Very early in the morning, rays of sunlight start peeking into the sky.

Kenzaki is already up with his school uniform, looking determined with a sliver of anxiousness.

He slings his bag on his shoulder and quietly leaves his room.

In the darkness, he sneakily goes down the stairs. Nothing in the house seems alarmed.

He goes to the entryway and slowly wears his shoes. Suddenly, the light turns on.

Click!

KENZAKI: (shocks, turns around)

TERUMI: Kenzaki... did you just came back?

KENZAKI: (relieved) Oh... mom. Where were you from?

TERUMI: (rubs her eye) I was in the living room, waiting for you.

KENZAKI: You were there all night?

TERUMI: All night? Is... is it morning already?

KENZAKI: I'm afraid so, mom. I thought you were already sleeping in your room. So, I didn't bother knocking on your door.

TERUMI: (smiles) I don't mind that. I just wanna know that you're back safe.

KENZAKI: (smiles) I understand.

TERUMI: Where's Kensuke? Is he up?

KENZAKI: Don't wake him yet. It's still too early.

TERUMI: Too early?

KENZAKI: I have to go out now, mom. There's a lot of things I need to do.

TERUMI: (sighs) What kind of stuff do they make their student presidents do nowadays?

KENZAKI: (chuckles) Nothing to be concerned about.

TERUMI: But to wake up this early?

Terumi worriedly sighs while caressing her son's hair.

TERUMI: I don't wanna see you growing grey hairs before I do.

KENZAKI: (smiles) You don't have to worry, mom.

TERUMI: (smiles) I know. (caresses his cheek)

KENZAKI: (walks to the door) I'll be going now. I'll definitely spend dinner with you tonight.

TERUMI: Alright. Don't overwork yourself too hard, okay?

KENZAKI: (smiles) I'll take it easy, then. (waves) Goodbye, mom.

TERUMI: (smiles, waves back) Goodbye, darling.

Kenzaki opens the door and closes it after he left.

He walks away from a big, traditional Japanese house, passing by a pond filled with beautiful swimming koi fishes, surrounded by gardens of colourfully vivid flowers.

He walks to the main gate, alerting the guard.

GUARD: Tetsunouji-sama? Quite early today?

KENZAKI: Quite a busy day it would be, I'm afraid.

GUARD: The car?

KENZAKI: I'll walk if you don't mind.

GUARD: Very well. (opens the gate)

KENZAKI: Thank you.

GUARD: You're welcome, Tetsunouji-sama.

Terumi watches Kenzaki leaving the house from afar, feeling uneasy.

...

RYUKEN: (yawns)

Ryuken lets out a wide, loud yawn, smacking his lips after.

GENJI: That has to be the biggest yawn I've ever seen.

Ryuken and Genji are walking to school together.

RYUKEN: Yesterday was a... pretty busy day.

GENJI: Too busy to walk back with Sayuri-chan? That's unheard of.

RYUKEN: ... about Sayuri-

GENJI: She was worried about you. Said that you look all sad and stuff.

RYUKEN: I uh... I had a lot on my mind yesterday.

GENJI: You know, if you need any help-

RYUKEN: Ah, that's fine! It's all been taken care of. But uh... thank you for... worrying about me, Genji.

GENJI: How can I not worry? I'm always worried. Every day I worry how you're gonna put on your pants, tie your shoes and eat your food all by yourself?

RYUKEN: What are you, my mom?

GENJI: I can't resist seeing you in danger! The mother in me just wants to sweep you away and tuck you in my warm armpits of safety. Where you belong! My sweet, little angel... (kissy faces)

RYUKEN: Yish... not even my mom is that over-protective...

GENJI: Speaking of motherly figures, how's Akari-san?

RYUKEN: Better off without you.

GENJI: But I could be the shining star that could brighten up her life! If only you would let me...

RYUKEN: (disgusted)

GENJI: (sigh) Every night... I dream of her innocent smile, her twinkling eyes, her heavenly voice, her soft-

RYUKEN: Stop! Stop! I don't need any more of this! (sighs) ... and I thought one was bad enough.

GENJI: ... one?

RYUKEN: ... whatever.

GENJI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: ... are you mad?

RYUKEN: ... no. I'm just... a lot happened in the last couple of days. I mean... the big... BIG problem has... um... taken care of. But... I'm kinda nervous about... what's gonna happen tomorrow... something like that. Like...

GENJI: ...

RYUKEN: ... I don't know. It's just... a lot happened and... I'm still thinking about it and... it just scares me.

GENJI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: ... looks like something HUGE happened to you, huh?

RYUKEN: Ah. Um... yeah. I guess it's... kinda like that.

GENJI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: (smiles) I understand if you don't wanna share it.

RYUKEN: W- well... it's just-

GENJI: Don't sweat it, man. I know you enough to know that you don't like people peeking under your curtains.

