The Last Farewell

Yuel's transfer to Skyline Junior High was decided and he performed his last responsibility as the vice-captain. He finished writing down all the notes for the exam and prepared the new quiz, then passed everything to Howard. So, even though Yuel still felt bad for abandoning his post like this and dumping everything on Howard in the last moment, he did everything he could to soften the blow.

And so, Yuel finished all the important preparations and everything was set. Except, there was still one unresolved business...

[I still haven't properly told Julia.] Yuel felt bad about it. Now, that he cooled down about their argument, he realized that he overreacted to Julia's words.

Her antagonism was nothing new and it shouldn't be taken at face value. She was always needlessly harsh toward Yuel, to the point it became a habit. She didn't necessarily mean everything she said to him. Hopefully.

On top of that, she was shaken by the defeat in the selection match. The burden of the responsibility crushed her, so she was acting even harsher than usual yesterday.

[She isn't the only one, though. I was also depressed by the defeat.] Yuel immediately retorted because a part of him didn't want to give Julia a completely free pass for her behavior.

The defeat in the selection match devastated all three of them, so nobody was in the right mind right now. This situation made Lars suggest something absurd like transferring schools and Yuel went along with that absurdity. They were clearly out of their minds, but they were totally going to do it. Instead of blaming others or mulling over this depressing situation, Yuel and Lars chose to take action.

Meanwhile, Julia chose to isolate herself from the world and act like a total asshat toward Yuel. It was hard to justify that kind of behavior, but it was important to keep in mind that some coped worse with defeat. Especially, Julia was worse off than others when it came to losing.

For example, she had a bad habit of overcompensating with her defense after getting killed in a match. Therefore, going into hiding after losing an important match sounded just like her.

[I should try being the adult here and reach out to her.] Yuel wasn't confident about his chances but he had to settle this the best way he could. Therefore, he called Julia to inform her about the school transfer plan.

Alas, it didn't work. Julia manually declined the calls as soon as they started. She wasn't even trying to be subtle about it; what a troublemaker.

[You should at least let it ring to pretend you can't answer.] Yuel grumbled. As he suspected, reaching Julia by phone was impossible right now. She hasn't been answering Lars either. It's like the girl went underground to hide from the law.

[Am I really obligated to inform her?] Yuel sigh. Unfortunately, he had to do it. Despite their rocky relationship, he and Julia were friends. Or, at least, they were something that vaguely resembled that.

There was the option of dumping this job on Lars, but that would be cruel. More than anybody else, Julia was scared of meeting Lars right now. Even during the club's recent meeting, the girl was sneaking around like a ninja to not be spotted by Lars. It was both hilarious and tragic.

So, Yuel had to somehow do it himself. But, what exactly was he supposed to do when Julia wasn't even answering his calls? The only other way to reach her was to meet her face-to-face again.

[I SO don't want to...] Yuel sighed. Alas, there was no other option. School begins in two days, so he won't get any other opportunities. He had to tell her now before she learns from another source and curses Yuel for life.

[So, here I am.] Yuel gulped. He was in front of the entrance to Julia's apartment. She lived all the way on the 7th floor of a tall luxurious building, so her parents must be well-off. That explained why she always thought she was the center of the world- [No, stop. I didn't come here to bicker.]

Yuel took a deep breath to clear his thoughts. He only came here to deliver the news and get out. He had to deliver everything as peacefully as possible without creating another fight.

[Thinking about it, depending on how I handle this conversation...] Yuel clenched his fists and froze like a statue in front of the doorbell. If he messes up big time, this might become the last time he sees Julia. The friendship they have been building up over the past two years will crumble to dust.

Despite Julia's frequent antagonism toward him, Yuel couldn't deny that cutting all ties with her will surely sadden him. Because, deep down, [very] deep down, Julia was actually an agreeable girl and a skilled player. Watching her grow and improve as a player was a delightful experience.

Among the trio, Julia developed the most as a player. Yuel and Lars were serious and competent players from the get-go, whereas Julia had to climb up from the level of an "uninterested newcomer" all the way to becoming a "strong competitive player". It was a long and thorny road. She has almost given up numerous times.

However, she persisted through all these hardships and ultimately earned herself a spot on StormBlitz's first string. So, her attitude aside, she deserved respect as a player. If possible, Yuel didn't want to end their relationship after delivering the news. His body refused to budge in fear of that possibility.

Nevertheless, he had to do it. He came all the way here, so... DING DONG! He jumped from the sound of the bell.

That was it. The decisive moment. He couldn't turn back anymore.

... but, nothing happened. Yuel pressed the doorbell again.

Ding dong. Ding dong. Diiiiiiing dong.

[C'mon, you're there. I know you are.] Yuel sighed. Julia was 100% holed up inside. Therefore, he kept ringing.

