Second day of school life. Perhaps because it was the first day of classes, most of the classes ended with an orientation session about study strategies and other topics.
Many students were probably surprised to find that many of the teachers were quite friendly and approachable.
I thought they were being strict because the government was leading the charge, but that was not the case.
There are other things that are unexpected. Some of the students fell asleep right from the start, but none of the teachers paid any attention to the dishonest people. Even though it is not compulsory education, it is impossible not to pay attention to it at all.
This makes the other students relax, but it doesn't matter to me.
For me, it's more important to deal with boys who show their jealousy even during class.
The incident in the morning has already become famous in the class, and I'm known as the one who made a double move on the second day of school, making me the object of jealousy from the boys and curiosity from the girls.
I no longer have a peaceful life. The good news is that there are surveillance cameras everywhere in the classroom, so the chances of being bullied are low.
As I was thinking about this, the chime sounded, announcing the start of lunch break.
That means eating with Sakayanagi. To be honest, I'd like to run away, but given her personality, if I ran away, she'd definitely come to the classroom and wait for me forever.
Therefore, I won't run away, and I need to pick up Sakayanagi before she comes to D-class.
Having made that decision, I stood up and headed for the door, trying to say, "Ah, Hikigaya-kun,'' but my nose was blocked.
When I heard a voice talking to me from behind, I turned around and saw a cheerful-looking girl talking to me. I know this girl.
Kikyo Kushida. She is probably the most popular girl in my class.
Although I have never talked to her, she is a popular person who has been talked to by both men and women during breaks so far.
But from my point of view, it's someone I don't want to get too involved with.
That's too obvious a reason. Although she is showing off her brightness, I am sure that she is a fierce person with both sides.
After all, I met someone with an even more amazing mask when I was in middle school.
But if someone talks to you, it's impossible to be malicious. No matter what her true nature is, the fact is that she is popular, and if she is malicious, I will be in trouble.
“What is it, Kushida?”
Therefore, I reply in my normal tone.
"Ah, yeah. Well, I want to get along with everyone in the class. So, could you please exchange contact information? Hikigaya-kun, you weren't there when I introduced myself yesterday."
I ran away because I didn't want to introduce myself.
"I was looking at the school's equipment. So? Have you already gotten an address other than mine?"
"A few people, including Hikigaya-kun, are still there. So, would you mind exchanging them?"
"wait a minute"
While saying this, I take out my cell phone from my bag. To be honest, I don't want to get involved, but from what Kushida has said, she has exchanged contact information with nearly 20 people.
If I take a negative attitude here, I will make close to 20 people my enemies, but I want to avoid that.
"Here you go."
I took out my cell phone and immediately exchanged contact information with Kushida. At the same time, Kushida smiles and talks to me.
"Thank you. I want to make lots of memories after school and on holidays, so please keep inviting me."
"I'll do it if I feel like it."
Well, I don't think I'll feel like it.
Some of the boys are shouting,
"Even Kushida-chan has become part of Hikigaya's Harem!'', but it's a shame to have anything to do with a girl wearing such a thick mask.
In a sense, I have a feeling that she'll be even more troublesome than Sakayanagi.
Or rather, don't say "until." I haven't touched Shiina or Sakayanagi.
Even though I thought so, I bowed to Kushida just as a formality and when I left the classroom, I saw Sakayanagi heading towards me.
"Oh, I was just about to pick you up, what a coincidence."
It's dangerous... If Sakayanagi's body wasn't so fragile, she might have come early and gotten me into trouble when I was exchanging contact information with Kushida.
"...Not at all. Rather than that, I'll go. Treat me like you promised."
"Of course. Let's go then."
"Will you invite Shiina?"
"I invited her earlier, but she ate only one side dish bread and went to the library.''
How much do you like reading...
While thinking this, I slowly made my way to the dining room, following Sakayanagi's pace.
__________
"So, what do you eat, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Special set meal"
When I arrive at the ticket vending machine in the cafeteria, Sakayanagi starts talking to me, so I respond immediately.
“I respect your integrity in choosing expensive menu items without hesitation.”
"It's a meal you eat with other people's money."
If I'm not extravagant, I think I'll eat a cheap set meal or a free wild vegetable set meal.
“If you look at it from a third party, it looks like a pimp.”
"That's noisy. My goal is to be a stay-at-home dad."
"Isn't the househusband you're aiming for, Hikigaya-kun, the same as a pimp?"
“I won’t deny that.”
While we were talking about this, we bought food tickets, took our food at the pick-up gate, sat down at a nearby table, and started eating.
