While following the forehead girl, she cheerfully guided me outside the club building.

When I asked her where she would take me, Misaki only answered vaguely by saying Youll know soon..

Perhaps that was to build up excitement.

In any case, watching how the girl seemingly enjoyed this situation that she was even humming a cheery melody, I could only shake my head while also being amazed by her personality.

Looking at her energetic back showing her lush black hair swaying while still walking as gracefully as possible, she reminded me of those club recruiters during the third day of this school year.

Theyre all smiles as if theyre about to show a new student something truly interesting that could change their minds.

Although we passed by other students, they only eyed us briefly before going on their own way.

Naturally, I felt the first years gazes on me as if theyre looking at a celebrity, especially the girls. However, because I was perceptive enough to notice and deduce something from their reactions, most of those from the same class as her, their eyes would instantly shift away as soon as they landed on Misaki.

Due to that, I began mounting suspicion about this girls identity. Shes not one of my targets before so I truly had no information about her except that shes innocently too friendly.

In any case, with how she carries herself, shes most likely almost at the same level as Itou and Himeko or even a noble like Mizuki and Otoha.

Upon seeing that theres no more approaching students and our destination was slowly becoming clear, I opened my mouth again, breaking my silence, Can I ask you a question, Misaki?

Definitely. Ruki, youre my friend, you dont need to be so stiff with me. It will make me think that youre not thinking of me as a friend. She turned her head slightly to answer my question with a smile.

However, perhaps seeing me at least three steps away from her, she showed a surprised expression before stopping to wait for me. Oh, am I walking too fast?

Youre not. I thought its not appropriate to walk beside you. Acting by scratching my head clumsily, I then took that few steps until I stood by her side. Also, I think of you as a friend. Im just wondering what you see in me. Thats the thing puzzling me.

Arara... I dont have any particular reason. I trust my judgement that youre not the same as the other boys after seeing how you perform at that time. Tell me, am I wrong? Misaki blinked her totally innocent eyes.

With her paper fan covering her mouth, its hard to guess whether shes smiling or having a neutral expression.

Not waiting for my answer, she resumed her steps and I followed suit.

In front of us, a structure could be seen, its placed near one of the storage houses and away from any sports-related court or area.

Its a lot smaller than the Gymnasium that could hold the whole student body as well as the teachers. But from outside, it boasted a slight grandeur presence.

I guess its easier to call it a theater house rather than an auditorium.

Located inside were the clubs closely connected to theater and plays. Like Misakis Drama Club.

Even if she didnt say it, this girl wanted to show me something from her club.

Will she act in front of me? Ask for my opinion? I dont know.

Nonetheless, I continued with our conversation before reaching the dedicated doors that would lead us where their club was located.

About being different from the others, I guess youre right about that. However, its probably a lot different than what you think. Moreover, do I look friendly enough? Im pretty sure, Im mostly expressionless and aloof.

By now, the thought of Izumi-senpai or Arisa-senpai possibly showing up late in that abandoned clubroom had already been shelved at the back of my mind.

I waited for an hour. Thats enough time for any of the two to show up and say that she didnt want to meet me anymore. Or they could send that coward to relay the message.

In any case, I would still see them later when I pass by their club.

You can smile. You can show embarrassment on your face. I failed to see where youre expressionless. Furthermore, youre inherently caring. I like the worried look you put on during that activity.

Hmm... What if its all an act on my part?

If thats the case... Youve just proven that youre more interesting than I initially thought and bringing you here will be so worth it.

At this point, we already reached the small theater house. We both stopped in front of it with Misaki sizing me up with her excited eyes.

Alright. Having this kind of conversation with her was slowly changing my views of her.

Shes probably not as innocent as I thought.

Moreover, she sounded more mature just now and perhaps behind that paper fan, the girl was probably sporting a meaningful smile.

We didnt enter the luxurious front door that would surely lead to the main hall but instead, we circled to the back and entered from there.

This was surely the backstage of the theater and the clubrooms were located here.

Misaki stopped in front of the first door that had a plaque above it. Drama Club.

Opposite of this club room was another door with the same plaque above it that reads Theater Club.

As it turned out, theyre two different clubs despite being closely related.

There were more doors further inside but given that Misaki already opened the door, I had no time to check on it anymore.

Come in, Ruki. Misaki held the door for me and waited until I entered before closing it.

Inside, I instantly noticed a wide-screen TV, cabinets that were probably filled with props and costumes as well as a table with chairs placed around it. In front of the TV, comfortable benches and sofas were neatly placed that were probably for viewing sessions.

Furthermore, theres another door thats connected to the adjacent room. Theres a label plastered on it which says Practice Room.

Hmm, your clubroom is nice and luxurious... Totally different from our club that is filled with books and papers. I said after taking in the interior of the room.

Thank you for your appreciation, Ruki. Im glad its to your liking.

Mhm... But Misaki, why did you bring me here? Its not only to brag about this clubroom, am I right?

Correct. Surely you havent noticed. The expression on your face when I ran into you isnt neutral, you looked sad.

Do I look sad?

Is it because of thinking about Arisa-senpai and Izumi-senpai cutting off connection with me? Most likely.

Its not you acting it out. Its a genuine sadness that I saw, Ruki. Misaki then grabbed my arm and pulled me to one of those benches and pushed me down to sit on it before taking the spot next to me. This friend of yours is going to cheer you up.

She then picked up the remote control of the TV and turned it on. After going through the files saved in it, she played a video.

Its not a video of her performance or a movie... But a cartoon. A childrens cartoon...

This girl. Is she truly mature or childish? Then whats the meaning of her words earlier?

Or am I reading on it too deeply when in fact its a simple appreciation on her part?

Wait. Let me get this clear. Because you think Im sad, you invited me here. In a room where theres only the two of us to cheer me up.

Yes, is there something wrong about cheering up a friend? Look there, its too funny even after watching it more than a hundred times. She answered casually and then pointed at the TV showing the cartoon characters doing a comedic routine.

Its funny, true. But this girl... What should I do with her? Am I being tested or was this just truly her attempt to cheer me up?

Ugh. I dont know. In all my years of being driven by my desire or being that despicable guy that hurt a lot of girls, this is the first time I encountered someone like Misaki.

A totally pure and innocent girl filled with undeniable sincerity.

No, there isnt but Misaki, arent you too defenseless?

How so?

Im a guy.

So?

I can pounce on you?

Pounce? Youre not an animal, Ruki. Anyway, eyes on the TV. I cant be the only one who will be entertained here... She brushed away my words while shaking her head before cupping my cheeks to turn my face towards the TV. Soon after that, her giggles echoed in the room when her eyes focused on the show once more.

This girl... shes too innocent or rather her trust in me is this high.

Her definition of a friend is probably too colorful than whats normal.