The alarm beeps briefly before you turn it off and readily get up. Your step has a spring in it, and there is a freshness in your body unlike any other morning - you can't help but feel a little excited.

Throwing on some home clothes for now, you stretch as you go down the corridor to the kitchen, but stop yourself as you hear quiet snoring from your onee's room.

Your elder sister, Motoharu Yume, also begins a new chapter of her life today, becoming a university student. But... shouldn't she be out and on her way there soon? You peek inside the room, the door ajar.

Yep. There she is, a sleeping beauty that must've hit snooze on her alarm 5 or more times by now. You enter the room and gently shake her awake.

"Nee-chan... Nee-chan, get up. It's 7:30, you're gonna miss the entrance ceremony."

"Jus' te-more-minuse..." She mumbles, before snapping her eyes open. "What did you say the time was?"

"7:30."

"AAAAHH, I SHOULD BE OUT IN 10 AND I'M NOT EVEN READY," she yells, jumping up from the bed and running out of the room and down the corridor. You hear the tap open in the bathroom, and the rush of water.

You sigh as you go to the kitchen. The breakfast your mom prepared before going to work is on the table, a classic omelette with rice and a simple salad. You don't bother with microwaving it, eating it lukewarm.

Yume rushes out of the bathroom and to her room, only underwear on. You don't even flinch at the sight. A few minutes of drying off her hair and getting dressed later, she's at the door and ready to leave.

"I'm off! Good luck on your first day, Hisanori!"

"See you!"

You take the shower next and make sure you've got everything packed and ready. Your uniform? Ironed and fresh. Your bag? All the books for today's short lessons as well.

You leave and lock the door. Your next stop is an intersection on the way to school. You promised to meet up with your friend there. You decided back in your third middle school grade that you'd go to the same high school, the one near your home - Meikyo High School. It slightly pissed off your parents, who wanted something more prestigious, but... at least you'll have good company there.

"Ah, the sakuras are blooming," you think to yourself as you lift your head to look at the trees along the sidewalk, covered in pink flowers, some petals gently falling and drifting on the wind. Even in a big city like Niigata, they take care to keep trees and shrubs around - at least this far from the centre. And you can't help but appreciate the greenery and shade in the summer and the blooming flowers in the spring.

The way to the intersection is short. And your friend, Sawada Kyosuke, is waiting for you there, surely enough.

"Yo, Kyo-chan."

"Hi, Hisanori!" He waves and smiles at you, and you start your walk to school. You've got another person to meet there, at the gates.

You became acquainted with Kyosuke in your second grade of middle school and became fast friends. He's a good guy all around: both looks and steadfast character. The only strange thing about him are some of his interests and ideas...

You notice Kyosuke yawning. And his eyes are pretty tired... he is evidently struggling to keep awake.

"Didn't sleep well?" You ask.

"Aaahh, yeah."

"Too excited for your first day at high school?" You grin.

"Not really. There was a new character coming out for Genshikai Impact and I grinded for her until 3 at night," he says deadpan.

You sigh. This guy can't rein in his gacha obsession even on his first day at high school!?

>"You really need to cut down on gachas, Kyo-chan. At least on important days like this." You've had this conversation many times already, but...
>"Was she at least cute?" It's no use trying to change him - you've learned this much. Might as well keep up the convo.
>"Is everything alright with Miki-chan? Are we meeting as planned?" You decide to shift the topic to your mutual girl friend (not girlfriend). This guy is hopeless, no point in pushing the issue.
>Write-in

File: Spoiler Image (17 KB, 388x958)

17 KB PNG

This is planned to be a slice of life / lowkey drama quest with a focus on conversations. Probably going to be pretty slow but I don't plan to drop it (lol as if any QM does)

Picrel is my take on our protagonist, who is supposed to be fairly unremarkable, in his uniform. Suffice to say, I overestimated my abilities when I wanted to make it a drawquest. I'll sketch some of the other characters later anyway - this is part of the reason I mentioned it being slow - but I don't think I can pull off frequent illustrations, or even rare mid-quality ones.

Also while we're at the start, I guess I should make a small warning, I'm far from a sociable person (it's in the name) or good writer, so yeah, hopefully the cringe isn't too strong lmao.

If you're still here, I hope you enjoy!

>>6334446
>his interests and ideas
How weird we talking?
>"Was she at least cute?" It's no use trying to change him - you've learned this much. Might as well keep up the convo.

>>6334462
Nothing radical like stalking or incel or normalisation of crimes tier, something milder, yet still odd to the normal high schooler. He is a gacha player and sometimes verges into 2d/3d discussions like some otaku, but topics like physical exercise / intellectual work balance, aspects of movies and other art, relationships with people and other stuff is in his arsenal as well. It will all be touched upon in due time (conversations as quest focus, like I said).

>>6334475
Real question is are either him or us on the spectrum?

>>6334446
>"You really need to cut down on gachas, Kyo-chan. At least on important days like this." You've had this conversation many times already, but...
Never succumb to gacha, kids.

I'll update in about 12-16 hours. 3-way tie on the first vote, very auspicious. I'll roll if there's no one to break it by the time I start writing. Gonna post in the /qtg/ to call for a tiebreaker for now.

>>6334484
No.
>>6334516
>I don't trust you in the slightest QM, but I'm happy to play along until the other shoe drops.
Sorry to disappoint, anon, but I'm completely serious, there will be no bait and switch. Hopefully it'll still be entertaining enough to keep you reading!

>>6334446
>"Was she at least cute?" It's no use trying to change him - you've learned this much. Might as well keep up the convo.

>I'll update in about 12-16 hours.
So that was a fucking lie.

Writing for
>"Was she at least cute?" It's no use trying to change him - you've learned this much. Might as well keep up the convo.

"Was she at least cute?" You ask.

"They're all cute. Wouldn't have players if they didn't make cute characters."

"There's also hot and cool characters, you know. They'd yield you some lost souls to pour their money into the game as well."

"Cute and cool walk hand in hand for girls. Anyway, it's best to see than to explain. Let me show you." Kyosuke pulls out his phone and briefly taps away. "Here."

"Xia Shanli... That's a mouthful," you say the character's name and look at her model.

"Tell me about it. I will never forgive the Chinese for corrupting Japanese language."

"It's more like they shaped it with the kanji, really."

"We got better flow and pronunciation though."

"...Her design is great," you say, returning to the original topic, and turn away from the phone screen. Kyosuke puts it back into his pocket. "Quite stylish."

"Loving the tights and shorts combo as always?" Your friend grins and elbows you.

"As if you're not a fan of those as well."

"Yeah, alright, you got me."

"Her jacket and hairstyle are cool as well. I'm not a fan of hair done up usually, but they've done it well this time. The colours mesh together well, too."

"Yeah. Makes you wonder where are all the good designers when it comes to our uniforms. They just don't measure up."

"You think so? I think they're pretty nice. Not too tight, not too baggy, and the style is good as well."

"Ah, I just never liked official dress, I guess, and they kinda remind me of it."

"I noticed, what with all the oversize clothes you usually wear."

"At least I pick them myself, not rely on my girlfriend."

"Don't remind me of my ex... And look, it was only one time on a clothes shop date, alright? The point is to help pick them for each other."

"Alright, alright, I'm just messing with you. You're right, though, the uniforms are fine, it's just my pet peeves with this kind of style."

"They're better than some I've seen from other schools. I've been near Doho once and damn, they're so bad. Who the hell sews checkered trousers?"

"I... think I know what you're talking about. Yeah, they're pretty bad. My mom watches that fashion show, Fashion Battle, I think, where they have a team of laymen and a team of designers compete picking out an outfit for someone. Reminds me of what the regular people make. I can't imagine a pro designing that."

"Checkered skirts are pretty cool though."

"Yep. I'll give them that. The only redeeming quality."

"I wonder how Miki-chan would look in them," you say.

"Miki-chan looks good in anything. It's us scrubs that have to try hard to look good."

"Some combos do enhance the cuteness though. Remember when she showed up in tights and shorts when we went to the cinema, back when they showed Heart of Yokai for the second time?"

"Don't remind me, I'm gonna get a nosebleed."

"We just don't deserve her, Kyo-chan."

"We sure don't."
(cont.)

"Ah, we're here," you say, approaching the school gates. Your friend, Yunami Miki, is here as well, monitoring the passers-by. Looking for your faces.

You approach her, and she waves at you briefly, smiling.

"Hi, Hisanori, Kyo-chan!"

"Hey."

"Hi."

You've known Miki since your third year of junior high. Never sad, always fun to be with. For some reason, she especially graces you and your friend with her presence. You've noticed from your conversations she knew a lot of people closely, but those only seem to linger in her past. You think you may join that list some day. For now, you enjoy her company.

"How do I look?" she asks, spinning around to show off her uniform. Her long auburn hair flutters in the wind, and while the uniform is cute, it couldn't measure up to her figure and her face.

"Stunning," you say, smiling.

"Beautiful," Kyosuke grins as well.

"I'm glad. Well then... let's go, mhm, boys? The entrance ceremony is starting. I hope we're all in the same class."

You enter Meikyo High grounds, and while the air is full of youthful energy, you get lost in your thoughts a bit.

You can't deny there has been an air of romantic tension within your little group. It was never mentioned, but you know, and she knows, and he knows, and each of you know that the others know... alright, that's a lot of knowing.

