Tag: chapter

There was a mishap during the cavalry battle, but after that, the events proceeded without any further incidents.

“The final event is about to begin! The last competition will be the mixed-grade relay!” (Announcer)

When the final event was announced, cheers erupted from all the classes.

The scores were evenly matched across all classes.

“Now, let me explain the rules of the event. Two representatives from each grade will run. The order will be 3rd years, then 2nd years, and finally 1st years. So, senpais, do your best to make things easier for your kouhais.” (Announcer)

Once the announcement ended, we were surrounded by our senpais.

“Nice to meet you, first-years. We’ll do our best so you guys can take it easy.” (Senpai)

“Don’t overthink it—just run. Even if we don’t win, we will take the responsibility.” (Senpai)

They said that to reassure us as we stood there nervously.

“Thank you, senpais. We’ll do our best too.” (Yuuto)

Kouhei spoke up to the seniors.

Once they finished talking to Kouhei, the senpais turned toward me.

“Do your best on the anchor leg. Gotta show your girl something cool, right?” (Senpai)

With that, the senpai ruffled my hair playfully.

“Yes, I’ll do my best. But… she’s not really my girlfriend or anything…” (Yuuto)

It seemed like the last part of my sentence didn’t reach their ears.

After spending some time bonding with the senpais, we finally began preparing for the last event.

Then, when it was time, the 3rd-year senpais lined up in their lanes.

At the sound of the starting pistol, they all burst forward at once.

The senpai from my group launched forward with great momentum, making a successful start dash.

He and the group that had done the dirty tackle were neck and neck, fighting for first and second place.

They remained evenly matched, but the 2nd-year senpai running before Kouhei stumbled at the corner and fell.

Fortunately, he quickly got back up, but we had dropped to second place.

When he passed the baton to Kouhei, he apologized.

Kouhei took the baton and immediately made up the distance, sticking right behind the runner ahead.

The runner ahead handed the baton to the same person who had made that dirty tackle earlier, and I received the baton from Kouhei right after.

I sprinted with everything I had.

I caught up right behind him and drew even at the final corner.

In that moment, he thrust his elbow toward my face.

I leaned slightly forward to dodge it, and perhaps because he didn’t expect me to avoid it, his baton slipped from his hand.

I kept going and crossed the finish line, and our team won the race.

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I gradually began to understand the situation.

I remembered up to the point where I was tackled and fell, but everything after that was fuzzy, so I had been asking Kouhei what had happened.

“I see… well, it is a competition, so accidents like that do happen.” (Yuuto)

One of the guys looked a little pleased at my comment.

“Yeah, exactly, it was an accident, right? Then we’re all good now, yeah?” (Student)

With that, he turned around and went back to his class.

Yuuka and Kaori-chan, who had been watching, glared at the guy with eyes full of contempt.

“What was that attitude? He’s acting like he’s totally innocent—ugh, so annoying.” (Kaori)

Kaori-chan spat bitterly.

“He hurt Yuuto. I’ll never forgive him.” (Yuuka)

Yuuka’s words seemed to slightly drop the temperature around us.

“Hey, Yuuto, you’re just gonna let this slide?” (Kouhei)

Kouhei, a bit irritated, spoke to me.

“Of course not. There’s no way I’d be satisfied without getting back at him.” (Yuuto)

I probably had a pretty dark smile on my face just then.

“Then how do you plan to get back at him?” (Kouhei)

Kouhei asked me directly.

“For that, I’ll need to ask someone from my class for help first, so give me a minute.” (Yuuto)

With that, I returned to my class.

Yuuka, Kaori, and Kouhei followed me as I approached one of my classmates.

“Ah, Yuuto-kun, is your head okay now? It doesn’t hurt anymore?” (Classmate)

That classmate asked with concern.

“Yeah, I think I’m fine now.” (Yuuto)

When I said that, the classmate looked relieved.

“That’s good to hear. I was really worried since you didn’t wake up at all.” (Classmate)

Everyone nodded in agreement at the classmate’s words.

