Chapter 54: On the Brink of a Major Event


    In the end, I failed to score.


    It was because I didnt hit with the section of my shinai that could score a valid point but hit with the de section just below it.


    To put it simply, I failed to measure the distance.


    After that, I couldnt even properly attack, conceding two points and suffering defeat. I couldnt even grasp what was happening; it all ended with two swift strikes to my waist. It felt like she was genuinely trying to beat me.


    Such a pity.


    But my spirit remained high.


    Why? Although I didnt score, I did manage tond a psychological blow on Renka. Moreover, I achieved my goal of bing the main character of the event.


    Renka will likely remember me more than Tetsuya, with whom she had a serious match.


    Thats good enough for me.


    Speaking of which, its fascinating.


    Ive never practiced kendo, let alone any martial art simr to it, but when I moved instinctively, astonishing scenes emerged. Is this the protagonists talent? It feels so exhrating.


    Matsuda hubae-nim.


    At Chinamis call, I, who was wiping the protective gear in the storage room with her, looked up.


    Yes?


    Its such a shame. You could have beaten Renka


    Chinamis voice was slightly subdued. It wasnt jealousy that I almost did what she couldnt. Chinami isnt that petty.


    Her reaction probably stemmed from seeing me striking at Renkas waist. Perhaps shes even contemting whether to seriously teach me Sangdanse.


    I sat almost glued to Chinami, who was cross-legged.


    Then I gave her a big, reassuring smile.


    Its all thanks to Sensei.


    Huh...? Thanks to me?


    I saw how you attacked Ino-oh Sunbaes waist during the second match. I tried imitating it, albeit clumsily.


    Oh, is that so...? How did you even notice that...? Are you a genius or something?


    Maybe, I shrugged, Let me give you a massage as a token of gratitude.


    What...? No, I didnt do anything... Ah...!


    Chinami let out a cute whimper as I softly grasped the back of her neck. My fingers gently traced the fine hairs from the nape of her neck.


    As I tenderly caressed her slim, sexy neck disguising it as a gentle massage,


    Ungh...


    Chinami made anguid sound unique to her. Her head, now limp, moved in whatever direction I applied force.


    So, the nape is a sensitive spot for her.


    Her reactions are truly entertaining.


    Eek...!


    Chinami, biting her lip, managed to slip away from my grasp. With her face flushed, she scolded me.


    Hubae-nim...! I told you...! Grabbing someone elses neck without permission is...


    Is sensei someone else?


    Well, were in a master-disciple rtionship, but... its not right...!


    Not right? Somehow that sounds provocative.


    I was merely trying to massage my sensei as a disciple.


    Your intentions are appreciated...! But ask first next time...!


    Understood.


    Upon seeing mypliant demeanor, Chinami took a deep breath, her hips swaying slightly. She then sat down beside me again, stretching her neck this way and that, and resumed cleaning the protective gear.


    Whether she was recalling the earlier massage or maybe thinking about some food, Chinami was fully focused, asionally smacking her lips. I extended my phone towards her.


    Sensei, could I have your contact number?


    My contact? Ah, right... In case you have questions about kendo.


    Truth be told, unless you bring it up, I wont be asking a single question about that. I just want to chat and hang out.


    With her dainty fingers, Chinami dialed her number and handed my phone back.


    Hubae-nim has tremendous potential. Starting tomorrow, we should focus more on Sangdanse techniques. But you must also thoroughly learn Jungdanse. You couldnt move an inch from the second match because you dont have experience and dont fully understand the Jungdanse techniques.


    I see. But you acknowledged me?


    It was an attack that couldnt be ignored. But remember, never be overconfident. Understood?


    Yes. Im just happy to be acknowledged by Sensei. Should I buy you ice cream?


    What vor? I like... Ah! No, it should be me treating you. As a congrattion and all. Ill buy peach-vored ice cream tomorrow. Just enjoy it.


    Are there any other vors?


    I love peaches.


    Wouldnt you ask for my preference?


    Everyone likes peaches. Im sure youll love it too.


    Chinami would probably excel in sales.