You don't think your friendship is something immutable, something eternal. It is ephemeral, like a dream, in spite of your apparent closeness. Maybe it will be resolved during your high school years. Maybe not. For now, you keep the status quo, and hope there will be no hard feelings should the dream end.

...

"AAAAH, we're all in different classes!" Miki moans.

With the entrance ceremony's end, the students are allowed some time to inspect the allocation board and make their way to their homeroom classes. Naturally, there's a commotion, and lots of voices, filled with glee and with complaints, discuss who got into which class.

"Yep," Kyosuke says, somewhat down. "Maybe next year. At least we'll have lunch to meet up."

You stare at the allocation board for a few minutes, then sigh. "See you after school, then," you say, and start going to your classroom.

You wonder what your homeroom teacher is like...

(cont. later)
(I won't have access to my PC for some time, but wanted to post *something*. The rest will arrive tomorrow. Maybe I'll draw what Miki or Kyosuke look like as well, as much as my artistic ability will permit.)

>>6335351
>... she knew a lot of people closely, but those only seem to linger in her past. You think you may join that list some day.
>You can't deny there has been an air of romantic tension within your little group. It was never mentioned, but you know, and she knows, and he knows, and each of you know that the others know...
>It is ephemeral, like a dream, in spite of your apparent closeness.
Melancholic shades from the jump

>>6335415
She’s gonna get hit by a car next update, I reckon.

>>6335448
She feels like a classic Murakami suicide candidate

Wasted the day like a retard. Update in 6 hours, maybe less. Not ded.
>>6335448
>>6335472
lmao but I'm not Seo.

>>6335351
>You stare at the allocation board for a few minutes, then sigh.
(meant to be "moments", words are pain)

(Also I spent an ungodly amount of time on picking out character names for some reason when I could've just grabbed random ones
Some of them may be significant, others random
Some may not even be correct from a Japanese language standpoint, but I tried to make them believable or check them if I took them from the name dictionary
But yeah, if I spent so long on them, may as well post them, feel free to look up the kanji or not bother
Those you met so far:
早田 暁承 - Sawada Kyosuke
由浪 見季 - Yunami Miki
元春 尚徳 - Motoharu Hisanori, you
元春 優雨 - Motoharu Yume, your sister
Others will be revealed as they enter the scene)


==========


The sliding door rattles open, and the already fairly quiet conversation of your classmates, using the small time before homeroom to get to know each other, dies down completely.

"Good morning, 1-B. My name is Hayazono Keiji, and I'll be your homeroom teacher for this year," he says, flashing a smile.

The man, in his twenties, likely fresh out of university, wears a jacket and office shirt, loose enough not to appear too official. Sensei is taller than an average Japanese, and is of an attractive figure, no homo. He scans the room, checking something in the journal. His gaze lingers on some students with dyed hair - not against school regulations, yet still unusual - but he quickly moves on to the first part of homeroom.

"Let's start with introductions, shall we?" He says, taking out a small pack of paper sheets. "Could you pass them over to everyone..." He trails off, looking at a female student at the first desk.

"Netani Azusa."

"...Netani. I'll give you 5 minutes to fill out the form. Then we'll read them out loud!"

The sheets are simple forms with 3 points.
- Your name.
- Your interests.
- What you want to tell your classmates.

Well... it's not like you have anything in particular you like to do.

You write-in watching dorama and historical videos. Also video games. That's pretty much what you did in junior high as part of the go-home club.

There's also the last point. A classic would be to just say that you "hope to get along with your classmates". Some would crack a joke or make a reference at this opportunity. What will you say?
>Just the standard "get along".
>Write-in

>>6336000
>Some may not even be correct from a Japanese language standpoint,
Rumiko Takahashi named her dog demon character "dog demon" and her Chinese characters after Engkish words for haircare products. It's fine, lol.

As for what we want our classmates to know...
>Come up with a nickname and claim everyone calls you it
I don't know enough about our man to pick one. Maybe Sōun, after Hōjō Sōun? Oft overshadowed by later members of his clan, he's apoarently well knownto Japanese history and strategy-game fans for his skill at rising from a minor lineage and turning his clan it into a regional powerhouse in Kanto?

>>6336000
>no homo
when homo
>Just the standard "get along".

>>6336000
>Just the standard "get along".
Sorry for being boring classmates, but I don't have a better idea for our protagonist

I'll try to update in about 8 hours, maybe less, but voting is still open.

>>6336035
>names
Yep, there are strange names, but I mostly was talking about some combinations and examples that would be cursed in the real world.
For example, I encountered the name "Chirou" and was ready to use it, but found out that sound combo also means "late ejaculation" lmao. Another one, I thought of naming a character Ouji Satsuki, but -ji Satsu- -> jisatsu means suicide.
I was looking for these kinds of pitfalls and trying to pick somewhat plausible names, not out-there oooh so special ones. I thought they have to make sense, so to speak, considering the real-life setting (even if it's anime / manga-influenced).
>nickname Soun
idk anon, a historical warlord nickname sounds a bit chuuni to me. And to be honest, I also can't think of anything haha.

>>6336299
>a bit chuuni
Good.

>>6336309
Hmm...
Alright, locking in and writing
>Just the standard "get along".

"Motoharu Hisanori," you introduce yourself when your turn comes. "I don't have many special interests - I usually watch dorama and historical videos in my free time. Oh, also I play some videogames. I hope to get along with all of you!"

You give the class a confident smile and see the twinkle of interest in some students' eyes. Well, not too original, but it worked. You think. At least you didn't stumble or embarrass yourself. You sit back down and let the others do their own introductions.

You try to remember the answers of your classmates, but give up midway. It's mostly just movies, games and manga reading. Though some do make an impression...

A gyaru, if your judgement by the unbuttoned blazer, coloured nails and blonde-dyed hair is correct, mentions photography. Takimura Isami - you decide to remember that name.
"If you ever want to take a cool or cute pic - I'm your girl!"

Another similar girl, though with a regular, black hair colour, by name of Koguchi Yume, says she likes sewing. Same pronunciation as your sister, but a short explanation reveals the kanji are different.

There's also the standard pair of otakus that infiltrate any class.

"2D will forever beat 3D!" One of them, Nakahama Jinichi declares, earning chuckles from the students.

"Karaki Eijiro!" One of the students with an impeccable hairstyle introduces himself. "I read manga and play the guitar. Girls, watch out for songs dedicated to you!" He glances at Takimura, beaming, which earns him some laughs, chiefly from the female part of the class. Welp... looks like the social tiers are already forming during homeroom.

"You already know me, I'm Netani Azusa!" A girl with a ponytail that would be unremarkable attracts the attention with her wide, sincere smile. "I try out many things, but focusing on one is such a pain! So I just left the field blank, sorry! I hope to get along with all of you!"

"Etou Ryoue," a tall, slim boy with glasses says. "I usually use my free time to study. When I don't, I like reading non-fiction. Hope to get along with you." As Etou sits back down, most in class glance between each other, a bit confused at the seriousness.

"Endo Naomi! I like playing table tennis! I'll be aiming to be the class rep, hope to get along with all of you!" The girl's posture betrays confidence. Yep, she'll probably get the position.

And finally, a girl with pink hair, cut to shoulder-length, introduces herself "Nekoyama Shinobu. I don't have much time between part-time work and study, but I like going out with friends and going to theatre performances." She then sits back down.

"Ah, and the last point?" Hayazono-sensei asks.

"Nothing to say," Nekoyama averts her eyes. Sensei gives a "hmm", but doesn't press.

The rest kinda blurs together, and then, after some miscellaneous information, homeroom is over, indeed with Naomi getting appointed class rep since no one else volunteered.
(cont.)

...

Classes pass quickly. You see through recess that there is, indeed, an ALPHA CLIQUE, the TOP DOGS of the class assemble in one group. It's Karaki Eijiro, Takimura Isami, but there's also Koguchi Yume and other individuals.

With it being the first day, classes are over by lunch, and you prepare to go home.

However, you notice some students lingering to talk and socialise - it's the first day of high school, after all! Many would want to make a successful debut.

There's the Karaki and Takimura group. They look somewhat scary, in the "popular person" way, so you doubt joining them would be worth it. However, should you wish for popularity, this would be the surest way to get it.

There's a group of girls that mentioned some creative hobbies. You think their surnames are... Mochizuki, Kamori and Imaizumi. It sounds like they're discussing their favourite pastimes. Might be interesting to get to know them.

Naomi, the class rep, Ryoue, the "studious" guy, and Netani Azusa are talking as well as they pack up to go home. They seem like the most "neutral" people to get acquainted with.

There's also a couple loners. Hiromiya... Koichi, you think? mentioned his interest in kendo. There's also Nekoyama-san. You noticed boys glancing at her now and then during recess, when she was listening to music or doing something on her phone, but none dared approach her. You have to admit such a shocking colour is certainly strange.

Soo... time to get acquainted more closely with some of them. But whom?
>Karaki and Takimura clique.
>The creative girls, Mochizuki, Kamori and Imaizumi.
>The mixed group - Netani, Etou and Endo.
>Hiromiya Koichi, the lonely kendoist.
>Nekoyama Shinobu, the pink-haired mystery.
>Skip on this and go meet up with your friends from junior high.

