Chapter 4: The Popular Idol Girl (Wanna Come... Together? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡)

Late June, as the rainy season prepared to make its exit. Soukoku Academy High School began its preparations for the upcoming sports festival, scheduled just after the rains cleared. Last year, the festival had been held in May, but for some reason, it was pushed back to July this year. Our PE teacher, nicknamed Gori-sensei, explained the reasoning during class.

"Due to the impact of the declining birthrate, student numbers are dropping. Therefore, starting this year, we will be holding a joint sports festival with Keika Girls' Academy. Basic practice will be separate, but some general rehearsals will involve the Keika students coming here. Make sure you don't cause any trouble."

The boys in class immediately buzzed with excitement at Gori-sensei's explanation. You won't find a high school boy alive who wouldn't be thrilled to hear about a joint event with a girls' school.

And the girls in class were equally excited. The reason for that was...

"Keika is the school where Trispa's Yurarin goes, right?!"

"We get to see her in person?! It’s like a dream!"

"I wonder if she’ll actually participate, though."

And there it was. Yurarin, the rising star whose popularity had been skyrocketing since her idol debut, was a student at Keika Girls' Academy.

Gori-sensei waited for the student chatter to die down before opening his mouth again.

"Half of the classes at Keika are in the Labyrinth Exploration Course. There are a lot of high-spirited girls there, so you boys better watch yourselves. We'll decide the events during the long homeroom period."

The choice of events was a matter of life and death for me. Under no circumstances could I participate in a mixed-gender event. Things like the centipede race, class relays, or the giant ball roll were far too dangerous.

Last year, I managed to win at rock-paper-scissors and snagged the 100-meter dash, pole toppling, and tug-of-war—all events with zero physical contact with girls. If I lost and ended up in a mixed relay, I’d have to schedule a sudden "sick day" for the festival. By the way, the third-year students have a mandatory folk dance, so I’ve already decided to be sick next year.

It felt like I was voluntarily sprinting toward a gray, joyless youth, which made my heart feel a little heavy.

◇　

"..."

I stared blankly at my right hand. My index and middle fingers were pointing up in a V-shape. Every other guy had their hands clenched into tight rocks.

What was I thinking with scissors? What happened to peace? There was no peace to be found here.

"Alright. Mura is the leftover, so he's in the Mixed-Doubles Three-Legged Race—"

And there it was. My sick day for the sports festival was officially decided.

What the hell even is a 'Mixed-Doubles Three-Legged Race'? Don't make up events like that. I've only ever seen that crap in rom-com light novels.

All these guys talk big about how much they love girls, but as soon as things get real, they lose their nerves and swarm the guys-only events. They're a bunch of cowards. Well, I’m one to talk, but still.

As I cursed them inwardly, the sports festival executive committee member raised their voice.

"Participants for the centipede race, cavalry battle, and three-legged race need to meet in the gym to decide teams with the other classes! Blue Team is over by the stage!"

Listening to the announcement with a hollow expression, I made my way to the gym.

A large crowd of Blue Team students had already gathered, following the instructions of someone who looked like the third-year team captain.

"Three-legged race participants over here!"

As I walked toward the voice, the girls participating in the event turned their heads toward me. After one look, they immediately averted their eyes with total disinterest.

It’s been over a year since I enrolled. The rumor that there was a guy with absolutely zero EXP had apparently trickled down to the other grades. If they were going to do a mixed three-legged race, they obviously wanted to pair up with a high-level guy and maybe start a 'friends-with-benefits' thing afterward.

To them, I was nothing but a 'dud.'

I’d probably end up being the consolation prize for some girl who lost at rock-paper-scissors and would spend the whole time sighing at her bad luck. And then, I’d skip the actual festival, making her sigh even more. Just thinking about it made my stomach hurt.

"Okay, everyone, find a partner of the opposite sex!"

A girl who looked like the vice-captain gave the command of despair. The guys with high EXP were snatched up by girls left and right, and pairs were formed in the blink of an eye. Yeah, I’m definitely going to be the last one left.

I sat on the floor with my knees hugged to my chest, leaning against the side of the stage and lamenting my fate, when a voice drifted down from above.

"Yo, kid. How's it feel to be the odd man out?"

I looked up to see Suzuka-san’s face upside down, peering over the edge of the stage at me.

"Suzuka-san..."

"Nishishi. Why are you in the three-legged race, Tatsuya? Lose a game of janken?"

"Your intuition is as sharp as ever..."

"So, poor Tatsuya-kun, the boy with no EXP, is being ignored by all the girls and left all alone. How tragic."

Suzuka-san hopped down lightly from the stage and stood in front of me, reaching out a hand.

"Tatsuya, I'll be your partner."

Despite her gyaru aura, Suzuka-san looked like a literal angel in that moment.

"Are you sure?"

"It’s not like any of these other girls could handle you anyway... Ngh♡"

Suzuka-san grabbed my hand without a hint of hesitation and pulled me to my feet. It looked like I wouldn't have to skip the sports festival after all.

◇　

Early July. A clear day following the end of the rainy season. The joint sports festival between Soukoku Academy and Keika Girls' Academy began. The student council presidents of both schools stood side-by-side, raising their right hands to formally declare the opening as fireworks thundered into the blue sky.

Despite the grand opening, for a 'background character A' like me, this was mostly a tedious chore. I was only in two events: the three-legged race and the tug-of-war. Other than that, it was just the mandatory Essassa performance for all the boys. The rest of the time was spent "cheering" under a tent. Honestly, it was boring.

"Alright, time for some 'cute girl watching.' Since the gym clothes won't get see-through from sweat until later, I'll save the full body checks for the afternoon session."

My neighbor, 'background character B' Sakakibara, had quickly pivoted his goals for the festival toward something more lewd. He was watching the first event—the first-year girls' relay—with his hands shaped like binoculars. If the students are having this much fun, the school must be proud of their planning... No, they’d probably be appalled.

The standard classes went first, followed by the girls from the Labyrinth Exploration Course. Since they spent their days diving into dungeons and leveling up, their speed was on a completely different level.

