After finishing his rounds of teasing Rin, Isagi, and Barou, Ryan continued waiting for the remaining teams to make their entrance.
After all, he wasn't very familiar with Tokimitsu or Zantetsu, and those two looked far too honest there really wasn't much fun to be had teasing them.
Meanwhile, everyone else began chatting with people they knew.
Chigiri, Kunigami, and Bachira walked over to Isagi and surrounded him.
Bachira casually slung an arm over Isagi's shoulder.
"Isagi, I knew you'd definitely catch up to us."
Affected by the warm atmosphere, Isagi smiled faintly.
"Yeah. Just watch, I've gotten really strong."
"Is that so? Then we're looking forward to seeing you on the field."
Kunigami extended his fist, bumping it lightly against Isagi's.
"Still, I honestly didn't expect you to end up on that team. Not only with Itoshi Rin, but also Barou."
Chigiri patted Isagi on the shoulder sympathetically.
"I can't even imagine what life's like for you on that team. You've really been through a lot."
Hearing Chigiri's words, Isagi reacted as if he'd found a kindred spirit. He excitedly grabbed Chigiri's hand.
"Exactly, Chigiri! Barou hogs the ball all the time during matches. When we ask for it, he completely ignores us. Because of that, Rin and Barou almost got into a fight."
"And you wouldn't believe it, Barou's actually a clean freak. In the dorms, he's always policing our hygiene. Even where we put our clothes, he'll nag us endlessly."
"And then there's "
Just as Isagi was about to keep going, he subconsciously turned his head
only to see Barou and Rin staring straight at him, their intense gazes burning into him like warnings.
If you dare keep talking… you're dead.
Realizing he'd messed up, Isagi immediately changed his tone. Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, he began praising Rin and Barou nonstop, practically lifting them to the heavens.
"B-But those are all just small things! Being clean is actually a really good habit. My mom makes me clean at home all the time too, so I think it's great honestly way better than me."
"And Rin and Barou are the strongest players on our team. Of course ball distribution is important, arguments are only natural."
I've said this much… I should be safe now, right? Isagi thought.
Ryan absolutely did not.
He strolled over with the unmistakable air of someone who lived for chaos, wrapped an arm around Isagi's shoulder, and whispered into his ear:
"Isagi, tell me the truth between those two, who do you think is stronger?"
Instantly, alarms blared in Isagi's head.
He knew it. This was a trap.
There was no way Ryan would ask something like this without ulterior motives especially with that "just between us" tone.
Based on his understanding of Ryan, if he favored one side even slightly, Ryan would definitely go report it to the other right to their faces.
He had to answer carefully.
If he messed this up, with Rin and Barou's personalities… his fate would be nothing short of tragic.
You bastard, Ryan… we haven't seen each other in ages, and within minutes you're already trying to kill me.
Just wait next time you're in the shower, I'm stealing your towel.
Isagi laughed awkwardly as his brain went into overdrive, desperately searching for the safest possible answer.
"Haha… if we're talking overall ability, I'd say the two of them are pretty evenly matched."
"They just have different styles. Barou is a pure finisher who can carry the ball forward on his own, while Rin has great vision he can pass, dribble, and shoot. He's more of an all-rounder."
After finishing that long explanation, Isagi finally let out a sigh of relief.
That had been harder than playing an actual match; his brain cells felt completely drained.
But would Ryan really let him off that easily?
"Oh? So you think they're the strong ones."
"I thought you'd say I was the most amazing."
Isagi's brain instantly shut down.
Huh?
Wasn't the question about them? How did this suddenly turn into YOU?
"I… I…"
Seeing this was going too far, Chigiri finally stepped in and dragged the gleeful Ryan away from Isagi.
"Alright, Ryan, stop bullying Isagi. Look, you've completely crashed his system."
Ryan didn't continue teasing. He'd only wanted to see if Isagi had grown since they last met
though he'd nearly played him to death.
Isagi looked at Chigiri like a man rescued from hell, gratitude overflowing.
"Chigiri… you're an angel sent from heaven to save me."
That overly heartfelt thanks instantly gave Chigiri goosebumps.
"Ugh Isagi, please act normal."
"Hahaha! If Chigiri's an angel, then I must be the devil from hell."
"Alright, Isagi by way of apology, I'll treat you to some steak."
Ryan's skin was so thick he didn't find it embarrassing at all he even proudly crowned himself a demon.
The moment Isagi heard the word steak, his eyes lit up. Everything that had just happened vanished from his mind, and he nearly started drooling.
"Really? Then I want two portions."
"Of course it's real. When has this great me ever lied to you?"
"Forget two I'll get you ten. That is… if you can finish them."
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