The next world.

Another sunny afternoon filtered through the clubroom windows as Kaerith strolled in, hands stuffed in his pockets. He found Iyana sitting at the table, her face hidden behind a large book titled Advanced Ether Manipulation for the Ambitious.

"Reading something light, I see," Kaerith teased, pulling out a chair across from her.

Iyana didn't look up. "It's called preparation. You should try it sometime."

Before Kaerith could fire back, the door burst open, and Sena swept in, carrying a bag of snacks and a mischievous grin. "Guess what I brought for today's activity!"

"Snacks?" Kaerith guessed, pointing at her bag.

"Snacks and a challenge!" Sena declared, plopping the bag onto the table. She pulled out a deck of cards, a notepad, and what appeared to be a small bell.

Iyana lowered her book, suspicious. "What is this supposed to be?"

Sena grinned. "It's a truth-or-dare-style quiz! Each of us takes turns asking a question, and if you can't answer honestly or do the dare, you get a penalty."

Kaerith leaned back in his chair, smirking. "What kind of penalty?"

Sena's grin widened. "You have to wear… this!" She reached into the bag and pulled out a pair of ridiculous bunny ears.

Iyana groaned. "Absolutely not."

"Too late, you're in!" Sena declared, shuffling the cards. "Let's make this interesting. If you lose, you have to wear the bunny ears for the rest of the week and clean the clubroom."

Kaerith shrugged. "I'm game."

Iyana sighed, clearly unimpressed but unwilling to back down. "Fine. But don't cry when I win."

Round 1: Kaerith's Question

Kaerith picked up the first card, glancing at the prompt. "Alright, Sena. Truth or dare?"

"Truth!" Sena answered confidently.

He smirked. "What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?"

Sena hesitated, her face turning pink. "Uh… okay, there was this one time I tried to impress a guy by pretending I knew how to play the violin. I ended up snapping a string and hitting someone in the face."

Kaerith burst out laughing. "That's gold."

"Shut up!" Sena huffed, crossing her arms.

Round 2: Iyana's Turn

Iyana picked up the next card, glancing between Kaerith and Sena. "Kaerith, truth or dare?"

"Dare," he replied, leaning forward.

A sly smile crept across Iyana's face. "I dare you to go to the window and shout, 'I love this club more than life itself!'"

Kaerith chuckled, standing up without hesitation. He strolled over to the window, threw it open, and yelled loud enough for half the campus to hear, "I LOVE THIS CLUB MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF!"

Students in the courtyard turned to stare, some laughing, others shaking their heads. Kaerith closed the window and sat back down, unfazed. "Happy?"

Sena was practically in tears from laughing. "You're insane!"

Round 3: Sena's Revenge

Sena drew the next card, her grin returning. "Alright, Iyana. Truth or dare?"

"Truth," Iyana said, confident.

Sena tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Who was your first crush?"

Iyana froze, her cheeks tinting a faint pink. "Pass."

"You can't pass!" Sena exclaimed.

"Then give me the penalty." Iyana snatched the bunny ears and placed them on her head with as much dignity as she could muster.

Kaerith leaned over the table, smirking. "I'm surprised. Didn't think anything could fluster you."

"Shut up," Iyana muttered, refusing to make eye contact.

Just as the game was heating up, a knock sounded at the door.

"Another guest?" Kaerith asked, standing to answer.

He opened the door to find a timid first-year student holding a flyer. "Uh, excuse me," she said, glancing nervously at the group. "Is this the… uh… Misfits' Alliance? I saw your flyer and was hoping I could join."

Kaerith turned to Sena and Iyana, raising an eyebrow.

Sena immediately brightened. "Yes! Come on in!"

The girl stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Iyana wearing bunny ears. "Um… is this part of the club?"

"Long story," Kaerith said, waving it off.

Iyana adjusted the ears and glared at him. "Don't ask."

The first-year hesitated, then smiled. "This seems like a fun group. My name's Mei."

"Welcome to the club, Mei," Sena said, shaking her hand. "Hope you're ready for some chaos."

The three of them exchanged amused looks. Their little club was slowly growing, and with each new member, the adventures only promised to get wilder.

Mei adjusted her seat cautiously, looking around the room. The warm, afternoon light bathed the clubroom, but her eyes couldn't stop darting toward Iyana, who still wore the bunny ears with a deadly glare.

"So… what exactly does this club do?" Mei asked, folding her hands nervously.

"Anything!" Sena chimed in, leaning forward with her trademark grin. "We take requests, solve problems, and create lifelong memories!"

Kaerith smirked. "And apparently, play bizarre games involving bunny ears."

Mei laughed softly, her nerves easing. "That actually sounds nice. I've always been good at helping others, but people… well, they never seem to stick around."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and Kaerith's expression softened. He exchanged a glance with Iyana, who seemed to understand the feeling better than she let on.

