Running and Training
Running—it was the simplest form of exercise.
Yuuya changed into his sportswear and began jogging around the tennis courts.
Thanks to the Beginner Constitution Elixir he had taken, running wasn't as difficult as before.
After half an hour, he finally stopped.
He bought a sports drink from a vending machine and sat down to rest.
Totsuka Ayaka came and sat beside him.
"Yuuya-kun, at this rate, you could probably join the track team," she said.
"I'm not interested in track," he shook his head.
"What's your goal for training, then?" Ayaka asked, curious.
"To defeat someone," Yuuya answered simply. "Her tennis skills are good, but I plan to beat her twice."
"Ah, no wonder you came to the tennis club," she said, understanding.
"Hikigaya Hachiman's tennis skills are decent. You should invite him to join," Yuuya suggested.
"I thought about that, but he seems like he doesn't want to be disturbed," Ayaka replied.
"With you, it's no problem," Yuuya said, looking her over.
Ayaka was undeniably beautiful—her looks surpassed most girls.
Too bad she was a guy.
Yuuya didn't have any romantic thoughts toward Ayaka, but he had to admit, she had a subtle fragrance that was pleasant.
Ayaka blushed when she realized Yuuya was looking at her, and he discreetly stepped back.
"Anyway, you can go ahead and invite him. He isn't in any club yet," Yuuya added.
After School
Yuuya put away his phone.
He and Eriri Sawamura had agreed that he would visit her house tomorrow morning, where she would give him a signed copy of one of her works.
Kawasaki Saki was heading to her cram school.
Yuuya planned to meet Nishimiya Shouko.
He didn't go with Saki; instead, he left his commuting bag and bicycle at home, grabbed a notebook, and ran toward Keisou Academy.
At a bench by the river, he sent Shouko a message.
A few minutes later, she arrived.
When she saw Yuuya, she approached him.
He stood and extended his hand.
Shouko hesitated for a moment, then held his hand.
Together, they walked forward.
Yuuya led Shouko to an old street and pulled her into a small convenience store.
The store looked aged, like something straight out of an old-school anime.
The owner, an elderly lady, smiled when she saw Shouko.
"Do you know her?" Yuuya asked.
"She comes here often for bread," the lady replied.
"What kind of bread?"
"This kind," she said, pointing.
"I'll take two, please."
"Alright."
Yuuya handed over the money and took Shouko's hand again.
Even though she hadn't heard their conversation, seeing him buy the bread made her understand.
Feeding the Fish
On a nearby bridge, Yuuya handed Shouko the bread.
She tore small pieces, dropping them into the river. Fish swarmed around, and she smiled as she watched.
Yuuya quietly observed her profile.
After the last piece of bread, Shouko turned to see him watching.
Blushing, she lowered her head.
Yuuya leaned in.
She instinctively stepped back—only to hit the railing. Trapped, she froze.
He stretched out his hand to stop her retreat.
Shouko, nervous and flustered, didn't know what to do.
Yuuya opened his notebook to the first page and showed it to her.
After reading it, her face turned even redder.
After a moment of hesitation, Shouko made her decision.
She closed her eyes and lightly kissed Yuuya on the cheek, delicate as a dragonfly's touch.
Yuuya retracted his hand, satisfied.
Rewards and Promises
They finished feeding the fish, fulfilling Shouko's "girlfriend duties."
Yuuya treated her to fried chicken from the convenience store and bought snacks for her younger sister.
"Affection from Nishimiya Shouko +50"
After dropping her back at Keisou Academy, Yuuya handed her 10,000 yen.
Shouko hesitated to accept it, feeling the snacks were enough.
Yuuya flipped open his notebook and wrote:"You're my girlfriend. Accepting my money shows you accept me. Understand?"
Still hesitant, Shouko looked at the notebook's first page.
"A girlfriend must listen to her boyfriend."
Finally, she took the money.
"Affection from Nishimiya Shouko +50"
Yuuya watched her stash the cash and planted a kiss on her forehead. Shouko's face turned bright red.
He wrote another note:"This concludes today's date. I might not come tomorrow, but you have to message me about what you did. Understand?"
Shouko nodded.
Yuuya patted her head gently and walked toward the nearby building.
Shouko watched his retreating figure—and noticed the blue-haired girl again.
Home with Saki
Back home, Kawasaki Saki began preparing dinner.
Yuuya stood at the kitchen doorway.
"I'll visit Sawamura's place tomorrow morning, then stop by the company. At noon, I'll come find you so we can have lunch together. How about that?"
"Hmm, cram school hours are flexible. Tomorrow afternoon, I plan to take care of my sister at home," Saki said.
"Want to take her to the aquarium?"
"I'll ask when I get home," she replied.
"Zoo is fine too."
"Don't you have other things to do?"
Saki looked at him.
"Nothing is more important than you," Yuuya said with a smile.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50"
Her eyes softened at his words.
Soon, dinner was ready, and they ate together.
Everything Saki cooked was what Yuuya liked.
After the meal, they rode bicycles to her home.
Saki parked her bike and turned to him.
Without hesitation, Yuuya kissed her.
After a while, he lifted his head, looking at her.
"Tonight, I might not sleep," he admitted.
"Then should I go home with you?" she asked.
"You being here makes it worse."
"You… if you're tired, just fall asleep," Saki said, blushing.
Yuuya understood immediately.
"Shizuka-sensei probably meant 'be safe,' right?"
"Pretty much," she nodded.
"Don't worry—you're safe for now."
"Do you still have concerns?" Saki asked shyly.
Yuuya looked serious.
"Long ago, an old man taught me a martial art. To master it, I need a certain level before I can properly date."
"I still have some ways to go. Understand?"
Saki's mouth opened slightly.
"Even this kind of thing?"
"I'm also training, so…"
"No danger, right?"
"No danger. Once I reach a higher level, you'll be my number one," Yuuya said meaningfully.
Saki's face flushed.