After Kuze walked away, Isagi cast a casual glance at the food line, automatically following his lazy friend. That's when he noticed the three girls looking for empty seats, each holding a tray. It seemed like every spot was already taken, until suddenly, as Kuze passed by his sister and the other two, their gazes turned toward them.
Would they come sit with them?
As Isagi began to wonder about this, a student in the corner of the cafeteria waved at someone. Maria said something to her friends and soon started walking toward the girl who had called her—probably a classmate. The other two then shifted their attention to the end of the table nearby, where there were still two empty seats.
Yuki said something to Alisa and, without hesitation, started walking straight toward them. This caught Takeshi off guard, making him sit up straight immediately.
"Isagi, are those seats taken?"
All eyes were on Yuki, so the sharp crease that appeared on Alisa's forehead the moment those words left Yuki's lips went unnoticed.
"Oh, uh. No, they're all yours. You guys don't mind, right?"
"N-no, of course not."
"Make yourselves at home."
"Thanks," she replied with a dazzling smile before walking around the table and sitting next to Isagi. Alisa, in turn, sat next to Takeshi, diagonally to Isagi's right…
As soon as the two girls sat down, the boys' attention was immediately drawn to what the girls had picked up at the cafeteria. Just like her brother, Yuki also had a bowl of mapo-tofu ramen, which clashed with her high-class vibe.
"Wow, uh… I didn't know you ate that kind of stuff too, Miss Suou," Takeshi stammered nervously. Yuki pulled a hair tie from her pocket and tied her hair into a ponytail with an awkward smile.
"You don't have to be so formal. It's not like we just met. We're classmates."
"Y-yeah, you're right."
"And of course I eat ramen. We don't eat it at home, but I usually go out on weekends to have some."
"R-really? Guess I misjudged you."
Takeshi and Tada's eyes widened in surprise after hearing how down-to-earth Yuki was, a shift from her refined image at school. She smiled even more before starting to eat her noodles elegantly.
Isagi waited until she began eating and shot a glance at Takeshi.
You're way too nervous.
Speak for yourself. Maybe you are, but I'm not.
You want to get to know her, right? How are you gonna do that if you're shaking in your seat?
Sorry, but she's out of my league.
Giving up that easily?!
As they conversed with their eyes, Yuki suddenly paused her ramen and let out a deep, satisfied sigh.
"This is really good, isn't it? I kind of wish it was a bit spicier, though. I saw they had soy sauce and salt at the counter, but unfortunately, no chili oil. The student council might need to discuss this at our next meeting."
"Using your power for personal gain, huh…" Isagi teased with a wry expression.
"I'm kidding…" Yuki said, laughing.
Another unnoticed crease appeared on Alisa's forehead as she ate her lunch quietly, listening to their casual conversation… The crease deepened until she closed her eyes and consciously changed her expression.
"You two are close?" Alisa asked casually.
"We're basically childhood friends. Since elementary school…" Yuki said, smiling brightly after turning to her.
"Childhood friends…?"
"More specifically, early elementary school. We were in the same class, and my brother and he ended up becoming pretty good friends, so I ended up joining the group too…"
"Oh…" Alisa nodded ambiguously, making it unclear whether she was satisfied with Yuki's answer.
Isagi looked at the two talking and asked, "And you two? Are you close?"
Alisa paused as if she didn't know the answer to that question, so Yuki decided to speak for her.
"I guess you could say… we're still getting to know each other. I want to be friends with Alisa, at least," she explained, smiling gently at Alisa and tilting her head. Alisa, wide-eyed, didn't quite know where to look.
With her eyes averted, Alisa gave an awkward response: "…There's nothing great about being my friend."
Yuki blinked a few times, but soon a playful smile returned to her lips. "In other words, you're not against the idea of us becoming friends, right?"
"Oh… yeah, I guess?"
"Then let's be friends! We're both on the student council and in the same year, after all. Oh, hey! Do you think I could call you Alya too? I always thought the nickname was super cute whenever I heard Masha call you that!"
"S-sure… go ahead."
"Hee-hee! I can't stop smiling! You can call me Yuki or whatever you want, okay, Alya?"
"…Alright, Yuki."
Curiously, Alisa leaned away from Yuki, who was laughing cheerfully with her hands clasped together.