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: But hey, (pats Ryuken's shoulder) if you need any help, just ask away, alright?

RYUKEN: Ah?

GENJI: All jokes aside, I do care about you, man. You know that, right?

RYUKEN: (smiles faintly) ... yeah. Thanks, Genji.

GENJI: As long as it gets me one step closer to Akari-san.

RYUKEN: Don't push it.

SAYURI: (approaches them) Good morning, Genji-kun.

GENJI: Sayuri-chan! Morning! Now... for the obligatory question of the day... would you be my girl-

SAYURI: G- good morning... Ryu-kun.

RYUKEN: ... good morning, Sa- Sayuri.

SAYURI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: ... eh?

SAYURI: You- you look better.

RYUKEN: Ah, yes... I... feel better too.

SAYURI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: ... so, ... something happened at my dad's stall yesterday.

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

GENJI: The- there was this drunk man and... he was making a lot of noise, right?

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

GENJI: He was like, "Give me your finest cuts of roe and I'll marry you my daughter" and my dad was like, "I'm sorry, sir. We sell ramen here. You can find roe in the market next morning" and I was like, "Is your daughter cute?" and my dad was like, "Genji... this is not the time." and the drunk guy was like, "As rich as the fat in my tuna" and I was like, "We're talking about your daughter, right?" and my dad was like-

RYUKEN: Sayuri-

SAYURI: Ryu-kun-

RYUKEN: Oh, uh... you start-

SAYURI: Oh, sorry... please-

RYUKEN: Oh no, please... say-

SAYURI: Oh no, that's okay, please.

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

GENJI: ... a- and... my dad was like-

RYUKEN: I'm... sorry if I made you worry, Sayuri.

SAYURI: Oh! I'm... sorry if I worry too much.

RYUKEN: No, no... it's just... a lot was happening yesterday, and...

SAYURI: I- I understand if you got some stuff you need to take care of.

RYUKEN: No, I mean... it's pretty much done anyway. I mean... I've gotten better now.

SAYURI: Th- that's good. I'm happy that you're better. I guess I was just... over-thinking-

RYUKEN: No, no, no... don't feel bad. I was just...

SAYURI: ...

RYUKEN: I- I do feel better today. That is the truth. And...

SAYURI: ...

RYUKEN: T- thank you... for thinking of me.

SAYURI: (smiles) I'm just happy that you're alright.

RYUKEN: (smiles)

GENJI: (relieved) An ordeal has been challenged and succeeded... Rejoice! Now join me as we sing the songs of celebrat-

SAYURI: Oh. Juri wants us to meet her for some... "important" meeting...

RYUKEN: What? But I'm not a member.

GENJI: ... ah?

SAYURI: She already... put your name in the forms...

RYUKEN: What?! But how-

SAYURI: Juri was really persistent. She really... knows how to push me to get your details.

RYUKEN: W- what kind of details?

GENJI: Your dreams and fears?

SAYURI: Oh, the usual... your name, your class, your number...

RYUKEN: Huh... it's not that hard to get a club made, huh?

SAYURI: But, uh... she called me last night and said that we should meet up after school for... something "important", I guess...

RYUKEN: (sigh) And just when things are getting easier...

GENJI: But you know what they say... when the going gets tough, the tough gets-

RYUKEN: So that means you have found a teacher, right?

SAYURI: No... no teacher has yet officiated us.

RYUKEN: But... I'm still a member?

SAYURI: She really wants you to join us.

RYUKEN: I don't get why you're sticking with her, Sayuri. She's probably up to no good.

SAYURI: I know she's quite... expressive, but I don't think she's... um...

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

GENJI: A tough opponent... that you can't shake off... what a lousy predica-

RYUKEN: Alright. I'll join.

SAYURI: R- really?!

RYUKEN: I mean... what's the worst that could happen?

GENJI: The biggest mistake you'll ever-

RYUKEN: I mean, after yesterday... I might as well.

SAYURI: Ah... (smiles) Thank you, Ryuken.

RYUKEN: (smiles) No problem.

GENJI: Ryuken... you surely have-

RYUKEN: But I still don't trust her, though.

SAYURI: (chuckles) I'm fine with that.

RYUKEN: (smiles)

GENJI: ... come on, guys... don't treat me like I'm invisible...

...

Mizuno High.

Everyone is seated in class 3-B for the first lesson of the day, except for one table in the middle.

The teacher is reading excerpts of a famous English novel until the class door suddenly opens, alarming everyone in the class.

KENZAKI: (sweating) My apologies, Sensei. I couldn't arrive at school on time.

TEACHER: Oh... Kenzaki. Seems unlikely for you to come late.

KENZAKI: There are... certain problems I had to deal with first.

TEACHER: Oh... is that s-

KENZAKI: If you are dissatisfied with my indecent behaviour, (lowers his head) you may punish me as you wish.

