To be a loner, or not to be, to rephrase Hamlet's legendary line?
Swinging the tennis racket, I hit the ball back against the wall, moving to the right on autopilot to send the projectile flying once again.
On the one hand, existing at the "bottom" of society relieves one of unnecessary complications and problems. No fights with friends, no moral torment due to the fear of being rejected by a girl you managed to fall in love with, thereby jeopardizing your friendly relations.
The latter is particularly unpleasant.
Of course, I had it in a lite version, since almost every time I decided to open my heart, there was initially no chance of success. Unrequited love is a funny thing.
On the other hand…
Lost in thought, I caught the ball in my hand, lazily tapping it against the ground.
There aren't any special pros either. Well, unless there is a suitable substitute. For example: internet communication.
Why not?
In essence, there are no differences. Information transfer, including the discussion of hobbies and interests, an entertainment element with the exchange of memes, spending time together in online games, which serve as an excellent replacement for some walks through shopping centers or, say, tennis.
For everything else, there is a little sister.
Loud screams of classmates rang out behind my back.
— Whoa! Great shot! Amazing!
— Cool! No one would have returned that! Magnificent!
As they say, modern problems require modern solutions.
Although Hiratsuka likely wouldn't agree with my approach. After all, from the outside, it seems as if I'm just pretending that everything is normal. How else to explain her excessively persistent attempts to socialize me.
Yes, in the school aspect, I am a loner, and that is a fact.
But in life — no.
I have buddies on the internet with whom I can spend an hour or two discussing topics interesting to us, which compensates for live communication with classmates.
Especially since, had circumstances turned out a little differently, Shizuka's actions wouldn't have been required at all.
Had I not gotten into an accident saving a dog. Had I not become a laughingstock in middle school, desperately trying to find friends or, hilariously, a girlfriend. Had I not been that very lonely child in elementary school, one of those who are remembered only when a funny nickname needs to be invented.
At some moment, thinking about these events, I was inclined to believe that the world was unfair to me. As if I were special, the only person capable of seeing all the filth and depravity of reality. At first, it helped cope with stress, gave a sense of exceptionalism.
But that was before.
I tossed the ball high into the air and struck it with force with the racket, sending it flying.
Now, however, I have resigned myself to it.
Renegades like me are countless. Unfortunately, this is one of the aspects of life in society. If you differ even slightly from the accepted standards, then, in most cases, the social "organism" will begin to reject you. Of course, one can fight for one's rights and defend one's convictions, believing to the last that the efforts will pay off someday.
However, that is too much hassle.
Why rack your brains and constantly reflect when there is always an option at hand to simply stop paying attention to it.
If you don't consider it a problem, then there is no problem…
Instinctively leaning back, I saved myself from being hit in the head by the ball.
Sighing, I bent down, picked it up from the ground, and, without looking, threw it in the direction it came from.
…However, Sensei cannot be convinced by such arguments. Look, she forcibly shoved me into a club for the purpose of school socialization.
However, the latter isn't as bad as it seemed at first glance.
***
Lunch in proud solitude possesses an undoubted plus.
There is no sense in bothering with etiquette, maintaining a conversation, listening to uninteresting topics.
Biting off a piece of a bun from a convenience store, I closed my eyes with satisfaction, enjoying the sea breeze. In moments like these, one wants to thank the architects who decided to build the school building on the shore.
— Hikigaya?
I sighed and massaged my eyelids.
Happiness didn't last long.
— Yes? — I turned to Yuigahama, who was standing behind me.
She tilted her head in surprise.
— What are you doing here?
Preparing to end my life in the most sophisticated way with the help of a hot dog and a juice box.
— Eating, — she clearly won't appreciate such a passage, and we aren't in such a relationship for such phrases to be appropriate.
— And why not in the classroom? — Yui carefree sat down nearby, on the steps, placing her hands on her knees.
Instead of an answer, I looked at the girl extremely eloquently.
