Hayama Hayato Is a Good Person.
That was undeniable.
Leaving the soccer club and joining the tennis club would definitely make him less popular with girls.
He had no interest in dating at this age, yet couldn't just push them away outright.
So—
That was why he staged that scene earlier.
Su Yu understood the moment he saw it.
And so—
Their tennis match was completely one-sided.
Su Yu's skill far surpassed Hayama's.
Hayama stood no chance.
This wasn't even a match—
It was a one-sided beatdown.
—
"That guy is being so mean! Hayama-kun just joined the club, and he's already treating him like this!"
"If Hayama-kun had a year to train, he could easily beat him!"
"Hayama-kun, you got this!"
A group of girls whispered among themselves before cheering for Hayama.
But among them, a light-brown-haired girl looked confused.
Since when did Hayama-senpai become this weak?
Seated on the bench, Hikigaya Hachiman frowned—he seemed to notice something.
"Hayama-kun… what's wrong?" Totsuka Saika asked.
"He wants those girls to see him losing, so they'll leave him alone," Hachiman said indifferently.
"Huh? Why?" Saika was baffled.
"Probably because he doesn't want to date anyone right now."
Hearing that, Saika seemed to realize something and stayed quiet.
—
Even with the girls cheering—
Hayama was still no match for Su Yu.
Su Yu kept pressuring him—
And smashed the ball directly onto Hayama's arm.
Hayama winced and clutched his arm.
"Hayama-kun!" The girls rushed over with concern.
"I'm fine." Hayama forced a smile.
—
"You're too much! Hayama-kun just joined, and you're already treating him like this?!" A lightly made-up girl glared at Su Yu.
"This is the tennis club's business." Su Yu's tone was calm.
"You—"
"It's not Su Yu-kun's fault," Hayama cut her off. "It's my weakness."
Then, he stepped forward—
And bowed to Su Yu.
"Su Yu-kun, I apologize for being weak."
"I let you join the tennis club because you chose to follow me. But if they keep disrupting practice, I'll have to reconsider."
Su Yu tapped Hayama's head with his racket.
"I understand," Hayama replied immediately.
"Then handle it—either make them leave or leave yourself."
With that, Su Yu walked to the bench.
Hayama straightened up.
Then—
He turned to face the group of girls.
"Can you leave?" he asked.
"Hayama-kun…?"
The girls froze—their faces filled with shock.
"There's a girl I like."
"You all have no chance."
Hayama's words hit like a slap.
Their expressions darkened.
"We're leaving!"
As they left, some of them glared at Su Yu.
Especially the lightly made-up girl—
She clenched her fists, as if wanting to punch Su Yu.
Su Yu ignored her completely.
Instead, his gaze shifted to—
The light-brown-haired girl who stayed behind.
She was also looking at him.
Their eyes met—
Then, she walked over.
—
Isshiki Iroha.
Seeing her approaching, Hikigaya Hachiman immediately stood up to leave.
"Senpai, long time no see."
Isshiki blocked his way.
"Sorry, I don't know you."
Hachiman didn't hesitate.
He simply walked around her.
Isshiki blinked, momentarily stunned.
Wait… what?!
Saika smiled apologetically before heading onto the court.
Su Yu took one last glance at her—then lost interest.
Hayama walked over and glanced at Isshiki before bowing again.
"Su Yu-kun, I apologize for using you."
"I don't care what those girls think of me," Su Yu replied flatly. "So you don't need to worry."
"Thank you."
Despite knowing Su Yu didn't mind, Hayama still felt grateful.
—
"Hayama-senpai, who's this?"
Isshiki looked at Su Yu.
"This is Su Yu-kun. He transferred to Sobu High recently."
"Su Yu-senpai, hello~"
Isshiki smiled sweetly.
Su Yu glanced at her.
"You remind me of an animal."
"…What animal?"
"A fox."
"…Why a fox?"
Isshiki sat beside him, leaning in slightly.
Hayama glanced at them—then walked toward the other bench.
"To be precise—a little fox." Su Yu added.
"Are you saying I'm sly?"
Isshiki narrowed her eyes.
"Is this your way of trying to get my attention?"
"I have a girlfriend."
"Is she pretty?"
"Which one?"
"…Wait, what?"
Isshiki froze.
—
She stared at Su Yu.
From this close distance—
If someone pushed her forward, she might accidentally kiss him.
Most guys would blush if a girl looked at them like this.
But Su Yu?
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
Almost… unnatural.
Isshiki's curiosity grew.
Then—
Su Yu suddenly turned his head.
Now—
They were so close that less than a hand's width separated them.
Isshiki's face turned bright red.
She quickly lowered her head, cheeks flushed.
"Senpai… you have a girlfriend, and you're staring at me like this…"
"I thought you wouldn't get flustered."
Su Yu's tone was flat.
"Guess you're just a half-baked little fox after all."
"…Senpai, does that mean you've met someone… like me?"
"Yes."
"If it were her, what would she do?"
"She wouldn't blush."
"She'd lean in—because she knows I wouldn't kiss her."
"…Is she not pretty?"
"She's very pretty."
"Then… why wouldn't you?"
"Figure it out."
Su Yu stood up.
"If we meet again, I hope you understand the answer."
Then, he walked out of the tennis court.
Isshiki finally noticed—
A stunningly beautiful woman was waiting outside.
As Su Yu approached—
She linked arms with him.
And—
She kissed his cheek.
"…Is that the person Su Yu-senpai was talking about?"
Isshiki suddenly understood everything.
On the bench, Hayama watched.
His expression darkened.
Because—
That woman was Yukinoshita Haruno.
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X