I’m a Jerk, Huh?

In the end, everyone fell into their roles from the game, and Akira signed up for soccer. But, since this was reality now, they actually had some additional things to do.

While Yuu had sprints and cheer duty, he also ended up as the head for our dance team.

Tatsuya, on the day of the festival, had to manage many things and will be roaming around.

Ryuu was put in charge of any other strength related events like the pole defense thing, called "botaoshi," and the tug of war.

It was kinda surprising to me the class dared to ask him, but I guess free food is just that much of a motivator. Though Ryuu looked reluctant, he intimidatingly grunted his consent.

Akira is the spare hand if anyone needs it. He's also willing to help anyone practice.

Me?

You know, as someone who's not really a guy, I obviously wanted to avoid doing anything that involved a locker room. So, that quickly determined my choice.

I ended up with the three-legged race, infirmary duty, and the final relay.

...

That would fine and all if this wasn't an otome game!

The three-legged race? Yuu automatically volunteered along with Akira, but since everyone apparently knows Yuu is fast, they gave it to him.

Infirmary duty? I wouldn't be surprised if everyone dropped by! Though, the one I know who'll show up 100 percent is Ryuu.

He ends up jamming his finger from the basketball game. In the game, MC would guide Ryuu to the infirmary and help him since everyone else refuses out of fear.

It was a cute scene.

Anyway, the relay stresses me the most.

It's the closing event the whole school looks forward to. That alone makes it intimidating for anyone to sign up for it. Of course, the class expected Yuu to step up as our track star, but he denied it! Why? He used the excuse that he already has too many events.

Since no one else wanted to do it, the class did a lottery.

And I just so happen to be the most unfortunate person in our class! What a shocking discovery!

Other than that, the relay is basically an obstacle course. There's a bunch of different tasks given like spinning 10 times at the start, throwing bean bags, eating something, etc.

Of course, a romance cliche of the surprise item needed at the end is sure to trigger. With my luck, it'll end up with me dragging one of the boys to the finish line.

Ah. When will my suffering end?

Though, this is all my guess. The relay was never shown in the game.

Also, the last period of the day has been reserved for practice/preparation, which will also leak into after school. Clubs have been suspended for the time being. I would've been happier about that if Yuu wasn't my partner for the three legged race.

Sigh.

Just thinking about being that close to him excessively is anxiety inducing. I won't be able to last during the actual contact!

"Hey."

I snapped back to reality.

"I finished." Ryuu held up the worksheet I gave him for our tutoring session.

"Oh! Sorry. Let me see." I took the sheet of paper and looked over his work.

Ryuu has been steadily improving his grades. He's not quite clear as of yet, but I know he will be soon. He's gone from 0/100 marks to 50s in about a month, after all. Just a few more weeks, and he'll be average.

I'll also get the free time I've never gotten to experience before!

"You got everything right, but you forgot to reduce and simplify your answers." I placed the paper back in front of him and pointed at the messy numbers. "You really need to work on making that a habit."

Ryuu grunted as he took up his pencil again. I smiled.

He's really a diligent student.

"Suzuki-kun." Sato-sensei quietly beckoned. "Come here." I motioned for Ryuu to keep working and stood up.

"Yes?" I asked as I stood in front of her desk.

"Have you and Yamamoto-kun become friends?" She ask with excited sparkles in her eyes.

"Oh, uh." I glanced back at him.

It should be fine to at least tell her, right?

I nodded. She gave me a big grin.

"That's great! I'm glad he finally has some support!" She grasped my hand. "I know it's not really my place to say this, but I hope you take care of him and be the friend he needs."

Woah now. This is a little sudden to get this heavy, isn't it?

"Mm, I plan to." I patted her hand in reassurance.

And the bell rang.

"Good. Here's the next lesson." She handed me the folder as usual. "Good job as always, you two." She spoke loud enough to be heard by Ryuu as well. "Now, get to class." She shooed me away.

"We'll be going now." I rolled my eyes as I walked back to pick up my stuff.

It's been an unspoken thing to wait for each other and leave together, so I was shocked when I saw Ryuu leaving first. I just managed to throw my bag over my shoulder when he closed the door.

"..."

"Oh? Did something happen between you two?" Sato-sensei asked with concern.

How awkward. She literally just asked if we were friends and all of a sudden it looks like we're not.

"Well, I have an idea of what's wrong." I said as I rubbed my temples in frustration. "Don't worry, sensei. We'll be fine." I waved off her worry and left.

Maybe I should drop by the cafe sooner rather than later.

The rest of classes went smoothly. All that's left now was preparation. This includes making posters and other cheer/decoration items, creating a team identity and such, and helping setup the field later on. The sports festival is a student bonding thing, after all.

Lucky for me, Yuu was in charge of the dance team. He'll be too busy making the choreo and practicing it to stay in the classroom for long. We decided—I decided he should prioritize that for now, and we'll practice our race together later on.

Tatsuya left to go to the first meeting all committee members have to attend, so he's out for the time being. I honestly have no idea how often he'll be helping in the classroom, so there's a chance I won't see him often either.

Ryuu disappeared off to who knows where.

And now, here I am. Going out with Akira to buy some materials the class needed. Silently...

I thought we were good, but it looks like we're not.

"Hey, Akira-kun." I started as I couldn't take the tense atmosphere anymore. "I'm, uh, sorry about the other day."

"Hm? Oh, you mean when you blatantly blew me off in favor of Yuu?" Akira said with a bitter smile. I flinched. "Nah, it's totally fine. I don't hold it against you. Not. At. All."

I bit my lip.

Yeah, he's angry all right.

"Akira-kun, I'm really, really sorry." I didn't bother holding back my dejection. "I was just tired that day and couldn't handle anymore socializing."

"..." Akira didn't look at me and continued walking.

I clenched my hands.

"Are we not best friends anymore?" I grumbled as I looked down in disappointment.

Akira finally stopped.

"Oh? So, it's only now that you say we're best friends? You're so sly, Haru." Akira suddenly spoke with noticeable heartache. I widened my eyes in disbelief. "Do you know how hard it is to be constantly rejected? Even if it's as a joke, it still stings." Akira looked me right in the eye, so I couldn't avoid the despair in his eyes. "It's not fair for you to say we're best friends if you're constantly pushing me away." Akira shook his head as he started walking again.

"So sly."

I was struck speechless and couldn't move an inch.

...Was I really that bad?

God, I really don't deserve to be friends with him.

But... I want to.

...

Haha, I'm such a selfish bitch.

"Akira, wait!"