Judging by everything, she understood the message and laughed awkwardly.
— Ha-ha… khe, — Doggy cleared her throat and changed the subject. — And I was going to get juice for Yukinon! We sort of made a bet and this is the punishment for the loser.
So go, what is the problem? Or do you not know that the contemplative process implies the presence of a solitude factor?
Ah, right, forced social interactions when meeting a familiar person. It's like crossing paths with a former classmate on the way somewhere: you are obliged to at least say hello, ask how things are, what they are living for. In my case: why are you alive?
True, in those rare cases when such a thing happened to me, old "comrades" diligently pretended they never knew me.
Like Yuigahama when she first came to the club.
— Actually, initially, she refused flat out, saying, like, she can walk herself, why should she use someone, — doesn't want to copy Yumiko's behavior under any pretext? Funny. — But I was like: "What, afraid to lose?", after which she immediately agreed!
Oh, the same situation happened with Hiratsuka. Need to take note, just in case it comes in handy.
— I used to play this a lot before, but this is the first time the punishment is a joy to me, — at the end, she giggled quietly.
— Is that so, — I drawled more to simulate maintaining the dialogue, simultaneously thinking about one thing.
Could it be that Yui is the type of person who fears loneliness so much that she is ready to be an errand girl for the sake of a false sense of participation?
I looked at the girl, who continued to speak.
Better if my assumption turned out to be mere speculation.
Otherwise, I even feel kind of sorry for her.
— You aren't interested in listening to this at all, are you? — Yui smiled sadly, lowering her gaze.
— Honestly? Not particularly, — I scratched my chin. — But I wouldn't say that talking to you causes me a feeling of disgust.
At my words, she froze, clutching the hem of her skirt with her fingers.
— That is enough for me, — and, as if frightened by what she said, she abruptly jerked up and waved her hands, miraculously not hitting me in the face. — More precisely, I wanted to say that… uh…
Suddenly Yuigahama jumped to her feet and waved her hand.
— Sai, heya!
Fine, I'll pretend I noticed nothing, let it be; in my opinion, there really was nothing like *that* in her words.
— Heya! — a girl in a sports uniform with a racket in her hands, wiping sweat from her forehead, waved back at her.
Seemed like she's in my class, at least the face is familiar.
— Yuigahama, Hikigaya, what are you doing here? — the classmate inquired with a gentle and ringing voice, approaching closer.
Not only does she know, but she also pronounced my name correctly?
Plus one point.
— Oh well, just talking, — Doggy leaned forward, hiding her hands behind her back. — And you're from practice again?
— Uh-huh, — Sai nodded with a smile on her face.
Cute.
Strange that I didn't notice her before.
— Isn't it hard? You're constantly practicing! During long breaks, in the club, plus constantly in the tennis group during PE… — Yui asked with concern.
— Not at all, — the girl pressed the racket to her chest. — It brings me pleasure.
After which she turned to me with a strange shine in her eyes.
— By the way, Hikigaya, you play tennis cool!
Eh?
— Really? — Yuigahama was also surprised by such a statement.
— Yes! — Sai confirmed hotly.
— Thanks, — I shrugged.
Considering I never practiced this professionally, say, with a coach, hearing such a thing is pleasant.
Pity only that tennis doesn't interest me at all, otherwise I would have joined the club long ago.
The ringing bell interrupted our friendly conversation.
Sighing, I rose to my feet and looked sadly at the uneaten hot dog.
This is exactly why I prefer to eat alone.
***
— Good game.
I nodded in response, leaning back wearily against the back of the bench.
As I found out later, the classmate's name is Saika Totsuka. A quite cute and athletic girl, enjoying logical popularity in school.
Only there is a nuance.
— You definitely don't want to join our club? — the pleading look of blue eyes pierced to the depths of the soul.
— Sorry, I don't like doing things that don't arouse interest.