>>6336518
>The mixed group - Netani, Etou and Endo.

>>6336518
The populars and creatives don't suit our neutral homebody protagonist. Skipping out on our class first thing to hang out with old friends is too safe for my liking. Ditto for the mixed group. Shinobu and Koichi intrigue me, especially since the latter was skipped outright.

>Hiromiya Koichi, the lonely kendoist
Let's give the pink-haired riddle a grace period before we try to solve her.

>>6336528
+1

>>6336518
Great stuff so far, QM. I like your writing style and the little jokes you sprinkle through each post. I can tell you're a down-to-earth but funny guy. :)

>The mixed group - Netani, Etou and Endo.
Let's ask Etou what his favorite book is. That should be interesting...

>>6336518
>>Nekoyama Shinobu, the pink-haired mystery.
i wonder if she'll return after the first meeting

I'm going to invoke the "slow quest" promise and delay the next update for a few days.

>>6336528
Interesting and somewhat unexpected reasoning.
>>6336829
>Great stuff so far, QM. I like your writing style and the little jokes you sprinkle through each post.
I'm glad you like it!
>>6336899
You'll be classmates for this year, so there will certainly be opportunities to talk to her later down the road.

>>6336518
>Hiromiya Koichi, the lonely kendoist

>>6336528 has convinced me not to immediately investigate antisocial pink-haired girl.

>>6336931
Its really fun to go through so far.

>>6336518
>Nekoyama Shinobu, the pink-haired mystery.

>"Hmm, yes, better take some days off updates to work on the quest, write down important things about characters and conversation ideas"
>binge play vidya 3 days in a row instead
FUCK
Ok, it may take a while, but quest isn't dead, thought I'd post an update on the situation at least. It's ready when it's ready.

>>6338397
Thank you for looping us in, QM. Hopefully well see you soon!

>>6338397
it still can be "research" if the otaku's in the story talk about the game you've been playing :)

>>6338397
I believe in you Autismo

Update in about 9-12 hours probably for the Hiromiya Koichi conversation. He may be a strange and somewhat unappealing character... Update most likely going to be on the smaller side. Maybe a drawing of Miki as well.

Also Reptoid posted in the /qtg/ about the quest that it doesn't have a hook or wacky characters yet, I will comment on this that there most likely won't be a central "hook-narrative", it's a sandbox with more grounded than anime, but still distinct characters. That said, there will be stuff happening both on and behind the scenes with characters interacting with each other and the typical events like cultural festival, summer break, and Christmas. Hopefully it will be interesting to navigate and deal with.

>>6339639
>He may be a strange and somewhat unappealing character...
Just like me frfr

>I will comment on this that there most likely won't be a central "hook-narrative"
Every time you say something like this I become more convinced that there will be

>>6339834
>Every time you say something like this I become more convinced that there will be
I hope so, myself,even if it's just a really compelling relationship or educational or career path.

Hiromiya Koichi is a guy of robust physique and calm facial expression. He glances at you as you approach, but says nothing.

"Hey, Hiromiya-san," you say.

"Hello."

"So... how are you doing? You said you're a kendoist? I haven't seen many of those, truth be told."

"It's an old-fashioned martial art. Not many remain, it's just not that interesting to high school students," he frowns slightly.

"Weeell... I don't know about that, swinging a sword around like a samurai of old sounds pretty cool to me. I heard it's popular enough."

Hiromiya gives you an annoyed look. "If only it were so simple. It's not just 'swinging a sword around'. It's a way of life. Much like the tea ceremony isn't just tea drinking."

"Ah, hm," you pause, slightly flustered. "Sorry, I guess I just didn't think of it seriously enough. You... seem really dedicated to it."

"It changes people," Hiromiya comments, still a bit annoyed. "Those that remain after the 'swinging a sword' phase passes, that is. And better than being sorry - fix your attitude. Way too many have that careless air about them. Are you going home now, Motoharu-san?"

"Yes," you say, noting he does remember your surname. "You?"

"I've got training at the dojo."

"Do you do anything besides training? I think kendo is the only thing you mentioned during the introductions... Movies or series, maybe?"

"Rarely. I meditate, study, and do chores. Not much time left between those and kendo."

"...Buddha, is that you?"

"It's the least I can do to walk this path," he gives you a small smile for the first time since you started talking.

You're on your way down to the first floor, the entrance. There are faint sounds of a commotion out on the school grounds.
>Talk about something else. [write-in]
>Just go together in silence. He seems like a pretty serious guy, not much for idle talk. You can respect that.
>Just go together in silence. Best not to disturb further the massive tree trunk he has up his ass.
>Write-in

=====
(no drawing after all, but I'm working on it.)
(広宮 晃一 Hiromiya Koichi)
>>6339834
Well, you'll just have to see for yourself.
>>6339844
>I hope so, myself,even if it's just a really compelling relationship or educational or career path.
I want to make compelling relationships for sure. If that's your definition of "hook", then I'll deliver. Maybe. If I don't fuck up. See username.

>>6339956
>Talk about something else.
Do we have a historical duelist or samurai that we might know of, and bond over?

>>6339956
>Talk about something else.
>"Is it too late for me to pursue the path of Kendo Hiromiya-san?"
This guy is based

>>6339992
You can ask about his favourite one. Hisanori also knows a couple himself from browsing the internet and some history podcasts he listened to that one time he got bored. If you feel like it (as a player), you can give me some particular names like with Hojo Soun, or leave it to me to pick one for Hisanori.

>>6340099
How about... Tsukahara Bokuden, master of the life-giving sword and no-sword schools, but also an accomplished duelist who may have killed over two hundred people, and beat but spared many more?

>>6340217
+1

>>6340217
Sure, that works. I should've levelled up my Japanese history knowledge before starting this quest lol.

Vote remains open.

>>6340217
+1 to this option.

First time voter, just gave everything a quick read and I'm along for the ride. Really looking forward to meeting our classmates.

>>6339956
>>6339992
+1
maybe lean into "take things more seriously" by asking him some serious questions (about his heros)

This seems like a pretty interesting quest. I hope it remains pretty grounded, which feels like part of its charm. Just want to let you know, QM, I hardly know anything about the daily life of an IRL Japanese teenager.

>>6339956
>>6339992
>>6340217
Supported.

Update tomorrow most likely for
>Tsukahara Bokuden

>>6340932
>Just want to let you know, QM, I hardly know anything about the daily life of an IRL Japanese teenager.
Don't worry, I don't either, kek.

>Update tomorrow most likely
So that was a fucking lie.
It's ready when it's ready.

"So... any swordsmen that you're inspired by?"

"... Matsura Seizan. It's one thing to learn kenjutsu, but another entirely to transmit it like he did. Also, that legend about him punishing troublemakers in Edo is pretty cool."

"Hmmm... I like Tsukahara Bokuden, myself. Heard about him through a podcast, the life-giving sword and no-sword techniques are interesting concepts."

"Who hasn't heard of him?" Hiromiya chuckles. "Yes, those techniques are incredible. I want to master them, but... it takes love towards others for a sword to become life-giving. And there are others that can give more of that than me."

He seems a bit down, saying these last words. However, he notices something ahead as you go down the corridor towards the entrance.

"There's someone waving at you, Motoharu-kun."

It's Kyosuke and Miki. You also notice that little bit of closeness that Hiromiya approaches you with, changing the honorific.

"Ah, those are my friends."

"Hi, Hisanori. Your new friend?" Kyosuke glances at the kendoka with curiosity.

"A classmate. Though I hope we'll get along down the road."

You introduce your friends.

"I'm Hiromiya Koichi. Nice to meet you," he bows slightly and turns to you. "I'll go on ahead, then. Got to make it to the start of practice."

"Yep. See you!" You say.

"Bye, Hiromiya-san!" Your friends also give their farewells.

And just as you prepare to tell them about your classmates, someone calls you from down the corridor.

"Motoharu-kun!" It's Endo Naomi, the freshly-elected class rep. "Motoharu-kun, since I'm the class rep, could I get your LINE and contacts? I completely forgot to ask you!"

"Sure." You pull out your phone and exchange contacts. It's a feeling you've almost forgotten - but this little episode reminds you that this is the season of new friends and beginnings - your high school life is starting in earnest.

"So... what do you think about your classmates?" Kyosuke asks.

"Yep, yep! Are there any that caught your attention?" Miki looks to be in a good mood.

"There were some. A pink-haired girl... it's hard not to notice her. Some popular clique already formed as well. A few creative girls... You've seen the class rep. There was also a guy that always studies. And, well, you saw Hiromiya-kun. He's the only one I properly talked to. Seems too serious, but not a bad guy. What about you?"

"Mine are scary, Hisanori..." Kyosuke makes an exasperated face. "They all seem so uhhh... 'elite'. They're tough to approach. I tried to strike up a conversation with a few, but they just talk about either hardcore studies, hardcore clubs or hardcore socialising!"

"What's 'hardcore socialising' even?" Miki chuckles. "Don't worry, Kyo-chan! I'm sure they're all fine once you get to know them. Just keep an open mind - that's all that matters in getting to know people and getting them to like you." She gives Kyosuke a thumbs-up.

"I hope so..."
(cont.)

"Did you do introductions?" You ask, as you are reminded of a certain suspicion you had. "We mentioned our hobbies and something to say to our classmates."

