My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 223

Hayama didn't try to stand out from the others at all; he just ran relay races or easily overcame obstacles in ordinary ways. However, he still stood out remarkably.

Not only that, he also led all the students in the competition. With such activity, how could the girls not scream and cheer for him?

Hayama, who contributed the most points to the White Team, couldn't stay still even during breaks between matches. Surrounded by girls, he smiled awkwardly, looking somewhat lost. Watching this, I didn't feel jealous, probably because Hobe and the others were also there, laughing and joking along with everyone.

However, the only people who can look at this scene and smile knowingly are outsiders like me, or teammates of Hayama.

The boys in the Red Group all glared at each other with resentment, with the one from the Wood element showing the most intense hatred. Seeing his eyes, I even felt that my dead fish eyes weren't so badly dead after all.

Hayama has consistently contributed points to the White Team, continuously demoralizing the Red Team and giving the White Team a significant advantage since the start of the match.

As the game neared its end, I glanced at the scoreboard mounted on the window of the distant school building, and the difference in scores between the two sides had become quite significant.

The white group scored 150 points, while the red group only scored 100 points... It seems unlikely that they can reverse the downward trend.

I couldn't help but sigh. At the same time, another sigh came from beside me. I turned to look and saw Yui standing there, looking troubled.

Yes, I can understand her feelings. She made a bold statement before the competition that she would win, but now... Thinking of this, I noticed another person, with an even more serious look in their eyes, staring intently at the scoreboard.

Yukino crossed her arms over her chest and asked softly:

"...What projects are left?"

Her tone was forceful and authoritative, and before I could think, I obediently replied:

"Huh? Oh, the only two main events left are the Thousand Horses Battle and the Pole-Dropping Competition."

"Um……"

Snowfall fell silent, only murmuring softly.

Yuihama and I both sensed something, exchanged a glance, and nodded to each other.

It's starting again...

Compared to the fiercely burning, booming crimson flames, the quietly burning azure flames are even more scorching. Beneath the snow at this moment, the azure flames are like those latter.

Even as the match neared its end and it seemed there was no chance of turning the tide, she refused to give up and kept trying to figure out how to win. This is the epitome of perseverance.

× × ×

After a short break, we began preparing for the final competition, and while the generals were changing clothes, we got the other students lined up.

Although I belong to the medical team, I still have to provide mobile support when faced with such a large-scale competition.

Incidentally, Zaimokuza, who proposed the Thousand Horses Battle, also voluntarily came to help.

He was wearing a homemade "Chief Production Officer" armband, I don't know if he wanted to show a sense of responsibility, or if he was just bored because I didn't have time to talk to him today. The answer is most likely the latter, so I considerately didn't mention his armband at all.

When the timber slab, student council, and some on-site team members were lining up and leading the teams, I heard bursts of excited screams.

Looking back, I saw the generals, led by Ebi, entering the venue. Yukinoshita tightened her headband and spoke to me:

"Is the line all set?"

"Um."

I gave a brief reply, gesturing towards the team, indicating that she should check it herself. The work here was finished; now it was just a matter of waiting for the contestants to enter. Only one thing remained that intrigued me, and I decided to find out.

"...So, what kind of outfit is this?"

"...I want to know myself too."

Yukinoshita let out a heavy sigh. What appeared on her was an overly ornate armor set that bordered on the risqué. While the materials used made it look rather cheap, the glimpses of flesh-colored skin peeking through the separate gauntlets and the completely cut-out design from the shoulders to the back were undeniably pleasing to the eye. The breastplate and gauntlets retained their necessary weight, while the skirt flowed lightly in the wind, giving it a more feminine touch.

This armor was hastily made, and the overall quality is quite good. However, there are still some noticeably strange parts.

There's something wrong... According to the design drawings I saw before, it should have been more Japanese-style. When did it get changed like this...? It seems that the production process is full of many black boxes that I don't know about... Yukinoshita was also full of confusion, staring blankly at her limbs and collar.

