Chapter 1.4

With a refreshing smile, Koenji placed his foot on the starting line.

"Hey... Why is Koenji wearing those speedos?" I asked.

"What?" replied the others in surprise.

Although wearing speedos was permitted by the school, no one else dared to wear them. The girls instinctively avoided looking at Koenji's groin area. However, for the third race, Koenji became the center of attention. His initial stance resembled that of a professional athlete. Not only his posture but also Koenji's physique surpassed Sudou's. As strange and unpleasant as Koenji may be, I have total respect for him. Furthermore, from what I can see, he possesses one of the most dangerous qualities in a human being-he is 100% unpredictable.

Sudou muttered to himself, "I don't really care about winning or losing, but I don't like to lose." Upon hearing the whistle, Koenji leaped into the pool with great form.

"Wow!" Sudou exclaimed, surprised by Koenji's aggressive swimming. Hirata also watched in awe. Koenji's speed is truly impressive. Of course, Sudou is fast as well, but at this point, victory seems guaranteed for Koenji.

As the time was recorded, the teacher glanced back at the stopwatch. "The time is... 23.22 seconds," he announced.

"As usual, my abdominal muscles, back, and psoas major are in top shape. Not bad," Koenji remarked, brushing his hair aside with a smile after getting out of the pool.

Even while breathing evenly, it didn't even seem like he had swum at all.

"I'm excited!" Sudou exclaimed.

"It looks like it will be a great race, Yuuichi-kun," Hirata commented.

"It certainly seems that way, Yosuke. Sudou and Koenji have incredible physiques. I couldn't even dream of having one like theirs," I replied.

"Don't put yourself down, Yuuichi. For someone who doesn't participate in any sports or exercise regularly, you have an outstanding physique," Hirata reassured me.

"Thank you, Yosuke."

Although physicality is crucial, it has never been necessary in my life. Not even the world's best physique can withstand a bullet to the back of the head or a perfect strategy.

Lost in my thoughts, it seemed that the race had ended with Koenji winning by 5 meters, just as I had expected.

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Hirata: Ayanokouji-kun, do you have a moment?

After class, Hirata and I approached Ayanokouji.

Hirata: It's about Horikita. I was wondering if there's any issue. The girls were talking about her earlier. After all, she's always alone.

Yuuichi: We were wondering if you could talk to her and encourage her to be a bit friendlier towards the other girls.

Ayanokouji: Is it really our place to interfere? Besides, she's not bothering anyone.

Hirata: I understand that, of course. However, there are other people who are concerned as well. I don't want any bullying issues to arise in our class.

I've been noticing a connection between the word "bullying" and Hirata. Every time someone mentions it or something related, Hirata subtly and almost imperceptibly becomes nervous.

Ayanokouji: I think it would be better if you tell her directly instead of relaying the message through me.

Hirata: Yes, I suppose so. Sorry for bringing up something strange.

Yuuichi: Thank you for your time, Ayanokouji-kun.

Ayanokouji: No problem.

As we were heading towards the dormitories, I noticed Kushida leaning against something, waiting for someone, showing no signs of interest. Hirata and I went our separate ways and headed to our respective dormitories. But when Hirata was no longer in sight, I returned to the dormitory entrance.

Kushida: I was waiting for you, Ayanokouji-kun.

I have something to talk about. Do you have some time?

Ayanokouji: Yes, I don't have anything else to do.

Kushida: I'll ask you frankly, Ayanokouji-kun. Have you ever seen Horikita-san smile?

Ayanokouji: Eh? No... I don't recall.

I see Kushida approaching Ayanokouji and grabbing his hand.

Kushida: You know... I want to befriend Horikita-san.

Ayanokouji: Your feelings are reaching her. Initially, many people tried to talk to her, but now you're the only one left.

Kushida: Ayanokouji-kun, you seem to know Horikita-san quite well.

Ayanokouji: Of course, you would know someone who sits beside you every day.

At this point, it's hard to believe that Kushida only wants to befriend Horikita. They probably knew each other before, or Horikita may have attacked Kushida in the past or something similar.

Ayanokouji: Weren't you rejected by Horikita? I don't think anything you say will make her understand.

Kushida: Wouldn't you... help me?

Ayanokouji: Well...

Ayanokouji: I understand your feelings, but...

Kushida: No?

Ayanokouji: Well, it can't be helped. Just this once, okay?

Kushida: Really!? Ayanokouji-kun, thank you!

Ayanokouji: So, what are we going to do exactly? Even if you say you want to be her friend, it's not that simple.

Kushida: Hmm... The first step is to make Horikita-san smile.

Ayanokouji: Make her smile, huh? Do you have any ideas on how to make her smile?

Kushida: Um... I thought we could think of something together.

Ayanokouji: Anyway, after school, I'll try to invite Horikita. When she returns to the dormitories, she probably won't have any arms or legs. Is there a specific place I should invite her to?

Kushida: Hmm, how about Pallet? I go to Pallet frequently, so she might have overheard us talking about it.

How Lucky ~