"Damn! They're too fast to get a good look!" Sakakibara cried, unable to keep up with the pace.

"Wait! The girl at the anchor! It’s that transfer student! Hey, Mura, look! She’s freaking adorable!"

"Yeah, yeah, I see her."

"Wait, actually... I feel like I've seen her somewhere before..."

I turned my gaze toward the girls waiting for the baton. One girl shone brighter than the rest: Aina. Her blue headband looked striking against her pink inner-color hair.

It seemed her Soukoku gym clothes hadn't arrived yet, as she was wearing a different outfit from both Soukoku and Keika. Usually, that would make someone stand out in a bad way, but because Aina stood there with such a confident, fearless grin, it only enhanced her charm.

One, then two girls passed their batons to the anchors, but Aina’s team was nowhere to be seen. They were dead last. Aina didn't seem to care, calmly going through her leg stretches. After rolling her shoulders, she looked over here. Noticing me, she gave a broad smile and waved enthusiastically.

"Holy crap, Mura! The transfer student just looked over and smiled! Hey! Transfer girl! Go for it!"

The classmates around us gave the cheering Sakakibara a cold look. Of course they did. Aina was on the Red Team; we were the Blue Team. He wasn't supposed to be rooting for her.

Aina finally received the baton in last place, but then her explosive sprint began. Ignoring the massive gap, she lowered her posture like a cheetah and accelerated, passing girl after girl. The crowd went wild. Even the announcer’s voice grew heated.

Despite her incredible speed, she slowed down slightly as she passed us. She went out of her way to give me a wink and then accelerated again.

"D-Did you see that?! That girl, just now, aimed right at me! Right, Mura?! She totally winked at me!"

"Nah, you’re seeing things. Probably just got some sand in her eye."

Aina overtook everyone just before the finish line and tore through the tape in first place. She stood there with her hands on her hips, flashing a high V-sign to the crowd, earning a thunderous round of applause.

Thanks to Aina, the festival was off to a roaring start. It looked like this year wouldn't be so boring after all.

'Will all students participating in the Mixed-Doubles Three-Legged Race please gather near the entrance. I repeat, students for the Mixed-Doubles Three-Legged Race, please gather near the entrance.'

The voice of the broadcasting club echoed through the speakers. The time for the three-legged race had finally arrived.

"Oh, it’s finally Mura’s turn. I’m so jealous, getting to legally press up against a girl like that!" Sakakibara poked me with his elbow.

"You should've volunteered then."

"Well, you know... I’ve got the ball toss. As the man known as 'Soukoku's Sniper,' I can't exactly skip out on the ball toss, can I?"

Shut up, you coward. Nobody calls you that.

It was too much effort to argue, so I ignored Sakakibara and headed to the entrance.

"Hey, Tatsuya! Over here!"

I heard a voice and spotted a short, blonde bob. It was Suzuka-san. Her limbs peeking out from her short gym clothes were blinding.

"We are definitely taking first place!" Suzuka-san said with a look of pure determination. She was surprisingly the type to take these school events seriously.

"I’ll do my best, but... are you really going to be okay?"

"About what?"

"You know, about my..." I pointed to my arm, which was covered by a sleeve. Suzuka-san obviously knew what was written underneath.

"It’s fine, it’s fine! I’ll definitely hold it in until the end."

"If you say so..."

Both of us were in short sleeves and shorts. Doing a three-legged race in this attire meant the surface area of skin contact would be massive. Which meant the amount of pleasure flowing into Suzuka-san would be equally huge.

"I told you, I’m fine! See? ♡"

Suzuka-san suddenly grabbed my hand. Her skin was moist with sweat from the heat, and it felt like it was sticking to mine. She let out a slightly suggestive sound, but her expression barely changed.

"Whoa..."

I was impressed, but then Suzuka-san leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"I did it myself this morning, so I can handle this much... Nngh♡ It’s already flooding in♡ Tatsuya, are you getting excited? ♡"

Note: They are only holding hands.

My heart skipped a beat at her provocative words. What guy wouldn't be excited by that? If such a guy existed, he wasn't healthy.

Suzuka-san and I were in the sixth heat. Our turn was drawing closer.

The previous heat started, so we began our preparations. Suzuka-san’s leg was tied tightly to my right leg. Our sweaty calves pressed against each other.

"Tsu...! ♡ Your... your shoulder too..."

I wrapped my arm around Suzuka-san’s shoulder. My arm brushed against the nape of her neck. Suzuka-san gave a sudden, violent shiver.

"Ahaha♡ This is seriously insane... ♡♡♡♡♡"

"Suzuka-san, are you okay?"

"I said I’m fine, didn't I? ♡♡♡♡♡"

Suzuka-san’s face was flushed. Her expression was so dangerously alluring that I felt like my 'third leg' was about to stand up. It wouldn't be a three-legged race; it’d be a four-legged one. What the hell am I even saying? I’m losing it.

'Sixth race of the Mixed-Doubles Three-Legged Race. On your marks—'

I put my left foot forward, Suzuka-san put her right, and we crouched low.

'Get set—'

—BANG!

The starter pistol went off, and we lunged forward.

"Keep up with me, Tatsuya! ♡"

My body was jerked forward. I was no match for Suzuka-san’s physical abilities. I focused entirely on not tripping and moved my legs frantically to keep pace. As expected of Suzuka-san. We charged ahead, leaving the other students in the dust.

"Suzuka-san... you’re amazing!"

"Darn right I am! ♡"

We kept sprinting, and it looked like we were going to win by a landslide. Or so I thought.

"S-Sorry, Tatsuya... ♡♡ It might be... bad! ♡♡♡♡♡"

She had looked like she had it under control, but it seemed she had been holding back an immense amount. Suzuka-san’s breath was hot and ragged. Her legs, which had been stepping so firmly, suddenly buckled.

'Oh! The Blue Team pair that was leading the pack has tripped! The other runners are closing in!'

"Suzuka-san! Can you stand?!"

"Wait, no... ♡♡♡ If you touch me right now... ♡♡♡♡♡ Nnnnghaaaaaaa♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She was a goner. I stole a glance behind us; the other students were catching up fast.