Therefore, for the entire time of studying at school, I haven't gone anywhere. And only Hiratsuka's iron grip was able to "correct" this omission.
— Pity, I like playing in a pair with you…
— It will be inconvenient when your permanent partner returns. Plus, I am more accustomed to solitude. And I already belong to a club, — the impression was forming as if I were making excuses rather than trying to provide arguments.
A strange state.
Probably, the main reason lies in Totsuka's initially benevolent attitude toward me. It stands out too much from the general canvas of behavior of the other classmates, who don't even know my name. However, I am guilty of the same thing myself.
From the outside, it looks like a dog thrown out onto the street fawning over a stranger who decided to feed it out of pity.
Of course, it is unpleasant to compare oneself to an animal, but the analogy is too fitting.
With a sigh, I threw my head back.
Here are the downsides of existing at the bottom of the social barrel.
— Um, Hikigaya, — I skewed my gaze at Saika. — You know that we have a shortage of people in the club right now? Also, the third years will graduate soon, so we will become even weaker. Honestly speaking, I don't know what to do.
At the end, the kid wilted completely, drooping and clenching his fists.
Of all the people one could ask for advice on such a topic, choosing me is the worst option.
If anything, attracting people and I are two completely opposite things.
— Let's look at it logically, — in principle, it won't hurt me, and maybe he'll feel easier. — Have you tried recruiting newcomers?
— Uh-huh, no one is coming.
— In what way did you try? Like with me, a one-on-one conversation? — receiving a nod in response, I chuckled. — Okay, then a related question: are you the only one doing this?
Another nod.
Yeah, things are really bad for them.
— Why?
— They don't have… motivation, — Totsuka uttered quietly.
I rubbed the bridge of my nose.
— Masterful. Your club is falling apart, but only you worry about it, while the rest don't give a damn, — and what to do in such a case? Use Shizuka's method, grabbing everyone by the scruff of the neck and forcibly shoving them into the roster, hoping the matter works out?
I looked at Saika.
Nah, definitely not for him to do such things. A go-getter is needed here, capable of literally infecting with enthusiasm. Or, let's take Hayato for example, a comrade with high popularity.
Hmm.
— Listen, — I leaned forward. — How far are you willing to go in this matter?
For some reason, Totsuka pulled away slightly, covering his chest with his hands.
…Damn imageboards with their traps.
— I don't know what you thought there, but you have three options, — I rested my chin on my palms folded like a "roof." — First, the simplest — give up on everything; if you're lucky, next year people capable of solving this issue will appear.
The kid looked at me with disbelief in his eyes, as if I had said something terrible.
Understood, we don't rely on luck.
— Second, controversial and long — train until you drop, twenty-four seven, live tennis, eat balls, and sleep with rackets, — seeing the misunderstanding clearly readable on Saika's face, I decided to clarify the thought. — Let's call it pressure on the conscience of all other participants. Suddenly, the picture of you exhausting yourself and literally wearing yourself out will awaken unprecedented motivation in them.
Or, more precisely — a sense of guilt, in some cases far more effective than one might think.
— Umm… and the third?
— Third? Find a go-getter capable of aggressive marketing, or use the help of someone popular. For example, ask Hayama Hayato for a favor.
In essence, a certain salesman is needed, one who knows how to influence people's decisions. Sounds pretentious, of course, but closest to the truth.
If you need to sell your product, and the interlocutor isn't interested in it, it only remains to persuade the person.
I cast a short glance at the classmate.
Nah, with such behavior, it won't work. Although, if one thinks outside the box, some fall for such a type. Bat your eyelashes a couple of times, twist the toe of your foot, hiding hands behind your back, add a few pitiful-praiseworthy phrases on top, and the client is ready, take him.
— But he is already in the soccer club, — Totsuka was surprised.
I chuckled.
— You don't need to persuade him to join you. It is enough to ask for a kind of advertisement. Drops a word here, there — people will slowly pull up. Unlikely he'll refuse such a small thing.
