"Keep it up, Hikawa-kun! You can do it!"
"I will! I'll give it everything I've got, Totsuka-kun!"
"Um, Hikawa-kun... you can just call me Saika."
"Right... yeah, okay... Sai... Saika! You can just call me Okita, too!"
"Ehem. Good luck, Okita-kun!"
In a secluded corner of the basketball court, shielded from prying eyes, two youths who looked for all the world like a boy and a girl were exchanging words thick with the "scent of romance." The one who looked remarkably like a girl was gently coaching the stiff, awkward boy on the finer points of basketball, as if they were the only two people left on earth.
It was a scene bathed in a sweet, rosy hue. At least, it would have been if they were actually a boy and a girl.
{I really didn't expect things to take this turn...}
Izuru's lip twitched uncontrollably at the sight. Watching Saika guide Okita with that tender smile, while a star-struck Okita beamed back with pure bliss—as an honorary member of the "Lonely Hearts Brigade," Izuru's first instinct was to drag them both to a burning stake. However, right now, all he felt was a profound sense of pity deep in his chest.
Because this "sweet" scene featured a feminine-looking boy guiding a 100% biological male. On the surface, it looked like a rom-com; in reality, it was radiating a distinctly philosophical (read: gay) aura.
"To be honest, I was a bit taken aback when I first realized the situation myself. I didn't think the reality would be... like this."
Yukino's stunning, usually icy face showed a rare trace of resignation. Even her voice sounded uncharacteristically drained.
"But regardless, the problem is practically solved, isn't it? From here on out, we should let them handle it themselves. Under the power of love, Hikawa-kun will have limitless motivation to learn basketball, especially with the gentle and patient Totsuka-kun by his side. A very fine ending."
"Fine?! What kind of 'power of love' is that supposed to be?!"
Izuru couldn't help but hurl a protest.
"I absolutely cannot accept this plot development!"
Earlier, Yukino had summoned Okita's crush, Saika Totsuka, asked him to teach Okita basketball, and brought him to the court for their fateful meeting.
Miraculously, the two hit it off as if they were long-lost brothers. In just a few sentences, they seemed to mutually agree to ignore the existence of Izuru and Yukino entirely, creating an interaction that looked romantic but was actually heavy with the scent of "crossing swords."
"You can't accept the plot development? Why?" Yukino asked, genuinely puzzled by his outburst.
"Because it's ob... vious..." Izuru was about to scream, 'They're both guys! Are you intentionally trying to make them gay and happy together?!' but he clamped his mouth shut just in time.
He knew all too well that disparaging the rainbow community was akin to insulting a specific internet subculture—and insulting that culture was essentially insulting himself. It was better not to self-destruct.
Besides, if someone wanted to go down that path, what business was it of his? What right did he have to dictate someone else's sexual orientation or their future?
As those thoughts settled, Izuru's crumbling spirit regained its composure. He let out a long, weary breath, his expression returning to normal as he said slowly, "Actually, you're right. It's their freedom."
Yukino stared at him with bewilderment, as if she were looking at someone who had just attained enlightenment regarding the truths of the universe. She narrowed her eyes slightly, seemingly grasping the direction of his thoughts, and spoke with deep resignation.
"Why did your mind jump that far off the rails? While I don't know Totsuka-kun's orientation, we both know Hikawa-kun is straight. He likes Totsuka-kun because he thinks Totsuka-kun is a cute girl—that's why he's so determined to master basketball, a sport he has no talent for."
"When Hikawa-kun finally learns Totsuka-kun's true gender, it will undoubtedly be a massive shock that leaves him heartbroken. If we tell him now, it would invalidate all the effort he's put in so far. Hit with a sudden heartbreak like that, Hikawa-kun wouldn't be able to take it. But if we let them interact first, once they've become close and he discovers the truth on his own, the pain will be far more manageable."
"This is the maximum assistance we can offer as 'helpers'."
Hearing her explanation, Izuru looked at her with a mix of doubt and awe. He couldn't help but scrutinize Yukino's cold face, as if checking to see if a flower had suddenly bloomed there. This caused Yukino to knit her beautiful brows and speak sharply.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Kamukura-kun, aren't you aware that your current behavior is extremely rude?"
Izuru gave a sheepish smile and asked inquisitively, "I just didn't expect it. You, who usually say so little, are surprisingly eloquent when you speak at length—especially when the content is so profound. It's almost as if... I'm looking at someone who already knows how the future ends and is giving a prophecy."
Yukino's expression shifted slightly at his words. She seemed momentarily speechless at Izuru's train of thought. She gave him a strange look, then brushed her black hair back with her soft, white hand. With a movement both gallant and graceful, she turned away and spoke with ice in her voice.
"Boring. The future cannot be mastered by those in the past. All I can do is keep working hard in the present so that the future moves in the direction I desire. How could I possibly give prophecies?"
"As for Hikawa-kun and Totsuka-kun's future, I was merely making a logical guess. How it actually turns out, no one knows. I only assumed their future would go that way because... I've seen a similar situation before."
"Since the favor you asked for is complete, I'll be going now."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow!"
Watching Yukino walk away without a second thought, Izuru was stunned for a moment. He instinctively said his goodbyes, then raised his voice slightly to call out: "Thanks for the help, Hiranoshita Hiranon! I'll remember this favor. If you're ever in trouble, come find me!"
Yukino didn't answer, but Izuru wore a knowing smile. He shook his head in amusement and prepared to leave, but his steps were halted again as a basketball rolled directly under his feet, followed by a beautiful girl running toward him...