I'll Take Nanase-san, Who Is Small And Adorable, Away From Her Cheating And Clueless Ex And Make Her Happy. - Chapter 304: The City Tournament and My Long-Awaited Return to the Court.

The City Tournament and My Long-Awaited Return to the Court.

“Hm? What is it?”

Gakuto lifted his face, and I held out my smartphone to him.

He narrowed his eyes as he read the words displayed on the screen.

“Predator’s Bash…? What’s this?”

“It’s a basketball tournament the city holds every year. The deadline’s just barely in time, but if we sign up now, we can still participate.”

I had seen a poster advertising the event a little while ago, and before coming to speak with Gakuto, I made sure to look into it properly.

It takes place in mid-December, and as long as your age and team size meet the requirements, anyone can join. The application deadline would just barely make it.

“The basketball club might not be allowed to practice for now, but something like this—an event tournament—should be fine, right?”

“That’s true…! With this, everyone could…!”

Hearing my proposal, brightness returned to Gakuto’s expression.

He must have realized it too: their motivation had collapsed because they couldn’t see a target or future ahead of them.

With no one stepping up, and no reason to take action, everyone was being dragged down into inertia. And if this continued, some of them might never return even if the suspension was lifted.

So we needed something clear—a goal they could see.

A match would give the ones who still wanted to play basketball a reason to move.

“…Thanks, Yuusuke. I never even noticed such a perfect opportunity was right in front of me. If you hadn’t told me, we might have lost our chance to bounce back.”

“It’s nothing. I just happened to remember. Opportunities show up for people who deserve them—so this came to you because of everything you’ve done.”

The only reason I could bring this to him… was because Gakuto is a good person.

He loves basketball, works hard for it, values his friends—that’s why I wanted to support him.

When I said that, he smiled quietly and nodded with genuine relief.

“Alright! First off, we have to apply! And obviously, we need members for the match. We’ll need at least four more…”

“…Three.”

“Huh…!?”

Basketball requires five players minimum.

Gakuto included, that meant gathering four more. Or rather—that’s what he thought.

I corrected him.

Then, after letting out a small breath…

“I’ll play too. That means we only need three more. Though… the more, the better, of course.”

“A-are you sure? You’ve got things at home to deal with…”

“Don’t worry. If I talk to them properly, my family will understand.”

Mom, and my brothers—they’ll listen. The period isn’t long. They won’t oppose it.

When I told him that, Gakuto looked guilty for a moment.

“Sorry, Yuusuke. I’m relying on you for everything…”

“Don’t say that. Friends help each other, right?”

“…Thanks. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

He lightly extended his fist.

I bumped mine gently against his.

And though I felt bad admitting it—

in that very moment,

a small spark of excitement rose in my chest.