"Yes!" Miki affirms eagerly. "There were some I didn't expect. One guy apparently visits a tea house for proper, traditional tea ceremonies. Another studies all the time, just like the one you mentioned, Hisanori."

"We did, too." Kyosuke is brief in his answer.

"Kyo-chan... I hope you didn't tell everyone you're playing gachas," you say.

"Nah," he sighs. "I'm not so dumb as to tell everyone that... Not from the get-go, at least."

"You shouldn't mention your guilty pleasures at all outside of special circumstances!" Miki pouts. "Anyway... looks like there's some - I mean, A LOT of recruitment going on here!"

The commotion on the school grounds turns out to be a recruitment drive by the various clubs of Meikyo High! You glance around and see plenty of different senpais calling out to first-years, trying to convince them to join their clubs. There's the tea club offering everyone a taste of their brews, the basketball club, the board games club, the handicrafts with their excellent costumes and works, the art club, the table tennis club... there's a lot of different ways to add flavour to your high school life!

"Any you think you'll join?" You ask your friends.

"I think there's a swimming one." Miki says, putting a finger to her cheek in thought. "I heard there was a swimming pool partnered with the school, at least. Sounds good to me."

"I'll... have other activities after school." Kyosuke says, suddenly frowning.

"Which ones?" You ask.

"Self-defence courses, probably."

"For... your family situation?" Miki grows serious instantly.

"Yeah. I think high school is about time I did something about it."

"I hope you'll be fine." Miki encourages him, then turns to you. "What about you, Hisanori?"

You... feel kinda lost among this variety. You've never been big on sports, especially team games, so those a probably out of the question. The rest... many look interesting to you. You can also just join the go-home club, like you did in middle school, and do some stuff outside of school.

What do you think?
>Handicraft club.
>Tea club.
>Board Games club.
>Drama club.
>Literature club.
>Art club.
>...Volunteer club?
>Fuck it, swimming. You want to level up your health, at least it isn't a team sport.
>Go-home club.
>Write-in. (sports are unlikely, team sports are banned)

=====
Finally got around to writing the update. It's club time! Thanks for waiting (if any are still monitoring the thread lol)

>>6344055
>Go-home club.

>>6344055
>Tea club

>at least it isn't a team sport
>team sports are banned
??

>>6344075
This is due to Hisanori's preferences that he has from before the quest started. Also because I don't want to write about team sports.

>>6344055
>Fuck it, swimming. You want to level up your health, at least it isn't a team sport.
Gotta get those gains.

>>6344055
>Tea club.

Working on the update (slowly). Also Miki art is still in the works, hopefully more refined than the mc picture from the opening message. Thought I'd give a sign of life at least to remind this isn't abandoned.

Update today or tomorrow, holy fuck it'll be small for the time that passed since the last one, but quest is not dead. Thought I'd pin down the time with this post to really get it done.

>>6348401
Looking forward to it, QM.

"I think I'll check out the tea club," you tell your friends.

"Okay. I'll go on ahead, then," Kyosuke nods. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yep."

"I'll see what the swimming club is about," Miki says. "Bye-bye, Kyo-chan!"

And with this, you split up.

The tea club has 4 people recruiting. They made a miniature tea stand out of a student's desk brought out on the school grounds, and there are cups of fragrant tea standing on it. Most people drink some and leave without applying for joining. The club members seem a bit disheartened by it. Some of them, at least.

You approach their desk, getting a closer look at the senpais. 3 girls, 1 guy. The first girl sports long black hair, glancing around at the passing students with interest. The second one seems the most depressed of them all, as if on the verge of crying, pushed deeper down with every student excusing themselves after tasting the tea. She has shoulder-length, wavy hair. The third girl, with her hair bundled into a ponytail, and the guy with a friendly air about him look a bit sad, but generally not too bothered.

"Hello," you say, "I'm Motoharu Hisanori. I'm not too experienced with tea ceremony, but your club looks interesting. Could you tell me about it?"

"Yes, of course!" The depressed girl perks up immediately, the shine returning to her eyes. "Why don't you have a taste of the tea first? I'm Sumi Satsuki, by the way."

"Sure, nice to meet you!" You take the cup offered and take a sip...

... It's horrible. A disgusting, super bitter taste. It doesn't seem spoiled, just... bad. You glance at the senpais, trying to conceal your disgust, and see them grinning deviously.

"How was it?" The guy asks.

"Uhhh... It's bitter as hell. I think I'll need to wash away the taste with something later. Is everything you drink like this?" You comment frankly, putting the cup down.

The girl with her hair in a ponytail conceals her mouth with her hand, laughing softly.

"I appreciate the honesty. It's bad, isn't it?"

"It's important to share your thoughts honestly," the girl with long black hair says, overall serious, but smiling nevertheless. "It's good that you understand that. Tea is serious business, you know? It's the foundation that counts the most. I'm Kodachi Suzuka, by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Don't listen to her, she just loves the ceremonial aspect waaay too much," Sumi, the girl with wavy hair says, rolling her eyes. "But yeah, it's good that you speak your mind. Now... let's get you some good stuff, shall we?"

The next cup offered to you is better in smell. It has a gentle fragrance of strawberry. You take a sip. Its fruity taste is genuine, pleasant. You finally get the former tea off your taste buds.

"This is much better," you say, putting the cup down.
(cont.)

"Better how?" The guy asks.

"Um... I like the subtle sweetness. The fruity taste really evokes memories of summer, I think. Sorry, I'm not too big of an expert. Well, I told you already, haha..." You scratch your head, looking down apologetically.

"Zenji-kun, we might have struck a gold vein here," Sumi says, putting a hand to her chin, with a mischievous smirk.

"It's also important to express your thoughts clearly," Kodachi says, still serious, but with a somewhat more gentle look in her eyes. "You'd be a good member, I think. Want me to give you an application form?"

"Um... I'd like to know more about you guys before I decide," you say. "What... do you even really do? Just drink tea?"

"We also eat Japanese sweets that we purchase with part of our club budget," the guy replies.

"Don't listen to him, he just really likes sweets," Kodachi says. "The most important thing we do is participate in tea ceremonies. Admiring the calligraphy while drinking tea, contemplating philosophy, preparing tea in special ways... the ceremony is the heart of this club."

"Don't listen to her!" Sumi says. "Don't get scared away by this, Motoharu-kun. It's really quite intuitive once you learn the basics." Kodachi rolls her eyes at Sumi's words, but says nothing. "Anyway, we taste various flavours! It's really a huge world of these out there! Ahh, sharing a taste of tea with someone - it's the best feeling!"

"So yeah, we just drink tea," the girl with the ponytail summarises, deadpan.

"I see," you chuckle at the variety of viewpoints.

"I'm Eizumi Ai," the ponytail girl gives you a smile.

"Fukamura Zenji," the guy says. "Would you like to apply for joining, Motoharu-kun?"

>You decide to apply to this club. Seems cool!
>You'll check out another club first. You're not in a hurry. [specify]
>You don't think you like these, after all. It's best to join the go-home club.
>Write-in

>>6348748
>You'll check out another club first. You're not in a hurry. [SWIM]
This is a solid choice that fits the protag, but don't cash in too early

>>6348818
+1

>>6348818
>>6348822
Locking these in sometime tomorrow.
Announcing this in case other anons want to turn the vote in some other direction.

Also remember to add the thread to your thread watcher in order to not miss the (far from frequent) updates.

Alright, locking in checking out the swimming club, update's ready when it's ready. I hope to finish it tomorrow or the day after, but we'll see.

Sorry for the radio silence. To explain, uhh... I just keep delaying actually writing the update. Got the idea and characters I want to introduce noted down, but every day I tell myself "tomorrow for sure". This doesn't mean I don't enjoy it. I like inventing new and adding to already introduced characters, I like noting down scenes and plot for later, I like the dialogue I come up with and hope you (whoever is still checking the thread) like it too whenever I post it. I'm just kinda a wreck of a person with no discipline/willpower whatsoever getting distracted by random timesink bullshit.

I'll deliver the update tomorrow, the first day of the year. Don't have anything better to do anyways.

Happy New Year and late Christmas. Hope the new year is kind to all of you.

>>6353147
Happy new year, QM. Take it easy.

"I think I'll check out other clubs first," you tell the tea club members.

"Alright," Sumi nods. "Even if you don't join in the end, feel free to drop by! Our clubroom's in the left wing, second floor."

"Okay."

You decide to check out the swimming club next. You're not a fan of sports, but maybe it'd be worth it to get in shape? Swimming develops all muscle groups, as they say...

You notice Miki heading towards the gate. You cross paths.

"Checked out the swimming club already, Miki-chan?" You ask.

"Yes," she seems a bit surprised. "It's fine, but... some of the people are kinda intense. You decided to take a look as well, Hisanori?"

"Yep."

"Well, good luck, then. I'll be going home now," she waves you goodbye.

You approach the group holding the swimming club sign. Some people come and go, taking application forms.

The most talkative among the members seem to be two students, a girl with mischievous eyes and medium length brown hair, and a guy with a friendly smile.

One haughty-looking guy also catches your attention, his hair surprisingly long for a guy, reaching down to his neck, but the most striking of them all is a beautiful girl with shoulder-length hair dyed blonde.