"...We said we’d take first place! Suzuka-san, sorry!"

Whether she had leveled up or just reached her limit, Suzuka-san was limp. I grabbed her by the waist and forced her upright.

"Ngh♡ Ta-Tatsu-ya... ♡♡♡♡"

"I’ll carry you! Just hang on!"

"A-Ahaha♡♡♡♡ You look pretty cool right now... ♡♡♡♡♡"

'The Blue Team boy is practically carrying his limp partner as he charges forward! The second-place pair is right on their heels! Who will cross the finish line first?!'

I didn't have the luxury of looking back. I just focused on hauling Suzuka-san forward. I couldn't let the lead she had built go to waste. I moved my legs with everything I had, and we tumbled across the finish line together. We collapsed onto the track.

'Blue Team finishes! They managed to hold onto the top spot by a hair!'

"We did it! Suzuka-san! We kept first place!"

It was a total nail-biter. It was just a three-legged race at a sports festival, but I was genuinely happy that Suzuka-san and I won together. I instinctively grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

"Suzuka-san! Suzuka-san! We did it! You worked so hard!"

"Ngh♡♡♡♡ Ta-Tatsuya... I get it... stop... your hands... ♡♡♡♡♡"

"Oh, sorry!"

I quickly let go of her shoulders. Since Suzuka-san had no strength in her body, she slumped forward right onto me.

"Ah."

"Nn, aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Burying her face in the crook of my neck as if she were kissing me, Suzuka-san let out a sharp cry and then passed out cold.

"Wait, uh... Medic! Someone get a medic, quick!"

The first-aid team rushed over and carried Suzuka-san away.

◇　

Despite the unexpected mishap, Suzuka-san regained consciousness quickly and ran off to her next event. She was so athletic that she was in high demand for all sorts of competitions.

As for me, I only had the tug-of-war at the end of the morning and the Essassa first thing in the afternoon. Honestly, the rest was just filler. It wouldn't even matter if I wasn't there.

'Next up is Program Number Six: The Cheerleading Competition.'

"Here it is! The main event of the sports festival!" Sakakibara yelled excitedly. Next up was the cheerleading dance-off by the girls. The crowd, and even the visiting adults, erupted in excitement.

And for good reason. Standing in the center of the Green Team’s cheer squad was a student with an overwhelming presence. Her skin was a translucent white that had never known a tan, and her white hair looked almost silver under the sunlight. Her eyes were gentle, her nose small and dainty.

Yes, it was the center of Trinity Spark, Yurarin.

"Holy... I feel like I'm being sucked in..." Sakakibara muttered. I couldn't blame him.

I had never seen an idol in person before, but seeing one today made me realize: idols are creatures that live on a completely different dimension. My eyes were naturally drawn to her.

When Yurarin took her position and raised her hand, the cheers vanished as if they had never happened.

Seizing the moment of total silence, Yurarin shouted at the top of her lungs and thrust her pom-poms into the air.

"Green Team—! Fight!"

"''OHHHHHHHH!''"

The music kicked in perfectly, and the students began their dance. The energy was explosive. They had clearly practiced hard; their movements were perfectly synchronized and a joy to watch.

Everyone’s performance was high-tier, but my gaze was naturally pulled to Yurarin in the center. Her performance was so overwhelming that everyone—students, parents, and teachers alike—was mesmerized. Some students were even crying. That was the power of a true 'idol.'

At the end of the song, Yurarin was hoisted high into the air by three other students. She landed flawlessly, without even kicking up dust, and struck a pose.

A moment of silence followed. Then, a roar of cheers and applause. The Green Team had definitely won the cheer-off. There was no contest.

Beside me, Sakakibara spoke with a dazed expression.

"Starting today, I’m joining the Trispa fan club..."

I couldn't blame him. Even I, who had no interest in idols, felt like I wanted to go to one of Yurarin's concerts.

By the way, the tug-of-war after the massively successful cheer-off felt like a total letdown. Everyone seemed drained, and it ended in a half-hearted atmosphere as we headed into the lunch break.

◇　

"Mura— let's eat, man." Sakakibara called out listlessly.

Lunch during the sports festival... I had no desire to eat outside. It would have been one thing in May, but eating under the blazing July sun was pure torture. Of course, the energetic students were happily heading to the courtyard or the track, but unfortunately, neither Sakakibara nor I were that type. We were obviously going to eat in the air-conditioned comfort of our classroom.

"Alright, let's eat—"

Just as I was about to tuck into my lunch, the front and back doors of the classroom opened simultaneously, and two different voices overlapped.

"Tatsuya! Let's grab some grub!"

"Tatsu-nii! Let's have lunch together!"

"Uh... oh boy..."

The words caught in my throat. I felt the bizarre stares of the classmates remaining in the room. No one said a word, but their thoughts were screaming at me.

'Why him, of all people? With such cute girls?'

On one side, a gyaru. On the other, a 'landmine' girl. I had nowhere to run.

Suzuka-san and Aina walked up to my desk and stared each other down. Was the AC turned up too high? The air felt suddenly freezing.

"Are you the first-year who just transferred? I heard rumors you were aiming for Oku-senpai, so what are you doing here? Do you have business with Tatsuya?"

"Ah, are you the gyaru who was doing the three-legged race with Tatsu-nii? That was pretty cool—the way your legs gave out and Tatsu-nii had to carry you across the finish line."

Snap. I could practically see the sparks flying. The guys who had been glaring at me a few seconds ago now looked away and ate their lunches in silence, following the principle of "let sleeping dogs lie."

"Tatsuya, you’re eating with me, right?"

"Tatsu-nii, you’re eating with Aina, right?"

"Uh, well... how about all four of us eat together? Right, Sakakibara?"

I turned to my friend for salvation. However...

"Where did Sakakibara go?"

My "friend" Sakakibara had vanished into thin air.

The lunch from hell was about to begin.

◇　

Because of the scorching heat, the school rooftop isn't very popular, but there is a secret shaded spot known to those in the know: the shadow of the large water tank. Maybe because of the water inside, it feels a little cooler... I think.

