Summer. The season of where the sun scorches down on Earth. Sweat trickling down on one's face, trying to beat the unbearable heat. But that wasn't always the case. There are a bunch of students wearing red or white headbands on their heads. They are a few in groups panting from exhaustion while they were 2 large groups cheering at some figures who were running. It is the 30th annual Mazuharu Junior High School's sports day.
Commentator 1: The scores for the Red team is 257 and while the white team is 258. This is the closest it has ever been. Has there been such an instance like this ever in our history books?
Commentator 2: To know the White team are struggling against the Red team.
The White team or better known as "The Riches". As the name suggests, the White team are a team of the riches. Because the majority of the team is filled with students with deep pockets, the fund of the White team surpasses the Red team by tenfold. This allows them to hire the best coaches, get the-state-of-art work out equipment or sneak in a top athlete through the back door. Due do that, the White team always runs away with the trophy, leaving their arch-rivals in the dust. But this year was different….
Commentator 2: I wonder what turned the tides this year?
Commentator 1: Isn't it obvious? It is their team leader…. ASAGAMI HARUKI!!
The Red team crowd went berserk as Asagami Haruki name was called. It was a 15-year-old boy, 180 cm in height with messy brown hair and a matching set of brown eyes which match the colour of the dunes. Asagami Haruki or better known as Haruki is a student who is part of a poor side of the community. He is part of class 3-1. In normal circumstances, it is virtually impossible to enter class 3-1 because it only accepts the posh. But Haruki is a special case. A boy with intelligent almost parallel to a college student, scoring top marks left, right and centre. He always scores top marks on every exam he takes. But every year, only the poor students score the highest, so what made Haruki special. It was abilities on the tracks.
Commentator 1: Asagami Haruki was born with innate talents on the track and further refined them with hardcore training. Haruki is the fastest runner in his school. Medals always hang around him. Due to him alone, he managed to pull his school from outside the top 20 sports school to the top 10 in 3 years only. Today, he alone scored 120 points. Most by anyone today!
Commentator 2: As the saying goes 'No man is an island'. Knowing he can't win alone. So, he took the reins of the Red team. Not only did he trained them, but he also managed to use psychology tactics and cleverly choose his teammates for each event without risking his own team's future events and heavily affecting his opposition. This level of team leadership was what missing for our school athlete team.
Haruki was standing in front of the Red team crowd, blushing slightly in embarrassment as the commentators were praising him wholly. Meanwhile, the crowd is going wild, screaming "The Swift Demon". Haruki couldn't help but smile at the chants while also puzzled on why is he named the "The Demon Runner".
Haruki: "The Demon Runner"?
Daiichi: Isn't it obvious?
Beside Haruki was. Nakamura Daiichi is Haruki's classmate and also his best friend. He is what you call a lady boy'. Standing at 185 cm with a blue long-haired pretty boy hairstyle. Usually, he has his hair run free but for sports day he tied it up in a neat man bun with his White hairband around his head. Nicknamed 'The Blue Thunder', he holds the captain armband as he leads the White team. His charms are on another level. A single flick of his finger can get almost any girl in not only in school but also outside. He always has 2 of his friends following him, but they are treated more like lackeys. One of them is a big brute whose height is at 200 cm, Tatsukawa Reigi whose muscles always bulging out. It almost makes Haruki wonder if he is really a high schooler. The other is a needle-skinny, and also foul-mouthed, Nakajiwa Takaharu. His height is 160 cm and you can easily see the bones poking out from his skin. For some reason, his hatred for Haruki is easily distinguished.
Haruki looked at Daiichi with a puzzled expression.
Daiichi: *sigh*It is the way your face looks when you run. You turn into a totally different person. A side of you people sees when you are running. You start to look like a devil, a stern face with a devilish glare. Sometimes I get chills when I see you run.
??: Really? I find it attractive
Haruki saw two skinny porcelain arms around his waist. Hugging from behind was Mazura Yuki, Haruki's girlfriend. From the rich community, Yuki, standing at 160 cm, has red wavy hair that she lets run free through the wind. Every edge of her body bents at the right area until males drop to the floor by just walking past him.
Haruki: *dazed* hehe…. Thanks.
Haruki is overjoyed. Not because Yuki praised him but because something really soft is touching is back.
