Chapter 17: Sucker punch

Translator: Soafp

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　When I went with Miyamoto-san to look at the gymnasium, I found that Yuki’s team was in a close match, while Obata-san’s team looked a little more difficult to win. There were two players on the other team who were moving well, and they were putting up a lot of points, so there was quite a gap between the two teams.

“Oh, that looks a little tough.”

“It’s times like this when you have to cheer!”

“Right. Yuki is playing a good game.”

　Yuki also doesn’t seem to be doing anything outstanding, but he is making good moves at key points. He’s pretty good.

“Nanao, keep up the good work!”

　Miyamoto-san looked very happy and cheering. She was quite excited and maybe she likes these kinds of events. I didn’t speak up, but I applauded when a good play was made or a point was scored.

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“We lost!”

“Good work. It was a good game.”

“Your opponent was very strong.”

“That’s right. ……. I heard that those two were on the basketball team in junior high school.”

　No wonder they are so good. In this ball game tournament, people who are in the club of that sport are banned from participating. In such a situation, if someone who was working on it as a club activity just six months ago was in it, it was inevitable that it would be a one-sided game.

“Heeh, well, good job.”

“I wish I’d won. ……”

　I have such a conversation with Obata-san, who has returned. The score gap was slowly widening for Yuki, and it looked as if they might win if they kept going like this.

“How did Ishikawa do?”

“It was a draw.”

“0-0?”

“Yeah.”

“Hoo ……, Ishikawa, you are a good soccer player, right? Did you play in junior high school?”

“……. I didn’t. Only in class.”

　”Really?” Obata-san, who said, looked at me as if she were peering into the room. Although I usually feel this a little, it’s like she is staring into my eyes. I’m not lying. …… The only time I remember playing soccer was in class at school and during lunch break in elementary school. Back then, we were all together and …… no, let’s not do that. I can’t even think about that.

“Well, that’s not the point, Yuki is playing a pretty good game too.”

“…… L-Looks like they’re going to win.”

　Obata-san says, turning her attention toward the court. The match is coming to an end, and if things continue as they are, they will be able to run away with it.

“Let’s cheer for them!”

　When Obata-san cheered for Yuki, Yuki on the court looked a little embarrassed. I was the same way, but Obata-san’s voice carries well even when it’s pretty noisy with the cheering voices. ……

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　Since then, Yuki’s team has had a solid winning streak.

　And I just finished my second game. The time had just been covered, so the usual three players were not there to cheer me on.

　Unfortunately, we lost the match, 0-1. Not that I was out of practice, but they got a shot in from the other side of the field that I was defending. Now I had to win the next game to move on to the semi-finals this afternoon. …… Well, to be honest, I don’t care.

“Now. ……”

　Everyone should be playing in the gym, so let’s head to the gym. …… No, I wonder if Obata-san has already finished? The schedule should have been over by now. Well, even if it was over, they would still be cheering cheerfully and loudly in the gymnasium.

　As I was about to head for the gymnasium through a sort of back road, trying to avoid the crowds, I was approached by a voice.

“Hey.”

　A voice that pierces my ears. I feel that voice, which ordinary people would consider a dignified voice, like a weapon. Perhaps it is because of the obvious frustration in the voice.

When I turn my head, I see Sumika’s hostile gaze stabbing me.

My body trembles. My body temperature drops all at once. The scenery I am looking at reflects something I am not supposed to see. I hear voices that I should not be able to hear.

[“You stole someone I love, and you want something from me, the victim!”]

　The same Sumika then and the same Sumika now have the same eyes. No, she has the same eyes in her normal classroom, so why is my body shaking so much right now ……? Is it because I am …alone? Is it because Yuki and Miyamoto-san are gone and I have no friends around me right now?

　Such thoughts are slowly slowing down.

“Why didn’t you do your best?”

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