Chapter 127 Tennis 15
Kurikawa Sana never expected that her reputation in Hyotei was actually quite good.
Not only is it not bad, it is also surprisingly popular.
On the first day of classes at Hyotei, just after school in the afternoon, Kurikawa Sana was pulled aside by a junior schoolgirl while walking on the street. The junior schoolgirl blushed and said, "Mr. Kurikawa, you are finally back!"
Kurikawa Sana's mouth opened into an O shape.
Ri, Lord Rikawa? !
"Tonight is Hyotei's theme masquerade for this semester. We in the Kurikawa support group were worried about whether Mr. Kurikawa would come back to class today. We're so glad you're back!"
The younger student continued blushing, "Please follow me to the dressing room in the auditorium. We have prepared the most beautiful dress and makeup artist for you. Lord Kurikawa will definitely shine at the ball tonight!"
Huh? So she's so popular at Hyotei?
"Kuri-Kurikawa Support Group?"
"What?! So you didn't even know?! It's really our fan club's fault—at Hyotei Academy, only you, Kurikawa-sama, and President Atobe have your own fan clubs. President Atobe wins supporters with his unrivaled strength, while Kurikawa-sama attracts us with your stunning beauty. The power of the two fan clubs is evenly matched."
……ah?
Kurikawa Sana continued to be shocked.
If she was not mistaken, she heard a lot of rumors on the first day she landed in this tennis world, such as "She actually came back to class!", "I thought she dropped out or transferred to another school", "Can someone who is hated by President Atobe really continue to study in Hyotei?" and so on... one after another.
How come she has suddenly become someone with a fan club?
The system said in her mind: [Think carefully again, didn't their conversation end up focusing on things like "Kurikawa-san is so beautiful," "I really can't understand why President Atobe hates her," etc.]
Kurikawa Sana: "..."
It seems to be true!
But she was still confused: "But in the previous two worlds, I had a better reputation at Teikou Junior High School and Inarizaki High School, but I didn't have such an exaggerated fan club. How come I have one here?"
System: [Hyoei is no ordinary school; it's a leader among aristocratic private academies. Admiration for the strong and individual cults are prevalent, leading to the emergence of a fan club culture, especially under the influence of the "King" Atobe Keigo.]
I see.
After hearing Kawamura Takashi's words last night, "Kurikawa-san, you're nothing like what people say," Kurikawa Sana was initially worried that the system had ruined the world's reputation. But now, it seems, at least with Hyotei's words, things are looking okay.
When she was taken to the dressing room in the auditorium to put on makeup, Kurikawa Sana felt a passion beyond her imagination.
The Kurikawa fan club had a mixed crowd of men and women. The men were gentlemen who didn't enter the dressing room to disturb "Kurikawa-sama" while she was getting dressed, remaining outside to handle logistical work. The women, blushing, gathered around Kurikawa Sana and began to excitedly discuss—
"Kurikawa-sama putting on makeup... What a magnificent face!"
"As expected, Kurikawa-san is so beautiful. Not to mention pursuing both Atobe-san and Oshitari-senpai at the same time, even pursuing more than one is perfectly acceptable!"
Kurikawa Sana: "..."
Is this true? Is that what everyone thinks? Amazing!
The girls gathered around her, putting makeup on her and doing her hair, while continuing to discuss:
"Besides Oshitari-senpai and Atobe-san, I think second-year student Hou Chotaro is also good. A stunningly beautiful senior and a tall, shy little puppy younger than her, they're a perfect match!"
"I'm obsessed with Akutagawa Jiro-senpai! He always looks like a lazy little lamb, but he's actually a big bad wolf pretending to sleep and secretly spying on me... It makes me excited just thinking about it!"
"Am I the only one who likes Kurikawa-sama and Kabaji? A beauty and the beast combo."
"What? The painting is wrong, get out!"
"What's wrong with Huadi-senpai? He's so nice! One time, I couldn't move a box, and he helped me move it!"
"Stop—I still respect Lord Kurikawa's opinion. I support Lord Kurikawa and Seigaku's Tezuka-kun. Seigaku's Tezuka-kun is really handsome... and he's a player on par with President Atobe!"
"No! How can you attack anyone other than Hyotei? Traitor, get out!"
“No!”
Kurikawa Sana, who had been listening to the above conversation: "..."
“…………………………………………”
Huh? Huh? Huh?
Kurikawa Sana was completely shocked.
"Everyone, stop for a moment—" The junior schoolmate who brought her here looked at her worriedly, "I'm sorry, Lord Kurikawa, are we causing you a headache by being too noisy? We're just too excited to be able to be so close to you, Lord Kurikawa..."
