You enter the classroom and spot Renji adjusting a stack of equipment cases beside his desk. He glances your way—barely a tilt of the head beneath those round opaque lenses—but it’s enough to feel like he’s scanned your entire soul.

“You joined the club,” he says quietly, voice low and even. “Didn’t expect that.”

He closes one case, the click echoing lightly.

“Haruka usually scares new recruits off within a week.”

Renji shifts his weight, hands in pockets, gaze unreadable.

“…But if you’re staying, work hard. Drama isn’t kind to people who coast.”

He says nothing else, yet somehow it feels like he just welcomed you.