I'm in Love with the Gorilla Sitting Next to Me - Volume 1 Chapter 3.3

Choose Carefully Whom You Consult Your Worries With 3

Since it was just the two of us, we parted ways at a convenient time, and I headed to the bicycle parking area as I had come by bike.

On the way from the old school building to the bicycle parking, there’s the gymnasium, from which the sounds of energetic voices could be heard. With the doors and windows wide open, not only voices but also the sounds of balls and feet hitting the floor were quite audible.

“It’s right after exams and it’s hot, but they’re so lively… Let’s see.”

Curious about the youthfulness of the students, I took off my shoes, stepped onto the engawa, and peeked inside through the door. There’s a net to prevent balls from escaping, but it doesn’t obstruct the view too much.

The right side of the stage was occupied by the basketball club, with boys and girls using half of the court each. Both sides were drenched in sweat, but one side had more furry members of the Animal Corps, making it look even hotter.

On the left half of the court, the girls’ volleyball team was practicing attacks, taking turns spiking balls raised at the net.

Amidst kangaroos surprisingly unable to jump well and cats crashing into the net, one figure stood out—

“Next, Goura-san, left!”

“…Hmph!”

With a shout, she ran forward and leapt high, slashing with her left arm to powerfully strike the ball. There was the gallant figure of a gorilla.

“Wow… that’s impressive.”

Even to an amateur’s eye, it was clear that Gossan stood out from the other players. She was tall and sharp.

And the sound of her spike. While others made a “bash” sound, Gossan’s spikes resounded with a heavier “zuban!” I’ve been hit by that many times, so I know how it feels. But seeing that, it seems it’s true that she’s been holding back when hitting me… A full swing would be dangerous. It wouldn’t just leave a red mark.

Still, a gorilla soaring through the air is quite a sight. So full of vitality.

…As I was captivated by Gossan’s powerful spike,

“Hey there. Spectators who aren’t part of the team aren’t allowed, okay? Or do you need something?”

A sweaty zebra, who must have approached at some point, blocked my view through the net. I haven’t seen a first-year zebra, so she’s probably an upperclassman.

Caught in the act, I bowed my head slightly and said,

“Sorry about that. I didn’t have any particular reason, just happened to pass by and wanted to see how Gossan was doing.”

“Gossan? Who’s that?”

“Ah, you know, Goura over there.”

I pointed, and Gossan was looking this way. What’s with that? She usually has a stern expression, but now it seems tinged with hostility?

“…Goura-san, huh. What’s your relationship? Surely not her boyfriend?”

“Just a classmate. We talk a lot since we sit next to each other.”

“Hmm… But Goura-san is glaring pretty hard. Really just classmates?”

“Yeah, I remember she was really against it when I said I’d come to watch before.”

“And you still thought it was a good idea to come watch!?”

“Well, I forgot about that. Just thought I’d take a look on my way to the bike parking, didn’t really think much of it.”

As we talked, I watched Gossan take her turn again, but… was that the sound of her hitting the ball just now? Really? It sounded like a metal plate being slammed on the floor.

Gossan landed and gave me a sharp glance. Her mouth didn’t move, but somehow I heard in my mind, 『Next time, it will be your head』

“Yeah, she seems pretty mad, so I’ll be going now. Sorry for the intrusion.”

“Sorry to kick you out like this. Oh, but if you’re friends with Goura-san, come cheer for us at the game. With spikes like that, she could blow away any half-hearted block.”

Zebra Senpai said cheerfully. But if I really went to watch the game, would that day or the next time I saw her in class be my end?

…My head wouldn’t absorb the impact like a volleyball. Even if I took the hit on my back, I’d probably have a mark for days.

I should be careful not to tease too much… With that lesson in mind, I put on my shoes and left the gym. It felt cooler just stepping away, so it must be even hotter inside.

Wiping the sweat from my neck with the back of my hand and scratching my head vigorously.

“…This is crazy… Can’t blame it on the heat… Sigh…”

It’s understandable to think a gorilla spiking a ball is cool, but feeling happy that she noticed me seems to cross the line of friendly affection.

“Sigh, what to do… Well, nothing to do, really…”

Summer break is coming up, so maybe I’ll calm down a bit during the time we don’t see each other. Plus, after the break, there’ll probably be a seat change, so if we’re not next to each other anymore…

“Thinking about this means I’m already in too deep… Sigh…”

Even if this is real love, I have no intention of confessing or wanting to date. That’s why it’s even more frustrating.

It’s different from normal romance, so I don’t have anyone to talk to about it…

“What to do, seriously… Ah, darn it.”

Unable to shake off the frustration in my heart, I hopped on my bike at the parking lot and, instead of heading home, pedaled furiously to blow off stress and confusion, heading to the bustling streets in front of the station.

And after playing around without feeling refreshed and returning home somewhat unsatisfied, an unexpected person was waiting for me.

“I’m home—Oh?”

The Saiki family’s residence is a slightly spacious apartment in an unremarkable building. It’s a 4LDK, with a room for the parents and individual rooms for each child. Though the second son is still young, so he often sleeps with our parents.