The Kansai Villain’s Rebirth: I Accidentally Ended Up With a Harem. - Chapter 23: A Kansai Boy Gets Treated.

A Kansai Boy Gets Treated.

Natsume Shina’s POV

It was a close match against Class A, but in the end, Tenma landed a flashy dunk that sealed our victory. I high-fived Tenma and Momodani, all of us laughing and celebrating, when Akitani suddenly ran over and grabbed my hand.

“Tennouji-kun! You’re coming with me to the infirmary!”

And just like that, I was practically dragged away. Akitani-san’s hand… it’s so small! Really cute, too. Natsume-san’s hands are small as well, but Akitani-san’s might be even tinier.
Matching her pace, I jogged along toward the infirmary.

***

There wasn’t a teacher around when we got there, but Akitani-san didn’t seem to care in the slightest. She must be a regular here. Not that I want to be one, but if you play sports, it’s hard to avoid injuries. Sprains, jammed fingers, knee pain—it’s part of the deal.

“Sorry, Akitani-san. I’m causing you trouble…”

“No, don’t worry about it. Um… first, we’ll cool the area with some ice.”

“Here, Tennouji-kun. Give me your hand.”

“Whoa, that’s cold!”

“Hehe, keep it there for a bit. In the meantime… let’s see, a compress, tape, and—scissors…”

As expected of a manager, she knew exactly where everything was. She prepared everything with practiced hands—compress, tape, scissors—all in a smooth flow. The ice felt good against my jammed finger. The pain was slowly fading.

“You were amazing out there, Tennouji-kun! If you were in the basketball club, I’m sure you’d be selected for the All-Japan team alongside Tenma and Momodani! That’s how incredible you were!”

Akitani-san was practically glowing as she said that. I couldn’t help but smile wryly. I hadn’t even played basketball since middle school… it was just Tennouji’s natural athleticism doing all the work. Still, hearing her say that made me genuinely happy.

“Glad I could live up to your expectations. That match against Class A was really fun.”

“Hehe, especially that last pass! I think everyone except Tenma got completely fooled!”

“That was my special move. I figured after hyping him up like that, everyone would assume I’d take the shot myself. But Tenma moved in perfectly, unmarked and right in my passing range. I’m glad he caught on.”

It was one of Tennouji’s signature techniques that I’d somehow managed to remember. And that whole “I’ll definitely shoot!” shout? That drew the defense right in.

But that play only works with tight teamwork—so really, it was thanks to Tenma.

“You’re amazing, Tennouji-kun! To pull off a combo like that on the fly!”

“Nah, that only worked because of Tenma and Momodani. Couldn’t have done it without such great teammates.”

Truth is, Momodani had been moving too. Those two really were on another level—the kind of players who’ll probably go pro someday.

“T-Tennouji-kun… you were really cool out there…”

“…Thanks.”

I thanked her honestly, though I felt my face heating up. Akitani-san’s face was bright red too.

“Akitani-san, your face is all red. You okay?”

“Huh!? I-it’s nothing!”

“R-Really…?”

Her face just got even redder. Ah, I shouldn’t have said anything… now I’m the one embarrassed. Still, hearing her say I was cool—it made me kinda happy.

Akitani-san suddenly started flustering around, and before I knew it, she stumbled, tripping over a chair.

“Whoa—careful!”

I caught her in my arms just in time. That could’ve ended badly if she’d fallen.

…Wait. What the hell am I doing!? I just caught Akitani-san—and pulled her close! She’s so small… if I held her too tight, I might actually break her. Her body felt so soft against me… and she smelled really nice.

Do girls have some kind of natural perfume gland or something!?
No, no, no—this is bad! This totally counts as harassment!!

“T-Tennouji-kun!? I—I’m so sorry!! Are you okay!?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. What about you? Did you twist anything?”

“N-no!? I-I’m fine! Really! I’m totally fine, so—uh—”

“R-right… sorry about that.”

“N-no! I—I didn’t hate it or anything! I mean… it was kind of nice—ahh, what am I even saying!?”

As Akitani-san flailed in panic, I did my best to stay calm. If we both lost it, that’d just make it worse.

“T-Tennouji-kun! Let’s… let’s just wrap your finger! H-here, hand! Out!”

“Ah, right.”

Her hands were trembling as she taped my finger. Not from anger, right…? She’s not mad at me, is she? I mean, it was an accident, but still…

“There! Not too tight? Does it hurt?”

“No, it’s perfect. Thanks, Akitani-san. Sorry for all the trouble.”

It really was just right. The pain had eased, and I could move it freely again. As expected of Akitani-san—she really was a great manager.

“No, it’s fine. Accidents happen. I’m just glad it wasn’t a fracture or dislocation.”

“Yeah… and honestly, I’m kinda happy you were the one who helped me out.”

Her face flushed again. Ah crap. Did I just say something unnecessary again?

“A-anyway! Shi-chan and Rin-chan were worried too, so let’s head back!”

“Yeah. Thanks again, Akitani-san.”

“Mhm!”

And with that, she darted out of the room like lightning.
Man… maybe I went a bit too far.
That “accidental” catch probably looked bad, huh.
Soft, warm, and smelling nice—ugh, stop remembering it!
I’ve really gotta learn some self-control…

***

“’Sup.”

I made my way back to the classroom.
Akitani-san was there… but when our eyes met, she quickly looked away.
Oof. Yeah, she’s probably mad about the whole catching thing.

“Ah, Daiki-kun!”

Just as I was feeling down, Natsume-san came over.

“D-Daiki-kun, your finger… is it okay?”

“Yeah. I got it treated right away, so I should be fine. Thanks for worrying about me.”

She’d been worried, huh?
Man, having a girl worry about you like that—it feels kinda nice.
Without thinking, I reached out and patted her head.

…Wait. What the hell am I doing!?
She’s not even into me! Getting patted by some random guy must be creepy!
Crap, I messed up again!!

“Ah! S-sorry! That was way out of line—”

“Um… it’s fine. If it’s Daiki-kun… I don’t mind.”

“…R-really…?”

Wait, really? No, no, this must be one of those polite lies!
She probably wants to say “Gross,” but she’s too nice to say it out loud!
Ah, I’ve done it again…
And she’s blushing too—definitely mad.
Man, I got too carried away after that win against Class A…

“Rin-chaaan…”

“Yes, yes. Good for you.”

What’s “good,” exactly!?
And now Fuyuki-san’s giving me the coldest stare imaginable.

“Tennouji-kun, you know, I was cheering really hard too.”

“Huh? Oh, right. Thanks for that. We won thanks to your support. You’re our goddess of victory.”

As soon as I said that, she fidgeted with her hair and looked away. Did I say something wrong? Was “goddess of victory” a weird thing to say? It’s not harassment, right!?

“…That’s it?”

“Uh… was there something else?”

“…Nothing.”

There it was again—that icy glare. What did I do this time!? I just stood there, completely clueless, as all three girls’ emotions swirled around me in ways I couldn’t begin to understand.