“Sorry for worrying everyone. I actually have a favor to ask.” (Yuuto)

“Would it be alright if I switched in as the last runner for the boys’ relay?” (Classmate)

“I don’t mind at all, but are you sure? That guy went to the same middle school as me—he’s pretty fast, you know?” (Classmate)

The classmate seemed a little worried.

“It’s fine. I’m confident I can beat him.” (Yuuto)

“Alright, if you’re that determined, I’ll switch out. But you better win, okay? He pisses me off too. He’s always been like that since way back. I want to see him totally crushed.” (Classmate)

It seemed that the classmate also had some kind of history with him.

“Leave it to me. I’ll make sure he tastes a brutal defeat.” (Yuuto)

I said that as I exchanged a fist bump with the classmate.

“So that’s how it is. I’m counting on you, partner.” (Classmate)

“Yeah yeah, I’ve got this, partner.” (Yuuto)

Alright—time to show them what Kouhei and I can do when we team up.

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I held my head and crouched down — the pain was so intense that I couldn’t hear anything around me.

Someone tapped my shoulder to see if I’d react, but I couldn’t respond.

I heard voices arguing with each other.

It was probably Kouhei and someone from the opposing team.

But I couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Even so, I could tell the argument was getting more and more heated.

Yet I couldn’t move or speak.

But through it all, I clearly heard Yuuka’s voice calling out to me.

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(Kouhei’s PoV)

Kouhei was panicking — Yuuto had fallen headfirst and wasn’t reacting to anything they were saying.

He tried tapping his shoulder, but there was no response. Calling out didn’t help either.

While he was panicking, three of the four who had made the malicious tackle came to apologize.

However, the one who had been riding on top of the human horse just stood there with his arms crossed, glaring at us.

“Hey, aren’t you going to apologize?” (Kouhei)

I said while glaring back at him.

“He’s the one who failed to break his fall properly, right? It’s a competition—accidents like this happen, don’t they?” (Student)

The other guy said that smugly.

He seemed determined to play the ‘I was on top, so I wasn’t involved’ card to the very end.

And now, he was trying to pin the blame on the four who had been the horse underneath, planning to make his escape.

The other four seemed to realize this too and exchanged glances.

Their expressions were gloomy, like they were thinking, “Here we go again.”

While I kept arguing with the guy for a while, Kaori and Yuuka-chan came running up.

“Kouhei, how’s Yuuto doing?” (Kaori)

Kaori asked between breaths.

“No good. I’ve been calling out, but he’s not responding.” (Kouhei)

As I explained that, Kaori tapped Yuuto’s shoulder.

“Yuuto, Yuuto, if you can hear me, can you squeeze my hand?” (Kaori)

Kaori whispered into Yuuto’s ear and held his hand.

But there was no response from Yuuto.

Seeing that, Yuuka leaned in close to Yuuto’s ear.

“Yuuto, please… answer me.” (Yuuka)

Yuuka, as if praying, held his other hand and gently pressed her forehead against it—and then, it felt like Yuuto’s fingers slightly squeezed back in hers.

Yuuto gradually became aware that his senses were returning.

And in front of him, he could clearly see Yuuka holding his hand.

“Yuuka? I’m okay now, so could you let go of my hand?” (Yuuto)

Kaori-chan looked shocked that he started speaking and quickly let go of his other hand.

Yuuto asked Yuuka to let go too, but she refused, so he just kept gently patting Yuuka’s head for a while.

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After the lunchtime broadcast ended, we returned to our classroom.

Our classmates immediately rushed over to us.

“Welcome back, you two! You looked like you were having so much fun.” (Classmate)

“I’ve never heard Yuuka-chan talk that much before.” (Classmate)

They surrounded Yuuka, chatting excitedly.

As I watched from a distance…

“Good job, Yuuto.” (Kouhei)

Kouhei and Kaori came over to me.

“Yeah, I’m tired, but it was fun, so it’s all good.” (Yuuto)

“Yuuka-chan looked like she was having a great time.” (Kaori)

Kaori-chan seemed genuinely happy.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Yuuka that cheerful.” (Yuuto)

It had been a long time since I’d seen Yuuka so lively, and because of that, I hardly spoke during the broadcast.