There we were, Suzuka-san, Aina, and I, spreading out our lunches. I thought the hellish atmosphere from the classroom would continue, but that wasn't the case.

"...And then, I finally found the <Eye of the Sky - Hawkeye> and gave it to Sa-nya! I was so happy then! It was all thanks to Tatsu-nii!"

"Whoa, seriously? Wait, I’m gonna cry. You’re such a good kid..."

Since both Suzuka-san and Aina knew my secret, I figured I might as well tell them everything. Suzuka-san and Aina were both good people at heart, so the initial friction vanished quickly.

"Suzuka-nee is amazing too. <Petrification Peach> is super rare. Aina’s never even seen one."

"Suzuka-san is still looking for <Petrification Peaches> for other people suffering from petrification disease. And she provides them for free when she finds them."

"Don't go blabbing that."

"Whoa! You’re such a nice person! You look like a gyaru so I thought you’d be scarier! Hey, hey, let's go dungeon diving together sometime! Aina has the <Oracle's Black Pen - Cattail>, so I might be useful!"

"For real?! That’d be a huge help! Wait, wait, wait... it took me this long to realize, but Aina... are you Ainyan?!"

"Nyahaha! You finally noticed! None other than the super-popular DTuber Ainyan is actually me, Aina!"

"No way! I’ve seen your stuff! You’re that streamer who’s really bad at games and always smashes her desk, right?! I’ve seen the clips!"

"I’m not a streamer! I’m a DTuber!"

Before I knew it, the two of them were getting along famously, chatting and laughing. Totally ignoring me. Well, it’s good that they’re friends, I guess.

I spent the next while just being the "Yeah," "Oh, really?" and "I see" guy. Once they finished their lunches and had some tea, they finally calmed down.

"So Aina, are you in the final heat for the Adventure Run?"

The Adventure Run was the grand finale of the sports festival. It was essentially an obstacle course for the Labyrinth Exploration students, but the content was flashy. The obstacles were designed assuming the students' physical abilities and skills. For example, the 'Sky Bread-Eating Race,' where the bread hung from an impossibly high spot, or the 'Alloy Tire Drag,' where they had to pull a heavy metal tire. Seeing them overcome obstacles impossible for a normal man was a sight to behold.

However, the final task was a classic 'Scavenger Hunt,' so in the end, luck played a major role.

Furthermore, the Adventure Run highlighted the level differences between students, starting with lower levels and ending with a battle between the six highest-level students in the school. With the Keika girls added this year, it was sure to be exciting.

"Of course! Wait, is Suzuka-nee in it too?"

"Duh."

Suzuka-san smirked and held out a fist. Aina responded by bumping it with her own.

"Fine. Then Tatsuya belongs to whoever wins."

"Nyahaha, I accept that challenge, nyan."

My life had become a prize without my consent. Please stop.

"Oh, look at the time! I’ve got the cavalry battle first thing in the afternoon, so I gotta go!"

Suzuka-san checked her phone, scrambled to pack her lunch box, and stood up.

"See ya, Aina. Don't you dare chicken out of the Adventure Run, okay?"

"You too, Suzuka-nee."

With one final fearless grin, Suzuka-san ran off.

"Hey, Tatsu-nii. Suzuka-nee is that gyaru you were bringing home to your room a while ago, right?"

"That’s a bit of a loaded way to put it, but yeah."

"Hmm. Oh, I get it. Her mom got better because you found the <Petrification Peach>, so she went back home."

Aina nodded as if she had figured it all out herself.

Just as we were packing up to head back to the track, the rooftop door clicked open.

Three Keika girls walked in. They were wearing gym clothes but were decked out in bracelets and accessories—classic gyarus. They seemed like a completely different breed from Suzuka-san.

"Ugh. Even though it’s a joint festival with Soukoku, I haven't found a single decent guy."

"Oku-senpai's guard is way too tight; we can't even get close to him."

"Isn't there a good guy just lying around somewhere...? Oh?"

I was idly watching them when I made eye contact with a gyaru who had heavy mascara, long nails, and bright blonde hair. She was wearing red colored contacts. Scary.

"Hey, that guy..."

"Isn't he the one from the three-legged race?"

"Wearing an arm sleeve like he’s hiding something... think his potential is high?"

The three of them approached with smirks. Sagara-sensei’s words about 'men being the ones who get eaten' flashed through my mind. She must have been warning me about girls like these.

As I instinctively backed away, Aina stepped in front of me to shield me.

"Ah, excuse me. This one’s already been claimed by Aina. Could you look somewhere else, pleeease?"

I couldn't see Aina’s face from behind, but I bet she had that annoying, provocative smirk on.

"Hah? Who are you?"

"Wait, wasn't she the one who stood out in the first-year relay?"

"Oh, the Soukoku Labyrinth girl. Then that guy behind her is a guaranteed win. His EXP must be huge."

The three girls closed in, undeterred by Aina.

"Don't you realize you're gonna get hurt, nyan?"

Ignoring Aina’s words, the three of them suddenly lunged. Their movements were fast. There was no way I could have handled them.

"Too slow, nyan!"

But Aina handled all three. She parried the incoming punches, deflected the kicks, and neutralized their attacks with fluid movements. She looked like a master of Aikido. She threw one over her shoulder, tripped another, and sent the third flying with a palm strike.

"Whoa, that was cool..."

"Nihihi, did you fall in love with me again, nyan?"

Honestly, I almost did. Aina looked incredibly cool posing there with her two-side-up hair swaying.

"<Tortoise Guard - Shield>, <Lion's Fang - Claw>, <Rabbit's Foot - Lapin Pied>."

"What?"

Suddenly, I heard something like an incantation. Looking toward the voice, I saw the three girls from before, smirking as they glared at us.

"What was that just now?" I asked Aina. She answered with a grim expression, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple.

"A Spell..."

"Are Spells even allowed?"

"I think I told you before, but just using them isn't a problem, just like wiretaps... but..."

Obviously, if you use them to commit a crime, the penalty is severe. I’m sure Suzuka-san had said something similar.

"Also, using them at school is a major rule violation. At best you get suspended, but usually you get expelled."

