The next morning, Riku woke up groggy and disoriented. He groaned as memories from the day before flashed in his mind—being paraded around by Miyuki and dealing with gossip at school.
Riku (sighing):
At this rate, they're going to think I'm some legendary playboy.
He grabbed his uniform, dressed quickly, and rushed downstairs. The smell of food wafting through the house told him that something was off.
Riku (confused):
Wait, since when does Dad cook breakfast?
Stepping into the kitchen, he froze. It wasn't his dad—it was Akane, the cheerful college girl, humming as she flipped an omelet.
Akane (grinning):
Good morning, Riku-kun! I figured I'd make breakfast since I slept over at Yumi's place.
Riku stared at her, dumbfounded.
Riku:
How does that… explain this? Why are you here—actually cooking in my kitchen?
Akane shrugged and handed him a plate, ignoring his incredulous tone.
Akane:
Yumi's still sleeping. Your dad let me in when I showed up this morning. Try this—my omelets are famous.
As Riku sat down at the table, he could hear movement upstairs. Not a second later, Yumi burst into the kitchen with her hair messily tied back.
Yumi (yawning):
Akane, I knew I smelled you cooking. Riku, eat fast—we have that sports match today.
Riku (muttering while eating):
Not a single morning where something normal happens…
At School
The sports festival was a huge event—one where every student could shine, and naturally, where ridiculous chaos often ensued.
Riku didn't care much for competition, but with Yumi pressuring him and the rumors swirling, there was no escape. The day's main event? A relay race featuring Yumi, Sakura, and (unfortunately) Riku himself.
As Riku leaned against the fence, avoiding the sun, Sakura nervously approached him, clutching a sports towel.
Sakura (softly):
"Here, Riku. You might need this for the race.
Riku blinked at her, surprised.
Riku:
Uh, thanks. You didn't have to.
Before Sakura could respond, Yumi stormed over, holding her baton and glaring playfully at Riku.
Yumi:
Why does she get to spoil you before the race? You're my anchor, Riku—don't screw this up.
Riku (deadpan):
With you two breathing down my neck, how could I possibly lose?
As they lined up for the relay, Aiko, acting as one of the sports festival judges, stepped onto the field with her clipboard. Her expression was cold and calculating as ever.
Aiko:
All participants, prepare yourselves. Any slacking will reflect poorly on your class.
Riku (to himself):
Great. Even the student council president is watching. This just keeps getting better.
The Race
As expected, Yumi completely dominated her leg of the relay, outrunning everyone else with a look of pure competitiveness on her face. She passed the baton to Sakura, who held her own well enough despite her shy demeanor.
Then it was Riku's turn. Gripping the baton, he started running as fast as his legs could manage.
Yumi (yelling):
Riku! Stop running like you're late to class—go faster!
From the sidelines, Emiko appeared, drawing looks with her expensive attire. She casually folded her arms and watched him run, a faint smile playing at her lips.
Emiko (muttering to herself):
Not terrible. I expected him to collapse halfway.
Riku noticed her out of the corner of his eye. The momentary distraction caused him to trip and almost faceplant, but somehow, he managed to stumble across the finish line.
Riku (panting):
I made it… never again.
Yumi grabbed his arm, beaming with victory.
Yumi:
That was amazing! Well, except for the last part. Try not to trip next time.
Riku:
No promises.
Sakura approached next, offering him a water bottle and an encouraging smile.
Sakura:
Y-You did well, Riku. Really.
Before Riku could respond, a sharp voice interrupted them.
Aiko (sternly):
Riku Kisaragi. Tripping at the end? Unacceptable. Do better next time.
Riku slumped onto the grass, defeated.
Riku (groaning):
Why does everyone have sky-high expectations of me?
Evening Chaos
When Riku returned home that evening, exhausted and ready to crash, the last thing he expected to see was Miyuki sitting in his living room, sipping tea like she owned the place.
Riku (annoyed):
Why are you here again? Are you setting up camp or what?
Miyuki (smiling slyly):
I had business nearby. I thought I'd drop in to see my favorite target.
Riku:
Favorite… what?
Before he could argue further, a knock sounded at the door. To Riku's horror, Emiko entered next, holding an envelope similar to the one she gave him on the rooftop.
Emiko:
We need to talk, Riku. The contents of this letter are urgent.
Riku (mumbling):
Not now. Please not now.
As Miyuki and Emiko exchanged polite (yet chilling) smiles, Riku sat down and buried his face in his hands.
Riku (whispering):
Someone save me from this circus…
--End--