Side Yuji
Even if I had been the one to declare it, the sheer weight of the attention made my nerves surge. If I let my guard down for even a second, my body felt as though it would begin to tremble.
To have the focused gaze of so many people concentrated solely on me, to be exposed to such curious eyes… I felt as though I finally understood, at least a little bit, what that experience was actually like.
And Kazunari had overcome this time and time again.
What’s more, today he was facing a moment that could be described as the grandest of them all, and he was planning to dive into it of his own volition.
The desire to support Kazunari was something I and everyone else shared. Especially for Hayato and me, as fellow men, we felt it even more strongly.
Hayato had fought with everything he had in his match just to give Kazunari’s momentum a slight push. Though he had overstrained himself due to other factors, he still secured a solid victory.
If that was the case, then even if I couldn’t do anything directly, I wanted to at least show some courage. I hoped that by showing my own bravery, I could bolster Kazunari’s courage to face something even greater.
And at the same time, I wanted to follow Kazunari’s example. I wanted to find the courage to go to Natsumi-san’s side… to move through this overwhelming tension without shaking.
I had to find the courage to take Natsumi-san away!
To reward Natsumi-san, who had fought desperately to grab victory despite her injury… now it was my turn!
“W-Wait, Yuji, why are you coming here!?”
As I drew near, Natsumi-san began to make a panicked fuss. However, she only used words and didn’t try to actually move… no, was it more accurate to say she couldn’t move?
The condition of her leg might be worse than I had imagined.
“What do you mean why? I made a promise earlier, didn’t I?”
“That was talk for during the match!! It’s over now, so that conversation is void! Void!!”
True, I had said that during the match and hadn’t specified what would happen afterward. But either way, if she needed support, that was my role and no one else’s. I had no intention of handing her over to anyone else.
“Um… is he Natsumi’s friend?”
“Natsumi-senpai, this person is…”
“Young man, it’s a problem if you just barge in here.”
Because I, an outsider, had intruded, a bit of a commotion broke out. But since I was already talking to Natsumi-san, it didn’t seem like they took me for a suspicious person.
“Ah… well, this guy is Takanashi-kun’s best friend…”
“Oh, so that’s the connection!”
“I see, he’s the Vice President-kun’s… No wonder he seems strangely familiar even though I’ve never seen his face before.”
“But why so suddenly?”
Once Kazunari’s name came up, the others seemed a bit relieved. Between the Fan Club and the club members, the fact that Kazunari was recognized this much made me both proud and a little envious. However, my explanation for the situation was too half-baked and lacked persuasiveness.
That was because the people here weren’t just students.
“I understand that you’re her friend for now, but no matter if the match is over, an outsider is…”
Yes, this person… I had to deal with the Advisor.
That said, even if I tried to talk it out, there was no way I’d be able to convince him anyway. In that case, should I just take her to the Infirmary by force and make them accept it as a fait accompli? Or rather, was that my only option?
Phew… I was well aware I was thinking of something bold, and the unprecedented tension was making me lightheaded… but this was a matter of courage. I had to steel myself!!
“…I’m sorry, but I’m taking Natsumi-san to the Infirmary now. Depending on the situation, I plan to head straight to the Hospital from there.”
“Wait, Yuji!!”
“You’re not wrong about the necessity, but we’ll handle those things here…”
“No. I am well aware that I am an outsider, but I have no intention of surrendering this role to anyone. I will be the one to take Natsumi-san.”
Perhaps because I refused to drop my aggressive stance, the Advisor and the club members froze, their eyes wide with surprise. But to get through this, I had no choice but to push through with sheer momentum. I was going to go all out.
“Wait, wa-wa-wa, Yuji!? Hold on a second!!”
As I moved my arm under her legs, Natsumi-san started moving frantically. She put her hands on my shoulders, showing her intent to resist as if trying to push me away. Her face was also bright red… I felt bad for her, of course, but now that I had come this far, I didn't plan on backing down.
“Y-Yuji… this is embarrassing…”
“Ugh…”
Seeing Natsumi-san looking down in embarrassment, just as she said… I reflexively stopped moving. Her being this cute was just unfair… but.
“Natsumi-san, please answer me honestly. Can you stand? Can you walk?”
“Uuu… that’s, well… it might be… impossible, just for a little bit.”
“Right? The injury might be worse than we thought, so it might be better not to put weight on your leg carelessly. If that’s the case, there are only two options: a Hug or a Piggyback.”
