Chapter 194: Saika's Diligent Practice
In the Shizuka apartment at 8 o'clock in the evening, Shizuka reclined on the bed, wrapped in a towel after a soothing shower.
Her body traced a distinct silhouette against the fabric, creating a captivating figure.
Caressing her lips with her fingers, she recalled the events of this morning and a faint blush appeared on her face.
She didn't expect her first kiss, which she had kept for 29 years, to be taken away by someone, and that someone was a 16-year-old brat.
"Damn it! Damn it! To be teased by a brat and even feel a heartbeat. That stinky brat actually even stuck his tongue in!" Feeling her burning cheeks, Shizuka secretly gulped.
"That brat actually has a pretty good kissing technique, though..." With her fingers touching her lips, Shizuka couldn't help but have a silly smile on her face.
However, she shook her head fiercely a moment later, trying to shake off these thoughts.
"No, no, the age difference between us is too big, and I'm still his teacher. Although Hachiman is quite successful in his career now, has excellent academic performance, cooks delicious food, and seems to have a strong physique... "
As she spoke, Shizuka voice gradually weakened.
"Forget it, I won't think about it for now. The most important thing now is to handle my parents first, and we'll talk about other things later."
"After all, that stinky brat has agreed to accompany me to the wedding. As long as we can handle my parents, I can do whatever I want afterward."
Thinking like this, Shizuka put aside her inner struggle and picked up a manga book again, casually reading it.
....
....
"Ah... Hachiman, that's too much... ease up... ah..."
In the midst of their physical education class, Hachiman lent a helping hand to Zaimokuza during upper body presses.
However, Hachiman's efforts inadvertently prompted a series of pained exclamations from Zaimokuza.
The day's focus was on tennis, and as fate would have it, Hachiman and Zaimokuza found themselves partnered due to a combination of classes.
Choosing to collaborate for this session, they embarked on finding an available spot after the warm-up exercises.
True to his usual flair, Zaimokuza narrated flashy technique names, creating an impression of tennis expertise.
Regrettably, his execution fell short, leaving Hachiman, his practice partner, less than enthused.
In contrast, Hachiman could genuinely be deemed a tennis expert. Despite not dedicating extensive practice time, the cheat code and the Tennis module, activated early on, coupled with accumulated proficiency through natural growth, had nearly maxed out within the year.
Having reached level five in the Tennis module, Hachiman even experimented with various techniques from "The Prince of Tennis." Putting aside the later outlandish moves, a few techniques seemed plausible for real-life recreation.
Examples included topspin serves, snake shots, fluctuating shots, and other seemingly viable maneuvers.
As Hachiman effortlessly returned Zaimokuza's soft shots, a bored yawn escaped him.
In that moment, a voice filled with admiration reached his ears. "The shot you just executed was quite impressive, truly befitting of Hayato."
"Yeah, it's almost like a magical shot," another voice of admiration chimed in.
In response, hearty laughter reverberated. "Haha, it's not as grand as you guys are making it out to be. It was just a coincidental slice shot."
Turning around, Hachiman found himself face to face with Hayama's group.
Despite Hayama consistently wearing a sunny and gentle smile, Hachiman understood that, much like Haruno, this guy concealed himself behind a facade, striving to meet others' expectations and become the perfect existence in their eyes.
Furthermore, based on the information Hachiman had from the original story, it seemed that Hayama harbored feelings for Haruno, adding a subtle layer to his emotions.
While Haruno possessed excellent qualities in various aspects and projected a cheerful exterior, beneath it, she was quite shrewd.
In contrast, Yukino was much more innocent and kind-hearted.
As Hachiman observed Hayama, the latter also cast a glance his way. However, their thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the boisterous voice of Tobe.
"I guess it's time to show off a bit. Watch my slice magic shot."
With a resounding "bang," the tennis ball shot toward Hachiman.
"Be careful, Hachiman," Zaimokuza hastily warned.
Remaining composed, Hachiman calmly raised his racket, effortlessly deflecting the incoming shot. The ball bounced away innocently.
"Sorry about that..."
Tobe apologized swiftly, but his expression showed no trace of remorse.
"Oh, what's his name again? Oh, right, Ikigaya. Could you help pick up the ball?"
Ikigaya?
Hearing the mispronunciation of his name, Hachiman narrowed his eyes. He wasn't the somewhat timid Hikigaya from the original work. Faced with someone who couldn't even get his name right, he naturally wouldn't wear a friendly expression.
"No problem at all!"
Despite his words, Hachiman put some force into picking up the ball and, with a swift motion, launched it forcefully.
"Catch!"
"Bang!"
Before everyone could react, the ball had already hit the wire mesh outside the tennis court.
"Thud... thud... thud..."
Only then did the sound of the tennis ball hitting the ground bring Hayama and the others back to attention.
"Sorry, used a bit too much strength."
Hachiman offered a similarly insincere apology.
"Also, my name is Hikigaya Hachiman. Remember it correctly next time."
"Uh... sorry."
Tobe and the others dared not say much, obediently retrieving the ball.
This incident was just a small episode, and the physical education class resumed its usual course.
As the dismissal bell rang, bringing the physical education class to a smooth conclusion, it marked the onset of lunchtime, being the last class of the morning.
Students paired up and made their way to the cafeteria in twos and threes, and Hachiman was no exception.
Taking out the bento prepared by Kotonoha, he and Zaimokuza aimed to find a quiet spot to eat.
Yet, there was a solitary figure persisting on the tennis court.
With gray short hair, slender limbs, and a face more delicate than most girls, it could only be Saika.
With no one to play against, Saika resorted to practicing against the wall, evident from the sweat-soaked T-shirt, indicating a considerable practice duration.
"Phew, let's call it a day."
Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Saika left the practice court, racket in hand.