Then, lunch break ended, and the second half of the sports festival began.

In the second half, I was scheduled to participate in the cavalry battle, and Yuuka in the obstacle course.

The obstacle course, which Yuuka would take part in first, involved crawling under a net, passing under track-and-field-style hurdles, and finally sprinting 50 meters to the finish line.

Before the call for participants, Yuuka came over to me.

“Yuuto, I’m going to do my best.” (Yuuka)

She said this as she clenched her fist in front of her chest.

The current scores of all the classes were evenly matched, and it wouldn’t have been strange for any class to win.

“If you do your best, Yuuka, I’ll give it my all in the cavalry battle too.” (Yuuto)

I said that while patting Yuuka on the head.

And then, without any trouble, Yuuka came back after placing first.

She returned to me, puffing out her chest proudly.

As I patted Yuuka’s head, she smiled happily and let out a cheerful ehehe.

The events continued one after another, and finally, it was time for the cavalry battle.

“Alright, Yuuto, let’s do this!” (Kouhei)

Kouhei said as he threw his arm around my shoulder.

There were two other classmates standing next to Kouhei—our teammates for this cavalry match.

Kouhei and the other two would be at the bottom, and I would be on top.

“Let’s go out there and give it our all. Yuuka-chan’s been doing her best, after all.” (Kouhei)

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve got to give it my best too.” (Yuuto)

As I said that, I tied the headband for the cavalry battle.

And then, the cavalry battle began.

The moment it started, people from all directions rushed in, and we were quickly caught in the middle of an intense fight.

But as we tore through opponent after opponent, tossing them aside one after another, before I knew it, I had a handful of headbands.

As I kept my guard up, a cavalry unit came charging at us—without slowing down at all, they crashed right into us.

I got hit by a brutal tackle and was sent flying.

Before I knew it, I was in midair, gazing up at the sky.

Then I fell headfirst and curled up in pain from the impact.

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When Yuuka and I arrived at the broadcasting room, there were two people happily chatting together.

One was a woman—it was immediately clear she was the top-ranking senpai. She had the appearance of a literary girl.

The other, a man, was the second-ranking senpai and gave off a very quiet and reserved atmosphere.

“Hey, we’ve been waiting for you! Come on, have a seat, have a seat.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

There were two folding chairs side by side.

Yuuka, being shy around new people, was hiding behind me.

“So you’re Yuuka-chan, right? Nice to meet you.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The girl extended her hand for a handshake.

But Yuuka, being cautious, didn’t try to shake hands right away.

Seeing that, I gave a wry smile.

“Sorry, she gets shy around new people.” (Yuuto)

“No, no, it’s my fault too for trying to get too close too fast. Don’t worry about it.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

She waved both hands at us in a gentle gesture.

Once Yuuka recognized that she was a safe person, I asked the two of them a question.

“So, what kind of business did you have with us that you called us here?” (Yuuto)

The one who answered was the second-ranking senpai.

“Actually, some students in our grade said they wanted to hear more about that first-year pair—that’s you two. So we called you here. We’d like to do it like a radio show, if that’s okay?” (Second-ranked Senpai)

So that was the reason.

When I looked at Yuuka, she made a circle with her fingers to show that she was okay with it.

“I understand, that’s fine. But just so you know, if there are any difficult questions, I might have to go with ‘no comment’.” (Yuuto)

That was how I responded.

“Thanks! Then we’ll start in a little while, so just relax until then.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

Since they said that, we relaxed and started eating our bento.

When we were about halfway through our lunch…

“Is it okay if we start soon? You can keep eating while we go.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

Since she asked for our permission, we nodded.

After that, the broadcast began, and we stayed quiet until it was our turn.

Then, when we were called in, the segment with us started.

We answered normally, but both the top-ranking girl and the second-ranking guy widened their eyes and looked surprised at some of our answers.

And by the time the broadcast ended, both of their faces were flushed red.

“Thank you both! We had so much fun, but wow, that was kind of embarrassing.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The top-ranking girl covered her face with both hands.

