In early November, we somehow managed to get through the midterm exams, and student council activities returned to normal.
Togami, Hourai-senpai, and I came to a place students called “Urayama”. Arisu was absent today because she had some business to attend to.
Despite its name, “Urayama” was actually within the school grounds and was no more than a small hill. The dense trees extended beyond the school grounds, creating an illusion, but the area up to the fence that separated the grounds wasn’t that large.
At the edge of Urayama, adjacent to the fence that separated the school grounds, stood an old wooden school building.
“Is this the old clubroom building?” (Takaki)
“That’s right. Many of the smaller cultural clubs have their rooms here.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai nodded at my question and looked around the building.
The old clubroom building was a two-story wooden structure. The white paint on its surface was peeling in places, and the slightly Western design of the triangular porch gave it a sense of history.
From what I heard, it was built over half a century ago. It used to be a dormitory for teachers who stayed overnight on duty. Several decades ago, the overnight duty system was abolished, and it started being used as a clubroom building.
“The atmosphere here is quite different compared to the new clubroom building.” (Takaki)
“Yeah. Since you have to go outside every time, students who don’t have any business here hardly ever come by.” (Misuzu)
Reishuu High School’s new clubroom building was right behind the main school building. It was a neat, three-story structure that could almost be called a small school building. It was connected to the main building by a walkway, so there was no need to change shoes.
On the other hand, to reach this old clubroom building in the Urayama, one had to change shoes at the entrance of the main building and walk for a few minutes. Not to mention, if it rained, an umbrella was necessary.
Hourai-senpai gave a wry smile.
“Well, it can’t be helped. Our school has a considerable number of clubs and societies. There’s the brass band, light music club, tea ceremony club, choir club, broadcasting club, science club, shogi club, koto music club1, wall newspaper club, literature club, and others.” (Misuzu)
“Let’s see… There’s also the drama club, calligraphy club, art club, manga club, home economics club, computer club, photography club, film club, astronomy club, e-sports club, volunteer club, English conversation club, rakugo research club2, and those are just the major ones. There are also numerous smaller ones.” (Nadeshiko)
Following Hourai-senpai, Togami listed various other clubs while counting on her fingers.
“Isn’t that too many?” (Takaki)
“Extracurricular activities are encouraged to foster student independence. Many students seem to be involved in multiple clubs.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami answered my question.
Since I wasn’t interested in joining any clubs, I didn’t know, but Reishuu High School sure had a vibrant club scene.
“Yes. That’s why problems like this occasionally occur. …Well, I’m surprised that even though I’ve been a student council officer for a year, I’ve never heard of this particular club.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai entered the old clubroom building from the porch without changing shoes. While it seemed there was no need to change into indoor shoes, walking into the building with outdoor shoes felt somewhat rebellious.
We followed suit, trailing behind her. The air inside the building was cool, and we could hear students talking and laughing somewhere nearby.
We climbed the stairs and arrived at a room at the end of the second floor.
The frosted glass window was covered with thick curtains, making it look like just another empty classroom. There was no nameplate or sign indicating the name of the club.
“This is the Occult Research’s clubroom, isn’t it?” (Nadeshiko)
Togami muttered.
“Yes. In reality, it hasn’t been approved as an official club or society, so it’s more like ‘a room occupied by a mysterious group calling themselves the Occult Research club.” (Misuzu)
We had come here to resolve a request submitted to the suggestion box.
◆
Yesterday.
A request was received in the student council’s suggestion box.
—Please evict the Occult Research Club, which is unjustly occupying a room in the old clubroom building.
The requester was Ushizawa, the head of the Cultural Club Union, which oversees all the cultural-related clubs and various societies. Ushizawa is also the president of the Handicrafts Club.
According to Ushizawa, a third-year male student named Houjou, who claims to be the president of the Occult Research Club, had been hanging around in a room in the old clubroom building since the end of last year.
“We honestly don’t know when they started using that room. We just noticed that there were people there one day.” (Ushizawa
Sitting on the sofa in the student council room, Ushizawa, had a gentle demeanor.