Nakajiwa Takaharu: Really? It more looks like you're suffering from constipation. Hahaha
Tatsukawa Reigi: That is manly look, Takaharu. Asagami-san, your face, when you run, is very cool. Please keep it up. Don't listen to Takaharu as he lacks a face let alone a manly one.
Yuki: Someone needs to check his mirror first.
Unlucky Takaharu has no hint of handsomeness. A face filled with freckles and a black-brownish homeless-man hairstyle. If a girl rates his face out of 10, it will somehow end up in the negative region. Meanwhile, Reigi looks more like a 40-year-old discipline teacher. He was born with a stern face and has an orange army cut.
Haruki: Thanks, Tatsukawa-san but please stop your infighting with Nakajiwa-san. Aren't you guys friends? And you too, Yuki. You shouldn't hurt people like that.
Reigi: Huh? With this needle-stick?
Takaharu: At least I have a brain, unlike your pea brain in your thick skull.
Yuki: Ehhhh...? All I said was the truth.
Reigi and Takaharu glared at each other with sparks forming in the middle of them while Yuki continued to mock Takaharu. Haruki can only let out a disappointed sigh. Haruki doesn't realize that both Reigi and Takaharu are not friends but enemies even though they stick around for 3 years together...
Daiichi: Haruki, just let them be.
Haruki could only agree. Both of them turned to the track in front of them.
Haruki: *Exhale*. It seems like it's our turn now.
Daiichi: Yeah. No holding back, ok?
Haruki: When have I ever held back?
Daiichi: True. But today it seems like you are more serious than ever.
Haruki: Yeah. I need to win this no matter what for the Red team. I want to stain the white-filled history book with a taint of red that will never fade so we will never be looked down ever again.
Daiichi: Always with your wise words. Even though it is for a noble cause, I, too won't hold back. You do know why right?
Haruki: Yeah. This race has 2 things riding on it. The first thing is the coveted trophy at the end of the Sports Day and also-
As Haruki was about to finish his sentence, the commentator chimed in.
Commentator 1: The final race today is 4x4 100 meter relay race. It will the decider of this year's winner. Usually, this race has no meaning as the White team always runs away with the trophy. But this year is different. With a tally difference of only one, the winner of this race will be the overall winner of the competition.
Commentator 2: Not only that. Due to the fact this year we have 2 amazing potential candidates for the captain athlete team, the coach of the school team athlete boldly claimed the winner of the race will become the captain while the latter becomes the vice-captain.
Haruki: *sigh* I couldn't even finish my sentence.
Daiichi: What a way to steal your thunder!
Both started laughing soundly. After a brief of shared banter, they wiped their tears from their eyes. Silence followed as both captains stared each other in the eyes.
Commentator 1: Please keep your eyes open and get your voice box ready-
At this point, everyone knew why…
Commentator 1: -as the final relay runners will be the Red team's captain Asagami Haruki vs the White team's captain Nakamura Daiichi.
Commentator 2: IT WILL BE "THE SWIFT DEMON" VS "THE BLUE THUNDER"!
Red team: HA! RU! KI! HA! RU! KI! HA! RU! KI!
White team: DAIICHI! DAIICHI! DAIICHI!
Both teams went wild while the captains stared each other in the eyes. Behind both team captains, was a red demon and a blue dragon breathing down the necks of their rival.
__________________________________________________________________
Commentator 1: Please put our hands together for the runners that are stepping on the tracks.
Commentator 2: Today we might witness history as the underdogs Red team looking to bring home the trophy back home for the first time in 30 years!
Commentator 1: We better not put the White team aside just because the Red team have a once-in-a-million chance to beat the white team. The White team were and are always the dominant team. This race can go either way today so keep your eyes peeled for the fast action race we're about to have.
Both teams lined up side by side at the side of the track, in front of the whole crowd. The tension was rising in both camps as they have a lot riding in on it. The White team must win as their pride was riding on it. Up until now, the Red team could never compete on the same level as the White team so they always run away with the trophy. Even though the White team are in the lead, Haruki saw the threatening glare from the White team teachers towards the runners. A threatening glare that sent chills in the bones of the White team runners. Even Haruki and the Red team runners felt it. This triggered the other Red runners giggled at the White team runners.
Haruki: Oi! You 3 better stop laughing! They are our opponents, don't take them lightly. Laughing at your opponents is the same as looking down on them. Never forget the feeling when others look down on us.
