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It was Tuesday.
After Hirata's breakdown yesterday, the class decided to postpone the discussion about the upcoming sports festival and who would participate in which event. Once that was decided, everyone simply dispersed.
There had been disagreements, misunderstandings, and mistakes.
But the class carried on until the next day.
"Are you finally okay, Yousuke-kun?" Karuizawa asked.
"Thank you for your concern, Karuizawa-san. I'm fine for now," Hirata replied with a smile. It wasn't as bright or casual as usual, but his mental state had clearly improved.
It was now their free homeroom period, and the class decided to continue the discussion they left unfinished. Hirata stood at the podium and scribbled something on the board. After that, he pulled out a notebook filled with the class's measurements from the previous day.
He had already gathered all the measurements from the entire class, boys and girls. Every student's physical data had been neatly recorded in his notebook.
He flipped the notebook open, revealing rows of organized names short notes beside each name. It was clear he had worked on this late into the night, even after everything that had happened.
He picked up a piece of chalk and started writing names on the board.
"Based on the results we collected yesterday, I'll fill in the recommended participants for each event," Hirata said. "For grip strength, the tug-of-war and the four-way tug-of-war will go to Sudou-kun, Ayanokouji-kun, Miyake-kun, and me."
"What exactly is a four-way tug-of-war, anyway? I ain't ever heard of that," Sudou asked.
"I haven't heard of it before, either, so I looked into it. It's pretty much exactly what its name says. It's a tug-of-war competition in which four people are chosen from each of the four classes, for a total of sixteen people. It sounds like it's a tug-of-war contest where those sixteen people pull simultaneously," Hirata explained.
Unlike a normal tug-of-war where brute strength was enough, this event clearly required tactics too. Hirata wrote the names down under the four-way tug-of-war section on the board.
"Hey, Hirata, are we not getting any more chances to enter events? From the results, it looks like there's barely any chance to get into the recommended slots. And we still haven't tested most of the class for stamina or running speed. There's the three-legged race, the relay race, and Scavenger hunt too." Ike asked.
"Oh, it's not like that," Hirata replied. "Starting next period, we'll be practicing independently for the sports festival. We can run the tests then. As for the scavenger hunt, I think that competition relies more on luck than athletic ability."
"Luck? Then how are we supposed to decide who enters?"
"Simple is best. How about we settle it with rock–paper–scissors?" Hirata suggested.
The idea felt a little too casual coming from someone as serious as Hirata, but it was surprisingly reasonable. Luck played a big role in life. Even if there was uncertainty, a small twist of fortune could flip someone's situation upside down.
For example, a skilled worker might end up stuck doing clerical tasks forever, while an incompetent person could somehow rise to become a company president. That alone showed that luck held some influence.
Of course, there were usually other factors involved, but for something like the scavenger hunt, rock–paper–scissors were more than enough. The class would split into groups and narrow down the participants from there.
"Are you going to participate too, Kumagawa-kun?" Hirata asked, turning toward the boy with the injured hand sitting in the back.
Technically, Kumagawa's hand was still hurt, but the scavenger hunt didn't require the same level of physical strain as other events. As long as he could move around and grab an item or two, it wasn't that dangerous, but whether he joined or not depended entirely on him.
Hirata's intention was simply to include him in the discussion. But apparently, some boys and girls clearly weren't happy about Kumagawa being involved at all, but none of them voiced their complaints.
『Hirata-kun, are you trying to make me hated? Are you trying to make me the enemy of the class? 』
"Huh? Um... Why would you think that?"
Before Hirata could add anything, Shinohara clicked her tongue.
"Seriously, what's with you..." she muttered, clearly unable to hold back. "Hirata-kun is trying his best for everyone, and you're always saying weird things or causing trouble. Do you ever think about how your behavior affects the rest of us?"
Kumagawa tilted his head with a harmless smile, which only seemed to irritate her more.
"If we mess up in the sports festival because of you, I'm going to blame you, with how you act, you're just being a burden to Hirata-kun!"
A few classmates nodded along, most of them girls—naturally, since many of them sided with Hirata by default. Between Hirata and Kumagawa, it was obvious who the class would support. In any conflict like this, Kumagawa Misogi would obviously be the losing side.
『Hmm, this puts me in a tight spot. Because of your careless remarks, I've become the whole class's enemy. Do you have a way to fix this problem, Hirata-kun? 』
"Hey! Why are you blaming Hirata-kun for that?" Shinohara shot back immediately.
Her complaint was followed by several others from Hirata's supporters, and the classroom erupted again.
Because Kumagawa had thrown the comment out so casually, the class was swept up by the mood without thinking. But the matter was sensitive especially for Hirata, as he could only show a troubled expression as he stood there. The words he should have used to calm everyone seemed stuck in his throat, as if something heavy pushed them back down.
Fortunately for Hirata, Kushida stepped in before things worsened.
"Everyone, please calm down for a second."
A calm expression with a soothing tone of voice.
With just a few simple words, she gathered their attention and interrupt the rising arguments.
"I understand why everyone feels uneasy. We're all stressed about the sports festival, and we all want to do well. But blaming someone right away won't solve anything." She said, "And before we starts pointing fingers about whose wrong and whose right, shouldn't we let Hirata-kun speak first? He's been trying so hard to think about what's best for the class. If we keep arguing like this, it will only make things harder for him."
Kushida's reasoning landed well with the rest of the class and the students who were the most heated, especially Shinohara and her friends who strongly supported Hirata, began to calm down.
"And as for Kumagawa-kun," she added, turning to him with a calm smile, "if there's something we don't understand about what he said, we can ask him properly. Jumping to conclusions won't help us work together."
She then faced the class again.
"We're all classmates, right? We should try to listen to each other first. Hirata-kun has always supported us, so let's support him too."
Little by little, the class began to settle down. Everyone turned back to Hirata, who looked like he was forcing himself to stay calm on the surface.