I wasn't saying this to exaggerate. For example, if there was an abnormality with the bone, it was obviously better not to touch the ground with her foot. So, I had no intention of letting Natsumi-san walk, even in that sense.
“Urrgh… is that really the only way?”
“There isn't any other way. So, I’m going to follow through on my promise, okay?”
If I dawdled here, the Advisor might say something again. It was best to act quickly while they were still frozen in surprise.
“Please stay still.”
“Wait, hold on, Yuji!! Really, this is…”
Ignoring Natsumi-san as she still tried to resist, I forced my arm behind her knees. I hooked both of her legs at the joints and wrapped my other arm around to support her Back.
“Y-Yuji…”
Her voice sounded embarrassed, scared, and anxious all at once. I felt a lot of things welling up inside me hearing a voice from Natsumi-san that I had never heard before… but for now, I had to concentrate on the lift!!
“Here we go!”
I shouted “One, two, three!!” in my mind and put all my strength into both arms. Then, all at once… I lifted her up!!
“Hyauuu!?”
Natsumi-san’s body was lighter than I expected, though since I was lifting a whole person, it certainly wasn't effortless. I couldn't tell for sure since I couldn't see myself, but I thought this was probably a Princess Carry… no, it definitely had to be!!
Now, let’s hurry to the Infirmary.
This was already more than I imagined… no, it was “dangerous” in various ways far beyond my imagination! “Dangerous” didn't even cover it!!
The Tennis Club members had expressions of pure shock, their eyes and mouths hanging open to the max. Surely the people around us were looking at us the same way, and there was no doubt that we were the absolute center of attention.
Natsumi-san’s face was as red as it could possibly be. She had her eyes tightly shut in embarrassment, her arms pulled in small like a child’s, and her hands clenched. She was just too adorable.
Staying like this forever in this situation was too much for me to handle.
“S-Sorry for the disturbance, I’m taking her to the Infirmary now!!”
When I declared this to the Advisor with all my momentum, he simply nodded, still wearing that astonished expression. With this, I had succeeded in making them acknowledge it as a fait accompli, just as I had planned.
“Uuuu, Yuji… it’s s-so embarrassing…”
“N-Natsumi-san, I’m moving.”
But that aside, the current Natsumi-san had too much destructive power. No matter how hard I tried to act calm, seeing such a cute sight and hearing such a voice… I was at my limit.
“N-Natsumi…”
“Wait, Natsumi-senpai…”
“W-What on earth…”
“H-Hey, Natsumi, could that person be…”
Natsumi-san turned her gaze toward the voices of the club members as they barely managed to mutter.
“Um…”
“It’s exactly as you’re imagining.”
“Wait, Yujiiiiiiiiiiii!!”
I felt sorry for Natsumi-san again and again, but I couldn’t spend any more unnecessary time here. I’d leave the detailed explanation for her to handle later; for now, the priority was to settle things quickly and withdraw.
So… please forgive this little head start, Natsumi-san.
“Eh…”
“Ehhh…”
“““Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?”””
As I started walking while carrying Natsumi-san, the astonished voices of the club members chased after me from behind. It felt just like the scenes with Kazunari and the others that I was shown so much yesterday. To think the day would come when I would have the same experience…
But in his case, I’m sure it was nothing compared to this. Once again, I realized just how amazing that guy was.
While we were watching how things played out, Yuji, who had been crouching down, slowly stood up. But in his arms was Natsumi-senpai, held firmly!
“Whoa… Yuji…”
“Tachibana-san really went for it.”
“Wait, did Takanashi-kun possess him!?”
“Ahaha… true, I think it’s bold, even for Yuji.”
I honestly didn't think Yuji would actually do a Princess Carry either… Wait, Tachikawa-san, what do you mean by me possessing him!?
“W-What, what, what is that!?”
“E-Eh, ehh, ehhh!?”
“Wait, what’s going on!?”
“T-T-Takanashi-kun!! What is that!?”
“Um… please hear it from the people themselves…”
“Eeeeeeeeh!?”
“D-Does that mean!?”
“In other words!?”
The club members seemed to be making quite a fuss on the court, but over here, the members of the Fan Club were currently in a state of utter confusion. And as for me… or rather, why was the questioning concentrated solely on me!?
What am I supposed to do about this!? If I say it without permission, Natsumi-senpai will be mad at me, right!?