Haruki outburst sends the other runners including the White team runners into fear. The 3 other runners immediately stopped laughing not because they fear Haruki but the words he said." Looking down". They knew the feeling of when others look down on them. They turn towards the white team and bowed their head and apologized without hesitating. The White team on the other hand was surprised and told them to raise their head.
Haruki: I too apologize for the incompetence of my teammate's behaviour.
Daiichi: Leave it. The tension in this race is too high and any one of us will try and bring down the confidence of the other team.
Haruki: Daiichi you know I hate those underhand tactics like that. I prefer to compete fair and square, with both sides only playing the cards they have been dealt with and not their own, dirty cards.
Daiichi: Again, with your wise words. You never change, do you?
Haruki replied with only a smile and both of them face forward.
While the ceremony continued Haruki started to think about the reasons to give it his all to win. It was due to the favouritism of the school. Thinking about only made Haruki angry. He always knew the school assign students with a poor background to the Red Team and the students with a rich background will end up in the White team even though the school denies it. The reason for them to do this was already known to Haruki. Winning the annual sports day in school as prestigious as Mazuharu Junior High School will help students to apply to any sports school, including the non-athletes. So, the main sponsors of the school aka the parents of the rich students bribe the school council to make sure that the children win. Hence, the birth White "Rich" team is born.
Haruki clenched his fist and bit his lips out of pure frustration. He knew for the sake of the future of runners of his team all rested on him and his team. When the ceremony was over, he called over his teammates and hurdled up.
Haruki: Alright boys, this is it. We are only a win away from the trophy.
One of the teammates gulped.
Haruki: Don't be hasty now. I'm pretty sure it won't be a simple race. I bet those old fools are up to something. Don't let your guard down.
Haruki's warning of a potential set up stir them into a frenzy and they started to panic.
Haruki: Don't worry. Even if you fall, just get back up…... and run like there is no tomorrow.
The teammates looked at each other and then look at Haruki with a smile
[Runner 1] Junichiro: Why are we panicking? We got The Demon Runner.
[Runner 2] Futaro: Yeah! The Blue Thot is nothing compared to The Demon Runner
[Runner 3] Taka: We got this. We will run so fast will make them run the wrong way!
Haruki: That's the spirit!! Let's go trample these fucks!
The Red Team put their hands in the middle
Haruki: All together now!
The Red Team: 3! 2! 1! * raises their hand* RED TEAM!
Red Crowd: HURRAH!!
The Red crowd followed up with their team's hurrah with their own. The same thing occurred with the White Team. The sports representative had to step in to calm the crowd down. After the crowd was calm down, the coach of the school athlete team accompanies the principal of the school. The coach with his megaphone called out the first runner.
Coach: First runner from the team, come up to the starting line.
Runner 1 from both sides stepped on the line while the other runners including Haruki went to their respective stations. Before Haruki left, Haruki saw the first runner panicking. So, he gently tapped his shoulder with a smile. Without even saying a word,
Junichiro understood what his captain is saying, "Run without worries". Junichiro quickly gained his composure just from Haruki's simple gesture. It is easy to easy how much influence Haruki as a leader has on the team.
The Principal, who was holding the gun in his right hand and the other in his covering his left ear started the countdown…
Principal: Ready!
The crowd went pin-drop silence.
*Ba-dump*
The heartbeat of the runners was resonating throughout the track.
Principal: Set!
The runners got into a 'set pose'. White puff constantly came out of their mouth when they were trying to control their breathing.
*BANG*
The runners burst forward with wasting a millisecond. The crowd followed with a huge roar, each screaming their friends' name, words of encouragement and also their team name to fill the runners with confidence and their resolve to win. Both teams are screaming at the top of their lungs but The Red team chants are drowning the White team chants. This greatly boosted Junichiro to burst forward while the Runner 1 of the White team lagged.
As Junichiro approached the first exchange station…
Junichiro: PASS!
Runner 1 extends his hand to pass the baton to Runner 2. Runner 2 grasp the baton…
Futaro: RECEIVE!
Junichiro let's go of the baton and walks towards the side of the track.
Haruki: Nice! Keep going!
It was then the White team exchange. They were a second late to the exchange point. The first runner passed his baton to the second runner and he ran. Daiichi approached Haruki.
Daiichi: Smart.
Haruki: Hmm?
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Daiichi: The exchange tactic, you developed it didn't you?