At Reishuu High School, officially recognized cultural clubs were each given their own clubroom. Additionally, even societies that didn’t meet the requirements to be considered clubs could, in some cases, have a room if they received permission from the student council.
Hourai-senpai took a sip of the tea she had brewed as Ushizawa continued.
“They used it so naturally that I thought that they were a recognized society. But they didn’t attend the Cultural Club Union meetings, nor did they participate in cleaning the old clubroom building. We managed to confirm that it was a third-year student named Houjou, who claimed to be part of the Occult Research Club, using the room, but any further discussions were impossible. So, I asked Hourai-san, whom I’ve known since the previous student council, to investigate.” (Ushizawa
Ushizawa glanced at Hourai-senpai.
“Ah, I looked back several years, but there was no record of an ‘Occult Research Club’ being recognized, nor had we received any application for its establishment. In other words, this Houjou guy was just claiming it by himself.”
Senpai Hourai took over the conversation.
Beside him, Togami put her hand to her chin, deep in thought.
“I see, so you want us to kick out the Occult Research Club.” (Nadeshiko)
“Yes. Ideally, we’d like to get along since we’re all part of the cultural clubs… but using a room without permission is a problem. There have been complaints from other clubs, so this is a last resort.” (Ushizawa
Ushizawa, with a troubled expression, said this and bowed his head to us.
“It pains me to ask, but we can’t just forcibly remove their belongings. Could the student council somehow resolve this?” (Ushizawa
Togami, exuding confidence in his diplomatic mode, nodded assuredly.
“Understood. The student council will formally take on this matter.” (Nadeshiko)
◆
And now.
In front of the Occult Research Club’s room, we stood, staring at the closed door.
With a hint of anxiety, Togami knocked twice on the sliding door.
However, there was no response from inside.
“Excuse me, I am Togami, the student council president. Is this the Occult Research Club’s room?” (Nadeshiko)
She called out in a slightly louder voice and knocked again.
Still, there was no answer.
“Maybe they’re not here today. We’re not even sure if they’re actually active.” (Takaki)
“I think so too. It might be quicker to go directly to Houjou-senpai’s class.” (Nadeshiko)
However, Hourai-senpai shook her head.
“No, Houjou seems to spend most of his time in the nurse’s office. He occasionally shows up in class, but he’s absent more often than not. Besides, Ushizawa said he would be here today.” (Misuzu)
“So, he’s pretending not to be home?” (Takaki)
“Probably. Let me take over.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai took my place in front of the door.
With much more force than Togami, he knocked—or rather, pounded—on the door.
“Hey, can you hear me? This is Hourai, the vice president of the student council! If you don’t open up, we’ll resort to more drastic measures!” (Misuzu)
There was still no response, but we heard a strange noise from inside the room.
It seemed that someone was indeed inside.
Hourai-senpai knocked and called out again, but there was no response.
Then, Hourai-senpai tried to force the door open by gripping the handle, but the sliding door wouldn’t move. It appeared to be locked from the inside.
“Hey, we know someone’s in there! We need to talk! Open the door!” (Misuzu)
The room remained silent, but if one listened closely, they could hear faint voices arguing inside: “…it’s bad…,” “Don’t come…,” “But…”
“Looks like there are more than two people in there, doesn’t it?” (Takaki)
“This is strange. According to Ushizawa, Houjou was supposed to be the only member of the Occult Research Club.” (Nadeshiko)
While Togami and I spoke in hushed tones, Hourai-senpai pulled out her student handbook.
In a flat, emotionless voice, she declared:
“According to Article 4, Section 3 of the Cultural Club Union regulations: ‘Cultural clubs and similar societies must, in the event of a dispute, respond to appropriate discussions under the guidance of the Cultural Club Union or the student council.’ We, the student council, are formally requesting a discussion. If you refuse, we will exercise our enforcement powers under student council authority .” (Ushizawa
Indeed, such a clause was written towards the back of the student handbook.
I understood Hourai-senpai’s intent. She was clearly threatening the Occult Research Club. If they didn’t want things to escalate, they needed to open the door.
Still, there was no response.
Hourai-senpai let out a small sigh and turned his head as if resigned.
