Chapter 239: Cavalry Battle, Hikigaya + Airi
Hikigaya took the field, participating in turn in the shot put, triple jump, sit-ups, and the 1,000-meter long-distance race...
Aside from the final long-distance race, the previous events weren't considered heavy physical exercises, and Hikigaya completed them with ease. Hikigaya took first and second place in the sit-ups and the 1,000-meter race respectively, earning personal point rewards of 5,000 + 3,000, as well as 3 + 2 bonus points for his exam results.
To be honest, for the current Hikigaya, rewards of this level could only be described as better than nothing. Needless to say for the personal points; Hikigaya had millions in his account, so many that he simply couldn't spend them all. As for the exam bonus points, Hikigaya similarly had no use for them. Even in his worst subject, Mathematics, after more than a semester of tutoring and grinding problems, he had steadily reached the upper-middle level of the school year.
Remember, this was the upper-middle level of the entire school year. If speaking only of Class D, Hikigaya's math scores had even reached the "excellent" level of the top ten. However, that wasn't exactly anything to be proud of.
The individual events ended.
The scores of the Red Team and the White Team were very close, with the current statistics showing the Red Team holding a slight upper hand. This was mainly due to the efforts of Classes A and D from the third and second years, whose scores were leading across the board. The event scores for Classes A and D of the first year, however, were very ugly to look at...
Because Class D refused to cooperate, Class A had to fight against Classes B and C alone. Facing the sports experts sent out in rotation by the latter, Classes B and C firmly controlled the rankings of various events. This resulted in Class A only obtaining one second-place and two third-place finishes in all individual events, and they even had multiple contestants falling into the bottom rankings...
This dealt a significant blow to Class A's morale. If it had been Class D, they probably would have collapsed long ago.
"Everyone, please don't lose heart, just doing your best is enough.
As for the classmates who accidentally fell into the bottom rankings, I will arrange for students with good grades to tutor you to avoid failing the next exam.
Friendship first, competition second.
Enjoy the sports festival!"
Ichinose Honami took charge of the situation, stabilizing Class A's morale through verbal encouragement.
Next was the highly anticipated team competition.
Compared to individual events that look at a student's personal ability, team competitions place more emphasis on cooperation and offer more points, giving the disadvantaged side a chance to turn the tables.
Hikigaya and Sakura Airi arrived at the field for the Cavalry Battle. Facing the gaze of so many eyes in the spectator stands, the timid Sakura Airi seemed somewhat afraid.
"No need to be nervous, Airi."
Hikigaya patted her shoulder to reassure her.
"Mnh~"
"I just feel like everyone is looking over here."
Sakura Airi kept her head down.
"That's because Airi is cute."
In order to ease her tension, Hikigaya tried to divert her attention with a joke.
"Uuu~ No, no, no, how is that possible."
Sakura Airi shook her head like a rattle in denial. She was currently wearing her dorky glasses; her beauty was "sealed" away.
"In my eyes, Airi is the cutest."
"Really? Hee-hee-hee~"
Although she knew he was just saying things to coax her, it had to be said—girls love hearing that!
"Ready!
Both sides, take your positions!"
The referee gave the command. The contestants of the Red and White teams each took a step forward and squatted down, letting their partners mount their necks.
Duang~
A heavy "weight" pressed down on Hikigaya's head. Fortunately, through long-term training, he had long grown accustomed to it. Otherwise, if he couldn't suppress the "little head" from standing up, it would be a huge scandal!
"Airi, steady yourself.
Just do as we did during training."
Hikigaya slowly stood up.
"Mnh!"
Sakura Airi nodded seriously. Looking at Hikigaya beneath her, her fragile heart was strengthened at this moment.
This was the power of love!
"Bang!"
The starting pistol fired.
"Charge!"
The contestants of the Red and White teams launched a charge against each other! Hikigaya and Airi walked at the back of the formation.
In any case, Class D had no intention of pursuing a high rank; as long as they secured the minimum guarantee and didn't have their headband snatched, it would be fine.
"Hm?!"
Hikigaya suddenly and keenly sensed danger approaching.
"Airi, look out!"
Suddenly, from the opposing crowd, a pair from the White Team rushed out, heading straight for them!
"Uwa?!"
Hikigaya, carrying Airi, quickly dodged to the side. He made the other party miss.
"Yo~ Dead-fish eyes, as sharp as ever."
The attacker was none other than Ryuen Kakeru. Surprisingly, given his dominant personality, he was currently willing to act as the "horse."
"You guy, you're really working hard just to spite me."
Ryuen's partner was a girl named Takashimako, who had a relatively sturdy build. According to the previous deal, Class B had already obtained Class D's detailed participation list.
In other words, Ryuen specifically joined this event just to target him!
This left Hikigaya utterly speechless!
"Heh! This is a rare opportunity to get revenge on you. How could I let such a great chance slip by?"
Ryuen smiled cruelly and lunged at him again.
"Abominable woman! How can she be bigger than my head? Is there no justice?!"
Takashimako was gritting her teeth, being extremely aggressive!
"Airi, do you have a grudge against this person?"
While dodging, Hikigaya couldn't help but complain.
"I-I don't know... I don't know this student."
Sakura Airi was on the verge of tears, feeling very wronged.
"This is a woman's jealousy, truly terrifying!"
Along the way, Ryuen completely ignored the other Red Team contestants, obsessively pursuing only Hikigaya. This strange scene also caught the attention of the spectators.
"That guy Ryuen doesn't care about the race at all just to target Hikigaya!"
Ibuki Mio had a face full of displeasure.
"Yeah, that is indeed troubling."
Watching Sakura Airi's "hearts" continuously collide with Hikigaya's head during the run, Shiina Hiyori's eyes became subtle.
"Airi, Hachi, go for it!!"
Only Hasabe Haruka was sincerely cheering for the two.
"That damn Ryuen, chasing after Hachiman and snapping like a mad dog!"
Kushida Kikyo bit her finger, uttering spiteful words.
"Surprising. I thought you would be cursing Sakura-san," Horikita Suzune said coldly.
"Hmph! I indeed don't like that woman with the large chest, but I'm even less willing to see Hachiman get hurt."
Kushida Kikyo answered seriously.
"You certainly care about Hachiman quite a bit."
"Of course, because I like him!"
Looking at Horikita Suzune, who had suddenly become silent, Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but mock: "What? You don't even dare to admit you like him? You're such a waste!"
Read ahead (160 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting