Curiosity of a cat

It had been a while since Zoan last took her anger out on her punching bag. She hadn't felt the need to, but that also meant she hadn't been practicing much. Despite this, she made sure to keep her body in shape, even if Sol, her maid, insisted otherwise. Sol often called her lazy, claiming all she did was lounge around at home.

But that wasn't true! Zoan was engaged in mental work every time she cracked open her textbooks. What she truly wanted was to return to Qian for a sparring session and spend a carefree day out with Mei, just enjoying life.

Alas, it seemed joy was elusive lately. For now, she had to focus on handing out flyers while wearing the cat ears Jovi had given her—Jovi sported a bright pink pair.

"Is this really necessary?" Zoan sighed, propping her chin in her hand at their stall. Not a single student had approached them; most were circulating around the more athletic clubs.

"Yes! A lot of students like cats… I don't know why they aren't coming over," Jovi replied, leaning back in her chair, equally dejected.

"I guess most students want to stay fit," Jiho added, her mood dampening as she glanced around at the bustling sports clubs.

Zoan had expected this outcome. The Arts Club wasn't exactly thrilling unless someone sought a relaxing time after school. Still, the thought that no one seemed interested felt like a slight disappointment, especially after all the hard work Jovi and Jiho had put into revamping the club room.

As she sighed again, her gaze caught Ving standing by the wall in an orange vest. "Isn't that Ving Lee?" Jovi exclaimed, surprised. "I heard she's part of the Student Supreme Government… So they weren't lying!"

Jiho nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Actually, she's been with the SSG for almost a year. She mostly represents Second Years like us. I hope she becomes president when she reaches Third Year—she'd be amazing!" Jiho sighed dreamily, admiration evident in her voice.

Zoan raised an eyebrow. "I never knew that," she said. Jiho giggled, "You really should read the manual; they actually list the officers there, and Ving is included."

Zoan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as both Jovi and Jiho chuckled. "You really are a bit clueless around here, aren't you?" Jovi teased, a small smile on her face.

"I am not clueless—just confused. Anyway, no one seems interested in our club… what now?" Zoan asked. They still didn't have a permanent teacher to lead them.

Atiro was already doing a great job by signing the papers for them. What a kind woman; she somehow reminded Zoan of Takao… and they even shared the same last name! What kind of coincidence was that? Or was it?

Jovi seemed to wilt at the thought, looking disappointed. "I know… but we can try getting more people to join. Still, it seems like no one is really interested," she sighed, glancing around.

"Don't give up! Surely someone will change their mind and join us," Jiho said, pumping a fist in the air. Jovi nodded. "You're right. Alright, everyone, let's pack up and take everything back to the club room. We can have a meeting about how to attract more members." She stood up, and both Jiho and Zoan followed, starting to clean up.

"You guys can go ahead; I'll take the stall back to the dean's office and catch up with you," Zoan offered as Jovi and Jiho carried their boxes. "Okay! Just call us if you need help!" Jovi grinned as the two of them walked away, leaving Zoan alone to dismantle the stall.

"Leaving so soon?" Ving suddenly asked, appearing before the stall as if she had teleported. Zoan turned, confused. "Are you interested?" she asked, noticing Ving's gaze on the now-empty stall.

Ving's expression remained blank as she slowly shook her head. "I'm already in the fencing club, so I have to decline."

"Bummer…" Zoan replied, trailing off as she grabbed the pole and set it down. "Do you need help?" Ving asked, tilting her head.

Zoan was surprised Ving was still there. "Uh… no," she said awkwardly, standing up and dusting off her skirt.

Ving stood there, clearly wanting to ask Zoan something. "Okay, what do you actually want?" Zoan said, hands on her hips and an eyebrow raised.

Ving looked up, surprised. "What?"

"Why are you here? Is there something you need?" Zoan pressed, crossing her arms.

Ving's expression turned serious. "How were you able to suspend Aliani?"

Zoan's face dropped; she had expected something more significant than that. Just curiosity, it seemed.

"Zoan," Ving nudged, pulling her from her thoughts. "Ah, that… why are you so curious?" Zoan smirked, noticing Ving huff slightly. "I told the dean, that's all."

Ving furrowed her brows. "It can't be that easy, can it? The dean is hardly ever around. Your words would have to go through the SSG president first," she said, suspicion clear in her voice.

Zoan sighed, rolling her eyes. "What a curious cat," she mumbled, not realizing Ving would hear.

"What? Excuse me?" Ving narrowed her eyes as Zoan flashed a fake smile.

"No, I said, it's just that simple!" Zoan insisted, waving her hands. Ving gave her a look that clearly said she didn't believe her, the deadpan expression almost making Zoan laugh.

But then her phone vibrated in her pocket. Confused, she patted her blazer, trying to find it before glancing at the caller ID.

It was Jiho. "Hello?" Zoan answered, shrugging at Ving and gesturing that their conversation was over.

"Zoan, come up quick! Someone trashed the whole club room!" Jiho's panicked voice made Zoan's eyes widen. "What now?" she almost yelled, startling Ving, who nearly dropped the pole she was holding.