TEACHER: Oh! Uh...

KENZAKI: ...

TEACHER: (sweats) Y- you... we don't have to do that... you're just late, that's all.

KENZAKI: ... is that okay with you?

TEACHER: O- of course! You may go to your desk.

KENZAKI: I appreciate your kindness, Sensei. I would not repeat this behaviour ever again.

TEACHER: Ah... alright...

KENZAKI: (walks to his table)

TEACHER: (whispers) I had a feeling they'll punish me if I punish you...

Kenzaki sits at his table and prepares to learn for the lesson. The rest of the class stares at him.

GIRL 1: What do you think keeps him up late?

GIRL 2: Certain problems, he said.

GIRL 3: Heh... would it be funny if he just came from his girlfriend's house?

GIRL 2: He has a girlfriend?!

GIRL 1: Come on... that's old news...

GIRL 2: Hmm...

GIRL 3: Don't tell me you're still not over him.

GIRL 1: He can't be touched. You know that.

GIRL 2: Well... I mean...

GIRL 1: You gotta get over him.

GIRL 3: You're just hurting yourself...

TEACHER: Silence!

The girls quickly quiet down.

Kenzaki looks down at his bag. Something shines from inside.

He continues with his class, feeling accomplished yet tensed.

...

Iwa Mid.

The bell rings for recess. Most of the students left their classes for their lunch, while some stays seated at their desk.

As Kouga was about to leave, he notices Jiro still sitting, with a lunchbox on his desk.

KOUGA: Woah! You brought your own lunch.

JIRO: Yeah... my sister just started cooking recently, and... I'm not excited...

KOUGA: Ehh... must be nice to have a beautiful sister cooking for you. Well, then... mind giving me your allowance?

JIRO: Why would I do that?

KOUGA: Well, you usually spend it on a yakisoba bread, so let me have it then. We can't let it go to waste.

JIRO: And have "you" not spending anything?

KOUGA: What are you talking about? I'll spend mine on some kinky mags later.

JIRO: (cold eyes) Sounds like a worthy investment.

KOUGA: (chuckles) I'm just kidding! But hey... we could check some out later. I know how much you love those Mil-

JIRO: Gah! Dude! (whispers) Keep your voice down. You can't just say that in public.

KOUGA: Then, you should keep your search history private. (laughs)

JIRO: (glares)

KOUGA: (cries laughing)

JIRO: (smiles) You seem lively.

KOUGA: (wipes a tear from his face) Eh? What do you mean?

JIRO: Well, after yesterday... you were kinda... upset.

KOUGA: Oh, come on... you think I'm gonna let that jerk get into my nerves. Please... But the next time I see him, I'm gonna make him learn his lesson.

JIRO: I don't know, Kouga. You see the men around him? They look all big and tough.

KOUGA: (smirks) I fought bigger.

JIRO: ... what kind of people do you fight? (opens lunchbox)

KOUGA: Woah! So pretty!

JIRO: ... well, she definitely earns style points.

KOUGA: (grabs an octopus sausage) Don't mind if I do. (eats it)

JIRO: ...

KOUGA: ...

JIRO: ... how was it?

KOUGA: (shakes his head disappointedly)

JIRO: (chuckles) Guess I'll be having yakisoba bread for lunch again. (closes lunchbox)

KOUGA: (sadly chewing) ... how do you even ruin sausages?

...

Kokyu High.

Tsuyuki walks to the library with her bag by her shoulder. She goes to the counter where Taeko is.

TAEKO: Ah! Fujimaru-sempai! But it's Thursday...

TSUYUKI: I just need to return this. (hands her a book)

TAEKO: Finished already? That's the second one this week.

TSUYUKI: Third.

TAEKO: Oh? (chuckles embarrassingly) I guess I forgot... hang on a sec... (updates Tsuyuki's library card) Alright. Here you go.

TSUYUKI: (grabs her card) Thanks. (walks away)

TAEKO: Uh... um... Fujimaru-sempai!

TSUYUKI: (turns around)

TAEKO: Um... I noticed that... you like books by... Doctor Cecil Key, right?

Tsuyuki's eyes faintly glow with curiosity.

TSUYUKI: Um... yeah.

TAEKO: W- well...his new book is launching this weekend. And... I thought maybe... you want to... buy it together?

TSUYUKI: ... you like Key?

TAEKO: Well, I... I've only read four of his works, but... I'm really liking them so far. I just finished "Roses in the Wind", and... I've heard his new one, "Thorned Surrogacy" is darkly romantic too. I mean... that's what I've heard. W- what's your favourite, Fujimaru-sempai?

TSUYUKI: ...

TAEKO: ...

TSUYUKI: ... um... I really like his... "Undying Deathbringer" series.

