Chapter 28 A Caring Junior and Scumbag Humiliation

A Caring Junior and Scumbag Humiliation

As we enjoyed pancakes, we opened up about ourselves. In that moment, it felt as though we had known each other for much longer than just a day. However, despite our closeness, there was still much to learn about one another, and our relationship remained in a state of uncertainty.

I was aware that Ichijo-san had some family issues, so I avoided bringing up the topic. As we continued to converse, we gradually uncovered more about each other’s interests and experiences during our junior high school years. I learned that Ichijo-san had attended a private junior high school in Tokyo and had a specific reason for not attending an affiliated high school. However, she seemed hesitant to elaborate, leading me to suspect that the reason had something to do with her family.

As a result, I refrained from asking further questions. Nevertheless, given Ichijo-san’s academic excellence, I doubted that she had faced any issues like poor grades or delinquent behavior.

“The reason I didn’t go to an affiliated school was because of family reasons,” she said.

I fell silent when I saw Ichijo-san laughing nervously.

Despite this, the conversation was lively. I grew up in my hometown and attended a local school, so I had many interesting stories to share.

I told her about the time I caught a miser stealing money at a nearby shrine and reported him. I also shared the story of how I became friends with Satoshi, who had saved me at that time. But as I reminisced about the past, a touch of sadness lingered, reminding me of Miyuki’s absence. Miyuki should have been there, but I had consciously erased her from my thoughts so I wouldn’t have to talk about her.

“Senpai?”

Ichijo-sann turned to me with a smile that resembled that of a holy mother while taking a sip of her apple tea.

“Hmm?”

“It’s okay. If you find it hard, it’s okay to admit that it is hard. I’m not fully aware of what’s going on, but I have an idea. If you were a normal person, you wouldn’t be able to recover from such a difficult situation. You are strong, but if you’re too strong, people will break one day. So please talk to me before you reach your breaking point.”

She rubbed my back sympathetically with her left hand.

“Why do you trust me, Ichijo-san?”

“Yesterday, it was because I don’t believe in rumors that I don’t understand. But today, it’s different. After spending just one day with you, I realized that you’re not the kind of person who would act on rumors. You care about others more than yourself and are willing to make sacrifices for them. That’s a wonderful quality, but I can’t allow you to be hurt by the malice of others. If you suffer, I’ll be with you,” she replied.

I decided to take advantage of her kindness and said, “Thank you, as always.”

She laughed softly and said, “Always? This is only our second day together, though.”

We both laughed at that. Time passed quickly.

“Senpai, I’m very sorry, but I’ve had too many snacks today, and I’m afraid we’ll have to save the oyster fries for later. I’ll let your mother know,” she said apologetically.

“Okay, let’s leave that aside for now. But by the way, when did you exchange contact with my mom, and are you okay?” I asked.

“Hehe, it’s a secret. Yeah, I’m fine. I guess it’s about time. I’m sorry, Senpai, I have to go home.”

And so, our first ‘date’ ended.

Ai’s PoV

After leaving him, I got into the car that had been sent to pick me up and reflected on the happy times we’d spent together.

When I met him at the school gate, I noticed the determined look on his face, and I immediately knew that he had made up his mind to talk to his mothers.

I envied the strength of trust between Senpai and his family, which allowed them to make difficult decisions so easily. Unlike them, I had no assurance that my family would always be there for me.

The words I had spoken earlier weren’t just for him; they were for myself, too.

I realized that if Senpai hadn’t been there for me that day on the rooftop, I would have completely broken down.

“Thank you for everything,” he told me. But in truth, I was the one who should have thanked him.

He found me when I was on the brink of being ruined, and he saved me from a terrible fate.

Kondo’s PoV

Hmm, so this is the level of a college student. Just so you know, I’ve been practicing with the second team, but to be honest, there’s no one to challenge me. Today, I’m doing great, but it’s getting boring. My passes are brilliant, but unfortunately, the untalented forwards keep missing them.

“Hey, guys, don’t let that high school kid beat you to a pulp!” shouted the second-team coach.

The captain of the second team was on the verge of collapsing in frustration. It was satisfying to see those who lack confidence in the face of overwhelming talent. I’m confident that I’ll make the first team once I get the chance.

“Damn, I can’t let him get carried away. Hey, Goda. Come over here. Mark that high schooler,” said the first-team captain, calling up a first-team defensive midfielder who was a little shorter than me.

However, there must be a better opponent out there, right? If I can beat this guy, I should be able to be one of the top players in the college soccer world. That’s cool.

Soon, a pass came my way, and Goda was marking me as well.

I thought I could get past him, but just as I was about to take him on, my body collided with something solid, and I was sent flying.

“Huh!”

I let out a strange sound and landed on the ground with grass in my mouth.

“Hey, are you okay?” It was Goda’s voice. For a moment, I even felt fear in my strong, tough body after being knocked down by a slight bump.

It was just a coincidence that I bumped into him. He can’t be that good. I’m destined to be the king of soccer in this country!

One hour later….

I was completely outmatched by him. I can’t believe how much better he was than me.

Even when I tried to dribble past him, he easily took the ball away.

Even when I attempted to pass the ball, he anticipated my moves and intercepted every pass.

Before, I felt like a hero playing against lower-level opponents, but now I was just a laughingstock.

To cool off, I went back to the bench and took a sip of Spodori.

I’m fine. Just feeling a little off today. If I play seriously against that guy, he’ll….

“Hey, Coach. Are you serious about recruiting that high school kid?” I overheard Goda and the coach talking near the bench.

“Yeah, that’s the plan, but how did it go?” the coach asked.

“You shouldn’t bother. That guy is just the king of the high school level. He’s not physically strong, not athletic, and he gives up easily when he loses the ball. He’s like an outdated product. He’s just a misunderstood ace, and he’ll end up being a second-string player pretending to be a king when he’s at home. He’s not talented at all,” Goda replied.

All I could do was stare at the plastic bottle I had grabbed earlier. Before I knew it, it had rolled onto the floor.