The time the Literature Club members agreed upon was the afternoon of the third day.
Imaizumi Keita had one hand in his casual pants pocket and the other carrying a bag of chilled drinks just bought from a convenience store as he walked toward the school.
Passing through the familiar teaching buildings, he followed the stairs to the club room located in a corner on the first floor of the West School Building.
Pushing open the ajar door, a refreshing breeze of air-conditioned air blew against his face.
Clearly, the few people inside the club room had already been there for a while.
"Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon, Imaizumi-kun."
Tsukinoki Koto was sitting by the square table with a pen in hand, seemingly drafting something.
Hearing the sound, she looked up and greeted Imaizumi Keita with a smile.
The President, Tamaki Shintaro, sat beside her, turning his gaze from his laptop to also offer a greeting.
Behind the two of them, Komari Chika was curled up on the single sofa as usual, reading a bunko book in her hands.
Imaizumi Keita placed the plastic bag in his hand onto the table and explained to the three people present.
"I bought some drinks on the way; everyone, help yourselves."
"Oh! Thanks, Imaizumi!"
Tamaki Shintaro showed a grateful smile, "I was just feeling a bit thirsty."
Just as he picked up a bottle of drink and twisted open the cap to take a sip, the club room door was pushed open from the outside again.
"Yahoo! I'm here!"
Shioyaki Lemon's voice, full of energy, came in along with her light footsteps.
Today she was wearing a refreshing set of athletic shorts and a t-shirt with a light jacket over it; it was obvious she planned to go exercise after the meeting.
She spotted the drinks on the table immediately, her eyes lighting up instantly as she walked over without ceremony to pick up a bottle of Barley tea. "Wow! Who bought these? I was just about to die of thirst!"
"I bought them, just letting everyone share in the good luck of being published."
"Wow! Then I definitely need to soak up some of that luck! If only my picture book could be published too."
Shioyaki Lemon expressed her surprise, twisted open the cap, took a large gulp, and showed a satisfied expression on her face.
She wiped the corner of her mouth, her gaze scanning back and forth over Imaizumi Keita, her tone full of wonder and curiosity.
"Speaking of which, Imai-chan, how does it feel to be a best-selling author? Do you have that 'I'm already different from you people' kind of feeling?"
"How could I possibly have that kind of feeling?"
Imaizumi Keita felt a bit helpless at Shioyaki Lemon's train of thought, "It's just that the numbers in my bank account have increased a bit."
"Uwah... what's with that nonchalant bragging tone! So annoying!"
Shioyaki Lemon puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
The two of them flirted and bickered for a bit before the final club member, Yanami Anna, finally arrived late.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm late!"
Yanami Anna said as she walked in quickly.
Today she was wearing a beautiful light blue dress, her fluffy hair tied into a playful ponytail at the back of her head, swaying with her movements.
Her gaze swept around the club room, finally landing precisely on Imaizumi Keita.
She first greeted the others, then walked straight to Imaizumi Keita's side, naturally pulling out the chair next to him and sitting down.
"Hey, Keita,"
She tilted her head and lowered her voice, asking in a tone that carried a bit of seeking credit.
"I just passed by the bookstore in front of the station and went to take another look for you. Guess what? The books on the new recommendation stand have decreased by several more copies!"
"Is that so?"
"Of course!"
Yanami Anna puffed out her chest, her face full of pride, "I've been following your new book very closely."
The intimate interaction between the two, as if no one else was around, made Shioyaki Lemon's eyes go a bit blank as she watched from the side. She subconsciously took another large gulp of Barley tea.
"Alright, since everyone is here,"
Tsukinoki Koto clapped her hands, pulling everyone's attention back, "Then let's start discussing this summer activity report."
She showed the draft she had just written to everyone, "Like I said in the group, the Student Council requires every club to submit a summer activity report."
"So, we'd better plan a formal club activity; it's a good chance to spend some of the club funds."
Tamaki Shintaro took over the conversation, adding, "Does anyone have any good ideas?"
The club room fell into thought.
"That..."
Shioyaki Lemon raised her hand, a look of uncertainty on her face.
"Speaking of summer and group activities, the first thing I think of is... a fireworks display or a summer festival? We all go play together and then write down the experience. Would that count as an activity?"
"That sounds great!" Yanami Anna immediately expressed her agreement, "If we go to a festival, we can also eat a lot of delicious food. It sounds fun!"
"B-But, f-festivals have too many people, it f-feels a b-bit noisy..."
Komari Chika issued a weak voice of opposition from the corner.
She actually felt a bit of anticipation about participating in a summer festival in her heart, but at the thought of the crowds coming and going at the festival, her whole being couldn't help but shrink back.
"Mhm, a festival is indeed a good choice; it has a very summery atmosphere."
Tsukinoki Koto nodded, then added, "However, the several large summer festivals nearby seem to be scheduled for nearly a month later. In that case, everyone would have to wait a long time..."
"Then... how about going to the Library?"
Seeing her opinion being considered, Komari Chika plucked up the courage to propose her own idea, "Everyone goes to the city Library together, finds a quiet corner, and reads or writes individually... I feel like that fits our Literature Club."
"Uwah, that sounds so boring."
Shioyaki Lemon immediately muttered a small complaint.
"I also feel it's a bit too quiet," Tamaki Shintaro scratched his head, "It's a rare summer vacation activity; I still hope everyone can have a bit more fun."
Seeing the proposals being rejected one by one, Imaizumi Keita took the initiative to speak.
"Since no one can think of a better way for the moment, let's combine the two."
"Vice President can look into whether there are any small-scale festival activities nearby. If we can't go to the large ones, we can still join in the fun at a small one."
"As for the reading and writing Komari mentioned, those can be done during the festival activities. Anyway, we already have experience from the training camp."
This proposal made everyone nod.
"Mhm! That could work!"
Tamaki Shintaro expressed his agreement, "The last secluded training camp was indeed held very well..."
"Then after I go back, I'll carefully search for what festivals are nearby and discuss it with everyone once I find a suitable one."
Tsukinoki Koto also nodded with satisfaction.
After the meeting ended, everyone prepared to leave in small groups.
"Hey, Keita, shall we go back together later?"
Yanami Anna said to Imaizumi Keita as a matter of course while packing her things.
"Mhm." Imaizumi Keita nodded.
Shioyaki Lemon, carrying her sports bag, walked over quickly.
She first glanced at Yanami, then turned her gaze to Imaizumi Keita, a frank and brilliant smile appearing on her face.
"Imai-chan! Congratulations on the publication of your book! Although I already said it in the group, I still wanted to say it again in person! You're really super—amazing!"
As she spoke, she even gave Imaizumi Keita a thumbs up.
"Thanks."
Imaizumi Keita looked at her sincere appearance and returned a gentle smile.
"Seeing your book sell so well, I feel like I need to work harder too!"
Shioyaki Lemon clenched her fist, cheering herself on, "I can't be left too far behind by you!"
The conversation ended, and Shioyaki Lemon didn't linger too long. She waved at the two with a smile and then turned to leave.
"Hmph."
Watching Shioyaki Lemon's departing back, Yanami Anna let out a soft snort from her nose.
"What's wrong?"
Imaizumi Keita turned his head to look at her.
"Nothing."
Yanami Anna turned her face away, grabbed his wrist, and walked out of the club room. "It's just that I feel my boyfriend is a bit too popular, which is a little annoying."
Imaizumi Keita didn't struggle, letting her pull him, a helpless yet smiling expression on his face.
When the two reached the West Building, they saw Komari Chika, with her school bag, walking out of the exit of another building.
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