Haruki: Oh, that. Yeah. I found out that when the initial runner when passes the baton to the next runner, he contemplates whether did the next runner received it properly or not. So, during this period he doesn't let it go preventing the second runner from running
Daiichi: So, when they communicate during the exchange with simple words like "Pass" and "Receive", you can save a second, half a second before and half a second after the exchange of the baton. *sigh* You never failed to amaze me.
Haruki: But it doesn't matter, does it?
Daiichi: You found out?
Haruki: *sigh* You think I am an idiot? Your 2nd runner and our 3rd runner are not your normal high school runners, are they? I can see from their body posture and leg strength.
Daiichi: As expected from my best friend and my rival. These guys are just a step away from joining the national team. They are just a year younger than us.
Haruki: Our ~Kouhai~[1]? That's impressive
Daiichi: You don't seem to faze.
It was true Haruki was standing upright, brimming with confidence as if he calculated something like this happen.
Haruki smiled slyly
Haruki: Why not you look at the race a little?
Haruki used 2 fingers to direct confused Daiichi face towards runners. Daiichi eyes widened in shock. His top runner is lagging behind someone from the Red team. Daiichi turned towards Haruki.
Daiichi: H-how is that even possible?
Haruki couldn't help but smile. Haruki was still looking at the race.
Haruki: Hard work and perseverance...
Daiichi grabbed the collar of Haruki's shirt. Haruki was caught off guard. Haruki was looking at Daiichi in the eyes… his pupils dilated as if he saw something crazy.
Daiichi: D-DON'T YOU FUCK AROUND WITH ME!! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO? THERE IS NO WAY YOUR PEASANT FOR A RUNNER CAN MATCH NATIONAL RUNNERS!
Haruki: Calm down!
Haruki grabbed Daiichi hands. After the contact; Daiichi snapped back to reality. He slowly let go of Haruki's collar. Daiichi's top half of his face was covered in shadow, hiding his expression. His head was hung low.
Daiichi: S-sorry. I just l-lost my composure and also calling your runners something derogatory like peasants.
Haruki: N-no. It's ok. The tension just got to your head, that's all.
Haruki turned his back to see the race while readjusting his collar. It seemed like no one from the crowd realised the incident just now. It also seemed like it has already reached the 3rd runner and their quarter did. The red team still has over the 2-second lead
Behind Haruki was still Daiichi. With shadows covering his eyes, he smiled. But not his normal cheerful one but instead…. an evil one, one with dark intentions. Daiichi looked at the opposite side of the field. There is a person there, standing at the side of the track. If looked properly, it was Nakajiwa Takaharu, the skinny, foul-mouthed lackey. What it seems like he was eating a banana. Daiichi looked around him to see if anyone was watching. With everyone eyes on the race, Daiichi took this opportunity and signalled Takaharu by crossing his neck with his pointer finger. A signal used commonly in Mafias, which means death. But in this instance, it meant the end Red Teams dream. Takaharu, without wasting a second dropped the peel on the red team's tracks
*slip* and followed by a *bang*
Taka fell. The Red crowd went silent while the White crowd continued to cheer as the saw an opening The race continued and the white team finally took the lead while the red runner was in the muds. The first to break the silence was Haruki
Haruki: HEY! Foul play. There is no fucking way this race is continuing.
But for some reason, it falls on deaf ears. As if nothing wrong happened. Haruki wanted to talk to Daiichi but he was already on the starting line as if nothing happened.
Haruki: Daiichi! There is no way-
Daiichi. Sorry, but the race is going on.
Haruki couldn't believe it but what he was doing was justified as he is fulfilling his role as a runner Haruki shouted at the teachers…but none of them listened. They choose to ignore it. Haruki knew why. Money. It was always money. From the start it was money. Haruki never felt as angry as he is now compared to the past. The future of Red team talents was riding on his team. The months of practice, the amount of pain they went through just to find gain and lastly…their promise. A promise Haruki thought he must not break. The promise where he and the Red Team will leave their names in the history books forever. Tainting the white canvas with their own red blood that will never fade.
Haruki knew he can't give up. He redirected his attention towards his fallen comrade.
Haruki: TAKA! REMEMBER OUR PROMISE AND OUR RESOLVE!!