Kurikawa Sana quickly waved her hands: "No, no, I'm just a little surprised. And everyone, please don't call me Lord Kurikawa! And the honorific for 'you' is... just call me Sana or Senior!"
"Eh? Is this really okay?"
"As expected of our beloved Sana-senpai, she is both beautiful and kind—"
The girls were first surprised at their idol's easy-going nature, and then they wiped away their tears with such emotion that their movements and tone were still exaggerated, so exaggerated that it was cute.
After a moment of surprise, Kurikawa Sana was amused, and her eyes were so moved that she felt sore and wanted to cry.
It’s great to see the kindness released by everyone.
In her previous two worlds, she had never suffered any cold stares, prejudice, or school bullying. After hearing what Kawamura Takashi said yesterday, she was originally worried that she would be disliked and have a hard time in Hyotei, but she didn't expect the situation to be completely the opposite. She even had her own fan club.
Everyone is a very good person.
"Hey, Sana-senpai is crying..." The makeup artist who was applying makeup to Kurikawa Sana was stunned. She blushed and stared at her hands in a daze: "Even her tears are so beautiful. I won't wash my hands when I go back. These are the hands that applied makeup to Sana-senpai..."
Others couldn't help but complain: "No, you still have to wash your hands! Otherwise, next time you can't use unwashed hands to put makeup on Sana-senpai!"
"Don't let Sana-senpai think we are perverts!"
"puff……"
Kurikawa Sana was also amused and took her hand to touch her face. "It doesn't matter. You can come to me anytime you want."
Makeup artist: “!!!”
Unable to withstand the fatal blow, the junior high school girl fell down with red smoke on her face!
"Ah, Kanon, she's fallen! Yuuki, hurry up and take over!"
"Yes! President Usami!"
The system muttered quietly in her mind: [Why are you suddenly flirting with a junior high school girl?]
Kurikawa Sana covered her face in shame: [Sorry, the muscle memory from reading too many strategies took over me.]
system:【………】
…
At the same time, outside the door of the auditorium dressing room.
The second-year regular player of the Hyotei tennis team, Hou Chotaro, and the third-year regular player, Shishido Ryo, looked at each other. Shishido Ryo's handsome face was expressionless, while Hou Chotaro's face was as red as the makeup artist inside.
The soundproofing here was not very good, and the excited discussions of the girls inside were particularly obvious, so much so that Hou Changtaro and Shishido Ryo, who were just passing by and preparing to attend the theme dance, stopped after hearing their teammates' names.
Especially Feng Changtaro, after hearing the sentence "Feng Changtaro from the second year is not bad, the beautiful senior sister is x years younger than the tall and shy little puppy, they have a great compatibility!", his face turned red like a boiled prawn.
"Why would they think that?" Hou Chotaro stammered, "Kurikawa-san and I haven't even spoken a word yet..."
"Tsk..." Shishido Ryo rubbed the back of his head and uttered his most common catchphrase, feeling inexplicably irritated. "That's really lame."
Feng Changtaro: “…”
He quietly observed Shishido Ryo's expression. After training together and developing a tacit understanding through doubles play over this period of time, Hou Chotaro was able to quickly discern Shishido Ryo's emotions.
Could it be that because... Shishido-senpai's name wasn't mentioned just now, Shishido-senpai is sulking?!
That's absolutely right! Just now, after going around, even Kabaji-senpai and Kurikawa-senpai were mentioned, but no one mentioned Shishido-senpai... Shishido-senpai is a person with an extremely strong desire to win, and this applies to everything. So even if he doesn't have any feelings towards Kurikawa-senpai, he will feel subtly unhappy now.
"Shishido-senpai...are you angry?" Hou Chotaro asked cautiously.
"Huh? What are you angry about?"
Hou Chotaro: "No one mentioned that you and Kurikawa-san are a good match."
Shishido Ryo: “…”
He twitched his lips, and was almost instantly ignited: "Chotaro, are you kidding me—"
The words were a denial, but a picture involuntarily appeared in Shishido Ryo's mind.
Cherry blossoms danced across the Hyotei campus, leaving a blanket of pink petals. The wind gently blew the long, black hair of a girl beneath the cherry blossoms, creating a vibrant and striking contrast of colors, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.
At that time, Shishido Ryo was stunned for a moment.
Just like he is now in a daze.
"Shishido-senpai, Shishido-senpai?"
Houchotaro waved his hand in front of him, and Shishido Ryo suddenly came to his senses.
He closed his eyes, his expression returned to indifference, and he sneered, "Are you kidding me, Chotaro? Who would care about her? A guy like that whose mind is only filled with Atobe and Oshitari..."
Just at this moment.
