Showered by the Stars

9. 2nd challenge

“You’re awake?” Takeshima asked.

“Uhn—Where am I?” I asked.

“I’m taking you home.” He said. I was startled.

“Uh—Hey! Put me down!” I demanded. He was carrying me on his back.

“Alright.” He put me down.

“You can leave me here. I can go home by myself.” I said.

“No can do.” He said.

“Huh?”

“It’s very late already. Mori-san and Hibino-san specifically told me to take you home. As you can see, I’m your friends’ errand boy starting today.” He said.

“Ah! Heck!” I mumbled.

We walked until we reached home.

“See you tomorrow, Minami-san.” He said.

“Mmm—“ I went inside and closed the gate.

I sighed.

~0~

I watched Minami-san’s window until the lights were turned off before I went home.

It has been quite a day for me. My body ached a lot. Having to fight all those men and then fought the strongest opponent, Minami-san is already exhausting. Hearing those comments about Minami-san not able to like me pissed me off so much that I fought with all my might to knock her down. When she passed out in my arms, I was afraid that I hurt her.

I was glad to know that her body was recuperating as I watched her sleeping image in the infirmary room. Her blond curls spread everywhere, her perfectly slanted eyebrows occasionally frowning, her long eyelashes, her perfectly long nose, her luscious lips, and her soft white skin just mesmerized me.

“Uhmm—“ She started to awaken. I removed my hand from her face.

“You’re awake?” I quickly asked. I hope that my voice will express worry rather than nervousness. If she could hear my thumping heart, what would she say?

““Mmm—I guess I lost, huh?” she said, looking away.

I hope that you’re not too disappointed.

“Well, yeah. For the first challenge, I passed right?” I said. Even so, I won’t give up until I can be with you.

“It seems so.” She said. Still, I was happy with those words. She acknowledged my win, at least.

When we ate at the restaurant, I was so amazed at how different they really seem to be. I never knew that Minami-san takes good care of her body so well. Well, for an athlete it’s needed. But people like that aren’t many. They just say that they’re so tired that they have to eat a lot to regain their energy.

When the drinks were served, Minami-san was already wheezing.

“Takeshima, congrats!” then she fell asleep while saying that.

I watched over Minami-san’s sleeping form. Her hair covered her face, I brushed it aside.

“Ren-kun!” she suddenly mumbled.

Her forehead creased.

“Hmm—Excuse me, Mori-san. Who is this Ren-kun?” I asked.

“Ah—He was. Umm—not really her first love. He was her long-time crush.” Mori-san said.

Whew! I thought she’s her past boyfriend or something.

“You look relieved. You didn’t know? She never had a boyfriend.” Mori-san smirked.

Eh?!

“Umm—Mori-san, Hibino-san said a few days ago that I’m the eighteenth?” I asked.

“Yes.” She said.

“But how come I fought 500 men awhile ago? It sure doesn’t like I’m the 18th. Maybe you meant I’m the 518th challenger?” I asked.

“No. What we meant was—you were the 18th person that can stand a chance. The guys you fought awhile ago were just nothing. There were other guys as well but they didn’t count since they’re looks are a bit off, their brains are wacked, they lack in skills and they’re not that serious towards Mizuki.” She said, looking at her glass.

“Huh?” I wondered what she meant.

“These challenges that we put up, it’s well-known like you said that’s why most of the challengers just want to prove that they’re really great and such charmers.” She said, with distaste in her voice.

“I see.” I said.

“Oh? Do you really see it? Don’t think that because we acknowledged you as the 18th you’re sure to succeed. Why do you think she’s never even had a boyfriend before?” she said.

That’s right. I have to survive.

“For now, take her home. Her mom is probably worried-sick.” She said. “Your second challenge will be to show her that you’re better than Ren-kun.

“Alright. We’ll be leaving now.” I nodded.

The conversation I had was stuck in my head. How could I win against her long-time crush?