Someone Who Believes They Can Live Normally in a World Where Chastity Is Reversed (Did You Think You Could Live Normally in a World With a Male-To-Female Ratio of 1:5?)

During the summer, people who are in indoor clubs often say it’s great, but inside the gym is incredibly hot.

I remember the teacher saying that indoor club activities have the highest risk of heatstroke after marathons.

Our basketball club finished practice in that sweltering heat and gathered in the changing room.

The smell of antiperspirant fills the room.

Today’s club activities ended in the morning, but I still feel like I haven’t moved enough.

“Hey, Yuka, you’re amazing!”

“Yuka has been amazing since elementary school!”

“Haha… thank you.”

My classmates were so happy, and the reason for that was the meeting we had earlier. At the end of practice, our coach told me I’d be starting in next week’s official match.

I’m number 18, the youngest in the first-year students. Actually, I’m the only first-year student with a number. I’m grateful, but I also feel pressure. I have to produce results, not just for myself, but also for those who didn’t make it to the bench.

“I’ll be cheering for you, Yuka!”

“Yuka is probably going to play guard, right? Whose spot are you taking?”

“Isn’t it that one? The second-year…”

After changing clothes and chatting, as we were about to leave the changing room, it happened.

“First-year, you did a lousy job mopping. Do it again.”

“Eh…”

When I opened the door, there were three second-year seniors.

“No, that’s not it. Did you really mop? What if someone from the volleyball team gets injured this afternoon? Can you take responsibility? Hurry up and redo it.”

“…”

I think we mopped properly. All the first-year students did it together, and I even checked the floor with my foot to make sure it made a squeaking sound. But maybe that’s irrelevant.

This is harassment.

Reluctantly, we left our bags and headed back to the gym. This is nothing. I have to endure it.

“Maeda.”

“…Yes?”

While everyone went to the gym, only I was stopped.

A bad feeling.

“…I told you not to get cocky.”

“…Yes.”

“You’re just the coach’s favorite. Don’t get it twisted.”

“…”

Because I was chosen as a starter, some second-year students became substitutes. But those who became substitutes smiled and said, “Do your best.”

Yet, I’m being harassed by those who didn’t even make it to the bench.

“Excuse me.”

“Tch…”

Club activities are tough. Maybe it’s not fun for upperclassmen to see underclassmen play in matches… If I didn’t want to lose to underclassmen, I’d practice more…

But those people don’t seem to practice much to begin with…

Feeling the piercing stares on my back, I ran to the gym.

Feeling reluctant to just go home, I found myself at the usual park.

Onii-san isn’t here today… But it’s simple enough for me to practice alone, and it’s just right.

I’m glad I brought an outdoor ball.

It’s past 1 PM.

I’ll practice for an hour or two and then head home.

I thought there would be more people, but maybe because it’s lunchtime, the basketball court in the park is empty.

Lucky me.

The scorching sun is dazzling.

Summer is about to reach its peak.

“Hah.”

From the free-throw line, I shoot.

With a satisfying swish, the ball was sucked into the hoop.

“Yeah, feels good.”

Since practicing with Onii-san here, I feel like I’ve improved even more.

If it weren’t for the techniques Onii-san taught me, I might not have been chosen as a starter now.

Onii-san really taught me so much.

(I wonder if I should try to imitate him.)

I visualize the movements of the person I admire in my mind.

I’ve seen these movements up close countless times. And… because I like him. The movements of the person I love are etched into my mind, so I can recall them anytime.

Picking up the ball, dribbling lightly…

A leg-through into a crossover.

Cutting to the right with a drive… turning with a roll.

And then a fadeaway from a sudden stop.

Yes, this movement!

With a loud thud, the ball is blocked by the rim. This is really difficult, especially the fadeaway at the end.

As I shoot while jumping backward, it’s actually really tough.

(Onii-san is really amazing…)

To effortlessly make this difficult shot successful.

I’ve hardly ever seen it miss in practice from this distance.

“Alright…”

I psyched myself up.

This time, I’ll make sure to succeed—”

“Oh, there’s a nice spot!”

I heard a familiar voice.

“I guess no one’s practicing, huh?”

“I know, right? Hey, but isn’t there someone here??”

“Huh? Isn’t that our jersey?”

It sounds forced…

It’s the second-year seniors who harassed me earlier. And now that I look closely, there’s also a senior from the male basketball team with them.

I think I’ve heard that he’s Ayako-senpai’s boyfriend, who was replaced with me in the starting lineup.

He seems to be the most popular among the second-year male basketball players, but compared to Onii-san, who I’m used to seeing…

But it might be pitiful to compare him to Onii-san.

If I judge him based on our age group, he’s certainly cool.

He seems a little uncomfortable, but maybe that’s because they think I’m a nuisance.

“…Good work.”

“Oh, it’s Maeda. Wow, you’re practicing here?”

