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?) - Chapter 5: The Basketball Club Junior High School Girl Is Aware.

Yuka’s POV

I love basketball.

I’ve always enjoyed being active, and the sound of the ball going through the hoop is so satisfying that I quickly became obsessed with this sport. But maybe I got a little too obsessed.

“Yuka-chi, thanks for today! I’m heading home.”

“Yeah, bye!”

It was the elementary school gym. Since it was spring break and we, the graduates, were allowed to use it freely, my friends and I were playing basketball… but everyone seemed to be heading home by midday.

(Well, it can’t be helped.)

I wanted to practice a bit more, but it’s important to go along with everyone else. So, reluctantly, I started getting ready to leave too.

“What? Are you really dating Rikashoya?”

“Yeah! He confessed to me at the graduation ceremony, and I said yes!”

On the way home, everyone was excitedly talking about their romantic relationships with boys.

“Huh? But wasn’t Shoya dating Suzuka?”

“They broke up, didn’t they? Well, even if they haven’t, it’s no big deal!”

Dating, being in a relationship. While I’ve always admired that, I don’t have anyone I want to be like that with. There were boys in my class and in the basketball club, but I don’t find any of them attractive.

“…What are you spacing out about, Yuka? You didn’t confess to anyone?”

“Huh? Me? Um, well, there’s no one I like…”

It’s true. None of the boys in my class seem mature enough, and some of them are even a bit condescending.

“Yuka’s really obsessed with basketball, huh?”

“It’s amazing. I joined the basketball club because I wanted to play too, but to be honest, I was also hoping to snag a guy.”

“You’re admitting that? Well, I had some expectations too!”

Yeah, that’s right. Basketball was a sport that some boys play too.

I was really surprised when I heard that some girls join the basketball club to interact with boys from other classes. But I just wanted to play basketball, and although I didn’t tell anyone, I wanted to win more games too.

Thinking that no one would bring up topics like this with me because they know what I’m like…

“But you know, Yuka acts like she’s obsessed with basketball, but she’s actually really reserved.”

A bombshell was dropped.

“Huh…? Th-that’s not true!”

“You don’t have to hide it, Yuka~ We all know you’re reserved.”

“T-that’s not true! I’m… I’m just normal!”

Looking around, my friends were nodding in agreement.

Huh?! Why are they giving off this vibe like they all know about it?!

“Well, yeah. Yuka reads naughty books during class and giggles.”

“?!?!”

“Hey, come to think of it, when I went to Yuka’s house, I found something suspicious under her bed.”

“Ahhh! Stop it! Seriously!”

My head feels like it’s about to explode!

I’m a girl too, so it’s natural to have some interest in boys!!

“You’re quite reserved, aren’t you?”

“Yuka-chi’s a bit reserved, huh?”

“Stop it already!”

I’m just average, okay?

“See ya!”

“See you at junior high!”

I bid farewell to my friends.

Most of my friends will go to the same junior high school, so we won’t be separated even after graduation.

“Hmm…”

After waving goodbye, I opened and closed my right hand.

Honestly, I still feel like I haven’t done enough.

“Should I go to the park?”

Deciding to head to the nearby park where there’s a basketball hoop I oftened visit.

Dribble, dribble, dribble.

I quite liked the sound of the basketball bouncing off the ground. But hearing that sound before I even reached my destination meant… someone was already there.

(It’s rare for someone to be here at this time…)

Knowing there was someone there, I couldn’t just timidly turn back.

If it’s just two people, we can take turns shooting without any problems. Thinking so, I continue forward.

And then… I see someone playing basketball.

“…A guy?”

The person playing basketball was indeed a guy. Probably a high school or college student.

Their presence itself isn’t that unusual. But it’s rare to see a guy practicing alone, isn’t it?

As I approach the court, I can see their face clearly.

And… I was shocked beyond belief.

“Hah…!”

His dribbling was fast. Handling the ball as if it’s glued to his hand.

Crossover, behind-the-back. Techniques I wanted to master.

And then, he swiftly headed towards the goal like the wind…

“Hey!”

A layup shot. Not from the front, but a back layup assuming there’s a defense.

…!

I was captivated.

I’ve seen skilled players in videos before. But it’s completely different. It’s the first time I’ve seen a guy play so gracefully right in front of me.

It’s cool. That’s what I honestly thought.

“Hmm…?”

Our eyes meet. He has well-defined features, a handsome older brother-like appearance.

Suddenly, my heart started pounding.

“Um, I’m heading home now, so feel free to use it!”

“…Huh? Oh, um, thank you…”

Are you leaving already?!

Oh, maybe because I’m here. If I’m standing here hugging the ball, it’s obvious that I came here to play basketball.

Meanwhile, the guy is putting his ball into his backpack and getting ready to leave.

I want to say something, anything.

If I miss this chance, I might never get another one!

I want to talk to him…!

“Um, excuse me!”

“…?”

He turned towards me.

What should I say?

“You were cool?” No, that’s too forward!

“Can I have your contact information?” That’s too desperate!

“Want to play basketball with me?” No, that’s too much for a first meeting…!

“Um, it’s nothing…”

“Nothing? Okay then, I’ll be heading out!”

