When an Oblivious Handsome Older Man Went Back in Time and Was Building Harlem

Day 2 of the training camp. Starting today, the people who will be cooking for us are coming, so I think the managers are finally relieved. I’m relieved too, because I didn’t like forcing these young kids to cook for dozens of guys like this. Maybe that’s why, but the words from yesterday, “Aki, you actually like Miwano-san, don’t you?” from Midori echo in my mind.

Miwano-san, huh? I do think she’s a cute girl by general standards. But what about it? I’m 37 years old, and there’s a 20-year age gap between me and these kids. More importantly, making a move on a minor is a crime. As Midori said, I’ve been living a dry life in the future, so I don’t have a partner. When I come home, the only sound that echoes is the sound I make myself.

It’s not that I’ve never thought about living with someone. I’m worried about being alone in my old age, and Midori often told me that having someone around would surely brighten up my life. Maybe that’s why I was thinking about such things while eating breakfast.

“Oh my, oh my… Aki-kun, you really do like one of the girls from the management team, don’t you!!”

I didn’t realize I had been unconsciously looking in the direction of the managers while eating until Midori teased me in a low voice.

“No.”

It’s true that the way the managers, Itou-san, and Miwano-san chat and laugh together is indeed lively and charming. But if you ask me if I like it, I don’t think so. After all, I’ve never really experienced love in the 37 years of my life. I’ve never felt the longing for love either.

“The food is delicious, but I think it was even better when the managers worked hard to make it… right?!”

“Huh!? Really!? I’m so happy!!”

Shimozono, who had been fidgeting in the seat next to me, reacted. The other kids also seemed somewhat pleased when they heard that.

“I think so too. You worked hard, and I know this might sound a bit condescending, but thank you for making it.”

“Y-yeah.”

Each of the five of us had our own reactions, but Miwano-san smiled gently at me. The other kids were cute for their age, but for some reason, Miwano-san felt different. Is this what Midori means by love? No, I can’t have feelings like this for a minor. I remind myself of that. But I can’t help but keep watching her. Ah, this is bad. If I admit it, I won’t be able to go back. I may look 17, but inside I’m a genuine old man.

Even if we pretend to be dating on the surface, what’s wrong with that? What am I thinking? I was just saying yesterday how great love is, telling Midori all about it, but I thought it had nothing to do with me.

(I see, this might be love…?)

I put away the empty dishes and head to practice. By the way, it seems that Itou-san and Miwano-san will also help with the manager’s duties, so they will fully participate in this training camp. I dislike the fact that I’m feeling a bit uplifted. I temporarily put a lid on this feeling and returned my focus to the training camp.

=========================

“Get the defense right!!”

“Yes!!”

We’re currently in a practice match. The captain’s instructions are flying, and the team members are responding. Of course, we kept score during the match, but I couldn’t help but think that Itou-san and Miwano-san, who are in charge of that, are really cute. That’s why I can’t concentrate on the training camp right now.

From the moment we met, there was a cuteness about her like a little animal, like a toy poodle. She’s always trembling and has a red face. But as we talk, she gets used to it and gives me a smile. That smile is just so cute.

I should just give up. Instead of hiding these feelings, I should just be open about them. I must really like Miwano-san.