Ever since I confessed, she has been acting strange. - CHAPTER 3: THE LADY WHO COMMUNICATES AND THE SONG ARC

Episode 13: Before the match

The Tenjōin Academy Sports Tournament is a major event for the students, especially since prizes are awarded.

It seems that this wasn’t always the case, but at some point, reforms led by the Student Council and the Harmony Committee – a committee established to bridge the gap between internal and external students – transformed the event into its current prize-awarding format.

As a result, students waiting in their classrooms are filled with excitement. The athletes are especially eager.

By the way, student-athletes are allowed to participate in the same sport as their club activities, although there is a certain limit.

Take basketball, for example. Even if there are five basketball club members in a class, only two can participate in the basketball tournament.

In our class, A, we have exactly two basketball club members. However, their enthusiasm is quite low compared to the others.

“Even though we’re in the basketball club, we can’t even make it to the bench.

“Besides, C Class has Oda-san…”

Honami Oda.

Although she’s only a freshman, she’s already secured a spot as a starter on the girls’ basketball team – or rather, she’s a rising star on the girls’ basketball scene. She seemed to have some personal problems in middle school, but she overcame them and even made it to the national tournament.

“Class C only has Oda-san as a member of the basketball club, but still…”

“I mean, no matter how many players like us there are, it wouldn’t make a difference…”

These two, Aikawa and Ueno, are from the same middle school as Oda-san. In other words, they are internal students and must be well aware of Oda-san’s skills.

“That’s not true at all. Aikawa-san, you have excellent court vision and excellent decision-making skills in the heat of the moment. Your passing speed and timing are also remarkable. Ueno-san, you have the stamina to run from start to finish in a game, and your shooting ability is quite solid. Most importantly, you both have a strong grasp of the fundamentals. That’s a testament to your dedication to steady, rigorous practice.”

“Yogiri-kun, you’ve been paying so much attention to us…?”

“Don’t you remember? Back in middle school, Oda-san invited me to watch the girls’ basketball team practice for a while…”

“Yes, I remember… but I thought you were only paying attention to Oda-san.”

“That’s not true. I remember all your hard work. Aikawa-san, Ueno-san… and the rest of your teammates as well. The way you all dedicated yourselves to practicing for the national tournament was truly admirable. You shone just as brightly as Oda-san.”

Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent my life watching Ojō-someone who has never been drowned in his own talent, never let success make him arrogant, and who has worked hard since childhood. In my eyes, people who give their all always seem to shine. Wanting to support such people, even in the smallest way, has become second nature to me.

“Oh, that’s right. If you don’t mind, please use this.”

“This is… a cooler bag? What’s in it?”

“Since the tournament involves several matches as you advance, I packed various energy-boosting foods such as rice balls and jelly. I also brought drinks, so please enjoy them with Ojō and the others.”

“You went out of your way to prepare all this?”

“And… wait, is this all homemade? Making so much must have meant an early morning for you…”

“It’s the least I can do.”

Honestly, I wanted to be out there on the court supporting Ojō in the game. But I can’t participate in the girls’ games. Knowing that this is all I can do frustrates me.

“Thank you, Yogiri-kun.”

“We can’t give up before the game even starts. Yes, we’ll do our best!”

“Yes, please do. I’ll cheer for you from the shadows.”

This is the most I can do as someone who serves Ojō-my very best.

“That’s far enough, Eito.”

“Raise both hands and don’t move.”

At that moment, Ojō himself and Otoha-san appeared in the classroom. They had already changed in the locker room and were now wearing the Tenjōin Academy gym uniforms. Their hair was tied back – both of them had ponytails today, probably for ease of movement.

“Huh? Why am I being told to put my hands up?”

“Just stand still. Please, just do it.” (Both of them, in unison.)

I followed their instructions, but I had no idea why I was being told to raise my hands.

After looking at Aikawa-san and Ueno-san, Ojō and Otoha-san exchanged glances, and their expressions became serious.

“No way… In just the brief moment we changed…?”

“…His efficiency is just too unreal…!”

I had no idea what they were talking about, but the two of them already seemed to be completely in sync.

Well, they had been practicing together almost every day until today’s tournament.

“Eito, you should go over to the boys’ side now.”

“But there’s still plenty of time…”

“…We shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

I was pushed forward by the two of them, practically pushed out of the room and sent in Yukimichi’s direction.

“Ah, um, Ojō! Everyone! Do your best!”

