Summer vacation always seems to fly by, but that feels especially true this year. After a fulfilling trip to a villa and the beach last week, I spent a few days just relaxing in my cool house. Before I knew it, it was time to go back to school.
I've been staying up late recently, so waking up early for the first time in a while was a struggle.
"Mornin', Maki. C'mon, sit here, I'll fix your hair."
"Yeah. Where's Mom?"
"Masaki-obasan already left. She said she'll be late, so you don't need to make dinner."
"Kay, got it."
I did as Umi said, letting her tame my explosive bedhead. The Maehara household is usually a bit of a mess during summer vacation since I tend to slack off, but lately, Umi has been coming over early in the morning to clean, keeping the place refreshingly tidy.
…Both Mom and I have started to rely on Umi's kindness.
"Mmm… Alright, all neat now. Hehe, school starts again today, so you gotta look cool, y'know?"
"School… right… Hey Umi, can't we have just one more day?"
"I don't think so. C'mon, I'll get some coffee ready, so hurry up and change into your uniform."
"A'ight."
Starting today, the practice and preparation period for the sports festival begins. From now on, even regular students like us will have more days where we have to go to school for practice. It's safe to assume that after the Obon break, we'll be operating on a schedule pretty much the same as a normal weekday.
It's still 'summer vacation,' so I'm grateful there are no regular classes, but when I think about exercising on the field under the scorching sun, it doesn't feel that much better. Today is the first day, so the real training will probably start tomorrow… but the thought of what's to come makes me a little gloomy.
…Of course, it's not all bad.
"Hey, Maki."
"Yeah?"
"You're seventeen today, huh? Happy birthday. …Masaki-obasan told me to tell you."
"Ah, from Mom, huh. …By the way, what about from you, Umi?"
"From me… nothing in particular."
"Nothing?"
"Ehehe, just kidding, just kidding. But that's a surprise for later… okay?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Oh my, oh my? Maki, your face is beet red. What did you imagine when you heard 'surprise'? C'mon, c'mon, don't be shy, confess to your big sister."
"…It's nothing… nothing in particular."
"Hmm? So, I don't have to do anything?"
"…I didn't say that."
I had told everyone around me, but today, August 6th, is my—Maehara Maki's—birthday. It's been a really long time since I've counted down the days to August 6th with such anticipation. I had a birthday last year too, of course, but at that time, I was playing an online versus game alone in the middle of the night, and by the time I realized it, it was already August 7th…
…Remembering it in too much detail is too painful, so I'll stop there. But unlike last year, I have a lot of people to celebrate my birthday with. Family, friends, and a girlfriend──it's a shame and a little lonely that my dad is the only one no longer here, but there are more than enough people around me supporting me to fill that void.
Amami-san already gave me a heads-up last week, but during the day, the usual five of us will hang out for a birthday party, and from the evening on, it'll be just me and Umi──
Thinking about that blows away my gloomy mood and makes me feel like I can do my best in practice.
So, I'm really looking forward to the events from the afternoon onwards, but before that, there's the sports festival coming up at the beginning of next month.
The class divisions were announced the other day, and today we'll be deciding on the events each of us will participate in, followed by a general assembly for each team. The practice schedule is basically set freely by each team, so this is where you can see how serious they are about the sports festival.
"Hey, hey, Nagisa-chan, which one are you doing? Three-legged race? Centipede race? Oh, or since you're fast, maybe the relay?"
"…Anything you're not in."
"Muu, why would you say that? C'mon, c'mon, let's do it together~ If you and I team up, we'll be invincible, right?"
"There's an enemy right here. Right next to me."
"Huh? Next to me? Are you talking about Yama-chan? C'mon, Nagisa-chan, you can't talk about your friends like that."
"…You totally did that on purpose just now, didn't you?"
"Ehehe~"
While watching their now-familiar exchange, I go ahead and write my name on the list for the 'Three-legged Race.' Due to the number of participants, I'll probably have to join a few other events, but if I can do the three-legged race with Umi, I'm willing to do anything else, be it the cavalry battle or the pole-toppling game.
"Oh, Maki-kun, you're doing the three-legged race too. Are you perhaps aiming for the mixed-gender one with Umi?"
"Well, yeah. Amami-san, aren't you going to do it with Arae-san?"
"Ehehe… I tried my best to invite her, but Nagisa-chan got all shy. Oh, can you write my name down for the relay?"
"Amami, when did I get shy? Hey Maehara, write my name and Yamashita's down too. For the 'Centipede Race'."
"Yeah, yeah. …So you're okay with doing it with Yamashita-san."
"Did you say something?"
"No, nothing…"
Considering Amami-san and Arae-san's athletic abilities, I'd like them to participate in a few more events, but Amami-san is in charge of the backboard and Arae-san has taken on the role of class representative, so I can't push them too hard. They also have cheer squad practice.
"…Hey, Maki-kun."
"? Amami-san, what is it? If there's something else you want to do, I can write it down for you."
"Yeah, thanks. Um, well…"
I thought I saw Amami-san's finger point to 'Three-legged Race' for a moment, but maybe she changed her mind at the last second, and it settled on the 'Centipede Race' column where Arae-san and the others were.
"…You sure about the centipede race?"
"Y-yeah. I guess I want to do it with Nagisa-chan and Yama-chan after all."
I glanced at Arae-san behind Amami-san, but she didn't click her tongue in frustration or make an obviously displeased face, so I guess there's no problem. I erased the name 'Amami Yuu' that I had started to write in the three-legged race column and write it again in the 'Centipede Race' column.
"Thanks, Maki-kun. Well, I'm heading back."
"? Yeah, then I'll also…"
I felt like she had a downcast expression for a moment, so as I returned to my seat, I watched Amami-san.
"…Geez, on the same team as you again."
"Now, now, Arae-san. The atmosphere was the worst during the class tournament, so that was that, but now we should be able to do pretty well. Right, Amami-san?"
"Exactly. Nagisa-chan, we can be together all the time during practice from now on, so you won't be lonely, right?"
"…Annoying."
"Nfufu~ Nagisa-chan, you're so shy~"
"......…"
There's nothing particularly different about the way she's teasing Arae-san as usual… but was the strange feeling I had earlier just my imagination?
Lately, especially since the beach trip, I feel like Amami-san has been keeping a slight distance from me. To use the previous case as an example, normally she would have said, 'I'm going to do it with Maki-kun and the others!' but instead she became hesitant, as if she realized something, saying, 'Actually, never mind…' or suddenly changing her direction. It's not hard to imagine that she's being considerate in her own way so as not to get in the way of me and Umi… but because she's bad at keeping her distance, it creates a strange atmosphere.
"…Hey, Amami."
"? What is it, Nagisa-chan?"
"You, about Mae… Ah, no, never mind."
"?? Hey, don't just stop like that. It makes me even more curious."
"Shut up. It's nothing important, just forget it."
"Muu, Nagisa-chan, you're so mean~"
As expected, Arae-san, who's been watching Amami-san the most lately (though I can't say it out loud), also seems to be subtly feeling the difference. And the fact that she feels it but doesn't point it out is also very much like her.
On the surface, she acts the same as always, but she's blatantly trying to distance herself from me──
Come to think of it… Something like that happened last fall too.
Perhaps Arae-san's scolding during last month's homeroom was effective, because after we finished deciding on the events for all the classmates without any trouble, it was time for a general assembly for each team. Today is just a meet-and-greet, but in order to raise motivation for the practice that starts tomorrow, the seniors representing each team seem to be fired up.
It's interesting how, despite having the same goal of uniting the team, the approach is different for each. Some deliberately create a tense atmosphere with loud, strict voices characteristic of the athletic type, while in other teams, the representative and vice-representative have a manzai-like exchange to lighten the mood and create a fun atmosphere.
"──Uh, as a result of the team division, most of the classes with a lot of sports club members went to other teams… but still, if we're going to do this, let's aim to win. I'll do my best for that, so please lend me your strength. Thank you."
The third-year male student leading the Blue Team bowed with a nervous expression. His clear voice and serious greeting personally leave a good impression, but it seems it didn't really resonate with the first-years, let alone the upperclassmen.
