Saki placed her hand on her chin, lost in thought.
Should she join a club…?
If she didn't, she couldn't even tell Yusuke,
"I didn't choose one."
"Hmmm…"
Just then, she noticed Hiroki slowly walking toward her.
Her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
She wanted to ask about the special song…
But the timing didn't feel right.
Hiroki stopped right beside her.
Saki stood up quickly, clasping her hands together.
Her voice carried a hint of excitement she couldn't hide.
"C-congratulations, Hiroki!
You really shined on stage!"
Hiroki's gaze felt heavy.
As if he were carrying an invisible weight.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
His eyes dropped for just a moment.
Something's bothering him…
Saki thought.
Hiroki took a slow breath.
Then asked seriously:
"Can I ask you something?"
Saki blinked in surprise, stepping back slightly.
"Of course… is something wrong?
You look troubled," she said softly.
Hiroki spoke in a low but sincere voice.
"I'm fine… but this year,
the venue for the Music Club's performance
will be decided by the Travel Club."
He paused.
"Would you…
join the Travel Club… for me?"
Saki's heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes widened.
"For you…?"
"B-but why?" she stammered.
Hiroki asked again,
his voice almost pleading:
"Would you do this… for me?"
Seeing the fragility in his expression,
Saki felt her emotions swell.
I can't say no…
Not when he looks like this.
"Okay…" she whispered.
"I'll do it. For you."
Hiroki's lips curved into a faint smile.
Gentle—but the sadness in his eyes remained.
Saki felt warmth spread through her chest
and returned a soft smile.
Just as she was about to ask why,
Hiroki spoke again.
"I need to pack my things.
Take the form and fill it out.
I'll be waiting in the classroom."
Without another word, he turned away.
His figure slowly faded into the crowd.
Saki watched him go,
her heart still racing.
Why does he look so sad…?
But… I have to do this for him.
She stood there for a moment.
Then made her decision.
"Alright… Travel Club."
As she headed toward the booths,
she noticed Yusuke holding a completed form.
Could it be…
Did he choose the Travel Club too?
The thought made her feel strangely jealous.
"Have you decided which club to join?" Yusuke asked.
Saki closed her eyes, slipped her hands into her pockets,
and smiled faintly.
"I think I'll go with the Travel Club."
Yusuke smirked teasingly.
"So… you thought it wouldn't be fun without me?"
Saki pouted lightly.
"I just wanted to know someone in the club."
Yusuke laughed.
"Or maybe you picked the easiest one."
"Think what you like," Saki replied.
"It caught my attention."
They walked toward the booth together.
"Yes, milady," Yusuke said, bowing playfully.
"Very well, sir," Saki replied.
She started filling out the form.
The other clubs…
But not Music…
She picked up the forms.
Since she didn't have a pen,
she decided to finish them in the classroom.
After all… Hiroki was waiting.
As she approached the classroom,
the sound of a guitar grew clearer.
Could this be…
a part of his special song…?