Chapter 3: Reaching out for that Glory
Haru: Out of the blue, but, after school today at the park where we parted the other day… I’ll be waiting.
Nayu: I’m not going.
Haru: I’ll wait.
Nayu: I don’t care.
Haruya was rereading the message he sent last night.
Based on the advice he received, Haruya had made up his mind and sent a message to Nayu.
He had decided in his heart to confront her without any tricks or deception.
This was the first time he had sent such an forcefully insistent message one-sidedly setting up a meeting. Inwardly, Haruya’s heart was pounding rapidly.
However, this pushy approach was the only strategy available to him.
The reason being – there was little time left before the practice match between High Schools.
Onoi, who has issues with Nayu.
Recalling Nayu’s words…it seems our schools have an upcoming practice match scheduled.
If so, Haruya wanted to get Nayu back into basketball by that day.
As such…calling her out insistently via message was his only recourse.
If he simply proposed an “off-meeting” as usual, it would likely be rejected outright after the previous off-meeting incident.
So despite his conscience protesting, Haruya decided to take advantage of Nayu’s kindness.
He grew anxious when there was no reply for hours after his initial message. But ultimately, she did respond like this. Nayu-san really is kind…
And she didn’t say “I can’t go,” but rather “I’m not going” in her reply.
Haruya saw potential in this.
(Now, shall I go and push her to the edge…)
Haruya decided to make preparations.
So, the next morning.
The time was 7:35 a.m.
Haruya, who had arrived at school earlier than usual, headed to the staff room.
He went to the seat of his homeroom teacher and the advisor of the basketball club, Meika Tokoyami.
“Good morning, Akasaki. What’s up? Why are you here so early in the morning?”
Surprised by the unexpected visitor, the homeroom teacher’s expression changed to one of surprise when she saw Haruya.
…But that was only for a moment, before she quickly put on a confident smile.
It was eerie.
There was no sign of agitation from the teacher, despite a student with little presence coming at this hour.
Rather, it almost felt like she had been waiting for Haruya’s visit.
He had thought this before, but… this teacher’s depths were unfathomable.
Haruya involuntarily took a step back at her relaxed demeanor.
He wanted to get out of this situation as soon as possible… and he cut to the chase.
“Would you please let Takamori join the basketball club soon and let her participate in the practice match?”
He pleaded, bowing his head.
“…Is that for real?”
“Yes.”
With a serious look, Haruya looked at the teacher, and she quietly smiled.
“…It seems like it’s not a lie. That’s good. Akasaki, you seem to have made up your mind to help Takamori. Did you believe my nonsense?”
Breathing a sigh of relief, the teacher slowly spoke.
“Did Takamori help you?”
He felt choked up.
Did she see through everything, hitting the nail on the head?
How much does this person know?
Does she even know about his past?
It was terrifying. Desperately resisting, Haruya’s throat trembled as he spoke.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about…”
“Well, never mind. If Akasaki has found the answer… that’s fine.”
Once she was satisfied, the teacher sipped her coffee and continued.
“Anyway, let’s get back to the topic… You want Takamori to participate in the practice match if she joins the club?”
“Yes. Anyway, please use Takamori if she joins the club for the practice match?”
“Alright… Let’s move on to that topic once she joins the club.”
The teacher crossed her legs and closed her eyes for a moment.
“It’s conceivable that using a new club member, especially one who just joined, in the upcoming match could lead to backlash from other members. As an advisor, I can’t promise to make that decision…”
It was a valid point.
Even if she joins today, there’s no time left before the practice match.
But that’s precisely why Haruya had come to plead with the teacher.
“Please do something. It’s just for that match. The match that Takamori must face is that practice match… So please, I’m begging you!”
Once again, Haruya bowed deeply, pleading.
Seeing Haruya’s earnestness, the teacher let out a short sigh.
“It seems like there’s some big reason behind this. But I can’t you use her for the entire match no matter how much you plead.”
“The entire match?”
Haruya hesitated at the strange wording, and the teacher nodded.
“Yes… just for the last quarter. I’ll consider using her then.”
“Well, it’s only if she really joins the club”, the teacher added.