    With that gentle face, I doubt anyone could resist buying whatever shes selling.


    Im tempted to touch the back of her neck again to tease her, but Im still in the early stages of winning over Chinami. Too much proactiveness might backfire, so Ill restrain myself.


    ***


    Leaving the kendo club, I saw Renka and Tetsuya engaged in a quiet conversation.


    It was mostly Renka speaking, seemingly offering advice.


    As I approached the two of them, Renka, crossing her arms, asked,


    Wheres Chinami?


    Her voice was rather monotonous, as if she was making an effort to appear calm.


    She went to the restroom for a bit. Looks like you and Chinami Sunbae-nim are leaving together?


    We are, today. Also... I owe you an apology.


    For what?


    For using too much force in a coaching match.


    It wasnt an attempt to soothe my bruised ego; it was sincere. It was an apology not only to me but also to herself, for losing her restraint and pushing me too hard. I shrugged off Renkas apology as if it was of little concern.


    Its fine.


    .... Im d to hear that. And hey... dont teach Chinami anything weird.


    Anything weird?


    You know, that breathing technique or whatever... theres no such breathing method in the world.


    Its a technique from a character you adore, and you call it that breathing technique? Why pretend you dont know?


    At Comiket^(1), youd excitedly get an autograph from that author...


    You heard that? How?


    I... just happened to overhear it... Anyway, dont do it.


    I was just joking.


    Chinami is the type who, unless told its a joke, will take things seriously. Shes naive like that.


    Then Ill just tell herter it was a joke. Okay?


    ... Fine. You did well today... Next time we spar, Ill guide you properly.


    Next spar? Wouldnt it be more about boiling rage than guidance?


    A scenario where she gets frustrated thinking she could never beat a fierce guy like me and ends up acknowledging me as the dominant one... Ill make it happen someday.


    Alright, Im going then.


    Yeah. Take care. You too, Miura.


    Tetsuya responded with a respectful bow towards Renka.


    As I walked towards the parking lot after parting ways with Renka, I stole a nce at Tetsuya, who seemed dejected.


    Having shown such a poor performancepared to my standout one mustve taken a toll on his self-esteem.


    He does have potential in kendo. So, he should try harder. Itd be better if he asionally explodes with feelings of inferiority.


    I gave Tetsuya a hard pat on the back.


    Why are you so down today? Cheer up, man.


    He flinched, possibly from the unexpected pain, and then grimaced.


    Thanks, Matsuda. But did you have to hit that hard?


    You think that was hard? Then, if you trip on the street, youll probably break a bone.


    That... Oh? Theres Miyuki.


    Tetsuyas face brightened up as he looked straight ahead. Following his gaze, I saw Miyuki walking towards us from the parking lot where she had been waiting.


    Matsuda-kun! Why did you hit Tetsuya-kun?


    She approached with a voice devoid of any reprimanding tone, craning her neck to see. Looking frustrated, I turned towards Tetsuya, asking in a threatening manner,


    Did I hit you?


    Well, you did, but...


    So, I hit you?


    N-not seriously... It was just a yful encouragement...


    Hearing his response, I looked back at Miyuki.


    See?


    Matsuda-kun, if you wear such a stern expression, who would dare speak the truth?


    Another nagging? Maybe I should just silence your mouth...


    Why would you silence my mouth? If you dont want to hear, cover your own ears... Ahhh!


    Miyuki shrieked and pulled away, for I had reached out to grab her. With a face mixed with amusement, she swiftly retreated towards my car. As I unlocked the car door with my smart key, she quickly slid into the passenger seat.


    Rolling my eyes, Iined to Tetsuya.


    Shes bing more yful day by day. Does she do the same with you?


    ... With me, shes even more mischievous.


    Is that so? Lets lessen her mischievousness, one by one, in the future then.


    That must be exhausting.


    Not really... Isnt it fun?


    Is it? Lets get going.


    Right. Thanks for the ride today as well.


    ***


    Throughout the ride home, Tetsuya refrained from mentioning my performance. It seemed like he didnt want to praise me in front of Miyuki.


