Chapter 202: Inside the Infirmary
Upon seeing Yumiko fall, Hina hurriedly approached her, joined by Yui, who had been celebrating moments ago.
As close friends, Yui anxiously asked, "Yumiko, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
Feeling a slight swelling in her ankle, Yumiko reached down to touch it but couldn't help but wince in pain.
"Ouch, it hurts."
Examining her slightly red and swollen ankle, Hina concluded, "It seems like a sprain. You should go to the infirmary for treatment."
At that moment, Hachiman walked over.
"Let me take Yumiko to the infirmary. After all, that pit was my doing, so I bear some responsibility."
Seeing the culprit, Yumiko's face displayed a resentful expression. "Hmph, it's all because of you."
To her words, Hachiman simply shrugged.
"Fine, let's call it my fault. But right now, the priority is to get you to the infirmary. You wouldn't want your foot to swell up so much that you can't walk, would you?"
Hesitating for a moment, Yumiko didn't say anything. In reality, she would have preferred if Hayama were the one offering to take her to the infirmary, but it seemed he had no such intention.
Seeing Hachiman volunteering to take Yumiko to the infirmary, Hayama breathed a sigh of relief.
He understood the thoughts of teenage girls quite well.
Hayama, the soccer team's ace, exuded a cheerful and sunny personality, complemented by his handsome appearance. Since his first year, numerous girls had confessed their feelings to him, yet he turned them all down.
His reason was simple – there was someone he harbored feelings for, though he hadn't formally confessed. In his heart, he remained committed to that person and couldn't imagine developing feelings for anyone else.
While he enjoyed the company of girls, engaging in activities like playing games or singing, he maintained a boundary, politely rejecting any overly intimate contact. Aware of how quickly rumors could spread, he aimed to avoid misunderstandings.
Seeing Hachiman assist in taking Yumiko to the infirmary was a situation that pleased Hayama.
Approaching the scene, Hayama wore a smile and inquired, "Is there anything else I can help with?"
A quick glance from Hachiman conveyed an understanding of Hayama's thoughts.
"Hayama, you can take your friends away. As per our agreement, we won the match, so the right to use this field belongs to us."
Upon hearing this, Hayama sighed and agreed, "Okay, I'll keep my promise."
Nodding, Hachiman then turned to Yukino and the others.
"You continue practicing with Saika. We've finally won the right to use this field; let's make good use of it," Hachiman directed at Yukino.
Yukino nodded in agreement, putting aside any differences with Yumiko. Despite the tensions, she wouldn't kick someone when they were down.
With matters settled, Hachiman redirected his attention to Yumiko.
"Can you walk?"
Upon hearing his question, the girl stood up and attempted to take a step, but as soon as her foot touched the ground, she winced.
"Uh... no, it's still painful."
Seeing this, Hachiman sighed, bent down, and lifted the girl's bent leg, carrying her in a princess carry.
However, being suddenly lifted, Yumiko was startled, and she struggled slightly. After all, Hayama was watching nearby, and she didn't want him to get the wrong idea.
"What are you doing, Hachiman? Put me down quickly."
Despite the girl's struggles, Hachiman's current strength made her attempts futile. No matter how she struggled, he held her securely.
"Of course, I'm taking you to the infirmary. Since you can't walk right now, I'll have to carry you."
"Don't move too much. If you fall, it'll only make things worse for you."
Upon hearing his words, Yumiko refrained from further struggles.
"This is for treatment... This is for treatment... This is for treatment..." The girl continuously repeated this in her mind, gradually calming down.
Satisfied with the scene, Hachiman nodded.
"Alright, I'll take you to the infirmary now."
Observing their posture and glancing at Yui on the other side, Hina couldn't help but smirk.
"Well then, Hachiman, I'll leave her to you."
"Sure, this is what I should do."
Nodding to the others, Hachiman carried Yumiko, who remained silent, out of the tennis court and headed towards the infirmary.
Meanwhile, Hayama organized the remaining people to leave. After all, promises had to be kept.
As they departed, the tennis court was left with Yui, Yukino, Saika, and the others.
Reflecting on Hachiman carrying Yumiko in a princess carry, Yui couldn't help but feel a bit curious.
That stinky Hikki, he never carried me like that.
(Yui, he actually did, you just didn't know.)
Not only Yui but even Yukino felt a ripple in her heart. However, after a moment, the girl suppressed the fluttering feeling and turned to Saika.
"Totsuka, let's continue practicing."
"Sure."
Saika nodded heavily, having witnessed Hachiman's skills, reinforcing his determination to practice diligently.
Meanwhile, Hachiman, having left the tennis court, carried Yumiko towards the direction of the infirmary. However, it was evident that the girl was still upset, turning her head away and refusing to look at him.
The school infirmary was located on the second floor of the administration building. Carrying the girl, they quickly arrived at the infirmary's entrance.
Hachiman knocked on the door with one hand, and a gentle female voice from inside responded, "Come in."
Entering, the layout of the infirmary unfolded before him.
Not particularly spacious, there was a desk by the window, a coffee table and sofa in the middle for visitors, and two medicine cabinets on either side of the walls containing various medications.
The rest of the room had a few beds separated by curtains. A faint scent of disinfectant permeated the air.
The school nurse, a young woman in her twenties, greeted them. With delicate features, wavy long hair, and a perpetual gentle smile, she wore a white coat, exuding a soothing presence.
Seeing Hachiman carrying Yumiko, the nurse raised an eyebrow.
"What happened?"
"Ankle sprain," Hachiman explained.
"I see. Lay her on the bed; I'll examine her first," the nurse instructed with a nod.
Following her guidance, Hachiman placed Yumiko on one of the beds.
The nurse put on rubber gloves and began inspecting the girl's injury.
After a short while, she completed the examination.
"Don't worry, it's just a simple sprain, no damage to the bones. Just apply an ice pack for a while, then use some medicinal lotion. Be sure to rest, and you'll be fine."