"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, can you play chess?"
Sakayanagi says this as she starts eating. Chess...I played a lot of things to release the stress I had built up in my middle to late middle school years, and chess was one of them, and I got really into it.
"I've only been using an app on my smartphone for about a year."
If you play online, you don't have to meet face-to-face, so I think I got into it quite a bit.
“So you just graduated from beginner to intermediate?”
“I guess that’s because I can do all the basic tactics, right?”
“Then, would you mind meeting me after school?”
Sakayanagi says that, but you're definitely in the professional class. There's no reason, but I feel like it.
However, if I refuse, it will be a lot of trouble, so I'll accept it.
"Okay. I'll take it."
"Thank you for saying that. Please meet me at the library after school."
"I think there was a club information session today, are you going to attend?"
I have no intention of joining a club, so I have no intention of participating.
This girl also can't exercise, and she probably has no interest in the cultural club.
If I had to say, she might be interested in the student council.
"No. I'm not going to participate in club activities, so I'm going to go straight to the library. Besides, Hikigaya-san, your mouth is dirty."
While saying this, Sakayanagi wipes my mouth using the dish towel provided.
I'm grateful for that, but it feels like I'm being treated like a child, which is embarrassing.
"Well, thank you."
When I bowed while looking away, Sakayanagi chuckled.
"Don't worry about it. Even so, despite your face, you're reacting like a child."
"Leave me alone...don't pat me on the head!"
Sakayanagi chuckles and pats my head. I tells her to stop, but she shows no signs of stopping.
She is seriously sadistic.
At that time, I gave up on attracting attention from those around me. I don't feel like I can beat Sakayanagi anymore...
3 hours later...
"Then that's all for today. Also, there will be an information session about club activities at 5 o'clock, so anyone who is interested in club activities should attend."
After Chabashira-sensei said that, she left the classroom. After confirming this, I stand up quickly and leave the classroom.
Then...
"Wait, Hikigaya. Tell me more about your date!"
"That's right! Ikemen must die!"
Yamauchi and Ike, the problem children in the class, come up behind me, so I close the door, dash to the nearby stairs, and hide behind a storage room.
My peace of mind collapsed on the second day of school. When I returned to the classroom after lunch break, word had already spread that Sakayanagi had patted me on the head, and everyone, regardless of gender, was questioning me.
As I was thinking that, Ike and Yamauchi came running towards me and went downstairs without noticing me.
Phew, it looks like they're gone and I should be going to pick up Sakayanagi... No, she just came.
When I step out from behind my locker, Sakayanagi notices me and greets me.
"Good mood, Hikigaya-kun. Why were you hiding behind the locker?!"
"Because of your actions during lunch break, I was chased by jealous boys."
"That's rude. Let's go then."
“You don't have the slightest conscience to give me apology at all.”
Although I was disappointed, I didn't make any further complaints and started walking at Sakayanagi's pace.
No matter how much I complain, no one will listen to me anyway.
We walked slowly until we arrived at the library, and when we entered the private booth, Sakayanagi took out a chess board from her bag.
She must be a veteran to carry around a chess board on the second day of school.
"Then let's get started. Hikigaya-kun will decide whether to go first or last."
"Then I'll go first."
While saying this, I moved the pawn pieces.
10 minutes later...
(So, strong...)
I was being pushed hard. I thought she was strong, but it was more than I expected. It's a pro class, isn't it?
Although I managed to get a hold of the ball in the early stages, I gradually started to get pushed back towards the middle and is currently in a pinch.
Sakayanagi's style is a sadist style that is exactly like her own personality. It's a style of attacking, attacking, attacking.
So far, she hasn't captured that many pieces, but I'm sure they will be captured all at once in the next few moves.
Therefore, unless I does something within a few moves, I am guaranteed to lose.
Even when you look at the board, it looks refreshing. All I can see is a future where no matter where I move any piece, I will be instantly crushed.
When I glance at Sakayanagi, I see a small smile, but the expression on her face shows that he is convinced of victory...huh? Her left eye is slightly averted.
In addition, I could see a slight hint of caution.
Curious, I looked at where Sakayanagi's left eye was pointing.
The fact that there is a slight hint of caution may mean that there is still a chance for a turnaround.
After looking at it for a while, I noticed something.
(Huh? Maybe if we put a bishop here...)
Should I give it a try? You can't win if you just do it normally.
After making that decision, I picked up the bishop's piece and placed it on the predicted spot...
"...(twitch)"
Sakayanagi frowned for just a moment. Looks like she's gotten a kick out of it.