The door of the locker room creaked open, and the words stuck in Shishido Ryo's throat stopped abruptly.
The person he refused to acknowledge in his stubborn words, who was also the person standing under the cherry tree in his memory, appeared in front of him at an unprecedented close distance.
In previous years, Hyotei's ball themes have included "magic theme", "classic movie theme", "Versailles retro theme", "Midsummer Night theme" and so on. This semester's theme is "17th Century Baroque Style Masquerade Ball", and the dress prepared by the fan club for Kurikawa Sana perfectly fits the theme.
Kurikawa Sana's waist-length black hair was now frizzy and gorgeous, and her already stunningly beautiful face was now delicately made up, creating a striking beauty. She wore a black and gold Baroque-style velvet gown, the hem embellished with gold and silver embroidery and jewels, a truly luxurious look.
Another characteristic of the Baroque style is the use of an extremely rigid corset on the upper body, which emphasizes the lines of the chest and waist. Under the pressure of the corset, the girl's overdeveloped lines and large expanses of white skin are accentuated...
Shishido Ryo was completely stunned. When he realized what was happening, his face turned red. The boy covered the lower half of his face and took several steps back. "W-What are you wearing?!"
Kurikawa Sana: "???"
"The skirt." She blinked, a look of hurt on her pretty face.
Sure enough, there were still people in school who disliked her. Not everyone liked her as much as the fans in the school. This person in front of her looked like he had a huge problem with her, to the point where he couldn't even stand the skirt she was wearing.
The door wasn't very soundproof, and Kurikawa Sana heard it when she pushed it open. The other party sneered and said she was "the one whose mind is full of only Atobe and Oshima".
When she thought of this, Kurikawa Sana felt a little sad.
She still hasn't seen Obito yet...
The system at this moment: [? ]
I thought she was sad because of what Shishido Ryo said, but it turned out to be because she still hadn't met Obito?
The girl's expression became visibly depressed. Hou Changtaro was stunned for a moment, and Shishido Ryo couldn't help but clench his fists, and even felt a moment of regret.
Did he just say something too harsh?
"S-Sorry, Kurikawa-senpai! Shishido-senpai meant no harm!" Hou Chotaro bowed, "I'm Hou Chotaro, a second-year student!"
Kurikawa Sana: "!!!"
Is Feng Changtaro the tall, shy little puppy they just mentioned?!
The boy had short light grey hair and a light wheatish complexion, with handsome features. He was exceptionally tall for his age, estimated at 185cm, while Echizen Ryoma, who was only a grade below him, was only 151cm.
system:【…………………】
If Echizen Ryoma knew what you were thinking, he would be furious, right?!
"I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything else." Shishido Ryo paused, and finally said awkwardly: "... I'm Shishido Ryo from the third grade."
The brown-haired boy named Shishido Ryo has handsome features and sharp eyes that reveal a stubborn and unyielding spirit. However, his outfit of wearing a blue baseball cap backwards and a Baroque-style ball suit is a bit puzzling.
system:【………】
Okay, stop complaining.
"Hello, Shishido-san and Feng-san." Kurikawa Sana lifted her skirt and saluted according to the 17th-century European etiquette of the Baroque theme of the ball, nodding slightly at the other party. "Nice to meet you. Well, I'll go to the ball first."
"Ah, okay..."
Looking at the black-haired girl's back as she left, Hou Changtaro said in a daze: "Is it my illusion? Could it be that Kurikawa-senpai hates me..."
Shishido Ryo: “…”
He let out a soft "tsk." "What are you worried about, Chotaro? If you really want to hate someone, it should be me."
Hou Changtaro nodded, "That makes sense."
Shishido Ryo: “……………………”
How could you agree so easily?
Where's Chotaro, the one who usually comforts him by saying, "There's always hope"? Where's he gone?!
…
*
Hyotei, worthy of its status as a leader among aristocratic academies, held its ball in the school's own chapel, its magnificent dome adorned with dazzling crystal chandeliers. The long table was adorned with a vibrant array of flowers, with red roses being the most prominent. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of flowers, the sweetness of French afternoon tea pastries, and the refreshing aroma of black tea, blending together to create an elegant and beautiful scene.
As the black-haired, blue-eyed girl entered the church, she immediately attracted everyone's attention. The church was filled with exclamations of amazement, even drowning out the music of the violin and orchestral band that was playing live.
It’s so beautiful.
Despite wearing a black and gold mask, fitting the theme of the masquerade, everyone present knew who she was.
——Kurigawa Sana.
He had just arrived at Hyotei Academy and soon became known to everyone.
Kurikawa Sana, who was at the center of the topic, had no time to care about the eyes of others.
"Miss, may I ask you to dance with me?"
