April 8th, 20XX
Following Yôsuke's advice, Ryûko asked Yuuki if they could walk home together. To her surprise, he accepted without hesitation.
The two of them walked side by side through quiet, dusk-tinted streets. The sky was painted in soft orange and pink, the kind of evening light that made even the most ordinary neighborhood look like it belonged in a postcard. Shadows from the trees stretched across the empty road, and the houses, neatly lined up with their tidy hedges and low fences, seemed to watch the pair with silent curiosity.
The conversation was scarce—unsurprising given Yuuki's reserved nature. Then again, Ryûko didn't seem eager to talk either. Her goal was clear, but a fresh hesitation crept into her mind...
Ryûko
("Finally alone with him, and yet... my mind's completely blank... come on, brain! Work with me here! How am I supposed to start a conversation?!")
Walking side by side, Ryûko stole a glance at Yuuki from the corner of her eye. He stood taller than her. The rhythm of their footsteps was mismatched on the pavement—hers light and quick, his steady and unhurried, even though they walked at the same pace. Yuuki was deliberately matching her rhythm.
At the intersection, Yuuki stopped, but Ryûko, still lost in thought,. kept walking—and promptly bumped her head against the wall, snapping back to reality without Yuuki lifting a finger.
Ryûko
"Ouch!!"
Holding her forehead, Ryûko turned to Yuuki, meeting his now-familiar, emotionless stare. Not that she expected him to tease her about it or anything.
Ryûko
"Uh... What's up?"
She acted as if nothing had happened and walked toward him, as if walking into stationary objects was just part of her routine.
Yuuki
"Which way is your home?"
Ryûko
"Ah!"
Still not fully back to reality, she instinctively pointed toward her house—completely forgetting she'd meant to drag him along on a detour.
Yuuki
"Alright."
Yuuki silently took the direction pointed by Ryûko, while she hadn't moved an inch. Noticing this, he stopped and glanced back at her over his shoulder.
Yuuki
"Is something wrong?"
Ryûko
"...No, nothing's wrong... Haha... Sorry, I'm a little spaced out."
After Ryûko's reply, Yuuki looked ahead again and, with his trademark bluntness, said:
Yuuki
"You don't need to apologize for that."
Ryûko
"Yeah... I guess you're right. Sor—"
She cut herself off, scratching the back of her head as an embarrassed laugh slipped out of her mouth.
Ryûko
("I'm being so lame!! I need to stop stressing out so much... Calm down Ryûko... Breath.")
Ryûko closed her eyes, drew a deep breath, and exhaled slowly—trying to steady herself.
Yuuki looked at her silently. His piercing gaze fixed on the girl in front of him. She was much smaller than him—he had to lower his eyes just to see her properly.
Her face was round, its features caught somewhere between childlike and almost-adult. She didn't seem to wear any makeup, but her lips were naturally tinted—a detail made more obvious by her skin, which shone with a healthy tan.
Her chest rose and fell with each breath. The sweater she'd worn all day moved gently with her, while her slightly shortened skirt swayed softly in the breeze.
Suddenly, Ryûko slapped her cheeks with both palms and exhaled sharply.
Ryûko
"Thanks for waiting! I'm back to being a functional human!"
With a near-hop, she rejoined Yuuki and stood beside him as if nothing embarrassing had just happened.
Ryûko
"So, how was your first day, Newbie?"
She asked as she started walking again, hands clasped behind her back. Yuuki fell in step beside her.
Yuuki
"It was okay."
The kind of answer that could kill a conversation in its sleep... Ryûko didn't slow down :
Ryûko
"Just okay, huh...? You really are a man of few words. I thought you'd at least be a little more... I don't know, dazzled?"
Ryûko looked at Yuuki.
Ryûko
"My first reaction after entering Narukami Gakuen was basically awe! I thought it was impossible to stay indifferent in a place like that. Guess I was wrong."
