Chapter Text
I am Misono Mika, a member of the Tea Party at Trinity General School.
While on duty at SCHALE, I was told by Sensei, "I need to talk to you about something," and was led to a meeting room.
Then, Sensei said—
"We're going to conduct a 'Seminar to Avoid Getting Hooked on Host Clubs.'"
"Huh? Wh-what?"
"We're going to conduct a 'Seminar to Avoid Getting Hooked on Host Clubs.'"
"Host clubs? Wh-why?"
"It's become a serious social issue. Female students who graduate from schools are becoming obsessed with host clubs and ruining their lives."
"Is it really that bad? I've heard about it on the news sometimes, but..."
"SCHALE has decided to address this issue by offering seminars to students in Kivotos. I've been giving the same seminar to every student who comes here on duty."
"I see..."
"Alright, let's get started. First, what is a host club? It's a type of establishment where female customers pay money to receive services from male hosts. The service typically involves drinking and chatting."
"Yeah, I kind of knew that."
"Hosts use various tactics to encourage customers to spend more money. They'll say things like, 'I want to drink with you more,' 'I want you to support me,' or 'If you order this much, I might fall for you.'"
"Uh-huh..."
"But these words aren't genuine. They're just lies. You mustn't take them seriously."
"Right, it's just part of the job."
"Hosts also use other techniques. They might use physical touch to make customers feel special, flirt with other customers to spark jealousy and competition, or deliberately show vulnerability to make customers feel like they're the only ones who can support them."
"There are so many tactics..."
"With all that in mind, Mika, I'd like you to take part in the practical portion of the 'Seminar to Avoid Getting Hooked on Host Clubs.'"
"Huh? There's more?"
"Yep, follow me."
I was led by Sensei to another floor of SCHALE. There, I found a lounge area with a few chairs.
"Wait here for five minutes, then enter through that door."
"O-okay. Five minutes, got it."
Five minutes later, I opened the door.
—Inside was a dazzling, luxurious space. The walls were black with gold accents, a chandelier hung from the ceiling, and soft blue-purple lighting illuminated the room. Upbeat, glamorous music played in the background.
The dim lighting reminded me of a movie theater, and the fast-paced music made my heart race.
"Wait, is this still SCHALE? I didn't know there was a floor like this!"
"Welcome to the host club 'S.C.H.A.L.E.'"
A male staff member in a suit greeted me politely.
The unique atmosphere of the space made me a little nervous. My body tensed up, and I felt an unpleasant sense of unease.
"Please, take a seat over here."
I was guided to a seat and sat down on a luxurious leather sofa.
At other tables, customers were enjoying champagne towers, laughing and chatting with hosts seated on either side of them.
Oh, there are people in school uniforms. Are they students like me, here for the seminar?
"This is our 'Emerald Bubble' service."
The staff handed me a drink.
"Uh, what is this...?"
"It's just soda. Please treat it as part of the host club experience."
"Oh, that's a relief..."
I looked at the menu. Fancy names like "Emerald Bubble," "Prism Shower," and "Crow Dragon Tea" were listed, but they were actually just soda, sparkling grape juice, and oolong tea—all non-alcoholic.
"Now, please choose your host from this booklet. You can pick one or multiple hosts."
The booklet contained photos and profiles of the hosts.
"Huh?"
Among them was—Sensei.
"Wh-what? This person..."
"Have you decided?"
"Yes, I'll go with Sensei."
"Understood."
The suited man left. The glamorous atmosphere of the club made me feel uneasy. I looked around nervously as I waited—
"Thank you for choosing me, Mika."
I turned around, and there he was—Sensei, dressed in a black shirt and gray suit, his hair styled like a proper host.
KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Huh? Wha—what!? H-Handsome! So handsome, so handsome, so handsome! He's like a prince!
"Sensei! Sensei!"
"Yeah, it's me."
"What's with that outfit!? C-can I take a picture!?"
"Of course."
I took about ten photos of Sensei sitting next to me, from different angles.
Wow, he looks amazing... This is such a treasure...
"Since we're at it, let's take one together."
"Huh?"
Sensei wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close.
Ah.
He's so close.
He smells so good.
Click, click—he took a few photos.
"I'll send them to you on MomoTalk."
"O-okay."
After the photos, Sensei moved away. I felt lonely. Even though it was just a few seconds of contact, it made me so happy.
I opened MomoTalk and saw the photo of me and Sensei in host mode.
A two-shot.
It's a two-shot.
It's a two-shot...
I'm so happy... I'll make this my MomoTalk icon...
"Sensei, thank you... I'll treasure this photo forever..."
