BSS – Vol 1 Chapter 4 Part 2 – Lies and True Appearances

<Sophia’s PoV>

“――What do you want to talk about?” (Sophia)

The day I handed Shirakawa-kun the homemade lunch, for some reason, I had been called behind the school building by a group of girls from the General Course, via a letter.

My body felt heavy since the morning, and I was already feeling worse after the situation at the field, so being called here was the worst.

If it were a guy, the chances of it being a confession were high, but with girls…

“Oh~ you actually came without running away.” (Girl A)

“Haha, you’re such a serious one!” (Girl B)

“Ugh, this is so annoying. Let’s just get it over with.” (Girl C)

“Don’t say that, we need to properly get back at her. A-chan, you hold a grudge, right?” (Girl D)

Waiting for me were a group of four gals.

The letter only had one name written on it, but it seemed they had planned to come as a group of four from the start.

I didn’t recognize the name, but it was clear who they were—those girls who would always bother me every time we met.

It seemed like they disliked me, constantly harassing me.

Just the other day, they had accused me of something, and I had to report them to the teacher.

“It’s not really like I hold a grudge or anything…” (Girl A)

“Eh~? But you were so sad about Kento-kun being taken, right?” (Girl B)

“Don’t exaggerate… It’s not like that at all…” (Girl A)

The girl with a more downer personality sighed while fiddling with her smartphone.

She was always sighing and acting bored whenever I saw her, clearly different in vibe from the other three.

Yet, she always stuck with them, which was strange.

But right now, there was something more important to focus on than all of that.

Kento-kun…?

Could it be that she’s a fan of him…?

Surprisingly, Shirakawa-kun has fans at this school.

After his achievements in the summer and because he’s usually kind and considerate of those around him, there are students who are drawn to those aspects of him.

It seems like the number of his fans has been gradually increasing, and sometimes I receive letters expressing dissatisfaction about the fact that he and I live together.

She’s probably one of them.

“I don’t really get what’s so great about him, though~ Shuuto-sama is way more handsome. And also, he’s the ace of the team.” (Girl B)

“I know right.” (Girl C & D)

The words from the pink-haired, girly girl were met with nods from all the others, except for the downer girl.

Shuuto-sama… I’ve never seen anyone call someone from the same school “sama” in real life…

I understand they’re talking about Kurogane-kun, but to me, who faced him this morning, I don’t see his charm at all.

That person is just scary.

Shirakawa-kun is far better—well, never mind…

“Can you stop talking among yourselves after calling me out here? What exactly do you want?” (Sophia)

I actually had somewhere to be, but I came here specifically for this.

I just want this to end quickly.

“Don’t be so cold. We just want to make up with you, that’s all.” (Girl B)

The girl who seemed to be the leader said this with a smirk, saying things she didn’t mean.

It was clearly a lie.

More than anything, one of them had just said “get back at her.”

“Is it that you can’t do anything unless it’s four against one?” (Sophia)

I tried to act like my usual self, wearing a mocking smile.

If they laid a hand on me, expulsion could be a real possibility.

Even if they wanted to get back at me, there wasn’t much they could do.

“Tch, you’re as annoying as ever.” (Girl B)

“You’re acting all high and mighty, looking down on everyone except yourself, aren’t you?” (Girl C)

“You’re really the worst, you know?” (Girl D)

The three of them closed in, one step at a time.

In contrast, I slowly backed away.

“What, are you running away? Are we that scary to you?” (Girl B)

“It’s not that. It’s just that I don’t know what you might do, so it’s better to keep my distance. You guys seem like the stupid kind, after all.” (Sophia)

“Whenever you open your mouth, you’re such an annoying woman. Don’t worry, though, we don’t plan on using violence.” (Girl B)

“Yeah, exactly. We just want you to apologize. On your knees, in front of us.” (Girl C)

What on earth were they saying?

They clearly wanted to humiliate me, but I didn’t need to listen to them.

