Chapter 21

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The strategist was utterly exhausted again today.
“Sometimes I really want to pry open Chihaya’s head to see if his brain has any folds at all.”
At this moment, Renji Yanagi, who always scored full marks academically, felt a deep sense of helplessness.
This junior of his was beyond any reference material—truly hard to manage.
Even with the summaries he prepared, he couldn’t feel at ease at all.
Is this really the future of Rikkai University's tennis club...? It was utterly despairing.
Tsukimi Higurashi patted his back to soothe him and said, “Renji, don’t say that. I don’t want to meet you in the Orange Bowl in the future.”
Renji Yanagi was silent for two seconds. “Hey, Tsuki, has anyone ever told you you’re good at comforting people?”
He wanted to add a “not,” but gave his childhood friend some face.
“People say that all the time,” Tsukimi said shamelessly, “After all, I’m very understanding.”
“Thanks for making me laugh,” Renji said, his expression cold with no hint of humor.
“You’re welcome~”
They exchanged glances.
Renji Yanagi thought: You really dare to say that.
Tsukimi Higurashi: Harmless and innocent.jpg
Renji looked away.
Well, let him say whatever he wanted.
As for Chihaya, perhaps Sanada’s method suited better. Let him deal with that trouble.
Over the next two days, Sanada visibly grew irritable after taking on the task. He seemed to have developed PTSD from Chihaya’s name alone, reacting every time he heard it, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he suddenly attacked some sea creature in frustration.
The tennis club nervously approached Saturday—though not really—with only a half-day of training, finally allowing everyone to catch a breath.
Even without facing the vice-captain’s stern anger directly, the pressure was enormous.
For ordinary members, yes, but the regular players’ days were no easier.
Every morning upon opening their eyes, they worried whether the captain would randomly pick them for practice matches.
Although playing against a strong player was a coveted opportunity, the oppressive aura “The Child of God” carried on the court was known to all who faced him.
Not to mention being lightly but thoroughly scolded by Yukimura with a smile, making them question their own tennis skills.
For a moment, no one could tell who exactly needed rehabilitation.
The peaceful and cheerful atmosphere of Tsukimi Higurashi was completely out of place amid the tennis club’s burdened and restless mood, humming as he handled affairs.
After finishing the last batch of materials, he stretched and looked up to see the youth sweating on the court, sighing, “Ah, youth.”
“Puri~ Tsukimi-kun, don’t you want to look down here?”
Huh?
Tsukimi’s gaze dropped to the ground, where a white-haired fox boy was sprawled in a heap.
“Ahahaha,” Tsukimi feigned concern, “Nioh-kun, are you alright?”
Because of his exceptional mental resilience, Yukimura “looked after” him more, resulting in this pitiful state almost every day, so much so that he hadn’t caused any trouble in a long while.
Days without pranks felt empty.
Nioh replied faintly, “Do I look like I’m fine?”
“You’re fine.” Tsukimi answered quickly and firmly.
Nioh stared at their manager for a few seconds, realizing he was serious. He silently turned over, facing away.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Tsukimi rubbed his nose, hugged the files, and returned to the clubroom, organizing everything neatly.
He leisurely waited until training ended, and once Renji Yanagi packed up, the two left together.
Watching them walk away chatting happily, Marui’s eyes gleamed sharply: “Those two aren’t right!”
Suddenly Nioh appeared. “Come to think of it, Tsukimi was in a really good mood today.”
“Maybe he’s on a date,” Yukimura guessed with interest.