"Hello," you greet them. "I'm Motoharu Hisanori. Thinking about joining your club. Could you tell me about it?"

"Tokitomo Yoshioki," the friendly guy introduces himself. "Well... there's not much to tell. We spend our time at the club training and participating in high school championships. Our coach's got an efficient training programme, and some of us compete at the city level, like Yashima-kun and Fukurobe-chan here!" He motions to the blonde and the grumpy guy.

"Should we really accept him?" The girl with the brown hair asks, narrowing her eyes. "He seems oddly interested in Yuri-chan's... ahem, CHEST."

You are taken aback at the accusation, but... yeah, it seems you were accidentally staring at the well-endowed blonde.

"I wasn't-" you begin, but get interrupted.

"Look, if you're here to ogle girls in swimsuits, you're not welcome."

"Iroha-chan..." Tokitomo says. "Seriously, you're too suspicious. He doesn't seem like a bad guy."

"Well, all our girls are fit, so that's to be expected, hmph."

Fukurobe doesn't seem to be bothered in the slightest by this conversation.

"That's rich coming from you," Tokitomo chuckles.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... You often send food pics to me, y'know."

"How much I eat doesn't matter at all," Iroha asserts. "My metabolism is world champion-tier. I eat anything I want and never gain weight. Just gotta exercise a bit, and woosh, no fat, only muscle." She strikes a pose, flexing her arm and smiling. "You can admire this, by the way, Motoharu-kun. You have my permission."

You laugh quietly.
(cont.)

"Hmmm?" Fukurobe hums, interjecting for the first time since the start of the conversation. "Didn't you text me about the scales showing you now weigh-"

"AAAAAAA NOTHING, I TEXTED YOU NOTHING!" Iroha yells, attracting the attention of some passers-by students. "Wait. So you DO read my messages! I text you on LINE all the time, but you never reply, Yuri-chan!"

"Aaahhh..." Fukurobe averts her eyes, guilty. "Well, I'm out of battery or not checking my phone frequently, so I usually only see them before I go to sleep. No point replying at that time."

"That's the excuses people invent when they don't want to reply! You're ignoring me! RUDE!"

"Are you planning on participating in tournaments?" Yashima, the other guy, asks. He hasn't smiled once at the others' antics, looking more annoyed, if anything.

"I don't know," you say honestly. "I don't usually swim besides PE lessons. So this is all new to me. I just want to get some exercise maybe, and see where to go from there."

"So, another non-competitive piece of trash, then. I don't think you'd fit in this club."

"That was uncalled for," you reply coldly.

"I'm just telling the obvious," Yashima says, looking away, bored.

"It's fine so long as you actually want to swim," Fukurobe defends you. "Even if there's some ogling of swimsuits. Just keep the purpose of the club in mind," she looks at you with mild amusement.

"Yeah, don't scare off newbies, Yashima-kun," Tokitomo says, then turns to you. "He's been strict with everyone since joining. So, Motoharu-kun, would you like an application form?"

"Let me think for a bit," you say.

"Alright. If you ever want to join, we're open to newbies year-round."

"I don't think I introduced myself properly," Iroha says. "Maene Iroha, class 2-B. Let's get along, then!"

"Fukurobe Yuri, 2-C," the blonde-hair says.

The rude guy sighs and introduces himself as well. "Yashima Hideki, 2-A."

"Pleased to meet you," you bow slightly to your senpais.

The commotion is already thinning out a bit. You think you have about enough time to check out another club. You can, of course, visit them sometime later.
>Check out another club [write-in from this list >>6344055 or specify]
>Go home.
>Apply to join a club [Tea or Swimming?]

=====
January 1st update, as promised. Next one... idk, but I'll probably call the vote in about 3 days.
Names:
Tea club
香立 澄々花 - Kodachi Suzuka
墨 咲津希 - Sumi Satsuki
深村 善仁 - Fukamura Zenji
江泉 安唯 - Eizumi Ai

Swimming club
袋辺 友麗 - Fukurobe Yuri
八州 秀樹 - Yashima Hideki
辰灯 欣起 - Tokitomo Yoshioki
前根 紅葉 - Maene Iroha

>>6353530
>Check out another club
>...Volunteer club?
Of course we were ogling, but that don’t make it any less rude to assume we were.

>>6353530
>Check out another club
>Drama club.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6353535
>>6354182
Rolling to break the tie and locking in whatever is rolled. Update's ready when it's ready.
1 - Volunteer club
2 - Drama club

Just a small status update to remind I'm not dead - I'll try to finish the update in the coming 3 days. I have most of what I want to show figured out but wanted to try out a proper writing technique with an initial draft and a revision with fresh eyes after some time, like a day or so, since previously I wrote, quickly checked and posted it in one go (not including idea generation and behind the scenes notes) and that left me dissatisfied with a few details and lost opportunities.

>>6358047
QM, for such a slow boil story I really don't think one update every couple weeks is going to work.

>>6358082
Alright then. I saw some quests on the catalog having fuckhueg update windows (Isekai Cheat Harem, Forgotten Realms Adventures, Our Brave Boys) and thought: well, maybe it's possible to run with long intervals.

Do you think I should end it? I am reluctant to do so because if I ever want to try my hand at this kind of quest again, I don't think I can make the same characters, and I don't want to run a reboot either. So that's pretty much my reason for this ultra-slow pace without making an outright bye-bye post. Clinging to the notes I have and this (at this point kinda wasted I guess) opportunity.

If anyone else is checking the thread, feel free to give input as well.

>>6358100
The really long pauses are a bummer, since I already dipped out and I'm only now checking back to see the progress. I like the characters you've made, and I like a lot of the set up so far, but for a slice of life adventure in its early stages, I really think you need to speed up the updates to keep the readers coming back. Maybe cut down on the size of the updates? Something to try and help you get them out at a better pace.

>>6358850
I did mention I'm prone to procrastination and lack discipline, but I guess it just takes more to run a quest than what I have currently. Thanks for the reminder that I have to put in an actual effort and whip myself into shape mentally to see returns (participation). It did motivate me somewhat.

I'll update tomorrow, about 3 days from this post >>6358047, like promised, and try to speed up after that. Maybe I'll really make smaller updates from then on, as anon suggested. I skipped most of the banter because I thought it didn't deserve to stop the story for a miscellaneous choice of reply, but I may just make these little breaks to have something out at a regular pace rather than a two-post dialogue every 10 days with huge spaces of silence in between. I also have a method that worked in previous pursuits but I'd forgotten about, maybe it'll help. We'll see.

You decide to see what the volunteer club is about. There's... a single girl with an, honestly, shabby-looking sign with the name of the club standing alone amid all the eagerly recruiting groups. Naturally, few people approach her. None, in fact.

"Um, hello," you say, "I'm Motoharu Hisanori. Not sure what a 'volunteer club' is about... could you tell me about it?"

"Nakato Ayumi, class 1-C," she says. You get a better look at her now that you've approached. Average height, slim build, calm grey eyes and long hair. She has a cute face. "It's simple. The volunteer club helps out people at their request. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Hm. What kind of help?"

"Anything. Studying for exams, figuring out mysteries, giving ideas for art, relationship advice - you name it. Ah, but illegal stuff is off-limits, obviously. And if someone just uses us to offload work constantly, that's a no-no as well."

"So... is it like charity?"

"Maybe. Though not exactly. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to really fix the root of the problem. Sometimes the real problem is completely different from what the person is telling," Ayumi gets fired up a bit as she explains, finally giving you an encouraging smile.

"Sounds cool. Like... a superhero coming to the rescue of those in need," you smile in return.

"It's... not really that exciting most of the time," she averts her eyes. "People often come with menial issues and questions with obvious answers."

"...I watched a documentary on charity recently. I think it was called something like... 'Hakuai'? 'The reward is in yourself, not in others' gratitude'," you manage to remember the quote.

"You did as well? Ah, it's true, but... well, you do feel like a superhero sometimes. Like... Kiyoneko or something..."

"Doesn't sound too super- heroic to me," you laugh. "More like a childhood hero."

"Isn't that even better?" She parries. "We remember those for our entire lives."

"Maybe," you say, then remember one odd thing about her words. "Wait, you said you're a first year? Doesn't that mean you just enrolled?"

"Well, pretty much. I asked the teachers whether there was a club like that, they said 'no', I asked for permission, and they said I can form one if I get 3 members, myself included, and a curator."

"Quick..."

"I've had an entire morning for that. Plenty of time to figure it out."

"Were you in one in junior high?"

"Yeah, duh. Where do you think I've got all the experience I've talked about?" She cocks an eyebrow.

"Right... Well, I'll consider joining."

"I'd be glad to see you apply," Ayumi gives you another smile.
(cont.)

You look around yourself. Most of the clubs have "caught" their share of recruits and are preparing to leave. This was a good first day. Your high school life begins in earnest. The wind blows, sakura petals fluttering through the air, giving the whole gathering a youthful energy... and lifting Ayumi's skirt.

She rapidly lowers her sign to cover herself, blushing intensely.

"Black..." You mutter.

She glowers at you. "Did your parents not teach you that commenting on a girl's panties flashing from a gust of wind is rude?"

"I was never prepared for this kind of situation," you back away.

Ayumi sighs. "Guess I'll have to discipline you later."

"Please have mercy, Nakato-san!"