I wonder what others think... I'll check on Yuihama. Miss Yuihama, Miss Yuihama—oh, I found her.

Yui touched her breastplate, then her gauntlets, and then tugged at her skirt to confirm. Her cheeks flushed bright red.

"Oh my god... This is so embarrassing..."

It's understandable to feel embarrassed doing a role-playing game in front of the whole school... On the other hand, Ebina watched her shy expression with satisfaction, with Kawasaki, who had also changed into the same outfit, standing beside her. Ah, Kawasaki was dressed like that too, and she was clearly in a terrible mood. If she didn't have to wear it, she definitely wouldn't want to wear that kind of thing... At that moment, Kawasaki noticed my gaze, blushing and glaring at me.

"...How is it?"

Her voice was filled with anger, it was terrifying. If I answered "it's nothing" now, it would probably only make her feel worse... Anyway, I'll just brush it off for now.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just think it suits me quite well."

"...Are you looking for a fight with me?"

As a result, Kawasaki's hostility intensified even more. That's strange, I was clearly praising him… Okay, okay, I understand. It's my fault, I won't look at you like that anymore, so please don't glare at me like that again…

I furtively averted my gaze, avoiding Kawasaki's fierce eyes. After I looked away, Ebina returned to my line of sight. She was wearing armor just like the others, but her demeanor was much more relaxed.

"...Do I really have to wear this to the competition?"

Yuigahama patted her entire outfit in surprise, still looking somewhat skeptical. Just then, her sash came drooping. Kawasaki, seeing this, sighed impatiently, went behind her, and helped her tie it back up.

"Since it's a battle, the general naturally has to wear armor."

Ebina gently patted Yuihama's shoulder, trying to ease her anxiety.

"But--"

Yuihama twisted her body.

"Do not move."

“Ouch!”

Kawasaki gave a stern order, and she immediately shut her mouth obediently.

"However, suddenly asking us to dress like this is really a bit..."

The face beneath the snow was veiled in darkness.

Ebina didn't take it to heart.

"Don't you think this is amazing? This is a special edition outfit that I designed and Sasa made!"

"Don't call me Shasha."

You two have such a good relationship... After the school anniversary celebration, the distance between Ebina and Kawasaki seems to have shrunk considerably.

After Kawasaki completed the final confirmation for everyone, he nodded solemnly.

She spun around in the snow to check the tightness of her armor. Judging from her focus on mobility, she was truly determined to win... As for Yuihama, she hadn't fully adapted to the outfit yet and still looked on with wide-eyed amazement.

After confirming the activity level, Yukinoshita let out a breath.

"Speaking of which... why design it in a Western style?"

"That's right...aren't we samurai?"

Yukinoshita's question piqued Yuihama's curiosity as well. "That's a good question. Who came up with the idea of ​​designing the costume in a Western style?" I looked at the event proposer, Kizuna, and Ebina, who seemed to be making a lot of demands on Kawasaki, seeking answers from them.

Simultaneously, Zai Muza and Ebina pushed up their glasses, the lenses flashing in the sunlight.

"That goes without saying, it's of course my interest."

"That goes without saying, it's definitely my interest."

Oh, really... Since it's just a hobby, then there's nothing I can do about it...

In fact, this is a common phenomenon when making event props. Besides having one person act as the director and bring their ideas to life, another method is to let everyone unleash their interests and create unexpected synergy.

Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem like a pessimistic thing. However, the person forced to wear that kind of outfit probably wouldn't think that way. Yukinoshita and Yuihama just rolled their eyes when they heard what the two said.

The patrolling senior, also dressed in armor, saw this and walked towards them. Judging from her beaming smile, she seemed to be enjoying herself.

She hugged Yukinoshita and Yuihama, revealing a bright smile.

"Don't be like that. Isn't it great to boost everyone's morale? We're going to turn the tide!"

Senior student said this and led them onto the field to prepare. The entrance time was almost up, and Ebina and Kawasaki returned to their respective teams.

I waved and watched as the senior student and the others left.

When we pass each other by—

"We won this game with thirty points..."

