I Chose the Plain Girl Instead of the Class’s Top Three Beauties, and Somehow She Became the Heroine - 59

Chapter 59: The Morning of the Tournament

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《Sora Mukei’s POV》

The morning of the tournament brought some nerves, but my heart was calm. I got off the train and headed toward the gymnasium where the event was being held. After checking in at the entrance, the gym’s familiar smell of wax and the dry smack of people hitting mitts rushed toward me all at once.

“Good morning, Mukei.”

“Good morning, Master.”

By the mats, my karate master stood waiting with his arms crossed. Navy tracksuit, hair tied back. Only his eyes were unusually sharp. When his gaze touched me, my spine naturally straightened.

“The changing room is over there, so go get into your dōgi. After that, we’ll warm up right away. Today’s theme is ‘show up, not win or lose,’ so take it easy.”

“Osu.”

In the changing room, I spread my dōgi over the tatami and slid my arms into the sleeves in the cold air. The moment I threaded my belt and tightened it, my fingers trembled just a little. All around me were black belts. Competitors about my age looked like inhabitants of another world. Some stretched quietly. Some kept their eyes closed, running through their routines.

I was the only brown belt here. I pulled the knot tight. The brown belt stood out like an out-of-place marker. But because of that, I wouldn’t get lost. I wouldn’t forget where I belonged. When I returned to the warm-up zone, Master held the mitts for me.

“Get into your position. Count your breathing.”

“One, two, three…”

My punching line still felt stiff in the morning light. Two punches, three punches. My shoulders warmed, and sweat began to rise. My breath grew loud enough to hear it bounce back to me. Gradually, the noise in my head was shaved away.

“Have you seen your opponents today? All black belts.”

“I figured.”

“Scared?”

“I’m scared.”

“Good.”

The sound of my strikes deepened a little. Then a familiar voice shook the floor.

“Mukei–kuuun!!”

From the entrance of the gym, an overly bright voice echoed through the space. I looked over, and Hino-san was waving. She still had a supporter on one leg, but her expression held the same serious eyes she had during matches. Beside her were Miura-san and Kiritani-san. Three Great Beauties—full lineup—and I couldn’t hide my surprise.

Every male high schooler nearby had their eyes instantly pulled toward them. But blocking their view for some reason, Okabe stepped out in front with his chest puffed out. Apparently, he intended to act as their bodyguard.

“Spectator seating is this waaaay”

The staff hurried to guide them, but Miura-san marched straight toward us.

“Mukei-kun, we came!”

“Thanks. I didn’t expect Miura-san and Kiritani-san to come too.”

“We had time today, and Asuka invited us.”

Thanks to Kiritani-san’s explanation, the situation made sense. Only Okabe seemed unhappy.

“Why are we in a place like this…Us childhood friends were supposed to hang out without anyone else around…”

I felt sorry for Okabe grumbling under his breath, but honestly, I was happy. Kiritani-san quietly gave me a thumbs-up.

“We’re all cheering for you”

Hino-san told me to do my best.

“Leave it to me! I understand venue etiquette!!”

Because Hino-san brought everyone, the tension somewhere in my chest loosened. Seeing familiar faces calmed me down. At that moment—

“Sora-kun.”

A familiar voice fell from behind me. I turned around, and for a moment, my breath stopped. Standing there was someone who could stand in line with the Three Great Beauties without being overshadowed.

No, she made it feel like they were in the wrong order. She was just that beautiful. A white ribbed knit top, a navy flared skirt, and a light gray long cardigan. Her hair was shorter than before, tied half-up with a pin shaped like a ribbon.

“…Hiroko-san?”

My voice deepened on its own. No glasses. Contacts. Her eyes were straight and clear, her expression a little stronger than usual. My entire field of vision refreshed around the outline of her.

“Yes. Nice to meet you. This is today’s me”

A slight, shy smile in her usual way. She held a fan against her chest, with a bunny sticker facing me. A speech bubble that said “Fight.”

“W–wait a second… Hiro-chan, you look insanely cute…”

Miura-san said it before I could.

“Fufu, this is lovely.”

Kiritani-san also laughed happily at Hiroko-san’s transformation.

“No way! That’s Anno-san?!”

Okabe shouted, and the boys in the venue buzzed again.

“A new contender…?”

“That damn Harem Master!!! Unforgivable!!”

“He’s the one guy I’ll kill!!”

The venue overflowed with chaos.

“Today’s Hiro-chan has high destructive power.”

“Yeah. Anno-san looks great. She’s cute.”

When Hino-san complimented her in a Takarazuka-like voice, it somehow made the whole scene look elegant.

“Hey, Hiro-chan, you look amazing. But can you see okay?”

“Yes. I can see everything clearly. I can see today’s Sora-kun too, perfectly.”

The way she drew out the last line was cheating. Something warm slid diagonally into my chest.

“Hey Sora, wipe that grin off your face.”

Akira joined us—when did he get here?—and jabbed me with his elbow.

“You’re grinning too.”

“Well yeah, man. I came to cheer you on and even Kiritani-san is here! I’m moved!”

I was truly glad Akira was my unwavering best friend. Master walked over to me. He gave one look at the group of beauties and the cluster of competitors, then let out a sigh.

“Your cheering section is quite flashy, huh?”

“I’m sorry…”

“No, it’s a good thing. Just don’t lose focus. Touch your belt.”

I grabbed the knot of my belt tightly. The brown belt responded with just the right stiffness.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Osu!”

“Sora-kun, do your best!”

I was almost knocked out by Hiroko-san already, but I wanted to show her something good. I absolutely couldn’t lose.

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