A Notice from Shueisha

As soon as the class-ending bell rang, Izumi Kotomi quickly switched off her system, packed her bag, and got ready to leave. Her movements were fluid and efficient, almost like second nature. If it weren't for the art club meeting, she would have already been out the door by now.

"I'll be waiting for you in the library," Megumi Kato said quietly.

Kotomi nodded. Over the past two weeks, she and Megumi had developed a natural rapport. Though they hadn't yet reached the level where one glance or gesture could convey their thoughts, their growing understanding made their interactions seamless. True mastery of such silent communication, Kotomi mused, would likely take years of living together.

"Shiina, let's head to the art club," Kotomi turned to the girl sitting behind her, Mashiro Shiina.

Mashiro nodded in her usual quiet manner, her behavior a constant—calm, composed, and rarely initiating conversation. Compared to someone like Yukino Yukinoshita , the infamous ice queen of their class, Mashiro wasn't cold—she was simply... three-dimensional in her lack of emotion? And maybe a touch airheaded too.

When they arrived at the art club, Hibiki Naegi, as the club president, immediately took charge of introducing Mashiro to the other members.

"Starting today, Shiina-san is our newest member. She'll be joining both me and Izumi in participating in the Tokyo National Youth Art Exhibition. She just arrived in Japan a couple of days ago, so let's help her get settled," Naegi explained warmly.

Mashiro followed Kotomi's earlier instructions on how to greet everyone and politely said, "I'm new here, please take care of me." She even mimicked Kotomi's slight bow.

The art club was an all-girls group, and when they saw Mashiro, a cute new addition, they welcomed her with enthusiasm.

"Welcome, Shiina-san~"

"We heard a transfer student joined 1-F! She's so cute!"

"She looks like a doll, so pretty!"

"I also heard Shiina-san is really good at drawing!"

Hearing Emi Tsujimoto's curious question about Mashiro's skills, Mashiro hesitated, recalling her cousin Chihiro Sengoku's advice: Be humble when you join the art club.

With that in mind, Mashiro began to respond modestly, "My drawing is just average..."

However, before she could finish, Kotomi interrupted, addressing the group. "Don't be fooled—Mashiro's drawing skills are incredible! Saying she's at a world-class level wouldn't be an exaggeration."

Mashiro blinked in confusion. Wasn't this the time to be humble?

But Naegi quickly caught on. Kotomi had strategically revealed Mashiro's talents to set expectations. This way, the other members wouldn't be blindsided and emotionally crushed when they saw the true level of Mashiro's art. The revelation was like a "mental vaccine" to prepare them for the reality of Mashiro's abilities.

With this "vaccine" in place, if any members couldn't handle the truth later, well, that was their problem.

"That's right," Naegi continued in a serious tone. "Shiina-san's been gifted from a young age, and her skills far exceed mine. I hope everyone can approach this with humility, appreciating her work to grow as artists themselves."

The other members nodded, still a bit stunned but willing to accept the challenge. They had known Mashiro was talented, but to this extent? It was surprising.

Naegi glanced over at Kotomi, who had casually returned to her stool. Reflecting on Kotomi's words and actions, Naegi couldn't help but admire her. Kotomi may be young, but her emotional intelligence is impressive. Especially in handling interpersonal relationships, she's far ahead of most people her age.

Without Kotomi's timely "vaccine," it was likely several members would have been discouraged, maybe even driven away, by Mashiro's overwhelming talent. The art club was already small—losing a few more members could lead to its dissolution.

Naegi walked over to Kotomi and whispered, "Thanks for that, Izumi-kouhai."

Kotomi smiled. "Just helping out."

Naegi chuckled softly, though a hint of worry remained in her eyes. "Even with your heads-up, do you think some members might still leave after seeing Shiina-san's skills?"

Sobu High School had strict rules about club size. To maintain official club status, they needed at least four members. Currently, with Mashiro's addition, they had nine. But if too many left, the club might face disbandment.

Kotomi, unfazed, replied, "We've done all we can. If some still choose to leave, then that's their decision. There's no need to force things."

Naegi thought for a moment, realizing Kotomi was right. Stressing over potential losses wouldn't help. "Yeah, you're right. Instead of worrying about that, we should focus on preparing for the exhibition. Winning the Tokyo Youth Art Award could guarantee us a spot in a prestigious university."

Kotomi grinned. "You sound pumped, Naegi-senpai."

"Of course!" Naegi's expression was determined. As she turned to leave, her voice dropped, carrying a mix of emotions. "I only have about a year left before I say goodbye to the art club. I want to create memories here that'll last a lifetime."

With that, Naegi returned to her seat.

"Does Naegi-senpai dislike drawing?" Mashiro suddenly asked from behind Kotomi.

"Dislike it? No, I don't think so. She's always so focused when she draws," Kotomi replied softly.

"Then why did she say she only has one year left with the club?"

"Oh, you meant that! Naegi-senpai isn't planning to quit because she dislikes drawing. She's in her second year now, and next year she'll be in her final year of high school. Once she's in her third year, she won't have time for club activities."

"Because of exams?" Mashiro asked.

"Exactly. It's the same for me. One day, I'll have to leave the art club too. You will as well. Everyone eventually moves on. But just like a flowing spring, new members will join in the future, replacing those who've left."

After hearing Kotomi's words, Mashiro fell silent for a long moment before nodding.

An hour later, the art club's activities for the day ended.

Mashiro, still uncertain about what she wanted to draw, didn't start on anything today. After saying goodbye to the other members, Kotomi and Mashiro left the clubroom together.

"Mashiro, how are you getting home today?" Kotomi asked.

"I'm going to the staff room to meet my cousin," Mashiro replied.

Kotomi remembered then—since Mashiro hadn't yet figured out how to navigate the train system, her cousin, Chihiro Sengoku, always took her home after school.

As they walked, Kotomi couldn't help but smile to herself. Sengoku-sensei has her work cut out for her now. Good luck, Sengoku-sensei!

They continued walking in the same direction, as the staff room was near the school entrance. Halfway there, Kotomi's phone began to ring.

The number was unfamiliar.

She pressed the answer button, and a woman's voice came through the line.

"Hello, is this Izumi Ki-sensei? I'm Asuka Chizuru, an editor from Shueisha."