Chapter 165: The Arrival of Saika Totsuka
"Ah, it's Saika. What brings you to the Service Club?"
After receiving permission, the person outside opened the door and walked in.
Yui Yuigahama, who had been listless moments before, instantly perked up upon seeing the newcomer and enthusiastically greeted her.
"Good afternoon, Yuigahama-san. This time, I'm here to request a task…"
After nodding politely to Yuigahama and greeting Yukinoshita, Saika Totsuka immediately fixed his gaze on Hachiman Hikigaya.
It was obvious that he still couldn't let go of the fact that Hachiman had joined the tennis club.
"What request would you like to make this time, Totsuka-san?"
Noticing that Saika had been staring at Hachiman since entering, Yukinoshita furrowed her brows. She cleared her throat to draw everyone's attention to herself and asked the purpose of Saika's visit.
"Um… could you help me improve my tennis skills?"
He scratched his cheek, his face slightly turning red, showing a hint of shyness.
Even though he was male, he gave off a fragile, pitiful vibe that made one feel like they wanted to protect him.
This guy is… unusual!
After a brief moment of being momentarily confused, Yukinoshita quickly regained her composure and glared at Hachiman and Yuigahama as if facing a serious threat.
Sure enough, Yuigahama, that idiot, had already been overcome with maternal instinct. Meanwhile, Hachiman was covering his face, clearly unable to look directly.
"This one has some self-control…"
Seeing Hachiman's reaction, Yukinoshita showed a trace of satisfaction in her eyes. She then spoke again, breaking the silence in the clubroom.
"Could you explain the reason?"
Although the Service Club's mission was to help others with their difficulties, there were standards and limitations.
They couldn't accept every request; otherwise, the three members of the Service Club would be overwhelmed.
Also, the level of tennis training Saika wanted needed to be discussed. If he wanted to reach a professional level, Yukinoshita would have no choice but to politely decline.
"Well, I'm currently the captain of our school's tennis club… and the third-year seniors have mostly stopped participating due to academics."
"The first- and second-year members aren't that strong, and we've been losing a lot in competitions…"
"So you think it's your fault as the captain that the club isn't doing well, right?"
By the time Saika finished speaking, Yukinoshita had a rough idea of his intention.
"So you want to improve your own tennis skills in order to encourage the other club members."
"That's right!"
Saika nodded eagerly, showing a look of admiration. Clearly, the club captain who got Hachiman to join must be amazing!
"In that case, we can help you with some special training. But our tennis skills aren't that great either, so we can only teach the basics. Is that okay?"
After some thought, Yukinoshita decided to help Saika. After all, the purpose of his request was to motivate the tennis club, so there was no reason to refuse.
"Ah, thank you so much!"
Surprised that Yukinoshita agreed so easily, Saika's face lit up with a sincere smile. For a moment, it felt as if countless flowers had bloomed around him.
"Although this might be a bit rude, I have to ask… Totsuka-san, you're a boy, right?"
Seeing the two struggling nearby, Yukinoshita also covered her face in disbelief and asked.
"Huh? Of course I'm a boy!"
Saika looked surprised. He was wearing the male uniform, and it was obvious from his appearance that he was male.
No! Ordinary boys couldn't possibly look cuter than girls! Yukinoshita thought.
Even Hachiman, who's usually so oblivious, couldn't handle it either! She mentally groaned at the chaos he was causing.
"Ahem, then… can we start the special training at the tennis court tomorrow at noon?"
Shaking off her wandering thoughts, Yukinoshita set the training schedule and then picked up her tea cup—time to serve tea and send the guest off! She feared leaving Saika in the clubroom any longer, worried that the two boys might get into trouble.
"Then, thank you in advance for tomorrow…"
Sensing Yukinoshita's resistance, Saika expressed his thanks again and left the Service Club.
"Phew…"
As the door closed, Hachiman, who had stayed silent from the start, let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp gaze on him. Turning around, he saw Yukinoshita holding her cup of tea with a faintly amused smile.
"..."
For some reason, Hachiman had a bad feeling.
Time of leisure always passes quickly.
After Saika's visit, the Service Club returned to its usual calm after a brief commotion.
With the school's bell signaling students to leave, the three members exited the classroom together. After returning the key, they walked toward the school exit.
Passing by the field, the soccer club was still training under the setting sun.
Hachiman stopped his bicycle and looked around, searching for a familiar figure.
But after checking, he didn't see Iroha Isshiki anywhere.
"So she really got dismissed…"
Looking at a new unfamiliar girl in the soccer club's rest area, Hachiman sighed.
Even though he had promised to help Iroha pursue Hayama as compensation, he still felt guilty for causing her to lose her soccer manager position.
"Hachi, what are you doing? If you keep this up, Yukinon and I won't wait for you!"
Yui's voice suddenly called out.
Hachiman turned to see Yui and Yukinoshita standing at the school gate, waiting for him.
Seriously… we're about to separate as soon as we leave school…
Muttering to himself, Hachiman replied that he was coming and pushed his bicycle toward them.
"So slow! What were you looking at just now?"
Once he reached them, Yui immediately complained and curiously asked why Hachiman was looking at the field. Could he possibly like soccer too?
"Nothing, I just think those sports clubs are working really hard."
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee.com/varietl