“Th-then… how about this? If I win the upcoming tournament, I can rely on you again, right? It’s my last high school competition!”
“…Understood. If you win the tournament, I’ll let you rely on me again.”
“Really!? Y-you promise, right? You absolutely won’t break your promise, or I’ll get mad!”
“Y-Yes, I promise.”
Reina-senpai was currently injured and unable to practice before the competition. To be honest, I doubted she could win, so I figured the promise wouldn’t come into play.
As Reina-senpai saw me off, I left her room.
“Relying on someone… letting myself be cared for. It’s okay not to be perfect… Heh.”
After that day, Reina-senpai seemed to regain her energy. Her smiles became more frequent, and she looked livelier. The other students were thrilled to see her in high spirits again.
Finally, the day of the tournament arrived.
Reina-senpai insisted that I come to watch, so with no other plans, I went to the venue to cheer her on.
As I walked through the hallway toward the spectator seats, I spotted Reina-senpai and Miyamachi-senpai talking. Their conversation seemed to end as Miyamachi-senpai headed toward the seats, where I would also be sitting.
Just as I turned to follow, Reina-senpai noticed me.
“Oh! You came!”
With a bright smile, she hurried toward me.
“Yes. I promised.”
“I’m so glad… I’ll definitely win, so watch closely!”
“I’m rooting for you.”
“And… um, don’t forget our promise, okay?”
“Y-Yes, I understand.”
“Heh. Alright, I’ll do my best.”
She walked toward the competitors’ waiting area, muttering softly as she went:
“If I win, I’ll get patted on the head again, praised, and cared for…”
* * *
The tournament ended with Reina-senpai’s victory.
Despite her injury and lack of practice, she dominated her opponents, showing no sign of a handicap.
As I was leaving the venue, I came across the kendo club members and Miyamachi-senpai congratulating Reina-senpai.
“Senpai, you were amazing! Congratulations!!”
“Thank you. I’m glad I could show everyone my best one last time.”
“Reina, congratulations on the win. You were perfect, as always.”
“Hehe. Thank you, Jin.”
“By the way… um, if you’re free tonight, how about celebrating with dinner or something?”
Miyamachi-senpai’s invitation sparked excitement among the other kendo members.
“Sorry. I’m really tired today, so maybe another time?”
“Y-Yeah, of course. Rest well today, and we’ll plan for another day.”
“Mm… Thanks…”
On the way home, I checked my phone and saw an email from Reina-senpai.
“Come to my house later today. I really need you to come.”
* * *
“You’re here! I’ve been waiting for you!”
“Thank you for having me.”
Reina-senpai greeted me with a bright smile and led me to her room. Just like last time, she gestured for me to sit on her bed, and after I did, she sat down right beside me. So close…
“Congratulations on winning, Reina-senpai!”
“Thank you. It’s all thanks to you.”
“No, not at all… I didn’t do anything.”
“That’s not true. If it weren’t for you, I might not have won—or even continued with the club. Thank you so much.”
Her words of gratitude made me blush. If I had really helped her, then my actions that day hadn’t been in vain.
As we reminisced about her journey, she suddenly started fidgeting.
“Um… Sorry to change the subject so abruptly, but… can I start relying on you now? You know, like we promised?”
I hesitated for a moment, but she had worked so hard today, and we did make a promise. It’s okay, right? Sorry, Miyamachi-senpai.
When I nodded, Reina-senpai threw herself at me like a dog freed from a leash, wrapping her arms around me and burying her face in my chest.
“…Ahh… Ahh… I’ve been holding myself back for so long…”
“I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay… Haa… Mmm… You smell so nice.”
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