"Hey, that blonde-haired senpai in the back is super cute, isn't she?"
"That's Amami-senpai from the second year, right? She's great".
"And hey, some of the other senpais are pretty cute too… Our team is specialized in looks."
As the team leader's speech ends and the vice-leader continues, the one drawing attention is Amami-san. I don't know what's happened recently, but she seems to be popular with both upperclassmen and underclassmen, and has become one of the top idols in the school.
But this time, our Blue Team doesn't just have Amami-san.
"Ah, that's the rumored vice-president… Yeah, he's definitely something else."
"Isn't his face too sweet? I feel like I'm getting a sugar overdose without eating anything."
"Takizawa-kun… I want to support him."
Takizawa-kun, standing in line with the first-years, gives a wry smile at the blatant girl talk that can hardly be called whispering. Thanks to the love consultation last week, Takizawa-kun and I have become close enough to occasionally text each other. I haven't heard from him directly about what happened with Nakamura-san after the test of courage… but I'd be happy if that's going well too.
After the general assembly ended in a somewhat disorganized atmosphere, the regular students were dismissed. From now on, only the students in charge of each section, like Arae-san and Amami-san, will remain, and the preparations for the main event will proceed steadily.
"Maki-kun, I have a meeting for the backboard committee now, so go ahead with Umi and the others. I'll probably be about thirty minutes late at most."
"Got it. Once we decide on a place, I'll send you a map on our usual chat later."
"Okay. …Um, by the way, do you know where Ooyama-kun went? I've been looking for him too, but I can't find him."
"Ooyama-kun? Uh, he was near me until just now…"
When Amami-san mentioned it and I looked around, it was true that I couldn't find the boy whose trademark was his glasses.
Could he have misunderstood and gone home early──just as I was getting worried,
"…I'm right here, though."
"Huh?"
When I turned around after being tapped on the shoulder, there was a male student I didn't recognize… or so I thought for a moment, but I recognized his voice.
…He wasn't wearing glasses, but it was definitely my classmate, Ooyama-kun.
"…Sorry, my glasses broke a little, so I was in the bathroom doing a quick fix… um, is something wrong?"
"Oh, s-so that's what happened. Sorry, Ooyama-kun. We were worried because you suddenly disappeared… right, Maki-kun?"
"Y-yeah. …Sorry, honestly, I was slow to recognize you without your glasses."
"Haha… well, if you take away the glasses from someone as featureless as me, there's really nothing left."
I couldn't say anything to Ooyama-kun's self-deprecating joke, so Amami-san and I could only give a wry smile. While I believe that looks aren't everything, I had used the most obvious feature, 'glasses', to identify Ooyama-kun… even though we hadn't talked to each other much, he's a classmate I study with, so I need to reflect on that.
"More importantly, Ooyama-kun, are you really okay without your glasses? If you can't see, I can tell the teacher for you, so you can go home early…"
"No, I can see a little even without glasses. …It'd be bad if we're late, so let's hurry."
"Ah, Ooyama-kun, wait… Sorry, Maki-kun, I'm going too."
"Yeah. …Well, be careful."
With a troubled smile, Amami-san chased after Ooyama-kun and joined the backboard committee. It's not exactly a promising start… but Amami-san and Ooyama-kun both have serious personalities, so they should be able to handle the work without any problems.
After seeing them off, I went to find Umi.
After this, I'll enjoy myself to the fullest as the star of the day and have everyone celebrate my seventeenth birthday.
The three of us—me, Umi, and Nitta-san—headed to the nearest downtown area, chose the emptiest of the three chain karaoke shops in front of the station, and paid for a five-person room. Besides Amami-san, Nozomu is also late. I heard he's a member of the Red Team's cheer squad, which means he'll be about an hour later than planned.
It's a little lonely until everyone gathers, but we've booked the room for a long time, so I guess we can just kill time by singing.
…I'm still a little nervous about singing in front of anyone other than Umi.
"Here, Class Rep."
Just as the three drinks we ordered arrived, Nitta-san handed me the microphone.
"…Um, am I singing first?"
"Well, you're the star today. …Hey Asanagi, is the class rep a decent singer?"
"Yeah. He's just a little weak on the high notes, but other than that, he's fine… well, at least in front of me."
"Huh. …Well, I guess I'll record it for now."
"Being recorded makes me even more nervous… Nitta-san, please don't show it to anyone but us."
"I know. C'mon, it's a waste of time, so hurry up and pick a song."
"You don't have to rush me… Well, I guess I'll start with something from around here."
The song I chose is a new one from a group that's currently trending on social media. When it's just me and Umi, I often choose anime or game songs from the start… but this is also thanks to the experience I've gained through my dates with her.
"~♪, , ♪"
While following the lyrics on the screen, I occasionally glance at the two of them listening. As usual, Umi is watching me gently, clapping her hands, while Nitta-san teases me between songs but is constantly pointing her phone camera at me without making fun of my singing. It's a small detail, but it's interesting to see how their personalities differ. Although they're different types, you can tell that both Umi and Nitta-san are good people.
Watching the two of them enjoying themselves makes me happy and puts me in a better mood. Am I getting into it? Am I getting pumped? I don't really know, but that's how I feel.
"Hey, the class rep's singing is pretty good. Alright, I'll send this to Yuu-chin right away."
"Alright, since Maki did his best, as his girlfriend, I have to go next. Hey, which one is good? If you request a song you like, Maki, I'll sing anything for you."
"Um… then, how about this one."
It's been a while since we all went to karaoke together, since the class match after-party. It's a nice change of pace to gather and sing like this. I sometimes go with just Umi, but halfway through, 'singing' is no longer the main event, and it tends to shift to 'flirting,' so if you want to purely enjoy singing, this might be better.
…Of course, getting into a nice mood with my beloved girlfriend in a small, dark room has its own irreplaceable charm.
After each of us had sung one song, Amami-san came into the room just as we were wondering what to sing next.
"──Ehehe~ sorry to keep you all waiting. I got a little sidetracked. …Maki-kun, here you go."
"Ah is this… a cake?"
"Of course! Ehehe, when I told them it was my friend's birthday, they even added a message for free. Here, look, look."
When the three of us peeked into the white box, there was,
'Maki-kun Happy Birthday'
…a message written in white chocolate on a chocolate plate. It feels a little embarrassing for a high school student to be celebrated like a child, but it's the first time I've been celebrated like this by someone other than my family, so the feelings of happiness and gratitude still win out.
A little while later, after Nozomu finished his cheer squad practice and finally joined us, the five of us did our usual thing. A happy birthday song, sung so loud and lively by the four of them in an environment where it's okay to be as loud as we want.
"Maki, here, do it in one breath. Fwoosh."
"Maki-kun, happy birthday!"
"Class Rep, congrats. Well, here's to our continued friendship."
"Maki, happy birthday. You can count on me next time."
With each of them patting me on the back, I blew out the candles on the cake with a single breath. A smile naturally escaped my lips.
I want to tell my past self, who had been all alone until now, sulking that I could get by somehow without friends or a girlfriend.
Good for you, me. Right now, you're celebrating your birthday with yours friends and girlfriend.
"Nfufu~ the bcake was great, but the fun's not over yet. …Nina-chi, you brought it, right?"
"Of course. …Class Rep, here, this is also a thank you for always helping me out."
"! Is this, by any chance…"
"It's your birthday today, isn't it, Class Rep? Then, that's what it is."
"That's right! Maki-kun, from me too, here, a birthday present!"
One after another, I was handed wrapped presents. I'm pretty sure each of them was from a shop in the department store at the station building. The cake alone was more than enough, but to even get presents… since they've done this much for me, I have to properly return the favor on Nitta-san's and Nozomu's birthdays.
When I checked the contents, I got a T-shirt from Amami-san and Nitta-san, and a sports cap from Nozomu. I can feel the message 'get a little more stylish with this,' so I hope to take this opportunity to learn some fashion sense appropriate for my age, instead of just focusing on functionality.