Yuuki
"I wasn't indifferent. If I had to sum it up in one word, it'd be... 'admirative'."
Ryûko
"I know what you mean! When I found out the president ran the whole school, I was floored too!"
Yuuki tilted his head, apparently intrigued. Ryûko picked up on the shift immediately.
Ryûko
Oh, right—you probably don't know. The president is both the student council president and the principal of Narukami Gakuen. Yeah, it's as insane as it sounds."
Even though this news seemed most implausible and impressive, YYuuki's only reaction was a noncommittal hum.
Ryûko
"You're also a man of few reactions, I see."
Yuuki
"I'm not very good at showing my emotions."
He said as if the last five minutes hadn't made that painfully obvious.
Ryûko
"Oh? Why not put it into words, like before?"
She said it playfully, skipping a step ahead of him as she dropped her hands to her sides.
Yuuki
"Put it to words... I'd say... It's outstanding."
Ryûko
"That's not really an answer, but I will take it."
They walked on in silence until Ryûko, unable to bear it, broke the quiet again.
Ryûko
"You know... I'm actually surprised you said yes. I was sure you'd turn me down.."
Yuuki
"I could've refused. Truthfully speaking,I had nothing better to do after school, so it was fine for me. That's a part of why I accepted."
Ryûko
"And the other part?"
Yuuki
"Because I figured you had something important to tell me."
Ryûko, surprised he'd seen right through her, answered with renewed enthusiasm:
Ryûko
"Eh... You guessed it that easily? But you know, I'm glad that you are willing to listen! It makes me super happy!"
Yuuki
"If you want to talk, shouldn't we sit down somewhere?"
Ryûko's eyes lit up at the mention of sitting down, her mouth opening to say something—
Yuuki
"I know a good café in–"
Ryûko
"Eh?! No! No! No! Café's a no-go!!"
Yuuki
"?"
Yuuki tilted his head to he side.
Yuuki
"Do you dislike that kind of place?"
Ryûko
"That's not it! Let's just go somewhere else! And if you want a drink—"
Ryûko glanced around, scanning the area. Then, her eyes landed on a vending machine.
Ryûko
"There it is!"
She marched over to it, Yuuki trailing behind.
Ryûko
"Vending machine number 13. Only the classiest establishments offer caffeinated liquid at such unbeatable prices, Newbie!"
Ryûko presented the vending machine like it was a national treasure, puffing out her chest as if she'd personally invented it.
Yuuki eyed the vending machine. Maybe Ryûko's pitch had worked on him... Probably not actually...
Yuuki
"Oh, they got these here, too."
He selected a drink—not coffee, not even close. Something that, frankly, Ryûko never would have guessed for a guy like him.
Ryûko
"Strawberry milk? Do you like that kind of drink?"
Yuuki
"Yes."
After he paid, the strawberry milk dropped from the vending machine. Instead of picking it up, he made it hover toward him.
Ryûko
"Oh ! That's so cool ! Is this your kikai?"
Yuuki
"Kind of."
Ryûko
"I've seen that in movies, but seeing it in real life is super cool! What's it called again... tele... tele..."
Yuuki
"Telekinesis."
Ryûko
"Right!"
Yuuki stuck his straw into the carton and glanced over at Ryûko, noticing she looked a little unsettled.
Ryûko
("I didn't bring any money today...I'm so stupid!")
Ryûko pointed the path that they were taking earlier. A smile on her face, she tried to share her genuine enthusiasm with her new classmate.
Ryûko
"Alright, let's get going, Newbie! I know the perfect spot for us to talk!"
Yuuki
"Aren't you picking something?"
Ryûko
"No, no, no need for that!"
She waved her hands in refusal, her expression making it clear she meant it.
Yuuki
"I'm fine with it, you know?"
Ryûko
"But I'm not! I can't let you buy me something like that, I'm still a stranger to you !"
Yuuki
"Hm..."