A typical move that trademarks don't disdain.
If you need to sell something or lure a potential buyer, then it is worth using one of the most popular methods — take a widely known person. Shove your product into his hands and add a catchy, memorable phrase, one of those that constantly spin on the tongue afterwards.
This won't ensure one hundred percent success, but it will attract attention, consequently, no-no, but a couple of amateurs to spend their hard-earned money on some nonsense will appear.
The kid, hearing my proposal, pondered, placing an index finger to his lips.
— In any case, I am not an expert in such things. So ask the others for advice, maybe they'll suggest something more practical.
Saika jumped to his feet and, to my surprise, bowed to me.
— Thank you, Hikigaya! — after which, straightening up, he smiled brightly.
And a light blush appeared on his cheeks too.
Honestly, however you look at it — a real girl.
But no one canceled the nuance.
***
Entering the club room, I habitually nodded to Yukinoshita.
Sometimes I am truly amazed: does she not change her seat on principle? It is worth noting, the setting of the room has changed: a table appeared in the middle of the class and an electric kettle on the windowsill. I guess whose chestnut paws did this.
The girl, tearing her gaze away from the book for a second, looked at me and tilted her head slightly, imitating a return greeting, after which she returned to reading again.
Such a state of affairs suited me absolutely.
I don't know exactly how we arrived at this, but the essence of our relationship could rightfully be considered the standard of "neutral." Most of the time — in the absence of Yuigahama, of course — we pretended not to notice each other. Until something was required or some question arose.
Considering that neither I need anything from Snowball, nor she from me, and laziness prevented asking anything in my case, pride in Yukino's — the rustle of pages was the only sound disturbing the silence.
In a certain way — an idyll.
Although sometimes there was an urge to inquire about the progress of my socialization. No one canceled Hiratsuka's assignment.
However, such an action will lead to another meaningless squabble, so — no.
About half an hour of blissful calm later, brisk steps rang out in the distance, and quite familiar ones. Funny fact: I used to laugh at those who said they could recognize a person by the sounds of their walking.
— She is not alone, — Yukinoshita uttered quietly, calmly turning a page.
— Yes? — I listened. Indeed, someone else was walking with her. — Amazing hearing.
— Thank you. My piano tutor said the same thing.
The door slid noisily to the side.
— Heya! — Yuigahama, smiling contentedly, entered the office. — I brought us a guest!
I looked up from the book, skewing my gaze at the girl, a little interested.
— Hello, — oh, so she dragged Totsuka here. Judging by the sports uniform, caught him after practice. Or he caught her. Who knows.
Saika, having said hello, looked around and, seeing me, smiled.
— Hikigaya! — and waved his hand too.
Ignoring Snowball's questioningly raised eyebrow, I waved my palm sluggishly.
— So this is that club you belong to?
— Something like that, — didn't bother saying the decision wasn't made by me. — In any case, decided to ask the others?
— Uh-huh! — the kid nodded his head energetically, pressing fists to his chest.
Yuigahama shifted her gaze from Totsuka to me and back in surprise.
— So you are aware of his problem, Hikigaya?
My turn came to aristocratically raise an eyebrow.
— Let's assume, and?
— Um… — Yui hesitated a tiny bit, then let out a nervous chuckle and scratched the back of her head. — Damn, and I wanted to show that I also bring benefit as a club member…
— Yuigahama, — Yukinoshita finally entered the conversation and, damn me, but a distinct mockery flashed in her eyes.
— Yes? I should have said first or…
— Yuigahama. You are not a member of our club. I haven't even seen your application, — I met the girl's gaze. What application?
She closed her eyelids expressively.
Ah, understood. Have fun.
— What?!
Hearing such a statement from a friend, Doggy immediately jumped up, practically demanding from Yukino the right to become a full-fledged member of our gathering.
Shaking my head, I distracted myself from the farce taking place and returned to Totsuka. The guy clearly felt uncomfortable, smiling confusedly and shifting from foot to foot.
