Chapter 9

I received the third review.

Thank you!

On the day of the event, the weather was in our favor, and the sports festival was held under clear skies, creating a lively atmosphere.

If the class was somewhat grouped together, the seating arrangement for the cheering section was free.

Naturally, I, Renchi, and Yukiko-san formed a group and enjoyed watching the events together.

Events such as the centipede race, tug-of-war, Soran Bushi, ball toss, relay race, and cheer competition followed one after another.

There were various exciting events.

Yukiko-san participated in the ball toss, Renchi in the tug-of-war, and I in the long jump.

Incidentally, Soran Bushi was mandatory for all second-year students, and the cheer competition was a joint event for all grades.

--- And finally, it was time for the second-year relay.

"Let's do our best!"

In response to Yukiko-san's words, Renchi and I nodded in agreement.

"I'll run with all my might as the first runner. The rest is up to you."

This time, in response to Renchi's words, Yukiko-san and I nodded.

"First runners, please line up in your lanes."

As instructed by the student council member, Renchi left.

Yukiko-san and I stood side by side, watching Renchi.

The music from the speakers changed to the relay's standard song, "Heaven and Hell."

"Get ready, set!"

Bang---

The loud sound of the starting pistol echoed, and the students from the fourth group started running.

"Go, Renchi!"

Yukiko-san and our classmates cheered loudly.

In response to their cheers, Renchi took the lead.

He maintained the lead and passed the baton.

There were thirty-one students in our class.

The relay progressed with students overtaking and being overtaken.

"What should I do... It's almost my turn..."

She must have been nervous as her turn approached.

Yukiko-san's cheeks were paler than usual.

"Relax. If you run as you practiced, you'll be fine."

"Thank you. ...Hey, Ichinose-kun, can you hold my hand for a moment?"

"Hand?"

Not quite understanding, I extended my arm, and she gripped my right hand with both of hers.

"..."

"Yeah. I feel braver now. Thanks..."

"Y-Yeah."

The pink flush of warmth spread across Yukiko-san's previously pale face.

I felt a bit nervous as I watched her smile and wave.

Standing in the lane, Yukiko-san received the baton and ran, her soft hair fluttering.

Her determined figure was so dazzling that I couldn't help but squint.

Without falling, dropping the baton, or being overtaken, Yukiko-san completed her part.

Our eyes met, and we exchanged natural smiles.

Now, it was just me.

At this point, the first group was leading by a significant margin.

Our class was in third place, just behind the second group.

Finally, it was time for the anchor leg.

The runners lined up in the order they would run.

Standing in the order of Kiriya, the fourth group's male student, me, and the third group's male student, the others began stretching and rotating their wrists.

I stood there, and Kiriya spoke to me over the fourth group's male student.

"Hey, why is the first group made up of amateurs?"

Indeed, the third and fourth groups had well-known athletes.

"The first group has a track and field team, right? But that guy's times have been terrible since he was rejected by his girlfriend. Haha."

"..."

Kiriya was clearly talking about Renchi.

"Well, he can't beat me no matter what. In track and field, in love—"

"The baton is coming."

"Oh, okay. I'll go first."

Kiriya casually scratched his bangs, smiled confidently, and got ready to receive the baton.

The gap between first and second place had widened.

Looking at the waiting line of our class, Renchi and Yukiko-san were standing