Sakayanagi still has an overwhelming advantage and there is little chance of victory, but just seeing Sakayanagi frown made me feel like I had won.
My heart also feels good.
________
(Have you stopped increasing the number of attackers...?)
Arisu Sakayanagi frowned for a moment as Hachiman moved the bishop's piece.
On the second day of school, Arisu invites Hachiman, a boy she met on the first day of school who she likes to tease, to play chess with him.
As a result, Arisu determined that Hachiman's ability was that of an intermediate player.
Their tactics have taken shape to some extent, but they are still immature when it comes to reading each other.
Having made this decision, Arisu prepared her own position, increased the number of attackers, and tried to overrun them all at once, but just as she was about to do so, one of the attackers stopped.
It is also an attack technique that is difficult to notice normally.
(Maybe he got lucky...huh?)
Arisu was thinking that far when she noticed Hachiman's rotten eyes looking at her.
His eyes were dark, but she didn't look away at all as he looked into Arisu's eyes.
(No way... did you judge me from there by looking at my eyes?)
People sometimes unconsciously see what they're trying to do, but it's hard to imagine them taking advantage of it.
(Then this is it...)
Arisu moves the knight pieces as if it were an experiment. Hachiman, on the other hand, was looking at the knight's pieces, the board, and, as before, Arisu's eyes.
Then he moves Rook aside to take another step.
Arisu saw this and was convinced. The man in front of her is reading her subconscious actions and moving his pieces.
She almost burst out laughing at the same time. She becomes even more interested in Hachiman, who destroys what she is trying to accomplish despite his lack of ability.
(He's really interesting after all...)
Finally, Arisu couldn't hold back her laughter and started laughing. It was a coincidence that she heard Hachiman talking yesterday, but she feels lucky now.
Arisu herself has no intention of denying that she is interested in Hachiman, a type of person she has never seen before.
(However, it's no fun to keep getting hit, so let's be serious.)
No matter how much they prevented the number of attackers from increasing, the tide of battle was still in Arisu's favor. Hachiman merely prevented Arisu from increasing his attack methods; he did not destroy the methods she had already prepared.
In addition, Hachiman's ability to observe threats is determined by looking at Arisu's eyes, so if Arisu closes her eyes or looks away from the board when it's not his turn, he won't be able to observe it.
However, Arisu doesn't do that and stares straight back at Hachiman. If you look away at this point, it would be like admitting that if you don't look away, you will be pushed, which Arisu cannot tolerate.
Therefore, Arisu made her next move with a smile on her lips that even he could clearly see.
(Huh...the atmosphere has changed)
As I was trying to avoid making more attacks, Sakayanagi made her next move with a smile on his face.
(Rook at this timing...? Even if I put it here, it won't have any negative effect on me...)
I've known Sakayanagi for two days, but it's easy to see that she won't do anything that would be wasted.
Therefore, even seemingly meaningless actions must have meaning.
So when I looked into Sakayanagi's eyes, I saw that she was smiling happily. Sakayanagi is silent, but...
(Observe as much as you like. I'll go above and beyond)
I feel like that's what she's saying.
In any case, I checked the direction she was subconsciously glancing at and took what I thought was the best move.
You can't win if you just read each other.
For a while, we both continued to move pieces, but since I looked Sakayanagi in the eye and started playing, neither of us has lost a single piece.
It may seem like there is an ongoing antagonism, but to me it's extremely creepy.
Besides, I'm just preventing Sakayanagi from increasing her attack patterns, and it doesn't mean that the current situation where I am being pushed has gotten better.
Therefore, for some reason this antagonism will collapse and Sakayanagi will run over me.
It was time to move the pieces with caution. The smile on Sakayanagi's lips deepened. Ah, I lost this one.
Just as I was convinced of this, Sakayanagi's first move struck.
“How about this?”
The bishop moved by Sakayanagi gets into a position to kill my rook. Of course I have to let her escape, but... i can't.
To be exact, it is possible to miss, but if you miss, you will lose the king. It seems that she was preparing to be able to take down the king immediately while increasing the number of attackers.
Moreover, there is no way to kill Bishop after Rook is killed, so it is impossible to fight against each other.
If that happens, I will have no choice but to throw it away. Rooks are strong, but compared to kings, they have no value, so it can't be helped.
I had no choice but to move a different piece without moving the rook, and as expected, Sakayanagi took the rook.
It's dangerous... strong pieces are being taken away one by one.