With 3 clubs, one just forming, checked, you go home and consider whether to apply to any of them tomorrow or see what the other ones are about throughout the week - most of them have left the school grounds by now...

...

You arrive to find your apartment empty. Naturally, your parents and Yume have not returned yet. This leaves you alone to warm up food from the fridge for lunch and then... do whatever you want, pretty much.

What kind of pastime do you want to focus on today, and perhaps for the next week (y/n)?
>Games?
>Historical videos?
>Movies?
>Look up swimming tournament streams (totally not to ogle fit girls in swimsuits)?
>Investigate tea ceremony traditions?
>Write-in

=====
As we move on from the first day, time is going to speed up. There will be events and banter, but a week or more may be skipped at a time between them, sometimes just to give space, sometimes to advance to the next event. So yeah, it won't be day-by-day for 3 years of high school.

>>6358870
Hopefully you can pick things up and attract people, I'll really try to keep checking back more often so I can keep up! Now lemme read the update.

>>6359211
Can we do more than one? I'm assuming yeah since it's a week we're planning out.
Personally I'm split between the Swim Club and the Volunteer Club. The latter reminds me of Medaka Box lol. That being said
>Look up swimming tournament streams (totally not to ogle fit girls in swimsuits)?
We can do this to see if we happen to catch any vids with people from our school.
>Games
And spend some time after school gaming with our bro Kyo. If he has any free time.

>>6359211
>Games?
>Historical videos?

>>6359211
>Games with bros
>Historical videos to talk to other bro

>>6359382
>Can we do more than one? I'm assuming yeah since it's a week we're planning out.
Yep.

Update in about 18-20 hours if everything is well and I stick to the plan, vote remains open. I think I was a bit too hasty in mentioning the week skip lol. There's still the first day talk with your family and, if you'd like, visiting other clubs later.

>Games
>Historical videos
Maybe you'll play video games with Kyosuke later, in the evening, but for now, you decide to watch some historical videos. Who knows, maybe there will be something about samurai - something that kendoka, Hiromiya Koichi, would be interested in?

You enjoy your time alone, surprisingly moving on from samurai to some other countries' warriors of the past, like the Korean gapsa. Your mind wanders to the various martial arts and ways to combine them. They all certainly have their traditions, but could they be synthesised together into the ULTIMATE one? You'll have to ask Koichi what he thinks of his own dojo's style, its strengths and shortcomings...

After a while, you hear the entrance door opening and your sister's voice.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome back, Nee-chan," you leave your room to greet her. "How was the entrance ceremony?"

"Ahh, it's all just super formal talk. Nothing interesting. The air in the assembly hall was so chilly! I stood there for half an hour praying for it to end and cherishing the memory of the kotatsu at Jun's place."

"Right." Some things don't change. Yume has complained about every entrance ceremony she has attended since junior high.

"What about you?" She asks, walking down the corridor towards the bathroom. In spite of her comment about the ceremony, she seems to be in a good mood. "Meet any interesting guys or girls?"

You've had your share of acquaintances for sure... But what do you think of them?
>Whom do you mention? Someone specific? Or comment in general? (e.g. tea club members, class rep...)
>What is your opinion on them? This is your opportunity to define whom you plan to engage with, and what Hisanori thinks of them.
>You can also just keep it brief, mention the people you met, say "some of them are interesting" and that's it. This will count as Hisanori not having a particular opinion.

>>6359840
Is this a write in?
If so:
>"I met a guy in my class who likes swords, feels like a reliable guy, think I'm gonna get along with him. Also checked out some clubs and some girl showed her panties to me, 100% real story, will probably join her club tomorrow."

>>6359888
>Is this a write in?
Yes.

>>6359840
>>6359888
Support

>>6359888
>>6360050
Locking this in. Update will be out in 14 hours or so if everything is well.

>>6360622
Gonna delay it until tomorrow, I'll post in 12-14 hours or so. Sorry for the wait.

"There's this guy in my class who's really into swords. A kendoka, training in a dojo and all that. Seems pretty reliable, think I'm gonna get along well with him." The sound of water from the bathroom stops, and Yume walks out, hands and face fresh.

"Mmmhm. Good for you. Building a network is important."

"There also was a girl, she flashed her panties at me while we were talking about her club, probably going to join it tomorrow."

Yume snorts.

"Are you serious?"

"100% real story," you say, deadpan. Well, that's what you'd like to be, anyways, but your feel a bit flushed from the memory. "It was windy today..."

"Hisanori," your sister starts laughing quietly. "Hisanori, you should know better than to chase after the first skirt you met. I mean, it did flip, but..."

"I know that, been there already. But she does seem like a nice person," you huff.

"Well, whatever. You're joining a club after all, huh?" She dons a mischievous smile. "No longer content to stay at home? Don't tell me you've got that idea of a colourful youth from your first day of high school, hm?"

"I figured it's best to do something already. Either way, if I don't like it, I can leave any time. And I don't want to hear that from you! You've been blabbering all about how you'll have 'a dream-like youth' on your first day of high school!"

"Really? I don't remember." But you can tell she definitely does. "What kind of club is it?"

"'Volunteer club'. It's apparently about helping people with various requests. First time I heard about this kind of thing, but seems fun."

"First time I hear of this idea as well," Yume muses. "Sounds heroic."

"Nakato-san told me it does feel like that sometimes. Though it's mostly small tasks."

"Even in small problems, you gotta find a way to deal with different people," she shrugs. "That's a kind of heroic power, I think. Not something you think of from manga, but... Everyone needs a special approach."

"Do they?" You avert your eyes in thought. It's easy to talk about this and that abstraction, but...
>You're inclined to agree. It echoes what Ayumi told you.
>You feel like it's best to treat everyone equally, at least in some regards.
>Write-in

>>6361027
>You feel like it's best to treat everyone equally, at least in some regards.

>>6361104
Locking in
>You feel like it's best to treat everyone equally, at least in some regards.
I'll update tomorrow.

"It's best to treat everyone equally. In some ways, at least," you continue.

"Ah, Hisanori..." Yume shakes her head. "What one person will accept as a gift, another will consider an insult. You have to keep in mind their differences. Play and maneuver around them. Although maybe there's some wisdom in at least keeping it fair to those you don't know? Well, you'll learn on your own soon enough."

"What a way to give advice."

"Ahh, get off my back!"

You smile, and notice your sister hasn't yet taken her bag to her room. There's something glinting on it.

"You got a new badge?" You say, approaching closer to take a look.

"Yep. A senpai gave me a tip that there's a cheap accessories' shop near uni, so I dropped by on the way home. It's about time I changed it. Like it?" She lifts her bag and shows it off, grinning.

It's an enamelled yellow umbrella. Simple.

"Looks... okay. Is it a symbol of something or?.."

"I heard it's some kind of political thing, but I just liked the design," Yume clicks on the badge with her nail a couple of times, then continues on towards her room.

Your sister has been wearing badges on her bag since her second year of high school. She only wears one, changing it every month or so. She mentioned she gives them away once she stops wearing them.

Yume leaves her room soon after, changed into home clothes: a light sweatshirt and pants.

"Is there anything ready in the fridge?"

"Mom and dad left some rice with gravy for lunch. We'll have to cook dinner ourselves though."

"Can't escape the routine even on days like these, I guess." She sighs. "Join me to cook in the evening?"

"Sure," you say. "By the way, I told whom I'd met, but what about you? Any interesting people in your group?"

"There's a cool girl. We kicked it right off when I was just getting to know everyone. She visited Nagoya last summer as well. Not for garden drawing though - to meet friends. I also got to know a few senpais that guided us through the campus. They asked if we knew who our professor for brand design was this semester, apparently we got the strictest one out of all. Starting off the year with some fun, I guess."

"My condolences."

"Ahhh, Hisanori!" Yume moans theatrically. "Why must the world force this upon us! It's only the first day, and I already don't want to study!"

"Well, you don't do much of that anyways..."

"Cruel! I'm hurt! I do work when I need to!"

"You mean cramming the night before exams and hoping for a passing grade?"

"Okay, now you're just being mean."

"Sorry, sorry..."

Well, it does contain a grain of truth...

...

Yume soon retreats to her room to rest, and you do the same. The rest of the day passes quickly, and you team up to cook for the family around the time your parents should be coming back.
(cont.)

"How was your first day, Hisanori?" Your dad asks as you all gather at the table to eat.

"Fine. Talked to some people. There's a guy who's into swords in my class, seems reliable."

"Mmhm."

"There's also a nice girl. I think I'm gonna join her Volunteer club. It's about helping people with stuff they request," you say, noticing Yume smiling. Well, you can't just reveal the panties accident before your parents...

"Mmhm."

"We're in different classes with Miki and Kyosuke, so I guess we'll be dealing with different people this year during classes."

"Mmhm."

"TAKESHI!" Your mom exclaims. "At least say something! It's your son's high school life starting today, you know!"

"He doesn't need my comments, Fumi," he glances at you, not bothered by her tone at all. "I can tell if something's amiss. And he looks fine to me, so no point bothering him any more. He's a big guy now, can decide what to think and do on his own."

"Well, I don't know. A 'good for you' or 'I'm glad' or something would be nice, either way!" She pouts.

"Good for you, Hisanori," your dad says. His tone is ever so slightly amused now. "I'm glad your first day went well."

