"Hmm…" Akira hesitated, shaking his head. "No need. It's not a competition."
Having Shouko cheer him on in front of so many students? He'd rather not.
Besides, it was just a short test, not a real race.
"Alright then. Good luck later. I'll wait for you at the finish line." Shouko smiled knowingly, seeing through his thoughts.
"Beep!!!"
At the starting point, Mr. Sakai lowered his whistle and shouted:
"Once you're in line, hurry over! Don't you want to finish early and go play?"
The students quickly shuffled into order without even needing Ayumi, the class monitor, to call out.
"Nishimiya, step out for a moment."
As the lines quieted, Mr. Sakai called out.
"Go on, he probably wants you to help record times," Akira whispered, sneaking a cheek pinch before she could leave.
"Mhm." Shouko swatted his hand away, rubbing her cheek before walking to Mr. Sakai's side. "What is it, sir?"
Just as Akira guessed, she was given the clipboard and stopwatch readings.
"When I blow the whistle, start running. Once you cross the finish line, you're free to play."
"Yes, sir!"
"Beep!!"
Two students shot forward, pounding across the gym floor. Sakai watched closely, stopping the watch once they crossed.
"Boy, 31.56 seconds. Girl, 34.35 seconds."
"Okay." Shouko quickly jotted the numbers on the record sheet.
"Next pair, get ready!" Mr. Sakai barked.
Soon enough, it was Akira's turn.
"Miyamura, step up!"
He walked to the starting line, the only one this round. The class numbers were uneven—he'd have to run solo. A slight tension coiled in his chest.
Most classmates who'd finished were already off playing. A smaller group lingered around Shouko, curious about the times.
"Go for it, Akira!" Shouko suddenly called out, her voice cutting through the chatter.
A few heads turned, but she didn't care.
"Ready!" Mr. Sakai's voice cut through before they could exchange glances.
"Three! Two! One! … Beep!"
Akira exploded off the line, his sneakers pounding against the floorboards. By the time the others blinked, only his retreating back remained.
"Twenty-four point eight six seconds?" Sakai murmured, startled. "Not bad at all."
"Mr. Sakai, what was his time?" Shouko asked quickly, impatience showing in her voice.
"Twenty-four point eight six." He checked again, comparing it with the earlier times. Miyamura was more than four seconds faster than their top student. The thought of recruiting him for track only grew stronger.
"What!?"
"No way—you didn't press early, did you?"
"That's faster than An'o from the track club!"
Sakai ignored the complaints, waving the group away.
Akira jogged back, sweat beading his forehead. "Well? How did I do?"
"Twenty-four seconds. Fastest in class," Shouko said, giving him a thumbs up.
He leaned forward, pretending to bite her thumb, but she dodged and slapped his arm, whispering that Mr. Sakai was still nearby.
"Ahem!" The teacher cleared his throat, drawing both their attention.
"Miyamura, come with me. There's something I'd like to discuss."
Shouko gave him a gentle push. "Go on. I'll play with Takagi and Ayumi. Come find me after."
"Alright." He nodded and followed Sakai outside.
Shouko watched until his back disappeared through the door, then turned toward the volleyball court.
On a bench outside the gym, Akira asked, "Is something wrong, Mr. Sakai?"
"Relax," Sakai chuckled, waving a hand. "Nothing bad. I just want to ask—have you ever considered joining the track and field club?"
Back in the gym, Ayumi tilted her head onto Shouko's shoulder. "So, why did your guy leave with Mr. Sakai?"
Shouko shook her head calmly. "Not sure. Probably something important."
Takagi, her eyes on Nishikata spiking a volleyball, added, "It's got to be about the run just now."
"That makes sense." Ayumi nodded. "I heard people saying Miyamura ran twenty-four seconds. True?"
"Mhm. Mr. Sakai announced it himself."
Takagi leaned against Shouko's other shoulder, unbothered by her small protests. "Then my guess is right. Sakai-sensei advises track and field. He's probably trying to recruit him."
"…Honestly." Shouko sighed at their weight pressing down on her shoulders. But secretly, she didn't dislike the warmth.
"Oh, by the way, Takagi—how are things with you and Nishikata lately?" Ayumi asked suddenly, glancing at the volleyball game again.
Takagi smirked, eyes following Nishikata across the court. "How do you think?"
Shouko only listened quietly, her gaze fixed on the gym doors, waiting for Akira to return.
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