NOVEL NEXT Chapter 51
“…Since we’re at it, let me ask you something. What exactly did you do before, Haruto-kun?”
“Huh?”
I had just reassured Chiaki-san that I could at least defend myself… probably. But now, with a rather dissatisfied expression, she asked me this question.
“What do you mean by ‘what did I do’? I’m just a regular university student, living alone and working part-time.”
“Well, yeah, that’s what I thought too. But that’s not what I meant. Like, were you involved in sports during school? Something like that?”
“Not really. I wasn’t in any clubs in middle or high school. The only extracurricular activity I did was going to cram school.”
“…No sports experience? Especially martial arts?”
“None. Only what I did in PE.”
“But you said you were at a level where you could win a national championship!”
“That was just something the judo coach said to recruit me… It was more of a flattering exaggeration.”
According to the judo coach, if I followed a specialized training plan and built up my muscles, there was a chance. It also depended on my growth trajectory.
Basically, I needed a year of hardcore training on top of the already intense practice. And I’d have to bulk up with muscle.
There’s no way I could do that. Even if I could physically, mentally I wouldn’t last. I’m not even that into judo.
“I admit I’m naturally suited to physical activities, but without constant practice, I can’t compete with those seriously invested in it. My talent’s only so-so, really.”
“What are you talking about? There are tons of athletes who train endlessly and still can’t reach national levels… Especially in judo, considering Japan’s high standards, you could even compete globally!”
“You seem to know a lot about judo.”
“My dad’s a big fan… He’d watch it during meals, so I naturally picked up on it.”
“From the way you said that, sounds like you lost the battle for the TV remote a lot.”
Seeing her slightly distant look, it’s clear she’s knowledgeable but doesn’t necessarily *like* it. Childhood TV battles can have a lasting impact…
I’ve heard stories of people developing a distaste for baseball just because their favorite anime or drama got preempted by a game broadcast.
“Well, I think it’s a matter of perspective. For me, talent isn’t just about skill, but also the passion to commit to something for years, or even a lifetime.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. If you give up because it becomes painful, no matter how much you improve, it’s meaningless. And I’m the type to give up. Especially with physical activities. I can enjoy them for fun, but I don’t have the enthusiasm to take them seriously. I just don’t have the stamina for it.”
“Ah, yeah. Haruto-kun is totally that type…”
It’s not like I’m trying to act all cynical. It’s just that I don’t particularly like sports… No, I don’t dislike them either, but, well, it’s like that.
So when I think about it overall, I’d say my talent is about upper-mid level at best. I do have a bit of a knack, but I don’t think I have the ability to stick with things long-term.
“I’m generally the ‘can do it if I try’ type, but I can’t really compete with the serious pros.”
“Even so, if what you’re saying is true, Haruto-kun, you’re basically a ridiculously talented person…”
I won’t deny that. I’m aware I’m saying things that would make any sports student roll their eyes in disbelief.
But still, there’s truth in the saying, “You get good at what you love.” Even if you have talent, if you don’t like it, you won’t improve much. At least, not enough to become a top-tier athlete.
“Oh, what about that?”
“That?”
“You often draw on your computer, right? You do that because you enjoy it, don’t you? Doesn’t that mean you’ve gotten really good at it? I caught a glimpse of one of your drawings, and it was amazing!”
“Ah, illustrations, huh. Yeah, I guess I’ve stuck with that for a while. But even with drawing, I wouldn’t say I’m super passionate about it…”
Of course, I enjoy drawing. But honestly, it’s more because of the reactions I get online, and the fact that it’s started bringing in income, that I haven’t quit.
I originally started drawing just to make use of a tablet I got from a relative.
“Well, since I’m getting results, I’ll probably stick with it longer than any of my other hobbies.”
“Oh? What kind of results?”
“Well, I told Kondo-san, so I guess I can tell you too. I’ve got over 100,000 followers on social media.”
“…That’s way more impressive than I expected.”
Chiaki-san looked overwhelmed, holding her head in her hands. I’m not sure how to feel about that reaction.
“Wait, are you serious? You have more followers than our band’s account…”
“Really? How many do you have?”
“Uh, around twenty thousand, give or take.”
“…For real?”
“You’re thinking that’s not much, aren’t you?! It’s a lot, okay?! …Probably.”
“‘Probably,’ huh.”
I mean, I don’t know much about average follower counts in the band world.
But I thought Chiaki-san and the other members of Avant-Garde would be more popular, especially considering how good they all look. They could easily ride the idol wave.
“It’s fine! We’re going to grow much bigger! We’ll surpass you in no time, Haruto-kun, and leave you far behind! And when you feel lonely, I won’t care!”
“No matter how far you go online, we’ll still be in the same place in real life, so lonely or not doesn’t really matter…”
“Did you just admit that we’ll always be together?”
“How did… wait, does that really mean what you’re implying?”
“Haruto-kun, I like you! Please go out with me!”
“That’s way too sudden.”
I admit that was a slip of the tongue, but still… Can’t we follow the normal flow of conversation a bit more?
“Oh, and if it’s alright with you, Haruto-kun, could you do the illustrations for our band’s CDs or merchandise? Of course, we’d pay you! …Though I’d have to discuss the price with the others.”
“Confessing and asking for an illustration job in the same breath… What’s up with your mindset, Chiaki-san?”
Seriously, it seems like she half-heartedly confessed, assuming she’d get rejected anyway. Maybe I should just accept for a laugh… No, that would be bad. She might take it seriously and try to make it official, locking me into a relationship.