The day of the sports festival arrived in a whirlwind of color and noise. The school grounds were decorated with banners and streamers, students from every class donning their team colors. The air buzzed with excitement, and for once, even Ryo couldn't deny the energy was contagious.
"Come on, Ryo! We're up next!" Hana pulled him toward the starting line, practically bouncing with excitement.
Ryo glanced down at their legs, which were bound together by a bright red ribbon. "I really don't think this is a good idea…"
"You worry too much," Hana said with a grin. "Just follow my lead, and we'll win this, no problem."
Before Ryo could respond, the whistle blew, signaling the start of the race. Hana took off like a bullet, dragging Ryo along with her. He barely had time to get his footing before they were stumbling across the track, Hana's boundless energy propelling them forward.
"Slow down!" Ryo gasped, trying to match her pace.
"No way! We've got this!" Hana shouted, laughing as they careened past the other pairs.
Despite their chaotic movements, they were somehow keeping up with the other teams. Ryo couldn't help but feel a spark of competitiveness rise within him. Maybe they could actually win this…
But then, as if on cue, they tripped over each other's feet, tumbling to the ground in a heap.
"Ow…" Ryo groaned, rubbing his shoulder as he sat up.
Hana burst out laughing, lying on her back next to him. "That was awesome!"
"Awesome? We lost," Ryo pointed out, though he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.
Hana shrugged, still grinning. "It's not about winning, Ryo. It's about having fun!"
Ryo rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"And you love it," Hana teased, poking him in the side.
Before he could respond, Saki appeared, her wooden sword resting on her shoulder. "Ryo, it's time for our match. Let's go."
Ryo groaned as he stood up. "Can't I catch a break?"
"Not a chance," Saki said with a smirk, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward the kendo ring.
The kendo match was even more intense than Ryo had anticipated. Saki wasn't holding back—again. Every strike she delivered was precise and powerful, and Ryo found himself struggling to keep up.
"Come on, Ryo! You've got to do better than that!" Saki shouted, her competitive spirit in full force.
Ryo gritted his teeth, blocking another strike. "I thought you said you'd go easy on me!"
"I said maybe," Saki replied, her grin widening as she lunged forward.
Just as Ryo braced for another attack, he noticed the crowd had grown larger. People were watching them, cheering—and not just for Saki. For him, too.
For a split second, Ryo felt a strange sense of pride. Maybe he wasn't as bad at this as he thought. He managed to dodge Saki's next strike and counter with a quick tap to her side, catching her off guard.
The crowd erupted in applause, and Saki's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, well. Looks like you're finally getting the hang of it."
Ryo smirked. "Don't get used to it."
After the match, Saki clapped him on the back. "You did good today, Ryo. Maybe you're not such a lost cause after all."
"Thanks, I guess," Ryo replied, though he couldn't deny the small sense of accomplishment that had settled in his chest.