The arrangement between Miura Yumiko's group and Shin naturally caused quite a stir in class.
However, perhaps because Shin's close relationships with several girls had already set the stage, this incident didn't seem particularly shocking to most.
Still, some assumed Shin would use this opportunity to fully integrate into the class's popular clique—Hayama Hayato's circle.
Shin paid no attention to the chatter. After finishing morning classes, he left the classroom with Megumi Kato as usual.
They headed to the Paranormal Research Club room for lunch, leaving behind a classroom buzzing with discussions about Shin's recent "luck with the ladies."
"Something's off. Definitely off."
During lunch break, Yukinoshita Yukino had planned to visit the Paranormal Research Club to see Shin.
But the moment she made that decision, a student council senior appeared at her classroom door, wanting to discuss matters regarding the Service Club.
While the Service Club had been established with teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka's approval, it still didn't fully meet the school's club requirements. Being approached by the student council wasn't entirely unexpected.
The problem was the timing—just as she was about to head to the Paranormal Research Club, the student council member had spawned at the door like some elite mob.
If it had been a teacher or classmate asking for her help, like yesterday, Yukinoshita would've been prepared to refuse.
But this time, she couldn't just ignore it. If she dismissed the student council's concerns, the Service Club might not survive—not even Hiratsuka could save it then.
So, for now, Yukinoshita had no choice but to patiently discuss the club's future and functions with the senior.
Yet, in her mind, her suspicions about whether these "coincidences" were tied to Shin's abilities grew stronger.
Unbeknownst to Yukinoshita, another girl—though from a different class—was facing a similar situation.
"Amazing! The rumors were true—Miyamoto-san's spear technique is incredible!"
In the spearmanship club's training room, the club president looked at Miyamoto Rei with admiration as she lowered her wooden spear.
"Miyamoto-san, you must join our club!"
Spearmanship, though a respected school of Japanese martial arts, wasn't particularly well-known. Many schools didn't even have a dedicated spearmanship club.
But whether by luck or fate, both of Miyamoto Rei's schools—before and after transferring—had spearmanship clubs. Not only that, but she had been the ace member at her previous school.
Somehow, this information had spread, and today at lunch, the spearmanship club president had personally dragged her to the dojo for a demonstration.
"Joining the club isn't an issue, but..."
Miyamoto Rei sighed. She had originally planned to visit the Paranormal Research Club at lunch, but the moment she stepped out of the classroom, the spearmanship club president had intercepted her.
Since when do club presidents recruit members during lunch? Shouldn't this happen after school?
She wasn't sure what was going on, but after several days in a row of being unable to visit the Paranormal Research Club due to unexpected interruptions, she began wondering if she was just unlucky lately.
Most people, after missing their chance multiple times, would assume they simply weren't meant to join the club and give up.
But Miyamoto Rei had a mission. Her father seemed to hold an inexplicable level of respect for Shin and reminded her daily to thank him properly.
"If I can't make it to the Paranormal Research Club at lunch again, I'll just wait for him at the school gates after class..."
As she filled out the club application form, Miyamoto Rei made up her mind.
The reason she hadn't approached Shin directly in his classroom was to avoid sparking rumors. But since her father was so insistent, she decided to take more direct action.
Shin, unaware of the two girls struggling to reach the Paranormal Research Club, was currently enjoying lunch with the others in the clubroom.
Normally, lunchtime was for casual conversations—a relaxing routine Shin quite enjoyed.
Despite his transmigration experiences, Shin hadn't lived significantly longer than his peers. Mentally, he was still young enough to appreciate these everyday moments.
"So Kato-san really plans to join the band?"
Ikuyo Kita and the others were surprised but delighted to hear Megumi Kato mention wanting to learn an instrument.
Since Kato already spent after-school hours with Kessoku Band, her joining as a keyboardist was a welcome development.
"Then we'll need to buy a keyboard... though I don't know much about them."
Gotou Hitori, ever the practical thinker, pointed out the immediate hurdle: Kato needed an instrument.
Unfortunately, neither Gotou (who specialized in guitar) nor Kita (a relative beginner) knew enough about electronic keyboards to offer advice.
"Why not ask Ijichi-san? Didn't she say she was in a band when she was younger?"
Sometimes, the simplest solutions were the hardest to see. It was Eriri who suggested asking Ijichi Seika, the owner of Live House, for help.
As a live house manager and former band member, Ijichi would undoubtedly have more expertise in choosing instruments than the students.
"Then let's ask her this weekend!"
Kita cheerfully finalized the plan before glancing at Shin and casually adding:
"Shin, are you free this weekend? Want to come along?"
"Weekend? I've got plans both days."
Shin paused, mentally reviewing his packed schedule.
Saturday was reserved for accompanying Kaguya Shinomiya and Fujiwara Chika (with Hayasaka Ai likely tagging along).
Sunday, as arranged just this morning, was booked with Miura Yumiko's group.
"But I should be free in the evening."
Seeing Kita's slightly disappointed expression, Shin added that since Live House operated primarily in the evenings, he could still join them then.
To be continued…