Ch 88. Beware of Fire, Theft and Close Friends

"Yukinoshita, you should also persuade Hoshimi to stop. He's been playing all morning, and he can't even move his right hand anymore..."

They weren't blind; it was clear as day.

Yukinoshita remained silent, looking at Hoshimi, who looked back at her.

Their eyes met, and Yukinoshita questioned silently: Hoshimi, why are you persisting? This isn't like you. You're not someone who would do this!

You're supposed to be an irresponsible, pleasure-seeking jerk! Not a hot-blooded youth fighting for victory with a sore and powerless right arm.

What are you thinking? Are you setting up another trap?

Hoshimi, adept at reading people, smiled silently and winked at her, conveying a message she wasn't sure she could decipher.

Yukinoshita, if I said I just want to hear you praise me, would you believe it?

"I don't believe you. You're not that kind of person."

"Oh? When did you see through me? What kind of person do you think I am? I'm curious."

Yukinoshita looked a bit lost. What kind of person are you...I haven't fully understood you yet.

Hoshimi smiled brightly, brushing his white hair back.

Most people have four sides: the crazy side with friends, the perfect side with lovers, the vulnerable side alone, and the quiet side in front of strangers.

Yukinoshita, I consider myself a normal person. How many sides of me have you seen?

"I've probably seen the first one."

"Yes, that's right. You've only seen the first side. It's time for you to see the second one. Watch closely; I won't lose to a potential rival in love!"

Hoshimi turned back to Hayama, suddenly smiling, "Hayama, I won't lose to you."

"Huh?" Hayama looked at Hoshimi in confusion.

What are you saying? You should be out of strength. If you don't treat your right arm, it'll hurt for a long time.

"Let her join us." Hoshimi glanced at Miura.

"No need," Hayama responded, not knowing where Hoshimi's confidence came from but gripping his racket cautiously.

"Alright." Hoshimi didn't press further. He closed his eyes and tested whether his 'trump card' could be used.

Moments later, his aura changed. When he opened his eyes, his crimson pupils shone with unprecedented light.

Feeling the overwhelming power within him, Hoshimi laughed silently.

I can actually use it! Fantastic! My calculations were spot-on! Everything is under control!

Though using this move for tennis might get him teased by a certain girl later, it didn't matter. That girl mentioned that his body could only handle 20% of his power before his heart couldn't take it.

Then 10% should be enough to win this game easily.

"Hayama, serve." Hoshimi smiled warmly.

Hayama felt something was off. Hoshimi's whole demeanor had changed. He seemed more like a...demon!

Even though Hoshimi smiled warmly, to Hayama, he looked like a demon baring its fangs, waiting for him to take the bait.

Unwilling to back down, Hayama threw the ball and served without hesitation.

"Boom!"

"Clang---"

The ball came back, brushing past his hair, carrying a gust of heat.

Turning back in shock, Hayama saw the ball embedded in the wire mesh.

"Hayama! Are you okay?"

Miura was the first to react, rushing to him.

Her exclamation awakened the crowd, whose murmurs rose instantly.

"What was that? Was that a tennis ball?! Wasn't Hoshimi out of strength? How could he hit such a powerful shot?!"

"Did you see the ball? I couldn't see it at all!"

"I only heard the net."

"I saw Hoshimi swing his racket, and then whoosh."

"What's 'whoosh'? Explain properly!"

On the sidelines, Yuigahama clung to Yukinoshita's arm excitedly.

"Yukinon! Did you see that? That was Hoshimi's shot! He had a hidden trick!"

"Yes, I saw," Yukinoshita replied, a rare bright smile appearing.

"Yukinon! Hoshimi is amazing!"

"Yes, I know."

After all, he was the man who had always overshadowed her. How could he lose so easily?

But...

Yukinoshita glanced at Yuigahama, slightly displeased.

Why are you more excited than I am? Are you more thrilled by Hoshimi's performance? You're supposed to be my friend, not Hoshimi's.

Maybe I should think about why you didn't avoid him when he patted your head...

In the distance, in the shadows, Haruno rubbed her eyes, incredulous.

She suddenly had a bad feeling. Using binoculars, she saw Yukino's proud smile mixed with brightness.

It's over... It's all over...

This kid hides so well. He must have planned this to win Yukino's favor!

Yes, that's it! I must stop them from getting together.

If they do, Yukino will be devoured whole!

I need a plan! Quick!

Haruno paced anxiously in the forest.

By the net, Hiratsuka was stunned, watching Hoshimi with his glowing red eyes.

Did she just imagine that? Even at her best, she couldn't hit a ball like that.

What did Hoshimi do?

Something seemed off...

She glanced at Hayama, considering telling him to concede for safety.

But before she could, the referee, who had recovered, declared:

"Hoshimi's shot was out. Hayama scores."

"Score is 15:0."

The noisy crowd fell silent, all eyes on Hoshimi.

Hoshimi's smile froze for a moment.

He laughed awkwardly, "Sorry, I need to adjust. I'll be careful next time."

"By the way, Hayama, let Miura join. You can't win alone." With confidence, Hoshimi's smile grew gentler.

But to Hayama and Miura, it looked like a demonic grin.

Miura bit her lip, hands trembling around her racket.

"Fine! I'll join Hayama!" Despite her fear, she couldn't back down.

They were a team. If they lost, they'd lose together.

"No, Yumiko. I'll handle it." Hayama stopped her.

"Hayama!"

"I'll do it. Trust me, Yumiko."

Hayama knew that if Hoshimi maintained this state, there was no chance of winning.

So, he'd face the storm alone, without involving Miura.

"I understand..." Miura bit her lip, pale, and withdrew to the sidelines.

"Let's continue," the referee declared with a smile as both sides got ready.

Yes, this is interesting. The earlier weak shots were boring. Now it's getting exciting.

"..." Hiratsuka twitched. She debated forcing Hayama to forfeit to avoid danger.

But Hoshimi's next words made her reconsider.

"Hayama, you're a good person," Hoshimi said warmly.

"..." Hayama stayed silent, unsure how to respond.

"You're good, but a bit heartless," Hoshimi glanced at the despondent Miura.

Turning back to Hayama, Hoshimi continued, "Don't worry. We're classmates. I won't hurt you."

After all, it was a public setting. Injuring a popular guy like Hayama would cause trouble.

Privately, who knows? But probably not. They had no real animosity, just some male rivalry.

"Please serve, Hayama," Hoshimi invited with gentlemanly grace.

Hayama said nothing, tossing the ball for a serve.

"Wham!"

With the sound of a hit, the tennis match resumed.

But it was less a match and more a one-sided massacre.

With Hoshimi's boosted physical abilities, his reaction, speed, and strength far exceeded Hayama's.

In the face of absolute power, technique was useless...

As the massacre continued, a luxury car stopped at Sobu High's entrance.

The driver opened the door, and Kotoko Iwanaga, dressed in a white gown and holding a reddish-brown cane, stepped out.

Gazing at the familiar campus, she spread her arms wide, looking ecstatic.

"Hoshimi, we're finally going to meet!"

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