"...I'm sorry, Kumagawa-kun," Hirata finally said, lowering his head a little. "I didn't mean anything in a bad way. If my words sounded strange or made you uncomfortable, I apologize. And about Shinohara-san... I don't think she meant it like that either. She probably said it because she was worried about the class and the festival. So, um... I apologize again for making things confusing."
Standing at the front podium, Hirata looked like someone giving an apology at a press conference.
It was a familiar sight in Japan. Whether on television or online, there was always someone apologizing to someone else, regardless of whether they were the victim or the perpetrator, or whether they were right or wrong.
And now Hirata was apologizing to Kumagawa.
In this case, Hirata was technically blameless, yet he apologized openly. There was no perfect term for the situation, but if there were one, it would be something like a victimless crime, or even a perpetratorless crime.
Technically, it was not even a crime. There was no real victim or perpetrator between Hirata and Kumagawa. But if one had to label it broadly, the class would be the culprit, with both Hirata and Kumagawa as the victims.
But if the viewpoint was stretched even further, it might as well be Kumagawa's fault for his careless remarks.
For Hirata to apologize in front of everyone, depending on how one looked at it, could almost be called honorable. He judged himself based on a strong sense of ethics.
『Because I'm like this, I'm kind of used to being slandered, but this is pretty tough, even for me. If I were being attacked, I could counterattack, or at least get mad. But how am I supposed to respond to someone who is apologizing? 』
Of course, the only proper answer in everyone's mind at this moment was to simply accept the apology and move on, even though it was not Hirata's fault at all.
『It feels like violence in the form of an apology. 』
That was how he described it.
In Kumagawa's case, it didn't seem like he'd say something like, "It changes nothing for me," whether he received an apology or not.
『All right, I'll do it and participate in the scavenger hunt. 』
Hirata responded with a troubled smile, unsure if Kumagawa had accepted the apology or simply moved past it on his own.
The rock paper scissors selection went smoothly, aside from the whole ordeal earlier. They played in several rounds, and anyone who won advanced until the final spots were filled. Kumagawa, for better or worse, won each round he played in. By sheer luck, or perhaps misfortune depending on how one looked at it, he was chosen along with two boys and two girls.
No one was particularly eager to join the scavenger hunt. While it involved a degree of luck, there was always the risk of drawing an unfortunate task. Sometimes it meant dealing with something nearly impossible, and other times it meant drawing something embarrassing. That was usually how it went.
There were even rumors that if you got unlucky in the scavenger hunt, you would end up unlucky in life as well.
Of course, those were nothing more than rumors.
"Ayanokouji-kun, Yukimura-kun, Kumagawa-kun, Mori-san, and Maezono-san. You five," Hirata announced. Adding Sudou to that list made six students who would participate in the scavenger hunt.
"What's the matter, Ayanokouji-kun? You look more somber than usual," asked Horikita from the desk beside him.
"Several participants were chosen against their will, so things are a little gloomy," he answered.
"There is nothing to be done about that. In our class, the gap between athletic and unathletic students is extremely wide," she replied.
"That is certainly true."
After a long period of arguing, they finally decided on the students for the recommended-participant events. As expected, Sudou would be in all of them.
For the girls, many of them, starting with Horikita, were participating in three events. On the other hand, Ayanokouji's misfortune continued, and he would be participating in two events.
As for Kumagawa, he would only join the scavenger hunt, considering his injured hand. Seeing that result, Ayanokouji briefly wished he could injure his own hand too, but he was not foolish enough to actually do it. Even if it was possible, he was not that desperate.
Pretty soon, Hirata filled the roster for every event. "All done." He closed his notebook, and the class let out a sigh of relief.
The class settled down again. Of course, this roster was still temporary. Depending on practice and what they learned about other classes, changes could be made later. Nothing was final yet. The current assignments were only placeholders.
The class then began to prepare to do a little more physical test before setting everyhing in stone for the sports festival.
During this time, Hirata approached Kumagawa, who was sitting alone in the back.
"Kumagawa-kun, can we talk privately for a minute?"
『What is it, Hirata-kun? 』
The two quietly moved to a more secluded corner of the classroom.
"...I'm sorry about earlier," Hirata said. "I really didn't mean it in a bad way. If it sounded like I was forcing something onto you or pushing you to do things you don't want to do... I don't mean to make you look like the bad guy, but if that's how it came across, then that's clearly my fault."
『Hirata-kun... is this some kind of harassment? It almost sounded like apology harassment to me. 』
"H-harassment...? I didn't mean it like that at all, Kumagawa-kun."
『Well, I've heard there are people who turn themselves in for crimes they didn't commit, but this is the first time I've seen someone apologize for something that wasn't their fault. Or wait... are you maybe an apology masochist? You really have a kind heart. 』
Kumagawa smiled as he said that.
"....."
Hirata couldn't respond to such obvious sarcasm.
But Kumagawa didn't leave him hanging for long.
『Harassment aside, Hirata-kun, do you know the saying "To err is human; to forgive, divine"? 』
"Huh...? I have heard of it before. It was Alexander Pope who said it, and it is actually one of my favorite sayings," Hirata replied, trying to sound cheerful, completely forgetting the previous sarcasm. "Is this some kind of psychology test, by any chance?"
『No, no, I am really impressed. You did a great job knowing such an obscure saying. Even I did not know it existed until yesterday. You must have a clean whiteboard in your head. 』
"Ahaha..."
It was one of the quotes Hirata remembered the most. It was one of his favorite, and it was a line that resonated with him deeply.
Back then, he had come across it by pure coincidence.
He was not someone who studied philosophy, nor was he particularly interested in it. But after the aftermath of 'that' particular incident in his past, those words had cleared a lot of his mind.
They helped him understand his own mistakes and allowed him to face many things he had been struggling with.
