It had been several months since summer break ended. Now, the crisp air of October rolled in, blanketing Momiji High with golden leaves and a cool breeze. While the seasons changed, one thing remained constant: the vibrant energy of youth.
Sakura Ayazawa had received a bittersweet update from her doctors. Modern treatments had managed to extend her time by nearly a year. Yet, despite this glimmer of hope, her condition was steadily deteriorating. Her skin had grown paler, her steps slower, but her smile—ever radiant—remained unwavering.
The excitement buzzing through the school was focused on one thing: the upcoming Sports Day.
This year, Sports Day was structured differently. Each grade had its own set of competitions, and within the third-year bracket, the classes—3-A, 3-B, 3-C, and 3-D—would battle it out in four signature events: Relay, Long Jump, Tug of War, and the 100-meter race. Students were free to organize among themselves who would represent their class in each event.
Renji Kanzaki of 3-B was the first to volunteer. He practically stormed the classroom with a burning fire in his eyes.
"I'm doing all four," he declared, stretching his arms with a confident grin.
"Overkill much?" Hikaru Kagawa chuckled, lounging in his seat.
Renji grinned. "Someone's gotta make sure 3-B wins."
Hikaru, though calm and reserved, agreed to join the relay and the 100m race. He had always been light on his feet.
Souta Moriyama from 3-D—reliable, grounded, and somewhat of an underdog—also signed up for all four events. While not as flashy as Renji, his dedication and raw athleticism made him a formidable competitor.
Meanwhile, Haruki Kiryuu stood quietly at the back of the room, beside Sakura.
"You're not joining any events?" Renji asked.
Haruki shook his head. "I'll be cheering... with Sakura."
Yume Amagiri eagerly signed up for the long jump.
Minato Yoshi from 3-C grumbled when Rina Tamura dragged him into the relay team. Despite his reluctance, he was named a substitute.
"Don't worry," Rina said with a wink. "Just run like you're escaping responsibility."
Mizuki Sasaki, their friend from 3-C, offered to cheer from the stands, book in hand.
President Riku Hayashi of 3-B, serious as always, chose to lead the tug of war team.
---
The day of the festival arrived. Colorful tents fluttered. Students milled about in sports uniforms. Teachers sat behind a long desk lined with water bottles, clipboards, and loudspeakers.
Mr. Sakamoto, wearing a ridiculous headband that read "Victory or Naptime," blew his whistle and hollered, "Welcome to Momiji High's Annual Sports Day! Try not to dislocate anything!"
Standing beside him was a new teacher: Ms. Kaori Fujimoto. She wore bright pink tracksuit pants and aviator sunglasses.
"I'll be judging the girls' events," she said, adjusting her shades with flair. "And making sure Sakamoto-sensei doesn't fall asleep mid-announcement."
The students laughed. Mr. Sakamoto pretended to faint.
---
Event One: Long Jump (Girls)
Yume Amagiri represented 3-B. From 3-A, it was the athletic Saori Hoshino. From 3-C, a quiet but springy girl named Chiyo Watanabe. And 3-D had Akane Suda, known for her incredible flexibility.
Yume stood at the edge of the sandpit, her nerves barely hidden behind a forced smile.
"You got this," Haruki whispered from the audience.
She sprinted and jumped—4.15 meters.
"Great job!" shouted Ms. Fujimoto, recording the score.
But Saori leapt 4.38 meters. Chiyo followed with a steady 4.10. Akane launched forward with an acrobatic flair, landing at 4.25.
"3-B in third," announced Sakamoto.
Yume looked disappointed, but the applause from her class cheered her up.
---
Event Two: Tug of War (Boys)
Eight thick ropes. Four teams. One championship.
Souta and President Hayashi led 3-B and 3-D respectively. The battles were fierce, and Mr. Sakamoto was already sweating profusely.
"Why didn't anyone warn me this job came with yelling?" he muttered.
3-A went down first. 3-C followed after a long struggle.
In the finals: 3-B vs 3-D.
Hayashi and Souta locked eyes.
"Ready to eat dirt?" Hayashi grinned.
"Only if it tastes like victory," Souta shot back.
The whistle blew.
Muscles strained. Shoes dug trenches in the dirt. The rope swayed.
And then—
3-D pulled off a narrow win.
Cheers erupted.
Renji clapped Souta on the back. "You're a beast, man."
---
Event Three: 100m Dash (Girls)
Rina stepped up with confidence. She tied her hair back and winked at Minato.
"If I win, you're buying me ice cream."
Minato groaned.
From 3-A was Mei Tanaka. 3-D sent a shy but swift girl named Hikari Kobayashi. 3-C fielded Rina.
The race began. Dust flew.
Rina sprinted with fierce momentum. She was neck-and-neck with Mei.
Photo finish.
"And the winner is... Mei Tanaka by 0.07 seconds!"
"I'll still take the ice cream," Rina panted.
---
Event Four: 100m Dash (Boys)
Hikaru Kagawa from Class 3-B, Souta Moriyama from Class 3-D, Hiroki Nakajima from 3-A, Sakada Toru from 3-C.
Souta smirked. "Time to show off."
They lined up.
Bang!
Souta exploded off the mark. Hikaru paced himself. Hiroki surged midway.
Souta crossed first, followed by Hiroki, then Hikaru.
---
Final Event: Relay (Mixed Teams)
3-A: Takashi, Hiroki, Arisu, Tanya
3-B: Hikaru, Renji, Yume, Aiko
3-C: Minato (sub), Rina, Kazuki, Ayane
3-D: Souta, Akane, Hiyori, Megumi
Mr. Sakamoto screamed into the mic, "FINAL BATTLE—THE RELAY!"
Baton passes were frantic.
Yume nearly dropped it. Minato dropped the baton. Souta ran like a madman.
Last leg: Renji vs. Kazuki vs. Megumi vs. Hiroki.
Renji dashed forward, overtaking Megumi.
Kazuki stumbled.
"Go go go!" screamed 3-B.
Renji crossed first. 3-B erupted.
Megumi finished second.
---
The final tallies:
1st: Class 3-B 2nd: Class 3-D 3rd: Class 3-A 4th: Class 3-C
---
The sun dipped low. The field quieted. Laughter still echoed.
Renji stood beside Souta, panting.
"We should do that again next year."
Souta grinned. "Except there is no next year."
They both looked at the third-year banner fluttering.
Mr. Sakamoto announced over the speaker, "Free food in the cafeteria, and no homework tomorrow!"
Cheers. Applause. Relief.
Haruki looked to Sakura. "Fun day?"
She nodded. "The best."
A breeze swept through the schoolyard, carrying with it memories of youth, camaraderie, and competition—a day none of them would forget.