◆
“So that’s how it is. I like the Sports Festival. Or rather, I’ve started to like it since this year.”
“Wha... what...!?”
I couldn't believe my ears. Because this was that Riran we were talking about. The girl who can't even catch a basketball properly and trips over her own feet and falls...!?
And yet, she says she likes the Sports Festival...
“You, aren't you thinking something incredibly rude right now?”
“Are you a psychic?”
“No, you’re supposed to deny it.”
Even if you say that.
Riran let out a soft sigh, sat down in her seat, and crossed her legs.
“It's true that I have bad motor skills and I'm not suited for team sports. I'd just end up holding everyone back.”
“Oh, so you are self-aware. Then why?”
Not to be mean, but wouldn't you hate it precisely because you'd be a nuisance?
And what was that about starting to like it since this year?
“Didn't you say it yourself? That in team sports, the winners are the ones who enjoy themselves together with everyone.”
“...Was that during that basketball game?”
“That’s right. That's why I thought I wanted to enjoy myself too.”
Man, she really remembers things from quite a while ago.
Certainly, that’s the motto both Ryūya and I have for enjoying team matches. It’s more beneficial that way, and everyone can have fun.
“But that doesn't explain the reason why you started liking it specifically from this year.”
“T-That's...”
Fidget, fidget.
...? Why is Riran fidgeting like that?
As I tilted my head in confusion, Ryūya and Neika let out deep sighs.
“Haa. You really don’t get it, do you, Akito?”
“Not understanding a woman’s heart, Akky is just too much of a failure~”
“What's with that?”
They spoke with an air of 'we understand it perfectly.' It was a bit annoying.
“It's from *this* year, okay? T-h-i-s year. Do you really not get it?”
............Ah?
“The 『Red Thread of Fate』?”
“Yes, that! Rira was always fighting with Akky until last year, after all.”
“This year, those kinds of lingering regrets are gone. Besides, it's the first school event since you two started dating. It's only natural to be excited... right, Kuonji?”
“I-I don't know!”
Hmph. Riran turned away at Ryūya's words. No, that’s basically the same as admitting it.
I stared at her blankly.
“~~~~ッ! S-So what if it is? Is it bad? It's my first school event with Akito. What's wrong with looking forward to it?”
This girl just threw caution to the wind and came clean.
“Oh ho, Akito. After your wifey has said this much, you wouldn't be a man if you stayed silent, right?”
“Akky, give it your all, okay?”
“...Haa, alright, I get it.”
Since Riran is looking forward to it so much.
The class motivation is up too, so it wouldn't be right for me to be the only one acting cynical and ruining the atmosphere.
“So, what event are you entering, Riran?”
“Let's see... I think I'll enter the obstacle race. I have a bad feeling about the borrowed item race for some reason.”
“A bad feeling?”
“I can't really put it into words, though.”
Riran shrugged her shoulders. Ryūya and Neika were grinning. It seemed like those two understood... but what does she mean?
Just as I was about to ask them, Sanzenin-sensei entered the room, and the gathering broke up.
Hmm, I don't get the meaning.
◆
“Heh, hee. Nnn...! T-This morning, that kind of thing, ah... was happening, wasn't it. Kuu...!”
“Yeah, well, something like that.”
“Ah...! Wait, you're being... too intense...!”
“Ah, my bad.”
I was spacing out and messed up the strength I was using.
Looking down, I saw Rio with her hands on the floor, her cheeks flushed and her breathing labored. Even the nape of her neck was slightly red, and sweat was glistening on her skin. Tears were welling up in her eyes as she desperately tried to steady her breath.
“M-More, slowly...!”
“Nah, if you have the energy to talk, you should be fine with more. Come on. One-two, one-two.”
“Wa-Wait...! D-Don't shake me like that...!”
“It’ll be over in just a bit.”
“Ah, uggh, n-no more...!”
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!
“Alright, wheelbarrow finished.”
Ah, has it been a minute already?
When I let go of Rio's legs, she collapsed on the spot, completely exhausted.
“I-I'm gonna die... this will kill me...”
“You’re the one who said you wanted to do the same menu as me, remember?”
“Well, the boy does the 5-minute course, though.”
“I underestimated it...”
A beautiful girl drenched in sweat, breathing heavily and twitching. Yeah, this looks like a police matter.
I handed Rio a drink and started doing some flexibility exercises while taking a break.
“By the way, Rio, you weren't there this morning. Did something happen?”
“What do you mean? I'm on the Sports Festival Executive Committee. I've been busy with preparations and meetings since morning.”
“Heh, I didn't know that.”
“...You should really pay a little more attention to what’s going on in the class.”
I said I'm sorry. So please don't look at me with such cold eyes.
“Hoh, a Sports Festival. How nostalgic. I used to be unrivaled in the Sports Festival myself.”
“Well, it’s like having a gorilla mixed in with ordinary people, after all.”
“The boy’s menu for today is now doubled.”
“No way!?”
“Akito-kun, you were in the wrong just now.”
I only said what I was thinking! ...No, that's exactly what's bad. I reflect on my actions.
“But, a bit of a troubling topic came up in today's meeting.”
“A troubling topic?”
“Yes. It's about—”
............................................Wait, what?