Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087122434729/episodes/16818792436891739604
“Everyone wants to be the protagonist, right?”
Standing in the shadow of the entrance, leaning my back against the wall, what crossed my mind was a foolish remark I had once blurted out.
It was a remark I could never forget.
It was probably something that should never have been said.
It was the true feelings that had spilled out of my mouth.
When I was in elementary school, I found out that my current parents weren’t my real parents.
Since then, I’ve been unable to express my true feelings.
I couldn’t bring myself to be dependent or rely on others.
Those words came from someone like me.
“…Ah, this is tough. As expected.”
To be honest, it hurts to lose because of my own fault. It’s frustrating.
“I just want to run away.”
I want to throw everything away and give up. Then I wouldn’t have to make excuses for losing, and I wouldn’t have to pretend anything.
So…
Just as my heart was about to give up, those words echoed in my head.
“I like you just the way you are. I like everything about you.”
Those were the words she whispered into my ear last night, gently stroking my head.
They were so kind, warm, and sincere that I felt like crying.
“…I don’t like this.”
If I run away now, will she still love me for who I am?
Can I be the person she loves?
“When did I become like this…”
I’m obsessed with being with her. I want to be with her.
…No, wait, wait. That’s not who I am.
When did this start? I have no idea, but something… Well, this way of thinking isn’t like me at all.
Friendship over romance. In the end, I’m here to make Hasegawa Aota stand out as a person.
“No, I can’t think about that now.”
I’ve decided to go all out, so I’ll see it through to the end.
I slap my cheeks hard.
The crisp sound echoes up the stairs.
I almost grimace at the unexpected pain, but I manage to endure it.
“I won’t lose, Aota.”
It’s not like in manga or anime where the protagonist suddenly awakens.
There’s no way I can do something in a crucial moment that I couldn’t do in practice, and I even think it’s ridiculous to try something in a match that I couldn’t even do in practice.
That’s why I’m going to defeat Sota today,
with everything I’ve got, with the real me.
＊＊＊
It was a needless worry.
I followed him as he left the field alone and came to the entrance of the school building.
From what I could see, there seemed to be nothing to worry about.
“…You’re amazing, senpai.”
His eyes hadn’t given up yet.
“Actually, I’m starting to think I’m just being overprotective…”
He’s not as weak as I think he is. He’s not as mature as I think he is.
“You’re going to win, aren’t you, Senpai?”
Patting his cheek to encourage himself is the best proof that he’s serious.
There’s no point in me saying anything to a senpai who’s trying so hard.
I slowly made my way back to the field without being noticed.
＊＊＊
When I returned to the field, it seemed like there were even more spectators…
“Welcome back, Hayami-san.”
As soon as Amagami’s eyes met mine, he picked up the whiteboard and walked over to me.
…I wondered where he got that from, but I guess it’s not that strange since it’s often used in actual games.
“I just told everyone what I was thinking. Do you have anything to add, Hayami-san?”
“It’s okay, everyone is doing well. It’s great.”
“I’m sorry. I should have blocked it…”
One of my teammates bowed his head apologetically.
“No, it’s not that you missed it, it’s just that Aota was a monster. It’s okay.”
I put down the towel and took another deep breath.
It’s good to be motivated, but I felt like I was trying too hard.
“Should we change the system? As it is now, it might not work against Aota-san.”
“No, let’s keep it as it is. Except for me and you.”
“Hmm, what are you planning to do?”
“Well…”
“Halftime is over.”
Unfortunately, it ended just before I could convey the strategy.
“For now, I’ll follow you, so will you follow everyone else?”
“…So, that means moving from the top down. Where to?”
Amagami asked.
“──To the forward position.”
“Are you serious? That means…”
“Yeah, it’ll be a direct confrontation. Between me and Aota.”
The second half. The match would end in just fifteen minutes, and the outcome would be decided.
I decided to fight until the very last moment.
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