Yuuki considered the vending machine for a moment, then bought a second strawberry milk and handed it to Ryûko.
Ryûko caught it easily, intrigued by Yuuki's behaviour. She tilted her head, curiosity piqued.
Yuuki
"You aren't a stranger to me, so you can have it."
A warm smile crept across her lips at Yuuki's unexpected kindness. Her voice softened as she replied:
Ryûko
"Newbie... Thanks!"
Ryûko smiled and took a sip. Somehow, the strawberry milk tasted different from any she'd had before. This one felt special for her for multiple reasons.
*
At a park nearby,
After a five-minute walk, they ended up in a small neighbourhood park, settling onto the swings side by side.
The whole place was bathed in a warm, orange glow—the kind of sunset that made even rusty swing sets look nostalgic instead of neglected. Shadows from the trees stretched across the empty playground, the slide in the corner caught the last light.
Ryûko glanced around, trying to act casual, but the quiet made everything feel a little too dramatic—like the whole park was holding its breath, waiting for someone to say something important.
Ryûko
"This place is nice, isn't it ?"
Yuuki
"Yeah."
Ryûko
"I come here a lot when I go jogging. Sometimes, I even stop to train by myself. But I can't stay too long in certain conditions."
Her words hung in the air, silence stretching out until Ryûko broke it herself.
Ryûko
"Aren't you supposed to ask why ??"
Yuuki
"Why ?"
Ryûko
"Because I was about to reveal an important quirk of my character!!"
Ryûko puffed out her cheeks, pretending to be angry like a child.
Yuuki
"I was actually asking for the reason."
Ryûko
"Ah... Sorry... Uh... I mean... Actually, if I stay outside too long, I get sick. My body can't handle the cold for very long. That's why I carry my trusty jacket at all times !!"
She said it with a hint of pride, swaying gently on the swing.
Ryûko
"It's really a pain sometimes, but I can manage! I'm not doing it just for myself, anyway—I've got a tournament to win!"
Yuuki
"Are you a participant ?"
Ryûko nodded, enthusiasm bubbling up—finally, the conversation was heading where she wanted.
Ryûko
"I'm with Yôsuke, Shin-chan, and Mori for now. We're not six yet, but I'm still hopeful!"
Yuuki
"Must be tough."
// As Ryûko explained, the "Erabareshimono no Kyousou" was a team-based tournament. Each team had six members, including a captain. Matches were one-on-one, each win earning a point—except for the captain's victory, which was worth two. In other words: you needed a solid squad and, more importantly, a captain who could actually carry their weight. //
Ryûko
"You're right. With those rules, I'm in a pretty awful spot... But what about you? You don't seem like you're looking for teammates. Back when you introduced yourself, you said you'd win because you were the strongest. You meant the ENK, right?"
The conversation was finally going the way she'd hoped. Ryûko stopped swinging, fixing her gaze on Yuuki. She kept smiling, but a new determination radiated from her—so strong, Yuuki could practically feel it in the air.
Yuuki
"That's right."
Ryûko
"Eh... Aren't you a bit cocky ? Not that I mean to be condescending or anything.."
Yuuki
"I get your point, but let's just say I meant it. I believe what I said."
Ryûko
"Eh...?"
Yuuki
"Was it what you wanted to ask me ?"
Ryûko
"Kinda. There's still one thing I want to ask, though."
Even as they sat still, the swings continued to sway, the chains creaking softly. Their eyes met—Ryûko's bright with determination, Yuuki's as unreadable as ever.
Yuuki
"Go ahead."
Ryûko
"... Here I go then..."
She rose from the swing and stood in front of her interlocutor. Trying to look as friendly as possible, she explained her request:
Ryûko
"...I would like to hear about your wish, please..."
Yuuki
"My wish.."