It is easy to admit a mistake, but forgiveness requires great strength.
Forgive yourself, and apologize to him.
Forgive him, and apologize to yourself.
Forgive myself, and apologize to yourself.
And forgive him, and apologize to him.
That was the meaning behind the quote.
At the very least, that was the meaning of the quote for him.
『If you do something wrong, you say sorry. That's basic manners. I was taught that much when I was a kid. I don't remember if it was my teacher, my parents, some childhood friend, or an old man whose face I forgot... but someone must have said it.』
"Isn't that normal? To apologize when you did something wrong?" Hirata asked.
Saying sorry when you do something wrong.
It was a simple concept even a toddler could understand.
『But if everything could be solved with a simple apology, there wouldn't be any need for police. 』
"That.... Sounds far-fetched, Kumagawa-kun. Thinking a police officer's job is only to punish bad people is a bit of a misunderstanding," Hirata replied.
『Right? Then apology isn't everything either. That's why your apology puts me in a tight spot, Hirata-kun. You keep apologizing for things that aren't your fault. It feels like you're attacking me with kindness. 』
Hirata hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond.
"...Even so, I still want to apologize," he said quietly. "If I made you uncomfortable, then it's something I should take responsibility for."
『Hirata-kun, didn't you know? There are plenty of cases where an apology can make things worse instead of resolving them. I'm sure you've experienced something like that too. It's not always case-by-case, but there's apologizing because you believe you're wrong, and apologizing because you want forgiveness... but most of the time, it's somewhere in between. You believe you're at fault, so you want forgiveness, and so you apologize. An apology made without hesitation is the easiest one to forgive without hesitation. But a forced apology only begs for a forced forgiveness. 』
Kumagawa's words were like some kind of Zen dialogue, so at this moment, it was hard for Hirata to fully grasp them. And rather than a Zen dialogue, it felt more like an impossible conversation. However, it was still frighteningly pertinent dialogue.
『Even if you want to be forgiven, that doesn't mean you will be forgiven, right? 』
He said that softly.
『So I won't accept your apology. 』
Kumagawa smiled.
『And I won't forgive you. 』
『』『』『』『』『』
Starting from their next homeroom period, Class D would be practicing on their own to prepare for the sports festival. During their free period, everyone changed into gym clothes and headed to the athletic grounds.
"Whoa, check it out. They're from other classes, right? Guess they're already spying." Ike, wearing an unpleasant expression, looked toward the main school building.
Several students from Class A, B, and C were watching them from the windows of their classrooms.
If they chose to train in such an open area, it was natural to be observed. Even if they tried to hold back to hide their true abilities, it would only ruin their practice and end up hurting them later.
"They started right away." Horikita had also noticed the curious stares. "Why do you look so troubled?" she asked Ayanokouji beside her.
"....."
Ayanokouji's plan had been to involve Kumagawa in some of the events by making him score reasonably well in the initial strength test. It was his own fault for placing even a small amount of hope in him. The plan was far from perfect due to the time constraints, but it had at least been possible.
But who would have thought that he would injure his hand. Now, even if Kumagawa was willing, he could back out at any time using his injury as an excuse. Judging by his personality, it was not impossible for him to injure himself again later on.
There was also the fact that Kumagawa had somehow realized what his intentions were, which made the situation even more troublesome.
"Are you worried about Ryuen-kun?" Horikita asked.
"Yeah. A little."
"I'm surprised he doesn't seem to be doing any kind of reconnaissance. Still, he did refuse to cooperate with Class A. He doesn't appear interested in any sort of strategy." Horikita looked at him as if to say she understood, then continued. "Or at least, that's what I would have thought if you hadn't warned me. The other students must believe they're safe."
She glanced at the students who were throwing themselves into practice.
"What you mentioned earlier, about Ryuen-kun already having a strategy. That must mean his plans are already in place. He doesn't need reconnaissance." Horikita no longer looked optimistic. Instead, confusion was clear on her face. "Anyone would want information on the other classes. Who has physical advantages, who will take part in which events, and so on. But him..."
Ayanokouji looked toward the school building. While students from Class A and C were observing from above, Class B was different. They were not watching from the windows at all. Instead, they simply glanced at the Class D students practicing on the field.
It was as if they were saying that Class D posed no threat.
That alone suggested that Ryuen already had a strategy in place.
"The important thing isn't just knowing that Ryuen has a plan," Ayanokouji said.
"What do you mean?"
"Usually, when someone has a secret plan, they try everything they can to keep it hidden. But Ryuen isn't even pretending. He's making it obvious by not bothering with reconnaissance."
"It's almost like he's showing off," Horikita said.
If he thought more deeply about Ryuen's behavior, his intentions became clearer. Ayanokouji wondered how much of it Horikita could see at this point.
"You know, I can't help but wonder where your powers of observation come from. But since you've forbidden me from asking questions, I suppose I should stay quiet."
What a disagreeable and very Horikita-like way of putting it. Still, she was thankfully not stubborn enough to press further. No matter how much she poked and prodded, he would not budge. He already had a headache dealing with how easily Kumagawa could read his intentions, and he did not need Horikita sticking her nose where it did not belong.
"Suzune. You got a minute?" Sudou asked, startling Horikita as he arrived late. His interruption clearly irritated her. Something else also seemed to be bothering her.
"I've told you many times. Please do not call me by my first name."
"Aw, what's wrong with that? Does it really bother you that much?"
"Yes. I don't want someone I'm not close to using my first name."
"But doesn't Kumagawa call you with 'chan'? Does that mean you're close with him?"
Instantly, Horikita's expression turned extremely displeased.
"Let me make this clear, Sudou-kun" She said, "First, I do not consider Kumagawa-kun close. If possible, I would rather not know him at all, or even be acquainted with him. If anything, I do not even consider him a fellow human being, so stop implying that we are close."