“…It seems they are coming this way as they are.”
“Now then, I wonder how far Tachibana-kun can push himself…”
“Wait, Hanako-san?”
It certainly might be something to be curious about, but touching upon it was somewhat tactless.
“It’s difficult for someone who doesn't usually train to carry a person like that unless they’re a small child. Natsumi-senpai hasn't taken a posture to assist the carry either, so if he doesn't hurry, it’s only a matter of time for Tachibana-kun.”
“Um… well…”
I’m sure it was just as Hanako-san said, but there were things like Romance Correction and Status Correction… and Yuji probably had his pride too.
“Um, Hanako-san. What do you mean by a posture to assist the carry?”
“…Their posture is one thing, but if they don't wrap their arms around the neck or Shoulder to help, it becomes much harder for the man. What Natsumi-senpai is doing only increases the burden on Tachibana-kun.”
“I-I see… that’s good to know. By the way, you seem strangely knowledgeable… you don't have experience with this, right?”
Did Sara-san’s voice have a slight edge to it? Was it because if Hanako-san had experience, there was a high possibility that the partner was me? But I won’t do this for anyone other than Sara-san, so please rest assured.
“Even without experience, I have the Sacred Text. It is a fountain of knowledge.”
“Sacred Text… is it?”
Sara-san tilted her head, not at all understanding that Hanako-san was referring to the books on her Altar. By the way, the various Sacred Texts and especially the Sealed Forbidden Tome in Hanako-san’s room were top secret—a Case Recommended to Ignore.
“A-Anyway, that was helpful.”
“The Princess Carry is something a man and a woman cooperate on.”
“…Cooperation, I see.”
Even though the content of the conversation was what it was, seeing Sara-san nod with a strangely serious expression was a bit charming. But that meant Sara-san was also interested in the Princess Carry… which meant that I had to do it for her someday when I had the chance.
“Wait, Yuji!! If you’re going, just go straight to the Infirmary!?”
“No, I have to talk to Kazunari and the others…”
“Then at least put me down first!! Being put on display like this is no joke!!”
The two causes of the commotion approached the spectators’ seats while having a lovers’ quarrel—or rather, while making a huge racket. Setting aside Natsumi-senpai’s behavior as merely hiding her embarrassment, it seemed Yuji didn't have much leeway either. In the first place, they were the ones causing this much of a stir; there was no way they wouldn't be flustered at that point.
“N-N-Natsumi-senpai!!”
“Natsumi-chan, what’s going on!?”
“He’s just a friend, right!?”
“Natsumi-san!?”
As soon as the two arrived, the members of the Fan Club rushed over even faster than we did. Their gathering was so intense that the small Hanako-san reflexively took refuge in the gap between me and Sara-san.
“Ah… well…”
“Natsumi-senpai!!”
“Natsumi-chan!!”
“Ueeh, well, you see…”
If there hadn't been a partition for the spectators’ seats, it felt like they would have been completely surrounded by now. Showered with gazes piercing from all directions, Natsumi-senpai’s expression changed rapidly. But in the end, she must have resigned herself; she slumped her head as if giving up. It was so easy to understand, it was as if I could hear a "ding" sound effect.
“Natsumi-san.”
“Haa… I get it. Yuji… you better remember this later…”
At Yuji’s prompting, Natsumi-senpai let out a big sigh and some words of resentment. And when she slowly raised her face, it was already bright red.
“Um, well… you see. It’s an exaggeration to call it a report, but…”
“That’s not true!!”
“Things about Natsumi-senpai are among the most important matters!!”
“Y-Yeah. So, well… um… er…”
“““Natsumi-san!?”””
“““Natsumi-senpai!?”””
“““Natsumi-chan!?”””
“A-Alright!! I get it, so…”
Though she still showed a hesitant attitude, the intense pressure from the Fan Club finally made her steel her resolve. At last, before everyone’s eyes as they watched with bated breath, Natsumi-senpai gave a small, embarrassed nod.
“Well… you see. This guy is… my… B-Boyfriend.”
Her voice and appearance were so weak that I couldn't have imagined them from her usual self. She looked so fragile she might simply vanish. Unable to look directly at us, her eyes wandered until they met Yuji’s, at which point she shut them tight.
I knew it, but this was a complete Maiden.
“N… n… n…”
“A-Aah… aaaaah.”
“““……………”””
“““EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!?”””