"I'm glad you two are friends now, but your ramen's gonna get soggy if you don't hurry up…" Isagi said, finishing one of the cereal bars he'd grabbed earlier.
"Oh! I totally forgot about my ramen!"
Alisa watched with mild perplexity as Yuki hurriedly ate her ramen; then she noticed Isagi staring, so she made an uncomfortable pout.
"So… Isagi… since you and Miss Su—Yuki are friends, what did you tell her about me?"
"Huh? What kind of question is that? Well, nothing much… Just about how you're always mad at me and… that's about it. I guess all my friends know you give me a hard time…"
"You make it sound like I'm always angry, but it's always your fault…" Alisa argued, her brows furrowing furiously.
"Can't deny that…" Isagi replied, knowing he always had to give in to a woman to keep the peace in his life, while Yuki laughed at his response.
"You don't have to feel embarrassed, Isagi."
"Hmm?"
"Isagi always speaks highly of you, Alya. He told me you're a really dedicated worker and that he genuinely respects you."
"…?!"
"I never said I respected her."
"But you still show unconditional respect for hardworking people. Am I wrong? Mr. Soccer Star…" Yuki replied as if she were some omniscient being.
"…"
Isagi looked away before turning back to Takeshi and Tada as if to say: *Come on, guys. Say something.* Takeshi and Tada exchanged glances, gave slight nods to each other, and then stood up simultaneously with their trays.
"Well, we're done eating, so we should get going."
"See you later."
Isagi tried to plead with his eyes as the two traitors started walking away.
Why wouldn't he want to stay with two gorgeous girls, you ask? Well, according to his predecessor's memories, he knew all too well that Yuki, his friend's sister, had a romantic interest in him. It all started back in elementary school, during that absurd student council president race. Now, Kuze's odd behavior made sense: he probably just wanted to create an opportunity for his sister to get closer. But… leaving the table for that? Sibling stuff, maybe?
Yuki's noble and distant appearance might fool others, but he knew her too well. It wouldn't be surprising if she herself had suggested this plan to her brother, imitating some manga she likes. Yuki has a room all to herself where she keeps all her otaku stuff, at her brother's place, of course, since she can't do that at home. She's influenced Masachika in many ways over the years… like, for example, when he became an otaku after reading her stuff.
And the other friends? Well, they were idiots about a lot of things, but not in this kind of situation. They noticed too. And they left him behind without a second thought.
As if that weren't enough, by now it was obvious even to a blind person that Alya was interested too. In other words, he was stuck between two girls who liked him.
When, exactly, did his life turn into a romantic comedy?
Oh… right. It was when he was reborn into this world.
As he glared at his two soccer teammates with resentment in his eyes fixed on their backs, he heard Alisa whisper in Russian:
"Хм. Невероятный."
(Hmph. Unbelievable.)
When he turned, Alisa seemed to be pouting, yet somehow looked a little happy. Noticing Isagi's gaze, she immediately lowered her eyes to her food and continued eating in silence. Having finished every last drop of his ramen, Isagi decided to just watch her eat, but when she looked up and noticed, she muttered in Russian:
"Перестань пялиться на меня, идиот."
(Stop staring at me, idiot.)
Alisa lowered her gaze even further as she focused on her lunch, which somehow left Isagi oddly comforted. Huh…? Since when was he this sadistic? Maybe an influence from his predecessor's personality?
But anyway, putting that aside…
Ahh… She must be embarrassed after hearing I respect her. That makes sense now.
Still, he couldn't help but keep watching her. It wasn't because he didn't understand Russian or was insensitive; he simply felt an irresistible urge to use his secret weapon.
"Huh? What was that, Alya?" he asked, with the most casual tone possible.
"By the way, Isagi…" Yuki added, still not fully grasping the situation but sensing something was off, "…have you thought about joining the student council like I asked?"
Alisa's chopsticks froze; Isagi remembered the many times Yuki had asked him to join the student council, but since he was busy with soccer team practices for the championship in two months, he'd declined every time.
"Sorry, Yuki. But I'm swamped with the soccer team. Besides, didn't you get some new members the other day?"
"We did, but they didn't last long…"
The student council this year started about a month ago, in early March. The student council at this school was a bit unique, as students ran in pairs for president and vice-president positions, and the elected duo decided who the other members were and what they did. Thus, the number of members varied each year, and the current roles were president, vice-president, secretary (Maria), treasurer (Alisa), auditor (Kaguya), planner (Chika), and public relations (Yuki).