"Huh? Umi, you're not giving Maki-kun a present? You have it in your bag, right?"
"Yeah. I do, but there's a reason I can't give it to him just yet. It's still preparing."
"?? Still preparing?"
"Yep. It's about 90% complete, though."
"""…?"""
At Umi's evasive words, the other three tilted their heads with puzzled expressions. What on earth is Umi planning to give me… As for me, I've heard the general story from my mom, the other originator of the present, so I have a rough idea. For now, all I can do is spend this birthday party with a smile. That's probably what would make Umi, who's about to give me a present, the happiest.
Without worrying about our surroundings, the three hours of singing and making noise with the usual five of us passed in a flash, and the first half of my birthday party came to an end. Talking, singing──I wonder when was the last time I used my throat this much. As today's star, I also did my best to respond to everyone's celebratory mood, so by the time we left the store, I was pretty exhausted. I got carried away and was as energetic as the others without thinking about tomorrow, but I don't have any regrets.
That's how fun the day was.
…Well, it's a good place to wrap things up, but the real main event is after I get home.
"See you later, Umi, Maki-kun. See you at school tomorrow."
"Lovebirds~ you have practice from the morning tomorrow too, so don't use up all your energy~"
"May you two be happy together."
After being thoroughly teased until we parted ways, Umi and I separated from Amami-san and the others and headed to my part-time job, 'Pizza Rocket.' Initially, we had planned to make something elaborate together, but the karaoke party got unexpectedly lively, so we decided to rely on our usual spot.
"Hello."
"Yes, welcome──oh, there you are, Maki. Did you have fun at karaoke with your friends?"
"Thanks to you. …I'm sorry, Emi-senpai, for having you cover my shift even though you're busy."
"It's my cute kouhai's birthday, so this much is nothing. …By the way, what're you ordering? Everything's free… is a bit difficult because the manager would probably cry, but I can give you about half off."
"Thank you."
While consulting with Umi at our table, we ordered everything we wanted to eat. If this were a normal weekend night, we would stay within a reasonable budget, but today is special. Lots of chicken, a pizza topped with plenty of cheese and garlic, and even dessert… with this, we'll store up more calories than we burned at karaoke and use it as vitality for tomorrow.
…I feel like I might have added a little too much garlic considering we have things to do tomorrow, but I'll try to be considerate by keeping an appropriate distance when talking. Of course, I'll stick close to Umi as always.
"Here you go. This should be all, but if there's anything else, feel free to let me know. Oh, and Umi-chan, can I have a word?"
"Huh? Me?"
"Yeah. A little advice from a senpai… can you lend me your ear for a moment?"
As Emi-senpai leaned over the counter and whispered something in Umi's ear, Umi's cheeks instantly turned bright red.
"──And that's all the advice from your big sister. Umi-chan, do your best today. I'm cheering for you."
"Jeez, Nakata-san… Maki, let's go home quickly."
"Ah, yeah…"
After saying goodbye again to Emi-senpai who was waving with a grin, we headed home. She probably filled Umi's head with some more unnecessary things… She's usually a reliable and good-natured big sister, but when it comes to love, she suddenly shows off her biased (and abundant) knowledge, which is a problem. Since Emi-senpai is good at both talking and listening, I also end up sharing some private information, but I'll have to be a little more careful from now on.
"Maki, I'm going to do the laundry before dinner, so go ahead and change. I'll change after you're done."
"Yeah, I'll go first… hey, wait a minute."
"What? Did you want me to change first? Or do you not have any loungewear ready? The laundry seems to be piling up."
"No, it's not about the order, and I have plenty of my mom's clothes… Umi, you're really planning to relax at my place today, huh?"
"Yeah. Because I'm staying over at your house today. Oh, I got permission from my mom, you know? She said it's a special exception just for today because it's your birthday. Of course, I've already contacted and gotten permission from Masaki-obasan too. Ahem."
"You're as quick as ever with the arrangements…"
For today, I was also thinking, 'if things go well, maybe we can be alone until morning…' but I didn't expect things to proceed so smoothly. During our relationship so far, there have been a few dangerous moments (in a rational sense), but I'm glad I managed to endure and continue our pure relationship without crossing the line.
…Of course, I know I have to endure a lot today too.
Before changing, I contacted Umi's mother, Sora-san, to thank her, and promised to see Umi off safely early tomorrow morning and have breakfast with her. Then, I changed into the T-shirt I had just been given, and Umi changed into the oversized T-shirt and half-pants that I usually use as pajamas.
"! Maki, that T-shirt… is that the one you got from Yuu, by any chance?"
"Yeah. Nitta-san's is too stylish to wear as loungewear. …This one, on the other hand, feels more like it."
I recognized it the moment I saw it, but the character designed on the left chest was almost identical to the teddy bear plushie I gave Amami-san last month. I don't know if it's stylish… but the size and comfort are good, and personally, it seems like it will become one of my favorites. It's a present that conveys how seriously she chose it, both as a return gift and with careful consideration for when I would use it, to the point where I feel bad. Of course, that includes the ones I got from Nitta-san and Nozomu too.
"…Hey Maki, you might get it dirty while eating, so why don't you just try it on for today? It would be a shame for Yuu if you got it dirty on the day you received it."
"You think so? No, maybe… then, I guess I'll wear the same one as Umi. Then it won't matter how dirty it gets."
"The one with all the Tabasco stains, you mean."
"Yeah. I tried my best, but a few of them just wouldn't bleach out…"
Personally, I think a T-shirt is meant to be worn, but Umi's reaction didn't seem very good, so I decided to change without arguing.
…Could it be that it didn't look very good on me in Umi's eyes? But I feel like the usual Umi wouldn't care and would just say 'That's lame~' with an exasperated look, but she wouldn't urge me to change.
Well, anyway, if Umi thinks it's 'bad' even a little, I'll respect her feelings.
…Though I feel bad for Amami-san who gave it to me.
Pulling myself together, now in my usual attire, I sat down to a late dinner with Umi. About thirty minutes have passed since we brought it home, but the pizza is still warm enough. We reheated the chicken and fries in the toaster oven and poured plenty of ice and coke into chilled glasses from the freezer.
"Maki, happy birthday. Cheers."
"Thanks, Umi. …Cheers."
The sound of glasses clinking echoes in the quiet room.
Karaoke with friends was great, but in the end, the usual is the most calming. Persistently strong-flavored, greasy food, and a carbonated drink to wash it all down. And right in front of me is my beloved girlfriend, smiling gently.
Come to think of it, this is where we started.
"Maki, is the pizza from your part-time job delicious~?"
"Yeah. …Umi, how long are you going to keep filming me? The cheese is going to get cold."
"Oh, right. …Then, aah~n."
"Ah, so I'm the one feeding you… here, aah~n."
"Amu… hehe, thanks, Maki. Well, in return──"
We had held back during the beach trip last week because there were other people around, but now we're completely alone, and my mom isn't coming home today (for some reason), so there's no holding back from the start. I'll probably cringe with embarrassment when I look back on this later, but ever since we became a couple, we can't stop fooling around like this sometimes.
"Alright, now that we've eaten a bit, shall we move on to the long-awaited presents?"
"Oh, finally. Umi, are you ready?"
"Yeah. I'll add the one I just filmed later, though."
With that, Umi took out a familiar album from her school bag──which is no surprise, since this is a Maehara family item, containing photos from my childhood. The updates had stopped at some point, and it was supposed to have ended with the family photo taken last Christmas.
"Here you go."
"Thanks. …Can I look inside?"
"Of course. That's what an album is for."
"…Yeah."
Just like last year, I slowly turn the pages from the first one. Me as a newborn, sleeping soundly in my mother's arms. Me at three years old, straddling a toy car and smiling happily for a photo with my dad (it's written in marker outside the frame). I don't remember much of it anymore, but they are all good memories. I can't help but get sentimental, but this is still just the prelude.
It should be Umi's present from here on out.
The first surprise was on a page that should have been blank.
"? Huh, this is… me in middle school, right?"
"Yeah. There was data left on the phone Masaki-obasan was using a while ago, so I had it developed. Oh, of course, there's one from my elementary school graduation ceremony too. Here, look."