“We want to practice too, so let us have it.”

…This is the worst.

But I can’t help it. It seems better to quietly back down here. They say the one who runs away wins, or something like that.

“Sure. Please take it. I’m going home. Good work.”

With the ball in hand, I head for the exit of the court as if escaping.

But…

My arm is forcibly grabbed.

“What, don’t be cold. Let’s practice together.”

“…”

At least, it doesn’t sound like they want to practice together…

I have a bad feeling about this. But it doesn’t seem like I can just go home like this…

“Okay.”

I had no choice but to prepare myself.

—

How much time has passed?

Thirty minutes? An hour? Honestly, I’ve lost track of time.

“Maeda, are you done already??? Are you sure you’ll be okay for the match like that??”

“Haa… haa…!”

Under this scorching sun, running without a break. The seniors take turns, but I don’t get a break.

I expected something like this, but it’s still tough.

“Alright, how about we do 2-on-2 now? You need to experience a match format too, promising first-year.”

“Haa… haa…!”

I just want to replenish my fluids. My body is screaming for air and hydration.

“Come on, Maeda, hurry up. Your offense first.”

I receive the ball thrown to me, painfully. It’s called 2-on-2, so I have a teammate. But that’s just in theory, and it doesn’t matter in this situation.

Since my senior who’s supposed to be my teammate doesn’t intend to receive the ball.

Reluctantly, I attempt to drive past.

But my body is already worn out, and I can’t make the usual sharp moves. Then another senior joins in, making it a double team, and my situation becomes even more difficult.

“Is that all you’ve got?! Maybe you should just give up?”

“Think about Ayako’s feelings since she can’t play!!”

I understand that. So I want to do my best for Ayako-senpai’s sake…

“What’s wrong?! Hey!!”

“…”

There was a nasty sound. My vision went dark. The elbow swung by the senior hit me directly in the face.

My vision goes black.

The senior’s swinging elbow hits me squarely in the face.

It hurts.

Just breathing was difficult.

Laughter is the only thing echoing around me.

Why? Why do I have to go through this?

I just love basketball…

Wait, the people who were laughing at me until just now, I can’t hear their laughter anymore.

Did I lose my hearing…?

…

“Looks like you are having a lot of fun practicing”

…Huh?

That’s not possible.

Because today is Sunday.

And I didn’t make any plans.

Yet.

But.

I know this voice all too well.

I look up.

And there, my beloved—

“Yuka, can you stand?”

“…Onii-san…?”

The person supporting me with their shoulder.

Without a doubt, it’s the person I love.

It’s Masato-san.

“Who are you?”

“We’re in the middle of club activities.”

The seniors are clearly flustered.

Perhaps they’re just surprised by Masato-san’s coolness.

“Hoooh. Is this how a healthy club activity should be, tormenting one person until they’re completely broken and laughing at their suffering?”

“…”

…Onii-san is angry.

I could tell from his voice. It’s the first time I’ve seen him angry. He directs a cold gaze at the seniors and then turns back to me.

“Yuka, here, drink this. You probably haven’t had enough water.”

“Thank you very much.”

He hands me a water bottle.

I take it and drink immediately. I can feel my parched body being replenished.

Onii-san gives me a gentle smile and follows me to the bench.

He sits me down.

“Sorry I’m late. Take a little rest.”

He pats my head gently. My body heats up in a different way.Even in this situation… my body reacts with joy. But my mind is still in turmoil.

He wasn’t supposed to come.

“So? What do you want by tormenting Yuka like this?”

“We, we weren’t tormenting her. We were just making sure Maeda is suitable for the starting lineup.”

“That’s right! Can’t you leave us alone?”

“Huh…”

It’s surprising how easily those words come out. The truth is, they were trying to hurt me physically or mentally to get me off the starting lineup.

“And if Yuka proves herself to you, will you give up?”

“We were planning to do that from the beginning. But Maeda is so bad that it came to this.”

They came to wear down my stamina because they couldn’t win normally!

And if I got injured in the process, it would be lucky for them…! Anger bubbles up inside me. Then, Onii-san turns to face them.

“Yuka… Will you be able to move soon?”

“Huh…?”

Onii-san’s proposal was unexpected. But the next words were more than enough to boost my spirits.

“Show them, Yuka. Show them your strength.”

“Yes…!”

More than ever before, strength surges through my body.

Onii-san turns back to the seniors once again.

“You all should be defeated by Yuka. I’ll team up with Yuka, so you four should be enough.”

“Huh? Are you kidding? Four against two?”

“I’m not kidding. Besides, I won’t jump. There’s a height difference.”

Not jump?! Not jump during basketball?! It’s a sport where the goal is up high, so jumping is essential in a match.

A sport that requires jumping over and over again.

Nevertheless, Onii-san declared that he wouldn’t jump.