There was a considerable amount of hostility in her voice.
"Second, if you continue to call me 'Suzune' after this warning, I will take more direct action to make you stop." As always, she aimed straight for the heart, sparing none of Sudou's feelings.
It was a terrifying proposition. Ayanokouji did not know what kind of "direct action" someone who did not even acknowledge another classmate as human being might take, and he did not want to imagine it.
Sudou clearly wanted to keep calling her by her first name, but he would suffer greatly if she truly came to hate him. Whatever he was thinking remained unknown, as Sudou quickly changed the topic.
"In that case, if I get the best results out of anyone in Class D during the festival, will you let me call you by your first name?"
Oh? It was a rather modest request for Sudou, but Ayanokouji did not know whether Horikita would accept it.
"Hard work is its own reward. Why should I agree to such an idiotic bet?" Horikita replied. She was probably unaware of Sudou's feelings for her. Ayanokouji wondered how Sudou intended to respond.
"Well, it's just... not too long ago, you saved me. That's why I want to do things properly, to show you how I feel. No, I think I want to be friends with you first. This is the first step," Sudou said.
"I don't understand why you would go out of your way to request something like that. But fine. If you produce the best results, I will allow you to use my first name. However, I will not be satisfied if you are only the best in our class. Show me that you can be the best in the entire grade."
She had given Sudou an incredibly high hurdle to clear, but he showed no sign of backing down.
"All right! It's a deal, then. If I place first in the grade, I'll call you by your first name," he said happily.
"However, if you fail to get first place, I will permanently forbid you from saying my first name. Prepare yourself," Horikita said.
"Y-yeah."
It was a daunting task, though not impossible. He nodded vigorously in response.
Based on what Ayanokouji had seen from the other classes, Sudou's physical ability was top-tier. He likely would not struggle in the events. The only ones who might rival him were Kouenji or Kumagawa. Kouenji was completely unmotivated and likely would not interfere. Kumagawa, on the other hand, was unpredictable and could pose a problem.
Setting him aside, it would come down to how many events Sudou could dominate.
『』『』『』『』『』
Class D began testing everyone's aptitude in earnest. Although Hirata's policy did not encourage forced participation, roughly ninety percent of the class took part in the various tests. Only a few, like Kouenji and Kumagawa, sat them out.
Speaking of Kumagawa, he was nowhere to be seen.
Ayanokouji observed his surroundings but did not notice his presence at all.
It seemed that he had disappeared.
Those who chose not to participate in the aptitude tests were still present, at the very least. That included Kouenji. Kumagawa, however, was different. He appeared even more uninterested in the sports festival than Kouenji, but that alone did not explain why he would injure himself.
Did he do it just to spite him?
"Hey, hey! Let's go!"
Meanwhile, Sudou, who was usually the least serious member of the class, was working harder than Ayanokouji had ever seen. There was a certain pull to his presence. He could not afford to disappoint after talking so boldly, but there was no need for concern. When he was in top form, Sudou was unbeatable. No student in the class could match him.
"Wow, just like we'd expect, Sudou-kun. You always take first place in our class, no matter the event. That's amazing," Kushida said, jumping up and down in excitement as Sudou finished the one-hundred-meter relay race.
"Heh, guess so. Even then, I dunno what'll happen if he runs." Sudou glanced toward Kouenji, who showed no interest whatsoever.
"You know, that reminds me. I've never seen Kouenji seriously run before."
Back when Kouenji had competed with Sudou in swimming class, he had beaten Sudou's time. His ability was clear, but he would not move unless he felt like it. He let the others do as they pleased while he remained on the sidelines, not lifting a finger.
"But seriously, you're amazing. Sudou-kun, you're definitely fit to lead us during the sports festival," Kushida said.
"Leader? Me?" Sudou repeated, clearly taken aback.
"Yes. After all, the sports festival is an athlete's time to shine." Hirata, who had been recording everyone's scores, seemed to agree. "You're especially well suited, Sudou-kun. Would you mind leading our class?"
Hirata himself was qualified, of course, but he had judged Sudou to be the better choice.
"I ain't really cut out to be a leader or anything." Sudou looked toward Horikita, seeking her opinion. He appeared uncertain, as he was used to acting alone or in small groups.
"You're not someone who speaks eloquently. As a communicator, Hirata-kun is the superior choice. However, based on your sprint and your other athletic records, I understand Hirata-kun's reasoning. You perform well when attention is on you. Besides, physical strength will be necessary to pull the class forward. I don't object to you serving as leader." Said Horikita.
She did not encourage him outright, but she did not reject him either. She could have worded it a little better, but at the very least, she acknowledged him. After all, she wasn't arbitrarily participating in practice; she was trying to get a firm grasp of everyone's talents.
"Okay. I'll lead our class to victory," Sudou said.
It might have been foolish to be so easily swayed, but Sudou was being Sudou, he simply wanted to live up to Horikita's expectations in the most straightforward way possible.
"Don't get overconfident and sloppy. I'll make you regret it if you do," Horikita warned.
She turned away and returned to her practice. Sudou clenched his fists, his face flushed as he watched her leave.
Taking his role as leader seriously, Sudou began coaching the other students, starting with how to win at tug of war. Horikita's somewhat ambiguous approval had filled him with great vigor.
"You're just pointlessly strainin' yourself. There's no strength at all in your pull. At this rate, you wouldn't win, even if you could," said Sudou.
He grabbed the short length of rope tightly to give us a practical demonstration. Ike and Yamauchi faced off against him. The looks on their faces suggested that they expected to win, but when the match began, Sudou pulled with an overwhelming amount of strength. A disappointingly short time later, Ike and Yamauchi fell down and sat on the ground.
"See? You ain't putting any real power into it."
"I don't get it. Hey, Sudou, is there some kind of trick or something?"
