Chapter 279: Conflict
"Someone is playing tennis!"
They were just passing by, but upon discovering that people were using the tennis court at noon, Tobe Kakeru, who was part of Hayama Hayato's group, exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh, really..."
Hearing Tobe Kakeru's words, the rest of his group also focused their attention on the few people currently playing on the tennis court.
"Pfft, they're playing terribly!"
After watching Hikigaya Hachiman's four-person match for a moment, Tobe Kakeru couldn't help but laugh mockingly.
"That's true, Miura plays much better than them!"
Ōoka, who followed behind Hayama, heard Tobe Kakeru's words and nodded in agreement, his tone slightly fawning.
"Hey, Miura, do you want to play tennis?"
Perhaps wanting to show off in front of Ebina, Tobe Kakeru, encouraged by Ōoka's agreement, egged on Yumiko Miura beside him to play tennis. After all, if Yumiko Miura agreed, Hina Ebina beside her would definitely play too, right? If he could then arrange the teams later...
"No, I think I'll pass..."
Yumiko Miura felt a little tempted when she saw the tennis court. After all, it had been a while since she played tennis...
However, when she clearly saw Hikigaya Hachiman on the court, her expression instantly became unnatural. Why was that guy here? Filled with doubt, Yumiko Miura immediately wanted to turn and leave.
However, Tobe Kakeru had completely failed to consider the possibility of Yumiko Miura refusing. Therefore, before Yumiko Miura could speak, he had already walked onto the tennis court and started negotiating with Yukinoshita Yukino.
Although he called it negotiating, Tobe Kakeru, who hadn't brought any tennis equipment, clearly intended to occupy the Service Club members' equipment and court space. Yukinoshita Yukino, seeing through this, naturally could not agree.
"I apologize, but the usage rights for the tennis court at noon have been approved by the guidance counselor. If you want to play tennis, it would be better to join the tennis club and participate in club activities after school in the afternoon."
Completely disregarding Tobe Kakeru's feelings, Yukinoshita Yukino coldly rejected his request.
"Don't be so heartless. You guys play terribly anyway. Isn't letting you use the court a complete waste?"
Because Tobe Kakeru always followed behind Hayama Hayato, his requests were almost never rejected. Facing Yukinoshita Yukino, who showed him no consideration, and thinking about the group watching behind him, Tobe Kakeru's tone inevitably grew harsher.
"Who are you saying plays terribly?"
Hearing Tobe Kakeru's mockery, Totsuka Saika, the tennis club president, lowered his head in shame. Seeing this, Yuigahama Yui quickly stepped forward and shielded him behind her.
"Isn't that obvious?"
In fact, Tobe Kakeru realized the implications of his words the moment they left his mouth. After all, Yukinoshita Yukino was not like the students he usually encountered. As the icy princess who was the top student and came from a wealthy family, his words just now had undoubtedly caused her to feel disgust. However, at this moment, he was beyond his control; the girl he secretly liked was watching from behind, so there was no way he could back down!
"Oh? So, this classmate believes your tennis skills are excellent?"
If Yukinoshita Yukino hadn't formally listed Tobe Kakeru as an opponent before, his collective mockery just now undoubtedly plunged her goodwill below zero. Glaring impatiently at Hikigaya Hachiman, who had inexplicably zoned out, Yukinoshita Yukino unleashed an icy cold aura and bore down on Tobe Kakeru.
"Yukinoshita, please calm down. I believe what Tobe means isn't what you imagine..."
Seeing that a conflict was about to erupt, Hayama Hayato, the peacemaker, quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. However, Yukinoshita Yukino completely ignored Hayama Hayato's intervention. Directly disregarding Hayama Hayato, who was blocking her way, Yukinoshita's sharp gaze pierced through him and fixed on Tobe Kakeru behind him.
"Since Tobe-kun thinks our tennis skills are bad, how about a match?"
"Yukinoshita..."
Hayama Hayato's expression slightly changed upon hearing the condition Yukinoshita Yukino proposed. Being too familiar with Yukinoshita Yukino, he instantly understood what she wanted to do. However, just as he was about to advise Tobe Kakeru not to agree, Tobe Kakeru eagerly accepted.
"Alright, but I demand doubles!"
Although Tobe Kakeru wasn't sure about Yukinoshita Yukino's tennis skill, the fact that she dared to propose a match meant she must be confident in her own ability. Therefore, without refusing the match, Tobe Kakeru unhesitatingly chose the only way to mitigate the risk: doubles!
Due to Yumiko Miura's influence, everyone in their small group knew how to play tennis. Even if Yukinoshita Yukino was powerful, in Tobe Kakeru's opinion, she would absolutely not be a match for two people working together. Furthermore, Hayama Hayato and Yumiko Miura were particularly skilled at tennis. As long as his doubles partner was either one of them, Yukinoshita, while carrying dead weight, would definitely not be able to win against them!
"Doubles?"
Tobe Kakeru's condition made Yukinoshita's expression turn strange.
"That's right, doubles!"
Looking at Yukinoshita's expression, Tobe Kakeru, mistakenly thinking he had hit a weak spot, nodded excitedly.
"I say, Tobe, that's..."
Hayama Hayato, standing aside, couldn't bear to watch anymore. If it was doubles, they clearly had the advantage. Winning under such circumstances would definitely be an unfair victory...
"Please, Hayama! There's no way I can lose!"
However, the moment Hayama Hayato started to speak, Tobe Kakeru clasped his hands together and gave him a pleading look.
"......."
Hayama Hayato silently looked at Tobe Kakeru in front of him, then at Hina Ebina standing next to Yumiko Miura, who was completely distracted. Hayama Hayato, who valued friendship, sighed and nodded.
"I understand."
"Thank you very much!"
Hearing that Hayama Hayato had agreed to his request, Tobe Kakeru's face showed an expression of ecstatic joy. With Hayama Hayato's promise, victory in this match was practically guaranteed!
.
.
.
"Alright, players from both teams, please take the court."
A few minutes later, Yuigahama Yui, acting as the temporary referee, stood by the tennis court and shouted to the teams on both sides of the court. Immediately, Hikigaya Hachiman, who had just figured out what had happened, was dragged onto the court by Yukinoshita Yukino.
Simultaneously, on the other side, Tobe Kakeru and Hayama Hayato also walked onto the court together.
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