“Seems like you’re underestimating us… Fine by me.”

“So… If we win this, you’ll acknowledge Yuka’s starting position. Sound good?”

“Then in exchange, if we lose this, can Maeda withdraw from the starting lineup?”

…!

The starting lineup I’ve been chosen for. I don’t want to back out.

But at the same time… I don’t feel like losing with Onii-san by my side.

Receiving Onii-san’s gaze, I nodded.

“Sure, I agree.”

“…Alright. Let’s do this.”

Onii-san slowly removed his necklace. His movement was so cool.

A feeling of joy wells up in my chest. I didn’t want this to happen in such a situation. But I can play basketball with Onii-san as a team!

—

“Alright, offense is from here.”

Onii-san takes the ball. As expected, two senior members of the girls’ basketball team double-team Onii-san.

And two here. Among them, those two were the better players.

But… to be frank.

“Hah…!”

They were not Onii-san’s opponent.

“Huh?”

“What?!”

Despite the surprise of the two, Onii-san swiftly evades them with an incredible spin move.

Straight to the basket.

“What are you doing?!”

One of them panics, leaving my mark to defend under the basket. Onii-san will surely easily avoid them and make the shot.

But…

In an instant, I reacted to Onii-san’s gaze. I start running toward the free-throw line.

I know Onii-san is skilled. But what I need to do now isn’t to be carried by him.

It’s to show the training and effort I’ve put in!

“Ah…!”

Taking advantage of the fact that Onii-san wasn’t jumping, a senior who tried to block the shot jumped.

Onii-san passed the ball underneath him with a bounce.

A pass that’s just perfect for me. With only one defender left to mark me, a senior from the boys’ basketball team in front of me…

“Hah…!”

I feint to the right and then execute my signature crossover.

A move I’ve repeated countless times in this spot.

A move I’ve practiced to do without looking at the ball.

The senior from the boys’ basketball team can’t keep up with my movement and stumbles. Yet, I mercilessly blow past him. Continuing with a layup.

I’ve practiced this hundreds of times. I can confidently make the shot. There’s no way I’ll miss!

With a swish sound, the ball is sucked into the hoop. Ignoring the bewildered seniors, Onii-san raises a finger.

“That’s a two-point lead now.”

What should I do?

Even in this situation…

It’s fun…!

The senior’s offense failed because I managed to steal the ball.

The dribble was too sloppy. It was like they were saying, “Please take it.”

Compared to the one-on-one sessions I do with Onii-san every day, it’s way too lukewarm.

Frankly, dribbling while not looking at the ball was just weak.

Our offense again.

“Next, I’ll stop it…!”

“Just now, I was just careless.”

Onii-san’s marks, two of them, were now putting in more effort in defense.

(T/N: Marks here mean Defenders)

Honestly, even so, I think Onii-san will easily get through.

But, from the one play earlier, I realized.

Onii-san was trying to make the most of me. Or rather, fundamentally, I’m the one who’s supposed to make the shot. I have to show it. The effort I’ve put in myself…!

Onii-san, signaling with his eyes as he dribbles, I noticed his intention.

I immediately started running.

Out of the two defenders sticking with Onii-san, he closely stuck to the one on my side, making sure not to let him go left.

A screen.

“…!”

Seeing that, Onii-san drives left.

I become the wall, and the defense’s seniors can’t keep up with Onii-san’s movement.

“Switch!”

The seniors shouted.

It was a signal to switch the mark. However, Onii-san had other intentions.

Taking advantage of the confusion caused by not knowing who was being marked, I swiftly passed towards the goal.

A dive move.

This was also one of the moves I saw in videos with Onii-san. All defenders were now behind. They couldn’t keep up with the speed of my dribble.

“Why…!”

Those dribbling were usually slower on their feet. However, those seniors couldn’t catch up to me.

Because I’ve been running with the ball countless times. I don’t do dribbles that are easy to catch up with!

From a full-speed dribble, I stepped forcefully for a layup. Shooting at full speed makes it easier to miss.

So, I stepped forcefully and directed the momentum downwards. This too, I learned from Onii-san and practiced countless times. The ball made a soft sound as it swished through the net. The pale seniors couldn’t resist and gathered, discussing something.

“Maeda is this skilled…? I didn’t know…!”

“Shosuke-chan, move with her! Is it okay if Ayako doesn’t return to the starting lineup!?”

“But…”

“Let’s give up stopping that college student and focus on stopping Maeda instead. It seems like Maeda will end up taking the shot anyway.”

… They seem to have noticed Onii-san’s moves.

The flow where Onii-san was trying to let me shoot.

“Nice job, Yuka.”

“Huh? Oh, yes! Nice pass, Onii-san!”

“I was being cautious, but… looks like it’s alright.”

“Eh?”

Onii-san looked a bit surprised as he glanced at the opposing team.

