ALL NOVEL chapter 38
38. Epilogue
The four of us walk through the streets dyed in the sunset.
It’s the usual way home, but for me, it was something special.
Next to me is Mashiro. Reo and Nishikawa are also there.
As I walked, I savored that ordinary happiness.
As we walked slowly, Reo spoke to Nishikawa.
“Kyoya, did you bring the club’s equipment again? That basketball is going to be a hassle if we’re heading to a family restaurant now, isn’t it?”
“No way, Reo. I took a break from club activities, but I want to touch the ball. I can’t settle down without it.”
“Honestly, you…”
“It’s fine, I’ll put it back in the club room properly by tomorrow. No complaints, today is Ryusuke’s special day after all.”
“Yeah, I’ll let it slide just this once.”
Nishikawa lowered the ball he had been carrying on his shoulder.
Reo looked at him with a mix of exasperation and kindness.
Watching their exchange, Mashiro and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Hey, Ryusuke. About that family restaurant, how about the café we went to last time when we hung out? The one with the cute latte art?”
“Oh, the one with the cute latte art?”
“Yeah! I think both Reo-kun and Nishikawa-kun would enjoy it too, and I was wondering if we could ask the staff for a special celebration latte art for you, Ryusuke!”
“Haha, a special latte art just for me. That sounds nice.”
“Then it’s settled! Let’s all go!”
“Mashiro-san, I’m on board too. I’m interested in that latte art.”
“What’s latte art? Is it food?”
“It’s a drink you get at a café. When you order, they draw pictures on it for you to enjoy.”
“Oh, a picture, huh? That sounds interesting; I want to try it too. Should I ask them to draw a basketball?”
“Nishikawa-kun really loves basketball, doesn’t he? I’m sure they’d draw it for you if you asked!”
“Hyah, hyah! Mashiro, I’m so excited…!”
“Ahaha, Nishikawa-kun, you’re getting all tongue-tied again!”
We all laughed at Nishikawa’s reaction. It was truly fun; the ordinary streets looked more radiant than any breathtaking view in the world.
And so, we started walking towards the café we had visited before.
On the way, when we spotted a large park nearby, Nishikawa opened his mouth while dribbling the basketball.
“Hey, hey. We still have a bit of time, so how about we play some basketball at that park over there? Look, you can see the court, right?”
“Kyoya, even though it’s a day off, you really can’t resist basketball, can you? Well, I don’t mind either since I want to play with Ryusuke after a long time.”
“I’ll play too! Believe it or not, I was a regular on the girls’ basketball team back in elementary school, you know?”
“Masaki-san is also experienced. That’s great; then let’s play 2-on-2.”
“I want to join in too. I’ve been cooped up studying for tests, and I feel like sweating it out and refreshing myself.”
“Yay! Then let’s divide into teams! Fairly, with a lottery!”
Agreeing to Masaki’s suggestion, we step into the nearby park.
The park, dyed in the colors of the sunset, was deserted and quiet, with a pleasant breeze blowing occasionally.
As we placed our bags on a bench, it seemed Masaki was using a smartphone app to draw lots.
Displayed on the screen were the team divisions: me and Masaki, and Leo and Nishikawa.
“And so, the team divisions have been decided fairly!”
“Fairly, you say, Masaki… It’s a showdown between two hardcore basketball club members and a pair from the home club…”
“The results of the lottery are absolute! Let’s do our best, me and Ryusuke!”
“Sounds good, Ryusuke. We were on the same team in PE, but I’ve actually always wanted to compete with you.”
“Hehe, if I’m on the same team as Leo, I don’t feel like losing. I’ll show you the strength of an active basketball club member.”
I chuckle at Leo and Nishikawa, who are rolling up their sleeves and showing their enthusiasm.
But I have no intention of fighting without a plan. With Masaki on my side, I’ve already figured out how to completely shut down one of the active basketball club members.
“Masaki. Your legs are all good now, right?”
“All good! I’m completely healed and ready to go!”
“That’s a relief to hear. Then you’ll mark Nishikawa. Make sure to thoroughly shut him down.”
“Oh, I see! Leave it to me!”
With a mischievous smile, Masaki energetically stood in front of Nishikawa.
“Hehe, Nishikawa-kun. I’m going to stop you for sure!”
“Whoa!! M-Masaki…?!”
“Ugh… Ryusuke, you’re good. It’s true that when Kyoya is in front of Masaki, he gets extremely nervous and can’t focus on basketball…!”
“Hehe, Leo. Don’t take it the wrong way; this is also a strategy to win against you guys.”
“I can’t help it. I won’t lose, Ryusuke!”
“Yeah! Let’s do this!”
And so, our after-school basketball began.
In the park dyed in the colors of the sunset, the sound of dribbling echoed. The four of us chased the basketball, sweating it out.
—
It was so enjoyable that we lost track of time, and we ran around the court in a frenzy.
Bathed in the light of a dazzling page of youth—I recalled the moment I was reborn into this world.
At first, I was filled only with confusion. I couldn’t see clearly what I should do, my path ahead shrouded in mist.
But there was someone who reached out to me. Someone who stood by my side and moved forward with me.
With the hopes of my precious friends, the efforts I had built up until now, and the courage I vowed to overcome any adversity, I took my first step toward seizing happiness by becoming the top student in the final exams. I faced the absolute justice of being the protagonist of this world head-on.
Even so, there are still many who regard me as an enemy.
Yet little by little, slowly but surely, my surroundings are changing.
I gaze at Mashiro, who is smiling while holding the ball.
“Ryusuke! Pass!”
“Got it!”
As she slipped past Nishikawa, Mashiro sent a precise and sharp pass my way. Even Reo couldn’t react in time, and the ball landed perfectly in my hands.
I nodded toward Mashiro.
She nodded back, believing in me.
“Thank you, Mashiro!”
“Do your best, Ryusuke!”
In this second life of mine, I will grasp the best youth, the happy ending.
To continue protecting the smile of my beloved Mashiro.
With that wish, I launched my long shot, which smoothly swished through the hoop, shaking the goal net.
★★★Afterword★★★
With this episode, the first chapter of “I Was Reborn as the Villain in a Romantic Comedy, Enjoying Youth with My Favorite Heroine” in its web version comes to a close. Thank you for reading this far.
A significantly revised and upgraded book version is scheduled to be released by GA Bunko on August 9. It will be filled with adorable illustrations of Mashiro-chan. If you’re interested, please check the updates from the link below.
Chapter 2