When I said that, Sensei smiled. The dim lighting of the room made his smile seem strangely shadowy and alluring.
Then, in a seductive, hushed voice—
"If you say things like that, I might start taking it seriously."
"~~~~~~~~~~~~~!?"
Huh?
Wha—what?
Whaaaaaaaaaaat!?
Did he just say something incredible!?
Sensei!? You're saying things like that!?
"Mika, can I expect you to officially request me next time?"
"Officially request?"
"Host clubs work on a permanent reservation system. On your second visit, you officially request the host you want as your permanent host. Once you do that, you can't change it, and you can only interact with that host from then on."
"Really? I thought host clubs were more about playing around with different hosts. That's surprising."
"Some customers use a 'tab' system, where they pay later. If customers could change hosts freely every time, it'd be hard to keep track of who owes what, so the rules don't allow changing hosts."
"Ah, suddenly it feels so real..."
Hearing the practical reasons, I felt a strange mix of emotions. I don't know much about host clubs, but I guess this part of the system is probably true...
"Yeah. So today, try playing around with different hosts and choose the one you like best."
"S-Sensei is the best! I wouldn't request anyone but you!"
Sensei's eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you sure? Once you make it official, you can't change it."
"I'm sure. I can't imagine anyone but you."
"Mika...!"
Sensei's face lit up with joy. Then, wiping the corner of his eye—
"This is the first time I've been officially requested right after the first meeting...! I'm so happy...!"
"Sensei...!"
I was Sensei's first.
My heart swelled with happiness.
At that moment, another host passing by said—
"Huh? Sensei, didn't you just get officially requested by the president of the convenience store and the secretary from Abydos last time? Oh, I'll go help that table over there~"
—and then left.
Sensei's expression froze.
My heart turned cold.
I glared at Sensei, filled with anger at being betrayed.
"Was that true?"
"Ah, haha... Sorry, Mika. I might've exaggerated a little."
"Sensei, you idiot! I'm canceling my request!"
"I-I'm sorry, Mika."
"Liar. I won't forgive you."
"I love you, please forgive me, Mika..."
Sensei's puppy-dog eyes. His weak, pleading voice.
My heart wavered. My heart raced. Strangely, I felt excited.
"N-no, I won't forgive you."
"Please, Mika, I love you. Forgive me, okay?"
Ah, ahhhhhhh!
This! This is amazing! I feel like Sensei is really pursuing me! I think I understand how people get hooked on hosts!
"Hehe, okay, Sensei."
When I forgave him, Sensei's expression brightened.
"I'm glad. Hey, Mika, let's make up?"
"Okay, sure."
"Then, to celebrate, could you order a Prism Shower?"
"Sure, how much is it?"
I looked at the menu—it was 5,000 yen. Even though it's just sparkling grape juice.
It's a bit expensive, but for Sensei, it's nothing
"Thank you, Mika."
"You're welcome, Sensei."
The staff brought over a bottle of sparkling grape juice. They poured it into glasses, and we toasted.
"I'm so happy you'd spend this much for me."
Then, Sensei leaned in and wrapped his arm around me.
"S-Sensei!? What are you doing!?"
"I just felt like getting closer to you."
"~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"
This is the best...!
It's so warm! He smells so good! Sensei is holding me so close!
Normally, because of the 'teacher and student relationship,' he'd never do something like this!
Hosts are amazing...! Just paying a little money can make you this happy...!
I snuggled up to Sensei, sipping sparkling grape juice and enjoying a blissful moment. Time seemed to slow down.
It feels like a dream...
Then—I noticed the table next to us.
The tables were separated by colored glass, but I could faintly see through it.
—Light cream-colored hair and pure white wings. And, most importantly, the same uniform as me.
"Nagi-chan!?"
"Mika!?"
It was Nagi-chan at the next table. She seemed to notice me at the same time and looked surprised.
"Nagi-chan, are you here for the seminar too?"
"Yes, it seems you are as well—!?"
Nagi-chan seemed to notice that I was arm-in-arm with Sensei, pressed close together.
Nagi-chan's expression turned to one of utter despair. Anger, confusion, and—despair. Her face was a mix of so many emotions.
Hehe Sorry, Nagi-chan, Sensei is mine
Then, Nagi-chan looked at the host catalog and menu and called over a staff member.
...Is she going to request Sensei? What happens if two people request the same host?
The next moment—
"A six-tier champagne tower for Sensei~!"
The staff's voice echoed through the hall.
Then, Sensei untangled his arm from mine and stood up.
"I'll be right back. Bye, Mika."
"Huh? W-wait, no, why!?"