"Alright then," Iyana said, straightening her posture and removing the ears with as much dignity as possible. "Let's start small. Mei, since you're new, do you have any problems you'd like us to help with?"

Mei blinked, startled. "Oh, um… not really. I just… wanted to join. I saw your flyer about making connections, and…" She hesitated. "I guess I just want to be part of something meaningful."

Sena beamed. "You're in the right place! But first, let's initiate you into the chaos properly."

Kaerith sighed. "Here we go."

Before Sena could elaborate, another knock came at the door. Kaerith groaned. "This is turning into a full-blown gathering."

He opened the door to find an older student with a serious expression. His sharp, angular face and the embroidered patch on his blazer identified him as part of the Student Disciplinary Committee.

"Kaerith Sulemoranis?" the student asked, looking directly at him.

Kaerith leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "What's it to you?"

The older student narrowed his eyes. "There's been a… reputation associated with your name. We're keeping an eye on you, but that's not why I'm here."

"Then spit it out," Kaerith replied, his tone neutral but challenging.

The student handed him a neatly folded letter. "This is a formal request. A professor has asked for assistance from your club. Apparently, they need help resolving some kind of dispute between two groups on campus. Details are in the letter."

Kaerith glanced at the paper, then back at the student. "You could've just slid this under the door, you know."

"Consider this a warning. We'll be watching." With that, the student turned and left.

Kaerith sighed and closed the door, tossing the letter onto the table.

"What's that?" Sena asked, peering at the letter like a curious cat.

"Apparently, we've been summoned for something official," Kaerith said, sitting back down.

Iyana picked up the letter and read it aloud:

"To the Misfits' Alliance,

A situation has arisen that requires immediate attention. Two clubs—The Ether Research Society and the Martial Arts Club—have been clashing over shared practice spaces. The tension has escalated, and both parties refuse to compromise. Your club has been recommended to mediate this conflict due to its neutral reputation."

"Neutral?" Sena scoffed, laughing. "Did they not hear the rumors about Kael beating up a disciplinary officer?"

"First off, that didn't happen," Kaerith said, rubbing his temples. "Second, why us? This sounds like a student council job."

Iyana smirked. "Probably because nobody else wants to deal with it."

Mei raised her hand timidly. "Um, is this safe? I mean, those are both really intense clubs…"

Kaerith shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

The four of them arrived at the shared practice space, where the tension was palpable. On one side stood the Ether Research Society, a group of students wielding glowing orbs of energy, their faces serious. Opposite them, the Martial Arts Club members cracked their knuckles and glared menacingly.

"Great," Kaerith muttered. "This looks like it'll go smoothly."

Iyana stepped forward, her authoritative demeanor cutting through the atmosphere. "Alright, everyone. We're here to mediate. Let's keep things civil."

The leaders of both clubs stepped forward, both talking over each other in heated tones:

"They're hogging the space for their experiments!"

"They're smashing our equipment during their stupid sparring matches!"

Kaerith sighed, stepping between them. "Let's start with basic ground rules. Nobody talks unless I point at them. Cool?"

The two leaders grumbled but nodded.

Over the next hour, the Misfits' Alliance worked to negotiate terms. Sena charmed the Martial Arts Club with her lighthearted jokes, while Mei used her diplomatic skills to calm the Ether Society. Iyana kept meticulous notes, and Kaerith's no-nonsense approach helped cut through the noise.

Eventually, a compromise was reached: both clubs would alternate days in the shared space, with oversight from a neutral party (unfortunately, the Misfits' Alliance).

As the group walked back to the clubroom, Sena stretched her arms overhead. "I gotta say, we make a pretty good team."

Mei smiled shyly. "I didn't think I'd actually be useful, but… it feels good to help."

Iyana adjusted her glasses. "Don't let it go to your head. This was just one job."

Kaerith smirked. "Yeah, but it's a start. Maybe this club thing isn't so bad after all."

Back in the clubroom, the four of them settled in, the air lighter than it had been earlier.

"Next time," Sena said, "we're taking on something fun. Like investigating ghosts or solving a treasure hunt."

Kaerith raised an eyebrow. "We're not exactly detectives."

Sena grinned. "Maybe not, but we're the Misfits' Alliance. Anything's possible."

The afternoon sunlight streamed into the clubroom as the Misfits' Alliance gathered once more, the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea filling the air. Mei had insisted on bringing snacks this time, laying out an assortment of cookies and pastries on the table.

"Wow, Mei," Kaerith said, picking up a delicate-looking cookie. "You're spoiling us now?"

Mei giggled nervously, brushing her blonde hair behind her ear. "W-Well, I just thought it'd be nice! Y'know, since we've been working so hard lately. Plus…" She glanced shyly at Kaerith. "It's kind of fun making stuff for everyone."

Iyana raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You're not going to bake for him every day, are you? He's already insufferable enough."

Kaerith smirked. "Don't be jealous, Iyana. You can ask Mei to bake for you, too."

"Jealous?" Iyana shot back, leaning forward on the table. "Of what? Your insatiable appetite for attention?"

As their bickering escalated, Mei fidgeted with the hem of her uniform, her cheeks flushing. "U-Um… maybe we should play a game or something? To, uh, lighten the mood?"

Sena clapped her hands together, her grin mischievous. "Great idea! Let's play something fun."

Kaerith's brow furrowed. "Define 'fun.'"

Sena pulled a deck of cards from her bag and placed it on the table with a dramatic flair. "Strip poker."

The room went dead silent.

"Excuse me?" Iyana said, narrowing her eyes.

Mei's face turned crimson, her hands waving frantically. "W-Wait, isn't that a bit too much?! I-I mean, we're all friends here, right? So we shouldn't—"

"Relax," Sena interrupted, grinning. "I was kidding. Mostly."

Kaerith sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Please tell me you brought something that doesn't involve potential lawsuits."

Sena pouted. "Fine, fine. How about truth or dare, then? Simple, classic, and we can still make it interesting."

Mei perked up, her nervousness fading slightly. "That sounds better! I-I mean, as long as it's not too crazy…"

Iyana crossed her arms. "Knowing Sena, it'll definitely be crazy."

"Only if you lose your nerve," Sena teased, shuffling the cards and distributing them. "Let's spice it up: whoever gets the lowest card picks truth or dare. No backing out!"

The Game Begins

The first round began, and Mei drew the lowest card—a meek two of hearts. She gasped, clutching the card to her chest.

"Truth or dare?" Sena asked, leaning forward with a predatory gleam in her eyes.

"U-Um…" Mei hesitated, glancing nervously at Kaerith. "T-Truth."

Sena smirked. "Alright. Who in this room do you think is the most attractive?"

Mei's eyes widened, her face turning a deep shade of red. She fumbled with her words, avoiding Kaerith's gaze entirely. "I-I mean… everyone's good-looking in their own way! S-So it's hard to say…"

"Cop-out answer," Sena declared. "But I'll let it slide this time."

The next round saw Iyana drawing the lowest card, her expression darkening. "Fine. Dare."

Sena's grin widened. "I dare you to wear the bunny ears again for the rest of the game."

Iyana's glare could have pierced steel, but she reluctantly grabbed the ears and put them on with a muttered, "This is so beneath me…"

Kaerith snickered. "It suits you."

"Keep talking," Iyana said through gritted teeth.

By the third round, the dares had grown increasingly bold. Sena had dared Kaerith to hold Mei in a bridal carry for a full minute, which resulted in Mei squeaking like a startled kitten as Kaerith easily lifted her.

"W-Wait! This is so embarrassing!" Mei cried, hiding her face in her hands.

"Relax," Kaerith said with a chuckle, adjusting his grip. "You're lighter than I thought."

Mei's face burned brighter, her voice barely above a whisper. "T-That's not helping…"

Iyana rolled her eyes. "You two look like the cover of a trashy romance novel."

When it was Kaerith's turn to draw the lowest card, Sena grinned wickedly. "Dare."

Kaerith sighed. "Figures."

"I dare you…" Sena paused for dramatic effect. "To let Mei sit on your lap for the next round."

The room froze.

Mei looked like she was about to faint. "W-WHAT?!"

Kaerith groaned. "Seriously? What are we, in middle school?"

"A dare's a dare!" Sena said, winking.

After much protesting (mostly from Mei), she hesitantly perched on Kaerith's lap, her entire body stiff with embarrassment.

"This is so weird," Mei mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Tell me about it," Kaerith muttered, trying to ignore the fact that Mei's nervous fidgeting was making things significantly more awkward.

Iyana, meanwhile, stared daggers at Sena. "You're the worst."

"Am I?" Sena replied with an innocent smile. "Or am I the best?"

By the time the game ended, the clubroom was filled with laughter and lingering tension. Mei had managed to survive the ordeal, though she still couldn't meet Kaerith's eyes without blushing.

"Next time," Iyana said, removing the bunny ears with a flourish, "we're playing something normal."

Kaerith stretched, smirking. "Define normal."

Mei fidgeted with her hair, glancing at the group. "T-This was fun, though. I… I think I'm starting to feel like I belong here."

Sena grinned, slinging an arm around Mei's shoulders. "That's the spirit! Welcome to the Misfits' Alliance, where chaos reigns supreme."

As they packed up for the day, Kaerith couldn't help but chuckle to himself. This club might be a mess, but it was his mess—and, surprisingly, he didn't mind that at all.