While Sophie and Miyabi-chan stand aside to finish their activity, Rina, Aya, and Watanabe continue their conversation.

“So Rina, how do you feel about this club?”

“Um… Undoubtedly, I feel perfectly at home in this environment.”

“We’ll have found your happiness in the end, that’s cool.”

“But…”

“But?”

“I don’t think this is the best choice for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t quite know how to put this, but I feel like I’ll end up going around in circles before long. You know how I can get enthusiastic about things and lose interest just as quickly.”

“Yet you’ve liked manga for a long time, right? You’ve never left them until now.”

“Certainly, as a reader, I always find something to enjoy. Whenever I tire of one thing, I simply move on to the next. I suppose you could say that I’m not as invested in the club’s projects as I should be.”

Watanabe puts her hand on Rina’s shoulder.

“I understand your profile well, Shimizu-san. There is no shame in being only a reader. Readers are those who enjoy and appreciate our creations; for that, we thank manga and animation fans every day. They are a valuable source of motivation for us.”

“I like the fact that the club is not just a refuge for manga readers, but I don’t know if I’ll fit in here…”

“No problem, you still have time to think, just know that you will always be welcome in our club.”

“Thank you.”

“I didn’t think you took your choice of a club so seriously. It’s amazing, I would have bet Sophie that you would jump right into this one.”

“I don’t want to be that student who hops from one club to another throughout the year, so I need to choose carefully and find a club that I’m truly passionate about for at least a whole year.”

“One could argue that constantly switching clubs may not be beneficial for everyone, while for others, it can bring a lot of value. Ultimately, it depends on your main goal.”

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“My main goal?”

“You should ask yourself what you want from a club and your goal in joining it. If you think about that, you might find your fulfillment faster than pacing all the clubs in Kumiai.”

“Um, I never really thought about it.”

“And in the ultimate case you don’t find it, there’s always the option of starting a new club.”

“My own club?”

“Yes, why not, at least there you will have the certainty to do what you like.”

“Earlier today, Sophie brought up the idea of starting a club. Maybe we could do some research and figure out what it takes to get one off the ground, even if it’s just for the sake of learning more about the process.”

“…”

At this very moment, Sophie and Miyabi-chan come back to the girls, big smiles on their lips.

Watanabe makes a comment to Rina and Aya.

“They look like they’re done.”

“Yes, Miyabi-chan is amazing, she was able to capture my intentions right away and wonderfully transcribe my ideas into drawings.”

*blushing*

“Show us the result, Sophie!”

She then reveals the board that she had taken care to hide behind her back.

“Let’s take a look.”

The already very successful storyboard of Sophie has just come to life thanks to the old-school style of Miyabi-chan, the landscapes are superbly realized.

“This is…”

“Wonderful, right? It’s perfectly what I had in mind.”

“I like the color palette used.”

Watanabe observes with great attention the work of her junior.

“Wow, I can tell from your amazing drawing that you had an absolute blast creating it, didn’t you?”

“Yes… Sophie-chan is a wonderful storyteller. It’s been very inspiring to me.”

“Sophie-chan?” giggles

*blushing*

“Haha, I guess you’ve already become friends, no need to worry so much.”

Sophie takes Miyabi-chan’s hand.

“Yes, we are already friends, Miyabi-chan is a nice girl.”

“Um, I see… Anyway, I’m glad to see that you gave it your all on this exercise. Look, Shimizu-san is still in shock.”

“Oh my gosh, Aya! You won’t believe it, but I’m feeling some serious nostalgia vibes for a landscape I’ve never even laid eyes on before! Can you believe it? I mean, it’s bonkers! It’s like my heart is yearning for a time and place that I’ve never experienced like my soul is homesick for a place that isn’t even my home! It’s wild, it’s wacky, it’s… it’s just plain crazy!”

“Yeah yeah, I got it.”

“See.”

“Hihi, glad you like it. Can I keep the drawing, Watanabe-senpai?”

“Sure, I’d just like to photocopy it before that to display on my beloved junior’s art wall.”

“Senpai !”

“Looks like someone’s been hiding their talent under a bushel! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the world sees your awesomeness!”

“…”

Watanabe takes back the original and goes to the next room to make a photocopy.

“It was a fun activity. So Rina-chan, will you join the club?”

“Um, it’s tempting but I think I’m going to take some time to think about it and check out some other clubs in the next few days.”

“The open house is only today, do you know about it, though, Rina?”

“That’s okay, I’ll look it up on the school’s app or go there if I need to.”

“I was sure you would join this club.”

“I was thinking like you too Sophie. I guess that concludes our day of visiting.”

“Yes, it’s getting late, as soon as we get your drawing back, shall we go?”

“Yes, I’m good.”

“So am I.”