“By the way, you’re famous for being smart, but it’s honestly kind of stupid for you to come here all alone.” (Girl B)

“It’s not that, Ri-chan. She probably has no friends to bring with her. You know, a solitary flower and all~” (Girl D)

“Ah, I get it now. Well, with a personality that bad, I guess it makes sense~” (Girl B)

“…………” (Sophia)

They were saying whatever they wanted, not knowing a thing.

That’s why I couldn’t stand these shallow, thoughtless people.

“What’s with that defiant look? You really think you’re in a higher position than us, even now?” (Girl B)

The leader, who had been smirking with a disgusting smile, suddenly shifted to an expression that was borderline threatening.

So, this was her true nature.

“Hey, don’t lay your hands on her. Things will get complicated afterward.” (Girl A)

“We get it, don’t worry, A-chan. We’re not that stupid.” (Girl B)

After saying that, they glanced at the downer girl, and then reached for my clothes.

“No…!” (Sophia)

I instinctively slapped the hand that was coming toward me.

What were they planning to do…!?

“Ouch! Ugh, look at that. It’s all red.” (Girl B)

“Wow, it really is! Should I tell the teacher about this?” (Girl C)

“Hehe, then Frost-san—no, Shirakawa-san might get suspended for using violence.” (Girl D)

Crap, I walked right into their trap…!

Even though I thought that it was already too late.

Once I struck out, I was at a disadvantage.

“It’s because you reached for my clothes…!” (Sophia)

“Do you have any proof?” (Girl B)

The leader-like girl tilted her head with a clueless expression.

So fake…

“Proof…? Well, you don’t have any proof that I slapped you either!” (Sophia)

“No, no, DNE testing? Was it?” (Girl B)

“Haa… It’s called DNA testing.” (Girl A)

“Yeah, DNA testing! A-chan, you’re so smart~ If we have that done, we could prove that Frost-san did it, right? And—” (Girl B)

The leader looked at the downer girl.

“If we edit the video we took and only show the part where Shirakawa-san hit us, we can make it look like she was the one who did it.” (Girl B)

“——!” (Sophia)

I’ve been set up…

Since she had been fiddling with her phone from the moment I arrived, I hadn’t paid much attention, but it turns out she was recording the video…

“What are you going to do? You don’t want to be suspended, right? Then, apologize by getting on the ground. If you do that, we might forgive you—” (Girl B)

“Don’t joke with me! Who would do that?! Even if you edited the video, and I can’t deny that I was the one who slapped you, in the end, you were the one who reached for my clothes first! The teachers will believe me over you, given my usual behavior! Besides, forcing someone to bow down like that is a crime called coercion!” (Sophia)

I desperately rattled off my points.

If I gave in to people like this once, I’d be nothing more than a doormat for them from then on.

I couldn’t let that happen.

“…A-chan, it didn’t work.” (Girl B)

The leader girl shot a cold look at the downer girl.

“I told you, someone like her who thinks things through wouldn’t be easy to trick. And the one who insisted on doing this is—” (Girl A)

“Ah, whatever. I thought maybe it could work since she’s the type to rush in alone without consulting anyone. Anyway, you’re talking about crimes, but?” (Girl B)

“She didn’t record anything, so if we just play dumb, it’ll be fine.” (Girl C)

“Oh, right.” (Girl A)

I started to see it more clearly.

Just because they’re always together doesn’t mean they’re all on the same page.

It’s not just friendship—they probably have some shared interests or benefits that keep them together.

If I could just get away while they’re distracted…

“Ugh, this is getting so annoying.” (Girl B)

The leader-like girl walked over to a rusty faucet nearby.

What was she planning to do? I stayed alert, watching her closely, and then she grabbed the connected hose and twisted the handle hard.

“Eh—ah!” (Sophia)

The water shot out forcefully, hitting me directly.

“R-Rii-chan, that’s going too far!?” (Girl C)

“We just wanted her to bow down and that was supposed to be the end of it!” (Girl D)

It seemed this wasn’t part of the plan, as the other girls were shocked.

I had underestimated her.

