“Alright everyone, check if you have your wallet, phone and passports ready.” I heard Ellen Sensei giving instruction in front of our school building where a row of buses is waiting. I quickly check my trouser pockets and felt my wallet, phone, keys, and passport. Since most people in this school aren’t a Japanese citizen we have to carry our passport around even for domestic trips like this. “Ok, everyone, make sure to look after your luggage’s, board the buses for each class please.”

Getting up early in the morning wasn’t too much of a challenge, especially when I made sure things were packed properly the night before. What surprised me the most is that Chihiro, Tomo, and Shion got to school on time. I was almost certain they would miss the bus and had to take the train to Sapporo and probably be there before us, don’t know why we would take planes. I set myself next to Michelle, and Matt sat done next to Shion, Suu switched set with someone and ended up at the very front of the bus with the driver.

“Alright everyone here is a quick break down of what is going to happen today. I am going to hand you your boarding tickets now. Please use the self-check-in in the airport and pass the security. Our school had reserved a plane for our school.”

“We what?” I asked Michelle.

“Reserved a flight to the school, probably cheaper this way too.”

“I would’ve never thought of that.” In the main time, Ellen sensei is distributing our boarding passes with a box of what seem to be business cards. It was quite the balancing act as the bus bounces while she is trying to hand these out. Finally, it was my turn, She handed me the goods. I quickly check my name was spelled correctly in the boarding pass then opened the box. Indeed they are business cards, it has my name, student email and school logo on it. Next, to my name it has a Multimedia production club member on it. I turned it to the other side and it has what seems to be the MP club logo.

“We have a logo?” I asked Michelle, “And how come you don’t get a card?”

“We always had a logo, and because I have my own business cards that I use at formal events like this.” She pulled one out of the wallet. It says director and chairman of the “Chan Cooperation” I gave her a flat look. Michelle chan~, no wonder she never uses her last name in Japan.

“Why am I getting business cards anyway? We are only students.”

“We are only students from a specialized high school, do you know how many CEO, CFOs, Directors, and chairman graduate from this school? This school provides every opportunity for its students to go get into the business world early. It also serves as a good business promotion tool, especially at the world economic Forum.” Matt provided me with the full rundown of it. “well, this is the first time we did something like this, the third years previously just went to Kyoto before.”

As long as I have enough time to go on a ramen date with Shiori I don’t mind if all hell breaks loose.

………….

We got on our plane just fine, of course, there will be no way anyone getting left behind, we booked the whole thing. It’s probably for the better, one hundred-odd kids packed into one plane would be noisy, although I must say, our students are very well behaved. Good background and education, mostly background, I concluded.

It was a very short flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido, and I am sure taking a train would have better views, but hey if someone important at the forum asked, “how did you guys get here.” We can just say, “we booked a plane, lol~” We touched down, compared to Tokyo, Sapporo is Tiny, there wasn’t nearly enough tall buildings and most of what they have look outdated. It certainly feels more of a country town instead of a megacity. The buses already waiting for us when we got out of the airport, once again Ellen Sensei did a quick name call before we headed to our hotels. We arrived just past lunchtime, we were checked in to our rooms and told to have free time until 6 pm for dinner.

Shiori and I checked the map, it seems like we are very close to where the famous ramen alley so we apologized to Michelle and snicked off. Before I left, I saw Suu sitting in one of the big couches in the foyer, his posture reminded me of a dying fish washed up on the beach. Traveling wasn’t his strong point and he gets motion sickness very easily. I chuckled a little at our hidden boss, can’t believe he had such a weakness.

“Kelly? You ok?” Shiori noticed my weird face.

“Yeah, I am fine, just hungry for some Ramen, let’s go.”

“Wait a minute you two.” Ellen Sensei called out, “Here take this.”

I was given a cash card. I looked to Ellen Sensei for an explanation.

“Here is the allowance for the trip, there should be 50,000 yen in it.’

I looked to Ellen Sensei for more explanation.

“I thought you read the documents, each student is given 50,000 yen for the trip, the school only provides the rooms and dinner. Everything else you have to decide for yourselves.”

What kind of school is this? Handing a high schooler 50,000 yen like that. I looked at Shiori, she smiled at me and produced her cash card. I took the card from Ellen Sensei and thanked her and made a mental note to read the documents when I get back.

“I really like the idea of having a budget to spend it the way I like.” Shiori beamed at me as we followed the smell of ramen.

“really? I don’t think I have ever held this much money in my life.” I said, “Even though mum had always made sure I get my financial education at a very young age.”

