CHAPTER 27 - A… Special Exam? Part 7
(Pov - Saik.)
Wednesday's classes are over.
It's 4:35 p.m. Most students have already gone home, only those in clubs stayed behind.
On Friday, the soccer and basketball teams will have official games. I'm pretty sure we'll take first place, but better safe than sorry.
Before heading to watch the soccer club practice, I went to drop off my books at my locker.
I'm too lazy to carry them around school.
After watching the practices, I'll come back for my stuff and head home. I still need to keep studying.
"Ah… I'm so lazy."
"You're always lazy, Saik!"
"It's how I was born… I guess."
I opened my locker.
"Oh!"
Ignoring Yuki's surprise, I put my books in the locker and took just a notebook to jot down observations.
"Done. Let's go."
"Huh?! You're not reading the letter?! It's a pink letter! It's a love letter!"
"I see… So?"
"Read the letter!"
Ah… She won't leave me alone if I don't. Better do it.
I opened the letter and started reading.
"Blah, blah, blah. I fell in love with you. Blah, blah, blah. I like your personality. Blah, blah, blah. I love guys like you. Blah, blah, blah… This letter makes no sense."
"Yeah… Even I can tell that, Saik. Did she really fall for you because of that? Sounds pretty stupid… What are you gonna do?"
"It says she'll wait for me behind the library classroom. I'll go reject her and then head to watch the practices."
"Hmm… What if you accept? Maybe she really fell for you."
"Huh? Would a normal person agree to date someone they don't know?"
"No, but…"
"Then I won't."
If I were normal, I might accept, but it's not normal. Even I, a weirdo, know that.
•
•
Hmm… Yeah… I'll admit, she's beautiful… Not beautiful, more like… hot? I guess. I don't know much about women and beauty. I prefer cute.
"H-Hi…"
"I don't know you, and I'm not interested in getting to know you. Bye."
I dropped the letter and walked away.
"Huh?"
"Uwaaah! Saik, that instant rejection hurt even me! Don't be so cruel!"
Cruel? But I did it to not waste more time.
"W-Wait! Are you serious?!"
She grabbed my arm… Wasn't she supposed to be shy? She got aggressive… Oh, a girl with a strong personality? I like that… But not much.
"Why are you rejecting me so fast?! Are you gay?!"
"Not that I know of."
I've never been attracted to a guy, so I think I'm straight… Though I haven't been attracted to women either… I don't know.
"Look, I don't know you, and I don't have time to get to know you."
"Why?!"
"Look, no offense, but you're really annoying. Bye, I'm in a hurry."
I walked away from her.
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
Ah, this school has a lot of crazy girls.
•
•
After getting away from that nutcase, I went to watch the soccer club practice.
"They look good to me, Saik."
I don't know much about soccer, but from what I can see, they're doing pretty well.
I wonder if they have enough stamina to last a full game.
"We're gonna help them anyway, Yuki."
"Yeah!"
We need to make sure we win those points.
"Kya! Come on, Akito! You're the best!"
Hmm… A beautiful girl is cheering for a guy, and two other girls are with her… Oh, is he a popular guy?
I hope his popularity is backed up by his performance on the field.
Ah, right, I should go.
I can't stay long, so I'll quickly head to…
"Watch out!"
A ball came flying toward me… What were the odds of this happening to me?
Based on my soccer knowledge, I should do this.
I caught the ball with my chest and kicked it hard toward the goal.
"Huh?!"
An excellent goal.
Well, I'm off.
I walked away and pulled out my phone.
"That was a great goal, Saik! The goalie didn't even see the ball!"
Ah… So I overdid it with my strength… I'm an idiot.
Well, whatever.
"Yuki, you need to make the opposing team trip. You're a ghost, so you won't get tired, unlike them."
"Count on me, boss!"
"Don't call me that."
"Saik, wait!"
I stopped and turned to see Ludius.
"What's up?"
"The club captain wants to talk to you."
"I don't have time."
"I don't recommend rejecting him."
"Why?"
"His personality is… annoying… Please, come—it'll save us both a lot of trouble."
Ah… So lazy.
"Let's go."
•
•
I followed Ludius to the club captain, a third-year from Class A.
From what Ludius told me, he's on the student council and its vice president.
What's that? No idea.
In middle school, I never cared about that stuff. I just went to school and that was it.
What does a student council do? I don't know, and I don't care.
But from the little I know, student council members manage clubs and organize school events. Sounds super boring.