Ding dong. Ding Dong. Ding dong.

"GODDAMMIT!" A roar thundered from the other side of the door. "Who is it!?" Angry stomps approached the door. So, she was there, after all.

"It's Yuel," he answered calmly.

"Tch!" It was a click of the tongue so loud it resounded through the door. "What do you want? You're so bored that you came to prank me?"

"No, I have something important to tell you."

"And why do you think I wanna listen, huh? Go away."

"No, I have to tell you. You can hate me all you want afterward. But first, please hear me out."

"I'm not opening."

"It's okay. You just need to listen."

"Well, I'm listening. Out with it already."

"Lars and I... We're transferring schools."

".............................."

Dead silence. It must have taken Julia a couple of seconds just to process what she just heard

"E-Excuse me?"

"Yes, we're transferring," Yuel repeated. "We want to play on a competitive team this year and we've lost our chance to do so on StormBlitz. So, we're transferring to Skyline."

Clack. The knob on the door turned and two emerald eyes peered from the small opening.

"Are you screwing with me right now?"

"No, I'm serious," Yuel insisted. "We're already arranged the transfer, so we'll be attending Skyline in a few days."

"Are you fucking..." Julia's lips trembled and words didn't come out. She was evidently confused and nobody could blame her. Yuel practically dropped an atom bomb on her.

"B-But then, we won't be on the same team..."

"Yeah."

"And, we won't see each other in school..."

"Yeah."

"And..." Julia staggering backward. "W-Why?"

"I told you, we want to play in the regionals this year."

"No..."

"No what?"

"Why... Why you didn't tell me earlier!?" Julia roared.

"It's something we decided just the other day," Yuel excused himself.

"And why you never asked for my opinion!?" Julia trembled from rage.

"I tried to tell you earlier," Yuel said. "But, you were to busy being in hiding."

"T-That's..." Julia clenched her fists but she had nothing to retort with. "You could've at least mentioned it when we met at the club, right?"

"I was trying!" Yuel's tone grew increasingly heated. "But, you were too busy raving about your precious first-string position and boasting how much better you are than us because you made it in and we didn't."

"I didn't mean..." Julia had nothing to say back. Of course she didn't, because she was 100% at fault. If not for her attitude, they could've discussed this entire thing as soon as Yuel and Lars agreed on the transfer.

"Sorr- No, I... It's like..." Julia stumbled over her own words. Small hiccups mixed into her words as she tried to speak up.

[Is she okay?] Yuel started feeling a little bad. Even though all of this was unquestionably Julia's fault, maybe Yuel took it too far with his accusations.

Julia looked like she might break into tears at any moment now. But, she was holding everything inside.

"I, I'll kill..." Julia muttered as if she was possessed. Her fists trembled like they were about to explode. "Okay then! Think you're so good!? Then come face me at the regionals! I'll murder both if you! Mark my words!" She slammed the door in Yuel's face.

"....."

For a while, Yuel just stood there.

It was over. He did it. He just went and did it. He destroyed this relationship. It wasn't the first friendship he ruined, but this time it really stung.

Yuel's relationship with Julia has been rocky since day 1 but it endured for a long time. Eventually, they came to a mutual understanding of sorts. They were still frequently at each other's throats, but that was just their way of communicating.

Alas, this time, they had a real fight. There was no mending this situation at this point. Therefore, it was the end.

Yuel would be lying if he said he didn't feel sad at all, but he had to move on. From this moment onward, Julia became an opponent for Yuel and Lars to defeat at the regionals. Of course, provided that Julia will be able to maintain her starter position until then.

[I'm sure she will.] Yuel smiled wryly. Julia will definitely stand in Yuel and Lars's way as a formidable opponent. They'll clash with her and will have to bring her down.

Despite the bad blood between them, Yuel wished Julia good luck on that front. She deserved to play competitively, just like Yuel and Lars. It was unfortunate they had to go separate ways like this even though they were all aiming for the same competitive scene, but some things couldn't be helped.

[We'll definitely reach you in the regionals.] Yuel made a silent promise. [And then, we'll see who is really better.]

Yuel failed to resolve this talk peacefully, but at least he got everything off his chest. Now, he was ready to head into a new year in a new school.

Before he can even think of facing StormBlitz at the regionals, he and Lars first had to secure themselves a spot on the new team. After that, they'll have to somehow pull this underdog team all the way to the finals, even though this team never made it past the first round before.

Just beating StormBlitz with the new team was ambitious enough, but Yuel had to win all the way to the top. Because of the promise he made with his mom, his entire Classmancers career was riding on this year's tournament.

[I have to admit, I made a hasty promise back then.] Yuel gulped. Nevertheless, he promised his mom he'll reach the nationals this year, so there was no turning back. He and Lars had to win all the way to the end this year!