I’ve Been Working My Hardest as Manager of the Girls’ Track and Field Team, but Ever Since I Retired, the Team Members Have Been Coming at Me Like Crazy!?
“Ah, the usual view.”
When I arrived at the station nearest to school and stepped out of the ticket gate, what greeted me was a deserted roundabout that looked typical of a small-town station.
Normally, I’d be fed up with that sight, but right now, it actually made me feel calm.
Finally, I can go home.
Once I get home, I should be able to relax for a bit.
“Alright, that’s it for today. Everyone, be careful on your way home.”
The teacher said that and then disappeared somewhere with a flourish.
“Seriously, is that really how a chaperone is supposed to act?”
“Come on, it’s fine. It’s the same as always. Anyway, Mitchi, are you going straight home today?”
When Shiratori asked, the other two were also waiting intently for my answer.
“Uh, well, I’m going home.”
“What? Why? What about the after-party?”
“Nah, I haven’t planned anything like that. Besides, school starts again tomorrow, so I can’t go overboard.”
“Cheee.”
To Shirotori, who was pouting, I said, “Moe, everyone’s tired today, so let’s do it tomorrow.”
Yukimura’s attempt to placate her made her look somewhat reliable, but I immediately shook my head.
Yukimura’s devotion is all just so I’ll mess her up.
Don’t be fooled.
Be ruthless.
“Well, I’m heading home. You guys live in the opposite direction, right? Be careful on your way home.”
I left the scene as if fleeing.
“Ugh… I’m exhausted.”
After getting a little distance from the others, I let out a mutter without thinking.
I’m really exhausted.
What on earth has happened to those three?
I’m happy they’re all into me, but why are they all so different—each with their own twisted way of obsessing over me?
I thought all three of them were competitive and manly, just like athletes should be.
Hmm.
“What’s up, Sen-chan?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering how things got to this point… Whoa!”
Before I knew it, Hayase was standing right next to me.
“Isn’t it a bit rude to be so surprised just by looking at someone’s face?”
“S-sorry. I mean, but Hayase, your house isn’t this way, is it?”
“My parents are out for work today, so I’m going to my grandma’s house.”
“O-oh, I see. So Grandma’s house is this way, then.”
“Yeah. Actually, it’s right next door to your house, Sen-chan.”
“Wow, what a coincidence… Huh? Really?”
“You know the ‘Morikawa’ house next door? That’s my mom’s family home.”
“Oh, really?”
Ah, I know Morikawa san well—she’s a kind woman who’s been friends with our family for ages.
I never would have guessed she was Hayase’s grandmother… Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to be a hassle.
“Speaking of Sen-chan, Grandma always used to say, ‘he’s such a good girl.’”
“R-really? I feel like I’m the one who’s always getting stuff from her.”
“That’s not true. You even helped her look for something you dropped in the garden once.”
“Oh, yeah, that happened. I think it was a hairpin.”
“Exactly. And you know what? Grandma said she wants to thank you properly next time.”
“It’s fine. She’s always been so kind to me anyway.”
“That won’t do. So, next time, can I come to your house with Grandma?”
“With her?”
If she’s coming with Grandma, does that mean it’ll be safe?
…No, wait. First of all.
“Hayase, what do you plan to do at my house?”
“My grandma wants to have a nice, long chat with you.”
“…Why?”
“Well, apparently Grandma actually wanted a son. But my mom’s her only child. She was hoping for at least a grandson—a boy—but I’m her only grandchild. She just can’t help but see you as her own cute son.”
“I-I see.”
I see… I guess?
But for some reason, it’s hard to just brush that off.
“So, since that’s the case, it’s okay for Grandma’s sake, right?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess.”
“Then it’s a promise.”
I don’t know why, but just as I’d made that promise, my house came into view.
And of course, Hayase’s grandma’s house too.
“Oh, we’re home already.”
“Yeah. Well, thanks for sticking with me this whole time. Come to think of it, I forgot to say my goodbyes to everyone.”
“Well, we’ll see them again tomorrow, so it’s fine. Sen-chan, you’ve been through a lot too.”
Though I was a little taken aback by how casually Hayase headed back to her grandmother’s house, I felt a slight sense of relief as I reached for the doorknob of my own home.
“Oh, Sen-chan.”
Just as I was about to open the door and step inside.
Hayase, who was also heading back inside, called out to me.
“You should probably put away those reference books by the window in your room—they’ll fade if you leave them out.”