"You've got a good leg, Saik."
"…No offense, but you're not my type."
He laughed and patted my back.
"You're funny, kid."
Did I say something funny?
"I can tell you're in great physical condition. Why don't you play a match with us? I want to see your skills. Not just anyone can score a goal from the distance you did, and the ball's movement was just beautiful."
"I'm not interested in joining. I have important things to do."
"Like expelling another third-year?"
I felt strong pressure.
Akito, the captain, is furious, but he doesn't seem like it.
I can tell from his glare.
"Yeah, it's super easy to trick third-years. They got too cocky just because I'm a first-year."
"Don't be so arrogant, kid."
This guy hates me for some reason… Oh, I can use that.
"Hmm… How about a bet? If you score 5 goals on me, you win. If I score 5 goals on you, I win."
"Fufu. You really want to do this? How much are you willing to bet?"
"Let me see…"
I pulled out my phone and opened the app to check my points.
"Hmm… I have 5,803 points… I'll bet all of them."
"Saik, what the hell are you doing?! He's the best player on our team!"
Don't worry, Ludius, I have a plan.
"Fufu. I like that about you, kid. I'll bet the same amount."
"Wait, let me record the bet."
"Don't trust me?"
"Should I trust someone I barely know?"
"Excellent response, kid."
That guy's smile is weird. I'll admit he's handsome, which is why he's popular, but he seems like a weird guy.
•
•
"Come on, Akito, win!"
"Beat that weird kid!"
"You got this!"
…Lots of girls are cheering for him and belittling me, even insulting me.
Wow… Popular guys get a lot of support.
I'll feel even more satisfaction if I win.
"S-Saik, you're an idiot! Why'd you bet all your points?!"
"Our victory is guaranteed if I win."
"But he's the captain! Do you even know how to play?!"
"I've never played."
"Never?!"
"But I guess I just need to catch the ball and get it in the goal. Not that hard."
"You're an idiot!!"
"Ludius, get out, we're starting!"
I stood in the goal.
Alright… I guess I'm in the right position.
"You ready, Saik?!"
I nodded.
"Let's start!"
He kicked one of the balls.
Oh, no wonder he's the captain—the distance and speed of the ball are perfect. Only a human with incredible reflexes could catch it.
And that human is me.
I jumped and caught the ball with my hands, heading toward the top left corner of the goal.
"Huh?!"
I put the ball down and returned to my position.
"You've got 4 balls left."
"Tch."
Oh, his anger's rising.
Perfect.
He kicked the ball, and I caught it again.
"Damn it!"
He kicked another ball, but the result was the same.
For me, catching the balls isn't hard. I have the reflexes and strength to do it.
Ball after ball, I caught them all.
"Done, my turn."
All the girls cheering for him went silent. Absolutely no one was saying anything.
"Tch."
He got in the goal, and I placed the 5 balls on the ground, in the same position he was in.
If I'm right, I just need to get the balls in the goal and prevent him from catching them.
I need to trick him into thinking I'm kicking the ball in a different direction.
I took a running start and kicked the ball.
The ball headed toward the bottom right of the goal.
He reacted and tried to catch it, but his fingers only grazed the ball, and I scored.
"First goal."
"Come on, Saik, you got this!"
"Beat that show-off!"
Ah, the only ones cheering for me are Ludius and… Who's that other girl…? Oh, the tomboy who tried to convince me to switch classes.
What's she doing here?
Well, whatever.
I kicked the ball and scored another goal, just above him.
"Second goal."
That pissed him off more.
I was about to kick the ball with my right foot, but at the last moment, I stopped and kicked it with my left.
He didn't expect that and dove to his right, letting me score on his left.
"Third goal."
"Damn it!!"
I kicked the ball, and it went between his legs.
"Fourth goal."
His face is red. Where's that pretty face now, huh?
…Oh, I know. This'll be fun.
I kicked the last ball, and it hit the left post.
It bounced off the post and slammed hard into the guy's face.
The ball fell to the ground and slowly rolled into the goal, scoring the final goal.
"Fifth and final goal. I win."
"Damn it!!!"
Oh, his nose is bleeding. I might've overdone it.
"You did it, Saik!"
Ludius hugged me… This is weird… But I guess he's really happy. This secures our victory.
"Hey, pay up. I won."
"Tch. I know."
He pulled out his phone, and a few seconds later, I got a notification… Good, all the points came through.
