Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu

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19, Compensation


“Come to think of it, who was the cheerleading squad for Yuuji-senpai's class?”

　After school, when the members of the sports festival have been selected.
　To compensate for skipping lunch in a row, I went into a coffee shop near the station and had a cup of tea while Touka and I talked.

　I respond to Touka's words after my order is brought to the table and my throat is quenched.

“The cheerleading squad, huh? If I remember correctly ... A guy named Noguchi from the baseball team and a guy named Yagi from the women's volleyball team.”

　They were the ones who pushed me when I was chosen to be a member of the sports festival.
　And I was still sorry that it was neither Nohara nor Nozaki.

"Noguchi-senpai and Yagi-senpai... I didn't know them at all. ... Wait, areh? The cheerleading squad was two boys and two girls in each class for first and second grade, right?"

"As I recall, that's right ... Actually, I don't remember."

　I remembered Noguchi and Yagi because of the member selection process, but I could not recall the other two.
　As I was racking my brains, I heard a laugh, "Hahaha".

"Things that don't concern you are rather like that. If you're in second semester and you still can't remember the names of your classmates, and that's why you forgot about them, I'd be worried too."

　Touka said, as if making fun of me.
　... I awkwardly look away.
　
"Eh? A-Areh, what's wrong, Yuuji-senpai? No way, you really..."

　I remain silent and drop my eyes on the seasonal menu.
　Uji Kintoki is 680 yen, which is an exquisite price...
　As I was thinking like that, Touka must have been concerned about me,

"I'm sorry. ...Ah, that reminds me, Asakura-senpai, isn't he in the cheerleading squad? He seems to like sports festivals a lot, though?"

　He said so and changed the subject.

"A-Asakura wants to prioritize his club activities. The guys in our class were recommending him, but he turned them down."

"I see. I understand."

——— seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

　After reacting that way, she,

"Our school has blazers, right? I actually wanted to see Yuuji-senpai in gakuran uniform a little."

　Touka said, somewhat disappointed.
　
“Come to think of it, my junior high school uniform was a gakuran. ...It's not that special"

　When I say so,

“Is that true!?”

　Touka asked me, somewhat excited.

"Y-Yeah"

"Then show me the next time you're wearing it!"

“Eh, y-yeah. ...Well, if there's an opportunity"

　I respond to Touka's enthusiasm with hesitation.
　Hearing my answer, Touka rejoiced, saying "Yatta!".
　...What are you planning to do when you see me in gakuran? Are you going to laugh at me for looking like a Showa-era yankee?　
　With doubt, I ask Touka.

“By the way, will Touka not be participating? Being popular in class, you must be recommended, right?”

"Indeed, I was recommended for it. But it was a hassle, so I turned it down."

"Is that so?"

　I am convinced by Touka's typical words.

"By the way, there's another reason. ...That da*mn shaved-head is also a member of the cheerleading squad."

　She said spitefully..
　That da*mn shaved-head...? I wondered for a second, but I guess it was Kai.
　Even though he's no longer shaved, she still seems to dislike Kai.

"I see. He's popular, so it's no wonder."

"That da*mn shaved-head, he's a good-looking man on the outside. Girls who don't look at the inside are still kya-kya about him. I really don't understand."

　I smile wryly at Touka who says so while shrugging her shoulders.

"But instead. I had to participate in the cavalry battle, which seems to be the main event of our sports festival."

　The school's cavalry is mixed gender, with three pairs of each class competing and 54 pairs of cavalry horses competing without regard to grades.
　It has a high point distribution, is a competition held at the end of the day, and is certainly the most festive event.

"Yeah, I got to be on that one too."

"Heh, I see. Then we'll have to fight each other as enemy teams in the main event... Eh?"

　Come to think of it, I will be in a different group from Touka, so we will be on opposite teams.
　I thought as I looked at Touka, who had a look of surprise on her face.

“…Senpai, are you going to participate in a cavalry battle?”

"Yeah. And besides that, I got to participate in a lot of different events."

　Touka looks shaken by my answer.

"W-Why? Senpai, I thought you weren't so good at this kind of event..."

“Asakura, Ike, Kana. And Noguchi and Yagi, whom I mentioned earlier ... The whole class entrusted it to me.”

　I say with a little embarrassment.
　Then Touka looks stunned.
　...Did I say something so unbelievable?
　
　That's what I thought as I looked at her,

"T-Touka!? What's wrong?"

　To my surprise.
　A single tear spilled from the corner of Touka's eye.

“That surprised me. I'm sorry, Yuuji-senpai. It's not that I cried because of something sad, so please don't worry.”

　Saying so, Touka wiped her tears with a hand towel.

"Even if you tell me not to worry... are you really okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. ...I was happy."

"...What do you mean?"

　I ask Touka, who has a gentle smile on her face.
　Then she gave a shy smile and opened her mouth.

“A lot of people were able to take a good look at senpai. ... As your lover, I'm very proud.”

　Apparently, she was happy that I, who had been out of place at school, was able to fit in properly in the class.
　I felt sorry for causing Touka unnecessary worry, but I was happy that she was genuinely happy.
　As usual, I had to resist the urge to blurt out in embarrassment that I'm a "fake" lover, though,

“...Thank you, Touka.”

　I thanked her.

"It's nothing to be thankful for, you know?"

　Touka said in amazement,

“...However, it is good that Yuuji-senpai's good points are known by others, but it would be a problem if it becomes difficult to eat lunch with senpai who has become popular.”

　She continued, with a troubled look on her face.

"You don't even have to worry about that. ...Besides, just in case. And even if that were to happen..."

　I chuckled at her words,

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had lunch together?”

　Toward Touka, I told her so.
　When she heard what I said,

"Senpai... Do you know the word "don't count your chickens before they're hatched"?" (Note: means to not make plans that depend on something before it actually happens.)

　She said, shrugging her shoulders and making fun of me.

"I know Touka has been the one to bring this up. If I take a ride, what kind of a trap is being set..."

　I mutter so with dissatisfaction.
　Then, Touka said, "Ahaha, I'm sorry!" She laughed strangely.

　Seeing her laughing face made me kind of strange, too, and I couldn't help but smile―.