Chapter 23:

High School – Fifth Part

Right now, I’m in the city’s gym!

I’m here to cheer for Kens.h.i.+n’s match!

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;Wow Teruki! There are so many high schools here!”

Teruki: “It’s the district qualifiers&h.e.l.lip;oh! Mizuki’s here too!”

Lately, Teruki’s been by my side where ever I go. Even though it’s something I like, I wonder if it’s okay. Either way, Teruki is so obliging.

I’m happy.

Hiroto: “Hey, I’m also here, you know? Yuu&h.e.l.lip;.why are you in the middle, Byakko? Yuu, come over here.”

Teruki: “&h.e.l.lip;Houou-senpai, can’t you just stand at the side? It’s been a while since we’ve last met. I’m not sure who else is watching from the audience.”

Hiroto: “&h.e.l.lip;Just say it, Byakko.”

Teruki: “Because I want to protect Yuu, I’ll tell you later.”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;Wow! Is that Kens.h.i.+n over there? So cool!

He stands in a dark blue kendo gi¹, taking control of the whole stage with a cool and dignified att.i.tude.

A refres.h.i.+ng, n.o.ble air.

(Amazing&h.e.l.lip;so amazing&h.e.l.lip;you’re incredible, Kens.h.i.+n!)

The subsequent match can be summarized in one world: masterpiece.

Every time Kens.h.i.+n would pick up his kendo blade, a gust of wind seems to rush through the area. The tournament is an overwhelming victory for my school, s.h.i.+njin Gakuen.

After the event, Hiroto, Teruki, and I wait at the exit for Kens.h.i.+n. After a while, the person in question appears.

Hiroto: “You must be tired, Ken!”

Kens.h.i.+n: “Hiroto&h.e.l.lip;sorry for troubling you. Thanks for coming to cheer me on. And Yuu and Byakko too, thanks.”

He says this while glancing at his watch.

Hiroto: “Oh, it’s already so late. We shoud hurry on home, Ken. I’ll allow you some time with Yuu. You’ve worked hard today, That’ll be your reward.”

Teruki: “Why are you being so generous, senpai?”

Hiroto: “It’s all good, all good. Now, time to head home, Byakko.”

Teruki: “&h.e.l.lip;Yeah, yeah. Understood. Later, Yuu. I’ll see you in school.”

He strokes my head before turning to leave.

Kens.h.i.+n and I watch as the backs of the other two shrink into the distance.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Let’s go.”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;y-yeah&h.e.l.lip;”

The two of us walk to our destination, chatting about everything and nothing.

It’s really calming, the atmosphere light and airy, and we talk about games and everyday life. Kens.h.i.+n just listens as I blabber on, giving his two cents here and there. I’m so absorbed in doing this that I don’t even realize when we reach the station.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Are you free today, Yuu?”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;Huh? Yeah, today is fine&h.e.l.lip;”

Kens.h.i.+n: “If it’s okay with you, I’d like a bit of your time.”

He reaches out for my hand. Looking away from me.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;If you ever feel lost, just hold my hand.”

I think over his words for a bit, and can’t help but laugh at the serious expression on his face.

Yuu: “Yes, alright.”

Afterward, we continue our stroll in silence, hand in hand. Every now and then we’d share a smile, making me feel all warm inside.

Eventually we reach the edge of a pier. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the station. Because it’s late, there are not many people around. There are only a couple other onlookers besides us.

We sit quietly by the boardwalk. Our ears catch the rush and tow of the waves. All the while the surface of the sea catches the yellows and oranges of the horizon.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Yuu?”

Yuu: “Yeah?”

Kens.h.i.+n: “I’m not an&h.e.l.lip;adept person.”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;Okay.”

Kens.h.i.+n: “Right now, my mind is composed solely of kendo&h.e.l.lip;that’s why, I must have caused you to feel lonely&h.e.l.lip;I’ve wondered if I made you feel this way. I am&h.e.l.lip;afraid. I’m afraid that I’ve hurt you&h.e.l.lip;.just the thought of losing you&h.e.l.lip;is terrifying.”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;”

I take in the image of a Kens.h.i.+n bathed in the lingering sun.

He’s also watching me.

Oh, this person is so&h.e.l.lip;clumsy. Kind&h.e.l.lip;and very straightforward.

I pull at his collar with a bit of force.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Yuu?&h.e.l.lip;”

And then, I close my eyes. And I press our lips together.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Was today the first time you’ve watched a match?”

Yuu: “Hehe. You were really cool. I could tell you’ve put a lot of effort into it. I like the kendo that you do, Kens.h.i.+n. I think you’re the coolest when you’re trying your best. I&h.e.l.lip;would like to cheer for such a Kens.h.i.+n&h.e.l.lip;don’t you think so?”

Kens.h.i.+n: “Yuu&h.e.l.lip;”

Yuu: “I’m fine&h.e.l.lip;Really. If I ever get lonely, may I come visit you? I feel relieved when I can come see you. When we meet&h.e.l.lip;I’d get to cheer you up, okay?”

With those words being said, Kens.h.i.+n stares at me for while.

And then he smiles my most favorite smile, big and fluffy, and hugs me while muttering his thanks.

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;You are my most precious person. The one I’ll always want to protect&h.e.l.lip;That’s why whenever you need my help, just call my name. I’ll always be just one step away&h.e.l.lip;I’m so sorry for not checking up with you after the Training Camp.”

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;But, you’ve already saved me, didn’t you?”

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;Yuu.”

He kisses me again, this time softly at first, then increasing with strength. His left hand that was resting on my waist is suddenly placed at the back of my head. I couldn’t escape if I wanted to.

Yuu: “&h.e.l.lip;Kens.h.i.+n&h.e.l.lip;”

Kens.h.i.+n: “&h.e.l.lip;I’m sorry Yuu. It’s not enough yet.”

Above us glows the moon, it’s first appearance totally forgotten. I tilt my head gently toward the sky. And quietly, I close my eyes.

kendo gi¹: this is like the uniform robes they wear for kendo

(originally was gonna use a picture from google but I don’t wana be sued)