"Well, power's important, but also, don't just use your arms. Use your hips, too," said Sudou. His manner was rough, but he gave careful and thorough advice to each student.
"Hey, Sudou-kun, can you come take a look at this? We're not doing well with our carriage for the cavalry battle."
"Yeah. Hold on. I'll be right there."
With many unathletic students in the class, requests for help came one after another. Ayanokouji was honestly surprised that even the girls asked Sudou for advice.
"Well, he seems to be taking this seriously," Horikita said, putting on airs as usual. Ayanokouji wanted to tell her that a bit more praise might motivate him even further, but considering how much she was already cooperating, he decided against saying it outright.
"It's probably the first time people have relied on him. Leadership might suit him after all, don't you think?"
In theory, it probably felt nice to be relied on. That was doubly true for students like Sudou, who lived their lives in solitude.
"As for me, though...well, I wouldn't mind praising him, but—"
Before she could finish the thought, they heard an angry voice.
"Hey, I'm tellin' you that ain't it." Sudou kicked at the dirt, sending it flying toward Ike and Yamauchi.
"Gah. Puh. Gross. Cut it out dude!"
Horikita sighed.
Sudou's rashness was still an issue. A leader needed to understand that others were fundamentally different from himself. He also needed patience, like Hirata, who always used gentler methods, who at this moment, was checking the girls' positions in the cavalry formation, making sure they were comfortable.
"Why don't you help teach the girls too?" Ayanokouji asked Horikita. She was one of the top athletes in the class and had plenty to offer as a teacher.
"I don't want to teach them. Besides, I don't think anyone wants me teaching them either."
With that blunt statement, she began warming up on her own.
What a difficult personality, Ayanokouji thought. It was not necessarily a bad trait, but in this situation, it made things complicated. If it continued, it would no doubt cause problems later. However, to maintain their current relationship, Ayanokouji did not dare to criticize her blunt nature directly. He had no intention of interfering either. At least, not now.
"I'm already doing my best to produce results for myself. How can you be so laid back? I suppose if you're confident you can win, that's fine," Horikita added.
"Nope, I'm not confident."
"That figures. Your scores are always average. You're neither fast nor slow. Nothing about your results stands out."
"You noticed that?"
"I make an effort to understand my classmates' true abilities." She spoke as if she had been observing him closely, even during physical education. "I'll ask just once. Are you holding back, like you did on the written tests?"
"Would I do something that pointless?"
"I'd say the chances are fifty fifty. So, are you?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint, but what you see is what you get."
"So you're neither good nor bad. That means I shouldn't expect much, then."
"Yep. That's right."
"Then you should start practicing. Right now."
"If I could improve in such a short time span, this wouldn't be a problem. Unlike studying, trying to do this all at the last minute the night before is kind of pointless."
Using a simple line of reasoning to counter her argument, Ayanokouji tried to corner her with logic about how physical ability only improved through repeated training.
"Then at least do something productive. For example, learning how to grip a rope or how to form a proper carriage would increase our chances of winning. Or at the very least, find out where Kumagawa-kun is."
Feeling the conversation had gone in an unexpected direction, Ayanokouji couldn't help but ask, "Why Kumagawa? Don't you already know how pointless it is to force him to do something he doesn't want to do?"
Horikita clicked her tongue
"I'm not trying to force him but that doesn't mean he gets to disappear and do nothing just because he's injured. Everyone else is contributing in some way."
"So this is about fairness?"
"Call it whatever you want," Horikita said. "I just don't like the idea of him lazing around while the rest of us are working."
She sure was stubborn and petty in a weird way.
Ayanokouji wanted to slack off and leave practice, but Horikita had him firmly cornered. There was no getting around it. Compared to training right now, it was better to look for Kumagawa instead. He could always say no one had seen him and kill some time, but at the very least, he needed to look like he was trying.
If she still insisted that he train afterward, then he would at least focus on the events he had somehow been recommended to participate in.
"Hey," Horikita called out to him as he started to walk away.
"Hmm?"
"Each class's physical abilities will decide who wins and who loses. Right?"
"This is a sports festival. Physical ability is important."
"Yes. But that way of thinking is limited." Horikita paused briefly. "If I focus only on my own performance, I'm confident I can produce results. Still, something has been bothering me. I might not be able to reach Class A through personal improvement alone."
It was an uncharacteristically timid remark coming from her. It seemed that she'd been deeply affected by her mistakes in the prior tests.
"Then let me ask you this. What should we do in the sports festival to get results? To reach Class A?"
In reply to his question, Horikita responded with a puzzled look.
"Could it be that we win by enjoying it? It is a long-awaited sports festival, after all. Forget that it's a test and just have fun." Ayanokouji continued, as if changing the subject.
"You promised you would cooperate with me, You said you would help me reach Class A." Said Horikita.
"That's what I'm doing." Ayanokouji spread his hands lightly. "I'll participate in the festival. That counts as cooperation."
"Are you serious?"
"You said it yourself. Physical ability determines victory and defeat."
"But there are other factors," Horikita said.
In other words, she meant something beyond pure athletic ability. It seemed she had become more open minded about the sports festival itself. Ayanokouji had expected it to take much longer for her to reach that conclusion. Human beings really couldn't be described one-sidedly, huh.
"Okay. So, on the day of the festival, should I give the Class B and C students stomachaches and make them bow out? If I do that, we'll have a total victory. We'll win by an overwhelming margin," Ayanokouji said.
"Stop joking."
"That's the kind of answer you were expecting, though, right? The sports festival is something to face head on. Half baked schemes will only backfire. Everyone should strengthen their abilities and compete properly."
Of course, this was only a mild example. Someone like Ryuen or Kumagawa, a wicked powerhose—could easily create far more ruthless scenarios if they chose to fight dirty.Taken to the extreme, even this apparent struggle could be nothing more than a smokescreen, meant to convince others that nothing else was happening behind the scenes.