"Mom said she didn't have any left…"
As if to fill in the blank period, the album has a picture of me dressed up, with the school gate in the background. Around this time, I had a complex about my plain appearance and would avoid the camera as much as possible, except for group photos. I think my mom asked me for this one too, and I reluctantly took a picture with her on the condition that it would only be saved on her phone… as proof, next to my mom who has her arm around my shoulder, I'm looking away from the camera with an embarrassed expression.
Other than that, my mom had been secretly taking pictures of me little by little. There were pictures of me sleeping on the sofa, exhausted in my uniform after the entrance ceremony, and a picture of my back as I was diligently doing housework… there were even some relatively recent ones.
"So, Maki, what do you think?"
"…I've decided to look at the camera more from now on."
"Fufu, that's right. I'm sure Masaki-obasan would be happy too. My mom is the same, but it seems that for parents, watching their children grow up is a happy thing."
I've been shown the Asanagi family album before, and it was recorded in several volumes, incomparable to ours. If I had been just a little more honest… would my mom have been as enthusiastic as Sora-san in recording my growth?
I looked at the next page, holding back the feeling that's welling up in my chest.
Next up is from Christmas to the present…
I hadn't been very conscious of it, but since we became a couple, we've been taking pictures quite frequently. Our first Christmas night as a couple, the time we went for our first shrine visit of the year, Valentine's Day, White Day, Umi's birthday, the class tournament, and even when Umi went back to her hometown──the main ones are of me and Umi together, but there are also some of just me and Nozomu, me and Emi-senpai at my part-time job, and with Riku-san and Shizuku-san, so I can tell that she got the data from various people.
Umi had been preparing for this for a long time.
"Wow, me. Looking at this, I look like a normie."
"Fufu. I don't know if you're a normie, but at least you're fulfilled now. See, right in front of you is a super cute girlfriend."
"True. It would be a curse to say I'm not fulfilled with this."
As I turn the pages, which are neatly arranged in chronological order, I can see myself gradually getting used to being in photos. At first, I still had a slight scowl or a stiff expression, but that gradually disappeared. In the recent ones, a scene was captured where I had a very natural, relaxed smile, with my cheek pressed against my girlfriend's.
…You look so happy, you little rascal.
Looking at myself again in the photos, I feel like a completely different person.
"Mom too, but you also took a lot of pictures of me, Umi."
"Well, yeah. It's nice to be in them together, but there's also a Maki that you can only see when he's sleeping, or when he's completely absorbed in something. …They're all wonderful, Maki."
"…Thanks."
Looking at the pictures Umi took, I realize that I can make expressions like that too. Until now, I had thought I was a little different from normal people. Moving from place to place due to my parents' work, and not being able to fit in class… I thought I would continue to live a somewhat distorted life.
But it didn't turn out that way.
──Because I made 'friends'.
At that moment, the feelings I had held back could no longer be suppressed.
"…Maki, here, a handkerchief. Oh, do you want to blow your nose too?"
"My face isn't that messy… but thanks."
As I wipe my tears with the blue shark-patterned handkerchief from Umi, I can smell her faint scent. I really do love Umi's scent. Just having her by my side eases my anxiety and calms my agitated emotions.
"Once again, happy birthday, Maehara Maki-kun. …From now on, please let me watch over you, right by your side, always."
"Yeah. If you're okay with someone like me, I'd be happy to."
My tears have subsided, and a warmth spreads in my chest. When I came to, we had unknowingly moved closer together and were snuggled up tightly.
"Hey, Umi."
"It's okay. …Here, come here."
"Yeah. …You're not being mean today, huh?"
"Well, it's your birthday. I'll let you be spoiled as much as you want."
"How much is 'as much as you want'?"
"Fufun, now, how much could that be?"
"Ah, you're being mean again."
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry. You're showing me such a cute face, I couldn't help it."
Like a baby seeking affection, I buried my face in Umi's chest, and she hugs me as if to envelop me, gently stroking my head. A secret just for the two of us, that I can't show to my friends or my parents. Umi, who is usually sweet to me, spoils the even more useless me at this time.
"…I want to stay like this forever. I want to skip practice tomorrow too."
"If you really think so, Maki, I'm okay with it. We can skip practice together and spend the whole day lazing around at your house."
"That sounds nice. …I don't need anything else as long as I have you, Umi. I want you."
"Oh, you're being unusually greedy today. But if you're saying you'll be mine and mine alone, then I'm totally fine with that."
We both have common sense, so we won't skip school or suddenly elope, but what we talk about here is a secret between us, so for now, we can say whatever we want. We vent our weaknesses to each other, cling to each other's presence, and in doing so, we regain our energy for the next day.
That's our way as a couple.
"…Phew."
"Maki, are you done already?"
"If I were to be greedy, I'd like to be spoiled a little more… but look, we still have dessert left."
"Dessert after the meal… lewd."
"Why does your imagination immediately go there… w-well, it's not like I haven't thought about that either. It's my birthday, after all."
"Fufu, that's right. It's your birthday that only comes once a year. …So, what do you want me to do first?"
"…Um,"
Being asked again makes me so embarrassed that my face flushes. I'm sure that for today, she'll probably do most things I ask… but there are still limits.
"Jeez, don't be shy now. I'm doing my best today too, you know."
"Y-you're right, sorry. …Then, um, can we take a bath together…"
"Ugh… o-okay. We couldn't do it in the open-air bath the other day, but as a special treat today, I'll even wash your back. …Um, if you want me to, Maki, then, um, the front too…"
"Th-that's… I'll pass…"
"You hesitated a lot, didn't you? …Well, I guess we'll play it by ear depending on the situation…"
"Y-yeah. Please do…"
I was fully satisfied with the heartfelt 'present' from Umi, but it seems the birthday celebration will continue for a little longer.
…Anyway, I have to save up so that it doesn't affect tomorrow.
The next day, after safely (?) spending my birthday, what awaited me was the blazing midsummer sun. I thought I was prepared, of course, but once I got out onto the field, my meager resolve completely withered away, and I wanted to take refuge in the shady school building.
"Ugh, this is rough~… It's so damn hot, yet everyone's gathered here… Yuu-chin, let me hide behind you."
"I don't think it'll make much of a difference… right, Umi?"
"I think so too, but for now, can you get away from me, Yuu? It's hot when you stick to me."
"Ehh~"
"Don't 'ehh' me."
"…Even though you're all over Maki-kun."
"…Maki is special, so it's fine."
We're in different classes, but for the sports festival, we're on the same team, so except for individual event practice, we'll probably be acting together as a group of four for a while. In the sports festival style, I put on a blue headband and steel myself for the practice to come and the main event next month.
Curiosity piqued, I glanced at Umi's profile next to me. Her in her gym clothes with a vibrant blue headband and a serious expression… as expected, anything looks good on Umi. Just like during the class match, she has her hair tied back, but it seems a little longer than back then.
"? What's wrong, Maki?"
"Ah, yeah. I was just thinking your hair has gotten a little longer…"
"You can tell? Ehehe, I thought I'd try growing it out for a change of pace. Not long hair, though. …Do you prefer short hair, Maki?"
"I don't have any particular preference, but if I had to say… maybe longer is better."
"Oh, why is that?"
"Well, your hair is really pretty, and it doesn't have any weird kinks."
Saying that, I naturally reached out and touched Umi's bangs gently. Lately, when we're fooling around alone, we often touch each other's hair, and I like touching Umi's.
Amami-san is always next to her, so it's not as noticeable, but each strand is silky smooth and has a nice shine. Of course, it might just be because she's the girl I love, but from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, there's not a single thing that needs to be fixed about Umi. The Umi right now is the most beautiful and the cutest person in my eyes.
Both her body and her heart.
"M-Maki, that's…"
"Huh?"
"Um, it would be appreciated if you could let go of my hand now."
"…Ah."
I touched her out of habit, but I shouldn't forget that this is a public place. Out of habit… meaning, with the same loving touch as when we were sleeping in the same bed last night. And right in front of the two who don't know about it.