I grabbed Sensei's sleeve, trying to stop him.
"Don't go, Sensei!"
"Sorry, Mika."
"I requested you first!"
"When two princesses request me, the rule is that I spend more time with the one who spends more money. So, I'll be with Nagisa, who spent a lot."
"Th-that's...!?"
Sensei went to the next table.
A six-tier pyramid of champagne glasses was being filled with drinks. Several hosts were gathered around the table, cheering and having fun.
Sensei and Nagi-chan sat close together, toasting with their glasses.
It was like—a prince and princess.
Sensei and Nagi-chan looked so happy, surrounded by hosts cheering them on.
It was almost like—a bride and groom at a wedding, surrounded by guests.
The other customers' eyes were drawn to Nagi-chan's table. The two of them basked in everyone's attention and envy.
Meanwhile, with Sensei gone, my table was empty. I was left alone, staring at the happy pair.
"Ah, ah, ah...!"
My brain felt like it was being squeezed.
My chest hurt. It was unbearable. It was so painful...!
I thought I saw Nagi-chan glance at me. It was hard to tell through the colored glass.
—Sorry, Mika. I took Sensei from you (lol).
I felt like she was giving me a malicious smile.
...
This is awful.
I'm so frustrated.
I can't accept this.
I raised my hand and called a staff member.
"I-I'll order a champagne tower for Sensei too! A seven-tier Emerald Bubble!"
"That will be 920,000 yen. Is that okay?"
"Eek...!?"
I didn't have that kind of money. There was no way I could pay.
At that moment, Sensei peeked over and said—
"Mika, if it's too much, I can cover it for now. You can pay me back by the end of the month."
"O-okay! Then I'll do that!"
"A seven-tier champagne tower has been ordered~!"
The staff's voice echoed through the hall. At the same time, Sensei stood up and came back to my table. I could hear Nagi-chan's voice from the other table, "Wait! Don't go, Sensei!" but Sensei still came back to me.
Then, Sensei sat next to me and looked straight into my eyes.
"Thank you, Mika. I love you."
"~~~~~~~~~~~~~! I love you too, Sensei!"
The seven-tier champagne tower was filled with drinks. The soda cascaded from the top tier to the bottom, sparkling under the chandelier's light.
"I'm so happy you chose me, Mika."
Sensei said that and kissed my cheek.
"!?"
Shock and happiness.
My heart was so full, tears came to my eyes.
The dazzling light, the glamorous cheers. The exhilarating sense of being in a different world. The intoxicating joy.
I'm so happy... This is where I belong...
We spent some time talking, snuggled up like lovers.
Eventually, the conversation turned to Sensei's past—
"When I was a kid, I wasn't very good at making friends. I was always alone."
"Eh..."
I'd never heard about Sensei's past. It was hard to imagine the beloved Sensei being like that.
"But there was one girl who was kind to me. She was bright, glamorous, loved by everyone—like a princess."
A bad feeling welled up inside me. Even if it was in the past, I was jealous of the girl Sensei called "like a princess."
"But of course, she was popular, so she got a boyfriend quickly. She stopped talking to me as much..."
I felt relieved. I was glad Sensei and that girl didn't end up together.
At the same time, my heart ached for Sensei, who was left alone again.
It's frustrating. If I had been there, I would've stayed by Sensei's side.
"Since then, I've always felt like there's a hole in my heart... I'm lonely."
Sensei's expression darkened.
"Sensei..."
"Maybe I've been searching for a princess all this time."
Sensei looked so lonely. I couldn't just leave him like that.
"Hey, Mika. Will you be my princess?"
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Mika. Will you come see me again?"
"I will! I'll bring more money next time, Sensei!"
*
"Mika, Nagisa, have you learned your lesson?"
After leaving the host club, still wrapped in happiness, I realized we were still inside SCHALE's building and was brought back to reality.
Nagi-chan and I sat side by side in the lounge chairs, receiving a stern lecture.
"You both fell for everything I warned you about."
""Yes...""
—920,000 yen? That's bankruptcy.
—Spending time with a real lover is free, but paying for fake love is ridiculous.
—Wake up and think clearly. Don't get hooked on hosts. Find someone who truly values you.
The lecture went on for a while.
Finally, we promised not to go to host clubs, and the "Seminar to Avoid Getting Hooked on Host Clubs" ended.
"Oh, right. Nagisa, since you were touching hips and thighs during the session, you'll be attending a harassment seminar later."
"What!?"
"Uwa, Nagi-chan, that's gross..."
"It's better than a host addict who almost spent 920,000 yen on their first visit!"