Moreover, there is no way for me to fight back. There's no way I won't be able to capture Sakayanagi's piece, but if you do, it will be taken back immediately, and the king's defense will become weaker.
(I should strengthen my defenses... No, no, even if I strengthen my defenses against a superior opponent, it will eventually break, so let's attack with the intention of gambling.)
Having made that decision, I made up my mind and moved the pieces.
10 minutes later...
"Checkmate, isn't it?"
"I know. Are you sarcastic, you bastard?"
I lost, yes. I went on the offensive, but after a few moves, they came back with even more attacks and overran me.
Moreover, Sakayanagi had the ability to defeat me faster, but she took all of my pieces except for the king. For the loser, this is the ultimate humiliation. I didn't expect to win from the beginning, but this way of losing is frustrating.
"No, no. I wanted to thank you for showing me something interesting. Hikigaya-kun, you not only read each other along the way, but you also observed my movements and typed, right?"
"That's a bad thank you...well, I won't deny it. I thought there was something in the spot you were glancing at, so I hit it."
"I think that's a good point, but you still need a lot more reading ability."
I can't deny that. In fact, even if we tried to attack, they would have responded immediately, but the attack would have been completely read.
Well, experience speaks volumes in this case, so I guess it can't be helped.
"Anyway, it was a very meaningful time. What do you think? Would you like to have another battle?"
“…Well, class has just started so I don’t have to study, and I have plenty of time, so I don’t mind, but I can only imagine a future where I get beaten up again…”
I don't hate chess, but thinking about getting beaten up every time doesn't motivate me.
“Then how about I motivate you?”
"In particular?"
"Well, from now on, if Hikigaya-kun beats me at chess, I'll listen to one command from Hikigaya-kun each time."
“Whatever?”
"Yeah. If you ask me to give you points, I'll give you them, and if you ask me to cross the line, I'll come to your room, okay?"
As far as I can see in her eyes, this girl is serious. If I win, they will seriously follow my orders.
However, it is as if she is implicitly saying that she has no intention of losing, and there is a strong sense of confidence in her eyes.
...Well, I guess I'll take the trouble and let you ride.
Chess is an inexpensive pastime. In fact, I want to reveal Sakayanagi's nose, even if it's just once, because she keeps teasing me.
"...I understand. Shall we do it?"
“Yes, thank you very much.”
Sakayanagi smiles slightly and rearranges the pieces. For now, I have no choice but to become stronger step by step...
After this, I played chess with Sakayanagi five times, but needless to say, I lost every time.
_______
"Hmm...is this it after all?"
It's 7pm and I'm sitting at my study desk in my dorm room. However, what is on the study desk is not a textbook or notebook, but a chess board and a chess book.
In the end, while playing chess with Sakayanagi, I decided to try it seriously, and after breaking up with her, I bought a chess board and a chess book, and now I'm playing Chess Problems, which is a chess version of Tsume Shogi.
However, it is quite difficult. I also spent a fair amount of points, but strangely I didn't feel like I was losing out.
After much trial and error, I was arranging the pieces in the same way as written in the book, when my cell phone on the desk started ringing, so I looked at it and saw an email from Shiina...
"I joined the tea ceremony club. I'm still not very good at etiquette, but once I've learned the basics, please come and have tea with Sakayanagi-san.''
That was the content of the email. It would be impossible to say no when you're with Sakayanagi.
I sigh and reply with my understanding. Then, a short while later, you will receive an email.
"Thank you. I also tried on a kimono, but I don't know if it suits me? I would be happy if you could give me your opinion.''
It was an email with an attachment. Shiina is wearing a kimono...I think it looks good on her.
With that in mind, I opened the attached file and saw a photo of Shiina wearing a white and light pink kimono.
Then, my hand automatically saved the image and texted back that it looked good on Shiina.
It was so appealing that I ended up saving it before I knew it.
(Even so, I felt hectic within two days of entering the school.)
After meeting Shiina on the bus on the day of the school entrance ceremony, I also formed a relationship with Sakayanagi, and my peaceful days disappeared.
However, unlike during my time at Sobu Junior High School, I haven't been bullied, and the big difference is that I don't have to suffer from malicious stares. I think I can do something with this.
(For now, I'll look forward to the tea Shiina brews, and try to close the gap in ability with Sakayanagi a little bit.)
I took the trouble to buy a chess board, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Actually, I spent nearly 4000 points on the chess board and books. Even though I had over 80,000 points, it was relatively expensive so it would be a waste not to use it.
Having made that decision, I faced my study desk again and resumed playing the chess problem.