“As expected of a couple—you two are so lovey-dovey it’s almost enough to burn someone.” (Second-ranked Senpai)

“Thank you for enjoying it. Ah, but just so you know, we’re not dating.” (Yuuto)

The moment I said that, both of them looked at us in shock.

“You’re not dating?” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The top-ranking girl turned to Yuuka and asked.

Yuuka nodded her head to confirm.

They both looked surprised, but since it was getting late, we said our goodbyes and left the broadcasting room.

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The moment we returned to class, a group of classmates—mostly girls—gathered around Yuuka.

“Yuuka-chan, congratulations on first place! You fell down, though—are you okay?” (Female Classmate)

They were checking her knees.

“Yuuto-kun, hurry and take care of Yuuka-chan’s injuries.” (Female Classmate)

A classmate handed me the first aid kit.

I took the kit, soaked some gauze with disinfectant, and gently wiped her wound.

Then, Yuuka’s eyes started tearing up.

At that, our classmates gave her some encouragement.

“Yuuka-chan, hang in there!” (Female Classmate)

“There, there, it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t hurt~” (Female Classmate)

They were treating her like a little child.

Once the wound was disinfected and I put on a bandage, the treatment was done.

“Yuuka-chan, you did great.” (Female Classmate)

“You were so brave! Here, a candy as a reward.” (Female Classmate)

Everyone was doting on Yuuka.

Yuuka looked really happy as she smiled, but she wouldn’t let go of my gym uniform.

After that, the events continued one after another, and the scores between the teams remained neck and neck.

I participated in the ball toss game, but since nothing noteworthy happened, there’s no need to talk about it.

Well, if I had to mention one thing, it would be that during the event, everyone kept yelling, “Do your best, Dad!” at me.

Once the morning events were over, it was lunchtime, and I received a homemade bento from Yuuka.

“So your bento today is handmade by Yuuka-chan, huh?” (Kouhei)

Kouhei also got a bento from Kaori-chan.

“You’re one to talk, you got a handmade bento from Kaori-chan too.” (Kento)

“Apparently Kaori told my parents she was going to make one for me.” (Kouhei)

Kouhei answered with a laugh.

“You’re looking really pleased with yourself.” (Kento)

I said that as I saw Kouhei grinning from ear to ear.

“Well, come on, it’s a homemade bento from my girlfriend. Of course I’m happy.” (Kouhei)

With that, he started eating.

“You don’t understand how lucky you are, since Yuuka-chan always makes your meals for you.” (Kouhei)

I was about to argue that I’m always grateful to Yuuka when suddenly an announcement was made through the PA system.

“Aaaand now calling to the broadcast booth—first-year, class one, Kuroi Yuuto-kun and Shirakami Yuuka-san. Please come to the booth. Don’t forget to bring your lunches with you—” (Announcer)

With no other choice, Yuuka and I headed toward the broadcast booth.

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Then all the participants from the same event as Yuuka had returned.

Each competitor had brought along someone different.

Wait, this is supposed to be a scavenger race, right? Why is everyone bringing people instead of objects?

“Now then, shall we move on to the results announcement?” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The moment the female senpai spoke, applause broke out from all the classes.

“By the way, we came up with the themes for this event!” (Second-ranked Senpai)

“Oh, and just so you all know, only 10% of the themes are items, the other 90% are people—so this is expected!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

Hearing that, I had a really bad feeling about this.

“Yuuka, is there any way you could secretly show me your prompt?” (Yuuto)

When I asked Yuuka, she shook her head.

“It said we’re not allowed to show the written prompt.” (Yuuka)

At her response, I held my head in disbelief. Seriously?

“Well then, let’s have each pair present in turn! I’m so excited!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The female senpai sounded genuinely thrilled.

“Let’s start with this group.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

She pointed to the group that had arrived last.

It was a pair of girls.

“Alright, let’s hear what you got!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

A nearby sensei handed a mic to the girl who had been the runner.

“My prompt was… the person who is the closest to me.” (Girl)

The girl declared it in a small voice.