— Still racking your nerves because of the club?
— Y-yes, — barely noticeably exhaling, Saika approached me. — Honestly speaking, I didn't even know who else to ask for advice, and then Yuigahama passed by, noticed. Well, and I told her about everything, after which…
— You can stop there, — chuckling, I stopped the flow of words. — Said she knows a person capable of solving any problem, after which she brought you here?
— How did you guess, Hikigaya? — were it anyone else, I would have taken that for purest sarcasm. But the admiration in his eyes looked so natural that it was fitting for me to be embarrassed.
— Trade secret.
A-and… he pouted.
Now I understand even more strongly the admiration of some people from anonymous forums. Like, with your mind you understand that a guy is standing before you, but the appearance, habits, and style of behavior literally scream the opposite.
Such cognitive dissonance is truly mesmerizing.
Generally, in such situations, there are two ways out: either back down, offering apologies, or, conversely, increase the pressure, exerting psychological pressure on the interlocutor. The latter method, by the way, Yukinoshita does not disdain, having honed it to mastery.
— Hurray! Now I can call myself a club member? — Yuigahama raised the signed application high into the air, looking at it like Moses looked at the Tablets of the Covenant.
— If you want to so much, — Yukino shrugged outwardly indifferently, but, again, I have a feeling she is very much not against Doggy's presence in our ranks.
Finishing with the friend, Snowball turned to us, specifically — to Totsuka.
— So, as I understood from Yuigahama's words, you need help, correct?
Saika nodded.
— I want the tennis club to become stronger.
The girl chuckled, crossing her arms under her chest.
— Then nothing remains but to proceed to your intensive training, — hearing such, the guy opened his mouth slightly, casting a short glance in my direction.
I blinked.
Suppressed the desire to demonstratively pick my ear with a finger.
— Wait-wait, it seems I didn't understand something. In what way will this help solve Totsuka's problem?
— Easily. In a qualitative indicator, the strengthening of one player will positively affect the general background, — she said in such a tone that I barely held back from slapping my face with my palm.
Right, I always forget.
Perception of others' problems through one's own "ideal" prism.
Taking her personality into account, there is nothing strange in the chosen method. For her, her own indicators are more important than those of the entire group, so the emphasis will be on the individual character of solving the task.
— Sure that this is the best option?
— Yes, — didn't doubt the answer for a second.
Sighing, I shifted my gaze to Totsuka; in the end — it's for him to decide.
The kid smiled confusedly and lowered his gaze.
We discussed this with you and you didn't particularly like such a method. So say it aloud.
No, I, of course, could arrange a session of heated debates with Yukinoshita, disputing her approach. And, without unnecessary boasting, with a high chance I would have pushed my opinion through. Thereby shouldering the responsibility, since, obviously, Snowball will throw everything onto my shoulders.
But, most importantly, this problem concerned precisely Saika, so the final decision is his, especially since I don't think he forgot our conversation.
At the same time, we'll check his ability to withstand someone else's opinion.
— W-we can try.
Check failed.
***
— Five more times, don't relax!
— Ha… rd…
— Endure, Yuigahama. Only this way can results be achieved!
— Oof… — Totsuka, breathing heavily, somehow did one more push-up, after which he sprawled exhaustedly on the ground.
Following him, unable to unbend her arms, Yui collapsed.
— Okay, break for five minutes, then — tennis, — giving the command, Yukinoshita measured the fighters who had fallen out of the ranks with a heavy gaze and headed toward me.
— When you spoke about training, I think you should have said what you implied by that: "drive to death," — I shifted slightly to the side, freeing up space on the bench.
The girl, meticulously inspecting the offered place, frowned, but, nevertheless, sat down, albeit on the very edge, as far as possible from me.
— In another variant, there will be no progress. If there is no talent, then it only remains to replace it with triple the diligence, — Yukino responded.
