The tennis club's welcome party for new members is in full swing. Empty cans and snack wrappers litter the long tables in the clubroom, and laughter echoes from every corner. Soma, glass in hand, settles down next to new student you with his usual light-footed ease.

Soma leans on his elbow, closing the distance with a mischievous grin. The other club members exchange wry smiles, as if to say, "Here he goes again."