“Ugh… seriously, that’s going too far… The teachers are going to find out…” (Girl C)

“If we say she accidentally got splashed while we were playing with water because it’s hot, it’ll just be a warning, right? Anyway, make sure you get a good shot. Her underwear is a rare sight~” (Girl B)

The leader-like girl smirked as she spoke, and I quickly covered my chest with my hands.

The water had made my clothes cling to my body, and my bra was visible through the wet fabric.

“Hey, hey, you guys better help cover this up too.” (Girl B)

“Wait, Rii-chan!?” (Girl C)

“No way, us too?!” (Girl D)

The leader-like girl splashed water not just on me, but also on the two girls, excluding the one with the phone. Then, she drenched herself from head to toe as well.

To go this far without any hesitation…

“She’s crazy…” (Girl A)

The downer-type girl muttered the words I had been thinking.

The other three were too busy splashing water around to notice.

That leader-like girl was a dangerous person.

If I stay here, I have no idea what they’ll do to me.

I need to escape…

“Whoa, where do you think you’re going? We’re not done talking yet.” (Girl B)

As I tried to run, my hand was grabbed from behind.

“Let go…!” (Sophia)

“There’s no point in getting you wet if we don’t get a proper shot, right? Let me take the picture.” (Girl B)

“No…! Somebody, help me…!” (Sophia)

Without thinking, I cried out for help.

“Heh, finally, that expression. After all the times you mocked me, now it’s time to make you suffer even more—” (Girl B)

“—Suffer more, huh?” (?)

“Of course, I’m going to make you—wait, huh…?” (Girl B)

She must have sensed something was off.

The voice didn’t belong to anyone here, and it made her turn toward where the sound had come from.

“Looks like you’re making quite a scene.” (?)

The person who appeared from the corner, looking confused and furrowing his brows, was Shirokawa-kun.

“Sh-Shirokawa-kun…!” (Sophia)

The moment I saw his face, I called out his name before I could even process the thought.

In a desperate situation, an unexpected light shone through.

“Why is Kento-kun here…?” (Girl A)

The downer-type gal, now pale, stared at Shirakawa-kun.

He approached her and spoke.

“Let me guess… you’re Rindou Arise, right? Could you delete that video?” (Kento)

“Y-Yes…” (Girl A)

Rindou-san, the downer-type gal, quickly started tapping away on her phone at his request.

The fact that he knew her name meant… they must have talked before.

“What do you think you’re doing!?” (Girl B)

Naturally, the leader-like gal was furious, as all the effort they had put into their plan was now in vain.

But by the time she was angry, Rindou-san had already finished.

“I deleted it…” (GIrl A)

At this point, no amount of anger would change anything.

“Ah… I remember that you used to come to support so often… such a shame.” (Kento)

Shirakawa-kun nodded but didn’t offer any words of thanks. Instead, he stared at Rindou-san with cold eyes.

Just that was enough to make her slump to the ground as if her legs had given out.

It seemed that being as sharp as she was, she understood what those cold eyes and words meant.

“Uh, w-we didn’t mean to take it this far…” (Girl C)

“Yeah… It was Rii-chan who did it on her own. We were just dragged into this…” (Girl D)

“What are you two saying!?” (Girl B)

Realizing they were at a disadvantage with Shirakawa-kun’s arrival, the two girls decided to distance themselves from the leader.

As they said, it was the leader-like girl who had gone overboard, acting on her own, but…

“I saw everything. Yes, it was Rii-chan over there who threw the water, but before that, didn’t you all harass Frost-san?” (Kento)

Whether he was bluffing or had really been watching from the start, I couldn’t tell.

But, just as he said, the others were equally guilty in my eyes.

“I didn’t do anything…” (Girl A)

Rindou-san, who had collapsed on the ground, muttered quietly.

Since she was a fan of Shirakawa-kun, it must have been painful for her to be disliked by him.

I could understand why she wanted to explain herself.

However…

“By staying with them and not stopping it, you’re just as guilty. Besides, you lent them your knowledge, recorded the video, and cooperated with their schemes. No matter the reason, it’s not something that can be forgiven.” (Kento)

“――Ugh…” (Girl A)

Rindou-san’s eyes welled up with tears at Shirakawa-kun’s calm words.

