Ever since me and Ha-chan visited Machi-kun’s house, I’ve noticed that Takeda-kun and Ha-chan are really good friends.

Author’s note: Takeda is Hiro’s last name and Machi is Kaito’s last name You. guys probably knew about Hiro’s last name though, I think…… Also, Yuri’s actual first name is Yuriko, and her last name is Aoki.

I’ve been talking with Takeda-kun through text usually, he’s been helping me out quite a few times with my Japanese. He can speak fluent English because his mother is American. Takeda-kun was taught by his parents while growing up to learn English and Japanese. Apparently, he even talks to his mother in English.

Oh wait, what was I thinking about again? That’s right! I was thinking about when me and Ha-chan visited Machi-kun’s house.

Since I’m new to Ha-chan’s group, I don’t really know much about the chemistry between everyone yet. But lately, I’ve discovered the chemistry between Ha-chan and Takeda-kun. Even though Ha-chan can basically talk to anyone, Takeda-kun is the closest friend she has………. I think. Or is it, Aoki-san? I remembered during my first day of school, when I ate ramen with Aoki-san, she reacted a little bit when I called Hana, Ha-chan. But……... I don’t know. I’m probably just assuming things again. Never mind!

As I was finish with my line of thought, I was getting closer to the convenience store.

I want something sweet.

As I observed my surroundings, a little farther away in front of me are a group of people walking towards the main street. I didn’t notice them until now, but they probably passed by the convenience store before I got here.

After pondering about another useless thought, when I was about to enter the store, I saw a couple embracing in front of the store.

Something went down just now between them. Probably something romantic. That’s so cute! Just imaging what might’ve happened between them just a few minutes ago makes my heart flutter!

While my mind was going wild with thoughts, the guy noticed my presence. We made eye contact.

Takeda-kun?!

And the girl he’s holding is Ha-chan.

I instinctively went back to the stadium.

Since I’m new to Ha-chan’s friend group, I don’t want to pry too much about their relationship. I kinda knew that they had a special relationship, based on my observation, but it is still surprising to see them all being lovely dovey. Kinda irritating.

Ugh! I want a boyfriend who'll hug me like that too!

As I got back to the stadium, Yoshikawa-senpai was up against Raymond High School. His opponent is Kane Happiness, a white person. I could tell by his facial structure. Unlike Japanese, a white person, or should I say an American’s facial structure is more defined and rougher……. tougher……. I can’t put it into words, but whenever I a Japanese and an American, I could always tell the differences between them. It’s naturally obvious.

I dozed off again with my thoughts, but time and time again I would try to observe the match. Though it only ends with me dozing off.

It always like this, doesn’t matter how important the event or conversation, my brain will always find a way to distract me. Even though this match will determine who I will go up against with in the finals. Instead of analyzing who my opponent is, I’m here dwelling on my useless thoughts.

While I was deep in thought, the referee announced the score, “40 – 40”

I looked at the current score. Senpai has won 5 games and a set. Kane Happiness also has 5 games won and 1 set. This is their last game. Who ever wins this round, gets to fight me, because I’m already in the finals.

As the game went on, both sides were neither letting the other take the advantage, but it had to end. Yoshikawa-senpai finished their bout after his opponent made a mistake. Kane lost in terms of stamina.

Yoshikawa-senpai won.

We are now at the finals. It was against me and Yoshikawa-senpai.

I’ve fought against him multiple times and not one did he achieve victory. My confidence on winning is high, but I’ve been to matches that made me lose because I was too overconfident. Gotta make sure I don’t get too confident. I’ve fought him multiple times, but almost every match was a hard-earned victory.

Before the finals, everyone took a 5-minute break.

During the break, Ha-chan returned. I was already on the court when I saw her take a seat on the side.

I was prepping myself, doing stretches and warming up my body.

When the break ended, I was ready to go.

Before we start, I went up to Yoshikawa-senpai to shake his hand.

“Make sure you win.” I wanted to make his blood boil.

It seemed to succeed because I saw his veins pop out on his forehead as I said it.

“I know.” He said with a smile.

I feel so evil because I’m enjoying doing this to Senpai.

Then it began.

As expected, he isn’t going down without a fight. The current standing is 1 set for both of us, 5 games for me and 4 games for him.

It’s been almost an hour since it began. Through out the match, he hasn’t made a lot of mistakes. His strength was almost the same as it was when we first started.

Currently, I have the advantage. 30 – 40

I’m serving.

I tossed it up in the air and smashed it towards the edge and baseline.

He dashed as fast as he could and spread out his legs, almost like a split as he hits the ball with a forehand.

As the ball went over to my side, I had more than enough time to position myself and aim towards the other side of the court, opposite to where he is.

Usually, this is where senpai would give up. But this time, he quickly dashes again for another attempt to hit the ball.

“Game set! Scott Isla, wins!” the referee announced.

As the match ended, I walked around the net and approached Yoshikawa-senpai, “That was a good game, Yoshikawa-senpai!”

Before, I thought he was the type of person to give up if he thinks he can’t win, but perhaps I was wrong. He earned a little bit of my respect.

He chuckles, “You’re a monster.” He half jokingly said.

And that concludes the end of our first tournament.

Everyone from our club packed up all their stuff, including me. We picked up our garbage and threw it in the bin.

Before we go home though, everyone congratulated me. After that we all went home for the day.

Of course, the school provided us with transportation to go back to Shinagawa City, that’s where I live. The 10 people who participate today were provided a vehicle by the school. But for the people from our school that visited us play, had to go back by public transportation. They have to take the Sengen-jaya Station in Den-en-toshi Line and get off at Mizonokuchi Station and transfer to Oimachi Line for 15 stops at Togoshi-koen Station.

I was curious of the commute that I googled it while travelling.

Ha-chan and I sat at the middle.

Some of the senpai’s in the back were a little noisy, mostly it was because Yoshikawa-senpai loss again, but everyone in the front and middle were quiet and tired from the game. Some were even sleeping.

After our quick 20-minute ride, we were dropped off in Takeda High’s campus.

We all went our separate ways, but of course, me and Ha-chan’s house were on the same route.

We walked back together and had a casual conversation about the tournament. A few moments later, Ha-chan mentioned about That.

“So, about what you saw earlier. Can you keep it a secret for now?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Not everyone wants to share everything about them, so I’ll respect Ha-chan’s decision. I wasn’t even meant to see that.

“………. remember the first day I met you? I asked you if you had a boyfriend.” she brought up a memory.

I laughed just by remembering it, “You mean that time you tried to hit on me?” I jokingly said.

“I wasn’t hitting on you!” she bantered back while she nudges me.

“Hahaha, I know. Who was that guy who liked me?” I was hoping to get an answer.

“That same trick won’t work on me twice.” she smirks.

I failed to extract information again.

“Bummer. But how come he hasn’t done anything yet? It’s kinda creepy to think that some guy I don’t know is looking at me.”

She laughs but doesn’t comment.

“The kind of guy that I want is someone who takes the initiative.”

She nervously chuckled while avoiding eye contact.

“Anyways, I wish you both happiness.” I said as a goodbye.

“Too formal.” She reminded me.

“Opps, I meant…… Good luck?” I struggled to find the words I wanted to say.

“Better.”

“Welp, bye.” I waved goodbye as I turn the to the street where I live.

She waved back as she walks to her home.

The next day came, but she didn’t come to school.