☆

“Seriously… we can’t let our guard down for a second.”

“…There’s never a moment to relax.”

I could only agree with Habane-san’s words. The fact that we both sighed at the same time was frustrating… but it probably meant that we had started to synchronize as well.

“But Aikawa-san and Ueno-san are fine. They’re just in the ‘maybe… just a little bit? Nowhere near as much of a threat as that thieving cat, Honami Oda.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Call it… a woman’s intuition, honed over years.”

“You have my sympathy.”

I don’t particularly like being pitied, but this time I have to admit – it’s different. I never thought I’d see the day when someone else understood exactly how I felt.

…Well, whatever. Besides, something good came out of it.

“Aikawa-san, Ueno-san. It looks like you two are finally starting to believe that you can win.”

“Ahaha… yeah, I guess so.”

“I thought you could see right through us.”

“Unfortunately for you, my eyes aren’t just for show. A moment ago, it was obvious that you both thought there was no way you could beat Honami Oda… but that doesn’t seem to be the case now, does it?”

There’s a lot I could say about Eito’s actions, but at least I’m grateful that he was able to disabuse these two of their doubts.

“Rest assured. It’s true that if it were just the two of you, your chances of winning might be slim. …But this team has both me and Habane-san. Besides, the match format is four-on-four due to the number of players, which is different from a standard game. And most importantly…”

“Most importantly…?” (Both, in unison.)

Seizing the moment when their eyes met mine, I declared with unwavering confidence-

“Habane-san and I have trained for this tournament with bl00d, sweat, and tears.”

I said it loud and proud, brimming with confidence.

“Bl00d, sweat, and tears… training?” (Both, in unison.)

They stared at me, stunned.

…strange. This should be the moment when they’re impressed and bursting into applause.

…Could it be that they misunderstood and thought we were just doing some half-hearted practice?

“That is correct. We didn’t do anything half-assed. We reserved an entire facility and even hired a former professional coach to train us thoroughly.

“Wow… As expected from the heiress of the Tendou Group…”

“Wait, really? Habane-san…?”

“Yes. Perfectly. I wanted to win no matter what, so I gave it my all.”

With her usual cool expression, Habane-san gave a small nod and casually flashed a peace sign.

Seeing this, Aikawa-san and Ueno-san exchanged glances.

“Pfft… kuh…!”

“Ahaha!”

-before suddenly bursting into laughter.

“Ah, sorry, sorry! We’re not making fun of you or anything.”

“It’s just… you two went all out for a simple school tournament, so I couldn’t help it… fufu.”

It didn’t seem like they were making fun of us – just genuinely amused.

I never expected to be laughed at… Taking a school tournament seriously should be obvious. Especially when I have to stop that talent-poaching, thieving cat no matter what.

“Still, ‘bl00d, sweat, and tears’ training…?”

“Tendou-san, you’re much more amusing than I thought.”

“Wha-!? A-Amusing?”

They said it again. Amusing…? That makes it sound like I’m some kind of comedic relief character!

“Yeah. Tendou-san is funny. And entertaining.”

“Ahaha! Habane-san, you’re even funnier than I expected.”

“Yeah! And if you were training hard, you should have invited us!”

I considered it. But…

“You two already have basketball practice after school, right?”

“There was no way we could take away your club practice time just for a school tournament.”

At that, Aikawa-san and Ueno-san blinked in surprise.

“Tendou-san, you’re… surprisingly serious, huh?”

“Yes, and honestly, you seem much more down to earth than I thought.”

The two of them seemed to be searching for the right words, gradually putting their thoughts together.

“…How do I put this? It’s not like you two were scary or anything, but…”

“You know, like ‘flowers on a high peak’? It always felt like you were on a different level than us, so we never really tried to talk to you. …But now that I know how funny you are, I kind of wish we had.

…So that’s how they saw us. Not that I particularly mind.

“I see, I see. Intense training, huh? Well, as members of the basketball team, we can’t afford to fall behind.”

“Yeah! I feel like we can really do it! Let’s go for the championship together!”

No matter what, boosting morale is always a good thing.

“We don’t just want to win. We will win. Don’t get that wrong.

“…I’m not interested in anything less.”

Habane san and I said this with absolute confidence.

Aikawa-san and Ueno-san exchanged glances before nodding firmly.

“Yes! We can’t afford to be afraid!”

“Let’s win this! Together!”