"And he just copies whatever I say, hmph!" She rolls her eyes. "What about you, Yume?"

"Fine as well," your sister is upbeat. "There was a cool girl, went to Nagoya last summer as well. Also I got a new badge. I'll show it later."

"Mmhm."

"And he's doing it again..."

The rest of the evening is spent in some idle talk. You soon retreat to rest in your room, and before you know it, the new day arrives, the first regular day of high school. You spend most of it grappling with new concepts - studying is hard! - but lunch arrives soon, and with it, an opportunity to talk to others. But whom?
>Find Ayumi and tell her you'd like to join the Volunteer club, like you planned.
>Find senpais and apply to join another club? [specify]
>Talk to Koichi, the kendoist. But about what? Perhaps the ultimate martial art would be a good topic? Or something else? [write-in topic]
>Find Miki and Kyo-chan and try to figure out the best lunch spots.
>Talk to someone in your class? You can refer to >>6336518 update as a reminder of which cliques have formed. [specify topic or just getting to know people]

=====
I should probably make a pastebin with characters at some point.

>>6362328
>Find Ayumi and tell her you'd like to join the Volunteer club, like you planned.
new friendo
>pastebin with characters at some point
is there going to be like 20+ characters or something that we have to keep track of?

>>6362328
Repeating stuff runs in this family lol
>Talk to Koichi, the kendoist. But about what? Perhaps the ultimate martial art would be a good topic?
>Then propose to him to eat lunch together.
>Find Miki and Kyo-chan and try to figure out the best lunch spots.
I feel like the club can wait till the end of the day

>>6362457
>is there going to be like 20+ characters or something that we have to keep track of?
idk, maybe? There will be stuff happening in the background, and some characters might come into light now and again, but I think you'll be interacting closely with a tighter cast. Regarding the club and class introduction boogaloo, I just didn't feel like putting in 1 character and making everyone else mobs, so it kinda bloated out of proportion. You don't need to worry about remembering everything and everyone, Hisanori probably will have only vague recollections himself without interacting with them more and regularly.
>>6362558
>Repeating stuff runs in this family lol
Sorry anon, I just didn't think of a way to share what Hisanori experienced with his parents, so I copied what was already said almost verbatim. I hope it wasn't too jarring. Also yes, it will probably repeat now and then when characters interact and introduce themselves.

>>6362599
>wasn't too jarring
it's okay lol
>regarding the pastebin
it will definitely help

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Rolling to tiebreak. Update in 15 hours, give or take.
>>6362457 - 1
>>6362558 - 2

>>6363364
Gonna push it to 12-13 hours from now, sorry.

>Find Ayumi and tell her you'd like to join the Volunteer club, like you planned.

"Class 1-C... should be here," you murmur to yourself, going down the hall and glancing at the classroom signs. And sure enough, you find it.

Peeking inside, you spot Ayumi in a seat by the window. She seems to be doing something with her phone, but there's an open bento on the desk.

Some students glance at you as you enter and approach her, but return to their conversations quickly.

"Nakato-san? Hey."

"Ah, eh?" She seems a bit surprised. "Ah, hello, Motoharu-kun."

"I decided to join the Volunteer club after all. Thought I'd tell you as soon as possible."

"Oh, that's great. Enticed by the allure of helping people?" Ayumi smirks.

"Something like that."

"Hisanori?" A familiar voice calls out from behind you. You turn around to see Miki approaching.

That's right. She was in this class as well!

"Hello, Miki-chan."

"You know Nakato-san?"

"Yep, we talked for a bit about club stuff yesterday, when everyone was recruiting. Charity, childhood heroes, stuff like that. Also..." You begin, but stop yourself. "It was kinda windy yesterday, wasn't it? Haha..."

Ayumi blushes at this mention of the incident. You kinda do as well.

"Eh? Eh?" Miki glances between you two in confusion. "Did something happen between you?"

"No, nothing important."

"Hmm?" She smiles mischievously. "On the first day? Way to go, Hisanori."

"Yunami-chan?" Another voice joins the conversation before you can reply. A group of 3 girls approach you. One of them, with long blonde hair, speaks. "You know this person?"

"Yeah, though I sometimes wish I didn't. That's Motoharu Hisanori."

You're taken aback. It's not like Miki to just insult you out of the blue.

"For sure," one of the girls continues. "You should stop mingling with people like these, Yunami-chan. I mean, just look at him. Loose tie, messy hair, sour face. Whew, I wish we didn't see, much less talk to him."

"Yeah, Motoharu," Miki chuckles, "you're kinda embarrassing me here. Oh, but get this," she turns to the girls, "it's not just his looks. He spent all his middle school life at home watching some kinda historical nerd stuff."

"Laaaame."

As they keep going, you don't even know what to say. You did think Miki could drift away with time, but... well, not so quickly. Maybe that's what a school debut does to you. And rather than listen to this stream of insults, you'd rather leave.

But as you sigh and turn to do just that, you notice the giggling. It's Ayumi.

So she has betrayed you-

"Motoharu-kun... Motoharu-kun, calm down, they're just joking."

"NAKATO-SAN!" One of the girls raises her voice, her tone completely different from the mocking drawl you endured. "Don't blow the cover so soon!"

"Well, cat's out of the bag now," Miki says, smiling amicably. "You should've seen your face, Hisanori."

"Eh?"

"They do this 'joke bullying' to random people. Like a prank or something," Ayumi explains.

You sigh.

"Please don't toy with me like that."

"It's all in good fun," the girl with long blonde hair smiles as well. "Anyway, I'm Kamimori. These are Nakagami and Horino," she mentions surnames, pointing to the other two girls. "You know Yunami-chan?"

"Yes, we're friends since third year of junior high."

"Hmm. Interesting. Yunami-chan is fun to talk to. I hope we get along fine with her friends as well!"

"Same. I hope to get along with you."

"So... about the club," Ayumi interjects. "Let's go to the teacher's room after classes and tell them we found enough members."

"Oh, I think I remember Nakato-san talking about her club during introductions," Miki says. "Volunteer club - what's it about?"

Ayumi briefly explains the purpose. Both Miki and the 3 girls seem intrigued.

"That sounds pretty fun. I might have joined, but I'm not one for helping anyone and everyone," Miki smiles apologetically. "Besides, I've got my own stuff going on. I'll make sure to drop by once in while though!"

"Ah, I think you mentioned another club. Did you end up joining swimming in the end?" You ask.

"No," Miki says, "I'm in the go-home club after all. There's some kinda jerk clique in it that I don't want to deal with at all."

"I think I know who you're talking about," you say, recalling your conversation with the club members.

"Yep, that senpai... Yashima-senpai, I think? I heard from others that dropped out of the club that he's basically mocking and bullying everyone that's not 'competitve' or something, - not tryharding or participating in tournaments, I mean. And some of the members support him. Like hell I'd deal with that. I'd rather ask my parents for a pool pass and go on my own outside school."

"I see," you say.

"The Volunteer club sounds fun, but I'm 'taken' - already in the handicrafts one," Kamimori says. The two other girls also mention being in other clubs.

"Well, that's a bit of a shame, but at least we got enough members to become a proper club either way," Ayumi sighs.

"Ah, right, three..." You recall. "Me, you, and... who else did you recruit, Nakato-san?"

"Oh, there's one girl... What class were you in again, Motoharu-kun?"

"1-B."

"Right. She's from yours, then."

"What's her name?"

"Nekoyama Shinobu," Ayumi says.

You recall the pink-haired girl immediately. It's not easy to forget that first impression.

"She said she's often busy between working part-time and studying, but wants to participate at least occasionally," Ayumi continues. "So yeah, we have three members, now all that's left is to find a curator. We'll have to ask around about teachers that are free."

"Hm. I see," you say.

"We should probably have lunch before the break ends," Kamimori reminds you all. "Care to join us, Yunami-chan?"

"Yep. I have a bento!"

With the club stuff sorted, you notice you still have time to eat. It's important to keep your energy levels high!

"Wanna have lunch together, Motoharu-kun?" Ayumi offers as Miki and the 3 other girls sit down around a desk, taking out their bentos.
>"Sure. Let's find a good place."
>"Sure. I think I have someone else I want to invite as well, though." [whom?]
>"Nah, sorry! Maybe some other day."
If you pick the third option, you can specify whom you want to have lunch with. If you have lunch with Ayumi, you can bring up the topic of Nekoyama Shinobu, but please write-in what you want to discuss about her. In general, you can set a theme no matter whom you decide to invite. There's also the option of having lunch alone, of course.

=====
Thanks for waiting! I kinda underestimated the amount of work for the update and got distracted a few times + took a couple hours as a break when I got tired + had to give up the PC I have notes on for some time. So yeah, I'm late twice.
This time around the update gap was 4 days, I'll try to get back on track and push one in 2 or 3 next.

>>6363903
>"Sure. I think I have someone else I want to invite as well, though." [Koichi]

>>6363903
>"Sure. Let's find a good place."
>If you have lunch with Ayumi, you can bring up the topic of Nekoyama Shinobu
Feels like a good chance to get a first impression of her from someone else.

>>6364174
>>6364301
I'll merge the 2 votes together and have you both invite Koichi and ask about Nekoyama.
So locking this option in. I'll try to update in 14-16 hours like promised.

