Villian Days

Chapter 48

High School – Twenty-eighth Part

The day of Kenshin’s match.

I’m at the national tournament’s match venue, sitting in the cheer area next to Teruki and Suzaku-kun. The two of them led me to the match grounds—such a great help.

Genbu-senpai had been worried, so when I was on the way there, I felt anxious and thought that something might happen. I was relieved when I arrived at the venue without a hitch.

From the cheer area, I can see Kenshin and the others from Shinjin Gakuen’s kendo team assemble.

When Mizuki notices us in the bleachers, he waves his hand fervently and breaks into a smile. I sneak a peak at Kenshin.

He’s been practicing hard up until now. That self confidence has transformed into vigor, and now it’s overflowing from him.

My childhood friend is really cool.

While I’m fascinated in secret, Kenshin’s line of sight aims towards me. Our eyes meet. He smiles only once, turning away from me.

He’ll fight for the sake of victory.

Power gathers in my hand and I grasp tightly out of instinct, my thumb coming in contact with the ring on my index finger.

I examine it.

When I was leaving the house this morning, I was kissed by Genbu-senpai and promised never to remove the ring. Recalling the time he slipped it on my finger, I feel my cheeks grow a bit warm.

There’s still some time before Kenshin’s match, so I decide to go to the restroom.

Teruki offers to accompany me. Suzaku-kun stays behind to save our seats.

He’s in the meeting place, crammed in with the other people cheering and the members of the kendo club.

Yuu: “…Teruki, the first match started a little while ago! I’m so nervous.”

Teruki: “I see…Yuu, for the time being don’t separate from me. At any rate, with so many people here, it’ll be hard going to the bathroom.”

Yuu: “Really crowded huh…Ah?”

I blink.

For a moment, I thought I saw Hasumyouji-senpai.

He probably has some friends in the kendo club, so it’s not too much of a stretch to see him here. In fact, I met some classmates who came to cheer on the club too.

Teruki: “Yuu…What is it?”

Yuu: “…Yeah? Nothing…”

I walk into the crowd, bumping into someone.

Yuu: “…Excuse me…”

That person flashes an unpleasant smile.

Stranger: “…Found you. You’re Amano-kun, right?”

Yuu: “…Eh?”

The stranger is dressed in a black hoodie and has several piercing on his ears. He looks at me and smirks. Then he reaches out in my direction and tries to drag me by the hand.

Stranger: “Won’t you follow me?”

Teruki: “Yuu?”

Teruki supports me as I’m about to be pulled away.

As it is, he gives the other party a roundhouse kick, taking me back and checks the surroundings.

Teruki: “…Four people, huh? Well, do you think you’ll manage somehow?** …!”