He likely understood that there was some reason why they were all together, from the way they interacted with each other.

It was probably because of power dynamics within the class or something similar.

But even so, being an accomplice wasn’t something that could be excused.

…For just a moment, I felt a little sorry for her…

“What do you think you’re doing, acting all high and mighty? Do you think you’re the hero here? What are you going to do, without any evidence of us doing anything? Maybe you shouldn’t have erased that video after all?” (Girl B)

The girl, who seemed to be the leader, hadn’t given up yet. She glared at Shirakawa-kun, her eyes narrowed with anger.

“Since you don’t seem very smart, let me teach you something. Eyewitness testimony counts as evidence, you know that, right?” (Kento)

Shirakawa-kun turned his gaze toward me.

So, I nodded and spoke up.

“Uh, yes, eyewitness testimony of an incident is usually accepted as evidence.” (Sophia)

“With that, don’t think you can talk your way out of this just because you’re drenched from head to toe in water. Did you think you could get away scot-free?” (Kento)

I had never seen him this angry before.

At the same time, his presence felt safe and reliable.

The fear I had earlier had completely disappeared.

“…Tch, you’re so disgusting. Acting all serious with this nonsense.” (Girl B)

She turned on her heel as if trying to escape.

The two other girls tried to follow her, but—

“Hold it.” (Kento)

Shirakawa-kun stopped them from running.

“What, is there something else? If you want to snitch to the teachers, go ahead.” (Girl B)

It seemed like she was trying to act defiant.

“You don’t seem to be regretting this at all, so let me make it clear. This girl is someone important to me, someone I consider family. If you lay a hand on her again, you won’t get off easy.” (Kento)

“…!? ” (Sophia)

I was shocked by his quiet but angry words.

Me… Important!?

What is he saying at a time like this?!

“Gross, seriously gross.” (Girl B)

“Ah, Rii-chan, wait for me…” (Girl C)

“Don’t leave me behind!” (Girl D)

“Shut up! You guys sold me out, so remember that!” (Girl B)

The girls argued as they walked away.

—Wait, there’s still one left, though…

Shirakawa-kun walked toward the remaining girl.

…He’s not even going to talk to me…

“Do you regret it?” (Kento)

“Of course…” (Girl A)

“Even if you regret it, what you did won’t go away.” (Kento)

He said something unusually cold.

I had always thought he was someone who couldn’t be cold to others.

“Well, isn’t it possible to start over?” (Kento)

It seemed my assumption wasn’t wrong after all.

His expression remained cold, but he extended a hand to her with his words.

“How… do I do that?” (Girl A)

“Figure it out yourself. It’s not something I should show you.” (Kento)

As he said that, he glanced at me briefly.

Wasn’t that already giving her the answer?

“…Right.” (Girl A)

She seemed to understand, standing up and walking toward me.

“I’m sorry for what I did… I used you for my own sake…” (Girl A)

I don’t know what she’ll do from here, but first, she needs to apologize to me for the terrible things she did.

Or at least that’s why Shirakawa-kun looked at me.

“I get it, wanting to avoid things because you don’t want it happening to you, or needing to go along with others to fit in— I understand that feeling. I’ve often been on the receiving end of that. But I can’t forgive you.” (Sophia)

If she thinks that apologizing will make everything okay, she’s gravely mistaken.

The perpetrators think that an apology will fix things, but it doesn’t clear up the victim’s feelings at all.

“I understand… I don’t expect to be forgiven for something like this…” (Girl A)

It seems she truly gets it.

“Good, then. I don’t know what you’ll do, but I expect you to show your sincerity from here on.” (Sophia)

Whether I forgive her or not depends on her actions from now on.

This is how it should be…right?

When I looked at him with that in mind, he looked so surprised.

What’s with that face…!

Could it be that he thought I was going to yell at her and refuse to forgive her!?

That’s definitely the kind of face he’s making, right!?

