Chapter 2246: Favorite Junior

Chapter 2246: Favorite Junior



As they continued to play. I never stopped observing the two.

And I noticed that Nagai was surprisingly a good sport. After calming down, she took the loss in stride, focusing on improving herself. Sumire, on the other hand, was the picture of grace, not gloating but instead offering Nagai some tips she picked up from her time playing.

I thought that would piss Nagai but it didn't. Everything was already smoothened out after the girl accepted her narrow view.

Seeing Sumire unbothered and even enjoying their exchange, I felt like a proud parent watching my child grow up and make friends.

It somehow felt like I became the third party. Or so that's how it would look like if not for the two of them moving back to my side every time they would finish a set.

Minutes later, as soon as our allotted time was finished, Nagai tried to keep us back by saying she was going to extend. I mean, she came here alone but she ended up joining us in our lane.

But given the time, I refused, and Sumire also understood that our short date would be at some point.

Understanding that, Nagai didn't push for it anymore, instead, she walked out of the lane with us.

In the end, I got sandwiched between them; Sumire at my right and Nagai at my left. The other patrons of the batting center looked at us. Some even whistled at me saying I came into the establishment with a girl on my side but now, I am about to go out with two...

They're not wrong but... it felt wrong, no? Sumire and Nagai giggled at that and even tried to tease me for it.

Of course, that didn't work on my thick face.

As we stepped out of the place, Nagai suddenly brought up a question.

"Senpai, can I know your name?"

Yep. I hadn't named myself in front of her yet. And with Sumire sticking to calling me 'senpai', Nagai simply adopted it.

In any case, Sumire reacted first. Her eyes grew wide as though the girl was asking in order to steal me from her.

"Huh? Renka-san, why are you asking him? You're not planning to...?"

Noticeably, within this short period, they also switched to calling each other on a first-name basis. How fascinating. They had truly gotten closer after settling their differences.

Was it really that easy? I don't know. But if I ask them, I can already imagine the two pointing at me being the iron that smoothened out the wrinkly surface of their relationship, turning rivalry into friendship.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Why not, Sumire-san? I find Senpai cool. I also want to be his acquaintance." Nagai replied, her voice surprisingly playful as if she already read Sumire to be one easily flustered.

I smirked and patted both of their heads before saying, "I'm Onoda but it's up to you on how to call me. But I have to tell you this. Sumire is my favorite junior."

At that answer, Sumire gave me a playful glare while Nagai seemed to be pondering something.

"Eh? Onoda-senpai, do you mean you're not her boyfriend?" Nagai asked.

"That's my trademark. Aren't I your shameless senpai?" I replied, teasing Sumire further, which only made her blush deeper.

Soon, we reached the same park bench where our date had started, and I felt a sense of accomplishment for navigating through the minefield of their rivalry. Sumire's grip on my arm loosened a bit, but she didn't let go completely. She was still in the moment, still reeling from the events at the batting center.

"Sumire, you were amazing back there," I said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You really have come a long way."

"Stop it. It's all you, senpai. I don't think we'll be able to talk like that if not for you..." Sumire mumbled, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "And... Nagai-san. I didn't know she felt

like that."

"I guess that's a normal reaction when she's the one holding the position for a long time. It's

surprising but she's pretty reasonable. And she's also quite charming when she wants to be," I said with a knowing smile. "But you're the one who showed her your worth today. That took guts."

"Stop praising me... I'm embarrassed." Sumi giggled, hiding her face in my chest. She was adorable like that, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

"Ah. Right. Since you won the challenge, have you thought about what you want, Sumire?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence as we sat on the bench.

"Can I have a kiss?" She looked up at me with those sparkling eyes, hope, and a touch of shyness intertwined in them. With how straightforward she brought that up, how could I

resist the pull?

After looking to our left and right, ensuring no one was paying attention to us, I leaned down and gave Sumire the kiss she requested without a hint of hesitation.

Her lips were soft and sweet, and she responded to me with the same enthusiasm. Furthermore, there was a hint of victory in the way she accepted my kiss. It's like she was

claiming what was rightfully hers. It was a short but passionate kiss, and it left us both

breathless.

"Y-you're so quick, senpai. I meant on the cheek but you went for my lips." Sumire stuttered out, her face now a beacon of red as she looked up at me with wide eyes, her breaths shallow.

"Hmm? Is that so? Sorry, you should've been clear from the start," I teased with a smug grin playing on my lips before pulling her back to lean on my chest.

Sumire's eyes narrowed slightly. The corners of her mouth twitched upwards, hinting at a smile she was trying to suppress.

"Shameless!" She protested weakly, but her eyes shone with amusement.

"Well, when you're as lovely as you are, Sumire, it's hard to resist." I chuckled, stroking her

hair gently.

Just like this, we spent the time quietly in that park. Of course, I stayed true to my promise of pampering her. Maybe a few stolen kisses too. And when it was time, I escorted Sumire back

to her house.