And then there were other students.
Each student looked like they'd been plucked from the pages of a fashion magazine. Is everyone at this school a model? Did I miss the memo that this was actually some kind of reality television shows where they only cast the genetically blessed?
I can't even bring myself to mock them anymore. Not because I'm turning over a new leaf or anything, but because they're so perfect it's boring. It's like trying to make fun of a Greek statue.
Maybe I'll just sit back and watch the drama unfold. It's not like I have anything better to do.
Ironically, just as the game wrapped up, the guy who had so boldly professed his love to Mirei Minami, was it… Rei Nagakawa? Well, he ended up on the losing side.
The scoreboard flashed a well-earned 87-94 in the favor of the opposing team. Oh, how poetic! A fitting end of a guy who thought a cheesy mid-game declaration of his love would somehow turn the tides of fortune.
Spoiler alert: it didn't.
If anything, his team lost momentum faster than middle-aged man on a treadmill. From what I could tell during the game, this Rei guy wasn't exactly the star of our school. No, he was more like the benchwarmer who found himself on the court, throwing bricks instead of basketballs after his one lucky shot.
I nearly burst into laughter watching him flounder around. It's moment like these that makes gym class bearable. The schadenfreude is real, folks. (Schadenfreude is a German word that refers to the pleasure derived from another person's misfortune.)
As the final whistle blew, I descended from the mezzanine, with my curiosity piqued by Rei's next move.
With a basketball tucked under his arm, he made his way to Mirei, with a heart full of misguided confidence. Ah, the peak of romance shows: the confession. My favorite form of high school entertainment.
"I have been interested in you for awhile now. Will you accept my love for you?" He declared.
Oh yes, this is what I live for. I am invested in this unfolding drama! Mirei's face turned a delightful shade of red as she adjusted her glasses. A futile attempt to buy herself a second to think, I see through you.
"Sorry…" Wait what? No way. She wouldn't…
"But I'm interested in someone else!" She stammered, delivering what can only be described as a masterclass in rejection.
Oof, direct hit, Rei. No chance for revival. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: human behavior is a chaotic mess, a cocktail of unpredictability, and questionable decisions. Just when you think you've seen the most absurd spectacle this school has to offer; the universe conspires to surprise you.
Then... uh.
One moment, I'm just a guy standing in a gym, minding my own business and enjoying the spectacle of a basketball game. Before I could even register what was happening, Mirei was suddenly behind me, shivering slightly. She clung to my arm like I was some sort of a life raft!
And then she announced out aloud, clear as day, "I'm interested in this man!"
Wait. What? Hold on a second. Why am I suddenly the center of attention?
I came here for a little light entertainment, not to be cast as the male lead in some high-stakes teen romance. Mirei, what the hell are you doing? She's gone full wild animal, cornered and desperate. And me? I'm the unsuspecting prey caught in her claws!
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot it—a rogue basketball hurtling towards my face at breakneck speed. My life flashed before my eyes, a series of lonely lunchtimes, awkward class presentations, and now, potential death by a regulation-size basketball.
Instinct kicked in, and I ducked in time.
The ball whizzed past my head, barely missing me but rebounding off the wall to hit some other poor soul, who frankly also had nothing to do with this drama. Sorry buddy. Collateral damage in the chaos that is high school.
Rei turns on his heels and bolts out of the gym, with no one bothered to chase after him. I knew it was definitely Rei after his loyal fangirls seem have to lost interest. They're all aware he just played himself.
Mirei, on the other hand, releases her grip on my arms with an apologetic sigh. She's blushing now, looking anywhere but me, clearly embarrassed by her impromptu declaration.