The talk with principal Marble led to Horas regretting his life choices. He had not expected to ever come to a club meeting once he had graduated from the academy and started aiding the staff.
In fact, as a tactical agreement to not make the kids feel intimidated by Keith, the charge had ruled out Keith's attendance criterion and given him a clean slip.
But despite taking all these precautions, Keith found himself in the middle of a club once again and with various other kids present around him.
He looked around to see Howard waving back at him with a happy expression. Beside him sat Emma who had her face buried in between a thick book and she was not lo able to look at Horas's face.
On the other side of the room sat Regin and Duke who had managed to form a somewhat fragile friendship with each other. But Horas also knew that it had the potential to develop into something more if the story followed the original plot.
"Everyone, welcome to the exploration club. I hope you all have a good time here. Now, for starters, I will introduce you to our staff and senior members."
Horas remained quiet when he was introduced and many of the older kids looked startled to see him in the club. It was given why they were surprised.
After all, Horas had never come to an orientation before.
"Alright everyone, I will not take more of your time. You are free to go and check out other clubs if you want to as well but remember - you can only choose one club in the end."
The club leader of the exploration club reminded everyone. It had been an impactful line in the original work that caused Emma to start doubting if following Howard was something she wanted to do.
It was also where she had her first major fight with Howard because of her club choice and its president.
"-submit your form to me and you will become an official member. That will be all."
The club leader stepped down, signaling that it was the end of this discussion from her side. Horas knew it was time for him to stand up and leave as well.
Of course, before he could leave, he was stopped by Howard. The younger tapped Horas's back and held a piece of paper out for him to take.
"Here, is my application form to join your club."
Emma stood nervously behind Howard and she looked uncomfortable. Everyone was currently looking at them and judging them.
And of course, since Howard had stepped up to give his form, how could his self-proclaimed rival stand still? Duke took out his form and filled it in a hurry as well.
"Me too. I will be joining this club with and here is my form."
"Awww, you both beat me to it. But here, my form is as well. You will take then, won't you Horas?"
Regina smiled with intent as she held her paper out as well. They were creating a scene in the middle of the class, forcing Horas to interact with them.
"If you want to hand this application over to someone, do it to the club head. Why did you come here to hand me the application when you knew all this?"
Horas stepped back gracefully, dodging the paper slip Regina was thrusting toward him. Anyone could see that Horas was not thrilled to take these slips from the kids.
"Now, don't be like that with us. You are a part of this club so you can take our applications and file them for us, right?"
Regina pressed Horas even more, knowing that the pressure would get to him eventually.
What they did not expect was for the club leader to descend on them like a haunted shadow, her black glasses reflecting the three applications in front of her.
"W-W-Wait a second. What is this? Some students violate regulations by handing their applications to someone not asked. Why, I ought to reject such applications-"
The exploration club leader finally noticed the gathering and her face went lax in shock. Howard and Duke were familiar faces. And Regina was famous as well but for different reasons.
The exploration club's leader was no fool and she knew she could not let such big fish escape her claws.
"B-But since I am here already, I will do you all a favor and take your club applications for you. Hurry and give them to me."
Howard handed him with an annoyed face while the other two did not show any visible sign of feeling something. Only Emma held herself back, not handing her application over.
"And you? Are you not going to give me your application?"
The club leader asked Emma as an afterthought. She was not interested in someone non-famous but Emma seemed to be a packaged deal with Howard Spencer.
"I…will think about your offer. I have a few more clubs in mind to visit before I make a decision."
Emma did not reject the offer but she did not accept it outright as well. She was more conflicted than anything once she heard the offer.
Howard looked confused at Emma's hesitation as well but he did not press Emma into joining him in his club. He was a good protagonist who knew the worth of freedom.
Horas used this time to disappear from the room. He did not want Howard or anyone else to wake up and find him and ask him questions. So he quickly made his way out.
……………………
Emma left the class with a heavy heart. She had expected Howard to stop her but her oldest friend seemed too busy with his new friends.
Moreover, it seemed like Horas had managed to slip away as well. Emma truly felt alone as she walked out into the hallway.
Truthfully, she did not have any more clubs to check out. And even if she did, Emma doubted she would risk joining them alone. She was too dependent on Howard's company.
She was lost in thought so Emma was surprised when she collided with someone. The person on the other end of her collides was a senior she vaguely remembered seeing when all the clubs were being introduced to her.
"I'm so sorry. Did not see you there so I was not able to walk out of your way in time."
Coming out of most people's mouths, these words would have sounded as if they were making fun of you, but Emma felt like this and was sorry for bumping into her.
"N-No, it's alright. I should be the one to apologize to you for bumping into you. It is not your fault this happened."
Emma quickly apologized back, not wanting to owe this man anything.
The senior looked friendly enough that Emma was able to drop her guard. He also seemed to be in quite a hurry as evidenced by the nervousness in his steps.
But the collision with Emma had caused all his neatly stacked papers to tumble down and scatter.
"Let me help you out. Where do you need to take these papers to?"
Emma picked up about half of the papers and stood up. Despite her having half of the papers, the pile in the senior's arms was still huge. He must have super strength to be able to carry it all.
"N-No need for you to do that. I was just heading to my club. I am in charge of the fragrance research club and it seems like I am late to our club orientation."
Emma felt bad for the man. Most of the club orientations should have ended by now but this senior seemed oblivious to that face.
And became Emma felt bad for this senior, she decided to accompany him to his destination.
"You know what? Let me join you as well in this orientation. I am still not decided on the club so I want to take a look at your club if it's alright with you."
The senior beamed as soon as he heard Emma's words. He had not expected anyone to take interest in his club, especially more so because of him. He was going to brag about it to all his friends.
The fragrance club was located at the end of the building to prevent the smell from spreading all around. It was a delightful place if one knew where they were head to. Right outside the club room was an aroma garden.
The place gave Emma a feeling of peace she had not expected before. She could not help but appreciate this place even more than before.
This club was the one Emma wanted to join. It was calling to her and, beckoning her to become its member. She did not even notice that something was wrong with her senses.
"So, what do you think? Does this place look like something you might want to spend your extra time in?"
Emma did not even have to think about it since the answer was yes for her. This place felt like a home to her and Emma wanted to be here for a long time. The fragrance surrounding her was just too good.
'I love it here. I wish I can stay here forever.'