// Among the hundreds of students taking part in the "Erabareshimono no Kyousou", only one team would eventually fulfill their ambitions, all of them aim to achieve the victory to be granted a wish, whatever it is, it will be granted. That is the reason why so many of them attend this tournament, the chosen(Kyousou), using their kikai(opportunity) to fulfil their ambitions. //
Yuuki
"..."
Ryûko
"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it."
Despite a possible reluctance from talking about his past out loud,Yuuki answered in a low voice.
Yuuki
"There is someone I'm searching for. Someone who was very dear to me."
Ryûko
"...Who were they for you?"
Yuuki unfastened the charm from his hair—a pink and dark red trinket - the only thing he had left of her.
Yuuki
"That meant the world to me. That's what I can say about her."
Ryûko
"The world..."
A strange feeling fluttered through her chest. She didn't quite understand, but she could sense the weight behind his words. For someone so cold and distant, he sure could carry a torch.
That much that he is willing to cross his ambitions with other people's.
It made her want him on her team even more. So, without overthinking, she blurted out:
Ryûko
"Newbie, please join our team!!"
Ryûko bowed before him, voice brimming with newfound enthusiasm.
Yuuki
"Yours?"
Ryûko
"Yeah. After hearing your wish, I'm a thousand per cent sure now. Not that we're the best or anything. But we're aiming to win, too. Why not do it together?"
Apathy was the only reaction she faced. Yuuki didn't react to her heartfelt request, as if he wasn't affected by her words.
Yuuki
"Is that what you wanted to ask?"
Ryûko
"Yes... Since you arrived at school, I've been trying to ask, but a lot of unfortunate events ruined my plan."
Her confidence wavered, her voice losing its spark.
Yuuki
"Hmm..."
Ryûko
"Don't get the wrong idea! I really wanted to be friends with you—it's not just about the tournament!"
Yuuki, seeing her composure slip, tried to ease the tension.
Yuuki
"It's fine either way. It's not like anyone would interact without a reason. Besides, I don't see you as a stranger anymore, so you succeeded."
Ryûko
"Oh! Really?"
She blurted it out, her heart fluttering as she stole a hopeful glance at Yuuki.
Ryûko
("This is going smoothly! He'll definitely say yes!")
Yuuki
"However... As I said, I plan on winning the tournament."
Ryûko
"I plan on doing that too... So, isn't that the perfect outcome?"
She sounded cheerful even though a hint of uncertainty hid behind her words, Yuuki wasn't fooled, but he didn't adapt his answer. He told his mind, like he always did.
Yuuki
"I won't join your team. I don't need you or your teammates to win. Honestly, it's more of a risk—since you're all weaker than me."
He stood, facing Ryûko. The height difference was even more noticeable now. His eyes were cold, as if he was looking right through her.
Yuuki
"I will win alone. Because I'm the strongest."
The strongest... She could tell he wasn't joking or exaggerating. Everything about him screamed blind confidence, not arrogance. Harumaki Yuuki was, without a doubt, the strongest.
Yuuki
"So... What is your response?"
Ryûko
"My response...? What could I say...?"
Yuuki
"You don't want to give up, right ?"
Ryûko looked up at Yuuki, determination lighting her eyes.
Ryûko
"Of course not! I really want you to join my team!"
Yuuki
"I figured. So tell me, what's your wish ?"
The question caught her off guard. She remembered when he said that he didn't have an interest in people he didn't care about.
She looked at his face and couldn't help looking away.
Ryûko
"My wish... It's a long story, but in short—my dad will die if I don't win."
Yuuki
"Why ? Does he suffer from an illness ?"
Ryûko
"Kind of... He had an accident four years ago. He's been between life and death in the hospital ever since."
Ryûko lowered her head, her profound sadness plainly visible.
Ryûko
"Soon... My family will no longer be able to pay for his treatment... If I don't win...
Her voice trailed off, the words hanging in the air like a weight, and neither of them could lift
Ryûko
"... He'll die before he even sees me achieve my dream. I can't let that happen! That's why I have to win—no matter what. The strongest win, and I'm not there yet, but I believe in myself and my friends. I know we can do it... but only if you're with us! So please, reconsider!"
