Chapter 21: Releasing the Adrenaline

I power-walked back to class, practically vibrating with the energy coursing through me. That concoction Edogawa-sensei gave me wasn't just effective—it was too effective. My adrenaline was cranked to eleven, and all I could think about was how I'd probably end up sprinting home like Akihiko after school. Sleeping tonight? If this doesn't wear off at all, not happening.

Just as I turned the corner, someone patted my shoulder from behind. I spun around, it was just Akihiko, giving me a casual wave.

"Yo," he greeted. "What's the rush? Break just started."

"I, uh, just came from the nurse's office," I replied, still feeling like I could bench press a truck. "He gave me… something. Never mind that. What's up?"

"Oh, right!" Akihiko said, snapping his fingers. "About the thing I offered—you know, joining the boxing club? Tokito-senpai said yes. You're in. Come by after school."

"Already? That was fast," I said, blinking.

"Well, I asked her, and she agreed," he said with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyway, see you after school!"

And with that, he turned and headed off, leaving me standing there. Well, at least I'd have an outlet for all this ridiculous energy.

—

The rest of the school day? Pure torture.

The adrenaline didn't wear off. Not even a little. It was like my brain was stuck in overdrive, my body jittery and restless. Paying attention in class became an Olympic-level challenge, though I did a decent job faking it—at least, I think I did. The teachers didn't call me out, so… success?

Finally, the last bell rang, and I shot out of my seat like I'd been launched from a cannon.

Books? In my bag. Pens? Who cares. Homework? Future-me's problem.

I bolted straight for the boxing club room, practically running through the halls. When I got there, the room was empty, as expected. No surprise—it wasn't like anyone else had the insane urge to show up early like I did.

So I stood there, tapping my foot against the floor in an endless rhythm, barely keeping still as I waited. Any longer, and I might actually start shadowboxing the air just to burn off some of this energy.

I wasn't sure how long I had been waiting. Time felt like molasses and lightning simultaneously with all this excess energy buzzing through me. Finally, in walked someone—a girl who looked older than me by a year.

She had long black hair tied into a high ponytail that swayed with her steps. Her athletic build was impossible to miss, and in some ways, she reminded me of Mitsuru—if Mitsuru had decided to ditch the whole "heir to a megacorporation" vibe for a more grounded and sporty aesthetic.

"Oh, you must be the new recruit Sanada-kun begged me to let in," she said, smiling warmly. "You're early. Excited to join, huh?"

"Oh no, I just…" I hesitated, debating whether to explain my Edogawa-induced energy crisis. Nah, not worth it. "Actually, yeah. Super excited."

She chuckled as she unlocked the door and pushed it open. "Well, no point in standing around. Come in."

The room was far more impressive than I'd expected for a high school sports club. Shelves in the corner were stacked with dumbbells of various weights. Punching bags dangled ominously from the ceiling, waiting for someone to vent their frustrations on them. And smack dab in the center of it all was a boxing ring, complete with ropes and soft flooring. A door off to the side probably led to the locker room.

"Impressive, isn't it?" the girl said, noticing my wide-eyed scan of the space. "It's all thanks to Sanada-kun. He's so good that the school went all-in on supporting our club."

"Well, I can't argue with those results," I said, nodding.

She gave a small laugh. "Today's an off day, though, so most members won't be here. Except Sanada-kun, of course—he trains every day. Anyway, I'm Aya Tokitou, a third-year student and the club manager."

"Ruichi Ginba," I said, offering a small bow. "Please take care of me, senpai."

"Nice to meet you, Ginba-kun." Her smile was welcoming, but her tone carried the authority of someone who knew her way around the gym. "You can put your things in the locker room over there," she said, gesturing toward the side door. "Once you're ready, get changed, and you can start training."

"Got it. Thanks, Tokitou-senpai."

With that, I excused myself and made my way to the locker room.

—

After changing into the simplest training attire I had—blue boxers and a plain white T-shirt—I stepped out of the locker room to find Tokitou-senpai and Akihiko in the middle of a conversation.

It didn't take a genius to see the dynamic here. Tokitou-senpai had that easygoing, confident smile plastered on her face, the kind people use when they're either genuinely enjoying themselves or trying to impress someone. Meanwhile, Akihiko looked… different. Less "cool, determined fighter" and more "awkward nephew meeting his stylish aunt for the first time." It was a little surreal, honestly.

What a weird sight...

They both turned to me as I approached, breaking whatever moment they were having.

"Yo," Akihiko greeted with his usual grin. "Senpai said you're excited for your first day. Didn't know you were looking forward to it that much."

I sighed. "It's not like that. Edogawa-sensei gave me some weird concoction earlier, and now I've got way too much energy to burn. Figured this was the best place to let it out. Otherwise, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight."

Tokitou-senpai raised an eyebrow, her smile shifting into a slight frown. "Edogawa-sensei? You drank one of his experiments?"

"Yeah," I admitted, scratching the back of my neck. "He offered, and, well… I volunteered."

"Figures," she muttered, crossing her arms. "He's always like that. But I didn't think he'd actually hand that stuff out to students…"

Akihiko, however, seemed far less concerned. In fact, his grin grew wider, and he cracked his knuckles, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "Perfect timing, then. Say… how about a spar?"

I shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

"A spar?" Tokitou-senpai shot Akihiko a sharp look. "Sanada-kun, he just joined. And you want to spar with him already?"

"Don't worry, Senpai." Akihiko waved off her concern like it was nothing. "Why do you think I brought him here in the first place?"

"Still," she said, her frown deepening, "he's a complete newbie."

"I'll run him through the basics first," he promised with a dismissive wave. "Once he's got the hang of it, we'll jump into sparring. Trust me on this."

Tokitou-senpai let out a long, exasperated sigh, clearly unimpressed with Akihiko's logic but also resigned to the inevitability of it all. "Fine. But if I think it's getting out of hand, I'll stop it."