SWNOVELXO Chapter 137
Chapter 137: Turning the Tables
Komiya and Kondo’s changes in expression and movements did not escape Hikigaya’s notice. He could tell that they were already tempted, but he also saw the hesitation and concern in their eyes.
“By the way, you’ve probably heard some rumors about the alumni basketball game happening in mid-August, right?”
Switching the topic suddenly, Hikigaya brought up another matter.
Kondo looked uncertain, but Komiya had obviously heard something. “You mean the game where alumni who’ve already graduated return to play?”
“The details will be officially announced by your coach soon, so there’s no harm in me telling you in advance. This event is actually an alumni exchange match, inviting current professional players in the B1 League—graduates from this school—to come back and play.”
As he said this, Hikigaya glanced at the two, who were visibly stunned by the news. Then, in a calm tone, he added, “In other words, you will have the chance to either play alongside or compete against professional players on the same court.”
Komiya and Kondo widened their eyes, their faces filled with excitement and even exhilaration. But just as they were about to get carried away, Hikigaya’s next words poured cold water on their enthusiasm.
“But you should know that opportunities to play in this game are incredibly limited and highly competitive. Do you really think you can beat out the upperclassmen for a spot?”
Hikigaya smirked slightly as he looked at them. “Of course, as I said before, I believe more opportunities should be given to younger players. Don’t you think that makes sense?”
In reality, this alumni exchange event had existed for years, though the invited professional players varied each time. This year, it happened to involve both the basketball and soccer clubs. It was said that, due to the recent success of Japan’s soccer and basketball teams on the international stage, Advanced Nurturing High School placed greater importance on these sports, leading to this exchange event.
For the past few weeks, aside from handling matters related to the IH Summer Tournament, Hikigaya and Handa-senpai had also been busy coordinating this alumni exchange. The student council was responsible for the crucial task of communication and coordination between the school clubs and the alumni players.
Komiya and Kondo swallowed nervously, their eyes now filled with longing and anticipation.
“How… How can we trust you? Are you just messing with us?”
Komiya couldn’t hold back his question, which also reflected Kondo’s unspoken concern. Hikigaya’s words were incredibly tempting, but what they feared more was being tricked by him.
Just then, Komiya’s phone suddenly rang. He hadn’t planned on answering, but when he saw the name on the caller ID, he quickly picked up.
“Coach Aida, hello… Yes, that’s me! Huh? Me?! Really?! Okay, thank you so much, Coach! I’ll do my best! Kondo? He’s right here with me. Yes, I’ll tell him. Thank you again. Goodbye!”
Even though the call had already ended, Komiya remained frozen in place, as if he hadn’t fully processed what he had just heard.
It wasn’t until Kondo nudged him that he snapped out of it. Then, grabbing Kondo’s arm in excitement, he shouted in disbelief, “Coach just told me that my potential and fundamentals are strong, so he’s adding my name to the list of traveling team members for the away game! Oh, and Kondo—he told me to tell you that your name is on the list too!!!”
Kondo was momentarily stunned before his eyes widened in shock. But then, as if realizing something, both of them turned their gazes toward the dead-fish-eyed Hikigaya, who was still eating his sandwich.
Komiya hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. “Did you ask Coach Aida to add our names? Aren’t you afraid we won’t acknowledge it?”
Hikigaya calmly swallowed the last bite of his sandwich, then took a slow sip of his MAX Coffee, his pace unhurried. Komiya and Kondo, however, didn’t dare show any impatience and could only wait.
“I don’t have the power or influence to make a basketball club’s head coach do whatever I say. We simply had a discussion about some related matters. As for the roster spots, I believe Coach Aida made his decisions after careful consideration.”
Hikigaya’s words left no room for argument, making it sound as though Komiya and Kondo had earned the spots through their own efforts and that he had nothing to do with it.
If this had happened earlier, they might have believed it. But now, there was only one thought in their minds—this was absolutely Hikigaya’s doing!
Because they already knew that, aside from the seven official players, the remaining four traveling spots had always been taken by second- and third-year students. There had never been any chances for first-years like them!
And now, Coach Aida had suddenly changed his stance and adjusted the roster. If Hikigaya wasn’t behind it, Komiya and Kondo wouldn’t believe it for a second!
“As for whether or not you acknowledge it,” Hikigaya said indifferently, “we never made any deals, so how could there be anything to deny?”
“Really?”
Komiya and Kondo clearly didn’t believe him. Testing him, they said, “Then… we’re leaving now?”
“Whatever.”
Komiya and Kondo exchanged glances, each seeing the delight in the other’s eyes. Internally, they were secretly pleased—how lucky they were to encounter someone so foolish, practically handing them a free advantage.
Just as the two were about to leave, a chuckle suddenly came from behind them.
“You… Why are you laughing?”
Logically, they could have ignored it and walked away, but Komiya, almost instinctively, turned back.
“I just find you two a little cute.”
Though Hikigaya was smiling, his expression was unexpectedly cold. “Since you managed to get on the travel list today, it also means you could just as easily be removed from it tomorrow. What do you think?”
In an instant, Komiya and Kondo felt a chill run through them. Even if they were slow to catch on, they couldn’t miss the implicit threat in Hikigaya’s words.
Of course, they could choose to ignore him and bet that he didn’t have the power to influence things further. But… sometimes, people aren’t afraid of losing something they never had. What’s truly terrifying is being given hope—only to have it cruelly snatched away.
To be granted an opportunity that so many students coveted, only to watch it slip from their grasp—no one would willingly endure that kind of despair!
For Komiya and Kondo, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one they couldn’t afford to pass up. Especially now that they had already secured it—there was no way they could let it go! Wasting an opportunity like this would be nothing short of blasphemous.
Komiya and Kondo exchanged another glance before turning back to Hikigaya and, in unison, asking:
“What do you want us to do?”