Seeing that clearly disrespectful expression, I couldn’t help but think that, but since he had helped me, I forced myself to hold back.

And then—

“Thank you…” (Girl A)

I was suddenly thanked by Rindou-san.

I felt strangely conflicted.

After all, it wasn’t something I should be thanked for.

She then bowed her head apologetically before leaving.

I want to believe that wasn’t just an act.

“Are you okay?” (Kento)

Once we were alone, he finally spoke to me.

This guy isn’t doing this on purpose, right…?

“Yeah, I’m fine…” (Sophia)

I nodded quietly, still a bit bothered by being left alone, but I didn’t want to worry him any further. The physical exhaustion was growing, but I kept it to myself.

…Come to think of it, how exactly did he end up here?

“Um—” (Sophia)

“You’re going to catch a cold if you don’t change soon. But, of course, you can’t walk around the hallway like that… Wait a moment.” (Kento)

I was about to ask, but for some reason, he walked off toward a corner. Then, he picked up a phone that had been on the ground and started fiddling with it.

…Why was there a phone in that place?

“Hello, is this Kujouin-san? Actually—” (Kento)

He made a call and started speaking.

He was probably explaining the situation, but I had no idea who he was talking to…

“They’ll be here soon, so just wait a little longer. In the meantime, let me give you this.” (Kento)

“This…?” (Sophia)

Through a chat app, he sent me a video that had recorded everything from earlier.

It looked like he had been recording the entire thing too.

“It seemed suspicious, and I had seen those girls harassing Frost-san a few times, so I decided to record it just in case.” (Kento)

With solid proof in hand, and yet, he didn’t even hint at it to the girls earlier—this guy sure knew how to play his cards. A catcher, indeed, he was no easy opponent…

“If we use this, you’ll be able to explain why you’re wet to the teachers, and we can get those girls punished. Whatever punishment they end up getting, it’ll be their own fault.” (Kento)

Even if they were to face harsh consequences, there was no need to feel sympathy for them.

“—Sorry to keep you waiting… Wow, you’re really soaked…” (Nadeshiko)

After a short while, a beautiful woman with black hair came up to us.

I recognized her on TV; she was the manager of the baseball team. Her name was Kujouin-senpai, if I remember correctly.

In her hands were a few towels and a jacket from a tracksuit.

“Sorry to interrupt your lunch break.” (Kento)

“No, it’s fine. I just finished eating, actually. Plus, I’m happy you relied on me.” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai smiled warmly, a genuinely kind expression on her face.

I had heard rumors about her before, but seeing her up close, I could tell she really was a kind-hearted person.

…They must be really close to each other…

“Thank you. If I went with her, it might cause some misunderstandings, so I was Kujouin-senpai could handle the rest since you’re more trusted with teachers.” (Kento)

“Yeah, it’s also easier to handle things between girls. I’ll talk to the teachers and make sure to get a spare uniform for her, so don’t worry.” (Nadeshiko)

After saying that to Shirakawa-kun, she turned to look at me.

“This is the first time we’re talking to each other, right? I’m Kujouin Nadeshiko, a second-year in the General Course. I’m sorry for what my kouhais did to you.” (Nadeshiko)

She bowed deeply.

“Why are you apologizing, senpai…?” (Sophia)

I couldn’t understand why she was apologizing, so I asked without thinking.

“Well, since they’re from the same course, as a senpai, I need to apologize. Also, I don’t want everyone in the General Course to be seen the same as those who harmed you.” (Nadeshiko)

I see… That makes sense.

People often tend to judge others by the groups they belong to.

If even one person does something wrong, everyone in their group is often judged the same way.

That’s why the school takes strict measures to control students’ behavior, to prevent any bad rumors from spreading.

“Let me help with your hair.” (Nadeshiko)

She draped a towel over my hair and began gently drying it.

“I can do it myself…” (Sophia)

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Everything here is fresh, so don’t worry. I’ll help wipe your body when you change.” (Nadeshiko)

She really seemed like a caring senpai.