I think most people probably knew by now from the flow of events. Even so, the members of the Fan Club let out a cry of surprise that far surpassed the one they used for cheering. It just meant the impact of this fact was that great.
“““…………”””
Once the commotion settled, the people in the Fan Club continued to look at the two of them in silence. Conversely, Natsumi-senpai seemed concerned by the lack of any reaction, and she softly opened her eyes to check. Naturally, she was met with the passionate gazes of everyone watching over them.
Seeing that, Natsumi-senpai’s eyes flew wide open.
“Aaaaaah… that’s right!! This guy is my Lover!! He’s my Lover!! Got a problem!?”
Whether she couldn't take the tension, broke through it, or just became desperate, she started making a fuss all on her own. Even though no one had said anything yet.
“It can’t be helped, okay!? It’s fun and I’m happy when I’m with him, and I like how he cares about his friends…”
“E-Eh, um…”
“Natsumi-chan?”
“Natsumi-senpai!?”
“Excuse me…”
“I think he can be mean, but his eyes are kind so I can forgive him, and he usually acts blunt but he’s kind in the important moments, and he’s surprisingly proactive too…”
“Natsumi-san!!”
“Hah!?”
Called loudly by name by Yuji, Natsumi-senpai froze as if coming to her senses. She must have remembered what she said after returning to her normal self, because she turned bright red like an Instant Water Heater and hid her face with both hands. But that gesture was only Adding Fuel for everyone else.
“Uuuuuuuuuu, Y-Y-Yuji, this is all your fault!?”
“N-No, Natsumi-san, you just self-destructed on your own, didn't you?”
“Shut up, shut up, shut up!! W-Why am I having such an embarrassing timeeeeeee!”
“If you had reported it sooner, I don't think you would have ended up saying it in this situation, though?”
“In the first place, if you hadn't done this, it wouldn't have turned into such a big deal!!”
“Then, did you hate being treated like this?”
“!?”
“““……………”””
Watching the quarrel—which was clearly just flirting—unfold before their eyes, the surprise of the Fan Club members only grew. And Yuji, having regained his usual pace through their normal interaction, asked with a mischievous expression. Of course, we knew very well that such an expression was a Weak Point for Natsumi-senpai.
“Ugh…”
“Well? Do you really hate it?”
Stared at from point-blank range by Yuji, Natsumi-senpai even lost the momentum of her embarrassment. With her face still bright red, she let her eyes swim bashfully.
“…It’s not.”
“…Pardon?”
“I-I don't hate it… I’m happy.”
“!?”
“B-But… it’s embarrassing… Yuji, you idiot.”
“!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!?”
At Natsumi-senpai’s unexpected counterattack, this time Yuji’s face turned bright red too. Still in the carrying position, the two of them froze in embarrassment and stared at each other. They had completely lost sight of their surroundings.
“…The number of Stupid Couples increased.”
“Ahaha, but Natsumi-senpai is cute.”
“I don't mind them getting along, but I’d like those two to think about the situation a bit more.”
“Wife… are you saying that seriously?”
“There’s no reason for me to joke, is there?”
“““……………”””
The lukewarm gazes of everyone directed at Sara-san slowly moved over to me. I certainly understood what they wanted to say, but Sara-san’s behavior was entirely natural, so I hoped they’d forgive her. Also, Nishikawa-san, the highlights in your eyes have disappeared and it’s scary, so please just keep looking at those two over there. Whatever you do, don't look over here.
“Um… you two.”
Resolving himself, one brave Fan Club member stepped into the sugary space formed like a barrier. Snapped back to reality by that voice, the two hurriedly averted their gazes. I wondered if Sara-san and I looked like that too.
“W-W-What!?”
“W-We understand well enough already.”
“After being shown this much, there’s no room for doubt.”
“Yeah. We were surprised, but Natsumi-chan really is a girl too.”
“Natsumi-senpai being embarrassed is cute!!”
Just as I expected, it turned out this way. If they were Natsumi-senpai’s Fan Club, I thought they would surely recognize Yuji properly, just as they had recognized me.
“Um…”
Natsumi-senpai also seemed taken aback that they had accepted it so easily. Looking puzzled, she waited.
“Don't meddle in Natsumi-senpai’s love life! It’s the Fan Club’s Pledge!”
“That’s right. Although it would be a different story if he looked suspicious.”
