NTR Kousuke

Chapter 180

Chapter 180: You Did Your Best [side Mishima Satsuki]

Did you hear it from Hinako?

On the first day of the May holidays, Yukari and I headed to Hokusho High School in the afternoon.

Apparently it's some kind of joint practice match with three schools? The other two schools are practicing and playing games tomorrow and the day after, it seems.

We go into the spectator booth at the gymnasium.

Yukari and I are sitting at the edge watching, but just like before, there's someone acting all high and mighty doing commentary.

I just tune it out, but Yukari is listening seriously.

I'm watching our school warming up... no, I'm watching Kousuke.

Back in the day, he'd always notice my gaze and at least wave at me.

I get a little irritated that Kousuke doesn't notice I'm watching him.

Yukari: "Apparently, among the three schools, they're ranked in the middle? Based on their achievements and recent records."

"Honestly? I don't really get sports, you know?"

Yukari: "...Same."

*She means, 'I understand not understanding.'*

But the old man in front of us is talking passionately.

Old man: "This year looks even more promising than last year, right? Top eight in the prefecture in winter or better!"

Old man 2: "But beyond that is the finals league... right?"

Old man 3: "But! There are good first-years too! This year could be it!"

*They're alumni from the university basketball club.*

Huh.

Old man: "The current captain is more stable than Sahori, and PG Saito is good too."

Hearing Kousuke's name, I blurt out,

"...Kousuke... Is Saito-kun a good player?"

I ended up asking!

Old man: "Whoa! Uh, yeah, he's on the shorter side but he's fast, and his passes are precise and quick. Above all, he's smart and clever. He's totally become the team's commander. And he's still just a second-year, so there's a lot to look forward to!"

I thank him and move away from the old man who still wanted to talk.

"Kousuke's being recognized."

Yukari: "...He's been working hard all along..."

Yeah, right, otherwise he wouldn't be a match for me...

Thinking that he's been working hard ever since I criticized him, just to be worthy of me, I might have to give him a bit more credit.

Yukari: "...Are you thinking something dumb?"

Even though Yukari seemed happy Kousuke was praised, she looked at my profile and seemed to notice something.

I'll keep quiet for now.

If... If I got back together with Kousuke... would Yukari be happy? Or sad?

But if Kuzuga ends up quitting school, it'd be better to break up properly.

If we're going to break up, we should do it right.

*I'm in a wishy-washy state with Yamamoto too. Since the breakup talk is on hold, I'm technically still dating him.*

Looks like Kousuke's up for the first and third games.

The first match is starting right away!

Kousuke's in the starting lineup! When Hokusho has the ball, it always goes to Kousuke!

When Kousuke has the ball, Hokusho starts moving at lightning speed!

With fast passes, dribbling on his own, cutting in for shots, and even no-look quick passes—Kousuke leads the offense with a huge variety of moves!

On defense, he stays up front, constantly pressuring the other team's commander with the ball... then knocks the ball away, takes it himself, and scores a goal—it was impressive even to a total amateur like me!

"Kya!"

Yukari: "Amazing!"

I grab Yukari's hand and we both get all excited!

The way Kousuke is now... I could totally... go out with him again.

That's how good he's doing! Watching him makes my heart race...!

It's like elementary school, thinking how athletic guys are popular! But Kousuke's also in the special advanced class, so he's a real catch.

Looking closely, there are actually a lot of girls in the audience too.

I start thinking—even Kousuke's still a guy.

If a cute girl came onto him, he might just start dating her.

It's been a while since I dumped him, but it looks like he hasn't had a girlfriend.

Maybe he just couldn't forget about me after all?

I mean, I was his first girlfriend, his first kiss... and honestly, I still think about him, so I'm sure he does too... he has to, right?

The game keeps going with Hokusho in control.

There's a second game too, so the players are subbing out frequently, but Kousuke stays in!

In the fourth quarter, after they pulled ahead, Kousuke was subbed out.

Hokusho wins the game!

Is that the manager? Even from afar, you can tell that busty female manager is clinging to Kousuke all flirty... What's up with that?

Yukari: "...Airi-senpai is a gentle, good person."

"Oh, really. She just looks after him because he's a regular, right?"

"She's been coaching Kousuke-kun since his first year, and she helped me too. Don't say stuff like that."

"Yeah, yeah. If she helped you, why not go say hi?"

Yukari: "...I'd be too embarrassed to face her..."

If you're too embarrassed to face her, you shouldn't have come to watch... but you came with me, didn't you?

I love Yukari!

The second match was between two other schools.

I spent the time carefully doing my nails.

By the way, the girls' basketball club is away for joint practice too—not interested.

The third game started!

Kousuke's in the starting lineup again!

This time... the other team is totally focused on marking Kousuke!

Isn't that a bit unfair?

One guy is sticking right to Kousuke.

Guys getting all close, gross! Too close!

But Kousuke dodges gracefully, his teammates block for him so he gets free, and he keeps working hard to shake them off!

*That's called a screen.*

But by the third quarter, his movements slowed down...

Old man: "He moved too much trying to shake the mark..."

Old man 2: "With the schedule, there's supposed to be intervals, so that's not a good excuse."

Old man 3: "Could happen in the real games too, you know."

If you know that, can't you do something?

After that, Kousuke lost his spark and was subbed out...

He came back in halfway through the fourth quarter... maybe the break revived him, because he was on fire again!

This time, he dished out quick passes and barely held the ball himself—leading the offense!

Kousuke led Hokusho to a narrow victory! Yes!

Yukari: "That was amazing!"

"Right? That's Kousuke for you!"

Watching Kousuke makes my heart race a little...

I knew it... these feelings are...

What should I do... maybe I should talk to him once?

I'm sure Kousuke wants that too...

He's probably in a good mood after winning both games...

Congratulations, you were amazing in both games, you know? I was watching you.

Something like that... with a gentle smile...

I decided to ambush Kousuke behind the gym.

I told Yukari I'd be right back and slipped out...

Just for a bit! I have to do something here, make an impression, and repair our relationship? Get things back to normal...

Here he comes! Kousuke, all alone!

Turning around behind me...! "Kousuke!"—he looks so surprised—

Focus on his back! Time it just right!

Ahh!!! Kousuke darts past me at incredible speed, and all I see is his back!

"Wait!" Kousuke dashed away in the blink of an eye...

Maybe he didn't even notice me? It's Satsuki, you know?

If Yukari finds out I tried to talk to him directly, she'll get mad, so I just go home like nothing happened.

Kousuke's reputation is rising, with results both in club activities and in his studies.

...But... Kousuke really was cool after all... I thought that as I headed home.

I felt the same kind of flutter in my chest as I used to.

*In the main story's cross-story chapter, Kousuke rushed home to go fishing camp with Sho, lol*