"Wait, you two… you were up all night even though you had practice the next day──"
"N-no! W-we weren't! T-true, we did sleep in the same bed at Maki's house yesterday, and well, there were some things, but… that was special because it was Maki's birthday──"
"U-Umi, calm down. Any more and you'll spill everything."
"Ah…"
"Y-you two are so lewd…"
"Yuu… n-no, you're wrong. Okay? So please don't distance yourself from me."
However, it's been revealed that Umi and I have been together without a moment's separation since last night, so it seems I'll be bombarded with questions from the two of them for the entire morning.
…I haven't even moved around, yet sweat is already trickling down my neck.
Today is the first day of practice, so it seems each team will be focusing on cheer practice. The content seems to have already been decided by the upperclassmen, and lyric cards for the cheer song (a parody of a popular song) are distributed to everyone.
"We've also made panels for the cheer battle, so please come and get them. Oh, there are numbers on the top right of the back of the panels, so make sure you take the one with your student number."
"…Heavy."
Yamashita-san, who is in charge of props, and Arae-san, her assistant (apparently), bring over a large cardboard box. The panels themselves are made of cardboard, but for a whole class, it's a heavy load. It seems they will use everyone's panels to create pictures and words in time with the cheer song.
"The color of the panel you hold up is different for each number, so it's useless to hold up the same color as the person next to you. …We'll be strict even in practice, so be prepared."
It seems Arae-san will be the one leading the Blue Team's practice, and she's glaring at us with her usual scary face. I knew she was someone who took these things seriously, but her intimidating attitude towards the upperclassmen as well is, well, very much like her.
"Hey, Arae-senpai is seriously cool, right?"
"I know! She's like a lone wolf, I admire her~"
"…Hey, you first-years over there. Save the chatting for break time."
""Yes, sorry, senpai!""
Surprisingly, Arae-san seems to be secretly popular among the first-year girls. To me, she's still a bit of an unapproachable presence, but… perhaps that, conversely, appears more 'reliable' than 'scary' to the underclassmen. I don't know who decided it, but she's probably the best person to lead a group of upperclassmen and underclassmen.
I feel like Nakamura-san, whose eyes I met for a moment, winked at me… but well, it's probably just my imagination. Anyway, since Arae-san is doing her best, I also have to do my best without complaining.
"Maki, since we're here, let's do our best today, okay?"
"Yeah. …Um, please go easy on me this afternoon."
"Fufu, I wonder about that~ Well, I'll make sure you don't get injured."
"The way you say that makes it sound like there will be other things…"
Perhaps because of the seating arrangement, I'm lucky enough to have Umi right behind me, so I should be able to get through the morning cheer practice without slacking off. In the afternoon, I have three-legged race practice with Umi, so I have to conserve my energy for that too.
By the way, it seems Arae-san noticed our exchange, but she let it slide with a light click of her tongue.
…I should be a little more careful when we're secretly fooling around together from now on.
"──Alright, that's all for today's cheer practice. There's still time until the main event, but make sure you all have it memorized by the next practice."
With those words from the demon instructor Arae-san, we were done for the morning and entered the lunch break. As I discussed with Umi earlier, in contrast to the morning's group practice, the afternoon will mainly be individual practice for each event. Since the beach trip, I've been lazing around at home, so I need to whip my long-neglected body into shape. But first, it's time for lunch.
"Phew~ it's hot and I'm hungry… Yuu-chin, let's hurry up and go to the cafeteria or the school store. What about you lovebirds? A fun bento for two? You made it together this morning, right?"
"Nina, you… no, at this temperature, a bento might spoil, so I got lunch money from my mom today. Right?"
"Yeah. …For some reason, for me too."
As promised, this morning I went to the Asanagi house to see Umi off and was treated to breakfast. But after we talked about lunch, for some reason, Sora-san gave me lunch money too. I refused at first, but Sora-san said it was 'a thank you for my daughter always being in your care on the weekends,' so I ended up accepting a single 500-yen coin.
According to Umi, 'it seems Mom has been lonely since big brother left, with no one to spoil'… but I can't help but feel like I'm gradually becoming a member of the 'Asanagi family'.
…Well, I love everyone in the Asanagi family, including Umi, so I wouldn't mind becoming a real member──I have those thoughts to some extent. The day I call Sora-san and Daichi-san 'Mom' and 'Dad' is surely coming close.
"You class reps are really getting along well… Well then, shall the four of us go to the cafeteria~?"
"Ah, Nina-chi, sorry, but I have to…"
"Hm? What's up, Yuu-chin? …Ah, is it maybe work for the backboard?"
"Ehehe… yeah. Actually, I started working on it a few days ago. I'm in charge of the design for this year's Blue Team."
"Design means… so, you're in charge?"
"Yeah. Oh, of course, the senpais are helping me too. But well, it's true that I'm the one taking the lead."
Amami-san's artistic skill was proven at the cultural festival, and it seems the upperclassmen felt the same way. Since then, Amami-san has been drawing illustrations sometimes when she's free (reliable information from Umi), and it's presumed that her sensibilities have been further polished.
"That's wonderful in itself, but… Yuu, you weren't forced into this, were you? You're not secretly being made to do it just because you're good at drawing, are you?"
"Fufu, Umi, you worry too much… It's okay. Since I'm doing it anyway, I thought I'd give it my all for the first time in a while, so I asked and got the okay from the senpais. Nagisa-chan and Yama-chan are also doing their best, so I can't slack off either. I'm motivated this year."
Saying that, Amami-san flexed her muscle with a cheerful smile. If it's what she wanted to do, we don't need to interfere. We just have to watch over her and cheer her on.
"And so, Amami Yuu, is off! …Well then, Umi, see you this afternoon."
"Yeah. Do your best, Yuu."
"Ehehe, yeah. Pat my head a lot when I'm done."
And so, Amami-san went alone to the back of the gym, which was the backboard committee's workshop. From now on, until the end of the sports festival, there will probably be more opportunities for one or two of us to be separate like this. I feel a little lonely, but I just have to endure it until next month.
…Well, I have Umi, so it's not that big of a problem.
Pulling ourselves together, the three of us headed to the cafeteria. As expected, everyone seems to have the same idea, and the seats are already almost full. There's the option of buying bread or rice balls at the school store, but I'd like to spend my lunch time in an air-conditioned room. By the way, the AC in the classrooms is turned off because they were empty.
"At this rate, it doesn't look like it'll be free until the end of lunch break~ Class Rep, don't you know any good spots? Like the rooftop, or a break room only the teachers know about. A place that's cool, but not too humid."
"…Unfortunately, no. If humid is okay, there are plenty of places."
"There are? …But I don't really like sneaking around like that."
Just like the cultural festival, there's something going on all over the grounds during this period, so the options are drastically narrowed down. As I was looking for a place to sit, a figure waving in the corner caught my eye.
"──Senpai, Maehara-senpai!"
"Huh? Takizawa-kun?"
"If you're looking for a seat, please come this way. I've secured one."
It was Takizawa-kun, with a refreshing expression. Even with the cafeteria almost full and voices mixing in, his voice carries well, and above all, he has a presence.
"Takizawa-kun said so, but what should we do?"
"Looks like everywhere else is full, so why not? …Hey Nina, why are you suddenly hiding behind me?"
"Well~… I was just suddenly caught off guard. Ah, of course, I have no objections either."
"Really? Maki, that's what we're doing."
"Yeah. Well then, let's take him up on his offer."
Although I was a little concerned about Nitta-san's behavior, there was nowhere else to sit, so we headed to the four-person table at the edge of the cafeteria.
"It's been a while. The last time we met was at the beach. Thank you for your help back then."
"No, likewise… more importantly, is it really okay for us to sit here? Weren't you waiting for the other student council members?"
"That was the plan, but the other members seem to be busy… so, please don't mind us and have a seat."
There was a small sticker on the center of the table that said 'Student Council Priority Seating', so the other students probably refrained from sitting there. Being on good terms with the student council members has its benefits.
