Clubs

-----Kaede's POV

Emi: "So? You two thought of any clubs to join?"

We eventually finished eating as we began to walk back to class.

Maria: "Mmmm. I'm not sure. I did check out the tea club during the school tour, but I'm not sure I'd fit in with the people there."

Yeah, I recall seeing the club Maria mentioned. They're all prim and proper, not to mention the majority of them are third years, meaning when next year comes around, we'd be like the only ones there. It was one of the reasons why I passed on it, that and also I'm not all that into tea. At least it's better than coffee though.

Emi: "Kaede?"

Kaede: "I don't remember seeing any that interested me. So I guess I'm in the same boat as Maria."

Emi: "Huh?!"

Maria: "What about you, Emi?"

Emi: "Well... There's no tv club or anything to just relax and watch things, so I'm also still looking. But honestly! I thought you two would've found something!"

Kaede/Maria: "Pfft."

Emi: "Ah! Well for now then, we'll just be part of the going home club!"

Going home club huh? I guess that isn't too bad. But maybe I should find something.

While walking back, I look out the windows of the school, which is when something caught my eye.

Kaede: "Hey, is there a gardening club or something?"

Emi: "Oh?"

Noticing my gaze, Emi and Maria look out the window as we all gaze upon quite a large garden, even having what looked to be a greenhouse not too far away from it.

Maria: "You into flowers, Kaede?"

Kaede: "Maybe a little."

It's partially because the flowers we have at home is what makes the house a lot more lively. I feel like without them, when my parents are gone, the house just feels dead. So when I look at the garden here, I can't help but smile.

Emi: "I can't say I like the idea of my hands getting dirty."

Maria: "I don't mind, but I was thinking maybe something a bit more active."

Kaede: "It's okay."

Emi and Maria go home in the same direction unlike me, so maybe it would be better for me to try something different, especially if they're planning on the whole "going home" club idea.

...

Eventually, school ended as I said my farewells to Emi and Maria who started their walk home. I however decide to check out the garden that I saw earlier.

After some time walking around, I soon find the garden I saw, and once more, there was no one there. I was hoping there'd be someone here to maybe ask information about it, but it's just me and the flowers it seems.

Kaede: "..."

Crouching down, I gently brush my fingers against the petals of a rose. I can tell they're being looked after well as the scarlet red petals look so vibrant. You can tell whoever is looking after them is a nice person just based on the look of these... Surely there's a club for this, right?

?: "Oh?"

Suddenly, a man's voice came from behind as I quickly stand up to face him. I expected a student, but instead it looked like a teacher. Maybe I'm not supposed to be here?

Kaede: "I'm sorry!"

Teacher: "Haha, it's okay. I was just a bit surprised seeing a student here. Schools finished, remember."

Kaede: "Yes! But I was just curious. I saw the garden here and was wondering if there was a club or something looking after them."

Teacher: "Ah~ That would be me. There's no club, I'm sorry."

Well, there goes my chances. I was right that they were being looked after, but I didn't expect just a single teacher to be the one doing it.

Teacher: "You like flowers?"

Kaede: "Y-yeah."

Teacher: "Perfect, then why not help out when you have time? I used to have students in the past that would help out, but they've all graduated now. I'm quite busy with the lectures so It'd be a huge help if you could."

Kaede: "I uhm."

It's true that I am interested, but would this be sacrificing any club opportunities?

Teacher: "It's only when you have the free time. Like volunteer work."

Well... If it's something like that, then maybe I could...

Kaede: "Okay."

Teacher: "Thank you very much! Ah, but all I'm doing is watering for now, so you can head home."

Kaede: "Okay."

Teacher: "Ah, and the supplies are all in the greenhouse, and you can get water from the taps just over there."

He pointed out the taps that were attached to the school building. It looked to have basins underneath them as well as many different taps as well.

Kaede: "Ah."

It was then that I realized that this garden wasn't too far away from the school field. I guess those taps there are probably used by the P.E classes as well.

Teacher: "Well then, take care."

Kaede: "Y-yes sir."

...

Walking back home, I think back on what had happened today. I made friends with Mika, and she does seem like someone I can get along with. I also found something to do during my free time, but a club would still be ideal, but if I were to join a club then wouldn't going to help out with the garden be even harder?

I end up crossing the train tracks whilst still in thought before arriving back home shortly after. Suddenly, I feel my phone vibrate in my bag as I quickly pull it out to check.

Emi Message: "You got home safe?"

Cute, she always likes to worry over every little thing. I was only at school for like an extra 30 minutes or so.

Kaede Message: "Mhmm! I just got home. I got asked if I could help look after that garden we saw earlier. I'm thinking about helping out until I find a club or something."

And with that, I put my phone away before closing the door behind me.

Mom: "Ah~ Welcome home honey. How was school?"

Surprisingly, mom looks to be home as she greets me from the kitchen. But father looks to be no where around.

Kaede: "It went well. I made a new friend today."

Mom: "That's lovely. Your father's still busy finishing up with work, he won't be too long."

Kaede: "Okay."

I'm honestly glad to see mom here. I was expecting for no one to be home, so it was refreshing to see.

Making my way up to my room, I sit down on the bed. I was hoping to get a message back from Emi, but I can only imagine that she's still probably out with Maria right now. I can see that she has read my message, so she's probably satisfied with that.

Kaede: "Hmmm..."

But that only makes me think about making a friend myself. If Emi lived closer then I'd be fine with that. But now after knowing that Emi and Maria live nearby one another, it makes me want to maybe find someone nearby as well.

(Girl: "See ya!")

There was that girl I met this morning... She must live somewhat close, but she seems so out of reach for me. With Emi and Maria, I feel like I can keep up with them, and I don't find any difficulty talking with them. But that girl seems to be in a different world. We probably have nothing to talk about, not to mention I saw her already making all those friends in the cafeteria... So maybe not.

.....

...

(Girl: "I know it's selfish to ask you to stay here, but I can't help it. I love you, Kaede... I don't want to risk losing you.")

Kaede: "Huh?!"

I'm not too sure when, but it looks like I had fallen asleep. God, what is up with me these past few days. Did I seriously get confessed to by a girl? Why the hell am I dreaming about something like that. Not to mention... She sort of reminds me of someone... Again, I recall that girl from this morning. The girl in my dreams also had red hair, but her face was a bit different, not to mention the girl in my dreams had long hair... Weird...

I end up laying back down on the bed as I stare up at the ceiling. Did I seriously dream of that girl as if she had long hair? I know I had a passing thought on it, but to think that I'd dream of it... I guess dreams do work in strange ways.

Mom: "Kaede~ Dinner's almost ready."

Kaede: "Ah- coming!~"

Not wanting to accidentally fall asleep again, I slide my feet into my slippers before rushing downstairs. The warm and enticing flavors already begin to enter my lungs as my stomach growls in hunger. Ah~ Hopefully tomorrow will be just as great as today.