Those were the only seven members, though it was a decent number. Ichinan High School covered many high school classes, and they needed at least ten members to function properly and be a decent student body…
"I thought you said you'd only let girls join this year since teenage boys with raging hormones would keep anything from getting done. What happened to the three people you mentioned last time we talked? Don't tell me they all quit."
"They said they weren't good enough…"
"Oh…"
Isagi understood how they felt. The student council, mostly made up of girls, was impressive in many ways. It didn't help that the vice-president and Maria were considered the two most beautiful girls in their grade, just like the two "pretty princesses," Alisa and Yuki, who were also student council members. Plus, there was the heir to the Shinomiya family, who was stunningly gorgeous, and even Chika Fujiwara, one of the most popular girls in school.
That alone would make any girl feel self-conscious, and it made things even worse that Alisa was at the top of her grade, Yuki was on the student council in middle school, Kaguya was a wealthy young lady, and Chika was wildly popular. Having to see someone more beautiful and talented than you every day would be hell for any girl. Even a guy who joined the student council hoping to woo one of the beautiful girls would feel discouraged and give up upon seeing how much more capable they were than him.
"That's why I think you'd be perfect, Isagi. You're more than qualified, and I think you'd work really well with Alya and me. Plus, you've already proven you can do it when you were student council president in elementary school."
"…?!"
Alisa stared at Isagi, shocked to hear this detail from Yuki. He furrowed his brow.
"Isagi was the president?" Alisa asked.
"Yeah. In elementary school, two years ago, he was the student council president…"
"Oh…"
"It was a long time ago, and I'm never doing that again," Isagi insisted, letting out a sigh.
Yuki smiled, though she was clearly upset as he waved his hand in genuine distaste, and tilted her head toward Alisa, who was still staring at Isagi in astonishment.
"You might be surprised, but Isagi gets things done when he needs to… despite being like this most of the time."
"What's that supposed to mean? 'Like this'?"
"Hee-hee! Sometimes I wonder that too."
Alisa pouted as she listened to their friendly banter. She seemed bothered.
"Я знаю, что может. Хм."
(I know he can. Hmph.)
But her whispers in Russian didn't reach their ears.
Isagi crossed his arms on the table, leaning back slightly in his chair with a tired sigh, as if this topic had been discussed more times than he could count.
"Even if I wanted to, Yuki… I don't have the time. The Inter High is in two months. I need to focus on training if I want to play for real."
Yuki tilted her head, resting her chin on her clasped hands as she looked at him with a slightly disappointed but understanding air.
"I know, I know… But you were president before and played soccer, so it can't be that hard to balance both…"
"That was in elementary school. The pressure now is different. If I slip up, I won't achieve my dream…"
Alisa, who had been listening silently with her spoon paused in midair, finally shifted her eyes to him.
"You're going to play? In the Inter High?"
"That's the plan," Isagi replied with a faint smile, a spark of determination flashing behind his eyes. "If I do well, maybe I can get a scholarship. Or even get noticed by a scout."
After being reborn into this world a few hours ago, he'd decided to set that as his goal, at least until the Blue Lock project started. And, let's be honest… there was no guarantee he'd even be selected. He needed to be prepared for other alternatives.
Winning the Inter High seemed like a great start.
The Inter High, officially known as the All Japan High School Sports Competition, is a national tournament that brings together schools from all over Japan to compete in various sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and athletics. In the case of soccer, the tournament takes place during the summer and involves three main stages: regional qualifiers (within each prefecture), the qualifying phase, and the national tournament itself.
To participate, schools must first win their prefecture's championship. Only one school per prefecture advances to the national phase, making the competition extremely fierce from the start. The final tournament usually takes place between July and August and is broadcast on television, receiving attention from sports media, universities, and professional clubs.
Beyond the prestige, the Inter High serves as a visibility platform for high school athletes. A good performance in the tournament can open doors to university scholarships, invitations to youth teams, or even opportunities with professional clubs. That's why the event is taken very seriously by schools and their athletes, being one of the most important moments in the Japanese school sports calendar.
Yuki seemed to ponder this for a few seconds before sighing lightly and smiling, though still a bit disappointed.
