The crisp morning air and the wind brushing against his face gave him a strange sense of refreshment.
Even more refreshing, however, was the sight of that upperclassman—Matsubara Ayumu.
Glancing sharply behind him, Kase Masafumi noticed Matsubara barely keeping up at first. But after just a short distance, Matsubara's breathing turned ragged, his steps faltering as he lagged far behind.
As a member of a serious athletic club, Kase could immediately tell: this guy had no rhythm whatsoever. At this rate, running ten laps was impossible—he'd be lucky to last three.
Heh. Pathetic.
Yes… only someone like Senior Kobayashi was worthy of training a prodigy like himself. With that thought, Kase even began to whistle a proud, jaunty tune.
He was the one always chasing after Senior Kobayashi's back.
Just like now.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
…Wait.
Kase blinked.
Something wasn't right. Sure, he was chasing Senior Kobayashi's back, but hadn't he already seen that same back far too many times?
…Just how many times had he already lapped Senior Kobayashi!?
"T–Tomato…"
Hayato was also running. Unlike Kase, his posture was neither relaxed nor composed—in fact, while running, he was muttering the English word "tomato" under his breath as if cursing it.
How many laps had he managed? Two?
And yet, just two laps left him this exhausted. How weak was the original owner of this body, exactly…?
No, I need to rest.
He stopped, hands on hips, sucking in deep breaths. Sweat glued his bangs to his forehead and white sparks danced across his vision. If he forced himself to continue, he might actually collapse. Low blood sugar?
As Vice Minister of the Kendo Club, Miyajima Sakura usually came to morning practice not for her own training, but to oversee the newcomers. Her daily exercise regimen was already enough—she didn't need to run laps just to maintain stamina.
Her sharp gaze swept across the field.
Not bad. Today's recruits seemed motivated, especially Kase—he was nearly finished with his quota already.
Next…
Although she wasn't particularly worried about Hayato, she still decided to check. Perhaps she could learn something new from his training.
Then her eyes shifted slightly.
"—Hayato!?"
What she saw nearly made her heart stop.
Hayato stood pale-faced under the rising sun, his body swaying unsteadily as though he might collapse any second.
Wh–What's happening!?
Just as Sakura prepared to rush to his side, another figure stepped in—Kobayashi Ayaka, casually striding over with her long legs.
"Oi, you alright?" Ayaka frowned, her voice laced with irritation. "Your stamina's pathetic. You here to make a joke out of us?"
…Wuwuwu. Why does he look like such a tragic, beautiful type? Whether energetic or weak, good-looking people really are just good-looking… Ayaka thought.
"I'm fine. Just need to rest a little," Hayato muttered, still bent over with hands on hips. His long eyelashes caught the sunlight, casting faint shadows over his eyes. "Ayaka-senpai doesn't need to worry."
"Hah. As if I want to worry." Ayaka sneered. "If you collapse here, it's our Kendo Club's reputation that suffers, you know?"
If you weren't handsome, do you think I'd even spare you a glance? That Matsubara guy or whoever—did I look twice at him? Not once. Ayaka thought.
"I'll go rest on the side," Hayato said, forcing a bitter smile.
"You want me to help you?" Ayaka asked flatly. "If you can't walk, I can reluctantly lend a hand. Walking too slowly will just get in the way of people actually running."
Ayaka thought nothing.
She simply stretched out her hand. Her fingers—slender but stiff—hadn't even brushed Hayato's sleeve when a sudden cry made her stop.
"Hayato!"
"Oh, Ayaka." Ayaka pouted, feigning helplessness. "The newbie you brought has pretty lousy stamina."
"Hayato, is your body not fully recovered yet?" Sakura ignored her best friend's jab. Her violet eyes shimmered with genuine concern. "Anywhere hurting? Want to go to the infirmary? Should I carry you on my back? Or… in my arms?"
For a split second, Hayato imagined Sakura cradling him princess-style.
…Yeah, no. Disturbing.
"No, I'll be fine with a little rest." He pointed toward the edge of the track.
"Alright. I'll help you over," Sakura said naturally, looping his arm over her shoulder, her hand gently patting his back. "If anything feels wrong, promise me you'll say so."
"Ayaka, you're spoiling him too much," Ayaka said sharply, scowling.
Damn it!! If I'd just moved a second faster, I could've been the one holding him! And Ayaka beat me to it, again! Am I destined to always lose to her by one step!? Ayaka fumed, nearly stomping her foot.
Soon, Hayato was seated at the track's edge.
The Vice Minister on his left. The Club Minister on his right.
…This formation might honestly be the most extravagant lineup in the entire Kendo Club.
"Low blood sugar," Hayato murmured, rubbing his forehead.
"What do you want to drink? Something sweet? I'll buy it for you," Sakura asked.
"…Cola."
"Got it." Sakura rose to leave, but Ayaka cut in with a sharp glare.
"You seriously don't know your own body? And you're asking for soda? Sakura, get him milk."
"Eh? Really? Then…" Sakura hesitated, glancing at Hayato for confirmation.
Before he could answer, Ayaka snapped, decisive: "Milk."
"But I want cola," Hayato said, voice filled with quiet regret.
"I don't care what you want. What matters is what I say," Ayaka retorted.
D–Don't look at me with those eyes! I nearly caved just now—nearly bought you cola! No, not just cola, I almost bought the whole damn vending machine, dammit! Ayaka thought. "…Milk. Definitely milk."
"…Okay." With no objections from Hayato, Sakura could only nod.
She jogged off toward the vending machine. Hayato turned to the senpai left behind, noting her weary, lazy expression.
"Ayaka-senpai."
"…What?"
"Are you my mom?"
"Yes," Ayaka replied sweetly—and then immediately scowled. "You damn brat!"
…If she had a son this handsome someday, that wouldn't be so bad, actually, Ayaka thought.
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a dozen boys suddenly surrounded them, forming a tight circle.
"You. You're Hayato, right?" the leader demanded.
He swept his gaze over Hayato from head to toe, eyes filled with disdain.
Hayato noticed the boy was wearing a white cap, and several of the guys behind him were gripping baseball bats.
…Baseball Club members?