>Invite Hiromiya Koichi
>Bring up Nekoyama

"Sure," you say. "There's someone else I'd like to invite as well, though."

And with that, you're soon sitting in a secluded spot in the courtyard, your two new acquaintances on both sides of you. After introducing themselves and their interests, they fall silent without a particular topic to discuss.

You take some time to eat in peace, focusing on the food. You don't have a lot of time left for lunch - better make use of it! As you're nearing the end of your meal, you finally decide to break the ice by bringing up your thoughts on martial arts. Nekoyama can wait a couple minutes.

"I was watching some documentaries about martial arts," you tell Koichi between chewing on a piece of fried pork, "and that brought me to the thought of combining them. Maybe there's some kind of ULTIMATE kendo or fighting style that we just have to find, and then it'll beat everything."

"Shallow way of thinking," Koichi seems unimpressed. "Basically every successive martial art spawns as an evolution or response to previous ones. They're already combining and taking the best out of others. It's no use. Best stick to one and master it than invent something new."

"Seems inefficient to me," Ayumi says cautiously. "Why stick to something when you can see it's not working? You have to gather a lot of fighting experience and build on it to really get better."

"All you'll achieve is a shallow knowledge of many arts. It takes a lifetime to master one. All you'll be doing is spreading yourself thin without any actual worth to your skill," Koichi seems a bit annoyed.

You stay quiet for now.

"Well, I don't know. Looks like an over-complication to me. It can't be that difficult to perfect a single strike, or throw, or step. I'm not saying you should switch here and there all the time - yeah, that won't lead to good results - but if you stick to one thing your entire life, you'll only get more and more meagre returns in the end," she shrugs, not bothered by Koichi's words. "It's the same when dealing with people. Yeah, alright, you can have the same attitude your entire life, but you won't get to know how to deal with any puzzle pieces that won't fit in your slot."

"Better than switching tracks all the time with no real gain. Thanks for the food." Hiromiya sighs, and stands up to leave, having finished his meal.

"Whatever works for you, Hiromiya-san," Ayumi says.

There's a bit of an awkward silence left between you and Ayumi after Koichi leaves.

"I wanted to ask about Nekoyama-san," you decide to switch topics. "What did you think of her? She seemed a bit standoffish during class introductions, but I didn't talk to her after that."

"She's fine," Ayumi shrugs. "I was kinda intimidated by the pink hair, but she's a girl like any other. We talked a bit, she doesn't tell much about herself without you asking her, but doesn't seem opposed to it either. She works part-time at a book store and they got new hardware to keep track of things. She mentioned she's busy with studies besides that because she wants to get into uni. That's about all I can tell you about her. You should really talk to her yourself. Always better to know the person than rely on second-hand information."

"I see."

"Anyway, I'm done. Thanks for joining me for lunch, Motoharu-kun. Let's meet after school, then!"

"Alright. Thanks for the food. See you then!"

And with the bell ringing just as you enter the classroom, the lunch break ends.

=====
No choice for now, update feat. looking for a curator for your club - tomorrow.

>>6364921
Well that was awkward lol, my bad
Nekoyama is definitely hiding something, the fact she's willing to join this club with her life already full enough tells me there's something sinister is going on

Retarded day today, messy thoughts, little work done, so no 2nd update, sorry. Tomorrow is one of the few busy days that occasionally appear, but I'll try to finish things and update.
>>6365497
>Well that was awkward lol, my bad
Don't worry about it, sometimes you can't know people won't get along until you knock them against each other. What's more, sometimes people that don't get along initially will grow fond of each other over time or with specific experiences.
Even if they don't, I hope it'll all be fun to read in the end.

Also, I feel like I could've done more with the update, now that I'm rereading and examining it. I'll try to deliver something a bit better tomorrow (or whenever I finish the post).

>>6365497
No way for us to know they'd clash. Mr. Kendo is a bit of a hard ass, but he's just disciplined and respectful to his craft. Oddly enough, he's got shades of the guy from the swim club.

>>6365666
Hope all is well QM, looking forward to the update.

"Which teachers would be available to supervise a club?"

It's after-school hours. You're in the teacher's room, accompanying Ayumi along with Nekoyama, and the administrator for club activities, Harima-sensei, raises his eyebrows at your question.

"Uhh... First, do you- yes, I see you have 3 members. Let me think," he says, looking away. "I believe there are 2 free teachers currently. Hayazono Keiji, you may have met him during your classical literature class, and Mochizuki Tsubaki, she teaches social studies. Well, technically 3, there's also Fujiwara-sensei, but... I don't think you kids would want someone like that, with all due respect."

"Yes, he's a bit..." Ayumi trails off, and you understand her without continuation. He's quite strict and REALLY boring in his manner of speech. That much is obvious even from the first lesson you had with him.

"Thanks, Harima-sensei. We'll see if we can convince one of them," Ayumi continues.

"Good luck," and he's back to his work, humming a vaguely familiar tune.

You leave the teacher's room to discuss your options.

"So..." Ayumi begins, leaning against the wall. "Which of the two do you guys want to try first?"

"Mochizuki-sensei is pretty fun," Nekoyama lifts a hand to her mouth to hide a smile. And you get it, blushing a little as you remember your first lesson with her today.

...

"Hello class 1-B!" A young woman with a bombshell figure and medium length silver hair enters the classroom, loudly rattling the door and raising her voice with excitement. "I'm Mochizuki Tsubaki, Mochizuki-sensei for you, and I'll be teaching social- AH"

She stumbles on the first step making her way to the teacher's podium, spilling all of her - quite massive! - stack of materials.

Some students laugh, but others shoo them into some respect for the teacher. Accidents happen, right? Some approach and help Mochizuki-sensei gather her stuff.

"Ah, thank you, thank you," she says quietly, then gets up and makes it to the desk, placing the stacks of books and papers on top. "Phew. Like I said, I'll be teaching social studies for your class this year - and maybe beyond!" She's less enthusiastic than before, but remains in high spirits. "Let's take attendance first."

One by one, she goes through the students' list, calling everyone's names, but as this goes on, it becomes apparent to more and more students there's a bit of an oddity to her outfit. More specifically, her shirt hugs her frame really tightly, and one of the buttons seems to be struggling to contain her chest.

"This is kind of..." she mutters something, adjusting her clothes a bit with a worried expression, but sighs and straightens her back, the attendance checked... and that proves to be the final straw on the camel's back.

With a "snap!" the shirt comes loose, the button rocketing into the opposite end of the classroom. Mochizuki-sensei looks down at her clothes, and as the realisation dawns on her, her face turns a deep red. There is blushing among the male part of the class as well. Some avert their eyes. Others glance inconspicuously. And the girls? The girls suppress their laughter with all their might.

"I'msorryit'sthewrongshirtI'llberightback," she says in one breath, and then storms out of the class.

You can already tell who'll be in the boys' wet dreams for the next two weeks.

But that incident is overshadowed by a simple turn of events: once Mochizuki-sensei returns, donning another, looser shirt and a blouse, and starts the class in earnest, it turns out it's actually quite fun to study with her. For all her clumsiness, she involves the students a lot, trying to lead them to make conclusions themselves, and her manner of speech captivates you in the subject. The class forgets about the mishaps by the 20th minute, and it's almost as if the bell sounds too soon...

...

"Well, I don't know," Ayumi looks out of the window and at the crowd of students leaving school - those in the go-home club or without club activities today. "I think Hayazono-sensei is pretty cool, too."

You remember him too - and not just because he's your homeroom teacher.

...

"There's plenty of dorama and analysis videos about the classics, including the Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon," Hayazono-sensei says, rapidly putting notes on the blackboard. "If you're really allergic to reading, you can watch them, no hard feelings from me."

He puts down a full stop and turns around, flashing a smile and dusting his hands off from the chalk. Many students smile or chuckle in return.

"But really - sorry for taking away some time from class for this point - I think you'd benefit more from putting in the studying and spending your free time going out on events," his face grows more serious, though not strict or threatening. "Doesn't really matter which ones - master-classes, festivals, presentations, exhibitions. Many of you mentioned during your introductions that your main interests have you stay at home - videogames, YouTube, movies, manga. But - and that's something I want to you to remember and won't hesitate to repeat again - there's nothing like interacting with other people and exchanging opinions that helps you grow as a person. And understand themes in literature as well, by the way," he smiles again.

"Not that much money in our pockets to go out every weekend," someone mutters, and there's quiet laughter in the class.

"Point," Hayazono-sensei agrees. "But there's plenty of free events in a big city like Niigata. And whatever your allowance - or wage, since some of you are part-timing already - permits, is fine as well. Now, let's get back on track. Open your textbooks on page 14, and..."

...

"What do you think, Motoharu-kun?" Ayumi asks. "I think either is fine with me."

"Same," Shinobu says.

Truth be told, you aren't opposed to either of them, but in the end, after some discussion, you settle on...
>Hayazono-sensei
>Mochizuki-sensei

=====
Thanks for your patience! Energy was low these past days, but the last anon's post encouraged me to pull myself together and get this post done. idk if this'll hold up to re-reading later, but I hope this part was fun.

>>6366512
>Mochizuki-sensei
So we got wind flipping skirts and buttons bursting clothes. Where's the enemy stand?

>>6366512
>Mochizuki-sensei
Because Murasaki > Sei