I Got Cheated On, so I Thought I’d Cheat Back and Went to a Group Date, I Ran Into a Classmate Who Used to Boss Me Around and Now We’re Living Together - Chapter 7

“―It’s baseball time!!!”

Machida-san shouted with energy, and now here I was with her on a Sunday afternoon, standing at the local baseball stadium. Why? Because this was Machida-san’s idea for today’s outing.

In short, we were here to watch a pro baseball game.

We sat together in the outfield seats, the stadium not far from Chinatown, and as the announcer called for the first pitch, I found myself focused on the game, but I still asked,

“Machida-san… you really like baseball, huh?”

“Ah, yeah. My dad used to watch baseball every night. Back then, I was like, ‘This is boring, put on a variety show,’ but as I grew up, I just naturally remembered players’ names. Before I knew it, I liked the game too.”

Parents really do influence us a lot…

“Shiraki’s don’t hate baseball either, right? I dragged you here without saying where we were going, but you don’t look like you mind.”

“Well, yeah. I actually like it. I always have.”

I started with video games like Power Pro, and now I play Prospi on my phone. Of course, I watch pro baseball too.

I don’t really have a favorite team. I just enjoy watching when strong pitchers face off against each other.

“Still, I’m impressed you got tickets for today. Our team’s starter is the kind of guy who should really be in the Major Leagues.”

“Yep. That’s why I was aiming for this game from the start.”

“Even so, how’d you manage to grab exactly two seats? Weren’t you planning to come with someone else?”

“Nope, not at all. When I watch a game in person, I like having extra space. So I always buy two tickets and use one seat for my bag.”

What a luxury… But thanks to that, she had room to invite me along.

“…If baseball games are your weekend hobby, doesn’t that make it hard to hang out with your girl friends?”

“Yeah, but who cares? I can’t live my life around other people. It’s my life. I should spend it doing what I enjoy most.”

…That was actually a really good point.

“Anyway, look, you shouldn’t take your eyes off the field. It’s dangerous. Focus on the game!”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Still, maybe the best part of being here in person is when a home run flies our way and gives us a scare. That would be fun.

◇

~side: Rinne~

“―Huh…? What is this…?”

Meanwhile―Rinne was still technically Sousuke’s girlfriend since they hadn’t officially broken up, as she used the spare key to enter his apartment.

The reason she came was simple. She wanted to apologize. Up until now, even when she cheated, she would brush it off with, “It’s your fault for being the kind of guy who gets cheated on.” But now that she was in college, she thought maybe it was time to change a little. Normally, the moment her cheating was exposed, she’d just dump her boyfriend. But this time, she thought maybe she’d keep the relationship going… so she came here to apologize.

But what greeted Rinne inside was something she never expected.

“There are… women’s things here… even laundry hanging up…”

Yes, there were clearly items in the room that belonged to another woman.

And of course, the first thought in her mind was obvious.

“―Don’t tell me he’s cheating…? Did he already bring some other girl here…!?”

Even though she had done the same thing, Rinne felt nothing but anger. She was fine with cheating herself, but if the other person did it, that was absolutely unacceptable. A double standard so bold it was almost refreshing, but Rinne didn’t even realize it was a double standard, which only made it worse.

“Ugh, this pisses me off… should I just trash the place…”

She looked around the room. But she held back, thinking that would cross the line into a real crime. Though honestly, breaking into his room without permission was already a crime.

“…I wonder… what would Nene do in this situation…”

Rinne pulled out her phone and opened LINE, messaging Machida Nene, her friend since high school. After entering college, Nene had strangely started keeping her distance, so Rinne would often message her about small things just to maintain their connection.

The reason Rinne clung to Nene was clear because she secretly admired her. Nene’s cool and carefree nature made her more popular with girls than with guys. Back in high school, Rinne had been drawn to that aura at first sight. After that, she stuck close to Nene. So much so that others probably saw her as nothing more than Nene’s shadow.

But of course, this wasn’t love in a romantic sense. It was just admiration. Rinne liked men. Nothing could beat how good sex felt. Still, Nene was special to her in a different way. That’s why Rinne always tried to message her about anything, just to keep their connection alive.

[My boyfriend might be cheating. Do you know any way I can get back at him?]

She sent that LINE and waited a little.

The reply came quickly,

[I don’t know.]

It was just short and blunt.

Lately, all of Nene’s replies had been like this, and it left Rinne feeling unsatisfied.

“…I guess I’ll go home.”

Her mood sank. Sousuke had already moved on to another girl, and Nene’s attitude toward her was getting colder and colder. It was too much to deal with.

Before her trespassing was discovered, Rinne left the apartment. On her way toward the station, as she was standing by the river,

“―Screw this…!”

She threw the spare key into the water.

It was a burst of frustration.

But really, Rinne wasn’t the one who had the right to say screw this.

One day, her arrogance might come back to burn her.