That was exactly the kind of thing the school would be watching for.
"If you wanted me to expand on your way of thinking, it's like you're saying athleticism alone won't be enough,"
"So you agree that something else is needed?" Horikita asked.
"You'll understand the answer soon enough," he replied.
With nothing more to add, Ayanokouji walked away and headed toward Kushida, who was helping the other girls practice their assigned events.
To be honest, the easiest way to learn anything about Kumagawa was through Kushida. There were many circumstances that made it uncomfortable for him to deal with her, especially since he knew her secret.
Still, in this situation, there was a chance she might know where Kumagawa was.
He did not necessarily need to look into it. However, driven by simple human curiosity, Ayanokouji found himself wondering where Kumagawa was and what he was doing at that moment.
"Kushida," Ayanokouji called out.
"Hmm? What is it, Ayanokouji-kun?"
Seeing her natural smile, Ayanokouji could not help but recall the face hidden behind it.
"Do you know where Kumagawa is?"
"Kumagawa-kun? Why...?"
"Horikita is looking for him. I think it has something to do with the sports festival, maybe event placement or something along those lines."
Ayanokouji started by mentioning Horikita and her role vaguely, just to measure her reaction. Even if it was only a test, for someone like Kushida, it was better to look at the inside rather than the outside. But to see the inside, you had to observe the outside first.
It was a complicated process, but that was simply how it worked.
But lately, it had become difficult to read her reactions. No matter how one looked at it, even to Ayanokouji himself, Kushida's responses felt genuine. She had always been skilled at hiding her true self, but now it was even harder to tell what lay beneath the surface.
Of course, Ayanokouji did not place much confidence in his ability to read people. He had never really learned how to do that properly but he understood the basics.
"Well, as you know, he injured his hand recently, so he should be resting. At the very least, he shouldn't be straining it too much."
"Should...? Did he do something reckless again?"
"Not really. He just has something to take care of for the student council. I didn't ask what it was, but it seems to be an important task for the student council vice president."
Ayanokouji felt as if he had just heard something incomprehensible.
While he knew about Kumagawa's position as vice president, he had never expected him to actually carry out his duties seriously. From what Ayanokouji understood of Kumagawa's personality, he was not the type to do things properly. If anything, he tended to act half heartedly, or not at all.
So, hearing that Kumagawa was genuinely working was nothing but ominous.
Then again, if he were talking about things that were nothing but ominous, then his classmate named Kumagawa Misogi himself was nothing but ominous, so it was a bit ridiculous to say something like that now.
While Ayanokouji was trapped in his ominous thoughts about an ominous person named Kumagawa Misogi, he heard a ringtone coming from Kushida's pocket.
He had not expected her to bring her phone to practice.
Most students left their phones in their bags back in the classroom. Unlike other schools, there was little risk of theft, given the number of security cameras on school ground and classrooms.
Yet Kushida had brought her phone with her.
Was she not worried about it breaking if she got hurt during practice?
Then again, with enough points to spare, that probably was not much of a concern. Besides, most teenagers these days could not be separated from their phones.
Kushida pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the caller ID. Her expression stiffened, as if she had not expected the call at that moment. After a brief pause, however, her face relaxed, as though nothing had happened.
"Ayanokouji-kun, could you excuse me for a moment?" she asked.
"Go ahead."
It seemed to be an important call.
Kushida raised the phone to her ear and answered.
"Hello, President?"
'President?'
Could it really be the student council president? That was Ayanokouji's first thought.
It might have been the president of some club. However, as far as he knew, Kushida had not joined any clubs. That left two possibilities. Either she was acquainted with a club president, or it truly was the student council president.
If it really was the student council president, Ayanokouji could not help but feel impressed.
He never doubted Kushida's social reach, but he had not expected it to extend that far. Still, considering her own connection to Kumagawa, who happened to be the vice president, and Kushida's own outgoing, easy to befriend nature, it was not entirely surprising.
"Well, I'm not sure if I'm completely free right now, but I suppose I'm not that busy either," she said to the person on the other end of the line.
Kushida then walked a short distance away from Ayanokouji. Given the situation, he decided not to follow her.
It would have looked strange.
Despite his monotone demeanor and what some people described as a lifeless expression, Ayanokouji still had the tact to read the room.
Once there was enough distance between them, Kushida continued her call.
Fortunately, Ayanokouji's hearing was better than average. It was not on the level of someone like Kumagawa, but he could still make out parts of her conversation.
"I'm sorry, President, but even if we are technically childhood friend, it's not like I can control what he does. I'm not sure even his parents can do that, so what you're asking of me is impossible."
Childhood friend...
That made things clearer. If Kumagawa was involved, then the person on the other end of the call could only be the student council president.
"Well... if you put it that way..."
At that moment, Kushida's expression changed.
Whatever the president said to her made her somewhat worried. Or rather than worried, it seemed to make her a little anxious.
It seemed rather apt.
"...Fine. I'll head over right now," she said.
Then, as if she remembered something, she added, "Ah, before I hang up, could you please tell him what I was about to send to you? It was a bit too colorful to say over the phone, so I'd appreciate it if you passed it along for me."
Kushida was smiling as she said it, even though there was a clear hint of irritation mixed into that expression.
"Ahaha, even I have my limits, President. It's not like I can't get angry once in a while," she continued lightly. "At least when it comes to him, my blood pressure always goes up. I don't know why, but I end up feeling dizzy every time."
"Yes. I'll hang up now."
After ending the call, Kushida returned to Ayanokouji.
"I'm sorry, Ayanokouji-kun. It looks like I need to go now, I feel bad leaving everyone during practice, but there's something I have to take care of." she said apologetically.
"Does it have something to do with Kumagawa, by any chance?" Ayanokouji asked.
"Ahaha... did you eavesdrop on my conversation?"
"....."
