I’m Gonna Live with You Not Because My Parents Left Me Their Debt But Because I Like You

The practice started off in a dull manner, but once it started, everyone became serious. Otsuki-san had been leading the way. She gathered the members who were going to participate in the ball throwing and instructed them on how to throw.

“First of all, it’s important to set up your pitches like this before you start! That way you can throw them all together and save a lot of time if you get them all in!”

“I see… that’s Akiho.”

The members of the team, including Nikaido, were nodding their heads in agreement with Otsuki-san’s boastful talk. It was like a master and her disciples.

“Fufu . Akiho is very enthusiastic, isn’t she? This may be a better record than last year.”

Kaede, who was next to me before I knew it, said this as she looked smilingly at Otsuki-san who was working hard to teach her. Last year, Kaede and her class recorded the fastest time ever, right?

Does that mean you can surpass that?

“Yes. You must be thinking that this year is the best, because you set the fastest time ever and took first place, but you couldn’t break one minute.”

“I don’t know if it’s rude to say this, but I’m a little surprised. I thought Otsuki-san didn’t like sports festivals.”

I thought I didn’t like physical activity because I wasn’t in an athletic club, but it seemed the opposite was true.

“Fufu. Akiho likes to have fun and get rowdy with everyone. And yet, I’m happy when I get good results.”

“I see. It’s just like Otsuki-san to say that. I mean, is Kaede allowed to be here? You’re not going to participate in the ball game, are you?”

“Hey Kaede! How long are you going to keep flirting with Yoshi!? Hurry up and come over here to practice!”

Apparently, she had been slacking off. Kaede stuck out her tongue and laughed like a child whose mischief had been discovered. Yeah, it was cute.

“Well then, Yuya-kun, I’m off! Good luck with your practice, Yuya-kun!”

With a wave of her hand, Kaede ran towards Otsuki-san and the others. Well, I guess it was time for me to get serious too. What were we going to practice?

I’m going to practice baton passing with Shinji. I’m not going to take the baton from Shinji in the actual race though.

*****

“Well. It’s time to practice for the real thing, the relay! What about the order!?”

After an hour or so, Nikaido, who had finally been freed from Otsuki-san, said with a lively face.

It was like a puppy being taken to a dog run. If she had a tail, she would be wagging it all over the place.

“You’ve seen it, haven’t you? You saw how Spartan Akiho was. That’s exactly what a demon instructor is. She’s tougher than a club advisor.”

It was true that Otsuki-san’s teaching technique was very hard. She was always there to help Nikaido who couldn’t get the ball in.

“Uuh… I’m feeling depressed until the actual gym festival. Yoshizumi, do you think I can do well?”

That was an unusually weak statement for Nikaido. Was that how hard Otsuki-san’s instruction was on her? Or was she impatient with herself for not being able to improve?

“That’s not like you, Nikaido. Weren’t you supposed to be enthusiastic?”

“Eh, but… even today I didn’t get in at all… and if I lose again because of me”

“It’s okay. Kaede, Otsuki-san, and everyone else are here. Don’t get overwhelmed by yourself.”

I stroked Nikaido’s head as if I was petting a puppy.

“Thank you, Yoshizumi. Eh, eh! If I do my best”

When Nikaido was about to say something, someone tugged at my sleeve with a quirk. When I turned around, I saw that the owner was, as expected, Kaede.

“Yuya-kun. Me too! I’ve been practicing hard too, so I want you to nudge me!”

“No, we’re going to practice for the relay, but… Oh well.”

When I gently caressed her, Kaede smiled happily with a debaucherous smile on her face.

I can look at this smile forever. By the way, Nikaido. You were about to say something, what’s wrong?

“… nothing, nothing at all. That’s not the point. I’ll leave the flirting to it and practice. We have to decide what order to go in, too!”

Nikaido puffed out her cheeks and looked upset. Shinji, who was nearby, laughed bitterly.

Kaede grabbed my hand and tried to force me to continue nudging her.

“Oh, um… Kaede? Is it time for you to let go of my hand? I’d like to practice baton passing in the order Nikaido mentioned, but–“

“Just a little more. Please reward me for working a little harder! And let me replenish the energy I have to work harder from now on!”

“Eh! When we get home, I’ll pet you until you’re happy! For now, let’s just practice, okay?”

After I said that, it was too late to regret it. Kaede released my hand, but the quality of her smile had changed from that of an angel to a little devil.

“Fufu. We got the word. I’m going to spoil Yuya-kun a lot when I get back, so please be prepared for that, okay? I don’t want to hear the answer!”

“No… please do so in moderation.”