"Only if we get caught. If there’s no evidence, we won't get expelled."

The Keika gyarus laughed dismissively. They were trouble.

"Alright, let's go again."

Without a hint of remorse, the three attacked again. Just like before. But this time, they were clearly faster.

—THUD!

"Guh!"

A heavy sound echoed when Aina blocked a kick. Their attack power had obviously increased. In a three-on-one disadvantage, and with the opponents using Spells, it was difficult even for a high-level girl like Aina to handle everything.

Moreover, Aina seemed to be holding back to avoid seriously injuring them. In such a situation, there was no way to win.

Finally, Aina’s guard broke, and a sharp kick caught her in the solar plexus.

"Guh... agh..."

Aina fell to her knees, gritting her teeth.

"Aina! Are you okay?!"

"I’m... fine!"

I felt useless, only able to rub Aina’s back.

"I’ll go call Suzuka-san!"

"Not happening."

I tried to run for the exit, but my path was immediately blocked. I was no match for high-level women.

"Just stay out of this!"

—WHAM!

"Gah!"

A dull sound echoed, followed by Aina’s groan. I was truly useless.

"Aina! They're using them, so you should use your Spells and skills too!"

"I can't!"

"Why not?!"

Aina forced a smile through her cold sweat.

"I finally get to go to high school with Tatsu-nii... I don't ever want to get expelled."

"Aina..."

My chest tightened at how much she valued being with me.

"Hah? Stop flirting in front of us."

The gyarus, having heard our exchange, attacked Aina even more fiercely.

Aina was working this hard just so she could stay with me. Knowing that, I couldn't just stand here and watch while she protected me.

What could a weakling like me, a mere normal person, do? The answer was...

"U-UOOOOOOHHHHH!"

"Tatsu-nii?!"

I charged at the three gyarus with a pathetic shout. Aina looked at me in shock, while the gyarus had gleeful expressions.

"Ahaha! A sucker just walked right into our trap! This is hilarious!"

I’ll wipe those smug smiles off your faces in a second!

I dove headfirst at the three gyarus.

"Gyahahaha! There’s no way a guy can beat us! Come on then, we'll catch you—huh? ...Uh...?! ♡"

The moment they touched me, the strength drained from their bodies. All three of them collapsed with me.

"Huh? ♡♡ Ooooohhhh?! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

The three gyarus lay on the ground, their eyes rolling back as they failed to process what was happening. I mounted them and...

"Unavoidable contact! Unavoidable contact unavoidable contact unavoidable contact unavoidable contact unavoidable contact unavoidable contactttttt!!"

"Ooooohhhhhhhh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ OHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Note: Tatsuya is only touching the gyarus' arms and legs.

I touched their limbs as much as I could. It was a pervert's dream... no, I mean, it was unavoidable contact.

The gyarus' high-pitched cries echoed across the rooftop. Within seconds, all three had lost consciousness.

"Aina! Let's get out of here! People might come after those screams!"

"Eh, ah, yeah!"

We left the three gyarus behind—lying there in disarray, eyes rolled back and drooling—and fled the rooftop.

Aina and I ran until we reached an empty classroom.

It was a room rarely used, smelling of dust. The two of us sat on the edge of the teacher's platform. Aina shifted her weight, closing the gap between us until it was practically zero.

"Tatsu-nii, thanks. Thanks for saving me back there."

"No, I mean, you were the one who saved me first."

"Still, thank you. It wasn't... exactly cool, but it made me happy."

Aina rested her head on my shoulder. The atmosphere suddenly felt sweet.

"But, you know... Aina didn't really like seeing Tatsu-nii touch other girls. Sorry for being selfish."

Aina touched my thigh over my gym shorts, careful not to make direct skin contact.

"...Oh. Tatsu-nii, you’re hurt."

My right hand was covering my crotch area to hide my 'excitement.' There was a scratch on the back of it. I must have scraped it on the ground when I fell with the gyarus. A little blood was seeping out.

"Because of Aina... thank you... Ngh♡"

Aina gently grabbed my right hand and brought it to her mouth, and then...

Mwah... nnnnnnnngh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

"Aina?!"

She gave the wound a tender kiss, then stuck out her small tongue and gave the back of my hand a lick.

"It’s because... you got hurt for Aina... ah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Aina has to... fix it for you... Ngh♡ mnh♡... lck... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Aina, wait, stop—"

"Tafu-nihii♡♡♡♡ Do you hate it? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"I don't... hate it, but... !"

Aina’s sudden, devoted attitude—so different from her usual bratty self—combined with the pleasure through my hand, felt like it was going to make my head explode. I did everything in my power to hold back my voice until Aina’s "treatment" was finished.

'All students participating in the next event, the Giant Ball Roll, please gather at the entrance gate. Please prepare for the start. I repeat...'

"Ah, I better get back!"

As that lewd 'treatment' session wrapped up, we had been lounging in the empty classroom, but the voice of the broadcasting club snapped us back to reality. Our playing hooky was over.

Aina and I snuck out of the classroom and headed toward the track together.

"Hey, Tatsu-nii. Have you... given your EXP to anyone besides Suzuka-nee?"

Aina asked the question while fidgeting, looking a bit hesitant. It was a tough one to answer.

"Well... uh... I guess I gave some to those Keika gyarus earlier."

When I tried to dodge the question, Aina puffed out her cheeks in a pout.

"Ugh! You know that’s not what I mean! You’re such an idiot, Tatsu-nii!"

"I mean, even if you say that..."

It wasn't exactly something I could just go around blabbing about. The girls had their own circumstances to consider. As I was trying to figure out how to deflect her, a woman in a white lab coat approached from ahead. It was Honoka.

"Oh, Mura-kun and... you’re the girl who just transferred. Now, listen, you’re supposed to stay on the track during the festival. Haven’t you been told that repeatedly?"

It seemed she was doing rounds inside the school building. Honoka looked at Aina and me, then peeked at the empty classroom behind us with a suspicious gaze.

"...What were you doing in there?"

"Just taking a walk! Sorry! Heading back now!" Aina said without a hint of remorse.