He had only been trying to make small talk, but it seemed to backfire immediately. Ayanokouji wished he could take his words back and simply agree with her instead, but it was already too late.
"There's no way I could hear you from that far away, my hearing isn't that good." he said, settling for a lie to protect himself.
"Is that so...?" Kushida said, tilting her head slightly. "Well, I should probably let Hirata-kun know too. Bye-bye, Ayanokouji-kun."
She waved her hand as she walked away.
Ayanokouji raised his hand and waved back in response.
That took care of one problem. All that was left was to report back to Horikita and satisfy her. If things went well, he might even be able to slack off afterward, if he was lucky.
As he headed toward her, he saw Horikita paired with Onodera, a girl from the swimming club who was known to be a strong sprinter. Individual athletic ability was important, but so was coordination with a partner. Watching them tie their legs together, Ayanokouji wondered how Horikita would handle it.
The five pairs of girls lined up at the starting line, then began the race. In terms of overall ability, Horikita and Onodera were the strongest pair.
They were not slow, but they were not fast either. They finished in third place.
The worst pair was Mei-yu wang and Inogashira. Mei-yu wang was not terrible on her own, but she was still below average. Paired with Inogashira, who was by far the least athletic girl in Class D, they became the most unathletic duo. They were painfully slow.
Clearly dissatisfied, Horikita and Onodera decided to practice the three-legged race again. They must have felt the weight of the entire class's expectations on their shoulders. However, their second attempt was no better than the first.
"Those two are kinda slow, huh?" Sudou muttered, offering an outsider's perspective as everyone watched them.
"Yeah."
After finishing their second run, the two untied the cord and faced each other.
"Hey, Horikita-san, can't you try to keep pace with me better?" Onodera sounded slightly annoyed.
"It's true that we're not in sync, but that's not my fault, you're too slow."
"What?"
"Shouldn't the slower partner try to match the faster one? Intentionally slowing myself down to suit you makes no sense." Said Horikita.
It sounded unapologetic, but her logic was not entirely wrong, even if it came at the cost of Onodera's pride. Keeping up with Horikita's speed was clearly not an easy task.
"Okay. How about you give it a try, Ayanokouji-kun?" Hirata suggested.
"Roger."
Although he wanted to avoid extra effort, Ayanokouji decided to test the three-legged race. After all, this was his first time trying something like it.
"To start, let's just focus on running. We can fix whatever goes wrong afterward. Okay?"
Ayanokouji nodded and tied their legs together according to Hirata's instructions. It felt tighter than he liked, almost like being shackled. Even though they were both guys, being this close was still a little uncomfortable. Especially with Hirata, the darling of all the girls in Class D.
"Alright. Let's take our first step," Hirata said.
Ayanokouji nodded again and waited for Hirata to move so he could match his rhythm.
"This is pretty uncomfortable."
"It is, isn't it? But try matching your breathing with our movements. Okay? I'm going to start."
Hirata picked up his pace slightly, and Ayanokouji copied him.
"Yeah, that's it. That's it. You've got it."
Anyone could have kept up at that speed, but being encouraged made it easier than expected. As Ayanokouji adjusted to the three-legged run, he realized it was surprisingly simple. As long as both partners understood each other and kept a similar pace, everything flowed naturally.
No wonder Horikita and Onodera had struggled.
Horikita's self-centered and stubborn nature, combined with Onodera's irritation toward her and her own hot-headed tendencies, made them a poor match in terms of compatibility.
Then again, pairing with Horikita usually ended in trouble regardless of who it was. There was nothing strange about that.
Hirata and Ayanokouji completed a short lap, returned, and untied the cord. High-pitched cheers immediately rang out from the girls.
"So fast! Just like we expected from you, Hirata-kun!"
"It's really easy with Ayanokouji-kun as my partner," Hirata said with a smile. "Let's all keep practicing and do our best during the festival, okay?"
He really was supportive. He had just finished his own practice, yet he was already moving on to help others again. It was just another day for Hirata.
A truly superior man.
『』『』『』『』『』
After practicing for a while, Class D decided to take a short break.
From their free period until the end of the day, they planned to use the time for practice.
Even though some students found it troublesome, most of them agreed it was still better than sitting through lessons in the classroom. At the very least, they could move around and talk freely instead of being stuck in a dreary room all day.
Taking his own break, Ayanokouji identified three unresolved issues.
The first was Horikita Suzune.
She had the potential to become a major asset to the class, but she had yet to fully realize it. No matter how many times she changed partners, her practice always ended the same way, with arguments and a dissolved pairing. Eventually, she tried partnering with someone who matched her speed best, yet even that had fallen apart. Now, she spent her break alone in silence.
"Do you have a minute?" Ayanokouji asked.
"What?"
Perhaps because of stress, she seemed even pricklier than usual.
"I think it would help if you compromised a little more," he said.
Ayanokouji had watched her practice closely, but there had been no sign of improvement. Horikita's overly forceful approach was clearly holding her back.
"I've heard that plenty of times," she replied, rubbing her forehead in irritation. "But I'm aiming for the best possible time. Isn't that what matters? The three-legged race isn't like a normal one. Even someone slower should be able to keep up."
"So you have no intention of yielding?"
"That's right. I won't accommodate someone else's slowness."
"But that's exactly why no one wants to practice with you."
Horikita had been left outside the circle formed by the rest of the class. If this continued, she had no chance of improving her performance.
"I don't understand, I'm expected to yield, then my partner should make the effort first. I can't work with someone who refuses to even try to improve."
Ayanokouji understood what Horikita was trying to say. The girls who paired with her suggested breaking off the partnership almost immediately once they realized their timing did not match.
However, there was a more fundamental reason behind it.
"Stick your foot out."
"What are you getting at?" Horikita asked.
"Partner with me for the three-legged race."
"Why should I?"
"There's a mixed-gender three-legged race. We can use this to see how compatible we are."