Oh no… I messed up.

I wanted to talk to him for a bit…

He’s walking further away, soon disappearing from sight.

I’m left alone on the court.

I can feel my heated body cooling down rapidly.

Thump, thump, my heart was pounding.

He was cool. But it’s not just that. His aura, his voice, everything about him pierced through me.

“Why couldn’t I speak up…? I’m such an idiot.”

I muttered to myself, cursing my own helplessness.

But of course, I didn’t give up.

I can’t give up! I’m Yuka, the girl who never gives up! I’m going to meet that cool guy today!

“Okay, I’m heading out!”

“Huh?! Yuka, there’s a club activity briefing today!”

“It’s fine, it’s just the basketball club!”

Since then, I’ve been going to that park as long as time permits.

I managed to see him around 3 PM. He seemed to have been practicing for a while, so if I had gone a bit earlier, I might have met him! I’ve been going there every day since then, but I haven’t been able to meet him.

But today was the same Friday as the day we met, so the chances are high!

“What’s wrong with Yuka lately?”

“Is she becoming an idol fan?”

My classmates were suspecting me of strange things, but it didn’t matter.

After all, I’m busy right now!

“I found him…!”

It’s 2:30 PM.

Finally… finally, I’ve been able to reunite with that guy! I was worried that he might have just come from afar and happened to stop by last time… There was a good chance that I wouldn’t be able to see him again. His footwork was just as good as it was back then.

His shooting form is also very clean. He’s still so cool…

With determination, I head towards the bench near the court.

And then, the Onii-san noticed me.

“Oh, isn’t it you from last time…?”

My heart skipped a beat.

Liar, you remembered? It was just a moment!

Even though I couldn’t believe he remembered, the joy of being remembered made my face feel like it was burning with heat.

Today’s the day! Today, at least I need to ask for his contact information…!

I don’t want to feel the fear of not being able to see him again!

“Um, um…!”

I forced out my voice.

I needed to say something, anything.

“I, well, I often practice here.”

“Oh, really? I see!”

Wait, huh? Wasn’t that completely unrelated to what I said before?

I want to play basketball together. But asking for his contact information… would that seem like I’m hitting on him?

Would he report me? What should I do? What should I say…?

“So, um, I also want to practice here.”

“Oh, I see! Sorry, then I’ll head out!”

“Huh, no, that’s not it!”

Oops, I raised my voice. But I don’t want to repeat the same mistake as before…!

Onii-san looked surprised too… I need to clear up the misunderstanding quickly.

“Um, um, with me…”

I have to say it. I have to convey it properly…!

Onii-san is leaning in slightly, listening to what I have to say… I have to ask him to play basketball with me… I have to…!

I take a deep breath in.

“With me! Have a match with me!”

“Huh?!”

—

About an hour later…

“Wow, Yuka-chan, you’re really good?! I am surprised!”

“Thank you… very much…”

The guy was completely out of my league.

I could tell from watching him play, but he was really good at basketball.

I’ve never lost to any of my classmates, but I couldn’t even compete against him.

But that’s okay.

The match was really fun, and in between, I got to ask for his name. It’s Masato Katasato. That’s his name.

And there’s one more thing.

“Haha! But you still couldn’t beat me! Anyway, can I still practice here as promised?”

As long as I challenge him with all my might and keep losing, I can promise that he’ll come back here.

It’s a bit twisted, but it’s a promise between me and him alone.

Thinking about that naturally makes my heart squeeze.

“Next time, I won’t lose.”

“Haha, Yuka-chan, you’re out of breath! Need some water?”

Indeed, I haven’t hydrated since I arrived here.

Prompted, I head to the bench and sit down. And then from my backpack…

“Huh…?”

My water bottle was missing.

Did I forget it at school, or is it at home…?

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, um, it seems I forgot my water bottle.”

“Oh.”

“But it’s okay! I have some money, so I’ll buy one!”

Luckily, I have some change in my wallet. There’s a vending machine nearby, so I’ll buy a sports drink with that.

“Huh, that’s wasteful. If it’s okay with you, you can have mine. Here.”

“Huh?”

As I was about to get up, he handed me a bottle. Taking it, I noticed that the contents are slightly reduced.

That means it’s already been opened. In other words, he drank from it.

Huh??? Is this an indirect kiss??? No, that’s ridiculous, right???

No, no, no, no, no, I can’t do this! If he notices I’m bothered by it, he might get creeped out!!

I want to drink it! I really want to drink it! In so many ways!!! But if he notices I’m aware of it, he might never meet me again!!!

Quickly! Swiftly! Drink it! Naturally!

But calm down, me!!

“Th-thank you very much…”

“What’s wrong?! Your face is all red?!”

I couldn’t maintain my composure. My hands were trembling.

I removed the cap and brought it to my lips quickly.

It’s hot. It’s hot. My heart is hot.

Wait, my vision, is… fading…

“U-nyaa…”

“Yuka-chan?! Huh?!”

My consciousness faded… oh no… my indirect kiss…

Seeing Masato-san’s panicked state, I thought…

Falling in love with someone… must be so wonderful.

Perhaps from the moment we first met. My heart was already hopelessly caught by Onii-san.