Second day of school life. Perhaps because it was the first day of classes, most of the classes ended with an orientation session about study strategies and other topics.
Many students were probably surprised to find that many of the teachers were quite friendly and approachable.
I thought they were being strict because the government was leading the charge, but that was not the case.
There are other things that are unexpected. Some of the students fell asleep right from the start, but none of the teachers paid any attention to the dishonest people. Even though it is not compulsory education, it is impossible not to pay attention to it at all.
This makes the other students relax, but it doesn't matter to me.
For me, it's more important to deal with boys who show their jealousy even during class.
The incident in the morning has already become famous in the class, and I'm known as the one who made a double move on the second day of school, making me the object of jealousy from the boys and curiosity from the girls.
I no longer have a peaceful life. The good news is that there are surveillance cameras everywhere in the classroom, so the chances of being bullied are low.
As I was thinking about this, the chime sounded, announcing the start of lunch break.
That means eating with Sakayanagi. To be honest, I'd like to run away, but given her personality, if I ran away, she'd definitely come to the classroom and wait for me forever.
Therefore, I won't run away, and I need to pick up Sakayanagi before she comes to D-class.
Having made that decision, I stood up and headed for the door, trying to say, "Ah, Hikigaya-kun,'' but my nose was blocked.
When I heard a voice talking to me from behind, I turned around and saw a cheerful-looking girl talking to me. I know this girl.
Kikyo Kushida. She is probably the most popular girl in my class.
Although I have never talked to her, she is a popular person who has been talked to by both men and women during breaks so far.
But from my point of view, it's someone I don't want to get too involved with.
That's too obvious a reason. Although she is showing off her brightness, I am sure that she is a fierce person with both sides.
After all, I met someone with an even more amazing mask when I was in middle school.
But if someone talks to you, it's impossible to be malicious. No matter what her true nature is, the fact is that she is popular, and if she is malicious, I will be in trouble.
“What is it, Kushida?”
Therefore, I reply in my normal tone.
"Ah, yeah. Well, I want to get along with everyone in the class. So, could you please exchange contact information? Hikigaya-kun, you weren't there when I introduced myself yesterday."
I ran away because I didn't want to introduce myself.
"I was looking at the school's equipment. So? Have you already gotten an address other than mine?"
"A few people, including Hikigaya-kun, are still there. So, would you mind exchanging them?"
"wait a minute"
While saying this, I take out my cell phone from my bag. To be honest, I don't want to get involved, but from what Kushida has said, she has exchanged contact information with nearly 20 people.
If I take a negative attitude here, I will make close to 20 people my enemies, but I want to avoid that.
"Here you go."
I took out my cell phone and immediately exchanged contact information with Kushida. At the same time, Kushida smiles and talks to me.
"Thank you. I want to make lots of memories after school and on holidays, so please keep inviting me."
"I'll do it if I feel like it."
Well, I don't think I'll feel like it.
Some of the boys are shouting,
"Even Kushida-chan has become part of Hikigaya's Harem!'', but it's a shame to have anything to do with a girl wearing such a thick mask.
In a sense, I have a feeling that she'll be even more troublesome than Sakayanagi.
Or rather, don't say "until." I haven't touched Shiina or Sakayanagi.
Even though I thought so, I bowed to Kushida just as a formality and when I left the classroom, I saw Sakayanagi heading towards me.
"Oh, I was just about to pick you up, what a coincidence."
It's dangerous... If Sakayanagi's body wasn't so fragile, she might have come early and gotten me into trouble when I was exchanging contact information with Kushida.
"...Not at all. Rather than that, I'll go. Treat me like you promised."
"Of course. Let's go then."
"Will you invite Shiina?"
"I invited her earlier, but she ate only one side dish bread and went to the library.''
How much do you like reading...
While thinking this, I slowly made my way to the dining room, following Sakayanagi's pace.
__________
"So, what do you eat, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Special set meal"
When I arrive at the ticket vending machine in the cafeteria, Sakayanagi starts talking to me, so I respond immediately.
“I respect your integrity in choosing expensive menu items without hesitation.”
"It's a meal you eat with other people's money."
If I'm not extravagant, I think I'll eat a cheap set meal or a free wild vegetable set meal.
“If you look at it from a third party, it looks like a pimp.”
"That's noisy. My goal is to be a stay-at-home dad."
"Isn't the househusband you're aiming for, Hikigaya-kun, the same as a pimp?"
“I won’t deny that.”
While we were talking about this, we bought food tickets, took our food at the pick-up gate, sat down at a nearby table, and started eating.
