All the Heroines are my Ex-girlfriends

Chapter 13: Date With Me

The sound of camera shutters and flashing lights had not stopped since Yukima Azuma stepped onto the stage.

The competitors who had just exited the stage, all of whom were also winners of the first round, looked at the scene with a hint of regret.

Though they were all victors in this official tournament, why was he the only one stirring up such a spectacle?

Meanwhile, Yukima Azuma was no longer fazed by it.

He was a prodigy who had garnered immense attention in the past, and now, after a three-year hiatus, he was back.

With his level of fame, it would be strange if these reporters didn't seize the opportunity.

Once Yukima Azuma signaled that the reporters could start asking questions, one immediately spoke up:

"Yukima-san, this is your first official tournament in three years. How do you feel about it?"

"Honestly, no matter the time, shogi always excites me."

"With differing opinions from the public, may I ask: was your victory in just 47 moves in the first round meant as a response to criticism?"

"I simply did my best."

"What are Yukima-san's expectations for this tournament?"

"Victory, of course. The flame of triumph burns in the heart of every shogi player."

"..."

After several rounds of questions, the reporters exchanged glances and chuckled helplessly.

They had come here hoping to draw a shocking statement from this young prodigy—perhaps something "remarkable" born out of youthful impulsiveness.

However, the person on stage now...

He seemed far too shrewd.

Not only was he completely composed, but his answers were airtight.

Still...

His fame alone was sufficient. Completing their task was enough.

The reporters, who had been brimming with enthusiasm, now lowered their expectations.

Just then, a voice called out from the back of the crowd:

"Yukima!"

All eyes turned toward the source.

There stood a blonde girl, seemingly around the same age as Yukima Azuma. Her slightly crumpled black-and-white shirt gave the impression that she had hurriedly left her home.

If one were to describe her most striking features, it would likely be her golden eyes shaped like lightning bolts and her peculiar shark-like fang.

This girl seemed extremely anxious.

It felt as though she wanted to throw herself into the arms of a lover.

This caused the attending reporters to sense something unusual, like the smell of blood drawing a shark's attention.

Many cameras turned their focus toward the girl.

"Sainokami... Ika, I believe that's your name. What's the matter?"

In contrast to the girl's eagerness, Yukima Azuma appeared rather indifferent.

"After hearing about you, Yukima, I rushed over immediately!"

Sainokami Ika was undeterred by Yukima Azuma's cold demeanor.

Instead, she responded with a radiant smile.

"You must be the one holding the title of 'Queen,' correct..."

"Big news, big news!"

The murmurs spread rapidly among the reporters.

The title of "Queen" is reserved for female shogi players, equivalent to titles like "Queen" or "Women's Throne" held by someone like Sora Ginko.

Currently, Sainokami Ika was the reigning holder of this title.

Speaking of which, Japan's peculiar formality in titles always stood out.

"I heard Yukima Azuma would be making a comeback, and I was genuinely thrilled." Even though Yukima Azuma didn't respond, Sainokami Ika kept talking, seemingly to herself.

"Hey, date me! That way, we can play shogi forever!"

"Nobody else matters. As long as I have Yukima Azuma, nothing else is important!"

What could one say about this?

Her declaration was, without a doubt, a bit precarious.

It could easily be classified as an emotional 'landmine.'

Standing on the stage, Yukima Azuma felt the fiery gaze from across the room.

It was Sora Ginko's stare.

Consequently, Yukima Azuma immediately suppressed even the faintest trace of a polite smile.

"I must decline. After all, we aren't even friends."

"A confession like that makes me uncomfortable. Please don't do it again."

With that, Yukima Azuma stepped off the stage and exited through the players' pathway on the other side.

Sainokami Ika had been decisively rejected, yet the smile on her face didn't fade.

Her golden, lightning-shaped eyes followed Yukima Azuma's figure until he disappeared.

.....

After leaving the hall.

Not long after, Sora Ginko caught up.

"What was that all about?"

Sora Ginko's voice was soft, like a kitten's gentle pawing, carrying a teasing itchiness.

Of course, if Yukima Azuma's attitude earlier had been even slightly ambiguous, Sora Ginko wouldn't be asking so calmly.

In that case, she might have stormed over, grabbed his collar, and delivered a sharp kick on the spot.

But since Yukima Azuma had firmly rejected Sainokami Ika in front of everyone, leaving no room for misinterpretation, Sora Ginko wasn't worried.

Now, she was only asking because she was paying attention to Yukima Azuma.

"When I advanced to the second rank in the prize competitions, I once played against Sainokami Ika," Yukima Azuma began.

"After losing, she suddenly latched onto me, and the very first thing she said was a confession."

"Even after being rejected, she didn't mind and kept finding ways to play shogi with me."

"To be honest, just now was the third time I've rejected her confession."

Sainokami Ika was the kind of person who completely embodied selfishness.

She only cared about getting stronger at shogi.

Aside from that, nothing else mattered to her.

Her talent among female shogi players was exceptionally rare.

That's why, after just one game, she recognized Yukima Azuma's extraordinary abilities.

And from that moment, she became attached to him without hesitation.

She wanted to grow stronger through playing with him.

And to achieve this goal, she was willing to sacrifice anything—even herself.

"Tsk!" Sora Ginko clicked her tongue quietly. "That sneaky cat burglar."

The folding fan in her hand opened and shut repeatedly, an unconscious habit of hers whenever she was irritated.

Yukima Azuma reached out and ruffled Sora Ginko's silvery hair, gently soothing her mood.

Sora Ginko instinctively closed her eyes to enjoy the moment but quickly caught herself, pulling away with a haughty air.

"Not secretly pleased by being confessed to, are you?"

"Not at all."

"Firmly rejected her, unlike a piece hovering indecisively on the board?"

"Firmly rejected."

"Alright... let's go. Master's house. Sister Keika already finished cooking."

After asking her questions, Sora Ginko turned away and walked lightly ahead, a small smile playing at her lips, her ears faintly tinged with red.