Chapter 12: Chance Time
The first period of math and the second period of English went as planned.
The teachers continued to harass me, trying to make me skip school like yesterday. However, I effortlessly answered every question they threw at me and behaved like a model student, unlike the delinquent character I'm supposed to be.
Even on my second day of reincarnation, the reactions around me hadn’t changed, but this consistent behavior would surely have a positive impact eventually.
Before the third period gym class started, I changed into my gym clothes while observing Kizaki Reo from a distance.
His silver hair was dazzling, and his cheerful demeanor while chatting with classmates made him a picturesque figure. Meanwhile, the protagonist, Fusekawa Yorito, was unusually alone.
The heroines are not around him. The girls are scheduled for outdoor track activities, so they aren’t in the gym, reducing the chances of any romantic developments.
I also considered the likelihood of an event with his best friend, Kizaki Reo, to be low. Having already had their conversation event before class, no further interactions were necessary between them.
Today’s gym class involved basketball, Kizaki Reo’s specialty. The protagonist Fusekawa Yorito, with his average athletic ability, had almost no chance to shine. Without the heroines present, there was no reason to make the protagonist stand out in a romantic comedy context.
It seemed the story would unfold as expected. This third period gym class is an unnecessary scene in the narrative, likely to be skipped in favor of the upcoming beach episode. There would be no significant developments until then.
Indeed, Yorito Fusekawa was virtually a background character now.
Even in a romantic comedy where the protagonist usually stands out, he was no different from any other background character during uneventful times like this. The protagonist’s spotlight was temporarily off.
My prediction was correct.
After moving to the gym, I approached Kizaki Reo without any interference.
What happens next is not in the original story. It was entirely up to my communication skills to befriend Kizaki Reo. This was a critical moment.
I mustered my courage and spoke to Kizaki Reo.
"H-Hey, Kizaki-kun, right?"
"You’re Shindo, right? Do you need something?"
Despite my nervousness, Kizaki Reo quickly recognized my name with a slight look of surprise.
For him to remember my name despite my frequent absences was impressive, as expected of the brainy best friend character. Or maybe my frequent absences made my name memorable—but let's leave that aside.
"I started coming to school yesterday, so I feel bad for suddenly talking to you, but I have a favor to ask."
"I was surprised when you started attending suddenly. But you’ve been paying attention in class and answering all the questions the teachers throw at you easily. I was actually quite curious about you. I’m glad you approached me."
He responded with a bright smile.
Surprisingly positive reaction. My attentive behavior in classes yesterday and today might have paid off. I didn't feel the story's forced influence, so this might go well.
Taking this as a chance, I continued the conversation based on what I remembered about Kizaki Reo from the original story.
"I’ve been studying while skipping school. Anyway, about that favor. I was hoping we could be on the same team for today’s basketball class."
"With me? I don’t mind, but why me?"
"I heard you’re a skilled player, a regular since your first year. You even excelled in middle school tournaments. Playing with you would be great practice to improve my basketball skills. If it’s not too much trouble, could you help me?"
"I see. You want to get better at basketball. If you want to play with me, I’m happy to help. What position are you hoping to play?"
"Well… I was thinking of deciding after watching you play. I still don’t know much."
"Alright. Let’s figure it out while practicing together. Let’s do our best, Shindo."
His communication skills are impressive. Despite my rough, delinquent appearance, he responded with a smile, showing no fear. He’s approachable and kind.
Moreover, he didn’t pry into why I wanted to befriend him. His excellent communication skills truly make him a fitting best friend for the protagonist.
I should learn from him and improve my communication skills for when I step out of my villain role.
As I was thinking this, the gym teacher appeared, and the class lined up for the start of the lesson.
First, we did a light run around the gym, followed by some stretching. After that, we practiced passing and shooting, before moving on to team selection for the match.
Kizaki Reo stuck by me during the passing and shooting drills, teaching me everything from dribbling to ball handling.
His kindness made me wish I had someone like him in my previous life.
As we continued practicing, the gym teacher blew the whistle. It was time to form teams for the match.
Teams were not randomly assigned. The gym teacher chose team leaders, who then selected classmates for their teams. Naturally, Kizaki Reo, a regular on the basketball team, was among the leaders.
The leaders chose members fairly, but Kizaki Reo immediately picked me, honoring our pre-class agreement.
"Shindo, you’re on my team. Let’s do this."
"Yeah, looking forward to it, Kizaki."
After team selection, Reo handed me a matching bib with a bright smile and patted my shoulder before heading to the court.
The protagonist, Fusekawa Yorito, is assigned to a team full of background characters, with his spotlight turned off. This was my chance.
Using this time to grow closer to Kizaki Reo—I steadies my nerves and joined him on the court.