TAEKO: Oh? I haven't started on any of them. I heard they're pretty gory. B- but I do wanna read them someday. So... are you interested?

TSUYUKI: ...

TAEKO: ...

TSUYUKI: I... I don't want to... ruin your time with your friends-

TAEKO: Oh, no. I... I've only invited you.

TSUYUKI: ...?

TAEKO: I mean... my friends... they either don't read... or they think Key's work is too violent for them.

TSUYUKI: ... um...

TAEKO: It's only us.

Taeko looks at Tsuyuki with an inviting smile.

TSUYUKI: ...

TAEKO: ...

TSUYUKI: ... I... I don't have time... this weekend.

TAEKO: Uh?

TSUYUKI: I'm... I'm busy.

TAEKO: Oh... t- that's okay. I mean... I understand.

TSUYUKI: Uh... yeah...

TAEKO: W- well... we could just talk about them later.

TSUYUKI: ... sure.

TAEKO: G- good luck with the Winterblack Program. (waves goodbye)

TSUYUKI: Um... thanks.

Taeko watches as Tsuyuki walks away, feeling a little upset.

...

Hido Mid.

In the Arts Room, the club members are painting on their canvases.

In the back of the room, Mie is flipping through Aki's sketchbook, filled with sketches of animals, faces, bodies and various objects.

MIE: Wow! They all look so good!

AKI: Hmm... I kinda rush on that one.

MIE: (flips a page) Woah! This one looks cool.

AKI: Eh... I remember erasing a lot of mistakes.

MIE: (flips a page) Ah... so pretty...

AKI: Er... but something's missing...

MIE: ... Aki-chan...

AKI: Hmm?

MIE: Don't be so mean to yourself...

AKI: (chuckles shyly) I can't help it, Mie-chan.

MIE: Well, I like it! I'll even buy it from you.

AKI: (chuckles) Then... you'll be my only customer.

MIE: (smiles cheekily) Am I your favourite customer?

Aki cracks a laugh before Mie laughs as well.

Kaoru, focusing on her painting, notices them laughing. She turns around, looking annoyed.

CLUB MEMBER: Yamada-san, can you help me with some of the supplies?

AKI: Alright. I'll be back later, Mie-chan.

MIE: Okayyyy.

Aki leaves Mie, flipping more pages.

KAORU: ...

Kaoru stands up and walks to Mie.

KAORU: (stares judgingly)

MIE: (humming)

KAORU: ... Sawai-san.

MIE: (looks up) Ah! Ashikaga-san! How's your painting?

KAORU: It's going well. You seem free.

MIE: (chuckles) I wanted to see what Aki-chan was doing.

KAORU: Sawai-san. (sits down) I've been learning more and more things about you recently. (crosses her legs)

MIE: (smiles slyly) Ashikaga-san... you're stalking me?

KAORU: Well, you may see it like that.

MIE: Oh... I've never had a stalker before... is this the part where you kidnap me and wear my skin?

KAORU: (chuckles, fixes glasses) I would never. I've asked around some people who knew a bit about you. I'm quite surprised to know that you're a part of the Winterblack Scholarship Program.

MIE: Oh! Uh... well... yeah, I uh... got in. (smiles nervously)

KAORU: It's quite an exclusive program.

MIE: Um... yeah. It's... pretty neat.

KAORU: Sawai-san, if you don't mind me asking, how do you qualify for such a scholarship?

MIE: Uh... well-

KAORU: Does it involve a test? Is it based on academic results? Connections, perhaps?

MIE: (sweating) Um... I think it's... selective.

KAORU: Selective?

MIE: Uh... yeah. I guess I was... lucky. (chuckles nervously)

KAORU: ... uh-huh. What do you do during this program?

MIE: Uh... we learn some... stuff.

KAORU: Like what?

MIE: Uh... you know... things?

KAORU: ... things?

MIE: Things that would be... useful when we get... older?

KAORU: ... things that would get you... jobs in the future?

MIE: S- sure!

KAORU: Hmm... I guess it makes sense. Being a part of the Winterblack Program may give you easier access to the Winterblack Organization.

MIE: Y- yep. You- you definitely took the words right out of my mouth. That's exactly what it is! (chuckles nervously)

KAORU: (stares suspiciously) How often do you attend these programs?

MIE: Um, well... for me, I go to them mostly on the weekends.

KAORU: Uh-huh.

MIE: You know... it's the time where I'm... mostly free. B- but anyone can attend anytime if they want to.

KAORU: Hmm. Sounds pretty flexible.

MIE: Uh... yeah. It really is. B- but there are times where you have... no choice but to attend. Yeah...

KAORU: (stares silently)

MIE: (sweats profusely)

KAORU: ... Sawai-san.

MIE: Uh... yes, Ashikaga-san?

KAORU: I still don't get it.

MIE: W- w- what do you mean?