Her sadness melted into determination as she repeated her plea. Yuuki, of course, replied with all the warmth of a marble statue:
Yuuki
"Then go ahead—convince me it's worth the risk."
Ryûko's face lit up at his apathetic reply.
Ryûko
"Wait... Does that mean there's actually a chance you'll say yes?"
Yuuki
"Undoubtedly."
Ryûko regained her colour, her cheer returning at full force. She stepped closer, invading Yuuki's personal space until their faces were nearly touching.
Ryûko
"Really?! How do I do it, then? Tell me!"
Yuuki held up a single finger.
Yuuki
"One."
Ryûko tilted her head, puzzled.
Ryûko
"One? Do I have to beat you once?"
Yuuki
"No. You just have to hit me once. Bring your team, and bring the whole school if you want. Every day until Friday, call me out after class, and I'll be there..."
Ryûko tilted her head even further, arms crossed below her chest. She looked genuinely lost.
Ryûko
"Once... Like... Just once ? Isn't that too easy?"
Yuuki
"It won't be. Trust me."
Ryûko picked up on the shift, her gaze hovering on Yuuki's face, who maintained his nonchalant demeanour. He was dead serious—and if he was, this challenge might actually be out of their league.
She hadn't been wrong at first. The person in front of her had a great chance of winning this tournament at the expense of her and her teammates... But what could she do? That question haunted her all night, and it didn't leave with the sunrise.
// The tournament had a special rule for solo participants: they could fight every member of the opposing team, one after another, with no rest—then face the captain at the end. //
A rule practically tailor-made for people like Yuuki. Why else would it exist? That uncertainty clung to her all the way to the next morning.
*
Following the events of the previous day, She got to school but hardly greeted anyone.
The classroom was already washed in pale morning sunlight, shadows from the window frames stretched across the rows of perfectly aligned desks. The whiteboard up front was spotless, the clock above it ticking away as if daring anyone to actually care about the time. Even the air felt a little too fresh, the kind of artificial calm that only existed before the chaos of students poured in.
Ryûko slumped into her seat, propping her head up with one hand. Her eyes steeled as they fixed on Yuuki's desk.
"Hey! What's up?"
Yôsuke dropped into the seat in front of her, poking her head with his finger. Ryûko's thoughtful face wasn't exactly new, just rare.
Yôsuke
"Did something bad happen yesterday?"
Ryûko
"...Kind of."
Her lackluster tone was all the confirmation Yôsuke needed.
Akira, noticing from the doorway, paused his conversation and came over. He ruffled Ryûko's hair, making her head bob.
Akira
"What's your deal ? Are you on your period or something?"
At the same time, Yuuki strolled in, hands in his pockets. Anko intercepted him instantly.
Anko
"Hey, Yuuki-kun. Remember what you did to me yesterday? That was mean you know ?♡"
Yuuki
"Too bad."
Anko
"I had to handle the both of them all alone! She was really mean to me and—"
Yuuki, unfazed, strolled to his desk, leaving Anko's complaints hanging in the air like a bad smell.leaving Anko mid-whine.
Feeling his presence, Ryûko lifted her head to meet his eyes.
Sensing his presence, Ryûko looked up, locking eyes with Yuuki. He greeted her with a flat :
Yuuki
"Greetings, Ryûko."
Ryûko
"Oh... Hello, Newbie."
Yuuki
"Greetings to you two, too."
Akira and Yôsuke stared at Ryûko, dumbfounded. Not only did Yuuki greet them, but Ryûko's reply was unusually sour. an unusual display for sûre.
And, as if that wasn't enough, Yuuki had just called Ryûko by her first name—out of nowhere. She didn't seem to mind at all.
Piqued, Akira turned to face Ryûko, his expression a tangle of discomfort and doubt.
