Side Hayato
I had only just taken the microphone, yet my body trembled violently at the thought of what I was about to do.
But Kazunari… the Great Best Friend I was so proud of, had dashed onto this grand stage alone. While exposed to all that hostility and those curious stares, he had carried out his proposal without flinching.
I couldn't even imagine just how much courage and grit it took to do that. Even if the tension was completely different from what I felt during a tennis match, I still couldn't fathom it.
That was exactly why I felt so proud of my friend. I felt that if I could follow his example even by half… no, even by a third…
It wasn't that I wanted to piggyback on their total victory. But watching Kazunari made me feel pathetic. I wondered how long I was going to sit on my hands and wait for a chance that might never come. When that thought hit me, my body moved on its own.
I didn't know what kind of results my actions would produce. I might cause unexpected trouble for Marina-san, and though I didn't want to think about it, there was a possibility she would reject me. Furthermore, there was the fear that I might completely destroy the atmosphere of the venue that was currently celebrating the two on stage.
The more I thought about it, the more the tension rose, and my body wouldn't stop shaking.
This was likely the first time in my life I had felt this much pressure.
But…
Just as Satsukawa-senpai had clearly stated her intentions to the vast majority of people who harbored feelings for her…
Just as Kazunari had grandly declared his feelings on this massive stage…
I wanted to be like them. It felt as if their actions were pushing me from behind.
"I'm Hayato Yokogawa. I'm sorry… please give me a little bit of time."
That was why I, too, would find my courage.
"I'm Hayato Yokogawa. I'm sorry, please give me a little bit of time."
Hayato began with those short words, speaking firmly and clearly.
There was a stiffness in his expression, and his eyes, filled with an unusual amount of strength that didn't fit the current atmosphere, were particularly striking. It was like Hayato right before a match against an opponent he absolutely couldn't lose to—no, it was something more. A tense air seemed to drift around him alone.
"U-Um, Yokogawa-kun? What do you mean by time…?"
"I know it's strange to start talking about something else during a Question Corner. I also know I'm being rude to Kazunari and Satsukawa-senpai…"
"Hayato."
"Kazunari…"
"Don't worry about us. If there's something you want to do, go ahead and do it without hesitation."
I didn't know exactly what Hayato was trying to do, but I was certain he wasn't doing this on a whim. That much was clear.
If that was the case, even if I didn't truly have the authority to grant such permission…
"W-Well… since these two are the stars right now, if they themselves say it's okay… but what about Satsukawa-san?"
"Do you really think I would do something like interfere with Kazunari-san's decision?"
"Right, right. I knew you'd say that, but still!"
"Well, that aside… I also wish to see what Yokogawa-san intends to do."
"Ah, so you have your own will too?"
"Of course. Merely being dependent would only cause trouble for Kazunari-san."
"The Takanashi-kun First Principle remains unchanged, I see…"
"Fufu… that is an absolute part of me, after all."
Putting aside Minamin's look, which seemed to suggest she had a lot more to say…
I only hadn't bothered to check with Sara-san because I knew she would leave it to me. I was certain she would say exactly that.
"Thank you, Kazunari. Thank you, Satsukawa-senpai."
"It is nothing to be thanked for. However… if you do something half-hearted and embarrass Kazunari-san… you understand what will happen, don't you?"
"…I swear I won't."
"Then that is fine. Do your best."
"…Yes!"
At Sara-san's Spartan encouragement, Hayato's expression tightened again, and he gave a sharp, resolute nod.
But that conversation just now… could it be that Sara-san already realized what Hayato was planning to do?
"…S-Satsukawa-san is terrifying!?"
"…S-She suddenly went back to the usual Satsukawa-san!"
"…So Takanashi-kun First Principle means that!?"
"…In other words… if someone makes a weird pass at Takanashi-kun… Gulp."
"Sara-san?"
"Fufu… I just have a vague guess, that's all. More importantly, let us watch over Yokogawa-san's actions first."
"…Understood."
It was exactly as Sara-san said; we should watch what Hayato did first.
