Leo never intended to stay after class.
But somehow, two days after joining the Broadcasting Club "unofficially," he found himself carrying a box of cables across the courtyard, following Yuki, who was humming a pop tune.
"Faster, Leo! The school news waits for no man!"
He sighed. "You know I never officially joined, right?"
"You touched a mic," she said with a grin. "That's legally binding in broadcasting law."
"…That's not how that works."
"It is here."
---
The student council had given them permission to film club interviews for the school website. Yuki insisted Leo help her with setting up the tripod and sound checks.
It wasn't bad, honestly.
Yuki had a way of making even the most chaotic tasks feel manageable—laughing when things broke, shrugging when people were late, always tossing him an energy drink at exactly the right moment.
And Leo, though still awkward, found himself smiling more than usual.
---
Later, while wrapping wires in the courtyard, he saw a familiar figure crossing the stone path.
Rin.
Her silver hair was tied up again. She was carrying two books, walking with the same quiet intensity as always.
"Hey," Leo called.
She turned.
Her eyes scanned the situation—tripods, microphones, Yuki half-dancing to background music.
Then back to Leo.
"…Broadcasting Club?"
He scratched the back of his neck. "Sort of?"
A pause.
Then she nodded. "You look... more comfortable."
"I think that's Yuki's fault."
"I see."
Another pause.
Leo glanced at her. "What about you? Library again?"
"I was invited to the Science Club, but declined."
"Why?"
"Too loud."
Leo smirked. "You really don't like noise, huh?"
"Not unless there's a reason."
Yuki's voice suddenly called from behind, "Leo! Help me with this stupid mic—it's eating my sleeve!"
Rin's eyes moved past him, just for a moment.
She didn't say anything.
Just gave him a small nod.
"…Enjoy."
Then turned and walked away.
Leo watched her leave.
> Why does it always feel like she's reading something I don't understand?
---
After cleanup, Leo wandered toward the school's back field, stretching his shoulders. His bag bounced awkwardly as he walked.
> "I need to get better at this physical labor thing..."
He passed the track field, where a group of students were practicing hurdles.
That's when he heard someone shout:
"Hey! Watch out!!"
A blur shot toward him from the left.
Something hit his side—no, someone.
He staggered—
And found himself falling.
But just before he could kiss the dirt, strong arms caught his jacket collar and yanked him backward.
He landed hard—on grass, not pavement—and groaned.
"Dude," a girl's voice said above him, "you've got the reflexes of a folding chair."
Leo blinked.
A girl was crouched beside him, one hand still gripping his sleeve. She had short black hair, a red headband, and the kind of athletic build that said: Yes, I can outrun you and out-punch you, too.
She wore the school gym jacket with the sleeves rolled up, revealing bandaged wrists. A whistle hung loosely around her neck.
He stared.
"Are you alive?" she asked.
"I think… I was reborn just now."
She snorted. "Dramatic much?"
Leo sat up. "What happened?"
"You walked right into the javelin zone."
"…That's a thing?"
"It is when we're training for regionals."
He looked up.
Several track club members were waving apologetically from the distance.
"…Oh."
The girl offered a hand. "You should pay more attention, new guy."
He took her hand and stood. "You know I'm new?"
"You wear it like a badge," she said. "Plus, you look constantly lost. It's cute."
He blinked. "I—uh—thanks?"
"I'm Hana," she added, dusting off her jacket. "Vice captain of the Track Club. Also known as 'the girl who just saved your neck.'"
"I'm Leo."
"I know. I remember names of people I catch mid-air."
---
They ended up sitting on the grass for a bit. Hana tossed him a water bottle.
He took it gratefully.
"So," she said, squinting at the sky, "how's the first week treating you?"
"Honestly? I've been called a 'treasure,' interviewed without consent, glared at, almost hit by a javelin… and made to carry sound equipment."
"…Eventful."
"You could say that."
"You making friends?"
He hesitated.
Then said: "Maybe."
She smirked. "That's not a no."
He gave her a sidelong glance. "What about you? Always this heroic?"
"Nah," she said. "Usually I just run. Saving people's lives is a part-time thing."
---
As the sun dipped lower, casting warm orange light across the field, Leo stood.
"Thanks, Hana. For... the save."
"Try not to wander into danger zones again."
"I'll do my best."
As he turned to leave, she called out:
"Hey, Leo!"
He looked back.
Hana's grin widened. "If you keep walking into trouble, I might have to start following you around."
He laughed, raising a hand. "I'll keep that in mind."
---
Back in his dorm room, Leo collapsed onto his bed.
Three days.
Three girls.
Each completely different.
Rin: silent, sharp, unreadable.
Yuki: loud, bright, impossible to ignore.
Hana: athletic, confident, and—if he was being honest—just a little intimidating.
He didn't know what kind of story he was living in.
But whatever it was…
It was getting interesting.