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

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23, the Previous Day


　It was a day when the whole school was somewhat in high spirits with the sports festival coming up tomorrow.
　I tried to return to the classroom from the bathroom during break time,

"Ara, Tomoki-san. Good day."

　I was called out in an unusual way.
　When I turned around, it was Tatsumiya who was there.

"Oh"

　I give a short answer and just nod.
　Then I tried to pass her,

"I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

　Guh, she grabbed my arm forcefully.
　When I turned to her, her expression was only smiling, but the power in her hands was gradually increasing.
　By "talk to me," I assume she means Ike anyway.

"What?"

"No, I'm glad that kaichou and you can safely participate in the cavalry battle."

　Tatsumiya said with a chuckle.

"Hmm, yeah. Come to think of it, we're gonna get out."

　After a small smile on her mouth, she said.

"Now it looks like my wish is coming true."

　With fascinated expression, Tatsumiya said.
　I tilt my head at her words.
　For a moment I wondered what the heck she was talking about, but I quickly figured it out.

　The cavalry competition at our school's sports festival is a joint event for first and second years and is a fairly noticeable mixed-gender event.
　In other words, Tatsumiya is probably trying to beat Ike there.
　And then, I remembered her wish... Be the winner against Ike and get a confession, I guess.

"Tatsumiya's goal is to win against Ike and get him to confess, right? In other words, are you suggesting that I become Ike's cavalier and drag him down?"

　Maybe this kind of thing is called a smart play, ...... but it's a strategy that's too petty.
　Does she really think she can beat Ike with that kind of plan, I wondered.

"Do you think I would play such tricks?"

　With a clear face, Tatsumiya responded.

"Sorry, I was just messing with you."

　When I immediately responded, thinking that Tatsumiya is the type of person who would fail her schemer's tricks, Tatsumiya's cheeks puffed out in an easy-to-understand manner.

"Such tricks are a minus for me. Because, this time..."

　She looks at me sharply and then declares clearly.

"Isn't this a great opportunity to take down the chairman and you all at once? If I do something trivial like that, it will be boring."

　Seeing her straight gaze at me, I remembered what she had said before about wanting to win against me as well.

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"There aren't many mixed events where it's so easy to tell who's going to win and who's going to lose. I am now very much looking forward to defeating you and kaichou."

　While smiling cutely, I could see the fighting spirit in her eyes.

"You seem very confident. Are you okay?"

　When I ask,

"Yes, there is no need to worry about me. Rather, you should be worried now that you will be defeated by me, a girl, and that the whole school will whisper the nickname of "loser yankee" behind your back?"

　To the understandable provocation of Tatsumiya,

"... I think I heard something similar the other day. That time, Tatsumiya didn't win after all, and you were seen by me looking like an idiot stomping on the ground, right? This time, make sure you lock the room properly so that no one can see you, okay?"

　I replied with a straight face.
　If Tatsumiya had made sure the room was locked up tight at that time, none of this would be happening now...

"Please forget about that time already!"

　Tatsumiya, who was blushing fast at my words and shaking as she clenched her fists, said with her eyes tightly shut.
　...A confident Tatsumiya is nothing more than a flag.
　I thought so, but I didn't say it.

"Goodness, you are a rude person..."

　I don't want Tatsumiya to tell me that. She looked at me in frustration as I expressed my dissatisfaction without saying it out loud, then this time she pointed at me sharply and then opened her mouth.

"Listen? This time I have no intention of losing... so please take it seriously, okay?"

　Squinting her eyes belligerently, she declared firmly.
　I wanted to retort, "Are you the kind of person who declares war on a superior rival school in an old sports manga?" But I decided not to, because the analogy was too long and was likely to be snickered at for being too subtle and difficult to understand.

　Instead,

"Yeah, I'll take you seriously, as you wish. ... So don't resent me if you lose not only Ike, but even me, okay?"

　I accepted her provocation and stood up.
　If cooperation is not necessary, there is no need to go easy on her.
　
　Tatsumiya nods slightly and then says.

"Of course. I hope so."

　Then she

"Now, if you will excuse me, I just wanted to tell you about it. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Please be sure to do your best today to get some quality rest."

　Then, after bowing, she walked away.
　Looking at her back, I think.

　It feels like it's been a long time since I've seen Tatsumiya that doesn't look like ponkotsu.

　... However, I couldn't deny the fact that she seemed like a biting dog, which was still disappointing.