Having been to this room filled with nothing but girls a few times already, my presence had already become something like a regular sight for them.

When Satsuki and I entered, the members all greeted me with a smile, albeit a little forced as though they were trying not to show the tension they were feeling on their faces.

I knew full well where their tension was coming from, even my Satsuki was feeling it. If joking and teasing could work with her, thats not the same for the others, especially those who were going to play right at the start.

Thats why I only returned a smile before following Satsuki further into the room where Eguchi-sensei and the other regulars were currently sitting in a circle, their eyebrows tightly knitted.

Eguchi-sensei, while holding onto a small board, was conversing with the Captain, Kawakami-senpai. Their topic was about the excellent players of the opposing school.

Coach, I can mark their number 5. Her accuracy beyond the arc is spectacular.

Number 5. I guess that should be the opponents Vice-Captain. From what I heard the number theyre donning on their jerseys had some significance. The Captain would always get the number 4. And then theres the number 7 thats somehow reserved for their point guard or the one who always calls their plays. As for the other numbers, theyre given based on their order of joining the regular team.

Satsukis number is 14. And among the first years, shes the only one who entered the regular team.

Alright. Well count on you to prevent her from taking baskets from us. Kanno-senpai said. Shes the center of their team and the one Satsuki would substitute during the second half. As always Ill protect the inside court. Were aware how inferior we are to them but lets not lose heart!

Shes the loudest and tallest girl in their club. And Satsuki was looking at her like she was looking at her idol.

It was around five minutes later when Satsuki interrupted their strategic meeting, announcing my arrival.

As soon as they noticed me at Satsukis side, they looked a little embarrassed. Perhaps, they didnt want a member of the opposite gender how heated they were for this game.

Ill be cheering you on, seniors, I said to at least lighten the atmosphere.

Heh, you say that. But youre here to watch your girlfriend, arent you? Kawakami-senpai asked while smiling mischievously, her gaze focusing on Satsuki.

Shes pretty cool-headed. I guess thats an amazing trait for a leader. The tension from her face was already relieved and that infected the other girls around her.

I believe thats a given, Kawakami-senpai. Anyway, you all seemed so serious right there, I wonder what I can do to help you?

Oh, didnt Satsuki tell you?

Wait... Thats serious? Ill be the waterboy?

Onoda-kun, thats not it. Eguchi-sensei was the one who answered it. And noticeably, Satsuki averted her gaze, silently giggling.

The girl tricked me. Although I was skeptical when she said it, I also couldnt just brush off the possibility. I mean, its Eguchi-sensei were talking about.

Thats hilarious and great job, Satsuki-chan. Kawakami-senpai, understanding what happened, laughed and praised Satsuki. And little by little, the others who were still a little serious giggled almost simultaneously.

Seeing them laughing at that little detail, I played along and scratched my head comically. And here I thought Ill be handing out water to all of you.

Honestly, thats not a bad idea, Onoda-kun.

And there were voices of agreement even among those who werent on the regular team. I guess they also needed that help, huh?

Then Ill gladly help your club, senpai.

You idiot! Dont just say yes willingly. Satsuki interjected.

What? Arent I here to watch and cheer for you? Is there any better place other than the courtside?

... I dont know. Satsuki averted her gaze again, losing any will to rebut.

Well, thinking about it, by staying there, encountering Setsuna and Koizumi-san would be lowered. However, thats a temporary fix. In fact, I would be more conspicuous from the audiences stand. Everyone watching from above could see me. Its a lot better if I blended in with the crowd of audience.

Anyway, with the talk of the waterboy dying down, Eguchi-sensei soon got to the point on why she called for me.

Ill need your advice over here, Onoda-kun.

Ah. As I expected. Shes going to rely on me again, huh? But is this fine?

Looking around, Kawakami-senpai, Kanno-senpai, and the other members of the club all nodded at me. Its like they all approved of my involvement in their strategy.

And at my side, Satsuki squeezed my arm, her gesture of encouragement for me to step forward.

This was weird, to be honest.

I only joined one of their meetings before. I had no idea about their reasoning for allowing an outsider like me to be involved.

Furthermore, I had no idea about the game they were going to play...

Wait, its not that Im doubting your decision, sensei. But Im not a sports jock. I had no idea what made my opinion qualified.

Satsuki-chan, is your boyfriend dense or something? Or... is it because you failed to tell him about his contribution to one of our victories?

Didnt tell me? What was that about? What contribution?

I didnt tell him. Senpai, youre the one who said not to...

Im obviously joking back then. And I think my words are, You dont need to tell him right away. Plan a surprise or something, hell be delighted to know that he helped you win the game.

... That. I cant recall hearing about that second part. Satsuki guiltily answered. And judging from how shes biting her lips, shes being honest with that answer.

Hahaha! I remember. Chiho, it was too loud in the karaoke box back then. Satsuki-chan failed to hear the rest of what you said. Kanno-senpai laughed and tapped Kawakami-senpais back

Oh... Thinking about it, they did bring Satsuki to a karaoke. No, not just karaoke. They went to a mall as a whole club, in celebration of their win in another practice game.

Upon hearing all that, Eguchi-sensei spoke again, Hmm? That explains why he thought he was not qualified. Anyway, whats done is done. You girls, prepare for the game. Ill tell you later if something will change after hearing Onoda-kuns advice.

After saying that, she gestured for me to come close. Shes going to show me what they brainstormed just earlier and here my advice.

Yes, Coach!

Were counting on you again, Onoda-kun.

Thanks for the hard work, Satsuki-chans boyfriend.

And following her words, starting from those close to the door, they began leaving the room one by one.

Im sorry if I put you in a tough spot, Ruki...

No. Its fine. Go on. Ill be with you soon.

Satsuki apologized but honestly, she didnt really need to. If I was to be asked, then its Eguchi-sensei who should be blamed... Why seek advice from a student, anyway? But if my simple words of advice could help them... then theres also no reason for me to refuse.

However, that was weird... I remember only listening to their meeting back then. When did I input my advice? And to date, this should only be my third time visiting their club when theyre in this room.

... Then theres only one or two plausible explanations for that. It happened during one of my conversations with Eguchi-sensei or she made that up completely... but what for?