"11,606 points in two weeks… Must be a record… Yeah, it is. Pleasure doing business with you. Bye."
I walked away, looking at my phone.
I'll admit I didn't plan this, but I'm glad it happened. I'd be more satisfied if I could expel him and get another protection point, but I doubt he's that stupid.
"I wonder if there's another idiot in the basketball club who'll bet with me."
"Fufu. You've got some guts, Saik."
The tomboy stood in front of me, but I ignored her and kept walking.
But, unfortunately, getting rid of her won't be that easy.
"Hey…"
She grabbed my arm, and I turned to look at her.
"What's up?"
"Have you thought about what I asked?"
"Hmm… No offense, but with the points I have, plus my classmates' points, it's very likely we'll be the new Class A. Why should I switch to your group?"
"Fufu. You've become quite a challenge for me, Saik. You're not the only one who can expel another student."
"And what do I do with that info?"
"Fufu. You'll find out soon enough."
"Hey, can I give you some advice?"
"Oh, sure."
"You're really cute, but don't sell your body for points—it's not worth it."
"Y-You think I'd do that, you idiot?!"
"No, but I wanted to see you mad. You look cuter."
"W-What are you saying, idiot?!"
I offered her a lollipop.
"Want it?"
"Tch. Thanks."
She took the lollipop, and I walked away.
Alright, I'm officially the weirdest first-year. I'll definitely catch the attention of those annoying ghost hunters… Ah, I didn't want to use it since it's such a hassle, but I have to.
•
•
I entered the gym where the basketball club practices. Like with soccer, my knowledge is just as basic. I understand you just need to get the ball in the hoop, but I think there are more rules to follow.
This'll be the easiest to cheat at.
"They're playing… decently, I guess. I don't know much about this, Saik."
"Me neither."
In P.E., when everyone played soccer or some sport, I'd sneak off to improve my ghost-control powers. I didn't need to exercise more than I already did—I didn't need those classes.
I sat in the bleachers and started recording with my phone. Later, I'll analyze everyone's strengths and tell Naok how they can improve.
"Naok's playing well… I think… Is the best player the one who holds the ball the longest?"
"No, the best player would be the one with the most stamina, the best reflexes, and, of course, the one who knows how to play as a team."
There's a certain player who doesn't pass the ball and always tries to score alone.
I've only been here for 2 minutes, but even I know you need to pass the ball constantly to advance and score.
"…That guy's really cocky, Yuki."
"Yeah, he is."
While heading to the hoop, he elbows the opposing team.
Naok tried to steal the ball, but the guy pulled away, took a running start, and hit Naok's right shoulder with his own. A hit that doesn't hurt, but it pissed Naok off.
"Yuki, float to the hoop and stop him from scoring. It won't hurt you—just use your hands to redirect the ball."
"I'm on it!"
Yuki flew toward the hoop, and I stopped recording.
I've seen enough.
"It's almost time."
Yuki's in position, and the guy shot the ball toward the hoop.
A perfect shot heading straight for the center.
Before the ball went in, Yuki gave it a slight tap, barely noticeable, redirecting it to hit the rim and bounce off, missing the score.
The ball bounced and came toward me.
I grabbed the ball with my hands.
"Pass me the ball, please!"
…Ah, he said please… Not as rude as I imagined.
"Hey, you need to play as a team. If you're gonna play like a show-off, at least try to score properly."
"Huh?"
I shot the ball from my distance and scored.
"Don't play solo, idiot. Even I, who doesn't play this, can score. Don't act so arrogant."
The guy walked up to me and looked me in the eyes.
"Oh, you think you're better than me?"
"Hmm… I guess so."
"Have you won any championships or at least a trophy?"
"I've never played, not even in school."
"And you still think you're better than me?"
"Yeah. Wanna bet?"
"…I know that trick. You're pretending you don't know how to play to scam points."
"I assure you I've never played in school. I'll even let you check my record—you'll see I always skipped P.E. in middle school. But I'm confident in my strength control—I'm sure I can get a simple ball in the hoop… Oh, I see, you're scared of me. Don't worry, I get it."
"…I don't need points. How much do you wanna bet?"
"Well…"
I pulled out my phone and showed him my point total.
"I've got 11,606. I'll bet all of them. Well… If you dare. Though, considering your cocky personality, I doubt you don't trust your skills."
"I'm warning you, I've played basketball since I was a little kid. I have trophies to prove my skills on the court. You still wanna go?"
I started recording an audio.