"Alright. But only if you promise that, when the championship's over, you'll consider helping me with the events."
"Promise? You want me to sign a contract too?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
Yuki laughed, shaking her head. "Your word is enough. And I'll hold you to it."
"…Fine, I promise."
"Yatta!" she celebrated quietly, clenching her fists in a victorious gesture.
"You seem to be having way too much fun with this…" Alisa commented, her voice soft but not free of her usual touch of sarcasm.
"Of course I am," Yuki replied with her usual smile. "I've always liked talking to Isagi. And to you too, Alya. I hope we can talk more like this."
Alisa didn't respond right away. Her eyes lingered on the bottom of her bowl for a moment before she gave a slight shrug and murmured something inaudible:
"…"
Yuki smiled faintly, not seeming offended, and went back to eating calmly.
Isagi, on the other hand, was starting to feel the air around them grow heavy. It was subtle—a nearly imperceptible tension between the two, like a silent duel disguised as politeness. Was it just his imagination? Maybe not. But he couldn't do anything except pretend he didn't notice.
Actually, no… maybe he could have a little fun with it.
"By the way, Alya…"
"…What?" she asked, not looking at him directly.
"You've been staring at me more than I've stared at you today. Is this some kind of revenge?"
Alisa nearly choked on her last sip of broth, turning her face toward him with wide eyes and her cheeks flushing a faint pink.
"W-what?! I'm not staring at anything!"
"Oh, really? Maybe it's just my imagination then…" Isagi said, his voice dripping with irony, resting his chin on his hand and flashing a lazy smile, as if teasing a grumpy kid.
Yuki laughed heartily, covering her mouth with her hand. "Isagi, it looks like you get along really well with Alya too. You two are hilarious together."
"Hilarious, huh…?" Alisa muttered, her cheeks still slightly flushed. Then she added in Russian, as if trying to shield herself in her native language:
"Этот идиот снова издевается надо мной…"
(This idiot is teasing me again…)
But just like before, her words in Russian didn't reach her two companions...
.
.
.
.
.
"Anyway, I need to stop by the student council room before class."
"Oh, alright. See you after school."
"Yeah, see you after school."
"Later, Yuki."
"Please don't forget your promise, Isagi…"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll try to think about it…"
"Ha-ha-ha."
"Hey! Why are you smiling?"
"Oh, no reason. Have a good day."
After leaving the cafeteria, Yuki bowed gracefully, with the impeccable posture of a lady, and walked away with light steps. Isagi, on the other hand, waved his hand sloppily, as he always did, more of a tease than a sincere goodbye.
"You two are really close," Alisa commented, her voice twenty percent colder and sharper than usual, making Isagi slightly raise his eyebrows.
"That's surprising?"
"Yes, very. I can't believe you have a female friend."
Isagi slowly turned his face toward her, raising an eyebrow with a comically confused expression.
"Wait a sec. That's what surprises you?"
"Yes. And?"
"I mean…" He pointed directly at her, frowning: "You. You're a female friend."
Alisa blinked once. Then again. Her face went completely blank for a few seconds, as if her brain had frozen.
"…We're… friends?"
"Huh? We're not, then?"
Alisa stayed silent for a moment. Then she suddenly turned her face away, as if caught off guard by a feeling she didn't want to admit.
"…We are. We're friends," she finally replied, her voice low and a bit rushed, as if she wanted to get it over with.
Without giving Isagi time to react, she spun on her heels with unusual speed, her long hair flowing through the air.
"I need to stop by the student council room too… Don't follow me…" she said firmly, not even glancing at him as she walked away with hurried steps.
"…Huh? What was that about?" Isagi muttered to himself, still standing in the middle of the cafeteria.
He stared at the hallway where Alisa had disappeared, a bit confused and somewhat surprised, until he let out a heavy sigh and scratched his head.
"Oh, right… I never called her a friend before. Am I really that dumb for only thinking about soccer? Well, that's not happening again… Though I need to figure out how to train over the next two months to reach a decent skill level and win the Inter High, I want to try enjoying my high school life like a normal person…" he muttered to himself quietly before heading toward the classroom.
That afternoon, oddly enough, rumors started circulating in the hallways that the "Princess Alya" had been seen walking with a slight skip in her step, humming softly in Russian while clutching her books to her chest. Of course, as always, none of these rumors ever reached Isagi's ears.
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