— Or gradually increase the load without obvious violence to the organism, allowing the body to smoothly adjust to the new regime, — I objected, watching the exhausted Yui and Totsuka out of the corner of my eye.
Yukinoshita should go become a drill sergeant.
Similar ruthlessness and sadism, covered by good intentions.
— Speaking from personal experience? — the girl chuckled.
I moved my shoulders from side to side.
— Exactly so, — and, meeting her bewildered gaze, explained: — After the injury due to the accident, I lay in bed for a long time. In order not to go completely soft and to recover faster, on the advice of doctors, I started exercising in the mornings. At some moment it became a habit.
— You got into an accident? — Snowball frowned slightly, latching onto the heard detail.
— Uh-huh, — I stretched out my legs. — At the beginning of the first year, before the entrance ceremony. Pulled a dog that broke off the leash, didn't make it myself. Lucky, got off with only a leg fracture.
I let out a short chuckle.
Because it's tricky business. Dying in such circumstances is easier than easy. For example, a brain hemorrhage due to a blow, bone fragments getting into internal organs.
— In the end, one can say, I received only pluses. Did a good deed, and got the opportunity to calmly read books and stare into a handheld console. As Americans say: "win-win".
— Strange position, — Yukino muttered.
— We-ell… — I snorted. — That was almost a year ago. Initially, of course, it was hurtful, all plans down the drain. Wanted, you see, to feel socialization, establish contacts with classmates, become normal, but it turned out as always.
And how Hiratsuka would have rejoiced if everything worked out as intended — difficult to imagine.
— I think I don't need to tell you about the stages of acceptance and other things…
Oh, Zaimokuza finally showed up. Bastard, purposely skipped the warm-up and dragged himself in for the most interesting part.
Actually, no one called him purposefully. Collided one day, he started loading my brain with a new book, I tried to bail, making excuses about important training…
…And for incomprehensible reasons Yoshiteru now constantly hangs out with us.
— Hachiman! I am ready to show my crushing blow of the "Sand Dragon Rending Time"!
— Wait, I'll be there soon.
First need to finish the conversation with Snowball, who is looking at me too intently.
— Summing up, I just found my pluses and stopped caring. As it turned out, the lack of company at school doesn't hinder a full life too much. Pity that many don't understand this, — with these words I rose from the bench, since Zaimokuza was already waiting for me on the court, menacingly waving a racket.
But, having walked a couple of steps, I stopped, hearing a quiet question from Yukino:
— …I see. And what about the dog and the car? — I turned around in surprise.
— What do you mean?
— You don't blame them for everything?
— For what? For the fact that I decided to jump under the wheels myself? — I smiled with the corners of my lips. — If anyone needs to be blamed, then only myself. Everything is obvious.
Because, often, altruism kills.
Or can this be called the mistakes of "youth"?..
— Hachiman! Energy overflows me! Hurry, otherwise the world risks disappearing!
I sighed.
— I'm coming, — and, waving a hand to the silent Yukinoshita, I leisurely headed toward Yoshiteru.
What if he really explodes.
***
In this way, several days passed.
I was still sitting on the bench, reading a book and occasionally glancing at how Yuigahama and Totsuka were actively playing tennis. Honestly speaking, I thought Doggy would give up almost immediately, but, to my pleasant surprise, the girl was still holding up cheerfully.
Did Snowball's words that such things have a beneficial effect on the figure really motivate her that much?
— Sai, how are you?! — Yui's loud shout forced me to raise my head.
Saika, trying not to wince, rose from the ground with noticeable abrasions on his knees.
— Everything is fine, continuing, — selfless person.
In movies, such types either die first or remain the last survivors.
— Do you still have enthusiasm left? — Yukinoshita chimed in, having previously observed the training silently, leaning her back against the court fence.
— Yes. You all agreed to help me, therefore I am obliged to try! — he nodded with a serious expression on his face.
— I see. Then, Yuigahama, the rest is on you.