KAORU: The fact that you have to be lucky to be in it may be true, but it can't just be the only qualification required.

MIE: Uh...

KAORU: Being a huge international corporation, they can't simply give free scholarships to anyone just because they have the funds for it. They're not helping many of the needy, but they're also not prioritizing the wealthy. Many who became part of the program seems to be from a variety of backgrounds, but none seems to have anything in common other than the fact that they are all randomly selected for it. Like you said... you just have to be lucky.

MIE: Um...

KAORU: But I can't accept that idea. Don't you have to earn it, or... maybe born with that privilege?

MIE: Uh... well... I don't know everything, to be hon-

KAORU: I'm not exactly interested in the program, but I'm interested in why some can and can't get it.

MIE: (sweats) Um...

KAORU: What do you REALLY have to do to get in?

MIE: ... uh...

KAORU: Is there anyone else you know that's part of the program? Anybody famous?

MIE: ... er...

KAORU: I bet one of the Tetsunouji's a part of it.

MIE: ... ah...

KAORU: Hmm... maybe all of them are-

AKI: Ashikaga-san. Mie-chan.

Aki comes from behind, holding a box.

AKI: What have you been tal-

MIE: Aki-chan! Do you need help?!

AKI: Um... no. I just need to-

MIE: You don't have to worry. I'm here to save your day! (quickly stands up) Let me get this for you. (grabs the box)

AKI: Wait! That's for-

MIE: It was nice talking to you, Ashikaga-san! But I need to lend Aki-chan a hand with this light- I mean-

She pretends that the box is heavy.

MIE: Oh...! This is so heavy... you're so strong, Aki-chan. Carrying it all the way...

AKI: ... they're just brushes and paint-

MIE: Anyway... I'll see you, Ashikaga-san. It was a very... good conversation.

She slowly walks away.

MIE: Very thoughtful...

She slowly goes to the door.

MIE: Very informed...

She's now out of the Art Room.

MIE: Very...

AKI: ...

KAORU: ...

MIE: ... Bye! (runs away)

AKI: Wai- Mie-chan! (runs to her) That's for the Art Room!

They all left Kaoru, sitting by herself.

KAORU: ... weird.

...

At the back of Kokyu High, Tsuyuki is walking by herself.

She stops to looks around, no one is there but her.

Feeling safe, she opens her bag and searches through it.

TSUYUKI: ...?

She looks confused. She goes through it again.

TSUYUKI: ... what?

She searches every corner of her bag but finds nothing.

TSUYUKI: How did it...

She drops everything from her bag to the ground. She shuffles them around, but it's still not there.

TSUYUKI: Where did I-

She searches her bag again, but it's empty.

TSUYUKI: ... did I left it?

...

RING!!!

Back at Mizuno High, flocks of students fill the halls after the bell.

Ryuken and Sayuri are still at their seats, visited by Juri.

JURI: Yo, Ryuma! How's it going? Been a while.

RYUKEN: It's... Ryuken. And... we met yesterday.

JURI: We didn't meet. You run off crying like a baby yesterday.

RYUKEN: ... well, some of that is true.

SAYURI: I thought we're supposed to meet downstairs.

JURI: Change of plans! My fire is boiling and I can't wait anymore! It's time to get serious...

RYUKEN: Um... Juri-san?

JURI: Your hand wasn't raised! Your query will be ignored.

RYUKEN: ... (raises hand) Juri-san?

JURI: You may ask away, Ryuma.

RYUKEN: ... well, it's about me being a member. Or... should I say... me NOT being a member.

JURI: (nods)

RYUKEN: Since I didn't intend in joining, to begin with, I don't think I should count as part of the club. Especially since the club is not official yet.

JURI: Hmm... I agree.

RYUKEN: Oh, you do?

JURI: Ever since me and Sayuri decided to launch the "Search for the Extraordinary Club" together-

SAYURI: (turns to Ryuken) It was mostly her.

RYUKEN: Nothing in that club name sounds like you.

JURI: -we tried tirelessly to bring our glorious club to the hearts of the school. (raise finger) BUT, we had a problem: The Student Council. They just keep pushing us, spitting their rules and regulations all over. It's disgusting! Especially that Wakiko brat. She thinks she's sooo good with her proper, obedient face of hers... but she's nothing but a demon in a school uniform. And trust me... I can smell one from a mile away.

RYUKEN: (whispers) I... kinda know someone who can...

JURI: While it has been confirmed by our steadfast student council president, TETSUNOUJI KENZAKI-DONO, that our club already has sufficient members...

RYUKEN: I- I thought you said I wasn't-

JURI: NEVERTHELESS... our challenges do not end there... I search and search and search... but no teacher wants to fund us. They just don't understand... the potential of what I'm trying to create... adults are so blind! To think that they used to be our age... BUT, I had a realization... an epiphany, if you may call it. I stayed up all night, thinking of the right move, the right path... for me and my team...

