Is It Okay to Fall in Love?

†

──Got played.

The day after our fun basketball practice.

When I entered the broadcasting room during lunch break, I was greeted by the chemistry teacher, Onuki-sensei.

“Oh my. Hehehehe, I heard Saiga-kun was absent today, and I was disappointed… but to have Godai-kun come instead… I’m so happy…”

Saiga had asked me to substitute as the lunchtime broadcast personality, and I’d foolishly agreed.

Come on, the contrast between yesterday and today is too extreme. Yesterday, I was alone with Kinoshita, and today I’m alone with Onuki-sensei? How does that happen?

“Ah, um… pleased to work with you today.”

Trying to maintain a smile, I was overwhelmed by the strong scent of her perfume filling the small broadcasting room.

That damn Saiga, he dumped this on me because he couldn’t stand it himself…!?

Our high school’s lunchtime broadcast is hosted by students who are approached by the broadcasting club, with a teacher rotating as supervisor or monitor in the broadcasting room.

It’s interesting that the broadcasting club members aren’t always the hosts. Usually, it’s popular students making jokes for their friends, so I never cared for it.

“Um, Onuki-sensei. What’s today’s theme?”

“Well…”

Onuki-sensei scooted her chair closer to mine. Damn, the contrast between who sits next to me yesterday and today is too much. If someone had to sit next to me, I’d prefer Kinoshita! I won’t say it to her because it’d seem like I’m using my favor as leverage! I just want to see her face!

“Hehe, don’t be shy. I’ll teach you step by step.”

“Ha, haha. Thank you. Please be brief…”

Stop rubbing your thigh. Seriously.

“Well, tomorrow is the ball game tournament, right? So, the broadcast club collected some thoughts and questions about it… I’d like you to answer them kindly, Godai-kun.”

“I see. Understood. Let’s move quickly.”

The scent of her perfume filling my lungs every time I breathe is really unbearable. It even stings my nose.

Sigh… let’s just stay calm.

I quietly turned on the broadcast switch and began to speak.

‘We’re starting the lunchtime broadcast. Today, I’ll be taking over from Saiga Naomichi of Class 2-5. I’m Goda Ryoma, also from Class 2-5. Pleased to meet you.’

“Ohhh, it’s wonderful.”

Onuki-sensei tried to sound alluring but ended up sounding like a seal.

‘I apologize to those looking forward to Saiga, but I’ll do my best. Now, since tomorrow is the ball game tournament, we’ve received some interesting messages. Thank you, Makita-san from the broadcasting club, for the report. Let’s start with the first one──hmm. From mushroom fan K-san.’

There’s a mix of cheers and screams from outside. Hard to tell if it’s excitement or refusal about me reading a letter meant for Saiga.

Well, if it’s complaints, please direct them to Saiga. I have my complaints about him too.

‘Let’s read the letter from mushroom fan K-san.’

【I’m looking forward to the second-year ball game tournament! I hope the first-years enjoy it, and the third-years make the most of their last ball game tournament!】

‘I see, a second-year student. I agree with this person. I hope everyone has fun. For the first-years, this is their first sports event. Let’s continue reading the letter.’

【Actually, my crush has been distracted by a new girl recently, so I plan to win him back here. As the host, you need to support me!!】

‘If it’s her boyfriend, it’s a big deal. But since it’s just her crush, it means they’re not dating yet. Still, she says she wants to win him back… Anyway, I support what you’re trying to do. Good luck, mushroom fan K-san.’

Sounds like typical youth drama. But sending a letter like this suggests she’s enjoying her youth.

‘Let’s move on to the next letter. The sender is… really? A letter from bamboo shoot fan K-san. These two will definitely never get along. Broadcasting club’s Makita-san, is this what you meant by interesting letters???’

There were some laughs from the hallway. At least people are getting into it.

【This is my first time writing in. I’m bamboo shoot fan K. I’m thrilled to enjoy the ball game tournament with everyone.】

‘Quite a polite letter… Is it a miracle that this person used this handle for their first submission? Or is mushroom fan K-san a regular, and bamboo shoot fan K-san is challenging them? Sorry, I don’t have this background knowledge. Still new at this. Let’s see.’

【I don’t want to lose to a certain person.】

…That certain person must be mushroom fan K-san. Unless… are you the “new girl” mushroom fan K-san mentioned?

【I’ve worked hard in practice for the ball game tournament. I’m not sure if winning the tournament is the right thing, but I don’t want to lose. I’ll do my best.】

‘I see, it’s complicated… If your class competes against the person you don’t want to lose to, winning definitely matters. I’m stuck with the idea that this certain person is mushroom fan K-san, so forgive me if I’m wrong.’

Unlike mushroom fan K-san, who asked for a push, bamboo shoot fan K-san didn’t mention wanting anything specific from the host.

But I should respond somehow.

‘One thing that stands out is that bamboo shoot fan K-san doesn’t seem to find much value in winning the ball game tournament itself. Maybe you have another goal or competition where winning or achieving your objective matters more.’

So, let’s see…

‘The ball game tournament is fun and worth taking seriously, but it might help to think about your true goal. I hope it doesn’t overlap with mushroom fan K-san’s crush… I really hope mushroom fan K-san and bamboo shoot fan K-san aren’t destined to clash. Good luck to both of you.’

I hope that was okay. Being a host is tough… I should practice speaking to no one for future reference.

“That was wonderful, Godai-kun…”

Speaking to no one, right. Speaking to no one.