"Sorry, Matsumoto-sensei. We’ll go back immediately," I added.

There was no way I could tell her that I was being licked in an empty classroom, so I just apologized and tried to walk away quickly.

"Mura-kun, wait a moment."

I tried to pass by her, but she called me to a halt.

"Is your hand... hurt?"

As expected of the school nurse. She didn't miss the injury on my hand.

"Oh, no, it’s nothing big."

"Let me see it properly... Ah♡"

"W-Wait, Matsumoto-sensei!"

Ignoring my attempt to pull away, Honoka grabbed my hand.

"Crap! Matsumoto-sensei, let go!"

"............♡ It’s... just a scratch. But it’ll be bad if bacteria get in, so let's disinfect it just in case. Come to the nurse’s office."

Despite holding my hand, Honoka spoke with a perfectly calm face. Watching her, Aina narrowed her eyes.

"Sensei~ Aina will come along to help!"

"You’re a first-year, aren't you? The Giant Ball Roll is mandatory for all first-year girls. Make sure you participate."

Having said that, Honoka started walking toward the nurse's office, pulling me by the hand without waiting for Aina’s reply.

"..."

Feeling Aina’s gaze burning into my back, I allowed Honoka to lead me away.

◇　

As soon as we reached the nurse’s office, Honoka began disinfecting my hand. Naturally, her hands were in direct contact with mine.

"...Tatsuya-kun. You licked this wound, didn't you?"

"Uh, well, yeah."

Technically, I hadn't been the one doing the licking. But as a nurse, she could apparently tell.

"People say licking a wound helps it heal, but that’s an old wives' tale from an era when there were no other treatments. There’s bacteria in the mouth, so don't ever lick a wound again, okay?"

"Y-Yes, ma'am."

As if trying to erase all traces of the licking, Honoka used a generous amount of disinfectant to wash the wound before applying gauze.

"...Ngh♡ How did you get hurt? Did you scrape it when you fell during the three-legged race?"

"Well, after eating lunch on the roof, I tripped near the water tank. That was it."

"If you tripped, I need to check if you have any other injuries. Here, lie down on the bed... ♡"

Following Honoka’s lead, I went to the bed and lay down.

"Um, Honoka-san. Is your hand okay?"

"My hand? The scratch is nothing big. I've disinfected it, so it'll heal soon."

That wasn't what I meant. There was no way a woman could remain normal while in contact with me. Especially if she didn't know about my EXP. If she knew and was prepared for it, she might be able to endure it to some extent.

But Honoka’s attitude hadn't changed.

I hadn't told her that I was 'Murata,' and I had even used an artifact to change my voice. The chances of her finding out weren't that high. I thought they weren't... but it really felt like she knew. Or, there was another possibility I didn't want to believe. And that was...

"Honoka-san... are you actually a man?"

If Honoka were a man, the EXP transfer wouldn't happen. That would explain why she could keep her composure while holding my hand.

"...It seems you hit your head quite hard."

Apparently not. Besides, Honoka was a dungeon diver. There was no way she was a man. And someone with breasts this large couldn't possibly be a man, right?

"I’m going to do a quick palpation. It might be ticklish, but bear with me."

Honoka took a deep breath as if bracing herself and touched my arm.

"...Hau♡............Ngh♡ Mmm, n-ngh! Does it hurt anywhere?"

"No, nowhere besides my hand."

"I... I see... Ngh♡................ Let me... check your stomach too... Ah♡"

Was it really necessary to check this much just for a little trip? Honoka rolled up my gym shirt and touched my stomach. Her smooth, slightly cool fingertips felt ticklish.

"I... I don't see... any abnormalities... Nnyu♡♡♡"

"Um, Honoka-sa—"

"Next is... your thigh............ Guh, ngh, aaaaaaaaaahhh♡♡♡♡♡"

Though Honoka had remained calm at first, she was clearly reaching her limit as pleasure flooded her system. Her eyes were growing moist. Okay, she definitely knows. She knows I was Murata.

"Honoka-san. Seriously, I just scraped the back of my hand."

"No... it’s no good... ♡♡♡ Don't let... your guard down... when you fall... ♡♡♡♡♡"

She already had hearts in her eyes as she touched my body. Right, Honoka was a muttsuri. Her body must have grown hot from the erotic checkup, because she took off her lab coat. Her bare shoulders, exposed by her off-the-shoulder top, looked incredibly seductive.

As I was wondering how to end this never-ending examination...

"Is Matsumoto-sensei in here~? I feel like I have heatstroke... or something like that~"

"Ngh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

The door to the nurse's office suddenly slid open. Someone had come in.

Caught off guard by the visitor, Honoka covered her mouth to stifle a cry. To prevent anyone from seeing her feet through the gap under the bed curtain, she scrambled onto the bed where I was lying.

"Huh, looks like Matsumoto-sensei isn't here."

"Whatever, we’re just here to skip anyway. Let's just rest for a bit."

"Oh, but it looks like someone’s sleeping in that bed."

The intruders were two students. They had probably come to the nurse's office to skip the sports festival.

Honoka reached out for the lab coat she had hurriedly thrown aside. I gently touched the nape of her neck with my bare hand.

"Hooooh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Hm? Did you hear something?"

"I told you, someone’s sleeping in there."

I called out to the students on the other side of the curtain before they could get too suspicious.

"Matsumoto-sensei went to the first-aid tent on the track."

"Oh, thanks. Don't know who you are, but get some good rest~"

After the reply, I heard the sound of someone sitting in one of the office chairs. It seemed they had decided to continue their hooky session.

"T-Tatsuya-kun... ?"

Honoka looked at me with a bewildered expression. This isn't right, Honoka. Trying to feel good under the guise of medical treatment... A muttsuri like Honoka needs a little punishment.

I whispered back, making sure the skipping students couldn't hear.

"Honoka-san. I think I might have twisted my ankle when I tripped. Could you... massage it for me?"

As I spoke, I took off my socks and lay back down.

"Eh... but..."

Honoka glanced at the curtain, torn. She hesitantly reached for my ankle, but pulled back just before touching. How teasing.

"Ow, ow, ow! Man, I really twisted my ankle. I wish someone would rub it for me."

"Tatsuya-kun?!"

When I deliberately raised my voice, Honoka visibly panicked.

"You okay in there? Need any help?" a voice asked from behind the curtain. Honoka shook her head frantically.

"I’m fine! Sorry for the noise!" I called back.

"Alrighty. Let us know if you need anything. We’re just slacking off anyway~"

The students returned to their chatter, seemingly unconcerned.

"Now then, if you please," I whispered again.

After a moment of hesitation, Honoka climbed onto the bed and sat on top of my stomach. The soft sensation of her rear pressed warmly against my abdomen.

After taking several deep breaths to steady herself, Honoka reached for my ankle. As she leaned forward, her perfectly shaped backside was right in my face.

"............Fuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Honoka’s body shuddered as she finally made contact with my ankle. She began the massage while desperately stifling her voice. It felt incredible.

With the oblivious students chatting on the other side of the curtain, the sense of taboo seemed to make Honoka’s breathing even more ragged. What a little pervert.

"A little stronger, please."

"Mmm, n-ngh♡♡♡♡♡♡ Y-Yeah... okay... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Honoka let out a suggestive sound—half-moan, half-reply—and applied more pressure. Every time she writhed from the pleasure, her hips swayed provocatively. I was the one who asked for this, but the stimulation was getting to be too much for me, too.

"Suuuu... haaaaaaa... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She let out a trembling sigh, trying to vent the pleasure. Man, this teacher is seductive. Is it even okay for a teacher to be this erotic? It’s going to ruin the libido of every healthy teen boy in school.

"Honoka-san, next could you do my lower back?"

"...Tatsuya-kun, you’re so mean♡"

I realized my mistake after asking. Since I was wearing my gym clothes, she wouldn't be in direct contact if she massaged my back through the shirt.

"Tatsuya-kun, roll onto your stomach."

"Okay."

I flipped over, thinking I’d blown it, but then Honoka went out of her way to roll up my gym shirt and touch me directly.

"Fuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡ Fuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡"

Note: She is just performing a wholesome massage.

This teacher is way too much.

As I enjoyed Honoka’s (wholesomely) pleasant treatment for a while, it seemed she was nearing her limit.

"Ah... ah... ♡♡♡♡♡♡ I... I don't think I can... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

If she got caught doing this after finally becoming a school nurse, she might get fired. That would be too tragic. I twisted my body to flip back over and stop her.

"Honoka-san, that’s enough..."

"Aaaaaaaaaah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ I'm... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She was already long gone. Honoka’s body tilted, and her disheveled off-the-shoulder top fell away, filling my vision with her exposed cleavage.

Bliss. That was the only word for it. Is this utopia?

"Wait, crap! Honoka-sa—!"

Just as Honoka gave one particularly large shiver, I heard the door to the nurse’s office fly open.

"Hey! You've got some nerve skipping out on the festival!"

"Waaaah! It’s Gori-sensei!"

"H-Holy crap! We’re going back right now!"

"Hiiiih♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nnnnghaaaaaaaaaaaaaah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Gori-sensei’s roar, the skipping students' screams, and Honoka’s cry all overlapped.

The students scrambled out, followed by Gori-sensei. It seemed we had escaped notice.

Honoka collapsed face-down on the bed. She lay there, breathing heavily, for several minutes.

"Um... Honoka-san. Are you okay?"

I shook her shoulder, careful not to touch her skin. Honoka slowly lifted her head.

"Well... uh... Honoka-san. I..."

As I struggled with what to say, Honoka shook her head as if to clear the ecstatic expression from her face and spoke.

"Haa... haa... ngh♡... There don't seem to be any problems other than the scratch on your hand. You can head back to the track now. Just... be careful not to trip again."

Honoka smiled at me with a bright red face. It looked like she was going to pretend nothing happened. That’s a bit of a stretch, lady.

"Uh... right. I'll be careful."

Leaving Honoka behind in an atmosphere that could only be described as 'post-coital,' I stepped out of the nurse's office.

◇　

I returned to the track with a neutral expression and sat down next to Sakakibara. He looked at me with an annoyed expression.

"Hey, Mura! Where have you been?! You missed the first-year girls' dance! Man, there were so many cute girls... you really missed out."

"Sakakibara, you really are enjoying this festival the most. I’m almost jealous."

I felt a sense of relief at seeing my friend's usual behavior. The first-year girls were just finishing their exit from the field. Aina was among them. I kind of wish I’d seen it.

'After a brief period for field setup, we will begin our final event: The Adventure Run. Please wait a few moments until the setup is complete.'

Finally, the grand finale: the Adventure Run. If I recall, Suzuka-san and Aina were in the final heat.

Heavy machinery entered the field to set up the obstacles. They were all challenges that would be impossible for an average man.

The first obstacle was the 'Sky Bread-Eating Race.' You had to jump to bite bread hanging about five meters in the air. The second was the 'Alloy Tire Drag.' Metal tires delivered by a dump truck were dropped onto the ground with a thud. They apparently weighed over 200 kilograms. You had to drag the tire ten meters using a metal chain before moving to the next obstacle. The third was the 'Darkness Net Crawl.' A race where you had to crawl under a large net, but the net was covered with a special fabric that made the inside pitch black. It was a perverted design that allowed people on the outside to see in like a one-way mirror. The fourth was 'Long-Distance Shooting.' You had to hit a ten-centimeter target from a hundred meters away. Naturally, no guns were provided; you had to use your own skills or magic.

Once you cleared those insane obstacles, the final hurdle was the 'Treasure Hunt.' Essentially a scavenger hunt, where the prompt could allow for a total comeback. The Adventure Run was an event focused on entertainment.

Rumor had it that scouts from dungeon exploration teams were also watching to check out promising students. Because of that, the participants never held back, and the event was a massive hit every year.

Setup proceeded smoothly, and the first race finally began.

◇　

The Adventure Run proceeded with high energy, and finally, the final heat arrived. This was the race featuring Suzuka-san and Aina.

