Ch 86. Yukinon, I Don't Have Those Thoughts

"Hehe~" Hoshimi chuckled, rubbing Yuigahama's head as if he understood her thoughts.

He calmly said, "Whether we win or not is one thing, but whether we dare to fight is another. Although I don't like doing pointless things, sometimes you have to act like a young person. Besides, this is for Yukino. Surrendering now would waste her efforts."

Of course, the real reason was that he had been so arrogant before the match. If he quit now because Yukino was out, it would make him look unmanly, damaging his carefully crafted persona.

No matter what, fighting until the end would at least maintain his image, and might even enhance it.

Another reason was that they were only a quarter away from victory. He wanted to see if they could win.

In truth, he was curious how Yukinoshita would praise him.

Missing this opportunity, that stubborn girl might never give him such a chance again.

So, he couldn't let this chance slip by...

"Alright, you should go down now." Hoshimi rubbed Yuigahama's head again, squeezing the bun on top of it.

It felt really good, and she was much more obedient than Yukinoshita, like a little bunny.

"..." Feeling the warmth on her head, Yuigahama finally understood why Yukino chose Hoshimi...

Standing in front of him gave a sense of security... a comfortable sense of security... so comfortable that it made people want to open their hearts...

On the sidelines, sitting on the bench and resting, Yukinoshita watched the two on the tennis court, her expression growing colder, so cold that the girls around her noticed something was wrong.

They looked at Yukinoshita, then at Yuigahama, their expressions both subtle and ambiguous.

Guard against friends... the ancients were right...

In the distance, hiding in the shadows, Yukinoshita Haruno was delighted by the scene.

Oh~ oh~ finally showing a flaw! So lustful, huh? Wanting everything, huh?

I get it!

"Alright, go down quickly, or Yukino will want to kill you." Hoshimi bent down, half-smiling, and whispered in Yuigahama's ear.

"?!!"

Yuigahama's pupils contracted. She hurriedly looked at Yukinoshita.

Seeing Yukinoshita emanating a low-pressure aura, Yuigahama, almost in tears, ran over to her in small steps, nervously explaining,

"Yukinon, listen to me, I don't have those thoughts. I'm fully supporting you..."

"... I know." Yukinoshita replied calmly.

"Yukinon, I really don't."

"I know, sit down." Yukinoshita frowned, pulling Yuigahama to sit beside her.

She knew Yuigahama didn't have those thoughts; it was that bastard Hoshimi who did!

That bastard! His hands were too long!

And! Didn't he say he was interested in her? Why was he making a move on Yuigahama?!

Damn unfaithful jerk! Not a word of truth from his mouth!

Yuigahama, now seated, secretly glanced at Yukino's expression. Seeing that Yukino wasn't really bothered, she breathed a sigh of relief.

But when she looked up and saw the subtle gazes of the other girls from Class J, Yuigahama suddenly felt uneasy.

She felt like she shouldn't be here...

She glanced at Yukinoshita, then bit her lip and stayed.

She should be here, as long as Yukino didn't misunderstand her. The others didn't matter!

For the first time in her life, Yuigahama Yui decided to ignore others' opinions...

On the court, the lone Hoshimi looked at the referee, spread his hands, and helplessly said,

"Referee, my teammate is out. We don't have any substitutes. Can I play one against two?"

"..." The referee frowned and said in a deep voice, "The rules don't allow it."

"Can't you make an exception? It feels a bit unfair to lose when we're leading by so much."

The referee remained silent, looking at Hoshimi, thinking to himself.

They won earlier because of Yukinoshita alone. This kid was just hanging around doing nothing, except for serving. Now he wants to play one against two? Just wants to lose with dignity, huh?

Young man, do you really think I can't see through your little scheme?

Also, I don't like pretty boys, so sorry...

"No." The referee said firmly.

"What about Hiratsuka-sensei? What do you think?" Hoshimi asked, looking behind the referee.

"Huh?" The referee was startled and instinctively looked behind him, seeing Hiratsuka Shizuka who had somehow appeared behind him.

He jumped in fright and quickly asked, "Hiratsuka-sensei, what are you doing here?"

"Just passing by."

In reality, she had been secretly observing with Haruno, deciding to step in after seeing Yukinoshita injured.

"Hiratsuka-sensei, can I play one against two?" Hoshimi asked with a smile.

Hiratsuka Shizuka thought for a moment, then looked at Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko, "What do you two think? Do you agree to let him play one against two?"

"This doesn't seem right... It feels like bullying..." Hayama hesitated, "Maybe we should forfeit..."

"No!" Miura Yumiko glared at Hoshimi, unhappy, "Why should we forfeit? Yukinoshita got hurt on her own! It's not our fault! If Hoshimi wants to play one against two, let him! If he loses, I'll accept it!"

Hoshimi grinned, showing his white teeth. He looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka, "Hiratsuka-sensei, you saw it, they agreed, so let's do it."

Hiratsuka Shizuka ignored Hoshimi and looked at Hayama, "Hayama, do you agree?"

"Hayama, agree! Let him see how tough it is! Acting all high and mighty with no skills! That smile pisses me off!" Miura Yumiko urged Hayama.

Hayama shook his head and looked at Hoshimi, smiling wryly, "Hoshimi, we should just forfeit. We aren't your match anyway."

"No! Nice guy, don't forfeit. If you do, our victory won't be legitimate, and people will gossip behind our backs." Hoshimi glanced at Miura Yumiko, as if hinting at something.

"Do you really insist, Hoshimi?" Hayama's smile faded.

"It's just a try. Winning is great, losing is no big deal." Hoshimi smiled brightly.

Hoshimi smiled, but Hayama couldn't. He stared at Hoshimi, "Hoshimi, you have nothing to lose, but we do."

Yes, they had everything to lose.

Winning would be seen as bullying, with an undeserved victory.

Losing would be even worse, losing two against one.

"I see. Then, do you have a solution?" Hoshimi asked from a distance.

"... Hayama thought for a moment, then said, "I can agree, but only one of us will play each game. We won't bully you."

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