    Silently scoffing at Tetsuyas timid andughably rebellious attitude, I dropped him off.


    As soon as it was just Miyuki and me, I abruptly took her hand and interlocked our fingers.


    At my gesture, Miyuki chuckled and remarked insincerely,


    You shouldnt drive with one hand...


    Should I let go then?


    No, no... I didnt mean it like that... And Matsuda-kun, why are you so quick to use force? You promised me youd refrain from violence.


    Miyuki was referring to when I had smacked Tetsuyas back earlier. She didnt seem to be genuinely concerned about that; instead, it looked like she just didnt want our conversation topse.


    I saw he was down, so I gave him an encouraging pat. Didnt you notice Miura today? How he seemed distracted even while talking with us?


    Well... He did look a bit off. Ill ask him about it today and let you know.


    Im not really curious. But hows the cultural festival preparation going?


    Its good; were almost done. The makeup crew has been working hard... Since youve been cking off every day, youd better diligently check tickets during the festival. Dont you dare ck off, or youll be in trouble.


    Didnt Miura ck off every day too?


    Tetsuya-kun dide to help us from time to time during lunch. Plus, hes going to be in ghost makeup.


    Oh? What kind of makeup?


    We originally nned on having him as Shuten-doji^(2), but it didnt seem fitting, so we settled on Namahage^(3) instead.


    Namahage? That red-faced ogre with a kitchen knife?


    Yep.


    Things seem to have changed because of me. Im sorry, Tetsuya.


    As we were nearly at Miyukis house, I steered the car into a secluded alley and parked. Then, I leaned in, closing the gap between my face and hers.


    As she blinked in surprise, locking eyes with me, her cheeks gradually flushed a deep red.


    ...Why are you staring at me like that?


    Cant I look at you?


    Its not that, but...


    Are you going to the after-party? Since youre the ss representative?


    Yes...


    Enjoy yourself, but contact me before it gets toote.


    Contact Matsuda-kun? Arent you going to the after-party?


    No.


    Why not? Itd be good if we went together... You dont have many friends, right? Wouldnt it be a good opportunity to make some more?


    shing a gentle smile at Miyukis concerned expression, I spoke in the deep voice she loved, very warmly.


    Contact me. Got it?


    With her face now fully flushed, she lowered her head and replied.


    Y-yes, Ill contact you... But what are you going to do..?


    Pausing for a moment, I lightly, teasingly scratched the back of her hand, causing her to tingle.


    Dont... dont do that...


    Ignoring her attempt to pull away from my grip, I responded calmly.


    Well be together that day... Just the two of us.


    Just the two of us...?


    Yes. Just us.


    Having heard this much, Miyuki might have a vague idea of what Im implying. Even if she doesnt realize it now, once she returns home and mulls it over, shell understand the hidden meaning behind my words.


    Of course, there wasnt any absolute certainty in it. I hadnt explicitly mentioned that shed be staying at my ce that night. But because of the words Just the two of us, she might mentally prepare and possibly even physically prepare.


    O-okay... Ill do that...


    Seeing Miyuki fiddling with the interlocked fingers, I ced my hand over hers and gave a gentle smile. Upon which, Miyuki swallowed hard and spoke.


    ...Are you just going to leave like this?


    What would you like me to do?


    Here...


    She gently pressed her index finger to her lips, and her almond-shaped fingernails shined faintly.


    Watching her tant gesture, Iughed, and not wanting to make her wait any longer, I leaned my face closer to hers.


    *


    { 1. Comiket (): A reference to Comic Market, the worldsrgest doujinshi (self-published works) fair held in Japan. Its a ce where fans and creators gather, and attendees often meet their favorite authors and artists.


    2. Shuten-doji: A legendary oni from Japanese folklore, known for terrorizing ancient Kyoto and consuming human flesh and sake.


    3. Namahage: A folklore creature from the Akita Prefecture of Japan, depicted as demon-like beings, who visit homes during New Years Eve, brandishingrge knives and asking whether there are any crybabies around. Theyre both a figure of fear and a cultural icon used to teach children good behavior.


    You can support the trantion and read ahead on /Devill }