“If he’s Takanashi-kun’s or Satsukawa-san’s best friend, we can trust him! Well, more than that, he’s the person Natsumi-chan chose.”
“That’s…”
I had fully expected this development, but Yuji and Natsumi-senpai appeared relieved and surprised at the same time. Laughter broke out from the Fan Club at the sight of those two.
“Man, I was surprised that Natsumi-chan had such a cute side!”
“Totally! Natsumi-senpai was so cute!”
“It felt like quite a treat!”
“Uuu… don't say that…”
Turning bright red again, Natsumi-senpai looked down bashfully after making eye contact with Yuji. But while being held in a Princess Carry, her embarrassed face was clearly visible.
“““Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”””
“W-Wow, she’s so cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
“Natsumi-chan is being dere-dereeeeeeeee!”
“Whoa, she’s a Maiden! She’s a total Maiden right there!”
“Natsumi-senpai as a girl is wonderful too!!”
“S-Stop it alreadyyyyyyyy!!!”
The members of the Fan Club got excited all at once, and Natsumi-senpai was in a panic. The heartwarming scene continued with more laughter as the Fan Club enjoyed her reaction for a while.
Eventually, the gazes of the Fan Club turned toward Yuji. They were looking straight at him, as if trying to see into his very soul. Yuji must have felt the shift; he tightened his expression and looked straight ahead to meet them head-on.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Boyfriend. Could you tell us your name again?”
“…I’m Yuji Tachibana. Nice to meet you.”
“Tachibana-kun, then. I think you heard us say it a bit earlier, but we in the Fan Club have an Ironclad Rule.”
“As a Fundamental Principle, we’ve decided not to meddle in Natsumi-senpai’s private life.”
“You seem to be close with Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-san too, so we trust you in that regard.”
“Basically, we won’t make demands regarding Natsumi-san’s personal life.”
“Of course, it’s a different story if you’re a weird person.”
Natsumi-senpai’s Fan Club followed the rules. That was clearly shown in their attitude toward me and my friends, and it was why they had such discipline.
“So, this isn't us meddling.”
“It’s a… request from us.”
The people in the Fan Club were all staring intently at Yuji. All of them were sincere. We watched that breathtaking sight in silence. This was a discussion between the Fan Club and Yuji; it wasn't something for anyone to butt in on.
“Please make Natsumi-senpai happy.”
“Please take care of Natsumi-san.”
“““Please take care of her!!”””
The members of the Fan Club all bowed toward Yuji at once. Even though there was no rehearsal, they were perfectly in sync. Yuji and Natsumi-senpai looked at the sight in surprise and bowed their heads in the same way.
“I promise you. I definitely will.”
“Yeah. And there’s one more Ironclad Rule we have to tell you.”
“Huh?”
One of the representatives suddenly changed her tone. Yuji let out a blank voice, and the people in the Fan Club who had raised their heads let out some chuckles.
“An enemy of Natsumi-senpai is an enemy of ours. Anyone who makes Natsumi-senpai sad is also an enemy of ours.”
“In other words… you understand what we’re saying, right?”
“E-Eh, um…”
The Fan Club released a different kind of pressure, and Yuji’s expression cramped as he was driven into a corner. If anything happened to Natsumi-senpai, he would make the entire Fan Club his enemy—and they wouldn't be merciful.
“I-I’ll keep that firmly in mind…”
“Very good!!”
“Alright, everyone!!”
“One, two, three!!”
“““Congratulations, Natsumi-senpai!!!!”””
Thunderous applause and words of celebration overflowed, and it even spread to the general spectators. Eventually, it reached the club members on the court and even her opponent. The two at the center of it all looked at each other bashfully.
Natsumi-senpai made a slight gesture of rubbing something shining at the corner of her eyes.
Good for you, Yuji. I’m glad for you too, Natsumi-senpai.
Yuji and Natsumi-senpai. The biggest problem for the two of them had been resolved, and there probably wouldn't be anything else to stand in their way. They had taken a big step forward.
And next… it was finally my turn.
How much courage did Yuji need to cause such a stir? Even so, he summoned his courage for Natsumi-senpai’s sake. He showed me what it looked like to leap into that situation.
And I felt strongly that Hayato’s hard work in his match was also for the sake of supporting me. So, I would not lose to those two. I would reward the feelings of my best friends.
No matter what happens, no matter what occurs.
For Sara-san’s sake… for our sake!