“…Consider this a warning.” (Misuzu)
“What?” (Takaki)
“Sorry, Togami and Gujou, but please step back a bit.” (Misuzu)
Following her instruction, we moved away.
Hourai-senpai cupped her hands like a megaphone and called out to the Occult Research Club.
“Everyone inside, move as far away from the door as possible. If there are any fragile items, move them to a safe place away from the door. We don’t want anyone getting hurt. We’ll wait for thirty seconds, so please either open the door or move any dangerous items during that time.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai stepped back from the door, spreading her legs and assuming a stance.
Her hands were positioned relaxed at her sides, giving the impression of a battle-ready posture… Wait, could it be?
“Senpai, what are you planning to do?!” (Takaki)
“Don’t worry, it’s something that occasionally happens when you’re in the student council.” (Misuzu)
“That’s not what I’m concerned about.” (Takaki)
“Oh, are you worried about me? Don’t be. My family runs a kendo dojo, and I’ve been trained in various martial arts. I was the one in charge of this role in the student council last year as well.” (Misuzu)
“That’s not what I meant!!” (Takaki)
“Oh, thirty seconds have passed.” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai took a deep breath and focused.
She turned her back to the door.
Then, almost immediately, she spun around.
With the momentum of the spin, she lifted her leg and slammed it with full force into the middle of the sliding door.
“Haaaaaah!!” (Takaki)
*Dogaaan*
…It might sound like a joke, but there was indeed a sound like an explosion.
The kicked door flew through the air in slow motion, crashing into the room.
Hourai-senpai, having spun around with the grace of a performance, slowly bent her legs and returned to her stance.
She let out a sigh.
“It’s open now, everyone.” (Misuzu)
“That was quite forceful!!” (Takaki)
“It might be good for Gujou and the others to learn how to handle situations like this.” (Misuzu)
“I’d prefer a more peaceful method, though.” (Nadeshiko)
As we stared in shock, Hourai-senpai remained cool and composed. The dust rising from inside the room swirled around her like a victory flourish.
Isaw a few students watching us from across the hallway. They had probably come out of nearby clubrooms after hearing the commotion.
“Oh, it’s Hourai-senpai.” (Student)
“Looks like she’s in the student council again this year.” (Student)
“I remember seeing her blow off the door to the Invention Club’s clubroom last time.” (Student)
Apparently, Hourai-senpai has a history of doing this.
“Ah, I heard that it was because they turned the classroom into a waterlogged mess with their fully automatic somen noodle machine.” (Student)
“They should just respond to the discussions properly.” (Student)
I began to worry if I’d be able to survive a year on the student council… Would my common sense go haywire?
“Let’s go in. Togami, you should probably enter first.” (Misuzu)
“Oh, right. …Um, excuse us.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami stepped forward, hesitating but bowing near where the door used to be.
We followed and entered.
About two meters from the entrance, two broken doors lay stacked on the floor. Next to them, a girl with curly hair was kneeling and trembling as she apologized repeatedly.
“I’m so sorry! Please, just spare my life!!” (Girl)
In the back of the room, a boy with a melancholy expression and glasses was sitting in a chair.
Togami was telling the girl, “It’s okay, we’ll fix the door later,” but that wasn’t the main issue.
Togami then approached the boy and confronted him directly.
“I am Togami, the student council president. Are you Houjou of the Occult Research Club?” (Nadeshiko)
“…The student council, huh?” (Boy)
The boy muttered with a resigned expression.
◆
The blown-off doors were temporarily propped up at the entrance, and arrangements were made to fix them later. We set up chairs and a table for the discussion.
This room was originally used as a storage space. In the corners, chairs and desks were piled haphazardly, and old cupboards and steel racks were placed without regard to functionality. However, the frontmost steel rack was filled with mysterious objects and maps that seemed unrelated to school education. The bookshelf held books with titles like “Unidentified Creatures,” “Paranormal Phenomena”, “Urban Legends”, and “Cursed and Ritual Objects”, all hinting at an occult theme.
Judging by the state of the room, it was clear that they weren’t just squatting here—they were actively engaging in activities related to the Occult Research Club.
