Stealing Spree

Minutes later, Fuyu took the initiative to slip away from my embrace. She moved back to pick up her tennis racket. However, it took her a while to turn back around and face me again.

She used that to stabilize her heart which kept on thumping and her reddened face.

I was tempted to tease her but decided to hold back... We're not done yet with the coaching, after all. I could still get another chance.

And so, just like that, I obediently listened to her lesson and completed the tasks she gave me after her demonstration.

Impressed at my tenacity, Fuyu became generous with her praises for me. Moreover, she also ended up enjoying the feeling of being able to coach someone.

By the time we finished, both of us were pretty exhausted. I grabbed her wrist and guided her to the bench in the room to rest.

She followed me without a fuss, knowing I wouldn't do anything.

I grabbed her bag to store the ball and her racket back. And then I picked up the towel that Akane prepared for our use.

"You have to rest well tonight, Onoda-kun. We can't have you play while tired."

"Mhm. The same goes for you, right? Don't worry, the tea Akane prepares at night can give us a good night's sleep. You'll feel refreshed tomorrow no matter how exhausted you are before sleeping."

"Eh? What kind of tea is that? Sounds miraculous."

"Yeah. It is miraculous."

I didn't dare tell her the side effect on me. What would she think if I added that? She might run out of here in embarrassment.

Then again, she will still be embarrassed when she hears us tomorrow morning...

In any case, I didn't lie to her about its effectiveness. That's the important thing to note. "Hmm. Do you drink it everyday?"

"I do. Otherwise, I can't keep up with how busy I am."

When we eventually finish that jar of tea leaves, I'll probably need to find an alternative. But will it be easy to find one? I guess I'll end up sluggish again for accomplishing a lot of things in a day.

But in my opinion, it'll always be worth it.

"I see. You're busy, huh?" Fuyu muttered silently. I could sense her apprehension to ask me the question bugging her.

I stared at her for a few seconds to discern her intention. Upon noticing the seriousness emanating from her, I nodded and settled down.

"Alright. I'm all ears, Yuuki-san."

Fuyu appeared relieved for a moment but soon after, she pressed forward as though she wanted to hear my answer clearly.

"You... Are you sure I'm going to hate you?"

With her clear, unperturbed eyes that seemed to convey her sincerity, I found myself losing

out on her. Yep. She's determined to hear this.

"It depends on whether you can accept the truth or not."

"Akane accepts it. Why can't I?"

"Only Akane can give a definite answer for that. What I'm about to say is simply my own interpretation or assumption regarding it... You see, I think Akane came to terms that it's the only way for her to not lose me again."

As I said that, I couldn't help but feel the pinch of bitterness. That's how it is with her.

Because I cannot change at all, Akane can accept it.

Fuyu's eyes widened a bit before a hint of loneliness flashed on her face.

"... That sounds cruel." She pursed her lips in order to prevent her eye glands from shedding a

tear.

"Yes, it is. That's how it will look like for those uninvolved with us. But you see, Akane and I. Do we look like we're hurting each other?"

"No. She's been even more cheerful ever since you accepted her."

"Mhm. That's how it is. Yuuki-san, your situation is different. Maybe you got influenced by Akane which led you to also be drawn to me." I paused for a moment as a guilty smile popped up on my face, "I am also at fault for shamelessly getting close to you... I really like you, Yuuki-san. But I don't want you to hurt yourself because of me. It's also fine if you end up hating me. That way, you can finally get rid of me from your head."

As cruel as it is, this needs to be said if I want us to make some progress. Be it positive or not,

I'll take it. It's only right for her.

A period of silence soon ensued. Fuyu seemed to be stuck digesting my words but her face clearly showed how she was having a hard time processing them.

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