Uesugi Sakura lowered her head in thought for a while, completely clueless, and then looked up to ask Kyujuu Rika, "What clubs are still in school now?"
Kyujuu Rika knew this guy never really cared about these things, cold as ever, but he should at least know some of the major clubs, right?
"Literature Department, Manga Research Department, Game Research Department, track and field club, Light Music Club."
"That's it?" Uesugi Sakura wasn't very interested; these should all be popular clubs.
"Of course there are more," Kyujuu Rika said, "But I strongly suggest you join the Literature Department or History Research Department. Your Chinese is good, which should make it a lot easier when looking up information."
"Nope, not interested." Uesugi Sakura refused again without even thinking, "What other departments are there?"
Yet Kyujuu Rika wasn't upset and continued to say:
"Kyudo Club, Swimming Department, Mahjong Club, Food Research Department, Uniform Research Department... these are relatively quieter clubs, suitable for—"
"Stop."
Uesugi Sakura immediately interrupted Kyujuu Rika from continuing, "That last department, sounds a bit interesting."
And Kyujuu Rika's eyes looking at Uesugi Sakura instantly changed, becoming very odd:
"You... want to join the Uniform Research Department?"
"Hmm... this Uniform Research Department sounds quite good, worth considering,"
Uesugi Sakura rubbed his chin with a serious expression, "So I'm choosing to join the Kyudo Club."
The reason for choosing the Kyudo Club is because he knows their department head, renowned for being easygoing.
It should also mean there's not much pressure from seniors.
"You—!"
Kyujuu Rika was just about to accuse Uesugi Sakura's perverted psychology when he heard the words "Kyudo Club" and looked at him:
"I thought you were going to join the Uniform Research Department."
"What's wrong with that department?" Uesugi Sakura felt Kyujuu Rika's tone was a bit strange.
From the name, the so-called Uniform Research Department should be a club where students research various professional and school uniforms.
It should still count as a normal club, except for those who take their hobbies to the extreme.
"The members of that club have collected the complete set of female high school uniform pictures from the whole Kantou region and even made an illustrated book."
"Kantou Region?"
Uesugi Sakura was slightly surprised, knowing there are over two hundred schools in Tokyo alone, let alone the whole Kantou region. Collecting all of them would take so much effort; he couldn't help but admire them a bit.
"That's really impressive; their dedication is commendable."
"Yes," Kyujuu Rika didn't disagree with that point, "But, they not only collect them but also wear them themselves."
Uesugi Sakura raised an eyebrow, noticing a blind spot through Kyujuu Rika's expression as she spoke:
"All males?"
Kyujuu Rika nodded.
"It's their hobby, and we shouldn't look down upon them just because our views differ."
"Would you try it?"
"Nope."
"See?"
Uesugi Sakura countered, "These two points don't contradict each other."
"Anyway, it's hard for me to accept this," Kyujuu Rika shook her head.
Uesugi Sakura sat on the bench beside him; the green zelkova trees swayed gently.
"As I said earlier, people's views can change over time. Maybe one day you'll accept it, so don't be too hasty to deny it; some words are hard to take back."
"..."
Are you talking about yourself?
Just now, he almost persuaded her with all that rambling.
Kyujuu Rika realized that talking too much to Uesugi Sakura could lead to being misled by him and getting some of his own viewpoints instilled in her.
"Enough, enough, let's not talk about this anymore. Back to the previous topic, you want to join the Kyudo Club. They're recruiting new members by the auditorium, so you can go register yourself. I have things to do, so I'll be leaving."
"No way."
Kyujuu Rika was stunned by Uesugi Sakura's tone, furrowing her elegant brows and asked:
"Why not?"
"Because you, as the class leader, have to be responsible for me."
"What?!"
Kyujuu Rika had a puzzled and shocked expression.
What was with these words that sounded like a love confession, and why was Uesugi Sakura acting so weird today, saying odd things?
It used to be hard to even speak a few more words with him; he was so cold and haughty.
Uesugi Sakura remained calm, his tone indifferent, and continued:
"It's because just now, as the class leader, you made me more mature and rational, so you must take responsibility. When it comes to joining a club, it has to be done under your witness."
Kyujuu Rika increasingly found Uesugi Sakura suspicious:
"What's wrong with you today? You're nothing like yourself; go by yourself. I'm your class leader, not your mom. I have my own matters to attend to."
"Relax, it won't take much time."
"No way, I have to go, Mr. Haneda is still waiting for me."
Seeing Kyujuu Rika still unwilling to agree, Uesugi Sakura decided not to drag it out any longer; after all, half an hour wasn't much time.
He suddenly stood up, stared into Kyujuu Rika's eyes, and in the crowded courtyard with many students, he raised his voice and shouted:
"Rika! You owe me an apology! You need to take responsibility for what you just did... mmph—"
Uesugi Sakura's shout immediately drew a lot of attention from the surrounding students, and Kyujuu Rika hurriedly covered his mouth.
"Shh!"
Kyujuu Rika cautiously scanned the area like a cat checking its surroundings.
Uesugi Sakura seemed like he still wanted to say something.
This guy, really! Sigh~
Kyujuu Rika released her hand and said, looking helpless:
"Alright, alright, I agree with you."
"See, if you had agreed earlier, there wouldn't be so much hassle."
Uesugi Sakura took out a tissue from his pocket and wiped his mouth.
Suddenly, he noticed Kyujuu Rika looking at him with a face full of resentment, so he offered another tissue and asked:
"Hmm? Do you want one?"