[OreGaIru : New Me!]

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[-Continuation-]

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[Hachiman's POV]

"Yay~~." Yuigahama cheered and came over to take my spot.

"!Aahm..!" However, as she took the position, I saw her previously smiling expression turn a bit hazy and gloomy while stuck looking off in a specific direction.

I turned around to see what had caught her attention.

…and I immediately understood the cause.

"Ah, someone's playing tennis! Tennis!"(???)

A large group was full of cheerful voices, with Hayama and Miura(:alias the Bi*chy Queen) leading them in our direction.

As they passed by Zaimokuza(:completely ignoring), they seemed to notice me and Yuigahama.

"Ah… It's Yui…" A girl next to Miura spoke in a soft voice.

"..." Miura took a single glance at me and Yuigahama, then turned towards Totsuka.

I too, ignoring everything, including Miura, turned towards Hayato and addressed him in a neutral tone. "What's up, Hayato? Do you need something?"

That's the best I could offer as a greeting, and it's not like we are on friendly terms. For now, that is…

Hopefully, it's enough to convey my intentions to get down to business, as I don't have much time in my hands to play around with them since Yukinoshita may arrive at any moment and spoil everything.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have directed the way to her.

Well, no use crying over spilled milk. I gotta make do with whatever I have.

"Hey, Totsuka. Can we play around here too?" Unfortunately, Miura disregarded my question towards Hayato, as if she didn't hear me.

"Miura, I am not really… playing around… I am practicing…" Totsuka spoke so softly.

"Huh? What? I couldn't hear you." Miura couldn't seem to hear Totsuka, or perhaps she was just playing her bi*chy role once again.

…if it's the latter, then damn, she is doing a good job at pissing me off.

Now that I think about it, as Yukinoshita mentioned that day, I really don't like this bi*ch presence.

"Hayato, Totsuka has special permission to use this court however he sees fit." I turned to face Hayato again.

Slowly stepping closer to him, I added. "And by 'however he sees fit,' it means he can allow the people he wishes for and exclude those he doesn't want on the court."

I stood in front of him and locked eyes with him, asserting. "Meaning he can allow someone like me while keeping people like you out."

"So, would you mind backing off?" I advised him with a fake smile plastered on my face, contrary to my previous serious one.

Uhm… this should be enough of the dose, I guess. There is no need to get worked up anymore.

And, just a side note, while I was talking to Hayato, I didn't even spare a glance at the crowd around him.

"Okay, okay, let's not get into a fight." Hayato responded in a casual tone.

"Come on, it's more fun if everyone plays. Can't we just do it that way?" Hayato's words got on my nerves.

Sure, Miura had aimed the rifle, but he had pulled the trigger. Well, I would just have to shoot back.

"Do you have a hearing problem 'too'…Hayato." I emphasized the word 'too' to hint at someone else.

I added. "And do we look like someone having fun right now? We are here to help Totsuka. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Then I can help…"(Hayato)

"Hey, come on, Hayato~~ What are you just standing there for? I want to play tennis." The BQ's Miura's lazy voice slipped in from the side.(BQ : Bi*chy Queen)

…the girl played with the curls, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

Keep up with us, for heaven's sake.

This pause allowed Hayato to think a bit more. It was enough to turn the ignition key in his brain. "Hm, all right, then let's do this. Let's play a match, and the ones who win will be able to use the courts during lunch break from now on."

He added. "Naturally, the winners will also help Totsuka practice. It's always better to practice with better players, right? That would be more fun for everyone."

...what was up with that seemingly flawless logic? Was he some kind of genius? I myself was convinced there for a second.

Tsk, he isn't someone to be taken lightly.

"Tennis match? …Hm, that sounds really fun." Miura gave the kind of fierce smile that only the Queen of Bi*ch could.

And all the hangers-on also seemed to be greatly roused by that suggestion of Hayato's.

However, not me.

"Hayato, let me offer you some free advice." I interjected. "When it comes to training partners, skill isn't always the deciding factor. Sometimes, it's best to parctice with those who bring out your comfort and confidence."

"And, come one, I know you are not blind enough to miss this important distinction." Hayato's face reddened in realization, as I said that.

Take the Bi*chy Queen, for instance. She definitely doesn't have the minimum patience a person should have to help someone, especially with things like teachings.

Sure, there is Hayato, but let's face it, what can he do on his own?

I know I shouldn't be saying this as a person holding a 'loner' title in my status bar, but it is going to be one heck of a deal to do it by yourself. And yeah, please refrain from mentioning the minions behind him.

So, with his brains, it shouldn't be hard for Hayato to understand what I am implying. Come on, don't disappoint me now.

However he still persisted. "...I understand Hikigaya. However, there is nothing wrong with having a friendly match, right? I mean, I am sure Totsuka here needs some rest."