RYUKEN: A- again. Still not part of yo-

JURI: And then it hit me! Like a soccer ball flying at you so fast that you can't quickly react and think if you should kick it, chest it or headbutt it... so you just stood there and take it in the face.

SAYURI: (flinches)

JURI: That is when I called Sayuri... (points at Sayuri) 4 times!

SAYURI: ... well, it was... 3 in the morning.

JURI: I called her to tell her to meet me after school. So, I could finally announce my genius plan to all of you. (clears throat) I decided...

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

JURI: ... to make the club... (points to the sky) UNOFFICIAL ANYMORE!

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

JURI: (smiles proudly)

RYUKEN: ... okay. (stands up) Good luck, Juri-san. And... good luck, Sayuri.

SAYURI: (chuckles hopelessly) ... yeah...

RYUKEN: Well, I'm sorry to leave so early, but... I skipped kendo yesterday, and I don't think Matsunaga-san would be happy if I skip again. (tucks chair into table) I'll see you after practice, Sayuri.

SAYURI: See you.

RYUKEN: (walks past Juri) I'll be leaving n-

JURI: NOT SO FAST!

RYUKEN: Aw... come on. Give me a break...

JURI: While the club may be unofficial, I still think that we need a club room. A base for our operations, as you might call it. So, for now... our task for today is to search for a room! And I will only accept a big, spacious one.

RYUKEN: But, this school has quite a lot of clubs.

SAYURI: And they aren't any spaces left, I think.

JURI: Then we'll just have to make one! Our final challenge... starts now. TO THE STUDENT COUNCIL!

RYUKEN: W- why?

JURI: We'll just go there and ask for any available rooms, that's all.

RYUKEN: Do you really think they'll listen this time?

JURI: No, but that doesn't stop me from talking. (grabs a video camera from a table)

RYUKEN: ... has that been recording all this time?

JURI: Yeah. (checks camera) Why do you ask?

RYUKEN: It's... (sigh) ... never mind.

...

In a messy bedroom, with books scattered all over the floor, pieces of clothing on the bed & cabinets and drawers are opened.

Tsuyuki stands silently in the middle of the mess, not looking happy.

TSUYUKI: ... Kenzaki.

...

WAKIKO: Are you kidding me?!

Juri, with the camera in her hand, followed by Ryuken and Sayuri, are outside the Student Council room, confronting Wakiko.

WAKIKO: Are you saying you're ditching the first few steps that we told you to do, and straightaway decide to ask us for a spare room?!

JURI: Yep.

WAKIKO: Do you think I'm that stupid?!

JURI: I thought you were.

WAKIKO: What?! You...

Wakiko takes a deep breath, calming herself down.

JURI: ...

WAKIKO: ... look, we cannot just assign you a room. There is a certain process that needs to take place, step by step. One of it requires a teacher-

JURI: To hell with teachers! They would never give us a chance when we ask them.

WAKIKO: Or maybe you just didn't ask them nicely.

JURI: I asked them as kindly as I can!

WAKIKO: Like the way you're talking to me right now?! Oh, I definitely believe that!

JURI: Don't blame me if they don't want to listen!

WAKIKO: They don't want to listen cause you're too loud!

JURI: I CAN BE LOUD TO WHOEVER I WANT!

WAKIKO: DON'T YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!

Juri and Wakiko continue their quarrel as many eyes start staring at them.

RYUKEN: I've seen her being loud when we were in middle school, but never this spirited.

SAYURI: You don't spend enough time with her like I do.

RYUKEN: ... really? Since when?

SAYURI: Since middle school.

RYUKEN: What? I don't think you've ever mentioned her back then.

SAYURI: Hmm... well...

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: It's... kinda complicated...

GENJI: Then, allow meee... to uncomplicate it.

RYUKEN: Genji?! How long were you here?

GENJI: Since Juri called her "poopy pimple" and that council lady countered with "butt breath".

SAYURI: (notices Genji's sports attire) Were you in the middle of practice?

GENJI: Yeah.

RYUKEN: Then... what are you doing here?

GENJI: Cause I rather be in the middle of this drama before me. If only I have some snacks to munch on...

A bunch more students flood the halls, spectating the drama.

SAYURI: ... you're not the only one that's interested...

RYUKEN: Well... it's not gonna get better than this...

GENJI: Yeah... but what if, right?

...

In another part of Mizuno High, a couple of students are hanging out near the door entrance.

BOY 1: (sobs) God... I wish that stinking Daisuke would just die.

BOY 2: (eating a popsicle) What did he do?

BOY 1: He snatched my letter... read it out loud in class... and- and Hikari was there!

BOY 2: Huh... that sucks.

BOY 1: I worked hard writing it all night! They all laugh... even Hikari won't look at me...

BOY 2: Hmm...

