Love Trials of the Introverted

Chapter 7

After lunch class continued in the same chaos that was prevalent before lunch with the same disregard being shown by the teachers.

When classes ended for the day an announcement from the speakers rang out alongside the bell that signaled the end of classes.

"Today, at 5pm in gymnasium number 1, there will be a club fair. For those of you with an interest in clubs, please come to gymnasium number 1. I repeat, today—"

A girl with a cute voice made an announcement over the PA.

'Clubs, huh. I wonder what kind of clubs they have to offer here. They must have a large variety of clubs here at school. But that also brings up another question, with how much money we get monthly that means they also have to balance the budget of dozens of clubs. If I expect the same level of wealth to be thrown at these clubs then there must be dozens of them.'

With my interest in the situation peaked I looked over at my seatmate who was gathering her stuff in her bag to leave and I addressed her with the intention of accompanying me.

"Hey Horikita-"

"I have no interest in joining any clubs. Besides, you need to accompany me to the convenience store in order to buy some more ingredients."

"...You didn't even let me explain what I wanted to do."

"Ok, then enlighten me, after an announcement played that talked about there being a club fair today and you asked me moments after the fact what were you planning on asking me about? And if it's about going to examine the clubs, don't answer."

"Do you want to accompany me to the club fair in the gymnasium?"

"Are you trying to antagonize me? Or are you suffering mentally from some brain damage that leaves gaps in your memory."

"I'm perfectly put together and have all my mental facilities. Thank you for caring about my well being. But I want someone to go with to view the club fair because I'm interested in what they have to offer and how they're going to pitch their clubs."

"Do you have any actual interest in joining a club or are you using this as an excuse to try and make friends."

"While it's rather mean spirited that you poke at my lack of friends I was curious in how the clubs held themselves. Especially to new members as there might be some kind of point incentive to clubs that have members. Because despite us getting a monthly allowance, clubs would also need a budget from the school to stay operational."

"Hm, you do have a point but I don't see why I need to accompany you to this fair."

"It's because you're the only person I can invite since you're the only person I am cordial with in the class.

"I suppose you're right. I'm the only option you can turn to in this situation. I accept only on the condition that you pay for the ingredients for lunch tomorrow."

"I don't know how to feel about once again offering my Wallet-chan up to you for sacrifice but I rather enjoyed your lunch today and I would appreciate the company."

"Learn this as a lesson for later than Ayanokouji-kun. Friendship is all about getting something out of the other person and paying them back with whatever they can get out of you."

"So you admit to doing things with me that friends will do and even giving my advice about friendship yet you still fervently deny wanting to be friends with me. I believe rather than you not wanting to make any friends you're simply afraid of opening up to someone."

"Oh, and that someone should be you? The person who talks and acts like a brick wall but is actually a carpet that lets others walk all over them. I'm sure I'll come to regret not making friends with you but with a heavy heart I will have to decline your offer."