The next morning unfolded like usual,except for one thing: we had P.E. class today.
Right now, the boys were split into two teams playing soccer, while the girls stood outside the field cheering. The atmosphere was unusually lively, with the whole class fired up for the match.
The score was tied at 2–2. The game was nearing its end.
I was dribbling the ball, heading toward the goal. In front of me stood Shun and Ren, the two strongest players on the opposing team, blocking my path. My shirt was soaked with sweat, but I couldn't stop. This might be the final chance.
"Go, Hiro!!"
"You can do it!"
Ayaka and Mizuki's voices rang out from the sideline. They had been cheering non-stop since the game started, and even though I was laser-focused, I could still feel the strength in their voices.
Shun glared at me, eyes burning with rivalry.
"You won't get past me!" he shouted, his voice sharp with conviction.
I didn't answer. I simply smirked.
I feinted left, Shun immediately shifted to block.
Exactly what I wanted.
In a flash, I spun around and cut right. Light on my feet, I slipped through the narrow gap between Shun and Ren in the blink of an eye.
"What!?" Shun gasped, caught off guard.
Ren flinched, but it was too late. I pushed the ball between his legs and dashed past him like a breeze.
The goal loomed ahead.
The goalkeeper backed up, panicked.
I gathered all my strength and fired one last shot.
Whoosh!
The ball soared into the corner of the net, fast and precise.
"Goooal!!"
The field erupted in cheers. I could clearly hear Ayaka and Mizuki's voices above the roar.
"Hiro!! That was amazing!!"
"You're awesome!!"
I stood in the middle of the field, panting, sweat running down my cheeks but my chest was full of exhilaration. Victory had never tasted sweeter.
Shun stood frozen, disbelief in his eyes.
Ren simply curved his lips into a thin smile. No anger, no surprise, it was as if he saw this coming all along.
Final score: 3–2.
Game over.
Before I could even leave the field, Ayaka and Mizuki ran up to me, faces glowing like they had just witnessed a miracle.
"Hiro! You were incredible!" Mizuki beamed, her hands clenched excitedly like she was pouring her energy into every word.
"That shot… it was beautiful," Ayaka said softly, her eyes shining. "I really thought Shun was going to stop you."
I scratched my head, a bit embarrassed. "I thought so too, to be honest. Guess my legs decided to cooperate."
Mizuki giggled. "You dodged both of them like a scene out of an action movie! I screamed so much, my throat hurts!"
I glanced at Ayaka. She still wore that gentle smile, hands folded in front of her. She seemed a bit shy but her gaze never left me. She was clearly happy.
"Thanks for cheering me on," I said, lightly tapping the ball near my foot. "Hearing your voices gave me the push I needed."
Ayaka lowered her head slightly, voice warm. "I'm really glad you scored… You did great, Hiro."
Looking at the two girls beside me,one bubbly, one graceful,both so sincere and bright, I felt something stir inside.
During lunch break, I didn't go straight to the literature club.
Instead, I headed to the archery club.
Not because I was interested in archery, truth be told, I'd never touched a bow in my life. But recently, Lucy had joined that club. And even though she always acted like she didn't need anyone, I knew she still wasn't fully used to this new environment.
The clubroom door was slightly ajar. I walked over and peeked inside quietly.
Lucy stood in the middle of the practice area, her golden hair tied to one side swaying gently in the breeze. She wore a white and blue practice uniform, bow in hand, eyes locked in intense focus.
Thwack!
The sound of the bowstring echoed through the quiet space.
The arrow struck near the red ring of the target.
"Well done, Lucy," a girl nearby nodded, then walked off.
Lucy loosened her grip a bit, but her gaze remained serious.
I leaned against the doorframe. For some reason, I didn't want to call out just yet.
Then I spoke up, half-teasing:
"Looks like our Lady Lucy is not only athletic but also pretty good with a bow."
She turned, startled.
"Hiro?" She looked at me.
"What… are you doing here?"
"I had some free time, so I dropped by," I shrugged. "Is that a problem?"
Lucy quickly turned away with a soft hmph. "Do what you want. Just don't stare too much… I'm not used to being watched while I'm practicing."
I laughed. "Okay, I'll stand still, stay silent, and only sneak a glance every now and then."
"You idiot !" She spun around, face a bit red. But instead of getting truly angry, I saw the corners of her mouth lift slightly. She clearly didn't hate my presence.
After leaving the archery club, I returned to the hallway. Lucy's focused expression still lingered in my mind,definitely more impressive than any 2D screenshot.
I walked down the long hallway toward the literature club room. It was midday; most students were either in class or out in the courtyard, so the hallway was quiet, sunlight casting golden slivers on the floor through the windows.
Then I saw him.
Kiyama Kanzo, the student council president.
He was leaning against the wall near the corner, hands in his pockets, posture as casual as if the entire hallway belonged to him. His eyes were half-lidded, half-observant, as if studying me.
"So you've finally arrived," he said, his voice calm and deep, carrying the sort of confidence only someone too familiar with authority could possess.
I paused, frowning slightly. "President Kiyama? You waiting for me?"
He smirked, a smile that was hard to tell whether mocking or just habitual. "Just wanted to see what the star of this morning's game looks like when he's not chasing a ball."
I met his gaze coolly. "Still me. Just hungrier, that's all."
Kiyama took a slow step forward, each movement radiating a quiet pressure. "I heard you've been getting pretty close with some people. Ayaka, Mizuki… and even that tiny blonde noble girl seems to be taking interest in you."
I stayed silent. His eyes weren't just curious, they were assessing.
"Don't worry," he added, voice lowering. "I just wanted to make something clear: Ayaka belongs to me. Got that?"
"Oh?" I walked past him, refusing to get dragged into his rhythm. "Funny, she's never mentioned you. Maybe you've got the wrong person."
Kiyama didn't stop me. He just let out a half-smile. "We'll see… Hiro."
I didn't look back. I kept walking forward, toward the literature club room, where the people I genuinely cared to see were waiting.