The Taka's eyes, who was still on the floor, suddenly widened as he looked at his captain. What he says he a desperate face- no, a face that is about to cry. He felt nostalgic pain. The pain that he, his teammates and Haruki felt. The agonizing pain they went through. All for the sake of their future. He then remembers his captain Haruki, who put in more effort than anyone else help them win. He remembered his sacrifice. He turned down the White team which was offered by Daiichi just so he can prove to everyone that money isn't everything. Then in his head rang his captain's final words before the race
* Don't worry. Even if you fall, just get back up…… and run like there is no tomorrow*
With those words alone, Taka stood back up and with those words resonating in his head and also his heart, he felt a sudden surge of adrenaline surging throughout his body. He picked up his legs and he ran. He ran as if there is no tomorrow, exactly what the captain said. The 4-second gap between him and the White team became 3 seconds. He saw his team who wasn't cheering as loud as the Whiter team anymore. Filled with guilt, he ran even faster, ignoring his limit. He pushed every fibre of his muscles just for this race. Just when the White passes the baton to Daiichi, the Taka manage to reduce the deficit to 2 seconds.
Haruki: Come on! We are still in this!
The Taka ran towards his captain with his hand extended with the baton
Taka: P-PASS
Haruki extended his back to receive the baton. As soon as he came in contact with the baton. In contact, time slowed down. They were stuck in motion where the Taka is stumbling to pass the baton to Haruki while Haruki is in the receiving pose. Both of them felt each other's thought.
Taka: {I'm sorry, captain. I didn't keep my guard up. If only-}
Haruki: {SHUT UP! Don't say it like we have no chance of winning. We are still in this.}
Taka: {But if I didn't fall, we wouldn't have this deficit. Even if we win, I don't think the team will forgive me}
Haruki: {I don't think I'm gonna forgive you.}
Taka: {I knew I-} *
Haruki: {BECAUSE YOU NEVER DID ANYTHING WRONG!}
Taka: {Huh?}
Haruki: {If it wasn't for standing up, I couldn't have finished the race. If it wasn't for you reducing the deficit, I wouldn't have stood a chance of winning. Instead of giving up, you opted to believe my words}
Taka: {Captain…. (said in a teary voice)}
Haruki: {Thank you for believing in me. Leave the rest to me. There is no way I will lose. Didn't I make a promise to the team?}
Taka: {Yeah, you did. Please fulfil them for us…Our captain.}
Tears formed at the edge of Taka's eyes as he saw Haruki. his captain in his running form. A stern face with a devilish glare. At this point onwards he wasn't looking at his captain of the Red team, Asagami Haruki but at a demon who was feared by many when he runs, The Swift Demon
Takar: DO IT FOR OUR DREAMS, CAPTAIN!!
Haruki: RECEIVE!
Time went back to normal and Haruki burst forward followed by a sonic boom. The red team started to cheer louder than before. Haruki was behind Daiichi who has a 2-second lead. If it was any other runner, Haruki would have been fine. But he was up against to top runner in school. Someone on par with him. Haruki started to waver he thought he had no chance. Just as he was about to slow done…
GO!
HA! RU! KI! HA! RU! KI! HA! RU! KI!
Haruki saw everything in front of him in slow motion. The Red team continued to cheer him even though they see the impossible deficit in front of him. Haruki was wanted to apologise to them for failing. He wanted to give up as he knew he had no chance of winning. As he was about to slow down, he heard something-
*… don't give up *
He knew this voice! He then saw his Yuki who was screaming with her eyes closed and 2 hands around her mouth at the whole track.
Yuki: Don't give up! You can do it. Remember what you promise!
A mellow voice filled with courage resonated in Haruki. Suddenly, he began reminiscing the words he gave to his team
* Even if you fall, get back up……. and run like there is no tomorrow*
When he saw a row of White team teachers laughing as if they have won, another voice of his came
* …... Let's trample these fucks! *
Then the promise….
* Taint their white canvas with our red blood that will never fade*
A sudden surge of energy flowed in him. Was it the guilt of him from thinking of giving up? Was it from the rage when he was looked down upon? Was it from the warmth of the promise he gave to his team? Haruki pondered and came to a conclusion. It was all 3. Haruki's body started to change. He had muscles bulging at his calves, thighs and his arms. Thick blood vessels popping out on his face and throughout his body. He took one last, deep breath…and *BOOM*
He ran. He ran like the wind that was swaying his hair. The Red team crowd began cheering louder than before, drowning every other sound present around them including the White team crowd who started to celebrate their guaranteed victory.
Red team: HARUKI! HARUKI! HARUKI!
Every time they call his name, they track vibrates. The teachers of the White team started sneering at the Red team, practically stating to them it's impossible for them. Haruki snapped.
