Two people and three legs

　　Ichika's figure gradually disappeared into the moving crowd.

　　While Yotsuba was still wondering about the meaning of her words, Shinichi already knew what her purpose was.

　　This exchange will divide all level division activities into nine categories: "National Mathematics, Physics, Education, British and American Sports", and what Ichika wants to participate in is the "Performing Arts" level which is related to "Beauty".

　　According to the host's explanation before starting, this level seems to test the participants' physical and facial expression language, or acting skills. At first glance, it seems like this is a level created specifically for Ichika, an active actor.

　　It's not surprising that she left the team with confidence. But things are not as simple as she imagined.

　　As the meeting was explained, Shinichi noticed that once the three Seisho Music Academy participants heard that such a level existed, their faces filled with confidence, and they even seemed to relax.

　　If they were used as opponents, no matter how proficient Ichika's acting skills were now, there was a high possibility that she would be defeated at the hands of a real professional stage actor.

　　Forget it if she couldn't get the highest score, Shinichi was worried that it would damage her self-confidence.

　　After all, Seisho Music Academy is a century-old school that specializes in cultivating talents capable of shouldering the future of the theater industry.

　　Participants in this competition are Tendo Maya, Saijo Claudine, Daiba Nana.

　　In the information provided by the official, these three people had an exaggerated assessment of having the talent to become future stars in the drama industry, but people did not dare to ridicule them.

　　Because there was a film they starred in a year ago on the Internet, after Shinichi watched it, their acting skills were very real and touching.

　　Therefore, Shinichi thinks that the difficulty is too high if Ichika wants to get the highest score in the level.

　　But it's useless to think about it now. Shinichi who was dragged to the playground by Yotsuba, is currently unable to control Ichika's affairs and can only follow her footsteps towards the starting point of the track.

　　Not only the staff responsible for refereeing, but also several teams doing warm-up exercises. Each team sends two members to compete.

　　Of course, the level-breaking activity here is two-person, three-legged, which is the only activity in the sports category that requires teammates other than loaner object competitions.

　　"Sorry, I have to apply to Shuchi'in Academy!"

　　While running towards the staff, Yotsuba shouted energetically, instantly attracting the attention of everyone nearby. They all looked at them in surprise, and then began to whisper.

　　Shinichi didn't bother to listen carefully to what they were talking about. Judging from the subtle looks in their eyes, it was definitely not a good thing.

　　"Have you confirmed your enrollment at Shuchi'in Academy? Once you have successfully registered, you cannot challenge again?"

　　"Yes!" Yotsuba said seriously, "I am Nakano Yotsuba, and he is Asada Shinichi. The two of us will partner up to participate in this two-person, three-legged challenge event."

　　Shinichi was speechless and didn't want to complain about her stupid behavior.

　　"Ara ara~ Such a sweet child."

　　The woman couldn't help but laugh a few times. After registering their numbers, she took out a red ribbon from the box beside her.

　　"This is the red rope that tightly binds the fate of the two of you. It must be tied well to your feet and must not be loose!"

　　Shinichi complained: "No, you still have to take it apart after everything is done. Is fate such a cheap thing?!"

　　"T-This is a red string…" Yotsuba stretched out her hand, and solemnly took a ten yen red ribbon from the shopping center outside.

　　"That's mine and Asada-san's..."

　　After muttering a few words vaguely, she came to her senses as if shocked, and looked at Shinichi carefully. Seeing that he didn't react on the surface, he probably didn't hear her own words, and she felt relieved.

　　Then she smiled awkwardly, hiding her blush.

　　"Come to think of it, it seems like this is my first time playing with boys in three-legged running~"

　　"Yes, me too."

　　Shinichi nodded without saying anything. He walked with her to a place similar to the player preparation area, and began to do warm-up exercises under the supervision of the students around him.

　　The same thing happened to Yotsuba, they had spent several months doing morning exercises together, even the warm-up exercises were done in perfect harmony, like a pair of dancers who had been performing together for a long time, every movement was harmonious and coordinated.

　　And what Shinichi said to Itsuki and them just now had made Yotsuba no longer care about the faint glances peeking around her, and only focus on stretching her bones and muscles to the best of her ability to face the next encounter.

　　Shinichi finished the warm-up exercises one step ahead of him, and immediately took out the red ribbon, and put Yotsuba's right foot and left foot together.

　　"Ah, Asada-san, I'll do this…" Yotsuba wanted to bow, but Shinichi waved his hand to stop her.

　　"It doesn't matter who does it."

　　Shinichi said nonchalantly, while wrapping the ribbon around Yotsuba's ankle, his fingers accidentally scratching her skin, causing the arch of her shapely calf to stiffen.

　　"Hmm…" As soon as a soft moan came out, Yotsuba covered the lower part of her face.

　　"Hah? You don't want your feet touched, sorry."

　　"No, it's okay! I don't mind…" The voice became smaller," Yotsuba lowered her head with red ears, and stared blankly at Shinichi.

　　Even though the side wasn't visible, looking down like this, Yotsuba could tell that the man was concentrating on tying the red ribbon between them.

Shinichi asked without looking up while testing the tightness of the knot.

　　"Won't it be too tight? To keep it from getting loose, I tied a few more knots."

　　Even though the result is bad binding and looks a bit messy.

　　While waiting for an answer, just when Shinichi was about to look up, an affirmative answer finally came out.

　　"...No. As long as you don't let go, it will be fine."

　　"Huh, of course."

　　Confirming that his skills were improving day by day, Shinichi smiled in satisfaction, He continued to adjust the tightness of his knot as it continued to improve.

　　It was also because he didn't raise his head in time, and happened to miss Yotsuba's blushing face.

　　(This, this is the red string that binds the fate of the two of you~)

　　The words of this female staff kept replaying in her mind and she couldn't get rid of it.

　　And Shinichi's back crouching next to her was full of a sense of security and solidity that made her lean on him, lie on him and act coquettishly with him...

　　(If I could let him carry me on his back)

　　"!?"

　　Yotsuba's eyes widened, and she pulled her cheeks hard, shattering the unrealistic fantasy with the pain of reality.

　　(No! What nonsense was I thinking?)

　　(Asada-san's corpse belongs to Ichika and the others, and they haven't shared it yet. How could I have the idea to snatch my sister's love?)

　　Then she was surprised: (Wait, that can't be said to be distribution! Asada-san is a complete person, and in the end only one person can own him completely, so it should be said that this is a fight for ownership...)

　　(But it's not just Ichika, Nino, and Miku, it seems there are other people who like Asada-san. If someone else takes ownership... Uh-huh--!)

　　From the red string at the beginning, the idea suddenly moves to an unfamiliar place.

　　Yotsuba showed a tangled expression about this. As she held her head and felt depressed, a voice sounded nearby.

　　"We meet again, Asada-san and Nakano-san."

　　A cool and dignified breeze came, and Yukinoshita Yukino walked towards them with two other people from the Service Club.