"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, can you play chess?"
Sakayanagi says this as she starts eating. Chess...I played a lot of things to release the stress I had built up in my middle to late middle school years, and chess was one of them, and I got really into it.
"I've only been using an app on my smartphone for about a year."
If you play online, you don't have to meet face-to-face, so I think I got into it quite a bit.
“So you just graduated from beginner to intermediate?”
“I guess that’s because I can do all the basic tactics, right?”
“Then, would you mind meeting me after school?”
Sakayanagi says that, but you're definitely in the professional class. There's no reason, but I feel like it.
However, if I refuse, it will be a lot of trouble, so I'll accept it.
"Okay. I'll take it."
"Thank you for saying that. Please meet me at the library after school."
"I think there was a club information session today, are you going to attend?"
I have no intention of joining a club, so I have no intention of participating.
This girl also can't exercise, and she probably has no interest in the cultural club.
If I had to say, she might be interested in the student council.
"No. I'm not going to participate in club activities, so I'm going to go straight to the library. Besides, Hikigaya-san, your mouth is dirty."
While saying this, Sakayanagi wipes my mouth using the dish towel provided.
I'm grateful for that, but it feels like I'm being treated like a child, which is embarrassing.
"Well, thank you."
When I bowed while looking away, Sakayanagi chuckled.
"Don't worry about it. Even so, despite your face, you're reacting like a child."
"Leave me alone...don't pat me on the head!"
Sakayanagi chuckles and pats my head. I tells her to stop, but she shows no signs of stopping.
She is seriously sadistic.
At that time, I gave up on attracting attention from those around me. I don't feel like I can beat Sakayanagi anymore...
3 hours later...
"Then that's all for today. Also, there will be an information session about club activities at 5 o'clock, so anyone who is interested in club activities should attend."
After Chabashira-sensei said that, she left the classroom. After confirming this, I stand up quickly and leave the classroom.
Then...
"Wait, Hikigaya. Tell me more about your date!"
"That's right! Ikemen must die!"
Yamauchi and Ike, the problem children in the class, come up behind me, so I close the door, dash to the nearby stairs, and hide behind a storage room.
My peace of mind collapsed on the second day of school. When I returned to the classroom after lunch break, word had already spread that Sakayanagi had patted me on the head, and everyone, regardless of gender, was questioning me.
As I was thinking that, Ike and Yamauchi came running towards me and went downstairs without noticing me.
Phew, it looks like they're gone and I should be going to pick up Sakayanagi... No, she just came.
When I step out from behind my locker, Sakayanagi notices me and greets me.
"Good mood, Hikigaya-kun. Why were you hiding behind the locker?!"
"Because of your actions during lunch break, I was chased by jealous boys."
"That's rude. Let's go then."
“You don't have the slightest conscience to give me apology at all.”
Although I was disappointed, I didn't make any further complaints and started walking at Sakayanagi's pace.
No matter how much I complain, no one will listen to me anyway.
We walked slowly until we arrived at the library, and when we entered the private booth, Sakayanagi took out a chess board from her bag.
She must be a veteran to carry around a chess board on the second day of school.
"Then let's get started. Hikigaya-kun will decide whether to go first or last."
"Then I'll go first."
While saying this, I moved the pawn pieces.
10 minutes later...
(So, strong...)
I was being pushed hard. I thought she was strong, but it was more than I expected. It's a pro class, isn't it?
Although I managed to get a hold of the ball in the early stages, I gradually started to get pushed back towards the middle and is currently in a pinch.
Sakayanagi's style is a sadist style that is exactly like her own personality. It's a style of attacking, attacking, attacking.
So far, she hasn't captured that many pieces, but I'm sure they will be captured all at once in the next few moves.
Therefore, unless I does something within a few moves, I am guaranteed to lose.
Even when you look at the board, it looks refreshing. All I can see is a future where no matter where I move any piece, I will be instantly crushed.
When I glance at Sakayanagi, I see a small smile, but the expression on her face shows that he is convinced of victory...huh? Her left eye is slightly averted.
In addition, I could see a slight hint of caution.
Curious, I looked at where Sakayanagi's left eye was pointing.
The fact that there is a slight hint of caution may mean that there is still a chance for a turnaround.
After looking at it for a while, I noticed something.
(Huh? Maybe if we put a bishop here...)
Should I give it a try? You can't win if you just do it normally.
After making that decision, I picked up the bishop's piece and placed it on the predicted spot...
"...(twitch)"
Sakayanagi frowned for just a moment. Looks like she's gotten a kick out of it.