Haruki: DON'T. YOU. FUCKS. LOOK DOWN ON US EVER AGAIN!
Haruki: aahhhAAAHHHHH
Haruki screamed. He was using every last of his fibre of muscles to maximise his speed. He ran faster than the wind of a thunderstorm. Red light sparked around Haruki; ground vibrates to the rhythm of his heart followed by his signature look. The face where even the teachers felt fear. A stern face with…. red devilish glare. This was the true form of The Swift Devil. The Red team crowd continued to scream louder. The White team members and teachers began to look blue as they looked at Haruki who was practically a devil. Haruki continued to burst forward. With his newfound speed, he managed to cut the deficit to 1 second halfway through the race. 25m away from the finishing line, Haruki was behind Daiichi. Daiichi tried to run even faster but he was already at his limit. Haruki gained even more speed and was almost neck-to-neck with Daiichi.
5 meters…
4 meters….
3 meters….
2 meters…
1 meter…
*Ka-chick*
Commentator 1: WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT??!! It was literally a photo finish. Today we actually might witness history. But the results will not be told at the moment as both runners need medical attention.
Both runners crossed the line almost at the same time. Daiichi fell on his knees trying to catch his breath. On the other hand, Haruki couldn't stop his momentum and fell. Due to the momentum being high, he ended having a major impact on his right thigh and is badly hurt.
Haruki: aahhHHHHHH
Teacher 1: Call the medics! Tell them to bring water and muscle relievers!
Haruki was suffering a lot. He was rolling on the floor with both of his hands on his right thigh, trying to relieve the pain. The agonizing scream can be heard by everyone. A lot of the Red team members surrounded Haruki, helplessly watching him in pain. The medic had to push their way through the crowd. The teachers order the members of the red teammates to disperse and go to their Red team tent.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
After 20 minutes of treatment, Haruki had recovered but he still needed support from someone to walk. Haruki caught Daiichi in the corner of his eye. Haruki called him but Daiichi didn't respond. Daiichi had a dark expression followed by a dark aura around him which was visible. Haruki felt the dark aura was filled with dissatisfaction and…and….
Haruki couldn't put his finger on the second thing he felt. But he didn't like the fact that such aura was around Daiichi. He called out to him on more time
Haruki: Daiichi!
Daiichi: H-huh? Ha-Haruki? What?
Haruki: What happen? You look terrible…
Daiichi realised that his dark expression was visibly seen by people around him and the last person he wanted it to see was Haruki. So, he double taps both of his cheeks and showed his normal (forceful) smile.
Daiichi: Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about the race. You were amazing. You managed to cut the 2-second deficit in just 100m. You are getting way too fast
Haruki, who was looking up to Daiichi saw through the fake smile but he did not question it further because he didn't want pry any further. Haruki knew that talking about will hurt his pride as one of the fastest runners in the school.
Haruki: Hehe. Well, if I want to be a top athlete in the world, I need to be much faster. Your speed too was amazing.
Daiichi: I'm guessing your secret to achieving it is through… What was it? Hard work and perseverance?
Haruki: Yeah
When Haruki saw Daiichi face, he saw a bland smile on his face but it also looked like he was suppressing his true emotions….
Haruki: Anyways, help me up. I want to walk with you to the award ceremony
Daiichi: Huh? Oh, Y-yeah, sure.
Haruki flung his arm across Daiichi shoulder and started walking towards the award ceremony. Near the award ceremony was the usual group. Tatsukawa Reigi, Nakajiwa Takaharu and Mazura Yuki was waiting for them there. Yuki was the first one notice them
Yuki: Nice run out there, Haru.
Haruki: Hehe. Well, it was because of you. Your words when shouted gave me immense courage.
Yuki looked puzzled. Her eyes wandered upwards then she looked like she realised something.
Yuki: O-oh that. Don't mention it. Anything for my darling.
Haruki blushed hard when she called him darling.
Haruki: I-is t-that so? *Ahem*. By the way, how did you find out about the promise?
Yuki: Uhhh… You told me once when we went on a date
Haruki: I did? I'm pretty sure I didn't tell anyone who was from the White team.
Yuki: Oh, come on, I'm your girlfriend first then White team member, right?