“Please, I’m begging you!”
Once again, Haruya bowed earnestly.
“Well, if Akasaki’s going to show this manliness from now on, then the teacher should lend a hand too. I’ll take care of the club registration and procedures, so you can rest assured about that.”
“…Oh, thank you.”
Showing his manliness.
Such a statement embarrassed Haruya, who averted his gaze.
As they were about to return to the classroom, Haruya added a word.
“I’m sorry, but… please keep this matter confidential… Especially, if you could keep it a secret from Takamori-san, I’d appreciate it.”
“Well, Akasaki must have his reasons or doesn’t want to stand out.”
The teacher grinned unpleasantly.
“Ah, haha.”
Smiling wryly and dodging, the teacher only said, “Well, okay.”
“Let’s wait for Takamori to join the club. And then, Akasaki, you should join the track team—”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Can’t even be hooked, huh?”
Haruya retorted immediately and then left the faculty room.
(Now I’ll never be able to back out now. ……)
Haruya sighed inwardly.
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Time passed, and it was break time.
Outside, the sky was overcast, with clouds dominating the blue sky.
The dull gray sky outside and the atmosphere inside the classroom harmonized, filling the classroom with a gloomy air.
(…Takamori-san seems a bit on edge.)
(That’s right. It’s been like this lately, but it seems worse now.)
(She seems unapproachable. Maybe she’s not feeling well…)
One of the S-class beauties drawing attention from the students was Yuna Takamori.
She sat at her desk, pretending to be asleep, much like Haruya.
“Hey, Yuna-rin. Are you okay?”
“Are you feeling unwell?”
Rin and Sara approached Yuna, looking concerned.
Yuna calmly brushed them off.
“I’m sorry… both of you. I don’t feel like talking to anyone right now… I want to be alone. I’m sorry.”
“I, I see…”
“Is that so?”
As friends, they wondered if they should intervene now.
Despite feeling sorry for Yuna, they backed away from her seat.
(It must be because of the basketball talk…)
(Given that the news was that P.E. will switch to basketball…)
Both Rin and Sara realized the cause of Yuna’s poor condition stemmed from basketball.
This was because of the recent announcement that next month’s P.E. classes would focus on basketball.
Yuna’s demeanor had changed after that, solidifying their conviction.
In reality, Yuna was mentally strained to the limit.
(Why does the topic of basketball keep coming up so much? And basketball for P.E. class? Give me a break. With this timing…Isn’t that should be optional?)
She had gotten used to being able to choose competitive events during middle school P.E., so she assumed that was the norm.
Recently, Yuna has been thinking about basketball a lot, and even she is a bit overwhelmed.
The final straw was…the start of mandatory basketball classes.
It was understandable for Yuna’s condition to deteriorate.
Despite feeling apologetic towards Rin and Sara, Yuna buried her face in her desk.
(Haru-san sent me such a cryptic message… I really wish they’d stop…)
Yuna felt resigned.
Now, observing the situation of these S-class beauties, Kazamiya tapped Haruya’s shoulder.
“Akasaki. Takamori-san seems to be struggling with something. Doesn’t this situation remind you of Himekawa’s?”
” ……… Hmm? “
Haruya feigned sleepiness and yawned deliberately.
Kazamiya confidently continued.
“Himekawa also used to be emotionally unstable like Takamori-san now, right?”
“And?”
“Himekawa quickly recovered and became charming. It was the power of love. And now it’s Takamori-san’s turn. What if, just if she gets better soon?”
“…What are you trying to say?”
Haruya said lazily, annoyed. Kazamiya raised her thumb.
“Basically, I’m saying, could it be that love’s power will work this time too?”
“Your thinking is too lovey-dovey, it’s off-putting…”
And then, Haruya leaned closer to Kazamiya’s ear and whispered.
“Takamori-san might hear you. If she overhears this, it won’t be pleasant for her.”
Kazamiya widened his eyes and responded.
“That’s a valid point. But Akasaki… you’re just saying that because you don’t want to be asked about it, right?”
(Yeah, busted.)
Haruya remained silent and turned back, pretending to be asleep.
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