Sakayanagi still has an overwhelming advantage and there is little chance of victory, but just seeing Sakayanagi frown made me feel like I had won.
My heart also feels good.
________
(Have you stopped increasing the number of attackers...?)
Arisu Sakayanagi frowned for a moment as Hachiman moved the bishop's piece.
On the second day of school, Arisu invites Hachiman, a boy she met on the first day of school who she likes to tease, to play chess with him.
As a result, Arisu determined that Hachiman's ability was that of an intermediate player.
Their tactics have taken shape to some extent, but they are still immature when it comes to reading each other.
Having made this decision, Arisu prepared her own position, increased the number of attackers, and tried to overrun them all at once, but just as she was about to do so, one of the attackers stopped.
It is also an attack technique that is difficult to notice normally.
(Maybe he got lucky...huh?)
Arisu was thinking that far when she noticed Hachiman's rotten eyes looking at her.
His eyes were dark, but she didn't look away at all as he looked into Arisu's eyes.
(No way... did you judge me from there by looking at my eyes?)
People sometimes unconsciously see what they're trying to do, but it's hard to imagine them taking advantage of it.
(Then this is it...)
Arisu moves the knight pieces as if it were an experiment. Hachiman, on the other hand, was looking at the knight's pieces, the board, and, as before, Arisu's eyes.
Then he moves Rook aside to take another step.
Arisu saw this and was convinced. The man in front of her is reading her subconscious actions and moving his pieces.
She almost burst out laughing at the same time. She becomes even more interested in Hachiman, who destroys what she is trying to accomplish despite his lack of ability.
(He's really interesting after all...)
Finally, Arisu couldn't hold back her laughter and started laughing. It was a coincidence that she heard Hachiman talking yesterday, but she feels lucky now.
Arisu herself has no intention of denying that she is interested in Hachiman, a type of person she has never seen before.
(However, it's no fun to keep getting hit, so let's be serious.)
No matter how much they prevented the number of attackers from increasing, the tide of battle was still in Arisu's favor. Hachiman merely prevented Arisu from increasing his attack methods; he did not destroy the methods she had already prepared.
In addition, Hachiman's ability to observe threats is determined by looking at Arisu's eyes, so if Arisu closes her eyes or looks away from the board when it's not his turn, he won't be able to observe it.
However, Arisu doesn't do that and stares straight back at Hachiman. If you look away at this point, it would be like admitting that if you don't look away, you will be pushed, which Arisu cannot tolerate.
Therefore, Arisu made her next move with a smile on her lips that even he could clearly see.
(Huh...the atmosphere has changed)
As I was trying to avoid making more attacks, Sakayanagi made her next move with a smile on his face.
(Rook at this timing...? Even if I put it here, it won't have any negative effect on me...)
I've known Sakayanagi for two days, but it's easy to see that she won't do anything that would be wasted.
Therefore, even seemingly meaningless actions must have meaning.
So when I looked into Sakayanagi's eyes, I saw that she was smiling happily. Sakayanagi is silent, but...
(Observe as much as you like. I'll go above and beyond)
I feel like that's what she's saying.
In any case, I checked the direction she was subconsciously glancing at and took what I thought was the best move.
You can't win if you just read each other.
For a while, we both continued to move pieces, but since I looked Sakayanagi in the eye and started playing, neither of us has lost a single piece.
It may seem like there is an ongoing antagonism, but to me it's extremely creepy.
Besides, I'm just preventing Sakayanagi from increasing her attack patterns, and it doesn't mean that the current situation where I am being pushed has gotten better.
Therefore, for some reason this antagonism will collapse and Sakayanagi will run over me.
It was time to move the pieces with caution. The smile on Sakayanagi's lips deepened. Ah, I lost this one.
Just as I was convinced of this, Sakayanagi's first move struck.
“How about this?”
The bishop moved by Sakayanagi gets into a position to kill my rook. Of course I have to let her escape, but... i can't.
To be exact, it is possible to miss, but if you miss, you will lose the king. It seems that she was preparing to be able to take down the king immediately while increasing the number of attackers.
Moreover, there is no way to kill Bishop after Rook is killed, so it is impossible to fight against each other.
If that happens, I will have no choice but to throw it away. Rooks are strong, but compared to kings, they have no value, so it can't be helped.
I had no choice but to move a different piece without moving the rook, and as expected, Sakayanagi took the rook.
It's dangerous... strong pieces are being taken away one by one.