Though… I also felt like I was starting to guess what he was up to.
If that was the case… do your best, Hayato!
Side Hayato
I was fully aware that Satsukawa-senpai's harsh words were both a grateful rallying cry and a clear warning that half-heartedness would absolutely not be tolerated.
If I were to embarrass Kazunari, the one who had supported my actions before anyone else… I felt terrified just imagining the intensity of the reprimand I would receive from Satsukawa-senpai.
But I had no intention of wasting the chance Kazunari had given me.
Even without Satsukawa-senpai's warning, I didn't plan to let this end in failure. Even if I couldn't get a clear answer here, I would firmly convey my feelings right now.
That being said…
I thought I had become at least a little friendly with Satsukawa-senpai, but I was reminded once again that she truly has no mercy for men other than Kazunari.
"Well then, Yokogawa-kun! Once again, please say what you want to say!"
"Thank you. But before that…"
I took one deep breath and, deliberately looking away from the crowd, headed for the stairs in the center of the Stage.
Walking slowly while ignoring the buzzing of the audience, I began to climb. The murmurs behind me gradually grew louder, eventually reaching a fever pitch.
"W-Welcome, Yokogawa-kun. I didn't think you'd actually come up here…"
"I'm sorry for being so selfish, again and again."
"No, that's fine already! …It's a bit late for that anyway."
"Hayato, over here. Sara-san…"
"Understood."
Kazunari called me to the center of the Stage. Sara-san stepped back smoothly the moment Kazunari spoke, without needing any further confirmation.
It was truly a heart-to-heart connection. I wasn't teasing them when I thought it; their perfect communication made them look like a couple that had been together for decades.
"What's up?"
"It's nothing. I just thought you two were incredible, as always."
"Huh?"
"If you don't get it, it's fine. It's just that natural for you."
"I-Is that so?"
While I found the two of them heartwarming, I also wished I could be like that with Marina-san. Since that was impossible, maybe just reaching their level of comfort would be enough.
"So, Hayato… you have something you want to say, right?"
"Haha… you can tell, after all?"
"Just a hunch. But I'm certain now because of your reply."
"I see."
Between Satsukawa-senpai's phrasing and Kazunari's words, it seemed safe to assume my objective had been completely figured out.
I wasn't sure if they were just masters of love or if I was just that easy to read.
"Well then… I'll take you up on that."
"Yeah. Good luck… I'm sure it'll be fine."
"Thanks."
Kazunari gave a broad smile and stood beside Satsukawa-senpai, who was waiting behind us.
I felt bad for interrupting their big moment, but to repay the kindness of welcoming me so warmly… I would do this.
Alright.
"Once again, I am Hayato Yokogawa. I apologize for the rudeness of suddenly intruding like this. But there is something I absolutely must say while I have this platform. It's for a personal reason, but please bear with me for a while!"
"…Hayato-kuuuuuuuun!"
"…Haya-tooooooo!"
"…Yokogawa-kun!"
"…What is it? I'm so curious, Hayato-kun!"
Looking at the Audience Seats from here, I could see that even though most of the Male Officers and boys had left, about half the space was still filled. In terms of ratio, more than eighty percent were women. Looking closely, there were quite a few familiar faces who had likely come to support Kazunari and Satsukawa-senpai.
"Actually, I didn't intend to do something so audacious. I only came to support Satsukawa-senpai and Kazunari, and I wasn't thinking of anything beyond that. But what Kazunari—my friend whom I respect as a man—showed on this Stage today was truly moving. It struck a chord with me. Compared to him, I wondered how long I was going to keep dallying. I felt a painful sense of my own pathetic nature, and at the same time, I felt inspired."
It was embarrassing to say this in front of him, but this was my honest truth. Kazunari's courage and the path he took had fired up my heart and pushed me forward.
"To everyone here who always supports me in my matches, and to those who aren't here right now, let me say thank you again. Truly, thank you for everything. And because it's all of you, I want to speak my feelings honestly without hiding anything."