BOY 1: (sobs) I wish he was dead! I wish he ended up like those... carved up victims on TV.

BOY 2: ... you mean the Road Trip Killer?

BOY 1: Is that what they call him nowadays?

BOY 2: Everyone online starts calling him that.

BOY 1: ... I don't care. I just want him dead.

BOY 2: Eh...

TSUYUKI: ...

BOY 2: ... Ah! (drops his popsicle)

Tsuyuki stands next to them, looking scary.

BOY 1: (sees it drop) ... that's a waste of- (looks up) Oh! Um...

TSUYUKI: ...

BOY 1: ...

BOY 2: ... may I help-

TSUYUKI: Where's Kenzaki?

BOY 2: W- what?

TSUYUKI: Tetsunouji Kenzaki. Do you know where he is?

BOY 1: (terrified) Um... he's probably still in schoo-

TSUYUKI: Where?

BOY 2: (fearful) Uh... maybe the Student Council room-

TSUYUKI: WHERE IS IT?!

BOY 2: Gah!

BOY 1: Uh... uh- second floor! Take the stairs at the North! Walk along the hallway! It should be there!

Tsuyuki walks by them and marches furiously into the school, catching the attention of other students.

BOY 2: ...

BOY 1: ...

BOY 2: ... was that a Kokyu uniform?

BOY 1: ... yeah.

BOY 2: What is she doing all the way here?

BOY 1: I don't know... but I've never felt so happy to be alive...

...

The quarrel still continues. More and more students start to flock around.

WAKIKO: THEY SHOULD HAVE PUT A CORK IN YOUR THROAT SINCE YOU WERE BORN!

JURI: THEY SHOULD HAVE DUMP YOU THE MOMENT THEY SAW YOUR UGLY FACE!

Masato and Himiko are walking by the hallway from afar. Masato sees the crowd.

MASATO: Woah... someone's making a scene.

HIMIKO: At least they're taking all the attention.

MASATO: (chuckles) What? You don't wish that we were the most talked-about disaster in school?

Himiko hits his head with a file book.

MASATO: Ow!

HIMIKO: Stop looking and let's go! You still need to learn how to handle attendance sheets. They're not even that hard...

MASATO: You ruined my hair!

Juri and Wakiko are still on it.

WAKIKO: WHAT'S WITH THE STUPID CAMERA?! YOU WANNA BE THE NEXT OZU OR SOMETHING?!

JURI: MY DAD GAVE IT TO ME, AND IT'S NOT STUPID, STUPID!

WAKIKO: WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THAT STUPID CAMERA AND SHOVE IT IN YOUR-

JURI: I SAID... IT'S NOT STUPID!!! YOU SACK OF-

KENZAKI: WAKIKO! JURI! STOP!

JURI: Ah!

WAKIKO: S- Sempai?

Kenzaki emerges from the crowd and walks to the two.

WAKIKO: ... Sempai... I'm sorry... I got carried away...

KENZAKI: It's okay, Wakiko. I know how composed you can be in similar situations, but Juri may be pushing your limits.

WAKIKO: ... I understand.

KENZAKI: And Juri-san...

JURI: Look... I'm only asking for any available room spaces in the school. That is all I want.

KENZAKI: Your request is simple, Juri-san-

JURI: Then I guess we can just-

KENZAKI: That doesn't mean we can simply listen to your request. Like we mentioned before... you only need a teacher-

JURI: We don't need a teacher! We just wanted a room!

KENZAKI: And create a club that is off the books? I don't think we can allow that, Juri-san.

JURI: Come on... just let us be for this... just one time...

KENZAKI: The rules may be annoying, but they are still rules. If one of these clubs starts to form, more will follow, and we may not be able to handle that kind of problem.

JURI: (murmurs disappointedly)

KENZAKI: You know... it doesn't have to be a proper club at school grounds. You can just spend time with your friends elsewhere.

JURI: ...

KENZAKI: ... Juri-san?

JURI: (whispers) ... but it's not what I wanted.

KENZAKI: (pats her shoulder) If you ever need any help or advice, you know that we can-

Juri slaps his hand away.

WAKIKO: Hey! Don't you-

KENZAKI: That's okay, Wakiko. She just needs some time on her own.

JURI: ...

SAYURI: ... um... Tetsunouji-sempai?

KENZAKI: Sayuri-san?

SAYURI: I'm really sorry... that you have been dealing with us in the past week. We truly wanted this club to happen... but we weren't patient enough with the whole thing.

JURI: Stop saying it like it's our idea, Sayu-

SAYURI: No! This is our idea! I wanted to help you with it, so I'm a part of it!

Juri's eyes widen with shock after hearing what Sayuri said.

JURI: ... S- Sayuri...

SAYURI: So please... (bows) do forgive us!

JURI: ...

RYUKEN: ...

GENJI: ...

