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
>"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.
Subtly reminding Kyousuke that the physical world matters more than the digital.

>>6334447
>This is planned to be a slice of life / lowkey drama quest with a focus on conversations.
I don't trust you in the slightest QM, but I'm happy to play along until the other shoe drops.

>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
Realistic social interactions don't suit the literary form anyways. Just keep it sincere and it'll be fiiiiine

>>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