After the monthly exams, the campus of Sobu University seemed to shed its heavy shackles, and the air was filled with a relaxed atmosphere. Although the school had not yet officially announced the specific dates for the sports festival, the sports field was already bustling with activity. Students spontaneously organized themselves and began training for their respective preferred projects, their running and jumping under the sun forming a vibrant picture of youth.
As Okabara Kyogumichi walked onto the sports field, he saw Natsume Takashi and Nyanko-sensei sitting in the shade of the grandstand. Natsume Takashi was holding a stopwatch, diligently recording running times, while Nyanko-sensei was curled up on his lap, lazily basking in the sun, a taiyaki in its mouth.
"Okabara-san, you're here." Natsume Takashi saw him and waved with a smile, "Everyone's training. What events are you participating in?"
"Not decided yet, just here to warm up first." Kyogumichi stretched his wrists, his gaze sweeping across the field.
On the track, Shiina Mahiru was practicing a slow jog. Her posture was standard and elegant, fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, yet she maintained a steady breathing rhythm. Seeing Kyogumichi, she stopped and gave a gentle smile: "Is Okabara-san here to train too? Want to run together?"
"Sure." Kyogumichi joined the slow jogging group, and the two ran side by side on the track, maintaining a moderate pace. "Are you planning to participate in long-distance running?"
"Yes, I signed up for the 3000 meters." Shiina Mahiru nodded lightly, "Although it's a bit tiring, it feels really good after finishing. What about Okabara-san? You look very good at sports."
Kyogumichi smiled: "I'm thinking of trying the 100 meters and long jump, but just for fun." He deliberately controlled his speed, keeping his pace at an average level to avoid drawing too much attention. Even so, his fluid movements and even breathing still showed signs of long-term training.
By the sandpit next to the track, Kitagawa Marin was practicing long jump with a few other girls. She was wearing sports shorts and a T-shirt, with her hair tied up in a high ponytail, looking full of energy. Her run-up, take-off, and landing, though not perfectly professional, were full of power, making her appear majestic and fiery.
Seeing Kyogumichi, she excitedly waved: "Okabara-san! Come and see my new long jump technique!"
When Kyogumichi and Shiina Mahiru walked over, they just saw Kitagawa Marin leap with all her might, but due to an unstable center of gravity, she landed with a thud on her bottom. Instead of getting angry, she lay in the sandpit, laughing heartily: "Looks like I still need practice! Okabara-san, can you long jump? Teach me!"
Kyogumichi shook his head helplessly and walked to the take-off line to demonstrate: "When you run up, you need to maintain a rhythm, and at the moment of take-off, you need to push off the ground forcefully, extending your body forward."
He leaped lightly, landing in the middle of the sandpit. The distance wasn't particularly outstanding, but it was just at the level of a top student, neither showy nor lacking in skill.
"Wow! So amazing!" Kitagawa Marin immediately mimicked him, and although still a bit clumsy, she had clearly improved a lot.
On the basketball court not far away, Saki Kawasaki was practicing shooting hoops. Her movements were clean and precise, the basketball arcing gracefully through the air and falling accurately into the hoop. Seeing Kyogumichi, she said a little shyly: "Just messing around, I'm not that good."
"Very impressive." Kyogumichi praised sincerely, "Your form is very standard."
Kawasaki Saki's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly changed the subject: "Yukinoshita-san and Yuigahama-san are practicing relays over there. Do you want to go take a look?"
Kyogumichi looked in the direction she pointed, and saw Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama practicing baton passing. Yukino Yukinoshita's movements were precise and efficient, each exchange perfectly executed, her face bearing her usual serious expression. Yui Yuigahama, however, was a bit nervous, almost dropping the baton several times, getting all flustered and sweaty.
"Don't rush, pay attention to the rhythm." Yukino Yukinoshita patiently guided her, her tone still calm but with an almost imperceptible gentleness. Seeing Kyogumichi, she raised an eyebrow: "What? Come to watch us make fools of ourselves?"
