Reina sat quietly in her classroom, the usual hum of the lesson filtering through her thoughts as she took meticulous notes. Lost in her world of equations and theories, she hardly noticed the rest of the class murmuring in excitement until her teacher's voice broke through her concentration.
"Alright, everyone," the teacher announced, looking down at the clipboard with a hint of a smile. "Next week, we'll be doing the annual physical fitness test, which will measure your endurance, strength, and flexibility. Make sure to bring your PE uniforms and get plenty of rest before then!"
Reina's pen slipped, skidding across the page. She felt a jolt of anxiety rise within her, like a spark catching fire. Physical test? The words echoed in her mind, making her tense. She'd managed to avoid these exams in past years, usually finding some way to be conveniently excused. But just as quickly, a memory flashed through her mind from the previous week.
The quiet, polished office of the principal had an air of calm authority, and Reina sat with a neutral expression, hands folded in her lap, her gaze fixed forward. She had assumed she'd been called for some administrative matter or perhaps a new project proposal. But as the principal took a seat behind her desk, she looked at Reina with a firm but kind smile.
"Reina," she began, leaning forward slightly, "I know you've had good reasons in the past for skipping physical education exams. However, this year, I'd like to see you take part."
Reina blinked, a twinge of nervousness creeping into her usual stoic demeanor. "I don't think I'm… well-suited for physical exams, Principal."
"I understand," the principal replied, her tone sympathetic but resolute. "But it's important for all students, especially those with your academic rigor, to participate. It's just as much a part of your growth. Consider it an opportunity to try something different."
Reina opened her mouth to protest but saw the finality in the principal's eyes. She nodded reluctantly. "Understood."
Back in the classroom, Reina gritted her teeth, trying to refocus on her notes. She tapped her pen lightly, attempting to distract herself with some quick calculations, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the looming fitness test. The rest of the class seemed thrilled, chattering eagerly about their goals and personal bests, but for Reina, the thought of running, jumping, and lifting weights was anything but exciting.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and Reina packed her belongings, slipping out of the classroom and heading toward the one place she felt truly at ease: her lab.
Inside, Himari was waiting for her, her face lighting up the moment Reina entered.
"Reina-senpai!" she greeted cheerfully. "Did you hear about the fitness test? I'm really looking forward to it!"
Reina sighed, setting down her bag and turning to face Himari. "I… don't feel the same."
Himari tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. "Why not, Reina-senpai? You've done so many difficult things! A fitness test should be easy compared to that."
Reina shook her head, glancing down at her hands. "It's different. I've never been physically strong. My endurance, stamina, all of that… it's always been below average. Honestly, it's embarrassing." She let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm fragile."
Himari's smile softened. "That's okay, Reina-senpai. Not everyone is good at everything. Besides, I know you'll still do your best."
Reina managed a small smile, touched by Himari's unwavering positivity. "Thank you, Himari. I'll try… but I'm not expecting anything remarkable."
The week passed by in a blur of anticipation, and despite her efforts to ignore it, the day of the fitness test finally arrived. As Reina entered her classroom that morning, she noticed her classmates eagerly chatting, many of them wearing their PE shirts in preparation. The energy was buzzing, but Reina's heart sank as she remembered what she'd been trying to avoid all week.
It's today. She took a steadying breath, mentally bracing herself. Fortunately, she had a spare set of clothes in her lab, and after a quick trip to change, she joined her classmates on the field, her nervousness concealed behind her calm, indifferent expression.
"Alright, students!" the PE instructor called, clapping his hands to get their attention. "We'll be starting with the 100-meter run. Line up, and give it your best!"
Reina shuffled to the back of the line, hoping to go unnoticed, but her classmates quickly spotted her.
"Reina-senpai, you're joining us this year?" one of the girls asked, surprised but smiling.
"Good luck!" another added, giving her an encouraging thumbs-up.
Reina managed a small nod, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and gratitude for their support. But as the instructor blew the whistle, she focused on the task at hand. She pushed off from the start, willing her legs to move faster, but barely a few strides in, she felt the familiar burn in her muscles. By the halfway mark, she was already lagging, her breaths coming in short, painful bursts. Each step felt heavier than the last, and by the time she crossed the finish line, she was utterly exhausted.
She bent over, hands on her knees, her chest heaving. Around her, some of her classmates were exchanging glances, a mix of concern and curiosity on their faces.
"Immediately out of breath?" one of them whispered.
Another chimed in, "And she's usually so calm… I didn't think she'd struggle like this."
Reina overheard them, her face flushing slightly, but she kept her head high, refusing to let their words get to her. I knew this would be hard. I can handle it.
But as the test continued, it became clear just how physically unprepared she was. Next came the strength test in the gym, and Reina felt her anxiety creeping back. The students were taking turns with the grip strength tester, one after another achieving respectable scores. When it was her turn, Reina wrapped her fingers around the device, summoning all her willpower to squeeze.
"Fifteen kilograms," the instructor announced.
Reina's cheeks warmed with embarrassment. Her classmates exchanged startled looks, and a few stifled giggles echoed through the gym.
"Fifteen… that's…" someone muttered, unable to contain their surprise.
"Is she really that weak?"
She couldn't blame them. The reaction was almost predictable, but it still stung. Trying to block out the whispers, she focused on the next part of the test: the precision challenge. The instructor handed her a set of darts and pointed to a target down the range.
Reina's mind began working instantly. Alright… precision is about calculations. She took a breath, analyzing the distance, angle, and force needed. With a confident hand, she aimed and released each dart, watching as they struck the target with uncanny accuracy. The center bullseye gleamed, each dart perfectly placed.
A hush fell over the room, her classmates exchanging amazed glances.
"Whoa… Reina-senpai, that was amazing!" one student exclaimed, clearly impressed.
Even the instructor raised an eyebrow, nodding in approval. "Impressive precision, Reina."
She nodded in thanks, feeling a small surge of pride. This was something she could handle—something that required strategy and focus rather than brute strength. But the satisfaction was short-lived, as the next test was the high jump.
One by one, her classmates cleared the bar with relative ease. Reina watched as they leapt effortlessly, feeling a growing sense of dread. When her turn came, she approached the bar, determined not to falter, but as she pushed off, she barely cleared a meager eight inches.
"Oh…" someone whispered, their voice filled with concern.
Reina dusted herself off, ignoring the stares. Her legs felt heavy, her muscles aching. She had given it her best effort, but her physical limitations were clear.
Finally, the long jump loomed ahead. She steadied herself, aiming for as much distance as possible, but her body felt sluggish and tired. When she finally leapt, the result was disappointing—far below what her classmates had achieved.
By the end of the day, she sat on the field, exhaustion washing over her. Himari appeared by her side, a comforting smile on her face.
"Reina-senpai," she said softly, her eyes full of understanding, "you did really well. I know this wasn't easy for you."
Reina gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Himari. I… tried, but I knew it would be like this."
One of the classmates who'd overheard approached them cautiously. "Reina-senpai, I didn't realize how hard this would be for you. But… you really did give it your all. That takes courage."
Reina looked up, surprised by the sincerity in their eyes. "Thank you," she murmured, touched by the unexpected support.
As the students gradually left, Himari stayed by Reina's side, a quiet reassurance in her presence. For the first time, Reina realized that perhaps it didn't matter if she'd placed last; what mattered was that she'd tried, even when she knew it would be difficult.