Volume 1. Chapter 68

Exams were over.

I closed the classroom door behind me, leaving behind the tense atmosphere of tests, long hours of reading, and tackling complex problems. First place in the school. Again.

— Predictable, — Hayato chuckled as we stepped into the hallway. — You probably didn’t even try, huh?

I just shrugged silently. How could I explain that I really did try? That I spent nights buried in textbooks, analyzing past exam questions, watching lectures? They’d still say, “Well, it’s Ken. He’s a genius.”

Sayaka passed by, gracefully adjusting her black hair. Third place in the school. Judging by her self-satisfied smile, she clearly wasn’t about to miss the chance to use the situation to her advantage. The school’s top beauty, daughter of wealthy parents who hired the best tutors for her.

She’s used to getting everything she wants. Smart, charming, outgoing — but completely unaware of personal boundaries. I wonder if it bothered her that not only I ranked above her this time (as usual), but Rin did too? I hoped not. That’s all we needed.

— Guys, — her voice was loud, full of confidence, — let’s celebrate!

A lively conversation immediately sparked around us.

— Celebrate? — Naoko asked.

— Well, we’re smart, right? We aced the exams! Why not go to the mall? Bowling, arcade games, just relax and have fun!

Predictably, no one objected.

— Great idea! — Ayaka chimed in.

— Haven’t been bowling in ages! — Saito perked up.

I narrowed my eyes. Sayaka clearly wanted something more than just a celebration.

And of course, my answer mattered the most to her.

— Well, Ken? You’re not going to say no, are you?

I looked at her. If I refused, she wouldn’t let it go. If I agreed — well, at least I wouldn’t be the bad guy.

— Fine, I’ll go.

She smiled triumphantly.

But before she could say more, I turned to Rin.

A petite girl with a hint of pink in her hair. When she wears her red glasses, the cuteness levels go through the roof. Though shy and reserved, she’s a diligent and hardworking student.

She loves books and recently started writing her own stories. I happened to see her work once, and through our shared love of literature, we became friends. I think I’m the only one she really talks to.

And her writing… Her stories are filled with gentleness and kindness. She’s such a pure soul, like a little angel. I want to protect her and help her. I want her stories to be seen by as many people as possible.

In the recent exams, Rin placed second in the school. She usually ranked in the top 10, but never this high.

I wondered if something good happened in her life? Or maybe she got a burst of motivation? Or did inspiration from her writing fuel her studies?

She stood a little apart, hesitant to join the conversation.

— Are you coming with us? You got second place — that’s worth celebrating, right? — I asked.

She flinched in surprise, then looked down, nervously fidgeting with her sleeve.

— I… don’t know…

— Come on, it’ll be fun, I promise, — I encouraged her.

She looked at me. Doubt flickered in her eyes… but she nodded.

I noticed Sayaka frown slightly. But she said nothing.

We entered the entertainment center — spacious, glowing with lights, filled with the voices of visitors. Everywhere you could hear the sound of pins being knocked down, the cheers of arcade game winners, and soft music from speakers. The air was filled with the scent of popcorn and sweet soda. Everything screamed: “Have fun! Relax! Forget everything!”

Sayaka, beaming with joy, practically dragged us forward — a group of seven. After exams, she’d decided we had to celebrate properly and organized this outing. Our group was four girls — Sayaka, Rin, Naoko, and Ayaka — and three guys — me, Hayato, and Saito.

— Alright, everyone! Today we’re relaxing and having fun! — Sayaka declared energetically, spreading her arms as if she owned the mall. — Let’s start with bowling!

She looked around with sparkling eyes, as if she were about to assign everyone their “fun duties.”

I smirked. Sayaka was always so energetic, so open… Sometimes too much. From the outside, it might seem like she didn’t understand personal space — she’d casually grab your hand or hug you — but I knew it was just her personality. Nothing she did surprised me anymore.

We grabbed a lane and chose our balls. The first throws were chaotic. Everyone threw as best they could, more for fun than seriously. Balls flew wildly, landed in gutters, or barely knocked down a pin or two. But everyone was laughing, enjoying themselves.

Only, they expected more from me. That was inevitable.

— Alright, Ken, show us how it’s done! — Hayato grinned.

— Yeah, it’s Ken’s turn! — Naoko winked.

— He’s amazing! A genius at everything! — Ayaka added.

— I’m sure he’ll get a strike, — Sayaka said confidently.

I sighed.

Of course. Of course, I had to get a strike. Anything less would be unthinkable.

I picked up a ball and focused. Dad taught me the proper technique. We used to go bowling as a family. I trained. A lot. It didn’t come naturally. At first, I couldn’t get a strike to save my life, but over time I refined my skills. But they don’t know that. They think I was just born with it. That I’m just lucky to be “that guy.”

Arguing is pointless.

I threw.

Bang! — strike.

— Told you! Be my coach! — Sayaka shouted.

— Same as always.

— Yeah, boring. Ken always wins.

I just smiled silently. How I longed to hear, “You did great, worked hard, really put in effort.”

Next up was Rin. I noticed her glance at me — a silent plea for help. I understood immediately.

— Need a hand? — I asked gently.

Rin nodded slightly, her face flushed. She looked so tiny next to the heavy bowling balls, I wasn’t sure she could lift one. She probably weighed just a little more than the ball itself.

My protective instincts kicked in.

I stepped closer, took her hand, helped her position her fingers in the holes.

— Hold tight. Don’t relax your wrist. — I leaned in, guiding her posture. — When you throw, imagine drawing a straight line forward.

Rin blushed even more, but listened carefully. I could feel her delicate fingers trembling slightly in mine.

— What’s going on over there? — Sayaka cut in, lips pursed. — Are we here to play or take lessons?

I smirked.

— Weren’t you the one who asked me to be your teacher?

Everyone burst out laughing, and Sayaka narrowed her eyes slyly. Yep, I’m undefeated in battles of wit.

Rin made her throw… and knocked down half the pins.

— Oh, great shot! — Ayaka cheered.

— Not bad for a first try! — Saito added.

She turned to me, smiling so sincerely that something stirred pleasantly inside me. She was so happy, like it was her first step in life.

I smiled softly in return.

— Well done. Great job, — I praised her.

She nodded, still beaming with joy. So adorable.

Next up was Sayaka. Naturally, she couldn’t just throw the ball.

She immediately started playing up the act, behaving like we were a couple. Well, no. I knew it was just her personality. Whatever antics she pulled, I wouldn’t be fazed.

— Keeeen, — she purred, stepping up beside me. — Show me how to throw properly.

She leaned in dangerously close, her shoulder brushing mine. I could even smell her perfume — a faint hint of expensive fragrance.

— Come on, stand behind me, guide my movements… — she added in a lower, playful tone.

I didn’t even flinch. Nope, not falling for that.

From the outside, we probably looked like a weird couple. Rin, meanwhile, was blushing furiously, covering her face with her hands. Ah, pure angel — too cute.

Sayaka clearly took her time, delaying the moment.

— Alright, let’s get serious, — I said, gently scolding her.

She smirked but finally threw the ball. It rolled… and knocked down a couple pins.

— Yes! — she shouted, jumping in place. Then she grabbed my hand, hugging, laughing, pressing close. — Ken, you’re the best teacher!

Of course. As usual.

I was used to her antics. She could pull anything at school — let alone in a mall. I wouldn’t get flustered. I didn’t feel anything romantic toward her, even if she was beautiful — more like an annoying younger sister.

Behind us, the fun and laughter continued. I looked around and felt a strange warmth. Maybe, in moments like this, I didn’t mind being “that Ken” — if it made others happy.