"Yeah. If the boys' team wins the next match too, they can turn things around..."

Yukinoshita and Yui turned to look at me. I understood their unspoken meaning perfectly. The two final matches were each worth thirty points; if they could win both, the Red Team could stage a beautiful comeback.

"That's true..."

However, victory in the next match is not guaranteed. Before that, the Red Group had been almost constantly dominated by the White Group, and no matter how I looked at it, the chances seemed slim.

Moreover, the White Team's ace is Hayama, who is already quite formidable. Coupled with his charisma, this boosts the morale of the entire team. On the other hand, the Red Team members have long since lost their will to fight…

Therefore, it is really asking too much of us to win.

Yukinoshita probably understood this as well, but she did not look away.

"...A promise made must be kept."

She left me with those last words, and Yuihama followed with an "Oh—" as she raised her fist and grinned at me.

"A unilateral declaration isn't really an agreement..."

Even though they could no longer hear me, I couldn't help but murmur.

× × ×

The red and white teams lined up in separate rows on campus, creating a truly spectacular sight. The star players of both teams were particularly eye-catching.

Our Red Team is led by Yukinoshita, Yuihama, and Megurine; the White Team is led by Miura, Kawasaki, and Ebina.

Frankly, we barely had time to select our top players, so we decided to have the decision-making team and participants compete directly.

Fortunately, Miura and Yukinoshita's group were well-known throughout the school, and Megurine was even more so, so there were no problems. As for Kawasaki, although she wasn't as famous as the others, her appearance was in no way inferior.

It seems that even though Kawasaki was unwilling, he was eventually persuaded by Ebina's silver tongue.

With the generals and their troops in place, all preparations were complete.

At that moment, a piercing howl came from the school's loudspeakers.

Ah—ah—ah—

Next, someone tested the microphone's sound.

Before the Thousand Horses Battle, Miura and Ebina were responsible for the live coverage. Although their reporting was a bit casual, it still sounded quite professional. For the upcoming Thousand Horses Battle, since all the girls were to participate, the live coverage naturally had to be handed over to someone else.

The new faces in the broadcasting area are a trio of idiots—a fact known only to heaven, earth, you, me, and even the one-eyed man. This was most likely an order from Miura.

"Alright—the sports meet is finally entering its final climax, with the White Team currently in the lead. Thanks to Hayama Hayato's active play and the large number of points he's earned, our team has maintained its advantage throughout."

...Is this broadcast biased towards the White Team? Saying "our side"...As expected of Ooka, the fickle virgin, his impartiality is completely gone.

However, it's still uncertain who will ultimately prevail...

Immediately afterwards, Yamato's heavy words ignited the Red Team's expectations.

After both sides were fired up, the Ministry of Revenue also grabbed the microphone and shouted:

The grand finale of the sports meet, the women's Chiba citizens' equestrian race, or simply the Chiba Horse Race, is about to begin!

Upon hearing this, everyone stirred into a commotion. No wonder, suddenly hearing such a strange name as "Battle of a Thousand Horses" would leave anyone bewildered.

"Now, the generals of both sides are in position. The team that defeats more generals will be the winner of the Thousand Horse Battle."

Ooka briefly explained the rules of the competition. Each of the red and white teams would send out three general riders. The riders on the field would protect their own generals while attacking the opponents' mounts or taking their headbands.

The two sides faced off, and the tense atmosphere seemed ready to erupt at any moment.

It was Ms. Hiratsuka who declared the start of the war. She held a conch shell, looking incredibly excited. I knew it; that person must really like these things…

Hiratsuka-sensei took a deep breath—

A high-pitched conch shell rang out, and both sides immediately charged forward.

"The Battle of a Thousand Horses has officially begun!"

As I listened to Ooka's live report, my eyes followed the changing situation closely.

The White Team seemed to be planning a quick victory, with its three generals quite eager to take on their respective targets.

Kawasaki was the first to take the stage.

Ignoring her teammates' movements, she rushed straight towards the direction of the senior student on patrol.