"Thank you for your hard work. Um, by the way, is Amami-senpai not with you…"
"Yuu has work with the backboard committee, so she's isn't with us. …Speaking of which, Takizawa-kun, you're not with Nakamura-san either?"
"Ahaha… well, I did invite her this morning, but she just replied with 'I'll go if I can'."
"…Oh dear."
Since Nakamura-san is in the same group, we were together for the morning practice, and there was nothing particularly strange about her. Also, regarding the sports festival-related work, she didn't come crying to her classmate Umi. In other words, she's her usual self with us… but when it comes to Takizawa-kun, her demeanor seems to change completely.
"Takizawa-kun, um, about what happened after that,"
"…Before that, let's just place our orders. This is a priority seat, but it isn't good if we keep it for too long."
Umi and Nitta-san continued to hold the seats, while Takizawa-kun and I went to buy meal tickets for the four of us. There are a lot of people around, but most of them are absorbed in their own conversations, so if we don't talk too loudly, we probably wouldn't be overheard.
"Um, Maehara-senpai."
"…Yeah."
"I confessed to Mio-senpai."
"…I see. When?"
"After we returned from the villa, while we were walking home talking about the fireworks and the test of courage… um, I just went for it, catching her off guard."
As per our advice, it seems Takizawa-kun followed through.
…That's good, but.
"And, well, the result was…"
"Yes. I confessed, but right after that, she ran away from me."
"That's… without an answer?"
"Yes. …After her face turned bright red, she ran away at full speed. And that brings us to now. She talks to me normally during work, or when the rest of the student council is around."
"Hmm, the reaction doesn't seem bad, but…"
Well, whatever the case, Takizawa-kun took a step forward. All that's left is to wait for Nakamura-san to give her answer.
Her face turning red at a kouhai's straightforward confession, and running away because she couldn't bear the embarrassment… Nakamura-san's pretty aloof, but she also has her cute sides, as shown during the test of courage.
"I understand the situation for now. Umi and the others will probably probe her subtly, so for now, you should focus on your student council work, Takizawa-kun."
"…I'm sorry, senpai, for all the trouble."
"Well, I'm already involved, so I'll see it through to the end."
Even so, with Takizawa-kun's humble and polite way of speaking, from the side, it probably looks like I'm acting all high and mighty. Height, athletic ability, looks, communication skills, popularity… The sight of Takizawa-kun, who surpasses me in almost every aspect except age, being so humble towards me is surely a surprising sight for some people. Of course, the whispers of other students from other classes and grades who saw that scene reached my ears, but that's also nothing new to me.
I just have to ignore the noise and listen carefully so as not to miss the voices of the people who care about me.
"Takizawa-kun, for the daily lunch special, do you want A or B?"
"Let's see. We're practicing for the event this afternoon and it seems physically demanding, so I'll go with the one that looks more filling… hmm?"
Just as it was almost our turn, Takizawa-kun suddenly turned around. His cheerful expression changed completely, and he looked around with a stern face as if searching for something.
"…Takizawa-kun, what's wrong?"
"! Ah, no, I thought I heard someone call me… if you didn't hear it, Maehara-senpai, then it might have been my imagination. What about you, senpai?"
"? No, I didn't hear anything in particular…"
I listened carefully again, but there's nothing different from before. A mysterious, plain-looking male student who, for some reason, is often next to the school's popular figures, starting with Amami-san and Takizawa-kun──that's more or less what I could hear.
"…Right. Senpai, it seems I misheard, so please forget about it. …Um, we were talking about the daily lunch special, right? Well then, I think I'll have B. The Neapolitan and Omu-hayashi set."
"Nice. Well then, I think I'll have that too."
Pulling ourselves together, we received everyone's meals and walked through the bustling cafeteria, back to the table where Umi and the others were waiting.
"…I guess there's nothing particularly strange, after all."
I carefully tried to pick up the surrounding voices just in case, but they had already moved on to other topics, and no one was talking about me or Takizawa-kun. I don't know what on earth Takizawa-kun heard, but I really hope there won't be anything more to it.
After finishing lunch and returning to the field, as scheduled, we started practicing for individual events. From now on, I can practice with Umi all the time… or so I'd like to say, but first, we have to volunteer as a pair for the mixed-gender three-legged race.
Well, there's probably no other pair like me and Umi who would eagerly raise their hands for a mixed-gender pair right off the bat, so it should be settled smoothly… or so I thought.
"…Ah, Takizawa-kun is also in the three-legged race."
"Yes. I have student council work, so I was originally only scheduled to participate in the relay… but due to the number of participants, I had to take on another event."
I heard that Takizawa-kun's class has fewer male students compared to others, so he had no choice but to participate. It's reassuring to have him as a member… but what was surprising was the presence of another member.
"...Muu."
"Nakamura-san, what are you doing all by yourself? Come on, come over to our place."
"Asanagi-chan… no, but…"
The three-legged race needed at least two people from each class to participate and the other person participating from Class 11, besides Umi, was Nakamura-san. Keeping a slight distance from the three of us—the couple of me and Umi plus Takizawa-kun—Nakamura-san is staring at us intently.
If she wants to talk with us, she should just come over without hesitation like usual… Is she that concerned about the kouhai next to us?
"This is so frustrating… Nakamura-san, come on, hurry up."
"Ah, Asanagi-chan, wait──"
Umi, taking the hand of the unusually fidgety Nakamura-san, forcibly added her to our circle. At that moment, I noticed that the eyes of the student council duo met for a moment.
"H-hello, Mio-senpai."
"Souji… y-yeah, hello."
…What a ticklish atmosphere. Given the recent confession, it's probably unavoidable that the atmosphere would be somewhat awkward, but I don't think even the old me and Umi were this frustratingly slow. Indeed, watching these two up close makes you want to meddle. Now, more than ever, I understood Umi's feelings painfully well.
"Hey, more importantly, Souji, what are you doing slacking off here? Are you okay with your work? Mocchy from accounting was crying 'I'm so busy~!'"
"I'll apologize to Mochizuki-san later. …Speaking of which, Mio-senpai, you're the one running away."
"Ugh…"
Nakamura-san couldn't help but groan at Takizawa-kun's muttered words. That one really seemed to hit home.
"W-well, that's because you suddenly said something like that…"
"Something like that? What do you mean, 'something like that'? Did I say something to you, senpai?"
"Aww… y-you! How dare you talk back to me, the student council president! What a cheeky brat…"
While the third-year in charge is explaining, the student council president and vice-president duo, who should be a model for the students, are bickering in whispers, ignoring the explanation. It might look like they're fighting, but to me and Umi, who know their relationship, it just looks like they're playing around. It's not a fight, it's more like a love bite.
At this point… what's even stopping them from dating?
"──Well then, we will now decide on the pairs, but for those who have already decided…"
""Yes, mixed-gender.""
While the two were engrossed in their bickering, Umi and I raised our hands first. It's a little embarrassing to declare that we're a couple by suddenly hoping for a mixed-gender pair, but it can't be helped if we want to be sure to do the three-legged race with Umi. Our over-enthusiasm caused laughter to ripple through the other members. It wasn't intentional, but the atmosphere was instantly filled with a sense of harmony.
"Understood. Well then, if there are no other volunteers, the mixed-gender three-legged race will be the Maehara-Asanagi pair──"
"…No, please wait a moment."
Just as it was about to be settled, one student's hand went up. It was Takizawa-kun, with his arm raised straight up in a picture-perfect posture.
"Huh, Souji, what on earth are you…"
"No, since this is the first public event since the new student council was formed, I thought it would be better for us officers to take the lead in livening up the festival… so, senpai, let's do this together."
"H-huh…!?"
Perhaps because she had no intention of it at all, Nakamura-san's cheeks, caught off guard, flushed a faint red. Right after it seemed like it would be decided between me and Umi, the 'wait a minute' drew everyone's attention to us at once.
"Huh, what is this, what's happening?"
"Who knows? It doesn't seem like a dramatic confrontation, though…"
"I thought they were on good terms, but are the president and vice-president dating?"
The sight of Takizawa-kun confronting me and Umi, and Nakamura-san fidgeting with her hands behind him with a red face, is a perfect target for whispers.