You chose that way, huh?

This bastard!! Way too smart. Now, I would be the bad guy if I rejected him.

But like, I ever care… and I can also turn things around here.

"Why are you so insistent on stealing our court, Hayato?" I can't believe I am playing the victim card.

"...N-O." He stammered and appeared taken aback by my abrupt shift in tone.

Seeing the influence of my words on him, I continued, not wanting to lose the upper hand. "Let's say we do have a match. Who would play on our side? Totsuka and I are tired, and as for Zaimokuza, let's forget about him."

"That leaves Yuigahama, who has been the target of your minion's glares from the start." I pointed out bluntly.

"So, this leaves us with no one to play on our side…" I emphasized.

"Let's ignore all of this. Even if you accuse me of making excuses or being a coward, what would I gain by winning? Our own court? If it was ours to begin with, it's hardly considered winning. It's practically theft." I countered, bringing up injustice.

With a final tinge of bitter sarcasm, I concluded the conversation with a smirk. "I see what you're getting at now. My apologies for the misunderstanding. You must be aiming for bullying instead, right? That's the real agenda here."

"No–!"

"What's going on here?"

Amidst the chaos and tension, a voice, unmistakably female and familiar, chimed in, cutting through the commotion.

The speaker, Yukinoshita Yukino, held a first-aid kit in one hand.

Just a little long, I was about to get to the fun part…

Recognizing her, I seized the opportunity. "You're here, Yukinoshita. You see, these guys are singling me out and bullying me." I complained.

As Yukinoshita approached, she first stopped by Totsuka, handing him a first-aid box I had personally prepared in case of emergencies. I mean, as I said, the training was hella hard, so just in case…

She then continued walking toward me, while Yuigahama helped Totsuka with his treatment.

"Hikigaya. You are causing problems again." Yukinoshita scolded.

I responded with a shrug and a hint of mischief. "What can I say? I am a magnet for trouble. You will have to bear with it, Yukinoshita."

She sighed. "I am aware of that fact. You causing a problem isn't the issue. But why are you not resolving it when you already have a solution and instead escalating it even further?"

Feigning ignorance, I replied. "Hmm? Do I have a solution? I don't remember..." I played my role, showcasing my acting skills.

"..." Instead of arguing, Yukinoshita extended her hand, gesturing for me to hand over something to her.

"Fine..." I grumbled and pulled a folded piece of paper from my pocket, reluctantly handing it over to her.

She immediately snatched it from my hand and, while opening it, continued to walk toward Hayato.

As she handed the letter to Hayato for him to read, I moved toward Totsuka and Yuigahama, offering a helping hand.

Seeing me approach, Yuigahama asked. "What's that letter, Hikki?"

Not answering immediately, I decided to have some fun. "It's a love letter."

I lied with fake shyness.

"S-so, you and Yukinoshita are like..." Yuigahama mumbled slowly, her tone flustered and somewhat sad.

This girl can't take a joke…

With a head chop aimed at her, I admitted. "I was just messing with you, idiot. Can't take a joke..?"

"Don't call me idiot, you idiot, and don't jo-ke a-round like th-at again!" She resorted back as she regained her composure.

This is turning out to be a bigger problem than I imagined. I need to take care of this after this mess is taken care of. I gave it some serious thought about Yuigahama.

"Yeah, yeah." I replied half-heartedly.

With that, I turned back to see the letter in Hayato's hand.

The summary of the letter was simple – For the next week, the court belonged to the Service Club members and Totsuka during lunch hours. The permission was granted by Ms. Hiratsuka.

At first, I thought it was going to be a difficult task to get a permission letter. But, nah, it was pretty easy.

In truth, I didn't even do a lot of work except to write the letter. Totsuka already had the permission. I just added the letter to make it more official.

"So if you have any problem with us having the tennis court to ourselves, you can talk it out with Ms. Hiratsuka, your homeroom teacher, and our club advisor."

With that, Hayato and his group realized they needed to leave.

"Guys, I think we need to leave."(Hayato)

"Hayato, wh–"(Miura)

"Hey Miura. You said you wanted to go shopping somewhere, right? I will accompany you." Hayato suggested.

Poor guy. Had to sacrifice himself.

"Haah, Okay!!" Miura eagerly agreed.

Yuigahama turned to me and inquired. "Hikki, you had something like that?"

I simply replied. "I just forgot."

"Hehe, you are pretty dumb, Hikki."

As Hayama and his gang walked away from the court with bitter expressions, I watched their retreating figures with a sense of satisfaction. As a result, a smile spread across my face. It was more of a smirk than a smile.

How dare they try to steal something that is mine?

Dream on.

…

Yep. I totally ignored Yuighama's nonsensical comments.

…

[To be continued….]

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