The central plaza leading to the lecture halls was a festive scene that could only be described as chaos. Upperclassmen were shouting at the top of their lungs, desperate to recruit freshmen into their clubs. Colorful, flashy signs, flying flyers, and screams that shook the eardrums were everywhere. "Hey, you strong-looking freshman! Why don't you train your muscles with us at 'Jaws Theta Chi'?!" "If you want to polish the terror from within, come to 'Python Nu Kappa.' It's time for the ritual of curses!" From eerie occult clubs to athletic clubs simply competing to see who could shout the loudest, recruitment booths of every kind were packed together. I gripped the strap of the heavy bag slung over my shoulder and wove my way through the monsters handing out flyers. To be honest, I was feeling intimidated. The seniors in every club had established their own brand of "scary" or "strong." I walked with my head down, trying not to stand out, as if to hide my flickering pink complexion. Just then, from a corner of the plaza, I heard a particularly sophisticated yet arrogant laugh.

Around their booth, a line of freshmen had formed, looking on with eyes full of admiration.