Even though we have no real connection, and I’m known for being cold to others, she’s still helping me.

“This is my spare jersey, but you can wear it for now.” (Nadeshiko)

After drying my hair, she put the jacket of the jersey over my shoulders.

“Eh, but my clothes are all wet…” (Sophia)

“It’s fine. It’s actually better if you take them off first, but I’m sure you’re worried about being seen, right?” (Nadeshiko)

Since the only male here is Shirokawa-kun, as long as he doesn’t look—well, it’s not like I can tell him not to.

Since we were outside, who knew who might be watching, and the thought of being in my underwear without a shirt on top was both embarrassing and unpleasant.

“Your clothes are see-through, so I’ll make sure to cover you up like this so no one can see.” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai’s attention to detail is remarkable.

I wonder if being a manager has helped her become this considerate.

“Well, I’ll take her with me now. What about you, Kento-kun?” (Nadeshiko)

After putting the jersey on me, she turned her gaze to Shirokawa-kun.

She calls him Kento-kun… by his first name.

“If I go with you, it would defeat the purpose of having you come, so I’ll return a little later. I’ve already handed over the video to Frost-san.” (Kento)

“I see, understood. I think the teachers will probably come to ask you about it later, so please be ready to talk to them.” (Nadeshiko)

“Got it, please take care of her.” (Kento)

We left Shirokawa-kun behind and headed back toward the school building.

On the way there…

“Frost-san… Hmm, maybe I should call you Shirokawa-san for now?” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai spoke up as we started walking.

“Either way is fine…” (Sophia)

“I see, then I’ll call you Shirokawa-san. Are you close with Kento-kun?” (Nadeshiko)

It seemed like SKujouin-senpai was trying to make small talk to avoid an awkward silence between the two of us. Or maybe she was just curious about my relationship with him…

“No, in fact, I think we’re on bad terms…” (Sophia)

I answered honestly.

I figured there was no point in lying here.

“Well… rumors can be exaggerated, so I didn’t believe everything I heard… but I don’t think you two are actually on bad terms.” (Nadeshiko)

Although I wasn’t sure which rumors Kujouin-senpai was referring to, it seemed like she didn’t quite believe me when I said we weren’t close.

“Why do you think that…?” (Sophia)

“It’s just a woman’s intuition, I guess. I could tell just by watching the two of you.” (Nadeshiko)

She hesitated for a moment.

“Also, I’ve never heard him get angry before.” (Nadeshiko)

It was true that Shirokawa-kun had never raised his voice. Since Kujouin-senpai arrived, he seemed particularly calm. Still, to her, something had probably felt off.

“You see, he really dislikes conflict. He’s in a position where he has to keep his teammates together, so I think he just hates when relationships sour. He’d rather brush things off with a smile, or speak carefully to avoid making things worse… He doesn’t like leaving things unresolved. For him to get that angry… I think it means you’re really important to him.” (Nadeshiko)

I couldn’t help but gasp at her words.

Even though we often clashed and I would snap back at him, it was probably because I was the one pushing his buttons too much.

More importantly, he actually said that I was an important person to him.

If someone who’s been observing him also says the same thing then, it must be true.

What should I do? My heart is starting to race…

“Honestly, I was worried, but it looks like you don’t dislike Kento-kun anymore, which is a relief.” (Nadeshiko)

“Dislike him…? Well, he did help me earlier, so…” (Sophia)

I said that much, but then I suddenly realized.

I haven’t thanked him yet…

“U-Um, is it okay if I go back for a moment?!” (Sophia)

“Huh? Did you forget something?” (Nadeshiko)

“I… I didn’t thank him…” (Sophia)

“Ah…” (Nadeshiko)

When she heard my words, Kujouin-senpai looked surprised.

And then—she quickly broke into a kind smile.

“Yeah, that’s something you definitely need to tell him. It’s fine, let’s go back.” (Nadeshiko)

I’ve met a lot of people, but I’ve never been around someone I don’t mind spending time with as much as her.