"──Umi, Maki-kun."
"! Yuu."
"Amami-san, what's wrong? What about relay practice?"
"Ehehe, it seemed noisy over there so I got curious… um, did something happen when you were selecting pairs?"
"Yeah. Umi and I volunteered for the mixed-gender pair, but… Takizawa-kun also wants to do it with Nakamura-san."
"Ah… come to think of it, there was a rule that only one mixed-gender pair could participate, right?"
It would be ideal if all participating members could compete with partners they get along with, but since it's decided by the regulations, we have to discuss and decide somehow.
…In a way that everyone can agree on, peacefully.
"Umi, um, what should we do?"
"As someone who knows the situation, I'd love to give it to them, but… I already asked my mom to take pictures because you and I are doing the three-legged race together. And she was so excited she said yes right away."
"You're getting ahead of yourself… well, I feel the same way as you, Umi."
As much as it's for our kouhai, we also have things we can't give up. We may not be a match for them in terms of athletic ability… but when it comes to motivation and compatibility, our pair won't lose to anyone.
"Takizawa-kun."
"Yes."
"I'll ask just in case, but you're not planning on backing down, are you?"
"I'm sorry for interjecting, but… yes. I have the year after next, but this is the last sports festival I can run with Mio-senpai."
Due to the biennial schedule, for me as well as for Takizawa-kun, a first-year, this is the only sports festival he can participate in with the person he likes. Both Umi and I are stubborn, and this time, Takizawa-kun also seems to have made up his mind. Basically, it should be decided by discussion, but if that's difficult.
"…Then, shall we decide with rock-paper-scissors?"
"…I suppose so."
Well, it'll probably end up like this eventually.
"Rock-paper-scissors… Maki-kun, are you sure it's okay to decide something like this based on luck? I thought in times like these, it would turn into something like 'Let's see whose love is stronger!'"
"Love… so, you mean a test of skill? Well, you're right, Yuu, that would make the difference clearer, so there probably wouldn't be any hard feelings… but while Maki and I are one thing, this time there's someone who's likely to hold back and lose on purpose. Right, Nakamura-san?"
"Weh… w-well, I wonder what you're talking about… pihyu, fwee-hyoo~"
"Was Mio-senpai always so bad at whistling…?"
It would be fine if it could be settled with a serious match, but seeing Nakamura-san's all-too-clichéd panic after being called out, that would be too pitiful for Takizawa-kun. Of course, there are detailed tactics and mind games in rock-paper-scissors, but it's basically fair to everyone.
"Mio-senpai, if I win, you'll do the three-legged race with me, right?"
"…Ah, geez, I get it. If you like my scrawny chest that much, I'll press it against you as much as you want."
"Was the three-legged race such a lewd competition…?"
Anyway, the matter is settled. After getting a word in with the upperclassman in charge, the four of us moved to a corner of the field. Of course, Amami-san is with us as well, though she's an outsider here.
"Jeez, bringing personal feelings into a serious sports festival… I thought so since the test of courage, but do you really want to set me and Souji up that much? Going so far as to try to stir up my jealousy with such clumsy acting."
"Ah, so you saw through it."
"Of course, I did. …Well, I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, and my head was spinning for a few days."
We didn't offer our advice just for fun, but Nakamura-san also had her own thoughts and was trying to avoid being confessed to, and if she were, to delay her reply as much as possible.
"This might not be the place to talk about this, but… hey, Nakamura-san."
"…Yeah."
"I'll ask you again—what do you think of Takizawa-kun?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, are you properly conscious of him as a member of the opposite sex?"
"You're so direct… Alright, I get it, I get it."
Nakamura-san shrugged her shoulders as if she had given up and muttered.
"…I-I like him. As a man, I really do. See, Souji, this is fine, right?"
"Senpai… Yes, thank you. Really."
Nakamura-san's honest feelings, spoken for the first time in front of Takizawa-kun.
It seems that she has finally decided to be honest here.
"Wh-what's with that look, everyone…? I-it's fine, isn't it? We have similar hobbies, and he's straightforward with me, even with my perverse personality… I was just surprised that he became so handsome while we haven't seen each other for a while, so I just avoided him a little."
"I knew it… But Nakamura-san, if you liked Takizawa-kun that much, why didn't you confess to him? You wouldn't have been able to see him for a while after graduating from middle school."
"B-because, I'm scared of what would happen if I confessed and got rejected…"
"""…"""
How troublesome… Is it rude for me to think that about Nakamura-san?
"Wh-what is it? It can't be helped that I thought that way at the time…"
I think Takizawa-kun has done a great job of chasing after Nakamura-san, who is so inexperienced in love.
"Alright! I don't really get it, but is this case closed? It is, right! So let's start with rock-paper-scissors right away. Is it okay for Maki-kun and Takizawa-kun to be the representatives?"
"Yuu, you're really into this… Well, I'll leave everything to Maki. Good luck, Maki."
"Then, me too. Souji, if you want to be my partner, you have to win."
While receiving cheers from the girls we both love, Takizawa-kun and I faced each other.
It's just rock-paper-scissors, but it's still rock-paper-scissors. It might be an exaggeration, but I think the atmosphere is important in these things.
"Here I go, Takizawa-kun."
"Yes, anytime. Maehara-senpai."
"—Rock, paper, scissors!"
Right after the unusually enthusiastic call of rock-paper-scissors.
The winner was decided in an instant.
I chose paper.
Takizawa-kun chose rock.
I won.
Yes, I instinctively made a small fist pump.
"You did it. Maki, you're amazing!"
"Thanks, Umi. I won, just as I promised."
"Hehe, I knew you'd win. In times like these, Maki is more amazing than anyone."
"I wonder… But anyway, I'm glad."
Then, Umi hugged me from behind. I was personally happy that something soft was pressed against my back without hesitation.
"Kuh… Mio-senpai, I'm sorry. I lost."
"Ahaha, you lost. You've always had bad luck, but you really don't have it, do you… Well, it's the Souji I know well, so I'm actually relieved."
On the other hand, the student council duo who lost didn't seem that disappointed.
Even if they couldn't participate in the three-legged race, their feelings for each other were conveyed. It no longer matters to them whether they win or lose.
I won the right to flirt with Umi during practice… no, the right to participate as a male-female pair, and I properly reconciled Takizawa-kun and Nakamura-san.
With such an ideal conclusion, we breathed a sigh of relief.
"…You guys are so lucky. I… I also…"
"? Yuu, what's wrong?"
"! Ah, no, it's nothing… Ehehe, I'll get in trouble if I slack off too much, so I'll go back to the relay soon. Umi, Maki-kun, good luck with your practice from now on."
"Ah, yeah. Amami-san, be careful not to get hurt."
"Thanks, Maki-kun. Well then, see you later~!"
Amami-san, who had finished her role as a witness, waved with a bright smile and returned to the relay practice.
I'm a little worried that she showed a melancholic expression for a moment… but right now, the practice in front of me is more important than that.
"Maki, since we won this right, let's do our best."
"Well, that's the least we can do for those two… So, how should we practice specifically? I know that repetitive practice is important."
Speed and time are important, but what's important in a three-legged race is combination. How can we run the course without making any mistakes… With my athletic ability holding us back, I think that's the key to passing the baton to the next runner at the front.
"Hmm, as for the time, we'll manage with 'special training' from now on…"
"So we'll manage… So, what else?"
"The most important thing is to be in sync with each other… so, how about we spend time together in a three-legged race even outside of practice? Like, when we're commuting to and from school, or when we're hanging out at home, we tie our ankles together, and we'll get used to each other's bodies in our daily lives—"
"Rejected."
"Aww~"
"Don't 'aww' me. And what's with that manga-like idea?"
"It's fine, isn't it?… Then, should we take a bath together after all?"
"…"
"…You're hesitating. You're such a pervert, Maki."
"I-I'm not hesitating!"
But I understand what Umi is trying to say, so we'll have to get to know each other better from now on.
What kind of form does Umi run in, does she have a rhythm, how is her breathing.
