Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330665542028014/episodes/16818023212302107110
“Haa……haa, haa……I was so close.”
Looking up to the heavens, I reflect on my immaturity. It was much easier to drive than the unpaved mountain road, but I was in such bad shape. If grandpa had seen me, he would have been furious.
“Well, I measured up to the competition, so I guess it’s all good.”
“Good job, Jinpei kun.”
I was happy that I was able to beat Wada and was regulating my breathing when Kanna came to me with words of encouragement and a gentle smile on her face.
“It was so close, wasn’t it? I was so nervous that I thought you might actually break the record.”
“The Japanese record isn’t just for show. As you can see, I was exhausted. Heroes are the ones who get results in places like this, but I’m just not that type of person.”
“T-that’s not true ! I think Jinpei kun has already become someone’s hero !”
That follow-up was both pleasant and vain. However, I wonder why Kanna’s cheeks are slightly red as she says that.
“Thank you, Kanna. I’m glad you said that, even if it was just to flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery ! Jinpei kun has always been my—“
“If you have finished measuring, please move to the gymnasium immediately ! The physical fitness measurement is not over yet !”
The voice of Misuta sensei echoed in the ground as if it was covered by the words of Kanna. Honestly, I’m about to run out of energy, so I want to go back to the classroom right now, or just lay out and rest. I won’t do that because I might get kicked if I do that.
“Huh…it can;t be helped. Jinpei kun, shall we move too?”
“Let’s do that. I don’t see Sasatsuki by the way, where did she go?”
“As soon as Jinpei kun started running, Sasatsuuki san said, [I want to drink juice] and went to the gymnasium where the vending machines were located.”
What a free person, Kanna said. She’s like a cat, a free spirit who is elusive and mysterious. Well, I don’t dislike it.
“–Hmm?”
As I was walking along with such an unimportant conversation, Asakura, who was in the corner of the ground, came into view. Although she said that this was outside of her expertise, she finished comfortably as the top female racer, which is nothing short of amazing, but after finishing her run, she seemed to be concerned about her legs.
“…You have the nerve to look away while talking to me, Jinpei kun? Are you that interested in Asakura san?”
“No, I just thought she was acting a little strange, but I don’t have any special feelings for her, okay?”
“Then please concentrate on the conversation with me ! If you don’t, I’ll sulk !? Is that okay !?”
My thoughts had to be interrupted because Kanna was barking at me. I don’t know what I would do if my childhood friend sulked.
“Now, let’s move to the gym ! We’ll see a lot of amazing things in the second half as well !”
“……Give me a break.”
My body is a wreck, I scream in my mind as I follow Kanna to the gymnasium. In the meantime, I looked to check Asakura’s figure once more, but she was already gone.
＊＊＊＊＊
After completing the measurements for the remaining events in the gymnasium, the long morning class finally came to an end.
“Ugh,……I lost everything to Itsuki…..”
Wada leaves the gymnasium with a slumped shoulder and a dazed look on his face. When I was wondering if I should say something, Kanna said,
[Words of encouragement to a loser can be humiliating for the opponent, so I think it’s best to leave him alone here.]
So I said nothing, and let the man’s sorrowful backside go. I’m sure he will use this as a trigger to become stronger, I don’t know.
“It’s about time for us to go back. If we stay idle, we won’t have time for lunch.”
The classmates gradually pulled out of the gymnasium, complaining about how tired they were and how they were definitely going to sleep for the afternoon class. Just as Kanna said, we should get on the wave and change our clothes and return to the classroom as soon as possible, or else we will have to attend the rest of the class on an empty stomach.
Incidentally, Sasatsuki disappeared as soon as her measurement was over without waiting for the dismissal order, so she was not here.
I wanted to go after her immediately, but there was something that was bothering me.
It was none other than Asakura Nao. The state of her legs. She may not have been skimping on her repetitive horizontal jump, but she seemed to be hesitant to give it her all.
“…..I’m sorry, Kanna, but you’re going to have to go back first. I’ve got some business to attend to !”
“Hey, where are you going, Jinpei kun !?”
Ignoring Kanna’s voice of confusion, I look for Asakura. She had already left the gymnasium, but I caught a glimpse of her walking towards the field in the opposite direction from the classroom. If so, the place she most likely goes to is —
“—Found you !”
“Eh, Itsuki?”
Thanks to my running, I was able to catch up with Asakura earlier than expected. Ahead of us was the clubroom of the track and field club.
“What’s the matter with you? Did you want something from me?”
“I don’t really have any business with you, but there is one thing I wanted to ask you. Asakura, are you sure your leg didn’t hurt?”
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