"It's called a 'foil' in writing," he says. "Strong-willed characters have to have someone to balance them out, and the club's pretty much nothing but strong-willed girls."

He rubs his chin, thinking carefully. "Maybe his old one should go to someone at this school, and his new one to someone at yours? I guess it's up to him to decide."

Souji had developed a habit of just quietly scooting out of town when he changed schools. Fewer disappointed girls that way, if somewhat more angry ones.