Akira, piqued, turned to Ryûko, his face a mess of confusion and doubt. He leaned in and muttered:
Akira
(What the hell happened yesterday??)
Ryûko
(...It's a long story.)
Yôsuke chimed in, sounding more curious than concerned.
Yôsuke
(A long story that we wish to know more about!)
Ryûko
"Eh...? But I can't blurt that out while he is right there."
The scrape of a chair against the floor cut through their whispers. Yuuki stood up, apparently ready to leave.
Ryûko
"Wait ! I didn't mean to say that you should leave!"
Yuuki
"Don't worry, I need to buy something anyway."
Ryûko
"Oh... See you later, then."
Yuuki nodded and left. Soon after, Waguri and Mori joined the group.
Waguri
"Hi, Ryûko. What's with the long face?"
Yôsuke, unfazed by Waguri's bluntness, just waited for Ryûko to spill.
Ryûko
"Um..."
Seeing right through her demeanour, Waguri guessed the reason for Ryûko's uneasiness in the blink of an eye.
Waguri
"You... o... you really asked him already? Are you actually that dumb?""
Akira
"You agreed with her yesterday, though."
Waguri
"Because very few people on this planet are dumb enough to be on the same track as you. Anyway, Ryûko, you took a huge risk you, you know ?"
Ryûko
"Let me explain first!"
A bit grumpy, Ryûko took the floor to speak her mind.
Ryûko
"Like I said yesterday, I wanted to recruit him right away. I felt like he wasn't lying when he called himself the 'strongest.' Yesterday, we walked home together, talked a lot, I got to know him better, and I even asked about his wish."
Waguri
"And?"
Ryûko
"My intuition about him revealed to be true, and his wish really matters to him. I gathered all of my courage to ask him to join our team, but... He refused my proposal."
They could feel the genuine disappointment in her voice.
Akira
"That was predictable, I guess. If I were him, it'd be hard for me to accept that offer just like that."
Mori
"Did he give you the reason for his refusal."
Ryûko
"If I'm quoting him right, he said: 'I don't need to join your team to win. It's more of a risk than anything else since you're all weak compared to me.' And he said he'd win alone."
Bam! Waguri slammed her palm on Ryûko's desk, clearly ticked off by her friends quote.
Waguri
"What's his f*cking problem ?"
Ryûko
"He didn't mean it in a bad-"
Waguri
"He literally insulted you and your friends who've been training for this for almost two years! And that's your only reaction? What is wrong with you?"
Ryûko was confronted by Waguri's fierce gaze. Answering Waguri with her own. Akira chose not to defend Ryûko.
Akira
"I don't know him, so I can't assume how he meant it. As far as I know, calling us weak to decline your offer is bound to be frowned upon."
Ryûko
"I'm not done. He refused my proposal, but he made one himself. If we were to touch him one time in a fight, he would join our team."
Waguri
"Now it's getting comical !! Is he out of his mind? And you two—why aren't you reacting? Are you on her side or something."
Yôsuke and Mori exchanged a look before looking at Waguri again.
Yôsuke
"Well, I'm."
Mori
"Me too."
Akira looked at them, dumbfounded.
Akira
"Huh ? Why ?"
Yôsuke
"Since I trust Ryûko's intuition, I think that he is actually a strong individual. Not that I don't feel disrespected, but honestly, if I trusted my abilities as much as him, I wouldn't risk it either. If our wishes are so important for us, his must matter to him.. Taking a risk with people you barely know when you can just rely on yourself?"
Suddenly, a feminine hand hovered near Yôsuke's jawline. Anko had leapt into the conversation, her voice sly and soft—like perfume turned into sound.
Anko
"That's clever of you, Odogiri-kun~. Instead of yelling, you've thought things through, unlike a certain someone♡"
Waguri
"What do you want from us?"
Anko purred, her finger drifting from Yôsuke's jaw to her own lips.