“I am sure Suu was a very good teacher.”

“He is not my mother you know.”

“He might as well be, I don’t mind having HIM as a mother.” Shiori joked. To be honest I won’t mind either. “But I am sure it’s very much like our school to do things like this, learn how to spend money is a valuable life lesson that most Kids that will never learn.” Hearing the word ‘kids’ from Shiori feels out of place.

“You sound like you being through all this,” I asked her

“Of course, by the way, nice to me you, this is me.” Shiori gave me a formal bow and handed me one of her business cards. It’s a none School provided one as well.

“Nice to meet you too.” I am glad I had a practice partner and handed her my card Japanese style. “you are the CFO of a Restaurant chain???? Hojo Shiori san?”

“Please, it's only a little family business, nothing as impressive as Matt and Michelle, and certainly not enough for Daiichi.” She looked at me with a cute yet somehow sad smirk. The first time has seen this side if Shiori, uhm uhm, this is okay too.

Am I the only one with no title in my Club? By the look of it, the three bakas must have some deep connections somewhere too.

We followed the smell of Ramen and the maps on my phone, more the scent than anything else. You can’t miss it. The Alley was a lot more packed than I would hope, but we decided to order the wonderful small sized ramens and share it between the two of us, that way we can try every single one of these shops. We got 4 hours, this should be a breeze.

………….

Defeated, I was defeated 7 shops in, I told Shiori to keep going without me, leave me behind in my own worthlessness, but she was having none for it and Insisted we come back at a later date to finish the other ten or so shops. I can’t believe it, am I getting old? 2 years ago I would’ve had ate the whole street and still feel hungry. It must be old age, I concluded.

I texted in our “lane” group to find out where everyone is, apparently, the 3 Bakas had just been sleeping in the rooms, Matt and Daiichi left Suu in their rooms to recover and set out for the Television tower for marketing research. Michelle is in a nearby Café, doing some online “Shopping”. “I have a feeling I can do something about the Sapporo real-estate market.” Was her exact reply. Do these kids not enjoy life? I can see everyone else going site seeing, enjoying ice-creams and taking pictures and doing high school things. Now that I think about it, was Shiori doing business research too? She seems to go eat out very often. Am I the only one who is delusional about being a high school girl? Am I missing the plot? Why are these people living like anime characters while I am just a boring Otaku?

Suddenly it struck me, no not a truck, I am not going to be transported into an isekai, but the idea of the ultimate goal of an Otaku. You don’t fall in love with anime, you become anime. You become the popular student president or the Dashing Club president that has a crush on a cute arts girl, you become the popular school prince that owns businesses as a side Hussle and you become the cutest fujo in a school surrounded by all the hot high-flying guys described above. For god sake, they are only kids. Granted that they have rich family and connections but being council president and club prez and cute fujo doesn’t need connections or money.

What does Kelly want to be?

“Kelly, you ok?” Shiori looked at me, worried.

“Ne Shiori, what would you want to become?” I asked

“Me? That’s quite a sudden question to ask, but I think I am happy where I am, but to be honest, I want to take my family business bigger and expend throughout Japan, even the world. I love the food we make and the services we provide. And also,” Shiori Paused.

“so you can be standing next to Daiichi with your own efforts.” I finished off for her. She only nodded in agreement but wasn’t showing any sign of embarrassment, only pure razor-sharp determination.

“How do you know their family won’t accept you? I asked out of curiosity

“We have family friends who have connections with the Ito family and they mentioned a お見合い but was rejected on the spot.”

That was an advanced technique to conquer the boys you like, don’t worry about pushing them done or feed them Bentos or love letters and blushing confession behind the school, just go straight for the omiai. Take note kids, take note. But again, the fact she didn’t even get considered was ruthless.

“Its alright Kelly, that was a losing gamble anyway,” Shiori patted me on the head, why am I getting patted? “Don’t feel sad, I will get there one day soon, and hopefully he won’t be taken by then.”

Is this what it takes to achieve things in the world? Unwavering determination, steel-hard will-power, and a katana sharp focus? I looked at the adorable creature next to me and sighed. “Better tell Suu that you need some pointers on wife training then.”

We both giggle at that.

What does Kelly want to be?

...................

We joined up with Michelle, who just about finishing her online shopping list and sending it off somewhere in an email.

“Michelle~~~” I gave her a tackle hug. “I missed you.” I am hoping she isn’t upset about me going on a ramen date without her.