“Um, I’m Dougenzaka, a first-year in the Occult Research Club… and this is our president, Houjou-senpai.” (Dougenzaka)
The girl who had been prostrating herself was apparently named Dougenzaka.
Dougenzaka’s short, curly hair and timid demeanor gave her a small-animal-like impression.
“That’s right.” (Houjou)
The senpai named Houjou, responded with a sullen expression. His metal-framed glasses accentuated his intellectual appearance.
Togami, thinking it might be easier to talk to Dougenzaka, turned to face her and began speaking.
“Dougenzaka-san.” (Nadeshiko)
“Y-yes! I’m so sorry!!” (Dougenzaka)
“But I haven’t said anything yet…” (Nadeshiko)
“Eek!” (Dougenzaka)
Confusion flashed across Togami’s face as Dougenzaka collapsed onto the desk.
“Calm down, Dougenzaka.” (Houjou)
“Ugh.” (Dougenzaka)
Houjou slapped Dougenzaka on the head, causing her forehead to hit the desk with a dull thud.
Uncertain of what to say, the room fell into silence.
Eventually, Houjou sighed.
“Dougenzaka here is a bit uncomfortable around people.” (Houjou)
“Senpai, you’re not good with people either.” (Dougenzaka)
“Quiet.” (Houjou)
Dougenzaka shot back, and Houjou sharply silenced her. Though Dougenzaka looked displeased, she didn’t say anything further.
“No, it’s us who should apologize for startling you.” (Nadeshiko)
“Indeed, especially after having the door kicked in.” (Houjou)
“Ugh.” (Dougenzaka)
Togami was at a loss for words, seemingly aware that their dramatic entrance was a bit too much. Hourai-senpai also seemed slightly awkward, glancing at the door she had kicked down.
“By the way, Student Council President.” (Houjou)
“What is it?” (Dougenzaka)
“When the door was kicked earlier, one of your student council members seemed to justify the destruction by quoting some Cultural Club Union regulations.” (Houjou)
Houjou narrowed his eyes behind his glasses, pointing at Hourai-senpai with a malicious grin.
“Does that theory really hold? The Occult Research Club is neither an official club nor a recognized activity. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it fall outside the scope of the Cultural Club Union’s regulations? If it’s simply a matter of general students privately occupying school premises, that’s the purview of the faculty, not the Student Council, which oversees club activities and school events. Therefore, I’d like to claim compensation for the damage caused by kicking in the door.” (Houjou)
I hadn’t expected them to call us out on our actions. Though his argument sounded like sophistry, without a rational explanation, the Student Council’s position would be weakened.
Togami glanced at us, momentarily troubled.
Seeing this hesitation, Houjou was about to speak again.
“Sorry, Houjou-senpai, but I don’t think that argument will hold.” (Takaki)
“What?” (Houjou)
I was the one who interrupted.
When I joined the Student Council, I was told to familiarize myself with these regulations. Occasionally skimming through them had ingrained most of the rules in my mind.
I opened my student handbook where Houjou could see it and continued my explanation.
“In Article 1, Section 4 of the Cultural Club Union’s regulations, it states, ‘Even if a group is not officially recognized by the Student Council, if it is objectively deemed to be engaging in substantial activities on school premises, it shall be treated as an affiliated club’.” (Takaki)
“…It does say that, huh?” (Houjou)
“The Occult Research Club is using a room in the old club building, as you can see. Moreover, it identifies itself as a research club. Based on these points, I believe the Occult Research Club can be considered under the Cultural Club Union Regulations.” (Takaki)
“Gujou-san…” (Nadeshiko)
Togami murmured, seemingly impressed.
“It’s nothing special. Anyone could realize it by looking at the student handbook.” (Takaki)
I answered without looking at Togami. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I adjusted my seat.
Houjou remained silent for a moment but soon raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.
“I see. So you’re not just a scary-faced fighter.” (Houjou)
“No, I’m not very confident in fighting.” (Takaki)
“Then, the fighter must be that girl who kicked down the door.” (Houjou)
“Eh, you mean me!?” (Misuzu)
Hourai-senpai’s face contorted with indignation, and she looked around at us for support.
