6. Research Club

The assembly hall that James mentions is the research club's sorority room. Established 4 years ago, consists of James, Anthony, William, Carol and Alan as President. A year ago all members withdrew from membership and the room was abandoned, leaving its status as a club school in a vacuum. At that time Sihan joined and became the last remaining member. He did not want the name of the club to disappear or be abolished by the school, during that time Sihan only included his name in the club but never actively carried out activities or recruited new members. 

When James mentioned the matter to Anthony earlier, after school Sihan decided to go to see the club room where he almost never set foot there. But apparently it wasn't just him who was there.

“You! What are you doing here?” Who would have thought that the arrival of Sihan to the club room made him get involved with Elyn, the transfer student who was looking for trouble with Anthony this lunch break.

Elyn is also surprised to meet Anthony’s henchman in an unexpected place. “Class president?” 

Right. In addition to being part of the Anthony gang, Sihan also served as the chief of his class. 

“I'm going to the research club. And yourself, are you a member of the research club?” There is no answer from him even Elyn waits. “Um. Can you accept my registration?"

“The research Club is just a sorority club, you have to find another club!” Sihan firmly rejected Elyn's membership.

“You mean? What's the difference anyway, it's all just a club?” What now, Elyn feels Sihan is just looking for an excuse not to accept her. “Try to explain so that I understand!" 

Elyn felt that she was being lied to by Sihan who clearly showed his dislike. On the side, Sihan felt no need to make it difficult for himself to explain about the club or deal with a new face, surely he did not want her to join the club. 

“Different from the management system. The most obvious difference is the number of members. Usually a club is a group of only a few people and their club activities revolve around their interests. While the Core club consists of many people with vision and mission and the composition of the board and people in charge, including coaches.” Examples of core clubs are mostly in the areas of talent, academy and sport. Activities surrounding the research club while members are still active are only one thing, doing what they find interesting.

“In other words, the club is still part of the school club. So, I will stay in this club.” Elyn has absolutely no intention of retreating from her goal. Remember, Elyn's goal is to be a shadowy member who just wants to hitchhike by name. That is why the research club is suited by her criteria, and was the best choice.

“We do not accept new members!” Sihan does not want to lose an argument.

“What do you mean by US? It's just you and me here.” Elyn's response was astute.

While Sihan looks clumsy, Elyn's words hit the mark because he is the only Research club member left at the moment. 

“A-anyway since this is just a Club Association, I can't accept you." Because from the bottom of his heart, Sihan felt that he had no right to decide whether someone could join the club or not. “What are you waiting for? Get out of here.” 

With a slightly rude attitude Sihan seemed to expel Elyn.

“No! For me the club association is enough, it fits perfectly as I want.” Elyn insisted.

“What did you expect to join this inactive club?" Sihan starts feeling there is something suspicious of Elyn's motives for choosing a club from the many one at school.

The more attention Elyn could not think. “If you understand the school rules so well and are so concerned with obeying the law, why do you let Anthony do as she pleases.” Elyn's almost faint mumbling sounded to Sihan.

“I can hear you, say once again clearly what you are trying to say!” 

It remains only to wait for the time when their situation turns into a dispute. It was the same atmosphere of tension as Anthony and Elyn's situation this afternoon in the canteen. Sihan refrained considering that his opponent was physically weaker than him.  “Forget it, find another club.” Sihan leaves the club, leaving Elyn alone.

***

Elyn never gave up, for several days at school she chased and followed Sihan in between free time. Urged the class leader as well as members of the research club to receive the club registration form. And Sihan tried his best to avoid Elyn's presence by being cold in public. The combination of the two indirectly attracts the attention of people around. Especially Carol's attention when she heard the name of the research club mentioned.

“You're really annoying, stop following!" Sihan almost snapped.

“Talk for yourself. So do not be stubborn. Accept me as a member of the research club and then the problem is solved, easy right!” Elyn's response was equally harsh. 

They argue in class, Carol who was reading a book looked at Sihan. As Sihan stared back at her, the blonde girl left her seat walking outside the classroom.

Sihan turned to look at Elyn. "You―" his hands clenched in emotion. “You better stop all this now!”

Vivian was surprised when she entered the class to see Sihan who looked very angry leaving Elyn after finished talking. “What is it? Something happened?" Ask her to Elyn.

“It's nothing." Said Elyn faintly.

“Tell me, something happened?” 

The form that Elyn was holding attracted her attention. Vivian took the piece of paper from Elyn's hand, read what was written on it. “Are you going to join the research club?” Suddenly Vivian is enthusiastic about finding interesting things.

“I can't, Sihan won't accept me." Elyn replied, the more she thought about it the more irritated her.

“Hmm, is that so?” Vivian thinks. “Why don't you give your membership form to the person in charge of the club?”

“There is such a way?” Elyn never tried to find another way, it did not occur to her.

“Yes, of course. Wait, let me remember who the teacher in charge of the research club is...” If the memory of Vivian is not confused. “Mr. Alex, our math teacher. You can go to the teacher's room.”

"Mr. Alex... Thanks for the information.”

 It's not that Elyn doesn't remember Vivian's advice telling her not to say sorry or thank you so easily. Just thinks she should be grateful for something she regrets should still be said to.

Without wasting time Elyn headed to the teacher's room, although the bell had not yet rang but there was not much time left before entering the break. The point is that even if she goes now, it won't be a problem because it's about time for lunch break. Luckily Mr. Alex was at his desk.

“Good afternoon sir, I'm Evelyn the 2nd year from Class 2.” Soon introduced herself.

Alex was busy looking around his desk when she greeted him and only saw her briefly. "Yes? Can I help you?”

“I would like to submit my club registration form.” Elyn showed him the paper sheet of the form even though it didn't get Alex's attention.

"Club? Which club?" The math teacher asked back.

“I want to go to the research club.” 

Elyn began to doubt, maybe the information from Vivian was wrong. Because from what it sounds, Mr. Alex is a little surprised she is looking for him to discuss the club.

"Pardon? What club do you mean?” Alex asked Elyn to repeat her words.

“Research Club Sir, I hear you as the person in charge.” Elyn gave a more detailed explanation.

“Aah! Yeah-yeah.... "Alex's response was flat, indifferent.

“Yes sir?”

“OH, hm. Just put it on my desk. I need to meet Mr. Principal now. Okay? hm–Evelyn. I have to leave immediately." Alex hurried to leave the teacher's room.

Elyn didn't want to take a long there, at least the goal of submitting the club form had been completed. So she did as Alex asked, placing the club form on the desk.