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[-Continuation-]
[-A Week Later-]
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[Hachiman's POV]
Unfortunately, toda—
...Wait! Wait! Was I actually about to say 'today'?
Scratch that. I mean, when was the last time I had a stroke of luck?
My bad. It seems I was deluding myself for a moment there.
Now, where was I again?
Oh, right, just like any other day in the clutches of my ill-fated existence, today happened to be gym class…
Normally, our gym activities are decided based on months. Different months mean different activities
In our school, the gym is held jointly with three different classes, and the sixty boys in our group were assigned to one of two activities.
Previous month, we had the choice between volleyball and track, but starting this month, we were given the options of tennis or soccer.
Ironically, it appeared that an overwhelming number of students had taken a liking to tennis this year. Consequently, it led to a nail-biting round of rock-paper-scissors.
I found myself fortunate enough to be part of the tennis group.
However, poor Zaimokuza was reluctantly sent back to the soccer group.
In this manner, my one and only gym partner, Zaimokuza, was cruelly snatched away from me, shattering our flawless duo. It left me with no choice but to play tennis solo.
You might be wondering how one can possibly play a [Two-Player] game like tennis all alone, but trust me, there's nothing spectacular about playing against an NPC - in this case, a wall.
Still being picked in the tennis group made my task of spending my gym time alone more easy.
…otherwise, I would have no choice but to involve myself in a [Multiplayer] 'offline' game like Soccer.
Nonetheless, unlocking the privilege of playing tennis solo is no ordinary effort.
After meticulously analyzing various scenarios, I confronted a mid-level boss, our gym coach, risking my school life in the process of drawing 'Solo Tennis' as a reward.
My first step was to activate the hidden quest, for which I had to use the keyword – "I'm not feeling so well right now."
Then, to land a critical hit, I had to portray myself as a considerate person by saying – "I don't want to cause anybody else any trouble."
Finally, I had to make a tactical retreat at my maximum speed using the phrase – "So, can I just play by myself off the wall?"
–[Ding!]
….and the reward achieved!
Well, that's how I ended up here, engaged in a game of tennis all by myself.
As I tirelessly pursued the ball, returning it to the wall, I repeated this monotonous cycle over and over again. Time slipped away as I continued this mundane activity.
And as I wholeheartedly immersed myself in the battle against my opponent, the formidable [Wall Monster], who has infinite [HP], [Stamina], and [Defense], I gotta say nothing about this match fair.
But in between my intense match, no matter how much I tried to ignore the boisterous shouts from around me, the other boys engaged in tennis rallies reached my ears again and again, causing me to lose my concentration every now and then.
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–["Uryahhh! Ohh?! That was a good shot, wasn't it?! That was amazing, wasn't it?!"]–
–["That was great! No way anybody else could've hit that! Awesome!"]–
====
Their shouting suggested that they were definitely having fun during their free practice session.
Without even glancing back, I could say with absolute certainty that it was Hayato and his party of underlings.
But really, this had nothing to do with me. The only reason I even acknowledge their existence is because they are insanely noisy.
Mindset of all this, a ball flew past over my head…..just a couple of inches away.
In the next moment, a rather unapologetic voice chimed in. "Ah, sorry, my bad! U-Umm… Hi…? Hikitani? Hikitani, could you get that ball?"
"Hey, isn't he the same guy, talking to himself in the lunch break loudly?" Some random guy muttered.
Who the hell is Hikitani? I looked at the gang of shrimps, and all of them looked back at me with the same eyes.
No. Not the ones that look down on others. I am already used to those types, to the point where I don't give a damn.
Their Eyes are different. Filled with anticipation and obviousness.
None of them seemed the least bit concerned about whether I was willing to pass on the ball or ….not.
At this moment, I had one burning question – In what way was I obligated to assist them?
The answer was simple – I had no obligation.
These were the same individuals who had never lifted a finger to help me in the past, and I doubted they ever would in the future. Some of them, or perhaps most, didn't even know my name.
In this situation, I have two choices.
-Ignore them-
-Give them a hand-
If I went with the first option, a very funny scenario would be taking place.
I would instantly be cast as the villain, and for a very peculiar reason at that too, and that's what I hate most about this situation I am in now.
Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't mind helping an elderly person cross a road, or even a beautiful woman who is stuck in a pinch, or even rescuing a cat stuck in a tree.
I am willing to do all these acts of kindness without expecting anything in return, purely out of my own volition.
However, in this case, I felt compelled to help, and that was what I hate. Again.
….well, anyway keeping aside my personal feelings, I am going with the second option.
What? I have no intention of making enemies of the entire Hayato and gang.
At the very least, for the time being, I don't want to get in bad shoes with Hayato alone, as for his gang. Just go and die, for all I care.
The rationale is quite straightforward.
I have a favorable impression of Hayato, and I know he's a good guy. Let's not forget his assistance in subduing tense situations caused by the little stunt I pulled during lunch break.
There's another factor to consider, albeit a smaller one.
His family has connections with Yukinoshita. So, I figure it's best to play it safe... Who knows? He might prove useful in the distant future.
As I took my sweet time, pondering for a full [20.69] seconds on whether to return the ball or not, a few impatient looks could already be seen on their faces.
So, with that being decided, I grabbed the ball that was rolled towards me, but Instead of immediately tossing it back, I approached Hayato.
Getting near him, I extended my hand, offering him the ball.
Although the surprise in his face was evident, he took the lead, reaching for the ball in my hand. "Thanks!"
Hayato gave me a cheerful smile and waved at me. In response, I gave him a small nod.
"Yeah, no mention. But Hayato, it is not-Hikitani. It is-Hikigaya. So, yeah, I would prefer that."
"Oh, my apologies for the mix-up. I will make sure to correct that." Hayato replied understandingly.
"And one more thing, do me a favor and tell the same thing to that 'black hairband' too. Anyway, thanks for the help."
With that I went my way.
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[To be continued…]
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