I wanted to deny it, but after witnessing that kick earlier… I couldn’t help but think maybe she really was a fighter.
Apparently, she had done something similar last year as well.
“Hey, someone deny it…” (Misuzu)
Sorry, senpai.
Seeing this, Houjou turned to face us.
“Since the student council has arrived, the matter must be about vacating the room. I’ve received the notice in writing from Ushizawa.” (Houjou)
It seemed that even though Ushizawa had mentioned difficulties in having a proper discussion, he had at least sent the paperwork. And Houjou had received them.
“That’s correct. We received a report from the Cultural Club Federation that the room in the old building is being unjustly occupied. Upon investigation, we found that the Occult Research Club is neither a recognized activity nor officially approved as a club so—” (Nadeshiko)
“I understand. We’ll vacate the room.” (Houjou)
“Eh?” (Nadeshiko)
The unexpected response left Togami with a puzzled look, and our reactions were likely similar.
“Well, it’s not even an official club room. Since it’s our personal belongings, we can’t vacate it immediately, but we can have it cleared by next week…” (Houjou)
“Um, excuse me. Houjou-san?” (Nadeshiko)
“What is it?” (Houjou)
Houjou returned Togami’s question with a sharp gaze.
However, there was a sense of resignation or detachment in his eyes. It felt as if he were a player on the losing team during the last few seconds of added time in a soccer match, watching as the winning team prepares for a goal kick. There was an air of inevitability, as if there was nothing left to do but watch the ball sail over his head.
“Uh, is it really alright?” (Nadeshiko)
“Yes. The fact is, I am unjustly occupying this room. Tell the Culture Club Union that it’s my fault.” (Houjou)
“I see.” (Nadeshiko)
“And, Dougenzaka was dragged into this by me, so she has no fault. If the Student Council is going to take any action, it should be against me alone.” (Houjou)
“We have no issue with that, but… you aren’t going to put up a fight?” (Nadeshiko)
“I understand that I am in the wrong and you are in the right. That’s clear enough to me.” (Houjou)
For a brief moment, a trace of loneliness appeared in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared as he closed them.
Since they had been uncooperative with the Cultural Club Union, I had braced myself to find a stubborn person.
But the next moment… Houjou suddenly stood up with a loud clatter.
He swayed unsteadily and appeared to be heading somewhere. On closer inspection, his face was pale, and his eyes behind the frames were spinning.
He then covered his mouth.
“I-I feel sick…” (Houjou)
“Senpai, the window! The window!” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka hurriedly approached Houjou and nudged him towards the window. He threw the window open wide to let in the fresh air. Houjou leaned out from the window, gasping for breath.
“I’m sorry… Senpai, it seems you talked too much.” (Dougenzaka)
“T-There are so many people… Ugh…” (Houjou)
We watched in stunned silence for a while, observing the scene.
Twenty minutes later.
“Sorry for the commotion earlier.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka, now seated, bowed her head in apology.
Houjou went straight to the infirmary from there. Dougenzaka accompanied him, confirmed he was lying down on the bed, and then handed over the situation to the school nurse.
“Was Houjou-san okay?” (Nadeshiko)
“It’s something that happens quite rarely… but yes, he should be fine.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka answered calmly to Togami’s anxious inquiry. Judging by his tone, it seemed that this wasn’t the first or second time it had happened.
Whether she sensed our concern or not, Dougenzaka continued with a wry smile.
“Senpai often has to visit the infirmary, and even when he forces himself to attend class, he usually ends up like that before lunch break. He was really pushing himself to talk just now. I think it was because I couldn’t do it myself…” (Dougenzaka)
“Well, he must be a good senpai then.” (Nadeshiko)
The sharpness that Houjou displayed towards us might have been due to his desire to protect Dougenzaka.
Dougenzaka seemed to have some difficulty speaking, but he was able to converse without any major issues. He might be getting used to us.