'And now, for this incredibly successful Adventure Run, we have reached our final heat! Let us introduce the top six runners from Soukoku and Keika! First, in Lane One: Soukoku second-year, Naruse Suzuka!'

Suzuka-san waved to the cheering crowd. Not a hint of nerves showed on her face. Lane Two and Lane Three were occupied by Keika second-year Himi Rin and third-year Amagasaki Momoka. Both were members of the popular idol-diver group, Trinity Spark.

'Next, in Lane Four! The only first-year in the final heat, Soukoku’s Okumura Aina!'

Despite following the idols of Trinity Spark, Aina stood up and waved without a shred of intimidation. She didn't lose out in the looks department, either.

'Next, Lane Five! To match the level of the participants in this final heat, we have a special guest participant. Soukoku’s beautiful angel in white, Matsumoto Honoka-sensei!'

At the embarrassing introduction, the 'beautiful angel in white' turned bright red and covered her face with her hands. Friendly jeers flew from both students and teachers. Poor thing... so cute.

'And in Lane Six, another member of Trinity Spark like the runners in Lanes Two and Three, the center everyone knows! Her name is—'

"UOOOOOOHHHHH! YURA-RIIIIIIIN!!"

"You’re too loud."

Sakakibara screamed at the top of his lungs during the announcement. His voice must have been infectious, because cheers erupted from all over. As expected of a top-tier idol-diver.

Standing in Lane Six was a beautiful girl with white hair. Her silver-white bob was partially braided, looking adorable. Her eyes were gentle yet determined. She had a small, dainty nose and a fearless smile. A peerless beauty that everyone recognized as an idol.

'Who will take the top spot this year?! Final heat, on your marks... get set...'

—BANG!

The final heat had finally begun.

The first obstacle was the 'Sky Bread-Eating Race.' Honoka took an early lead. While everyone else was jumping desperately for the bread, she chanted a spell, and transparent wings sprouted from her back. With a light step, she glided into the air and bit the bread with ease. With her gentle face, white coat, and transparent wings, she was an angel in name and reality. Only the chocolate cornet in her mouth felt out of place.

'Matsumoto-sensei seemed to have a lead, but she is a slow eater!'

I thought she’d keep the lead, but the 'angel' who landed back on the ground was incredibly slow at eating the bread. She was probably doing her best, but watching her nibble at it with her small mouth like a little animal was incredibly soothing. By the time she finished, the other runners had also finished their bread, and her lead vanished.

The next event was the 'Alloy Tire Drag.' Most participants struggle here, but...

"<Floating Darkness - Umbrae>."

"Hey! That’s cheating!"

Aina chanted and nudged the alloy tire with her foot, causing it to glide away like a curling stone.

'Runner Okumura takes the lead with dark magic! That’s dirty!'

"Nyahaha, see ya!" Aina led the way to the next obstacle.

The next obstacle was the 'Darkness Net Crawl.' They had to crawl through the darkness, but...

'Runner Naruse is breezing through the darkness! We need more fanservice!'

The 'appeal' of this event was supposed to be seeing the girls get their clothes caught on the net in the dark, resulting in suggestive poses, but Suzuka-san cleared it in an instant. She really could learn a thing or two from Honoka, who was getting caught on everything and providing plenty of service.

The next obstacle was 'Long-Distance Shooting.' The most 'dungeon-diver-like' event. Everyone was desperate to hit the target using their skills.

While everyone else struggled, Yurarin quietly held her hand in the shape of a gun. A white aura enveloped her body. And then...

"<Arrow of Light - Lux Sagitta>."

With a slight recoil, a streak of light shot from her fingertips. She hit the target perfectly in a single shot. The crowd erupted at the divine skill.

Ignoring the other struggling runners, she moved to the final obstacle: 'Treasure Hunt.' Yurarin picked up one of the face-down cards and stopped.

'Oh! Yurarin has stopped here! What kind of prompt did she get?! she doesn't seem to be moving!'

While she hesitated, the other five caught up. Each flipped a card, looked around, and started moving.

Yet Yurarin still didn't move, looking around with a troubled expression.

And then, our eyes met.

"...Found you."

Yurarin’s face lit up like a blooming flower, and she ran straight toward me.

'Yurarin seems to have found her treasure! Her destination is... a perfectly average, dull-looking male student!'

Shut up, announcer.

While the crowd buzzed, Yurarin reached out for me, completely unconcerned.

"Tatsuya-kun! I finally, finally found you!"

"Um, Yurarin? Why do you know my name...?"

"Never mind that! Come on!"

Ignoring my confusion, Yurarin took my hand.

"Wait, Yurarin?!"

I’m dead. That’s what I thought.

A normal woman wouldn't be able to handle holding my hand without knowing anything. Yurarin, the popular idol, would expose herself in a suggestive state from the sheer pleasure. And there I’d be, holding her hand. The students and teachers of Soukoku and Keika would look at me with eyes of pure scorn. My school life would be over.

That delusion flashed through my mind.

But...

"Mmm, n-ngh♡♡♡♡♡♡ I knew it... it’s definitely Tatsuya-kun♡ Come on, let's go together... ! ♡♡♡♡"

Though Yurarin had a slightly ecstatic expression, she didn't collapse. She pulled my hand and started running. In a world that was rapidly accelerating, Yurarin was the only thing that looked radiant.

'Yurarin crosses the line in first place!'

I crossed the finish line with Yurarin. Soon after, Suzuka-san, Aina, and Honoka also finished. The three of them looked at us with expressions of pure shock.

"Tatsuya, why are you with Yurarin... ?"

"Tatsu-nii, what’s your relationship, nyan?!"

"Tatsuya-kun... ?"

Even if you look at me like that... I’m the one who has the least idea what’s going on here.

'So, what exactly was the prompt?!'

A member of the committee ran over with a microphone. Yurarin took the mic, and after fidgeting for a moment, spoke clearly with her translucent voice.

"Um. The prompt was... well..."

In the middle of the track under the blazing sun, everyone was focused on us.

And yet, Yurarin’s moist eyes were reflecting only me.

"The person... most important to me."

A deafening roar erupted across the track.