"Just passing by." Kyogumichi leaned against the railing, "Looks like you're practicing well."
"That's natural." Yukino Yukinoshita snorted lightly, then suddenly changed the subject, "I heard you're participating in the 100 meters and long jump? Don't embarrass the class."
"Don't worry, I won't disappoint you." Kyogumichi responded with a smile. The two of them began their familiar back-and-forth, but with less hostility and more unspoken understanding.
Yui Yuigahama seized the opportunity to interject: "Okabara-san, come practice relays too! We're still missing one person!"
Chitanda Eru also joined the relay practice. Although she wasn't fast, she was very serious, carefully taking the baton each time, afraid of making a mistake. "I'm sorry, I'm too slow..." she said, feeling a bit guilty.
"It's okay, just practice more." Kyogumichi encouraged, "Pay attention to your hand position when receiving the baton, and look straight ahead."
The five of them formed a temporary relay team and practiced repeatedly on the track. Yukino Yukinoshita was responsible for the first leg, with a quick start; Kyogumichi for the second leg, maintaining speed; Yui Yuigahama for the third leg, gradually becoming more skilled; Chitanda Eru for the fourth leg, ensuring a steady pass; and the agile Kitagawa Marin for the final sprint.
The sun shone on them, their clothes soaked with sweat, but it couldn't hide the smiles on their faces.
During a break, Kyogumichi walked to the long jump sandpit, preparing to test his limits. He took a deep breath, ran up, accelerated, and leaped, his body tracing a smooth arc in the air. Upon landing, he deliberately held back his strength to avoid jumping too far. Even so, the measured result still reached a respectable distance, drawing gasps of surprise from the crowd.
"Wow! Okabara-san is amazing!" Kitagawa Marin exclaimed, "That score will definitely be competitive!"
Kyogumichi smiled, saying nothing more. He noticed Yukino Yukinoshita standing not far away, a hint of surprise in her eyes, clearly not expecting his athletic ability to be so developed.
When their eyes met, Yukino Yukinoshita immediately looked away, but her words were still sharp: "That's only one event."
"Then we shall see."
On the other side of the sports field, Hitori Bocchi was sitting under a tree, holding her guitar and watching everyone train. Nijika ran over and pulled her: "Bocchi, don't just sit there, come practice tug-of-war!"
Hitori Bocchi nervously waved her hands: "I, I can't..."
"It's okay, everyone's just having fun!" Kyogumichi walked over and encouraged her, "Tug-of-war is simple, just pull hard."
While Hitori Bocchi was hesitating, Kitagawa Marin had already thrust the rope into her hands: "Come on, come on, it's a lot of fun!"
With the referee's signal, the tug-of-war began. Though nervous, Hitori Bocchi pulled hard backward, her cheeks flushed red. Kyogumichi stood next to her, deliberately controlling his strength, ensuring his side wouldn't lose without appearing overly dominant.
At the moment of victory, Hitori Bocchi's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a happy smile.
As the sun set, people gradually dispersed from the sports field, leaving behind laughter and the essence of youth.
Kyogumichi sat on the grandstand, sharing a drink with Natsume Takashi, watching the colorful sunset. Nyanko-sensei was fast asleep, letting out soft snores.
"It feels like everyone is really looking forward to the sports festival," Natsume Takashi said softly, his voice warm.
"Yeah, this atmosphere is great." Kyogumichi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the girls who were packing up. Shiina Mahiru was helping to distribute towels and water, Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama were discussing relay tactics, and Kitagawa Marin was pestering Hitori Bocchi, wanting to teach her cheerleading.
These vivid and lively scenes filled Kyogumichi's heart with warmth.
The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of grass and sweat. Kyogumichi stood up, said goodbye to Natsume Takashi, and turned to walk towards the school gate.