“I see, just how close are you two?” (Top-ranked Senpai)

“When I was really anxious because there was no one else from my middle school here, she was the first person who talked to me.” (Girl)

The runner girl fidgeted as she spoke.

“Then let’s hear from the other person too.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

“Actually, it’s the same for me— I used to live in another prefecture, and after moving here, I didn’t know anyone. So I talked to her, thinking she was probably in the same situation.” (Partner Girl)

“We were both anxious, but now we’re the best of friends!” (Them)

Everyone listening gave them a huge round of applause.

After that, the presentations continued one after another, until finally, it was our turn.

“Alright, the main dish you’ve all been waiting for is here!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

Saying that, she handed the microphone to Yuuka.

Yuuka took it, held my hand, and began the presentation.

“My… prompt… was this.” (Yuuka)

Yuuka handed the slip to me—so she wanted me to read it in her place.

“Um, let’s see… The prompt is: ‘someone I feel safe being with’.” (Yuuto)

While I read it out loud, Yuuka was clinging tightly to me.

“That’s our dad, alright!” (Classmate)

Everyone in our class chanted in unison.

The top two students burst into laughter at the class’s reaction.

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As I was being led by Yuuka, the top-ranking and second-ranking senpai, who had just made the opening declaration, came over holding microphones.

The top-ranking female senpai began her greeting.

“Uh, this was decided rather suddenly, but we’ll be your hosts and commentators today.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

The second-ranking male senpai followed.

“That said, we’d like to enjoy ourselves as well, so we look forward to your support. Now then, let’s return to the events.” (Second-ranked Senpai)

Yuuka had been running with me all the way to the goal point on the field, but she tripped over the ground and fell, getting tangled up.

“Oh no, the female runner has taken a tumble!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

“Yuuka, are you okay?” (Yuuto)

Worried, I leaned in to look at Yuuka’s face.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she quietly said it hurt.

“It looks like the girl has fallen and injured herself.” (Second-ranked Senpai)

“Now then, what will happen next?” (Top-ranked Senpai)

Hey, why is the commentator so into this?

As I patted Yuuka on the head, she grabbed my hand and said this.

“My leg hurts and I can’t walk, so carry me like a princess.” (Yuuka)

I decided to give in to Yuuka’s selfish request.

When I told her to wrap her arms around my neck, Yuuka seemed to understand my intention and happily clung to me.

“Oh! The boy’s move here is the classic princess carry!” (Second-ranked Senpai)

The second-ranking male senpai commented excitedly.

“That’s a high score move! A princess carry is every girl’s dream!” (Top-ranked Senpai)

While saying that, the top-ranking female senpai looked over at the second-ranking male senpai.

Watching that, our classmates let out high-pitched cheers of “Kyaa!” and seemed to be having a great time.

Carrying Yuuka in a princess hold, I finally reached the goal.

“We have a goal! You arrived first, so please wait here until the other runners return.” (Second-ranked Senpai)

Following the second-ranking senpai’s guidance, we sat in a designated seating area.

Yuuka still wouldn’t leave my side, but I was used to it, so I just patted her head to pass the time. Yuuka rubbed her cheek against mine as we sat there.

“Wow, what a heartwarming scene this is.”  (Top-ranked Senpai)

“Aren’t those two way too lovey-dovey? My mouth’s starting to taste sweet just watching them.” (Second-ranked Senpai)

“That’s the perfect amount, don’t you think? I bet everyone in our year thinks the same about us.” (Top-ranked Senpai)

At that, all the third-years chimed in.

“Yeah, you two flirt just as much as them!” (Everyone)

The crowd erupted with cheerful voices.

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We were standing on the field for the opening ceremony of the sports festival.

“Glad the weather turned out nice. I heard they’d go ahead even if it rained, so I was really nervous.”(Kaori)

Hearing Kouhei’s comment, I nodded in agreement.

“Clear skies and perfect temperature all day—can’t ask for better.” (Yuuto)

While responding, I tuned out the principal’s long-winded speech.

After a while, the principal’s lengthy speech finally ended, and the opening declaration began.

Apparently, the declaration was to be made by the top two students of the third-year class, which I thought was a bit unusual.