I’ve heard she’s the most popular person at school, but it’s probably not just because of her cute looks.

I can understand why so many people are drawn to her.

Maybe even he…

“—Huh? He’s not here…” (Sophia)

When we returned to the back of the school building, he wasn’t there.

Where could he have gone…?

“He’s this way.” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai, who seemed to know something, smiled and pointed towards a corner deeper inside.

Now that I think about it, he came out from that direction earlier…

I walked toward the corner.

—Whoosh! Whoosh!

What is that wind-cutting sound…?

Suddenly, I heard a sound like wind cutting through the air, and I became confused.

As I got closer to the corner, the sound grew louder.

Peering around the corner, I saw—

“Ha…!” (Kento)

There was Shirakawa-kun, in his school uniform, swinging a bat.

“He always practices here during lunch break. Normally, he eats in the cafeteria first, but since he has his bento today, it looks like he came straight here after class.” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai, explaining, pointed out the bento I had given him, which was placed in the corner.

Has he not eaten yet…?

“Why is he practicing his swing in secret like this…?” (Sophia)

“Well, he’s actually hiding. He doesn’t want anyone to see him putting in the effort.” (Nadeshiko)

“Why…?” (Sophia)

I looked at Kujouin-senpai, not quite understanding.

“Apparently, things happened in the past. He doesn’t do it to be praised, but for his own growth, so he avoids creating unnecessary conflicts.” (Nadeshiko)

Did he have issues with teammates because of his effort? It’s hard for me to imagine.

“That said, wouldn’t it have been better to not bring me along if that’s the case…?” (Sophia)

Knowing that he was trying to hide, she hadn’t stopped me. In fact, she had even told me where he was.

“Kento-kun will probably be upset with me for bringing you here. But I think someone should know about his hard work. He tends to be misunderstood because of his appearance and attitude. People think he only gets results through talent without putting in any effort. Well, it’s partly because he acts that way, though.” (Nadeshiko)

My chest hurt.

Even though I knew she didn’t mean it that way, it felt like she was talking about me.

I am one of those people who had also judged him based on his appearance.

“Do you often see him like this, Senpai?” (Sophia)

I asked, sensing it from the way she spoke.

“Ahaha… I might be misunderstood if I say this, but I sneak a peek during lunch break unless I have something else to do. I mean, he’s kind of cool, right?” (Nadeshiko)

…What kind of misunderstanding is she talking about?

I was curious, but asking felt a bit scary.

“Aren’t you going to say anything to him?” (Nadeshiko)

“Just wait a moment, please…” (Sophia)

I watched him swing the bat.

His posture was wide, with his back hand held high, and the bat angled towards the pitcher as if preparing to throw.

His legs were firmly planted, and as he rotated his hips, his front leg stretched out sharply while his back leg briefly lifted off the ground during the swing.

Yet, his head barely moved at all during the swing.

I noticed this when I reviewed the footage repeatedly.

This batting form… it’s just like my dad’s.

“…Sorry, but if you stay here for too long in those wet clothes, you’ll catch a cold.”  (Nadeshiko)

“Eh—” (Sophia)

“Hey, Kento-kun, can I talk to you for a moment?” (Nadeshiko)

While I was still confused, Kujouin-senpai called out to Shirokawa-kun.

“…Seriously?” (Kento)

He must have been deeply focused, as he didn’t notice us until he was addressed. He quickly looked away, clearly embarrassed.

Just as Kujouin-senpai had said, he probably didn’t want anyone to see him practicing his swing.

“Is there something you forgot?” (Kento)

“If you’re talking about something being forgotten, I suppose it’s something like that. Look, Shirakawa-san.” (Nadeshiko)

A gentle push was given to my back.

I walked over to Shirakawa-kun’s side and looked into his eyes.

“Um… I forgot to thank you… Thank you for helping me…” (Sophia)

“Eh, that’s all? You didn’t have to come all the way here to say that.” (Kento)

Shirakawa-kun scratched his cheek with his finger, his face slightly reddened, as his gaze shifted away from mine.

He seemed embarrassed.

