Hmm?'
She narrowed her eyes, looking at the pair.
'I don't remember them coming together before.'
Although Maya seemed a bit spacey, she was someone who carefully observed her surroundings. Especially those she was familiar with.
"Senior."
Her junior spoke first, looking a bit curious, wondering why they had been called here. It was clear just from his expression.
"Welcome, junior," Maya responded with a smile.
Deciding not to think too much about it, she gestured for the two to sit next to her.
"Please wait a moment; I'll start the announcement soon."
"Okay."
The two sat down, but the atmosphere was a bit silent, which Maya didn't like.
Whenever this happened, she would always take a small action.
"Here, have some chips."
As soon as she said this, she noticed the girl next to her junior stiffen slightly.
'Hmm, I guess she wants to eat them.'
Noticing this, Maya couldn't help but smile inwardly. After all, who wouldn't like someone offering them snacks?
Sylvie flinched slightly at the sudden offer, hesitated, and politely declined, "Oh, no, thank you, Senior. I'm not very hungry."
'She must be shy and embarrassed to accept so easily. I've heard that some people aren't used to accepting so quickly, feeling like it would make them seem cheap.'
She thought this junior was cute; there weren't many people with values like that these days. And she couldn't help but feel more comfortable around this girl.
Undeterred, Maya grinned and insisted, "Come on, don't be shy. It's just a small snack; chips make everything better. Morse, what do you say?"
Sylvie and Maya both turned to look at the boy who was trying to hide his presence, but it was too late.
Especially as Sylvie looked at him with wide eyes, as if her eyes were saying, "Save me."
"...Cough...Senior is right."
Maya's eyes sparkled with delight, seizing the opportunity. "See, Sylvie, even Morse thinks so. Then it's settled; you can't refuse a unanimous decision." She handed the chips to Sylvie with a bright smile.
As for Sylvie, she could only look at Morse with a betrayed expression.
'Don't look at me like that... I had no choice... Even I can't oppose Senior Maya...'
Morse could only look away.
......
"So, this is why you called us here?" A senior student asked, a hint of curiosity in their voice.
"Yes, that's right," Maya replied with a smile, her eyes filled with excitement.
"Wouldn't it be better if we focused on the assignment? The deadline is approaching, and we're already behind." This time, a junior student voiced their concerns, their brow furrowed.
Maya leaned back, her smile unwavering. "I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your dedication to your studies. But sometimes, a change of scenery can work wonders for creativity and efficiency. Besides, this trip isn't just for leisure. We have a unique opportunity to visit a historical site reserved for research. It aligns perfectly with our club's interests, and I believe it will give us all a fresh perspective."
She patiently explained why she had called everyone here.
"But, trips are a bit..." A student began, clearly not in full agreement.
Maya knew what most students expected when they joined this club. Many might think they would relax while discussing historical events, but she had never been one to play by the rules.
After all, she didn't like the mundane, and she knew there would always be someone who agreed with her ideas.
"I think it sounds great." The voice came from Mason, a freshman. His eyes sparkled with excitement, his expression showing how happy he was. "I've always wanted to see what a real historical site feels like."
Seeing Mason speak up, the girl next to him also raised her hand, seeming excited, but she secretly glanced at Mason, perhaps wanting to see his reaction.
"I agree with Mason; I don't think we'll ever have another chance like this."
She was trying to impress Mason.
Maya smiled at Mason's enthusiasm, appreciating the fresh perspective he brought to the club. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Mason. This trip truly is a unique opportunity for all of us."
With that, she looked around the room.
"Then, it's settled. See you on Saturday."
Just like that, the meeting ended.
"Sylvie, are you free? How about we go for a drink? Anyone else is welcome to join."
After the meeting, Mason approached Sylvie as usual.
"Not interested."
