It's a Chastity-Reversed World, But It's Different From What I Imagined? - 39

Chapter 39: Childhood Friend’s POV: 3

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【Yuuna Aoyanagi】

I had made a mistake somewhere along the line. I knew that much. And yet, as if running away from reality, I had rejected Yoru’s attempts to connect with me.

The days I devoted to swimming felt good, as if I were being recognized. While I was focused on training, I didn’t have to think about Yoru. By working that hard, I ended up being chosen as the only first-year regular.

“I’m a regular!”

“That’s right. Do your best.”

Captain Minase-senpai, who was said to be unbeatable in freestyle, was a super high school-level athlete. There was so much to learn from her, and she was a senpai I could truly respect.

Being acknowledged by Minase-senpai and chosen as a regular made me happy, and I was able to devote myself to swimming more than ever before.

Yoru still sent me 【Good night】messages. And I only ever replied with 【Good night】. Then, the day before the real match, Yoru messaged me.

『Good night. Do your best tomorrow.』

I hadn’t told him about the swim meet. I hesitated, but replied with just 『Good night.』. And then, the morning of the competition arrived.

“Everyone, gather up. From here, we’ll be having a pep rally from the cheering squad.”

At Captain Minase’s words, the members stirred with excitement. Only the regular members were gathered. After a short wait, a boy wearing a red rash guard and black swim shorts appeared before us.

Hearing “cheering squad,” Yoru came to mind. I knew from rumors among the girls that Yoru had formed a Men’s Cheer Team. So when the one who appeared wasn’t Yoru, I felt both disappointed and relieved.

“Members of Aoba High School Swimming Club! Today, we, the Men’s Cheer Team, will do our utmost! To cheer you on with everything we have!”

The boy in the red rash guard raised his voice and declared their support. I had only ever seen boys shouting like that on NewTube. The club members stared at him with surprised faces. Seeing him put so much effort into it, I thought he looked cool.

“Captain!!! Osu, please!!!”

The boy in red called for the captain. And then Yoru appeared, wearing a purple rash guard.

He was taller than the boy in red. His trained body had grown, becoming masculine. His sharply defined features had lost the shadows they held in middle school, giving him a mature, composed air. Through the open zipper of his rash guard, I could see his abs and chest. My eyes were captivated by everything about Yoru.

“Osu! I am Yoru Kurose, the captain. Right now, I have words I want to convey to you, members of Aoba High School Swimming Club! You joined Aoba High School Swimming Club, and you have endured harsh and grueling training every single day. Under a coach and manager with world-class experience, you have received excellent instruction. You have carried dreams as the next generation of world-class swimmers, and you were given permission to stand here today. You are the chosen ones. You are strong. You endured training that makes you worthy of being called strong, and as chosen ones—you will not lose.”

Yoru’s words felt like they were giving voice not just to me, but to the struggles each member carried. For the rivals and teammates who hadn’t made it to this match—we had to win for them.

Yoru paused, thrusting out his fist toward each person, meeting their eyes one by one. Our eyes met. I must have been showing a face of shock at Yoru’s sudden appearance. But Yoru’s face carried a smile brimming with confidence.

“Third-year, Club Captain, Shizuku Minase-san!!!”

Yoru called the captain’s name. Just hearing Yoru speak another woman’s name made a sharp pain stab through my chest like a thorn.

“Yes!”

“Thanks to your remarkable leadership, the members were able to keep up with the practice! You are stronger than anyone! Faster!! Unbeatable!!! As long as you don’t lose, the other athletes will keep winning! We believe in you and will cheer you on with all we have!!!!”

Yoru, don’t praise anyone else with that voice of yours…

Yoru was never the kind of person who could speak so boldly.

“I will never lose.”

The captain wore the most confident expression I had ever seen on her.

“Third-year, Vice Captain—”

The boys in the cheering squad praised each member one by one. At last, I was the final one, and Yoru stepped forward.

“First-year, Yuuna Aoyanagi-san.”

Yoru called my name. How long had it been since Yoru had looked at me and said my name?

“As your childhood friend, let me say this.”

In a mature tone, Yoru spoke directly to me. That alone made it clear how different he had become.

“Yuuna Aoyanagi! You started swimming back in elementary school, and you have spent more time in the water than anyone else. Now, with your talent recognized, you’ve worked hard enough to win a regular spot in high school. All of that effort is your strength. I’ve been cheering for you all this time. Do your best, Yuuna!!!”

Yoru had been watching me all along. Even while I kept my distance from him, isolating him, Yoru had still…

Tears naturally overflowed from my eyes. Why had I been doing such foolish things? Why hadn’t I stayed closer to Yoru, done fun things with him, made more memories?

“From here, the cheer team will perform a dance and sing our cheer song.”

Like an idol, Yoru danced together with the other boys. His face was lively, and the boy who had once been so unreliable, who had needed me, was gone.

“Go! Go! Aoba! Go! Go! Aoba!”

Yoru shouted loudly as he sang the cheer song.

I realized I hadn’t truly been watching Yoru. I thought I knew him better than anyone, but he had grown in ways I hadn’t seen.

The final pose came. Yoru thrust his fist forward, and our eyes met.

“Osu! During the tournament, we will keep our voices strong to cheer you on! Do your best!”

Watching Yoru’s retreating figure as he exited, I made up my mind.

“When this tournament ends… I’ll confess to Yoru.”

I didn’t want to let go of the Yoru who had looked at me so earnestly and cheered me on.

Goodbye to the foolish me… From now on, I will make lots of memories with Yoru.

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