V3Ch16: Blue and Rainbow Sports Festival

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Translator: Soafp

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The afternoon session began, and the sports festival grew even more intense.

The gap between the top teams was small, with each event bringing a new leader. The heated competition ignited the spirits of many students, and the cheering voices grew more enthusiastic.

It wasn't all about serious competition, though. The white team, which had fallen far behind, seemed to be having the most fun of all. It reminded everyone that this event truly was a “festival.”

The only event left was the class relay.

Among the top teams, the yellow team slowed down, narrowing the chances of victory to four teams: the pink, blue, red, and purple teams. The red team was in third place as the final event approached.

As my turn grew closer, I felt the usual nervous urge to go to the bathroom. It's become a habit—I ended up walking all the way to the restroom on the floor I always use, even though it was on the fourth floor and a bit of a detour. Still, the walk helped calm my nerves, almost like taking a peaceful stroll.

“…?”

As I left the restroom and stepped into the hallway, I heard voices.

It was rare for anyone to be on this floor during the sports festival. When I looked in the direction of the voices, I saw familiar faces.

“Aoyama and…!”

Aoyama was talking to Momoka.

I quickly hid in my own classroom nearby.

I couldn't hear their conversation due to the distance, but it was clear from Momoka’s sharp tone that she was upset, almost aggressive.

As I continued watching, Renji appeared. He stepped between them, and Momoka seemed to calm down, though it was clear she was still agitated.

What on earth is happening?

After a while, it seemed like their conversation ended. Renji and Momoka walked away.

“…”

Aoyama was left standing there, unmoving.

With her head slightly down, it was obvious she was emotionally drained. Although I didn't know the details, it must have been a bad conversation for her.

Come on, this isn't fair.

Winning against a blue team with no motivation wouldn't be satisfying. Besides, I was really looking forward to seeing her run at full power.

But approaching her here would seem strange.

The location was too suspicious, and I didn't want her to think I had followed her.

“…Nijitani!?”

Before I could decide what to do, Aoyama had already walked over to me and noticed me near the classroom.

Well, no turning back now.

“O-Oh, Aoyama, what a coincidence.”

“Um, what are you doing here?”

“I was just warming up. You know, getting ready for the relay. It's easier to focus where no one's around, and I always feel more comfortable in my own classroom.”

“…I get that. It makes sense.”

In reality, I'd only come to the bathroom, but there was no need to say that.

“You don't look too well. Something bothering you?”

“Eh? No, I'm fine! I'm always full of energy!”

Don’t lie with such a clearly tired face.

“You, on the other hand, look as lively as ever, Nijitani.”

“Of course! I mean, the relay's coming up. I'd be in trouble if I wasn't full of energy.”

“…No, I meant you've seemed really cheerful lately.”

“Well, yeah, I guess that's true.”

There's no way I wouldn't be. Ever since I reunited with my best friend, I've been feeling on top of the world.

“Hey, do you have a minute?”

“I've got my turn coming up soon, but if it's quick, sure.”

“Thanks.”

After expressing her gratitude briefly, Aoyama continued.

“If you realized you were wrong about something, what would you do?”

“…What's this about?”

I had no idea where this was coming from.

“Just answer.”

“I'm not sure, but I guess it depends on the situation. If I knew I was wrong, I'd probably try to fix it right away. Maybe I'd even try to cover it up, depending on the circumstances.”

It's hard to say without knowing what exactly was wrong, but I'd probably correct myself quickly. Although, if I could avoid it, I might try to hide it instead.

“…What if you knew you did something bad?”

“Then you'd have to apologize. There's no other choice.”

That answer was a no-brainer.

Running away is another option, but fleeing when you’re the one at fault would make you nothing more than a coward.

“Yeah… you’re right.”

“Aoyama?”

“Thanks for answering.”

“It's no big deal, but what exactly was your question?”

“I realized I made another mistake. But it’s okay now. I just needed to make sure of one last thing.”

“Uh, okay?”

I didn’t quite understand, but it seemed like something was resolved inside Aoyama. Her complexion looked better, and she seemed fine now.

I felt relieved, knowing I’d soon see her give it her all.

“By the way, do you remember our promise to play games together again after the sports festival?”

“Of course. A new map is coming with the update, right? Mahiro's been training like crazy lately, playing solo. He says he wants to compete in another tournament.”

“That sounds great! I’d love to join too.”

After chatting a bit more, Aoyama left the classroom.

“Hey…”

She turned around just after stepping out.

“The next time we play, I have something important to talk about.”

“Something important?”

“Yeah. Well, see you later… Shota.”

Aoyama walked away.

Wait, did she just call me by my name?

“……”

Oh well. More importantly, I need to focus on the upcoming relay. It's time to clear my mind and concentrate.

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The class relay race began.

Normally, the first-year students would go first, but this year, with the presence of both the “God” and the “Goddess,” the second-years were saved for last. The final event, a direct competition between the goddesses in the second-year girls' relay, was set to close out the “Gods' Sports Festival.”

The rankings had shifted.

Yakumo-kun shone in the first-year boys' relay, helping the purple team take the lead. However, the top four teams remained neck-and-neck. The purple team held first place, with the blue, pink, and red teams close behind.

At the waiting area, each team’s anchor gathered. Naturally, he was there too—my closest friend.

Renji and I made eye contact.

“……”

“……”

We didn't exchange any words.

But even without speaking, we understood each other.

I've always been outclassed in looks, academics, and social skills, but we've always been evenly matched when it comes to athletics. Back in the day, we often played tag together.

Back then, we were equals. But now, I'm confident I can win.

I've been honing my body while working on self-improvement, and my win in the 100-meter sprint earlier gave me a boost in confidence.

It's been a while since we've faced off directly.

“And now, as the sports festival reaches its climax, we find ourselves in one of the most hotly contested races in history. The final outcome will be determined by the second-year class relay. All eyes are on last year's anchor champion, Renji Inuyama, who led his team to victory in this very event.”

The starter pistol fired.

The commentary faded from my ears, leaving only the cheers of the students around the track vibrating through my eardrums.

In the class relay, everyone but the anchor runs half a lap, while the anchor completes a full lap around the field.

The red team was off to a good start.

They passed the baton smoothly, maintaining the lead built by the first runner. It looked like I'd be receiving the baton at the front.

But the pink team was catching up from behind, with the blue team right on their tail.

Renji and I received our batons almost simultaneously.

Without a second thought, I ran with everything I had.

As I circled the field, I saw many familiar faces. I could see the red team cheering loudly, and their voices gave me strength.

I couldn't tell where Renji was—I didn't have time to look around.

I just knew there was no one in front of me. I ran as fast as I could and crossed the finish line first.

A huge cheer erupted immediately after.

“That was fast! The red team's anchor, Nijitani-kun, has extended the lead and crossed the finish line in first place!”

The commentator's voice was clear now.

That's when I realized I had won.

“Yes!!”

With this victory, the red team reclaimed the top spot.

Now, only the final event remained: the second-year girls’ class relay.