Moreover, there is no way for me to fight back. There's no way I won't be able to capture Sakayanagi's piece, but if you do, it will be taken back immediately, and the king's defense will become weaker.
(I should strengthen my defenses... No, no, even if I strengthen my defenses against a superior opponent, it will eventually break, so let's attack with the intention of gambling.)
Having made that decision, I made up my mind and moved the pieces.
10 minutes later...
"Checkmate, isn't it?"
"I know. Are you sarcastic, you bastard?"
I lost, yes. I went on the offensive, but after a few moves, they came back with even more attacks and overran me.
Moreover, Sakayanagi had the ability to defeat me faster, but she took all of my pieces except for the king. For the loser, this is the ultimate humiliation. I didn't expect to win from the beginning, but this way of losing is frustrating.
"No, no. I wanted to thank you for showing me something interesting. Hikigaya-kun, you not only read each other along the way, but you also observed my movements and typed, right?"
"That's a bad thank you...well, I won't deny it. I thought there was something in the spot you were glancing at, so I hit it."
"I think that's a good point, but you still need a lot more reading ability."
I can't deny that. In fact, even if we tried to attack, they would have responded immediately, but the attack would have been completely read.
Well, experience speaks volumes in this case, so I guess it can't be helped.
"Anyway, it was a very meaningful time. What do you think? Would you like to have another battle?"
“…Well, class has just started so I don’t have to study, and I have plenty of time, so I don’t mind, but I can only imagine a future where I get beaten up again…”
I don't hate chess, but thinking about getting beaten up every time doesn't motivate me.
“Then how about I motivate you?”
"In particular?"
"Well, from now on, if Hikigaya-kun beats me at chess, I'll listen to one command from Hikigaya-kun each time."
“Whatever?”
"Yeah. If you ask me to give you points, I'll give you them, and if you ask me to cross the line, I'll come to your room, okay?"
As far as I can see in her eyes, this girl is serious. If I win, they will seriously follow my orders.
However, it is as if she is implicitly saying that she has no intention of losing, and there is a strong sense of confidence in her eyes.
...Well, I guess I'll take the trouble and let you ride.
Chess is an inexpensive pastime. In fact, I want to reveal Sakayanagi's nose, even if it's just once, because she keeps teasing me.
"...I understand. Shall we do it?"
“Yes, thank you very much.”
Sakayanagi smiles slightly and rearranges the pieces. For now, I have no choice but to become stronger step by step...
After this, I played chess with Sakayanagi five times, but needless to say, I lost every time.
_______
"Hmm...is this it after all?"
It's 7pm and I'm sitting at my study desk in my dorm room. However, what is on the study desk is not a textbook or notebook, but a chess board and a chess book.
In the end, while playing chess with Sakayanagi, I decided to try it seriously, and after breaking up with her, I bought a chess board and a chess book, and now I'm playing Chess Problems, which is a chess version of Tsume Shogi.
However, it is quite difficult. I also spent a fair amount of points, but strangely I didn't feel like I was losing out.
After much trial and error, I was arranging the pieces in the same way as written in the book, when my cell phone on the desk started ringing, so I looked at it and saw an email from Shiina...
"I joined the tea ceremony club. I'm still not very good at etiquette, but once I've learned the basics, please come and have tea with Sakayanagi-san.''
That was the content of the email. It would be impossible to say no when you're with Sakayanagi.
I sigh and reply with my understanding. Then, a short while later, you will receive an email.
"Thank you. I also tried on a kimono, but I don't know if it suits me? I would be happy if you could give me your opinion.''
It was an email with an attachment. Shiina is wearing a kimono...I think it looks good on her.
With that in mind, I opened the attached file and saw a photo of Shiina wearing a white and light pink kimono.
Then, my hand automatically saved the image and texted back that it looked good on Shiina.
It was so appealing that I ended up saving it before I knew it.
(Even so, I felt hectic within two days of entering the school.)
After meeting Shiina on the bus on the day of the school entrance ceremony, I also formed a relationship with Sakayanagi, and my peaceful days disappeared.
However, unlike during my time at Sobu Junior High School, I haven't been bullied, and the big difference is that I don't have to suffer from malicious stares. I think I can do something with this.
(For now, I'll look forward to the tea Shiina brews, and try to close the gap in ability with Sakayanagi a little bit.)
I took the trouble to buy a chess board, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Actually, I spent nearly 4000 points on the chess board and books. Even though I had over 80,000 points, it was relatively expensive so it would be a waste not to use it.
Having made that decision, I faced my study desk again and resumed playing the chess problem.