WAKIKO: ...

KENZAKI: You do not have to feel that way, Sayuri-san.

SAYURI: (raises head) Uh?

KENZAKI: There is nothing to forgive here. This has all been a big mess, but nothing too serious.

SAYURI: Ah...

KENZAKI: Hopefully, we don't have to experience this again.

SAYURI: Of- of course!

KENZAKI: (smiles) But I am quite proud to see that you're willing to take full responsibility, Sayuri-san. Don't lose that side of you.

SAYURI: Ah... t- thank you, Sempai.

KENZAKI: Juri-san?

JURI: ...

KENZAKI: ...

JURI: ... yeah, yeah... I'll be better...

KENZAKI: Don't get us wrong, Juri-san. I do wish to see your club one day.

JURI: ... sure.

KENZAKI: Ryuken?

RYUKEN: Ah?! Kenzaki-sempai!

KENZAKI: We didn't really end well the last time we met.

RYUKEN: (confused) W- what?

KENZAKI: (winks)

RYUKEN: Oh... yes! (laughs anxiously) I shook your hand too hard. That was the problem... (chuckles shyly)

KENZAKI: It was a very firm handshake. I can sense some fight in you.

RYUKEN: Ah? (blushes) I'm not that... strong...

KENZAKI: (turns to Genji) And you must be a new club member. It's nice to meet you.

Kenzaki reaches for a handshake.

Genji stares at Kenzaki's hand with cold disgust.

GENJI: ...

KENZAKI: ...

GENJI: ... tempting, but I'll pass.

KENZAKI: ... Oh?

RYUKEN: (whispers) Genji! (turns to Kenzaki) Uh... this is Genji. We were friends since we were kids. (chuckles nervously)

KENZAKI: Ah... childhood friends. Such bonds are quite hard to find.

GENJI: Oh... must be difficult for you, then.

Genji coldly glares at Kenzaki, silent yet intense.

GENJI: ...

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: D- don't mind him, Kenzaki-sempai. He has a... pretty bad taste in jokes.

GENJI: Not as bad as your swindling bro-

RYUKEN: (pushes Genji away) Ookay! You don't have to worry about him, Kenzaki-sempai. He means well.

KENZAKI: ... well, your friend seems very reliable. I have faith in your team, Genji-san. With you, we are very likely to win this year's cup.

GENJI: Yeah, like we need your-

RYUKEN: Mayyybe it's best we should leave now. Everyone must be busy with their club duties, right?

KENZAKI: Oh, you're definitely right. We can't have everyone stay here for too long. (clears throat) Everyone! There is nothing more to see! You should all go back and resume your duties! We have settled the problem! There is no reason to-

Shock crosses his face as he looks down the hallway.

Tsuyuki, from afar, furiously marches towards Kenzaki, catching the attention of everyone.

SAYURI: ...?

GENJI: Wha?

JURI: Who's that?

WAKIKO: A Kokyu uniform?

RYUKEN: (whispers) Fu- Fujimaru-san?!

Tsuyuki marches to Kenzaki...

TSUYUKI: ...

KENZAKI: ...

Closer and closer...

TSUYUKI: ...

KENZAKI: ... Tsuyuki... liste-

Tsuyuki grabs Kenzaki by the neck, lifts him up, pushes him further and slams him to the noticeboard behind him-

SLAM!

-dropping some papers and pins to the ground.

KENZAKI: Erggh!

Everyone gasps in shock by what they're witnessing before them.

RYUKEN: Ah!

WAKIKO: Sempai!

KENZAKI: (holds his hand out) Don't! Don't come near!

WAKIKO: S- Sempai! But-

KENZAKI: I got this! I- urgh!

Tsuyuki chokes Kenzaki tighter as she deeply stares at him with raw fury.

TSUYUKI: ... you...

KENZAKI: (whispers) Tsu- Tsuyuki...

TSUYUKI: I don't know why...

KENZAKI: C- calm down...

TSUYUKI: I don't know how...

KENZAKI: Tsuyuki... just listen-

TSUYUKI: But I know you did it. I know you took it.

KENZAKI: ... gh-

TSUYUKI: So why don't you just... give it back.

KENZAKI: Urgh... Tsuyuki...

TSUYUKI: (grits her teeth)

KENZAKI: S- stop... everyone's-

TSUYUKI: Do I look like I give a damn?!

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

GENJI: ...

WAKIKO: ...

JURI: (slowly raises her video camera higher)

KENZAKI: ... Tsuyuki... just listen-

TSUYUKI: I have enough... of listening to your stupid demands, squad commander...

KENZAKI: ... Tsuyuki... if you just listen to me-

TSUYUKI: I am going... to say this... one more time... so listen well.

KENZAKI: (struggling to breath)

TSUYUKI: Give. Me. Back. My. Gatekey.

End of Chapter 13