Haruki: Y-yeah, you're right
Daiichi who was beside Haruki looked displeased. Yuki gave a seductive glare and a kiss gesture towards Daiichi. That send many impulses in Daiichi to run wild in him especially at the bottom half of his body. That made him realised "something". Daiichi followed up with a seductive smile and a wink. Haruki, on the other hand, missed it as he was looking in the opposite direction, towards the trophy. Then the commentator chimed in.
Commentator 1: Today marks the end of the 30th annual Mazuharu Junior High School's sports day. For the first time in history, the Red team and White team were competing toe-to-toe with both sides not giving any breathing room for their rivals.
It was quite easy for the White team teachers to see their displeased expression on their face. Haruki couldn't help but smile.
Commentator 2: Both teams competed to the end and was only decided by a photo-finish race with both the team captains as the final runners. It was an exhilarating and breath-taking experience to see "The Swift Demon" Asagami Haruki and "The Blue Thunder" Nakamura Daiichi to go head-to-head till' the very end
Commentator 1: After examining the picture, the winner of the race and also the overall winner of the whole competition is-
Rewinding back
3 meters from the finishing line…
Commentator 1: Haruki is just a step behind Daiichi! Daiichi is giving it his all for this race to keep the lead that his teammates gave him. -
2 meters….
Commentator 1: - Haruki is not giving in at all. He is still gaining the loose ground left by his team. But I don't think he will mak-
Commentator 2: Wha-?!!
1 meter…
Commentator 2: HARUKI JUST TOOK A DIVE TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE!
Commentator 1: IS HE MAD?!
0 meter…
Commentator 1: DAIICHI AND HARUKI CROSSED THE LINE WITH ALMOST AT THE SAME TIME!
Commentator 2: What a turn of an event! Haruki's dive has just given a lifeline for the Red team. This year…. Mark my words, this year we might have a new winner!
Commentators 1: The teachers from the White faction are not looking very happy. They are already starting to protest.
Commentator 2: Can't blame them. Haruki's controversial dive will decide who wins this year.
Back to present
Everyone was awaiting this moment. The whole place was silent. Every single person on the field was sweating hard. Some getting ready to jump up to celebrate. Haruki who was sitting down on the floor (and can't move due to his injury) was crossing his fingers hoping and praying. Then…
Commentator 1: After examining the picture, the winner of the race and also the overall winner of the whole competition is ASAGAMI HARUKI AND THE RED TEAM!!
The Red team crowd went wild. Throwing their caps and some boys removing their tops. The whole school couldn't believe it. The white team teachers started to storm the coach to protest due to the controversial dive from Haruki, but under the rules, it is allowed.
Haruki lied on his back with his arm across his eyes. He didn't want anyone to see his tears. He was so overjoyed.
Yuki: Congrats, darling!
Tatsukawa Reigi: Great job! That's how a man wins.
Nakajiwa Takaharu: Hmph. Lucky win
Haruki: *sob* Thanks, guys.
Daiichi: Congrats, buddy…
Daiichi and Haruki shared a handshake. But Daiichi's grip kept getting stronger, crippling Haruki hand.
Haruki: Umm, Daiichi-san. You're crushing my hand. (Playful tone)
Daiichi: …
The grip gets stronger
Haruki: OWWW!!! Daichi!
This time Daiichi lets go of Haruki's hand. Haruki held his right hand, trying to calm the pain. Daiichi starts to walk away.
Haruki: Daii-
Yuki stepped in and stopped Haruki
Yuki: Haru, leave Daiichi. He is mad for losing the race to you.
Haruki: But-
Yuki puts her pointer on Haruki's lips.
Yuki: No buts. I got this. I'm his teammate, remember? *points towards headband*
Haruki realises what Yuki said was true. This race meant quite a lot to Daiichi. If a rival of his starts consulting Haruki after losing, even he will lose his mind.
Haruki: Ok. I leave it to you.
Yuki smiled at Haruki and gave a small kiss on his right cheek. Haruki held his right cheek and his eyes widened and his whole face was red in embarrassment.
Yuki: Teehee. That was a victory kiss. And don't worry about Daiichi, ok? And don't forget about the class party.
Haruki only just nodded. He couldn't open his mouth as he was still shocked by the kiss. Yuki took off to chase after Daiichi.
___________________________________________________________________
After the sports day concluded, Haruki stayed back to help his teammates to help clean up the school.
[Red team member] Rui: Capt', why not you go ahead to your class party. I just saw everyone go. If you are worried about your share work, I think most of us can handle it.
