Chapter 21: The ball was my friend.

“Then I hereby declare this year’s ball game to be held.”

　The president declared, and the students lined up in the schoolyard to disperse.

“It’s still May. Aren’t these things usually done in fall?”

　Saijo explained with a wry smile as I complained.

“It used to be around October, but by that time, the third year students had their exams coming up. I heard that it was a disaster because some people skipped the games and the atmosphere was so tense that the games became like killing each other. I heard there were a lot of injuries.”

“I’m scared. It’s tough being a student.”

“If you break your arm in October, it’ll affect your entrance exam. If it’s in May, you can manage it. Maybe.”

“How bad is it that some people will break their bones? Is it the land of Shura?”

“I heard it’s also meant to help newly enrolled freshmen get along.”

“Get along…”

　How can you play as a team if you don’t know each other well yet? Well, not many people would take this kind of entertainment seriously.

“By the way, the winning class will get a coupon that allows them to get bread without having to fight over the purchase.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Didn’t you hear? That’s what the teacher told us when we decided on the competition.”

Damn it! I didn’t listen because I wasn’t interested! If I’d known, I’d have picked soccer! I mean, that is probably the reason why people get injured. (TL: Food war)

“Can’t help it. I’ll show you my technique, which I’ve been reading through Slam dunk. Just put your left hand on it.” [TL: It’s a reference to Slam Dunk]

” I guess Renya is athletic, but basketball is a fierce competition. There are only five members in our class, therefore there are many classes that try to win by consolidating those who can perform athletically here.”

　Seriously. It’s true that if you have eleven people like in soccer, you don’t know if you can win because a good number of people who don’t know how to play will come in.

“I’m wondering why Renya is going for basketball. I thought we could play soccer together.”

“I’ve played a lot of soccer. I have had enough.”

　I chased the ball every day in middle school. The ball was my friend. I kicked it to the ground every day.

　It was a violent friendship, I thought as I headed for the gym. ○Nishi-sensei, I want to play basketball.

[Ruri PoV]

　I stared at Renya’s back as he walked towards the gym. When I found out that soccer was one of the events in the ball games, I thought I would be able to see Renya play soccer again. But he chose to play basketball.

“Do you really want to forget the past so badly…?”

　I muttered to myself as I walked away, but I don’t think he heard me. I wondered what he would say if he did.

　I remember the way Renya acted when I asked him if he was going to join the soccer team on the day of the entrance ceremony. Unlike me, who was excited, he was nonchalant and seemed to be bothered by it. It’s a big difference compared to the time when he was passionate about it.

　For Renya, it may be a past he wants to forget, but for me, it is an important past. I am frustrated by the fact that I want to be like Renya back then, but things are not going well. I’ll let this frustration dissipate in the volleyball game.

[Renya PoV]

“I lost…”

　The basketball game was a total loss. The other classes were too good? They were all very athletic.

　The current basketball players are not allowed to participate (same for other sports), but experienced players are allowed to participate. That said, I think there are too many experienced players.

I watched the volleyball game that was going on, and saw that Fujibayashi had made a huge spike. She was hitting the ball with so much force that I thought she was trying to avenge her parents.

“Do you really want the coupon that badly…”

　If that’s the case, I’m sorry that I lost all the games.

　Am I not embarrassed to receive a coupon after losing all my games? They might think so. Laugh if you want to laugh at me for being a hyena. But I still want the coupons…!

　So do your best, everyone! For the coupons!

　It looks like volleyball is going to be okay, so I guess I’ll go check out the other events.

The long but short ball game has finally come to a close. The winner of this soccer match will determine the overall winner.

　What? Too folded? Shut up! King Crimson.

“Good luck, Saijo, for the coupons.”

“Can’t you just support her?”

“I’m cheering for you, that’s all.”

　If it wasn’t for the coupon, I wouldn’t bother coming to cheer you on. I’d even skip work in the morning to go home.

“Be honest and support her.”

“Ah, congratulations on your victory, Fujibayashi-san. Would you like me to rub your shoulder?”

　The volleyball team won the championship. I did my best to flirt with Fujibayashi, the leading figure in the victory. Although I’m afraid she’ll pull away.

“Eh…oh…yes. Then I’ll take your offer.”

“Seriously?”

She asked me to do something. She asked me to do it, so I went behind Fujibayashi and reached for her shoulder.

“A-After all I can’t take it!”

　I tried to touch her but she wiped my hand away. Well, I guess it’s hard to resist being touched by a man. Without any particular concern, I distance myself from Fujibayashi.

“Ah….you got it wrong…It’s just that I’m sweating right now, it’not that I don’t like to be touched…”

　Fujibayashi was saying something, but my mind was on the game.

　The game was just past the halfway point. We were behind by two goals. Although the team is persisting, they always seem to be getting pushed around, so I guess we’re losing.

　Just as I was about to leave, the whistle sounded. I turned my head to see if a goal had been scored, but saw that someone had collapsed.

“Are you okay, Sasaki!”

　Saijo rushed over to the fallen student. It seems that the one who collapsed was a classmate of mine.

“You did that on purpose!”

　Another classmate is pressing the other student. What’s going on?

“I didn’t see it, but what happened?”

　I asked a nearby classmate.

“It looked like the guy was trying to hit Sasaki on purpose. Sasaki has soccer experience, and if he leaves, our team won’t stand a chance.”

Hooh. It’s an effective move if you’re trying to reduce your opponent’s strength. I didn’t know there was anyone who would do such a thing at a mere ball tournament. I was thinking to myself, “Do you want the coupon that badly?” For some reason, Saijo, who was talking with the referees and teachers, called me over.

“Renya! You have to take Sasaki’s place in the match!”

　Why.

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TL: For the coupons!