Club Fair

As the school day ended, an announcement rang through the speakers.

"At five PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No. 1."

Kudo Shinichi stretched his arms, glancing at Haibara Ai, who had been flipping through a book at her desk. "Club activities, huh?"

Haibara raised an eyebrow. "Thinking of joining one?"

"Not really," Kudo admitted. "But it wouldn't hurt to check it out."

She smirked. "Curiosity gets the better of the great detective again?"

Kudo sighed. "I prefer calling it gathering information."

The gymnasium was packed with students. Nearly all first-years had gathered, buzzing with chatter. Representatives from each club lined up on stage, dressed in their respective uniforms—karate gi, basketball jerseys, kimonos for the tea ceremony club.

Kudo scanned the pamphlet provided at the entrance. "Seems like the school takes clubs pretty seriously."

Haibara hummed in agreement. "These facilities put most professional academies to shame."

The first to speak was a senior from the archery club. "Many students may think archery is old-fashioned, but it's a rewarding sport. We welcome beginners with open arms."

Kudo smirked. "See? Even archery sounds exciting."

"Exciting?" Haibara gave him a deadpan look. "Shooting arrows at stationary targets doesn't exactly scream thrilling."

He chuckled. "Says the girl who spent her childhood mixing chemicals."

She rolled her eyes. "Touché."

More clubs introduced themselves—swimming, baseball, kendo, calligraphy, and even astronomy. Kudo noticed a few students murmuring about the budget system—the more members a club had, the bigger the funding.

"Smart," Kudo muttered. "Recruit newbies for the extra cash, then just bench them."

Haibara smirked. "Capitalism at its finest."

Just then, Horikita Suzune, standing nearby, tensed. Kudo followed her line of sight—her gaze was locked on the student council president, Horikita Manabu, as he stepped onto the stage.

"I'm the student council president, Horikita Manabu," he announced.

Kudo raised an eyebrow. Horikita? As in… Suzune Horikita?

Manabu's presence commanded the entire room. His speech was short, direct, and heavy with expectation.

"The student council does not seek weaklings. If you wish to apply, do so with the intent of upholding the integrity of this institution. We will not accept incompetence."

The room fell silent.

Kudo smirked. That guy sure knows how to hold an audience.

Next to him, Haibara tilted her head. "Student councils at normal schools plan events. This one sounds more like a government agency."

"I'd be surprised if they weren't pulling strings behind the scenes," Kudo mused.

As the orientation wrapped up, the clubs opened their reception tables for sign-ups.

"Think anyone from our class will join?" Haibara asked.

Kudo glanced at Sudou talking with the basketball team, his enthusiasm evident. "Some, yeah."

Then his gaze flickered toward Ayanokoji, who stood quietly at the edge of the gym, observing the scene with unreadable eyes.

That guy... he never stops watching everything, does he?

After watching for a moment, Kudo decided to approach.

"You're not thinking about joining a club?" Kudo asked casually as he walked up to Ayanokoji.

Ayanokoji turned his gaze toward him, his expression neutral as always. "I don't see much of a point."

Kudo smirked. "Yeah, I figured you'd say that." He glanced around the room. "Most people join clubs for three reasons: they actually enjoy the activity, they want to build connections, or they're looking to boost their reputation." He tilted his head. "You don't strike me as the type who cares about any of those things."

Ayanokoji gave a small shrug. "I just prefer having free time."

Kudo crossed his arms. "Well, I guess that makes sense. But clubs aren't just for fun—they can also be useful. You'd be surprised how much information you can gather by being part of the right group."

Ayanokoji glanced at him. "So, are you planning to join one?"

Kudo sighed. "Not really. I'm more of a solo act."

Ayanokoji didn't respond, but Kudo noticed a faint glint of amusement in his otherwise blank expression.

"You're surprisingly social for someone who doesn't like groups," Ayanokoji remarked.

Kudo smirked. "Hey, I never said I don't like talking to people. I just prefer keeping my options open."

Ayanokoji nodded slightly, seeming to accept the answer.

As the conversation settled, Haibara walked up to them, hands in her pockets. "So? Did you convince him to become a productive member of society?"

Kudo chuckled. "No luck. He values his 'free time' too much."

Ayanokoji remained unfazed. "It's an important resource."

Haibara smirked. "Can't argue with that."

With the orientation ending, students began leaving the gymnasium, discussing which clubs they'd be joining. Kudo, Haibara, and Ayanokoji walked out together, each carrying their own quiet thoughts about the true nature of this school.