Kurikawa Sana was stunned for a moment.
The young man in front of him was tall, dressed in a white suit. The expensive, high-quality handmade suit perfectly draped his upright figure. He had shoulder-length dark blue hair and wore a mask shaped like glasses, but beneath it one could still see his deep, handsome features, a rather mature appearance.
Most importantly, his voice.
It was an indescribable bass and Kansai accent, with each note falling in an unexpected position, to the point where one's legs would inexplicably go weak after listening to it.
"good."
Kurikawa Sana extended her hand toward him.
The other party took it very gentlemanly and elegantly and led her to dance.
Almost at the same time, an attribute bar appeared in front of Kurikawa Sana that only she could see.
【Oshitari Yuushi】
Playing style: All-round player
School: Hyotei Academy (3rd year, Class H, No. 4)
Height: Currently 178CM
Weight: Currently 64KG
Birthday: October 15th
Zodiac sign: Libra
Blood type: A
Five-dimensional abilities: Speed 3, Strength 3, Stamina 3, Technique 5, Mental Strength 4
Hobbies: Collecting glasses, reading romance novels, appreciating romantic movies, and songs from the Showa era
Favorite food: fermented glutinous rice soup, blue swordfish, sago
Specialties: Short ball near the net, Brown Bear Net, F&D (Fake short ball), S·S·A·S (Side spin top shot), F·A·S (Flat shot), D·F·D·R (Flat shot return), Locked Heart
…
This is another possible target of Hyotei, Yuushi Ozuchi.
Kurikawa Sana quietly waited for the most critical information to be unlocked, the other party's favorability towards her.
But after waiting for a long time, I still didn’t get the favorability value column.
Kurikawa Sana: "???"
[System, why isn't Ozuki Yuushi's favorability displayed yet?]
System: [Did you see the last of his signature moves? Read it aloud.]
Kurikawa Sana was stunned for a moment: [Lock... your heart? ]
System: [Indeed, Oshitari Yuushi can completely block his mind, eliminating his movements, habits, expressions, and gaze, making his moods and thoughts completely invisible to the outside world. Therefore, his favorability value and whether it is increasing or not cannot be reported.]
Kurikawa Sana: "..."
Huh? Is this even possible?!
In three worlds, this was the first time she'd encountered someone whose favorability the system couldn't even capture. In a way, this man called Ozuki Yuushi was truly remarkable, a truly exceptional individual.
[Will that mean I will never know his favorability value?]
System: [No, when Yuushi Oshizuka truly opens his heart to you, the favorability report will sound.]
Kurikawa Sana was stunned.
What this means is that Yuushi Ozawa is still on guard against her.
"What's wrong? Kurikawa-san, you seem to be distracted." The boy with semi-long dark blue hair smiled slightly and tightened his grip on her hand a little.
Kurikawa Sana came back to her senses and smiled sweetly at him, "Nothing, I just think Oshitani-kun dances really well."
"Really?" Oshitari Yuushi curled his lips, "In this regard... Atobe dances better than me."
Kurikawa Sana: "..."
I always feel like there's something behind this... I really want to know whether this Ozuki Yuushi's favorability is positive or negative? Damn!
But she never gave up.
The girl paused on her toes, raised her slender white neck, and slightly opened her made-up red lips.
"But no matter what, the one dancing with me now is Oshitari-kun, isn't it?"
“………”
Yuushi Oshizuka also stopped.
Kurikawa Sana: [Oshitari Yuushi, Favorability +1. ]
system:【………】
System: [Wait, Sana, did you just report your own favorability? ]
Do you have to be so naughty?
Kurikawa Sana: [Hehe.]
There were no signs of discomfort in her body, which meant that Yuushi Ozaki did not deduct his favorability from her.
Not having her favorability deducted was already a good thing. Rounding it up was a preliminary victory for her, proving that the other party at least didn't dislike her. Even if the other party was closed off, it wasn't a big deal. Kurikawa Sana would find the positive side of herself.
"Heh..." Ozuki Yuushi let out a low laugh from his throat, "You're right."
"Then let's make this dance even more perfect, Kurikawa-san."
"good."
…
*
Inside the Hyotei Church, a young man with dark blue hair in a white suit, like a handsome and tall prince in a fairy tale, was leading a black-haired girl in a gorgeous black and gold dress in dancing.
The two danced gracefully and had outstanding temperament, as if they were made for each other, attracting the attention of everyone present.
Not far away, next to a bouquet of fiery red roses in the auditorium, a young man with purple-gray short hair parted in the middle frowned tightly, staring at the two dancing people with a sharp gaze.
Atobe Keigo clenched the tall glass in his hand tightly.
This guy...
What on earth are you playing at?!
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