A Popular Girl Confessed to Me, the Loner—Thinking It Was a Prank, I Tried to Scare Her Off... But She Was Actually Serious. - Chapter 25: That’s What I Mean

The semifinals.

As I stood in front of the table tennis table, my mind was strangely quiet.

(The guy I’m up against is clearly experienced… I remember he was strong in the second round too.)

His wrist control was sharp, and his serves had unpredictable spin.

But still—I recognized this atmosphere.

Back in middle school, I used to enter tournaments almost every week. I breathed the same competitive air.

This “silent” moment right before a match begins. Steadying my breath. Watching the opponent’s form.

Just holding the racket triggered my body to start preparing on its own.

…It felt nostalgic.

But now, there’s one thing that’s different from back then.

Now, I feel like someone is watching me.

(Probably… Hiyori’s watching.)

The moment I thought that, a warm, tight feeling bloomed in my chest.

It’s not like before, where I expected to win by default.

This time… I want to win.

This might be the first time I’ve ever felt that way.

It wasn’t pressure—it was hope.

Knowing there’s someone I want to make proud—that feeling alone gave me so much strength.

And just having that kind of emotion inside me—I realized how lucky I really was.

***

The match was tight.

My opponent was skilled. The rally pace was fast.

But still—

—I never once felt like I was going to lose.

Somewhere along the way, I realized—I was enjoying it.

Reading the ball’s trajectory. Shifting my opponent’s center of gravity. Feint shots, counters, pushes.

Everything flowed exactly how I imagined it.

It had been so long since I felt this way.

And then—I won.

I made it to the finals.

But before I could even celebrate, the first thought that popped into my head was:

(…Did Hiyori see that?)

I didn’t want to look around too obviously, so while pretending to put away my racket, I just subtly glanced toward the gym entrance.

—And I saw her.

Wearing her light blue jersey, hair tied in a ponytail, staring right at me.

Her face was a little red, her lips pressed tightly together, but her eyes—they were locked onto mine.

(…Yeah. She saw me.)

I tried to stop my lips from curving into a grin. Told myself to keep a straight face. Barely managed to play it cool.

***

After the semifinals, I sat alone on a bench behind the gym, now quiet after the crowd had cleared.

I sensed someone nearby and looked up.

It was Hiyori.

Without saying a word, she slowly came and sat next to me.

“…You were amazing, Masato-kun.”

A quiet voice.

But every word hit straight.

“…So you saw it.”

“Yeah. Your serve form… it was beautiful. I mean, everything was beautiful.”

Her face was flushed, but her eyes were completely serious.

It might sound weird, and maybe I’m just imagining things—but her expression screamed “I’m seriously in love with you.”

And honestly, I still can’t believe a girl this cute actually likes me.

But I gave my usual mumbled reply.

“It’s not a big deal. I just did a little bit in middle school.”

Then Hiyori puffed out her cheeks and muttered:

“…That’s what I mean!”

I didn’t really get it, but my face was still burning.

“Just for today, I’ll say it.”

She chose her words carefully, not breaking eye contact.

“Masato-kun… you made me fall for you all over again.”

Pretty sure my heart just stopped.

No words came out.

But I knew—I had to say something.

So I steadied my breath, and quietly said:

“…Thanks.”

Then after a pause, I looked her straight in the eyes.

“But—”

“But…?”

“I’ve only had eyes for you this whole time.”

That was the truth.

Honestly, I’d played the semifinals just to show her what I could do—and there was nothing embarrassing about admitting that.

For a split second, Hiyori looked surprised.

Then she smiled softly, like a breeze.

“…That’s what I mean.”

And that smile—

It pierced deeper than any victory could ever reach.