[Red team member] Rita: Hey, don't you know that the whole class is are White members? Going there is almost is you are just writing your own gravestone.
Haruki: You do know I can hear you, right?
Rita jumped in shock and scratched the back of her head in guilt.
Haruki: Even though they are white team members, they are also my friends. I still need to go no matter what. So, Rui, I will take up your offer. Thanks.
Haruki thanked Rui and went to his class 3-1. He slides the door open and saw his whole class happily chattering away… Until they saw him. The whole place went pin-drop silence as the whole class stared at him. Haruki knew that this would be the response, no matter what happens. With a little hint of sadness…
Haruki: Sorry. I knew I shouldn't have come-
Daiichi: Woah. Woah, hold up.
Daiichi flings one of his arms around Haruki with the other hand holding a drink.
Haruki: D-Daiichi? Are you feeling ok now?
Daiichi: Why wouldn't I? Your girlfriend came and helped me cheer myself up pretty well
Haruki: Y-Yuki did? Then I'm glad
Daiichi: Yeah. You are one lucky bastard to have her as a girlfriend.
Haruki felt uneasy not because of the atmosphere but Daiichi. He felt something was off when he said "cheer me up". Daiichi then turned towards the class while holding the drink up high.
Daiichi: Oh, come on guys. This IS the hero of the Red Team. We should be happy as one of our classmate-no, our friend has won a trophy.
The whole class who was in a tense atmosphere suddenly starting to warm up.
Reigi: Yeah. This man deserves some recognition. He single-handily and manly won a trophy for his comrades.
Haruki: Tatsukawa-san…
Those words from Reigi cheered Haruki a little and also made Haruki ponder "Does Tatsukawa must always add the word man in every time he talks?"
Takaharu: Manly? What part?
Haruki: This part. Something you don't have.
Haruki point towards his pelvic region. The whole class couldn't hold in their laughter. Takaharu looked red. Haruki didn't know was it because he was angry or embarrassed. All he knows the heavy atmosphere around him was gone. The whole class of White team member continued with their party with an odd-one Red team member.
The party went on without a hassle. Everyone was laughing and having a good banter. Most girls were surrounding Daiichi as usual while the boy's sulk.
Classmate Sakura: Oh, it seems like the water finished. Hey, Takumi can you get some more
Classmate Takumi: Ehhh, why not you?
Sakura: HHHUUUHHH?
Sakura gave an intense glare at Taka. Not only Takumi but the whole class felt the chill
Takumi: S-sorry, Sa-sakura-sama. Please excuse me.
Takumi went towards the door and tries to slide it.
Takumi: Huh?
Takumi tries harder but the door doesn't budge at all
Takumi: Y-yo the door is budging. Did one of accidentally locked it?
Daiichi: Impossible, the teacher allowed us to use the class till' seven
Haruki: Here, let me try
Haruki attempts to pry open the door but the door wouldn't budge. Daiichi joins him to pry it but no luck.
Yuki: G-guys looks o-outside the window.
Yuki pointed outside the window. Haruki eyes widened while his pupil dilated. He was not the only one but the whole class. What was outside the whole class was a sky filled with dark clouds with purple lighting. But that was not the reason that put them in shock. They saw everything frozen in place. People who were walking stood like they were a statue. Birds stall mid-air without any motion from their wings. It was as if…time froze!
Haruki: What the flying fuck is going on?
Without time for a reply, the whole class started shaking.
Haruki: GET UNDER THE TABLE!!
Haruki shouted at his classmates. This quick-thinking would have been useful…in normal circumstances. When the whole class scurrying around, a huge circle with a bunch of patterns formed on the floor. One of Haruki's classmate, Genta looked excited.
Classmate Genta: Holy shit! This is a magic circle! We are gonna get-
Genta exploded into yellowish particles and the particles were absorbed by the magic circle.
The whole class went into a frenzy. Everyone was shouting like "I don't want to die" or "Get me out of here". But the number of screams reduced. It was due to one-by-one of his classmates exploded into yellow particles and got absorbed by the magic circle. Even Daiichi and his lackey got absorbed the magic circle
Then it was just Haruki and Yuki. Haruki tries to extend his hand towards Yuki…
Yuki: HAAAARRRRRUUUUU….
Haruki: YUKI!
*poof*
Haruki saw his girlfriend getting absorbed by the magic circle. Haruki tries to clenched one of the particles but failed. Haruki then knew that it will be him next. And the next second, Haruki vision went black.