Anko
"If you through how much pain he went through because of his loss, I think you'd be careful too. It's like... Having half of your soul cut out. Such an heartbreaking event. I cried the first time he told me the whole story, you know?♡"
Waguri
"What's your point exactly? Do you want us to pity him ?"
Anko giggled, weaving between them like a cat who knew she owned the place.
Anko
"Of course not. He doesn't need your pity. My point's clear, isn't it? Some of you will figure it out eventually. Unless you're all too dense...? Hm... Could be possible, I guess?♡"
Anko circled behind Ryûko, her tone and gaze turning sharp.
She leaned in, whispering directly into Ryûko's ear with a piercing, menacing look.
Anko
"Poor captain. Feeling worthless is fine since that's all you'd be if you joined him. The real question is, are you worth the risk?"
Ryûko
"If it's just touching him in a fight, I believe that we can do it!"
Anko
"Eh..."
Anko backed away from Ryûko, eyeing everyone in the circle, sizing them up.
After a quick inspection, she left the group, tossing her legs with each step.
Anko
"Such a simple-minded person and yet full of hopes and dreams. Your mindset might be utterly idiotic, but I will give you some credits. Either you join his team, or you lose and..."
She held up her index finger, a bluish ember flickering to life. It quickly morphed into a tiny clone of Ryûko, collapsed on the ground—defeated by a figure that looked suspiciously like Harumaki Yuuki.
Anko
"Poof! All gone! Haha!♡"
As she was about to leave, a sharp voice interrupted the silence, one that belonged to Tsukishima Mori.
Mori
"Kaname-san.. Do you see this challenge as impossible for us?"
Anko glanced over her shoulder. She'd barely heard Mori speak before, but that voice was unforgettable.
Anko
"If your team had a chance, it would certainly come from you, Tsukishima. But unfortunately, Yuuki-kun is leagues above all of you combined. If I were a bookmaker, I'd give you zero per cent. And I'm not exaggerating."
With that, she rejoined her group, leaving the others in silence.
Soon, the bell rang, and first period began. Unlike yesterday, Ryûko's mind wasn't a tangled mess—her objective was crystal clear: beat Yuuki's challenge and finally get him on her team.
She wasn't doubting her capacity to succeed but rather how..
After about two minutes of overthinking, her mind finally quieted.
Ryûko
("It could work but... only one time.")
Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice Yuuki's gaze upon her. As he looked at her, Yuuki got into another conversation with his mind-mate.
/ "This girl seems more relaxed than yesterday."
Yuuki
"It's logical. Before that, she had no idea if I would say yes or no, even if she trusted her persuasion skills. Now, she "just" has to touch me once."
"I was surprised to see you react this way, but is taking this risk now really worth it?"
Yuuki
"I will be the judge of that."
"Hmm... And do you think they will be able to succeed?"
Yuuki
"No."
???
"So you're giving them false hopes?"
Yuuki
"False hopes... It might be. I feel more like I'm leaving the choice up to them." /
*
Later that day, in the same classroom. Ryûko was staring at her phone. On its screen, a message history was visible, a conversation between Yuuki and Ryûko:
Hinata Ryûko
<< I want to try it today ! We could meet at the gymnasium N°6 around 4 pm. According to Yuuika, it should be free.>>
Seen 3:50 PM
Harumaki Yuuki
<
Seen 3:51 PM ❤️
"Ryûko !!"
She snapped out of her trance and looked up. Her teammates were waiting, looking determined.
Akira
"We've got an arrogant guy to beat."
Yôsuke
"He is probably waiting for us by now."
Ryûko
"You guys..."
Ryûko hurried over, slapping each of them on the back—maybe a little too hard.
Ryûko
"Let's go... And win this!!"
Akira and Yôsuke
"Yeah."
Mori silently nodded to approve her speech.
*
Later, they gathered in front of the gymnasium, sunlight lingering on the pavement—spring's way of pretending everything was normal.
"You took your time."
Standing at the entrance was Tonakura Waguri, the unexpected guest
Ryûko
"Waguri! Did you come to help us?"
Waguri
"Rachie sent me to make sure you don't break anything."
Ryûko's shoulders slumped with disappointment.
Ryûko
"Too bad..."
Waguri
"... But, since there's always a 'but' with you, I decided to help out. Mostly because I want to shut that guy's mouth."
Yôsuke
"Are you for real?"
Mori
"I thought you hated fighting."
Waguri
"I do, but apparently, you all are enough of a reason to make me do things I don't like, apparently."
Such a compliment didn't fit her sour voice, although her voice reached the other's hearts. Ryûko hugged Waguri tightly.
Ryûko
"You are the best, Waguri! I love you!!"
Waguri
"I already know that."
The two of them shared a smile.
Akira
"We are five against him, now it should be fine."
Yôsuke
"More like four and a half, since you're here."
Ryûko
"It's true, Shin-chan is pretty weak. He's never won a fight against any of us."
Ryûko teased. Akira crossed his arms, simulating indifference to the banter he was accustomed to. He stepped towards the entrance.
Akira
"I refuse to listen to such nonsense."
They opened the gymnasium door.
The gymnasium was almost absurdly pristine, sunlight spilling through the high windows and pooling in golden rectangles across the polished floor. The ceiling soared overhead, dotted with geometric lights that made the whole place feel far too grand for anything as mundane as a school event.
The basketball hoops stood at attention, perfectly ignored, while at the far end, the stage at the front—framed by ornate molding and heavy curtains.
A lone silhouette stood on the stage—hands in pockets, Harumaki Yuuki, lost in thought until Ryûko broke the silence. Yuuki seemed to be lost in his thoughts again as Ryûko interrupted his silence
Ryûko
"We are here to defeat you, Newbie!!"
Yuuki's gaze drifted down from the ceiling, landing on Ryûko as if he could see straight through her.
She met his stare with fierce bravado, waiting for him to respond.
Yuuki
"You can try."
He answered leisurely, as if victory was already in the bag.
Ryûko turned to her teammates, hair swaying, hands on hips—ready to play team captain.
Ryûko
"So, who is going first?"
Akira
"I can. We don't know how strong he is, so it could be like a crash test."
Waguri
"Shouldn't we send someone fairly good then?"
Ryûko looked to her side, to her most reliable teammate in her eyes.
Ryûko
"Yôsuke, is it okay for you?"
Keeping the same smile as usual, the young man answered, following his friends cheerful tone :
Yôsuke
"It's fine by me ! I wanted to test his skills first anyway."
Yuuki
"This is pointless."
From his position, Yuuki interrupted them. They all turned to him to listen.
Yuuki
"You don't need to take turns. You can all come at once—it'll improve your odds."
Akira
"Are you underestimating us ?"
Yuuki, sounding more bored than confrontational, shrugged.
Yuuki
"I'm saying this for your sake. Take it or leave it—it's your call."
An arrow of light shot towards Yuuki at full speed but strangely stopped just before it reached her face, blocked by some kind of invisible force.
Waguri
"You talk much too much sh*t, it's getting to my nerves !"
Ryûko stepped up as well, set on Yuuki. But first, she needed to make sure of something.
Ryûko
"Are you sure about this, Newbie?"
Yuuki
"Yes."
Waguri stepped up beside Ryûko, rolling her eyes.
Waguri
"Let him be, Ryûko. He'll be the one crying when we're done with him."
Her words lingered in the air. Yuuki now faced five determined opponents, each ready to fulfil their ambitions...
Yuuki
"You don't need to defeat me—that would be impossible anyway. Landing a single hit will be hard enough."
... He did, too. Just like them, he had an ambition to fulfil at all cost. Keeping his cool, he jumped off the stage, his hands still pocketed.
Yuuki
"And for the record... I've never cried."
To be continued...