“Those two are supposedly dating. Someone said they kept seeing each other as rivals, and that just led to them going out.” (Kaori)

After hearing the rumor from Kouhei, I started paying closer attention to the two. Sure enough, they kept glancing at each other.

“That’s totally the face of two people flirting like crazy behind the scenes.” (Yuuto)

“If those senpai heard you say that, they’d definitely say you’re the last person who should be talking.” (Kaori)

I didn’t really get what Kouhei meant, but I ignored it.

After the declaration ended, we all did radio calisthenics. Then, everyone except those participating in the first event returned to their class’s designated area.

And so, the sports festival officially began, with cheers echoing from each class and year group.

My class was Class 1, and there were six classes in total, from 1 to 6. It felt like the students had been evenly divided so that each class had a balanced level of ability.

Among the four of us, the first to compete was Yuuka, who entered the scavenger race.

The rules were simple: draw a slip of paper from a box, and on it would be a randomly written prompt — pure luck played a big role.

Once all six classes were ready, the starting pistol fired.

From our class, everyone was quite supportive.

“Go, Yuuka-chan!!” (Classmates)

Yuuka was the third person to reach into the box and rummage around for a prompt.

She pulled out a slip of paper and read the prompt.

“I wonder what kind of prompt she got?” (Classmate)

“For Yuuka-chan, I’ll do my best!” (Classmate)

“Same here. But I bet Yuuka-chan will—” (Classmate)

Just as one of the classmates was mid-sentence, everyone suddenly turned to look at me.

“What’s up with everyone? Why are you all looking at me like that?” (Yuuto)

I asked, but no one said anything — they just stared at me with this oddly warm expression.

Then Yuuka came right up to me.

“Yuuto, come with me.” (Yuuka)

She said that, and so I followed her.

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A few days had passed since the other day, and our classroom had fallen into a hush.

“Now then, I’d like to start deciding the events for the sports festival coming up the week after next.” (Lia)

With that, Lia-sensei smacked the blackboard.

“Yeeeeaaaahhh!!” (Class)

All of us were fired up.

“Everyone, please be quiet. You’ll disturb the other classes.” (Lia)

At her words, we quieted down.

“Alright, let me explain the details of the sports festival.” (Lia)

We all looked at Lia-sensei with serious eyes.

“For the sports festival, Class 1 of first, second, and third years will form one team together. The group with the highest total score will be the winner. So make sure to cheer for your senpais as well, okay?” (Lia)

“In middle school, it was a competition within the same grade, but now in high school, we’re teamed up across three years. That’s new.” (Lia)

I found myself thinking, yeah, that’s true.

“Maybe it’s because once you’re in high school, everyone’s physical development is more or less the same?” (Yuuto)

I voiced what I was thinking.

“And it’ll be way more exciting that way! No doubt it’s gonna be fun.” (Kaori)

Kaori-chan looked absolutely thrilled.

As we were all chatting among ourselves—

“You two couples over there, keep it down. From now on we’re going to list out the events, so think carefully about which ones you want to join. Also, just so you know, anything less than first place isn’t even on my radar. Be ready.” (Lia)

At the word “first place,” one of our classmates raised their hand.

“Is there some sort of reward for winning?” (Classmate)

“The homeroom teacher of the winning class gets a cash bonus, so do your best, alright?” (Lia)

I felt like I just saw Lia-sensei’s eyes turned into yen symbols.

“And just so you know, part of the prize will go toward a celebration party, so it’s not like I’m the only one benefiting here.” (Lia)

“A… a celebration party?!” (Classmates)

Everyone’s hearts became one. And to drive it home even further—

“Alright then, if we win, let’s have an all-you-can-eat yakiniku party!” (Lia)

“An all-you-can-eat yakiniku party sounds amazing!!” (Classmates)

Our excitement shot through the roof.

“So everyone, make sure to talk things through properly and decide who’s entering what event.” (Lia)

“Yes, ma’am!” (Classmates)

Saluting her, we began discussing who would participate in which events.

Time passed, and at last, the sports festival had begun.

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