Nango's father walked out of the bedroom and saw his wife still glued to the TV. "Tamako, it's so late. Why aren't you in bed yet?"
"I'm waiting for Koichiro. You go sleep first," she replied, fighting back a yawn.
"Why wait for that rascal? He's always late from basketball practice."
"None of your business! Go to bed!"
Her husband scratched his head in confusion. Did I say something wrong? But he didn't dare argue, so he obediently shuffled back to the bedroom.
Mrs. Nango muttered under her breath. Gossip comes first! Don't even think about asking me to sleep now!
After enduring one more episode of her soap opera, she finally heard the door click open. Her eyes lit up. Hah, finally! The rascal's home!
Quickly straightening her posture, she tried to act nonchalant. "You're back? I made some soup. Sit down and have a bowl."
Koichiro put down his backpack, looking surprised. "Mom, why are you still up? The soup's fine, I'll drink it."
"Of course soup is best when it's hot. Hurry and drink, I'll go to bed once this episode is over."
"What's even so good about this drama?"
"You wouldn't understand. Just sit down and drink."
"Alright, alright."
He downed the savory pork rib soup in a few gulps. The warmth spread through his body, washing away fatigue. Mmm… if only there were a couple slices of lotus root, it'd be perfect. Too bad it's not like back home…
When he opened his eyes, his mother was staring at him with a smile that made him uneasy.
"…Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh, nothing. By the way, a girl named Kano called for you earlier. She didn't say what it was about." Her eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Huh?" Koichiro blinked. He hadn't expected Kano to call his house. But first—he had to survive his mother.
"It's nothing, just a normal friend I met before."
"Oh really? And how did you meet her?"
"…At the gym."
"Oh? A girl goes to the gym too?"
"Yeah, she's a sports student. Don't worry, Mom. Nothing like that. She probably just wanted fitness advice. Don't overthink it."
"Don't be ridiculous. No 'normal friend' calls so late at night."
"Well… she can't reach me any other time. We both have classes."
Mrs. Nango considered it. His explanation made sense, but her instincts screamed otherwise. Still, with no proof, she sighed. "Fine. But remember to call her back."
"Got it, got it!" Koichiro quickly slipped away.
Later, lying in bed, he frowned. What does she mean by calling me this late? Could it be… no, she didn't seem interested last time. Maybe I misread it? Or… does she really just want basketball advice?
He wanted to call her right then, but it was too late. Kano was probably asleep. He resolved to ask her tomorrow.
What he didn't know was that Kano, just like him, was tossing and turning in bed, frustrated that he hadn't called back.
The next day, Koichiro couldn't focus. His mind kept drifting to Kano's call.
During practice, Akagi noticed. "Koichiro, you look exhausted. Did you not sleep last night?"
"Sorry, Captain. I went to bed late. I'll rest well tonight."
"Make sure you do. We've got Shoyo this weekend."
"Yes, understood."
Checking the time, Koichiro figured Kano should be home by now. He hurried to a phone booth, took a deep breath, and dialed.
"Hello, this is the Kiharu residence. Who's calling?" Kano's sweet voice answered.
"Kano? It's me—Nango Koichiro."
"Nango-kun?"
"Yeah. My mom said you called yesterday. Sorry, practice ended late. I couldn't call back in time."
"It's fine. But Nango-kun… we said we'd go watch a game together. It's been a month! You haven't contacted me at all!"
"Ah, sorry… we've had nonstop games and practices. This weekend, we're against Shoyo. I really didn't have time."
"Hmph. Alright, I'll forgive you. Since you're busy, how about I come cheer you on?"
Koichiro hesitated, then blurted, "Kano, do you… like me?"
Her cheeks flamed instantly. Bold as she was, she couldn't just say it. Panicking, she hung up. Her heart pounded as she buried her face in her pillow. Idiot! How can he ask so directly?!
On the other end, Koichiro chuckled softly, warmth spreading through him. Her reaction had said enough.
He tried dialing again. For a long time, no one answered. Just as he was about to give up, the line clicked. Silence.
Koichiro spoke gently. "Kano, our game's this Sunday at 9 AM. Will you come?"
"…Mm."
Her reply was barely audible, but he heard it clearly.
"Great. Then see you Sunday. Bye."
Hanging up, Koichiro grinned ear to ear. He jogged back to practice, bursting with energy.
The next day.
Akagi frowned. "What's with him? He was dragging his feet earlier, now he's on fire."
Kogure chuckled knowingly. "Who knows. But it's good to see him back."
-----------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking