On the tenth square:
A red "X."
As soon as I confirmed that the last question was wrong, I sighed.
"Haaih…"
I got four of the five questions I needed.
Unlike me, who was in despair, Tetsuya's face was bright.
That bastard answered seven questions correctly.
"Tetsuya-kun, well done."
In response to Miyuki's praise, Tetsuya scratched his head in embarrassment.
To compare myself to that bastard of all things… I feel dirty.
I finally understood why Miyuki had set half right as my goal.
I was now immensely disappointed in myself, and my competitive spirit was now burning with fiery resolve.
I, who was sitting at the round table as if I was about to hit my head,
"Matsuda-kun… You honestly surprised me. I thought you would be able to solve at most two questions, but I never dreamed that you would be able to solve four. You even solved them the correct way."
He raised his head at Miyuki's high praise.
Miyuki hid her laughter and smile then continued.
"You must have studied really hard. Isn't that commendable? Matsuda-kun."
It was something of a compliment to a child, but I was extremely happy.
This must be the reason why people study diligently:
To get praised.
"Once I start doing something, I'm the type to stick with it and work hard."
"You're already so arrogant? Even though you've done well so far, you still have a long way to go. This was merely the most basic fundamentals."
Harsh.
Still, at least, Miyuki didn't compare me with Tetsuya.
Still, I thought positively and began planning for the next event.
Brrrr-!
I glanced at my vibrating phone screen.
[Shimoyama sunbae]
Shimoyama…? Who was this kid?
Scouring through my memories a bit, I immediately remembered.
Akiro Shimoyama.
He was the head of the second year at the Supreme Circle, which I belonged to.
To describe him in one sentence: he was the carbon copy of Matsuda Ken.
But why did this guy call me?
"Who is it?"
I gestured to the curious Miyuki to wait a moment and answered the phone.
"Yes, sunbae."
-You know about the hideout, right?
He was referring to a building's basement in the corner of Kabukicho, an entertainment district.
"I know of it."
– Come right now.
He hung up immediately after.
Hearing his tone of voice, he must've not been in a good mood. I'm probably gonna be beat if I go there.
But, this was a good opportunity.
A preview of the big incident that will happen as soon as our vacation ends.
Over the weekend, my position in Miyuki's heart must've improved, so I should organize another event that will put me ahead of Tetsuya soon.
To be honest, I'm scared as fuck of these guys, but I have to do this for the future.
I spoke to the two of them seriously:
"Today, it would be better for just you two to study together."
"Yes…? Why?"
"Something came up. Finish studying and leave once you're done. Don't worry about locking the door; the door automatically locks."
Miyuki, sensing that the matter was serious, answered in a low voice:
"Oh, okay… Call us right away when you're done."
"Sure."
The hideout of Supreme Circle did not exude a flashy, modern vibe like the hangouts of gangsters shown on social media or movies these days.
It was shabby and run-down, like the hideout used by villains from old crime movies.
I headed down into it and found the 1st Year bullies of Yeboni Academy lined up at attention.
They were lined up in groups of about ten people on both sides.
After making eye contact with Takashi in the middle, I began walking to the far end.
But, Shimoyama, who was sitting relaxed on the center sofa, stopped me.
"Ken! Come here, you bastard. What's the 1st Year Captain doing over there?"
Captain… Even the way they speak is childish.
Still, let's take comfort in the fact that they didn't call me "Oyabun".
Shimoyama was a tough-looking skinny man, whose two gold frontal dental implants shone in the dark.
I heard it was because his face got smashed into a jagged rock while fighting… Somehow, it suits him.
I went in front of him and bowed my head once.
"Hello."
Shimoyama's eyes twitched at that rude greeting.
He stared at me for a moment.
When I answered the phone, I felt a little scared because of his intimidating voice, but now seeing him in person made me laugh internally. So scrawny…
As I continued to stare into Shimoyama's eyes disrespectfully, he suddenly jumped up and came right in front of me.
Fuck, get away. Your breath stinks.
Just as he thought that, Shimoyama raised the corners of his mouth.
Why is it that all psychopaths act serious, setting up a tense atmosphere, then suddenly smile brightly…
Normally, I would've had goosebumps popping up all over my body, but now, I don't feel anything.
After replacing Matsuda Ken, I wonder if I gained his tolerance for intimidation.
"Bastard… You've grown quite a bit?"
"Thank you."
Shimoyama grabbed me by the back of my neck and spoke:
"Anyway, you know about Inagi Academy, right?"
Inagi Academy…
It was an academy quite far from Yeboni Academy.
I suppose the gangsters there had bad blood with the Supreme Circle?
"Yes."
"Take the boys this Friday and beat up some of their students. Be sure to wear your uniform."
Aha, you want to start a gang war between the two academies.
What should I do?
Should I participate in the gang fights, pretending to still be loyal to the circle?
Or should I voice that I'm starting to get cold feet and want to leave?
I'll choose the latter.
It wasn't even about enacting revenge for an injustice… He just wants me to stir shit up with the other academy.
If Miyuki learns that I've been beating people up again, I'll definitely lose lots of favorability with Miyuki.