“It’s important to express your gratitude. Well then, Shirakawa-san, shall we head to the staff room?” (Nadeshiko)

It seemed like she was ready to move on since the task was finished.

She probably wanted to leave quickly since having me stay in wet clothes would lead to a cold.

However…

“Ah, um…” (Sophia)

I hesitated at Kujoin-senpai’s words, still having something I wanted to say.

“Is there something else on your mind?” (Kento)

Noticing my hesitation, Shirokawa-kun seemed to realize something and asked me first.

“Did you not eat your lunch yet…?” (Sophia)

“Ah… sorry, I was planning to eat it later. Can you wait a bit before asking for my opinion on it?” (Kento)

It seemed like he thought I was concerned about his feedback on the lunch.

“That’s not it… I haven’t eaten yet either… After finding the teacher and changing out, would it be okay if I came back here?” (Sophia)

I had originally planned to visit him during lunch. I just wanted to make up for what had happened before, even if only a little.

“…” (Kento & Nadeshiko)

Both Shirokawa-kun and Kujouin-senpai froze, seemingly caught off guard by my question.

It must have been so unexpected for them.

“Ah, well, it’s not that I have any ulterior motive…! I just cooked after a long time, so I’m curious about your thoughts on it…!” (Sophia)

Flustered by the awkward atmosphere, I hastily made an excuse.

That wasn’t what I meant, but it just slipped out of my mouth.

“I see… But, do you have enough time…?” (Kento)

Shirokawa-kun, who seemed to have understood, looked at his phone with a troubled expression.

Since quite a bit of time had already passed during lunch, if I had to report to the teacher and change out, there might not be much time left to eat.

“…If the timing is too tight, I can contact him for you. How does that sound?” (Nadeshiko)

Kujouin-senpai, who had been listening to the conversation, kindly offered that suggestion.

I figured it would be my responsibility to contact him, but I realized she was probably thinking about the possibility of me getting stuck with the teachers for too long.

If that happened, I wouldn’t have time to contact him, so it would be much quicker if she did it for me.

“You’re right… I’m sorry, could you please do that?” (Sophia)

In response, Kujouin-senpai smiled faintly, her expression tinged with a hint of sadness.

“Yeah. I’d love to join you too… but unfortunately, I already ate, so I can’t eat with you guys.” (Nadeshiko)

It seemed she wanted to eat together after all.

“……” (Sophia)

“Come on, Shirokawa-san. If that’s the case, we need to hurry, or we’ll run out of time!” (Nadeshiko)

As I stared at Kujouin-senpai, deep in thought, she grabbed my arm.

“Well then, Kento-kun, I’ll contact you later.” (Nadeshiko)

“Yes, I’m sorry for the trouble.” (Kento)

“It’s fine. It’s for my cute kouhai, after all.” (Nadeshiko)

With that, she smiled and pulled me along.

After that, I explained everything to the teachers, and with Kujouin-senpai’s support, they immediately believed me. Thanks to her skillful explanation, they decided that we would discuss the details after school, and I was able to borrow a spare uniform.

After repeatedly thanking her, I went to the changing room to change. Once I finished changing, I went to find Shirakawa-kun, and we enjoyed eating lunch together.

By the way, this is a side note, but based on the video, the actions of the girls were judged to be malicious, and the one who seemed to be their leader was expelled, while the other three received a one-month suspension. The leader was expelled because her actions were deemed too dangerous, and they couldn’t let her stay at the school.

It was all their own fault, so I think it was for the best.

However, regarding Shirokawa-kun…

“There’s no guarantee that something like today won’t happen again, so if it does, don’t hesitate to call me. After all, I’m technically your brother… okay? Well, I hope things don’t end up like this again, and that you can get along better with those around you.” (Kento)

While we were eating lunch, he gave me a troubled smile and gently warned me in a roundabout way.

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TL Notes:

Thanks for reading!

I hope these girls don’t make another reappearance, I’m not even gonna try to remember their names. It didn’t feel right to split this into parts, which is why this one is so long.

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