The people who were initially cheering gradually fell into a puzzled silence at my meaningful words. Yet they still listened intently. I was overcome by an indescribable anxiety thinking about how everyone would react once I said it.
But I was the same as Satsukawa-senpai and Natsumi-senpai.
I believed that clearly conveying my thoughts and feelings to those who supported me was the greatest form of sincerity.
That was why…
"I have someone precious to me right now. That person is truly innocent and child-like, and she wraps me in a heartfelt kindness. Just being by her side makes me feel like a kinder person. I want her to always be by my side, I want her to always be smiling next to me, and I want to protect that smile. She is a precious person who makes me feel that way."
"P-Precious person…?"
"N-No way… eh? That's a joke, right?"
"Wait! D-Does that mean!?"
"Eeeeh!? N-No way, no way!"
"Who!? Who are you talking about, Hayato!?"
I knew it would happen, but the commotion grew, becoming a swell of noise that reached me on Stage.
This was my punishment. My sin.
The result of not thinking about the future, of letting myself be pampered and cheered for while maintaining a policy of non-confrontation.
It was completely self-inflicted, unlike Satsukawa-senpai's situation.
"…I had a feeling, but he's really going to say it."
"…If he claims to be Kazunari's Best Friend, he should be able to do at least this much."
"…Yokogawa-kun's… precious… person?"
"…Marina…"
"There are several reasons why I chose to speak of this here. But the biggest reason is that I wanted to clearly tell all of you—the people who have supported me—with my own voice. And I also want to be like Kazunari… like the friend I respect, and proudly convey my feelings to the person I care about! That's why I, right now, in this place, say to you!"
Only one person was reflected in my eyes now.
The one I wanted to treasure more than anyone else, the one I wanted to be with forever, the one I wanted to always have by my side… the person I could say I loved from the bottom of my heart.
"Marina Todo-san."
"「「!!!!!!!!!!??????」」"
"Fueh!? Y-Yes!"
"Did you hear what I just said?"
Marina-san nodded her head rapidly, looking adorable in her panic. Even a simple gesture like that felt heart-wrenchingly dear to me. I really couldn't criticize Kazunari anymore.
But I was happy to feel this way.
"Um… well, you see, Hayato-kun. I-I understand that you have someone precious… but… um…"
A staff member had been thoughtful enough to place a small microphone stand near Marina-san, making conversation possible. But from the looks of it, she didn't seem to realize she was the one I was talking about yet.
I had to be more explicit.
"Marina-san… the person precious to me always carries candy around, you know?"
"…Eh?"
"I started to notice her because she gave me candy when I was feeling down. With a truly innocent smile, one that was completely honest and pure, she gave me candy like she was soothing a crying child. It was such a pure smile."
"…H-Hayato…ku…n?"
"It was the first time in my life I had met a girl so wonderful that just looking at her made my heart warm. It didn't take long for me to realize she was the most precious person to me. Since then, I decided to act as proactively as possible to be with her. Not out of some hidden motive, but because being with her makes my heart warm. She fills me with happiness. She's a person overflowing with comfort… and I simply wanted to be with her always."
Marina-san's kindness and warmth were truly a shock to me. She was dazzling and comfortable.
Because she was that kind of person, I could proudly say she was irreplaceable. This time, I could say with confidence that this was undoubtedly love.
Because just by imagining Marina-san's smile, my heart beat like this.
"Marina-san. To me, you are more precious than anyone else, and I can proudly say my place is by your side. That's why…"
"W-Wait! Hayato-kun, wait!"
"…Marina-san?"
But Marina-san's expression suddenly turned pained and sad.
I couldn't hide my bewilderment at the change. What was happening?
Side Marina
Hayato-kun said I was his precious person…
That means he means… that, right?
What should I do? I'm so happy.
The happiness is overflowing. This feeling really is…
Then, I should also…
"…Look at the screen! That's her!"
"…She was at the match venue earlier!"
"…Wait, that girl is from the Student Council!?"
