Hazel was looking forward to visiting the library after her classes. It was yesterday when she signed up for the book club led by Aoi. It’s also her first time talking to another student in this university. She was already in their classroom waiting for the class to start when she heard someone coughed a little. She thought her classmate might have pollen allergies. Well, it’s common to catch it during spring that’s why there’s even pollen forecast to make sure people are alerted about it. She continued reading the class textbook when the guy, three seats away from her, “coughed” again. This time, Hazel can sense that it’s a fake cough. She looked at the person sitting and she was correct, he’s already looking at her.

“I don’t have any cough drops, I’m sorry.”

“What? Ha ha – uhm no. Hi, I was not able to talk to you yesterday,” he cleared his throat again and he reached out his hand, “I’m Masaki by the way. I think I have seen you somewhere before.”

“Yes, we’re housemates, in fact.” She answered dryly.

“That’s why! I knew you looked familiar!” His face lit up.

“I guess you were drunk when you saw me last week that’s why it’s difficult for you to remember.”

“Oh yes, I’m sorry about that.” He happily moved one seat closer.

Hazel was confused. The guy looked old to be a student. No judgments about people who want to pursue their education but he looks like the oldest in the class. To think that they live in the same apartment building. When Hazel saw him the first time, she thought he’s just a confused drunkard not knowing where to go. Her father instructed Hazel to ignore drunk people and not to look them in the eye. The same principle goes for criminals. Hazel remembered it but she was able to take a good look at the face when he fainted inside the elevator.

“Is this your second course?” Hazel asked, trying to keep the conversation alive.

“Wh-what? Why would you say that?”

“I’m sorry, I just thought you’ve been here at the university longer than me.”

“You mean, I look old?” Masaki sighed then started to laugh softly. “I just turned 19. But if you think that I’m older than I look, I understand. You’re not the first one to say that anyway.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to have a conversation.”

“That’s alright. Say, how old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

Upon hearing her age, Masaki went back to his original seat.

“Uhm, nice to meet you! I hope we can work together for this class!” chirped Hazel.

Masaki just nodded. Good thing he dodged a bullet there. He then smiled at Hazel and bowed his head slightly in return. He then saw Hazel scribbling something on a piece of paper and it was handed to him. It wrote, “Library, 5 pm. See you!” Masaki broke out a sweat.

**

Ash was busy polishing the throne as instructed by one of the frat members inside their office. He liked how he was not being given special treatment by the members. He feels satisfied and yes, this will really bring him respect once he becomes the Grand Knight.

He was still busy putting wax on the metals when a tall, blonde guy approached him and said that he needs to go to the rooftop in ten minutes. Ash hurriedly finished his task and ran to reach the rooftop on time. He opened the metal door to the rooftop and he was panting. He looked at his watch, it’s 6:00 pm. He’s now curious about what he will be doing next.

Pop!

“Hey there, just on time!” Akira was holding a sparkling wine. He just removed the cork and some of it was spilled at Ash.

“What’s going on?”

“We’re here to celebrate your initiation yesterday!” Akira was beaming.

“I thought I will be treated the same as the rest?” he scowled.

“Now that’s the attitude of a real Grand Knight! Ha ha” Akira placed his arm above Ash’s shoulder and made him walk on his side.

“Let me introduce you to the higher council.” Akira then whispered. Slowly, Akira removed his arm around Ash and he led the way. Surprisingly, Ash just noticed the gazebo canopy and the people standing under it

Hazel excitedly went to the library and informed Aoi that she recruited someone to be part of their club. Aoi was happy with what Hazel did. She then explained that the more students that will join the club, the more funding they can get. In fact, they might become the top club of the university. Hazel beamed with pride knowing that she helped out.

“Good job Hazel-chan! You are really an asset to this club. Unlike someone here that is a moron.”

“Moron?” Hazel looked around and saw a guy at a table. He seemed focused on doing something. There are notebooks and books scattered on the table.

“Hazel-chan, that moron is the other member I mentioned yesterday. You can say the co-founder. He is Eiji, my idiot little brother.”

“You forced me to sign up for this club since the rule is that there should be at least two members before you can create a club,” he answered seriously while still writing on a notebook.

“Why is he so busy? It’s just the second day of class?” Hazel was asking Aoi but Eiji answered her.

“I’m a neophyte. I need to finish some works of my seniors.”

“See?” Aoi shrugged, “an idiot.” Hazel just smiled.

Aoi was about to say something when she saw someone standing outside. “Hey, is that your recruit?” She pointed at the tall guy holding a piece of paper.

“Yes, that’s him!”

“Ain’t he a professor? He will become our club adviser, not member Hazel, sorry.”

“He told me he’s just 19.”

“Don’t easily trust old-looking men, Hazel. Some are creepy.”

“Don’t worry. He’s kind. I’ll vouch for him!”

Aoi just nodded and Hazel called Masaki. Masaki entered the library and he greeted Aoi.

“Nice to meet you! I am Masaki. Hazel asked me to go here at this time. I am not sure what this is.”

“For sure you’re not expecting a threesome, were you?”

Masaki blushed. Aoi casually reached for a book and suddenly threw it at Masaki.

“I knew it. You pervert! You damn pedophile! Are you after Hazel-chan? I will end you!”

Masaki was lying on the floor hurt with the impact of the book thrown right to his face. He opened his eyes and he saw the angry girl running towards him. This is the second time that day that he feared for his life.

“Onee-san, be quiet!” Eiji stood up. Aoi stopped and looked at his brother. His brother’s hands are trembling. Aoi gulped. Hazel stood still and Masaki started to rub his face.

“I’m hu - hungry.” Eiji then collapsed.