The next day, I enter homeroom and make my way over to Ryota-kun.

“Morning, Goro-kun. I see you're on time today.” He pauses, noticing the book I've got in my hand. “What have you got there?”

“Something for you.” I say, placing it down on his desk.

Ryota-kun's eyes light up upon seeing the cover. “The new volume of 'I can't believe my dragon wife is this hot'? How d'you know I was after this? Wait. That's not important. Why did you give me this?”

“I need you to join Inoue-san's new occult club as a temporary member. I knew if I got you something like this, you wouldn't be able to make an excuse to say no.” I say.

“You know me so well. Fine. As your best friend, I'll grant you this one wish. Just as long as you don't expect me to show up to meetings. I'm a busy guy.” He says.

“That's fine. I never expected you to. Just sign your name on the sheet Inoue-san has before the end of the day.” I say as the bell rings.

Once homeroom is over, I approach Miss Watanabe as she's about to leave.

“Did you need something, Nakajima -san?” She asks.

“I wanted to ask if you're in charge a club?” I ask.

“A club? No. I'm far too busy as it is. Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering if you could sign on as the adviser of the occult club Inoue-san was interested in establishing. You do owe me one.” I say.

“I know I said that, but I wasn't thinking you'd actually ask me for something. Like I said, I have too much work to even consider looking after a club.” She says apologetically.

“You'd really be helping me and Inoue-san out. Not to mention, you wouldn't be setting a good example if you didn't repay that favour.” I say.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

She stops for a moment to think it through. “All right! You win. Tell Inoue-san to bring the sheet to my desk and I'll sign it when I get the chance. Now, I really have to get going.” She says, walking towards the door.

“Thanks.” I say. Feeling slightly guilty at adding even more work to her pile, I head back to my desk.

With two people down, I head to my last destination during lunch.

Katsuragi high's indoor pool.

Upon entering, I look for Aoi. It only takes me a moment to spot her familiar in the pool, but before I can call out I'm interrupted by an underclassman.

“Can I help you?” She asks, eyeing me suspiciously.

“I'm here to speak to Aoi Fujiwara. I need to ask her something.” I explain, but judging from her reaction, she isn't buying it.

“And just what are you to Fujiwara-senpai?” She asks.

“I'm her friend.” I say. Do I really look that suspicious?

“A likely story. I bet you're here to perv on the girls like the last guy that came in here!” She says accusingly.

Before I'm able to deny that, I hear a familiar voice say “It's all right. I know him.” Peeking over the small girl stood in front, I see Aoi walking up to us. Drying her long red hair with a towel.

“Aoi!” I say happy to see her. “I need to ask you something. Have you got a minute?”

“You got lucky.” The underclassman says, leaving us alone.

“Sure. I was just about to take a break, anyway. What's up?” She asks.

“I need you to do me a favour. I'm trying to recruit enough members to start a club, but you're the last person I can ask.” I reply.

“You know I'm busy with swim club.” She says.

“I know. Which is why I'm just asking you to join as a temporary member. You don't even have to show up.”

“Why do you want to start one in the first place? I'm sure you said you weren't interested when I asked you before.” She asks.

“It's not for me. Inoue-san wants to start an occult club and since I figured it'd help her make some friends, I offered to help.”

She lets out a sigh. “You're too kind for your own good, you know that?. All right. I'll help you out.”

“Really? Thanks, Aoi. I'll come by after school with the sign-up sheet.” I say.

Now that we had the signatures needed, Inoue-san and I head back to the faculty office to turn it in.

Like yesterday, I wait outside until she finally comes out. Holding a small key in her hand.

“What's that?” I ask, pointing to the key.

building and after following the directions the teacher gave her, we finally arrive at the end of the third-floor hallway.

“This is the room? Are you sure?” I ask.

Inside the room was a dozen large boxes and other old junk. Almost as if the school used this room as a makeshift storage room and forgot about it.

“I'm certain. I have a good memory.” She replies.

“Yeah. I guess we better get started cleaning it up. I'm sure they won't mind us moving this stuff outside.” I say.

“I'll leave the heavy lifting to you.” She says, unlocking the door and stepping inside.

Preparing myself for more work than I signed up for, I follow her through the doorway and begin to get to work.