“Kelly, you smell like Ramen.” Michelle tried to push me away playfully as if dealing with a drunk.

“Hehe, I like being ramen.” I stepped away. “Michelle I have a very serious question for you.”

“Go on.” She assumed her business face.

“How many Omiai do you go on a year?”

“On average, one every few months, although I think as I get older it will get more often.” Michelle replied, “I have it easy because I am a girl, but the boys in our club are getting at least 1 a month. Matt has about 2.”

“>.>”

“Don’t give me that face Kelly, I am not lying, even Tomo, at a young age of 16, gets them.” Michelle continued, “It’s not just ‘us’, she pointed to Shiori.” With the drop in population and the government printing too much money, omiai gaining popularity by the day.”

“

“Michelle’s right, some girls even using the services instead of confessing the traditional way.”

No Shiori, please don’t start this movement among the high school girls, I don’t want this to catch on. I shuddered at the thought of girls hiring matchmaker services to go to the family of the boy she likes and arranges an omiai, that’s too real and dark. Where is the youth and purity in this world? Please, Shiori, don’t spread this to society, they are not ready for it.

We all ordered some black coffee, I need something that helps with digestion otherwise I won’t be there at the fresh seafood filled dinner. Kelly, you been doing nothing but eating today, I reminded myself.

......................

“SEA URCHINS!” I exclaimed! And so much of it too!

Michelle and Shiori next to me are having the same expression, eyes sparkling. Shiori is taking pictures on her phone while Michelle is just staring at the food and drooling. Apparently, the student council already talked to the hotel and we have 12 tables reserved for our students already. The menu is pre-determined for the week and we were promised to have the best of Hokkaido food by the head chef himself.

“Way to go Suu,” I talked to the student prez across the table. Each table sits ten people, but no one seems want to be the tenth person on ours. Not sure if the boys are too dazzling or because we are just a group of otakus.

“It is Hokkaido after all, if we are here and not have seafood then what is the point.”

It seems like everyone is ready to eat, Tomo, Chihiro, and Shion got up last minute and joined us, Matt and Daiichi returned with a bunch of brochures and flyers for a range of things, they dumped it in their rooms and dragged Suu out to dinner with them.

“Itadakimasu.”

Hmmmmmmmm, they say fresh seafood is sweet, I can finally understand why they would say that. Even though the table, cutlery, and everything are aimed to make foreigners comfortable, the food is served in a Japanese manner. There are dishes everywhere on my little tray and I am picking different things to eat. The way the sea urchin and the rice melts in my mouth, the fact that the salmon and roe had just died for me an hour ago and we even have a crab salad, a more unique way to make crabs but it is a lot cleaner to eat.

“Desserts anyone?” Suu asked

We all said no, that dinner was more than impressive, and I am still recovering from my ramen challenge. Michelle is probably counting the calories and Shiori probably ate too much too.

“I thought dessert goes in another stomach.” Suu closed the menu, it seems like there is no point in order if no one is going to be his partner in crime.

.............

For some reason, the teachers are especially strict about no mingling around girls and boys in the rooms, so I guess we won’t have an anime card battle in the rooms. I only found out that Matt, Daiichi, Suu and Me play the same trading card game. My deck is ready to go but it looks like we are going have to wait until next time. Goodbye to my otaku dream of playing cards with highschool friends on a school trip. Instead, we headed up to the top floor lounge room to catch some cool summer sea breeze, or whatever is left of it until it gets this far inland. We had a quick club meeting regarding the project timeline and the schedule of artworks thanks to Shiori’s presence, sometimes I forget she is the art clubs prez and holds as much power as Daiichi when she speaks. And somehow the topic changes to anime and how the industry had become more open about Yaoi. Our patron Yaoi saint Michelle gave us a detailed explanation about the demand and supply curve of the industry and how we are all deep down degenerates that want to make money and watch yaoi and how she had truly embraced it.

.................

Morning came, it’s 6 am and we are supposed to be ready by 8 am, all ready to go and breakfast in our belly. I choose to skip, but I did put the kettle to boil in our room and made each one of us some coffee. We took turns and cleaned ourselves and dressed.

“Surely you are not going around in your uniforms right?” Michelle asked, looking at me.

“What do you mean? I believe we have a choice of uniform or formal business clothing.”

“That’s right, and why are you in your uniform?”

“But I am a normal everyday high school girl, no?” I lied, the past two weeks have been nothing but normal.

“Look at Shiori, even she gets the idea.”

