Stealing Spree

After breakfast, Akane and I resumed our daily routine. We changed into our training attire and went to our house’s mini-gym together.

We assisted each other in completing our set exercises and made sure that we weren’t straining ourselves on weights and other equipment.

While catching our breath on a bench, I brought up a suggestion.

“Akane. Shall we start practicing our swings? It won’t be too late to familiarize myself with the basics, right?”

Even without explaining it too extensively, Akane immediately got it. It was as if she was waiting for me to bring it up.

Her eyes lit up and a knowing grin surfaced on her lips, “Was watching Fuyu yesterday get you motivated, husband?”

“She did. She’s that amazing.”

“I know, right? I haven’t beaten her yet when it comes to tennis. Though she would always hold back if it was during our PE class.”

“Ah. She’s also kind enough to hold back, huh? I thought she’d be like Otoha whose shinai would spare no one as soon as she got ahold of it.”

“Pfft. She’s so much nicer than you think, husband. That’s why Futaba, Eri, and I love her a lot. Also, it’s part of the reason why I like you to take care of her as well... It’s better you than any other guy out there. Not that she’s interested in someone else...”

Yep. That’s my influence talking already. But thinking about it, her intention was still for the well-being of her friend. Just that, the way she went around it was a little forceful.

“Girl. Shouldn’t it be her choice?”

“Yes. It should. All I’m doing is becoming a bridge. Haven’t you noticed? She’s not really repulsive to the idea of me bringing you two together.”

“Indeed. However, it’s for a different reason. She believed you wanted us to get along with each other... Well, I don’t know if I can still hold onto that reasoning. Yesterday felt different.”

Understanding my reluctance, Akane brought up that one detail. She’s not wrong. Fuyu wasn’t really that averse to the thought of getting close to me even when she was still prejudiced because of her suspicion. And our past few encounters were already changing my opinion of her, especially how she seemed so pleased to be doted on by me.

“Heh. She had you take responsibility to calm her down, right? And then she showed that magnificent performance. I believe you also played a part in that as well. She got into top condition.”

“You’re exaggerating it. But well, Sena and Satsuki’s club also forgot about the pressure when I showed up in their clubroom. I guess I just have that calming effect, no?”

“Not a calming effect. Husband, your charm is just so great that everyone can forget the pressure they’re under or being nervous in your presence. Your brimming confidence as you carry yourself is contagious enough to infect other people. Or mostly girls who are at the very least charmed by your appearance.”

Is that so? I don’t know but if she’s seeing it that way, it must be close to it. If I go and ask Sena or Satsuki, they’ll probably answer the same way.

“Anyhow, Fuyu already warmed up to you, husband so... I won’t meddle anymore. I’ll leave it to both of you. Whether it will bloom or not, it’s not my business anymore.”

Upon saying that, Akane left the room to get our tennis racket from where we stored it.

She really timed it like that to get me thinking about what steps to take from here.

That reminds me... the deleted message from Fuyu. Should I ask the girl about it?

Bad idea. She already deleted it. And that meant she changed her mind about letting me read it.

There’s no point bringing it up again.

Instead of that, I guess sending a morning greeting won’t be weird. Right?

Ugh. Here I am, trying to fool myself again.

Alright. I should just stop being indecisive with my thoughts...

Picking up my phone, I immediately went to my messages and sent a greeting to Fuyu. It’s not anything special. It’s a simple morning greeting like I planned.

As soon as I finished with that, I put the phone down to wait for Akane’s return.

Or so I planned to. The phone lit up because of an incoming message before it could even leave my grasp.

Not that surprising, it’s a reply from Fuyu. That’s quick, no? She’s not waiting for my message, is she?

Nah. It’s only a coincidence. she’s already on her phone, messaging Akane or Futaba and Eri.

Anyway, I read it and as expected, it’s just a return greeting. However, it became a series of messages, expressing her doubt and surprise.

-Likewise, good morning too, Onoda-kun. This is new.