Eh, where did you go?
Just took and bailed.
— For some reason, no matter how much I train, I don't get better, — Totsuka approached the net, barely noticeably limping. — Maybe she wanted to force me to give up?
Yuigahama waved her hands.
— No, of course not! Yukinon never abandons those who rely on her!
Rising from the bench, I approached them.
— Correct. She even undertook to teach you to cook. By the way, how is the success? — judging by the blush that appeared on her cheeks and angrily flashing eyes, they didn't achieve much progress.
But I didn't manage to hear her answer, since a familiar voice rang out from the entrance to the court:
— Wow, they're already playing here! Maybe we should have some fun too?
Goldilocks, Cap, and company.
And what did you forget here?
— Miura, we aren't having fun here… — Totsuka uttered, but did it too quietly, as Yumiko frowned.
— Huh? I can't hear you!
I rubbed the bridge of my nose.
The question remains open: what did they forget here during the long break?
Skewed my gaze at Yuigahama, looking nervously somewhere to the side.
I wonder, how did their confrontation end then?
— You aren't looking for Yukinoshita by chance? — I threw out the question.
— What are you spouting? — Goldilocks was indignant and wanted to add something else, but Hayama stepped forward, placatingly raising his hands.
— Quiet-quiet, guys, no need to fight. We can play together, it'll be even more fun that way, — and smiled.
Like a true Cap.
Seems like he's trying to settle the conflict, but only makes it worse or shifts the accents toward his own interests.
— Wonderful idea, — I sighed and tilted my head slightly. — Then it remains for you to ask permission from the teacher to use the court, after which the adjacent court is at your complete disposal.
— Eh? And do you like have it… — Miura started to swell up again, but went quiet, meeting my gaze. And the other classmates next to her noticeably tensed up.
Annoying.
Awkward silence hung.
— Listen, I… will run get the permission then? — one of Cap's suck-ups, with blond hair, addressed Hayato, glancing in my direction every now and then.
The group leader frowned.
— Fine. We'll wait then, — and, as if confirming the weight of his words, walked past me and sat on the bench.
There is a share of common sense in you. Congratulations, you aren't that doomed.
The others, shifting indecisively, followed him. Yumiko, walking at the end of the procession, glared at me from under her brows but said nothing.
Making sure they didn't intend to interfere in any way, I turned to Yuigahama, Totsuka, and… Zaimokuza?
Where did you come from? And put on the cloak again.
— Ha-ha, I see you are dumbfounded by my stealth technique, — Yoshiteru laughed contentedly, apparently noticing my surprise at his appearance. — By the way, allow me to note that your Gaze of Death is truly terrifying, Hachiman!
Totsuka and Yui nodded.
What?
— Indeed, such a feeling as if you were going to grab Yumiko by the throat right now, — Doggy muttered.
— Of course! And what else can be expected from a person who has visited beyond the edge of Life and Death! — Zaimokuza importantly adjusted his glasses.
— D-death? — for some reason the girl turned noticeably pale, and Saika clearly tensed up.
Not wishing to allow Yoshiteru to spout all sorts of nonsense further, I clapped my hands.
— So, break is over. No one canceled training. Just in time a new participant arrived, therefore… — I grinned. — Zaimokuza, Yuigahama — on the court. Totsuka — refs.
— In front of them? That is embarrassing, — the girl muttered.
— Imagine that you are at a tournament, and they are spectators. A kind of training.
— Huh? — it seems the fan of graphomania wasn't burning with enthusiasm either. Eh, you guys, learn from Totsuka. — Why me?
— He has an injury, — I nodded toward the kid's skinned knees.
— Why not you?
— I am instead of Yukinoshita. Will importantly prop up the fence and drill you with my gaze. Objections not accepted!
This related more to Yui, who decided to insert her word again.
The girl barely noticeably hunched her shoulders, but submissively went to her half of the court.