Of course, at the same time I get to know Umi, she also needs to know more about my habits.
…Not about our daily lives, but about when we're exercising.
"Well, it's the first day, so for now, let's run around until it's time… We have a little over an hour until we have to gather again, so we should be able to see some problems in that time."
"…Hey Umi, you're not going to make me run for an hour straight, are you?"
"Eh? We're running… Ah, on the first day, we'll be jogging, so you can rest assured about that, okay?"
"I can't rest assured at all…"
As part of my physical training, I still sometimes go for an early morning run with Umi, but what Umi calls a 'run', I have to use 70% to 80% of my strength to keep up with.
In times like these, Umi usually transforms into a demon instructor who assigns a strict menu with a smile.
…Of course, the candy after I do my best is incredibly sweet, so I'm doing my best too.
About two weeks have passed since the practice for the sports festival began. After the three-day Obon holiday, August is coming to an end, and the preparations for the main event are steadily progressing. On the ground, the stands for the students of each group are being assembled by contractors, and next to them, the entrance and exit gates are being made by the students who are members of the executive committee, and tents for parents and guests are being carried in one after another.
"—Alright, let's go, Maki."
"Yeah… Amami-san, please time us."
"Okay! Well then, you two, whenever you're ready."
In the midst of all this, Umi and I were still practicing the three-legged race. Since we can't tie our ankles together outside of school, we secure time for practice by coming in early or staying after school.
""…Ready, set, go!""
We called out together and took a powerful first step forward. Thanks to our practice so far, my and Umi's rhythm is almost perfect, so now it's just a matter of how long we can maintain this state while running at full speed.
One, two, one, two—Umi and I ran on the track, which was almost empty in the early morning.
"You two, do your best~ just a little more!"
"Maki, your speed is dropping. Just push a little harder."
"Yeah, I know… but."
The track we'll be using for the actual event is about 130m long, but for someone who doesn't usually play sports, it's quite tough to keep running that distance at full speed.
Still, with Umi pulling me along, I passed by Amami-san, who was waiting at the finish line with a stopwatch in her hand.
"Hah, hah… Yuu, how was the time?"
"Um… ah, it's gotten a little shorter. 0.1 seconds."
If I were running alone and managed to shorten my time by that much, it would be a big deal, but I mustn't forget that this is a three-legged race.
It was the same when we ran earlier, but because I got tired at the end of the course, Umi still can't go all out.
It's difficult to run any further, so I have no choice but to cover it with stamina and guts.
Umi, who has already caught her breath, and me, who is panting heavily beside her.
I was aware of my lack of stamina, but when there's such a big difference, I feel very sorry.
"Hey, Maki, don't make that face. We still have time, so if you try a little harder, it'll be fine. So, okay?"
"…Yeah. Thanks, Umi."
But it's too late to regret it now, so I'll just do my best until the main event.
Fortunately, since I'm with Umi, I feel very motivated to practice. I can't show any more pathetic sides of myself in front of the girl I love.
"You two, homeroom is about to start, so let's go back to the classroom for now. I'll help as much as I can, so just let me know when you need help."
"Sorry, Yuu. Even though you have cheerleading practice and the preparation for the backboard."
As a member of the same team, Amami-san has been proactively helping us with our practice, but she has a lot of work to do herself, so we can't rely on her too much.
…I have to do my best so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble to others.
"—Ah, it's Yuu-senpai, good morning~"
"—Yuu-senpai, good morning."
"Yeah, good morning to you too! It seems like it's going to be hot again today, so make sure to stay hydrated."
On the way back from the ground to the classroom, I noticed that Amami-san was being called out to by first-year students who seemed to be on their way to school. It seems that she's called 'Yuu-senpai' by her underclassmen.
Even among the more than 200 students in each group, Amami-san's presence stands out. Whether it's the backboard she's in charge of designing, or the cheerleading practice or event-specific practice, there are many students around Amami-san, regardless of their grade or gender.
Last year was the cultural festival, so it wasn't that big of a deal, but when it comes to the sports festival, where there are many opportunities to interact with other grades, Amami-san's influence cannot be hidden.
Even if she intends to be modest, the eyes of those around her are inevitably drawn to her, who is like the sun.
For Amami-san, she must be used to this kind of thing, and I probably don't need to worry about her.
"? What's wrong, Maki-kun? Is there something on my face?"
"Ah, yeah, there's white paint on your cheek…"
"Eh, really? I thought I was being careful… Umi, please, get it off~"
"Nn… here you go."
"Ehehe, thanks. I love you, Umi."
"I know, so don't hug me every time."
"Muu~ you're so mean, Umi~"
It seems tough, but for now, she seems to be enjoying the situation, so it doesn't seem like I need to step in.
If Umi and Amami-san are laughing happily, then that's fine with me.
…I should just ignore the voices around me, just like them.
"Hey, hey, that guy who's always with Yuu-senpai, are they close?"
"I don't know. Ah, but according to rumors, he has a girlfriend. You know, Asanagi-senpai, the one who's always hanging out with Yuu-senpai. See, they're together now—"
"Ugh, he's got two girls with him. Even though he looks like that."
"Hey, they'll hear you, you know?"
"Ahaha."
They seem to be whispering, but if so, they're underestimating me too much.
The hellish ears of a former loner who used to listen in on his classmates' conversations in the corner of the classroom because he had nothing to do are still alive and well.
And so are Umi and Amami-san.
Once you become conscious of it, you can't help but hear it even if you're not trying to.
"I can hear you…"
"They're two first-years from the blue team… Alright, I've memorized their faces."
"Ahaha… I'm sure they don't mean any harm."
"That's the problem. It would be even worse if they did."
For them, it's probably just a part of their small talk, but of course, we, the people they were talking about, don't feel good about it.
"…But why does everyone say bad things about Maki-kun? He's serious, a hard worker, devoted to his girlfriend, and he can even study. Right, Umi?"
"Exactly. They should realize something just by seeing me and Yuu next to him."
"Haha… Well, people's impressions are usually based on their appearance and title, so I guess it can't be helped in some ways."
I don't care what the rest of them think, but for the two of them who appreciate me properly, it must be a little frustrating.
That's why I hope to overturn that evaluation even a little at this sports festival.
Even if my aura isn't bright, even if I'm not handsome, there must be something I can do.
As the three of us were secretly complaining, we arrived in front of our respective classrooms before we knew it.
It's not something to be proud of, but when you get heated up in a conversation like this, you forget the time.
"—Well then, I'll go back to my class. Maki, I'll be more serious this afternoon."
"Ugh… I-I'll do my best."
"You two are so fired up. Well then, I have to do my best so I don't lose to you two."
"Yuu, there's no point in you doing more, so don't overdo it and get hurt before the main event."
"Aww~ but I can still do more~"
Amami-san says so, but she's already setting a time that would put the boys to shame in the group relay practice, and she seems to be active as the ace in other events as well.
She's the idol of the blue team, the main force of the competition, and she's also active behind the scenes… Considering Amami-san's potential, it's not surprising, but I can only agree with Umi's opinion.
It's good to have stamina, but it's a waste to wear it out unnecessarily. It's enough if she explodes on the day of the event.
Umi and I parted ways for a while, and Amami-san and I went to our own class. We had finished our early morning practice a little early, so the classroom was sparsely populated. The props manager, Yamashita-san, and the class representative, Arae-san (how rare for her to be here early), must be in the final stages of their sports festival related work.
"Ah, um—"
"! Whoa…"
As I was about to return to my seat, I noticed Amami-san holding the hem of my gym uniform.
"? What is it, Amami-san?"
"! Ah, sorry, I just… there was one thing I forgot to say, I mean, there was."
When I turned around, Amami-san, who had let go of my hand in a hurry, was blushing slightly and mumbling something with her head down.
…It was a rare sight for Amami-san.
"Maki-kun, um, thank you for earlier."
"Eh?"
"You know, from earlier. You noticed the white paint on my cheek, right?"
"? Ah… you don't have to thank me again over something like that."
Or rather, I think that's more like her.
It's not good if I do it, but if Amami-san does it, it's cute.