"Did Inagi's boys do something wrong?"
"Huh? What'd you just say?"
As if gesturing that he must've heard wrong, Shimoyama cupped his ear with his hand, and his eyes narrowed.
I scratched my chin with my index finger and put on a troubled expression.
"It's a bit too much to just go start beef with a random academy…"
Smack!
My head spun with a loud smack.
It stings. He's much stronger than he looks.
Could you hit me a bit more in that one spot, so it swells?
I turned my head back and nodded at him.
Then, Shimoyama rolled up the sleeves of his uniform shirt.
"What the hell are you talking about…? When have we ever cared about that shit, you fucktard?"
"Even if that's the case…"
Bam!
My head whiplashed to the side.
It's a punch this time. Very good.
I turned my head back.
And Shimoyama, angered by my disrespect, reached out and grabbed my hair.
Then, he mercilessly began punching my face.
Bam! Bam!
Every time I got hit, my nose would bleed a bit more, my cheekbones and chin would hurt, and the skin around my chin and my eyes would sting a little.
Still, I was able to endure it by concentrating all my nerves on suppressing Matsuda Ken's rebellious temperament.
If this guy wasn't such a weak bitch, it would have been really fucking painful.
Shimoyama, who must've hit me dozens of times now, frustratedly looked at me who hadn't screamed once and stopped punching.
Then, he asked Takashi, who was closest to me.
"Yo, what's wrong with this bastard?"
"Yes…? N-No, I don't know…"
"Whatever. You're now responsible for Inagi. Alright?"
"Otsu!"
A greeting used only in Japanese martial arts.
I didn't expect to actually hear it here.
Unable to withhold it, I burst out into laughter.
"Pfft!"
I just realized, but Takashi's reactions… are very much akin to a supporting character's in a love comedy.
I glanced around as I covered my giggling mouth.
"….."
The frozen atmosphere of the basement felt even colder.
Seeing Shimoyama's eyes burning in rage, I gritted my teeth in preparation for my beating.
I'll just eat your punches again… as long as it's not too extreme.
"You idiot… What the hell were you thinking to snicker in that situation?"
Takashi spoke as he helped me walk.
I said, spitting out the blood that kept filling my mouth:
"No, but… It's funny…"
"What is exactly?"
"Otsu…"
"Did this bastard really eat something weird? I was about to get beat up too because of you. You've never seen it before?"
"I haven't seen it often…"
"Well, that's true, but… Ugh… Fuck… I don't know. Just go back home and relax. You look like shit."
I thought he was just a gangster, but he has a sense of loyalty.
I commend you.
Instead of answering, I silently nodded and walked home with Takashi.
Seeing me take out the key with trembling hands, Takashi asked anxiously:
"You look like you're gonna collapse… You want me to bring you inside?"
"I'm fine… Just go…"
"Your damn pride… I'm really going?"
"Go… And thanks for today…"
"You for real right now?"
"Fuck… Go, you son of a bitch…! Fuck…!"
I tried to kick Takashi's butt, but my ribs suddenly ached, so I crouched down.
Takashi laughed at my actions and said:
"Asshole…I'm going. If something comes up, call me right away."
"Sure…"
I weakly opened the door and stumbled straight to the bathroom.
Somehow, I managed to take off my clothes and turn on the cold water for the bathtub.
After that, I got in and closed my eyes, relaxing enough for my body to fully sink into the water.
The ice-like water forcefully contracted my shocked muscles.
Everything aches and hurts. As expected though. Got beat way more than I had expected.
I should've just held in my laughter… Why'd I laugh…
I grumbled inwardly as I rested in the cold bath for a while. Then, I stepped out and took a quick shower before lying down on the living room floor.
The legs of the round table were folded up, and it was leaning against the wall in the corner.
The trays and bowls for the melos were also well washed.
Miyuki and Tetsuya must've all cleaned up. It's all very clean.
Glancing down at my phone, I saw a message from Miyuki.
[Has the matter not been resolved yet?]
Looking at the time that I received the message, it was sent while I was still getting beat.
My fingers struggled to tap my phone screen accurately.
[Taken care of.]
Then, not long after, my phone vibrated.
[Your expression didn't look so good… What's going on? Can I call you?]
Ahhhhh… Miyuki. Were you waiting for my reply?
I can feel your sincere concern in your words. I can already feel the pain go away.
Will you bandage me with your delicate hands tomorrow? I'll believe in you.
[Sorry, but I'm really tired right now. I'll tell you tomorrow.]
[Okay, I understand. Sleep as soon as you get home.]
[I'm at home right now. I see you did the dishes. Thank you.]
[It's an obvious thing to do. Sleep early. See you tomorrow.]
[Sure.]
After the conversation with Miyuki, I laid on my back with my arms and legs spread out to the sides.
I really got the shit beaten out of me today.
Still, I feel great.
I wonder how Miyuki will react tomorrow.
Would she scold me, assuming I got into another fist fight?
Or make a fuss while asking me about what happened?
Who knows.
However, I do know one thing.
If I explain the situation honestly, I definitely won't lose any favorability. In fact, I'll probably gain some affection points instead
So, let's just stop thinking and sleep.