Shoving a racket into Yoshiteru, I waited until he also took position, after which, nodding with satisfaction, allowed Totsuka to start the match.
Eh, if only Hiratsuka could see me now.
See how fruitfully Yukinoshita influenced me?
Socializing full steam ahead.
***
About ten minutes later the blondie returned.
Out of breath, he ran onto the court, interrupting the match.
— We play! Curator gave the go-ahead!
— Well finally! — Yumiko jumped to her feet, having managed to get noticeably bored during this time. I even lost count of how many times she glared in my direction.
However, she is far from Yukinoshita.
— Didn't understand. What does mean: "we play"? — oh, speak of the devil, here is the sun.
Only by the level of tone it looked more like the "sun" is already on its last legs and covered with a crust of age-old ice.
— Do you have some problems with that? Hikigaya said that for this we only need permission from the teacher, we got it! — Miura snorted loudly, looking victoriously at Snowball.
Yukino herself glanced at me.
I spread my hands.
Won't accept complaints. Everything strictly according to school rules.
And, stop, Goldilocks knows my name? Every day I learn something new.
In the process of my reflections, I lost sight of how Yukinoshita approached me and shoved a first aid kit into my hands. Ah, so that's where she went. Hard to say?
After that, turning sharply, she approached Yumiko.
— Only being on the court implies the presence of a sports uniform, since school clothes are not intended for gaming activity, — she uttered coldly, looking Miura up and down with her gaze.
— Then the same applies to you, — Goldilocks did not fail to mention Snowball's appearance.
At this time I managed to call Totsuka to me. So, where do we have plasters here? Or should I disinfect first?
Fine, better not to skimp.
Moistening a cotton ball with peroxide, I treated the kid's abrasions.
— Only I am not participating directly, but simply observing from the side. Based on your reaction, I don't think sitting on the bench will suit you, — Yukino crossed her arms under her chest.
— I was just about to do that until you came and started lecturing me! — Yumiko raised her tone.
Sighing, I swore mentally.
Seems their last confrontation didn't end with anything good after my departure; they clashed with each other again.
Peeling off the protective film of the plaster, I carefully covered Saika's knee with it.
— While you go change, the break will already end.
— Then don't stand in the way, wasting my precious time.
Fed up.
— Is that so? It seems you should reconsider your system of values.
— Who are you to order me?! — Miura completely lost her temper.
Making sure Totsuka's abrasions were treated, I calmly put the remains of the cotton ball and peroxide into the first aid kit, closed it and, without getting up, turned around.
Everyone around stood silently observing the growing squabble. Even Cap, smiling strained, didn't interfere.
Sighed.
— Miura, Yukinoshita, — I raised my voice, attracting attention to myself. — Did you decide to divide territory again?
Snowball instantly narrowed her eyes; unconcealed irritation flared in her gaze.
However, Goldilocks wasn't far behind her, curling her lips and practically incinerating me with her gaze.
Well, at least they agreed on something.
At that very moment, the bell rang in the distance.
— Damn! We're late! — the blondie jumped up, tugging on Hayato's sleeve.
Cap, as if waking from a trance, nodded.
— Then let's hurry, — he glanced at Yumiko, and she, shooting me one last angry glare, left the court with quick steps.
The rest of the group cleared out after her.
Yukinoshita, tilting her chin up, proudly walked past. Yuigahama, looking nervously after her, gave me a sad smile and ran to catch up with her friend.
Zaimokuza followed, giving me a thumbs up.
— That turned out kind of awkward, — Totsuka whispered quietly, clutching the hem of his track jacket with his hands.
I chuckled, getting to my feet.
— Get used to it; life is almost always like this. It's no big deal.
— But they'll hate you after this! — Saika objected unexpectedly fervently.
— Yeah? I don't give a damn about them, — smiling, I ruffled his hair.
The kid grumbled in embarrassment.
— H-Hachim-a-an…
Of course, this is not the "youth" I deserve, but the one I need right now.