Physical Education class.
Once again, Rei Ao was going through the motions of the usual physical fitness tests. As always, he drew exclamations from a bunch of admiring fangirls. However—
Not far away in the shade of a tree stood a figure holding a notebook, jotting things down. It was Ai Hayasaka. Her gaze was fixed on Rei Ao, who was completing each test effortlessly.
"Such results…"
She frowned at the data she'd recorded.
Inhuman.
That was the only word that came to mind. His results were so extreme, and yet so consistent; he wasn't even panting or sweating. Hayasaka was increasingly certain that what she'd witnessed that day hadn't been an illusion—Rei Ao…was most likely superhuman!
But…
"How can I test him further?"
She pondered. This wasn't an assignment from her mistress, Lady Kaguya, who was only curious about his "abnormal performance" and secretly plotting how to surpass him next time.
Rather, Hayasaka herself just couldn't let go of that surreal scene she'd witnessed. She mulled over how to probe him more deeply.
Meanwhile, Rei Ao's fitness tests finished.
…
"Kato-chan, weren't you going to bring Rei Ao-kun some water?"
Michiru asked Megumi Kato, who was prepared with both water and a towel. Knowing all about Megumi and Rei Ao's relationship, Michiru found that sort of gesture perfectly understandable.
"No need."
Kato shook her head. Gazing ahead, her eyes flickered.
"Someone already went over."
"Huh?"
Michiru followed her line of sight. Sure enough, a cute girl she didn't recognize had approached Rei Ao.
"Rei Ao-senpai, please wipe your sweat!"
It was none other than Iroha Isshiki.
"…?"
Rei Ao blinked, surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Thanks," he said politely, accepting the towel and water.
"Hehe, it's nothing at all!"
Feeling the envious or jealous looks from the other girls around, Isshiki soaked up all the attention.
"Rei Ao-senpai, you're amazing. How do you do it?"
Seeing that she'd successfully approached him, she quickly attempted small talk, following Rei Ao as he walked and trying to find conversation topics.
"Nothing special. Just sweat and hard work," Rei Ao replied idly, chatting with her because he had nothing else to do at the moment.
…
Some distance away, Michiru nudged Kato in a low voice.
"Kato-chan, don't you think that Kouhai is acting a bit…overly enthusiastic toward Rei Ao-kun?"
She'd already confirmed that Iroha wasn't part of the chat group, so she wanted to warn Megumi that the girl might have ulterior motives toward Rei Ao.
But Megumi Kato's expression was calm.
"Mmh, I do."
"Aren't you worried?"
Michiru was clearly anxious on her behalf. This was a classic case of someone trying to steal her man!
"Worried? Why would I be?"
"Huh…"
That question stumped Michiru. Thinking carefully, she realized there really wasn't much to fear. Given Rei Ao's excellence, it was natural for him to attract scores of admirers.
And besides, within the chat group alone, there were already countless people connected to him. So adding one more or one less hardly mattered.
"!!!"
Michiru's heart started pounding. Does that mean I'm also…? She cast a quick, surreptitious glance at Kato, then forcibly suppressed the weird thoughts rising within her.
…
After a bit of chatting, Isshiki Iroha smiled.
"Senpai, it's almost time for my long-distance run now."
"Mm, good luck," Rei Ao replied.
But Iroha wanted more than a simple "good luck." She offered him her bottle of water.
"Hehe. Senpai, would you mind holding this for me? Wait here for me, okay?"
"…Sure."
Rei Ao didn't refuse. However, he didn't realize that this exact spot by the track was part of Iroha's plan all along.
Before long, the girls of Iroha's class started their long-distance run. At first, everything went smoothly.
But the moment Iroha drew near Rei Ao's position, she seemed to falter—her body weaving unsteadily as if her running form had gone awry. And just as she reached him:
"Ah…"
Iroha quietly collapsed.
"Eek!!!"
Someone gasped in fright. Rei Ao's eyes narrowed. He instantly realized this girl was very much prepared. Without missing a beat, he stepped forward and caught her in a princess carry, telling the teacher sternly:
"Teacher, Iroha Isshiki seems unwell. I'll take her to the infirmary."
"O-oh! R-right, please do!"
Even the teacher hadn't fully processed the situation. In the dazed stares of everyone around, Rei Ao headed steadily toward the infirmary, carrying Isshiki in his arms.
Watching them leave, Michiru furrowed her brow.
"Kato-chan, why do I feel like something's off here…?"
"Mm."
Megumi's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Rei Ao's retreating figure. She understood far more than Michiru—she trusted that Rei Ao could see through the girl's intentions as well.
So there was nothing to worry about. And even if she did worry, what could she do? Rei Ao was free to do as he liked.
…
Once out of sight from the athletic field, Rei Ao walked calmly and steadily, showing no sign of urgency. In contrast:
"Thump-thump-thump!!!"
The heartbeat of the girl in his arms was pounding away—clearly, Isshiki Iroha wasn't as calm as she pretended. Rei Ao arched his lips in a faint smile.
He teased in a low voice, "Isshiki-san, if you just wanted to skip class, there's no need for such dramatic methods. You nearly scared the teacher."
"!!!"
She stiffened noticeably, but still refused to open her eyes. The primary reason was her utter embarrassment—being carried in such a princess-like pose by Rei Ao-senpai.
She didn't even dare peek. In truth, she wasn't trying to skip class. It was simply another plan to get closer to Rei Ao—some physical contact to close the distance between them.
But at this crucial moment, her nerve failed her. Rei Ao was so strong, so steady, and being in his arms gave her a sense of warmth and security.
His scent was so pleasant—utterly unlike the sweaty smell of other boys. She found herself momentarily entranced, too flustered to open her eyes.
Since she showed no sign of "waking up," Rei Ao decided not to expose her act.
"All right, perhaps you're genuinely unwell. I'll take you to the infirmary, then."
~~~
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