I looked her way as I put on my shirt, it seems Shiori pulled out a 3 piece Business attire for women, it is a nice dark grey piece with white lines, and the materials look soft and comfortable. It comes with a waistcoat, a skirt, and a blazer.

Michelle took out hers too, a black 3 piece and instead of skirts, she went with trousers. It suited her more Asian Features.

And I looked at me, in my trousers and blazer, this childish bow around my neck.

“I don’t see a problem.”

“You are going to stick out like a sore thumb today.”

“Believe me, I am sure there will be other students in school uniforms.”

“It’s ok Kelly, I am sure most of the students will be in their uniforms.” Shiori reassured, “We are representing our companies so it’s a little different.”

“That’s right, I am representing a high school MP club, nothing could go wrong.” I re-assured Michelle

“Sigh let’s just hope it will be fine.”

..................

Getting dressed and ready took some time, especially when those two insisted I have to brush my long unruly hair properly instead of letting it live a happy and unrestrained life like every other day. So I let them play with it until they finally gave up because whatever they did, my hair would bounce back to the mess it was.

The boys texted us they are in the Foyer Café, it seems no one eats breakfast anymore in this world. I hurried down to join them. On the way down, I saw some of our students in school uniforms, in fact, most are. There are some boys dressed up like a salaryman in suits that are too big, probably their dads. Both Michelle and Shiori look much more commanding and confident in their tailormade 3 piece suit and tie.

We got to the foyer café and it was a sight. The boys are standing near the window facing the streets, every single female, even the waitress was ogling at them.

Tomo, Chihiro, and Shion are dressed in a dark blue 3 piece suit with a tie of different colours, the suit fitted their bodies perfectly, bringing out the shape of the male body. Daiichi is in a more toned-down black suit and waistcoat with a green tie, his hair is brushed properly for once and it made him much older and mature. I can almost hear the sound of Shiori trying to fight back the drool beside me. Matt was wearing a darker shade of blue, but again, with hair combed, it seems like he had swapped his glasses with contacts too, he even has this pocket watch chained to his waistcoat. The females in the room are all staring at the group. They were so dazzling I almost didn’t recognize Suu, he is in his school uniforms, as usual, didn’t do much with his hair. He is wearing the school vest underneath the blazers which he properly buttoned up this time. On the blazer, there are 3 or 4 different badges, I can make out the school logo, Student council logo, the Council president logo and the Club logo.

Our group is weird, Apart from me and Suu, everyone looks like high flying young entrepreneurs. I am sure they will be the center of attention while Suu and I hide behind them and pretend we don’t speak English, that sounds like the best way to hide from all the normies while the cleric and the dead weight can be carried by the party. I should stop joking about weight, the amount of food I’ve been eating is concerning.

................

Apparently, the Sapporo business university is a small site by the bay, away from the city center, so everyone had to take the train there, the trip is a short 30min ride in the old and outdated subway. It feels far from civilization but at least it's better than the Australian Rail network. We arrived at this so-called university, the ground size is only about 3 or 4 times bigger than a high school, but it is filled with 3-4 story buildings, each for different purposes I assume. The place looks old, seems it’s a repurposed building like our school. Here and there I can see signs of industrialized entrances and rail tracks that are no longer in use. Maybe this was a factory before it became a place of learning.

We were herded like those fluffy sheep in Hokkaido to the big hall at the far end of it, apparently, this hall seats about 1 thousand people, and each of them had to pay how much for a ticket? Apparently, we even have specially arranged sitting arrangements so that all the students can sit in the front section of the hall. Usually, this would be a VIP seat in a musical, but I believe this time the VIPs are sitting upstairs to better see the presentations on the screens.

I am glad we can choose our seats otherwise, I settled myself between Michelle and Matt while Daiichi somehow ended up sitting between Shiori and the three Bakas. Wait a minute, where is Suu? Where did he disappear to?

The lights went off and our host walked up on stage, he looks European and had an accented English, but he presented the audience with enthusiasm and professionalism.

“And now, we would like to introduce our main sponsor of this year’s event, and have the representative gave us a few short words.”

The lights switched off, and when it came on again, Suu is standing on the center of the stage, the Logo of our school shines proudly as a backdrop on the screen. He even had this golden chain on that symbolised his importance as the student council president.

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is Kanade Suu, Student council president of Shinjuku International High. I warmly welcome each and every one of you from different parts of the world to Japan.” Suu, in his high school uniform and badges, greeted thousands of businessman, scholars, investors, and students in the room in three different languages with unwavering confidence and perfect importance.