"So you think you can keep up with me? You'll only slow me down."
"According to your own logic, speed isn't the problem. It's effort."
"...Fine. I'll tie it."
Horikita crouched down and tied the cord around their legs. Everyone nearby was focused on their own practice, and no one paid them any attention. Even Sudou, who would normally react angrily to something like this, was busy helping others.
"Well then, let's go."
At first, Ayanokouji matched Horikita's movements exactly. As they picked up speed, however, he gradually shifted to his own pace.
"H-hey!"
Ignoring her startled reaction, Ayanokouji accelerated without mercy. Horikita tried desperately to keep up, but her stamina and strength were clearly inferior. No matter how hard she pushed herself, she could not match him.
Still, she refused to give in.
Seeing that, Ayanokouji adjusted his speed.
After trying it himself, he understood that speed alone meant nothing in a three-legged race. What mattered was finding a rhythm that suited both partners. Without that, increasing speed only resulted in an awkward, unstable movement.
Eventually, Horikita had no choice but to concede. As she stumbled, Ayanokouji caught her by the shoulder and brought them to a stop. She was breathing heavily.
"Tch..."
"This wasn't about fast or slow. Your practices went wrong because you didn't look at your partner," Without waiting for a reply, he untied the cord around their legs.
"The key is working together. Sometimes, you should let your partner take the lead."
"I..." Horikita hesitated.
"Think about it."
Horikita possessed excellent athletic ability. Precisely because of that, she needed to learn how to assess her partner's capabilities and adjust accordingly.
Whether she would accept that and grow from it was something only she could decide.
The second problem was Kushida Kikyou.
She was something of a supporting figure, always working behind the scenes rather than standing at the center.
Although Hirata and Karuizawa often outshone Kushida, most of our classmates liked her, which gave her a level of influence even those other two didn't have. In addition to Kushida's exceptional communication skills, she was both academically and physically gifted, and had been blessed with an incredible figure.
In a sense, her assignment to Class D in the first place was quite the mystery.
However, Ayanokouji knew the flaw hidden beneath her cheerful exterior.
Not long after the start of the school year, he had witnessed her venting her anger alone on the rooftop. The image of that twisted, unrestrained expression was still vivid in his memory. While he did not yet understand the full reason behind it, one fact was clear.
Kushida Kikyou despised Horikita Suzune.
And yet, both of them were indispensable to Class D's growth. If either one became unstable, the class itself would suffer. Which meant there was only one way to deal with it.
They would have to confront each other eventually.
Then there was the third problem.
Kumagawa Misogi.
How was he even supposed to start with him?
If he had to describe Kumagawa in one word, it would be trouble itself.
Everything about him was abnormal. Nothing ever went the way one would expect when he was involved. No matter how Ayanokouji tried to imagine the situation, every possible outcome ended the same way.
Trouble.
And that was precisely the problem.
Kumagawa did not follow common sense, nor did he act according to logic or benefit. He could involve himself deeply, or not at all, and either choice would somehow create complications.
Because of that, Ayanokouji did not know how to approach him.
Then there was also the fact that Kumagawa was the childhood friend of the second problem.
There was no way to know whether Kumagawa would choose to help Kushida or deliberately stay out of it. Nor was it clear whether Kushida herself would seek his help in the first place. With someone as unpredictable as Kumagawa, even trying to anticipate his actions felt meaningless.
Thinking about it any further would only complicate things.
That was a problem for later.
For now, Ayanokouji decided to set it aside and focus on the sports festival.
"Hmm? Are those second-years?" he asked.
In the distance, Ayanokouji saw a group of boys about the size of a class playing football, while most of the girls stood outside the field, watching.
"Looks like it," Horikita replied.
"....."
What an unenthusiastic response.
Horikita did not seem particularly interested in upperclassmen, aside from her brother. If he remembered correctly, there was a word for that kind of sister.
A brother complex, often shortened to brocon.
It refers to an excessive attachment to one's brother that goes beyond normal sibling affection. This can involve overprotectiveness, strong admiration, or emotional dependency, and in extreme cases, feelings that resemble romantic interest. The line between ordinary familial bonds and obsession becomes blurred.
He did not know whether Horikita's feelings toward her brother went that far, but it was clear that she held a strong sense of admiration for him.
Of course, saying that out loud would only invite physical violence, So, he had no intention of provoking her.
That said, even though she looked and acted uninterested in the upperclassmen, she was clearly observing them rather closely.
Especially the blonde guy who was playing really good compared to others.
If he remembered, that person name was Nagumo Miyabi.
During the summer break, Ayanokouji had seen him playing volleyball by the pool along with several others. It seemed that volleyball was not his only strength, he was just as adept at football. As expected of the second years, the difference in overall ability was obvious.
After watching for a while, both of them noticed a student running in from the opposite side of the field. Rather than looking tired from sprinting, his expression seemed anxious, as if something urgent had happened.
Soon, he arrived at the field, and went straight to Nagumo and whispered something in his ear.
Moments later, Nagumo left in a slight hurry, though he did not break into a run.
Judging by the expression on his face as he passed by Horikita and Ayanokouji, it looked like a mix of confusion and excitement...? In any case, more than anything, he seemed to be enjoying himself, as if he had just found something interesting and amusing
Ayanokouji and Horikita exchanged glances.
"What was that all about?" she asked.
Hearing that, Ayanokouji shrugged his shoulders. "I wonder..."
Unbeknownst to either of them, something chaotic had happened among the second years. Or perhaps it had already begun. Or maybe it had already ended.
Who would cause trouble for the second years at a time like this, just before the sports festival?
That went without saying....
『END』
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Here you go peasants, another chapter.
Sorry for the delay, I got sick and had a serious fever.
Anyway, that's it for today's chapter.
Hope you enjoyed it.
[Thanks for reading!]