The Shirakawa High School field buzzed with energy in the early morning light. Sports clubs mingled, their members sweating through physical training. As Ayaka Kobayashi stretched her legs, she bantered with the ace of the girls' basketball team—a towering girl who, when standing tall, loomed even over Hayato Kirisaki.
The basketball ace teased, "Oh, who's this handsome guy, Ayaka? Your new boyfriend? I knew it—why else would you, who never shows up for morning exercises, suddenly appear? It's for him, isn't it?"
Ayaka's presence was, indeed, tied to Hayato, but not like that. Sakura Miyajima had dragged her into this, and while Hayato was the root cause, the details were far less romantic. "Stop talking nonsense," Ayaka said, rolling her eyes before shooting a tired glance at Hayato. "What are you doing here?"
"Morning exercise," Hayato replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"…Huh?" Ayaka blinked. Morning exercises were mandatory only for Kendo Club newcomers. If Sakura hadn't specifically called her out, she wouldn't be caught dead running this early. Then it hit her—oh, right, this guy's technically a newcomer. A newcomer who skipped club activities but showed up punctually for morning runs? Is his brain just for decoration?
Hayato, however, had his reasons. Yesterday's near-torment by Gang Dong had been a wake-up call. His swordsmanship was unmatched, but his stamina was pitiful. Better to train now before it cost him later.
"Want to stretch together?" Hayato asked casually.
Stretching meant physical contact. Ayaka shot him a wary look. "…No need."
Whoosh! Her heart raced. I-I almost agreed! Thank goodness my self-control is god-tier! she thought, patting herself on the back. Then, her eyes flicked to the boy beside Hayato. "Speaking of which, who's that person next to you?"
Hayato wasn't alone—a boy stood nearby, so unremarkable that neither the basketball ace nor Ayaka had noticed him at first. Her initial thought? Flowers need green leaves to shine, so this kid's probably here to make Hayato look even better.
The boy, half-asleep, snapped to attention when Ayaka spoke. "H-hello, I'm Ayumu Matsubara… Hayato's classmate."
Unfamiliar. Never heard of him. Ayaka nodded indifferently, barely acknowledging his existence.
Ayumu felt like a tragic side character. As a proud member of the Going-Home Club, he should've been snoozing right now. But last night, Hayato had called his home landline, insisting he join for morning exercise. Ayumu had zero interest, but then he figured Hayato's invite was a sneaky way to get closer to Ryoka Siyuan. Reluctantly, he agreed and even called Ryoka to tip her off. Knowing her, she'd probably left home before dawn.
He'd scanned the Karate Club earlier but hadn't spotted their captain. Ryoka, what are you doing?! Ayumu fretted. Hayato wasn't the same guy anymore—he was chatting with Miyajima-senpai now. Don't waste your shot!
"Hmm, I brought him here to exercise together," Hayato said, always planning to whip Ayumu into shape. Better late than never. "It won't cause any trouble for the Kendo Club."
Ayaka glanced at Ayumu again. His plainness was a relief compared to Hayato's blinding presence. She frowned. "Our Kendo Club doesn't allow outsiders to participate—"
Before she could finish, a voice rang out, brimming with delight. "Kirisaki-kun!"
Sakura Miyajima jogged over, her heavy chest bouncing with each step. "Oh… why did you come? Oh, you're here to guide our training, aren't you?" She clasped her hands, flashing a sweet smile, and bowed. "Thank you for your hard work."
"Not guiding… I just came to run, oh right…" Hayato pointed to Ayumu and repeated his explanation.
"H-hello!" Ayumu straightened, practically saluting.
Sakura Miyajima, Shirakawa High's legendary "aged flower," radiated an untouchable aura. If it weren't for Hayato Kirisaki, Ayumu Matsubara would've never dreamed of exchanging words with her.
Ayaka-senpai looked… looked at me! Ayumu thought, his heart racing with excitement—only for her gaze to snap back to Hayato after a fleeting glance.
"Yes, okay, no problem," Sakura said, her voice warm and accommodating.
Hey, hey, hey, Sakura, there's no such rule, is there? Ayaka Kobayashi fumed internally. The Kendo Club was strict about keeping outsiders out to avoid chaos. You're spoiling this guy way too much!
"You agree, right, Ayaka?" Sakura asked, seeking the Vice Minister's approval after giving her own.
Hayato clasped his hands together, giving them a slight shake, his eyes gleaming with charm.
Ayaka shot him a cold smile. Think you can sweet-talk me into opening a back door with that? What a joke!
"Don't let it happen again," she said flatly.
"Yes, thank you, Ayaka-senpai," Hayato replied, flashing a dazzling smile.
"If he causes trouble, I'll kick him out anytime," Ayaka added, her tone bland.
Who could refuse!? Who could refuse that smile? Kami, it's like a beautiful boy stepped out from the edge of the world! Ayaka's heart screamed, betraying her cool exterior.
"Kase!" Hayato called out.
"Here!" Masafumi Kase bellowed with extra gusto. "Senior Kirisaki, what are your orders!?"
"You can guide Matsubara for a bit," Hayato said.
Unlike the girls, Masafumi had clocked Ayumu's presence from the start, eyeing him suspiciously. Who's this guy? How's he so chummy with Senior Kirisaki? Is he learning kendo with him? Am I not the only junior he's coaching?
"Okay!" Masafumi replied instantly.
"Hello…" Ayumu muttered, secretly wishing for a girl to guide him. But that was a pipe dream, so he followed Masafumi obediently. "Are you a first-year?" he asked.
"Yes, and you?"
"Oh, I'm in the same class as Kirisaki."
Masafumi nodded, unimpressed. Being in Senior Kirisaki's class isn't a personality trait, dude!
"Then let's start with something simple," Masafumi said.
"Mm."
"First, run ten laps."
"Mm… Mm!?" Ayumu's jaw dropped, dumbfounded.
Masafumi's sharp eyes glinted, the corner of his mouth curling with faint disdain. "Senior, you wouldn't… wouldn't be able to do it, would you?"
Just this? And Kirisaki-senpai still brought this guy to train? Why!?
Ayumu caught the sarcasm in Masafumi's gaze and bristled. This brat! A mere junior, daring to mock me?!
"Who says I can't do it!" Ayumu snapped. "Ah, isn't it just ten laps? More than enough! Easy peasy!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.