"…Eeeh!? Hayato's really with a plain girl like that!?"
"…Wait, we're losing to someone like that? If it were Satsukawa-san, I could at least give up…"
"…Ugh, they're not a match at all. That woman should know her place."
"…Crap… don't talk so loud!"
Gasp!
But…
Someone's voice reached me clearly.
It woke up a memory that had been sleeping inside me.
………………
…………
…
"Hey, hey… do you think Yokogawa-kun is dating Satsukawa-senpai after all?"
"I heard rumors, but if it's Satsukawa-senpai, it can't be helped, right?"
"If it's someone that amazing, you have no choice but to give up…"
"Idiot, think about the match before giving up."
"Right, right. If someone dates Hayato-kun, it has to be someone suitable, or else they'll make enemies of a lot of girls."
"Hey Marina, you seem to be on good terms with Hayato-kun, but it's really not like that, right?"
"Eh?"
It wasn't unusual for the girls in class to bring up Yokogawa-kun. Lately, since I had been spending a lot of time with him, I had been asked that more often.
If it were just that, it would be fine.
"Yokogawa-kun is a friend, okay? Just like Takanashi-kun, he's a very precious friend who's really kind to me."
Those words were my honest feelings.
Takanashi-kun and Yokogawa-kun were both precious friends who were kind to me. I hadn't had any male friends before, so it made me happy in that sense too.
That's why I truly thought of them as precious friends.
"Right!"
"How many times are you going to ask Marina that?"
"No, because I'm worried! If Marina ends up like that with Hayato-kun, she'll be picked on."
"Picked on?"
"That's right! If it were an amazing person like Satsukawa-senpai, it would be one thing, but if a normal girl tried to approach Hayato-kun…"
"Matches are important. Especially if you date a handsome guy, there's a lot of jealousy. Besides, since he has his pick of anyone, I don't think he'd choose someone who doesn't match him."
"I-Is that so?"
I had never dated a boy before, so I didn't really understand that feeling.
Isn't it enough just to like each other?
"That's right! For example, if I were to date Hayato-kun, I'd be compared to other women. If the girlfriend of the handsome, athletic, and popular Hayato-kun was a plain girl with nothing going for her, people would wonder why he's with her. If I were looked at like that every day, I'd feel pathetic and start to hate it."
"U-Um…"
To be honest, I didn't really get this either. But if your girlfriend was a pathetic person, would a boy really be disappointed?
"In that regard, if it were Satsukawa-senpai, there'd be no worry at all."
"Rather, they'd look like a beautiful couple and seem to suit each other."
"I guess for a super handsome guy like Hayato-kun, only a perfect girlfriend like Satsukawa-senpai will do."
"That's exactly why they match, right? Normally you wouldn't care, but if the partner is Hayato-kun, that's absolutely necessary!"
A person like Satsukawa-senpai…
It was true that Yokogawa-kun was an incredible person. He was good at tennis, he won awards at tournaments, he had a fan club full of girls, and he was popular.
If you were to date someone like him, if you weren't a suitable person, would people talk behind your back or make fun of you?
But that means Yokogawa-kun would be the one feeling sad, wouldn't he?
Then, in that case, Satsukawa-senpai is… no, she has the amazing Takanashi-kun.
Takanashi-kun isn't athletic like Yokogawa-kun, but everyone relies on him. He's a leader, he has grit, he's a hard worker, and he's devoted. Because Takanashi-kun is that amazing, he really does suit Satsukawa-senpai.
Ah…
I see.
There really is such a thing as a match.
Then, if Yokogawa-kun was always with me, would he be misunderstood? Would I cause him trouble?
But Yokogawa-kun said he didn't have a girlfriend.
And I felt that being with him was fun and made me happy…
"Todo-san. I'm here to pick you up."
"U-Um, thank you as always, Yokogawa-kun."
"Are… did something happen?"
"No… it's nothing."
For now, I'll just not worry about it.
Until the day a precious person appears for Yokogawa-kun.
But… why…
When I think about that…
My chest hurts a little.