-I never imagined I’d be receiving a morning greeting from you.

-Just to be sure, is this Akane’s idea?

“No. It isn’t. I just thought I should send you one.”

I deliberated whether to reply or not but... before I knew it, my fingers already moved, clarifying her suspicion.

Though my conversation with Akane somehow dug her out from where I chucked her in my head, the girl didn’t really ask me to message her. It’s just another result of my overthinking. Or rather, it’s my desire exerting its influence on me again.

-I see. I’m glad to hear that. Don’t misunderstand but I’ll probably hate it if you get compelled to message me.

“Don’t worry. Akane might be mischievous but I believe she wouldn’t force someone, not even me or you, to do something we feel aversion to.”

-That’s right. Akane is like that. Even if she’s playful at times, she’s the sweetest person I know. She’ll go to incredible lengths for someone she loves. I envy her for that.

Although I couldn’t see her face through these messages, I could imagine the girl bitterly smiling. She’s comparing herself to Akane. Or rather, she probably found Akane’s never-give-up attitude towards me admirable. The silly girl stuck to it and finally got her wish come true.

“Huh? What’s there to be envious of? Aren’t you the same as her? You’ll do everything to protect her; even from me. You’re also a wonderful person, Fuyu.”

-I don’t think so. I’m meddlesome, right? I inserted myself between you because of my suspicion.

“You did it with good intentions. I don’t see anything wrong with that. But if I have to pick something to criticize you with. Don’t hate me for this, okay? It’ll be your quick jumping to a conclusion.”

-You’re right. I got it over my head yesterday. I’m sorry, Onoda-kun.

“Don’t be. I got to help you calm down anyway. I appreciate having the privilege to see you act like that.”

-Huh? Wait. That’s mean, Onoda-kun.

I made it sound playful but I guess if it’s only through text, it didn’t get converted that well.

“Is it? Then you’re free to scold me for it. In any case, I’m still glad I can help you out like that.”

-Didn’t I force you into it?

This girl... Now she’s being negative.

“Maybe? But I would still do it regardless. I wouldn’t let you return with your head in shambles. And after watching you play that magnificently, I was already assured of my loss against you.”

-Don’t make me laugh, Onoda-kun. You’re someone who can excel at anything if you put your mind to it. The winner won’t be decided without actually playing it. I think I’m looking forward to that more than the Interhigh.

“Now, you’re making me flattered. Anyway, good luck with your match today.”

-Will you come and watch again?

“Do you want me to?”

-I do.

“Then I’ll be there.”

After that last message, Fuyu took a while before she could send her reply. And in that duration, Akane already returned with our racket.

Noticing me on my phone, Akane instantly guessed what was happening. She walked over and sat next to me. Even though she didn’t ask for it, I showed her the screen of my phone with that strip of messages exchanged between me and Fuyu on display.

Almost instantly, Akane's lips curved into a smirk as she teasingly said, “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist, husband.”

Well, there’s no use denying it anymore. It's not that complicated anyway.

“You know me too well. But won’t you also be there?”

“I told you, right? We might not be able to come. We’ll leave Fuyu to you.”

“I’m just coming to watch, you know?”

“Knowing you, if she invites you to accompany her, you won’t be able to say no. And I’m sure she will be asking for your encouragement again. You’re the closest guy to her and the one she’s most comfortable with. Anyhow, enough about that. You don't really need me to convince or remind you of anything. Let’s go. I’ll teach you the basic stances and footwork.”

Handing me the racket that she gifted me, Akane pulled me up from the bench. I closed my phone and put it down. If Fuyu replied, I’d still be able to read that later anyway.

Besides, Akane’s right. I don’t need any convincing. Every decision I made wasn’t influenced by anyone else but me. In the end, I would be the one deciding what to do about my thoughts concerning Fuyu.

For the next few minutes, Akane and I put our minds and bodies into swinging those rackets, familiarizing ourselves with them.

Maybe next time we’d be hitting some balls or just doing some rally. We could go to a sports center and use a proper court.