"Yeah, I wanna go. You choose how we play."
"Fufu. Easy points."
•
•
After accepting the bet, he gave me a couple of minutes to prepare.
I sat in the bleachers and sighed.
"I'm definitely gonna get in trouble if I keep racking up points."
"Hey, Saik."
Naok stood in front of me.
"How'd you get more points…? No, more importantly, have you really never played before?"
"No, I've never played this. But I just need to get the ball in the hoop—it's not rocket science."
"Ah… You're definitely weird, Saik."
"And I bet all my points with the soccer club captain and won, that's why I have double the points."
"…At this point, I'm not surprised. You definitely love taking risks, Saik… Think you can win?"
"Hmm… 50/50. We'll find out."
•
•
I met the guy at our positions.
The game is to reach 21 points.
If I score, I get one point. If I score without touching the hoop, it's two points.
Pretty simple.
"Superior, you go first."
"I wouldn't want to expel a new kid. You sure you wanna go through with this? This school's more interesting than you think."
"Stop feeling sorry and start."
"Ah… Alright."
He shot the ball and scored without touching the hoop.
"2 points. Your turn."
I shot the ball and also got two points.
"Tied, superior."
He smiled.
"This'll be fun."
We kept playing, and both the girls' and boys' teams stopped practicing to watch us.
"8 points."
He's really good. If I were a normal human, I'd definitely be getting humiliated, but unfortunately for him, I'm not normal.
"12 points."
Everyone's silent, watching.
"15 points."
I missed a two-point shot on purpose. I don't want them to think I'm too good.
"19 points."
"I've got 20. If I get two points, you lose… Sorry."
Got cocky? Big mistake.
He shot the ball, about to get those two points, but Yuki used her right arm to redirect the ball in midair, making it hit the hoop and miss.
Everyone was shocked to see that, and I grabbed a ball.
"You shouldn't have gotten so cocky."
I shot the ball and scored two points.
"21, I win."
He smiled and extended his hand.
"You won fair and square."
…He's actually a good person. I guess I'm bad at judging people.
I shook his hand.
"Now pay up."
"Yeah, yeah… Ah, that's more than half my points… It hurts, but a bet's a bet."
I received my points.
I doubled my points.
Awesome.
"By the way, would you like to join the club? Your skills are excellent."
"I fall asleep in class because I'm a lazy guy who doesn't like socializing or cooperating. If I join, I'd probably get kicked out for skipping all the practices. Bye."
I walked away, and Naok put his arm around me.
"We're definitely taking first place! I don't think anyone can catch up to us, Saik."
"At this point, they'd only catch up if a student expels another and sells the protection point. Would anyone take that risk? I don't know… I gotta go, bye, Naok."
"We should celebrate! Let's go eat together and invite the others."
"Eating doesn't sound bad… You skipping practice?"
"Ah… Right… Meet up in an hour?"
"Alright, send me the location by text."
"Don't bail! Invite Sylphie, and I'll get the others."
He walked off, and I sighed.
"I wonder if I'll get privileges with my points."
Maybe on school trips, I'll get a better room or something.
"Whatever."
I left the gym and kept walking. Nothing left to do here—I can go now.
All I need to do now is call Sylphie to invite her to the celebration.
I called Sylphie and waited.
"H-Hi, Saik!"
"Hi, Sylphie. Good afternoon. I gave my virginity to a teacher, and thanks to that, I now have 23,212 points. The others and I are going to celebrate. Wanna come?"
"…Huh?! What did you do?!"
"Sorry, it was a joke. I got those points betting with the soccer club captain and the basketball club captain. We're going to celebrate since it's obvious we'll take first place."
"Ah… T-That caught me off guard… Wait… You bet all your points again?!"
"Yeah. Twice, to be exact."
"S-Saik, you really love taking risks."
"You coming with us? We're grabbing food in an hour. Wanna join?"
"O-Of course! Where?"
"I don't know—Naok will tell me in an hour. I don't know the city that well."
"T-That's right, you went to a different school. Thanks so much for inviting me—I'd love to go."
"I'll call you when I have the location. Bye."
"Bye, Saik!"
I hung up and put my phone away.
"Saik… You made a joke, Saik?! I'm shocked! Who are you, and what did you do with Saik?!"
"Can't I make jokes?"
"You make jokes at the most unexpected times, Saik."
"Is that good or bad?"
"I don't know… I guess good."
"Then it's fine… Let's go home and play video games."
"Let's go!"