Then, with his usual smile, he said to me, “Even without me, Yuka, you can pass through them all. So, next time, Yuka, try to pass through. I’ll be in a position to receive the ball just in case it gets tough, so if it’s difficult, pass it to me.”

…!

Onii-san trusts me.

Just that fact alone makes me want to give it my all!

The seniors failed in their offense again, and it’s our turn. We lead by five points, so if we score now, we win.

I hold the ball. This time, three seniors from the female basketball team were guarding me.

One of the seniors glared at me with envy.

“Maeda… Who’s that guy?”

“…He’s my, important person.”

“…! That’s annoying…! Really annoying!!”

A slight feeling of superiority. I glanced at Onii-san for just a moment. He’s looking at me. His eyes convey complete trust in me.

I want to live up to his expectations!

Onii-san is my… my only important person!! I make a sharp cut to the right. If there were three of them, the senior on the far right would come after me.

A sudden stop. Cross-over from the leg through. My favorite move.

The person on the right stumbled. Taking advantage of that gap, I swiftly cut in from the center!

“What…!”

A senior who defended with a foul-like move tried to block my path. Ignoring that, I used the forward momentum to roll.

Dodging one person, I immediately go into my shooting form.

“What the…!”

Perhaps out of pride. The last senior jumped to block my shot. This is bad.

If I shoot like this, it will be blocked…!

――In an instant, I remembered Onii-san’s usual move.

From cross-over to roll, then to a sudden stop and…

I leaped.

To the back.

“What…!”

This way, the block won’t reach.

A move I’ve seen countless times.

I’ve seen this shot go in countless times too.

So, it’s okay.

I can do it too!

I released the ball with my right hand.

Drawing a beautiful arc… the ball is sucked into the ring.

—

The game ended, and the seniors went home.

As expected, or rather as anticipated, it seems they followed me all the way here.

In the end, the male basketball senior seemed to be arguing with the three female basketball seniors.

If I didn’t mishear, it seemed like the male basketball senior was asking them to stop bullying me. Then the female basketball seniors apologized… I’m not entirely sure.

But if even a little bit of the bullying at school stops because of this, I’d be happy.

“Yuka, that was a nice shot at the end.”

“Ah, thank you very much!”

I saw Onii-san’s move, so… it was a shot I could make.

Thanks to Onii-san.

I was immersed in the afterglow of victory, but… wait a minute! I need to properly thank him!

“Um, thank you so much for helping me today!!”

“No, no, I’m sorry for being late. Actually, I was watching the whole time.”

“Eh…?”

“Well, I was thinking if you were having fun with her teammates, but the atmosphere seemed off, and you were being hit… I thought it was dangerous. So I realized if I had noticed earlier, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

…I felt like crying.

He’s really too kind…

With his usual gentle smile, Onii-san continues.

“Even though it happened like this, I enjoyed playing basketball with you as a team. You’re really good. You’ll probably get better than me soon.”

“Eh, really?! That’s not true! But I was also happy to play basketball with Onii-san!”

That’s the one thing I’m truly grateful for.

Because I don’t know if I’ll have another opportunity like this.

I sit on the bench.

Let’s go home for today. I’m tired from everything that happened.

Reflecting on many emotions.

I put the ball in my bag and start getting ready to leave, when suddenly…

“Yuka, wait a moment.”

“Eh…?”

Onii-san quietly approaches me, slightly bending down, and our eyes meet.

Eye to eye.

Onii-san’s face is indeed beautiful.

…The distance is close.

Onii-san’s face gradually comes closer.

Huh…?

Wait, wait, wait, wait a minute???

Is this, perhaps, a kiss?

Is this going to be a kiss?

Certainly, today’s flow felt like fate, and the situation is ideal, but!!!

My heartbeats accelerate.

The first kiss is supposed to be outside? And it’s still daylight!?

Wait, this is too fast.

What should I do? But I’m happy, though. Should I close my eyes? Is that okay?

I close my eyes.

Mom, Dad, today I offer my first kiss to the person I love.

Something… is lightly placed on my cheek.

Huh??

I open my eyes.

“Phew~ I’m glad! Since I fell off my bike the other day and got hurt, I stocked up on band-aids in my bag! There was a little blood on your cheek, so this should be fine now. I should have noticed earlier… I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

…

I touch my cheek.

The surface of the band-aid is quite smooth, isn’t it?

“……!!”

“Wow?! What’s wrong, Yuka?!”

Various emotions clashed inside me and exploded.

It wasn’t a kiss, but I’m happy he cared.

I’m already lost in confusion, so in the heat of the moment, I just cling to Onii-san.

It’s okay if he pushes me away! Right now, I just want to express these feelings to him!!

My whole body feels hot.

I wonder if it’s okay. I hope Oniisan doesn’t dislike it.

Onii-san gently strokes my head.