“Senpai is the type who struggles with people but puts on a brave front. It becomes obvious right away.” (Dougenzaka)
“I-I see…” (Nadeshiko)
Togami wore a subtle expression. There might have been some overlap with her efforts to maintain a perfect facade.
“The Occult Research Club was also something Senpai created because he wanted to be alone. Since he couldn’t gather people, it seems like applying for a club or society was impossible.” (Dougenzaka)
“How did Dougenzaka-san end up joining him?” (Misuzu)
“He invited me. I’ve always liked the occult and horror, but I’m bad with people and didn’t get along with others, so I couldn’t fit in at school. I was isolated in high school and ended up visiting the infirmary quite frequently. One day, while reading an occult book in the infirmary, Senpai, who was there that day, approached me and asked, ‘Do you like things like this?'” (Dougenzaka)
This was how Dougenzaka became a member of the Occult Research Club, and the two of them started to seclude themselves in this room.
“What did you think of Houjou-senpai?” (Dougenzaka)
When asked suddenly, Hourai-senpai hesitated.
“Well… I thought he was a troublesome person.” (Misuzu)
“He’s a strange person, isn’t he? This is the first time I’ve seen someone so hopeless besides myself.” (Dougenzaka)
“That’s harsh.” (Takaki)
Dougenzaka waved her hands in a flustered manner in response to my comment.
“Um, it’s not that I’m making fun of him or looking down on him! I’m also a pretty hopeless person myself, so finding someone like that and being together in our hopelessness just makes me genuinely happy.” (Dougenzaka)
“…I see. I kind of understand.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami nodded. I understood what Dougenzaka was trying to say as well.
Having someone with similar flaws and understanding each other—that’s probably a kind of happiness for them.
“I’m still scared of being in class, but as long as I have this place, I can somehow manage to attend high school.” (Dougenzaka)
Dougenzaka’s expression as she reminisced was gentle as if she were looking at a soft, cuddly stuffed animal.
“Will the Occult Research Club really be disbanded?” (Dougenzaka)
“That is…” (Nadeshiko)
Togami faltered, unable to find the words.
Just seeing her reaction was enough to understand the situation.
“I understand too. The Occult Research Club shouldn’t exist, and this club room shouldn’t be here. I know I should either continue to attend school regularly without depending on the Occult Research Club, or, if that’s too difficult, transfer to a correspondence high school. I understand…” (Dougenzaka)
As Dougenzaka spoke, a tear fell from her eye, creating a slowly spreading black stain on the skirt of his uniform.
We left the Occult Research Club room and walked down the corridor of the old club building.
“Togami, what will you do in the end?” (Takaki)
“…Well. I think the Occult Research Club will have to be disbanded.” (Nadeshiko)
Togami responded quietly to my question. Her profile revealed no trace of emotion.
Houjou-senpai, despite his bitter expression, agreed.
“Yes, I’d like to find a way to help, but for now, we have no options.” (Misuzu)
“Indeed. Let’s finalize the decision when Yura-san is present as well.” (Nadeshiko)
Unable to say anything, I looked out the window. The sky had become thick with clouds, and the afternoon light was blocked out.
It seemed like it would rain that night, I thought.
For the next two days, Togami was absent from the student council.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
I think kicking down the door is a fair solution. I mean, if people are pissing you off through the door, they are pretty much asking for it. Since this has been happening for a while, I guess the school just covers up the expenses for the doors.
Did Houjou really have to hit Dougenzaka on the head… I sound a bit pissed off because when I read it the first time, I thought he hit her hard enough that her head smashed onto the desk, but rereading it again, Dougenzaka already buried her face in the desk so the force used was probably pretty light. I didn’t know that when translating the rest of the chapter, so no joke, I thought Houjou was a physical abuser, and when Dougenzaka started talking about their problems, I thought she was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Of course, I also thought the rest of our cast was crazy for sympathizing with him.
Footnote:
- Koto is a Japanese musical instrument. Imagine a guitar that has a lot of strings but there isn’t a head and the body is a wide wood plank.
- Rakugo is a form of Japanese verbal entertainment, traditionally performed in theatres. The lone storyteller sits on a raised platform. Using only a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and without standing up from the seiza position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical story.