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He said it lightly, but to the youths, it was like thunder striking.
“Da-da-date?!”
“Eh—senpai Yanagi and senpai Tsukimi are going on a date?” Chihaya exclaimed enviously, “So nice, I want to go too.”
Everyone else: “...”
Collective deadpan.jpg
Yukimura suggested, “Then let’s follow them and see.”
“Stalking?” Marui perked up, “Yay, I’m in!”
Kelp chimed in immediately, “Count me in too!”
Sanada furrowed his brows, hesitant, “Isn’t this a bit much?”
Yukimura shot back, “Isn’t Genichiro curious?”
Sanada: “...” Honestly, a little.
Chihaya excitedly said, “Oh, since Vice-Captain Sanada agrees, let’s go!”
A trail of sandy-colored tails followed the two boys in matching tracksuits. Their suspicious behavior caught some passersby’s attention, but only a few glances.
These middle schoolers were in their peak of awkwardness; some strange behavior was normal.
Understandable.
The two ahead entered a ramen shop with a long queue outside.
“Hmm, I know this place, their ramen is super tasty!” Chihaya lamented, “But there’s always a long line, I’ve only been once.”
He eagerly asked, “Captain Yukimura, can we eat there too?”
Before Yukimura could reply, Marui said, “Of course not! We’re stalking, how can we show up boldly in front of Yanagi and Tsukimi?!”
Inside, Tsukimi proudly said, “Luckily, I reserved seats in advance, or who knows how long we’d have waited!”
The waiter led them to a seat by the window, brought two glasses of water, and asked, “Guests, what would you like to order?”
“I’ll have tonkotsu ramen, thank you.”
“Me too, tonkotsu ramen, but extra spicy!”
Renji didn’t even glance his way and told the waiter, “Make his normal spicy, please.”
“Oh, understood. Please wait a moment.”
Tsukimi tapped the table, but mindful of the public setting, he only raised his hand high and gently brought it down.
“Why can’t I order extra spicy?!”
Renji picked up his cup, took a sip, and slowly set it down, “You’ve been eating lightly lately; eating too spicy suddenly will upset your stomach. I don’t want to have to accompany you to the hospital for that.”
Reasonable, yet Tsukimi muttered, “But this place is famous for its chili. Not eating it feels like a loss.”
“Then please endure it for your health,” Renji said, looking him straight in the eye, “Alright, Tsuki?”
What’s with this elder sibling pressure?
Tsukimi sheepishly replied, “Okay.”
Who can even tell the difference between childhood friend and doting mother anymore!
Thinking this, he burst out laughing softly.
Renji glanced at him, uninterested in his amusement.
Their ramen arrived quickly. The broth was clear, the white noodles distinct and immersed within. Three slices of char siu lay on top, garnished with a few chopped scallions, looking very appetizing.
Tsukimi didn’t mind the single dot of red chili that disappeared once stirred, eating with relish.
Those inside ate heartily, while the boys outside were stomach-growling hungry.
Yukimura pointed to the fast-food place behind them: “Let’s go grab something to eat too.”
The suggestion was unanimously agreed upon.
After a morning of intense training, they were all ravenous—couldn’t go without food.
Between slurps, Tsukimi glanced out the window, swallowed, and said, “Renji, there’s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time.”
“What?”

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“You guys—or rather, our Rikkai tracksuits—are really eye-catching,” Tsukimi sighed, “So bright!”
Renji glanced outside and chuckled lightly, “Indeed. Though I didn’t expect Yukimura to join the chaos.”
Tsukimi had a different view: “But I think it fits Yukimura’s style perfectly.”
“No, he’d probably stir up interest in others, hinting for them to come.”
“Renji, don’t make Yukimura sound so scheming.”
Yukimura just likes to watch the fun unfold; he’s essentially a good kid.
“You get along well with Yukimura.”
“Of course.” After all, he’s a good kid too~
With their bellies full, Tsukimi asked, “Renji, you mentioned wanting to go somewhere?”
“Yeah, the library,” Renji explained. “I want to return some books and borrow a few new ones.”
Tsukimi: “...” Why go to the library when out having fun?
Moreover—
“Aren’t the school library’s books enough for you?”
Renji: “I’ve already finished reading them.”
Tsukimi was speechless with shock, then quickly felt respect.
They reached the station, and the train came shortly after. The two boarded one after the other.
Honestly, Marui and the others’ stalking skills were poor—just a slight turn of the head was enough to spot that sandy tail.
Tsukimi said, “Yukimura and Sanada are gone now.”
All exactly as Renji expected.
Since they were going to eat anyway, they probably just needed an excuse to leave.
“Should we tell them to stop following us?”
“No,” Tsukimi stopped him, “It’s more interesting this way.”
“Do you think they’ll give up first, or notice we’ve caught on first?”
Are you speaking in tongue twisters?
Renji withdrew his gaze. “There’s a 99% chance that Yagyu and Nioh have noticed.”
They probably just exchanged glances.
“Huh?” Tsukimi instinctively looked over, causing the boys to scramble for cover.
Seeing their state, he laughed heartily, “Hahaha, Yagyu was probably dragged here by Nioh; he looks like he wants to leave badly.”
Tsukimi tried to tone down his laughter. He leaned on his childhood friend’s shoulder, burying his face, his body trembling uncontrollably. An onlooker might have thought he was crying, attracting many glances.
An elderly lady sitting beside them kindly asked, “Child, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
Tsukimi looked up, glanced left and right, then pointed to his nose, “Grandma, are you talking about me? I’m not crying.”
Tears of laughter wet his eyes, his nose slightly red, looking rather unconvincing.
“That’s nothing to be ashamed of, don’t feel embarrassed,” the lady said, turning to Renji, “You should comfort your friend more; crying like that is pitiful.”
Renji nodded politely, sincerely, “I’ll make sure to.”
Tsukimi: “No, I...”
“This is for you, don’t be sad anymore.” Saying that, the lady handed him a bright red apple.
Tsukimi: “…Thank you, Grandma.”